Background
Nikolai's childhood was a painful one, as he was hated by his cruel father Kostos yet never knew why. Despite loving care from his mother Ravena and aunt Rimma, he grew up very quickly even for a Rom, an independent soul and attentive student of the ways of the world.

By his teens he had already become known throughout Russia as "king of the silver-tongued", had forged a very profitable agreement with Czar Vasily III for his people to study the activities of the Mongols when in their lands and report back on their activities in return for favour and gold, and had fallen in love with his sweetheart Nadia and had a daughter by her. Thus he was in his words "forged in flames, tempered with adversity, cooled with love and sharpened with experience."

His wits are indeed razor-sharp, and he is truly a most sly and witty Rom. It was these sharp wits and his bold spirit that helped him lead his vitsa hundreds of miles through strange lands until it finally arrived in England, and that helped him become the respected Rom Baro of the Vitsa of the Fiery Dawn.

Despite being a henpecked husband for his rogueish tendencies and flirting with Gaje women, he and his wife Nadia were most happy, with two beautiful daughters, Sonya and Tonia. However, not long ago ominous clouds loomed over the horizon, as a dark pretender to Nikolai's throne, Kyrill, threatened his power...and his life.

Kyrill, a refugee from a vitsa that had been slaughtered in Russia, had joined us just before we left the Motherland for the last time. He had been the son of a Rom Baro, and felt cheated out of what he believed to be his destiny to rule. Seeking to overthrow Nikolai, whom he saw as weak and afraid of the Gaje, Kyrill caused quite a bit of trouble for him. Things got nasty rather quick, and a bitter rivalry ensued, one that only ended when Kyrill and Nikolai learned they were long-lost brothers! Now, though they do not get a chance to see each other very often, the two are quite close, and their rivalry has become a friendly one, its weapons being clever words instead of swords.

Most significantly, not long ago their eldest brother, Mikhail, returned from Russia and abdicated his position as Rom Baro (or "High King", as we say to the Gaje) of the entire Kumpania, giving his title and crown with pride to Nikolai, who almost burst into tears, he was so happy. But Nikolai was all too soon, in January of 1532, to learn much more of sorrow than most, for his dear wife and queen Nadia was murdered by Gaje thieves on the road outside York for a few trinkets she was wearing! This tragedy has changed Nikolai greatly, for the true love of his life is dead and buried. He has been noticed to be much more serious, sly, mistrustful toward the Gaje and prone to anger than ever before.

Nadia's death and his new responsibilities within the Kumpania weighed very heavily on him, but in many ways he was and is still the sly and joyous rogue he always has been. Even more so, some might say, for now he has been able to flirt again, something he truly enjoys and excels at. However, our Romni have no intention of letting him remain single, much to his chagrin!

Nikolai has since recovered from his loss, but continues to take his responsibilities as Rom Baro more seriously than ever. He looks forward to the few faire days out of the year -- especially Scarborough's Spring Faire -- more than anyone else, for they are much needed escapes from the overwhelming responsibilities that lie on his shoulders, and a chance just to let loose and enjoy himself.

And this is exactly what Nikolai did, with the help of Boris, his guard, until the year that the Pirates came. It was time to repay the debt to the Gaje that had risked their lives to bring the Vitsa to England. A simple enough request, until it was discovered that the Pirates wanted to be smuggled into the Village of Scarborough. After a long discussion with the Phuri, NIkolai chose a select group of Gypsies to come with him and the Pirates.

To the horror of everyone present, the King and Queen of England were present to witness the invasion. Fortunately, Nikolai's quick wit and golden tongue saved the Gypsies once again. It took fast thinking to fulfill the Gypsies' vow to both the Pirates and the Village of Scarborough, but Nikolai was more than up to the task.

The situation took it's toll on Nikolai, however. After much deliberation, Nikolai decided to turn control of the Vitsa over to Boris so that Nikolai could travel Britain and visit the other vitsas. It was with much sadness that the members of the Vitsa of the Fiery Dawn bid Nikolai "Safe Travels" and watched him leave.

Latcho Drom, Nikolai

 

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