The morning after a faire was always hard for Pearl. She had many things to gather up, pack away, and tend to her children. Most of the others had left the nigth before. They were on the way of the gypsie life. Pearl on the other hand had to return to small manor she still maintained. She was not quite a Lady anymore. She wanted her children to have the experience and benifits of manor life. She could not maintain the large it once had.It was a beautiful house, but very lonely for Pearl. She constantly had to deal with the father of her children Lord Rutherford Compton. he was a merchant but gained his tttle through Pearls bloodlines.

Pearl knew that the time had finally come that she needed to reopen her home to her friends in the community and even gysie friends. Rutherford had long since moved out. She began to plan her  festivities. She would invite all she knew in the hopes they would attend. her plan was to warm her hearth with friendships over the cold months. she refused to spend another winter cold and alone.

The wagon finally made it to the manor. She simply put the cart away and released the horse. She hated penning him upafter so much confinement. Her small bundles were cranky and dirty. She ushered them into the manor and began the bathing process of heating the water and preparing the soaps. For convieniance Pearl had two tubs she filled. She had been around the world and always managed a hot bath to herself.

After dinner and putting the children to bed, Pearl began the task of invitations she worked into the night. Late in the mornign the children woke her. The day must begin. she fed the children and and did the laundry and baked until the sun set. She was greatful for the young Irish Couple who lived at the manor. They had long since paid there debt , but they remained taking care of the manor as if it were there own.

The day drifted on one task after another until her evening bathing ritual. She put her children to bed after a story. 

She went to her room. The moon was full this night . She felt restless and lonely. Her mind drift to the young gypsie who was so attentive at the fair. She saw a figure moving in the shadows down below. A very long cape a ridiculous hat and a stride that defied logic. Captain Farrar was an old friend, with a tender touch. She opened the front door before he could knock. He was still very handsome even after a life at sea.. "You starled me My lady!" he said with surprise . He took her hand kissed it and did a flurishing bow. Pearl crossed her arms at him. "I'm not a lady anymore Captain and you know that." He laughed at her " Were you ever really to begin with?" She smiled at himas he wrapped hi arms around her. She looked him in the eyes with passion, ran a hand through his hair and gripped it securely at the root, pulled him into her and kissed him passionately. He drew in his breath when she was finished. "Only you would ravage a pirate captain Pearl." he smiled at her amazed . She took him by the hand and pulled him along. "We can talk later captain." she said and led him up the stairs.

He tucked her in close and stroked te back of her hair, gently caressing down the back of her neck. Then he kissed the top of her head. pearl signed and began to sob. Watching her child so helpless shook her to her core. She remained solid during the crisis, but she gave herself permission to break down inhis arms. "SHHHHHH" he said as he held her tight. One of her daughters spyed the sight. Why are you crying Mommy?" asked the youngest. "Because I was so scared earlier . I was afraid I lost you. pearl stretched out her arms. The child ran into them and said "It's ok mommmy I'm here ."

                        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.