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

Elspeth felt a sweeping heat prickle along her skin as Roald inspected her work, his fingers moving along each stitch while his eyes took in the extra embellishments she'd taken to adding to the garment. Both Chins and Mojo seemed eager to see what she'd done, though the extra care she'd taken on Roald's costume wasn't something she normally did. Yes, she took pride in every bit that came her way, but...Roald's was special. A part of him frightened her. Perhaps it was the fact that she never got a good look at his face or a moment to truly speak with him. After all, his entourage of clowns was almost always by his side and who could resist a funny quip or a melodious song? Besides, her chores always kept her busy. Dr. Manuel saw to that and, deep down, she knew why though she didn't like to think on it. But Roald's voice...it lulled her to dreamland every night, a rich voice singing sweet tunes as the moon rose high in the sky and the fires crackled warm and inviting in the distance. It was nice to actually be sitting with someone who seemed to want her near. Elspeth smiled shyly, her hands wringing the apron she donned. She twisted the thin fabric with her fingers as she stared at the dancing flames, feeling the weight of the clowns' gazes. She tried not to think of the others, of Chins and Mojo. She tried to imagine it was just she and Roald sitting there, his face natural without the smears of white and red. I... Elspeth began, though her mouth suddenly felt dry. She licked her lips and held back a cough, which threatened burst forth just in that moment. Clearing her throat, she brought her apron up toward her mouth and dabbed at her lips, giggling nervously, softly. They're just stories, she went on, her eyes still fixed on the fire. A warmth settled deep inside her tummy. She was glad that Roald seemed pleased with her work. I used to hear my previous employer tell them to her daughters. It was an admission. Her previous employer had only taken her on because her motherthe original servanthad died. Not wanting to seem uncharitable, she'd kept Elspeth in her home, but she had to take up her mother's old position. She'd never been allowed to play with the girls her own age, forever playing alone. Some were sad, others f-frightening... she stuttered slightly and bit down on her lower lip. Swallowing hard, she looked away from the orange glow of fire and over at Roald. Chins and Mojo seemed to be whispering, but she couldn't make out their chatter nor did she want to. But some had happy endings. Elspeth smiled as her dark eyes peered into Roald's, trying to look beyond the make up and bawdy faade. There was more there, though the smell of the ale was pungent as it wafted up and fire popped. She heard it every night before she went to sleep. Ava scowled as Albert busily dressed himself. Why was the insufferable brute always like this? They truly were a pair to be reckoned with. So perfect to those that watched them as the light shone down making them stars. But if anyone dared to peer too closely, they'd see every crack and every crease. All their flaws would be more than visible, giving away their darkest secrets. They were like gaping ravines waiting to swallow up anyone who dared to approach. It was no wonder people kept a cool distanceher thoughts suddenly flitting to the gold flowerand it was why she played up to the role. The act that must go on once the show ended. How she hated what her life had become. But it had become necessary to thrive. She lowered her eyes, not wanting to watch as Albert made himself decent and she could hear the light footfalls of the girl running through the yard. Her eyes closed and her heart twisted. She was an impenetrable island with great walls no one could breach. No one? The sounds of Albert sliding fabric over skin resonated in Ava's ears and she felt her jaw clench, her muscles tense. Her hands, which had been resting against the plush divan, had balled up into fists and she felt an ache grow in her chest. Slowly, she opened her eyes and crossed her arms pulling the white cotton of her nightgown taut about her body. She shook her head, stood up and crossed the tiny space so that she was facing Albert. Her dark eyes narrowed and she slapped him once and then twice across the face. Don't follow me, Ava stated as she walked out of the trailer and across the yard. Where the girl had gone was no business of hers. The sky was beginning to brighten and soon it would be morning. Soon they'd be leaving this wretched town and heading for another. Felicity slowly blinked her eyes open. As they came into focus, she found herself looking into a smiling face covered in freckles, wild red hair bouncing about, as they seemed to be moving in time with the trailer as it slowly rattled along. Oh...oh my... Felicity gasped, her fingers grabbing at the blankets. Rhianna just giggled, a hand covering her mouth. Good, you're awake. She reached for the bread and handed it directly to Felicity, the smile upon her lips only growing. Th-thank you? Felicity said, unsure what to make of the fortune-teller's odd behavior as she thrust the bread in her face. She took the offered food and gave the girl a nod of thanks. Carefully, she broke off a piece and began nibbling at it. Rhianna nodded, It's good isn't it? Freshly brought to you this morning. And... she went on, turning to grab at something seemingly hidden behind a table. This. She placed a leather bag roughly onto the bed next to Felicity's outstretched legs. The mattress bounced and jostled her slightly as the bag settled into place. Felicity's eyes widened, sparkling like emeralds as she took in the sight of her long lost suitcase. Immediately, she reached out for it, completely aghast. How did you? I thought... Ah, but he was here, Rhianna said with a knowing smile. He? Felicity asked wondering to whom she was referring, but Rhianna only nodded. Who? she asked again, a bit flustered. You don't know? Rhianna tsk'd, her hand moving to fiddle with Felicity's pretty red curls as the girl continued to nibble on her bread. Come, I've more food for you. You had a fright last night and you must be famished. Besides, you need to be ready when you speak to our Doctor. She gave Felicity a knowing look. I... Felicity stammered, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. Everything was happening so quickly, though she was thrilled to have her things back. You'll be fine, the fortune-teller insisted as she tugged on a flaming tendril. You can stay with me until you find...other... she giggled, her blue eyes closing. Arrangements. Felicity felt confused, but she could tell that Rhianna meant well and her whimsical way was a bit infectious. She nodded and pushed the blankets down, letting her legs dangle over the side of the bed for a moment before getting up and stretching her arms. The bread did indeed taste good and she was very hungry. Things were finally falling into place, finally going as she'd dreamed...and the monster who'd given her the scare would hopefully not turn out to be as he'd seemed.