Thread: Carnival: Shadows And Whispers Under The Big Top (Dane Stalling & darkangel76)

Banner by Dane Stalling Oh those words kept buzzing through Felicity's head as she pushed her way through the crowd. The air smelled of sweat and tobacco and she could sense the adrenaline surging through veins as everyone waited to pour inside the tents. Her green eyes fixed upon the tallest, its red and white stripes bold and bright against the dimming sky. The lamplighters were already perched upon ladders as they lit the street lamps for the eager citizens of Faraviata. She wondered how they managed to balance so easily on those rickety, old things when the light of day was fading so very quickly. Turning toward the sun, it had already fallen below the horizon line, streaks of purple and orange marking the sky. Felicity ran a trembling hand through her strawberry blond curls. She couldn't get those words out of her mind. Rhianna the fortunetellerhad told her quite clearly that the time was coming, that the time was now! Well, she hadn't said it quite that plainly. But it was enough for her to decide that it was time to take action! Rhianna's blue eyes had misted over, a far off look replacing her once serious expression. The red-head had looked deeply into Felicity's eyes, reaching out and grasping hold of her delicate hand, yanking her close. Felicity could almost count the individual freckles that smattered across the pretty girl's face, her breath warm upon her cheek, as she seemed to study her. She'd gulped, tried to breathe and then the wild girl released her and eased back into her seat. I see darkness, a haze, I...I can't quite make it out. You've come to a crossroads and must pick your path. Will you choose wisely, miss? Felicity had been able to hear her heart pounding, racing as she looked at Rhianna, those blue eyes narrowing into slits. What happened next, was foggy. But she'd nodded, slipped her some coin and ran out without further word. Time was ticking ever forward and soon the tents would open and everyone would be allowed their final chance to peek at the marvels of the carnival. How Felicity dreaded the day those tents would come down, the wagons leaving. But she was determined. She knew just what Rhianna's words had meant! Clutching her bag close, she steeled herselfand her nervesand waited for the moment she'd be able to speak to the man who led everything. Yes, she, Felicity Carmichael, was going to join the circus! How her parents would disapprove! But she hardly cared. As it was they probably were fretting that she was nowhere to be found. Her chaperone was more than likely being punished for not keeping a better eye on her. But didn't they know she was no longer a child? That she had her own dreams and desires? Just then, the crowd surged forward and Felicity moved along with it. She caught sight of the banner advertizing the aerialists and her heart suddenly skipped a beat. She was in complete awe over the aerialists, how they managed to walk so high above the crowd on a wire with no net to catch them should they fall! Oh, and the man of the duo! He'd caught her eye since the first night they'd arrived. His hypnotic gaze and perfect form never once disappointing! She could watch their act again and again and never grow tired of it. Did you see them? Did you see? came some giggles from behind Felicity. She refused to look back and kept her focus forward as the crowd moved, a whiff of cigar filling her nose as she walked. Isn't he gorgeous? came another voice. He winked at me yesterday! came still another. Felicity frowned. She reminded herself that it was all part of the show. Of course the performers winked at everyone...and smiled and bowed. It was all part of it. Wasn't it? Letting the giggling girls' comments roll away, she glanced at the other advertisements as she headed toward the main tentthe one where the aerialists would be performing. She saw Rhianna's banner, another for the bearded lady. The Monster read yet another and she felt a chill run down along her spine. She'd always avoided that one, fearing what might reside inside and terrified that whatever it was might give her nightmares for years to come. Biting down on her lower lip, she wondered if she'd dare now on this final night, a night when she'd seize her chance and change her life forever. Just then, Felicity was shoved inside the largest of the tents. Her green eyes went wide as she took in the bright colors of the flags decorating the inside. Lights flashed and music whirred. For a moment she felt dizzy and then she caught sight of the high wire and smiled. Snapping back into the moment, she paid her coin and found her seat, ready to be dazzled by the show. She was elated and excited, blood pumping hard with anticipation. After the show, she'd find the troupe's leader. She'd make him an offer. He wouldn't turn away a willing worker would he? No. Felicity clung onto Rhianna's words just like she clung to her bag. She was ready to choose her path and she was going to run down it with all her might.