Full Name: Katerina Serena Vasilyevna Voschanov Borodin
Trade(s): Phuri Dae (Wise Woman) of the Vitsa of the Fiery Dawn, Musician
Date & Place of Birth: May 9, 1510 in a little blue vardo outside Moscow
Favourite Pastime(s): "Playing with the Gaje -- they are so amusing when they are angry!"
Favourite Meal: Strawberries and cantaloupe
Favourite Colour: Green
Favourite Member of the Kumpania: "My sister Tatiana...when she is not causing trouble!"
Favourite Weapon: Her flute
Quote: "Just because I am better than you does not mean I am conceited!(grin)"
Background
Katja's life revolves around an accident of birth -- she is the illegitimate daughter of Vasily III, the Czar of Russia! Her Gypsy mother, Oksana Voschanov-Borodin, was a dancer at his court, whom he seduced and then discarded when he tired of her. Oksana fled and was taken in by us -- a few months later she gave birth to Katja.
Oksana remained bitter all her life, and her hatred of nobles definitely shows in Katja as well. Her father's identity is a secret known only to a few in the Kumpania, but how long can it be kept quiet?
Despite her past, she is a festive and humourous Romni, playing the flute with great skill and always ready with a jest, usually sarcastic in nature. The best time to see her notoriously sharp wit at work is in her arguments with Nikolai, with whom she is constantly bickering as the new Phuri Dae of our clan
You see, Katja has been secretly under the tutelage of Baba Ravena for many years in preparation for succeeding her as Phuri Dae of the Vitsa of the Fiery Dawn. Now that Baba Ravena has become Chivani (Head Wise Woman) of our entire tribe, she travels with each of the vitsi (clans) within it for a part of the year. Katja has replaced Baba Ravena's place as Phuri Dae of the Fiery Dawn since her promotion. However, despite this great honour, Katja is not without worries. She has Nikolai to contend with, who while respecting the wisdom of the Phuri Dai in general is also used to being pushed around by them, and who has no intention being treated as such by Katja, who's about his age and virtually a brother to her. It should be interesting seeing the sparks fly this spring!
Do make sure to hear Katja's excellent flute playing, and seek her out in the lanes to have your palm "red" by Madam Katja!
