gypsy camp

[Guest]

The Gypsy band

Terra see's the owls, and knows what they mean. Christine must have powers beyond the norm. Regardless, I motion Hoytus and the others to press on. They can't be far now.

As we travel deeper into the forest, toward the hidden cave, I see the vision of Christine and Thomas. This does not please me as I shake my head.

"What is it Terra?" I hear Hoytus whisper.

"Christine and Thomas." I simply state. "Their lust overcame them."

Silence. What could he say?

"Oh, poor Mysteria. She was so fond of him." He answers.

"And she has seen the vision. She saw it before me."

More silence insued.

"If he were not so important to the child, I'd say leave them to their demise." I hissed. Hoytus knew my anger, though it had never been hurled towards him. He pitied those that endured it. Christine and Thomas would surely bear her wrath.

"Your vision.....why is he so important?" Hoytus asks tentativly.

"I don't know why, but her very survival depends upon him somehow. If there could be any other way....." Terra's voice trails off. "But the vision was very specific. A rare commodity. Her survival depends on his interaction with her. He gives her something no other can."

Determined, I press on. Soon we are upon Martine and Mysteria, and have surrounded the cavern. We hear...

"Relax girl! It'll go easier for you if you do."

We begin to thump drums.......trying to draw them out of the safety of the cave.



[Edited by Ravenloft on 11-07-2000 at 01:45 AM]

 

[intriguess]

we move closer and the distraction begins, martine wraps his arm around me tightly and asks if i want him to stay with me, he seems to know i'm in no shape to face brigands. i bite lip and tell him i must see it with my own eyes, hoping against hope that what i saw was vision of possible future and not actuality. he nodded and whispered that we would do the rescue as others took care of brigands

 

[Ravenloft]

Thomas:

The two brigand's heard the gypsy drums and as predicted, they launched into action. Drawing weapons and rushing out of the cave, right into the waiting hands of the gypsy's... Thomas looked over to Christy and then hund his head in shame. Shame for having faild Ria, for not being able to fight the brigands like that man he should have been. He curled up into a ball, trying to hide his nakedness, his skin cold and shivering.

 

[intriguess]

mysteria

i knew what i was going to see but it still took me by surprise, they made a good couple, but in back of mind i wondered who she really was and if she too now carried his child.

"hurry up and compose yourselves, can you walk?" i ask as martine watches cave entrance.

"i see you've enjoyed yourself despite your conditions." i softly whisper to Thomas, noting he can't walk we'll have to sling him over horse again. glad we brought along spare horse. Martine helps me lug thomas on horse and he mounts up behind him. i mount other horse and pull christine up. we turn to hide into woods.

martine's horse is far enough ahead that he can't hear me and i softly say, "You've found yourself a great man in Thomas. You two are perfect for each other. You have same upbringing, same view of life. We'll find a nice town for you two to settle down in together."

 

[Guest]

The Gypsy Band

Thomas:

The two brigand's heard the gypsy drums and as predicted, they launched into action. Drawing weapons and rushing out of the cave, right into the waiting hands of the gypsy's...

Terra stands back as her fellow gypsies spring into action. The fools, she thinks to herself. Did they think we were witless? Our numbers easily overcome the two men.

"What shall 'e do 'it 'em, ma'am" They ask me.

"Take 'em into the the local authorities. Tell 'em we charge 'em with kidnapping. I'll go into to town in the morn and file a formal complaint." I answer. The locals had gotten used to our presence, and knew we were law abiding citizens. I think most of them are envious, and they did respect me. They didn't need any owls telling them when I was coming to greet them. They usually got word by mouth. And I had a loud mouth.

Thomas looked over to Christy and then hung his head in shame. Shame for having faild Ria, for not being able to fight the brigands like that man he should have been. He curled up into a ball, trying to hide his nakedness, his skin cold and shivering.

In the dank darkness I slipped up to Thomas and Christine before Mysteria was able to wisp them away.

"Ye should hang yer head in shame, boy!" I exclaim.

"And as for you woman" I address Christine, "ye shall be dealt with in time." My coldness toward her could be felt by all. Hoytus saw my exchange and hurried by my side.

"There is purpose for her presence." He tried to comfort me.

"Yes, I know, but it isn't for our good." I reply. "She needs to be dealt with, but not now."

My anger subsides a bit, as our party finishes the final touches of our attack. Hoytus assigns two young men to march the offenders into town. Meanwhile, I seek out the comfort of my visions.

Closing my eyes, I see Mysteria with child. She has a man beside her, but I can't see clearly who it is. Trying to focus on him, I am interupted.

"Let's get back to camp. I'm exhausted." Hoytus says to me.

"Ok.....let's get a move on." I reply, trying to visualize the scene again. But it's long gone. I must wait.

Mounting my horse, we begin the trek back home.

 

[Ravenloft]

Thomas:

Thomas dwelled long and hard on Terra's words as he rode behind Martaine. He knew what he wanted... He intended to distance himself from Christy for the remaining time she was with the gypsy's, he would try to show Ria that even though he had been a fool, a weak fool, that he still felt feelings for her... That was all he could do. And he knew all to well that there was going to be a long, long time to regain Ria's trust. But he genuinly wanted to be with her... He only hoped he could show her that...

[Edited by Ravenloft on 11-07-2000 at 01:42 AM]

 

[Firesprite]

Christine

Riding with Mysteria back to the camp I kept my head bowed, avoiding the cold hard looks thrown to me by Terra. Terra's words resounding in my head, in time with our horses steps "And as for you woman, ye shall be dealt with in time."
My only comfort in knowing that whatever befell me here it was better than the abuse I would again endure were I to return home. My hope was to stay free for another 3 months until my 21st birthday, when I could claim my inheritance and seek revenge upon my step-father who was seeking to keep my fathers property for himself and make me into a pliable sex-slave. My father had drowned 4 years earlier when he was swept overboard in rough seas, and I still mourned for the loss of my mother, felled by penumonia. And I mourned for the loss of my innocence at the hands of my step-father, only days after her death.

As much as these gypsy women could see, they couldn't know what drove me now, and nothing they could do could change the past. My loving in the cave with Thomas had been the gentlest I had ever had.

How could they understand that I thought I was going to die or be sold into a slavery of prostitution, that I suspected that my stepfather had paid the brigands to ambush the party I was riding with and to hunt me down when I escaped?

My mind whirled with these thoughts, these memories, tormenting me. I just wanted to sleep. Or better yet, take my horse and ride far away from these women who hated me.




[Edited by Firesprite on 11-07-2000 at 02:12 AM]

 

[tighe]

martine

ooc: Sorry for the delay, all. Intriguess, thanks for guiding Martine. haha

ic: This boy, Thomas was silent as we returned to camp. Mysteria and the girl had fallen somewhat behind. I slowed keeping distance for the privacy Mysteria seemed to desire with the girl, but stayed close enough in case there was trouble. I had put them on the horse with the slight lameness, rather than risk him with the weight of two men. When we returned to camp I would remove the rock that was surely lodged in the hoof. I whistled softly as the horses picked their way back to where the fires were burning and the others waited for our victorious return. In this case, victory would be measured by the safe return of all. As the horse missed a step, Thomas grunted in pain, but never uttered a word. I let him alone. If he wanted to speak, he would. Probably not to me.

 

[Guest]

Thomas:

Thomas dwelled well and long on Terra's words as he rode behind Martaine. He knew what he wanted... He intended to distance himself from Christy for the remaining time she was with the gypsy's, he would try to show Ria that even though he had been a fool, a weak fool, that he still felt feelings for her... That was all he could do. And he knew all to well that there was going to be a long, long time to regain Ria's trust. But he genuinly wanted to be with her... He only hoped he could show her that...

OOC: did you mean 'long and hard' rather than 'well and long'? lol

IC:

It had been a long night for our troupe. Tired and hungary, as I hadn't eaten well, I joined Hoytus on his horse, giving my horse up for someone else. I leaned back into his strong arms and sighed.

"What is it?" Hoytus asked me.

"Tis been a long eve." I replied, glad to feel safe in his arms. Understanding, he wrapped his arms around me tightly. We rode in silence for some time.

I must have fallen asleep, as before I knew it, we were back in camp. Moving mechanically, we rubbed down the horses, and soon found ourselves safe in our cabin.

Hoytus and I hadn't made love in several days. All the activities of the previous days had prevented this. He moved to me as I tumbled out of my clothing.

"Such beauty." he says under his breath, caressing my soft breasts.

"Ahhh, that feels so good." I respond to his touch. Gently laying me across the bed, he continues his attentions. Such a good lover was he, I lie back and enjoy, too tired to protest. Wrapping my legs around his waist as he enters me, I sigh. All thoughts of tomorrow faded as we succumb to our sweet desire for one another.

 

[intriguess]

mysteria

i bear no ill will towards christine and offer her use of my lodgings for as long as she will be here, i remove my personal belongings and have thomas laid in bed and see a few men guarding the wagon as christine enters head hung low with a suspicious look.

i was tired of everything, i had a child but it no longer seemed as important as it once had. I moved to fire trying to recall the happiness and warmth roberto and I had. I smile hand over stomach and decide if i bear a male child i shall call him roberto. my face in a soft smile as i heft my bag wondering where i will sleep.

when i hear a footstep behind me i turn slowly i knew it was martine from a mile away. the smile on my face must have seemed odd considering what i'd seen that night and he hugged me.

"Why are you alone on this cold night Mysteria?" his soft voice asked his brown eyes licquid pools of tenderness.

"I offered my wagon to the girl and Thomas, for them to recooperate, we should move at first light. Try not to wake them when we hook up wagons, the sooner we are away from here the better." I look up into his eyes and must have shivered slightly, because he wrapped his cape around me and led me to his wagon.

"You can have my bed, I'll sleep by fire," he softly whispers against my neck.

I protest somewhat weakly between yawns, and finally he caves in to sharing bed as he sees I won't sleep until he agrees. I'm so tired I fall asleep the instant I lay down. He carefully arranges sheets around me before lying down next to me, fingers gently tracing features of face. Wondering what caused me to give my body to Thomas so soon after Roberto's death. He had thought I'd never recover.

 

[Ravenloft]

Thomas:

Not arguing at first when he and Christy were put to Ria's vardo Thomas waited for them to leave the two of them. He turned to Christy. "You and I... We made a mistake... A mistake that I do not intend to repeat, or even give a chance to repeat... I am sorry... I know this must seem cold but I cannot stay in this trailer with you..." He says as he gets up, off the bed, moving quickly for the door. He opens it and without thinking of the cold night he leaves. Leaving Christy stunned by his words. He finds a spot by the dying fire and curls up, the night air and the fires heat warring over his body. He trys to fight the overwhelming sorrow in his heart. He was not the man he thought he was...

 

[Guest]

After the evening lovemaking, I lie awake, curled up to Hoytus. His even breath consoles me, but there is still something amiss. Rising, I gather my discarded clothing, and slip out of my cabin, to find Thomas curled up by the dieing fire.

"Ah, so it is you that disturbs my sleep." I say softly. He shifts at my words, and stammers:

'Ah..sorry.'

"Not to worry, boy. You did nothing wrong. You may sleep on my couch if you wish, or borrow blankets if you insist on sleeping out here. It is up to you."

He looks up at me with a questioning look. I know the question without him voicing it.

"I cannot answer your question, boy. You have done wrong. Mysteria has her own mind, and I do not blame her for turning to Martine."

Thomas is silenced by my words, shame showing in his expression.

"But I will tell you this, and do not repeat my words." I say seriously. "Mysteria is with child.......your child."

I wait for this to soak into Thomas's head before I continue.

"Your child's survival depends on you. Abandon her, and the child shall surely die." Rising, I turn to my cabin, and relish the thought of curling up to my lover.

 

[Ravenloft]

Thomas:

Thomas laid there as Terra returned to her vardo. Knowing that Ria was pregnant with his child only increased his longing to be with her. His mind swirled with the events of the past few days. Being drawn in by the soaring freedom of the gypsy life, bedding with a woman for the first time, the beating his father had given him... All this and more tumbled about in his mind but when things settled a little his mind latched onto the time that he had simply been near Ria... He sighed with longing as he looked up into the night sky just as he had the night he had been with Ria. Before long he drifted off into a light sleep.

 

[Guest]

Terra

Curling up to my lover, I can't keep thoughts of Thomas out of my head. The feeling that he and Mysteria should be together wouldn't leave, but the turn of events suggested otherwise.

Sleep continued to allude me, and I finally rose to consult the I-Ching. I sat alone hugging myself against the cold of the night air, and thought of the question I would ask.

"What is to become of my dear friend Mysteria, and her young companion Thomas?" I thought out loud. Knowing that was too vague a question for the I-Ching, I reworded it before I threw.

"Ok, more specifically, I ask, is Mysteria and Thomas to be a couple?" I asked, throwing the ancient coins.

Three heads. Broken line changing
Two tails and one head. Broken line unchanging
Two heads, one tail, line unchanging

That formed the bottom, Ken, changing to Li

Two heads, one tail, line unchanging
Three tails, line changing
Two heads, one tail, line unchanging.



The top was Ch'ien, changing to Li.

Ch'ien over Ken, Retreat
It is time for them to retreat en masse from the forces around them. Discord should be looked upon as a phase of development. Ideals cannot be met. They must look inward for satisfaction.

First throw changing: The position is this situation is in close proximity to an advesary. It would have been adventagious to retreat earlier. Do not take action now, as it will only invite danger.

Fifth throw changing: Make the retreat friendly but firm. Do not be drawn into irrelevant discussion or considerations concerning the decision. A perservering withdrawal brings good fortune.

Li over Li, Synergy



The alignment of desires can now be achieved. They must examine their relationship and note whether they are working against each other or with synergy.

"Ah, so we must give them time to see if this shall be achieved." I say aloud.

"What's up?" I hear Hoytus say, joining me.

"Ah, just consulting the I-Ching." I say matter in factly.

"Come to bed. You need rest." He says to me. I gladly allow him to take my hand and guide me. It has been a long day.




[Edited by MoonWolf on 11-06-2000 at 11:41 PM]

 

[intriguess]

mysteria

I rest better than I had since Roberto's death whether it was my condition makng me sleep or the comfort of having a stable warm man behind me. I didn't know, I slowly rolled over smiling as I watched him wake up. It had been a pleasant dream I had. I wanted to share it with Terra but we had to get things moving as soon as possible. I could already hear sounds of camp shuffling around.

Martine and I grabbed some breakfast and helped get things hooked up and our wagons were at head of trail heading southeast towards the early morning sun.

I hadn't seen Terra yet and being tired still I let myself drift off to sleep lulled by movements of horse in Martine's arms.

 

[tighe]

martine

I had never dreamed Mysteria would end up in my bed that evening. After giving up her vardo to Thomas and Christine, she had been standing near the fire. Try as I might, she would not sleep in my trailer alone. She was asleep almost before her head touched the pillow and I had been able only to sit and watch her sleep. My fingers had touched her cheek a few times, but I had been awake most of the night, just watching her. She had reason for wanting this boy, Thomas. Why, I did not know. Things could be decided upon later about this situation. I had no say in it. When I did awake to the sounds of a stirring camp, I was next to Mysteria. She was looking into my face, smiling beautifully, as if we had been together every motning for years. Together we hitched wagons and made our way with the erst of the troupe.

 

[Ravenloft]

Thomas:

Awaking by the now dead fire Thomas got to his feet. He looked about and found that the gypsy's were packing their things away. He saw martaine and Ria together and his heart clenched, he felt jelousy and longing. He forced his eyes away from them. He knew that he loved Ria, that is what he learned last night. Terra had no need to tell him that Ria carrried his child, he WANTED to stay no matter what. But now it was up to Ria. Up to her to chose... All he could do now is be the best man he could and hope that she could see beyond his flaws...

He set to work, helping the gypsy's in any way he could, when one job was done he shot off to another group of people to see if he could assist. He felt alive as he did this work with these people! More alive then he would ever feel setting behind a desk!

 

[intriguess]

the sun was warming my face when i awoke feeling martine behind me we would be moving until nightfall only stopping to eat and i saw that christine willfully riding alongside, a few men guarding her still.

i saw terra as far from christine as possible. i frowned, hand on my abdomen was she concerned for my child? after all thomas was safely away from his father and my child would be safe and loved by all, i wondered what he would look like.

my thoughts turned to my own family, my mother long since past, my brother settled down with a wife and child of his own. My father a mysterious figure I suddenly found myself wondering who he was.

I felt Martine's arm around me holding me next to him, it was warm tender, and right now felt like heaven on earth.

 

[Ravenloft]

Thomas:

All through the day Thomas watched Ria in Martaine's arms. He started to feel sick. He longed that it was he in Martaine's place, but he knew he had done wrong and felt he would not be accepted anywhere near her presence. He would have gone to Terra, seeking advice but her words still affected him. For the rest of they day, he continued to help in the job of packing up for their trek to the next town without a word other than to express his want to lend a hand. By the end of the night he made up his mind, he would go to Terra, seeking her wisdom and her cards...

 

[Guest]

Hoytus and I busied ourselves making ready our things. We were anxious to leave this place, and the more recent events.

Pondering over the last few days, I had thought the boy Thomas would be a welcome addition. But it was the coming of the girl Christine, that changed all that. She was a troubled soul, I had seen that, though I had not had time to investigate her properly. Anger seeped in, as I felt she had taken advantage of poor Thomas, but then he was as much to blame in their coupling as she.

Then there was concern for the child Mysteria carried. The cards emphasized the importance of the biological father to be involved, and this complicated things. The I-Ching had not given me a clear cut answer as to whether Thomas and Mysteria would somehow mate, but did offer advice as to how to handle the situation. I hoped soon, I would have an opportunity to speak to Mysteria, but there was much work to be done. We had a long road to travel before the next town, and that had to be the most important thing on the agenda for the moment.

Once our wagons were prepared for travel, we joined the others to make ready their things. About mid-morning, most was ready to begin the journey.

 

[intriguess]

mysteria

lunch was a quiet affair as we stopped due to midday heat, i pondered about the young girl i had seen at bakery. I glanced at martine as he handed me a bowl of food, i wondered why he couldn't have been the father of my child. I sighed and ate food listlessly seeing Terra weed her way towards me seeing the sullen Christine eating.

I sigh things had certainly changed in past few days, I watched her approach me and almost turned away, she was going to tell me something I did not want to hear. I braced myself whatever it was I would do it for my child's sake if nothing else, my hand rested on stomach and viewed future if I lost this child. The vision was cloudy and I saw lots of pain and then a shadowy chance of having another child. It made me sad, so much of past few days had been hinged on my desire to have a child. I had merely thought it would be someday with grace of creator and patience of Roberto, but sadly that was not to be. This child, was more important to my future than I could see. And now that I was pregnant I was determined to keep him/her alive.

 

[Guest]

Terra

Approaching Mysteria, I could sense she almost didn't want to talk to me. She feared the worse, I suspect, but she also knew she needed to face what was. Her child was most important, and foremost for us both.

"Greetings, little one." I begin. "How doth thou fare?"

 

[Firesprite]

Christine

Travelling with the Gypsies to the next place, I thought about my situation. I was still receiving cold looks from Terra, but I thought to myself, you cant please everyone.

Mysteria was an enigma though. She was well aware that I had sex with Thomas, and though though she had first claim, she was the friendliest of everyone. I was sure that if we had the chance we could become friends. Even Thomas was distant, though that was almost to be expected.

I began to make plans for my future and I needed to speak with Mysteria. Sitting down and leaning back against the trunk of a tree, I watched from afar as Terra spoke to Mysteria.

 

[tighe]

martine

The heat of the midday sun stopped the troupe for lunch. We ate with the others, sharing some laughter and stories, as usual. Mysteria was a little quiet, as she had every right to be. Terra finally made her way to us and I knew she wanted to speak with Mysteria alone. I excused myself and found some others to speak with. I assumed nothing about Mysteria and myself, only that at the moment we were together and if she wanted it to be more, it was up to her. I did note the watchful eye of Thomas and hoped his feelings would not propel him into doing something for which he was unready. He did show remarkable grace in assisting with anything that was needed around camp. That was a good way to show faith and save face. As for our other arrival, Christine, she kept her distance. I was unsure of what to make of her, but I felt no comfort in her presence. Perhaps not by her own fault. Circumstances did have a way of ruining a life long before we are aware of them.

 

[Guest]

Hoytus

Hoytus watched as Terra approached Mysteria, and noticed Christine watching as well. He crossed the ground between them, and addressed her.

"Hey, how are you doing?" he asked tentatively. He glanced back toward Terra, then back at Christine. "I know it seems Terra is a bit cold, but she really does have a warm heart. She's just very protective to those she loves. She thinks of Mysteria as her own daughter. Give her some time, and she'll warm up to you. It's just you joined us at a critical time. Terra's been so concerned for Mysteria since her husband's death. Mysteria took his death very hard."