Days turned into weeks and winter progressed slowly. It was strange, Milena thought, not so long ago, she would have travelled the long and winding roads regardless of the cold. She had loved it. Now she sat at the fires of the hearth of Blackwood Manor and she was grateful for it.
Was she getting used to the gadje lifestyle?

"Leah?"

Milena turned around and looked at Daniel questioningly.

"I didn't mean to disturb you," he apologized.

Milena shook her head. He wasn't disturbing her. She had only be dozing off.

Daniel smiled. "I was wondering if you would help me with something. I had the old cabin repaired that used to belong to my father's steward. I mean for Harun and his father to live there." He offered a sheepish smiled. "The cabin's ready now, but it could do with some decorating."

Milena smiled and nodded eagerly. She hadn't known Daniel had been arranging all of that.
When the news had come that Harun would stay away longer, she had been so sad to hear it. Emily had been downright upset. But if Harun and his father could come to Blackwood, everyone would be happy.

"I have already sent word to Harun," Daniel continued, "I promised to do my best to sell his father's workshop for a fair price. He can't manage it anymore, but he's willing to do some chores around the estate if his health lets him."

The two of them walked down the corridors of the manor. Milena wondered if he realized how much he was rambling. She found it rather amusing.

When they reached the storeroom in the back of the house, Daniel halted. "There's some old furniture in here that hasn't been used in a while. I thought we could sort it out. I'll have someone transport it to the cabin."

Milena nodded and Daniel smiled. "Good," he said, and he rolled up his sleeves.

Slowly and carefully he lifted a small table. He groaned as he put it down. He wasn't used to heavy lifting. When he saw Milena's amused expression, he offered a sheepish smile.

Milena shook her head amused and took two chairs from the storage. She lifted them with ease. With a smug smile she carried them towards the main entrance.

Daniel chuckled lightly. His eyes followed her all the way down the corridor. She had completely enchanted him. It was getting harder by the day to contain his feelings. In the weeks she had been living at Blackwood Manor, his love had only grown. It was the way she held herself. How much she loved his family, his sisters. The way she treated Emily as if she were a real sister made him smile. That was what had made him love her. Or perhaps it was the way her eyes lit up when she was excited. Or the tease in her eyes when she laughed soundlessly as she made fun of him without even speaking. Like she was doing now.

She was strong and not opposed to hard work. So very different from what he knew.

He shook his head and picked up the table. He groaned slightly at the weight, but was determined to show the girl he was not some weak little lord. He'd show her he was worthy.

***

"He spends to much time with that girl." Cecily held a disapproving frown on her face as she watched Daniel's trek across the porch with Milena.

The two had been collecting furniture to bring to the old cabin.

"Just leave them be, Cecily," Ruth warned. Her eyes were on the thread and needle in her hands rather than on the youngsters. "They are enjoying themselves and each other's company. And they're doing something useful at the same time."

"He should realize that a relation between them is not possible," Cecily continued.

Her mother's sharp eyes turned to her. "Is that what you truly believe? Or merely what you are hoping for?"

"Mother really," Cecily protested, "I know how you all adore her. And I'll admit she is well mannered, even if uncultivated, but she is not a society lady. She'd be more suited to marry a farmer of a stablehand. She'd be happier too."

"We don't chose who we love," Ruth said.

"But we can still use common sense."

"Oh Cecily, stop worrying about what people will say or do. That is not how I raised you. Wouldn't you rather your children were happy?"

Cecily sighed and looked outside again. The goods were loaded in a large sled pulled by one of the horses. On a signal from Daniel, Henry led the horse by the reins and Daniel and Milena followed.

Of course she wanted her children to be happy, but she wanted them to be sensible too. But now her youngest was interested in a stable boy and her oldest wanted a gypsy girl. Cecily shook her head. She wondered what James would have made of it if he had lived, but her husband was gone and she was here.

Cecily closed her eyes. Even after all these years, she still missed him. James had been her rock. He was strong and reliable and always knew what to do. He would have eased her mind. "I'm going to call for tea," she finally said. Maybe tea would calm her nerves and make her forget the chaos her life had become.

***

"They look adorable together, don't you think?" Arabella pressed her hands together and smiled at Amelia in delight. "Wouldn't it be lovely to have a double wedding? You and Jacob, and Leah and Daniel."

Amelia smiled weakly. As much as she would like for her brother to marry Leah, she'd rather have her wedding to herself. "They haven't even engaged themselves yet," she said instead.

"It will not be long, my dear," Arabella assured her, "mark my words. Before the turn of the season he'll have a ring on her finger."

Amelia's smile got warmer now. It was true that Leah seemed more comfortable in Daniel's presence as of late. Perhaps the talk they'd had a few weeks prior had helped. Maybe Leah was finally getting over her feelings for the lover that had abandoned her and she had decided to give Daniel a chance. The thought made her happy.

"So," Amelia said, "how has Nathaniel been?"

Arabella sighed. "Busy with work. He and father have been going over numbers and statistics all week. Don't misunderstand, I am proud father wants him to be his successor, but I would like my husband back."

"Are you saying it's official now?" Amelia's eyes went wide, "Nathaniel will take over when your father steps down?"

Arabella nodded. "It is. And Jackson has not been pleased. He and father got in a massive argument. And Katherine is not making things easier."

Amelia bit her lip. "I'm sorry for you, Ara. When I said I did not want her to be my sister-in-law, I did not wish her on you."

Arabella laughed softly and waved her hand dismissively. "I can handle Katherine. Do not worry, dear. Besides, she will find out soon enough she cannot manipulate my brother. She won't be able to wind him around her finger like she did with her father." Arabella looked out of the window again, "What on earth is your brother doing with all that furniture?"

"Ah," Amelia answered, "Harun will be returning soon. Daniel has made arrangements for him to bring his father. They will go and live in the old cabin that belonged to grandfather's steward. The furniture is from the storage."

"Your little stable boy?" Arabella inquired. She smiled mischievously. "My, Emily must be delighted."

The two girls smiled at each other conspiring and giggled.

***

"Are you sure you are fit to travel, da?" Harun asked concerned.

Zachary smiled at his son assuring. "I will be just fine, Harun. Didn't that fine lord mention he'd sent a carriage for us? I won't even have to walk.
He patted Harun's head. "I'm proud of you, son. You managed to find a job at some fancy estate and the people there treat you well. I'd like to meet this lord Blackwood. It is not often that a man of his statue dignifies himself to care about his workers."

"He is s good man," Harun said, "but he became nicer since Leah."

"Ah the traveler girl you told me about," Zachary winced as he tried to push himself into a sitting position.

"Let me help you," Harun rushed to his father's side and put another pillow behind his back. "You'll like Leah," he said, "she can't talk, but she's really kind. She's good with the horses." He grinned. "You should have seen the look on lord Blackwood's face when his most tempered horse turned to wax in her hands."

Zachary smiled. "I hope your lord knows what he's in for. They can't be restrained to sophisticated lives. Traveler girls need their freedom."

"Mom still married you," Harun said quietly.

"Aye, she did." A fond smile appeared on Zachary's face, "but she never stopped being the girl from the fields and the hills. And I never tired to change her."

"She would have liked mom," Harun said. There was a sad look on his face.

"I still miss her too, son," Zachary said softly.

Harun sighed. "I'm sorry about the shop," he said, "lord Blackwood promised he'd get a fair price."

Zachary nodded. "I'm sure he will. I'll have to thank him."

"You'll met everyone," Harun said, "Agnes from the kitchen, Jonathan the stable master. And my dog too. I left him with Miss Emily when I came here."

"Ah yes, Miss Emily." His father grinned. "Awfully nice of her to take care of your dog for you."

Harun's cheeks heated up and his neck turned red. It made his father laugh. "No need to feel embarrassed son. It is only natural for a young man your age to have an interest in a girl."

"She's a lady, da."

"From what I've heard it doesn't seem to bother her."

"We are just friends, da," Harun said quietly.

Zachary sighed. "Alright." He gave a weak smile. "Pack those tools too, will you? You never know when they'll come in handy."

Harun nodded and carefully rolled his father's equipment into his luggage. Two days from now and he'd be back at Blackwood Manor. He wondered how everyone was doing. Had Emily missed him? Part of him wished he could have saved his father's shop, but he was no carpenter like his father.

He looked up when his father's hand fell on his head. Zachary smiled at him kindly. "It will be alright, son. We'll build a new life. And this time we'll be together."

***

"What are you two doing?" Emily wheeled closer to the storage room and watched curiously as her brother loaded more furniture.

Daniel smiled at her. "We're decorating the cabin. Leah is helping me."

A large smile broke through on Emily's face. "Does that mean he'll be coming home soon?"

Daniel chuckled. "Are you eager to see him again?"

Emily blushed. "He'll want to see how much Rowdy has grown, that's all," she hurried to say.

"Of course," Daniel said innocently. He smiled amused and turned to lift a box with blankets and winked at Milena who hid a laugh.

Emily pouted and crossed her arms. "Do not make fun of me."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Daniel turned and ruffled his sister's hair.

"Daniel," Emily whined and she pushed his hand away.

"No need to be embarrassed Em," Daniel told her, "he is a good guy. I am glad he is your friend."

Emily sighed and looked at the pile of house gear. "I wish I could help you put everything in place."

"You'll get to see it when the snow has melted," Daniel promised, "just continue to take good care of Rowdy. I'm sure Harun will see how good of a job you have done."

"You really think so?"

"I know so," Daniel smiled. He knew Emily wanted to help, but the wheelchair would not make it through the snow that still covered the ground. Small outings in the garden were manageable when the servants had cleared a path, but the cabin was too far a distance.

Milena followed the conversation sadly. She wanted Emily to be happy. Winter had been hard for her. The snow had forced her to stay inside the house. Her friend Jane had been unable to visit much and now Harun was gone too. She wanted to cheer the girl up.

Her eye caught something in the back of the storage. It was too large for her to pull out so she tugged Daniel's sleeve and pointed.

"What is it Leah?" he looked towards the back. "Ah. I didn't even know we still had that." He moved inside and gently pulled the object out onto the hallway.

It was a small sled, fit for one person, or perhaps two small people, with a curved back support and a long cord to pull it.

"A sleigh," Emily gasped.

Milena smiled and gestured from the sled to Emily. Daniel hesitated. "I don't know Leah. It hasn't been used in a long time. I don't even know if it will hold."

"It will hold Daniel," Emily looked at him with pleading eyes, "please? Can I come? Now I can help too. I've been inside for so long. It's boring here. Please take me with you."

Daniel looked from one girl to another. "And who is going to pull the sled?"

Milena pointed at herself.

"Are you sure Leah?" Daniel teased, "my sister may look small, but she is quite heavy."

"I am not heavy!" Emily shrieked and Milena glared at him.

Daniel chuckled. "I was merely teasing." He let out an exaggerated breath. "Alright then, if you dress warmly and don't complain..." The rest of his sentence was drowned out by Emily's excited squeals. He rolled his eyes. "If mother throws a fit, then I had nothing to do with this." But the girls both ignored him. Milena was already wheeling Emily towards the door.

Daniel sighed and chuckled amused. He stacked the boxes with blankets and kitchen gear on top of the sled and pulled it towards the main hall.

***

"You're doing an excellent job, Milan," Matthew smiled approvingly as he watched the man's progress, "you learn quickly."

Ramiro paused for a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow and then continued to hammer on the iron. For the past few weeks he had been working in Matthew's blacksmiths. It was hard work, but it helped him clear his head and drive away the thoughts about his lost love. He was slowly adjusting to this new life, even if his heart had not completely healed.

Bonny and Matthew were good people. They didn't have much, but what little they did have they willingly shared with him. Working for Matthew was the only way he could repay them.

Dwight, who ran the stables, often brought his horses in, also the weaver let them sharpen his tools.

But horse shoes weren't all Ramiro had to offer. Las week, he had provided Dwight with a salve for his horses to protect their hooves from the cold.

Yes, life here wasn't so bad. At least the villagers eyed him with less suspicion now.

A knock on the door of the smith's announced a visitor. "Dale," Matthew greeted.

The visitor nodded and stepped further into the smith's. "I came to see if my scythe is ready yet."

"Milan's just finishing up," Matthew answered, "you can come in and wait for it or Milan will bring it over in a bit."

Dale sat down on a bench in the corner and watched Ramiro warily. The town didn't see many outsider, aside from people passing through, and they tended to stick to themselves. To have a stranger stay, and a gypsy at that, was unheard of. It had caused somewhat of a disturbance in their little community.

"How's the wife doing, Dale?" Matthew struck up a conversation.

"Eagerly awaiting the pelts she ordered last year," Dale answered, "George is late."

"It's probably the weather that's delaying him," Matthew said, " the roads have been blocked by the snow."

"True that," Dale sighed, "still, he's not the one that has to deal with a nagging wife."

Matthew chuckled. "Is that why you hide out here? You usually don't order tools until spring. You're not scared of your wife, are you Dale? Fanny got you whipped?"

"You try living with her," Dale said, "at least Bonny doesn't tell you what to do all day long."

At the fire, Ramiro snorted. He dowsed the newly forged sickle into a bucket of cold water and looked up to find the two men staring at him.

"Got something to say?" Dale dared him.

"Your wife," Ramiro started, "sounds like a strong woman."

Dale blinked surprised. "I ... I suppose she is. What does that have to do with anything?"

"You are blessed if you have a strong wife," Ramiro continued, "she takes care of you. You should be proud."

"Proud? Did you get hit on the head? She nags at me all day."

Ramiro smirked. His thoughts went back to his own mother and the other women in the kumpania. Tisrav's wife and Abhirati, Dorin's mother. "She is a woman," Ramiro said, "keep her happy."

"She'll be happy once she gets her pelts."

"Tch," Ramiro scoffed, "don't you gadjo men know anything? I don't mean furs and pelts and pretty little things."

"What are you talking about, man?"

Ramiro rolled his eyes. "You kiss her."

Dale smiled wryly. "If only it were that simple, mate."

Ramiro shook his head. "It is that simple. Trust me."

Dale didn't look convinced. He cast Ramiro a skeptical look and stood up. "I'll believe it when I see it. More likely she'll box my ears."

Ramiro smirked and handed the man his scythe. He shrugged casually. "Then kiss her again."

***

A fond smile found its way to Daniel's face as he watched the girls in front of the fireplace. With Emily occupying most of the sled, it had taken twice as long to get everything in place, but neither girl had seemed to mind. Now they were enjoying hot chocolate and some well-earned rest. Rowdy was sleeping happily at Emily's feet. The little dog had followed them back and forth through the snow all day.

"I hear a certain young woman is warming up to you."

Daniel looked at Arabella who had appeared at his shoulder. She smiled amused.

"Ara," Daniel said, "have you tired of Nate already?"

Arabella sighed. "My dear husband is talking business with my father, so I decided to leave them to it and visit my best friend to congratulate her with her engagement."

"And to exchange the latest gossip no doubt."

"Of course," Arabella said casually.

"Hm," Daniel mused, "and how is your brother doing with his new bride?"

Arabella eyed him amused. "I thought there was no love lost between you two. I thought you wanted nothing to do with him."

"I feel sorry for Katherine."

"Oh please," Arabella scoffed, "there is nothing for you to feel sorry about. They are perfect for each other. Besides, father has announced he'll cut them off if they step out of line."

"That doesn't mean he'll be faithful."

"No," Arabella agreed, "but it assures he'll be discrete. And Katherine can't afford to have rumors spread, so she'll behave."

Daniel shook his head and sighed. "I think you're enjoying this a little too much."

"Look at it this way," Arabella said, "she could have married you instead."

Her words made Daniel laugh. "What do you take me for, Ara? I'm not foolish enough to walk into that trap. I've never had an interest in Katherine Goodwin and her manipulative ways." His eyes moved towards Milena, a fond smile on his lips. She was smiling at something Emily said.

"Now, I recognize a man in love," Arabella teased, "when will you make it official?"

Daniel sighed. "It's up to her now. She knows where I stand. I want her to feel comfortable around me. I will not press the matter." He narrowed his eyes at Arabella in warning. "You will not interfere, Ara."

"I wouldn't dare," Arabella said coyly.

"I mean it," Daniel warned.

Arabella smiled. "Don't worry, Daniel. Besides, I don't think she'll need much encouragement." She looked over at Milena. "Your sister has already won her heart for you."

***

The camp had been quiet for awhile. The sun had started to sink below the horizon and the first stars were praising the sky.

Dorin was poking the remnants of the cooking fire. Most people had already retreated to their wagons. The head of each familia had gathered in Milosh' wagon for a meeting to discuss new roads to travel. More and more villages were against them. They needed find safe routes to protect the kumpania.
It wasn't for the first time Dorin wondered about the future and where he stood in all of this. And not for the first time he thought about leaving. He just needed to figure out where to go.

Behind him he could hear footsteps approach, but he did not look up. He recognized the sound and knew who they belonged to.

Indeed, not long after, Ihrin sat down beside him. She held a blanket closely wrapped around her body to fend off the cold. She let out a deep breath and stared into the fire. "I know you choose to be alone..."

"Then why do you still come?" Dorin asked curtly. His eyes were on the darkness ahead.

Ihrin sighed. Why did she come? She wasn't even sure herself. Perhaps she just felt a little lost. Milena and Ramiro were both gone. Tsura was dead and Carmen had married into another kumpania. Now Daria and Pethsa were wed as well and Ihrin felt more alone than ever.

The only one that seemed more alone than her was Dorin.

"I have nowhere else to go to," Ihrin finally said.

Dorin scoffed and threw a twig into the ashes. "So you come here?"

Ihrin bit her lip. "Do not go, Dorin." She had been watching him lately. Ever since Ramrio had left, he had been distraught. It worried her. It was like her family was falling apart.

"Why would you speak of me going?" Dorin asked annoyed.

"Why do you always argue?" Ihrin said equally irritated.

Dorin gritted his teeth. Why did he always argue? It was like he didn't know how else to speak. He just felt awkward around people. There were only a few people he felt comfortable with. One of them was gone and the others were children. "I do not argue," he muttered.

Ihrin sighed and leaned her chin on her knees. "You miss them too, don't you?"

Dorin glanced at her. "Do not speak of them," he waned, "it is bad luck."

Ihrin kept quiet. As if more bad luck could hit them. They had already experienced their share of it. How could things get any worse?

They thought hadn't left her of she heard Alec's voice ring out. "Who goes there?" Both Ihrin and Dorin stood up and looked towards the edge of their campsite where Alec was posted.

"Sastimos!" rang out the familiar greeting.

"Who goes?" Dorin called back.

"We are of Taavi's kumpania," came the answer, "who are you?"

"This is the kumpania of Milosh," Dorin informed them.

"Milosh' kumpania?" Their visitors had now reached them and their leader stepped forward. "Did you say Milosh? Is Ramiro of Cezar's wagon with you?"

Dorin, Ihrin and Alec exchanged glanced. Dorin was the one that stepped forward. "What do you need from Ramiro?"

"Are you him?" Taavi asked, "we bear news he needs to hear."

"No," Dorin said, "I am not he. What news do you have? We will tell his familia."

Taavi hesitated and glanced over his shoulder before turning to Dorin again. "We bring news from Oszkar's kumpania whom you know well. The news has been carried along to every kumpania on the roads. It is about the girl he chose. She still lives."