Moshe Fairview's Story

Alynna hugged Brink before she ran off to let Julius know the great news. She stopped when didn't see him near his caravan. "I'll have to go bathe...I'll let him know later." She said to herself, before trotting off to her caravan. Looking around she found her show clothes, grinning she wrapped them in the cloak she usually wore, and pet her beautiful black kitten. "Hey Moshe bear...." She'd coo before opening the door. The little kitten meowed before scurring out the door. It had taken her an arm and a leg to convince Brink to let her keep it, finally she had used the 'black cat magician card' before Brink finally agreed. Shaking her head, she'd pat her leg and start walking to the lake to bathe herself off, she hated smelling like sweat and sleep.

Not noticing anyone was nearby she quickly stripped down and waded into the lake. Moshe hesitantly walked to the bank of the lake before meowing and running off. "Moshe!" Alynna shouted before she realized that Julius and Derrick were down the shore. Shaking her head she'd lower herself to only her shoulders were showing in the water. She'd forgotten that Julius said he was going to bathe. She'd close her eyes and let her body relax, that was the important thing, relaxing before her show.

Smirking to himself he'd run up to Julius and give him a friendly nuzzle. Looking back he'd give a meow to Alynna before looking back up at Julius. Noticing Derrick, he'd rub against his leg, wrapping his tail around the boy's calf. He'd give the persona he was a real cat before running off. He wanted to hang with the guys, and not while he was a cat. As soon as he got out of Alynna's eye shot, his body started shifting and twitching and shimmering, fur dissolved off his whole body. Bones broke and stretched until he looked like a normal boy... well not exactly normal, but almost normal. His two black ears peeped above his black hair, while his tail stuck out from his outfit. Like any other guy, his outfit were black skinny jeans with a black shirt, and a bright red collar with a bell on it. His feet were bare, as he padded back over to the guys. "Hey...er... what are you guys doing here?" His tail flicked and wiggled happily as he talked to them both.

His eyes drifted down to Alynna making sure she was OK ....she seemed fine. He treated her like he was an older brother, though she was only a year older than him. He was used to playing the older brother part, though his sister only past a few months ago. He didn't want Alynna knowing that her assistant was her pet cat, the one she fought so hard to keep...he didn't know how she'd feel about that. "So I'm quite excited to see your performances tonight... Alynna's outfit.. is amazing..." He'd continue talking, since he was the one who picked out her outfit for the night. In fact anyone who came to him with wardrobe problems, he was happy to help.

He was unaware that Julius and Alynna were working together in the same performance, if he knew that, he'd probably change her whole wardrobe. "Julius... I was curious... if you're performing tonight... do you want to try taming a wild Panther?" He'd smirk as he talked about his newest form, one that no one had seen from him yet.

"Following me? That wasn't what I was getting at, but good to know," He said, chuckling under his breath as he relinquished the waistcoat to its rightful owner. The sun was setting further now, casting brilliant reds and oranges on the landscape, the shadows of the trees dancing across the lake, shadowed leaves swaying gently with the wind. He was wide awake now, the dip in the lake having woken him up from his half-slumber, water still dripping insistently from his curls and down the tip of his nose.

He didn't bother to be surprised when Derrick threw his arms around him, planting a sound kiss on his cheek, instead smiling fondly. My, but Derrick was being affectionate today. Which was, in retrospect, a good sign considering Julius had completely soaked his nice, clean outfit (although, how Derrick managed to wear that type of clothing, Julius would never know. Sure, it looked cute on him, but on anyone else it would look ridiculous, especially if the person trying to wear it was, say, 6'3 and more lean muscle then anything.

The quiet moment was broken by a very familiar exclamation from the lake. Julius whirled around, cheeks painted a violent scarlet because, contrary to whatever people believed, he didn't like women catching him in just his underwear. Not that it wasn't just as awkward when it was a boy, per say, but given his upbringing, being caught in his underwear by a girl, even someone who was as close to him as Alynna, was intensely embarrassing. Luckily enough, she was too far out to actually, well, see anything, and the blush vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

His embarrassment was entirely forgotten when he felt a soft presence nuzzle against his leg before disappearing. He heard the disturbingly familiar sound of bones cracking before, standing before them, was the circus' resident shapeshifter/cat/whatever he was planning on being today.

"Hey there, Mosh," Julius greeted lazily, reaching up and scratching behind one of the cat-boy's ears, just as he would one of his own lions. "I'm not sure if I'm performing tonight, but the boys and girls are always willing to have a new addition to the act." And he was getting excited now, just a bit, at the thought of adding a panther to the show, ideas whirling around in his animal-obsessed head at the proposition. That was, of course, brought to a screeching halt when he noticed Derrick's shift in attitude.

He shouldn't be surprised- he really shouldn't- as the younger boy withdrew back into his typical, snappy personality and began to walk away. Julius let out a sigh and, realized that, yes, his stomach had grumbled quite loudly at the thought of breakfast, and, no, Derrick was certainly not waiting for him. He blew a wet strand of hair from his face, the curl flopping back onto his face limply.

"Wait just a minute, Derrick," He said, the words coming out more as a wheedling request than an order. "I've got to get dressed. I don't think anyone would appreciate me waltzing around the circus in my underwear."

With that, he made his way over to his clean clothes, drying himself as best he could before he slipped on his pants- and, ugh, that was a bit uncomfortable what with his impromptu bathing-suit still wet, but he wasn't changing into dry underwear with an audience(he was a circus performer, not a stripper, thanks). Then, slinging his arms into his typical button-up shirt, toeing on his shoes, and slinging his purple vest over his right arm, was at least vaguely ready to face the world.

"We can talk about the act later, Mosh, once I figure out what I'm doing tonight," He offered cheerily, buttoning up his shirt as he followed behind Derrick who, quite hopefully, had decided to wait up. "See you around."

Moshe purred happily as he got scratched. "I hope so.." He'd murmur before turning to stalk off to the breakfast caravan. "Hope they have steak cooked." He'd mutter softly to himself, his fluffy black tail twitching slightly. As the wind picked up he sniffed a familiar presence. Running into a straight jog, he'd look behind him making sure that Alynna couldn't see him before he transformed into his small tiger form. Giving a playful roar, he'd go and nuzzle Brink playfully before giving Alice a playful swat. If he could he'd hop up in her lap and give her a few playful licks before hoping up to jump on Brink's shoulder, plopping himself down, and stretching across Brinks shoulders, a purr rumbling deep from his throat.

He closed his eyes and would just lay there, his tail twitching casually. Seems tonight would be fun.



Opening her eyes she saw that Moshe had ran off, but Mosh was with the group of boys. Shaking her head, she'd run out of the lake, grabbing her cloak, she'd wrap it around her body. "Julius!" She'd scream, running her feet bare with only her cloak wrapped around her. "Have you seen Moshe? I think... he ran off or something." Her green eyes were wide and full of concern, she loved that kitten to death. It was the only thing she considered family. She'd take a few deep breaths, she wouldn't be able to focus tonight without her kitten. Her aqua hair dripped around her, framing her face, accenting her cheeks, and showing the subtle differences between her eyes and hair colour. "Oh... Brink gave us the ok...for tonight." She'd add on before she forgot. She'd bite her lip, her eyes still scanning for the little black kitten. She wasn't embarrassed with being only in her cloak, that only covered her top, and barley covered her thighs. She knew Julius wouldn't be interested in her like that.

"Have you seen him?" She'd ask her voice full of urgency. "I know we gotta preform soon, but... without that kitten... I can't."

"You read my mind," Julius hummed at the suggestion, adjusting his pants slightly when he caught up. The water dripping down his legs was a little chilly at best and the way his underwear was clinging awkwardly now was uncomfortable at worst. The outfit, well, apart from the vest, was a lost cause anyways. Without an available towel(oh, he knew he'd forgotten something when he'd arrived at the lake) his white shirt was clinging just as awkwardly to his torso, water stains on the shoulders from his still dripping hair. Oh, well. It was nothing a quick trip to his caravan wouldn't take care of. In all honesty, he used the place more as a storage locker than anything this time of year, the days just now chilly enough to make a good excuse to stay in the Lion Den to sleep.

"We can get breakfast right afterwards," He promised, smiling down at the shorter boy, laughing slightly as his own stomach made another loud gurgle. Apparently skipping the second meal last night hadn't been a wonderful idea. He patted his empty belly and sighed. "Ugh, I'm hungry enough to-"

No one would ever find out what he was hungry enough to do because that was right when Alynna came running up and out of the water. He blinked once, then twice, before turning his head sharply to the side and towards the sky to avoid looking at her barely clothed form, another more vivid scarlet blush covering his face completely, a strange contrast to his golden hair and green eyes. Because, yes, she was his friend, but oh dear Lord, oh dear Lord, she was most likely naked under that cloak that left little to the imagination. So little. She may not have been embarrassed, but that was all right. He was embarrassed enough for the both of them.

"You don't need to worry, Alynna. I think he went-" He was cut off once more, but this time by Derrick, his words practically dripping with venom(ha. Venom. He stored that little joke away to amuse himself later) as he snapped at Alynna, the whorehouse comment completely uncalled for, state of undress or not. He bit back another sigh. It was going to be one of those nights, wasn't it?

"Yeah, pretty sure he went to the food caravan," Julius confirmed, agreeing with Derrick if not in the way he said it. Then, before things could escalate any further(and, knowing both of them as well as he did, it almost certainly would), instead of being dragged along, Julius simply picked the snake tamer up, slinging the boy over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. It was, sadly enough, not an uncommon move on his part. Whenever Derrick got too "grumpy" as Julius like to put it or "ass-holeish" as everyone else preferred, he'd found that the quickest way to defuse the situation was to simply pick him up, slinging him over his shoulder and effectively giving him something else to be indignant about.

"Come on, sassy pants," He sighed, rolling his gaze heavenward. He used the arm not balancing his unwilling passenger, he gave Alynna a wave(well, her general direction a wave, she was still practically naked after all) and started back towards his caravan.

Alynna narrowed her eyes at Derrick, but refused to engage in a battle of wits with him. She was the furthest thing from a whore. "See how you feel should all your snakes disappear." She'd say coolly, before turning on her heel and walking off. She knew Derrick had a crush on Julius, but she wasn't that harsh to say anything. Wonder if Julius knows... The thought passed through her head, wondering if Julius even went that way. She'd give a wave to Julius, "Later Leo..." she called out, because if it wasn't him, she'd probably act cold hearted and get in a shouting contest with Derrick. She'd reach the lake and quickly get dressed in her costume for the night. Mosh was the one who picked it out for her, and she did like how it looked on her. It complimented her curves nicely, and didn't reveal too much, but just enough to keep the men in the crowd attentive to her. Wrapping the damp cloak around her neck, she'd walk off to go to the Big Top.
Walking in the breakfast caravan, she made a detour to grab some more fruit for later, during practice.
In her anger, she didn't realize that she bumped shoulders with Brink. "Oh! Brink! I'm so sorry!" She'd squeak out as the cloak (that was loosly tied anyway) slipped from around her neck and onto the ground. Seems that the nudge gave the cloak the tug it needed to fall off. The tiger around his shoulders would give out a loud growl reminding Alynna there was an animal around Brink's shoulders. She'd blush slightly, she hated revealing her outfits before the show... it was just a bit embarrassing.

"Still... so super sorry..." She'd give a polite wave to Alice and motioned to her outfit
"What do you think? Good for tonight's show?" She'd ask, happy that this outfit went well with her hair color, seems she always wore black and silver because that was all that she thought went with it.

Brink Orpheus

Brink was eating when suddenly Alice plopped next to him and stretched. He blinked. "Umm... Alice?" He raised his eye brow un-sure what to do with her. Suddenly can go eat another purring fuzzy creature showed up this time claiming his shoulder. Brink smiled gently for once and pet the small fur ball on his shoulder. What could he say... Brink had always had a soft spot for anything small and cute... It was a horrible weakness.

Brink blinked when Alynna ran into him and dropped her cloak. "Here." He picked up the cloak and gave it to her silently. "Yes your outfit suit's you quite well for your show." Brink's voice did not hold much emotion then again it never did. Or not around people he wasn't yet accustom to. Picking up the feline off of his shoulder Brink nuzzled and pet it holding it in his arms tightly hiding his gleeful smile.

~ . ~

Nixie Blue

Nixie had run out of the tent and was now heading toward the bird caravan. The birds did indeed have there own caravan as they had birds of all kind. Many of which were attracted to her, hence why she was one of the few people who actually cleaned there cages and let them out for there flight. Nixie jogged over to the caravan and pulled off the caravan's movable wall revealing all the cages there doors were open so the bird's could fly out. Nixie pulled open the first cage door most of the birds flew out but a few of them jumped onto her shoulder and head and cooed before calming down.

Hearing Synthia's proposal she'd grin, of course she'd love to do it! That is would Brink let her...? "Syn, sure! I'd love to be a part of your act" She'd pause and chuckle, "They don't call me Risque for nothin do they?" Thinking back on getting the 'boss's' permission she'd look down at Brink and add on, "Unless Brink would have a problem with us preforming together." She'd giggle and examine the girl fully. Certainly she was shy, but she didn't seem to act like it when she was in front of the crowd. Cracking her back a bit she'd adjust her corset. It seemed as if Brink weren’t really interested, his voice didn't show it. But then again that was Brink for you, showing little emotion in his voice. Her eyes would shift back over him and fully examine him. His Ebony black eyes would attract and make any girl fawn and melt over him? How come she didn't? Maybe because he was too different for her? Or were they similar in some ways? They both seemed to care about the small animals, but... there was something different about him, she didn't understand... why he seemed to put off a cold vibe. Shaking her train of thought she'd look back at everyone giving them a warm smile. "Let's have a grand show... whataya say?" She'd ask everyone shifting in her outfit, glad that Brink had given her the cloak back. Gently taking it out of his hand's she'd wrap it around her shoulders once more, making sure it was secure and wouldn't fall off once more.



Meowing he'd paw at Alice, of course he wanted to play, but right at the moment he liked the attention he was getting from Brink. looking up at him with his bright blue tiger eyes he'd lick the man's cheek. His tail flicking left and right, noticing the small smile he had on his face. It was rare for Moshe to see Brink smile, and he thought Brink looked sorta cute with the grin. Carefully he placed his paw upon the man's cheek and reached up to nuzzle his nose. Purring rumbling deep within Moshe's chest, made him feel pretty proud of himself. He'd look back at Alynna, and give a mental chuckle, She was daring, and her performance tonight would be amazing...he just knew of it. Now if only he could be the dangerous panther being tamed by Julius tonight, everything would be set. He'd be in the spotlight with Julius, and not in the background with Alynna. Not that he didn't mind being with Alynna in her performances, but he wanted to be in the spotlight... once... just once. Turning his attention back on Brink he'd snuggle close to the man's chest and close his eyes, glad that he was getting all the attention in the world.

Brink Orpheus

Brink was holding Moshe close and petting him loosing his interest in those around him. He faintly registered Alynna and Synthia's question. Blinking he looked back up his face going back to it's neutral expression his dark eye staring at Alynna. "Sure... Just as I said before... Don't get hurt." Brink closed his eye's for a moment trying to resist the urge to touch his eye-patch at the memories. "Also make sure that you taking on all of this won't wear you out... Nothing is worse then me having to see friends so worn out... Besides were here for a few days..." Brink picked up a piece of bacon and ate it enjoying the food his cousin had cooked.

Brink went back to holding and petting Moshe holding the cute purring ball of fur carefully and gently to his chest. This would surprise most as Brink was normally seen lugging around crates. His gruffness did not help. Brink smirked and his eyes warmed as he dangled and wiggled his fingers up and above the feline to amuse him. "Kitty..." Brink's voice slipped and instead of coming out in it's normal emotionless tone it was softer and actually held some form of emotion though Brink was sure Nixie would just pop out of the woodwork to point it out and embarrass him she was indeed gone and out of sight. Much to Brink's relief...

Risque:

Glad that Brink had allowed her to join in the performance she'd give him a relieved hug, planing a kiss on his cheek. "You know, you are the best boss ever!" She'd squeal, very unlikely for her to do, but hey, she was happy... and she was seeing a side that she never really saw from Brink before, his tender side. Keeping really close to him she'd breathe under her breath, whispering in his ear, "How about we go grab a bite to eat in town after the performance?" Her green eyes looked up when she saw Julius enter the caravan. Standing up straight she'd cross her arms and shake her head,"Well... seems you finally made it... Leo." She'd say smirking under her breath, before turning on her heel, after grabbing an apple of course. "See ya around Brink...." She'd say giving a casual wave, not even waiting for Brink to give her an answer. Her blue hair would flow with the breeze from the door, making it look like a wild sea churning.


Moshe:

Meowing he'd continue nuzzling Brink until he heard Alynna's words. His eyes would be on hers the whole time she talked to him. Why does she think that Brink would do something like that? He'd think to himself before leaping down from Brinks grip and transforming into his form. His black tail twitched as he continued watching her retreating figure, "So Alice, wanna go play now?" He'd say with a chuckle, his green eyes glowing with anticipation. He was in a playful mood now that he had gotten his attention.

Brink Orpheus

Brink froze when Alynna got close to him. Brink did NOT like people accept a few close to him. He stayed still until she left and he awkwardly shivered. Nixie had probably done this... He was not sure how but some-way that feather headed sweet heart had planned this. He hugged Moshe close until he lept from his arms and promptly turned into well... Moshe. Brink stared and felt his cheeks heat up. Yup Nixie had probably done this. Awkwardly Brink's face turned bright red and he lowered his gaze out of sight hiding it well under his hair before he slipped out of his tent and tracked down his cousin.

~ . ~

Nixie Blue

Nixie was done with the birds and was now carrying a crate way to big for her weak upper body. She was struggling wondering that in the name of Egypt was in the darn thing when she felt Brink barge into her sending her flying to the ground the box flying into the air before it crashed on one of her head wings. Immediately Nixie froze so as not to move the wing and hurt it further of course this was difficult with a demonic box of evil-ness crushing her head! (Or part of it). As soon as Brink lifted his eyes and actually saw Nixie he dropped his cold act and went full on panic mod. Freaking out he picked up and tossed the box aside like it was a feather before scooping up his cousin and rushing her to there caravan.

Nixie had no idea how long she sat there while Brink checked and re-checked her wings only to come to the same conclusion 4 times. It was sprained. Curling the injured wing closer to her head Nixie hugged herself upset. It took a little while after that for Brink to interview his cousin about everything from the accursed box to Moshe and Alynna. When Nixie finally finished explaining the pair decided to go back to the main tent where everyone would still be eating.

~ . ~

Brink Orpheus

After rounding up his cousin Brink awkwardly agreed to return to the tent. But he pulled out his hair this time allowing his odd not long not short gold hair to fall over his shoulder he also pulled out a few piercings, and dare I say it wore a very loose sweater that exposed his shoulder, he had decided today was to stressful for him to look like the punk that crawled out from under a rock. Nixie walked back with Brink to the main tent while she continued to fold out only to wince and re-fold her injured head wing. Much to Brink's guilt.

When they arrived Brink spotted Derrick by Julius. He realized only then he'd not asked the young boy what he would be performing that night and if he needed anything. Awkwardly Brink walked over to Derrick and poked the younger boy's shoulder. "Hey Derrick." Brink looked and gave a rare genuine smile. The boy was so small he could not help but be kind and calm around him. "I feel ashamed to admit it but with all the stress today I nearly forgot to ask about your ask... I feel ashamed I adore you performance so... I must ask... Is there anything you need?" Brink could feel eyes on him scanning the rare sight of his loose hair relaxed clothes and his gentle voice. And Brink resented the attention... He almost pleaded for people to draw there eye's over to Nixie who was asking who wanted a re-heated breakfast and fussing over how everyone needed to eat more...

((OOC: SORRY FOR THE LONG POST... I had to send Brink on a rescue mission to drag Nixie from whatever writing rut id plopped her in xD the box was the only darn thing that came to mind... Probably because I large crate fell on me today crushing my nose a little xD WOOT INSPIRATION ))

Synthia looked at Brink as a grin displayed itself on her face, she was so happy that they both allowed it nodding "I will go practice extra hard after I am finished eating. I promise Aly wont get hurt" she wondered where the Aly came from but it seemed to fit perfectly in the sentence well, repeating it in her head. She liked the ring of Aly so every now and than it might slip out of her lips, if Alynna was okay with that fact of course. Wipeing the jiuce from the apple off her chin. As Aly put her cloak back on she looked down at her apple and took a few more bites finishing, right before she finished her apple and threw the core in a trash can. Noticing Julius walk in with Derrick she smiled at both of them, happiness was clear in her eyes and her features "good morning you two, how was your guy's sleep?". Watching Alynna leave, latter on she would need her height and and a outline of her body to practice with. She was always surprised at how strong Julius looked, she was not surprised though considering he worked with the lions. She was tempted to ask him before if that when he was there if she put pet one of the lions, she had never gotten to before.

Looking at Derricks shirt it reminded her of Julius some-how, the color suited Derrick and he looked rumpled in it. She had to admit the look suited him, "nice shirt Derrick, it suits you very well" she said in a light tone, she was still in her good mood obviously. After Julius grabbed some food she pulled her plate of food back over and ate some of the eggs, Nixie's cooking was the best she had ever tasted not that she had tasted many other peoples cooking though. She knew that Derrick had a crush on Julius it was very obvious when she had seen them alone together she tried to steer clear and find a route around so Derrick could have more alone time with Julius. She looked at Moshe as her mood mellowed out back to usual but still pretty happy, than looked at Alice than over at Brink who surprised her a bit he looked softer than usual. Thinking the theory of him secretly being soft just gained some more evidence saying that he was, than looking back at Derrick to hear his response and Julius's response to her greeting.

They looked good together, not that she would actually tell either one of them she did not want to struck some cord with either one Julius seemed oblivious to Derrick's crush though. Which was really cute even though it was so obvious sometimes, she secretly wished Derrick luck. Even though she was to coward to actually say to Derrick. Watching Brink return and seem soft to Derrick she wondered how many people really warmed up to the skinny boy, or did Brink just like small creatures. Was that why he was warm sometimes around her even if it was just a tiny bit, she was the same height as Derrick but she was heavier. Which like any girl made her a bit upset but that was because she had a lot of muscle for her age well enough to help moving somethings and throwing knives.

Plus she was a girl and had breasts so that helped with that weight, so she guessed it was only understandable she sometimes felt like giving all her food to Derrick but she ended up only slipping a few things onto the boys plate every now and than. She felt so short though because he was younger than her and yet the same height, she wondered if it was because she didn't drink enough milk.

Alice petted Moshe softly and throughly. "Let's go outside and play! Oh! We can go climb a tree!" She jumped around in her bliss and ran outside, enjoying the fresh air. 'Mmm! I wonder what we could explore today before the show!' Alice spread her arms wide and spun in circles. "Whee!" Laying on the ground, she stared up at the sky, admiring the clear blueness. "It's like an ocean above our heads."

Turning over onto her stomach, she brought her tail to her face and began to play with it. 'When's Moshe gonna come out and play?'

Moshe:

Running out of the caravan he caught Alice laying on the ground. Chuckling to himself he'd run over and pounce on her nuzzling her nose. "How ya doin today kitten?" He'd purr out rolling over on his side and looking at her. "Should've stayed blonde." He'd murmur under his breath seeing her blonde roots showing through her green hair. Purring would rumble deep within his chest as he laid on the grass with her. His fingers would brush against her cheek, brushing some hair back. Moshe cared about Alice, though he was unsure if it was more of a brother thing, or maybe its because she had a tail as well. He had heard rumours about how she'd become half cat half human...but he was born like this. His tail would twitch softly as his thoughts were churning about her. For the moment, he'd play the bigger brother, that's how he liked being seen to the younger folk, the older brother figure... at least to those shy and nervous.

Risque:

Sighing, she'd sit in the middle of the big top, doing small sleight of hands. How could I have been so stupid?! She'd think to herself, full of frustration. She wasn't sure Brink would even go out to dinner with her. Though it would be interesting to see him outside of work. For eight years, that's all she's seen, him at work... she was curious how was away from the circus. She took her hat off and stared at its stripes. Her blue hair fell around her shoulders covering her face. "I'm an idiot." She muttered under her breath, throwing her hat off to her side.

Leo? Again? This was the third time she'd used his hated stage name today. Either Alynna really wanted to try to coax irritation out of him today or she was feeling particularly mischievous. Either way, it didn't bode well for him. At least she'd gotten dressed, he noted as she sashayed out of the ten, the outfit probably what she'd use for the show tonight. Oh, right, the show. From what he'd heard in the chatter around him, tonight was a night for new and surprising things- additions in acts, extra stunts, people popping in to help each other. He was helping Alynna with her illusion, Moshe was going to join the lions for the act... Yes, tonight would be one to remember.

Predictably enough, despite the numerous open seats inside the tent(not nearly enough for all of the performers if they all came together, but certainly enough for the groups that tended to find their way inside), he plopped down next to Derrick, taking a bite of the bacon he'd liberated from the rapidly disappearing plate. It was cooked to a perfect crisp, just shy of being too cooked. A little cool since it had been sitting out for a while, but otherwise perfect. Nixie's cooking was an absolute blessing for all of the circus folk.

"I slept wonderfully, Synthia. And yourself?" He hummed, tucking into his breakfast- or was it dinner? Breakfast for dinner...? Regardless, it was food and he was starving, his stomach finally quieting down, appeased now that he finally had given in and had a meal. He really had slept well, but that was no surprise. It was just.... easier to sleep in the Lion Den, like being surrounded by good friends, the familiarity of them easily lulling him into a feeling of security that his lonely caravan couldn't claim.

It seemed like he was the only one at the table actually having breakfast, Derrick pushing fruit pieces around his place in a not so successful attempt to make it look like he was actually eating. Unluckily for the younger boy, Julius saw through it in a moment, having perfected that particular technique when he'd still been living at home. Still, the lion tamer didn't make any comment- he wouldn't be the one to poke and prod until Derrick ate. That wasn't quite his style, no matter how much he wished Derrick would just eat.

The question did manage to catch him off guard. It was not because he'd assumed that Derrick had no interest in his show- no, in the middle of acts as he entertained the crowd, he'd sometimes catch glimpses of the snake tamer, made all the more distinct by his distinctive clothing choices. After all, Victorian-esque outfits weren't quite able to blend into the crowd. No, what was surprising was that he was actually asking this time. Surprising, but far from unwelcome.

"Well," He said, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing a bite of waffle. A little soggy, but good all the same. "The town's pretty big, so maybe ten minutes before? I'll be sure to save you a seat just in case." The lion taming show always managed to draw in a good crowd(although, Julius was entirely convinced that if they knew just how tame his lions were for him, but crowd would be substantially less enthralled) but with Derrick actually asking, well, he'd make sure that he had the perfect seat. And maybe, just maybe, he could surprise Derrick by catching his show as well if he wasn't needed elsewhere. It had been a while since he'd last seen the snake tamer's show, much longer than he liked to admit, so maybe tonight would be the night to see how much he'd improved.

He opened his mouth to speak again, but quickly snapped it shut as Brink appeared looking less the stressed out ring master of a traveling circus and more like a normal young man acting in a very, well, un-Brink like manner as he smiled at Derrick, voice gentle and filled with flattery and a desire to help. Derrick and Brink seemed to have a mutual soft spot for one another and- Julius glanced down at his plate, suddenly not very hungry at all. It was like his guts were being tied into knots, an uncomfortable, dreadful feeling washing over him. He wasn't sure why, but scenes like the one playing out next to him, particularly(only) when the players were Derrick and someone else, sent a mild wave of nausea over him. Now, he could always just get up and leave but... He set his fork down quietly and instead did his best attempt at turning his attention away from them, looking at Nixie who had apparently hurt herself and various other people enjoying their first meal of the day. Anywhere but next to him and it bothered him that he didn't know why.

"How ya doin' today Kitten?" Alice looked at Moshe at smiled sweetly. "I'm actually doing very well today, thanks for asking! What can we do today? I kinda feel like exploring, don't you?" She sat up and brushed her hair with her hands."Should've stayed blonde." She looked at him through her hair, an odd green with blonde starting to show through the roots. "I don't know, I like my hair blonde."

Slightly tugging at her hair, she look up at the clouds, spotting several different shapes. "Ooh! It's a cat!" Alice exclaimed pointing up at one of the shapes in the sky. It did indeed look similar to a cat shape. She smiled more, giggling happily. "Let's play, Moshe!"

Moshe:

Purring he'd nuzzle her and stand up. "Allright... lets go...." He'd start running off into town. "No place better to explore than the town eh?" He'd stick out his tongue, standing a bit away his arms crossed. "I wanna see how many are eager to see the circus... since I'll be in Julius's performance tonight." Meowing he'd give his best roar. "Come on kitten!" He'd meow and chuckle, waiting for her to take a risk and follow him.

Alynna was only halfway across the rope when she stepped wrong. There was nothing there to fall on, or anyone to catch her. In a split second her hand caught the rope. A scream would escape her lips. "Help..." She'd squeak out her eyes closing. She hated falling, and should Brink catch her practising by herself, she was afraid that he'd lecture her, or give her a look of disappointment.

She hardly had any upper body stregnth. Her hand was slipping, what had gone wrong this time? She always performed in heels...how come this time she had to mess up. She saw that no one was in the big top, or else she would call someone over. " Help me!" She'd scream out hoping her voice carried with the wind. She couldn't fall, she wouldn't be able to perform tonight, she'd let Synthia down, she'd let herself down.

She was on borrowed time, only a matter of minutes before she fell and broke something.



His ears flicked at the faint sounds of screams, turning his head near the direction he didn't see anyone in any danger, "Hold on Kitten." He'd state his voice firm, as his mind went into big brother mode. Turning on his heel he ran to the big top, not focusing on anything but shifting. By the time he got to the big top his was in his fully grown wild panther form. His tail flicking and twitching wildly. His eyes would open wide as he saw Alynna dangling by only one arm. Dammit! I can't shift....but... should they think a wild panther is attacking... He knew what he had to do, no one has seen his panther form, but Julius had heard about it. Taking in a deep breath he gave a loud dangerous roar, knowing that it echoed throughout the camp. Then he heard Alynna's blood curdling scream, good thing to know he could scare her.

An honest smile found its way onto Julius' lips as he left, Derrick's final words twirling around his head. It was, well, nice to hear things like that. It may have just been the flirtation oh-so-common in the circus or Derrick being, well, Derrick, but, sentimental fool that he was, the thought still brought up a feeling of warmth for the lion tamer. He really should know better by now, after Lydia, but still... It was nice to pretend to be wanted like that.

With Synthia following behind, he made his way through the familiar path of tents and caravans, past performers and workers alike preparing for the night's show. He could see the moon now, the sun all but disappeared over the horizon. Soon, the audience would come up from the town, chattering excitedly and waiting for the show of their lives. Well, maybe not specifically waiting on it, but they would certainly get it. All in a night's work for the Cirque du Soir. Soon, they were standing outside of the main tent currently housing the lion pen.

"Welcome!" He announced dramatically, throwing open the entrance flap with a flourish. "To the Lion's Den." The lions inside instantly destroyed the dramatic atmosphere Julius was going for. Half of them were sleeping again, the two oldest males were chewing on rather disgusting chunks of meat, and Nina was sitting in front of the gate, eyes trained on her tamer and a strange newcomer.

"You guys just aren't going to work with me, are you?" Julius said with a fake sigh before smiling. Dramatic entrance or not, his lions were always a welcome sight. He assumed it was like coming home after a long day's work to find your family waiting eagerly for you to have dinner with them. Well, assumed. He'd never actually been that pleased to have dinner with his actual family. "Come on, Synthia. Let's get you introduced to the group." He made his way over to the pen, sticking his hand in without any warning to stroke Nina's head. The big cat moved into the touch, rubbing up against his hand.

"This is Nina, my baby girl," He explained and, still stroking her furry head, gestured towards the three sleeping lions. "That's Darcy, Mab, and Daniel. And those two brutes," He gestured towards the two still contentedly chewing on their meal, "Are Henry and Richard. Everyone, this is Synthia."

It sounded a little crazy, perhaps, to introduce her to the animals alongside the animals to her, but no one could argue that Julius wasn't a little bit mad.

"You can pet Nina. She's the sweetie of the bunch. Wouldn't hurt a fly-" Which was precisely when the combination of a shrill scream and an echoing roar echoed throughout the tent. The sleeping lions woke up, instantly alert, and Nina recoiled, teeth bared as she searched for the source of the disturbance. It wasn't from the den, so where had the roar come from...? Julius let out a swear. Moshe. Of course it had been Moshe, calling for help. He took off running towards the tent with no explanation, no that there really needed to be one.

He was there in seconds, skidding to a halt at the sight before him. There was Alynna- stupid, stupid Alynna who had apparently been practicing alone when she really shouldn't be- dangling from a rope high above his head.

"Alynna!" He was moving again, underneath her dangling form now, arms outstretched. "I'm here! Let go, I'll catch you!"

'Well, he thought with a sort of morbid amusement, at least we're getting practice for tonight's show.'

He flicked his ears as he saw Julius enter the tent. His tail flicked and twitched as his eyes watched him carefully. He'd give another roar, a swat near the man, he needed to keep up the act of being a wild panther. He'd snarl, his eyes looking ferocious and scary. Looking up at Alynna he'd lick his chops and growl once more. He was a big killing machine... then again Julius wouldn't be scared of him... the man loved cats... even shapeshifting acting wild ones. Noticing Ash he'd give a growl and a swat, he hoped he was still playing the wild cat part right.



The wild panther below her frightened her. It was already bad that she was alone, but how... WHEN... did they get a panther? The cat seemed hungry, whimpering she'd close her eyes, she's never felt fear, but now she understood what it was. That was when she heard Julius's comforting voice. He... was near that thing... saving her. "Julius....the panther?!" She'd exclaim as her legs flailed below her. She didn't have time to argue so, she shook her head. "I... I can't... I'm scared..." She'd whimper, then she remembered what her father told her before he was murdered.

Alynna was dangling from a tree branch crying and much younger. She looked around 6 years old. "Alynna.... come down... it's ok... I'm below you." The soothing voice of her father was underneath her, looking down Alynna saw her father's arms outstretched to grab her when she fell. "Daddy.. I can't... I'm scared..." Her small voice would call down as she tried pushing herself up on the branch. Her father chuckled, "Give it a leap of faith Aly-Bear." His voice said once more, a smile would appear on the child's face as she loosened her grip on the branch. Gravity did the rest, the petite body would fall into the strong man's arms. Snuggling close to his chest, she'd look up in his dark green eyes, "See Aly-Bear... sometimes you need to take a leap of faith and things will fall into place." He'd kiss her forehead and carry her inside.

Alynna opened her eyes, when she heard Ash's voice below her. The spider woman scared her a bit. She shivered a bit, she's ran into spider webs before, but she's never really been in one. She'd start crying even more wishing her father were still alive. "This isn't fair!" She'd whimper out, a hungry panther was below her, along with her crush, and even the spiderwoman... what was next? Her boss? Crows? Snakes? She didn't know but she couldn't let go.
" I want my daddy." She'd cry softly to herself, her grip loosening. One hand slipped off the rope, now she was just hanging on with one hand...time was running out.