FreckersFrog

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan watched Aurel out of the corner of his eye and his mouth twitched into a brief smile as he noticed how hard the boy was concentrating. He was a quick and rabid learner, observant and witty, but quiet and reserved. Honestly, he reminded Faolan of a mixture of the two of them...but he had not voiced this out loud.

He had come to see more and more about Aurel's condition and how he had lived his life prior to the abuse he suffered during his time at that terrible place they'd found him in. He had not been as feral as the Irishman had first thought and seemed to have a perfect mixture of outdoor and indoor manners. Though he was young, he was mature for his age, and the language barrier had not proved as big an obstacle to their conversation as he'd first thought either. He'd found time alone with the boy to be almost entirely pleasant, though Faolan did miss the freedom of being alone when he could be. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make for the sake of the child, he could not bear the thought of leaving him to his own devices in a weakened state.

He raised his eyebrows at Aurel's comment, speaking quietly so as not to frighten the fish away. "Weird, but effective. And less cold..." he joked, nudging the boy with his elbow gently. "But you should teach me that some time, I bet I'm quick enough." Faolan had never actually caught an animal of any kind with his bare hands. Even in his most feral moments, he'd always used tools or weapons. It would be interesting to watch this boy's method.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana smiled at Aurel, but her attention was drawn to Geralt, just as she was sure he'd intended. She heard his offer and stiffened slightly, constantly reminding herself to relax. Instinctively, she moved a little closer to Aurel as her eyes fell on the multitude of bottles on the table.

Geralt's eyes glinted with a mischievous light as carnies started to gather around the table, and his smile widened ever more when he heard Lucien's answer and Akane's question. He noted with distaste that Illyana, Aurel, and Ivory remained on the sidelines, but saw no need in inviting them over yet. They were well aware of what he was offering, he wasn't going to force their hands, or their mouths.

"Oh, patron," he said to Lucien, "I hope your mouth is watering already." He winked, then set about the task of making Lucien's drink. Luckily, he had all of the ingredients for a French 75. Not only was it on point thematically, but he happened to have all of the ingredients handy.

To Akane's question, The Magician raised an eyebrow but did not take his eyes away from his task as he grabbed a fresh glass and a bottle of gin. "I live to serve, my dear. Would you like something?" he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as he asked.

Cora's eyes went wide as Akane drew her toward the table. Though she was completely taken in by the sight before her as Geralt's long and skilled fingers moved over the tops of various bottles, she held tightly to the Kitsune's warm hand. "I might..." she said, glancing at Akane and Lucien, as if for permission as she slowly finished her statement, "Want to try something..."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan had spent the next few days doing the same tasks he usually did back when the pair camped on their own. The addition of Aurel had grown to be commonplace as he realized how little it really effected their day-to-day activities. Lucien spent most of his time with the boy, knowing that soon he would be leaving for work, and Faolan spent his time taking care of the three of them and their camp. It was rewarding to see Aurel slowly regaining his strength, and in fact the child had bounced back faster than he'd thought possible. Despite the cruelty and abuse he had suffered, he was intelligent and resilient lad. Though quiet, he was eager and quick to learn and seemed to look forward to building his own strength. Faolan was working on steadily diversifying and increasing his diet as well, so his body could have the foundation for growing that it so desperately needed.

Though the Irishman missed the freedom he had felt with his lover almost constantly, the two of them learned to exploit their opportunities to be alone and it was enough to sate him, for the time being. Occasionally, he couldn't help himself but sneak kisses whenever he saw the opportunity.

Eventually, Lucien decided it was time for him to go into town and inquire after a job. Though Faolan was sad to see him go, and a little nervous, he knew it was for the best. They would need an income to support the three of them in the coming months.

He'd compiled a list of things he'd wan ted to teach the boy while he was with them, and the ability to find food for himself was at the top of the list. One day, while Lucien was away, he suggested that the two of them fish together so Faolan could have dinner ready for the Frenchman when he returned. Aurel was excited by the idea and eager to help.

"Mmm..." Faolan hummed, then gently pushed the tip of the child's rod down. "Almost perfect, but you want more of an angle. It's to help when you want to yank the fish up." Though Aurel was still weak, Faolan had seen that most of the fish in the lake were small and should not prove too difficult for the boy too catch. Still, he watched him closely just in case there were any signs of mishaps.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana glanced at Geralt as he re-entered the area, arms full, but did not acknowledge him. She had decided to focus on each moment as it came to her, if she thought too hard, she would spiral again. She picked up a sandwich and took a bite, chewing with full cheeks as she smiled at Aurel.

The Magician deposited all of the bottles onto the table, but held on to the shaker. He turned to Lucien and effortlessly spun the metal container in his hand, winking as he did. "I'll let you be the judge of that." The man had seemed to grab the attention of almost everyone in attendance. He turned toward the group at large and raised his voice slightly, so all could hear him. "I find my happiness at parties comes, in part, from hosting, so I hope our illustrious leader doesn't mind if I take the reigns for just a moment. What is everyone having?"

Cora tore her eyes away from Akane as she heard Geralt address the crowd and raised her eyebrows. She hadn't seen him come back, she had been so enthralled by the sight before her. Her smile slowly returned and she reached out a hand for Akane, "Let's go see what he's doing!" she said, excitedly. She was ready for the party to start.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan smiled and nodded at Aurel's compliance and Lucien's translation. His grin persisted as he looked down at the two of them, contented with their choice. In the past, he would have thought twice about questioning Lucien's decision to heal someone, no matter the reason, but now he was comfortable enough to make his opinions known and not worry about judgement or annoyance on the Frenchman's part. It was nice to see how far they had come.

After a moment, he dried his hair as much as he could and tossed a jacket on before stepping back outside. Before he left, he turned to them and said, "Some protein will do you good. I'll make some supper, nothing too filling." With this, he exited the trailer and set about his task.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Cora moved her hands to her cheeks as Akane twirled before her, and her face reddened slightly. "You're beautiful..." she said quietly, as if just realizing it. Akane was so graceful, her limbs long and pale, and her eyes bright and intelligent. Her hair was long and red, like flames...Cora took all of this in as the girl danced before her, her heart suddenly beating a little harder.

Ivory's voice broke her from her trance, and the Mermaid looked over her shoulder. After she gathered her thoughts and brought herself back to the present, she nodded, "Oh, yes, Ivory is amazing with hair." Her voice was quiet and a little far away as the last of these lingering thoughts drifted away. Akane really was so pretty...

Illyana was almost startled by Lucien's approach, she had been so wrapped up in arranging everything on the table. She looked over at him and forced a small smile, then nodded and wiped her hands on the front of her dress. She moved her eyes to Aurel after his comment and raised her hands, palm out, in a defensive posture. "Alright, alright, I'll try to relax...but I won't be able to with you too hounding me all night." She made sure to keep her voice light and playful. They were both right, she knew that her mind and her body needed a break. It was always hard for her to let go of all of the thoughts and worries that plagued her, but she would make an honest effort tonight, she could tell it was beginning to effect her negatively and did not want to continue down that path. She'd have to take this opportunity while she could.

"Oh, and I saw Jade, Liquorice, Bengal, and Ginger come back earlier," She said to Aurel, remembering that he had asked her to watch out for them and that she hadn't gone to find him when she saw them return. "They're around her somewhere...not sure where Ebony, Ripple, and Amber are." She paused, picked up a sandwich finger and offered it to him with a smile, "Sandwich?"

It was then that Geralt had returned, with a bottle tucked under each arm, a metal shaker in one hand, and another bottle in the other. "My apologies for my brief absence, but I promise you all, it was worth it." He made his way to the table with the beverages and began setting everything up, his face alight with devilish glee.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan did not hold his smile at bay when he saw Aurel's reaction to his final question. He was glad to see the child excited despite his pain, this was a good sign.

"Mm...I'm fair at climbing. I'm more of a runner...and a jumper," he paused a moment, then added,"Once you're all better, maybe you can show me some climbing tricks, eh?" He patted the boy's bedside.

He stood and placed his hands on his hips, "For now, a massage will help the pain." He glanced to Lucien, "Maybe you could show him?" he did not want to pass it off on the Frenchman, but he wasn't entirely comfortable with touching the boy yet, especially on his legs. Lucien was better at the physical stuff anyway.

"If you're in too much pain to fall asleep, let Lucien know. Rest is important for getting stronger too."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt's eyes widened slightly as he looked over at the table. He spied a couple of bottles of wine, and a clear spirit, along with various mixers like limes and soda water. There was also a tray of food, mostly snacks, but some small sandwiches and sweets as well. Overall, it was quite a paltry spread, but he hadn't expected much else. Although it didn't appear that the others were big drinkers, The Magician had high hopes for the evening. "Hmm..." he turned back to Lucien. "Would you mind if I added a dash of my own flavor?" He had access to different alcohols in his trailer, along with some interesting combinations he could try. Aurel, Ivory, Akane, and Cora may be tempted to drink if he had a bit of something else to offer them.

"Please, it is your party, after all." Lucien said, waving a hand in the direction of the man's trailer, where he imagined the offerings were kept.

"Back in two shakes!" With that, Geralt strode confidently toward his domain to retrieve his contributions.

Cora never turned down and opportunity to have Ivory make her over, especially for an occasion like this. She chose a silvery-gray gown, a blue shall, and a sparkly hair ornament that Ivory used to hold back the top half of her hair. She required no makeup, so overall the dressing was quick. She rolled out of her trailer and accepted the dhampir's assistance in getting over to the mess area as her chair was difficult to push on her own.

She smiled up at Akane's compliment, eyes sparkling, "Thank you, Akane! It was Ivory's idea." She looked the girl up and down, "Your dress is so pretty! Have I seen this one before?"

Illyana had not bothered to change, and was busy setting up the food and drink for the evening. She had made sandwiches the day before, while everyone was preparing for the big top show, and was laying out some other things she had brought with her. She had trouble shaking the look she had seen in Geralt's eyes, and the more she dwelt on it, the more it bothered her. She had to make sure to let it go before it began effecting her mentality negatively. Experience had taught her that any doubt or preoccupation in her psyche opened her up to some powerful vibrations. A vision tonight would not bode well, she did not yet want Geralt to see that side of her ability.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan nodded at the boy's response, focusing all of his intent on him for this conversation. He looked into the child's eyes, wanting to be sure that he was being genuine in his answers, and not only saying what the Irishman wanted to hear. He was glad at Aurel's followup statement, almost letting a smile slip from him, but holding it at bay.

"Four, that's not so bad," he said, then looked down at Aurel's legs. "Where does it hurt, where is it worst?"

He watched as the boy thought for a moment, then indicated his whole leg. Finally, he settled on his thigh.

"Mmm..." Faolan nodded again. This made sense, given the boy's activities. "Let me explain what's happening, Aurel." He used the boy's new name as he explained, wanting to show the child that he had his own identity and could make his own choices. "When you're not used to working a muscle, you go through something called atrophy. This is your muscle hardening, like a rock." He made a tight fist to illustrate his point. "Trying to break a rock is really hard," he showed this by trying to pry his fist open with his other hand, "But once you open it, there's liquid inside. This liquid is acid." He knew that the child didn't understand what acid was, but he couldn't think of another word for it at the moment. "Acid can sting when it touches you, and right now, your muscle is being swallowed up by it. That's why it hurts, but eventually, that acid will harden to create new muscle where there wasn't any before. You see, the pain means that you're getting stronger, and that's what we all want, hm?" He said.

He knew that this was a lot of information to give a child, especially with a language barrier, but Lucien would make everything a little easier to explain if the child didn't understand. Faolan was a firm believer in not underestimating children, sometimes they were much more intelligent than adults gave them credit for, and he wanted to make sure that this boy was given the respect he never had until now. It was the least he could do.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt was clearly pleased by this answer, for his smile nearly cracked his face in half. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that, Lucien," he said, then fished into his vest pocket to retrieve the flask he kept there. He held it up and shook it to show its contents, "I hope this means you don't mind if I...begin imbibing?" What was the day for, if not for getting drunk. If it truly was a celebration in honor of Geralt, drinking would be one of the many vices the troupe should consider partaking of that evening.

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Cora beamed up at Ivory, "Oh, yes! I would like to be swimming now, even, but I wanted to make sure that I was here for Geralt's party. I think I'll probably spend the night..." she said, glancing towards the placid waters of the small lake. Though she longed to dive back in as soon as possible, she knew that it would be rude of her not to participate in the party now, especially after Geralt had helped so much with filling her tank. Besides, she had been looking to the celebration as well.