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

Salty tears wetted Felicity's cheeks as she bumped against the plush divan and had no other choice but to rest against it. Her bared body slowly lowered itself down upon its lavish cushions, sinking deeply into its softness as Albert firmly gripped her wrists and pressed himself against her. She opened her mouth, sucked in air and willed herself to speak, to shout, anything to protest what it was he was about to do! But, the words just wouldn't come. So many times, she'd woken from sweaty dreams where this very man had taken her away from her family, promised her the life she'd longed for and more. His smile would reach his eyes, as he'd look upon her, his fingers lacing with hers as he professed his love. But this? Not once did he ever come off so strong. His hands knew exactly what to do to work her up and his face was perfect just like it was on every banner that showed his face. He was indeed magnificent and she was his. He wanted her. He...wanted...her. Felicity shook her head, her green eyes clamping shut as the room began to spin, the air hot and stifling as panic washed over her. She longed for the Albert she knew this man could be, should be! Where was the Albert Sparrow she'd dreamed of night after night who made sweet love to her as he whispered promises of a future in her ear? He wasn't here. He wasn't anywhere. As her legs began to spread, she felt her heart sink and as if something punched her squarely in the gut. Just then, the door swung open and a rush of brisk air flooded the cramped space. The lights from outside made it difficult to see who or what stood in the doorway. But, the sighing sound that came from the silhouette couldn't be ignored. Really, Albert? came a voice, sweet and syrupy and so full of sarcasm. The shadowy form moved closer and Felicity soon realized that it was Ava Sparrow. Her eyes widened in a mix of surprise and relief. What would the aerialist do seeing the two of them like this, in this state? Oh, she could only hope that she'd rush her out the door! Ava didn't even try to be sophisticated when she crossed the room toward the pair. Her dark eyes narrowed as she eyed the young girl in Albert's arms, the two of them bared and making fools of themselves. She could plainly see the look on the young tart's face. What a disgrace. All of Faraviata would be talking about this if she didn't put a stop to it. Albert had no shame and once he set his sights on something, his pursuit was relentless. It was up to her to smooth it over before it became a catastrophe. This girl clearly wasn't like Astrid or Kenna. Shaking her head, she grabbed the young girl by the wrist and pulled her up off the divan. She didn't even bother looking over at Albert, as he was lucky she'd already had her cry. Though, it was moments like these that she found some shred of purpose. Just get out, Ava snapped coolly at the girl. She meant it to sound cold and cruel, but it was for the girl's own good. The faster she got out, the safer she'd be. She'd deal with Albert. She always did. It was part of the 'act'. Felicity scrambled for her clothes and quickly pulled them on. She looked entirely disheveled, rumpled in every way as her skirts wrinkled about her waist and the hemline. She didn't bother tying her corset or fixing her hair. No, this was about seizing the opportunity and she wasn't about let it slip away. Sniffling, Felicity fastened the last button and ran out of the trailer and into the brisk night. She looked up into the brightening sky as the moon smiled down. Oh what was she going to do? Her things were with that monster and it was far too late to speak to the Doctor about joining his carnival. The trailers were already lining up, being readied to move out once the sun poked its head above the horizon. She had nowhere to go or to stay and going home just wasn't an option. Besides, some of her most beloved items were in that suitcase. Distraught and overcome with despair, she buried her face in her hands and began to whimper softly. In the shadows lining the trailers, a tiny form was watching. Her eyes sparkled as she peeked out and tilted her head, wild red hair whipping in the breeze. She leaned a bit closer, her eyes carefully fixed on the weeping girl that stood so alone in the night. A bead of sweat trickled from her forehead and down along her freckle-smattered nose. She recognized the girl from before. Her face was one that haunted. This way, Rhianna rasped as she gestured Felicity follow. Felicity brought her hands away from her face and suddenly saw the fortune-tellerRhianna. She bit down on her lower lip, jewel-like eyes glancing from side to side before she slowly made her way toward the girl. She'd been strange, but alluring, her words still ringing in her mind. It was she that had set things in motion, had made the gears grind. You'll stay with me, Rhianna whispered as she gently took hold of Felicity's arm. I'll take you to the Doctor in the morning. Maya just scowled as Mairon passed out. At least her brother hadn't finally lowered his standards enough to settle in with the likes of Astrid Castor. Pity he didn't last long enough to hear what she had to say about Kenna. The red headed twin wasn't much better than her counterpart, a mere puppet to be played by the more cunning of the two. It was sad really. But, she supposed that would be a tale to tell another time. Meanwhile, Cassidy walked through the yard, her boots squelching through the mud as she made her way to her trailer. A small smile played on her lips as she thought about the fuming Astrid, her sister scurrying after her as she'd stormed away. Morgaine fluttered her wings slightly. Shh...there now, Cassidy said softly, gentle fingers finding the bird's wing. Almost home. Cassidy scraped the mud from her boots before making her way into her trailer . They were being organized to leave and word was out that they'd be heading to Kaland. Just what sorts of adventures awaited there, she wondered. She just hoped she didn't get to miss any of the performances made by The Great Jad. Their laughter and talk carried as Elspeth neared the trailers of the clowns. She knew Roald would be among them. They often gathered together after a night's run and would make merry until the sky lightened and was marked with streaks of soft purples and reds. She caught sight of their painted faces, masks that hid rowdy men underneath. As she neared, Roald began to play, his tune matching the song she was idly humming. Her eyes lowered and she peered through thick lashes as her feet continued on, pressing forward as she clutched the costume in her small hands. The clowns were coarse in their talk, obscene as Chins began to take over the little ditty Roald started as she got closer. Immediately, Elspeth went silent, stopping for a moment as she bit down on her lower lip. She'd entered the soft glow of the firelight, her small frame casting a tiny shadow as she stood there before the three clowns. Their faces were smeared, a distortion of smiles as they sat there and invited her to join them in their obscene talk. She glanced over at Roald who'd just smacked Chins, the clown feigning sorrow and injury like the clown he was. Mojo sat there and sipped his ale, clearly thinking about the contortionist they all seemed to dream about having. I... Elspeth began before succumbing to a small fit of coughs. She cleared her throat and proceeded to move forward toward Roald. The clownno, he was a man beneath that paintdipped his head toward her and gestured she sit beside him. Unsure of what to do, she dared another step forward until she finally was seated next to the man playing so finely. So many nights Elspeth would listen to Roald sing while she sat alone in her trailer. She wondered how the funny man came up with such songs and was able to spin such wondrous tales. At night, when she sat alone, she could pretend that he sung to her, for her. But it somehow always seemed different whenever they crossed paths and he wore that 'face'. I've mended your costume, Elspeth said quietly. The garment was folded neatly in her lap. I...I also added a few embellishments, she added, her eyes were fixed on the fire as she spoke, the light causing the shadows to dance across her face as she sat there. I just wanted to bring it to you before we moved out. Stella yawned as she made her way up the stairs to her traveling home . Everything was in place. All the trailers were lined up and her own home was among them all. She cast a glance at the front of the line where she knew the Doctor would be staying and she smiled. Oh, this would truly be the best decision she'd ever made! Soon they'd be rolling in more coin than they knew what to deal with! Women from all over would line up for treatments! They'd be the talk of world! Yes, Stella dreamed big. But then, why ever dream small.