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

The locks were trying Felicity's patience. They weren't like the ones at home, the ones she'd mastered so well much to her parents' and chaperone's chagrin. These were something different, perhaps found from some far off place she could only hope to one day see. How she longed to see such exotic places, this Singapore Albert had only just mentioned. But that wouldn't even be remotely possible if she didn't retrieve her things, if she didn't... His breath, Albert's breath. Felicity felt it warm and hot as it tickled her neck and then her ear causing her skin to heat and goose bumps to form. It was as if the tiny room had suddenly grown so very hot much like the days of summer. But such days had past and slowly they were getting shorter, the hours of light less and less. Her breaths hitched as she felt Albert's body, warm and hard, suddenly press up against her back. She licked her lips, her hands stilling over the locks she so desperately wished would open, flooding the room with brisk outside air and the smells of the waning street fare. But they wouldn't. And Albert just wouldn't stop. Felicity felt her heart begin to pound, her thoughts reeling in the moment. Shouldn't she be ecstatic, thrilled over the fact that Albert Sparrow, only the most handsome and desirable man in all of Faraviatawell, visiting Faraviatawished to pay her such attention and affection? Perhaps on any other day, the answer might have been 'yes'. But everything felt wrong somehow and she couldn't get it out of her head. He was moving too quickly, too... Please, Felicity whispered, her voice wavering as her body trembled beneath Albert's touch. His hand had moved to her breast, palm splayed over the supple flesh with nothing but a bit of ruffle barring the way. He'd already loosened her corset, her dress about ready to give way and slide over her slim frame. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes finding his. I...I need to go, she said again, fear lacing her words. Her eyes pricked with tears threatening to spill down her creamy pale cheeks, while her body betrayed and her mind longed for escape. Stella was absolutely giddy as she left Dr. Manuel and made way toward her carriage. Her servants had already gone on ahead to start assembling her things. As it was, she'd already had a team of men and women start the preparations of packing her things and getting her traveling home ready for the trip she was certain she'd be taking. After all, a girl always needed to be one step ahead in such matters and she was never one to falter in such things. It wouldn't be long before everything would be in place and she'd be able to leave with the troupe, following along wherever they planned to go next. Yes, she'd oversee this doctor's research, invest and benefit quite handsomely. She grinned at how easy this investment business actually could be and here all her advisors said it could be tricky and risky. It was all a matter of knowing what was before you and she saw the potential here. Oh yes, Stella saw the potential indeed. Everything is ready, miss, one of the servants said as he bowed. Stella smiled and nodded. Excellent. I shall take my leave and retire in my traveling home from this night on. We leave when the troupe leaves. We follow them and stay close at all times. I'm to be informed of every stop, no matter how brief. The servant nodded and bowed before walking off, his face white as a sheet. Stella giggled and almost skipped off toward where her carriage was waiting for her. Ava scowled as she sat alone in her trailer. She looked at herself in the mirror, her face flawless, stunning perfection staring back at herfull red lips and dark mysterious eyes, hair that still held its place. She slapped the mirror with an open palm causing her eyes to water and her hand to throb. Reaching for a towel and a basin of water, she began to scrub the make up off. Though underneath the layers of foundation and rouge, her face was still something to behold, something that dazzled. But people were only dazzled if you performed well, if you were a star, on top! No one cared about what was underneath. The lights were dim inside the illusionist's tent and a hush had come over the audience. They were waiting with baited breath for the final part of the trick as The Great Jad turned the card into a bleeding heart. Kenna covered her eyes, but Astrid watched on, her eyes fixed on the scene like it was a tantalizing treat. How can you watch? Kenna rasped as she peeked over at her sister. How can you not? Astrid stated rather boldly, though her eyes weren't trained on the heart. Maya watched her brother and saw his eyes flitting over the crowd, lingering toward the back for a moment longer than usual. Turning slightly, she caught sight of the twins. A soft groan rolled over her lips and she couldn't help but roll her eyes. Yes, groupies came and went and some lingered longer than others. It was part of life on the road, of being a part of the carnival. But the Castor twins were two she wished would just go away. She didn't care for either of them and she really detested how they eyed her brother at times. However, though she didn't always approve of her brother's 'habits', at least he had standard enough to stay clear of those two. Not again, Maya mumbled, but she turned away from the two and returned her focus back onto her brother. Outside the illusionist's tent Cassidy slowly walked its perimeter. She was glad to be away from both Astrid and Kenna, their presence usually sucking away every last bit of her energy. It was nice to finally have a bit of quiet, not that there was much to be had following after a carnival troupe as it traveled from town to town. But, she didn't mind the hum of the people that gathered as they watched the shows and bought their wares. She liked watching the different people as they meandered through, whether it was one time or many and she especially loved watching the performers. They had guts to do what they did and they had her respect, her admiration. It was hard to leave the security of home, the familiarity of a place you've always known. For a brief moment, Cassidy felt homesick. She thought about Dragoste, the whirl of people that lived near the sea as the waves crashed against the shore. She could almost smell that fresh salty air as the gulls called overhead and swooped down upon angry sellers in the market square. A smile crept over her lips and she wiped away a stray tear, the crow perched on her shoulder let out a soft croak. Shh, there, Morgaine. I know, I know, Cassidy spoke. She pushed at her dark curls and then tugged on her cape as a chilly breeze blew through the trees rustling the leaves. The gas lamps were burning lower, the fuel nearly out. Soon people would take their leave and retire and that would be when everyone would break things down and get ready to move on. Sighing, Cassidy stroked Morgaine. You wanted to watch him, didn't you? Admit it, she said almost playfully. Morgaine just twisted her head and croaked. I did too, Cassidy said despondently. But she refused to follow the twins. No. She'd have to miss The Great Jad's performance that night. But it was all right. She'd seen his shows before and she'd see more. Besides, she wasn't there for the same reasons as the twins. Back inside her trailer, Ava had finished removing her make up, the towel cast upon the floor. The basin water was murky and the reflection staring back was filled with a raw unsettling emotion that twisted her insides. Fighting the urge to scream, she leaned forward and buried her head against her arms, which were resting against the vanity. Sitting there, face down, she shook with silent, violent sobs.