[IC] De’ Seil Carnival - Soul Collecting Carnival

[SweetCinderella]

The atmosphere was dense, clouds overcastted the blue, forbidding any rays of illumination to flicker through – though all ascertained that the sun still shone here. A carnival laid awake full of splendour and excitement – it seeped out of it, reaching all. Even though the weather decided to grey itself and mourn for unknown reasons, the extravaganza would light the mortal town up that night.

A knock times three, followed by a pause, awaiting a sign of life. There existed one particular individual whom adored to drive mad the Wish Master – Andracos Soleviel.

“Mr. Seil, oh Mr. Seil – where for art thou Mr. Seil?” the theatrical voice that only belonged to Andracos reverberated around the Wish Masters bewitched cart. With his hand raised to his ear, he awaited a response.

Some feet behind Andracos stood two others, the slothful vampire named Pachid whom did very nearly close to naught, on the day to day basis and the little and rather immodest demon, Arina. Pachid supported himself upright against Arina’s cart, with his arms overlapped and one knee bent whilst Arina upheld most of her weight on one foot, with her right hip out and her hands placed on them.

“What’s he doing?” Arina’s questioned in regards to Andracos’ actions.

As her voice reached Pachid’s he smirked before responding, “I’m presuming he wants to sneak off-grounds, even though he’s penalized – probably checking to see if Seil is here or off grounds himself.”

“Home not, Mr. Seil?” they heard Andracos coo still awaiting an indication.

“He’s an idiot,” Arina stated modestly.

Pachid shrugged insensitively, he’d known Andracos far longer than Arina and thus was much more attuned to his actions than she. Andracos was unpermitted to leave the carnival grounds due to his actions of late; the rape, torture and inevitable, death of two girls from the nearby town. The passing of the two girls was not the issue at hand, for Mr. Seil received two more souls – it was the mannerism in which they were obtained. If Mr. Seil did not ground Andracos, therefore limiting him, he’d merely go on a never-ending story of violence and that was something Mr. Seil did not want trailing him or his carnival. The police force suspected Andracos, however, parallel to every other dishonest deed he committed no substantiation or evidence ever materialised – this was partway due to Andracos himself and the aid of Mr. Seil.

How Andracos managed to continually and without sweat adhere to his actions, Pachid and others for that matter could never make sense of. Andracos and his actions ran parallel to a circle; they never ended; never grew bored or tired or deemed repetitive. Simply circling he went; around and around; unlimited raping, beating, stealing, killing - though not always in that order.

It was after Arina’s remark that the indistinct sound of a ‘click’ stretched to Andracos’ hearings and swung ajar did the impressive wooden entrance of the cart. The focal point between the doors frame stood a man, lean and towering; the King of the Carnival; the Wish Master; Mr. Reficul Seil. Anytime he emerged his aura of supremacy and power penetrated the atmosphere, thus making it heavy; it belonged to him and he could amend it as he saw fit. Though there was a dissimilar sensation about the air that surrounded him, it was not threatening – it merely requested formality.

With one, gloved hand on the handle of his door and the other clasping a gold pocket watch, Mr. Seil gazed down at whom at disturbed him, though he knew even before the knock. His expression was dreary, as if he had answered the door far too many times.

“What is it Andracos?” his voice mimicked his emotional state – he spoke unhurriedly and yet gentle.

Andracos scowled at the man before him, he so desired the power Mr. Seil had and all that he owned – especially over him. Though, promptly Andracos’ demeanour changed to formality and he bowed at the sight of the Wish Master.

“I merely so desired to wish you grandest of days Sir,” his voice overemotional – he rose upright with a flashing a smile. There was a moment in which the two eyed each other – Andracos still smiling and Mr. Seil unamused. The Wish Master soon breathed in deeply before letting out a sigh, he knew Andracos far too well; he identified his game.

“Attempting to sneak of grounds Andracos?” Mr. Seil asked simply, screening no indication of surprise or fury.

The half sirens smile broadened, “indeed I am Sir,” he realized there was no misleading him, “indeed I am.”

“Hoping I myself would be off-grounds?” Mr. Seil questioned not altering his demeanour.

Andracos clicked his fingers into a point, “correct you stand Sir – though how often do you stand as the opposite?”

Mr. Seil overlooked his enquiry and tested, “how’s that working out for you?”

“My two feet wondering off-campus?” Andracos confirmed, “below par Sir,” was his answer.

Mr. Seil’s eyes rolled at Andracos – corresponding to every other enquiry Andracos made, he was wasting his time. Andracos believed one more line was necessary before he was no longer in Mr. Seil’s presence,

“You know how is it,” he smiled again and bowed, “Sir?”

A slam; the door was closed and Mr. Seil departed. Andracos silently scowled as he rose up and spun on his heel to head in the direction of his comrades – whom were snickering at his expense. Striding towards them he expressed,

“That uncouth snake! That evil fiend!”

“Now, now Andracos – that’s no way to speak of your superiors,” Arina said through sniggers.

“That horrible, slimy…”

The trio heard the ‘click’ of Mr. Seil’s door and instantaneously each of their attention diverted. Andracos spinning on his heel once more to face him altered the nature of his rant,

“Wonderful, magnificent master of wishes,” he curtsied slightly at the sight of Mr. Seil remerging with a colossal sized forged grin.

“Oh and Andracos,” Mr. Seil took naught into account in regards to Andracos slur; he ignored it and spoke in the same cheerless, however gentle, mannerism.

“If you do tiptoe off my grounds, you’ll find an extra 100,000 souls added to your contract.”

Andracos was swift to retort, “oh Sir, what is an extra 1000 souls? Or 10,000 souls? Alter my contract you do daily – it is of nil wonder or amazement. I persistently am aware not of how many souls I do owe.”

Mr. Seil raised both of his eyebrows and smirked at the reply he received, “foreseeable response,” he muttered more to himself. “Very well Andracos, please allow me to rephrase that – if you do tip toe of my grounds, I’ll morph you into a freak for no less than 1 year.”

Andracos’ grin fell as Mr. Seil mocked, “I wonder how many ladies you’d successfully woo in that form my dear boy.”

Andracos features altered to a scowl, Pachid smirk widened and Arina was holding back giggles, however her control was lost due to Mr. Seil’s final words,

“You know how is it,” he stated, mimicking the final words the siren had delivered him earlier. There was another slam and Mr. Seil was no more.

Andracos turned slowly to his comrades, whom continuously sniggered at him.

“You know how is it?” Arina mocked through a massive smile.

Andracos sharply replied, Andracos scowled, he wasn’t one for dry wit when it was directed his way.

“Cease your words harlot,” he spat sharply, “I appreciate not the dry humour.”

Pachid and Arina shared a conjoint emotion; humour. Pachid opened his mouth in order to retort however closed it at the sight of second-hand smoke rising up. The trio all altered their eyes to seek the source of the smoulder –down. There was only one whom inhaled the mortal pollution that was tobacco and that was the cynical dwarf, Mogue; the second in command. He gazed up at the trio, whom gazed down in return – even though he stood several heads shorter his presence still demanded authority. Mogue did not run parallel to Mr. Seil with intimidation as Mogue was far more light-hearted however darkly mordant and sarcastic.

“You’re like a rabid chihuahua intent on destroying your own tail,” his eyes were on Andracos and as was his insult. Andracos merely shifted his stare upwards with a roll of his eyes – fond of Mogue he was not, however knew better than to swing his cane identical to a baseball bat on him.

“A chihuahua?” Pachid voiced, “I can see that,” he nodded. Arina nodded along with him whilst Mogue continued to suckle on his cancer stick, his eyes still scrutinizing the chihuahua.

Not looking down at him Andracos rudely inquired, “What dost little fella desire?”

[b[“There’s a meeting this afternoon before the carnival opens,” [/b]Mogue explained speaking to all three, “At 3 o’clock - be sure to be there. I suggest you get your daily duties done prior to then. Be sure to spread the word you know he doesn’t like people being late.”

[AkiBlue]

The carnival had not yet opened and the one air elemental took to getting her things together, mainly setting her leotard out for her performance along with a face paint that she planned on using. It didn't take much effort to do such so Ty set off to find something to partake in, whether it was finding someone to accompany or grabbing a light snack. The time before the carnival opened was normally mellow or boring, Ty always anticipated the Carnival itself, or after hours when it was night.

In the warm grey weather, Ty had on simple black sweats and a red shirt that was a size too large for her. She didn't take the time to dress up outside of performances, not seeing the purpose of being so formal around people she saw everyday now. They had seen her at her best, and more than likely at her worse, and being bound to the Carnival meant they'd see her at those times again. And it was fairly nice, despite the clouds covering the sun.

Not seeing anyone to accompany, Ty decided on the latter of the two options she had and walked off to a vendor. This particular vendor had funnel cakes that she found so delicious. Then again, all the food they served made one drooling for more. It was all in the profit- and victims too. "Good afternoon." The elderly woman at the vendor gave a warm hearted smile as she handed the pastry to her. "Good afternoon to you as well." Ty spoke in a polite manner and then gave a simple nod before leaving her be. Ty always thought about becoming a food vendor as a side job in the Carnival. She knew how to cook, but being a trapeze artist meant that she had multiple shifts and it was always tiresome afterwards. Ty had no time to add onto her already full schedule- and she needed the spare time she did have in order to collect souls. So, for the time, the air elemental only enjoyed the food she was given.

Despite the dim weather, it was still fairly warm so Ty walked along the edge of the Carnival gates. Her gaze fell over to the distant town and she sighed. The air elemental remembered the first time she was allowed out of the Carnival was when she was ten. Ty had been way too young to explore on her own, but even then she was watched by one of the elder members of the staff. Being curious, Ty went off on her own, disobeying Mr. Seil. Upon her return, being scolded by the Wishmaster himself was more than enough to make sure she wouldn't try the act again. Fortunately, being a youth was enough to get her out of any threats of being turned into a freak. Now, Ty was hesitant to leave the Carnival without permission, or without someone with her.

In her mindless wandering she came across Starla, the stunning dancer of the Carnival. She was one of the elders of the Carnival whom the elemental respected dearly, if only because of her kindness when she was taken in. Starla paused in her tracks, stopping with whatever she was doing. Ty was greeted with a wide contagious smile, making her smile as well. "Good afternoon dear. You look comfortable." She said mentioning her attire and giving a melodic and light hearted laugh. Ty only gave a small shrug to the remark and then gave her own compliment. "And you look lovely as always." Starla was dressed in her exotic golden dance attire, as if preparing for the unexpected.
"Why thank you." Starla's content expression turned to a more curious one. "Where are you wandering off to Ty? Did you not here of the meeting that starts at 3? Mr. Seil expects everyone to be there you know. And you know he despises when people are late."

"A meeting? I wasn't aware of it." Now finding a new sense of urgency and a goal she said her goodbyes to Starla as the dancer went off to make sure everyone else was informed of the recent news and departed as well. It was near three, so Ty made her way to the meeting place with haste. She wondered what the meeting would be about. Ty assumed it must've been important if everyone needed to be present.

[Girlie Go Boom]

She walks as if she does not know, as if she will never know. But this one knows her, this one does. She still has her name... she does not know how powerful of a thing that knowledge is. There was a time when her father passed judgement for an angel. Does she know that that male angel was the deciding vote; the vote that allowed a female into the ranks of the ArchAngels... and for that, sister, this one will never let you fall. There is but seven years for this one to pass the test... four left actually, but do know this, and only in thoughts and dreams to you, sister:

This one knew your mother. This one was there when the humiliation she endured came to pass. She was valiant. She was inspirational. She was a beacon of hope for this one to aspire, and claim, that spot meant only for male angels. As an ArchAngel, this one never had the chance to thank her, this one never spoke the words of gratitude that your mother so dearly needed to hear and to know. But actions speak louder than words do they not? They do and this ones actions will speak to your mother loud and clear.

When this one's time is up here and this one, this CeCi is successful and free, this one will take you away from here. A feathered beauty in a golden cage no longer; this one will unleash your wings and open your mind to what you have become; no one should own you. You are so much stronger than they, all of them, allow you to believe. This one will cut the lies that tether and strangle you; they are made of phantom breath is all.

Today is a new day, sister, and even though we are not as close as we should be, do know this: when this one is done here. By everything that ever has been and ever will be: This one will set Light to your mind and you will be free. You will. Oh Rosalina if you could only know just how much--

“You stare at her, but you do not really see her in thoughts and hearts, am I right, winged and fallen one?”

A sharp exhale of air tinged much with humour that really was not in the way of pleasant at all. It was Vivianna. The seer. The witch. The meddlesome lapdog of Mr. Seil. The bitch that CeCi hated... if only because of the angel's own failings; she loved listening to the ill-begotten-or-not words of the head Fortune Teller.

A slender, toasty-caramel coloured hand brushed away at raven hair upon a shoulder and brushed away at thoughts that truly were not aimed at Reisa, the young, new and fresh-faced sweetness of a mortal. But a single thought did linger and dip into the heart of the angel. One of wistfulness and regret; it should have been this child that heard Celleci's clarion call whence she first traveled to this mortal world.

Silvery eyes cleared and severed the thought; once again those eyes became rimmed with righteousness. As her gaze traced the knowing smile, oh that all-so-knowing smile, that pulled up sharply at the corner of the matriarch of the Seers' mouth, CecCi could not help but smile back.

“Yes, Vivianna,” said CeCi as both toned arms raised and then rested both bare wrists upon the silk lined shoulders of the grey-eyed feline framed Fortune Teller, “how do you know CeCi's thoughts for always, witch? Has this one become so transparent? Or are you just that good at reading what you want to see this one see?”

“Oh pish, Celleci...” Vivianna chuckled lightly, the sound not unlike that of a proud cat with a mouse in its maw, “as I have said before, wingy-girl, you get to know people... you do not even have to try. I have said it before and I will say it again: it is all in the eyes...”

A gesture, an affection really, that CeCi had adopted of late happened and Viv was taken aback. The angel lightly bumped her light-brown forehead to the witch's pale one and CeCi instantly rubbed noses with the other female. Then the gesture, a playful affection really, evolved. With a slight bite of the lower lip, the angel's dusky lips teased closer, so daringly close to the the astonished mouth of Viv, “Oh do tell then, witch... what does it say in this one's eyes then...? Or would you rather this one let you know with this one's own tongue instead... Hmmm?”

Colured and heated cheeks of a flustered creature was all the response Viv gave.

“Your silence is enough, my dear...” CeCi chuckled, a sound not unlike a captured mouse no longer, squeaking with triumphant glee, “will you tell 'Master about this too...?”

Vivianna pulled away from CeCi's embrace and flipped her shawl with much indignance over one shoulder and turned her nose with a sharp sniff, “Oh, but the 'Master shall know all that a Seer will see, wingy-girl! You best watch your step!”

“And you best watch your own desires, witch, lest others know what lusts play within your heart..” said CeCi with a playful silver-eyed wink, “...all in the eyes, is CeCi right, my dear...”

Another indignant flip of the shawl and Viv stamped away, but not before giving Celleci a full look up and down and a light shake of her head; something about the boldness of the Guardian Angel, something that was not there before. Perhaps it was a new day afterall for CeCi and loathe to admit it Vivianna could not help but enjoy that moment.

For the first time since the mousy angel arrived in the carnival, the mousy angel finally put slinky, purring Vivianna in a spot where the 'cat-got-her-tongue.'

“You have nary a soul captured in your time here, mouse! That Mr. Seil knows...! Rectify that, 'my dear.'” said the seer after she had regained her composure, but spoken to CeCi with her back turned to the angel for she did not want that angel to see her eyes.

“Yes, Vivianna,” CeCi clasped both palms together and bowed graciously at the back of the witch, “but nary a 'proper incentive' has this one received from your lush and full lips... my dear, never have you parted lips and offered this one, so tastefully heated, so tantalizingly sweet-tongued--”

“--and never will, wingy!!!”

CeCi bowed again and held the pose. Then the corners of her mouth pulled upward as she then put her hands upon her hips and stared at the fleeting image of the graceful witch. Once again, Vivianna tossed her shawl over one shoulder and stepped hurriedly away. The angel did not have to see Vivianna's eyes to know that the exasperation within those shining grey eyes was an exasperation filled with a well received shine of humour for once.

Some earlier interactions.

~

Earlier, in the day, her hands were on shapely hips too as she gazed at one half of her lot in life here; the mess of mirrors, lamps, translucent filter disks, rigging and hoists, spotlights, candles and pyrotechnics. Oh the life of a Lighting Tech. Oh joy.

She was about to sigh and start unravelling the gaggle of items when her white and sparkling gown ruffled up and something dashed underneath her.

“Oh! He. Is. Gunna. Eat! ME! Oh. NO!” said the wheezing voice before it disappeared neath the hem of her gown and between her glowing legs.

“Warlockice. Is that you, is it?” she asked then rolled her tongue against her teeth with much more than plain distaste.

“Aye. Aye, Wingy-CeCi! 'Tis I! Seeking only but refuge in such a warm and moist loverly holy refuge, miss! From the big bad wolfy, aye! Is gunna' eat me, he is, miss!” said a high-pitched, crackly voice dripping with sweaty palmed glee from neath her gown.

“And so, in this refuge does your eyes peer upward, wide and with ill intent, goblin..?”

“Oh, but nay... nay and a promise! Not upward at such a glorious and temptingly tasty sight, miss! But oh, my eyes, miss! They are closed in fear and fear with a promise! It will eat me, it says!”

“Oh, but nay, goblin...! That Dimuegos says it will eat you?!” a dark eyebrow raised and silver eyes darkened as she took in the sight of the scraggly blonde male doing a very bad job of stifling its laughter and hiding a look of perverted voyeuring glee; such a sight of an angel with a goblin in her skirt.

“Oh aye!”

“Then eyes wide open, see what you will and learn from Celleci, goblin!”

“Permission to look up at ye, miss?” It was already staring upwards beyond her glowing thighs, she could sense its desire to do more than just look up at her.

“Oh. Aye. Eyes wide, goblin?”

“Oooooooh.... aaaaayeeeeee.... oooooohhhhh.... I sees.... your... words, miss... so loverly... oh... soooo--”

“Then see this!” CeCi let go of her concentration to conceal her glow and every single ounce of her halo's glow was directed to the place neath her gown. She hiked up her gown to mid-thigh then barefeet took her back a pace, the light from beneath her shining for all to see.

“Each time you think to see what is there, between this one's legs, you will know that Light is your answer and forever will it burn into your eyes and mind, foul perversion of a thing! Know that anytime you pull that stunt on any other female here, you will feel her humiliation by CeCi's glow; by Her halo, goblin! Your actions only hurt you... now begone! Away, dark and twisted git!”

“Aye, miss, AYE! Oh, but it burns mine eyes! It BURNS!!!!” Yowling loudly and with grimy hands covering dirty face, Warlockice stumbled and bumbled its way away from the angel, still with hands on hips, silver eyes flashing, burning brightly... but the humour therein betrayed the angered look.

It flopped down once, then twice before crawling its way back to the braying laughter of Dimuegos, “Oh fine then, gobby, 'twas worth the sight of it all and a half!!! Hua! Huahahahahah! Oh, but the look on that pimply face of yours... oh, dear, I do owe you two pitchers of amber, but oh dear, 'twas worth the dare... huahahahahah! Oh, Wingsy... “THEN SEE THIS!!! WHOOSH!!!” huahahahah, oh.dearie me... don't know whether I hate you more or want to run over there and plant a kiss on your uppity lips, Wingsy! “Then see this...” saw the holiest hole up there, did he... so beeyouteeful it blinded 'im...! Huahahahahah!!!”

“Shut yer hole, Dimmy! Shut it and pay up!” said a scrunched up faced Warlockice as it held out its hands, feeling its way towards the shifter.

“Ahhhh... fine, 'Lock... but first...” the blonde shifter danced around the goblin and swallowed it up with his cloak like the righteous gown of an angel, “'THEN SEES THIS...!!!!”

Rubbing himself against the back of the head of Warlockice, the shaggy mane of the bouncer tossed back as he aimed his loud guffaws to the grey skies above. “Oh, Wingsy... you slay me... utterly and completerly ya' do... 'twas worth the double-dare... you just-- oof...!”

An elbow to those rubbing parts ceased his laughter, “'Ey, you try it next time then, Dimmy! I dids it! See your eyes burn then! 'Nuff, you mangy mutt! Just pay up then...”

A cuff upside the head. A punch in return. An appreciative wink at CeCi before Dimuegos turned and yanked Warlockice away to get their 'refreshments' then they were gone. But Dimmy could still be heard braying loudly in the distance.

~

Large and warty arms wrapped themselves around the slight frame of the humour-struck angel. The hand covering her giggles fell to her side, clenched tightly into a readied fist as she jumped a bit.

“Friend is okay...?”

CeCi settled down and leaned back into the embrace and both caramel hands held fondly at the gargantuan arms. “Yes, Grog.. this one is fine. Just fine... now that you are here. How are you, friend?”

“Friend is good. Friend must gives you somethings, friend CeCi...”

“Oh Grog... you know you do not need to...” her cheek nuzzled at the large vein of his forearm. He was always so sweet to her. It took a year, but she finally came to grips that this monster had taught her something. All the candies, kitties and flowers he had given her were not bribes from a cowering monster that kneeled in darkness to ravage her, but rather, merely they were gifts from a sweetheart that was merely looking for a friend. And so finally after a year, he had taught her that beyond the skin she should look harder and find a heart; not everything was as it seemed in the mortal world.

A gargantuan hand held a white feather pinched between forefinger and thumb, both of which were almost as large as her head.

“Oh... Grog...!”

“Little, dirty gobbler-thing took from friend CeCi's wings...”

“But CeCi's wings were hidden...! How was it possible--” but it was. Her wings would come up when she felt righteousness. But they would not be visible. It was impossible! Unless... unless she was becoming less of an angel and more of a-- “nevermind. Grog... dear, dear friend... you keep it...”

She squiggled her way from his embrace and turned to face him and his protesting eyes.

“No! CeCi does not want to hear it...! This one, this angel says for you to keep her feather. It is a piece of this angel that this one would never give another unless it meant something dear. It means that CeCi will watch over you as you have watched over CeCi... it is this one's turn to be your Guardian Angel... this feather means that to you now; an angel's wings wrap you in serenity and protection. We truly are friends, Grog. Keep it, says this protective angel and friend to Grog...”

Immense eyes shone and an even more immense head turned away. A pause. Then: “Thank you, friend CeCi. Truly. For truly it is a new day.”

“Aye. That it is. That it is, CeCi's friend...”

Slowly and tenderly he brought his wrinkled and sloping forehead to hers. She let out a surprised laugh then nuzzled her soft and angelic nose against his huge, warty troll one.

“Meeting at three, Angel wingsy friend, do not be late,” he said with his rumbling baritone voice, and gave her a flower as always; his gift to her as a token of grateful friendship as always.

“Meeting at three then. A new day...” she said as she took it and nodded into his forehead graciously.

He broke their affectionate pose then stared at the feather she gave to him, “But same days will always be for me, friend CeCi. Same till ends...” Grog said with a sigh then tucked the shining white gift away into a pocket before lumbering away.

~

She took pause from disassembling the mess of oh-so-honourable-Lighting-Tech-paraphernalia and stood upright. Her thoughts tumbled forward in time and faded away from the bittersweet meetup with her Troll-friend, Grog.

There are those that belong here, it is true, echoed out in the hollows of her mind.

Silver eyes then found themselves once again resting upon the newest member of the Carnival, the pretty yet naive one, Reira.

And then there are those others that lose their way and find themselves as merely lines of ink upon parchment... You are not the only one who is damned, Grog...

CeCi moved forward, seemingly floating upon silent barefeet, whispering her way over, but not to Reira.

But for all the days left here, this one, this angel will take care of those deserved as you have taken care of this angel, my Troll friend...

A smile parted dusky lips and she reached out a hand to the radiant angel before her, a flower extending out from her glowing caramel fingertips as a token of honour and a promise of somethings more.

..and when this one is ready, the final soul this one takes in the name of freedom will be the soul taken from the most precious being this one knows here in this nameless and timed existence...

“Hello,” she said politely, yet not trying to hide her other-worldly accent, and with a voice as clear and resounding as a clarion call from up high; it was time to finally speak with the daughter of the Judgement Angel, “this one is called: “Celleci,” for it means: This One, as you may already know. But you may say: “CeCi,” if it pleases you...”

...a soul taken from the most precious being... if it even has a soul. Oh how wondrous it would be to finally be free by taking the soul of--

“--Mr. Seil most endearingly has you in the collective of Mr. Seil's Carnival, no? For whatever reason, we never talk, Rosalina. Perhaps it is because this one is shamed to never speak this one's name, nor refer to CeCi as a thing with an ownership of being; forbidden to use the selfish word: 'I.' Why we never talk, CeCi is not certain... for we are sisters in the Azure afterall.

Then perhaps it is a new day here for us and we may speak as winged sisters in the Carnival as well?”

[Quarthex]

Carnivals...

Oh how they are perceived.

The bright lights drawing in young and old alike as if will'o'the'wisps from the forest...the colors leaping from the tents and stands and exuberant performers...the sounds of playful booth challenges, sly snake charmers, wise fortune tellers, and children's laughter.... Yes, she was quite familiar with the prospects of the “fabulous attraction,” and the draw it had to all spectrums of mortal... and immortal... imaginations.

It wasn't set up yet, of course. The screams, the lights, the laughter... those would all come later. For now they were replaced by the sounds of preparation, sounds that barely pricked her human ears as she sat pondering within her own tent.

It wasn't easy, of course, not with the shrieks, calls, and cries of a dozen different birds, showing off plumage that dared to rival the colors of the outside world, and especially not with the incessant squeaking of a little fire-ferret that was slithering in and out of the folds of her cloak. She laughed softly, like the trills of the birds around her, as she stood up, grinning at the little mammal's actions.

Her eye caught the mirror-like surface of a magically induced waterfall, though, causing her smile to fade just as quickly. The woman who looked back at her was of medium height, young, but grown, her muscle structure leaning closer to strong than skinny. Black, wolfish hair hung down her back, the shine of a light silver highlight present in the brightly illuminated room. Around her body was a leather-like outfit of a simple brown, designed as to provide mobility while directing attention to the ornate shawl-vest about her shoulders. But what drew in the most attention were her eyes. A deep, golden hazel, they shone out from the black paint drawn across her upper face, giving the impression of a beast's glimmering far from within a cavern. She was not particularly fond of the get-up that she had to wear, but she much preferred it to the peacock apparel that some of the other performers were forced to don... or, more horrifyingly, chose to.

Crow shivered at the thought of having to wear such material, but let that same thought trickle away into the naturalistic lusciousness of her tent. The air was thick as a jungle, and ripe with the odors of flowers and ferns, the borders filled with a variety of exotic and unusual foliage. The majority of them were real, of course – as her touch on a veridian leaf confirmed – though, for the sake of storage, many of the border plants were simply illusions to make the room feel more full. Magic also assisted in the amplification of experiences: though in a small tent, she had seen many a guest turn their head to identify what they thought was a howler monkey in the distance, or try to run off into the perceived forest only to find themselves no farther from the center attraction than they had started. Full immersion was the correct stage terminology, if she recalled it correctly, and it was the only time she truly endorsed external manipulation by magic.  

Most performers did not have their own tents, but hers was a special case. Within this hall of wonderful wilderness she was able to unleash her own touch of the wild to the patrons of the event. Every bird, every mammal, every reptile responded to their own subtle call, and with this call she was able to bring out the wild in them, enchanting with creatures thought only to exist in tales of fancy. But within this tent were also the patterns and shapes of mystical runes, a magical powerhouse for the trapping of souls. It only took one touch of her hand to mark those young human pups for Mr. Seil, one invisible rune to capture their spirit forever. Many of the carnival looked down at her for her untroubled conscience in such matters, but the other half of her job – a half she feared would be arriving all too soon --was all that it took to expose mortals at her worst...They dared to laugh at her, spit on her, jeer at her forest-born heart for being different, a monster, and for that, she would make them pay for the rest of their lives.

It was this thought that remained on her mind as she finally drew her arm away from that leaf of perfect green, but the shuffling within her cloak reminded her of the companions who had decided to rest within the fabric's folds. A whistle drew them out --A pygmy amphithere and the fire-ferret huddled in her sleeves, while a dormouse shifted from sleep in her ebony hair-- and a double click of her tongue informed them that “training” was over, a cue that roughly translated in this circumstance to “you do not have to come.” Regardless, the creatures returned to their comfort. Crow shrugged. She did not mind bringing them about, and actually favored such; the company of such creatures was highly preferable, in her mind, to the beings that haunted this carnival. Though she would be attending a meeting demanded by Mr. Seil himself, she did not worry for their safety... as long as they were the key to providing more souls to the hungry ringmaster, their safety was nearly ensured.

Wrapping the cloak slightly tighter about her and the warm bodies of her friends, Crow left the safety and peace of her “forest” abode, departing for the meeting location, her body moving with an almost feline grace. A few hustling bodies rushed to complete their tasks, hurriedly reminding the time and location of the meeting, though she barely paid attention to their human, goblin, and other faces. All she wanted to do was return to her position, to her realm of trees and plants and naturalistic life, before the disgusting visitor presence was imposed upon her domain once more.

[Peyote]

The outside of the caravan showed heavily frosted windows: hard rocky plains off of which wafted ethereal drifts of white mist, existing only for a brief moment before dispersing. The air in the caravan was bitingly cold; the woman who stood, arms slightly lifted at her sides, in the center was surrounded by a translucent cloud, the omphalos of a personal tempest raging inside the cart violently. Hail and snow roiled around her in a storm; her belongings thrashed forcibly into debris and crashed into masses of broken wood and glass, showering the mage and bringing about lacerations and angry red splotches to her delicate ivory skin. Her skin was raised in gooseflesh, and her limbs quavered as the temperature seeped through her scant clothing and settled on her bones. Her hair whipped around her, icicles and flakes of snow lingering on her lavender tresses. Her robes flapped in the howling wind, belts and pouches flailing on loosening cords, necklaces and bracelets twinkling as they clashed against each other. The chamber was illuminated by the snow reflecting the light coming through the ice-laden windows with vigor.

Calista watched the paroxysm with keen eyes, searching the hurricane with a countenance of pure concentration. Her eye caught every snowflake, and each piece of the storm’s flotsam with gnostic perception, her learned eye catching every imperfection: either a flake was too similar to its neighbor, or the surface of the rubble that was once her room was too slick or too abrasive, never perfect. Her mouth contorted to a frustrated pout of sorts, brow furrowing. With a curt wave of her hand, the air suddenly stilled, raging blizzard disappearing in a blink, leaving her ears ringing and vision fuzzy. As her eyes adjusted to the sunlight that now made it through the glass panes of her window, she looked around with distaste. The caravan was as it once was, before she had started practicing, unaffected by the ersatz storm. She sighed as she lifted her staff, the circular mirror atop it flashing briefly. She left her cart in a somber mood, but it turned to her normal anxiety as she immersed herself in the reality that was the Carnival.

The overcast sky loomed overhead, imposing a dreadful feeling of pretense in the heavy air permeating the transient walkways that led through the still carnival. Other carnival employees drifted hurried through the labyrinth of stalls and carts that comprised the circus. A few glances were thrown her way, showing no outward malevolence, but her own gaze followed them until they were out of sight. She hesitated a moment, casting an encompassing look over her surrounds, before melting into the meager crowd the best she could. The day was terribly dreary, and the witch thought it fitting for such a wretched place. She withheld a snort at the ironic thought as she made her way toward the amphitheater, intending to get a start on her daily tasks.

There were people of all kinds within the amphitheater, all in various states of dress and clarity. Lights, tapestries, and other items of decor littered the ring as the sets were changed from the previous night’s show to the upcoming performances of this night. After spotting the event coordinator, she made her way through the scattered debris on the ground to speak to him.

“You? What’re you doing here?” He asked distractedly, attention being diverted between herself and a gaggle of performers trying to erect a pole. “You’re suppose’ to be at a meeting soon, aren’t ya?” He asked, the end of his dialog with her sounded with a crash of the pole, and a yell of “What are you idiots doing?!” He trampled toward them in a huff, and Calista turned away. Dread pooled in her stomach in regards to the meeting, unsure of its nuances having heard it secondhand. She scowled as she took her exodus from the tent, eyes lingering on the shadows in the tent for a short moment.

Stepping outside, the air was warm, but the clouded sky kept it slightly humid. Her cloth robes swayed around her as she walked, long strides carrying her purposefully toward the routine meeting place. She scrutinized those who came too close behind a warm smile and wide gray eyes, but would whip her head around to watch their retreat once they passed her by, or raised her staff slightly to utilize the mirror at its tip. She looked to the sky worriedly because she was not sure when the meeting was to begin. A slight feeling of horror overcame her as she realized that meant she might be late, and took only a single dainty step more before gently hoisting herself in the air a few inches from the ground, leaning forward as she carried herself to the assembly; levitating would take her there much faster than walking or running.

Calista scowled as she made her way deeper into the carnival, dread growing with every step, her thoughts cluttering her head agitatedly. The meeting must not have been private, or else the news would’ve probably been brought to her attention specifically. Although that in and of itself brought some solace, in that there was nothing directed at her individually, she also knew that there are such times where extensive cooperation with the others stuck in the Ringmaster’s palm left an aftertaste of bitter bile in her mouth. Whether it be from the pregnant glances that would throw her way, or the way they whispered together when she was just out of auditory range, she knew not, but their presences was something she only tolerated. It mattered not, alas, for she really had no choice in the matter. She would merely have to watch them all.

[clover]

Busy, busy, everyone was oh so busy. That's what it was always like before the carnival went live as they say. Performers would all be practicing their acts while workers worked tirelessly to set up the stage or whatever some of the fancier acts used. She wasn't for all that pomp and flair. True performers didn't need any of that. If your act was good enough, the people would come. That's what she always thought at least and it had served her pretty well throughout her time here. All she needed was an area that wouldn't ignite into flames. Simple and easy. To Urbaniel with having to practice to. That took away too much of her fun time. Fun time that would soon be commencing.

She sat crouched near a patch of green shrubbery. Plastered in the center of the bush was a lone sunflower. It's bright yellow petals brightened an otherwise dull looking day. Milky brown interior held the petals in place like glue. In the center was a small black hole, not at all noticeable to those who merely glanced at the flower. Upon closer inspection however, they would see that it wasn't really a flower at all. Thankfully her target wasn't the smartest carnival worker. In reality he might be the dumbest, but that was just mean to say. He was more like vocally and mentally challenged. Most seemed to want nothing to do with him because of this. She didn't really mind though. He played along with her jokes. Was all that really mattered to her in the long run.

A large pale creature rounded the corner. Loose strands of white hair jutted from the sides of his skull, covering a portion of his ears. Red eyes looked puny compared to the protrusions and peaks that formed along his forehead. Fanged teeth ever visible, appearing to be coated in a heavy layer of plaque or just dirt. She was never sure what he ate. She'd actually never seen him eat. Given his teeth, she always thought he was some type of deformed vampire. If he had the ability to talk, she would surely ask him. Since he didn't, it seemed like a waste of time. She had at least learned that his name was Rascal. A name he seemed to respond to. It at least made hanging out or whatever normal people did easier.

She held a hand to her mouth as he approached. His pea shaped eyes widened upon seeing the flower, heavy and strenuous breathing coming from his mouth. Head lowered, gazing at the flower as if questioning it. Did he realize it wasn't real? He couldn't have. It should totally be life like to him. Fears were put to rest relatively quickly as his three fingered hand reached up. Long uncleaned clawed nails gripped the stem of the flower, pulling it towards him. The motion caused a chilling stream of water to shoot from the middle of the flower. Stream hitting him directly into his upturned snout of a nose. Anger and confusion filled his body, arms thrashing towards the tree as if it did something wrong.

Red couldn't hold in her laughter any longer, loud giggles springing from her lips. Sliding out from her hiding place, she looked towards Rascal, wide grin on her face. “I got you so good! You totally thought that flower was real and it squirted you right in the face. Oh, that was good.” Soft flow of giggles streamed outward. They only seemed to anger Rascal more than he already was. With a loud grunt, he charged towards her, arms flailing in the air. She didn't even get a chance to give him his complimentary lollipop. Oh well, it was meeting time anyway. He could get it after.

Rearing back onto her heels, she launched upwards, red and black wings fluttering through the air like a butterfly. “Come on buddy! We don't want to be late.”

[SweetCinderella]

Elegantly she emerged into the frosty airstream; it penetrated each pore of her pale skin and submerged inside her, flowing through her veins and encircling her heart. It rendered her motionless; she stayed still. Movement encircled her; the daily grind of the carnival. To her, the carnival did not exist as extravagant as it had once been. Her kind, pale violet eyes circled around her, observing those whom had signed away their freedom due to some form of greed.

Her first step, followed by the second – she was oddly calm and tranquil. Undoubtedly due to the fact that this was the first she was permitted to roam outside in days – reasoning of her safety and protection. Her white corseted dress gusted gracefully in the wind and her perfect blonde hair flew too. Glow impressively white her aura did; she dazzled with angelic purity. A delicate doll she existed as; Rosalina Bell, an angel with not a single ounce of contamination following through her and it seeped through her perfect skin. As her feet touched the earth she let a smile escape her lips, highlighting her beautiful features. It reached her eyes – oh how undemanding it was to please her for she cherished all things.

With silent steps she strolled forward, it was almost like a dance. And dance past many she did. Starla and the airy Ty; both of whom she was fond of. Starla paused in her tongue to Ty as Rosalina waltzed past and smiled grandly at her, Rosalina silently returned it. Onwards she went to nowhere in particular, that is until she suddenly halted.

“Oh Princess! Days and days you’ve been sealed away not to be seen by any eyes.”

Smile harmoniously Rosalina did at Andracos, undisturbed by his nature, even though she knew what lurked beneath the charming exterior.

“Missed thou, thy has,” Andracos said charmingly as he gently seized her hand and pressed it to his lips.

“Oh Andracos,” her voice, high in octave – yet so lovely to the ears, “can a siren yearn for the presence of another, beyond his own?” she enquired.

Schooled Andracos was that never consciously would the radiant doll before him connote black-eye or aspersion. He played off her dry humour directed at him,

“Salty dialect, doll, salty indeed,” he responded with a wink through sparkling, yellow eyes.



Albatross condensed the air around him; it engulfed him. Humidity pricked his pores though no humidity weathered the room. Exceptionally dominant and prevailing he ordinarily stood – that was his nature. But that was not the nature of today, nor the present moment. No hat atop his head, no long black jacket on his back. His white shirt untied at its top and its sleeves curled to his elbows. Reposing his feet upon his long oak desk and leaning back in his grand leather chair with cigar clouds above him. The sharp and intense aroma of the liquor danced around the massive, elegant office – undiluted it was.

“Are you sure you want to go through with the meeting?” the coarse voice of one whom had breathed in one to many cigarettes reached the Wish Masters ears, “you wouldn’t want any cause for alarm,” Mogue explained, sitting opposite his superior.

Reficul Seil flurried not to answer, he remained motionless for a moment, “I sealed Rosalina away for five days,” he spoke slowly and in his usual gentle voice, “and at present, she still is not permitted to wonder around when my carnival is open.”

Mogue awaited Reficul to complete his point in silence, whilst he put pulped out his cigar and reached for his glass of alcohol,

“My point being Mogue,” he took a sip, “that, with doubt, most have noticed her restrictions thus they all assume something abnormal is afoot.”

Mogue’s brow furrowed, “don’t you want to find out exactly what is going on before worrying them?”

Gazing up the ceiling Reficul replied, “the more eyes and ears I have the better and the faster I will figure out what exactly is going on,” he paused a moment, sweeping his hand over his forehead and through his neat, brown hair, “it’s only going to get worse from here Mogue,” his eyes shifted back to his second-in-command as he took another sip, “that’s what they don’t need to know.”



My fellow sister, never cognized have I, your will to be here. Did you not care for losing your purity sister? Why, oh, why would you will that away? Forbidden this one is to speak with you, not on the accord of Reficul, no – on its own. For this one does not desire you to pollute me, this one does not yearn for your ideas to cloud my mind – so stay away this one does.

But we are sisters of the light, you and I. You, whom proved that a female can rise above and protect and not be needed of protection. But lost you did something all angels endeavour to retain and that was your pureness. Imperative that is to me, never shall this one lose it. For was taught chauvinist by that of my father, The Angel of Judgement and it will never leave me. Wonder at times this one does, did you see my mother? Did she enthuse you? Inspire you?

Rosalina had strolled onwards, having left behind Andracos whose presence was mandatory elsewhere. Enthralled was she, to seek out her sister, not of blood but of breed – inquisitiveness would always flourish itself within Rosalina when it came to her sister. Many a times the two would observe one another, but never speak. Not even with the eyes. Her restricted wanders of 5 days compelled Rosalina to seek out her sister – if just to see.

And there she was, her sister accomplishing her daily responsibilities. True they were drawn to each other, but within the years that they had both been in the palm of Mr. Seil’s hand, they spoke very few words.

Despise you do, the Wish Master. But why, oh why do you? You are here by your own hand, your own will and yet you dislike him so – an additional emblem of your impurity. This one hates him not, this one loves him. Ruined a family he did, even so, this heart finds love for him. Intensified with great power and surrounded by many, and yet ever so lonely, ever yearning for true love. And find it he did. That is the way of angels. But feel that you do not Celleci - wonder this one does, many a times, what that feels like inside.

“Hello,” she said politely, yet not trying to hide her other-worldly accent, and with a voice as clear and resounding as a clarion call from up high; it was time to finally speak
with the daughter of the Judgement Angel, [b]“this one is called: “Celleci,” for it means: This One, as you may already know. But you may say: “CeCi,” if it pleases you...”

Do you know or are you forswearing? Are you in denial Celleci?

“--Mr. Seil most endearingly has you in the collective of Mr. Seil's Carnival, no? For whatever reason, we never talk, Rosalina. Perhaps it is because this one is shamed to never speak this one's name, nor refer to CeCi as a thing with an ownership of being; forbidden to use the selfish word: 'I.' Why we never talk, CeCi is not certain... for we are sisters in the Azure afterall. Then perhaps it is a new day here for us and we may speak as winged sisters in the Carnival as well?”
Rosalina smiled graciously as she perceived her fellow beauty – green eyes were not in an angel’s heart, they were both equally beautiful to each other. Perceived she did, caramel fingers extend to her, a single rose offered.

“Celleci,” Rosalina’s voice was sweet music, “know of you I do,” a beautiful smile that reached her tender eyes.

Beautiful this one thinks of you. Nevertheless sad for you, for such radiant beauty should not be here by will or by gluttonous desire. And see your faulted purity this one does. Albeit you glow lustrously, it is dim and it is dusky. Do you not see it sister?

“I must atone myself Celleci,” Rosalina curtsied elegantly, “for my dearth with relations with thee. Undeniably, a fresh diurnal is upon us and yes, we shall speak as sisters of the winged and light.”

Rosalina’s eyes glanced down to the perfect rose within the perfect hand and smile again she did, “gracias Celleci,” and met vanilla skinned hands to caramel, “unfortunately I have naught of physical to offer,” the floret met her nose and she inhaled its scent before gazing at Celleci once more, “friendship will that be of equal exchange?”



He twirled his cane in the air as he lay on his back, on the impressive stage. Whilst Pachid rested against its wall alongside Arina. Crowd it did, the grand theater in which acts where performed – it was of adequate seating for carnival folk meetings.

“Charm my snake, I might tonight,” Andracos declared still twirling his cane. Pachid whom was verging on slumber replied

“Groovy,” his voice ever so jaded.

It was at the holler of a goblin that Pachid awoke and startled the few nested on the stage, which included Andracos and Pachid.

“Every Tom, Dick, and Harry,” the voice belonged to Warlockice, “get off me stage!”
Amazing it was that such a thing so miniature could voice so loudly. Surprised all he did and he ran about the stage shooing others off. The initial shock vibrated through Andracos, whom was in the middle of a fancy twirl and off course the cane went and followed its new path it did, to face of Arina. Her neck snapped back upon the impact of the narrow handle on her face. As an instant reaction both Andracos and Pachid burst into laughter.

“Me said, off me stage!” the goblin yelled at those whom had burst into laughter. Andracos whom was sitting upright and clutching his stomach said back,

“Away we shall go.”



Time delayed and in a while the theatre room was full with the individuals assigned its use and the stage was cleared. Andracos, Pachid and Arina sat alongside each other high above the others. Arina had her head tilted back and a wet, bloodied handkerchief at her nose.

“Contrary to what you may believe, gypsy lamb, desire not I did that to occur,” Andracos said simple still smirking. Arina merely glared in response. However all their attention was soon drawn to the stage as silence befell the air and on strode Mr. Seil, flawless as per usual. Scarce it was for Mr. Seil to arrange meetings; it was undoubtedly dire if he ever did. To the centre he stroke, and halted at the podium. He gazed at all in the room, most of them in contract. They were all his responsibility.

“I’m sure you’re all wondering why it is that I called a meeting,” he spoke smoothly, “for it is rare that I do so,” he paused so as to let that sink in. “What I speak today affect all here so if you are not listening, I highly recommend that you put aside your pride and do so.” He awaited everyone’s attention before continuing, “There are twelve individuals missing. One cannot simply go missing for they are bound to me by contract. And considering the contract is not void, something much darker is at play. Discovered none have any sort of patterns and nor can Vivianna crystal gaze upon them. Which leads me to say once more – something of darker intentions is at play. That is not all the bad news which I bring, souls branded, exchanged and gathered are being misplaced, they are going missing.”

This comment produced an uproar from most. Mr. Seil let them have a moment before quieting them down.

“Hush, hush,” they quietened, “I have a responsibility and duty of each and every one of you, your safety, contrary to what most believe, is important to me. All measures are being taken to address the issue at hand and find said missing individuals and souls. What I need from all of you is your eyes and ears. For you see, whomever is doing is not picking victims by random, nor souls randomly – walk in and out they are constantly during our open hours. You all need to be on the lookout and report anything you see or hear that comes off as anomalous to someone of higher authority. Do you all understand?”

[AkiBlue]

During her travels to the stage, she spotted Rosalina. It took her on by slight surprise, knowing she had disappeared for a little under a week. Reasons why went unquestioned, and Ty carried on her day to day life at the carnival. She greeted the beautiful angel, but continued on her way. There was an important meeting she had to attend, and Mr. Seil didn't approve of any late attendees. On her trek, Ty decided to perform a little trick for her amusement. She cartwheeled onto her hands, and walked on her hands. The grass was soft under her palms making it all the more easier to do. She did this for a few feet, catching the eyes of a few workers. Some laughed in amusement, while others more used to it watched as she walked by.

Back on her feet, Ty continued to the meeting. A few were filing in just as she was. Noticing the rows were still fairly empty, the air elemental decided to take a seat on an end row in the middle. There, she could see everyone clearly. Who came through the door, who was to her left and right, and of course the stage as well. The acrobat got comfortable in her seat and watched as the Wishmaster stepped on the stage. His air alone held superiority, and everyone his gaze fell upon knew they were under him. There was no way to deny it seeing that everyone in her immediate view were under some form of contract. If she wasn't paying attention before, Ty was definitely silent and taking in whatever he had to say.

Her eyebrow raised quizzically as he started. It was quite rare that he ever called mass meetings. Maybe individuals were called to be spoken to, but not often were there mass meetings. Towards the next statement Mr. Seil gave, Ty gave a genuine look of surprise. People had gone missing? Twelve to be exact. That was more than what she expected. From experience, even Ty knew people couldn't escape from the Carnival. It wasn't possible. And if Vivianna couldn't even see them... What sort of danger were they in? Then again, what sort of danger were the various creatures still there in?

Who would be next? Why was this happening? The chorus of mumbles would continue throughout the day, she was sure. But as of now, everyone fell silent to hear the Wishmaster once more.

He spoke of his responsibilities making nod slightly, mentally agreeing. As an exchange, they gave their souls and safety to help him. So indeed, their 'leader' had to ensure their safety, as it was apart of the agreement. She once again mentally agreed when he asked if they understood. Out of caution and curiosity, Ty raised from her seat to get the attention of the Wishmaster. It was already a rarity for the large meetings, and now Ty was speaking out. Something she rarely did. Her voice was rarely heard unless directly spoken to. The sound came out soft but nowhere near shy. It was at a monotonous key, sparing no emotions in it.

"Mr. Seil," Ty started, pushing a strand I hair behind her ear. Once everyone quieted down again, she continued. "While I do understand the situation, would you mind telling us... If there were specific targets? Did the twelve have some similarities being race or gender? Will some of us have to take more caution than others?" She fell silent again, but her questions raise a small uproar between the others.

It was something to think about indeed. Vampires could've been targeted. Witches or faeries. Even the shapeshifters. The twelve could've been solely male or solely female. What would they have to watch for? Who could they suspect? The incident raised a slight paranoia in her as well. She thought about staying with a partner and never being alone during open hours of the carnival. If the one place she was trapped in wasn't safe, and she had no knowledge of the "real world" where could she run to? Ty sat back down awaiting a response an listened to the mumbles of the crowd.

[clover]

The flight was magical as it always was. She buzzed through the air like a busy worker bee, trying desperately to get to their queen. It had to be pretty crazy to be the only female of your species. All the guys trying to get you to have their babies. Didn't sound very fun at all. No stinger was coming near her . She'd take the honey though. All you can eat honey had to be why the queen bee was always so much bigger to. Always hiding in her kingdom, eating up all the sweet filled goodness. Now that she could totally do. 'Bring thy queen o batch o succulent golden hue.' Man she could sound so sophisticated when she wanted to. All she needed was a nice monocle to complete the act.

As she buzzed near one of the workers, she widened her legs, knees crouching upwards. It was always fun to see if she could use her feet as hands. Feet hands would be a total craze with humans. She'd become one of their celebrities. Give her a program on one of their television things. For now, feet hands needed to be focused on the toupee of Mr. Kawallski or Mr. K because his name was way too long to say. No one needed a long name like that. It just made things way more difficult than they had to be. She liked things being easy. Was more fun that way.

Her toes flared into the air like talons, swooping down to steal the toupee like a bug from a tree. Unfortunately, she wasn't a bird. Heel of her foot collided with the back of Mr. K's head, sending him stumbling forward, landing face first into the mud. Before the old man could even utter a response back, Rascal came blundering forward. The mutants feet pounded into the old man's back, sending him deeper into the mud, head nearly fully submerged. Red couldn't help but giggle at the sight. She would never hurt someone with her own hands, but you had to admit it was funny! Mr. K got used like a coat in a rainstorm by some pretty girl. “Sorry Mr K! I'll make it up to you!” She yelled, fluttering towards the entrance of the meeting, landing behind the back row of chairs as others milled in to take their seats.

She held her hands outwards like one of those human crossing guards, eyes locked onto Rascal as he blundered forward. “Wait! I have something for you that you might like, but you can't kill me or you won't get it ok? Death is bad ok big guy?”

Rascal peered down, series of grunt emitting from his mouth . She could feel the hot air of his breath hitting her face. Smelled like onions. So that was what he ate. She'd have to show him that onions were better eaten on something and not by themselves. Maybe she'd make him a hamburger after this boring talk was over. As if anyone actually cared what Wishmaster had to say. It was just going to be the same old song and dance. Well not song and dance since those were always fun. It'd be the opposite of that, so the same old paint drying. She was so clever. They should just make her spokesperson of the house.

Hand reached into the pocket of her stained white shirt, pulling out two lollipops shaped like flowers. Undoing the wrapper on one, she gave it two licks, holding it out to Rascal. He gazed at it in confusion, thick tongue nervously sticking out of the mangled mess that was his mouth. His hands clapped together, light grunts of excitement coming from his mouth. She smiled as he took the lollipop. “Enjoy big guy! Let's get a seat in the back ok?”

They took their seat in the very back row. Rascal sat on the end, chair struggling to hold up his weight. She scaled up his body like a mountain climber, roosting up onto his shoulders, head resting on the top of his oily head. Both remained quiet as Wishmaster gave his speech. Reasons being very different. Rascal was just polite and afraid to get beaten. Red simply didn't care and began daydreaming. Only noises coming from their direction was the clatter of hardened candy against their teeth.

[SweetCinderella]

Andracos took in all the words that his superior had spoken. Impressed and slightly awestricken he was at the double digit number of astray individuals. Whomever was behind the curtain, was eminently successful at pulling the strings. Pondering he was, however out of his mind he fell when a memorable voice penetrated his listening tools. Arose Ty did, from her seat in order to a question in her oddly brave, yet rather mousy fashion.

"Mr. Seil," Ty started, pushing a strand I hair behind her ear. Once everyone quieted down again, she continued. "While I do understand the situation, would you mind telling us...? If there were specific targets? Did the twelve have some similarities being race or gender? Will some of us have to take more caution than others?" She fell silent again.

The soft voice of the air elementalist befell everyone’s earholes. Her query was then trailed by a small upheaval of emotion from others around her and Andracos promptly didn’t miss the chance to speak without interrupting Mr. Seil.

“Distressed be Miss Air of Heaven?” Andracos’ deep vocal sounds redoubled all the way through the theatre and it rapidly deadened majority of the uproar. Mr. Seil, whom had courteously allowed Ty to state her inquiry, tolerated the chaos of his wishers with ample tranquility, he let them have it. Withal he rolled his eyes discernibly at the very recognizable voice that has spoken up all others – ‘Undeniably so,’ Mr. Seil reflected, ‘a leader Andracos is.’ Mr. Seil was more than conscious to the knowledge that Andracos was highly infatuated with Ty and know too well he did that her safety from Andracos was also his own responsibility.

“Fret not Sweet One! Pair with Andracos you ought to - for no harm will befall thee whilst at my side. And…”

“Alright,” Mr. Seil intermittent Andracos croon with a firm voice for if he didn’t, who knows just how much longer the siren could go on, “that’s enough,” the rest whom where still chattering quietened down – all but one.

“But Sir, dancing on my tongue an enquiry is!” Andracos ricocheted down.

The right index finger and thumb of Mr. Seil’s hand rose up and squeezed at the high bridge of his nose, for his annoyance was on its final string of the day. Glare up at the theatrical defiler with a grand look of frustration he did,

“It ought to be serious Andracos,” he alleged warningly.

“Undeniably Sir, undeniably,” Andracos replied rising to his feet and clearing his throat, “Mr. Seil, inquire do I, motivation for barring away beautiful Rosalina for ever so long? ‘Twas due to a dozen lost, yes?” Andracos paused for a moment, expecting a response however received none, thus he pressed on, “well if that be accurate Sir Wish Master, then said state of affairs is vastly more grim and serious than you’re currently revealing, yes?”

The direction of a hundred odd pairs of eyes swung from Andracos to Mr. Seil, whom was glowering a little darkly at him.

“I don’t think he wanted you to ask that question,” Pachid said bluntly to Andracos’ back as he observed the dark frown from Mr. Seil.

“Fair to que….” Andracos was unable to complete his sentence as Pachid yanked the fellow down into his chair.

Mr. Seils. eyelids closed and inhaled a deep breathe he did, holding it in for a moment before exhaling and re-opening his eyes allowing any frustration to evaporate.
“Firstly,” his voice was the kind one he permanently made use of, “Ty, sweetie,” he gazed precisely at her, though with gentle eyes, “in answer to your question, the answer is no. Presently there are no patterns evident, an array of races have been snatched and both genders. The only connection that stands strong is the fact that they were all in contract and no there was no pattern there either,” his eyes lifted and he looked around at all others, “which is why I address all of you with this matter.”

He nodded at Ty as he completed the answer to her question, “secondly,” his eyes darkened as they rose to Andracos, “yes, indeed it is far worse than I am letting on, but endeavoured I did to avoid major panic something you are not familiar with Andracos.”

Pachid nudged his comrade to apologise and instantaneously Andracos cooed,

“Appy polly loggies Sir, for no harm intended I. Merely…” another nudge from the sluggish vampire (so much movement in one day for him, it was astonishing) however this one struck him in the abdomen and triggered Andracos to promptly cease his words.

“Thank you Pachid,” Mr. Seil expressed gratitude for the sloths actions, “let us all hope that the next one to go missing is Andracos, yes?”

Small giggles and chuckles lit the room up.

“Are there any other questions?” Mr. Seil queried.

[Girlie Go Boom]

"Hello, Lady Co-ordinator, this one is here for you now. Your bidding, my Lady...?"

A simple yet courteous greeting to Calista as always from CeCi's to her superior in the Lighting and Design department. But there was a slight change in CeCi's tone as she spoke and trickled her way over before pouring herself in a seat beside the white-magicked witch. And as always, at Starla's right hand side was the angel when meetings did sprout up. CeCi removed her worker gloves and placed them into her satchel. Lined were the plush insides with tools and baubles of all sorts fit for a Mistress Lighting Tech and CeCi made sure that all said tools and baubles were of impeccable quality and arranged in distinct order and category; even the worker gloves had a home therein.

Not a single bead of sweat glistened from her face, but still a slender hand wiped at the brow neath the white kerchief tied around her head; a habit she picked up from other workers signifying that hard work has been accomplished. The pair of pony tails made of midnight hair cascaded downward from either shoulder and swished sideways as she leaned in close to her LadyCo-ordinator, "All is set, all is in proper rhyme, rhythm and at low risk, as per order and as always, my Lady."

Even though she was but a Tech dressed in drab canvas and rope-tied, ankle length garb , a lead Tech mind you, she still kept her air of dignified regal quality. Knees held tight together, hands clasped as they rested gently upon canvas-covered thighs. But something was different about this angel, something slightly off. For where the cloth ended at her ankles, a bare foot tapped not in impatience, but in rhythm to the soft shores of the ebb and flow of her thoughts.

A shoulder covered with the dark brown fabric of her three and one-quarter length jacket leaned into Calista's shoulder; an act bubbling with more than an attempt to get one's attention, "Oh, but look at them all gathered, my Lady Co-ordinator, such faces stark naked with anxious curiosity and voices laden with nervous energy... we are the audience in waiting, as if we ourselves are not known for providing such mirth and wonder to all those that bear witness to the greatness we do provide...!"

An act that never took place between the two happened. CeCi made motion to gently rest her temple upon the shoulder of the ever suspicious Witch of White Magicks. A calming sigh would follow such happening and then a slight tilt of the chin, just enough so that silvery eyes under heavy lid would look up and into a dazzling blue pair. "What does it feel like, my Lady Calista...? What does it feel like when you... claim one? Does it hurt the givee? Should you brand, does it mar your own soul with a memory of such act? Should you bargain, do you feel such sadness; pity for the pitiful without a soul? What happens to the lost soul when the soul is ripped from them in rage... or in... vengeance...?"

A gently rubbing of her caramel coloured cheek upon the witch's shoulder would CeCi partake in, moving her chin to the sound of her Lady Co-Ordinator's words for as long as the witch would allow.

"And for what reason does this one ask such things...? Simple...for CeCi has never been known to claim a single one... but today... aye, my Lady Co-ordinator. Today is a new day..."

But if such happening was naught to be realized then so be it, CeCi would have merely leaned back and asked such questions with a tone that, one such as Calista, not to mention nearly all of the Carnival workers in attendance, would never be heard from such a dignified and regal qualitied being. The bare foot would have kept tapping to the ebb and flow of her thoughts, for infected was she by another.

The tone, the voice with the strange angellic accent, would have sounded like someone not so righteous, but one more akin to another angel present in the Carnival. One with a voice of glittering purity and Mercy. At the shores of vindication stood that other. And that infection shone in her smile as she looked out, through the crowd, and finally spied that radiant golden hair, brilliant and a perfect match to that beauty's pure golden halo.

~

Earlier reaction to Rosalina

A simple rose.

But oh, did it mean so much.

Of the many things Grog did give out as small tokens, reminders really, of friendship to Celleci, the one thing that he settled in on giving her was flowers. Not in aromatic bunches nor fancy bouquets, but only a single one at a time. Never on a daily basis, but often enough that it was always a sweet surprise when CeCi received one.

And this simple rose was more of a surprise even though thrust upon her in the same ham-fisted yet tender by the Troll. For the very reason that she sensed that this flower was not another one taken from the full collection of Rascal. No, this rose was somehow different and... unique? Oh, but lovely Rascal, he would hand out flowers to stunned, and sometimes cowering males upon seeing Rascal's unique form, so that they may hand them off to females at the Carnival; oh the uplifting of hearts and corners of lips was the gratifying reactions!

But no, this simple, delicate and very richly red rose was not from Rascal for Rascal did not have a single rose with imperceptible black lined petals in his collection. And now it was soon to be in the possession of Rosalina Bell.

“I must atone myself Celleci,” Rosalina curtsied elegantly, “for my dearth with relations with thee. Undeniably, a fresh diurnal is upon us and yes, we shall speak as sisters of the winged and light.”

Delight lit across CeCi's face like the rays of the rising sun that chased away twilit haze of shadow and mourning. Even if she wanted to, there was no reason to hide it and should she even dare, this female before her was a sister, an angel from the Azure; a purity of a soul knows true happiness within a being. Little did CeCi know that regardless of her blockade against negativity and selfishness within, of all of them at the Carnival, only Rosalina could ever know that it was from CeCi's own hand that CeCi could never speak out loud and refer to Celleci herself using the non-selfish and proper title: 'I.'

“For five days, has this one wondered about your whereabouts and for five days has this one pondered,” said CeCi after returning the elegant curtsey while still holding the rose out to Rosalina, “and finally has this one decided to come forth and express said wonderings and ponderings.”

Rosalina’s eyes glanced down to the perfect rose within the perfect hand and smile again she did, “gracias Celleci,” and met vanilla skinned hands to caramel, “unfortunately I have naught of physical to offer,” the floret met her nose and she inhaled its scent before gazing at Celleci once more, “friendship will that be of equal exchange?”

Shining silver eyes locked with breath-taking blue ones. A heartbeat. Then another.

“Yes and yes again till this one is without breath. But do know that our friendship means more than a simple material possession. Five days again without knowing you is too much; a good friend should be there for the other in such times. This one will be there for you, Rosalina Bell, my sister in the Azure and here in mortal time.”

Celleci, leaned her forehead gently upon Rosalina's and listened for her sister's heart, trying to count the elusive number of heartbeats they had left together here in that mortal time.

The simple rose had been passed. The simple rose that Grog did not take from Rascal's full collection; for Rascal never had such red roses whose petals were lined with black (and such black lines were unseen lest they were truly scrutinized) and was very careful to never harm a Carnival attendee. Each flower was impeccable and beautiful.

But upon the stem of the simple rose now in Rosalina's possession was a thorn. Aye, a single thorn whose sharpened tip was laced with more than just malicious intent.

~

Feather white glowed at her back as her wings loomed into existence then faded away. Silver-eyes dulled as if concealed by stormclouds whist the uproar of the Carnival workers around her sounded out.

Twelve missing but contracts still intact...

In this Carnival, CeCi did not take a prominent role, an important one, perhaps, but not one important enough where she knew her concerns were of true value. And so when Ty spoke up, the stormclouds in her eyes retreated and she gave a curt nod in agreement to the query that held upon her own tongue. A polite and grateful smile she aimed at Ty as the enthralling acrobat sat back down.

Then of course, Andracos... the 'try harder than hard enough to be the centre of attention' Andracos piped in and all manner of bile tasting nausea, unsettling skin crawling and heated raised hackles befell the angel. All CeCi could do to refrain from sneering was to gently smooth out the wrinkles of her canvas dress, hands moving in the direction from upper thigh to knees as if hands worse than acid were invading upon her person. 'Should you ever, ever, find Ty paired with you, tethered by your lies, Kneeler, you will find CeCi crowding in as a third, and swiftly yet undoubtedly with all certainly, you will find the few mourners that pretend to care for you casting soil upon your prone form from six feet under--' But then her motions ended and slowly she raised her chin.

Silver eyes that, for once, were not normally teeming with every type of dagger possible when aimed at Andracos, rested upon the half-Siren and searched for any signs of dry humour. No, he would always try to get a rise out of Mr. Seil, but right now she could see that his question regarding Rose Bell, CeCi's angellic sister upon this mortal realm, was truly genuine.

As Mr. Seil responded, CeCi's eyes shifted away from Andracos and began scanning the rest of the crowd (quite possibly in similar fashion to her Lady Co-ordinator, Calista may have been doing) to see reactions, anything that would give away ulterior intent. But if Vivanna could not see with her all-seeing sphere...

“Thank you Pachid,” Mr. Seil expressed gratitude for the sloths actions, “let us all hope that the next one to go missing is Andracos, yes?”

The giggles and chuckles that lit up the room broke her sweeping gaze and as she looked back in the direction of the bearded owner of the Carnival, she found that she indulged in a soft laugh of her own. Perhaps a soul did exist in that manipulative form of the 'Master afterall.

In ensuing the quiet, save for the obnoxious sound of the crunching of the sugary sweet poison known as lollipops, another did stand and query.

Tingles and electricity danced up and down CeCi's spine when silver eyes traced the curves and vivacious aura that was Starla. Lovely and captivating as always was she, but right now, the call of the Siren matched the heavy look within her eyes. Yes, she was alluring and hypnotic, yes, she was tantalizing and exotic, but as of now, she was something else that lay beyond said qualities; she was concerned and compassionate.

“Mr. Seil, and to all well-meaning bodies of our family and home... greetings, loveliest of greetings to all of you, my dears. Yes, fabulously yours, it is I, Starla Carlotta."

Flowing wavy locks slid full length along her shoulders, down and up again while she clasped her hands between full tempting bosom and bowed humbly. But really, even such a demure pose commanded the stirring of unspoken desires of heart and other parts; it was no wonder that CeCi adopted Starla's verbal claim to others in the Carnival: 'My Dear.'

"Oh, but why must we merely watch for the interlopers, sir...?! Those lost are mine own sisters and brothers, as much as all of yours as well...! Are they not? Oh but yes! Yes, they are, my dears! Mr. Reciful Seil! Sir...? Why must we only wait to see if any other of our family is ripped away from us, sir? Why can we not set loose our most worthy to find them all-- all I say-- and bring them back home to us...!?”

[CaughtInTheRiddle]

“Are there any other questions?” Mr. Seil queried.

A slight groan escaped her full pink lips as she pulled the bloodied handkerchief away from her nose, her perfectly curved brow furrowed as she inspected the crimson material,

"You know what," she whispered, her vibrant green eyes flickering up to look at Mr Seil, "I wouldn't be surprised if you planned for it to happen," she muttered, placing the handkerchief back on her still bleeding nose. She was dreading the bruise, and not to mention some of the blood had gotten in her hair - it had taken hours for her to get the soft curls to sit perfectly on her head... why she didn't just use magic, nobody ever knew.

"Shock itself pulsated through my very core," Andracos explained melodramatically.

"That just makes it sound intentional,"

"Intentionally sexual," Pachid piped in with his jaded voice.

Arina rose an eyebrow at the lazy Vampire, "How is that even..." she trailed off, still trying to understand, "I'll do something intentionally sexual to you," she shot back in the tone of a poorly thought out insult.

Both Pachid and Andracos raised an eyebrow at the flirty girl which caused her to frown as she thought about her words, "Wait..." her high voice instantly turned into that of a child,

"Oh yeah - like what?" Pachid asked cutting her off.

"I meant, Andracos will do something intentionally sexual to you," she blurted out, trying to dig herself out of the grave she had dug for herself; the three never had much regard for the "staff meetings," perhaps they had been there for too long - besides, Mr Seil had said most of what he needed to say.

Andracos smirked at her meagre offence "I atone myself droog, for tonight; diligent I shall be, only the harlot will be able to mollify your needs."

Pachid shrugged, "That was the plan anyway," he mused, meeting Arina's gaze as she glared at him, "Angry sex is always the best,"

She fell back into her chair, huffing a sigh, blowing a strand of auburn hair out of her features.

Not too far away, down the row, sat a young girl - she twisted a strand of hair around her index finger, slightly biting her lip as she nervously fidgeted. She wondered just what exactly she had gotten herself into, she wondered if she had made the right decision or not; but the mental image of her brother's smiling face reminded her, it reinforced her will. Her hazel eyes flickered to the trio who had already lost interest in the Wish Masters words. A small frown crossed her features; were they so rude that they couldn't give a superior five minutes out of their crude conversation - not to mention, the matter was of great importance, twelve people had gone missing, who was to say she wouldn't be next?

She had been in the carnival for less than a week and she'd never felt so out of place in her life. She had no real talent, so to speak, so she wasn't sure what she was going to do... maybe she could feed the freaks... she was rather good at cooking - perhaps she could make pancakes, teach kids how to make balloon animals... oh god she was boring. Everyone here had a specialty; hell, even the whorish one had her specialised area - the kissing booth wasn't the classiest of attractions, but it could sure attract. A small sigh escaped her lips as she looked down at her body, her folded arms pushing her boobs up as she compared sizes with the girl - she felt so ordinary... she just wanted to go home.

Andracos noticed eyes on his trio, he gazed around to find the owner and find them he did. He lent into Arina, very closely and almost whispered,

“Identify all does you with folks of the carnival, right, right?”

Arina nodded slightly, not bothering to look at the Siren, "I make an effort," she lied; it was easy to tell that the modesty was a facade. Arina knew everyone and made an effort to know everything about them - she was nosy... she liked knowing other people’s business; it tended to come in handy for future matters, "Why?"

“Then who be that mortal?" Andracos cooed in her ear with yellow eyes widened.

A shiver ran down her spine as he breathed across her ear and down her neck; a small frown graced her features as she leaned slightly away - towards Pachid, "Don't be creepy," she stated, still not bothering to look at the Siren, "I clearly remember having the conversation about personal space with you," she added, her green gaze sweeping across the crowd and looking for the girl Andracos spoke of.

She was met with caramel as she locked eyes with the nervous girl; who looked in the opposite direction so fast, Arina might have questioned whether or not she had actually caught a glimpse of the girls face. A small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she looked back to Andracos,

"Reria Masin; a little naive girl who thinks bringing her baby brother back to life will fix all the problems in her world," her voice held a mocking tone - she had no time for people of Reira's stature.

"You know," it was Pachid whom spoke, "every time you feed him information, you promote his bad habits," he explained not moving in the slightest.

She shrugged, "I'm not the one who deals with his habits..." she mused in a careless tone, "better them than me,"

"You are..."

Andracos cut Pachid off, "undoubtedly the utmost wonderfully, wonderful of all harlots and whores."

"I was going to say a horrible person," Pachid finished.

Arina's signature Cheshire grin engulfed her features at the "compliment", "Why yes, yes I am," she agreed, "That's your opinion Pachid, and your opinion never matters," her smile didn't falter as she lifted a pale hand and patted the lazy vampire on the head. The sloth didn't bother moving, nor altering his facial features,

"It matters more than yours," he returned.

Arina gave him a blank stare, "Yeah, but I'm a woman," she stated, as if it were obvious.

"That’s yet to be discovered," he stated simply back.

"Lies, I reminded you the other night..." she mused, a small smile tugging at her lips as she recalled the memory of drunkenly ripping off her shirt and proving that same point while a crowd of carnival members, which included Mr. Seil himself, socialised before moving to the next town... ah, fun nights.

"Oh yeah," Pachid smirked in agreement, "you proved it to Mr. Seil too."

"Please, Mr Seil loved it - I'm pretty sure it's the only lady part he's seen lately," she shot back, a sly smirk playing on her features as she eyed Rosalina carefully, "Can't imagine her being in the mood when she's locked up in the highest fucking room of the tallest fucking tower,"

"Firstly, she's not sleeping beauty," Pachid said, "and secondly, what else is there to do when you're locked away?"

"Sightless you two exist!" Andracos piped in, the two looked at him, rather confused expressions on their faces, "endlessly calm and tranquil the man strolls. Why, hardly befalls a day when he is
Exasperated or deprived."

"You know, Andracos," a male voice chimed in from the row in front of them, "not all men are addicted to sex," Arina nodded slightly as Soren craned his neck to look at the slimy Siren.

"And would knowth how you?" Andracos spat back, "considering demon is naught satisfied with life itself."

"First off, I'm clearly more satisfied than you are," he shot back, his egotistical smirk plastered on his features, "Secondly, I drink and play poker with the guy, so I would know more than you," he added, "Thirdly, you never see how they act behind closed doors - I do, he could go all day, and fourthly, I'm satisfied, I just want more,"

Arina smirked at him before looking back at Andracos - the two were so funny when they argued like little children,

[Peyote]

The sheer amount of people seated in Mr. Seil’s audience was anxiety inducing, which made its mark upon Calista as she eased her way through the crowd and into a seat. He eyes darted between the squirming mass of bodies all around her, which eventually started to coalesce into the provided pews and sundry chairs strewed around the stage. There were familiar faces amongst the sea of countenances, though each show of teeth held a deceptive sweet poison of wicked proportions. The hair on the back of the mage’s neck rose, her collar bones raising from her delicate shoulders in her tense mood. She saw Celleci approach from the writhing horde, and she watched the fallen angel’s approach with capturing eyes; a smile was there, though it held no particular warmth.

“Good morning, CeCi, I see the night has treated you well,” She returned the other’s greeting openly with an inclination of her head. Her eyes marked every movement of the other’s in her satchel, the glinting of tools catching her intention and she blew a heavy breath from her nose in an effort to calm the rising urge to force herself on the angel, to finally come about their final confrontation that lurked at the edges of every encounter. That was not for this day; Calista merely glutched down the chaotic impulse. She did, however, very much tense and tighten as the other made physical contact. It was miniscule at best, a mere accident perhaps. Though, as she immediately looked to the source, the look gracing the angel’s visage was one of intention. Calista grit her teeth, but kept her face neutral as the other spoke, harmonic tone signing through the witch’s ear.

“The turning of tides and rotating of pedestals is a prevalent force here, indeed,” She said in response, nodding to the apprehensive faces of those in the audience. Calista followed the angel’s gaze, letting her face fall out of her peripherals uneasily. She often tried to act non-judgemental around those she made frequent contact with, though she suspected their cursed souls suspected her dread. This angel, so different from others of her kind but sharing more than she possibly realized, was quite odd comparatively speaking. These thoughts were justified as weight was added to the illusionist’s slender frame, that of the head of the angel at her side.

Her pulse rose, and slight color came to her alabaster skin. The other’s mouth, so close to the thudding jugular hidden just behind meager skin, ghosted clouds of hot, moist breath across her flesh. She swallow again, looking down to the mischievous imp of an angel under fanning lashes, as honeyed words made their way to her ears once more. “It is… Indescribable to those who have not done so.” She started hesitantly, wondering just how deep the other’s reluctance to her own taint ran. “At first, it felt incriminating, and the water of my baths ran red with the blood of those I cursed to eternal perdition…” She trailed off for a moment, honestly remembering the feeling of horror at her own actions. But the feeling was replaced by the regular catharsis that guarded and reimbursed the mage persistently. “But as all types of pain, the guilt faded. My survival is just as important as those around me: I took comfort that my deeds were not baseless.”

Her gray eyes, set in large sockets particularly set to watch as many and much as she could, took in the image of the fallen with unabashed, unrelenting scrutiny. Her imagination, so colorful and wandering, rooted a pulsating terror of deception and lead to terrible fantasies of death. Slender, tanned fingers, reaching inside of folded cloth for a hidden dagger, drawing it and slicing unerringly at the throat at hand. Pointed, insidious teeth coated in tasteless poison, breaching fragile skin to sink deep into undulating veins. Tight, gripping hands around her neck, cutting off vital air and sending her into a sputtering coughing fit.Too many variables to limit the possibilities. “As for the effects on the victim,” She used the word freely, caring not for the accusation toward herself, “If I were to answer, my words would be lies. I know not what fate befalls them.” The physical contact continued, at first to her dismay, but after a moment she decided that it’d be best this way: any attempt against her would be noticed. The angel fell silent after a statement of personal damnation, and Calista felt it fitting for the angel to finally come around.

As the Wish Master made his appearance, to the quieting and stilling of the crowd, Calista perked, features forsaken of her usual fleeting attention and diverted directly at the single entity. A dire feeling, comprising of fear, suspicion, and grim determination to succeed past those already taken, settled on her taut shoulders. Her breath caught, hands shook, and she swallowed as a few beads of sweat made their way lazily down the back of her neck. She strained to hear every world, especially those of the questions that spilled from her comrades’ lips. CeCi eventually retreated from her throbbing skin, and she leaned forward, enraptured by the serious implications of the Ringmaster’s words.

She settled back in her seat as the public conversation turned comical, nausea roiling her stomach into a fit. She placed a hand on her abdomen and worked to quiet her breathing. The introduction of a third party in her lurid delusions did not bode well for the skittish witch. It was unexpected, unnerving, and certainly unwanted. Her eyes flickered around her, to the shocked and frightened faces that were just moments ago alit with carefree pleasantries, and felt an acidic feeling of betrayal in their lying eyes. Her thoughts burned in her skull, reverberating and clashing in a paranoid frenzy as the Witch recalled every recent interaction she could, scanning her memory for any hint of subversion or suspicion. The list was too grand, and too detailed for her to comb through without error, and the thought of letting something slip by frightened her to her core. For all her preparedness, for all her precautions, something, or someone, slipped through the infinitesimal cracks in her perpetual surveillance.

[Astarael42]

Vol leaned indolently against the wall at the rear of the tent, quiet and still as he listened to the Wish Master speak. The brim of his top hat covered his hazel eyes and kept his face mostly in shadow. His thoughts, like his eyes, were hidden and guarded. Even at the uproar following Ty’s query he remained silent and still.

He looked like a person out of time; and in many ways he was. He always had been, even before he gained his youthful immortality. He preferred slightly anachronistic garb such as tailcoats, tailored vests, and cravats. He completed the ensemble with a top hat, cane and sometimes a rather old fashioned revolver. They were all designed to ensure that one remembered him. He planned that he would never blend into a crowd but always dominate a stranger’s eye, forever being the one remembered. It was a costume, just as the sparkling body suits of the acrobats or the glittering garb of the belly dancers. The only difference was that he was almost never out of his chosen costume.

He had disdained to join the others in the seats, mostly because he had no desire to socialize with any of them at the moment. He had no friends, and only small few that he would even consider engaging in anything other than superficial conversation. At his feet his wolverines wandered about, sniffing and snuffling and grumbling in their low voices. They were the closest thing he had to a friend, and he understood them and their natures far better than he understood even himself. He mulled over Mr. Seil's words, turning them around and around in his mind. Very like the way the wolverines, frolicking at his feet, were currently turning a chicken head over and over. He was briefly concerned about where they might have picked up an unattached chicken head. He banished his worry, that concern was unimportant in the wake of the news that had just been delievered.

He watched the other contracted, his observant eyes working to read each of his fellow workers. He ignored the comedy routine from Adracos; it was not worth his time at the moment; and instead eyed those gathered wracking his memory for anything out of the ordinary. He came up with nothing. He was not inclined to be troubled over the news of the disappearances. He was concerned he might be next naturally, but that was really all he cared about. The implications of Seil’s news, however, were very interesting. To his eye it spoke of someone or something that sought to undermine the Wish Master. Particularly since the force, whatever it was, had managed not only to take twelve of Mr. Seil’s bond workers but also souls that had been branded to him. Very nearly a direct attack on the Wish Master himself. Such a situation would be very dangerous for all involved, particularly those caught in the crossfire of what could potentially be a titanic battle. Even if the battle was a battle of subterfuge and sabotage.

I wonder if Seil happened not to notice until twelve were missing, if twelve went missing at once, or if he noticed but didn’t care to warn us until twelve were missing . His smile was slim as he mused on this topic. The answer, and the reaction it might invoke from those gathered, could reveal much. He shifted his weight and straightened up, tipping the brim of his hat up with a slim gloved finger so that he may see and be seen better. Since the gathering seemed on the verge of descending into random acts of nonsense he decied he would voice his own questions.

“I have two further questions Sir, if you might indulge my curiosity” Vol spoke from the back, pitching his ever-charming to carry easily across all gathered. “Watch and observe we all shall, of that I have no doubt. However I am wondering…did all twelve vanish at once or one at a time, in a trickle? As to the second question…these souls you mentioned, the ones that have been misplaced, were they collected by the missing twelve or a variety of workers, perhaps even collected by those of us here assembled?”

[SweetCinderella]

The grand theatre allowed the Siren to speak her questioning words however allowed not Mr. Seil to answer before outcry came about in agreement. Calm and composed the gentleman remained upon the stage once more permitting the sound to linger. His deep, brown eyes scanned and observed the vast array of emotion’s that befell his audience. Resentment, rage, apprehension, anxiety, sorrow, puzzlement, a seemingly endless list were all in attendance. And then his eyes fell upon his beloved angel doll, Rosalina and perceived he did disappointment. Imparted with her he did not the present newscast prior to the meeting. He hadn’t disclosed with her an excessive amount of information erstwhile to her confinement for he desired her to not fret over it – she had only known very little. The effect of such a situation would cause in her mind, first resentment towards him for allowing this to happen and second distrust if it lingered without a solution. Exerted and laboured himself endlessly for her trust and affection once before, he swore to never to lose it. The thought pained him, though before it reached his eyes, that slight pain forced him out of his trance. And he with an unyielding and authoritarian voice ordered,

“Silence,” and it this reached his firm eyes, which grazed the crowd before him. A stern expression coated his features to help identify his solemnity. No time passed before he received what he demanded from his audience.

“Starla,” he spoke firmly though respectfully, “we are currently deciphering exactly what or who it is that we are facing thus the most intellectual way to manage the situation is, parallel to any battle or hostility one faces, is to decipher a strategy and a tactic first. By sending forth our ‘most worthy’ whom would be blind to the opponent is far too perilous and risky. And argue with me some of you may but that is the final decision, for I refuse to send out our finest, visionless. Especially when we are even blind by means of divination. Therefore the first move we make is to gather information and clearly the more pairs of eyes I have, the better. And then a suitable strategy can be applied, which includes whom I will ask to aid me. Do not debate with me even if you believe otherwise.”

Drowning in thickened air she was - suffocating in the variegated sensations of others. It was weighty and rendered her ill at ease. She pondered on the weight of her presence, for it could have been the cause, multiplied by the attendance of others like she – positioned that thought towards the back of her mind for something else required attention. Rosalina was kept, for the most part, blinded to the current happenings. Though fathom did she, the reasoning of why that was so. Her train of thought followed not her husband’s words and instead followed a dissimilar sensation that stood apart from the other emotions that she was currently drowning in. This unpleasant aura that fluttered around caused her heart beat to fasten as she became more aware of it. Something shadowy was afoot and amongst them and her angelic senses burned.

This one feels the darkness, the shadow as soon as it is present. For faced it many a times have I and survived. Look upon myself, this one does, not as a victim, no, a survivor of it. For since youngling was I, beacon has been this one’s burden, beacon of danger and imposing threat. Proclaim, this one’s father did, the highest angel of judgement that ‘the reasoning lies in the highest levels of purity – pureness attracted to impurity and darkness attracted to light. So forever we pure ones shall be existent as magnets and lures of the threats and the blackness.’

Proclaimed this one did whence this one had faced the darkness too many a times, that to dance with death himself and pass on would be easier for all. ‘Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.’ The words of wisdom this one’s father had boldly spoken and echo this one’s father’s words do in minds eyes, daily. So look upon it this one shall, not turn away from it and flee safety which is behind the Wish Master. Aid and be of use where this one can, this one will.

Creased Rosalina’s eyebrows did as she endeavoured to focus through the array of emotions within the theatre but clouded and overshadowed her focus it did.

But why now? Why amongst the array of emotion does it surface so evidently? Winged brothers, beautiful sisters, fallen comrades – does any of you sense it to? Or does paranoia become of me – befall me? This sudden burst of wickedness present requires much more attention than currently given…

No hesitation, no second thought surfaced in her mind as Rosalina turned elegantly on her heel, spinning away from all others and danced with glowing features to the nearest exit. Never, not once loosing hold of the invincible string of darkness that she strained to decipher.

At the sudden twirl of angel, a rarity to see, swiftness that is, several heads turned her way, including that of Reficul’s whom motioned to Mogue to follow her and perceive her waywardness. Mogue, whom was leaning against the bottom of the stage, in front of the audience, with his trademark cancer stick hanging from his mouth viewed the angel with a raised eyebrow as she departed before turning to look at his comrade with the same expression. He nodded in compliance upon seeing Mr. Seil’s request and stood upright, dropping his cigarette and squelching it out with his small foot (Reficul detested such things in the company of his angel doll) before rapidly trailing after Rosalina.

His final words to the answer received a submissive reaction from most. Mr. Seil’s sternness faded slightly.

“Anything else?” he asked calmly.

“I have two further questions Sir, if you might indulge my curiosity” Vol spoke from the back, pitching his ever-charming to carry easily across all gathered. “Watch and observe we all shall, of that I have no doubt. However I am wondering…did all twelve vanish at once or one at a time, in a trickle? As to the second question…these souls you mentioned, the ones that have been misplaced, were they collected by the missing twelve or a variety of workers, perhaps even collected by those of us here assembled?”

Mr. Seil fretted not over the state of the questions that befell him from Vol and answered them promptly,

“If you must indulge and I’m sure you all desire to know,” he spoke to all of his wishers, “disappeared they have one at a time and secondly,” he knew another uproar was to happen upon speaking his answer, thus he paused a moment and sighed, “souls have been stolen from a variety of workers, in fact none have been taken from the ones who are missing.”

An aggressive uproar ricocheted throughout the theatre and rolled his eyes Mr. Seil did.

Mogue exited the theatre and to his luck, discovered Rosalina hadn’t wondered off too far without an escort. In fact she hadn’t strayed far at all, merely some feet from the exit. Still she stood, gazing up at the dark sky, not altering her attention or focus for in deep concentration she was. The light wind picked up her white dress and flew it and her creamy blonde hair too – it was her only movement.

“What’cha doin’ babe?” the gravelly voice of Mogue reached Rosalina’s hearing.

Not altering her view of the sky, though perceiving the attendance of the rough dwarf she replied in an oddly light voice, “a day of misery ensues us.”

Mogue creased his eyebrows, seemingly becoming aware of her state, though he allowed her to continue undisrupted, “even the heavens agree. For missing comrades are we and no true sun glows.”

Mogue interjected here, “sun shines there now babe,” he motioned at the open clouds that allowed the high sun to seep through – it was far in the landscape, quite a large distance away from them, “cheer up, the suns coming back,” he had no idea what her game was.

She frowned at his response, becoming attentive to the fact that he followed not her train of thought. Gazing down at him with kind eyes she replied, “not any inkling has curt little dwarf, does he?”

“Not a bloody clue honey,” he admitted not discomfited by it as he met her eyes. Rosalina had a pattern of dialog in riddles, not odd for an angel though far too complex for a dwarf. Awkward Mogue was at times when in the vicinity of this particular angel for she did cause of few skips of his little heart and bothered him it did. He thought she was breathtaking and shouldn’t be here, but never voiced that to Mr. Seil.

She shifted her big eyes back towards the sky, specifically the open spot of sunlight, “incongruously perfect an opening circle, yes?”

He too reallocated his vision from her to the open spot of sunlight that was evident in the great distance. Focusing on it, he comprehended after some seconds, her words. The opening was unusually circle – such a perfect shape within the clouds just shouldn’t manifest. However it was fading, not that the circle was closing rather the sun itself was setting, and double darkness would soon arise.

The Opening in the Sky

“A slash in the sky, an enforced opening,” Rosalina spoke softly, “how many magicals require natural light to aid them, because they cannot summon it anymore?” it was a rhetorical question; symbolic in meaning that the dwarf knew the answer to promptly.

“Babe,” Mogue spoke to the doll however didn’t take his eyes off the aperture in the skies, “don’t move from this spot,”he then turned his eyes to her, “that’s an order,” the only way to guarantee her obedience, something he didn’t quite like doing, however sometimes was necessary, “imma get Reficul, he’s finishing up anyway,” he sped off swiftly to inform the Wish Master.

In the intervening time, Mr. Seil had been permissible to the aggressive chatter that had erupted from whence he had announced the missing souls belonged to those within the audience. He deemed that they were entitled to it, thus he let them have it once more. Distinguished he did, his next move within the whole situation, and bring to a close he planned all in due time and the return of the said missing family and souls.

He stood tall and confident, unconcerned by the aggression shown for any whom dared violence would be effortlessly handled. With blithe he tapped his fingers on the podium, nonchalant expression evident on his face. He held back a small yawn, even though his demon blood never legalized him to slumber, still we was exhausted. Alter his features did upon the reappearance of Mogue, from jaded to slightly bothered. For why had Mogue departed from Rosalina?

Scurried the cynical dwarf did, to the back of the stage and followed through to centre stage where Mr. Seil stood. The genie man bent his knees so as crouch and be at eye level with his second-in-command. Mogue’s expression was tangled whilst Mr. Seil’s worsened from slightly bothered to undoubtedly concerned. Those whom were curious enough to watch the interaction on stage, heard not the sounds of their authorized voices and saw only the small range of emotions and several nod’s made by both males. The final gesture that Mr. Seil made was in reference to the audience, signalling with his hand. There was a final nod by Mogue then Mr. Seil departed the stage rather rapidly.

“Shut it!” the voice of Mogue echoed around the theatre and he ordered the audience to quieten down. Astounding it was how the little dwarf on stage was able to speak so stridently, even through his raspy voice.

“Mr. Seil has left the building, for reasons, right now, none of you need know,” he pulled out a fresh cigarette, “so don’t ask,” he lit it in his mouth. Inhaling some fumes before he spoke once more, “the final thing he had to say was this,” he paused once more, this time not to inhale, rather to turn away from them and release a chesty cough. Upon his liberation from the hack he turned back, once more sucking on his cancer stick.

“If a lock down is ordered, then yous just bloody does it,” he spoke utterly the reverse to Mr. Seil, whom was polite and gallant; akin to a true gentleman. Mogue replaced that with tactless, uncouthly and boorish mannerism; he disregarded etiquette – not that he really cared.

“Now all, twits, twots, twats, babes and huneys, get up and let’s get this god dam carnival open by five o’clock,” with stick hanging from his mouth Mogue clapped his hands at them in order to usher them along.

Departed Mr. Seil did the theatre, leaving behind Mogue to conclude the assembly, so as to find Rosalina in which Mogue said she required his attention. He discovered her not far at all upon withdrawing from inside to outside.

“Rosalina,” his voice was gentle as he approached her, a hint of concern slightly evident. Upon hearing her name in the correct voice she turned to face him and open she did the bottle of supressed fret and distress. She was an angel; she couldn’t help but feel melancholy upon hearing the current happenings. His stress had blinded him to her angelic frailty; it was unethical for her to find out this way. For she was an angel and she was brittle to such things – he loathed himself for neglecting it. She gazed up at him, the fragile thing that she was, with big, teary eyes and pointed towards the skies, in particular the opening of light, which was currently fading from lack of sunlight. He followed her aim, his featured frowning and he sighed,

“Fallen angels then?” he inquired, though he knew the riposte.

She nodded in response – if there was one particular darkness she feared above all others, it was her fallen brothers and sisters; contradictory considering she was dear friends with Arina, though that had taken many years. He clutched the doll by the waist,

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you Rose,” he soothed.

It was then that emerge some of his wishers did, from the same exit – dismissal from Mogue. Both angel and demon ignored the cats and bodies, wiping away a tear before it fell, Reficul said, “come on darling, let’s get you inside.”

Roll up, roll up, cherries and all!
Welcome, welcome to De’ Seil Carnival!
Where you’ll see tricks, magnificent tricks none have seen before
You will partake in games and promise we do, that they are not rigged.
You’ll kiss a princess – and a true princess she is
You’ll be told the future and indeed it is precise
You may even have you inner most desired wish granted by our Wish Master
And if you’re very lucky, you may even see a true, living, breathing, dancing angel from the heavens.
So come, come, come in and play with us
For all are welcome at De’ Seil Carnival.

Dark, oh how that night was dark for no moon or stars shone – it was as if they had never occurred. The darkness was eerie, it was daunting and yet something grand, something ostentations lifted and erased the disheartening feeling and resurrected cheerfulness, glee and joy. An outstanding carnival acted as the sun within the darkness and its excitement seeped out and reached all. Even those whom ran and controlled the splendour circus, appeared exultant.

It was the first day the carnival was open in this mortal town and, even though little advertisement was produced, there were a scoring number of people to entertain and bedazzle. Through performances of young gymnasts to Jesters whom do tricks and gestures that make even the most stubborn burst into laughter De Seil’ Carnival was the place to be should that night - should one be so lucky enough to have it cross the path of their town or city. Cyclists and their feats amazed many and all, especially over the Wall of Death, with a huge fire burning underneath them. Magicians vanished whom they desire and forced candy to fall from the sky. The lovely exotic dancers astounded and arouse their male heavy audience. Individuals had their fortune read by the precise fortune tellers; they were revealed next week’s lottery numbers, their knight in shining armour to come. Pies where thrown at clowns, people ate stacks of pancakes, the merry-go-round never ceased spinning. The whole shebang was alive and founded at De’ Seil Carnival.

The feats, acts, shows and games kept all spell-bound and everyone clapped and clapped and clapped to encourage their entertainers.
So began the night of the carnival despite the shadow that was cast over it.

[AkiBlue]

Instead of the voice she expected, another so familiar spoke for the Wishmaster. "Distressed be Miss Air of Heaven? Fret not Sweet One! Pair with Andracos you ought to - for no harm will befall thee whilst at my side." The air Elemental's blue eyes found the source, but she stayed silent. Pairing with Andracos didn't sound like a good idea at all, but Ty didn't have the courage to say such. Thankfully, Mr. Seil interrupted his ideas and moved them along.

It made nothing better when Andracos revealed that matters were much worse than they appeared. In fact, it made another chorus of murmurs rumble, only to be silenced once again. She caught Mr. Seil's glowering eyes toward the siren, but looked away from them. Once she heard him call her by name in his sweet tone her eyes met his. It was a little disheartening to know that victims were being taken at random. This meant it was possible that even she could be next. It was more than unnerving. The carnival was meant to be safe for the workers there- maybe not for the wandering eyes that were dazzled by the shows, but indeed the workers were to be safe. Supposedly.

She found herself mildly amused as Pachid insisted the siren sat down and stayed quiet. Ty noticed it was much more movement that he ever was used to, only making things more comedic. Towards Mr. Seil's joke, she smiled gently in amusement. Her eyes met CeCi's and she returned the smile she was given, with a softer one. Their contact was short lived as others seemed to have questions as well. The next that questioned was Starla. Although she admired the dancer greatly, the question she had brought up a few inner protests. If the strongest disappeared, who would protect the ones that were still at the Carnival? If this criminal could slip under Mr. Seil's view, the others certainly had no match.

But Ty didn't speak out against the idea. She just let Starla's question be answered by the others' protest and Mr. Seil. No one else seemed to have anything to say, indicating that Mr. Seil could end the meeting and open the carnival.

One 'silly conversation' went between the three friends, Andracos, Pachid, and Arina. It was rather loud. Did they not care about their situation? That conversation only grew louder when Soren decided to put his own two cents in. They were so uncaring weren't they? Hopefully they didn't carelessly get kidnapped... She'd never wish that among her fellow carnival people. Right after the childish acts, another voice spoke up. To Vox's question, Ty did hold another bout of concern, but she sighed. At that moment, what was done had been done. Now it would've been best to stay alert.

And again, after Vol and everyone else had been answered, they were all left to their own conversations, Mr. Seil watching them all. Ty didn't move from her seat. She eyed the many different mythical beings, wondering who would disappear next? Would it be painful and a struggle? Or would it be quick and silent? One minute someone would be doing their daily job, and the next they'd be gone? The thought was almost exhilarating. Who would be next? Who would be next? She wasn't the strongest person in the carnival and she didn't believe she held as much value as the mythical beings like the angels, vampires, and sirens. But, Ty was 'rare', considering she was the last air elemental of her kind.

Her train of thought was startled by such a stern voice from Mogue. It was amazing how the little dwarf managed to get so much respect from them, but then again, Mogue was second in command. 'A shut down? There has never been one before... This is really serious.' In all her years, Ty had never experienced a shut down, maybe a clean up or short break to look for something, but nothing as serious as now.

But it was secondary now. The 'twits and twats' had to be on their way. Five o'clock was fast approaching, and she needed to get ready for her act. Everyone began to pile out of the theater, and she weaved through the crowd giving a few greetings or short answers where they were needed.

~~~

"Mommy, mommy, the carnival is starting! Come on! Let's go see the lady that flies through the air!"
"You want to go to the trapeze tent first? Okay sweetie, let's go."

Ty looked into a mirror as she tied her hair up into a ponytail with a silver ribbon. She had her left eye painted over with a red star, keeping to the color scheme of her attire for the day. She wore a red leotard with silver glittered all over it. Her tights were a silvery color as well. The contrast seemed to brighten her eyes more so as the day grew dim. "It's show time Ty." A stage helper called out. She gave a simple nod, before walking to her designated area, which of course was the trapeze tent.

The lights were off, and she could hear the murmurs of people wondering what was about to happen. A spotlight shined down on Ty and she gave a smile. Her smile was mysterious alone and caused everyone to quiet down and give their full attention. 'An introduction~ the applause~ the lights~ the music~ and begin' She remembered to thank CeCi for her wonderful help with it all.
It all started with a simple bound on the trampoline she stood upon. One great jump, and Ty was in the air, deciding to do a few flips before she grasped onto the bar that was swung towards her.

Already, she was given an applause. She lifted herself onto the bar and stood, holding the sides. This was when the real magic began. She began leaning back and forth, back and forth, so she began to swing until she was high enough to jump off, doing a split in the air. Ty gave a small prideful smirk when she got the reaction she did from the audience. From the crowd's view, Ty looked as if she defied laws of gravity staying in the air for so long managing to do a few flips before catching the trapeze bar once more as another was pushed to her. The crowd was in shock and amazement as she performed. A few of the tricks had put people on the edge of their seat. It looked as though she wouldn't catch the rope or bars in time and she'd end up falling to her doom- but that was never the case.

Oh look

No one ever noticed the gentle breeze that blew through the tent. And no one was ever close enough to feel the faster winds that kept her gliding and balancing through the air.

The last act she performed for the opening crowd was with a sturdy silk ribbon connected to a swivel, allowing the ribbon to spin.

This was one of the most graceful and stunning of her acts. The lights went off for a single blue spotlight of her, and the music was much more peaceful and slow than the daring and exciting rhythms before. There was a series of twirls and movements, and times where she'd let go, falling down the ribbon only to be stopped by a tie in them. This made some gasp in awe and fear.

Like so

But in the end, she gave an outstanding performance. Just as she always did. When it was done, and the music faded, the dark haired girl loosened her grip on the ribbon and slid down to land on the trampoline. Ty gave a bow when she was finally on solid ground and was praised with a standing ovation. She gave that mysterious smile again and then the lights went off indicating it was time to go.

She slipped back into the dressing room to put sweatpants and a solid red shirt over her outfit in order to go to the vendors and grab a snack. Before she left, she removed the face paint but left the sparkly silver ribbon in her hair.

"Oh, I should definitely thank CeCi for the help with my performance." She felt the technician deserved the praise. Without the angel, she wouldn't be able to have such a moving performance. And none of the audience gave the backstage help applause.

[clover]

Red's head rested a top Rascal, eyes fluttering closed before springing back open. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to even stay awake. Words couldn't even describe how bored she felt. Blah, people are gone, blah, souls are gone, blah, I want to be wish master. Just a bunch of blahs. That's all it was and that's how all these meeting things always turned out. So much talking about pointless glittering waste. If someone tried to kidnap her, she knew exactly what she'd do. She'd glittering fly away or trap them in some big massive hole. Sticking them in a hole seemed more fun since she could throw bread crumbs at them like they were a duck. Quack, Quack goes the thief man.

Eventually she gave into her boredom, eyes rolling closed, lollipop stick falling from her mouth. Body slid from Rascal's shoulders, falling to the ground had he not caught her in his left arm, nuzzling her up against his chest. Those leaving the procession would see him cradling her as you would a child. She however was lost in her own dreams. Dreams of beating back a pack of wolves with sausage link nun chucks. Knocking all the wolves unconscious so she could replace their teeth with Swedish Fish candies. They'd go to bite someone and be as harmless as a old human without his dentures! Their reaction would be so priceless. They'd be all, 'Why can't I eat this poor deer' and the deer would be all like 'smell you later suckas!' then the wolves would get all depressed and just eat the candy teeth. Candy seriously solved everyone's problems.

Incessant nudging in the side roused her from from her dance party with the Buttercup Brigade and the Liquorice Lovers. Lovers were putting on such a show to. Twisting and grooving in ways that non candy entities just couldn't. Evidence fifty million that candy people were just better in every possible way. Those should be here next wishes! Sentient candy friends. Oh the carnival was just going to love all of them. She'd have to give them all really catchy names like Frosty the cupcake or Larry the lollipop. By the godmother it was going to be great.

Grunting soon followed more aggressive nudging until her eyes lazily pushed open. Rascal stood over her, music box gripped between both his hands. She yawned, hand cupping around her mouth, eyes drowsily looking in Rascal's direction. “You want to dance? Turn it on, we can dance.”Rascal shook his head, motioning to a clock that hung near the back of the tented area they currently resided in. Clock smacking her in the face with the fact it was showtime. Well for her it really wasn't, she could just not perform if she wanted to.

She let out a long drawn out sigh, shoulders slumping as she got up to her feet. “I swear it's always work time for us.” Holding out her hands, she took the music player from him. “Once all the humans leave, want to get a funnel cake or something? Going to be so starving!” Rascal nodded excitedly, departing the tent.

Walk to her usual performing position helped her shake off the cobwebs of tiredness. It didn't help settle her growing hunger. One show for like thirty minutes and then she was totally gorging on some food while messing with some of the other performers. Funnel cakes and frozen lemonade! Oh it was so mouth watering, but first it was performing time. Performing was always usually pretty fun, it's how she collected all of her souls at least. Excited little kids, boys and girls alike would usually swarm her after wards.

Song 'Firestarter' by some human group blared from her music box during her entire walk. Every few minutes she'd chime in that there was going to be a fire breathing performance in twenty minutes by the ring toss game. Guy who ran the game was ok with her setting up shop there. He got to brand some souls and she got some extra cash from his rigged game. Candy was expensive so that money was much needed. In the end it was win-win.

She gave it a few minutes for the crowd to form around her, setting up her whole three props in the process. Tone was squeaky as she bellowed out to the crowd. “Greetings ladies, gentlemen and everything in between! What you will see here today will amaze and totally rock your socks off! Prepare to see your parents wet themselves kids!” She giggled as did most of the kids. Bodily fluid humor was always a hit with them. So simple and easy.

Igniting a torch, she moved right into stage one of her act. Waving the flame within vicinity of the crowd helped establish that the flame was real as they could feel it's heat emanating towards them. Once that was established, she moved right into the easiest part of her act, eating the fire. Opening her mouth wide, she dipped the flame inside, inhaling it like you would water or any beverage. Given her affinity for the element, flames couldn't really hurt her, much. Crowd clapped as she removed the torch, blowing a small gumdrop size ball of flame to reignite it.

Taking a bow, she transitioned into part two, fire dance. She pulled the torch apart, revealing a hidden rope that connected two torches into what looked like only one. Igniting the other torch end, she started spinning the flames around her via the roped middle. Crowd gasped on more than one occasion when it looked like she might get hit. All by design of course. Her style was more passionate and reckless than some people she'd seen. Being all technical was boring and dull. High sense of energy and danger is what the crowd wanted to see.

After five minutes of hop stepping, gyrating and grooving to her music, she moved to the third and final stage. Fire breathing. In one hand was a bottle filled with gasoline, lighter in the other. The trick to this was making shapes that the crowd would enjoy. Today, a small chubby cheeked girl stood in the front row. Large butterfly logo adorning her shirt. Girl would soon have the best moment of her life. Raising the bottle, she squirted half the contents into her mouth. In one motion she flicked open the Zippo lighter, blowing the gasoline outward. Beautiful flaming butterfly sprang forth into the air, wings seeming to flap in the breeze. With another swig of gas, she produced a second smaller butterfly, child to the parents of course. The two butterflies rose upwards before disappearing. As if they had flown away.

Children squealed with excitement, parents exchanging surprised looks, unsure how Red had actually done what she had. Look of the parents as they tried in vein to find a logical explanation always amused her. They lacked the wonder that their children did. It didn't matter how it was done. Just that it was done. The why's didn't matter. It's why she liked kids and Rascal and a few other carnival members.

“That concludes the show folks. Feel free to ask questions if you have them!” She gave a bow, preparing for the on rush of children.

[Girlie Go Boom]

Silver eyes watched tanned hands work away at the ropes. A final yank and she done her check for the lofty act of Ty, the aerial acrobat. The motions were ingrained in her; she could have been doing this in her sleep. But this time, she made sure that each and every single knot and weight were triple checked and accounted for; for what she had seen earlier that day had set her ill at ease. Perhaps the high strung sensitivities of her Lady Co-ordinator, Calista had rubbed off on her.

And it was a good thing too.

Vol had asked the final questions and Mr. Seil not only answered all questions with no more than stern reassuring voice and a symbolic wave of the hand, but still CeCi, and undoubtedly many others were not satisfied with the answers. Especially when CeCi's angellic sister had taken leave, so abruptly and with creased brow. Did not anyone else sense the reason Rosalina took leave? Did they not see the golden cut out in the darkened sky?

Where the Darkness Knelt only there was only the absence of Light. Obviously. But the saying was playing out before them. Did they not know what it meant? And why was no answer demanded from the 'Master? Because... the show must go on. Simple. And just as simply, the ones taken were not of great value like ones such as Ty, Crow, Red, the self-indudging Vol and its mirrored twin... yes, even Andracos and its lackeys were of great importance.

Who were the ones taken? Did it matter? Nay, and again nay with a promise. For they were of little importance for the show to go on. They could be missing and the Carnival would still be able to continue with minimal impedance. Nay, they did not matter.

Just like if CeCi would go missing it would not matter; the show must go on.

What of Grog? Ever trudging, ever labouring for the 'Master, sealed in his fate, yet friendly and, to CeCi, uplifting all the same?

But however true that may be, the Lady Co-ordinator, Calista the Witch of White Magics... that one was of true importance whether said aloud with gratitude or not.

And for that matter what of the Angel of Mercy( at least in Cellci's eyes, Rosalina was called), how important was she?

All of them were of the utmost importance to CeCi. Important enough to break her own vows and bring her further away from Cellci's beloved Weeping Angel that turned to stone, yet again. If she went missing... no one would miss her, save for Grog, it was true. But that would never stop her from being Celleci. Never. Nay, and yet again with a promise to break another self-imposed vow.

Did Celleci understand that doing such a thing would bring her closer to that which she abhorred; she would lessen herself and see that she was what everyone else could see yet she could only deny? That she was actually corr--

“Nevermind,” said the angel neath her breath as she turned to check upon the other workers and their progress.

“Ladies and lords of the rigging and Lighting crew, to Celleci then,” she announced, not restraining a single note of her accented voice from the Azure, “if you are sure you have double checked all your endevours... then that is not enough. Check again. Should Ty find harm to herself. Should anything be amiss. Should anything other than a breath-taking and an awe-inspiring performance be the result of the Aerial Elementalist... or any other performer that you have provided back-breaking service for that matter... should anything less than that standard come to pass, you do know that you will not answer to this angel alone.

The 'Master expects nothing less than perfection. We will never disappoint. We will never let any fall. Not a single one. Not by our endeavours. Aye?”

“Aye, Celleci!”

“This one does not believe your words, fair crew, for you have not yet triple checked your endeavours...” CeCi said sternly. Then she jerked her head, stating without words for them to get to work.

A simple bow from each. No grumbles at all even though some of their eyes held questions that their tongues dared not ask of the angel.

Celleci watched as they went about their work, stern lines for lips, creased brows and urgent hands and bodies working with all their worth. Tonight's success was penultimate. Tonight's success would be response loud and clear to those responsible for acts that would raise the ire of an angel, a female Guardian Angel transcendent with a new cause:

“You will not break us,” she said under her breath as silver eyes flashed something more than righteousness, “you will not.”

~

Earlier, moments after the crowd at the meeting dispersed, she found each of them alone. Slender yet toned caramel coloured arms had reached behind her and deftly picked apart the buttons that clasped from nape to mid-back. When she felt righteousness, the wings she had grown, the ones she was born with, glowed into existence. But in this moment, the ones they had never seen, the ones she had earned in the War for the Truths and the Lies erupted from her tensed and arched back; Golden wings.

The wings of an ArchAngel.

Her glow, her halo, drove outward like the birth of a star, from her mind, body, and soul, her every ounce of being, piercing the eyes of the onlookers and receivers of precious, vow-breaking gifts.

~Grog~

“Grog. You are my only friend here. Oh is this one so thankful for you. I do not know of any other that cares for this one as much as you have, my dear. What has this one deserved to receive such a gift? The cause may remain in your thoughts and hearts, but do know that there is nothing here, or beyond, that will stop CeCi from finding you should you ever go missing. A gift 'tis the naked truth CeCi feels about you is all this angel can give you but... there is also this.

The feather you kept of me... that one is from when this one was but a fledgling and not yet worthy enough to carry a meek lantern, Grog! Aye, do keep it. But this feather... this one will know you. Whisper to it. And CeCi will find you... you are my only friend here, Grog. You are my Troll worthy to branding a crown upon his head, you are. Today is a new day. And you, this one sees you as a the Rising Sun...”

~Calista~

“My Lady Co-ordinator. All will be ready as per your directives and desires. Of course and as always... but of another matter, my Lady: your answers to this one's questions...

Marked well and heeded, rest assured, my Lady Calista. Thank you for your time and candor.

Do know that for three years this one has toiled to only please your command. But did you know today is a new day? And it can be for us. Celleci and Calista.

CeCi knows that you are busy... in action and in thoughts. Never once have we had the time to talk of things other than the tasks at hand, correct? But today of all days... why did this one come forth and seek guidance and answers from you? Yes, curiosity to be sated is obvious... but another reason there is. Neither sinister nor useful for this one to use against you, my Lady Calista. Know ye why?

What is worth more... a handshake or a hug?

It is neither when trust is involved. Aye, this one trusts you, my Lady.

Trust must be earned such is a thing akin to respect. You have both from this Angel, regardless of what you think of her.

So please... please Calista Luinaree... take this feather. In this troubled time... in this troublesome place... this one needs to know that the ones this angel trusts, respects... the ones she cares for... will be protected by CeCi.

Cast it away if you must. It is but a feather to those who will not see it for what it is; a meagre keepsake to those whom the gift was not meant. A feather that will fade into sunlit dust motes within heartbeats of being held. But to the one for whom it was meant to be given... It will last until my final breath. It knows you. Whisper to it and CeCi will be there for you... Today is a new day; and this one sees you as the Hidden Dawn...”

~Ty~

Later, after her performance, when Ty slipped back into the dressing room, upon her bureau was a golden feather unlike any she may have ever seen before. Neath that was a note written in elegant and almost other worldly angelic calligraphy that sighed:

Ty,

We talk about all things other than that which friends talk about.

CeCi wishes for that to change, please.

Today is a new day. You are the Breath-taking Skies to this one. Whisper to your feather, a gift from an angel, and CeCi will be there for you.

Celleci, a Guardian Angel... yet not for long.'

~Rosalina~

Rosalina... CeCi has no choice but to love you, my sister from the Azure. In only fanciful thoughts and hidden hearts does this one dare to ever communicate such things. There are others... those that have Knelt in Darkness... those that call you “Mother...” those that have captured your heart... those that still wish to be the one to capture your heart... those one, sister, they must never hear the words even if spoken in our angellic tongue of purity and beneficence. But this one loves you for more reasons than just because of breed, sister.

This one loves you because you are still pure. You are without righteousness yet your are still within Mercy. CeCi may not bestow you a gift more than a rose; a feather of another angel. For to do so in mortal time is act of which this one will never partake. You know it insults more than just our ancestors, right sister? But this one loves you because your purity had indeed infected this Guardian Angel. There can be more than just the cause of Righteousness for this one, aye.

You have offered friendship to this one and this one has offered it right back to you in kind. We are angellic sisters in mortal time now. Know your wings now as you do mine in this mortal time now, Rosalina. Free them and CeCi will know where you are as you will know where CeCi is when this angel's wings are spread. Your purity has indeed infected this Guardian Angel.

For she is now ready to take the next step. This one will protect you all. By the findings of the perpetrators of vile and malicious acts against us here in the Carnival, this Guardian will transcend after her first collection; a Guardian Angel's facade shall blow away and the Angel of Battle will be there in her stead, sister. Today is a new day. And to Celleci, you are the First Breath of Days...”

~

When all was ready, and they received the official nod from the Lady-Co-ordinator, off went her brown tweed three and one-quarter length jacket. A single intake of crisp early evening air. An exhale of breath from a creature of the purity in the Azure.

“Very well... Ladies! In place? Lords! Pull then! Let us Light it up!!!”

A huge grunt in unison from the males as they pulled the ropes to lift up the ladies and the set of hundreds of mirrors facing mirrors went up, a sigh from the ladies as the light of her halo shone forth and hit the mirrors they turned to the sky.

Regardless of the slight dim 'quality' of her Light, this angel still burned with righteous vim and vigor as she stood there clutching an item at her side; an item that very few had ever seen her wield, if at all. In a few minutes the 'stand-in' light source would take her place, but as of now, this was CeCi's rightful place.

The spotlights swept the sky as the music rose in crescendo, marking the De'Seil Carnival as the new centrepiece of the lands, and marking the temptations of wonder and awe for those that would be gathered here to witness a princess kissed, visions of the future... and wishes granted. The Lights swirling above them from the halo of an angel, a very female and a very readied one with a special rarely seen item clutched at her breast.

“You will not break us. You will not. Not now. Not ever...” she whispered. A pause. A sharp inhale of breath, then:

Celleci raised her broken sword to the heavens in defiance against the wills of those with malicious intent upon her sworn protected and her glow intensified if only to send a message to whatever Kneels in midst of the De'Seil Carnival.

“...Roll up, roll up cherry and all...”

[Astarael42]

Vol waited in silence until most of those gathered for the meeting had gone on their way. He watched everyone from under the brim of his hat, carefully analyzing what he knew of them. Most seemed perturbed by the news, concerned and edgy. When Morgue came in and made his pronouncement Vol joined them in their concern. The show went on, it always went on. That Morgue even suggested a shutdown was cause for genuine concern. That meant that the situation was far worse than Mr. Seil let on.

From the rear of the meeting he watched the other’s reactions, trying to place whether they were genuine or phony. He liked to read people, this just gave him an excuse. Not that he ever really needed one. He also enjoyed looking at the others, and there were some true lookers. Vol smiled as he watched them, particularly Soren, get on their way.

With half smile, a shake of his head, and some truly dirty private thoughts, he effortlessly pushed himself away from the wall. Casting about he didn’t see his wolverines anywhere, they had probably wandered off to explore the tent. He rarely restrained their natures; they were as they were who was he to try and change their nature.

As he left the tent he rapped his cane three times on the ground. He heard snarls and growls at the signal and didn’t bother to look back as the odd creatures came loping towards him. The chicken head was long gone, probably eaten, and they were raring for some new excitement. They knew it was almost showtime.

Vol wandered, unconcerned, through the gathering masses. The news affected him very little. He cared not about those that vanished so while he felt some concern for himself he lacked the feeling of loss of solidarity that many of the others were feeling. Instead he “window shopped” through the visitors.

For those that caught his eye, not all of which were gorgeous women, he slowed his steps and stopped to talk to them. Eyes, smile, voice, all combined to make him a truly charming being. To each he gave special “front row” tickets to his act. With a smile, a whisper, and a brief touch he was one his way, whistling merrily by the time he reached the tent in which he would perform. It would be a good day.

He thought of the woman he had just left, thin and worn but sweet, young, eager and delighted at his touch. She was blushing and practically quivering when he left. It was quaint and charming. She had not much in the looks department, but they were not everything. Often times the truly eager ones were the absolute best. He had to put thoughts of her aside as he prepared for his act. His usual attire, top hat, vest, tailcoat, breeches was his attire for his act as well, he simply swapped out the classic black and white for black and gold. A bit of flash, just enough to make him stand out even further--that was all he needed to be prepared. That and a free mind so that he could weave awe, fear, and delight into his voice and thus his audience.

****

The tent was dark, silent, as Vol crouched above the audience. He let the darkness linger, the tension mount, as those in the audience felt their emotions shift from anticipation to question to unease. He knew, instinctively, the perfect moment. That instant just before the audience shifted from unease to boredom or disgust.

At that instant a narrow spotlight fell on a small creature at the back of the tent. Bristling and snarling a wolverine stood where there was none before.

for those unfamiliar

With a glare for those assembled it proceeded up the aisle in its odd loping gait until it reached the center of the tent and stood still in the center ring. The only spot of light in the tent, it was hard not to let your eyes be drawn to it. Until a second spotlight light up another of the creatures, down a different aisle. Like the first it snarled for the crowd barring its nasty incisors to the ooohhhs of the crowd. It too trotted fairly peacefully up the isle and joined the first in the center of the tent.

This procedure was repeated with a third and fourth wolverine, the spotlights lighting the dark as the creatures made their way to the center. To the audience it seemed that the fifth would be the same, yet about halfway down the isle something happened. The wolverine suddenly started snarling and snapping, whirling like a dervish and snapping his teeth at those seated near the edge.

Suddenly it turned and charged. Small though it was it was fearsome and it charged straight at a beautiful woman seated at the edge of the front row. She screamed obligingly, she always did for she was part of the act. In that instant the spotlight lit Vol, glittering and ominous in gold and black perched like a falcon above the crowd. With a very acrobatic leap, Ty had taught it to him, he landed between the woman and the creature.

He brandished his cane at it, never touching it but always coming a hairs breadth from catching it upside the head. The wolverine hissed and snarled and bristled as Vol drove it back, back, into the center of the ring.

The lights came on and the show began in earnest.

They performed tricks such as jumping through flaming hoops and diving off high dives, wolverines had no natural fear of anything so this bothered them not at all. They also did simple things like synchronized twirling, catching various small objects thrown to them, and even playing the piano.

When Vol was done with this he walked towards the audience halting at the edge of the center ring. He took a moment to wink at the audience, each of his chosen victims felt this wink was for them alone. Then he spoke.

The audience stilled immediately, such was the power of his charming voice.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. These animals, though unique and beautiful, are among the most vicious and deadly known to man. You will never see another act like this, most of you will never see another wolverine in your life. So please, I ask that you remain perfectly still as I send them among you that you can see their grace and vicious beauty up close.”

Then he turned, tapped his cane on the ground, and the wolverines, docile as rabbits, began to meander through the crowd. Vol followed on their heels smiling at all as he moved gracefully as his furry counterparts among the rows of people.

They returned to the center of the tent and Vol once more faced the audience.

“Now that you have seen their grace, their wildness up close it’s time to show you just why they are considered among the most dangerous in the world.”

The lights dimmed again, focusing only on Vol and the five wolverines in the center. Vol waved his cane and the five dispersed to the edge of the light, barely visible in the shadow line between light and dark. Vol loved using light and darkness to create mood. He spoke again, this time pitching his voice to invoke drama and awe.

“Behold the King of the Jungle” he intoned “No creature in the jungle dares stand up to him. His roar sends all lesser creatures scurrying for cover”

Behind him, through a back entrance, a helper led a huge tiger into the ring as well as a covered push-cart dripping blood. The tiger obligingly roared, once, twice, thrice, causing the sound to fill the tent.

“Till now that is” continued Vol, drawing all eyes back to him with his compelling voice. “Ladies and Gentlemen if you are easily shocked, please turn away.”

He turned and with a swift kick dumped the contents of a covered cart that had been standing nearby, unnoticed in the dark. A bloody half of cow dumped to the ground in the center of the spotlight and the tiger immediately moved to devour.

Vol barely had the time to leap gracefully out of the ring before the wolverines advanced, their, snarls guttural growls giving them a purely menacing aspect. The tiger backed up but not fast enough.

The fight was fast and enough to strike awe into all but the most jaded. Vol had worked hard with the other animal workers to choreograph this encounter so that neither wolverine nor tiger was harmed. The audience didn’t know this however and their calls and their shocked words caused Vol to smile.

Tiger and wolverine parted ways, the wolverine to return to the carcass and the tiger to pad stately up to Vol’s side. The man rested a hand on the great beasts head, a gesture that told the cat it had done well. Vol would ensure the cat had its own feast.

“As I said Ladies and Gentlemen” Vol’s voice was filled with calm and it caused the audience to relax some. That and the presence of the tiger standing unharmed next to Vol. “Even the king must bow.”

With that both he and the tiger bowed deeply, amid the sounds of the wolverines ripping and crunching on their feast. The contrast was perfect…truly wild abandon in the form of the wolverines gorging themselves and silky elegance in the form of Vol and the regal tiger bowing before them.

The lights went out indicating the show was over. Vol and the tiger took their leave in the darkness and a “privacy tent” descended over the wolverines who were still eating. The lights returned so that the audience could find their way out of the show and Vol stood in a pocket of shadow watching the spectators leave. He was looking for a few in particular. Now it was his turn to hunt. While the wolverines fed so to would he feed his own hunger, though his hunger was not necessarily for food.

Slipping up behind a slim young man he companionably draped an arm around him, smiling disarmingly as the man started. He would find his other marks in a bit, they would all find their way to him eventually. "So" he said with a smile. "How did you enjoy the show?"

[ButcherClown]

All know that, in a select group of people, almost always there is the introverted one. Quiet, always minding their own business, not caring about the warmth of others' friendship, this particular kind of being frets over very few things. In the carnival, it was no different. This being manifested itself in the form of Eikki Dreadlight. The Merfolk Magician and Aquarium Keeper.

The day they arrived in the outskirts of the mortal town, Eikki was immersed in his thoughts. The last one of the caravan, he counducted his oxes with the precision of someone who had spent the last 85 years doing the same thing over and over. The boredom of setting up his stage had alrady sunk deep into his bones, to the point where he no longer minded it. And so, the merfolk chose his place, a little far away from the others, yet still with the privilege of being very visible to anyone who wandered the beauty of light and laughter that was De'Seil's Carnival.

Without a moment's pause, the blonde man jumped off his cart and started building. First, the tent, large, made completely of algae, it could fit over 50 people inside. Most of his props he would build using his terraforming. Yet the only thing that he had not manufactured himself was his aquarium: a gift from his employer, Mr. Seil. A large cylinder of glass, unstained, unbroken, in perfect shape it stood for all the years Eikki had worked there. To mount the aquarium, he required the help of the gentle giant Grog, of whom he had the strange privilege of being friend, or so Grog always reminded him. After setting his tent and fish-house, the giant, knowing far too well how isolated from the others Eikki was, left the merfolk alone for a while, so he could get to work without being disturbed. Apart from being just a little bit stupid, there was a kindness in the giant that pleased everyone around him, including Eikki himself.

Tent set, aquarium standing tall, he hung his lantern from the hook behind the entrance of the tent and lit it up. For the past 85 years he did that, and many times, his little trap had worked fine, with a little help from Eikki himself: a stone threw at the entree's stomach, a whistle, something to draw their attention and open their eyes, should they already have figured out Eikki's trick for not being disturbed. The lantern would hypnotize anyone who dared look at it, leaving them susceptible to Eikki's command. Of course, that didn't grant him the ability to make anyone punch themselves (oh, but he wished, sometimes, just sometimes, that it would...): as much as he liked to call it "hypnosis", it was more like forced suggestion. "Please, leave me be", and the victim would obediently get out of his tent, with a faint memory of what happened. "Kill yourself", and he would be showered with questions like "why the hell would i do that, fish-face? are you insane? geez!!" That was the extent of the lantern's power, and yet what a marvelous and useful trinket it was.

All those years of not wanting anyone to disturb him changed the others attitude towards him: most viewed him as a bit of a lunatic, and simply left him alone Someone that tried to hypnotize anyone who entered his tent was not someone to be messed with, and Eikki was more than sure no one would want to fall prey to his trap. That behavior led him to become extremely lonely and isolated: not that it bothered him, but he suspected some of the crew didn't even know he existed. Almost nobody bothered, and he did not care about anybody else's business.

Unfortunately, one of the only beings to always fall in this trap was Grog: rushing inside his tent, eyes wide open to see his friend, the hypnotic light always stopped him in his tracks, turning him into Eikki's puppet. That was his way of not being disturbed: having anyone who attempt to enter his tent to turn around and leave him be. It goes without saying that Mr. Seil could stare at it for days and days, and not for a single second, fall prey to its mesmerizing glow. The sheer willpower that man possessed was outstanding, Eikki thought.

After terraforming his stage, high and made of blue and red coral, he brought in the rest of his equipment: a chair, a table, his bags with clothes and costumes, and his personal tools. And after all was done and put in the place, the merfolk began weaving his magic inside his own private little word, "The Infinite Depths".

He started by filling his aquarium with life: that season, the bottom was coral, with anemones of different shapes and colors; bright fishes, some resembling sharks, some resembling trouts, shone brightly under the light of his lantern, filling the tent with a rainbow of colors. Lastly, the most exoctic forms of life: giant blue and green jellyfishes, small octopuses adorned with rings of various colors, and a big squid started swimming inside their glass prison, at Eikki's unwavering command. In front of the aquarium, a large patch of earth would be terraformed into a sinkhole, going several feet deep into the ground. There, resided the most wondrous of his beasts: a whale, different from any other anyone has ever seen, with big fins on it's back, shining brightly with green. The animal would pop out of the water after a thundering noise, surprising his crowd, who would applaud and cheer and scream at the mammal Eikki had brought to life using his biomantic skills.

After turning the entire inside of his tent into something that resembled a small lagoon, the bearded merfolk man sat down in his coral chair, lit up a smoke and relaxed until the time came to open the carnival. Never anxious, he waited paciently for when came the time to work, both for the carnival and Mr. Seil. A simple touch from his hand was enough to brand the souls he wanted, and he did not have any trouble in branding several souls at a time. At the end of his show, many would shake hands with him as he conducted everyone out of his tent, congratulating the magician on his wonderful performance. Their emotions in cloud nine, almost like a beacon in the darkness, leaving them vulnerable. And, just like that, theirs souls belonged to someone else entirely.

---

The day of the meeting, Eikki was inside his tent, as always. Reading a book about diseases that afflicted human beings. It was always useful knowledge to know of things that were potentialy harmful to his immortal physiology, though he had not found anything that could pose a threat yet. Word was medicine was making advances, but so were viruses, constantly mutating. Since around him things tend to make a turn for the unfortunate, the one who was in charge of letting him know there would be a meeting was, obviously, Grog. The lovely troll was not able to utter a singe word: as soon as he entered Eikki's tent, rushing in in happiness, the dreadful lure caught him and he stood still, mezmerized by the glow. To him, Eikki's voice sounded distant, yet strangely powerful.

"Hello Grog, friend of Fishface Eikki. What brings you to my domain in such a lovely afternoon?" the merfolk asked.

"Grooog...wanteeed...to let Fish-friend know...meeting...3..." the giant replied, his eyes fixed on the glow of the lure-light.

A meeting. Mr Seil, no doubt. However, Eikki was not in the slightest mood of attending. Boring meetings on how to proceed during the carnival had grown on him, he was so tired of those. Besides, no one, apart from his boss, who never lost those he held in contract, would notice his absence. Of course, Eikki knew it would be met with punishment, however hid did not think it was such a big deal: he had over 80 years of servitude behind him to remind of how to proceed, the do-and-do-not of it all was engraved deep within his tired brain. And so, with gentle words, he sent the peaceful monster away with a gift.

"Ah, Grog...i do not feel very well this afternoon...please, forgive me, i will remain here and rest. If Boss asks you anything, tell him i do not feel well. I will talk to him later, i promise." he said. Waving his hand in the air, a beautiful seashell, colored with all the colors of the rainbow, was formed from a chunk of coral that laid nearby. "Please, my dearest...take this with you. A gift. Now go on ahead, big guy. I'm sure you have many other people to warn."

"Yeess...fishfriend...Grog likes the shell very very much..." he said, and walked out of the tent. As soon as the afternoon air hit him, he felt a bit confused. "Did Grog say about meeting to fishfriend?" he asked himself, scratching his head. Deciding that yes, he definetely had...he thought...the gentle Grog went about his other tasks.

---

Roll up, roll up, cherries and all!
Welcome, welcome to De’ Seil Carnival!
Where you’ll see tricks, magnificent tricks none have seen before
You will partake in games and promise we do, that they are not rigged.
You’ll kiss a princess – and a true princess she is
You’ll be told the future and indeed it is precise
You may even have you inner most desired wish granted by our Wish Master
And if you’re very lucky, you may even see a true, living, breathing, dancing angel from the heavens.
So come, come, come in and play with us
For all are welcome at De’ Seil Carnival.

---

The carnival had started, and Eikki was ready to open up his tent, "The infinite Depths", to the crowd. One thought was swirling around in his head: he definitely would have to talk to Boss later about his absence in his meeting. It was nothing, he was sure, just standart precedures, but something was bothering. He knew not what, but it definitely was there, that little bug biting him. Nevertheless, he wanted to start his show early, for he had other wonders to witness. He, too, longed for a bit of cheering up, and he liked to finish his show early to go about the other features of the carnival.

Not wasting anymore time, he moved his lantern to the corner of his tent and covered it with a thick algae cloth; just enough light to keep everybody calm and cheerful. The merfolk was dressed in a stylish outfit: Vest, shirt, pants and shoes, all covered by a coat made of algae and colorful coral chunks. A tophat, adorned with shells and fish spines was the icing on the cake. His clothing were all tailored by him, though it did not look like it. He had been thinking about tailoring some new outifts, but was far to lazy for that: one nice looking one was more than enough. The magician mage stepped out of his tent, and, at full voice, yelled out to those around in a melodic, alluring tone.

"Come, come all and behold!
Worry not, for you shall not acquire any debts!
Come witness mysterious waters, thousands of years old!
See wild dreams come true, at The Infinite Depths!!

He was unable to count how many people, with cheerful smiles and surprised looks, were heading towards his tent; more than 30, that was for sure. Cordially, he lifted the entrance cloth to his tent open and greeted each and everyone that passed him by with a soft nod and a smile. As soon as he realized there would not be anymore space inside, yet many people still wanted in, he turned to those in waiting outside, with a playful pout on his lips:

"Oh, i'm sorry my dearests...but that's all i can manage to fit in inside the Infinite Depths...ironic, isn't it? hahaha...however, one of you shall not leave here with empty hands...hmmm.you, there, sir!!" he said, poiting at a man in the small crowd that had formed outside the tent. Even though it was not his job, he loved to play jester sometimes. The man, in his mid-40's, looked at him with excitement, and held out a hand, greedifuly waiting for his promised present. Eikki grinned and said: "Here! Have a fish!!!, and a huge dead eel slipped from the sleeve of his coat, falling into the man's hand as he almost threw up, and everybody around him busted out in laughter. "I'm so, so sorry...i can't contain myself sometimes, my good sir...yet, come back tomorrow! All of you! There's always a tomorrow in the Infinite Depths." he said, with a huge smile that barely fit his face, bowed and entered the tent.

If one could see his face as he turned around and walked amongst his crowd, waiting anxiously for his performance to begin, one would see a change of expression like that of a hot summer day: from bright blue with a radiant sun, to cloudy with a very high chance of storms. All along, he had been faking, after all, it was not of his nature to be cheerful. However, it was his job, and he conducted it with unwavering professionalism. And so, Eikki made his way and climbed up his stage, bowing to everyone before starting his show

---

"Welcome, welcome, ladies and gentlemen...all of you standing on the shores of the Infinite Depths...this lagoon, in the middle of my humble, humble tent, is home to a behemoth, a creature never seen before, hailing from the depths of deepest hole of the deepest ocean. Yet, now is not the time for that. Let us start with a bit...of magic!" he said, and snapped his fingers, sending sparks of arcane energy through the air. The dim light of his lantern, hid in a corner, would make sure none of them realized how odd and unusual that man's show was.

Opening the courtains to the back of his stage, he revealed his aquarium. Eyes widened in awe to that almost alien sight. A girl could be heard in a corner:"Look, mommy! That octopus has rings on him!!". In the other corner, a man could be heard as well "Oh my...this is beautiful...". Every single one of them, with the help of his lantern, was completely mesmerized by the sight they were seeing.

"Witness, ladies and gentlemen...specimens hailing from the depths of the ocean. Their bright colors, although beautiful, are a dreadful warning: poision. Nature has its ways of letting predators know they should not be messing with these little guys. Now, i remember i promised you some magic, aye? well, my little friend mr. Blue Ringed Octopus here...oh...where is he??" the tiny animal was, apparently, nowhere to be seen. Eikki, in full control of the beings inside the aquarium, waved his hand, and the tiny animal swam away from the big squid's tentacles, amongst which he had been hiding. Soft laughs could be heard here and there, as the crowd observed the magician's frustration and then, joy in finding his lost octopus. "Aaah, there you are, you little creepy eight-legged baby! Come here, come here...lets show our friends something..." he said, using a coral-made ladder to get all the way up to the opening of his aquarium. Reaching out with his hand, he waited for the octopus to come, and the animal amenably jumped to his hand.

Blue Ringed Octopus

Climbing down, he adressed his crowd once more"Lets start with a very, very old trick...some of you probably already figured out the secrets of this one, is used by many magicians...but very few of them with an animal that can kill you with a single bite" he said. Lifting his hand, while the octopus remained still on it, he slowly opened his palm and the small animal started to float above his fingers. Using his control over the arcane, he could employ telekinesis to lift light-to-medium weight loads. The crowd was hypnotized by his performance, he knew, specialy when the animal, so docile floating above his hand, started spinning around, his tentacles helplessly flaying about. Suddenly, the little octopus fell fast, hitting Eikki's hand and wrapping its tentacles around it. Everyone gasped, wondering if the animal had bitten their beloved magician. "Fret not, my dearests...i have full control over our little friend, using my hypnotic powers...." he tranquilized them. As if the little animal was nothing, Eikki threw it up in the air, back into the aquarium. The crowd cheered and claped, and the magician bowed to them.

"Next...i'll use my mind-reading powers in one of you. I understand many have been wondering what lies inside this sinkhole...what kind of behemoth could be waiting here. One of you already knows the answer, and i shall find out who." he said, stepping down from his stage, contouring the shore of his lagoon and walking amongst his crowd. In a deep, low voice, he said: "Come, my dearies, think...what kind of rabbit will pop out of that tophat?". He said, taking out his tophat and poiting to the sinkhole. As he walked amongst them, he spotted a little girl. She would be his assistant for that trick. Children were much more affected by the light of his lantern, with their naive and pure minds, and it would not be hard to influence her. "You, my sweet. You already know." He said, and crouched in front of the little girl. The entirety of his crowd was now around him, the ones closer to the stage trying to get a glimpse of what Eikki was doing, behind everybody else. There, right in the middle of all those people, crouching playfully in front of his little guinea pig, his voice low and pleasing, he continued. "I bet you think it is very big, yes? but you wonder...something that big...must need to breathe. Unless it is a shark, but come on folks, i would not be that crazy, would i?". His words followed by giggles, and each of his questions to the girl followed by a soft nod from her. Her mother, standing right beside her, had a soft, warm smile on her face. Eikki got up, smirking, and made his way back to the shore of his personal lagoon. Waving his hand over it, he called forth the giant mammal he had created, hiding deep inside the sinkhole. "Behold, ladies and gentlemen...Backfin, the whale!". His words followed by a deep rumbling. From the surface of the lagoon, a huge head appeared, the shape that of a blue whale, except smaller. Black eyes stared at the crowd, as they gasped in awe of that big whale hiding in a tiny lagoon (at least, tiny comparing to the size of that thing: 35 feet in lenght, almost a ton in weight - Eikki had spent almost ten hours bringing that thing to life). The head submerged, giving way to its back, adorned by a huge, green and shiny fin. Of course, as it is typical on shows with that sort of animal the whale blew out, showering everyone with a soft, cold drizzle. In wonder, the crowd saw the fin giving way to the big tail as the animal submerged back to the depths it came from.

Under the sound of frenzied clapping and cheering, the magician climbed back to his stage. " Never forget, ladies and gentlemen. The depths hold much more than we know. This, is the wonder of the deep seas. The wonder of the depths!" he said, and bowed. Attached to the back of his, head, there he was: the small blue-ringed octupus. The crowd started laughing, and Eikki pretende to be surprised. "Wha...hey!! What are you doing here, little fella?" He asked, taking the octopus from his head and holding him in his hand, with a warm smile, bowing once more, as everyone applauded him.

---

After many tiresome compliments about his show, and even several brandings, Eikki closed the entrance to his tent and found himself alone once more. Even though no more than 50, 60 people could fit inside that place, it felt enormous and lonely to Eikki at that moment. The merfolk sat down on the edge of his stage, as he saw the whale he had created emerge its big head to greet him. Since all the life inside that tent was connected to him, they could feel his feelings. He felt alone. Desperately alone. It took 85 years for him to realize his isolation turned his heart into an empty room. For the first time in a long while, he truly longed for someone to talk to. Such a sudden feeling, to get together with someone. Weird, it was. Just when he thought his feelings had completely turned to stone, there it goes, his brain playing tricks on him.

And so, without thinking much and as fast as he could, the blonde-haired man made his way to Ty's tent, in hopes of still catching her show. That creature somehow soothed Eikki whenever she directed a word at him, which was fairly rare in its own accord. Her voice was soft and polite, her behavior was almost always that of a lady (or, at least, a merfolk lady...it bothered him that he remembered small things such as those, but oh well...his memory loved to fuck with him every once in a while), and she seemed to be gentle when around him. However, that did not mean at all that Eikki had a friend in her. The merfolk mage was so introspective, he had not yet given himself the luxury of friends.

Leaving his coat and tophat behind, he left the tent, lighting up a cigarette, wondering why, oh why did that feeling hit him so hard after almost a century of isolation around those people. Why did he long for contact, for conversation, now, after so much time spent only with himself. Something was changing inside of him, he knew not what. Maybe he longed for his family? his parents? his lost love? but why now? what had changed that only now he could see those people as potential friends? (apart from Grog...the not-so-bright giant had taken him for a friend since they knew each other...even though Eikki did not value it as much as he should.). He had no idea.

After swimming in this turmoiled sea of thoughts, he finaly found himself in front of Ty's tent. The show, unfortunately, had already ended. He took the liberty of stepping inside and calling out for the blue eyed beauty. "Ty? are you there? it's Eikki..." he said. "I think she will say to herself: Eikki? who da heck is Eikki? new guy?" he thought to himself. He waited for an answer, though half his body was outside it, ready to take his leave. He hoped she would not take long: he still needed to talk to Mr. Seil about his absence in the earlier meeting. Mentaly reciting a short prayer to his godess, Ea, for good luck, he hoped his punishment would not be so severe. When he thought of it, it actualy had not been such a good idea to skip the meeting. The bug that bit him earlier was back. There could have been more to it than just instructions. Hopefuly, Ty could clarify some of it to him.