While it may seem that spring has not truly arrive yet, the Spring Festival was something everyone was enjoying. Particularly the Renaissance Fair part of it. While Renaissance fairs were typically done in summer or autumn times, the one going on in Lyre was still fun. Plenty of people were dressed up in medieval or fantasy-inspired costumes and enjoying such things as fire-eating shows, glassmaking demonstrations, and festival fare such as turkey legs. Abby and her friends were certainly have a 'good olde merry time' at the Fair, particularly in their costumes.
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"It was nice of them to let us keep these costumes," said Samson, he and Abby wearing the same outfits they were wearing for the cover of this month's issue of Animalia Magazine.
"Well, you might look like a proper night in armor, but I doubt that many princesses had dresses cut like this," said Abby, tugging at her low neckline. It wasn't that she was embarrassed of showing too much as it was she was just cold.
"Well, not many princesses would have huge tracts of lands like you do," said Samson, borrowing a line he heard from a Monty Python movie.
"So, is there any place you'd like to see most?" asked Samson.
"Well, I was thinking of using our backstage passes," said Abby, holding up a golden ticket. She and Samson got them for doing the cover of Animalia Magazine as a bonus. It allowed them to go places most people couldn't get into.
"Me too," said Samson, "I was particularly interested in seeing those jousting horses."
"Me too," said Abby.
A short time later, they were at the stables where the riders were tending to their steeds. When they walked in, Samson said, "Good knights, I am Sir Samson of Lyre. And this is my lady, Maid Abigail." Abby did a curtsy that showed off plenty of her cleavage. The knights already in armors were quite impressed with what they, judging from the small 'dings' heard from their crotch-plates. The one knight in armor who didn't make any sound looked a little embarrassed before saying aloud "Ding."
This only caused a few chuckles. Considering the knight flew a rainbow banner, it was already known why he didn't make the same 'salute' to Abby's bosom as the others. But after introductions were made, Abby and Samson were led over to where the jousting horses were. The horses were looking a bit older than some of the other horses that Abby had seen, but they were still in very good shape. They were also a lot bigger than she was expecting. The horses were able to meet them at eye-level and they weren't small by any means. The horses seemed interested in Abby and Samson, probably seeing them as fellow horses, though very funny-looking.
"These guys are pretty huge," said Samson, rubbing one stallion's neck.
"Well, you're a farm horse, if I'm not mistaken," said one of the knights.
"American Quarter Horse," confirmed Samson.
"Well, these fellows were bred for war, to be big and strong enough to carry a man in full plate armor for miles and into the heat of battle," said the knight.
"But these horses have never seen real war," said Abby.
"No, milady, warfare as progressed far beyond sword and horse by now. But that doesn't mean people don't want to watch movies about that stuff. And they get plenty of exercise at festivals like this," said the knight.
"So, they just need to charge down a field while their riders try to knock each other off with lances?" asked Abby.
"Sounds a lot like sheep," said Samson.
"There is much more to it," said the Rainbow Knight, "There are different contests of horseback skill and aim. Such as trying to hit the bullseye on a hay bale or stick their lance through a handheld ring." A couple of the other knights sniggered at that. "Oh, so it's only funny when I say it," said the Rainbow Knight sardonically, but not sounding bitter.
"It's going to be their last fair," said the knight that Abby and Samson were talking to, "It's about time for these steeds to retire and your people are going to uplift them after the joust."
"Well, I'm sure they will be welcome in Animalia," said Abby.
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Not everyone was dressing up like knights and princesses. For instance, Sarah and Malice were wearing simple medieval-style dresses. Though with Malice, her dress was leaning a lot more towards 'bar wench'.
"Don't you think that's a bit impractical?" asked Sarah, indicating Malice's corset and particularly low-plunging blouse.
"Hey, if you got it, flaunt it," said Malice.
"You're gonna get a chill wearing that," said Sarah.
"Chill? Sarah, we're huskies. We're bred for the cold," said Malice, "You gotta give a better reason than that for me not wearing this."
"Fine," said Sarah, "I think you're flaunting a little too much and you're just begging for someone to pinch your butt."
"Oh please. Someone has to have more courage than good sense to even try that with- YIPE!" Malice actually jumped as she felt someone pinch.
"Overconfident, are we?" asked Simon, who was wearing a hooded ranger outfit.
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Malice, "You're lucky you are my boyfriend."
"I certainly am, because I get to have you to myself," said Simon yanking Malice towards himself, "I'd hate to think someone else was getting to friendly with you."
"Oh, you know I'd never do something like that," said Malice.
"Good, now get me a drink, wench," said Simon, giving Malice a slight slap on her rear.
"Keep it up and the drink is gonna go down your pants," said Malice.
"You brought it on yourself," said Sarah.
"Ah, go shove a goose up your dress," said Malice.
"What does that mean?" asked Sarah.
"I have no real idea. I overheard some lady offering a guy to take a gander under her dress," said Malice.
"I knew we should have gone over Renaissance lingo before we came here," muttered Sarah.