Becoming the Storm
Appendix 2: Definitions
DESCRIBING the relationships between characters is complicated, especially as they move into more permanent relationships. Therefore, they developed the following terms to describe the group. Although many of the terms are Spanish in origin, the group generally doesn’t speak Spanish, so their usage is often unique. Since the terms are used commonly, they are not italicized like foreign words would be.
Tribe—the entire extended family, mostly to include the parents and siblings of those in the agreement. Also includes others who are not directly related but close to the tribe. They are The Tribe of Delight.
Clan—the group of all those who have signed the clan charter or extended agreement. They have named themselves The Clan of the Heart.
Cousin—any member of the clan.
Casa—household. This refers to people, not the houses they live in. The cast below is listed by casa.
Hearthmates—members of a given casa.
Cónyuge—spouse or mate; those hearthmates or cousins considered in a long-term, intimate relationship.
Novia—fiancé or fiancée (not distinguished by gender); those intending to enter into a long-term intimate relationship with each other but who aren’t quite there yet or who want a handfasting ceremony first. Note: The term fiancé or fiancée is used when there is an actual marriage anticipated instead of or in addition to a clan handfasting.
Compañera—a girlfriend or boyfriend (not gender specific); within the casa, often synonymous with hearthmate.
Amiga—man or woman of a different casa that is intimate with another but not in a long-term committed relationship. Often used early on but with decreasing frequency.
Patrón—the leader of the clan or clan chief. It is not an elected position. The clan simply recognizes Brian’s leadership.
Matrón—the female leader of the clan or clan queen. Like Patrón, it is not an elected position. The clan recognizes Rose’s leadership and she also functions as the clan shaman.
La Madrina—the godmother. Only Hannah could be accorded this title.
Husband/Wife—normally only used to refer to people who are legally married. Several couples have married or plan to move this direction. Occasionally used to denote a kind of relationship or how people feel about their cónyuge.
Village—as houses and people were added, the tribe sought and gained legal definition as the Village of Corazón, Indiana. In addition to the ranch, there are eight houses in the village at the end of Book 8. A firehouse is planned. The village square includes a fresh market, café, and the headquarters of Designed by Leonard. Other businesses and homes are added.
The Ranch—the original portion of the village comprising the barn (with studio and dormitories), the bunkhouse duplex (shared by Casa del Arco Iris and Casa de la Tierra), the big house (where Casa del Fuego lives), and the barn duplex (a two unit building that looks like another, smaller barn on the property where Casa de los Caballos has the lower level and Casa del Sol has the upper). The ranch also includes the original pasture, huge garden, and the River of Life. The ranch is named El Rancho del Corazón and is usually clothing optional.
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