**Appling | Circus Area & Plaza**

The guards never delayed in their step, escorting the group quickly through the narrow streets of Appling. Citizens pressed themselves against the walls, avoiding eye-contact with the guards. The Elementals got mostly curious looks, albeit a few suspicious glances mixed in. As they neared the red tents looming a couple winding blocks ahead, ropes lined with coloured flags hung overhead their path. As the street opened to a large plaza they passed under a rusted metal banner with text written in elegant cursive:

**Circus of Wonders:**
*‘Everything You Can Imagine is Real’*

The guards led them to the largest tent of them all and the flaps billowed as a thin, tall man tastefully dressed came out to greet them. Yahtzee immediately recognized him, calling him the ‘Ringleader’. Quickly covering for their story, Yahtzee made a point to speak first.

The Ringleader eyed him, his face a carefully closed book. *"Yahtzee. Good to see you again. Take these friends of yours inside and we will find them an act to participate in. I will clear things with the guards while you get set up."*

Cora blinked, almost astonished. *This went… smoother than I expected.* As Cora walked passed the Ringleader, she stopped, turned and gave a dignified bow. “Thank you, Sir.” And she disappeared through the tent entrance Yahtzee drew aside.

 The magnificent view inside the tent was… Well, magnificent. Anything you’d imagine at a circus, it was there. In all it’s glory and inexplainability. Cora, having only read about the circus in old textbooks was beside herself with awe. 

Yahtzee paused for a moment, turning to them. *"We'll be safe here. Everyone's friends of mine."*

“This place is truly amazing. You used to work here?” Cora asked, lights gleaming in her pale eyes. “I’m grateful to you. We’ve found safety, if for a short time.”

Will had lapsed into silence a long while back, eyes distant and narrowed. Cora could only guess what he brooded about, but after a few moment of entering the tent he seemed antsy. He flashed her a smile that appeared almost forced. *"Hey, I'm just heading outside. I'll be back before you know it."*

Cora only watched him with worried eyes as he went back outside, her mouth empty of words. Did she upset him, somehow? The thought made her feel mildly bitter to herself.

She brushed it off as Yahtzee continued moving deeper into the tent, her voice tight. “Hey, wait up. I don’t want to get lost in here.” She grimaced, tailing behind their fire-wielder. “What’s the plan, Yahtzee? We can’t keep up an acting charade, I’m no circus performer…”

~~~

**Circus Plaza | Outside Main Tent**

Will continued punching the air, not noticing a girl eyeing him from the nearby alley at the edge of the plaza. A few moment passed before the girl slowly edged herself into the light, evidently nervous. She was short, even for a kid. Her blonde hair was tightly tied in two pigtails that curled a couple inches past her shoulders. Her dress was a frilly rose colour, and she carried a small, white laced parasol. 

“Mister? Hey, excuse me mister.” She said, stepping close enough that she had to crane her petite head to look up at Will. “Could I ask you a reeeeaaally big favour? You look like you know how to fight, and I… I…” 

She trailed off, her big eyes shimmering with welled up tears. “My brother. The Trapeze men are bullying him again. They’re scary, violent, and I, I don’t know what to do.” She whimpered, her lip quivering.

The little girl pointed to the alley she emerged from, “They’re down there, and they have sticks this time. My dear brother…”