Gillie gaped when he heard his sister's voice echo off the walls of the catacombs; it was so much like mother's voice. He had heard Damara whisper from time to time, but it was rare. But it had been many years since he heard his sister speak with such tone. Clopin looked up at Damara with a broad smile. "The lady speaks! How splendid indeed. Well I must say that your name befits your elegance and beauty, if I may be so bold?"

The smile on Damara's lips faltered slightly, but she masked it quickly as Clopin came back to his full height. He gave her another smile, and then he turned his attention to Gillie. "And you good sir, what are you called?"

Gillie felt foolish playing this childish game, but he played along all the same. "Sire, I am called Gillie Lovell son of Mala and Petash Lovell."

Clopin nodded his approval. "Good form boy, good form indeed."

Damara could not help but laugh at Clopin's over exaggerated voice and gestures. Bringing his attention back to her, Clopin's eye gleamed mischievously. "She laughs!"

Clopin continued to stare at Damara until her face was close to the color of a ripe strawberry. Taking his eyes off her he declared. "Let us push on then. We are close to the Court."

Clopin was true to his word, they reached the Court within the next five minutes. Both Gillie and Damara were stunned at its size. Neither of them had ever seen such a large group of gypsies living together. The looks on their faces drove Clopin to feel a little more than smug. He was proud of the success of the Court, under his father and himself it had flourished.

The trio descended downwards into the throng of people. Clopin called their attention, the gypsies backed away allowing him room to speak. "Gather around! Gather around! Tonight is a splendid night indeed. With every passing day we suffer the wrath and stupidity of the close minded. Tonight my friends! We welcome new comers to our court! I introduce you all to the Lovell Siblings!"

Clopin clasped Gillie's shoulder and brought him forward. "My friends we have ourselves another talented Tambura player!"

The King turned and beckoned for Damara to step forward. Glancing around at the crowd she came up to stand next to her brother. "And we have just been gifted with a woman Fire Tamer!"

At this a cheer went up through the gypsies. Damara did not understand the excitement. Noticing this Clopin leaned in behind Gillie and whispered to her. "Many are afraid to work with fire, due to its destructive nature. Only two men in the Court have built up the gumption to work with it. Fire Tamers bring in more money because their gift is so rare in our neck of the woods."

Damara nodded her understanding, seeing her brother being pulled away by a group of young women she replied. "When will I be going to out so as to earn my keep?"

This caused Clopin to smile. As the crowd dispersed he led her through the Court. Looking down at her legs he stated. "Not until you've gained back some of your weight, you look like a skeleton."

Damara blinked in surprise then she crossed her arms over her chest. "I' am perfectly healthy. Not that that's any of your business."

Her statement caused Clopin to narrow his coal black eyes. Stepping closer he stared down at Damara. "You have accepted my invitation into the Court. And in doing so you have agreed to be one of my subjects, if I tell you not to go above until you've managed to gain back some weight then you will wait until I say otherwise."

At his words, Damara glared up at him. "I don't take orders from self proclaimed Kings. And I've been this thin forever, I am healthy."

Clopin smirked and placed his hands just under her chest, thus causing Damara to yank back. But he gripped her shoulder, keeping her in place. Slowly he ran his fingers along her ribs, which were to the point of being visible even from under her clothes. He chuckled. "I don't consider that healthy, little phoenix, and as for your comment on being a self proclaimed King. That is merely based on a matter of opinion."

Damara pulled away and spat at his feet. Clopin shook his head "A word of advice, if I may? Learn to respect me or you'll regret it."

Ignoring the look of anger on her face, Clopin placed a hand on her waist and steered her closer to the tents. A young woman with dark curly hair came out of one of them. Behind her a goat kid was at her heels. She was a lovely creature, even Damara could see it. She must have men on their knees wherever she goes. The woman came up to Clopin and pulled him into a hug. She then turned her attention to Damara, smiling she said. "You must be our newest member of the Court. Clopin's told me, you are a dancer."

Damara shrugged and replied casually "Of sorts."

Smiling the woman introduced herself. "My name is Esmeralda; you may also call me Esme."

It was then that Damara took notice of Esmeralda's eyes; they were deep shade of emerald green. The name suited her. Smiling Damara also introduced herself. "Damara, my name is Damara."

Clopin grinned, happy to see the little phoenix making friends with his cousin. He had a feeling that pulling her away from her brother was best. The boy caused her to be as cold towards anyone around her. But once away from him, Damara warmed considerably. Clopin waited to leave until Esme led Damara into their now shared tent.