Nicknames: Bella to most, Baba to my daughter.

Hometown or where you were born: I am told we, my twin and myself, were born near the Danube River in Romania.

Current Residence: I share the blue and purple vardo with the bells on the wheels with my daughter, Madalina. Occasionally we have visitors but normally ‘tis only we two.

Age: I have been alive for 29 winters.

Class: I am Gypsy. Howe’er the gypsy branch of the Boleyns are related to English Nobility, our distant cousin was once married to the King and she bore him a daughter named Elizabeth. As you should well know, Elizabeth is now Her Royal Majesty the Queen of England. That makes the Boleyn family quite a bit better than most other gypsies, or so my brother has always told us.

What do you do, your main function in life/society: I travel the world with my caravan to find and trade for goods, make new contacts in foreign lands and provide safe passage for those that wish protection while traveling. My caravan is widely known as one of the more reliable ways to get goods from foreign lands. We are quick like a sparrow and have yet to disappoint when sent in search of specific goods.

Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Yes to both. Swimming is the same as skinny-dipping, is it not?

Do you make fun of people: If you ask those close to me they would say that I tease everyone. Howe’er, the truth is I only tease those that know me better than most and never tease a patron of my trade.

Favorite Color: Gold, I know ‘tis the most decadent of choices…but is it not the most lovely color of them all?

Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: There are no crimes that I may be proven guilty of. Howe’er there are many I may have committed.

Closest friends/How did you meet: I have many, many friends in all classes and locations, howe’er the few that follow are the closest friends I have.

• Maestro, my brother. He is a good brother and the leader of the Boleyn family since our father died. He is the closest thing to a father I have known for many years, and as I am just a little older than his daughter he has always been very protective of me. It was one of his small caravans that I started out with so long ago, he is both pleased and amazed at how it has grown under my control. He was greatly pleased when I sent him word of my marriage, and even more so when he heard of my daughter’s birth. I think it was both a damnation and a godsend to him when my Evgeny died, he truly enjoyed him as a person but now he sees the opportunity to marry me off again. He has great fun in sending unsuitable men to me as possible husbands, I am lucky in that none of them have wanted to pursue such a union after realizing I have no wish to leave my caravan.
• Madalina Petrovin, my daughter. She is 3 winters old, and the greatest joy of my life. She is the only child from my too short and greatly cherished marriage. She is a sweet and loving child who brings much joy to those around her. Every day I see more of her father surface in her gentle humor and willful ways. She is well behaved and loves to help me care for any kind of animal, she particularly loves feeding elephants and horses.
• Rodrigo, my twin brother. He and I are very much alike, I greatly enjoy spending time with him though he is not much with me as his "travels" keep him busy. We are the youngest of the Boleyn line, I a mere 5 minutes older than he. We neither of us plan to settle down with family to grow old, we both enjoy our freedom too much to live quietly. Were you to ask me what he does with his time, I would reply that he is the first mate on The Crimson Revenge, a ship that sails the sea. A ship that once was his own which I had purchased for him, but that now belongs to Captain Kelley after my dear brother lost it in a gaming incident. I shall speak more of this situation later…
• Hope, my sister. She has been traveling with my caravan for many years now. She has an eye for fabrics and such things as might be used by tailors and cobblers. She is trustworthy and a very hard worker, but she also knows when to stop working and have fun. There are many stories I might tell you about Hope and the revels we have attended together, howe’er I am sure you have heard them from her 10 times over.
• Sir William of Whitehall, dear friend and excellent man of the horse. William and I met 6 summers ago when I was admiring his beautiful horses in the stables. I was treating them to some dried figs and talking to them, he must have been watching me from behind as when he made himself known he asked how I came to be so gifted at befriending warhorses. I showed him the pouch of figs and told him very few horses can resist a sweet treat. We have been friends ever since that afternoon. We see each other rarely, but when we do it can be a certainty that his horses shall receive sweet treats and that we shall spend time together conversing around a campfire.
• My caravan, they travel with Hope and myself. Madalina, Razvan, Boris, Ulric, Willy, Draguta, Maheotataé, Alin, Ileana, Carmen, and Djeran. Some of them have joined the caravan throughout our journeys, and others Maestro sent with me for protection when I was first setting out on my own.

One Pillow or two: Several lovely pillows from my journeys. Several…truly I should say I have an abundance of pillows as we have a vardo full of them. In addition to pillows I have many furs that I was given in trade for several nights of shelter during a terrible storm.

Pets: Desdemona Belle, Mistress of Kiwi Thistle – Madalina’s hedgehog, I got her from a trader that had recently been to Africa. Traded him 1 silver bell for her, not a bad deal I think. She is a beautiful tan color with a pink nose and bright black eyes that shine brightly when she wakes in the nighttime hours.

Guildenstern - my devoted dog. He came into camp when we were traveling in Russia and he would not leave. He has been with me ever since, and provides great entertainment and companionship. Though he is not what you might call a protector in general he can always be found close to Madalina, he treats her gently and will protect her if needed.

Favorite Type of Music: I have heard and enjoyed many types of music in my travels but above all else I will always love the sound of a deep and velvety male voice risen in song. ‘Tis magical the way you can be embraced by such a sound as the song hovers in the air around a campfire.

Hobbies/Pastimes: In what little time I have to myself I frequently can be found creating the wine I sell as a sleep agent or tying my newest bells on my belt or vardo. Less frequently you will find me learning new languages, writing missives, playing with Madalina & flirting of course.

Personal Hygiene: I bath in a lake or stream once a week when ‘tis available, I understand that many disagree with such frequent washings but I do not think it has done harm to my health.

Favorite Food: You will almost always find me eating carrots or apples. They are easy to carry and both horses and children like them.

Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: Baba Mitri is alive, my papa is not. I do not see Mitri as often as I would like, she is a wonderful woman who cares deeply about her family. We write frequently to each other, since Madalina’s birth she has been trying to get me to return for an extended visit with her in Canterbury which I will do this winter. I do not remember papa very well, I was very young when he died. Howe’er I do carry with me very distant memories of him…he was very strong with a deep strong laugh, his eyes had many lines around them from years of smiling and his beard tickled when you hugged him.

If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: Papa died 20 years ago in a horrible fire that destroyed many lives. I barely remember the fire at the encampment, what I most remember is trying to rescue my little doll from the family’s vardo. I ran away from my Papa to try and find her, which I now regret greatly as that was the last time I saw him. As a reminder to not act without thought I carry that doll with me always. She is quite singed and dirty, but neither time nor Madalina has destroyed her yet.

Favorite place to relax: I love spending time with horses, many happy hours have been spent at stables all around the world. An evening around a gypsy fire with the other members of my caravan is always entertaining as well.

Favorite Holy Day / Why: I love any day that brings with it a celebration. Howe’er were I forced to make a choice I would have to say July 25^th is of great importance to my caravan, ‘tis the day we celebrate St. Christopher and ask his protection to continue.

Favorite Drink: Coffee or tea, I often have to trade with sailors from the New World to get it. If not coffee or tea I prefer water, ‘tis most easily found.

What's your bedtime: I have many things to do before I rest my head: I see all the children settled, the fire properly banked, the animals fed and secured, the vardos locked, and any number of other chores that keep us safe and secure…I will only then lay down for the night.

What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: Brightly colored leather sandals. I had them made especially by a wonderful cobbler in Canterbury.

Are you married or single: I have been married once. Evgeny, my husband died 3 years ago from illness. He was everything I could have ever wanted in a mate and none have come close to stirring my heart since his death. I know my older brother is always looking for mates for his sisters and daughters, and while I appreciate his desire to see us married I have no desire to accept any of the men he tends to bring as suitors.

Do you have a family / who are they: My twin brother and I are the youngest of many siblings. Maestro has many children, his oldest children are very close to my own age so they are more like friends than nephews/nieces. Through marriage our family has grown even larger, some of the alliances would be most surprising to some. Gypsy blood runs everywhere…you would be amazed to learn how many people are cousins to the Boleyn line.

Favorite Entertainment: Playing with my daughter, nieces & nephews, seeing new places, relaxing around the campfire at night. Almost anything that allows me to have good conversation and laughter.

Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Grooming the horses, I used to hide bells in their tails. They made such a pretty sound, and not many knew where the soft tinkling came from.

Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Making the goat’s milk cheese to sell at market. I do not much enjoy the smell of goat’s milk.

Favorite Sport: I do not get the chance to participate in many sports. I ride horses when given the chance.

Most Humiliating Moment: That is easily answered, ‘twould be the time I tripped on a rock near the maypole in Canterbury in front of many people during the day’s end celebration. Fleet Foot had just delivered a missive from my dearest love Evgeny and in my excitement to retire and read the words of my beloved I turned to run and tripped over a large rock. I was up and had read thru half of the missive before I realized I was bleeding from several places. The executioner of Canterbury still teases me about that day, and my leg still bears the scars.

Proudest Moment: I have two moments I wish to share. The first was when Maestro told me that I could travel on my own for the first time. I decided to travel east as far as I could. It was a very long journey, some on land, some by sea...it ended in a place that I am sure not many have been to. I was but 16 winters old, it was an incredible journey that shall not be easy to duplicate in any way. The things I saw and the people I met have not left my memory yet, I truly doubt they ever will.

The second is not one moment, rather ‘tis all moments I am with my daughter. She brings me such joy and is a constant source of pride.

Craziest Person or silliest you know: There is a man that dresses as a Conquistador and travels the countryside, his mind is most definitely broken. He sees dragons in the place of windmills and seems to think that all women are called Dulcinea. The silliest would have to be the cabin boy which travels with Rodrigo’s ship. I do not believe he is crazy as he has a quick wit about him that tells of balanced humors, howe’er the boy refuses to speak. His only form of communication is wildly fluttering hand motions and the occasional whistle or chirp. It is most strange and yet at the same time highly amusing.

What do you look for in the opposite sex: I must admit recently I have not gazed on the opposite sex with much heartfelt interest. Howe’er I can tell you that Evgeny was the very embodiment of what I sought in a mate. He had a strong passionate heart, gypsies are passionate and our mates must be also. An easy smile, a well-shaped leg, loyalty, strength and good humor…I could not have asked to be more blessed.

In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" and How Do You Feel about that person: There are many persons higher than I, none of which I harbor ill feelings towards. I am the leader of my caravan which affords me the ability to answer to few other than Maestro and Mitri in our family. All must pay respect to the monarchy and nobles, our Queen has walked a difficult path with grace and strength that alone is worth adoration. And it is in best form to show deference to the church.

Favorite Sport to watch: Tournament events or hunting.

Do you remember your first kiss: Yes, my cousin Niculaie from the homeland kissed me when we were visiting. I was but 13 and did not like him. I am told he still bears the scar.

Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: We are with each other everyday… it is difficult to not be in touch with them when you travel with people you have known since childhood.

Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Our home travels with us, no need to leave it to find revelry. If pressed for an answer I would say the beaches of Spain are most appealing, and along the rivers of India can be incredibly lovely.

Have you ever been overseas: Many times. I am able to travel faster and with greater ease than many people, therefore I have seen places most have not. If you truly wish to know where I have traveled you need only ask.

Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: The floor of the vardo is a very sturdy and pleasing wood planking.

What is your bed made of: It is soft leather and fur that can be laid out on the vardo floor over pillows, or tied between trees outdoors. A most comfortable and warm bed, I am well pleased with it.

How many people sleep in your bed: Normally my bed contains only myself and Madalina, howe’er in bad weather there are many that may share the vardo with me. I am willing to share my space with anyone that needs shelter for a night or two.

Some Things Everybody Should Know About Me

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