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

Felicity's fingertips slid away from the locks on the door, the feel of the cool metal lingering just long enough to beckon she seek them out once more. The urge to reach back up, to force the locks open and give way to the open air, was strong. But Albert was ever firm in his pursuit. The look in his eye and way that he smiled making it clear that anyone in their right mind wouldn't dare object. He held onto her hands, steady fingers sliding along flushed skin until he firmly held held her wrists by her sides. He made quick work of her dress, deftly peeling each layer away until he found the creamy expanse of her shoulder, her back, the gentle slope of her neck bared before him. Her breath hitched as a tear fell from the corner of her left eye, fear running rampant in her veins. I... Felicity stammered, her head shaking from side to side as her face contorted with confusion. She'd dreamed of such intimacy, of torrid encounters with this very man! But... Her green eyes widened when Albert pressed her hand against the bulge in his tights, another tear falling from her left eye and then her right. This wasn't what Felicity had dreamed. This wasn't the Albert she had imagined. Feeling alone and vulnerable, she let out a small yelp as he bit down on her tender skin. No, I...please... Felicity begged as she tried to squirm free, her dream turned into nightmare. I really need to go. Of all the bloody... Maya grumbled, her mouth tightening into a thin line. She watched her brother as fury washed over her. That and worry. She glared at him and followed his gaze, which rested on none other than Astrid Castor. Just what was he playing at? She let out a soft groan and bit down, hard, on the inside of her cheek. Astrid arched a brow as The Great Jad looked directly into her eyes. She gave Kenna a nudge and didn't even bother raising her hand like the others in the crowd. Instead, the blonde stood up, her smile coy and full of dark promise. She gave the illusionist a nod and dared her first steps forward. Outside the illusionist's tent, Cassidy had decided to linger. She walked the perimeter with slow, careful steps. The sky was just barely beginning to brightena sign that soon it would be dawn, soon they'd be moving on. Morgaine let out a soft croak upon Cassidy's shoulder, her clawed feet curling slightly into the fabric of her cape. But the dark-haired girl just smiled. Go on then, Cassidy encouraged. You'll want to eat your fill before we leave. Morgaine's head dipped down and nuzzled her cheek before she took to the air. Cassidy chuckled softly, but the moment was interrupted when the sound of the crowd from inside the tent pricked her ears. Puzzled by the sudden unsettling murmurs, she decided to peek inside. Just once. As Cassidy entered the tent, she saw him. The illusionist. The Great Jad. The smallest of smiles played on her lips as she watched him, his eyes intense and focused on...Astrid. She watched the blonde strut forward toward the stage like a victorious champion. The crowd seemed upset at the choice and a part of her couldn't help but agree. Letting out a soft breath, she slowly backed out. She needed to find Morgaine soon anyway. It was difficult to tell how much time had passed as Ava sat there crying, sleeves damp with salty tears. When she finally sat up and looked at her reflection staring back, the urge to cry all over again struck her hard. It was these silent moments when she was all alone that she truly let down her guard. It was the time when the spotlight dimmed and she didn't have to worry about hungry eyes longing for more, for the dazzling spectacle she became when high up in the sky. A time or two she wondered what would happen if she misstepped, if her hand somehow didn't find Albert's at just those right moments. There was never a net below. Not since she was child. It was one of the things that drew the crowd, that made her...desirable. Ava brought a trembling hand up to wipe away the wet that was chilling her cheeks. Her face had turned splotchy, but that natural beauty she possessed remained. But no one saw this side, the side covered in layers of not just make up, but the grime of guilt and steely walls that made her the star she was. She hated herself. What's more, she hated that no one truly knew her. As the sky began to brighten, a soft and sweet humming followed the sound of light footsteps. A tiny form wearing a deep green cloak pushed its way through the woods, a basket of many colored flowers draped over its arm. Delicate hands pushed the hood back as the small figure broke through the tree line, the humming suddenly coming to a stop as she broke into a raspy cough. The auburn-haired girl covered her mouth as she coughed, one hand moving over her chest as she gasped for air between bouts. A few of the flowers in her basket fell to the ground in disarray at her feet. When her coughing ceased, her eyes softened and she sighed. Moving to kneel on the cold ground, Elspeth began gathering up the flowers she'd dropped, arranging them with loving care back into her basket. There we are, Elspeth said in almost a whisper. She smiled and gently touched the flowers before standing up. She was pleased with the flowers she'd found in Faraviata. The colors were rich and wonderful and would provide her exactly what she needed to make dyes for the costumes for the people she held so dear.