Barsali's Caravan

(set:$knowndances to (a:)) The sound of music drifts from between the trees. A hurdy-gurdy's rhythmic drone and the whistle of flutes rise over the noise of the falling rain/the thrum of your own velosteam's engine. [[Approach the sound of the music...|B2]]

An old man churns a hurdy-gurdy on his shoulder as he sits on the steps of his bright caravan. Two boys are playing flutes and a girl beats a drum while a couple dance around a fire on the turf. A traveller family are relaxing after their day's work. [[Join in with your mandolin...|B3]] [[Join the dance...|B4]] [[Stand and watch...|B5]]

(set:$a to (random:1,2)) Drawing out your mandolin, you quickly check your tuning and then (if:$a is 1)[join the tune. The old man nods appreciatively and picks up the pace with a whoop. His grandsons blow quicker and quicker and the dancers heels kick up sparks from the edge of the fire. Whirling and dancing, faster and faster, the dance goes on until the flutes give a shrill shriek and the entire family shout for pleasure. ===You have learnt a new tune! 'Gipsy fire dance'===] (else:)[try your best to joint the tune. The melody is difficult and it keeps changing time, first three steps, then four, then three - or five! Nonetheless, the old man keeps eye contact and helps you find the pulse. Then, before you know it, you are playing along with him! Whirling and dancing, faster and faster, the dance goes on until the flutes give a shrill shriek and the entire family shout for pleasure. ===You have improved your musical ability! Musicianship +20===] [[Continue...|B6]]

(set:$a to (random:1,2))(if:$a is 1)[ The dance is a challenge, but you keep up, circling the fire and kicking up the embers with the couple. The musicians begin to play faster, and you have to breathe quickly to keep going. Whirling and dancing, faster and faster, the dance goes on until the flutes give a shrill shriek and the entire family shout for pleasure. ===You have learnt a new dance! 'Gipsy fire dance'===(set:$knowndances to (a:"caracole","Gipsy fire dance"))] (else:)[ The changing patterns of the dance are complex and you bump into the couple once or twice as they abruptly change direction around the open fire. But they laugh and take your hands, one either side, guiding your feet until you are more confident. ===You have improved your dancing ability! Dance +10===] [[Continue...|B6]]

Even though you simply stand and watch, the rhythm is infectious and you find yourself clapping along, watching as the man plays with his tall hat, the woman flaps her skirts daringly over the flames and the pair switch, change direction, stamp and laugh. Whirling and dancing, faster and faster, the dance goes on until the flutes give a shrill shriek and the entire family shout for pleasure. [[Continue...|B6]]

The dancing man steps over to you, his hand outstretched. "We are celebrating our daughter's nameday," he says, motioning towards the girl with the drum. "Join us, stranger! More music, more celebration!" [["I will gladly join you."|B7]] [["I must continue on my way."|B8]]

(set: $lastate to $clock)(set:$hunger to 0) You stay with the gipsy family late into the night, dancing, eating their delicious hedgehog cobbler and drinking small glasses of fiery liquor. Barsali, the dancing man, introduces you to the whole family and shows your their quaint steam-caravan. [[Offer the daughter a gift...|B9]] (if:($knowndances)'s length >1)[[[Offer to teach them a dance...|B11]] ][[Tell a story...|B12]]

He shakes his head. "What a shame! You have yet to learn to take time for simple pleasures. Perhap we will meet you again. If you cannot find us here, we may be burning wood for charcoal over in the Hedsor woods." [[Travel on...|B10]]

You remount your velosteam and wave to Barsali and his family still standing by the fire.

Looking through your possessions, you find a bracelet that might suit the girl. Otherwise, there is money in your pocket. [[Give the girl the bracelet...|B13]] [[Give her a guinea ...|B18]]

Whistling the tune to the caracolle you enjoyed, you begin to walk Barsali and his wife through the steps of the dance. His daughter Cojini soon joins you and grandpa picks up the pulse with his hurdy-gurdy. They laugh as you play the part of a dance-master, but seem genuinely keen to learn from you. Cojini gives you a big smile as you conclude the lesson. "Thankyou," she says. "That was a beautiful nameday gift." Barsali clasps your hand. "You have a gift, to teach like this. Although you are a wanderer in your heart, you many talents. Should our paths cross again, teach us another dance!" [[Leave the family...|B10]]

You share the tale of some of your past exploits. The two boys listen with rapt amazement and the old man nods. Barsali smiles. "Adventure," he says. "You have a wandering heart. We will meet you again, my spirit tells me." [[Leave the family and travel on...|B10]]

Cojini gracious takes the bracelet and slips it onto her wrist. She smiles brightly. "Thankyou," she says. "What a precious nameday gift." Cojini's mother comes over and speaks to you directly for the first time. She takes your hand in hers and looks deep into your eyes. "You have far still to travel," she begins. "I see you will gain much, lose much, and give much away." She hesitates. "There is blood on you. You have been wounded, haven't you? Here," and she points towards your side. [[Nod...|B14]] [[Keep quiet...|B15]]

"Your path is leading you into conflict," she continues. "When you see holly growing in oak, you will suffer a great loss." [["Thank you."|B16]] [["What do you mean?"|B17]]

The woman can plainly see beyond the average observer. Is she simply reading you, or does she have some spiritual gift of insight? Either way, knowing your future is a dangerous burden. "I am making you uncomfortable," she says. "But I have a burden to explain to you. Do not fear the reaper with the scythe. That is not your end." [[Let her go...|B16]]

You press a guinea into the girl's hand. She beams with delight. "Thankyou, kind stranger," she says. "Gold is for gentleness. This will buy my father new boots and a shawl for my mother." Barsali smiles. "Come and see us again - if you can find us! You are assured of our friendship now." It is time to depart. [[Travel on...|B10]]

She lets your hand fall and returns to her children. Barsali approaches. "I did not hear what my wife said, but know this. She has eyes to see and often sees what will come to pass. But fear nothing. You are assured of our friendship now." It is time to depart. [[Travel on...|B10]]

"I simply see an holly tree growing from the inside of a hollow oak, and when I consider it, my heart is cold with fear. Perhaps that is the shadow of your loss." ["What will I lose?"]<1|(click:?1)[ "I don't see anything else - simply feel that cold. I cannot tell you what I do not see." ["When will this happen?"]<2|(click:?2)[ "I do not know. Sooner, if you seek it, as is the way with all our fates." She lets your hand fall and returns to her children. Barsali approaches. "I did not hear what my wife said, but know this. She has eyes to see and often sees what will come to pass. But fear nothing. You are assured of our friendship now." It is time to depart. [[Travel on...|B10]]]]