when you came in &bull &bull {caleb}

[terwynn]

The sounds of music and people dancing could be heard. The night air was comforting and cool, a light breeze came sporadically, and when it did, Jacquelyn's fair hair blew behind her. She was sitting in her tent, reading a letter that she had received from her father many years ago. The tattered paper was read more than once, and she kept it with her at all times. It was the only memory she had left of him and as unfortunate as that was, in some small way, her father had the ability to always be with her.

She could hear her people by the campfire, singing their songs and eating their food. Every night was a party and sometimes the children would run around and play their games and even ask Jacquelyn to teach them her magic. The gypsy wasn't a witch, however she knew many remedies and concoctions that would have any person believe so. Her beauty was also apart of her curse. The many men she slept with accused her of witchcraft and claimed that she used her beauty to lure them in. Although that part was true, she was no demonic creature from the underworld. She was a woman, like any other, who needed to survive. It was why she and her people, her family, were nomadic.

She folded the letter back, following the creases she knew so well. Her eyes were tired, however some tea sounded wonderful. Adding some belladonna would be a good way to help herself fall asleep. Leaving her tent, she rummaged through her cart and found the belladonna teabag. There was already a hot pot of water near the campfire as there was every night. Some children ran by her and she ruffled each of their heads in a motherly way; a small laugh melodiously leaving her lips. At that sound, the people by the fire turned and smiled warmly, raising a cup in her name and made space for the beautiful gypsy queen. She nodded her head in thanks and poured her tea before placing the bag within it. Raising her glass, the gypsies grew silent and allowed her to speak. "May this night be as all other nights have been. Family, love and friendship are hard to come by these days. But we will prevail," she allowed her words to settle in. "To the Queen of Samarid! Down with Sanglot!!" The gypsies all chanted and cheered, drinking along with Jacquelyn and honoring her toast.

The music continued and Jacquelyn sat down with her people, conversing and drinking, enjoying her evening even more.