Viktor Christian George Boleyn
Name given at birth: Viktor Christian George Boleyn
Nickname: The Peacock
Hometown or where you were born: I was born in the back of a wagon on the road during a horse buying trip much to my Mothers surprise! I might add. I believe we were either in France or Hungary
Current Residence: In the Gypsy Encampment not far away enough from the barbarians camp.
Age: 49 I may have lost count.
Class: I am Gypsy! And barely younger brother to the, " Maestro". A master of merriment sought by many from the Royal Court. It is rumored that he is also an agent of the English Queen going where she can not, but I know not for certain.
What do you do Your main function in life/society: I have been in Canterbury three years now I think Working for my dear brother (harsh taskmaster that he is). I care not for the intrigues of court, I am sworn to the queen and support my dear brother in whatever endeavor he under takes. I also help with our wonder troop. I have done many things in the past. These include horse trading, gem merchant and herbalist.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: I can swim, but what I really enjoy is a good long soak in the hot springs! Ah natural of course.
Do you make fun of people: Normal no, but since coming to Canterbury I have discovered those fabulous fops. Where do they get those clothes and those colors?
Favorite Color: From the blackest night to that wonderful mix of colors at dawn and again at sunset just in reverse, The blush of a first kiss, The angry purple red wail of a newborn, Ha one color that often soon follows the other sometimes. Look into the embers of your campfire and see the glorious colors there. There free for you to enjoy.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: I am Gypsy and I still have my head attached. So No, but I have helped other family members when they needed my help! But I have a poor memory; poor vision and can’t hear very well either. Oh and if you believe this I also have some valuable stones, er gems to sell you, but you know that gold coins tend to sharpen my eyes and ears at least Gypsy gold has that effect on me.
Closest friends/How did you meet: Ah I have many friends in the different Gypsy camps/bands that I have stayed with during my travels. My mother remains my best friend, my older brother, his family and troop, my sisters
Leonora, Beladonna and I must not forget Rosa Lee she has always given me sound advice. I count Sir William Highgate as a friend also.
One Pillow or Two: Well my brother might call me soft, but I have more than one it’s my back you know how an old man is.
Pets: At this time I have just the horse that pulls my vardo, but I am known to take in strays of all types. Need a place to stay?, do you cook?
Favorite type of music: Need you ask, why Gypsy music of course! I am more than a little partial to Leonora harp. I have traveled to many lands and listened to many types of music and song. But none sounds sweeter or entertains better than my older brother’s does the Maestro and his troop.
Hobbies/pastimes: Watching my brother try to find "matches for his sons and daughters" He worries that they will not or can not do it on there own, But just between you and me he has fine strong sons that make wise decisions most of the time. I kept urging him to hand over the leadership and come soak in the springs and enjoy the sunset while he is still able to. Every once and a while I get the urge to wander into the surrounding forest and look for unusual plants and animals, but I think its just an excuse to get away from it all for a short time
Personal Hygiene: I know it is not considered healthy, but I like to be clean! And the ladies seem to like it also. I try and bath once a week or at least get wet. Did you know that according to our Barber Surgeon you should wash your hands and face more often than that?
Favorite food: Ah my late wife used to prepare a game hen that melted in your mouth, but I have never gotten it right. My younger sister Belladonna is a fine cook, but she will not share her recipes with me. Perhaps I could temp her with an unusual gift or two?
Are your parents alive, do you still honor them: My father is gone these many years, he died in a fire in the south of France in 1554, but my mother is alive and well. Although she is married to a nobleman named Lord Highgate. He is not Gypsy, but a good man none the less. I honor her choice and call him friend. He is a good friend to the Gypsy’s and watches out for my older brother like a true Gypsy would do.
Favorite place to relax: Remember those hot springs I mentioned earlier, or at least out of range of hearing of the camps and Canterbury when I have not the time to travel to the springs, Of course this is after all the chores are done brother.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: It would have to be the Yule time when family and friends gather to sing, dance and exchange gifts. It’s always a joy to try and guess what I will get from whom. The half-day off is appreciated also.
Favorite Drink: Ah you ask too many questions and I tire easily, but if you must know. Its raspberry mead, ale or beer if nothing else is available. The barbarians make a brew that is an interesting change, but I would not drink much of it. You never know what land you may wake up in.
What is your bedtime: After I have finished the tasks my brother has set before me for the day and checked to see that all the animals and children are safely tucked in. I also check and make sure to see that my older brother gets some sleep usually by coming to him with a question about the next day’s needs, but nothing worrisome or urgent.
What if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: Boots, sandals, slippers or bare feet as the need dictates. Have you not ever had to move silently across the cobblestones at night in an unfriendly place, but usually a fine pair of black boots, a Yule gift from Lord Highgate one-year.
Are you married or single: I have never remarried after my Pesha was taken from my side in the winter of 1561. It was a riding accident! I should have never let her get on that demon horse; but she was as stubborn as she was pretty. We had not been blessed with any children yet. I wandered broken hearted for many years, finally returning to Canterbury in 1572 to work for and help my older brother.
Do you have a family / who are they: Ah so many questions, you may regret this one as I come from the largest and greatest Gypsy band in the entire world. First there are my brothers and sisters.
Martin my older brother you know him as the Maestro " Need I say more"
Grofo who is coming to join us at this years Harvest festival, he is a busy one is he
Leonora also one of my sisters and her wonderful harp
Valena quiet, but always a big help
Belladonna my littlest sister who loves bells, children and court intrigue and travel of course.
And then there is my dear mother Lady Highgate and her husband Lord Highgate. My brothers and sisters also have many children. From Martino my oldest brother’s oldest son to my little sisters littlest one there all loved.
Favorite Entertainment: Watching the Gypsy dancers of course!
Favorite Subject in school or chore growing up: Reading and writing and tending the animals especially the Horses.
Least Favorite Subject or chore growing up: Learning my numbers and sums, But I learned them well before having permanently raw knuckles.
Favorite Sport: Ah that would be the joust and throwing the bones.
Most Humiliating Moment: Getting caught kissing a certain Horse traders daughter when father was trying to get the best deal and the long ride home afterwards.
Proudest Moment: When that same horse traders daughter agreed to become my wife.
Craziest Person You Know: The Mad Tea Duchess!
What do you look for in the opposite sex: Clear skin, a comely shape, good teeth and child bearing hips.
Do you remember your first kiss?: It was a lass from a nearby camp! It was the Harvest Festival! I forget the name, but I remember the lass.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends?: Ah so many questions little one you make my head hurt. I have out lived most of them.
Where is your favorite "Vacation " place: Vacation? Shush don’t let the Maestro hear that kind of talk.
Have you ever been over seas?: Yes I have wondered all over the world from 1561 when my wife was taken from my side until 1572 when I returned to Canterbury. I have often accompanied various family members on there adventures and business trips.
Do you have Dirt/Mud or Stone floors: Polished wood with a fine Persian rug.
What is your bed made of?: It is made of Heavy cloth with a yoke of wood at either end and suspended between two walls of my vardo or can be moved outside in good weather and hung between two trees.
How many people sleep in your bed?: Just me, but I would share if the opportunity presented it self. I do take in strays of all types
10 Things Everybody Should Know about me
1. Although I do not always agree with my brother, I always carry out his wishes to the letter. He gives me a place to park my vardo and employment
2. I read, write and do sums. I will do those things for you for small price. I will not try to cheat you.
3. I am wealthy, But I have found that not all wealth is in gold coin. I do own my own wagon and horse of course.
4. I act as confidante to the children sometimes, always lending an ear, giving advice and helping where I can.
5. William Clouse our barber surgeon saved my life at one time. Don’t let him tell you it was just a rash!
6. I treat all the children as my own. Of course I treat the animals the same way.
7. Now my older brother works too hard and does not relax near enough. I do encourage him to see the herbalist.
8. I do know how to cook, but would rather be cooked for, as there is more than a few good cooks in our camp.
9. Belladonna and I have traveled together in the far east on several of her trips.
10. Canterbury has become home for now and I enjoy my nieces and many nephews.