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

The blankets were drawn up to Elspeth's chin and the shutters were left ajar so that cool breezes could fill the room with the titillating aroma of the wildflowers that riddled the nearby woods. Her pressed flowers book rested lovingly on her bedside table and her lantern has been fully extinguished as tiny tufts of smoke rose into the air. She closed her eyes, thinking about painted faces smiling at her, one with a voice so sweet as he sang pretty words meant just for her, words that filtered into her trailer and lulled her to sleep with a smile upon her lips. Morgaine let out a loud caw, her wings flapping once, twice, three times. Cassidy blinked and then smiled, a hand moving to touch her hair, fingers running through the wild brown tresses until they found themselves clutching the shawl wrapped about her shoulders. She glanced behind herself at the large bird as she toyed with the shiny buttons. Her head perked up, black beady eyes glinting at the mention of more . She swiftly flew to Cassidy's shoulder and perched herself there, as Mairon's fingers deftly worked on removing the rest. Cassidy swallowed hard, unsure of what to make of everything. She looked at Morgaine out of the corner of her eye, giving her a look that said they'd have words much later and at a more appropriate time. The crow just preened her feathers, while awaiting her presents. Feeling her cheeks heatand fully blaming MorgaineCassidy leaned casually against the doorway of her trailer. As you can see, sir, I've no where to go. She smiled a half smile. You've most certainly caught me at a time when escape is impossible. Her fingers reached up for Morgaine who then pecked at her causing her to grimace. Ouch, she yelped and brought her finger to her mouth. Her dark eyes narrowed at the bird as she gently sucked on the tip of her finger, trying to quell the sudden bit of pain. Morgaine just croaked happily. With her other hand, Cassidy extended it, her shawl falling slightly along her slim shoulders. I'm sorry, she then said, eyes softening, skin flushed. My manners. I apologize. Morgaine has put me in quite a state. Do forgive me. She laughed lightly and gestured Mairon enter. My name is Cassidy. Cassidy felt a nervous flutter deep in the pit of her tummy. The Great Jad was standing in her doorway...talking to her . She felt lightheaded and had all she could do not to trip as she walked toward the bowl of buttons. So, he liked to hide things and make them visible again? She wondered what got him started in his trade. She'd liked hiding things too. Only it had been in her own pocket or home, though it had been a matter of survival. But the thrill of knowing she could do it. That she was good at it. Did he get that same thrill? And, now tell me Mairon, just what is it you like to hide? Cassidy then asked, her smile broadening. Of course it agrees with her, Rhianna stated before sipping her tea. Felicity just stood there, eyes wide, hands precariously holding her teacup. She looked first at Rhianna and then over at the Doctor. She bit down on her lower lip and then nodded in agreement, eyes averting and fixing upon the cup she held tightly in her hands. Y-yes, she said, almost whispered. Her hands finally steadied and she could see her reflection staring back at her in the liquid that filled her cup. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Yes, she said again, more confidently. She looked up at the Doctor and smiled. It does. I'll be your research assistant. Rhianna giggled and patted Felicity gently on the back. I'm sure you'll learn a great many things, she said with a nod. Felicity felt her confidence growing by leaps and bounds. She'd done it. She'd been welcomed into the carnival's family as one of their own, a true worker making her own way in the world! It was exactly as she'd hoped and dreamed. Faraviata was far behind her now and she had Kaland and several other places ahead of her that she and her new family would be visiting. She just hoped she'd do well by this secretive research she'd be a part of and just what it would mean as they worked and learned things. It sounded important. She'd never been a part of anything like that before. I'll do my best, Felicity said, her green eyes shining with hope and dreams. Just then, there was a soft rap against the door and it opened up. Stella walked in, her shimmering hair done up with several soft ringlets cascading over her left shoulder. Her blue eyes focused on both Rhianna and Felicity and her pink lips pursed into a smile. As she stalked closer to the two, her hands forever smoothing the shiny powder blue satin of her skirt, the scent of lilac grew stronger. She tilted her head in acknowledgment of the two girls and then turned toward the Doctor. Rhianna just giggled as she sipped on her tea and found a chair to sit upon. Her legs kicked back and forth much like that of a restless child, her eyes watching Stella as the young girl studied Felicity carefully. The new research assistant, Rhianna added for good measure. Felicity wasn't sure what to make of this ethereal looking creature as she circled close, hands reaching out while her fingers poked and prodded. It was disconcerting and made her nervous. Finally, Stella's smile grew so big she started to laugh. How old are you, my dear? What? Felicity asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Your age. I want to know it. Stella was demanding, though her expression remained playful. I...well, I'm twenty-two, Felicity offered, her cheeks turning red. Perfect! Stella exclaimed. And you've never experienced any form of... she giggled, a hand splayed across her abdomen. Hysteria? Hysteria? Felicity gasped. I...well, I've gotten hysterical over a few things. I... she hung her head slightly. I'd lost my bag and went into a fit over that. I was terrified I might never find it again. But fortune smiled upon me and... Shh...there, there, Stella cooed, her hands brushing Felicity's hair. You found a way to quell that hysteria, she said knowingly. Felicity tilted her head, confused. Well, yes. Stella looked over at the Doctor and smiled. See, this girl is a natural. She will indeed be perfect. I will? Felicity asked. Yes, darling. You can help provide valuable information to our dear Doctor. As time goes on with the research, you will come to understand. Stella sighed. Come now, she turned toward Doctor Manuel. Let's get our research assistant acquainted with her new...position. As the sun's golden rays shone upon Elspeth's face, she couldn't help but smile. She'd fallen asleep to the most beautiful music. Taking a deep breath, she drunk in the sweet smell of the air and...fell into a fit of coughs. When the coughing ceased, she slowly got up out of bed and went through the motions of her daily routine of opening the shutters and then sweeping out her trailer to prevent the build up of dust. When she opened her door, she found a note from the Doctor. It looked like the man was more serious about his research than people realized. But she didn't have the heart to tell him it was a farce. Setting the paper down on her table, she pulled out some fabric and immediately set to work. The night before was still so very vivid in Ava's mind. Oh, she'd not miss Faraviata one little bit. She was happy to see the town fade into the distance and, with it, the memories of what happened there especially on their final night. Albert's trailer was right behind her own. Though, in that moment, she wished it was at the very back. Of course, that would never happen. Not so long as people like the Castor twins existed and worshipped the groundor wirehe walked upon. He'd made such an ass of himself with that girl. Again. Just once she wished he'd think of others and not just what throbbed in his tights. But that wasn't very likely. People like Albert were incapable of seeing anything past their own reflection. Trying her best to forget about Faraviata, Ava sat down upon her bed and stretched out her legs. She donned a comfortable tunic and sipped some coffee that Rhianna had scrounged up from one of their past exploits. It was strong, bold and she liked how it stung the back of her throat when she swallowed it down. Her dark eyes suddenly flitted over to the table where Barker's flower still rested and she reached for it, her fingers playing with it as she looked at it. She wondered what he'd truly been doing by her trailer at such an hour. It didn't seem like him to linger anywhere for too long, then again perhaps he'd come to gloat at Albert's misfortunes. Only... Bah, she was over thinking things! Just then, Ava's thoughts were interrupted by a light knock. She pushed herself up off the bed and opened the door. Barker stood there, coin in hand. Her eyes immediately were drawn to the shiny object and she remembered their wager. It seemed eons ago now. Hello jibber-jabber, Ava said, her lips turning up into a smile. I take it you're exercising? She gestured he come inside. Her trailer smelled heavy of coffee. I've some coffee, if you'd like any, she offered, her palms suddenly sweaty. She rubbed them against her thighs in an attempt to dry them. So what brings you this far up the line? she asked. I'd wager it's not just to share coffee with me. Ava's insides twisted, her heart hammering hard. Pity no one saw what she truly wanted. Perhaps it was penance for being on top.