"It's good to see you up and about."

Ramiro turned at the sound of Bonny's voice. The woman smiled at him kindly as she stirred up the fire in the hearth.

"Are you sure you shouldn't be taking more rest? You've been out for a week after all. You shouldn't rush things."

"I should go," Ramiro commented while stiffly making his way to the door where his boots were.

"Go?" Bonny said startled, "you can't go now, Milan. Have you not see the weather? The snow's piled up high and the roads are not fit for travel. And you're still weak. Please stay a few more days at least."

Ramiro shook his head. "I should still go."

Bonny crossed her arms. "I insist you stay. It's rude to turn down hospitality. Sit and eat. I'll make you breakfast."

The stubborn expression on her face almost made him smile, but he had long since forgotten how to smile.

Still, hunger and wariness won over pride. He sighed and gave in, sitting down at the table with some effort. The small action already left him with no energy. Perhaps the woman was right. Perhaps he should just stay for a few more days. At least unit he could walk again with out black spots appearing in his vision. And he hadn't eaten a decent meal in weeks.

Bonny clacked her tongue and turned to the cabinet. She took out bread, cheese and butter and placed it on the table. She disappeared into a side room and came back with a few thick slices of ham. "Please help yourself," she said while handing him a knife and a wooden plate, "the tea will be ready soon. Matthew should be here any minute." She turned back to the fire where a kettle with water was almost at boiling point.

"Thank you," Ramiro muttered. He felt a little out of place in this situation. He didn't want to impose on these people. He was used to doing things on his own. And these people were gadje. He didn't like being indebted to them. In his experience, gadje always wanted something in return.

Behind him, a door opened and Matthew stepped into the small living area. He nodded at Ramiro. "Good morning."

Bonny turned and placed another plate and knife on the table. She looked at her husband with a look of disapproval. "Don't bother our guest while he's eating. He needs to get his strength back."

"Yes, ma'am," Matthew smirked and he kissed her. He winked at Ramiro when he sat down. "Always give a woman her way, Milan, or it will rain down on you like no tomorrow."

"Will you listen to that," Bonny huffed, "perhaps you should heed your own advise."

Matthew chuckled and cut off a chunk of cheese. "You know I love you."

"Yes," Bonny chimed, "you sure talk smooth when you're in trouble."

Ramiro quietly listened to their playful banter. It was evident that they loved each other very much. Judging from their looks, the weren't that much older than him, ten years at most. Did they know how lucky they were?

He nodded thankfully when Bonny placed two mugs of tea on the table.

"Milan," Bonny shook her head, "you need to eat more. Don't be shy. There's enough to share."

Matthew nodded. "Yes, please. It wouldn't do much good to pick you up from the snow only to have you starve in our own home. Eat." He pushed the bread towards Ramiro.

"You are very generous," Ramiro said.

"Nonsense," Matthew waved his comment away, "you needed help. I'm sure you would have done the same."

Ramiro looked at his plate and wondered. Would he have? A few weeks ago, he would have said yes. But now? Help gadje? After how they had ruined his life?

"Well," Matthew said while finishing his breakfast, "I have to get started, open up the smithies, start up the fire."

"You think today will be busier?" Bonny asked.

"I don't know," Matthew answered, "but the fire needs to be hot either way. And Dwight said he'd have some business for me."

"Oh, that's good," Bonny smiled and she looked at Ramiro. "Dwight has a stable down the road. He rents out carriages and horses. Usually it's good business, especially now. With the snow and all there aren't many travelers visiting the inn, but a lot of people are passing through town to rent a coach."

"You must know a thing or two about horses," Matthew commented, "isn't that a specialty of some sort?" he grinned, "you should check out his horses once you're able to move around again." He stood up and kissed his wife's cheek. "I'll be home again tonight."

"I'll bring your lunch later," Bonny promised.

Once he was out of the door, Bonny turned to Ramiro. "Is there anything else I can get you? Do you need to lie down again? I have to start chores, but just call if you need anything."

Ramiro nodded. In truth, he was still tired. He was in no condition to be on the move again. And his horse could also use some rest. A nice warm barn and food and water would do her good. It wasn't like they had anywhere in particular to go to. Why not stay a few days? At lease until the weather had calmed down.

He pushed back his chair and returned to the couch he had been sleeping on, not noticing the curious look in Bonny's eyes as she watched him silently.

***

"Jacob!" Emily smiled widely when the young man walked through the front door.

Jacob Kirkland laughed amused as chaos revolved around him. A small dog was running and barking at his feet. Emily was trying to maneuver her wheelchair around the hallway while a servant was trying to take his coat to put it away. "Such a warm welcome."

"Daniel said you'd be coming," Emily replied and she focused on the dog. "Come Rowdy. Here boy."

Jacob kneeled down and rubbed the dog behind the ears. "Hello little fellow. Where did you come from?"

"I'm taking care of him for a friend," Emily answered.

"I'm sure you're doing a good job," Jacob stood up again, "how are you, Emily?"

"I'm well, thank you."

"Jacob, you have arrived," Cecily strode into the entrance hall to greet their guest.

"Lady Blackwood," Jacob made a formal bow.

"How was your journey?" Cecily asked, "Emily take that beast into the kitchen and keep him there."

Emily sighed. "Come Rowdy. Here boy. Let's see if Agnes has a treat for you." She rolled away with the little dog following her happily.

Cecily looked at Jacob again. "I'll have Miles take your bags upstairs. Please make yourself comfortable. I'll have Anna bring you tea and I'll let Daniel know you are here."

"No need mother," Daniel came down the stairs and greeted his friend, "how was your journey?"

"Cold," Jacob grinned.

"I'll take my leave," Cecily announced and she left the two young men alone.

"Come," Daniel grabbed his friend's shoulder and steered him towards the salon. "Let us talk. I have some brandy in the cabinet to get you warmed up."

"That would be most welcome," Jacob said and he followed his friend.

They had just seated themselves when a chatter of voices reached them from the hallway. Daniel smirked. "If you were hoping for some rest then I'm afraid you'll have to wait. They're not going to give you a moment's peace."

"... not call for us? We could have greeted him on his arrival."

"I did not know where to find you and mother told me to take Rowdy to the kitchen."

"You could have send someone to find me."

"Oh hush!"

Daniel cleared his throat and the two girls fell silent. A blush crept on the faces of both Emily and Amelia, embarrassed at being caught in childish bickering in front of a guest.

Both Daniel and Jacob held amused expressions.

Amelia curtsied quickly. "Welcome, Jacob. It's good to see you."

"Thank you, Amelia," Jacob said politely while trying to contain his laughter, "I am glad to be here." His eyes moved to the girl that was lingering in the doorway. She was studying him with an uncertain look in her eyes. "Hello," he said, "won't you come in?"

"Come, Leah," Daniel said kindly, "Jacob will be staying with us for a few days."

"And I brought gifts," Jacob smiled widely.

"Presents!" Emily squealed, making Jacob laugh.

"You brought us something?" Amelia asked delighted.

"Give Jacob some rest," Daniel scolded them, "he's travelled a long way through the snow. He has only just arrived. Could you two wait a moment before pestering him, greedy little things?"

"It's alright," Jacob chuckled. His eyes were twinkling amused, "let me get my bag. They won't stop harassing me otherwise."

Amelia pouted while Emily huffed. It only made Jacob laugh more as he walked out of the room.

Daniel sighed and shook his head. "I give up." But his tone was amused.

It didn't take long for Jacob to return and when he did he had Cecily and Ruth in tow. Behind them, Anna followed with a tray with tea and sweet pastries.

"We are glad to have you, Jacob," Ruth spoke, "we see so little of you."

"Forgive me, lady Weston," Jacob said, "my work keeps me occupied. I was only able to return for Nathaniel and Arabella's wedding. And after this visit I must be on my way again."

"It must be exciting to travel and see the world," Amelia sighed dreamily.

"It is also nice to return home after a long journey," Jacob answered with a smile. He opened the bag and took a rectangular package. "There you go, Emily," he handed the first gift to her. He smiled when she opened the book. "It is a collection of stories from all over the world. I know how much you enjoy reading."

"Thank you , Jacob," Emily said softly. She already loved it. It had beautiful illustrations. She flipped through it eagerly.

Jacob was already presenting the next gift. A bottle of perfume for Cecily and flower seed for Ruth.

"I haven't forgotten about you," Jacob smiled while approaching Milena.

She looked at him wide-eyed while accepting the beautifully decorated small box.

"What did you get, Leah?" Emily and Amelia both drew near and studied the box.

Jacob smiled and opened the lid. A small tin bird inside started singing a complicated melody.

"A music box!" Emily clapped her hands excited.

"So pretty," Amelia breathed.

Tears formed in Milena's eyes. He'd given her something so precious?

"You like it?" Jacob asked with a smile.

Milena nodded and carefully closed the lid.

"Good," Jacob winked and he turned to Daniel. "Your turn, my friend," he said, leaving the girls to further admire the music box.

Daniel shook his head amused. "You know you don't need to bribe me to stay in the house, do you?"

Jacob smirked. "You might change your mind once you see what I have for you." He took out a square wooden case and opened it. The inside was coated with dark velvet and two objects were on display.

"Dueling pistols?" Daniel carefully took one out and studied it.

"I know how much you love antiques," Jacob said, "you have Christopher to thank for them though. He was the one that found them and tipped me off."

"They are magnificent," Daniel said in awe. He placed the pistol back in the coffer. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Jacob turned back to the girls. Amelia was standing awkwardly to the side, obviously trying to hide her disappointment. Jacob hid a smirk, but decided not to tease her any longer. "I didn't know what to bring you," he told her.

Amelia sighed and bit her lip. "That is alright. I understand."

"Then I found this," Jacob sad and he offered her a neatly folded cloth.

Amelia tentatively took it and when she unfolded it, she realized it was a beautiful shawl. It had a mint green color and an intricate pattern of birds and flowers embroidered on it.

"Oh Amelia!" Emily gasped when her sister had draped the shawl over her arms and shoulders, "it's so beautiful."

"Jacob!" Cecily gasped while approaching her daughter, "this is too much."

"Not at all," Jacob countered, "I couldn't imagine anyone else wearing it."

Amelia blushed and curtsied. "Thank you."

"Well," Ruth said amused. She placed a hand on Amelia's shoulder, "I think it's time we have some tea now, before it turns cold." She waved for Anna, who was still in the room to serve them.

Anna was silently glowering at Milena. Why was that gypsy still here? Her injuries had healed long ago. She should be gone but instead the family continued to treat her like some important guest, like she was on of their own. Even someone as wealthy as lady Arabella Caldwell had invited the girl to her wedding. Soon enough, she would be accepted by the elite. And now that girl even received expensive gifts.

Anna gritted her teeth. She had been working for the family for years, but had she ever received a gift? She wasn't even allowed to sleep in the house, she had a room in the servant quarters.

It wasn't fair.

"Thank you Anna," Ruth's voice sounded, "you may go."

Anna curtsied and rushed out of the room with a stiff back. She didn't see the cautious look in Ruth's eyes as lady Weston watched the servant girl go.

***

Bisera smiled at her husband who was looking at her lovingly.

"Are you certain?" Andrei asked.

"A woman knows these things," Bisera answered. She placed a flat hand on her belly. She laughed when Andrei swept her off her feet and swirled her around. "We must tell everyone!" He had been wanting to start a family of his own.

"I will tell my mother first," Bisera decided. She untangled herself from him and headed to her parents' wagon.

Andrei smirked from ear to ear and walked towards the other men of the kumpania who were chopping wood for the fire.

"What's with that smile?" Sorin asked amused.

"Perhaps Bisera was in a good mood for once," Imrich smirked.

The other men chuckled.

"Ah," Andrei said, "nothing you say will affect me today. I'm in a good mood."

"Well tell us man," Sorin said.

But before Andrei could answer, the door to Oszkar's wagon flew open. "A celebration!" Oszkar bellowed across the kumpania, "tonight we will celebrate! I have been blessed! I will receive a grandchild!"

"A grandchild?" Nikolai questioned and he turned to Andrei, "Bisra is with child?" he grinned.

"That, or Jasmina has something to tell you," his friend Imrich smirked.

Nikolai smirked an slapped Andrei's shoulder. The other men followed as the all congratulated Andrei.

Not far away, Bisera's youngest sister, Dalena, was beaming at Bisera. "I am so happy for you. "Tis about time."

"What would you know of such things, little one?" Bisera asked, but there was warmth in her voice. She had longed for a child

Dalena giggled. "Tis making you nicer, for one thing."

"Pesky brat!" Bisera swatted at the girl, "go do your chores or you will see how nice I am."

Dalena jumped out of her sister's reach and ran towards the other side of camp, but she was giggling all the way. With her fourteen years, she was too young to wed, but it didn't stop her from dreaming. And about one boy in particular, though she did not see him often.
Luca of Milosh' kumpania was her age and she thought him handsome. But now she had to wait for the winter to pass before their kumpania would meet up with Milosh again.

Dalena sighed. She could hardly wait.

"Dalla! Chores!" Bisera's voice rang out across the snowy clearing.

Dalena flinched and hurried to do her job. She could not wait for the babe to be born. At least Bisera would have something else to focus on.

***

Dorin sighed. His breath came out in small clouds. It was a cold day. He pulled his coat tighter around himself and rubbed his hands. Only a few houses left and they could return to the kumpania and to a hot fire and meal.

He glanced at is brother Kristof, who walked next to him and slapped his arm. "Do not flirt with gadji women," he warned.

Kristof flashed a smile at two village girls that were scurrying across the snowy streets. When the girls caught his smile, they shyly averted their eyes and giggled amongst each other.

Kristof turned to Dorin. "Little Dorin. What else should I do with gadji girls eh?"

"You should stay away from them," Dorin said pointedly, "we do not need to attract trouble."

"Oh!" Kristof grabbed at his chest in mockery, "it pains me that my little brother would think so badly of me."

Dorin sighed and ignored his brother. Why had his father sent the two of them into town together? His brother was obnoxious and loud.

Kristof swung an arm around Dorin's shoulder. "Perhaps you should try to flirt a little. Hey!" he called out to the girls. "Isn't my little brother a handsome one? How about a kiss?"

The girls blushed and giggled again before entering a house on the corner.

Dorin pushed his brother away. "Leave me in peace," he growled and quickened his step.

His brother's laughter followed him down the street. "Ah don't be shy, Dorin. Girls are not so scary."

Dorin gritted his teeth. Why could his brother never act normal? Perhaps he should just leave, like Ramiro had done.

He walked to the next door to try and sell the leather halters he had braided.

When he returned, Kristof was waiting for him at the gate. "Not so sour, little brother," he said, "I was only teasing. You are always so serious."

"And you are not," Dorin said stiffly.

Kristof smirked and spread his arms out wide. "I am enjoying life. Perhaps you should try instead of moping all the time. How will you ever find a girl that wants to marry you?"

Dorin kept quiet. He would not let his brother goad him into an argument. He pushed the remaining halters in his brother's arms. Here, you can sell the rest."

"Where are you going?!" Kristof called after him.

"Home!" Dorin answered.

Kristof sighed and hurried after him. If he let Dorin go like that, Kristof was going to get an earful from their mother when he got back. He winced at the prospect. Abhirati was a formidable woman, especially when she was angry. "Come Dorin," he said and flung an arm around his brother, "do not go. Who else will make sure I don't get in trouble with the village girls?"

"You are not a child," Dorin said annoyed, "you should not need to rely on me to keep you out of trouble."

"But what example did I have?" Kristof said dramatically, "only Tisrav. And he is worse than me."

Dorin rolled his eyes. Sometimes he believed to be the only normal person in his family. His brothers were both idiots.

Kristof grinned and slapped his brother's back. "I knew I could rely on you."

Dorin gritted his teeth and stalked towards the next house. "Just don't expect me to help you when you anger some girl's husband."