Gypsy of the Hood

 “Oh, the mountains gave me trouble

in my crossing to the sea.

And yet I am determined

That a fighter I’m to be.

This land is all but wild

From sky to lake to tree.

And yet I am determined

That a fighter I’m to be.”

I finished my song with one final swipe of my knife against my newly fashioned spear. I was a lone gypsy on the road across these mountains where no one traveled besides a few trades men or tax collectors.

My name is Lachina and I had traveled with a troop of gypsies for a while before deeming myself old enough to fend for myself in the world. At the age of fourteen I started traveling from Dublin on to Cornith then across the channel to Britan and her cities.

Soon however, I had become bored with city life and wished a challenge and that was when I had set out along a trial across these mountains seeking some kind of adventure.

Later, at twilight when I had fire going so I wouldn’t freeze I pulled out the last of my jerky that I’d bought in a village a week ago.

I sighed, I’d thought I would be better at hunting by now but I shamelessly admit that my aim can’t catch shit and I never stay in one place long enough to set any snares that might actually catch something.

Scarfing down the jerky, I ignored my stomach’s barely satisfied moans and pulled my heavy cloak around me, laying down and trying to see the stars through the trees.

The life of a gypsy was lonely on your own, but I had what I needed (besides food, which I really needed) warmth, the shelter of this forest and my music. I realized it probably would scare of all the animals near by but I didn’t really care; I’d be gone in the morning anyway, so I started to sing again.

“I’m not lost, I know where I’m going

I’m going the way that the world turns my steps.

Don’t you agree there’s no freedom in knowing

Exactly where you have to be going.

I’m a free spirit who wanders these mountains

I know of stories that have never been told.

And because of my freedom on the road in these mountains

My spirit never grows old.

It never grows old.”