Conley Brothers

"I suppose you have a point but I worry...he's my big brother" she said, oh sweet Camilla, always more worried about other people.

"Tea sounds wonderful and yes I'd love to see Starnacht, you know how I like to get to know everyone, wouldn't be right if I missed that chance with him"
 
Vlad chuckled and rose from his seat on the steps. He gathered up his items on one arm and held out a hand to Camilla. "May I help you up?"
 
she smiled and took the hand before stepping up "Can I ask you about your life before coming here?" she asked, she never just straight up asked questions about peoples pasts, innocent in many ways but not stupid, she knew that everyone here had struggled before her brother took them in and gave them a place to thrive.
 
Vlad paused, startled by the question. "What brought on that question?" he asked, stalling a bit as he stepped up into the wagon. He closed the door and set about getting the kettle on to boil. No one, not even Felix himself, knew the entirety of Vlad's history. Not that that was uncommon around here, but most usually dropped hints here or there in casual talk as time went on and they grew more relaxed.
 
She shrugged a little, finding a spot to sit easily enough "I don't know, just, thinking about what life must be like outside and why living the way we do is easier than what's out there" she tried to explain her thoughts "It's alright if you don't wish to tell me anything I'm just curious"
 
Vlad smiled. "Ah, yes. The desire to experience something else, something different. I think that is what truly defines us as being human. In a matter of speaking, that is," he added, considering how many of the people in the circus were not, strictly speaking, human. "It is natural, and unless you have experienced another way of living, then you have nothing but other people's word to tell you that one way or another is better. This circus..." He waved his hand vaguely. "It is better for those of us who are a bit different from what would be considered 'normal.'"

He poured two cups of tea, the leaves from somewhere in Russia. He wondered if his vague ramble would distract her without alerting her to the fact that he hadn't actually answered or declined to answer her question.
 
She sighed, he sounded just like her brothers "right..of course" she said and looked out the window. Seemed like the only way she'd find anything out was by going to see for herself.

Starnacht at that point peeked out from under the bed, hesitating before he climbed out and sat on the floor quietly, so quietly Camilla didn't notice him
 
Vlad glanced at her and hesitated. "The world is a very big place," he said slowly. "There are places where no one belongs, and places where you feel everyone belongs. The trick is to find the place that suits you best. Sometimes people are born into that place and never leave. Other times, it takes them many tries only to discover that where they belong is far, far away... or right back where they started." He smiled at her and handed her the teacup. "Perhaps here is not your place, but I urge you to be patient and cautious when leaving. You are a sweet, gentle soul, and I fear you will be hurt. You mustn't let it turn you bitter or fearful when that happens."
 
she smiled faintly "How do you know when you've found your place?" she asked him "I do love it here but I can't help the feeling that I am missing something by never going out into the world.... and you know Felix will never let me.. He's trying to protect me I understand that but I'm not a little girl..." she sighed "I'm sorry Vlad... I shouldn't be complaining about this to you" but nobody else really listened "Just overtired I think..."
 
Vlad poured a third cup of tea and handed it to Starnacht before replying to Camilla again. "It is not complaining when you are truly seeking answers, which I believe you are," he replied, sitting with his own cup. "You are coming into womanhood and seeking to know more about the world around you. Most reach this era of dissatisfaction long before now. As for knowing when you arrive... as cliche as it sounds, you'll just know. Maybe not right away, but one day it will strike you that the place you are in or perhaps a place you left behind felt like home." He sighed. "As for Felix... I may be asking for trouble saying this, but I think there may come a time when you will have to leave this nest and find your wings, with or without his approval. Though I would hope you do get it."
 
Star accepted the cup with a smile, but stayed quiet as not to interrupt the two of them.

"You'll only get in trouble if he hears you say that" She noted and sighed "You're right though... I can't stay in his nest forever as much as he'd like me to "You know... I think you're very wise" she complimented "And a good friend besides" sure she knew everyone at the circus and was friendly with them all but was actual friends with much fewer "But you never answered my question.... I guess you don't want me to ask about your past?" she guessed by the way he deflected, but just to be sure
 
"There isn't much to tell, really," Vlad said with a shrug. "I was born in Russia to Roma family, Gypsies to you. My great grandparents traveled there from Romania, and the family decided to more or less settle in the region. Eventually, with the unrest from the wars, the family decided to come here."
 
She listened to him, curious and also a little excited to hear his story "where is your family now?" She asked, hoping that wouldn't trigger anything painful but while he was sharing she took the chance to ask
 
"Most of them went back to Romania once the war ended," Vlad replied. "The war decimated many lands, and Romania has suddenly been handed back its identity as a country after hundreds of years, and there is much extended family there. They had hopes of helping our people and finding family left in Russia, if any survived. The war was not kind to Russia or Romania, but as Romas..." He shrugged. "We are used to that."
 
She nodded a little "why didn't you go back?" She askrd curiously, first of several questions she had for him, she found these things so fascinating. She knew so little about the outside world
 
"I did not feel the need. Would you like a bicuit?" he asked, offering a tin of what were called "cookies" here in America. He offered it to Starnacht as well as Camilla.
 
she nodded, a good a reason as any. she smiled and took a cookie happily enough. Starnacht curiously picked one up and sniffed it, having never had one before. He nibbled at the edges a little and paused, grinned, and popped the entire thing in his mouth, making that purring sound again, he approved of these things.

Camilla smiled at his reaction. "Like that hm?" she'd remember that. The boy nodded, not speaking as he was still chewing
 
"These are called digestive biscuits," Vlad smiled to Starnacht. "These are a German recipe, I think they are much better than anything I have found here in America."
 
he smiled after he swallowed "I like, very good" he said "you make them?" he licked his lips and eyed the tin.

"They are quite good" Camilla agreed, taking smaller bites of hers rather than gobbling it all up as he had
 
"I do, but they are a bit of a treat. Best to eat them slow," Vlad said with a twinkle in his eye before offering the tin again. "Only one more. You have not had your supper yet, nor have the twins. I need to collect them so we might eat."
 
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