Hope Shelieghme

Name Given at Birth: Hope Shelieghme (and they do) Boleyn

Nicknames: There is always Hope!

Hometown or where you were born: A Gypsy encampment in Ireland on our way to a Fall Festival at Canterbury

Current Residence: My tent in the gypsy camp outside of Sherwood.

Age: Ya think I would tell ya that do ya? I wager a fair coin on persons guessin’ me age and win, for in truth I only act me age on the second Thursdays of the new moon, if I miss it, I wait till the next moon.

Class: I am Gypsy: A black sheep branch related to the Boleyn’s of English Nobility. But Maestro says I’m in a class of my own.

What do you do, your main function in life/society: I am the gather of fine fabrics for our gypsy band – I have a talent for acquiring them & the training of our family horses.

Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: but of course, what easier way to get a man to leave the coin in his britches unattended.

Do you make fun of people: NEVER, for it will come back on ye 3 fold.

Favorite Color: What ever color of silk me captains’ grace me with as a gift.

Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: No! Those charges were dropped Never! I am a cleaver Gypsy & receive many beautiful gifts.

Closest friends/How did you meet: Veronica Franco: I was educated on reading, writing and other subjects while working for her household in the stables training her horses. She is the only one that I share "those certain secrets" with.

One Pillow or two: Many, many pillows to rest me weary head on, unless there is someone that knows the way to help me on the road to slumber.

Pets: My dragon, "When’ll" keeps me company, along with my 3 horses, Breeze, Riggin’ and Max, along with me cat, Lizzie, named after our dear Queen.

Favorite Type of Music: The passion that can only be found in gypsy violins, whether played to dance to or in sadness & and the voices raised in Gaelic song. I’m rather fond of "The Queen of Argyle"

Hobbies/Pastimes: The tellin’ of stories, Maestro starts the story at the fire of an evening with one sentence & I must weave the tale of mystery, intrigue and of course laced with a wee bit of passion, ok a lot.

Personal Hygiene: I bathe daily in the streams near the encampment, and wear the sent of Dragons Breath to make me irresistible.

Favorite Food: Baklava

Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My Mother is very alive and still passionate and dancing, we have the same love of life, and fine things.

If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My father died in the great gypsy fire of 1576, an unusual fire, Rosa Lee was dancing the gypsy dance of passion, things got out of control and the caravan burned to the ground. In fact 2 caravans, a small forest and half of a nearby village were destroyed. My mother, of course, would be Esmerelda Highgate, now the Lady to Lord Highgate

Favorite place to relax: In the tall grasses along the river in the shade of the cottonwoods with my horses grazing around me.

Favorite Holy Day / Why: Christmas Tide. Not only is it a day we celebrate our Savior’s day of birth, but I relish the chance to choose the gifts to give me family and friends.

Favorite Drink: Warmed Blackberry Mead especially on those cold nights.

What's your bedtime: When my days is done & I can sit by the fire and watch it’s glowing embers as it lulls me into the land of dreams.

What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: 7 button boots or nothing, I love to be bare… footed.

Are you married or single: very single, that is until my brother makes me a fine match, one that will richly benefit the clan.

Do you have a family / who are they: Of course there is me mother, the Lady Highgate. And how could one not count me brother Maestro, as one of my dearest ones. My favorite sister is of course Belladonna, we travel well together in her caravan. Being gypsy grants me a very large family that is too large to mention.

Favorite Entertainment: Kissin’….. and kissin’, but not the tellin’

Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: All reading!!! I was schooled in the house of Veronica Franco while working her stables as a horse trainer for several seasons.

Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Packing the caravan to move, I love seeing new places, but I hate the packin’

Favorite Sport: Racing my horses, I ride like the wind and often dress as a boy to compete.

Most Humiliating Moment: While bathing in the stream one day I was happened upon by both Father O’Malley, and Lord Towns. How could I lure Lord Towns into the stream with the good Father there.

Proudest Moment: The day I won the Darby on me horse Breeze. We flew like the wind itself.

Craziest Person or silliest you know: Even though he is a dear friend, I would have to say the King of Vulgaria is the silliest person I have even known. Even though he has a heart as big as all outdoors, his taste in fabrics is something that makes me giggle when I am alone. And I will not claim to have sold him any of those fabrics that he has put together.

What do you look for in the opposite sex: Kindness, honesty of heart, and sweet lips. Of course, a large purse and codpiece to match (neither of them stuffed with fluff and empty promises) would not hurt either.

In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" Maestro, my older brother, he has taught me the importance of balancing making things happen, getting things done, and taking time for ones self and the simple joys in life.

Favorite Sport to watch: Archery!!! Although I must admit, I have many a time bored of the watching & had to join in if only to best my brothers or to honor the family name.

Do you remember your first kiss: I that I do, it was most memorable, like ones first taste of sweetened ice.

Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: I have friends from many different realms because we move around so much, but as I travel, I meet up with as many of my dear friends as possible.

Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Venice….I can close my eyes and hear the music of the Gondoliers as their songs open the hearts of young lovers.

Have you ever been overseas: Yes many a time….and many yet to come.

Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Dirt floors in my tent with a fine woven rug given to me by my brother last Yule.

What is your bed made of: A Hammock with 7 blankets and furs, to provide softness or warmth as need be….unless…..

How many people sleep in your bed: Me dragon and me cat, for me brother would tan my hide and stretch it on his Vardo were I to loose my most sellable virtue, should I ever get caught.

10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:

1. I love to laugh.

2. I’m highly completive, whether it be on horseback, with a bow, a knife, or a sewing needle.

3. I expect much of myself and of others.

4. I can read, write and am well educated in many facets of life.

5. I love my family and will defend them in any manner necessary.

6. My favorite colors are Peridot, Amethyst, Smokey Quartz, and Garnett. How ironic that they are beautiful jewels as well.

7. I have a weakness for jewels and silks especially, in any color.

8. I love a citrus rose and wear one in my bodice daily, you have but to ask that you might smell it’s sweetness.

9. I share the gift of second sight with my dear Mother.

10. Me Legs, go all the way up…..

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