Cold...It was so cold...Every night was the same for a young woman in the streets. For years she has lived like this, digging out of trash for scraps of food, and hunkering down with some pieces of cardboard that was worn out which provided as much warmth as the tattered rags on her body. However despite these conditions she did not die, no mere normal person could have lasted as long out in these conditions...Yes...She was a cursed child like her parents would say...
This fragile soul named Karolin, one out of millions lay down in some dark alleyway as snow began to gently fall on her body. Just like her hair and skin a pale white color...Her eyes closed, getting some measure of sleep as her body began to slowly blend in with the snow. Why?...What did she do wrong? Why was she hated? Why did her parents do the things they did? Why did it have to come to that?...
She...Rather not remember her past right now...It hurts the inside of her body yet she cannot understand why remembering hurts...No food hurts...No water hurts...The cold does not feel good...Then why does remembering hurt like those?
All these questions would race in her mind, yet she would never get those answers...She was a bit hungry, so she had to get up and look for food. Her eyes would open up once more as she would gently sit up, parting the small layer of snow that accumulated over her body before standing up. Her hot breath was visible in the cold night air...
Maybe...She could find some half eaten meals left behind by some fancy people coming by...
Tonight, the fancy folk of Saint Petersburg were all abuzz over an event happening that night, which was gathering the well-to-do and causing quite the stir. «Цирк дю Воле», this "Cirque du Volés, promised entertainment the likes of which the people had never seen. And large entertainment venues tended to conclude with quite a lot of food scraps tossed aside by its patrons. All Karolin would have to do is wait for the show to be over, and then she could sneak inside and have her fill of discarded popcorn and dough-wrapped sausages. Maybe, if she was lucky, there would even be some unsold pirozhkis in the bakeries nearby.
Neutral eyes would glance around the usually quiet city, there were a lot of words in the distance. And more brighter lights than usual...The skies were brighter than usual at night with all the lights...But her stomach would focus her mind on the prospects of food. She could smell it in the air as she would get closer to whatever this event was.
Her bare feet would walk across the stone streets and snow as she would soon hide behind a wall as her curious eyes would peer over...Despite wanting to wait...Her curiosity was nagging at her. What was this event? An 'entertainment' for people...She wanted to look inside of it and see everything inside. She wanted to experience what everyone else was experiencing...
Her eyes would gaze at the entrance, despite wanting to wait...She wanted to sneak into this event...She did not have anything to give to enter so she had to do it the sneaky way.
Following the crowds, Karolin caught sight of an enormous red tent and of the masses flowing inside.
The ticketers at the gates were too alert for Karolin to simply sneak in; she stuck out too much. However, the gates at the rear of the venue were unguarded - locked, but unguarded. Karolin rarely had an issue with locks for long, and if she so wished, she could gain entry to the big top's backstage to witness what the announcer within was boldly proclaiming "the finest show in France."
Seeing the front of the tent was watched over, it was clear even to her that trying to sneak in looking like she was would get her one thing at the very least, a ticket back to the nearest alley after being chased away.
So seeing at the back entrance was empty and clear of people, she would of course take a few more cautionary looks around her as she simply walks through the back entrance of the tents. However, hearing a loud booming voice in the distance...She would not know what the man was using to speak but for her she would assume it was a magic man's voice in the distance...
But she was very curious to witness what he meant by 'finest show in France' even if...Wait...What was France? Now this piqued her curiosity more.
Karolin found herself backstage, wherein the acts to follow were preparing. Trap doors and tunnels ran beneath the platform that the Ringmaster stood on, and everything from acrobats to an entire elephant stood by waiting for deployment. As tall and imposing as Karolin was, there was at least one person who was even greater of stature and more terrifying here: the Beast, a lion-like man, whose handler waited upon him without fear of his wild nature.
In a crowd of normal people, Karolin stood out. Among these people, Karolin looked no more out of place than anyone else.
A tall beauty stood with tight curls blanketing her back and starry caramel eyes. She dressed in an elegant light lavender dress with gold accents and small flower decorations that reached just above her tight-covered legs. She seemed ethereal as she smiled at the beast in front of her. The creature was a massive monster with a tall body, clawed hands, enormous wings, and thick feathers that coated its body. Only his face seemed human.
He shook himself, releasing a mighty roar. He seemed agitated. Yet the maiden lifted her hands and gently cupped his face, "Bête, look at me. No fear. I am here." Her voice sang, and the beast huffed, calming himself.
"Good-" she paused. In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of someone new — a tall and imposing maiden. Her costume choice was...unique. Ines tilted her head, curious when the circus had brought in another performer
Upon encountering the lion man and the pretty lady in dress. Her face remained neutral as she blinked at them. Although many would be scared off, this pale woman in rags looked over them without even a hint of emotion on her face. But...They were different. They looked different. And they were not chasing her way at the moment.
However words were lost to her, she did not know how to start a conversation. Nor what words to use. There were only a few things she could do in this situation...But with her curiosity and grumbling gut there was one easy answer for her. There was no answer...
Since no one was making a move, she would slowly keep moving like her presence here was normal. She read this in a book before, and must work.
Snacks and refreshments were available for the performers at one of the tables set up backstage. The selection was not the most varied, but it did have many of the local favorites: pirozhki, pigs in blankets, and pastila, along with large faceted barrels of water and wine and even a bottle of vodka. One could get used to this! What exactly was everyone doing here, anyway? Could Karolin join in?
With her 'perfect' blending in with the others here, Karolin would head over to the table with food and drink lining it. Since no one said anything, for her that meant she was more than free to freely help herself to a feast.
Her hands would grab a pirozhki and look it over. It looked nice and warm...A full meal...This might be her first full meal...Her mouth would soon open and close onto this rare delicacy for her. The taste was far more different than what she was used to...Cold, fatty and barley nourishing food scraps. For almost as long as she lived that was what he had tasted but this...This was so much different.
Bite after bite, she would devour the food in her hands as she would also grab a cup and fill it with water before washing the food down with some nice water. She felt...Better now.
Nobody moved to stop her. In fact, she blended in well enough that others came for their own treats, took what they wanted, and left without paying her any mind. What a rare place this was, that people could see someone like her and not think anything of it.
And she did not know half of it. As the show ran just outside, Karolin could hear the audience gasp agape in awe and wonder at the sights put on display for their entertainment. Never would they have suspected that the tricks they saw were not tricks indeed, but the genuine article. Yet while some acts were accomplished with devices plain as day to those behind the figurative curtain, others were more difficult to explain. Was la Bête a real person? He certainly looked alive. Some things had to be real, but the line between reality and fiction blurred ever so thin here.
Thunderous applause filled the stadium as the beauty and beast made their exit backstage, followed by an organized line of animals. She guided each one masterfully, needing neither a whip nor chains to tame them. She handed the animals off to the handlers, expressing her thanks for their assistance. The beast remained by her side, as there has yet to be a handler who he allowed near him other than the woman.
As she led the beast to his room, her gaze caught sight of the strange performer from earlier. She was indulging on the refreshment table with a vigorous hunger. The beauty pondered momentarily, then walked away with the beast.
Moments later, the woman returned, still in costume but with no beast by her side but a handsome man. He had golden locks, sky blue eyes, and a mysterious smile. His clothing was rather plain— a white shirt with black pants. The man paused, eyeing the stranger, "...Ines, she isn't a performer."
Ines gasped, her face filled with disbelief, "She is not? Are you certain, Armel?" she frowned, "...Then what of her odd attire?" Ines questioned in French, her voice filled with concern.
Armel sighed, regretting his next choice of words, "Shall we ask?" He smiled, hiding his hope she'd say no. He shouldn't have asked.
Ines's eyes lit up, "Oui!" Before Armel could say anything more, Ines was already making her way toward the strange visitor in rags.
She stood at the edge of the table, tilting her head with an elegant smile, "Bonjour, je m'appelle Ines." She did not respond.
Ines wondered if she wasn't French, "...Hello, my name is Ines. Do you speak English?" Armel stood behind Ines, watching the exchange
Such an array of fresh food, she could feel her stomach filling up for once in her life. It was such an odd feeling but a feeling she was comfortable with. However her eating focus soon drew to the strange words next to her...And directed at her. It was a pretty woman with an unusual skin color for her, but her dress was pretty like a fancy person's clothing.
However she did not understand the French...Then the English...She would hold a pig in a blanket as she stared back with an entirely neutral gaze, seemingly not understanding a single word she said. Those were strange words...It sounded so different to what she had heard or said.
She would point to herself...Then point to her then seemingly tilted her head a bit as she was pondering her words like a question. "Privet, krasotka, ya caroline. spasibo saa edu." She replied in Russian as she would munch her food in her hands.
What did she say? Ines pondered. The words spoken to her were in a foreign language she could only guess as Russian. She was unsure, as her knowledge was limited to French and English.
She began to fret, tapping her finger on her cheek as she scoured her mind for ideas. How could they converse? Perhaps she knows sign language?
Before Ines could test her hypothesis, a familiar voice spoke behind her, "Dobro pozhalovat', Kerolayn. My Armel' i Ines, chleny ekipazha etogo korablya. Kak vy okazalis' za kulisami?"
(Welcome, Caroline. We are Armel and Ines, crew members on this ship. How did you end up backstage?)
Ines spun around, her mouth slightly agape, as she stared wide-eyed at Armel, "Armel! Tu parles sa langue?"
(Armel! You speak her language?)
"Yes." Armel nodded, clearly not as impressed as Ines. However, that did not stop her from gazing at him in awe, waiting for a clear interpretation of their guest's words.
Armel sighed, "She introduced herself as Karolin and thanked you for the food."
Ines beamed, glancing between Karolin and Armel with glee, "She is very welcome!...How did she get in here, Armel?"
He shrugged, "We shall see. For now, can you locate Tybalt and bring him here? He should be available."
Ines frowned, wishing to stay and hear more of the language between the two, "Bien." She rushed away, searching the ship for Tybalt.
Another person, and he spoke words she understood. Of course to respond to his question she would give an honest reply. "Szady nikogo ne bylo ryadom, yi nicto nichego ne govori. razavi chto... nepravilne?"
(The back had no one near it, and no one said anything. Was that...Wrong?)
The woman asked, still munching on her food while awaiting a response, her curious eyes gazing at him and all around her. So many new and interesting things she was seeing and experiencing.
Fortunately for them, Tybalt was between acts. He wouldn't be needed again until the finale, where he would issue his famous closing line, this time in well-practiced Russian. It was just about the only thing he could say in that language, but it was better than nothing.
A tall, goateed man in a top hat made his way to the drink cart, supporting his steps with an unnecessary—but quite fancy—ruby-topped cane. He nodded to Ines and Armel, but tilted his head at the newcomer.
"I do believe we have yet to be acquainted," he said with a grand smile to the tall woman.
Karolin continued to satisfy her stomach, and Armel wondered if they should restock the table, "Eto bylo nepravil'no, no eto byla i oshibka. Popravimaya oshibka." His gaze fell on Tybalt.
(It was wrong, but it was also a mistake. A fixable mistake.)
Ines smiled, pleased that she did not have to search far for Tybalt. She stood beside Armel, poking his arm to continue the conversation.
"Tybalt, this is Karolin, a guest who wandered backstage by accident. She seems to have been traveling for quite a while." He guessed the last part, considering how she is dressed in rags and is filling her stomach continuously.
"Karolin, eto Tibalt. Nash nachalnik manezha i vladelets etogo korablya."
(Karolin, this is Tybalt. Our Ringmaster and owner of this ship.)
Wrong...Oh it was wrong...Karolin stopped eating the food in her hands as she would place it back on the table, like a child putting away a half eaten cookie after being caught eating from the cookie jar.
"Izvinite..."
(Sorry...)
Was all the woman said as her gaze fell upon the fancy man with a fuzzy face. Of course his words were lost on her as she blinked at him with a neutral gaze before turning to Armel. "Stalnye govoryat strange slova... neujeli ti bald nakhodit moiu oshibku plochoi?... ya ego ne ponimayu..."
(The others say strange words...Is Tybalt finding my mistake bad?...I don't understand him...)
She would look at the two, her gaze still neutral...However for her she could feel a bit...Uneasy...Like the air when she was back home...When she did bad things which was all the time she would be hit...This must be the case...
Armel caught the slight change in Karolin's demeanor. Noticing how she shyly pushed away from her food, he assured her, "My ne rasstoyanie, Karolin. Oshibki sluchaetsya."
(We are not upset, Karolin. Mistakes happen.)
Her mannerisms were similar to a child's, not childish, but pure honesty. An innocence identical to when he first met Ines — curious about the world around them yet fearful of people's reactions. He felt a vague sense of guilt for his choice of words, "Pozhaluysta, prodolzhat yest'. I Tibal't ne schitayet tebya plokhim. Na samom dele, on khochet bol'she uznat' o vas."
(Please, continue eating. And Tybalt does not find you bad. In fact, he wants to hear more about you.)
Noticing that Karolin seemed less than comfortable, he did his best to reassure her with an even brighter smile. He took hold of a cookie and placed it in Karolin's hands, hoping that the gesture would transcend verbal language. At the risk of repeating Armel's words, he assured her, "I will need to return to the stage in a few moments, but, please, continue eating and stay awhile. We would love to meet you."
With that, he nodded in affirmation and began walking towards the stage, preparing for his re-entry.
The words directed at her were not loud...But soft...With words saying it was alright to continue eating with even a cookie placed in her hands, she stared at his gesture and the cookie in her hands as she blinked a bit.
She...She was not sure what to feel...But she did know that she did not dislike this at all. "Bolshoe spasibo."
(Thank you very much)
She would say as he looked up at him and took a bite almost expecting something to happen, but seeing as nothing happened she would return to eating with renewed energy once more.
Ines smiled, twirling in place because she couldn't contain her joy — her show dress fluttering. Tybalt gave his blessing, which means she is free to learn more about their mysterious new friend, Karolin.
With light steps, Ines snatches Armel and drags him to a group of chairs. Aware of her request, Armel hoists the seats in his arms and sets them around the food table.
Once everyone was seated, Ines started a conversation with Armel as the translator. She wanted to become acquainted with Karolin but not dig too far into her personal life. So Ines asked her questions about the circus, is this her first time at the circus? How did she feel about the performances? Were there any acts she particularly enjoyed?
With the questions asked by a translator, there was one simple answer she could respond with to all of them.
"Ya nay znayu au spectacle ch. noh ya zdes vpervye."
(I don't know about the performances, but this is my first time here.)
She would simply reply. It was of course the truth, this was her first time seeing such a sight...Plus she was walking in the back of the tent so she did not see anything more than the people and munching on some food still after her response.
Ines frowned. If she could, she'd want Karolin to witness the wonders of the circus. She paused and glanced over at Armel with a sweet but crafty smile.
"Non," he said without a thought. Ines huffed gently, yanking on his shirt, "Ines, this is not debatable. We need to remain here until Tybalt returns." He sets his elbow on the table, propping his head up with his hand. He reaches for a cookie and passes it to the sullen Ines, who takes it and elegantly stuffs it into her mouth.
Ines swung her legs back and forth with a sigh as she chewed on the cookie. Not even the delectable sugar could fix her mood. She wanted Karolin to experience the wonders of the circus. Then, maybe if she enjoys it, she'd wish to stay. How marvelous of an outcome that would be.
Armel kept Ines out of sight, not allowing her mood to affect his decision. But it was hard to ignore her loud sighs, and once again, he lost, "If...If we do this, we must use a box seat. You and Karolin would attract too much attention if we sat amongst the-" Armel stopped, feeling manipulated by Ines.
"J'écoute~." she sang—her grin sparkling in the light. The cookie is still being munched on but slower.
(I am listening~)
Armel regrets this, "There are rules. Firstly, Ms. Karolin must agree, and if she does, we'd need at least a cloak for her to remain warm-"
"Facile, suivant~."
(Easy, next)
He sighed, "Ines..." Armel ran a hand through his golden hair, swiping it out of his face, "...Second, we must come back here. No wandering around the ship afterward, understood?"
Ines nodded, agreeing to the terms, "Oui. Oui. Maintenant, s'il vous plaît, demandez-lui!"
(Yes. Yes. Now, please ask her.)
Armel turns to Karolin, translating the conversation, "Ines khochet posmotret' s toboy tsirk-."
(Ines wants to watch the circus with you-)
Ines poked Armel's arm, motioning at the food, "Vy takzhe mozhete vzyat' s soboy neskol'ko zakusok vo vremya prosmotra."
(You are also welcome to bring a few snacks with you as you watch.)
Ines resumed munching on her cookie, satisfied, as she reached for another.
At first Karolin would watch the two speak and interact with each other with interest. Their strange words that sounded so different from what she normally spoke. And how they both were in a way 'playing' with one another like the kids she saw who would have their faces with their lips raised in an energy filled manner.
Watching those two...It was a gentle feeling...She liked this feeling just seeing them. It was so different. The yells...Replaced with this scene. She could watch them without getting tired.
However her thoughts were interrupted by the next set of words directed at her. A chance to watch this circus? And bring more snacks with her? Karolin wasted no time grabbing a small handful of well...Everything on the table as she was almost as eager as a dog about to go outside.
"Ya khotel by posmotret."
(I would like to watch)
She would say, however her face remained solid and neutral. No hint of emotion on her face yet her body which had scooped up the food was telling.
Ines needed no translation as Karolin's decision was obvious. Springing up in excitement, Ines claps her hands as she skips away to grab a cloak from one of the many emergency costume racks. She brought it back for Karolin to wear. But seeing as her arms were full, Ines helped drape the garment over her shoulders, glancing at Armel to explain.
"Ispol'zuyte yego, chtoby sogret'sya." He pushed the chairs closer to the table, so they do not block anyone's path as they are gone, "Alright, let's be on our way?" Armel walked a few steps ahead.
(Use it to keep yourself warm)
Ines beams. Turning to Karolin, she carefully sets her hand on her arm, "Let's go!" She knew Karolin could not understand, but she felt the need to say it anyway.
Armel leads the way, taking a few turns. They climb a flight of stairs to the balcony. Now out of the backstage area, one could hear the applause and cheers—guests sitting at the edge of their seats and gasping with awe.
Glancing around, Armel quietly finds an empty box seat. It was a separate room on the balcony with an open viewing area. It had about four seats inside, perfect for all of them, "Zakhodi." he spoke to Karolin, motioning towards the seats.
(Come in)
With her arms full of food, she seemed to be ready to go but as they draped the warm sheet over her shoulders her eyes would gaze at the fabric at her back. Was this a window curtain? It was on her but not on a curtain...But it felt warm...It was better than the cold...Taking his words to heart her head would lean against the cloak on her shoulder as she closed her eyes for a moment to take it all in before opening them once more once she felt gentle hands on her arm.
Unlike the rough grabbing she was used to, this set of hands seemed to also want her to go to a location. But without pulling her hard...She did not dislike this at all...And soon enough her ears would catch the loud energetic noises from many people in the distance as they got closer. And arriving at a room overlooking another room she would step inside when she was motioned to come in.
Ines enters the room leaving the center chair open for Karolin and her snacks. Once everyone is seated Armel follows, setting himself in the chair next to Karolin so he can translate. Ines bubbles with joy, poking Karolin on the arm she points toward the floor, "Regardez! Il y a Tybalt au centre." She says loud enough for Karolin to hear over the crowd, "He is about to introduce the next performer."
(Look. There is Tybalt in the center)
Armel translated, "Tibalt, chelovek iz proshlogo, predstavit sled yushchenko ispolnitelya."
(Tybalt, the man from before, will be introducing the next performer)
With a seat available, Karolin took a look over the cushioned seat and soon sat down on it. It had a pillow on it! It was soft under. This must have been how fancy people sat and slept...It was a great feeling compared to wood and a few rags on wood and the ground.
However her eyes would gaze upon the performance going on with curious eyes. What was going to happen? She was very much looking forward to seeing what was about to happen. Even if her face had no visible emotion on it.
Dramatically, the top-hatted showman tapped his cane repeatedly upon the ground. With each tap, a spotlight was lit, casting new shadows that stretched even to the roof of the big top. A white cloth ring began to ascend around him from the floor, slowly obscuring more and more of him from view while still allowing the lights to form his shadows. As he gestured, each of the silhouettes matched his movements. He removed his top hat, and each of the shadows removed theirs. Finally, he was concealed from head to toe in the ringed curtain.
New music began to play, whimsical, mysterious, wonderful in nature, serving to underscore the baffling sights the audience would soon witness. Tybalt's silhouette from within the curtained veil suddenly warped and shifted until it took on a girlish figure. For this, the other shadows followed suit, as expected. They all played along like tethered puppets until, at last, their puppeteer seized control.
The curtain slowly raised, the shadows continuing in their parade. They moved in time to the music, hopping along until the curtain revealed that the Ringmaster had disappeared, replaced by a girl in a white suit, gilded in gold. The shadows pointed their fingers at her in mock surprise.
The woman marched in a circle around the ring, her shadows following suit in a line much like a conga dance, waving to the audience before she stopped in the center of the ring and lifted her arms, the shadows folding and shifting, diving behind her until only one remained, her shadow.
Rien feigned a curtsy, pulling her first blade out of the shade right beneath her. She held up the short sword for all to see, striking the air with practiced ease to show that it was a real blade.
Rien leaned her head back, pointed the sword down, and swallowed the blade whole, hilt and all. She licked her thumb as though she had eaten something particularly tasty.
And while her audience still sat there, nullified, Rien reached her hand down, pulling the sword back out as if by magic.
The music, the sights, the clothing, the spectacles. It was unlike anything she has seen with her own eyes. It was as if the pages of her book just popped out and became alive just like her. But the real magic was just starting for her.
A woman with a fancy outfit on like one of those many fancy people took to the stage holding a sword. Oh it looked sharp like a knife! That was indeed something that could cut things. However to her awe the woman would begin placing the sword down her mouth and even though she could not believe it...The sword had vanished from sight in her mouth! And after showing that she ate it she pulled the sword back out. This was truly magic like her books!
Her eyes had a bit more life in them as she stared in awe. "Sympathichnyy volshebnik..."
(Pretty magician)
She spoke with a hint of wonder in her tone.
Ines knew the inner workings of Rien's act, yet that did not stop her from marveling at her friend’s grace and showmanship.
Ines was stunned, caught in the ambiance of Rien's performance. She broke free from her trance by the erupting applause that filled the tent. Following suit, Ines leaned toward the front edge of her seat and cheered, "Merveilleux, Rien!" Her long curls, blanket over her shoulder, danced as her arms moved.
(Marvelous, Rien!)
Amid her awe, Ines glances to the side. Her smile grows brighter as she detects the tiniest bit of light flashing in Karolin's gaze. Ines felt so proud.
She peeked over Karolin at Armel, signaling him to translate. Armel smiled, "She said, pretty magician." He answered almost mockingly.
Ines ignored his tone and nodded in agreement with the words, "Hush. Rien n'était incroyable."
(incredible)
Armel held his tongue, internally debating if he should compliment Rien or insult her. He chose neither and said, "If you say so."
Ines ignored Armel. Tilting close to Karolin, she asked, "Did you like her performance?"
Armel translated: "Vam ponravilos' vystuplenie simpatichniy volshebnitsa?"
(Did you like the pretty magician's performance)
Although marveling at the performance, Karolin's attention was easily shifted to the people near her when a question was asked to her before being translated. Did she like it? That was an easy answer.
"Mne ponravilos."
(I liked it)
She would say as she would give a small nod. However she had a question of her own. "Ethy tsirki napolneni magiei, kak vie knigach? vy toze vse volshebnye?"
(Are these circuses filled with magic like in the books? Are you all magical as well?)
She would ask as her eyes would look over the others in wonder as if she expected them to cast balls of fire, or fly in the air like she read.
Armel paused. Should he answer this question honestly? He knows if it were Ines, she'd say yes without hesitation, which is not necessarily a good thing.
"What did she say? Armel?" Ines' eyes twinkled. Karolin must have said something difficult for Armel to answer, which means it would be easy for her, "Armel~ Tell me please~" she hummed.
He tapped his leg, "She is wondering if the circus is magical, along with us. Similar to the magic in the storybooks, Etoile showed-"
"Oui!" Ines nodded her head vigorously, her hands resting gently on Karolin's arm.
He knew it. Armel swiped a hand over his face and sighed. He knew this would happen.
"Armel, tell Karolin she is right. Ask if she wishes to join in the magic!" Her voice was low enough that only they could hear. She understood secrecy was essential. However, she could not shake the feeling that Karolin would fit in perfectly with this bizarre yet magical circus.
"Je t'en prie, Armel. Je sais ce qui t'inquiète, mais Karolin a besoin d'un foyer. Et Tybalt serait d'accord!"
(Please, Armel. I know what you worry about, but Karolin needs a home. Also, Tybalt would agree)
Armel knew she added Tybalt because he was about to use him to disagree with her statement. Armel shook his head, wondering where Ines learned such craftiness from, "Da." He smiled, "Eto pohozhie na knigi. Mnogiye iz nas volshebnye, no ne vse."
(It is similar to the books. Many of us are magical, but not all.)
He hesitated but continued, "Ines sprashivayet, ne khochesh' li ty prisoyedinit'sya k nam."
(Ines wonders if you wish to join us.)
Upon hearing that this place was indeed magical, if her eyes could sparkle like the times in the books then her eyes would sparkle. However all she could do was stare back intently as indeed the magic of this place was the real deal.
And another part that drew her was that Ines wanted her to join?...Her?...She could join?...But...Was it alright? This was indeed a place of magic but she was...
"Ya diable..."
(I'm a devil...)
Karolin spoke as her eyes looked downwards.
"Magia obichno khorosha... noh ya diable... monster... sushchestvo... demonicheskaya vesch nay dolzna kasatsya khoroshikh veshchey, inache ona delaet magic plochoi..."[i/]
(Magic is usually good...But I'm a devil...A monster...A creature...A demonic thing should not touch good things or else it makes the magic bad...)
She would say as she looked to the few crumbs left in her hands as she stared at her hands. [i]"Oni skazali... ya byl nezhelannym... yi zi...ya ne khochu razrushat magiu zlom..."
(They said...I was unwanted...And evil...I don't want to ruin magic with evil...)
She spoke with a slight shiver as her hands held each other for comfort.
Small tears dripped down Ines' cheeks, smearing the powder covering her scar. She did not wait for Armel to translate. The word monster that left Karolin's lips, along with her shivering hands, was enough.
Pushing off her chair, Ines wrapped her arms around Karolin's neck. Her tights caught on the edge, but she ignored them. Leaning closer, she held Karolin tight, sniffling.
Armel frowned. A bitter taste sat in his mouth, "...Ty ne d'yavol, Karolin." he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and stuffed it in Ines's hand, "Tot, kto skazal eto, byl ne prav naschet tebya."
(You are not a devil, Karolin.)
(Whoever said this was wrong about you.)
He gave Karolin's head a light pat, "Yesli khochesh' prisoyedinit'sya, ya poproshu Tibalt. Tak chto eto normalno govorit' to, chto vy khotite. Delat' to, chto khochesh', bez strakha."
(If you wish to join, I will ask Tybalt. So, it is alright to say what you want. To do what you want, without fear.)
In a sudden moment, Karolin could feel a different warmth wrapped around her. Ines had wrapped her arms around her all of a sudden. Was she giving her some extra heat? But her face was a bit wet like when she would cry. Was she really sad all of a sudden?
However, the next words surprised her. Wrong about being a demon? What they said was...Wrong?...She did not understand...However soon she also felt something on her head as well as her gaze looked up and saw Armel's hand patting her head.
Karolin then looked at Ines as her hands unclasped themselves as she gently patted her hair. In books she saw it, when people had tears falling a lot of the books showed a hand rubbing a head. But why would someone pat her head? She was confused.
"Ya nay diable?... ya vie zameshatelstve...moi roditeli skazali, chto ya proklyatiy yi demon...Ya viglaju stranger... yi ya otlichie ot drugiq... neujeli ya nay odin?...ya...vie zameshatelstve..."
(I am not a devil?...I am confused...My parents said I was cursed and a demon...I look strange...And I am different from others...Am I really not one?...I'm...Confused...)
The confused woman said, face still devoid of emotions as she gently patted Ines's head.
Armel leaned back in his chair. Crossing his legs, he took a moment to think about Karolin's words. He felt many different emotions, none pleasant. Why do parents hurt their children the most?
There were so many things he could tell Karolin, though a few words from a stranger could never fix years of trauma.
However, Armel did know what Karolin needed to hear the most, "Karolin, prisoyedinyaysya k tsirku. Zdes' nikto ne schitayet vas zlym ili proklyatyh. Zdes' vse raznyye."
(Karolin, join the circus. Here, no one thinks of you as evil or cursed. Here, everyone is different.)
Ines sniffled. Karolin's hands patting her head were cozy and warm. She let her continue a little longer before loosening her grip on Karolin. She sat back with a sweet smile. Her powder washed away, revealing three defining scars over her cheek, but Ines did not mind. Brushing a few hair strands from her face, Ines dabbed her eyes with Armel's handkerchief, "Merci." she held Karolin's hand, "Karolin, please join the circus. Let this place be your new home."
Armel chuckled, "Ona skazala spasibo i nadeyetsya, chto tsirk stanet vashim novym domom."
(She said thank you and hopes the circus will become your new home.)
Karolin would listen as the two continued to ask her to join...The curse she suffered...Would it really just be ignored here in this place of magic? They would accept her?...Accepted...These people were gentle with her...They did not call her a demon...They even said she was not one...It was such a different feeling...
Looking at Ines Karolin saw it, the sight of what looked like a cut. It looked deep...The cuts she had never really did much to her body...But...That was what 'different' was.
Her eyes would look over to her hand as it was held with Ines's hand. Both her and him want her...To...Think of this as a home...She...Never had a home for lots of years...
"Ya mogu... u vas novy dome?"
(I can...Have a new home?)
She would say as her hands felt warm now. Not like the biting cold from outside. She could have a home? Maybe a bed? And more people to...Talk with?...
She...Would like that...
"Togda eto novyy dom. mne nravitsya volshebstvo yi khorosheye... mne toze nravyatsya vy dvoe... my nay semya... noh teper chuvstvuyu sebya semyey iz uvidennogo... mne eto nravitsya..."
(Then this is a new home. I like magic, and good things...I also like you two...We are not family...But now feels like family from what I saw...I like this...)
She would say as her eyes looked up at the two. However no expression would show on her face. She liked this moment...But she could not express it.
"Shall we find Tybalt?" Armel asked Ines
Ines nodded. She tried to contain her excitement but held Karolin's hands tighter, "Bienvenue dans la famille!"
(Welcome to the family)
Armel let her be, decided not to interject, how this was a decision for Tybalt. She wouldn't listen anyway, "Ines skazala, dobro pozhalovat' v sem'yu."
(Ines said, welcome to the family.)
He allowed Ines to relish the moment for a few more minutes before announcing they should head back to the table and wait for Tybalt.
So they quietly left the box, down the stairs, and past a crowd of performers mingling backstage. Soon they arrived where they had begun, the once emptied table now restocked with food. There they awaited Tybalt's arrival.
Filling the big top with his booming voice after an explosive finale of flashing and fire, Tybalt delivered his closing lines, this time in showy, flowing Russian. "Nashemu nevozmozhnogo tsirku vse yeshche chego-to ne hvataet. Mozhet byt, vy — to chego nam ne hvataet?"
«Our impossible circus is not yet complete. Could it be you are what we're missing?»
The big top erupted with thunderous applause, and Tybalt proudly approached the table, his eyes lighting up on seeing Karolin return. His expression was practically glowing. He repeated the words he just spoke to her.
Family…Her eyes seemed to have a flash of fear when they mentioned family. However she quickly calmed herself when she remembered…There's lots of families around…They won’t turn into her family…She…Turned into their family…
Of course it was soon time to head back which she would follow behind without issue, and soon enough the top hat person returned. Tybalt. And as he spoke to her she would ultimately nod in response to his question. She wanted to be part of this magic…
