FreckersFrog

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

"Of course, that sounds reasonable." Geralt said, biting his tongue once again. Of course, logically he understood the plight of Cirque D'étoiles, they were hurting financially and needed to do what they could to become profitable again. The old him, the one less interested in the prizes that awaited him here, would have scoffed at charging a mere half dollar for his shows, but he was constantly reminding himself that he had a persona to present to the Ringleader.

Speaking of which, he had most certainly caught him looking at his form as they walked, and raised an eyebrow when the two locked eyes once more. Although Lucien would most certainly deny it, Geralt could tell his interest was piqued. He only had to far to go...

Oh, how the mighty have fallen... A dark chuckle echoed through the chambers of his mind, and his smile faded into a look of disgust. But only briefly, he regained composure as the two approached his performance tent.

The canvas was a dark color, brown it appeared to be on the outside. Geralt would have preferred black, of course, but he bit his tongue again as the two entered.

It was a well-stocked room, benches stretched the length of the floor and a stage stood at the far end. The string lights from outside snaked their way inside and light the space, but dimly. Overall, Geralt was pleasantly surprised by the layout. Aside from the color and the height of the stage, it was nearly perfect for an outdoor venue.

He walked the center aisle to the stage, and glanced around. "Very nice...a good amount of air space for hand-waving, theatrical gestures and all of that. And the lighting is perfect." He looked over his shoulder at the Ringleader and his grin widened. "You're spoiling me already."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan paused as Lucien followed him out of the door. Oh, right...he supposed it was only natural for the lad to want to say goodbye. Although, he would be back in a couple of days, Lucien would be the one left waiting. He turned to hold out his hand for a handshake, but found himself already in mid-embrace with the Frenchman. Again, his body stiffened, but he allowed the hug to happen, lowering his arms once the initial surprise had passed. He patted Lucien on the back with his free hand, and let out the breath he was holding, quietly, as the contact ended.

"Awful touchy bunch, you Frenchies." He said, his mouth twitching into a half smile at the jest. He paused a moment, and laid a hand on the lad's shoulder. The hug, along with this continued contact made his face feel hot. "Don't worry about me, lad, I'll be back. Give me a week or so, maybe less." He gave Lucien's shoulder a squeeze, and without another word, turned and walked off into the morning light.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan had spent the next two days work and returning, eating, then working and returning again. This was the routine he had missed whilst stuck confined to his cabin on the ship. Lucien was good company, of course, but Faolan valued the chance for alone time and physical expression. The two did not speak of their plans, nor did he overhear any more conversations between the Priest and Lucien. It seemed the lad was waiting until the opportune moment. He doubted they had had the conversation while he was working, the two seemed amicable enough, though still slightly strained, it had lessened a bit. Although, he could sense Lucien's excitement and his need for action.

Finally, the day came when he was to depart. He had picked up some supplied from the local grocer, along with some new cleaner clothes, and filled his bag as full as he could. If he ran out of food, he could always hunt and fish, though he wasn't very interested in that these days, even on the road. His bag was sitting next to the breakfast table, and he was just finishing his last swallow of beignet when the priest spoke up.

In response, he kicked the bag next to him and nodded. "Mmhhmm, all packed." There was a small pause as he reached into his pocket and placed several bills onto the table between them. "Happy to help. I don't have much left over from my supply run, but here is something for your trouble in keeping and feeding me, I do appreciate the both of your hospitality." He looked between the two men, his eyes lingering on Lucien for a moment.

After this, he got up and slung his bag over his shoulder.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

That actually did explain why the crowd outside was only a couple patrons deep. He almost began to wonder why in the world a smart and capable Ringleader like Lucien would visit a town twice in such a short amount of time, but then it struck him: of course, they came here for him. His smile widened, secret triumphs were Geralt's favorite kind. Well, in this instance they were.

"Aah, this makes much more sense now. I was wondering how a legitimate and exciting operation like yours could see such low numbers. But, never fear, Geralt is here." He winked at the ringleader, his confidence never wavering.

At Lucien's next question, he bit back a comment about how he thought the Ringleader felt about talking finances, and said instead: "Well, of course. Back in Paris, I was up to two dollars a person, including the young ones, but that would never fly with this crowd. My act is long, and worth the charge, but I'll leave matters of finance up to the financier. I am but a humble servant of your stage, now monsieur." He gestured toward Lucien, one arm behind his back as he did so, and he kept it there as they walked. 'Nothing was more striking than a man with a sharp suit and severe posture', as his father used to say.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan nodded at Lucien's response. Wow, that had been easier than he thought. "Mmhhmm..." he grunted, "I'll try to keep it short, but it can be hard to gauge." He paused again and his leg slowly stopped bouncing. "Give you time to...talk to the Father and get everything sorted."

He glanced at the clock on the mantel. Nearly time. He stood, "I've got to get to work at the pub, I'll see you in the morning." It was settled then, as far as he was concerned. If he was able to come back for Lucien after his...errand, he would do so. If not, well, it wouldn't be his problem if he wasn't able. It would probably mean he was dead.

He kicked his bag under the couch, where it would be safely untouched, and made his way out of the front door.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt bowed his head in mock humility and pressed his palms together as if in prayer, "I feel like there have been too many apologies between us in too short a time. I will try to make sure not to earn any more bad marks." He followed Lucien as he began to walk, being sure to hang back and check out his backside as well before they got too far. Yes, he was quite a specimen. Geralt couldn't help but lick his lips in anticipation of their future together, in fact, he was already imagining him naked.

Despite Lucien's distaste for his methods, Geralt was sure it would pay off in the long-run. He would take the ringleader's tongue lashings for now, but he was sure to be singing a different tune by the time they packed up and left Graston's outer limits. This method would have been risky, if it were any other man that had implemented it. He decided to keep these thoughts to himself, he had already riled the man enough for starters. Though he liked the way his brow furrowed when he was trying to be stern, Geralt was sure he would have more chances to see this expression.

He trotted lightly to catch up as Lucien began speaking to him again, taking a look about the grounds as he did so. The odd carnie passed here and there as they walked by, either running or walking quickly. It looked like Lucien prided himself on how tight a ship he ran here. Geralt wondered how tight his other...operations were.

The location they had chosen was charming, of course; a little valley tucked into the crevasse of two small hills. This was almost perfect, except that the sign couldn't be seen from the road. The tents and trailers were well-maintained, and the areas that were off-limits to patrons were clear by the lack of lights. He saw some of the attractions as he passed by: Danseur de Feu, Lanceur de Couteaux (that must be Ivory's tent, he would have to stop by there later), and Charmeur de Serpent were the few he manages to catch glimpses of as he walked through the grounds. He was sure there were more, but just seeing these made the back of his neck tingle.

A nest of them, all tasty power and sinew. Make them ours.

"Mm...about forty-five minutes, on the average." He responded as they walked through the grounds, he had been listening intently despite his observations. "I'm guessing your other 'performers' are, say, a quarter a show?" This was average for travelling circuses, Geralt would know, and with this level of operation he assumed that's what they were asking. With the crowd at the gate he calculated less than five dollars at the gate, and that was absolutely abysmal. He hoped the crowd would intensify tonight, but if not, tomorrow would certainly bring a pay off.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan listened to everything that Lucien had to say, and he felt his hard-line softening with every word. It was clear that Lucien was ready to move beyond the walls of isolation he had grown so accustomed to. Who was Faolan to deny him the right to freedom, who was Father Cyril, or anyone for that matter? If Faolan did not agree to take Lucien with him, he may never leave, and that was not something Faolan was prepared to accept.

But it just wasn't that easy.

He sighed again, and shook his head, not in dismissal or negativity, but out of sheer lack of any argument he could make against the lad's request. All save one.

"I believe you." He said, finally, meeting the Frenchman's eyes. "And I want to help...being forced into something that isn't right for you, well...let's just say I know how that is. But...there's something..." His voice quieted at this, "There's some mitigating factors to us two traveling together that you'd need to know about and agree to before I can say yes."

He wondered vaguely if he should just tell Lucien everything, but no, now was not the time or place. They could easily be walked in on, or overheard, and it honestly wasn't the most believable tale. Still, Faolan did need to warn him about his boughts of...well, absence, before he could allow Lucien to travel with him. He also found himself wondering if his conditions would end up scaring the boy away from the idea, although he decided that if that was enough to spook him, then he wasn't ready anyway.

He decided that vagueries were best in this instance, at least until he had to tell him the details. His leg began to bounce a bit in nervousness as he spoke. He had never really explained this to anyone before...he was sure he sounded like a header, but there were things that Lucien needed to be aware of. "I have something that I need to do every month, and I can't take you along. So, you'll be alone for a couple days, maybe a week out of every 30 or so days. It's coming up on that, so this time I'm going to have to leave and come back for you here."

Despite his nervousness, he was confident that Lucien wouldn't ask for details. The lad had learned that he was private, and had respected that so far. Besides, he had his own things he was keeping to himself, so Faolan doubted that he would risk the reciprocal question if he asked. Faolan was fine not knowing, some things were better kept to one's self.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

"Lucien, then..." he looked the man from head to foot, I like the way that tastes..."You will not be disappointed." He spun on his heel and made his way towards the crowd with no hesitation whatsoever.

Once he reached them, he set his briefcase on the ground and smoothly pushed past the Carnie at the gate and leapt to the block and pole that held the entrance sign. This elevated him above the crowd, and allowed his voice to carry over the minuscule group that had gathered. The sentinels at the gate both looked to Lucien for guidance, but did not receive a response before Geralt began to speak.

"Good people, ladies and gentleman, boys and girls!" Geralt called, his stage voice booming out over the crowd. He balanced effortlessly on the block as he spoke, fanning an arm out over the crowd so they were sure they were all included. "Welcome, one and all, to Cirque D'étoiles." As soon as he started speaking, the entire audience had turned their attention to him, and already some children's faces in the crowd were beginning to light up as they pointed out the man to their parents.

"Oh, you have so much in store for you this evening. A night of sights, sounds, and wonder! Mystery and...magic!" He shouted, and as he said the word "magic", he reached into his pocket and flung confetti into the crowd. There were already "oohs" and "awes" at this display, but the small slips of paper glowed with an eerie light and transformed into paper birds, which began to flutter about the audience. The patrons gathered about erupted into a frenzy at this, the children's laughter carrying on the breeze, even their parents looking up at the small pieces of paper in wonder and confusion.

Too easy... The smile on Geralt's face twitched ever so slightly, but was entirely missed by the crowd. They were entirely misdirected by his small trick. He continued after a moment:

"Now, I don't know if any of you have heard of Geralt the Great before, but he is a recent installation in this merry band of entertainers. He will be here for the next three nights to fill your minds and hearts with feats of sleight of hand, marvelous machinations and bewitching illusions known world-wide." At this, he leapt from the back and made to stand in front of the crow, he had their full attention now; some of their bottom jaws were already resting in the dirt.

He continued, his arms spread wide as he gesticulated towards the crowd in grandiose fashion, "I have seen these tricks for myself, and, good people, do not let your minds deceive you. Every feat of magic you see this evening will be one-hundred-percent real." At this, a ball of fire appeared in the palms of Geralt's hands, and the crowd gasped in unison before he closed to his fist to snuff out the flames as quickly as they had appeared.

"As a special treat, for you, our curiously captivated crowd..." He said and stepped toward the patrons as they leaned in. "I see many young ones in the crowd tonight!" He exclaimed, and then focused in on a small boy near the front of the crowd. He locked eyes with the child, then approached and crouched down in front of him, but not without looking up to the boy's mother for permission. He winked at her, and she blushed and smiled, which he took as admission to interact with the boy.

"Like this strapping young gentleman!" He said, and crouched down to match the child's height. "Do you like magic, my good lad?"

The boy, obviously stunned at being chosen, paused a moment before nodding vigorously at Geralt. The man smiled in response, and slowly reached up behind the child's head as he spoke, "Well, then, I hope you don't mind if I pay your way into the magic show?" He asked, and from between his long and dexterous fingers, as if he has pulled them from out of the boy's ear, a shiny pair of quarters appeared. He waved them theatrically in front of the boy's face, then gasped as the pair of coins suddenly disappeared from his hand.

"Oh no!" Geralt said, feigning surprise. The boy's wide-eyed, hopeful expression began to slowly melt from his face, but before it could disappear completely, he whispered something into the boy's ear. Excitedly, the boy checked his front vest pocket and pulled the very same pair of quarters out. Surprise was written across the faces of the boy and his mother, and as the crowd around began to whisper about what had happened, a hush fell over everyone, all eyes on the magician.

He attempted to straighten, but the boy grabbed his lapel and he stayed within earshot. The child leaned in and whispered "Are you him?"

At this, Geralt merely winked and whispered back, "You will have to come to the show and see." At this, he straightened and addressed the crowd at large once more, "In fact, let me extend this offer to the entire group! Every lad and lass under the age of fourteen may enter the magic show for free! Two nights only, so make it count!" At this, there was a chorus of clapping, parents and children alike smiling ecstatically. Geralt let the sound of their applause linger for a moment, feeling a surge of vindication, of passion for his craft. It made him feel powerful, even more so than his recent carnal activities had. He felt as though he held the fate of all of these people--

In the palm of your hand. Show them, show them our power and let them tremble with awe...feed me with their fear and their elation.

Geralt's secret smile widened as he took a generous bow amidst the clapping and cries of "More, more!" before he turned once more and approached Lucien and Illyana, briefcase in hand.

"Excuses again, Lucien, that took a little longer than I anticipated, but I think we will reap the rewards over the next few days." He glanced at Illyana, and nodded to her as well, "My apologies to you as well, Madame, I know you have places to be and things to...see."

Illyana had watched the entire show, her eyes wide with anticipation, focused intently on Geralt's movements. Even she, with her trained eyes, could not glean any new information from watching this spectacle unfold. His abilities, however supernatural in nature, appeared to be entirely organic as well. His hands were deft and so practiced, everything was expertly timed, his body moved with such grace and yet was so precise in every single detail...this only made her yearn for knowledge of his abilities more. Clearly, the fire and the birds made of paper were real objects that he had used his magic to create, but she would have to examine the objects and effects more closely to get a better idea of what had created them. It was obvious that this man was and expert in the arts of sleight of hand and illusion, but that his abilities were fueled by some other force. Every move he made was intentional, she would have to look closely if she wanted to learn more, she doubted he would slip up at any time.

When he approached and addressed her, she could see the flash of excitement in the man's eyes, but only for a moment before it disappeared. It was then that she realized just how right Ivory's assessment of his eyes had been; they were completely empty, devoid of life. Except for that tiny flicker, they were entirely lifeless. This made her shudder inwardly, and she made sure to avoid eye contact as she bid her farewells to both men and hurried off toward her trailer.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan had merely grunted at the priest's response, catching a look from Lucien as he turned his attention back to supper. He knew the boy had heard him, but what result it would bring, he was unsure of. Lucien had been nearly comatose these last couple days. Would this reignite his desire to leave? Only time would tell them that.

Faolan hadn't expected just how short that time was. He had retired from dinner to the couch and was jotting down the days events in his journal, when he felt Lucien approach him. He looked up at the Frenchman and waited until he was done speaking before closing the book in his hands and tucking it away. He shouldn't have been surprised, of course, isn't this result partially what he had expected? But for some reason, he had not thought of this possibility actively. Of course Lucien would ask this, he saw Faolan as a friend, and his escape from a life of priesthood. If Faolan had his way, he would agree to let Lucien accompany him, who was he to stand in the way of the lad's freedom? But there were...other factors to consider.

He sighed heavily, and leaned back on the couch, resting his ankle on his opposite knee. He was struggling with how to respond, not because of how to word it, but because he didn't know which way he was leaning.

Finally, he said, "Look, Lucien...I know this...it can't be easy for you. I heard you and the priest arguing before, mind you I wasn't eavesdropping, but it woke me up the other day. I know that what I said to you in the street really struck you and all...but have you thought this all the way through? All of the angles, the risks...I don't have an easy life, lad. It's a lot to take on." He met the Frenchman's eyes, sensing determination and hoping he was right. There was more he would have to explain if the two traveled together, and part of him was dreading that.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan listened to the entirety of the argument between Lucien and Father Cyril. Try though he might, he could not block their voices out. Though Lucien had commented on his sense of smell, which was indeed his best sense, he had never noticed how good Faolan's hearing was as well. Though, Faolan wasn't sure if he wanted to stop listening for himself or for Lucien. The lad may be embarrassed if he knew Faolan could hear him, but the Irishman felt a surge of pride as Lucien stood up for himself. Though his plea had been rejected by the Priest, he had at least tried. This could undoubtedly go either way. Though, Father Cyril had been right...in the real world, outside these walls, there would no on to look out for Lucien. He would be entirely alone. Although he was smart, especially for someone who had been imprisoned his whole life, he was naive, and didn't know how to defend himself. Faolan could see only two options: the Frenchman stays here with the Priest, or the Irishman takes him along when he leaves.

Made restless by these thoughts, he rolled over as the Priest walked out of the house, facing the back of the couch. It was going to be a long night.

-------------------------------

The next two days passed relatively the same as they had since the pair had arrived. It had now been a week, and between the two jobs Faolan was working, he had managed to save enough to move along. Lucien had been quiet, kept to himself for the last few days. All three of them knew why, but the issue was not brought up or spoken of. Faolan thought it best to stay out of other people's business, but he was worried that Lucien's conversation with the priest had completely crushed his spirit. The Irishman could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice even though he spoke little.

During supper, Faolan watched Lucien push his food around on his plate. His eyes distant, and sad. Father Cyril was eating, quite vigorously, but would not look at his charge, and the two had not exchanged more than two or three words in Faolan's presence. Something had to be done, this was beginning to get uncomfortable, and Faolan wasn't leaving for another two days. So, he decided to speak up.

"I'm ehm," he cleared his throat as he continued to eat, "Leavin'." He finished, glancing up at Father Cyril. "Day after tomorrow." He turned his eyes to Lucien, but only briefly. "Thought I'd say somethin', in case you had more work that needs doing 'round here before I move along."