Tag: gypsy

Whispering Death (part 6)

A scream surfaced through Drina’s mind. It called out to her causing a spike of anxiety. Reach out into the darkness of her dream, she tried to grab for the invisible hand she knew. Voicelessly she cried out back to the void, panic running a cold chill throughout her body. No matter how far she reached, the voice was locked behind the shroud of endless space. The scream increased in volume the more Drina pushed to reach out, almost to the point of deafening when a jab to her side startled her awake. With a gasp, Drina grabbed the dagger she had under the pillow and wiped it out towards the assailant who had poked her. Stopping the tip inches from her sister’s face, Ocan waited unflinching and unamused. 

Drina dropped the dagger with surprise, the disorientation now fading. It took her a moment to take in the surroundings of the hostel where she remembered that they were staying in. Half rolling over, she wiped at her face realizing she had been panting and sweating in her sleep. Calming herself down, she suppressed her emotions as the subtle whispers quieted down. Did she have a nightmare? Was Ocan here to help calm her down? Taking one final deep breath in, she sat up to look back at her sister. Ocan’s arms were crossed while she waited, her glare just as sharp as the dagger she held to her face. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to threaten you in my half state.”

With a deeper frown, Ocan replied only in their native tongue. It was low and quite, meaning only one thing. She was upset at her.

“That is not what I’m mad about.”

Staring dumbfoundedly, Drina waited for her to continue. When she didn’t push further, she sighed heavily, pressing the topic. 

“If it’s not that, then what?”

Ocan pulled out a small pouch of money and threw it at her sister. It hit Drina hard in the shoulder causing her to grunt at the pain. It took a few seconds to realize it was the money she had used to pay for the meal last night.

“How could you be so rude! Lulu has been kind to us and you are being so cold.”

With a controlled breath, Drina closed her eyes to keep from getting angry. “That’s the problem, Jeta! We are getting too comfortable. We can’t get too close to these people.”

“She is a good person! Lulu has fed us and is taking care of me while you are working at the festival. She only wants to help us.” 

Drina dropped the coin pouch at her side, reaching for the dagger to place back under her pillow. It was true that Lulu had done her a huge favor while she was doing the fortune tellings during the evenings. Ever since they had arrived into this town, Drina had been too lenient. “And that is why I paid her. Service given is a service paid. Once I finish the contract tonight, we are leaving here. It’s not safe to stay-” 

Before she could finish her sentence, Ocan cut her off. “No. You may not trust her, but I do. I’m staying here.”

Without waiting for a reply, Ocan turned and began to walk away. Drina’s pit dropped. What did she just say? Grabbing the coin purse, she leaped off the bunk and rushed to follow.
    “Jeta. Jeta!”

Ocan refused to face her, turning the corner to the front entrance. A small shiver of fear trickled throughout Drina’s body. Breaking into a light jog, she caught up to her sister in the middle of the hall, grabbing her wrist tightly to stop her. Turning Ocan to face her she continued in a hushed whisper, containing her fear in her voice. 

“What do you mean you’re staying? We are leaving to head towards the Eastern Sea once we are done here. If we stay too long we’ll-”

Ocan broke the grip she had on her wrist. “We’ll what? Actually be happy? Meet people we like? I see how you look at Hestar and you have been losing control of your powers. We can’t keep running away. You can’t keep running away.”

Drina felt the whispers once more as her blood began to boil. “Running away? I am not running away. We are in danger from those who killed our parents. I am trying to save us!”

Ocan scoffed. “You are just paranoid.”

Drina watched as Ocan turned to continue towards the common room. Flabbergasted by her back talk, she clenched her fist as her body shook from rage. Paranoid? When did she think this? All she wanted was to keep her alive and safe. She did what she had to. Unable to control her powers, she watched as several figures floated about, calling to her as they pleaded for help. Drina couldn’t focus enough to hear their words as she stomped off towards Ocan. Unsure how many people were around them, Drina grabbed painfully at the back of Ocan’s neck to drag her to the back office where Lulu sat. Throwing Ocan against a small chair, Drina slammed the door shut behind them. With all the swirling ghosts and overwhelming wails of their cries, Drina could hardly hear herself think yet she needed to get things set straight. They were not staying another night in the hostel.

“Tonight, you are to pack up our things and meet me at the tent on the fairgrounds. We are leaving and that is my final say. You may think I am being paranoid, but you are naive.”

Ocan rubbed at the back of her neck, staring at her with terror. Drina knew she had never been this aggressive with her before, but she needed to be firm. Ocan stammered as she tried to gain the confidence to argue. “What’s the point in leaving tonight. We are in no rush. If you wanted to leave that badly, why not just go now?”

Drina gritted her teeth. “I have to fulfill my end of the bargain. After the seance, we leave.”

Ocan’s eyes teared up as she pushed out of the chair to stand in Drina’s face. 

“When you want to selfishly do something, I always have to listen, but when I want to stay you tell me no. You want to leave so badly, then go. I am staying.”

Drina growled, her voice growing stranger with each word she spoke. The volume of her voice was no longer hushed in the thralls of her temper. Out of all the times, Ocan decided to defy her now? “Selfish? You think I wanted this? I am trying to stop fate and you think I am being selfish? Death is on the line!” 

The whispers around her began to echo her words as the otherworldly voices chimed in. The swirls of spirits darkened the room as Ocan coward from Drina. Her eyes began to dart around the room, surprised at the sudden change in Drina’s appearance. Drina had no idea what she was seeing when a sudden hand touched her shoulder. Between being startled and calmed, the room shifted to sudden silence. If not for Lulu’s hand to stabilize her, she would have almost puked at the instant shift of energy. 

“Ok, I think that’s enough out of both of you. You need to calm down and take some time to ground yourself. I understand this is a sibling matter, however, I fear any longer and things will be said and regret will ensue.”

Drina opened her mouth to retort when Lulu placed a firm hand on her hip.

“This can wait until tomorrow. For now, I think you should cool your head before you work tonight. Ocan will stay here and help me around the hostel until then. Besides, the poor girl is shaking.”

It had not occurred to Drina how upset she had caused her sister to be until she looked over to see her sobbing in silence. Closing her mouth, she was sobered by her actions. Releasing her power in full with no control, letting her anger control her emotions, and yelling at her sister all had taken a toll on her. If it was not for the strange power that had calmed her down, who knows what damage she would have wreaked. They still had unsettled matters to discuss, yet before she could continue, Lulu turned her around and shoved her out of the room. With the quick close of the door and the click of the lock behind her, Drina stood in a stupor in the common room. Did she just get shoved out away from her sister? The nerve of her! She stood at the door, clenching her firsts to pound at the door when Drina caught several people in the common room staring with concern. 

Maybe the walk Lulu had suggested was a good idea. Dropping her hands to her side, she awkwardly rocked a moment on her feet before turning to slowly make her way back into the shared bedroom. Picking up her pace to her stuff, she freshened up, changed a few garments then made her way out of the hostel. When she had finally made it a few blocks away from the building, she had slowed down to smack her forehead. What was she thinking! She had nearly endangered Ocan and herself by that stupid argument. Already exhausted, she leaned against the side of the closest building and crossed her arms. This had been the first time they had ever fought. Was it really that important to Ocan that she wanted to stay? Although it wasn’t 100% true that she was being selfless, Drina did want to spend more time with Hestar. 

If only she had not decided to read her fortune, they would have already been on their way out of town and looking for small jobs here and there to save for the trip. At least now, Drina would end up walking out of town with enough coin to pay for a boat ride out of Castromnia and still live comfortably. With a huff, Drina knew there was no turning back now. With her name on the line and Lulu protecting Ocan from herself, they were going to have to stay another night. Looking around her, the roads were quiet with only a few people heading off towards the market. With the entire morning to herself, Drina clicked her tongue. Maybe she could do a little shopping for necessities, and perhaps a trinket to give as an apology to Ocan. Her stomach gave a hungry ripple, reminding her that she still had to eat. Pushing off the wall, she felt the coin purse on her hip and followed the shoppers.

Whispering Death (part 5)

The end of Drina’s night had finally come to an end as she slumped into the couch in the hostel’s common room. What a draining night, she thought while resting her arm over her eyes. Ocan had already long gone to sleep, having checked on her before resting in the common room. Lulu had offered to make a meal for Drina before she headed off to bed herself. It was well past into the night, and the common room was empty and silent. Something she welcomed with open arms since her evening was spent surrounded by a constant stream of people. Who would have thought she was going to be as popular as she was? The moment the festival grounds were open and running, she had a constant stream of guests. It wasn’t bad considering she was good at what she does and the money was splendid. It was the dull and recurring questions and statements. 

All anyone ever asked about was the same things. When will I meet my soulmate? Will I ever get rich? When will I become famous? Although each reading was always just a little different, sometimes Drina felt like a broken record. Repeating the same results or what the customer wanted to hear just to make some coin. On rare occasions, she would get a serious reading and the person was open to hearing what they needed to. They were so far and few that it was almost disappointing. Drina enjoyed those particular readings the most since it gave insight and was ultimately beneficial. It also helped flex her skills as a teller, challenging her to read beyond the basic template of patterns and meanings.  

The extreme readings rarely happen where death is the threat in the future, which is why Hestar’s reading was particularly important. Several readings in the past had shown an early death, however, it was due to natural or unavoidable circumstances. This one was neither. It was a grave omen, one that always frustrated Drina since not all future readings explained what the cause was. In Hestar’s case, it revealed itself as unnatural and preventable. The best explanation for this type of reading was murder. Drina hardly knew Hestar and who would want to murder her, making this a difficult predicament. To save a life at the risk of her own or step aside and not interfere? In good consciousness, Drina could not simply ignore it.

With a heavy sigh, she wiped at her groggy face and opened her eyes. With a startling jump, Drina was face to face with Hestar. She quickly pressed her finger against her lip to keep her from yelping, her smile wide with mischief. Drina had been so deep in thought that she didn’t notice her presence. The heat from her face radiated while Hestar giggled.

“I am going to take a guess and assume it was a long night?”

Drina pushed herself up to sit facing her, removing her scarf around her head. “Yeah, nothing too strenuous though.” 

Hestar sat close beside her on the couch. Playfully she traced her hand along Drina’s forearm, sending shivers throughout her body.

“I was a little surprised to see Ocan here alone. She told me about how to were out working at the festival. It’s nice that she is also helping out around here. Makes my job easier. She is such a good kid and a good worker.”

It seemed so odd for someone to speak of Ocan so fondly, especially a stranger who’s only known her for such a short amount of time. Drina felt just a little proud of Ocan for doing so well without her nearby. Although, it was a bit of concern why Hestar paid so much attention to her. Call it old habits, yet Drina felt she needed to keep an eye out for her even more so. 

“What do you do around here anyway?”

Hestar smirked, resting her head against her arm along the couch. Her eyes sparkled as she continued to swirl her fingers lightly against her skin. 

“I help bring in business to the hostel. Sometimes with fliers or just word to mouth as visitors make their way into the town. There is a lot of transient traffic since we are a crossway between cities. When there are events going on, I go bring people through the door. During the slow season, I clean and make beds. There is always something to do around here and it can be quite eventful.” 

With a raised eyebrow, Drina gave her a teasing smile. “Eventful with transient folk? Should I be concerned that I am just a small fling?”

Hestar fluttered her eyes wide, a small blush brewing on her cheeks.

“I-it’s not like that. Sure I have fun once in a while, but not always with the tenants within the hostel…”

This time, Drina was on the offense. Leaning in to close the gap between them, she lightly brushed at the side of Hestar’s face, pushing back a small lock of her hair. “So I’m not fun enough? What a shame.”

The look of panic made Drina chuckle devilishly. It was unfortunate that Lulu entered the room seconds after, her uplifting sing-song cheer announcing that the food was ready as she placed it on the table.

“Meal is ready! I know it’s not much for a midnight feast, but hopefully, it will be filling enough.”

Drina lightly sighed, rubbing her thumb across Hestar’s lips before pushing off the couch to join Lulu at the table. The plate had a small freshly baked loaf with butter lavishly spread across it and an assortment of meats. Although it made her mouth water, she still felt the gnawing of a different hunger still left unsated. Lulu’s warm smile dampened as she spotted Hestar on the couch behind Drina. Looking between the two of them, she deliberated just what had transpired while Drina began to dig into the meal. Hestar hesitated a moment before deciding to join them at the table, listening to Lulu’s small talk about how Ocan had helped her around the hostel. Nodding to the conversation, Drina silently chewed while she listened. The warm meal was a blessing, even if it was small and simple. She felt so spoiled by Lulu even though she was able to pay her for it. 

“How were the festival grounds? Did you get many clients?”

Both of the ladies sat waiting for Drina to speak, while she enjoyed the meal. It only took her a second to realize they had been watching her that they were expecting her to talk about how her work had gone. Shuffling in her seat, Drina realized how uncomfortable she felt at the attention. Never before had she really talked about the daily dealings of her life, even with Ocan was with her. It was common to spend days in silence as they traveled, something she had become comfortable with. Staring at her plate, she swallowed her food to delay.

“It was decent.” 

It was all she could think to say, leaving the rest hanging in the air. Did they expect her to tell them about her experience? Maybe complain about some of the readings she had given? It was hard for her to know what was acceptable to say. The pressure caused her to panic, causing her to clam up even more. It was Hestar who broke out into a full-hearted laugh, shredding the awkwardness around her.

“Not a woman of many words. You and your sister are similar in so many ways, yet completely different personalities. Once you get Ocan to start talking, she can go on for hours!”

Drina stiffened, concerned about how much Ocan had spilled. It would be something she would need to pull her aside in the morning to deal with. As if reading her mind, Lulu reached out to touch her wrist.

“Don’t worry, she hasn’t spoken about you or each other’s past. Ocan has only spoken about the lack of conversations she’s had with you and nothing more. A girl her age needs to socialize more! Be around girls her age.”
    Drina dropped her bread to the plate, feeling full and worried. Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arm to stroke at her chin. She knew it was true, yet all the hiding and running hindered their ability to live a normal life. If only she had been born a regular girl and not a gypsy, she may have had a chance. Until they could escape this continent, there would be no rest. Drina pinched at the bridge of her nose before taking a deep breath in. Releasing it quickly in a huff, she dropped her hand from her face to look at Lulu in earnest. 

“The festival was crowded and stifling. I made a deal with Mr. Gafrald which secured me a tent close to the entrance so at least the foot traffic is consistent. With the tent, it muffles the constant murmur and I can give a good clear reading.” 

She paused, tapping her finger on the table in thought. It was much harder to speak now that she was able to practice the art of conversation. Uncertainty perpetually circulated her thoughts, making it hard to share. Casting a glance over at Hestar, she caught the admiration in her eyes while scanning her. It made Drina smile, one that was not easily contained. Since their arrival at the hostel, things have been eventful indeed. With a laugh, she turned her attention back to Lulu’s warm smile. 

“It was a lot of fun. I haven’t been able to enjoy myself for a long time.”

Lulu gave a small cheer, standing to grab the tea she had been brewing on the counter for them all. “See, it’s not hard to let loose a little once in a while!” 

Drina scoffed, her smile plastered to her face. “In’credaplicinta.”

Out of habit, the common phrase slipped from her lips. It was a saying somewhere on the lines of “not while I breathe”, often used in jest to tell someone off when they were pulling the person’s leg. It had been so long since she had heard the words, it had even surprised her. Hestar stared intensely, mesmerized by her language while Lulu pivoted on the spot to toss a motherly finger at her.

“Ah, not in my hostel! I will shake you loose of your stone-like appeal young lady, so help me! No one leaves without a smile here.” 

Drina sat shocked while Hestar burst out into laughter.

“Well whatever you said, you’ve done it now! Getting in trouble with Mama Lulu here.” Hestar leaned onto the table, her hand balanced under her chin with a grin. Her eyes glinted with trouble, the kind Drina didn’t need to guess hard to know what kind. With a honeyed voice, she held Drina captive.

“Looks like your part of the family now.”

Why did she make things hard for her? Drina got lost in her eyes, her words sinking deep within her skin. Family was foreign to her, yet between Lulu and Hestar they made it feel familiar. Her heart pounded within her chest, frightening her. No, they couldn’t stay. Ocan and her needed to leave as soon as Drina solved Hestar’s fate and made sure she was safe. Drina’s face paled, a cold sweat sending chills through her body. This place was a trap and Drina knew it would be dangerous to stay any longer. Reaching into her pouch, Drina grabbed a few coins to pay for the meal and tossed them on the table. The sound of the metal clinking confused both ladies as Drina pushed from the table to leave. 

“Thank you for the meal. I’ll square up the rest in the morning.”

Drina felt the icy cold walls of her isolation closing up on her, the safeguards she needed to protect her and Ocan. They were getting too close and she needed to place the distance quickly. Turning her back to them, Lulu called out to her as she made it to the door.

“Don’t worry about payment, Ocan’s help around here is payment enough.”

Drina didn’t bother to face her. She knew if she let it slide now there would be no backtracking. “Nothing comes for free. A service given is a service paid. Goodnight Miss Lulu.”

With that, she left the room and headed to her bunk. Ocan snored lightly as Drina crawled up carefully into the bed. Her heart hurt at the thought of her rude departure, knowing it would have upset Hestar. It was for the best, she was just a transient visitor to the town anyways. She could have any man or woman that came and went and Drina would just be another person on the list. If she could save her that is. The cold realization hardened her more. Love was not in Drina’s future and the only family she had was Ocan. Wrapping an arm around her sister, she hugged her close. Even though she tried hard to believe those thoughts, a tear slipped from her and splashed against the pillow. 

The sounds of lightfoot steps startled her as she listened intently to Hestar entering the room. Drina held her breath, hoping that she would not try to come reason with her. The steps did not seem to head her way, instead she heard her climbing into her own bunk, shuffling until there was silence. No more could be heard other than the snoring of several others sleeping in their bunks and a few coughs as people adjusted. It took everything in Drina not to turn around to face the room and steal a glance over at Hestar. Even if she was awake and possibly looking back at Drina, catching her peeking will only show she felt guilty and feed the hope of the facade. Drina sighed disappointedly. Why did she have to fall for someone so beautiful and kind? With her eyes closed, silent tears streamed down her cheeks before the abyss claimed her into a deep slumber.

Whispering Death (part 4)

The festival grounds were busy as people prepared to open fully to the public. The festival mostly ran during the evenings and late into the night since it was in celebration of the full moon solstice. A good time for Drina’s powers, yet also a dangerous one. She worked we way to the far back tents and carriages. This was where they had all band together to sleep, everyone’s portable homes lined up in circles. Several hounds roamed the grounds, keeping a close eye on her. Oh a gypsy life, she thought. If she wasn’t constantly worrying about money and food, she would have gotten a mutt for herself as well since they were a specific kind of hound. To the regular eye, it was a mixed breed of dog. For those who knew better, they were spiritual dogs. The glow within their eyes in the dim light revealed their nature of shadow and magic. These were the best guard dogs, yet the most expensive since they didn’t eat regular food. It was based on a pact with the owner to share their own spiritual powers. For Drina that would be no problem because the wealth of her soul-well was deep. The issue was she would not be able to contain it and her control would be limited. 

    The number of hounds guarding the main tent gave her the inkling that the owner was within. Stepping up to the doorway, the few dogs stood alert. Stopping to take a bow, one that was used within her kin. The hounds took note, not moving from their guard as she stood to pass through. Even with knowing the traditions of her people, it still shook her core. One wrong move, even with her blood and power would mean death. Pushing past the curtains, she heard several voices behind the particle wall that was placed up. She walked to the edge of the wall and took a deep breath. Shielding herself, she stepped out confidently. There were 4 men in the room, one of them sitting behind a desk cluttered with paper and stacks of coin bags. 

Her sudden presence in the room had brought a startling silence. With as big of a smile she could muster she kept her pace, stepping up to the desk.

“Good day lads, I am here to find work.”

The man sitting glared, his face turning red while the others waited for his word. His common tongue was heavy with accent, a dead giveaway of his lineage. 

“How did you get past the dogs?”

Crossing her arms with a smirk, Drina tried hard to play it tough.

“I know how to deal with your kind. I am no stranger to your ways.”

With a hard front, the man examined her clothes and hair. It wasn’t exactly the style from her homeland, since she had to change it around to avoid attention, yet he seemed to have calmed down. Anyone stepping past those dogs would know a thing or do when dealing with gypsies. 

“We have no room for performers.”

“I am not here to perform. I can read fortunes.”

The man chuckled humorlessly. “Oh, like we don’t have hundreds of those.”

The other men chuckled along, ridiculing her. Drina had come to the understanding that the man calling the shots was Mr. Gafrald. Lulu had given her the name and by the rings and jewelry around his neck, he fit the profile of a businessman. Typical, she thought. Pulling out her fan from her side pouch she made sure they all could see it. 

“Care for a sample before I take a booth?” 

The look in the man’s eye softened as he recognized the embroiders. It was the travellers’ rose, a mark any gypsy would know at first glimpse. Not only did it have the mark of their kins symbol, it was a tool well known within her family’s bloodline. The few men around him shuffled uncomfortably as one man leaned in to whisper in his ear. He spoke in their mother tongue, which of course she could understand.

“Could have bought it at a market. A lot of mi’riquals are murdered and plundered.”

Mr. Gafrald sighed, leaning back into his chair, replying.

“Ay, she could be a fraud. Call the hounds.”

Drina felt herself losing her cool. How dare they insult her. Mi’riquals were a term used for those who ran away from their bands, giving up their traditions and living as the tyrant kings’ citizens. Meaning, they chose to give up their life and turned traitor to their kin. 

Gritting her teeth, she interjected.

“How dare you insult me. I am no Mi’riqual.” The men all stiffened, sporting the looks of a guilty man caught cheating on their wife. Nothing was worse than insulting a fellow gypsy, but a woman who had power was worse. “You will give me a booth, and give me 90% cut of my profits.”

In her anger she could feel her control slipping, the whispers around her gathering once more. The men looked around, realizing she was no fraud. Holding up his hands, he signalled for everyone to calm down. 

“Alright, look. 60% and you get a prime booth.”

    Drina was not going to settle easily. She knew how men bartered and had dealt with them since a young lass. 

    “85% and I will give you a seance. I may not be a performer, but I will give you a show to the likes you never seen. All ticket sales are yours and I keep the tips.”

    She allowed him to take a moment to consider her offer before offering her hand to shake. “Do we have a deal?”

    The man tapped the desk a few times before bursting into a hearty laugh. Standing up he took her hand, shaking it with a firm grip. Looking at the other men, he pointed a finger at her.

    “Ehh, a true gypsy here! Knows how to barter like a true Brynian.” 

    Drina chuckled. He must have been comparing her to one of his own bands. Each band had different names, giving them strength in trade while traveling. The stronger the reputation, the better deals they would get with goods. He sat down, pulling out a ledger and pen. 

    “Alright, and what name should I put you down as?”

    This was easier than she thought, half-heartedly giving her a false name. “Drina Forest.”

    Mr. Gafrald sharpened his gaze, his smile curling sinisterly. Drina felt chills run up her spine as she recognized that smile. 

    “Your real name. There is a lot on the line for this type of deal. I need assurance that I am not going to be played a fool.” 

    Pulling out a contract, Drina felt the blood draining from her face. It was a contract she was well aware of, the kind that was not just a legal binding of laws. This was a blood-bind. She should have known better. He held the paper out, waiting for her to take it before continuing.

    “You’ll perform tomorrow night, at the full moon peak. After the show closes, the contract will expire and release you.” 

    Drina swallowed hard, looking from the paper to the men around her. “My name.. You won’t sell it, right?” 

Mr. Gafrald snarled. “What kind of a businessman would I be if I sold my clients’ names. I am not scummy like those back home. You have my word.”

    His word meant nothing, just like hers. Reaching her hand out, she waited for him to pass a needle. It was a special kind, only for blood-binding. Poking the tip of her finger, it drank in her blood to fill with ink. Next, she held it like a pen, her hand shook as she held it over the signature line. Closing her eyes, she signed off quickly. After the last scratch of her name, the needle snapped loudly and shifted to dust. As it crumbled within her hand, she opened her eyes to see the red ink of her name on the paper. Lana Kisaiya Pearsley

    It was done, he now had her name. If it had been another false name, the needle would have not broken and he would know she was lying. The man stood up, holding his hand out for the paper. Rolling it up first, she hesitated to pass it along to him. Not that she could do anything with it. Once it was bound, there was nothing left but to complete the agreement. Hers was to perform. Holding it tightly, she pressed it into his hand. They held a moment as she stared at him before letting go of the paper. Immediately after taking the paper, he tightened the roll harder then placed it on the desk to press it flat. Taking wax, he poured it over the seal and pressed it with his mark. Lifting it to show her, she could see the mark. 

    “If the seal is broken, your name will disappear but the contract will still be valid. This is for your security.” 

    It was an extra precaution, giving Drina a sense of comfort even if it could be another lie. He opened a chest, placing it on top of several others in the same manner. With the box slammed shut, Mr. Gafrald nodded to the man at his side. He reached forward and grabbed a bag of coins, tossing it at her. Catching it, she was surprised at how heavy it was. Opening it she fingered through the coins while the owner spoke.

    “This is an advance. Buy whatever you need to prepare. Any money you don’t make up for with work, you will have to pay back out of this. Spend it wisely.”

With a cheeky grin, Drina pulled the strings of the bag closed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be expecting another bag this size or more before this festival is done.”

Not waiting for his reply, she turned to walk out of the room. As soon as she was around the corner, her knees buckled almost sending her to the ground. How she was able to hold out as long as she did was unknown to her. Covering her mouth, she could hear the men in the room laugh. 

“She’s impressive, I’ll give her that! I am excited to see how well she does, we must keep

an eye on her for sure!” 

It was small praise she was not used to, making her blush a little. Pushing to her feet, she quietly left the tent. The cool air nipped at her skin, refreshing her from how sweaty she had gotten from the stress. Drina might have to avoid telling Ocan about signing her name away to work at the festival. For now, she needed to get ready. Taking a quick look at some of the vendors near the tent, she was able to buy a few things she didn’t have on hand. Candles, incense, and a scarf for her hair. She needed to look the part of a gypsy to help sell her talents a little. No one would take her seriously, either way, yet when it came to festivals everyone wanted the atmosphere. It was not her first time playing the fortune teller and she knew what the customers wanted to hear. 

Finishing her purchase, she turned to count the change received, almost running into one of the men from the tent. 

“Oh.. uh, did I forget something?”

The man nodded, his face hard as he crossed his arms. “Yeah, come with me.”

Nervously, she followed him. He didn’t lead her back towards the tent, instead towards the festival grounds. He had almost brought him to the entrance when he stopped beside a small tent. Pulling back the flap, he motioned for her to enter first. Entering within the tent was a small table and pillows to sit upon. The man entered behind her, offering a smile. 

“This is where you will be working. Mr. Gafrald always keeps his promises.”

Drina was impressed. Prime real estate indeed! Close to the gates, easy to access, making coin was going to be easy. The man behind her continued. “We will make up a sign for you in the next few minutes and you should be in business. Fel’astie.” 

“Fel’astie, and my thanks to Mr. Gafrald.” With a nod he left.

Once the flap of the tent closed, Drina let out a giggle while looking about her booth. This was going to be a snap, she thought. Quickly she set up her area to prepare for the first guest. Setting up her table, she brought out her pack of tarot cards. Usually, we would use her fan, yet with all the gypsy around, the last thing she wanted was someone to recognize her from home. She didn’t have to worry so much about the townsfolk as much as she needed to worry about her other kin. They may not be in their old region, but the oligarchy king still had eyes and ears. Wrapping up her hair in the scarf, she finally had finished. Looking about her table, she clapped her hands. All that was missing was some tea and she would be good for the night. This was a luxury she couldn’t afford, although it was a lovely notion. Now to wait for her work to walk in.