Unspoken

Chapter 1 Travelers of the Long Road

12 years later

 They were tending to the horses like they did every morning. Laszlo was quite strict at that. His horses were always very sought after at the market. 

But the horses weren't what her eyes were trimmed on. It was the young man that was holding the brown mare. His hand was stroking the mare's neck in a calming manner and soothing words came over his lips. The sun gave his dark hair a warm glow and caressed his cheeks.

"He is handsome, ne? My brother." Daria's amused voice suddenly appeared at her ear.

Milena jumped and gave her a guilty smile.

Daria's light laughter sounded like little bells. "Do not looks so caught, pena*, I cannot blame your eyes for seeing him." She gently grabbed onto Milena's arm and leaned on her friend. Milena's cheeks were burning and she looked down.

"Alright," Daria said, "I will stop teasing you. Do not be cross with me."

Milena shook her head at her friend to indicate she was forgiven and Daria smiled. "Good."

A woman leaned out of one of the wagons and called out to Daria. "Daria, it is your turn to go to the village. Ihrin and Aranka made new bracelets to sell and we need bread and milk. And eggs too."

"Yes mother," Daria called back and tugged on Milena's arm. "Come with me?"

Milena nodded and followed after her friend.

"You two will take Alec with you," Daria's mother, Izabela, called after them, "I will not let you girls wander off alone. You know no good will come of it."

"It is only a small village," Daria protested, "with a handful of farms. We will not need protection. And Alec is still a child."

A young boy jumped down from one of the other wagons of their kumpania and gave Daria cheeky grin. "You just want Petsha to accompany you."

Daria turned a deep red. "Be quiet." She nervously glanced around, bur Petsha was in a deep conversation with his father Vali.

Alec chuckled and even Milena stifled a silent laugh.

"Do not laugh at me," Daria told her with an embarrassed flush on her cheeks. It was bad enough that the whole kumpania seemed to be aware of her crush, except for the man in question.

"Don't stand around child," Izabela reprimanded, "we must make ready for departure. We are leaving on the morrow. Do not waste daylight. How will you ever find a man like that. On with you."

Daria sighed and picked up the basket with jewelry and tin goblets. "Going mother. We will not be long."

Izabela sighed and turned to Alec. "You watch out for them, boy. Do not let harm befall them."

"They will be safe," the ten year old said with a serious face and he straightened himself.

The three set out towards the farms at the edge of the village and Daria linked her arm with Milena's. "Lenka," she sighed with a dreamy look, "do you think Petsha's father will speak to mine?"

Alec snorted and rolled his eyes. "It's not like he has much choice," he teased her, "there aren't many girls to choose from. There's Gita of course and Ihrin, though she might be a bit too much to handle for him." His eyes sparkled amused. "Or perhaps he likes older women like Aranka."

Daria let out a gasp. "You terrible pest! How dare you worry me! He cannot! Lenka, sister, say it is not so!"

Milena bit her lip to keep from laughing. When it came to Petsha, Daria couldn't think straight. She had to admit, he was a good looking man. He had a calm nature and was Ramiro's best friend. Unfortunately for Daria, he was completely oblivious to her affection.