First Person Survey for: Esmerelda

Name Given at Birth: Esmerelda

Nicknames: Essie

Hometown or where you were born: in a gypsy encampment in the dessert in the middle east

Current Residence: Where ever Clopin decides to go.

Age: 25 summers

Class: gypsy class, we are a class unto our own.

What do you do, your main function in life/society: dance, sing, and entertain.

Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Yes, swimming is like dancing. Xavier and I went once when we were younger in the ocean.

Do you make fun of people: NO. I like everyone, especially the children.

Favorite Color: Violet- Symbolizes the creative force, beauty, inspiration and artistry. It's who I am.

Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Well... never been convicted.

Closest friends/How did you meet: 

One Pillow or two: Two or more. Bolsters at each end which are made of fine fabrics of silk and velvet.

Pets: No pets. I do not have time to give the care an animal deserves.

Favorite Type of Music: Gypsy violin, the drums, and anything Xavier has composed for the troupe.

Hobbies/Pastimes: dancing. I play an evil tambourine. Writing in my journal. and I enjoy being there at the creation of Xavier's compositions.

Personal Hygiene: I keep clean. I have to smell good for the gaji that I entertain.

Favorite Food: Roast boar, killed on the gaji's keep. The adventure and danger of getting the boar made the meat all that more tasty. Strawberries, and the fruit of passion.

Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: no my parents are dead.

If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: They died by the gaji. My parents were killed in the same massacre in which Xavier's parents were killed. That day has left me with nightmares that only Xavier can understand. Many nights I have awaken screaming and Xavier runs to my side to comfort me through the night.

Favorite place to relax: having Plum brandy with Xavier in my vardo on a rainy day.

Favorite Holy Day / Why: The Harvest Festival. We have more fun then we do work. And the Maestro throws the best revel of the season.

Favorite Drink: Plum Brandy

What's your bedtime: Late to bed, late to rise. I never want to miss anything that might happen around the campfire.

What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: I wear sandals when I have to dance. But when I am within the Kampania I go barefoot.

Are you married or single: Very single, but I have seen glimpses of this fine Englishman who has caught my eye.

Do you have a family / who are they: Xavier and Djali and all my fellow members of the Troupe.

Favorite Entertainment: Watching the Magistrate Frollo squirm while the hag professes her love for Frollo.

Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: dancing is my favorite subject.

Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Cleaning Rosa Lee's vardo when I was working as her apprentice.

Favorite Sport:  playing games with the children on the villages.

Most Humiliating Moment: When Marlaina stepped on my skirt as I went to do a turn.  It ripped right off my body in front of the gaji I was entertaining. I was not pleased with Marlaina.

Proudest Moment: When Clopin offered me the lead dancer in the troupe.

Craziest Person or silliest you know: Adonis - He amuses me with his quick wit and charming ways.  He loves to see me smile and he always knows how to lift my spirits.

What do you look for in the opposite sex: He must be honorable, caring, compassionate, loving... I need a Hero!

In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" Clopin

Favorite Sport to watch: The joust , when a certain Captain of the Guards is competing.

Do you remember your first kiss: Yes, Xavier and I went waling and Xavier grabbed me in close and kissed me. I slapped him because your best friend should never kiss you , then realized that it was pleasurable and so I pushed Xavier to the ground and kissed him back. Xavier avoided me for the rest of the day while the mark of my hand faded away. That moment has been kept a secret between us both and has created a bond that can not be broken by anyone.

Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Yes - Xavier and I never lost touch.

Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Canterbury, the people are so kind to all the gypsies.

Have you ever been overseas: Yes we have gypsies travel where there is work and make trade for the Maestro.

Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone:  I have wooden floors. It the floor of the vardo.

What is your bed made of: The bed frame is made of wood and the mattress is made of feather ticking.

How many people sleep in your bed: Me, Xavier when I need comforting and Djali when she's visiting

1. I love the children of the villages I enjoy teaching them how to sing and dance.

2. Xavier is my best friend and confidant

3. I am hoping to take Djali with me when the troupe moves to its next work.

4. I am a strong and determined woman!

5. When I want something I get it.

6. I have seen glimpses of a handsome man who is the Capt. of the English guards.

7. Xavier is the only one I am willing to talk to about the private things that happen in my life.

8. I had 3 brothers and no sisters.

9. Esmerelda - means Emerald and a jewel.

10. I just need a hero!!!