Mixed emotions of anticipation and excitement tinged with just a wee bit of apprehension: those were Ryleh's feelings as the 2003 Faire Season approached LRF. There was a very good reason for his misgiving, instrooth. Ryleh had been in communication with Queen Anne (AKA Dionne Charlet, in Photo at Right) between faire seasons at LRF, you see. In one of her emails, our Good Queen offered to make him a Knight of the Realm in recognition of his services to LRF, but Ryleh demured at first. After all, going to faire, taking pictures there, then writing about his experiences and posting the photo essays here on his website is simply a highly-enjoyable and entertaining hobby for him. Ryleh just couldn't imagine anyone actually rewarding him for following his own personal form of entertainment! On further reflection, tho, Ryleh realized that this was actually false modesty on his part: all of this material here may be a labor of true love, aye, but it's still bloody hard work -- front-to-back -- when you come right down to it. So an honorary knighthood from LRF would be a great personal achievement for Ryleh, coming as it were directly from the royal hands of such gracious monarchs like Queen Anne and King James themselves. All he'd have to do would be to present himself to the King, kneel, receive three taps from the King's sword and presto! Ryleh would rise a SIR!!! I mean, how difficult could that be? Suffice it to say that Ryleh had momentarily forgotten Queen Anne's most wicked sense of humor at that point. Our Good Queen, you see, truly enjoys catching Ryleh off-guard, taking great personal delight in seeing him somewhat discomfited: a wordsmith at a total loss for words! But hey, while Ryleh may have some little skill with words, he has NEVER, EVER claimed to be quick-witted!!! Ryleh's temporary lapse of memory didn't last long, however, as Queen Anne was right quick to remind him of Her Royal Playfulness in the past. With that in mind, Ryleh made the long, cross-country trip to LRF2003, knowing full well that Our Good Queen awaited him there, with some sort of whimsical surprise(s) in store for him!
There were more surprises inside. Just inside the Main Gate, Ryleh unexpectedly met the lovely Lady Ilise (AKA Virginia N. Weinberg, Photo, Left). It seems Virginia had recently returned from a tour of duty with the Air Force, stationed in Baghdad -- just in time to make LRF! She was quite proud showing off her new Court gown of gold and white, made from curtain material "liberated" from one of Saddam's many pleasure palaces there in Iraq. T'was right sweet revenge, turning some of Saddam's own plundered loot into a gorgeous work of wearable art! Now Ryleh was certainly delighted to see the young lass again, taking her portrait and admiring the exquisite workmanship and detailing in her fabulous gown, but unfortunately they could not visit for long: already Queen Anne and King James were lining up the Court for a formal Procession to the Royal Pavilion at the head of Dragonsfire Lake. At that point, Queen Anne invited Ryleh to lead the Procession, but alas! Ryleh had to decline the honor, politely, but with much regret. For one thing, he just wasn't up to playing Royal Herald, being somewhat hoarse and croaky at that time. Shouting "Make way for The King!" repeatedly definitely requires some stamina, not to mention a good set of lungs! For another, there had been so many changes at LRF between seasons that Ryleh wasn't even sure he knew where the Royals wanted to go. It certainly wouldn't do to lead the King, Queen and all Their Royal Court astray, first thing in the morning (Photo, Below: from Their Royal Thrones, King James I and Queen Anne greet faire visitors at the Royal Pavilion at LRF2003. Flanking them at left, is Baron Stefan and at right, Lady Alauria Stromgarde, Lady-in-Waiting (AKA Kelly Fontenot). In 2004, Kelly will be playing a peasant: "Mistress Abriella Taylor")!!!
Instead, Ryleh merely followed the Royal Procession around the lake, past the new Gypsy Camp and on to the Royal Pavilion. After waiting a decent interval for the Royals and Their Court to get settled, he then approached the Thrones most respectfully, was duly announced to the King and Queen and presented his humble petition for Knighthood to the Crown. But of course Queen Anne made him roleplay the entire encounter out before the Royals graciously granting him his boon (Photo, Left: with the three ceremonial taps of His Royal sword, King James I dubs Ryleh a Knight of Albright while Lady Alauria looks on)! Immediately afterwards, King James presented him with a "Certificate of Knighthood" (suitable for framing, naturally), then the New "Sir Ryleh" was formally introduced to the Royal Court, assembled. So far, so good! Queen Anne, however, was not about to let him get away that easily. With a word, Her Majesty recalled him to Her Throne, where She personally presented him with The Queen's Own Favor: a small, red crystal shaped like a heart [insert "Awwww!" here]. Then, as he tried to stammer out his sincerest thanks and appreciation for such an awesome gift, Her Majesty went on to instruct him: namely, that She would send for him again later in the day and -- if Her heart was still with him -- She would gift him once more! Ryleh was stunned. He already had his knighthood, with the certificate to prove it; and Her Majesty's Personal Favor on top of that. What more could the LRF Royals give him that could outshine all that???!? Soon enough, Ryleh would find out!
Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival held near Hammond, LA in the Parish of Tangipahoa. All opinions expressed herein are strictly this author's own. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2003-2004 by George Laking.