Hello dear Reader! Circe Quillspell here to bring you news by way of our Master Artisan Estiana Stormspear.
Estiana was our wonderful representative at our first outing since arriving in this realm, appearing at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire to assist the township of Merriwick in entertaining the Queen on her esteemed visit. This wonderful event takes place within the city of Snohomish in the 'State' of Washington. How delightful... I highly encourage you take the opportunity to visit while the Faire is in town! They're set to leave after five weekends of celebration on August 17th.
Without further ado, please read on for our esteemed Master Artisan's experience!
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Hello readers! My name is Estiana Stormspear, a Druidess hailing from southern forests of Drasilser and a Master Artisan taught by Grandmatron Myrrenclisi herself! All that just to say, I know a thing or two about crafting and selling wares, so I thought I might be a good match for this Faire.
Since this is our first venture here in Washington, we established ourself in a modest 5'x5' space with what we could afford for the time being. I brought an array of colorful belts, but also small trinkets to charm younger revelers while I spread the word about the Mythenvale Trading Company and its overall mission.
We aim to not only provide excellent handcrafted leatherworks, but build a network of likeminded artisan friends overall to help ensure we provide the best experience for our would-be adventurers no matter where we are.
Among the offered belts were shining shimmering fae-touched variants. Of all the available wares these shining belts caught the most attention and received the most compliments! By the end of the selling period all but one shining belt had gone to a loving home around the waist of an excited adventurer.
I found myself often asked to take pictures with other revelers, with many delighted by my outfit and I by their gracious compliments. At one point I even got to greet the Queen on her rounds about the fairegrounds. She certainly made an impression!
I loved to interact with the children that passed by my stall, whether that be sharing our potion trinkets, trading odd baubles and knicknacks, or otherwise taking pictures together. The youth proved to me time and again that magic starts with the smallest of us. One such boy, a little one by the name of Melvin ended up winning a special children's prize belt I had set aside for the faire. Made of shining golden dragonscale it was truly a prize to behold. He ran right up, eager as can be while he was fitted and ran off to show his other friends once he learned that he could keep the item. It wasn't until he was well along his way that his mother walked up to me and admitted she had never seen him approach anyone so openly much less sit still for such a task before due to his own personal struggles. To quote her 'it was like watching magic seeing him light up like that.' I was truly touched.
Melvin, wherever you might be, I hope your life is full of adventures and many more shiny treasures!
My neighbors at the faire included a family of friendly townsfolk running Castle Games and a lovely couple with their own cured meats known as Mourdrill's Meats (https://mourdrillsmeats.com/) to the other side. Beyond them some basket weavers were kind enough to offer me water when my own went missing. I quickly learned that, unlike the almost cutthroat competitors found amongst the streets of Mythenvale, the vendors of Merriwick were quick to welcome and treat each other as new friends and family. So much so that I found that any unanticipated problem or need was met with swift help from my neighbors.
Being situated across from a stage meant that I was treated to entertainment as much as guests throughout the day. From the hilarious improvised comedy of the Clergy of Errors, to the enchanting storytelling of Baksana, and even some comedy swordfighting on behalf of the Lord of Adventure! There was something happening nearly every hour of the day.
Perhaps the most enchanting encounter, however, took place at the end of the day after a troupe of performers known as the Rowdy Bardlings finished their last set of the day. One of their performers began playing a lovely song an unusual instrument I believe he called a 'fiddleharp'? (I could be deeply incorrect, please do not be afraid to let me know!) In front of him a woman danced with an invisible partner, her movements well timed and gentle. It wasn't until the song ended that I learned she had been performing a traditional Swedish dance to the related song!
Overall the experience was a whirlwind. Exhausting, dusty, hot, but also exhilarating, full of laughter and joy. I look forward to the day I can have more exciting adventures among the revelers and adventurers of these 'Renaissance Festivals'.
Until next time, dear reader, may your path be winding and adventures plentiful!
~ Estiana Stormspear
