Beginning Chapter Two. Plot threads are going to start coming together.
I assume you're not aware of it, but gypsy is actually a really offensive slur. It was very jarring for me to read it in your lovely story and I'm not even one of the people who would be hurt by its use. I strongly suggest that you rename these folks. It's really not a good word at all.
It's a name like any other. It'seems only pejorative if you have a problem with them.
It was jarring to me as well. "Gypsy" IS listed an ethnic slur on wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_slurs). Actual Romani and Traveller folk generally find it offensive (exceptions seem to be specific to certain contexts), the only people I've seen defend the word are not Romani or Traveller (or other ethnicity grouped under the term "gypsy") and generally don't know better.
It is not the best English word to describe a group of nomads or wanderers, although it was obviously NOT intended as a slur here. Ray's comments are the only I'm even saying anything. If possible, I would advise renaming the group to 'nomads' or some other racially neutral word.
author comments