My good husband has been up 'ere dawn, performing
such chores that cannot be denied e'en though the Queen does come this
day. My sweet babe has also been awake many hours, and he does know
that something exciting is to come. I am with others of the Guild
of St. Cuthbert, making ready to meet and greet such visitors as may come
to Chipping-Under-Oakwood in hopes of sighting Her Royal Majesty.
Our
banner and icon bearers make ready to lead our parade which invites all
-- residents, visitors, nobles, and clergy -- to enter Chipping-Under-Oakwood
and make merry with us. There are two icons, each depicting patron
Saints that protect our Shire. There are twelve banners in
all, each showing a season or symbol that do be part of our lives.
It takes strong and valiant folk to bear icons or banners, as an errant
gust of wind could do much damage were the bearer's grip not sure.
The peasant folk are most excited, and gather to make plans for such
merriment and play as we can provide. For if the Queen is to be here
this day, then her entourage will also require food and entertainment.
The day is not only for our pleasure, but that of all others who do visit.
The good folk of St. Cuthbert's choose which pageants might be performed,
as well as what parades we might make throughout the Shire to honor our
guests. Shall we play St. George, or perhaps the Pied Piper of Hamlin?
We may even bring out our Giants to welcome Spring to the land...
Such
women as those who are well talented in womanly crafts also make ready
to show their work. Here, a spinning-woman has already begun to prepare
flax to spin into finer material such as might tempt someone who has need
of new clothes. There are many merchants in the Shire this day, in
the hopes of selling their wares, but it is my good coz Stacie who will
hold forth for well-spun stuff.
Three pleasant folk tarry a while to view some amusement. 
Throughout the shire there are several stages set, for plays and
pageants
are made ready to entertain those who do need some levity.
(Elf, Kalani, Cathe)
Such
levity may be found in many areas throughout Chipping-Under-Oakwood, but
few such entertainments are merrier than "Manly Men In Tights". Here,
some men receive a much-needed lesson to become a true Manly Man.
Taught most well by the Albion School of Defense, these four shall learn
how to prowl the Shire and summon wenches with the smallest of looks.
In truth, by the end of such lessoning, their women shall be most proud
to be escorted by a Certified Manly Man! (Mike Bonk, second from
left)
Aye, with such strapping men in our presence -- or, mayhap,
'tis because of them! -- we have need of law and order in Chipping-Under-Oakwood.
Our own
Peasant Militia stands ready to show those of the Queen's Guard that they
do merit their assigned duties. It is a matter of honor that none
shall return to their homes with anything but pleasant memories of this
day!
And
yet ... 'tis true that where the Queen and her guard do travel, the military
be not far behind. Some would say that the military, for all its
bravery, can be a most merry mix of fools, as well. On this day,
the Peasant Militia has decided to prove their strength of arms by overrunning
the military's encampment. Armed with nothing more than our own strong
wills (and some pretty women to distract the sentries) the Peasant Militia
has taken such steps as to ensure that never again will the military be
foolish enough to trust that unarmed peasants pose no threat. Here,
the Colonel has been taken captive in a most gentle way. Left in
the women's capable hands, the Colonel is later brought before the Guildmistress
of St. Cuthbert's and his ransom is decided. He is then released,
along with other of his encampment who were also captured, to resume his
duties to Queen and Country. The Peasant Militia has been most wondrously
victorious, and the Queen herself has taken note of our strength of arms
and will! We are not even called to task for daring to lay hands
upon Her Majesty's trusted Colonel. (Photeus & Theresa)
Speaking
of trusted men in Her Majesty's service ... Should you see this Yeoman
of the Queen's Guard, do not mistake his deceptively casual demeanor for
carelessness, nor his gentlemanly manners for a glib tongue. 'Tis
none other than over a score of guardsmen who are with him, guarding the
greatest treasure England has the privilege to protect. (Matt)
Our youngest folk have long since seized the day and have need
of their beds. 'Tis almost time to sing out our closing parade and
retire to our homes, most pleased with our revels. There we, too, shall
find our beds and well-earned rest, and consider the day well spent.
For tomorrow does begin again our life in Chipping-Under-Oakwood, and well
do we need sustenance and deep sleep. 
