The Short Stories of Miss.SunFlower

Here, torture = over... myabe :p

Damian didn’t quite comprehend that.
“What?”
Keith was just as surprised, if not more, “Ruth, are- you’re sure?”
She nodded, looking panicked. “I didn’t see them taking anyone… I didn’t think I did, but I wasn’t looking for that. I supposed they just raided a bit of the wedding gifts or whatnot” She didn’t appear to think that a big deal. Then again, it really wasn’t. “But- but I didn’t see Haley or you either… but you’re here – and, and Haley…”
“Did you hear guitar?” Damian found his voice, though it sounded choked, as though he couldn’t properly breathe.
Ruth paused, clearly trying to think through the panic that gripped all of them, “… y- yes. I saw them- I saw someone was holding it, probably stole it as well, and was playing it.”
Keith glanced at him for an explanation, though everything really was clear right then. “Haley heard guitar and thought you both were out on the balcony.” He said numbly, “She went for you.”
“They took her?” Deirdre repeated, appearing to have found her own voice, disbelieving and panicked.
“I wanted to go with her.” He was mumbling now, not really considering the others, “She said she’d go but- but I shouldn’t have let- I should have stayed with her. What was I thinking?”
He thought of Haley, silent, beautiful and already terrified. The image of her kidnapped by gypsies, it terrified HIM. What on earth would they do? Maybe they thought her royal and awaited a ransom, after all she looked as stunning as any of the nobility present at that wedding. They’d be angry to discover she was no one, or at least no one with memory of it… would they hurt her? Would they hold her forever? He was not about to let that happen to her.
Everyone looked sympathetic, and equally worried. Paul rested a hand on his shoulder, like comforting someone mourning.
Damian blinked. She wasn’t dead or anything. Not yet at least. “We need to get her back.”
Everyone blinked back, “Damian,” Ruth said softly, “how would we?”
Wonderful question, he thought as he began to work that in his panicked mind. He was almost irritated by the rational question right then. The how could come later, he just needed to go before they hurt her.
“I – how long ago did you see them go?”
Keith shook his head seriously, “Damian…”
“Only a few minutes ago.” She nearly whispered, reminding him almost painfully of Haley’s voice.
“Then they can’t be far away, and you said one was playing guitar? That’d be easy to follow.”
“Damian…”
“They probably took more than just Haley, they had to have.” His mind was working faster than he really knew it could. Probably not working properly either, that didn’t matter though. “They couldn’t go after her if she got away if they are weighed down by other things.”
“Damian!” Every member of the small group gathered snapped suddenly. Along with worry for Haley, Damian suddenly noticed they all looked concerned about him as well. He shut his mouth and waited.
Deirdre continued, “You’re not thinking of running in the middle of the night, grabbing her – while she is probably being guarded – and expect to return unscathed!?”
He shook his head, “So I come back scathed, I’d come back with Haley all the same.”
They seemed truly worried about his health now. He didn’t get it, did they not understand the danger she was in?
Keith cut in, not as soft as the girls, “We’ll get her back, we will. But you can’t – trust me on this, you can NOT do this.”
“Why not?” He said in cold desperation, “Am I not old enough? Do I not understand something – something I don’t get!? Because right now all I understand is that she’s going to be hurt if we don’t get. Her. Now.”
“You don’t GET that running into this with your mindset is putting one more person IN danger rather than taking anyone out of it!” The blonde snapped at him, Paul put a hand on his arm as if to hold him back, “You are old enough for a lot of things and rescuing her I’m sure is one, but you sure as hell don’t seem it when yer acting like such a CHILD!”
Damian nearly took a step back at the blow of his words – like he’d been slapped in the face. They glared at each other for a moment and he let the words seep in.
Running to Haley’s rescue was not a rational thing. Keith believed he COULD be old enough for something…
“I can’t just leave her.” Was all that he could say, despite all of that. He looked ready to object but he cut in, stubbornly, “You wouldn’t wait – you wouldn’t be ABLE to sit and wait and act rational, if it were Ruth.”
Keith’s expression changed at that but Damian didn’t much care to think about what he had implied with that analogy. All of it was true, in any case.
“I need to go to her.” He said softer. “I. Need. To.”
And without waiting for any words of approval. He brushed past them and toward the balcony, and the forest.
 
Whew, gotta love Damian :D He makes me excited :D Post more! Before I leave! Don't leave me in suspense all weekend!
 
He had expected SOME sort of resistance. Keith catching up on him, or even Deirdre…. Demanding for him to clear his head already and think things though. But there was none.
And how could he? How could he possibly be expected to have a clear head when Haley could be injured or killed by some band of gypsies at any second. He wondered if these were the same that Damian had encountered earlier that year. He wondered if Keith could have helped if that were the case. But it was too late for that – he was alone and needed to find her.
Damian had never been afraid of the dark forests that surrounded the small village. Of course, then he knew exactly where he was. Right then, he hadn’t the faintest idea. He was just weaving through trees hoping something would appear. And that it was safe.
It felt like hours, a painfully long amount of time, before he heard the sound of guitar… and violins and voices and laughter. In the distance he saw the glow of a fire, one far larger than the kind burned in the village. And as he inched closer more became visible.
He’d seen all of 4 gypsies in his 18 years of life, none very well or for very long. He’d never expected to see an entire camp of them. Nor did he anticipate how many there were. At least a dozen spun in laughing pairs around the bonfire, dressed colorfully with dark hair and gold jewelry accenting everything. Another 20 or so sat around separate caravans. Some drinking and talking, others playing instruments, others still just grinning and clapping along.
He wondered where on earth Haley would be in this mix. Did they lock the prisoners away already in one of the 5 caravans that made a semi-circle around the fire? How would he know which one? How would he get in? Though, most everyone there seemed pretty distracted, he didn’t exactly want to test that.
But as he scanned the crowds, he found her.
She was easy to overlook; they had dressed her like them. A tight fitting white dress with a dark red sash around her. Gold pins glittered in her auburn hair, which absolutely glowed in the stunning flames.
Her black eyes glowed too, and even from far away he could see the sadness in them, and the dear. That was how he knew for certain it was her; she may look just like any one of them, but she did not want to be there.
He took his eyes off her momentarily to search for other sullen faces, other prisoners. But it was hard in all the masses of joy and celebration to find others with a similar attitude. The only other serious face he found was that of another young woman that he was rather certain was a gypsy.
She was watching Haley intently, as though making sure the young imprisoned girl wasn’t going to make any sudden movements. Damian idly wondered if she had put up a fight when first captured. Finally, this gypsy woman leaned and said something softly to his Haley. She nodded emptily and stood up, trudging slowly to the furthest caravan as though moving used too much energy for her.
Damian waited until she had disappeared fully inside before moving a few steps back into the forest and began to make a circle around the caravans, a plan fresh in his mind. He could only hoped they had backdoors.
They did, in fact, and not only that. The lovely prisoner girl sat on the back steps of said caravan. She was gazing at nothing particular and he thought he could see her shivering a tiny bit.
“Haley.” He hissed, abandoning all worry of anyone hearing. They had their own festivities to be concerned with.
Her eyes winded and she wildly searched the forest for the sound of her name. At last her black eyes caught his and they widened even more. She glanced quickly around her then gestured for him to come nearer. He didn’t need to be told twice and in a second he was inches from her.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him in the caravan quickly shutting the back door.
He spent a second just looking at her, taking in how absolutely and utterly terrified she looked. She had no idea where she was or what was going on. But in her eyes he could see that she was overjoyed to see him, and his presence alone had given her more hope than anything. The fact that she was unharmed physically and the idea he could give her such hope, that he was like her hero, filled him with relief.
They looked at each other for only a second before she whispered his name and threw her arms around his neck. He didn’t have to think about it, just kissed her mouth, encircling his arms around her and holding her petite form close to him. He felt her almost inflate in his hold, like he had given her a sudden burst of energy and happiness.
Never had they shared feeling, never had he really even thought about them… but the feeling of kissing her now, and her kissing him in return, it made everything clear as a cloudless sky.
He pulled back just enough to lay her head on his chest and stroked her hair gently, no longer caring that he was in the middle of a gypsy camp and would probably be killed if caught. Haley was safe right now.
“Haley,” He whispered, “It’s alright. I’m getting you out of here.”
She stiffened suddenly and completely, the joy almost disappearing from her. She tugged away a little to look him in the eye. She was panicked again. “Damian,” She whispered back, “Damian, you can’t. I may be alone now, but they’ll check on me and- and you’ll be – you - you can’t take me away.”
He shook his head, refusing to worry about that little detail. “They have other prisoners. They can’t make such ado over you alone. They may try and send people looking for you, but it will be okay.”
Her eyes were growing more scared by every word he said, “No.” She whispered, barely audible, “No…they only took me.” Her voice went even quieter, he only caught the words ‘not’ and ‘prisoner’.
He tightened his grip on her shoulders, “’Not a prisoner?’ Haley, look at yo-“
“Yes!” She cut in, “Damian look at me! Look at where we are!” Not wanting to take his eyes away from her he reluctantly looked around the small caravan. Lit by a couple candles it gave off a cozy glow. There was a cot with three or four hand made quilts and blankets and trinkets and goods decorated the room and everything looked, well, warm.
“This isn’t a cell! This isn’t a prison!” Her voice quavered, “D-Damian, this is my HOME!” He met her eyes again and saw them fill with frightened tears, “I’m one of them.”
 
Complete silence was in the caravan and the muffled sounds of celebration echoed eerily around them.
Damian began to ask but she was already explaining, rushing her words together. “I was terrified when I was grabbed. But the man, the gypsy, who grabbed me… He wasn’t mad. In fact, he was very happy and the grab was- was like a hug. But I screamed anyway. He stopped hugging me and asked me what was wrong. He said a name, but it wasn’t mine- well, really it was.” She shook her head, “I wanted to yell at him, jerk myself away and run but he already had taken my hand and called out for others… and others came.”
The group Ruth saw leaving.
“They all looked happy to see me too… I do- I didn’t- I don’t know who any of them are, but they kept calling me Lynn, kept repeating that name, laughing ‘Lynn! Lynn! You’re okay! Lynn!’ I – I couldn’t speak…” She shivered. “I was so confused, and – and I was- I was confused.”
Damian could only nod dumbly. although he had no idea what to think. Haley… was a gypsy? HALEY? No, gypsies were… were…. NOT people like Haley. They just, they weren’t. True, they had grown tolerable in the village after the chaos months earlier, and his view had changed slightly after that occurrence. But they still- no. She couldn’t be.
She shook her head again, “I – when I got here I had figured it out. Well, as- as much as I could. Damian, it was a raid… a raid I had been on with that other girl. We’d been caught, we had to run and then- you know what happens from there. I hit my head and I found y- I found the village.” A pause followed that, “They thought you’d all captured me. If you take me again they will be furious.”
“Haley…” He began having absolutely no idea where to go from there. He asked his stupid question again, “Are you sure?”
“They are.”
“They could lie. They could and you wouldn’t know. Gypsies aren’t- I mean they-“ How could he possibly call them untrustworthy, thieving rats in front of the girl he loved, who very well could be one. “You can’t believe everything that’s told to you.”
“I-I know…” Haley’s voice was small as ever, doubtful, “But why, why would they lie? What could they get from me? They could have taken anyone if they w-wanted. I- I trust them.”
“Haley… they- you can’t know for sure. They could be lying…” He was stumbling over his words unable to think through everything she was saying. What WAS she saying?
“Damian! I. Trust. Them.” This time she wasn’t doubting herself.
He’d spent about a month with Haley, promising himself that he would help her find who she was. Promising her he’d help her find wherever she had come from. Find the people she was meant with. He’d done that, hadn’t he? If Haley truly was a gypsy, and she truly trusted these people. He’d done what he’d promised.
But, that – he’d never thought about when he found her home… leaving her there. It was stupid to think he’d stay with her after all of that, but he had. Perhaps if she’d been a merchant’s daughter in some other village, even if she had been a noble, he could have written her.
Haley was a gypsy though. How would he ever deal with that?
And she had to still be staring at him with her midnight black eyes wide and scared. She shouldn’t be scared if she trusted them, he thought a little bitterly. He would never think well of the group that not only took Haley from him but gained her trust.
The stronger expression on her face faded quickly seeing him deflate at his thoughts, “Damian…” She whispered.
He took a deep breath, “Well, you trust them, you are one of them, and rescue isn’t needed, right?”
“Damian…”
“I was worried, but if you’re safe here then it’s fine.”
“Damian.”
“I’m glad you found your past life, Hales.” He finished softly, knowing how miserable he sounded. He turned and made to open the caravan door.
Haley grabbed his arm, surprisingly tight, “Damian!” She hissed at him, now sounding irritated along with scared and sad and a million other emotions. He turned, surprised and looked at her.
“Wha-?”
“Damian I love you but you can be an absolute-“ She cut off, and in the second of silence he heard what she was hearing. Footsteps up to the caravan. She HAD said she’d be checked on that night, hadn’t she? She looked at the front door then back at him, wide-eyed.
Within seconds he was pushed out the back door, but before the door was shut Haley’s face was inches from him, “Don’t go, please. I promise you I never want you to go anywhere. Just listen for a moment, please.”
The door was shut then and he was left in the night, hearing the other door to Haley’s Caravan open. He couldn’t leave, not if she didn’t want him to.

“Lynn.” The voice of a young woman greeted Haley softly. She sounded concerned, though, and his idea of them lying faded a little.
He heard Haley sigh but after a second answer the greeting, “Yes, Caroline?”
Damian knew he’d never heard the name before nor heard the woman’s voice. But something about her… he knew she wouldn’t hurt Haley.
She sounded surprised she’d been answered, “You’re speaking again.” She stated softly, Damian could barely hear. So Haley had been silent for them too… “Are you remembering any more?”
Silence and he could imagine the shake of her head.
“Lynn, I’m sorry. I know this must be impossible for you. I promise you if you are hurting or need anything at all I’ll be here.” A pause, “DO you need anything, want anything?”
This Caroline sounded so like Deirdre it was almost amusing. She was warm and worried and well, he could now see how these gypsies had so gained Haley’s trust. They were genuinely worried about her. Like a family.
His heart ached at that, that this was her family. This was where she would spend the rest of her days. Without him. He didn’t know what Haley wanted him to hear, and he wished he could just wish her the best and leave. But the look in her eyes when she told him to stay, so pleading. He couldn’t move.
There was another silence but this time he heard Haley’s soft reply, “Yes.”
“What?” Caroline replied gently.
She answered in a whisper, which was hard enough to hear on it’s own. Through a solid wood door it was nearly impossible. Which may have been why he wasn’t sure he could believe what she said.
“I would like to leave.”
 
wow hey um... sorry LOL

Damian’s jaw fell and he stared at her through a solid wall. What? Was this- she’d said she trusted them! Why did she want to leave? He didn’t know what on earth to think, much less feel. He DID feel, though, through all the confusion, a tiny spark of happiness and hope. She wouldn’t stay with them, then?
Caroline appeared to be speechless. He could only imagine, he was speechless himself.
“What?”
“I don’t want to be here.” Her voice was unsteady but serious, “I would like to leave, please.”
“Lynn, Lynn, I know this is hard. I know you don’t remember anything about any of us and that can’t be easy.” The young woman was stumbling, obviously having not prepared for something like this, “But – you ARE a gypsy, you know. This is where you should be.”
Haley sighed, “You don’t get it. I was gypsy I am sure, but I cannot be anymore, not when my memories don’t hold it anymore.”
“Memories can return.” She said practically.
“When?” She replied, stubbornly, “But never mind that, it is not just that my mind that remembers little of this place… Even if I remembered everything, I will still have memory… memory of the people who took me in when I was scared and alone. THEY have become my family, whether they are my people or not. Even if I remember being Lynn, I will never forget being Haley.”
Blinking at the door, Damian felt the hope in him rise and his heart pound a little harder. She thought of them, all of them, as her family and never wanted to leave. THIS, he was sure, was what she wanted him to hear. She couldn’t leave any of them, she couldn’t leave him. How could he have been worried? He could only hope Caroline was okay, as this wasn’t exactly a happy conversation for her.
But before the gypsy could continue she spoke up again, curious, reading something in her facial expression, “Care… have you ever, I mean, has this ever happened to you?”
A little laugh came from the other woman, “Aye, actually, it has.”
“When?”
“When I found this camp.”
Haley paused, “You mean you weren’t born into- you weren’t always a gypsy then?”
“No, no. I was- I was a noble, really. When I was 16 I was abandoned, and taken in by Ryan.” She paused, “Do you remember him at all? … Well he’s the camp leader. He let me stay and within a day, I never wanted to return.”
“You understand, then?” She asked.
A sigh, “I do, I truly know how it is to find a family in people that you did not think you belonged with. I can’t say I am incredibly happy with this, but I definitely understand.”
“So will you let me go?”
“I’ll talk to Ryan about it.” She replied softly, “But don’t worry. If anyone can convince him, I can.” Another pause, “Lynn, are you SURE about this?”
“I am.” She then paused, “If I wasn’t, would you let me return?”
“Always.”
He could hear the smile in her voice, “That’s all I needed to hear. Please talk to Ryan. And don’t think this means I am upset with who I am… it is just… not who I am, anymore.”
Caroline seemed to smile too, “I understand that, more than you know, Lynn. I will be back in the morning.”
“Thank you.”
With that he heard the doors shut on the other side and Haley was alone.

She didn’t remain alone for long. Not even registering his movements, Damian was in the caravan in seconds. A couple seconds more and Haley was in his arms.
Her legs appeared to give out on her that very second as well and carefully he lowered the two of them into sitting, with her very nearly in his lap. That didn’t matter. Nor did speaking right then. He just held her and stroked her hair.
“Hales,” He finally whispered, trying to think of how to phrase his thoughts, “You – why did you do that?”
Her shoulders shook with laughter but she didn’t move her head from where it lay on his chest. “Weren’t you listening at all, Damian?” She teased then sobered, “I remember nothing of being here. I lose nothing leaving.”
“Your memories could come back, you know?”
“I do.” She whispered, “But my memory of you all would never leave.”
He shook his head, “I don’t want you to, to leave them. Your family and past, because of us.” Well, truthfully he did. But he had to know Haley was sure of everything she was doing.
Now she pulled away and looked him in the eye. “I was worried that I would do this, not too long ago. I was scared I was getting- I was getting to close to you. I mean- well, yes, that I was getting to close to you. I was afraid if I got too close it would hurt me when my memories returned and I’d leave you. I didn’t want to be torn.” Haley smiled wryly now, “When a memory or two returned to me it scared me more. I decided I was to keep my self from getting anymore attached to you.”
Damian blinked, “That’s why you stopped talking to me.”
A nod, “But you were so… so sweet and persistent and caring and I couldn’t bear upsetting you by remaining silent. I gave up on trying to stop myself from liking you.” She blushed, “And then you told me about Deirdre.”
“Deirdre?”
“Yes… about her giving up being a countess to be with the people she loved. I knew the moment you told me that, that if I ever did find the people of my past, I would still stay with you all… that happened sooner than I thought though…”
“Haley,” He said softly, his heartbeat rather unsteady from everything just told to him, “Are you really sure? You can just leave them?”
“It’s easier than it would be to leave Deirdre, and Ruth and Joyce and Keith and everyone.” She grinned at him, “And now knowing that you- I- I couldn’t stand living here knowing that I left you.”
She leaned to kiss his cheek but he intercepted her, kissing her softly on the lips. She pulled herself away beaming and blushing all at once. He was certain his face was a few shades redder himself.
“Y’see? How can I leave this?” She teased.
Damian figured if he smiled any wider his face may crack. He could think of nothing to say so he only leaned in to kiss her once more. But he felt her fingers touch his lips and looking her in the eye she was serious again.
“You need to go. Caroline may be letting me go, but I am rather sure she still would NOT be happy to see you sneaking in and out of here.”
He nodded, “How will you get back, tomorrow?” When she would be able to return to the village forever.
Haley paused, “Will you – will you come back tomorrow? I imagine Caroline may want to speak with someone I am leaving to.”
There was a scary thought. Damian still did not know how to react to gypsies much less converse fully with one. Especially on the topic of the young member of their community he was taking away. But he supposed he would have to, and they’d want to know she was in safe hands.
“I’ll come back for ya tomorrow, Hales.” He promised, “I love you.”
She smiled sweetly, “I love you. Now, go.”
He laughed and gave her a quick peck on the lips before he was again shoved out the caravan.
Feeling happier than he could ever imagine being he left. Knowing that tomorrow, Haley would be part of their community forever.
 
I don't KNOW where I've been! Lost in my own little world with skype and other chats and school and countless things...

But I finished the story I'm giving you now, finished another one, am half way through another one, and have ideas for two more :D
 
Miss.SunFlower said:
I don't KNOW where I've been! Lost in my own little world with skype and other chats and school and countless things...

But I finished the story I'm giving you now, finished another one, am half way through another one, and have ideas for two more :D
Click to expand...

yay, so much Maggieness :D ;)
 
Mine too. :)

MORE!

Damian couldn’t exactly imagine returning to the castle that night and coming back the next morning. He exhausted already from all the highs and lows of that crazy day. Walking all the way back, and then explaining everything to everyone… it required far too much energy. So, dangerous as it was, he ended up sleeping only a half mile or so from the gypsy camp.
He knew everyone was worried about him, it made sense. He hoped Keith wasn’t angry with him for completely disregarding any warning the older lad gave him. But he had to do this, and everything had turned out in the end, for the most part.
But he felt bad still. He knew Haley wanted to be with him, and the others, more than anything in the world. But he felt terribly guilty that he was taking her away from people who she had once belonged to. People who still considered her one of them. He couldn’t imagine they would like him.
Haley must have told everyone he was coming, he realized as he walked back the next morning. Thank God. He wasn’t sure what kind of welcoming he’d have just waltzing in unannounced and taking her away. He would probably be imprisoned or killed before he could get a word of explanation out. They’d listen to her though, and they would probably listen to the woman Caroline.
And so, he was greeted with a number of expressions of scarcely held in bitterness… not making him feel any better. No one had any weapons but he was once again amazed at just how many gypsies were in this single camp. He had no idea what to do.
Embarrassingly he didn’t really recognize gypsy-clothed-Haley again until she had run up to him, tossing her arms around his neck. He held her awkwardly. Unsure what her old friends would think of such a public display of affection with him so unknown to them. But looking over her he saw some of the glares soften. These people couldn’t truly hate someone she loved. He squeezed Haley a little tighter, silently thanking her for doing that.
She pulled away at last. First still holding his hand, but then she dropped that, as a group of young girls, and boys, ran up to her. Some of them looked like they were in tears and a few presented her with handpicked wildflowers. She was good with kids, it seemed.
She bent down to receive them, hugging each child close talking softly to them. If she did not know who they were she did not show it. And the children only hugged her closer and one whispered something in her ear. She giggled and glanced at Damian and then nodded earning laughter from some gathered.
He tried to laugh in response, but found the sound stuck in his throat as more women pushed in, hugging Haley and gave small gifts to remember them by. Even some of the adults looked to be crying.
This was her family, these were her people. People she had probably grown up with. People she had probably once thought she’d stay with all her days. How on earth could he just take her away from them? How could she be okay with leaving all these people who so clearly loved her? What a situation he had her in…
“Hold off people! You’re all going to smother the poor girl.” The voice of the woman Caroline voice came out of the mass of women, all of whom Damian found rather similar in appearance. Which one was Caroline?
As the crowd slowly dispersed only two women remained before Damian, and one was obviously Haley. And the other…
Caroline’s eyes widened taking him in. Obviously remembering, like him, the day months ago when he’d captured a young gypsy woman trying to rescue her comrades. Damian truthfully had never expected to see her after she and the others had been freed. He didn’t know what to say.
“Damian…” She said it slowly, and he wondered how she knew his name. Though, if he racked his mind he did remember Keith speaking to her a few days before their release. His name may have been slipped in. She shook her head though, clearly trying not to dwell on that time, “So you will take care of her in her new home?” It was phrased as a question but he knew better. It was a warning, he had better take care of her.
He nodded, still a bit speechless, finally he got out, “Of course. I would do anything to keep her out of danger.”
“You love her then?”
Awkward to be speaking of this with Haley standing right beside her. He saw her blush, and gave her an assuring smile, or the most assuring he could, “I do, and I still find it hard to believe she feels the same.”
Haley blushed deeper but his comment generated laughter from some of the gypsies. All of whom were listening intently. Caroline’s face cracked with a smile that made her look a lot less… terrifying.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit. I believe many of the men in the village you come from are good at making a foolish woman smitten beyond thought.” Another shake of her head to that, “But, I know Lynn isn’t foolish, she clearly loves you, and as long as you have sworn that you love her, I have no problem with it.”
Damian had heard the conformation the night before, but was still happy to get it again. But before he could think he remembered she wasn’t really the leader, right? She seemed to have a authority, in how she acted and spoke… but he had to check. “Are you the one to make that decision then?”
He expected her to be indignant at that but she only laughed more and glanced over her shoulder. Damian followed her gaze trying to seek out which gypsy was the Ryan she’d spoke of the night before.
It wasn’t as hard as he’d figured it to have been. Sitting on the front steps of one Caravan was a nicely dressed young man. His hair was cut short and jet black and his eyes looked amused and calculating at once. He was simply smirking.
After a moment of silence he seemed to finally realize everyone was waiting on him to speak. A quiet chuckle came from him, “I think I know better than to go against your decision, Care.”
More laughter followed from around them, and Caroline shook her head grinning. Damian automatically placed the relationship between them.
“You shouldn’t be saying that so openly,” The gypsy woman laughed, “This lad will probably be heading back to tell his village how domesticated the gypsy leader has become.”
He shook his head, still laughing, “Their fault to underestimate me.”
Haley met his eye looking surprised at the causal exchange and he shrugged, grinning. There was something rather warm about this whole community. It was sad that the whole outside world saw them as thieves and killers, though he supposed they were that as well. But they had to be.
The couple ended their teasing and Caroline looked back at them, beaming openly now, “You both may leave. Damian, I trust you not to tell anyone where we are located.”
“I won’t.” He replied softly.
She looked at Haley, “Lynn, I hope you are happy with this…”
“I am.” She said firmly, and she slipped her hand in Damian’s again.
Caroline sighed a little, “Well then, the best to both of you.” She escorted them to the edge of the camp before speaking up again, “Damian?”
“Yes?”
She faltered, not sure she wanted to continue suddenly, “Um- How- I mean-“ Her commanding figure gone she was blushing a little, “How is- is K-Keith doing?”
Damian blinked at her, completely caught off guard, and once again replayed in his head the times Keith had come to talk to her while she was imprisoned. He must have been kind to her, or something. The last time she’d probably seen him, he was going to be in prison himself.
“He’s well, very well. Was let out a few days after you all.” He paused, and added, “He’s happily married to a woman named Ruth, now. I wouldn’t worry about him.”
Caroline nodded, the blush slowly fading. “Good. If- If he asks tell him I am as well.”
He thought of the teasing conversation between her and the leader. So they were married. Good. “I will.”
“Thank you.” She beamed at him and then at Haley, “Now, both of you, go on.”
Haley gave her a final hug and a wave to the camp. Giving his hand a squeeze, hand in hand they left.
 
I forgot the ending was this close...
it's kinda like done....

Haley and Damian were arguing.
So he had safely gotten his girl, he had. Now where was he to take her? That was the in question. He knew the way back to the castle, but he was unsure if his friends would still be there. If they weren’t he would have no real clue how to get back to the small village that was their home.
“You mean you just took off when you heard I was missing?” She asked in complete shock as he told her why he had been the only one to find her. They were wandering to the Royal city first on Haley’s request.
“I thought you were in danger!” He defended, “For all I knew, they could have killed you.”
“Any they very well would have killed you too, had that been the case! Damian, what were you thinking!?”
He sighed, more irritated than he wanted to show her, “I suppose I wasn’t thinking at all.”
“You certainly didn’t think about how to get back.” She kept her tone light but he knew that it was worrying her.
“I know the way back to the Royal city.”
“And if they are not there? We really haven’t thought much farther than that have we?”
“They wouldn’t just leave me after I took off. They probably think I got killed as well.”
“That isn’t something to joke about. Damian you realize-”
Another sigh, and he cut in, “Alright! Yes, I know I was stupid and should have waited and even in rescuing you I didn’t do something right. I’m probably going to get beat up a dozen more times about how someone MY age shouldn’t have rushed in without a thought!”
Well his attempt to hide his irritation had failed. Haley went silent, and he cursed himself, “I’m sorry, Hales. None of that was for you.”
She smiled the smallest of smiles, “No, I’m sorry. I’ve heard you complain a million times about how you wish to be respected. And there I went treating you like a child… and I am younger than you.”
He grinned, “You act older, you know.”
“Thank you. Sometimes I think I act TOO old.”
Damian squeezed the hand he was still holding, since they’d left, “Well there, we balance each other out.”
And it was there in their conversation, that the forest disappeared on them. Damian’s eyes widened and he looked at Haley.
“The road?” She asked.
Right then he just wanted to pick her up and spin her around with joy, “Yes! This is a straight path to and from the village and the Royal city. We know our way home!”
Haley positively giggled, cheeks glowing. “I guess I underestimated your navigational skills.”
“No worries. I underestimated them, myself.”
Staying to the far edge he started to lead her to their way home. But they weren’t alone on the road long when a carriage passing toward the village came to a screeching halt. The pair exchanged glances, knowing who they both hoped would exit.
But it wasn’t Deirdre, or Ruth or Keith or Paul… but the princess Julianne who stepped out eyes wide. A second later a wide grin was on her face.
“Princess…” Damian began, but she had already scooped him in a hug, followed by Haley.
“You’re both safe!? You’re alright!! Oh I cannot be happier… Deirdre! Deirdre will be ecstatic.
Haley gave him a wide-eyed smile. How could they have planned for something better than this. “Is she with you?” She asked.
Her highness’ eyes widened even more and both realized Haley was mute at their last meeting. But she didn’t mention that, “No, she- I was able to convince the lot of them they should head back. If you came within the next day we’d direct you to the village. If you didn’t- well, I was riding out to tell them there was no sign of you both.”
And what a surprise would be received when they returned.
Julianne beamed at them both, gesturing to the open carriage, “Now in you go, both of you. It’s another few hours to the village and I want to hear how you both are alive.”
Though Haley was openly speaking to the princess now, it was clear she still wasn’t comfortable saying a lot. That left most all of the explaining to Damian, and eventually Haley was sleeping softly on his shoulder as he finished.
The sun was setting as the carriage pulled in. Damian had never been happier to see a place in his life. His Haley had woken and was looking out the window with a similar expression. This was home for her, he thought, relieved.
“Give me a second.” Princess Julianne told them both, exiting the carriage first and shutting the door.
Watching through the window he saw a small group gather. Deirdre looked a mess, tired and worried as she spoke to the princess. He didn’t know what was being said but he had a feeling Julianne wasn’t telling anything right away about who she had picked up on the road. This would be a surprise indeed.
Finally she glanced over her shoulder. A cue. Damian sent a smile to the sleepy Haley and pushed the door open, exiting with her only a few inches behind him.
He only caught Deirdre’s near comical expression of surprise for a second before he was embraced warmly, nearly crying from happiness and relief before looking at Haley.
For all the attention given to Haley upon her leaving the gypsies, that was attention was given about 10 times over for her return to the small village. Deirdre called everyone in an almost frantic declaration and in moments they were surrounded. The younger kids nearly tacked Haley until she finally gave up and toppled to the ground, letting them crawl and push to be in her lap and ask all sorts of silly well-meaning questions.
Meanwhile Damian awkwardly explained everything to most of the adults. Keith, he noticed didn’t ask any questions nor add any comments. He was once again afraid he had upset the older boy who was more or less his idol. He couldn’t be happy with him in any case.
But finally as Deirdre moved to speak to Haley, in wonder that Haley was speaking, much of the older crowd dispersed and he braced himself for being scolded, or something.
“Damian.” Keith said, his tone unreadable. He looked him evenly in the eye, as they were the same height. “Don’t you ever do that again.”
He didn’t know what to say to that. But he wasn’t going to apologize for what he’d done, “I know. But you have to understand… I’m not too young to- I had to do this.”
There was a pause, “No, I know that.” An almost laugh there, “I definitely know that. And I guess in a lot of ways you showed that BY acting like that.” He shrugged, “I knew you’d do this someday.”
“You knew I’d run off to save some girl’s life.”
Now he was openly grinning, “I knew that you’d eventually grow up enough that my opinion wasn’t all that mattered to you anymore.” He sounded pleased by that, and then continued, “Just… wish that didn’t have to have happened in a situation that could have ended worse.”
Damian shrugged, “I wish the same, obviously, but it did work out. I did something right.”
“Don’t get cocky.”
“Of course.” He laughed, “Oh, and also… when getting Haley back I met another gypsy… she knew you, asked about you.”
Keith blinked, but didn’t look confused or surprised, just thoughtful. Then finally asked, seeming less awkward than she had on the whole situation, “How is she?”
“She’s, she seems good. Happy. She told me to tell you she was married to the leader of that particular band.”
Now he smiled a bit, as though he’d known this would happen. But all he said, like her, was, “Good.”
There was a brief silence broken by the laughter of Haley and the younger children. Shaking his head Keith assumed his brotherly grin again, “So, you’ve saved a girl’s life, what, twice now? Been to the Royal city and a gypsy camp without being questioned or harmed. Fallen in love and come back here happily with girl in tow?”
Damian laughed at how he perfectly he summed up everything, “I suppose I have.”
“Pretty impressive, I have to say,” He clapped him on the back, grinning widely, “After all, you’re still only 18.”

THE END
 
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