All of Holy Glen is in a state of preparation for Queen Mary of Scotland's Royal Faire! Some say she is arranging this grand diversion in thanks to her loyal subjects, but there are some that believe she is trying to buy the favour of her subjects, who are greatly suspicious of the state of their country, and the marriage of their Queen to Henry, Lord Darnley. It is rumored that King Henry spends much of his time surrounded by drunken ne'er-do-wells, out at the hunt, falconing, or just plain carousing.

The populace of Holy Shire is all aflutter at the idea of their humble village hosting such a grand event! Rumors fly from the ovens to the washing well as to what will happen, and who will be coming. It has even been said that perhaps Queen Mary has invited many illustrious nobles to attend in hopes that they will assist her in financing her army, to protect against Queen Elizabeth, who has grown weary of Mary's political faux pas. Even more scandalous is the rumor that perhaps Queen Mary is hunting for a new husband, as her own seems to have been a poor choice indeed. One wonders if that is true, being that lately, the Earl of Bothwell seems most highly in the Queen's confidence, since the murder of her beloved secretary Rizzio.

Everyone looks forward with great anticipation to the arrival of their beautiful Queen Mary and her court, as well as the other royals it is rumored that she has invited. The Lord Mayor himself was heard remarking that the Queen expected to entertain two of Catherine de Medici's daughters at the Faire! The charismatic and charming Marguerite de Valois, Princess of France is expected to attend the grand event, as well as the sweet, pious Elisabeth de Valois, Princess of France and Queen of Spain, wed to the ruthless and brilliant Philip II. Could this be because Queen Mary wishes to put herself forward as a prospective bride for Philip II's rather infamous son Don Carlos? The Queen was raised with the two Valois Princesses in France, so perhaps she merely misses her childhood companions. Or perhaps the rumors are true, and she wishes more than a reunion. There are even rumors flying about that the crafty, cruel brother of the two Princesses shall attend, the Duke of Anjou, who is next in line for the French throne. It seems Catherine de Medici has business to attend to with her son, Charles IX, and instead is sending her children to represent France. And what will happen to Darnley, the layabout, reckless King? One can only wonder.

It is even said that Queen Elizabeth has heard tell of this Faire, and suspects Queen Mary of trying to curry the favour of Europe's royals. Certain ambassadors have even gone so far as to say that Queen Elizabeth herself may attend....even without the invitation of Queen Mary. And even now, many members of Elizabeth's court are preparing to travel. Are they merely going on Progress with their Queen, or will Queen Mary be forced to entertain the powerful court of her rival cousin? Merchants traveling from England to Scotland bring word that the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury have been preparing to travel, purchasing more horses and carts. Goodness knows the Countess of Shrewsbury would never travel light. Lord and Lady Willoughby are said to be readying themselves for travel, as well. Perhaps Queen Elizabeth would even bring William Cecil, her shrewdly effective advisor. And even more interesting is the prospect that Robert, Lord Dudley could be in attendance, should the Queen decide to make an appearance at the Faire. Undoubtedly, she would have many of her Ladies in her company.

Queen Mary has graciously asked her brother James, the Earl of Moray to attend the Faire. And even as he is a man of honour, resisting foolish pleasures, he has accepted her offer. Perhaps he will be bringing along the other Protestants of his faction. One only prays that John Knox will be left ignorant of the Faire, although that would seem impossible. His sermons against the Queen and her "papist" beliefs grow ever more popular, the Queen's Catholic faction seems to be standing on its last legs, with fewer people willing to support the old religion.

However, you would be hard pressed to find anyone in Holy Shire that would speak ill of their Queen. An event so grand as a Royal Faire is certainly worthy of putting aside religious differences, in the name of enjoyment! It is said that the Archbishop Seton will be in attendance, along with his lovely niece, Mary. One would expect that Mary Livingston should attend, since there shall be spirited dancing for her to indulge in, and Mary Fleming and Mary Beaton would obviously be in attendance of the lovely Queen Mary. Such a delightful array of lovely ladies, and dashing noblemen shall surely be enjoyed by all!

Mistress Rose, of the local tavern, has been said to be in all manner of a fluster, attempting to get casks of good ale and mead sent over in time for the festivities. Mistress Sophie seems to have misplaced yet another husband. Were she not such a delight, one would perhaps wonder if these husbands are meeting a rather unpleasant end, for as many as she seems to....lose.

Every day, new shipments arrive from all over Europe. The gentry are preparing to welcome the visiting nobles, the Lord Mayor and Protector of the Shire have been in long meetings to decide upon shows of swordplay, and a great many Knights are expected to arrive and hold a tournament!

For now, that is all we have heard. We shall write more as rumor reaches us, and let all of Holy Shire know of the forthcoming events.