Lucianna Boleyn
Name Given at Birth: Lucianna Danika Adalgiese Boleyn
Nicknames: Sister. I hear this name most of all.
Hometown or where you were born: I was beano abri –born outdoors-- near Fiume, a town on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, but I think of the caravan as "home". Wherever there is our kumpania, there is home.
Current Residence: Gypsy Encampment, outside of Sherwood
Age: This is my 27th happy bershor –year-- seeing the harvest festival.
Class: Gypsy, though I associate with most classes, even if they will not admit it.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I am slowly carving out a place in the family business. Like my papa, I have many responsibilities and do not always follow a conventional approach, and sometimes that is looked down upon. Papa never forgets that I am not a boy, and has yet to feel comfortable with the advantages I can bring as a woman. As our magnificent kralisi –queen--proves herself more than capable in a man’s profession, my opportunities increase. Mostly I have done lots of cooking and cleaning and making clothing for my phrala –brothers. I have taken over many of Martino’s former duties, along with Nikolai and Evgeny. Now I manage deliveries, track inventory, and plan routes for trade. Nikolai assigns chores, but I make sure my dozen brothers are staying out of trouble. I am glad to be breaking out of my traditional role, and am proud that Papa trusts in my abilities. He has recently shown his trust by assigning me more difficult tasks that require time away from the caravan. Papa does business for the queen, amongst other leaders with great power. He has entrusted me as a new set of eyes and ears in the other family business.
Since papa has married again, my duties have increased. One of my greatest fears came true after our Yule and Twelfth Night (also my birthday) celebrations. The very day after we ceased our revels, Papa’s new manushi –wife-- sent us off into the world without him! That left Martino in charge with a great deal of help from us older children. Just over a fort-night after our exodus, the French government arrested my oldest brother as a spy. Papa returned to us straight away. We started to nurse Martino back to health, then Papa sent me to take Martino to a convent in Brussels so that he may rest safely. We are fortunate Martino did not sustain greater injuries. As atrocious as that ordeal was, it did bring about two fortunate events. During the short time Martino was in charge, we got to know him better as a leader and a Rom, not just a brother. And the more significant thing of it is that papa is back with us. He knows we are old enough to look after ourselves and travel with the caravan, but we want him with us on the open road where a Rom belongs.
Papa has sent me to do much business in Vulgaria since the incident in France. I send missives often, so I have become quite adept at coding my words. I do get to see the family as often as I can (sometimes making up reasons to rejoin the caravan, but don’t tell papa), and I cannot wait to be rejoined with them for good. Perhaps after the impending events of this harvest-time, my duties will be fulfilled and I might take a break from the life of espionage.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: certainly
Do you make fun of people: At times, I admit, an unkind word slips from my lips. Mostly such language is meant in jest, and I do apologize if ever I have offended.
Favorite Color: Currently bright blues and oranges catch my fancy. Why I cannot say. Why does a gypsy need to explain the things she fancies?
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime? One must be caught to be convicted, and Boleyns do not get caught. Well, they never had gotten caught. Poor Martino’s bok –luck. Nay, I’ve not been convicted.
Closest friends/How did you meet: There seem to be an unusually great number of puyuria –gypsy groupies-- in Canterbury who like to call gypsies friends. That contradicts the whole of the rest of the world. My closest friends are those I spend the most time with in the kumpania- my Papa and brothers and several members of Troupe Festivale. Perhaps I shall become close friends with my new mother’s wards. We shall see how the gadje take to the magnificent Boleyn familia.
- Illyana is another gypsy of our kumpania who makes a good friend. Sometimes quiet, she can also be very opposite that. She is a wonderful girl who I would think to match with my phral Evegeny if the both of them were not such terrible flirts with absolutely everyone. Mayhaps one day they shall learn to contain their appreciations for the opposite sex.
- Petronella, princess of Vulgaria, has become quite a good friend of mine, perhaps even my best. She spent nearly a year with us Romany when she experienced that horrible trauma brought on by the Englishman. Since her return to the Vulgarian court, I have gotten to visit many times and at great lengths. We see each other often and have similar tastes, so we are a natural fit to be friends. We often sit and talk of all types of worldly things for hours on end. Petronella has taken well to sewing, which is something I tried to get out of in favor of more active work. She is genius with a thread and needle. The princess has helped brighten my wardrobe (I did not know I needed that) and I have helped her design new dresses. We would make quite the team if we were inclined to pick up the trade of tailoring.
- The Vulgarians seem to adore me for some reason, which does make my job in their country easier. I enjoy their company too for the most part. They are constantly trying to fatten me up with radishes. I would be inclined to tell you more, but that might compromise my position.
- I have many other friends the world over because sometimes the best way to watch is to be friends. And sometimes friends have to be watched.
One Pillow or two: Pillows make gypsies soft. And an arm does not get lost or stolen. When I am in Vulgaria, Petronella does force me to use many of them.
Pets: I have too many responsibilities to care for animalos in addition to my brothers and father. While there are several horses and goats and a few dogs around, I do not consider any of them pets; they are for practicality. Methinks Sasha seems the big cats as his pets. Because we have bolos –pigs-- we also have but byrlja –many flies-- though some days that is because of my sweaty brothers.. Horses are my favorite animal, however, and I go to see the jousting steeds whenever time permits.
Now, the Vulgarians have many pets! I have spent so much time with them lately that it is like I have pets too. Aside from Petronella’s Mina, the rest are all ugly or marhime, particularly the cats. The Pomeranian is sweet at least.
Favorite Type of Music: There is something about the Greek Bazouki that resonates in me. I also love the Romani violin.
Hobbies/Pastimes: When there is time, or the vreme –weather-- forces us indoors, I enjoy stories; mostly swatura --true stories-- rather than paramitsha –fairy tales. Storytelling can also bring coin as we move about the countryside, so it is a practical hobby. I know several dice games, which I sometimes let miro kushti phrala –my good brothers-- win.
Personal Hygiene: Canipen –a stench--is the surest way to keep people away from you, and that is last thing I want to do. Though that might be a good way to find some time to myself. I wash my hands whenever they get something slimy or dirty on them, and the rest of me as necessary to keep friends.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: The woman who brought me into this world, like my siblings’ mothers, died too soon. My papa, the Maestro, is very much alive.
I have had eleven mothers in my life. Some of them I do not remember as they died before I was old enough to know them. I stopped thinking of them as mitris though because none of the women lasted very long. Papa has married many times, but none of the women lasted very long. Papa has another new manushi –wife-- and this one may stick.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My mother, Valentina, died in childbirth.
Favorite food: The delicate crepes served here in Canterbury. The cinnamon and chocolate one was invented just for me!
Favorite place to relax: The entryway to the tilt-yard through the barbican has the best breeze in all of Canterbury.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Yule, of course, is my favorite holiday. I could say it is because we get a break from the hard work of the rest of the year, or because it is a time to enjoy the whole family when we gather from all over the world, or even because we all get to sleep indoors when we celebrate at Highgate Manor. The truth of it is, however, that Yule is my favorite holiday because I know Martino will be there, and of all the things on this earth I might miss, it is my big brother I miss the most. If things do not take a better turn soon, Yule may also become the saddest Holy Day, as my poor dear phral and the monks attempting to nurse him back to health are in grave danger of losing the battle .
Favorite Drink: Perry is lovely in the evening when sitting by the fire after the work is done. Parni –water-- during the day. I am beginning to take a liking to Vodka, it does keep a gypsy warm on those cold nights.
What's your bedtime: When the work is done, I sit by the jag –fire-- for an hour or so, then go to bed. When I actually go to sleep depends on my responsibilities for the next day.
What if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: leather sandals, like my brothers.
Do you have a family / who are they: I am a part of the magnificent and world-reknowned Boleyn family, led by the Maestro, my papa. Not only is he a respected voivod –gypsy leader-- he is the most wonderful man and father there could be. Poor papa is a pivlo –widower-- a dozen times over and he married again last year. With those nuptials, he became Lord Mayor of Canterbury, an advantage I oft times forget.
He has the most wonderful and ves’ tacha desh ta trin chavvi –beloved 13 children-- in all of Christendom! In my immediate family, I am the only girl among a desh ta dui –a dozen-- brothers. Many of us enjoy watching the ceri –sky-- both night and day. Luca, Nikolai and I are constantly looking at clouds and stars. I know not if it is our Romani blood or if our heads are stuck in the clouds. I love each of my brothers dearly, but I do not coddle them; they need strict disciple along with the compassion I so gladly bestow.
- Martino is smart, strong, and capable of anything he sets his mind to. Papa has entrusted him with many important responsibilities. How I miss him. We always had such fun together! As we all grow older, he seems to need the family less and less. Martino is in a dire spot since the attack in France. It seems he is not heeling as well as the friars had hoped, and the missives I have received of late make me fear for his life. I cannot even begin to think of what a loss it would be to the family if he does not recover. There are too many tasks to be done and too many other brothers to worry over to dwell on such sad thoughts. I will say an extra prayer for him each night until his safe and healthy return.
- Martino and Santiago have been fighting their whole lives. They started on their way into this world, in fact. I am convinced that is what killed their poor mother in childbirth, and not the incredible size of Martino’s head.
- Santiago is Martino’s twin. While he is always reminded that he is the younger of the two, he is a good man in his own way. He whines a lot, but if I had to compete with Martino all my life, I’d have a good deal to complain about too. I wish him every happiness in the world!
- Nikolai has the confidence of Adonis, and the following of royalty. He can do the work of three men if he wants to, and some days he does. I think he needs inspiration, and he finds it in every girl he meets. He gets into trouble quite often, but gets the work done when he needs to.
- Evgeny has many fine talents. If he is ever lost, he can be found by looking up. He is strong, a wonderous dancer, and a hard worker. He is quite an accomplished gypsy, and has the most remarkable silver tongue ever witnessed. He will never lack for words when wooing or talking his way out of trouble. Of late, I find myself most compatible with Evgeny and spend many evenings discussing all that life brings us.
- Sasha is the one who defies a gypsy’s rambunctious nature. He is quiet and smart. A true poet. He is by far the most scholarly of the bunch. He and Benvolio spend time comparing numbers. He is bright not just with his brains, but with his heart. His spirit shines with joy.
- Slavvo embodies all things gypsy. He is dark and handsome with a wonderful talent for turning himself into whatever a person wants to see. Sometimes he turns himself into a good gypsy son when that is what Papa wants to see! In tshatshimo –truth-- Slavvo is as respectful and obedient as any of the rest of us. Perhaps what makes him so good at being what people want to see is that he actually is what people like. He is talented, warm-hearted, hard-working, and genuine. He is quite the performer! He sings, dances, and breaks hearts.
- Gregor is so like Slavvo, but very much his own person. In ways, he is the best brother of all because he loves all of us so much. He looks out for every member of our family and will do anything required of him. He tries hard, but is on the clumsy side. He works hard and plays hard, and I hope he will always be happy.
- Gido is fearless! He is bold beyond sense sometimes. That bravado means he can accomplish things others would not think of trying. And what a wonderful voice he has. He belts out songs whether he knows the words or not. Gido can almost always be found enjoying life and adventuring with Tido.
- We joke that Tido is the brains for both he and Gido both, but Gido is no dummy. Tido is a smart one though. He does a great job of keeping the caravan on track through helping navigate roads and watching the journey of the sun across the sky. Where such activities are a passion for me, Tido has turned it into his craft. He is smart, but lucky for Papa, has not learned to use his brains to his best advantage. Tido stays out of trouble because the sly smile in his eyes melts the heart of anyone he sees.
- Cezar is full of talent too. He is trying to live up to what his older brothers have done. Oh, and how full of wit and humor he is! He has the timing of a jester with a joke and can make me laugh any time at all. He does not realize all he has to offer. This year, Cezar has taken up with Troupe Festival sharing his gifts with the world. Now his job is to sing and dance and make people happy. What a lucky boy! He has so much potential, he does not need to worry about a thing.
- Benvolio used to be quiet and young. Over the last year, he has grown taller than Evgeny and almost as strong. He talks more than ever, which is still not a lot, but when he does find something to say, it is full of insight. With the heart of a lion, Benny-boy is full of such love. I have all the faith in the world that he will grow to be a great man one day. He will never want for a thing once he establishes himself, and Papa will be most proud of him.
- Luca, the youngest, is no longer the baby brother I used to care for. He is still young, but there is a hint of a man in his eyes. He does nothing half way. He has a natural gift for dance like Evgeny and a love for knowledge like Sahsa and Benvolio, he just needs to learn when to stop asking questions. He is a dreamer, which I can appreciate. We sometimes spend slow afternoons watching clouds make shapes in the sky together. Always wanting to please Papa, he does not have to try very hard in order to succeed. Luca is the boy most like his big sister. I often times wonder which of us loves the other more.
- Of course there are also my grandmother, the Lady Esmerelda Highgate and her husband Sir William Highgate. They are magnificent people with the most wonderous stories!
- Belladonna and Rodrigo are papa’s youngest siblings (twins), and my aunt and uncle, though we are really more like friends. We are virtually the same age.
- Lenora is another bibi –aunt-- with a gift for music. She can oftentimes be found with her harp.
- Valena is the responsible one. She tries to make explainations for Hope, usually to no avail. I do like Valena very much.
- Then there are my kakos –uncles-- Victor and Grofo, who I am never sure how to take. They are capable men, but sometimes odd. Odd can, of course, mean fun.
- Rosa Lee’s first husband was my uncle Angelo who died in a tragic fire along with my first grandfather, Radu. I consider her my aunt and friend. I do hope she will be able to make it to Canterbury this year. She is quite busy with Angelis de Maestro. I miss her and relish every moment I get to spend with her.
Favorite Entertainment: Singing and dancing are always fun. I enjoy playing board games when there is time, but what I truly love are stories. Papa’s Mitri tells the best stories. I have taken to playing the drum also.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Reading maps and grooming horses. I started to appreciate real distances when I was able to see on a map how far we traveled. When I got good enough at reading them, I was allowed to "guide" the caravan. That does not seem so thrilling now, but it did when I was a child.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I never have liked packing up camp when we are ready to move on. I like to go, but not the getting ready to go.
Favorite Sport: Riding, especially with Papa. When we spend any length of time at Highgate Manor, I beg Patri to let me go to the stables. Any chore that involves a horse I will volunteer for. I also, like Nikolai, enjoy archery.
Most Humiliating Moment: During my time away from the caravan, I worked as a squire. I would prepare the horses and equipment for the joust, then helped run the tournaments. In order to test the field for the footing of the steeds, the knights would lance at thrown rings. My job was to throw the rings into the air to be caught on the lances, but I could not seem to get it right. In the middle of one such test on a tournament day, Sir William got off his horse, walked over to me, threw a ring as an example, and humiliated me in front of over one thousand people. He did not mean to hurt my feelings or my pride. That event caused me to do some thinking, and I realized that the work I was doing for the knights was no different from that I did for my family. I was still cleaning up after and cooking for a group of men, only joust fields and horse manure were dirtier than vardos and cook fires. I could do the same work for the same food and better revels if I returned to the caravan. Papa was happy (and gracious) to have me back, and I have never been more blessed since my return. My experience with the knights was wonderful, but I am glad to be home.
Proudest Moment: Realizing the kind of faith my papa has in my ability to take care of important aspects of his business. It turns out he has known all along that I could do more than take care of my brothers.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Gido. He is not crazy in a bad way, he just has this zeal for life. That passion for getting everything out of every moment gives Gido the ability to do things the rest of us would never dare.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: Kindness, strength, and sweet lips.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord": My papa, the Maestro.
How Do You Feel about that person? I adore his frankness, honesty, and work ethic. I also respect his ability to make things happen. He has one of the kindest hearts of anyone on this earth, too, but I’m not allowed to tell anyone that.
Favorite Sport to watch: Tennis is quite the novelty when I am able to sneak around the court to watch.
Do you remember your first kiss: Yes. It just sort of happened one night during a revel. I had walked away from the noise and lay on the char –grass-- looking up at the stars. Suddenly Alonzo was lying next to me, our temples touching. I didn’t know where he came from or when he had arrived. We lay there kettaney –togethr-- silently watching the ceri –sky--for almost an hour, then our faces turned toward each other, and our lips met.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: I had many friends throughout my childhood, from many different places. My brothers have always been around, and I see them all of the time. When I travel, I try to meet up with as many amali –friends--as I can.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: When have I time for vacation? The Yule is the only time for more than a few hours rest, so I suppose Highgate manor is my favorite spot. Somerset is one of my favorite places to travel when I am away from Canterbury; it is delightful in the spring with purple and orange flowers painting the hillside. I also love the baro pani –sea.
Have you ever been overseas: I was born far from here and have crossed many borders in my lifetime.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: When the world is your home, you have all types of floors, but mostly I have chik –dirt or ground--(outside) and kast –wood--(in the vardo).
What is your bed made of: I have a bedroll made of 5 blankets and dunhi –goose down filled blanket--which provide a delightfully soft pad as temperatures rise and welcoming warmth when the verme –weather-- turns cold.
How many people sleep in your bed: It depends on the weather and what sort of festivities have taken place earlier in the evening. It used to be that I would find a spot in the char a little away from the boys where I could tchalai –star-- gaze. That was until Papa gifted me with something beyond my dreams! Why the boys bickered and bragged about the fine pillows gifted to them from Papa, Evgeny was busy building something on Papa’s orders as a gift for me- my own vardo! Then, knowing my love of the night sky, he had Sasha concoct and Evgeny build a window in the roof that I could sleep with open under the ceri,--sky-- or close it when the brishen –rain-- does come. Now while the boys sleep on the shillo chik --chilly ground--, I sleep in the comfort of a vardo. Of course I make room when necessary. I am truly a blessed Romany.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me
1. I love to laugh.
2. I expect much of myself and others. This is a trait I get from my papa. We are both hard workers and expect nothing less from the rest of the kumpania.
3. I believe that fairness and good-will go a long way towards gaining respect.
4. Benvolio is right when he says that his sister has much to say.
5. While I’m excited to see my new mother again (it has been nearly a year since the announcement of papa’s marriage, and almost as long since we’ve gone form Canterbury), I do worry that she will try to keep us from the traveling life we love. Even worse, she might make papa stay and he will send us off with the caravan without him! This happened last year, and Martino suffered the worst because of it. The lady Jane does not have the sense to learn from her mistake of keeping him in Canterbury. I cannot imagine life without Papa, and I have no desire to try.
6. I plan to get the Duchess Jane to jal a drom --travel the road-- so that Papa and we children will be happy.
7. Papa tells all of my brothers to stay away from gadje girls, but he MARRIED one!
8. Gypsies seem like the care-free type, but we have many worries.
9. Cama miro mairam Romano! --I love the gypsy life-- I LOVE our caravan. While I happily accept any task my papa may send me out to do, no matter how long it takes, my place is with the caravan, and I have no desire to be anywhere else.
10. I have a weakness for the rain, a trait I share with Evgeny. I even enjoy working in brishen. Our recent trip to the north filled with flooding, ruined costumes, cold nights, and mud squishing between our toes in our sandals did not even dampen this affinity.