[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/80bflYk.jpg[/img] [h3]~ & ~[/h3] 
[img]http://i.imgur.com/0xMr723.jpg[/img][/center]

Breathing under water wasn't something Hale considered until Luca pointed it out. "I suppose you're right. That would be pretty neat." He nodded, enjoying the image of him becoming some handsome underwater entertainer. Then there was the notion of perhaps warding off water come the next rainfall. That was another interesting concept and it seemed the more he conversed with Luca, the more creative ideas began to take root in their minds. Hale nodded once again, "I bet you could use the wind to bring things to you, or even create some kind of small cyclone that delivers things to people, kind of what Gardenia did with her rocks." He considered. "I bet you'd be able to float and never have to bother with new shoes." He joked a little.

"I could see myself living here, contributing to whatever I can." A renewed sense of purpose was what Hale was looking forward to embracing and it was all the more reassuring to know he could could rely on Luca to take the leap of faith with him. For the most part, everyone was enjoying the opulent meal as it contrasted drastically with anything that they had in the past. Gardenia looked around, still unsure about William and Cynthia who seemed quite uncertain and still guarded. Gardenia understood their apprehension and knew there was little she could do to further attempt to sway them. All of her cards had been laid out on the table, so to speak. And their choice had to be their own to make. If they were to commit to staying, it was one to be taken seriously and it was a choice some did not want to rush.

Gardenia looked to Lola who wished to know more about the man who had been behind this whole endeavor. "My father's research has never been published so none of you would have heard of him, I'm afraid." While scientific discovery and progress was praised, those who did not publish were forgotten to the mainstream folks of society. "My father traveled around the world and finally excavated the shards you all now possess." Gardenia said. "While science is pushed toward practical means, his studies would have been scoffed at even if they say the light of day." She explained to the group as they nibbled and continued to pass around the food. She sighed softly, recalling the struggles and doubts which plagued him. "He has a vision of this world, one that does not focus on sole progress of the public, but on the individual."

"While society requires conformity and compliance, my father wishes to provide people with the ability to be themselves without having to sacrifice their own identity. I know it sounds idealistic to thin that through a simple circus performance that the minds of people can be swayed but that is his intention. Progress needs free-thinkers, not just those with skills but those with ambition." She continued. "I know this is asking a lot. But whether you do agree to help us and see what you're truly capable of, or walk away, the show will go on. His vision will come to life." She said, wanting them to not feel obligated or forced into the position of becoming a performer. "So please eat and consider your choice carefully." She smiled as she got up to go check on dessert, which was far more simple.

The blond with the glasses let out a thoughtful hum as Gardenia returned with a blackberry pie and went around to serve those who felt like they could stomach a bit more to eat. While everyone began to finish their dessert or bits of food left on the table, Gardenia felt herself growing more anxious with the choices that awaited those around the table. "I suppose this is where you take us off to unlock our shards." Hale commented as he wiped his mouth on the white cotton napkin before setting it atop his empty plate where food and pie once sat. "And then anyone who wants to leave can...?" His eyes looked toward the long black haired girl and other strawberry blond male, unsure how they would go since they had been suddenly quite close with their shared uncertainty. 

Getting to her feet, Gardenia gave a wide smile, "Yes, if you'd all like to follow me, we can begin the processes right away and do a bit of training before it's time to retire for the night." She explained. The woman pushed in her seat and walked out of the dining room and headed back toward the theater where they were previously. Now in the middle of the elevated stage was a simple solid podium comprised of solid coffee colored rock. She walked up on the stage and gestured for the others to follow her. On the rock was a simple device which resembled a wooden wand. Gardenia picked it up and rolled it between her thumb and index finger, trying not to appear as nervous as she was. The unlocking of the shards would be rather quick and easy but she still wasn't sure how many of them would agree to take part in their extravagant spectacle.

"Okay! Everyone stand in a straight line and we can begin." She directed, waving at them with her wand. Once everyone was lined up, standing side by side, she gripped her wand and placed it against Hale's forehead, a suddenly glimmer of sapphire. 

"It tickles." Hale chuckled as Gardenia went on to do the same to Luca, Lola, Cynthia and William.

"See, not bad at all. Give your powers a try but be careful, your energy has been dormant for a long time so it might come out in a rather...big way." She warned. There was no way to safely rid them of their pent up magic but being more skilled at using her rock abilities, she was confident she could prevent any sudden display by shielding the others or confining the magic within a rocky tomb. "Close your eyes and do the first thing that comes to mind. Each of you controls a different element so I cannot direct you individually, however I can help with the basics as well as other tricks, but for the most part, your power is entirely in your hands." Gardenia said quickly, her eyes set upon the group as she awaited what sort of things may finally spring to life. She was anxious to let them finally embrace something new and original. 

Hale cleared his throat and stepped away from the line as he placed his left hand out in front of him. He concentrated but nothing happened. He decided if forcing it wasn't working then he had to consider how water behaved, it flowed, it moved freely, nothing stopped water's progression. Suddenly ribbons of faint blue water began to weave through his open fingers. "Woah! It works!" He exclaimed as he looked up and took a deep breath and released an energetic stream of water from his mouth. Gardenia laughed and quickly conjured up a basin made of rock to quickly collect the water before it threatened to ruin the seats of the theater. Hale looked around to the others, his body practically trembling, now able to do something no one else could. He could make water. He wasn't useless or meant to fade into the background. "This is incredible." Part of him had been dubious but that tiny part was now utterly silences as he began to blow various sizes of bubbles around the stage.