A gypsy enters the reserve...

Scarlett shifted the heavy pack on her shoulders. In it were her father's books and writings. They were the only proof Scarlett had of her bloodline. For six years, Scarlett had guarded them from those who would steal the alchemical secrets of Dr. Marcus de Stryke, younger estranged brother of Alexander de Stryke, who had chosen to live in the Swiss canton of Ticino with his Italian wife, Sophia. Sophia died in child birth when Scarlett was five, leaving her to become her father's lab assistant, or soror mystica, and learned the secrets of alchemy from him.

Until Scarlett was twelve, her father had been the physician of their town. It was then that an ambitious noble demanded her father help him in the murder of a political opponent, through the means of poison. When Marcus de Stryke sent the noble's servant away with his refusal, he knew he was signing his own death warrant. He packed the leather pack now on Scarlett's back and sent her to a nearby monestary to a monk he trusted. As a scared young girl, Scarlett had gotten lost in the woods and by the time she had reached the monestary, the monk has already received word of her father's death and news of the search for her. The monk made arrangements fro Scarlett to live in an abby, but the party that escorted her was attacked. Confused and scared, Scarlett wandered until she found a small Gypsy compania that rescued her from the fever she had caught.

The books being unreadable to the Rom, they left them alone. However, Scarlett's knowledge of languages was useful to them, so they adopted her. After five years of always being on the road, Scarlett decided that she didn't care for that life and decided to leave before she was married into another compania. She knew that if she was to have any chance of a decent life, she would have to find her father's family and pray that they would accept her, despite her father's break from them before her birth.

The trip from Austria to England was a long one and Scarlett will never admit what she had to do to gain passage on a ship to England. The memory was still repulsive enough to force her away from main roads, in case a similar situation presented itself. She wasn't really sure how close she was to the de Stryke family estate, but she knew she had to be close.

Scarlett panicked when she realized that there was a conference at the castle. This was not the time for a long-lost relative to show up. She retreated back to the hunting reserve. She had spotted a vacant small hermit's cave not too far away. If she was careful enough, she could stay there until the dignitaries left and then introduce herself to the family.

With a broom of branches, she first swept out the little hut. Then she collected some old wood for a fire, some dead leaves to sleep on, and two handfuls of berries for the eating. Hiding her pack under the table, she took her waterskin to the nearest stream to fill it. Near the stream, she found some roots she could eat. Tomorrow, she would hunt something small to eat.

Settled for the moment, Scarlett pulled out her father's journals, carefully turning each page and staring at his handwriting until the sun went down. She knew the words by heart, but the curves and loops made her feel less alone.

The stag had wandered the reserve for three seasons now and Caitilin had ventured out this morning armed with only her usual dagger and a bow and arrows to track the magnificent buck. He had been spotted again and she took up the challenge to make his antlers her trophy. Astride her sleek Arabian mare, she carefully followed the tracks that lead her deep into the woods. It had started to snow and she had to hurry if she intended to track the stag.

In the crisp morning a scent was on the air. Smoke... Cait followed the smell to a small cave in the face of a hill. There had been poachers in the area. The needs of the locals for food was always a concern for the Styke family and they always allowed hunting with permission. But there had been no request to hunt on the estate, so she approached with caution.

Cait dismounted a good distance away from the hermit's cave, letting Dancer slip off. The crunch of the dried leaves beneath her feet would give her away so she moved slowly toward the entrance. She slipped Alex's dagger from its sheath as she got nearer. Moving along the face of the rocks, Cait's back felt the cold dampness through her cloak. The snow was coming down harder now. She took a few slow deep breaths. The soft tendrils of smoke drifted from the top of the caves entrance. Surely the poachers were still in there. This is fool hearty. But I have come this far... She thought. Taking one deep breath Caitilin steadied her shaking hand and moved fast, brandishing her dagger.

Who dares to poach on the lands belonging to the Styrke family? Her voice echoed off the walls of the cave. There are six armed guards with me and you shall be turned over to the magistrate for poaching. She lied. When her eyes adjusted to the dimness of the cave interior see saw her, a lovely young girl just sitting by the fire reading. Cait looked around. Where are the others, girl?

Scarlett's eyes went wide with terror, as she clutched the book to her chest. The woman looked as deadly as she did elegant and while she might not have any guards with her, there were probably enough men back at the castle to make the threat worth heeding. At least now, Scarlett knew that she was definitely on the right lands.

"I am alone, my lady," she said softly. "Alone save for the memory of my father, Dr. Marcus de Stryke." Reluctantly, she held the precious book out to the woman. There were others in her pack, to be sure, but this one was her father's private journal, written in English. It meant more to Scarlett than all the others combined. However, it was also the only proof she could given her father's family.

Warily Cait stepped forward. Her dagger held tightly in her grasp. Her eyes scanned the shadows for any that might be hiding. Satisfied that the young girl was alone, she sheathed her weapon and took hold of the book held out to her. Caitilin tipped the journal toward the fire in order to read the handwriting. After a moment she raised her eyes to the beautiful young girl.

What is your name child? Caitilin asked softly. I know this name, Marcus de Stryke, from the family archives but I have never known him. You say he is your father?

"Yes, my lady. I am Scarlett de Stryke, the only living child of Marcus and Sophia de Stryke." Scarlett curtsied towards the woman, feeling very self conscious. "And may I know your name?"

Caitilin smiled at Scarlett and handed back the precious book. I am Caitilin Stryke de Lusignon, Head of the House de Stryke, first born of Alexander and Victoria de Stryke and your cousin.

Scarlett shook as she took her father's journal back from Caitilin. With tears running down her eyes, she said, "It is a joy to meet you, cousin." She gulped and continued, "May I have a few months of assylum with you and your house. Enough for me to build myself a stable life? I can stay right here. It's a nice little cave and it will suit me well until I can build my own hut."

A look of astonishment crossed Caitilin's face. I should say NOT! No family member of this great house will reside in a cave. There are rooms a plenty in the castle and you shall have an apartment of your own. She turned looking out at the heavily falling snow. Gather your belongings Cousin Scarlett. We should try to get back before it gets too bad.

Dancer had found her way into the mouth of the cave and stood covered in snow. The trees just outside were now almost unseen for the heavily snow fall. Cait turn back to the fire. It seems we may be here for awhile. We are quite a ways from the castle and it could be dangerous traveling in this blizzard. She smiled softly. Have you eaten today? she asked.

"I had some bread this morning and some berries not too long ago. I was going to roast some roots as soon as I had enough embers in the fire. I can share them with you," Scarlett offered.

Thank you, Scarlett. Let me see what is in my satchel. Cait unsaddled Dancer and retrieved the satchel. She searched through and found, some dried fruit, jerky and a few apples that she usually carried for her mare. She held up a skin of wine and the few treasures of food with a grin. At least we won't starve. Besides, I'm sure someone will be on the lookout for my return and if it gets worse they will start looking for me. From outside the cave entrance she pulled in some dead branches to dry out for use in the fire. She sat down by the fire and pulled her cloak close. Now will you tell me about yourself?

"Well, I was born in a town in southern Switzerland, not too far from Italy. My mom was Italian. She died when I was five. Dad was killed when I was 12, for refusing to help one noble assassinate another one. He knew he was going to be killed, so he packed up all his journals and sent me to a monestary for protection. The monks tried to send me to a nunnery, but the caravan I was in was attacked by bandits. I ran into the woods and finally was found by a compania of Gypsies, who adopted me. For over five years, I was part of their group, but I didn't want to spend the rest of my life as a gypsy and if I didn't leave, I was going to have to get married to one. I don't have anything against the Rom, but I was tired of going from place to place and being spit upon. I also don't like haggling much. So, I ran away from the compania and for several months, I've been making my way northward to get to England. It seemed to me that if I wanted the type of life my father really wanted for me, I would have to return to his family to do it."

Scarlett hesitated for a moment. "I don't know why I chose the de Strykes over my mother's family. I guess they just sounded less likely to hold a grudge. Mom was disowned for marrying Dad. She was supposed to marry the son of a friend of the family. She fell in love with Dad while he was at the university. Her dad threatened to kill Dad. I guess I didn't think they'd want me much."

After listening to Scarlett's story, Caitilin sighed. Aye, I know what it is to be alone in the world. She understood what it was like to not be wanted. Her own father had sent her away as a child. She could see the strength in her cousin and knew that she belonged here at Castle de Stryke.

The snow was still falling outside the cave entrance. It was hard not to be concerned... But for now they were warm and dry and there was food to eat. Right now her stomach was grumbling. Cait had wrapped the apples in wet leaves and placed them in the glowing embers. Opening her satchel, she found the leather pouch of dried fruits and dried meat. There should be enough. she thought. She separated a portion for Scarlett and herself, reserving the rest for later. A shiver shook her shoulders.

"Perhaps we both should sit closer to the fire, Caitilin?" Scarlett suggested. "I have a wool blanket we can share." Scarlett untied the blanket from the bottom of her pack. Sitting back at the fire, she put it around her cousin and herself.

"So, tell me about our family," she said. "I know naught of you, save the stories my father told of his youth."

Cait sighed softly at Scarlett's request. She huddled close under the woolen blanket and added Dancer's saddle blanket to keep them both warm. My knowledge of our family is short cousin, as I was away in Scotland for most of my life. My father, you uncle, was greatly disappointed that his first born was not a son. When my brother, Alexion, was born I was sent to a friend of my mother's to be raised by her. Later more sons followed, Marque, Wraithe, Lnzlee. It was not until I returned to take my place in the family that I even knew of their lives. I was as a stranger in my own family. Since then more sons have been brought to light, Hagman, the son of Jane Rood, and Falconfire who my father adopted. Of my brothers only two still live that I know of, Falcon and Lnzlee. Wraithe and Marque have disappeared and have not been heard from in a long time. I fear they are dead also. I do believe I have a sister somewhere in England but have not seen or heard from her in some time. Alexander had also adopted the son of his dear friend, Jacques de Lusignon. But that was to hide him from his uncle who had threatened his life. That man, Baldar. is now my husband. Hearing it told out loud Caitilin had to chuckle.

She uncorked the skin of wine and took a deep draw on it and handed it to Scarlett before she continued. Her mind reeled with all that had happened in the short time since she had returned to England. When I returned from my exile in Scotland the eldest of Alexander and Victoria's sons, Alex was the head of the House de Stryke. He had married the love of his life Esther and they had a daughter. They had another son and never saw Alex so proud and happy. The memories came rushing at her. She took another long draw on the wine skin. Life was good for awhile and we were happy and then... Cait stopped and choked but the pain that rose. All seemed to be dark and mysterious. Alex, Hagman, Wraithe and I were all in the knights of the Realm. One day Alex came to me and asked me to just trust him. He asked me to be the head of the house and then he was lost in scandal, the wolves of sherwood. He lost all that he had earned, the prestige, the respect. Everything he worked for was gone. And it killed him.Politics She spat the word. She felt her anger rise and threw off the blankets. Caitilin rose and walked to the cave entrance, letting the cold snow cool her anger. The hot tears of remembrance ran cold down her cheeks.

Scarlett nodded gravely. "Politics," she repeated. "Its crude form killed my father. I understand its poison, fair cousin. And I grieve for your loss of those you hold dear, as well as my loss for never having a chance to know them, myself."

Scarlett glanced towards the cave entrance, at the flakes falling down. "The snow is beautiful, isn't it?" she asked. "Soon it will cover the world, making it look clean and new. Of course, the old world is still under it. But for the moment, there is peace. And when it melts away in the spring, there will be flowers. I was once told that sorrow was like the snow - bitterly cold, but eventually new growth comes to the olf world. I asked why snow was more beautiful than sorrow. I was told it was because I couldn't see its beauty, because like the ground, I was under it, where it is neither beautiful nor peaceful. But that was better that way, because otherwise I wouldn't have it to wake the flowers of my life."

Scarlett shook her head. "I don't know if Getta was right about that. But she had lived a long time and seen a lot of sorrow. Right before she died, I told her I was tired of being under the snow. She patted my hand and told me that even when winter is long, it still has an end. When she died, I decided that I would end my winter and that's when I left the compania. I guess I'm still in winter. But at least I'm no longer alone."

Watching the snow fall some more, Scarlett sighed. "I sorry, Caitilin. I am afraid I've become a depressing person to be around. A lack of social interaction, probably."

Scarlett sat up straight. "Well, if I can't be cheerful company, I can at least be entertaining." With that, she sang and old gypsy song.

Falcon walks the grounds with his bow in hand as he comes upon a strange face in a cave on the grounds and then saw his sister. What in the world are you two lovely ladies doing out here in the cold and who is this young lady here? Falcon brings in somemore wood for the fire as he offers them a pull off his flask.

Scarlett jumped when she heard the man's voice. She looked at Caitilin, waiting for her to introduce them.

Relieved to see another out in this snow, Cait gave Falcon a big hug. Scarlett you have nothing to fear from this honorable man. He is my brother, Falconfire. She pulled Falcon in closer to the fire. Falcon meet your cousin, Scarlett de Stryke. She has come a great distance to find us and now will live here at castle de Stryke. She is the daughter of our father's brother.