Chapter 103Of Rhythm and Fire

The calming smell of a campfire led me to the park. Of course I walked the last bit, I wasn't stupid. The gypsies were insightful enough as it was and I didn't need them to know or see even more. I took a look at myself and smiled. At least I was somewhat presentable, save for my skin. I didn't want anyone to see, but I felt I owed it to the gypsy seer to tell her what I'd found.

Their music was alluring. After everything I'd just gone through the tones, the violins and their voices were so cheerful and full of life I wanted nothing more but to dance among them. Then the simple thought...

Why not?

It was like a warm glow that engulfed me. The music dragged me toward it, made me dance, made me feel again. There was no other choice but to give in.

I was sure they would have seen me as a monster, but they surprised me. Allowing me to step into the circle and join their dance was something I would not have expected. None of them paid me any undue attention. Attention coming only from bold boys who dared to take my hands and dance with me. A swirl, a turn, it all came automatically.

The beat, the smell, the feelings. Everything was as vibrant as when I'd only just been turned. The simple stroke of the strings on a violin was enough to make me shiver. The air squeezed between the wood of the flutes. The sharp sounds of wood burning, irregular and surprising, never in the same beat. The wood was young but well-dried, the fire rich with subtle healthy scents. And of course the vibrations in the air of the various drumming, done on everything there was at hand.

Slowly but surely, all my worries flowed from me, causing slightly reddish tears to pour freely from my eyes. But I was happy. I knew there were still so many things unsolved but I felt welcome among humans again. Even if I knew it couldn't last, it was sweet.

It was hard to tell how long I danced, time felt different while my body moved to the music. And all the music flowed from one song to the next without pause. If my mind had a beat to spare I would have wondered how they were able to keep on playing.

A hand on my shoulder stopped me and I looked around in the friendly face of the seer's man. He nodded and led me to one of the caravans, shutting the door silently as I walked inside. It was dark in there compared to the bright campfire outside and the stale air of wood, mixed with iron and oil caressed my senses. Then I saw the gypsy seer again, looking straight at me.

The woman was lit by that single flame, but she looked quite friendly despite the odd shadows on her face. The little candle hardly flickered as the air inside was still and warm. I briefly wondered why the shutters were closed but I figured she wanted no interruption from outside. Even the music was muffled in here and didn't detract from the image.

"Welcome Amy, time has not been kind to you." Her voice different from the last time I heard her. This time there was a kindness and openness to it, as if she welcomed my presence.

I nodded. "I've had some troubles. But most importantly I've seen your son and daughter."

She smiled. "Yes. I know. Is he safe?"

"Yes, we brought him to a proper orphanage and he should be alright now. I hope he wasn't too... broken to grow up normal again." I hung my head.

"I lost them both as soon as they took them. I don't think it was an accident they took mine." Her eyes gleamed darkly in the light of the candle.

"No, they had everything researched as well as they could. It was not an accident. And... Your daughter... I'm sorry..."

She sighed. "You've done all you can. She's gone. Dead to me as she is broken beyond what anyone can do."

I shook my head. "No, it's not that. She is... strong. She has moved around so easily that it looks like she is much stronger then she appears."

She bowed her head. "I was afraid that might happen. For those of us who see it can trouble the mind... And since she has been corrupted, she will never be the same."

I wanted to leave it at that. "Will you take back your son?"

She shook her head. "No, he will live his own life and find us if it is meant to be so. I have grieved long enough and wish not to enforce our way of life on him."

The candle flickered, shadows playing around the room moved my attention away from her face for just a moment. When it returned I noticed something reflecting the light on her cheek. It was a tear. She cried silently for her lost children, even though she accepted she had no part in their life anymore. It was an honor to be allowed to see this.

See her humanity.

"You are welcome to stay and dance with us, but I know what you are. I cannot invite you to join us on our travels." She spoke softly.

She knew... I nodded. "Thank you and... are you not afraid?"

She shook her head and smiled. "No. You're not evil Amy. Despite the needs of your body, you choose to be yourself and keep your soul. You will always be welcome for a dance."

I bowed. "Thank you." I turned around to move outside again, back into the music's warm embrace.

"Always keep that bracelet safe. It will help you."

When I turned around to look at her she had a playful, young smile on her face. Something about her made me think of my grandmother's story. She winked as I opened the door and felt the heat of the campfire back on my skin. I winced a little as my skin still felt over-sensitive to heat. But it wasn't time to dwell on it.

Silently the group allowed me back in their midst. The rhythm and dancers swirling around me, taking me with them in their never-ending story. I knew I needed this, needed to feel free and without care for just a night. It would give me the peace of mind to get over a lot of the things happening. But it wasn't time to think on this all.

It was simply time to dance.