Milena had managed to slip away from the crowded salon and now ventured outside. Harun was still gone, so she would not go to the stables, but she could walk in the snow-covered garden. It was cold, but she preferred the quiet over the cacophony of voices in the house.

She was not sure anymore what to think. She still missed her family terribly, but living here was not so bad. She was starting to feel at home at Blackwood Manor. Cecily was still a little reserved towards her and made sure never to address her directly, but everyone else was kind to her. And Amelia and Emily had become like sisters to her.

Milena sighed. She wondered where the kumpania was camped at the moment. Did they still think of her?

Unknown to her, two people were watching her trek from the parlor window.

Jacob looked at his friend who was staring at the girl in the garden with adoration. He had to admit, the girl was quite charming, even with the inability to speak. Still, he feared his friend was holding on to false hope. He sighed. "You'll never tame her, my friend," he said while watching the girl enjoy the wintry day, "she belongs in the fields and the hills."

Daniel smiled. He couldn't keep his eyes off her. "Who said anything about taming her? I just want her at my side. Look at her. Isn't she beautiful?"

A light smile appeared on Jacob's face, albeit a sad one. "Yes," he agreed, "that she is."

***

"What do you reckon his lordship is gonna do?" Thomas glanced at William as they trotted across the snow.

"Provide food for one thing," William answered, "he'll have no choice what with our barn still down. We won't live through winter without food. He can't let us starve." He looked at their third companion. "That sled strong enough?"

John nodded. "It can hold all o' me boys."

The three of them stared at the large estate in front of them and Thomas whistled in awe. "Well, they won't starve, that's for sure."

William scoffed. "Then he can spare us some food." The trotted towards the mansion.

Suddenly Thomas halted and nodded his head to the side. "Will you look at that. Ain't that one of 'em gypsies?"

William narrowed his eyes. "What is scum like that doing here?"

"Ain't that the girl we were chasin' in the forest?"

"Who knows," William growled, "they all look a same to me." He knocked on the door while keeping a suspicious eye on Milena.

The door to the mansion opened and a tall man in a suit looked at them. "May I help you?"

"We want to speak with lord Blackwood," William took the lead, "he has to provide for us, for the village."

"Lord Blackwood is entertaining a guest," the man answered while giving the villagers a look of disdain., "he does not have time to concern himself with you at the moment."

"It is his responsibility..." William argued.

"I have to ask you to leave now."

"It's alright, Miles," Daniel Blackwood had appeared in the hallway and looked at the villagers on his doorstep, "I will speak with them."

Miles bowed and disappeared down the hall.

Daniel turned to the one that had spoken, William. "Please come in, out of the cold." He gestured towards the hallway and waited until all three men had entered before closing the door. "Now," he said, "what can I do for you?"

William licked his lips. He was thrown off by the man's politeness. He had expected the same arrogant youth he had encountered before and had prepared for an argument.

Thomas cleared his throat. "We need food to get through the winter, m'lord. As you may know, our barn burned down with all our storage."

Daniel nodded. He remembered how they had blamed the gypsies and threatened Leah. "So I was told," he said, his tone colder now.

William seemed to realize the course the conversation was taking. He narrowed his eyes. "Beg your pardon, m'lord, but I saw the gypsy in your garden. They were the ones that almost burned down the village. It's them that caused us to starve now. We want justice to be done."

Daniel narrowed his eyes too. "I asked you then if you had prove for this and you did not."

"Our word should be enough!" William said through his teeth, "especially against thieving scum."

"William," Thomas hissed cautiously. It would do them no good to anger their lord, especially when they needed his help. And the look on the young man's face told him they were crossing a line.

"I'd like to think I am a reasonable man," Daniel said icily, "you have a right to feel grieved. But you will not take matters into your own hand. The girl is my guest and any action against her is an action against me. I have given you the means to rebuild the village and I will support you through the winter as is my duty. You can present yourself to my overseer and then you will leave this property."

William gritted his teeth, but knew better than to say anything.

John and Thomas took his arm and turned him towards the door. "Thank you m'lord, "John said, "we are very grateful."

Daniel watched them leave and closed the door behind them. He narrowed his eyes. 'Scum' they had said, but they had been the ones to assault a defenseless girl. Who was the real scum here?

"It seems the village has a deep dislike for gypsies." Jacob walked up to Daniel from the shadows of the hallway.

"Hm," Daniel mused, "they accuse the gypsies of setting fire to the village."

Jacob nodded. "I think it is very likely," he said.

"What are you implying?" Daniel asked annoyed.

Jacob sighed. "I think it is very likely that the villagers attacked the gypsies to chase them off their land. Didn't you find your Leah unconscious on the road? Perhaps she was separated from them. Perhaps the gypsies went to look for her in the village and when they did not find her, they set the town on fire out of revenge."

Daniel was silent for a moment. Now that he thought about it, it did sound plausible. He ran a hand through his hair. "What do you propose I do?"

Jacob shrugged. "I do not know. I'm no landlord. These are your people, Daniel. I know you have feelings for that gypsy girl, but you can't ignore your people."

"I have already given them the means to rebuild their village and I am providing for them. I can't control the gypsies. They are not subject to our laws."

Jacob patted his friend's shoulder. "then perhaps the solution lies somewhere in between."

***

After opening the door Ramiro found himself in a large and warm space. Fires were burning high and there was a lot of noise. He had seen a blacksmith before, but had never been inside one.

He followed the clinging sound and found Matthew hunched over a piece of iron, hammering it into shape. The iron was lit up and burning hot. Once Matthew was done with it, he dropped it in a bucket of cold water where it sizzled and caused clouds of steam to rise up.

Matthew wiped his forehead and turned to find Ramiro watching him quietly. "Feeling better I see," he greeted their guest, "come, I'll give you a tour." He smirked. "Though there's not much to see." He spread his arm. "Come, I'm sure you want to check on your horse."

Ramiro followed him to the adjoining barn. It wasn't a big barn, but large enough to house his horse and the goat that kept it company. A handful of chickens pecked their way across the straw.

He patted his mare. "Hello girl," he muttered. She was well fed and groomed. The barn kept out the cold and she was happily munching on some hay. When she recognized him, she whinnied in greeting and nudged him with her nose.

Ramiro smiled. "Thank you," he told Matthew.

"No need for that," Matthew assured, "I need to get back to work. Let me know if you need anything." He disappeared into the smith again and Ramiro sunk to a bale of hay. It would take some time before he'd have his strength back.

Outside, the snow was still piled up high. He feared he would have to wait out the winter.

Ramiro sighed. He had dreamed about Milena. Or perhaps it had been a memory. They were walking through the long grass and she had been smiling. A simple dream, but one that left him with an aching heart.

Would he ever be able to forget her?

He sat there, listening to the sounds from the smithy. The clinging against the anvil had a calming effect on him

The door to the barn opened and Bonny came in. When she saw Ramiro, she gasped and held a hand to her chest. "Milan! You gave me a fright. Why are you sitting here all alone?"

"I will go," Ramiro said quietly and he made to stand up.

"No, no," Bonny waved frantically, "no need for that. I only need to milk the goat. I'll be gone in a minute." She took a stool and sat down next to the goat.

Ramiro silently watched her.

"We trade some of the milk with our neighbors," Bonny told him, "in return, they trade us meat. When we have extra eggs, we trade them too."

Ramiro nodded. Bonny was a very chatty person, but he found it didn't bother him. She had a very welcoming persona.

"And what do you do for a living, Milan? What's your trade?"

Ramiro hesitated before answering. "I train horses," he finally answered, "grind knives." He shrugged. Everyone in the kumpania knew how to do these things.

"Those are very useful skills," Bonny nodded, "you'll have found yourself a job in no time."

Ramiro didn't answer. Her words might have been true if he hadn't been of the traveling people. No one was going to hire him.

"But don't worry about that for now. You're still recovering." She stood up and took the bucket that was now filled with milk. "I'll make some nice stew tonight, so you can get your strength back."

"Why are you kind to me?" Ramiro asked curiously.

Bonny looked at him confused. "What do you mean?"

Ramiro sighed. "My people are hated and unwanted no matter where we go."

"Is that why you left them?" Bonny asked.

"No," Ramiro answered after a long pause, "that is not why."

Understanding crossed Bonny's face. She sighed sadly. "What was her name?"

Ramiro's face turned grim. "It does not matter anymore," he said while standing up and leaving the barn, "she's gone."

***

Dalena looked up from her spot next to Imrich. She had been mending some vests while he tended to the horses. In the distance she could see wagons and horses approach. She pointed. "Visitors!"

Imrich looked in the direction she indicated and squinted his eyes to have a better look. "Vitor's kumpania," he stated and he looked at Dalena, "go tell Oszkar."

Dalena didn't wait another moment and hurried to find her father. It wasn't often that they crossed paths with Vitor's kumpania, but the weather had kept them stranded at their current camping spot.

When Oszkar saw his daughter running up to him, he went out to meet her. "Dalla, what is the matter eh?"

"Tis Vitor's kumpania," Dalena informed him, "they come down the road."

"Perhaps they have news eh," Oszkar mused, "go to your mother. They will camp with us tonight. We will share news and food. Tis a hard winter it is. We need to help each other. Maybe we can trade."

His daughter nodded and hurried away while Oszkar himself went to greet the arrivals.

...

The rest of the kumpania had noticed the arrival of Vitor's kumpania too. The two groups greeted each other.

Jasmina grabbed Nikolai's arm and pointed. "Tis Carmen of Milosh' kumpania who travels with Vitor."

Nikolai looked up and noticed Carmen too. After losing her child, she must have wed into Vitor's kumpania. It made him sad. "Sit with her at the evening meal," he told Jasmina, "tell her about the city, what I have seen. That the girl Ramiro loves may live."

Jasmina bit her lip. "Tis not what my father wants. He said to let it go. Tis not right to speak of the dead."

"The girl may not be dead, Jassa," Nikolai said, "tell her. Vitor's kumpania may carry on the news to other traveling groups. Twil be long before we meet up with Milosh again."

Jasmina sighed. "I will sit with her," she promised. Nikolai was right. If Milena really was alive, then they would have to inform Ramiro.

...

Carmen quietly followed her husband. Tahmor was a good man who treated her right. There was no deep affection between them yet, but she did not complain. She wanted to be left in peace. She did her chores without much thought. She tried not to think much period. Thinking meant remembering and remembering still hurt.

When someone touched her shoulder, she looked up. A young woman was smiling at her. Carmen recognized the girl as Jasmina, the daughter of Oszkar.

"Sit with me at the fire," Jasmina invited.

Carmen glanced at her husband who had stopped at the sound of Jasmina'a voice. Tahmor thought for a moment and then nodded at her before joining the other men.

Jasmina bit her lip. She was not sure what to do next. How could she bring up the subject? Looking at the woman, she saw Carmen was not the woman she remembered. Carmen had always been warm and open. Now her eyes were dull without any trace of a smile. Was she doing the right thing? If Lenka truly was alive, would it make Carmen happy or would it just remind her of the child she had lost?

"Tis good to see you, aunt Carmen," Jasmina said, "are you happy with Vitor's kumpania?"

Carmen sighed. "I am content," she answered quietly.

Jasmina nodded slowly. "I am glad," she said. An idea suddenly popped in her head. "If only now Lenka would return to Ramiro."

Carmen's eyes went wide. "Do not name the dead," she hissed in shock.

"But she is not," Jasmina said, "Nikolai has seen her in the city. Tis not so long ago."

"Do not jest," Carmen warned the girl, angry now, "if she lives, why is she not with you?"

"Gadje came and took her before we would speak," Jasmina said, "but she lives. Aunt Carmen, bear the news to other kumpania. Word must get to Milosh' kumpania, to Ramiro."

Carmen held her breath. Could it be true? She did not dare hope. She had held the broken body of her child, but Milena had never been found. Could gadje have stolen her? Tears brimmed her eyes.

"You upset my wife," a deep grim voice sounded behind the two women.

Jasmina jumped and looked up at Tahmor. Looming over them, he seemed even bigger. She could understand why people would be wary of him. He was an intimidating man.

"No," Carmen hurried to defend Jasmina, "I am not upset, my husband. I am relieved. I have received great news."

Tahmor looked at his wife with a thoughtful expression. Never since joining his familia had she spoken so freely. Something had changed in her. Perhaps now she would be more open with him too.
He gave a stiff nod and returned to the other men.

Carmen turned to Jasmina and grabbed the younger woman's hands. "Thank you," she whispered. It would never bring her daughter back, but the news had still lifted her spirits. Maybe she could find some peace of mind now. Maybe she would finally start to heal. She pressed Jasmina's hands. "I will carry on your words. We will bring our sister home."

***

Evening had fallen and the girls had retreated to their rooms long ago. Jacob and Daniel shared a drink in the salon in front of the fireplace.

"Ah," Jacob sighed with a content smile, "this is the life. Enjoying a drink on a cold winter eve in front of the fires of your own home."

Daniel laughed surprised. "What's with you? Where did this come from?"

Jacob shrugged and smiled into his glass. "Every time I visit you, I am reminded of what I don't have. A home, a hearth, a family."

"You have a family, Jacob," Daniel frowned, "you have your own house."

Jacob shook his head. "I mean a family of my own, Daniel. Someone to light the fires at night. A place to return to after my travels." He sighed. "I think it's time I settle down."

"I thought you liked traveling," Daniel said.

"I do," Jacob confirmed, "and I will still be traveling. My job requires it. But I would also like to have something to go back to. Someone. These last few years have been quite profitable. I have the means to afford a family now. I want to marry."

Daniel smiled. "It shouldn't be too hard for you to find a wife. You are well-educated. Your family may not belong to the elite, but the Kirkland name is still widely known and respected. Anyone would be proud to call you family."

Jacob gave him a wry smile. "Would you?"

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Jacob, we have been friends for a long time. You already are like a brother to me. My sisters adore you. The same for my mother and my grandmother. You know how fond they are of you."

Jacob cleared his throat and scratched his cheek sheepishly. "That is not what I meant."

Daniel blinked and stared at his friend confused. Jacob suddenly seemed awkward. "Jake..."

Jacob took a deep breath. "I would like your permission to court Amelia."

"Amelia?" Daniel questioned, " my sister Amelia?"

Jacob cleared his throat again. "Yeah."

"Why?" Daniel asked confused.

A smile tugged at Jacob's lips. "I like her enthusiasm, her spirit, her liveliness. I know you still think her a child, but she's a young woman, Daniel. She is kind and full of dreams and hopelessly romantic, but she will make a good wife." He looked at his friend and cleared his throat. "Say something."

Daniel was dumbstruck and wasn't sure how to react. He hadn't seen this coming. Should he have? Had there been signs? "You're in love with my sister?" he asked in disbelieve.

Jacob swirled his drink. "I don't know," he said, "I've never been in love, but I like her. I like indulging her. I like her smile and how she gets all shy when she looks at me." He glanced at Daniel. Would his friend rebuke him now? Would he be insulted? Would he kick him out of the house?

A chuckle escaped Daniel's throat. "You and my sister. Who would have thought?"

"You are not angry?"

Daniel sighed. "Why would I be angry, Jacob? I just said you were like a brother to me."

"Yes, but that is not the same as actually becoming brothers." Jacob sighed. "You said it yourself. My family does not belong to the elite."

"I did not mean it that way," Daniel cut him off, "you know that. I don't look down on you, Jacob. It doesn't matter to me how much money you inherit."

"No?" Jacob questioned, "not even when your sister's future is involved?"

"Of course I want my sister taken care for," Daniel replied, "but I care about her happiness more. And I am not worried about you." He raised an eyebrow. "Really Jacob? Amelia?"

Jacob grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? She's grow on me." His face turned serious "Do you think she'll have me?"

Daniel smiled amused. "I wouldn't worry if I were you. I'll speak with her tomorrow." He grinned when he saw the panicked look on his friend's face. "Don't worry, I'll be discrete."

"You better," Jacob warned, "remember, I know all of your embarrassing moments from when we studied together."

Daniel laughed out loud now. "I would advise against threatening your future brother-in-law, my friend," he raised his glass, "and remember. I know all your embarrassments too."