Time was one big blur to her. She had been welcomed with open arms. Daria had hugged her tightly and then cried over her brother before yelling at Petsha for his recklessness.

Aishe had hurried over to treat and rebind her grandson's wounds.

People were talking. To her. About her. Around her. Some might even have asked her questions.

Milena barely registered. Her mind was still trying to process everything.

Ramiro.

Ramiro had found her.

She was back home.

Tsura was dead and Ramiro was injured.

Daniel.

Daniel had shot him.

What had happened to him? She had left him there in the field.

She flinched when a bowl of stew was pressed into her hands and she looked up. Laszlo sat down across from her and smiled warmly. "Eat Lenka," he urged kindly.

Milena sighed and looked down at the food. No one else was around. Apparently someone had ordered they should leave her in peace.

"He will pull through, Lenka," Laszlo assured her, "Aishe is wise. Do not fear. He will live." He tilted his head. "Ramiro says you found your voice."

Milena frowned confused. Her voice? Yes. She remembered now. She had been afraid they would hurt each other. She had screamed.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no word came out. Milena panicked and tried again. Some rasping sound escaped her. She grabbed her throat in horror.

Laszlo nodded sadly. "I have heard of this. Sometimes our mind battles with itself. Give it time, chavi. It will be alright." He smiled at her fondly. "You look well, Lenka. They took good care of you, is it not so?"

Milena nodded at him and began to eat. She closed her eyes and smiled from pleasure. She had missed the taste of food cooked over an open fire.

When Laszlo turned his head and his expression became serious, Milena followed his gaze. Aishe was approaching them.

When the old woman had reached them, she looked at Milena and smiled warmly. "He will live, child. Do not fear. You can go to him."

Milena let out a relieved breath and hurried to her feet. Aishe however stopped her briefly to embrace her tightly. "It is good to have you back, Lenka. We missed you."

Another round of tears fell from Milena's eyes and she answered the woman's embrace.

Aishe kissed her cheek and smiled. "Go child. Don't keep him waiting. It has been long enough."

Milena smiled through her tears and ran to Aishe's wagon where they had brought Ramiro.

His face was still a little pale, but he was smiling when he saw her. "I feared I had been dreaming," he muttered, "or that you were one of the mulani, but you are here."

She sat down next to him and his hand found hers, holding it tightly.

"I love you," he said.

Milena smiled and cried at the same time.

"My father gave his consent," Ramiro continued, "please be my wife. Tell me I have not waited to find you belong to this other man."

Milena shook her head and kissed the back of his hand.

Relief spread over Ramiro's face and he gave a pull that caused her to fall next to him on the bed. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I love you too," she whispered.

***

The front door opened and closed again. A few seconds later his defeated form passed the salon doors. He only stopped at the sound of his name, but could not will himself to enter the room.

On the couch sat Amelia with a crying Emily in her arms. Their grandmother was soothingly rubbing the younger girl's back.

Amelia took one good look at her brother's face and felt all color drains from her face. "She is gone then?" Her voice sounded flat and detached as if belonging to someone else.

Daniel's legs buckled and he slumped against the doorframe. "I shot him," he mumbled.

Ruth straightened up and looked at him startled. "What did you say?"

"What if he dies?" came Daniel's broken voice, "she will never forgive me." He sunk to the ground. "What have I done?"

Ruth hurried over and pulled him to his feet. "Sit," she ordered and she ushered him over to the second couch before walking to the cabinet to pour him a glass of brandy. "Drink," she instructed, "and tell me what happened."

Daniel looked at her warily. "I shot him, grandmamma. She loved him and I shot him. Oh God, what did I do?"

Ruth sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Am I right in assuming Leah's family came for her? Drink."

Daniel took a swig of the liquid and immediately felt his nerves settle. "I went after her," he said, "there was a man with her. He was going to take her away. And I got angry. And I..." He rubbed a hand across his face. "Others came. They were going to kill me, but Leah stopped them No. Lenka. Her name is Lenka."

"Lenka?" Amelia asked quietly.

"She stopped them, you say?" Ruth asked.

"They let the choice to her," Daniel muttered, "they let me go. They did not want to, but they let me go. She left with them."

"Is Leah not coming back?" Emily's voice trembled and she cried again.

"Ah honey," Ruth said, "why don't you go to your room and rest a bit? I will send Agnes up with tea."

"I don't want tea," Emily sobbed, "I want Leah."

"I don't think she will come back," Ruth said kindly, "she is back with her family now."

"We are her family," Emily cried.

"Can we go to her?" Amelia asked, "please?"

"That may not be the wisest of ideas," Ruth cautioned them, "in the end, it is Leah's decision. And they are her family. It is only natural for her to want to be with them. We should not keep her from them."

"I thought we were friends," Amelia whispered, tears in her own eyes too, "she didn't even say goodbye."

***

Milena looked up when the door to Aishe's wagon opened and Daria quietly stepped inside. Ramiro had fallen asleep some time ago, still a little feverish and in need of rest.

"Hey," Milena whispered.

Daria's eyes went wide. "You really did find your voice. I thought my brother was only mad with fever."

Milena smiled faintly. She was not yet used to her own voice and her throat hurt with every word. Aishe had told her not to force herself, that eventually it would come natural to her.

"I have missed you," Daria said while sitting down across from Milena at the foot of the bed.

Milena took her best friend's hands and pressed them.

"Petsha told me what has happened." Daria continued, "about that man." Her eyes turned concerned. "Has he hurt you?"

Milena shook her head and Daria sighed in relief. She looked at her friend. "You will stay with us, will you not? You will not return to this man? You will stay with my brother?"

Milena smiled and nodded. Yes. She would stay. This was her home.

"There is much I must tell you," Daria said.

"But you will not tell it now," Aishe had entered the wagon and ushered Daria off the bed. "Lenka and Ramiro need to rest and you have chores. You can speak your words tonight."

Daria sighed. "Tonight then. You will share our wagon with Petsha and me."

Milena's eyes went wide. So Petsha had finally taken Daria for a wife?"

Daria giggled at the sight of Milena's expression and a teasing glint appeared in her eyes. She kissed her friend's cheek and winked. "Tonight, pena. We will speak tonight. And I will tell you everything."

***

Cecily paced the room impatiently. "I knew that girl was trouble the moment she was brought into this house. We should never have allowed her to stay."

"Don't be so harsh, Cecily," Ruth reprimanded, "Leah has been nothing but polite. She had been a good influence in this house."

"She has left me with two crying daughters and a son that is drinking away his misery. How is that a good influence?!"

"Do not raise your voice," Ruth said. She sighed. "I know Leah left abruptly. It is only natural for the children to be upset. Give it time. We will sort everything out in the morning. It must have been unsettling for Leah too. All this time she had believed to have been abandoned. Of course she would go with them." She had to admit, she already missed the gypsy girl. If Leah decided to stay with her family, it would take a long time for things to get back to normal. "Try to be understanding," Ruth continued, "and support your daughters. I will go speak with Daniel." She worried for him the most. Somehow she would have to find out the fate of that man he had shot. Daniel would never forgive himself if he had killed someone.

Ruth stood up from her seat and left her daughter alone while she went in search of Daniel. It didn't take her long to find him. He had locked himself away in his study. He barely looked up when his grandmother entered. When she took the bottle of brandy away, he sighed and rubbed his eyes. "How are the girls doing?"

"They are still upset," Ruth answered, "but they will calm down. You need to get it together too, Daniel."

Daniel sighed. "Will you put those away for me?" He gestured towards the coffer that held the dueling pistols. He wanted nothing to do with them anymore. He would never go near a weapon ever again. He should have listened to Nathaniel.

Ruth nodded solemnly and took the coffer in her arms. "Go clean yourself up, Daniel," she said, "I know it has been a long day, but we will have a normal family dinner tonight. I expect you at the table at seven." She turned on her heels and walked out of the study.

It was as if James Blackwood had died all over again. She wouldn't allow this family to fall into that glum again. They needed to carry on, however difficult that might be.

***

Dorin's eyes remained on the piece of wood in his hands that he was carving, even when the footsteps halted at his side. He didn't need to look up to know who it was that had joined him.

"You let him live," he stated. Anyone that didn't know him might have mistaken his tone as accusing, but he was merely stating a fact.

Milena nodded quietly. She as well kept her eyes on some invisible spot ahead. Now that Cezar had given his consent to her union with Ramiro, she didn't feel so awkward around Dorin anymore.

Dorin nodded too, acknowledging her response, and continued to carve in the wood. Slowly it was turning into a flute. He might give it to Alec. He had not yet decided.

They stood together in silence for a moment, neither having been much for conversation in the past.

"Thank you," Milena said softly after a while. This time Dorin's hands stilled and he slowly looked at her, waiting. She offered him a sad smile. This was a good man and she wished him happiness. In that instance she was suddenly reminded of Emily and the thought filled her with regret. She wasn't even sure what had brought it up. Perhaps it was the way he always showed kindness to others even if he acted indifferent towards his actions. Perhaps it was the look in his eyes that held something lonely. In his own way he had looked out for her and she wished there was something she could do to repay him.

Dorin studied her for a moment, searching her face. His hand reached out to her, a bold move he wouldn't have made a few weeks ago, and his fingers locked around a strand of her hair. He let it slide through his hand before pulling away. "Welcome home. Lenka."

***

The girls were lying side by side on Emily's bed. For once they hadn't protested when they had been sent upstairs. Amelia pulled up the covers and tugged her sister in. It had been a quiet dinner, despite their mother's effort to fill the silence with idle talk. The seats had been rearranged, but all it did was emphasize Leah's absence. The moment dessert had been finished, everyone had fled the table.

"Do you think she'll come back?" Emily quietly asked.

"I don't know," Amelia answered softly, though she didn't think it likely. "Try to sleep, my sweet. I will stay here."

"Promise?" Emily's voice asked sleepily.

Amelia planted a kiss in her sister's hair. "I promise." She didn't want to be alone tonight either. She lied close to her sister and sighed sadly. Soon enough she would be married and leave this house too. She hadn't even stopped to think on how it would affect Emily. With Leah gone, Emily would be all alone. She made a promise to herself that she would look after her little sister. As often as possible, Amelia decided, she would invite Emily over, bring her on trips and visit home. She would not allow her sister to feel abandoned. She had been neglecting Emily lately because she had been so busy planning her wedding. That had been wrong. And selfish.

But she would make it up to Emily. She needed to change.

She looked at Emily, who had drifted into a light sleep, and brushed the hair from her face. "I'll be the best sister you can imagine," she whispered, "I'll be there when you need me. You won't even have to ask."

***

It was still early morning when a slim figure appeared from the morning mist with hesitant steps. He knew this was the right place, but he did not know what to expect. If his heritage wasn't enough to be resented, the reason for his visit would be.

But he had to try.

For the girl he loved.

And for the family he had grown to respect.

He took a deep breath and entered the campground.

It didn't take long for him to get noticed. An elderly man called for him.
The boy paused and gave a light bow. "I mean no intrusion, kako," he said respectfully.

"Then why are you here, boy?" the man asked, "you are not from this kumpania and there are no other travelers around."

"My name is Harun," the boy spoke, "I am not from any kumpania, though my mother came from the traveling people. I work at Blackwood Manor. I came to speak to the girl that came with you yesterday."

"The man you work for shot one of our own," the old man narrowed his eyes. "Did he sent you on his behalf to take the girl back? Did he think because you have the blood of a traveler would not object?"

Harun's eyes went wide. "No sir," he spoke, "he does not know I am here. Please, I only wish to speak to her. After that, I will go, but she needs to hear me out."

The conversation had drawn attention and more people now gathered around them.

"What is this?" a new person spoke, "a spy in our midst?"

"He came from the fancy man," he elderly man informed the others, "he came to see the girl."

"You want to take her back," another ow spoke angrily.

"No!" Harun hurried to say, "please just let me speak to her for a moment."

"I think you should go!"

"What is it you are all arguing about at the early hour?"

The group cleared a path and an old woman entered the circle. When she noticed Harun, she tilted her head. "Who is this? Why are grown men yelling at a child?"

Harun bowed his head again. Forgive me, puridaia," he said, "I did not mean to cause trouble. I came to speak with the girl that came with you yesterday. And then I will go."

Aishe stepped forward in front of him. "Look at me, boy," she ordered kindly.

Harun lifted his head and looked into her eyes. She studied him for a moment. "Who are your parents?" she asked.

Harun lowered his eyes. "My mother was Anila of Madhur's kumpania. My father is a carpenter." He expected disdain for being a halfblood child, but the old woman merely nodded. "I knew Madhur as a child. It is Nirav who leads that kumpania now." She looked at the men around her. "Someone give this child a seat at the fire and a meal. We will hear his words and send him on his way."

***

The commotion outside was what woke her up. Daria and Petsha were nowhere in sight, they must have decided to let her sleep.

Milena sat up and peered out of the small window. A group had gathered at the fire, looking reserved. Had there been trouble?

For a moment she feared another attack from hostile villagers, but then her eyes landed on a familiar face and she hurried out of bed and towards the group.

There were some whispers at her approach and several men and women cast her uncertain glances. Milena ignored them for now. He focus was on Harun who sat awkwardly in between Laszlo and Sergei. Aishe was looming in the background and when the old woman noticed Milena she tapped Alec's shoulder.

The boy glanced at Milena and then hurried towards Aishe's wagon.

Harun sat up straight when he saw Milena's approach. "Leah!" he called. Petsha stood up and came at Milena's side. "The boy came from Blackwood. He wishes to speak to you. Should we send him away?"

Harun stood up now too. "You can't just leave, Leah!" he said accusingly, "not without saying goodbye. I know what lord Daniel did was wrong, but he can't forgive himself. He took you in! He protected you! And what about Miss Amelia? And Emily? She can't stop crying!"

His words hurt her. She hadn't had time to think about the Blackwood family and what her leaving would do to them. Everything had happened so fast and so much had happened since. She never meant to hurt anyone.

An arm slid around her waist. "Don't shout at my wife." Ramiro's voice was angry.

"Ramiro," Petsha urged softly, "you should not be walking. You need rest."

Ramiro's eyes narrowed. "If the boy is here to take her from me again, then I will not rest."

Harun's eyes widened, realizing this was the man that had come for Leah, the man Daniel had shot. "You live," he stated.

"I will not be killed by some fancy gadjo," Ramiro spat, "he will be the one that dies if he tries to take my wife for himself."

Milena bit her lip in worry. She feared this would get out of hand again. She placed a hand on Ramiro's arm and shook her head.

"Lord Blackwood is not like that," Harun said. He looked at Milena. "You know he is not. He is an honorable man. He protected you from Jackson Caldwell."

"Caldwell?" Marius now spoke. He exchanged a look with Cezar, "we have heard of this man in the sea city." He turned to Ramiro. "This Caldwell, he hates us. We have heard about this."

It was Milosh who spoke now. He looked at Harun sternly. "I think it is time we hear the entire story."