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We, too, had our own work to do. First, the platform which serves as the floor for Madam Fatima's pyschic booth had to be moved out and away from the fenceline before we could even raise the roof. Lots of rope adjustments and stake pounding, there! Then we had to hang the four wall sections, making sure to keep an entryway open in the final segment. Nothing would be more frustrating than rolling in on Friday to find yourself locked out of your own pavilion! Finally, we policed the area and removed any exposed roots and loose debris which could trip up both player and paytron alike. Quite frankly, it was hot, dirty work with little shade nor breeze for relief from the relentless sun. Ah, but many hands do make for light work, so we were finished early -- much to the satisfaction of Madam Fatima! (Photo, Left: looking down a nearly deserted Raven's Bend Lane from the entrance to the Greek Agora, toward the new Tournament Field and the Sea Devil Tavern. Photo, Below: a colorful throng of fairegoers fills Raven's Bend Lane on Saturday afternoon after Opening Weekend).
During the heat of the day, we took a break for lunch. MMMmmm, ham'n cheese sandwiches never tasted so good! We had just finished our repast when Sholo the Barbarian (Photo, Right) happened by, returning from yet another dress rehearsal. He was wearing full battle leather under a blazing Texas sun, mind you, so Pat called him over to join us. Needless to say, we immediately offered him ice water -- and kept his mug full while he regaled us with insider tales of the Texas Renaissance Festival. Let me tell you, Sholo has a keen wit and a sharp eye for both the failings and the successes of the human condition. He had us laughing out loud for at least an hour, what with all his anecdotes ranging from bellydancers to the Civil War, whether we agreed with him or not. Believe me: there is far more to Sholo than a long sword and a menacing stance -- the man behind the persona is definitely worth knowing in his own right!!!
Lord Randolph's Chainmaille Emporium without the crowd, the musicians or the dancing chainmaille bunnies (Photo, Left). Sad, so really sad! (Photo, Below): Fairegoers hurry toward Lord Randolph's shop as Stephanie opens the "Chainmaille Review" right after the Noon Parade. What a wond'rous difference Opening Weekend makes at TRF!
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