Clara Eddington
Clara blinked as if she were a confused owl as she came face to face with the boy. "Are you lost?" His voice was nearly swallowed by the sounds of the workers and the unrelenting rain. Lost? Clara stare for another moment, probably looking really silly. "I'm sorry," she managed to say. If she had a mirror, she would have been able to see that her lips were starting to turn blue. Her fingertips were already a bright red color, to match her cheeks and nose. Her voice sounded so small. She didn't have time to waste, though, she had a family to think about. "I-... I'm not lost. We're trying to get to Easthaven." She tried to raise her voice just loud enough for the boy to hear over the weather and the commotion around them. Everyone here seemed to be so busy. Men escorted carts that had large green, black or white tarps over them. They would be candy stands and gift shops once the rain stopped. Horses were being escorted by men to a large brown tent set up behind the Big Top.
Everywhere around them was movement. Multiple small tents began to take form across the way, one that would be a dinning hall, one that would be a dressing room, one that would house the caged animals, and the horse make-shift barn was already in place. Clara had had no idea that so many tents went on behind the Big Top. Then again, she supposed she never figured to look behind the curtain of splendor that they presented. A small part of her had always wondered what went on behind the scenes. Now that she was here, she dearly wished to be back at home with mama. Mama always got them front row seats to the circus when she could. Not a grand circus like this, more like a small carnival, since they were poor, but it was good enough.
"I have to get my family out of the rain, please... If it's only for a little while, can you show me to the Ring Leader or... or whoever is in charge?" She was surprised to find that her voice was so intact. As cold as she was, it amazed her that she was able to get her message out so smoothly. I can't let them down. "We won't be any trouble. I can work for our board if I have to, and so can my brother. Please, we need shelter." She knew that this boy could probably not help her at all. After all, he was just a boy. What could he really do aside from lead her to an adult that could help? He was a kid, like her, and no one would take them seriously. She hoped, though, hoped with all her heart, that someone here could help them. She couldn't stand the thought of making her family walk all the way to Easthaven.... wherever that was.