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

A cool breeze wafted through the yard, the smell of sugar and perfume heavily in the air. Treats were clearly being doled out in droves on this final night of theirs in Faraviata. The patrons wanting to get their fill of circus fare before it left for the season. Ava smirked as the distinct aroma of funnel cake struck her. The merchants would do well tonight. She glanced over her shoulder, her dark eyes finding Barker Clive's for a moment before she finally turned around. Sport? Ava teased. The only sport you know is running your mouth. She gave him a wink and slowly walked back over to the man. The lights were hot as they shone down, a glittering sheen of sweat forming along her perfect brow. Still... Her hand reached down into the purse she'd attached to her belt about her waist. Slowly, she retrieved a large silver coin and pressed it into the man's palm. I suppose there's some merit to a sport like that. She paused and backed away. Provided you exercise daily. P-please, sir, Felicity begged. Her green eyes glistened with tears as she glanced over at her bag. She desperately wanted her things, for this frightening moment to end. She knew he'd find the book if he looked. It was exactly as she described. The monster's grip was just beginning to loosen, her hopes that she just might be reunited with her belongings when suddenly the flap opened behind her, the light from outside spilling in. Felicity turned to see what was happening, the monster's grip suddenly tightening as he pulled her closetoo close. His hand moved about her neck and she felt his hot breath brush against her ear. Panic flooded her instantly, the urge to scream rapidly rising. But he still had her bag! Her things! She needed them! There was no way she'd go back home! As her eyes drifted toward the entrance, the tent flap hoisted up for all the onlookers to see inside, she suddenly caught sight of the aerialist...just what was he doing there? And why? Felicity's heart skipped a beat as her entire body trembled against the monster. She hadn't expected to see Albert at all having missed his show entirely due to unfortunate circumstances. And how formidable he looked as the light formed a shadowy halo about his strong body! He looked like the hero from her faerie books or perhaps more like those from the myths of old. Regardless, he seemed troubled by her situation as he glared at them both and suddenly lunged forward. The monster immediately let her go and Felicity stumbled backwards onto the ground, the straw softening the fall. Dazed, terrified, she watched Albert assault the monster, luring him back into his cage until he stood victoriously before him. The monster made no attempt to fight back...what monster did not fight? Shaking, Albert reached out and helped her up and soon escorted her out of the darkened tent, the crowd of onlookers flocking toward the monster's cage so that they could have their turn jeering and rattling the cage. But her bag...it was still back there with himthe monster. Felicity looked up at Albert as they quickly moved away from the monster. Her heart was racing, her cheeks growing warm. Never had a man properly escorted her before, let alone just carried her off. A part of her felt like a princess and being in the arms of Albert Sparrow no less, but she could hear the loud humming chatter of the crowd that had gathered about the monster's tent. She wasn't quite sure what had happened back there or why, though it had garnered the attention and applause of oh so many. Albert looked so handsome as he held onto her, like she was something precious or...just that look on his face. It made her insides feel warm. In the shadows, Felicity saw Rhianna look her way. Her flaming red hair flew across her face as she stared and then suddenly bolted as if she'd been frightened by someone or something. Odd. But then came the whispers. You see that, Astrid? came a voice full of awe and wonder. The girl's reddish hair was a stark contrast to the one linked with her arm, though the two clearly shared the same facetwins. I see, said the one addressed as Astrid . She arched a brow and flicked her platinum blonde hair. Looks like our Mr. Sparrow has found a princess. The other girl giggled. Oh hush, Kenna. You're fawning. Felicity did her best to ignore the whispers and stares. She bit down on her lower lip for a moment before finally finding the nerve to speak. Mr. Sparrow, I... she began, her thoughts still dwelling on the monster...her bag...on everything. Unsure of what to do, but enthralled to be so close to her favorite aerialist, she decided it best to just thank him. Thank you, sir. On the outskirts of the carnival a dark carriage came to a halt. The door flung open and a young girl slowly stepped out. She smiled broadly as she looked upon the magnificent tents, the red and white stripes gleaming against the night sky as the gas lamps lit them up in all their glory. Her blue eyes swiftly moved to the advertisement banner, scanning the words over and over again. My mind has been made up, the girl said as she tugged on a long strand of platinum blonde locks. But miss, surely there are better avenues... a young man began to interrupt, his head bowed slightly. No. This... she said, a slender finger pointing to the fine print regarding scientific therapy remedies for female hysteria. It will please me to invest my father's money in this, she stated. But Miss Lucas! the man argued. The girl held up a finger as if she were hushing the man. I want to speak to this Dr. Manuel. Let's let him know that he has someone interested in the pursuits of his research. She smiled sweetly and got back into her carriage.