Pearl was no stranger to physical attention. Men had always seemed to want that from her. Yet she considered herself fairly plain and  a bit too plump.What she never felt from them was protection. Not once had any lover or her husband made her feel safe, wanted to shellter her from harm. In the harem the Shek enjoyed showing her overly ripe figure and exagerated curves. He always made sure she was dancing when special guests came calling. The culture called for a plump woman for sensuality.It denoted fertility.

                         The jousting began the young ma at her side was stroking her hair hardly caring about the duel. he just remembered the previous night, her dancincing, her skin, and the tender way she touched.He had known Pearl from others in the caravan. She did not travel as often as the others and seeing her was always a treat. She was intelligent and kind. Often fierce when challenged. He was drawn to her for many reasons. Her children came scampering behind them pestering each other. Pearl showed her annoyance.seperated them and sat them on the ground a bit away from the joust itself.

                         The knights recieved there favors from the maids in the box seats. They began the duel. One red knight one yellow knight.. the hooves of the horses pounded the ground as they thundered towards each other. One of pearls daughtrs started to run towards the joust to get a better view. She was nearly to the edge of the hofsteps Pearl ran after her. Her chest pounding with the thundering hooves. She grabbed her daughter and ran quickly away from the joust. The green Knight's horse was startled it started to stumble sideways towards Pearl with her child in her arms. Pearl felt arms encircle her and pull she and her daughter away from being trampled. Her daughter began to cry Pearl held her tight. The arms that encircled her were now holding her in a rocking motion. She looked up , it was the young gypsie man . He breathed hevily and sighed.