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

Felicity's body responded to Albert's touches, so tender yet filled with such confidence that she wasn't sure of what was right or what was wrong. She trembled, rooted to the spot as her green eyes glistened with tears, knees wobbling and threatening to give out beneath her. His hands were warm and sure as they traced along her skin, his lips seeking her exposed flesh and trailing feather light kisses while his tongue lightly swirled about the rosy flesh so very close to her nipple, which had tightened into a pert little peak the closer his tongue got to it. A soft sob bubbled up, catching in her throat and she tried to bring her arms about her middle so that she could cover up. This was wrong and the longer Felicity remained under Albert's protection, the greater her desire became to leave, to escape. No, she didn't want to be there. Every little thought in her head begged that she leave. She longed for air, for a cool breeze to brush against her cheek as she walked the yard, a true member of the troupe. But Albert barred the way, shattering every dream she'd had of him, turning what had once been something beautiful to something so sinister she found it difficult to breathe. Please... Felicity whimpered, her voice pleading that Albert stop, that he let her go so that she could find her suitcase and carry on with her plans of leaving home and finding the life she'd dreamed. I...I know you're no monster, sir, I... But Felicity wasn't so sure now. As Albert's lips inched closer to her own, she wondered who the true monster really was. She thought about the carnival's monster, the oddly gentle way he'd gripped her wrist when he'd wanted to ensure her innocence. He hadn't intended to harm. Had he? Just how much of anything was an act or was real? It was so hard to tell, but she knew right in that moment that she was trapped. Trapped with the most handsome man she'd ever seen, yet the most vicious. It was a bitter taste to swallow. Felicity looked deeply into Albert's eyes, her tummy queasy as her body began to feel weak. She was at his mercy, her entire night ruined. Please, sir. I can't. I won't, she whispered, though somehow she knew her answer wouldn't matter. Her innocence would be taken away...by a monster. Maya was angry as she watched the blonde twin walk up to the stage as if she not only owned the crowd watching on, but her brother as well. Had Mairon lost his mind? Not only had he been foolish and changed up his practiced routine, he'd allowed Astrid Castor to be his assistant from the audience. The girl would brag for daysno, weeksabout this. The only satisfaction was that this was their final night in Faraviata. At least she wouldn't have too many people to brag to. Of course, there were some of their followers who liked to travel along, but fortunately their numbers were few and the girl's mouth wouldn't have too much of an affect on subsequent shows. But Astrid? Oh, her brother would get a tongue lashing later! Outside the illusionist's tent Cassidy could hear the crowd as they jeered and then cheered. She resisted the temptation to peek back inside. After all, she did need to find Morgaine soon. Surely the bird had found a delicious snack in the neighboring wood and would soon be ready to retire. She let out a soft sigh and kicked at a rock. It rolled along the road and into puddle with a splash. Just then, there was a flutter of feathers and a soft caw. She looked up and smiled. Morgaine was flying overhead and making her way back to her. The crow found its perch on Cassidy's shoulder, her head nuzzling her cheek. You came back to me, she said softly as she gently stroked the crow's sleek feathers. Morgaine just croaked causing the girl to laugh. Oh, so that's how it is? Well, I'm glad to hear it. The feeling is quite mutual. Cassidy's dark eyes flitted over toward the illusionist's tent. The crowd was clapping and there was a distinct sound of feet stomping. Quickly, she tugged on her cape, pulling it tight about her slim body, and darted into the nearby shadows. What an ass! Astrid huffed as she stormed out of the tent, Kenna was close on her heels. You were magnificent, Kenna praised, though she seemed puzzled by her sister's actions. Astrid's blue eyes were piercing in the eerie light of near dawn. You didn't hear what he had to say. What did he say? Kenna asked. A muscle flexed in Astrid's jaw, though she remained quiet and just pulled Kenna along. Her anger was evident and the pink tinge on her pale cheeks couldn't be hidden even in the darker light of sunrise. As the twins moved away, Cassidy remained in the shadows cast by the dimming lamplight. She tilted her head and furrowed her brow trying to make sense of what she'd just seen. Morgaine turned her head and nibbled at her wing with her beak as if to say she wanted nothing to do with the twins at all. Raking a hand through her dark curls Cassidy remembered her days as a thief on the wharves of Dragoste. She'd lurk in the shadows, so good at not being seen and going unnoticed. Then, when the time was right, she'd steel a copper or loaf of bread and oh the guilt! But she'd gotten good at her profession. Too good. And she'd hated that. It was why she had to leave her beloved home, that gleaming sea as the tide ebbed and receded. Cassidy frowned as the twins walked away, her fingers gently stroking Morgaine's breast. She slowly exhaled, a bit surprised that she'd been holding her breath at all. As the two faded into the background, she smiled, glad that the scent of cinnamon was slowly disappearing along with them. Elspeth set her basket of flowers down as she entered her trailer and lit a lantern, which illuminated the modest space. Her pressed flower book was right where she'd left it on her bed and the shawl from her old life back in Sokkelo was draped over the bed frame. The ratty old thing was thin and frayed, but it reminded her of what she'd come from, of what she'd left behind and that not a day would go by where she'd regret her choice to leave it. Her slender fingers grazed the window pane, a soft purple the color of heather. The night smelled especially delicious though normally she didn't stay out this late, especially on nights when everyone performed. Though she was fond of the color, the exotic costumes everyone wore to lure in the crowd...some of them terrified and struck horror deep in her heart. No, she didn't mind Callum's bit and had grown quite used to his deformities and even the carnival's near giant of a strong man as well as its fire eater and knife thrower didn't cause her to gasp, to lose her breath and worry she might go into a fit of coughing. No, none of them brought fear into her heart when she saw them painted up and ready for the crowd. Not like... Immediately, Elspeth cleared her head and began humming prettilyone of the many tunes that often sounded over the bonfires the performers would host on their nights in between townsbefore she placed a delicate hand over her chest and began to cough. Fortunately, the fit was short, a few short coughs and it was over. A smile lit up her pale face, dark smudges forming under her eyes, and she breathed in the sweet-smelling air. Mm...a small one, Elspeth wheezed, doing her best to take a deep breath and hold it for a moment before letting it out. Her eyes fluttered shut and she silently counted to three. When she opened them they fell upon the costume she'd finished for Clown Roald. Almost immediately, a shiver ran down along Elspeth's spine. The thought of having to bring the finished garment to Roald chilled her blood. The clown would no doubt still be painted up, his true face hidden beneath layers of stage make up. Not that she'd ever gotten a truly good look at the funny man. Most of the times they'd crossed paths, he was in costume and ready for the crowd. The times that he wasn't, she was usually too busy with her chores. Though, she'd heard his voice at the nightly bonfires when she'd eavesdrop from her trailer and pine away the hours. While everyone would talk and make merry, she'd listen intently by her window, wishing she was sitting with them. But she knew it was too risky to do so, her health already causing her to tread a fine line she often chose to ignore. So she'd sit and pretend and listen to Roald when he'd sing, his haunting voice usually the last thing she'd hear before falling asleep most nights. Elspeth ran her fingers over the material of the garment and sighed. They'd be leaving Faraviata soon and it would be best to give Roald the clothes before they moved out. Working up the nerve, she snatched up the costume she'd mended for him and exited her trailer in search of his. Ava stood up and wiped at her eyes. She needed to pull herself back together. She'd had her cry and would soon have to resume her other act, the one that allowed her and Albert to remain the main act for the circus, the pair everyone longed to see. She slipped out of her costume and put on a more comfortable nightgown of stark white cotton. Grabbing a robe and slipping on her boots, she decided it was time to find her counterpart. He'd been gone much longer than she'd anticipated and it wasn't like him. It made her wonder if the girl he'd run afterthe one who'd left their showhad played hard to get for surely an escapade with a lady from Faraviata wouldn't last this long, not when they were heading out soon. More than anyone, she knew the man loved the chase and, from what she knew, he always caught his prey. Though she honestly didn't get Albert's persistence in this particular matter. Men. She'd never understand them. And none would, Ava knew, understand her. None saw past the faade she bore for the show, one that never seemed to end. As she opened the door to go outside, she saw something flash as the light from the lamps struck it just so. She arched a brow and crouched down. There, on the steps, was a little gold flower. She picked it up and studied it before glancing around to see who might have left it behind. Holding it tightly in her palm, she was sure she'd seen it earlier that evening when being witty with a particular jabberjaw. Poor sod must've dropped it. He probably stopped by to congratulate Albert in yet another success and then thought better of it. After all, why else would it be there? With a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips, Ava brought the flower inside her trailer and set it down beside her bed for safe keeping. She then went out into the night in hopes to find Albert and make sure he wasn't sulking or something worse. He had a reputation to uphold and he trusted her to help him maintain it. That's all she was good for anyway...something to look at, someone to assist. Life was one big show and how she wished she wasn't a part of it.