[hr][hr][center][h1][color=9e0b0f][b]Российский императорский цирк[/b][/color][/h1][/center]
[center][color=9e0b0f][b](Russian Imperial Circus)[/b][/color][/center]
[center][h3][color=c0c0c0]Sister Mary Ignatia Hale[/color] & [color=firebrick]The Great Bazhooli[/color][/h3][/center]
[center][sub][color=c0c0c0]Страшная католическая девушка[/color] & [color=firebrick]Vladimir Alexandrov[/color][/sub][/center]
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	Vladimir and Mary stepped into the tent of the Grand Duchess to what appeared to be the middle of a chain of very strange events unfolding. The present incarnation of The Great Bazhooli really, really wanted to say something about the overabundance of what he desperately [i]hoped[/i] was tiger snot. Were it anything other, it would open them up to a host of questions that Vlad was unwilling to ask, which may have prompted answers that he was highly uncomfortable hearing anyway. The expression on his face seemed to communicate all of these things at once; his mouth was agape and hands were gesturing in a futile attempt to ask and yet not ask simultaneously, mind measuring the weight of his curiosity against the awful conversation which may ensue were he incorrect. And in front of Nuns, too.   

	More pressing issues were at the fore, anyway. There was a celebration afoot; a combined affair of a good handful of things of great importance. Well, great importance to the Circus, at any rate. And of course, the Graveolase. Mary cut through the strained stares and aghast, horribly confused looks of Vladimir by addressing Elizaveta directly, responding to her wish to attend the meeting tonight. [color=c0c0c0]"There is yet time, Grand Duchess."[/color] Mary held out the message from the Graveolase for Veta to view. [color=c0c0c0]"It would appear that they are changing the venue to the Russian Imperial Circus. I am, at least for the moment, acting with the authority of the Arch Graveolase. They are bringing the meeting to us this evening."[/color] 

	Vlad could not contain himself any longer. There was a point to be made, and if he could not discuss the unfortunate predicament of his fellow showman, he would most definitely alter his train of thought to the present discussion. [color=firebrick]"Da! And they vill arrive to grand celebration of lights and sound! Dancing and singing to put tventy Almack's to shame, vith vodka, vine, and eatable delights to tantalize their reserv-ed tastes!"[/color] His eyes were wide, as were his arms, gesturing with grand waves and swoops to punctuate his words, grabbing fistfuls of air. [color=firebrick]"Tonight, Mamushkas are for [i]us[/i]."[/color] He whipped off his tall top hat, finally wrapping up his speech and bowing as if playing to a crowd. A flourish brought it back to his very dignified head. [color=firebrick]"If you are up for it, of course, little Veta. If you still need rest, ve vill speak to Graveolase - I or Baron, maybe Viktor... No, no Viktor..."[/color] 

	He trailed off, losing himself in a fast approaching thought. [color=firebrick]"I vill need to get out target vheel... and you, Costantin! You have been making the good jobs today. Tonight ve feast and perform. You have hard day. Do not have to perform, if don't vant to. Good? Good."[/color] 

	Mary couldn't help but look at Vlad as he cavorted and spun the tale of his vision for the evening's festivities. To her credit, she kept her face serene the entire time. Underneath the surface, she had to give Elizaveta credit for the fortitude necessary to be in this man's presence constantly. He was an experience. But then, she was brought up in this society. Mary wondered briefly if there was a little Bazhooli lurking deep within the Grand Duchess somewhere. [Color=c0c0c0]"Oh, but I must apologize for my lack of manners. If you have not already met at the church, this is Sister Lazarus of St. Etheldreda's. Sister Lazarus, I have the honor of presenting the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Romanova. Additionally, this is Master Vladimir Alexandrov, heir to Baron Alexandrov and master of the, um..."[/color] She paused briefly, intent on pronouncing the next words correctly, [color=c0c0c0]"Master of the Bazhooli Sem'ya. Master Alexandrov, Sister Lazarus."[/color] 

        Courtesy suggested that she give this moment over to brief pleasantries, if they wished to continue. Vladimir jumped uppn the opportunity. [color=firebrick]"Ov [i]course[/i], is pleasure to meet! You are velcome, Sister Nun Lazarus, to stay and partake in feast and merrymaking ov Russian Imperial Circus! Experience vonders and dancing from far corners ov Empire, da? And ov course, have seat ov honor near Sister-Knight Mary during receiving Graveolase, if thing is called for in meeting... Vhatever you are vanting, The Great Bazhooli is at immediate service."[/color] He dipped into a bow, one hand holding his hat in place while the other flourished dramatically. [color=firebrick]"Vill you be staying vith us?"[/color]

        Meanwhile, Mary beamed a small smile in the direction of Adam, who had obviously ingratiated himself with Veta and her big tiger. Truly a remarkable child, especially considering his very recent history.