The Show

Desdem

Nights always came slower in Summer. Longer days mean more light, more opportunities. More time to complete tasks, more time to prepare for the dark and cold days of winter, more spend outside your homes before the long nights push you back in.

The Atsigani had spread the word that their performance would be tonight. Starting before the last light of the day faded across the horizon.

They were camped outside the Desdem. Most of their wagons were further back away from where the Atsigani set their two main covered wagons, set side by side with a little improvised wooden stage built in front of it. Two carved wooden posts with floral patterns rose on each side of the stage wrapped with red and golden silk scarves.

Two Atsigani men sat in each corner playing small tambourines. A huge bonfire was built to the left of the stage maybe 10 feet away ready to be lit.

Some of the denizens of Desdem started to stream in. Some in groups, others alone. Most were men, some women accompanied their husbands, no children attended. People started to gather in front of the stage sitting in groups, chatting.

Voah and Gonyaul joined the crowd too eager to see the Atsigani performance and glad to forget their troubles for a little while.

When the Walking People thought no more would came, Zargari came out to great his audience and start the show by sharing news from beyond Desdem.