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

A nervous flutter caused Elspeth's tummy to feel as if she were taking a ride on a whirling contraption. She'd glimpsed one such rarity as a child when she'd accompanied her mother to the market square, the smell of fish always heavy in the air burning her nose. It was before the dark times, before the restrictions and quarantines. The shiny wheel had been standing proud and tall on a pier overlooking the crystal blue water not far from their patron's home. Round and round it went, bringing smiles and laughter. Even their patron's daughter, Sally-Anne had ridden the great wheel, experienced the thrill, the adventure! But that great wheel no longer turned, the metal torn down to build makeshift medical housing. She could suddenly hear the blood curdling screams when they'd found her mother, bright crimson spittle dribbling from the corners of her pretty mouth. Elspeth's eyes widened a little at Chins' antics, but she did her best not to show her discomfort. Instead, she turned slightly toward Roald, though she could feel her cheeks warm and suddenly the desire to hide outweighed her want to be seen. For so long she'd pined for such acceptance, yearned for someone to lend a shoulder. And to think that the ones who welcomed her were the lewd merry men who laughed raucously and smelled of sweat and pungent ale. Chins finally stumbled off, his crude talk still somehow lingering in her head after he'd left. She bit down on the inside of her cheek, while her hands continued to worry the hem of her apron. A frayed end began to unravel, so she wrapped the loose thread about a finger causing the tip to turn a pale shade blue. She glanced up and away from her lap, Mojo then bidding both she and Roald a goodnight. Her lips turned up into a half smile as she nodded his way, the air suddenly lighter with the two men gone who usually flanked Roald on either side. As Elspeth looked up at Roald, eyes ringed with dark circles, she imagined what it might be like listening to him tell her stories, singing her sweet lullabies as the fire slowly dwindled into nothing. Of course, this was probably the best she'd get and she'd hardly complain about that. He'd been a gentleman despite his entourage, welcoming her to his makeshift hearth and praising her skill. Not many would go to such length. She peered into his eyes and wondered...why? For several more moments, Elspeth shared more of the night with Roald. He didn't seem to mind her shyness, her quiet way. They could talk or share a comfortable silence, so different from the others who rushed her away if she came near, their false smiles hiding nothing behind masks that didn't consist of white and red paint. Her smile grew as he walked her back to the familiarity of her trailer. Once or twice, her arm brushed ever so slightly against his. The warmth of the soft purple of her modest little place beckoned as she neared, promising a night of fitful sleep and pleasant dreams. When he gave her the flower, her heart suddenly began to pound, blood rushing through veins as her insides knotted and tensed. She brought the wilted petals to her nose and inhaled deeply, the trace scent still lingering upon the soft yellow. The gift had meant everything and she knew just where to keep it. Once Roald had gone, Elspeth lit her lantern and then crossed the tiny space of her trailer. On her bed was the book of pressed flowers. She found an empty page and smiled, her fingers gently caressing it as she placed the flower upon it. A cough bubbled up and soon she was trying to catch her breath. But her eyes remained fixed on the flower and the smile remained fixed on her lips. Golden rays filtered through the slightly open shutters, but Cassidy kept the blankets pulled up over her head. She wasn't ready to start the day. But that bird! She'd heard Morgaine fluttering about and finally leave, no doubt in search of something to eat. But twice! Twice now she'd flown in and out and let something fall and roll around in one of her bowls she'd had out on the table. The things were jingling as the bird toyed with them. Damn it, Morgaine! Cassidy shouted as she sat up and laughed. Her face was bright though her dark hair was wild and mussed as it framed her face. The crow just croaked and pecked at her new treasures. What have you got? she asked as she slid out of bed and rubbed at her dark eyes. Cassidy shivered as her bare feet hit the cold, hard floor. She grabbed a knit shawl, draping it about her shoulders, and padded over toward Morgaine. The air was cooler than she anticipated, the brightness of the sun playing a cruel joke to confuse the senses. She let her fingers brush along a black wing as she peered into the bowl. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she examined what appeared to be...buttons? Just what mischief have you been up to? Cassidy asked Morgaine playfully, but the crow nudged at the buttons and turned her head toward the shutters causing the girl to tilt her head and arch a brow. Just then, there was a loud rapping sound. Cassidy jumped letting out a tiny yelp as she fumbled slightly and giggled. She eyed the bird and pointed at her knowingly. You knew a visitor would be coming. Cassidy's eyes sparkled as she pulled her shawl tighter and began moving toward the door. Her thin nightgown grazed the floor with each step. Didn't you? Morgaine just croaked and hopped from the table to a chair. Cassidy raked a hand through her tousled hair, fingers tugging on wispy strands. She laughed as she opened the door, but stopped abruptly, sucking in a sharp breath, when her eyes were suddenly locked with those belonging to the Great Jad. The walk wasn't far, but Felicity had to race to keep up with Rhianna as the spritely girl moved against the rolling motion of the train and toward the front of all the trailers. The fortune-teller was taking her to see the Doctor. She'd been tittering about all morning, urging her to get ready to present herself. Her freckled hands had fawned over her, smoothing out her skirts and working out her curls. She had to admit it was nice to have someone pore so much attention over her, wishing her luck as she sought to make her dreams come true. When they finally reached the man's trailer, she saw another looming near. It looked more like a home...she was sure her parents would approve if they saw such a thing. This way, Rhianna hissed, grabbing Felicity's wrist and dragging her up toward Dr. Manuel's humble abode. She smiled a vicious grin, blue eyes matching that of the sky overhead and banged her fist against the door. Felicity's heart was suddenly in her throat. She felt ill, terrified. There was no way she could do this. This man would never hire her on. How could he? She didn't even know what she was doing! You'll be marvelous, Rhianna assured, a hand giving Felicity's arm a squeeze. He won't turn you away. Felicity nodded. How she wished she had the same amount of confidence. Just then, the door swung open and Rhianna walked right past the man standing in the doorway. Good morning, Doctor, Rhianna spoke. She looked over at Felicity who smiled nervously. This is Felicity Carmichael, she went on, Felicity's cheeks turning pink as she lowered herself in a demure curtsy. Good day, Felicity said softly. As she stood up, Rhianna nudged her forward. I...I... Rhianna let out a puff of air. She'd like to join our carnival family, she stated. I'm sure a man such as you can help out such a girl, find a way for her to help and fit in. She nodded encouragingly. She can stay with me...for now. For now...those words made Felicity's tummy feel queasy. She looked from the Doctor to Rhianna and then back at the Doctor once more. Oh how she hoped she hadn't offended the man. And oh how she hoped she'd be able to stay. At least Rhianna seemed to believe in her. That had to count for something. It just did.