"Azazeal" was first my MySpace name, then the name I used in the pagan community, then who I became known as on RenaissanceFestival.com, and now here.  Along with associating myself with the Norse pantheon, however, came a new name: Úlfarr.  It's convenient in that it will go with my faire persona as well, as my faire character is of Viking decent.

Given that this is a more limited audience, I decided to change it here first.  It will really be weird on MySpace, as there are about 600 people who will have to get used to the new moniker.  :)  But hey, change happens... "adapt or perish", as Darwin would say.  "Azazeal" defined me by where I've been; Úlfarr defines me for who I am now.

May the Gods of Asgard guide your steps.  May Thorr's hammer protect you.  May Freyja give you wisdom and power, and may Freyr grant you prosperity.

Blessed be.

My girlfriend and I went to the North Carolina Renaissance Faire this past week-end.  It was opening week-end for them, and a 7.5-hour drive for us.  :)

In spite of the fact that it was sunny and in the upper 70's driving up on Friday, Saturday morning was cold and rainy.  Undaunted, we garbed up and joined the other dedicated souls for whom "cold and wet" wasn't reason enough to miss a day at the faire.

Fortunately, a significant portion of the faire was set up indoors so we had a warm, dry place in which to spend much of our time.  Although the crowd was likely only a fraction of what it would have been had the weather been more accomodating, there was a nice turnout of playtrons overall.

I, who am warm-natured, got chilled to the bone with wet chain mail hanging over fairly thin clothing.  Vena fared much better, wearing as she was a thick dress and cape.  It kept us from seeing the shows that were held outside but we made up for it with shopping.  :)

Sunday, before leaving to come back home, we stopped by the faire sans garb to take some pictures.  It was raining even harder, but the wind wasn't as bad... still, it was really putting a damper on things.  It was bad to the point that they gave us both a one-day pass to use for a subsequent week-end.

I've posted photos in the "NCRF 2008" folder.  I usually crop, adjust lighting, and fix red-eye before I post images, but I don't know when I'll have time so for now they're posted "as-is".  :)

We breifly entertained the notion of going back up, but with GARF starting next week-end and TRF coming right behind it, I don't see us making the long trip back to Raleigh this year.  But we had fun, and I can definitely see opening week-end of NCRF becoming a traditional "season opener" for us.