A TALE OF LADY ESMARELDA

Once upon a chilly time in May of 2024, in the enchanting village of Clarens nestled in the Free State of South Africa, there is a charming place known as the Gypsy Wagons and Guesthouse. It was here that Jason and Calyn decided to spend a magical weekend, escaping from the hustle and bustle of their busy Durban city lives. The guesthouse and wagons were authentic, quaint and colourful, set against the backdrop of the majestic Maluti Mountains, creating a perfect haven for a romantic little getaway.

On their first evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, they decided to light a bonfire. They gathered wood and soon, a warm fire crackled and danced in front of them, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding trees. They wrapped themselves in a cozy blanket, sharing stories and laughter as the stars twinkled above.

As they gazed into the mesmerising flames, a soft melody began to fill the air. It was a hauntingly beautiful tune, drifting from the direction of one of gypsy wagons, known as Esmeralda. Legend has it that this wagon was magical, holding secrets of the past and whispering tales of old.

Curiosity sparked in Calyn’s eyes, and with Jason by her side, they decided to follow the melodic sound. The music grew louder, drawing them closer to the green wagon. When they reached it, they found a lonesome woman with a warm, kind face playing a violin. She introduced herself as Esmeralda, the infamous Gypsy lady herself, the guardian of the wagon.

Esmeralda smiled knowingly and invited them to sit with her. She began to tell them a tale of a hidden treasure, said to be buried somewhere on the guesthouse grounds. The treasure, she explained, was not of gold or jewels, but something far more precious. It was a treasure of memories and the magic of the land, as she pointed toward the swings and the seat of love.

Intrigued and eager for adventure, Jason and Calyn decided to search for the hidden treasure the very next day. Esmeralda handed them an old map, weathered and faded, with cryptic symbols and clues. The following morning, they embarked on their quest, exploring the beautiful landscape of the guesthouse. They crossed the babbling brooks, wandered through ancient forest, crunching through the dried leaves and climbed gentle hills, all the while solving riddles and deciphering clues.

As the sun began to set, they reached a secluded garden adorned with wildflowers. At the center was a large, ancient oak tree with a hollowed-out trunk. Inside the trunk, they discovered a small, intricately carved wooden box. With bated breath, they opened the box to find a collection of old photographs, love letters, and trinkets from the past guests of the Gypsy Wagons and Guesthouse.

In that moment, Jason and Calyn realised the true treasure was the memories and love shared by countless couples and families who had stayed here before them. They felt a deep appreciation for this place and to each other, understanding that their love story was now a part of this magical tapestry.

As they returned to the bonfire that night, they were greeted again by Esmeralda, who congratulated them on their discovery. She handed them a small, golden key and told them it was the key to their future adventures together. Jason and Calyn thanked her, knowing that this weekend at the Gypsy Wagons and Guesthouse had been more than just a breakaway – it had been part of their start to a lifelong journey filled with adoration, adventure, and most importantly – magic!

And so, under the starry South African sky, with the bonfire crackling warmly beside them, Jason and Calyn embraced, ready to write the next chapter of their own fairy tale.

 ~ The End