My friend, Regina (AKA Aviana, the White Faerie, seated at right in the photo on the left) and her friend, Kendra (AKA Shakiya, standing at left) have been faire friends for a goodly number of years. They have both played the Texas Renaissance Festival, for example, with Regina as a playtron and Kendra as a member of the TRF cast (Ember, the Fire Fairy). So it was a very pleasant surprise for Regina/Aviana to meet Kendra/Shakiya at Excalibur in 2003, especially since Shakiya's visit to Excalibur was both unexpected and unannounced. Of course Aviana was overjoyed to see her friend again: not only were they able to spend some quality time together but they also had the opportunity to catch up on personal news and family happenings, too. What Aviana didn't know was that Shakiya had plans for her later that very afternoon!!!

Unbeknownst to both Aviana and myself, it seems Shakiya --already a member of the Unseelie Court! -- had joined forces with Morgan LeFey, Mordred and Company at Excalibur. So just imagine Aviana's shock and dismay, then, when her faire friend, Shakiya, suddenly appeared in the lane, loudly announcing that she was going to "recruit" Aviana for the Dark Side, whether the White Faerie was willing or not! As usual, Aviana's first instinct was flight (Photo, above: Aviana desperately weaving and dodging to avoid Shakiya as the Dark Faerie closed in on her; Photo, right: Aviana running for her life with Shakiya in close pursuit). Alas, even though Aviana could run like the wind, Shakiya proved fleeter of foot, outrunning the White Faerie in a very merry chase and bringing her to ground (Photo, below: Modred stands by, watching the two lovely faeries grappling in the lane while he enjoys a brief mid-afternoon repast. Now THAT is entertainment!!!).

Aviana, however, didn't give up without a fight! She wrestled desperately with Shakiya for quite some time before she finally yielded to the Dark Faerie's superior strength (Photo, left).

Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival held near Bastrop, TX. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Excalibur Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: 1007 Main St., Suite E, Bastrop, TX 78602) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2000-2004 by George Laking.