She faded into the shadows. The rhythmically tapping boot heels, accompanied by the sharp clicking of bone castanets masked any small sounds she might make. The arched passageway at the base of the old tower was inky black. As she passed into the shadows, the beautiful, vivid girl became a wraith; a pale shadow among other shadows. Here and there, as she drew breath or tilted her head to listen, a golden ornament captured a stray flicker of firelight. If only Damien would recognize her refusal. It was her final answer and she would not dance tonight.

Behind her, the lilting strains of many violins and the faraway strumming of a flamenco guitar mingled with the echo of voices urging the couple to join in the dance. "Blessed Sainte Sara," she whispered, barely above a breath. Hers was a world of wanderers...song and sorrow...prophesies and promises. A place where fortunes were begged, borrowed or stolen. Hers was the realm of the Rom. How dared she dream of another life with another man. Damien would see her dead first.

Tarsia shivered in the gloom. The crumbling abbey was the perfect place to meet. The old energy of those who passed before kept the local Gaje away. It was also the place Tarsia had first heard the Chiriklo - The Gypsy Bird. She knew it was time to choose. The amulet at her throat warmed as she fingered the blood red stone at its heart. Stuart had asked her to wear it as a symbol of their betrothal. It had been in his family for many hundreds of years. Once brought back from the last great crusade by a knight as a gift for his beloved. It was passed from mother to eldest son for his bride. Daj said she would be unwelcome, it was unwise to dream, her heart would lead her to ruin. She cared not.

Somewhere above, a bird called softly. Tarsia recalled the legend of the Chiriklo. It had pierced its own heart on a thorn rather than leave its master. She heard the softest wiffle and then the knock of a hoof on stone. Stuart was near.

Tarsia glimpsed Damien's satisfied look as he faded back into the shadows, then darkness covered her eyes as the world shrank to encompass only Stuart's face. A warmth spread across her breast. If only they could have a little more time. The ruby amulet glowed between them and her whispered, "Come to me my dearest," warmed his lips as he held her near and willed her spirit to remain with his.

Somewhere, high above the lovers, the Chiriklo warbled a song of sorrow, before it pierced its heart upon the thorn at its breast.

Many legends surround the old abbey. It is said the cemetery holds many pairs of lovers.

Some say the misty hours before dawn bring them together for just a few moments and those moments are often accompanied by the most beautiful bird song imaginable.

The Costume - is a combination of fabrics, chosen to lend a Persian flair to the costume. The three tiered skirt is constructed of a striped Egyptian cotton, a red and gold scroll pattern and a paisley pattern. The lower tier is lined in black. The black velvety corset has been trimmed with an artist created twisted cord and gold foil trim, red glass beads and artist created tiny gold sequins. It is laced, front and back over a full sleeved vintage ivory gauze blouse. The neck is drawn over a tiny cord. Her little pouch is of soft red velvet with gold bead trim and is attached to her corset at the waist with a golden amulet. She wears black tights, a small knife and leather sheath on her thigh, lace up black ankle boots and a full, lace trimmed gauze petticoat.

The Accessories - she wears a golden heart with red cabochon ruby on a thin black cord and a coin and golden drop filled chain. Gold hoop earrings and beaded velvet headband twinkle as she dances in the firelight. Her tambourine was hand crafted and contains five tiny pairs of cymbals inserted into the frame and is trimmed with red, black and ivory silk ribbons. Her red chiffon scarf has been edged in gold and tiny golden sequins and may be arranged over her head or carried as desired. Her favorite tarot cards and her book of "debts" are always close at hand.

Tyler as Tarsia - has been completely repainted. She has golden brown eyes, shadowed in soft charcoal, feathered dark brows, beautifully shaded deep rose lips, a natural manicure and applied lashes. Her black hair has been gently permed into loose waves.

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