Alright, for those of you following the dramatic episodes of The Silly Wench in Love, here is your update.
Sunday, it was 'blue ribbon' day. The tradition started with
this legend and evolved into basically, the girl giving the blue ribbon to her man – or men – as a token that in her eyes he 'won first prize'. Though, most of us learned the traditional way of tying the blue ribbon, many of us practiced modesty and tied the ribbon on the lads' belt, buckle, tunic, jerkins or sword. I, personally, favor the gentleman's wrist.
For the fun of the festival - after all this is the
Pleasure
Faire - what we do now, is sending out an army of the girls from The Garden, with hundreds of ribbon, and sweep the whole shire, and tag'em all, equal love to everyone.
I wasn't going to participate in the attack of the blue ribbons this year, but thought I should carry some ammunition, my special ribbons, which is much lighter in color than those of the faire-issued ones, just in case.
While waiting for the morning parade to start – yes, I weaseled my way into the morning parade just so I can walk 'with him' for the span of 10 minutes each morning. (Ha! I am going to have it MY way. So, the 50 parade people I'm also walking with do not count and the fact that we are about 10 feet away from each other does not count, either.) I pulled out one of my special ribbon, acting all nonchalant, announcing that I need a man, singing the 'I need a hero' song – suggesting that I need to practice my mad ribbon skillz, turning it into a rose – advancing to the ONLY dude within my 5-feet radius (I made sure that *he* was the only one in the aforementioned 5-feet radius) and asked him if he can help me tie the end of my blue ribbon rose. After my blue ribbon somewhat-sorta look-a-like rose was securely tied, I asked him for his hand and tie my love to his wrist.
My hand was shaking like I was being possessed by the ghost of a crack-addict speed junkie. I don't even know if I secured the ribbon tight enough. My mind was spinning and my heart was pounding like it was going to jump out of my ears. I mumbled 'happy blue ribbon day' and I bolted.
Coming back to the garden, my Lady inquired if I learn of his name, yet. I said no but I told her of the stunt I pulled, including the part where I haul arse. By this time, most everyone in the Garden already knew about the story of me and my 'true love.' Mother Carter tsk-ed at me and said we shall get his name by the end of the day.
The day went on and I ran about the shire raising havoc here and there as I usually do (and as expected as my duty dictated). I went to play knotty - yes, yes, sounds like... - with the Biggins. I bring news about Faire Brats Day to the Guild of Saint Michael and the Italian Comedia. Lord Darling looked
shocked impressed for a moment that I can behave for the bit of time to actually perform an 'official' task. I took Gaffa to go see joust where our knight was most handsome (but not as handsome as my true love) and he was victorious in the fight to the death challenge.
Forgotten what Mother Carter has promised in the morning. I sauntered through The Garden to go sit with her at the north edge of the garden where the parade would pass, preparing for the last glimpse of my
completely one-sided - didn't even know I exist true love before the weekend is over.
As I jumped up and down and waved to the parade people, I caught sight of my true love's pale green muffin cap. He's tall, I can give you that much. And, through the spaces between the crowds, next to him, I caught glimpse of the familiar saffron sleeve.
JESUS LORD, WHAT IS MOTHER CARTER DOING *IN* THE PARADE?? How did she get there? She was sitting right next to me a minute ago. How did she get there so fast? And SWEET MOTHER OF CHRIST, WHAT IS SHE TALKING TO HIM ABOUT?
I ran through the garden and darted through the Front gate on the west side. I chased after her and found her talking to a merchant around the bend. The parade long passed.
Mother Carter beamed at me and said, "His name is Aaron."
So, here is the lowdown.
She caught up to him in the parade and told him that someone who has fancied him for a long time wants to know his name but too shy to ask. He gave her his name and asked her as to who this shy person maybe.
MOTHER CARTER GAVE HIM A MISCHEVIOUS SMILE AND TUGGED AT THE BLUE-ROSE RIBBON ON HIS WRIST.
...
...
I ran back into The Garden and my Lady sitting in the pavilion inquired again, 'So?'
'His name is Aaron, my Lady.' I replied and realized that I was giggling like a mad woman. I tried to, but I couldn't stop. I was the poster child for the 'grinning ear-to-ear' campaign.
Hahahaha!!!! This laughing you hear is the voice of my sanity departing to the land called Honalee.
