Name Given at Birth: Marlaina Eliesa VasiliosMarlaina
Name Given at Birth: Marlaina Eliesa Vasilios
Nicknames: Laina
Hometown or where you were born: Firenza, Italy
Current Residence: leaky vardo…
Age: 23
Class: Gypsy
What do you do, your main function in life/society: Dance, Sing, make the gentlemen swoon…then make them pay for it. However, Xavier is welcome to indulge for free…
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Yes, of course I skinny dip…if the price is right. My swimming abilities depend on the coin allotted.
Do you make fun of people: Of course – I am prettier then all of them.
Favorite Color: Red, it interests men more than purple. It is also the color of passion – which I obviously possess.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Is being gorgeous a crime? If so, then yes. Guilty. Every day. Go ahead and put me in the stocks of love!
Closest friends/How did you meet:
- Esmerelda (Ezzie) – I was introduced to Ezzie by our old troupe leader, Clopin. Ever since we have been the best of friends – even as close as sisters.
- Xavier – Ezzie introduced me to Xavier. We are inseparable even though it might not appear so at times.
- Sapphira – Sapphira entered my life when I joined the troupe. I am very grateful to have her around. She may be a character indeed, but she is also a grand problem solver. I consider her a big sister to me.
- Shamus Maguire – Shamus is an old flame from my childhood that has seemingly never let me go. I expect he will show up at the harvest festival this year to irritate me.
One Pillow or two: My amount of pillows depends on the place I lay my head to rest. However, Xavier will always be my favorite and most comfortable pillow.
Pets: I used to have a badger as a child but Shamus scared him away one summer.
Favorite Type of Music: Zeals, for they are very seductive in their own way.
Hobbies/Pastimes: I enjoy making myself more beautiful when I can. However, I always find time to perfect my artwork…
Personal Hygiene: I bathe as often as possible. The men tell me I am sweet as a spring flower, so naturally it is important to smell like one.
Favorite Food: Baklava – made better when served from a beautiful man’s hand…
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My mother is still alive and well in Italy. My father passed away when I was very young.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My father died in the Great Gypsy Fire of 1554.
Favorite place to relax: Under a graceful willow, working on my art.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Beltaine; it is a celebration of life, love, and procreation…
Favorite Drink: Peppermint Apple Mead
What's your bedtime: When my feet grow weary. I must not strain the wonderful fiber holding my being together.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: Sandals; lightweight yet sturdy. I never know if I’ll be running or dancing or wading in the water, so I need to be sure my footwear is sturdy enough.
Are you married or single: some days I wonder what my status will be when Xavier gives me those looks…
Do you have a family / who are they: My mother still lives in Italy. However, I have not seen her for many summers. My current family is my troupe, whom I love dearly.
Favorite Entertainment: Watching my troupe, my family, dance. It puts me in such a wonderful trance. I also enjoy watching the sun rise with its grace. There is something very beautiful about starting over in a new day.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I enjoyed learning to paint from my mother. She taught me to see the world for its grace, not its grime.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I hated cleaning up after the mules. Of course, that chore was reserved for punishment. What can I say? I was a free spirit!
Favorite Sport: Competing with Scarletta to see who can get more coin.
Most Humiliating Moment: I revealed my love to Xavier in the dark, only it wasn’t Xavier, it was Adonis!
Proudest Moment: Joining the Troupe Festivale. Finally I was part of a whole – a family. I thought I would never achieve such a great honor.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Theodosia – I often enjoy playing tricks on the boys with her. She is quiet, but very sneaky!!
What do you look for in the opposite sex: I love a man of mystery. On who is not afraid of love, or showing it.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord": Adonis – he keeps us nourished and happy…most of the time.
Favorite Sport to watch: I love to watch the drinking games at pubs. They are quite entertaining!
Do you remember your first kiss: My first kiss was magical. I shared it with Shamus on a fine night in Fermanagh (Ireland).
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: I have, sadly lost touch with most; the troupe keeps me so busy! However, Shamus has a habit of showing up out of the blue on occasion.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: I love to steal off to Italy when possible to visit my mother.
Have you ever been overseas: I have been over many seas; as a gypsy, I travel with my troupe, wherever we are led.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Dirt or mud, depending on the weather. Sometimes I am lucky enough to stay in the vardo, where the floors are wood.
What is your bed made of: My skirt provides nice cover for a bed of dirt, mud, grass, and the occasional Xavier.
How many people sleep in your bed: However many sleep outdoors. Most times Xavier and I are closest together – unless his mouth gets the best of him during the day…
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. I have Irish and Spanish blood.
2. I can outdrink you, so do not attempt to try.
3. Though Xavier and I fight constantly, I still love him dearly.
4. My precious art is the art of body contortion.
5. I once kissed Adonis, thinking he was Xavier.
6. My mother raised me to respect those around me – only if they are deserving.
7. I taught Scarletta all she knows about gypsy life on the road.
8. My beauty comes from my mother.
9. The Maestro is teaching me to read and write.
10. I fear Shamus might still wish for my company…