[hr] [center][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjg4LmFmM2IzYi5UWEl1SUUxaGJHVm1hV05oY2lkeklGUnlZWFpsYkdsdVp5QkRhWEpqZFhNLjk/kamangir.lp.webp[/img][/center][hr][center][h1]Opening Day[/h1][/center] [color=darkgray]Everything had been finalized. Stands were set up, acts were practicing until the last minute, and it was magic incarnate. Say what you will about Lord Maleficar, he ran a tight ship. Opening day was always a bundle of nerves. Everyone was running around to ensure it was all in place. One figure was Big Bulma. She had no intention of being in the spotlight today. Instead, she was content to see everyone enjoying the limelight and impressing the crowds. The evening soon rolled around, and people started appearing in large numbers. London had never had a circus so close to it before. Rumors were rampant, of course. How it was filled with Enlightened freaks with nowhere else to go. How many of them were criminals or worse. But despite the air of dread, smiles were abundant. In the center of the circus was the big top tent where one could see a variety of acts perform. The main show would not be starting for some time, but some made a beeline there so they could get good seats. On the outskirts were various stands selling different foods, some the people of London had never heard of before. As the circus traveled they picked up varying delicacies from the different countries. There were also games of chance where you could win a prize or two, if you had incredible luck. There were performers walking about as well. Contortionists, clowns, gymnasts, magicians, all sorts showing off their specialties to the delight of the people. It was a well-oiled machine when the circus got running. Lord Maleficar stood at the front gate, adorned with a top hat and a mischievous grin. As he spoke, there was a hint of an accent that could not be placed unless one strained to hear it. [color=C2452D]"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Lord Maleficar's traveling circus! Please make your way to the main tent in an hour's time for the grand opening show. Feats of strength unlike any you have seen before. Death-defying stunts high above you. Animals and humans working in tandem to astound and delight. All of this and more."[/color] The charismatic head of the circus put on a great performance himself. He took his cane and spun it in his hand as he launched it. As the cane dropped, it broke apart, pieces of metal circling and spinning, lights crackling off the pieces as it spun faster until it launched back at Lord Maleficar, who deftly caught it as the cane formed itself again. He grinned with a sly wink. [color=C2452D]"And who knows, there may be a surprise or two if you know where to look."[/color] [hr] A group of people stood in a semi-circle on the outskirts. They remained unseen by the swarms of people walking towards the lights and flash of the circus. These people wore dark cloaks covering their bodies and masks to hide their faces. Despite the anonymity, they did wear an identifiable mark on their cloaks, a picture of a raven holding a purple gem. [color=white]"When do we strike?"[/color] one of the figures asked. The others looked around. It was unclear who was the leader here, if there even was one. [color=white]"Does anyone know where.."[/color] Their words were quickly hushed when one of the other figures backhanded the speaker, enough to cause them to stumble and fall back. [color=white]"We do not use names. Do so again and I will strike you down here and now."[/color] The others started murmuring, but were quickly silenced again when someone else spoke. This one with authority. [color=white]"We wait. Let the masses enjoy themselves first. So far things are going to plan. Soon they will know the truth."[/color] The group nodded their understanding. Word had gone around and people flocked to the circus. One of their leaders had done their job beautifully. [hr] Prudence had been admonished. Morris had unleashed his own personal hell on her, which wasn't as bad as the disappointment he etched on his face. And not to speak of Melody, who she knew would never outwardly judge her, but the dread seeped in nonetheless. So Prudence came with them, unwillingly but here regardless, to the circus. If for no other reason than to show she meant no harm, but she was sure Morris wanted to keep an eye on her. Prudence hated what the circus stood for. Was it not hard enough for the Enlightened without being made a mockery for other people's delight? She imagined the people here against their will, having no place to go because of their deformities or their background or because something in their past prevented their future. Perhaps Prudence hated it most of all because, if things had gone differently, she would be amongst them. Prudence heard the giggles of little children as they enjoyed treats and were amazed by the different people walking around. Prudence couldn't help but feel worried. Was this an omen or was she just upset she had to be here? Possibly both. Prudence eyed the man in front of the circus. The handsome character served as the ringleader. Lord Maleficar. She had heard whispers from the other girls at the Haven, though most of it was how attractive he was and how well he would be in the bedroom. Prudence glared at him and, for a moment, she was sure he looked at her and met her gaze. A dark feeling overwhelmed her as she returned her attention to the other girls she was with. Something was going to happen tonight. She was sure. Who would believe her though?[/color]