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Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien listened as Faolan spoke. He was fine with conditions, after all he was the one that was imposing on him. It was only fair that there would be some terms for him to agree to.

"Okay.. what are they?" He took note of the movement of his leg, and wondered if he was nervous. It wasn't often he saw Faolan get like this. Lucien was not expecting that sort of condition. It was clearly vague, but he wasn't inclined to ask why he needed to do such a thing. If there was anything he had learned on the ship, is that Faolan didn't really like to talk about himself. He respected his privacy, just as Faolan respected his. There was a part of him that wondered whether things would be okay if he'd be left alone for a week but.. his alternative was to either stay, or go off on his own anyway, and he didn't really like either of those options. This was probably the best that he was going to get, and honesty being able to see the world with the first person he had considered a friend outside of the church. He was sure there was a reason why Faolan needed to do this, if that's what he was going to have to go along with to be able to go with him then, so be it.

"Okay." He agreed, pausing for a moment. "So.. you'd leave and come back in a few days to a week and we can officially be on our way?" He asked to make sure. There was a brief moment of nerves at the thought of Faolan maybe not coming back for him, but he quickly shook it off. He didn't believe that was the kind of man he was. If he planned to leave him here, then he would have just shut him down to begin with, that much he was certain of.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien's eyes did not leave Geralt as he made his way over to the crowd, letting him do as he pleased. Part of him wasn't surprised how effortlessly the man could handle the crowd. He had expected this much. He knew exactly how to gain their attention and draw them to him.

If there was one thing that Geralt had as an advantage over all the other performers, was that he was a magician. There were things that the others could not do without revealing that they were inhuman, or that they were doing the impossible. Magicians did not have to worry about that sort of thing, and therefore weren't held back by such restrictions. He could not deny that he was impressed, especially with his interaction with the child. Though he was not close enough to hear what they were saying, it was clear that the young boy was excited. With such a display, if this was just a 'taste' then, he didn't think he had much to worry about when it came to the show itself. Clearly he knew how to rile up a crowd. He supposed being able to see him in action like this put his mind a bit at ease.

The comment he maid in regards to payment however, made Lucien's expression slightly flatten. Normally the nephilim would not mind such a thing at all, after all he wanted children to be able to come and see their shows. Considering their financial situation though, it was simply a risky call. He was more so annoyed by the fact it had been done without his consent. Still, he supposed this would allow people another chance to return, and spread the word about what Geralt the Great had to offer.

"I'll be sure to keep in mind that this is your definition of brief." He said, pausing for a moment. Despite the fact it had taken longer than anticipated, he couldn't deny he had indeed gotten the crowd excited. "Nicely done, however, do keep in mind in the future to not make such large scale decisions without my knowledge and permission. There is an order to things around here." It was clear that this would most likely happen again. Geralt didn't really seem like the person who would seek permission to do things. That would certainly be problematic, but he'd have to simply learn how to deal with him. He turned Illy and wished her good luck before she ran off, and then turned back to Geralt.

"Come, we've spent too much time here." He said as he began to lead him to his performance tent. He figured during their walk he would try to gain as much information as he could as to what the man's plans were.

"How long do you expect your performance to run?" He asked. The schedules for the other performances were calculated, giving people enough of a chance to not miss one if they had more than one favorite. He already knew Geralt would probably be the favorite of the night, but it would be good for him to know in general how much time he planned to spend so he could plan accordingly.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

The silence Faolan gave him made the Frenchman nervous. He hoped he wasn't going to be shut down but.. he would understand if he was. After all Faolan hadn't come here expecting to leave with someone in tow. He tensed slightly when the Irishman stated he had heard their argument. He didn't think they had been that loud but.. it seemed his hearing was better than he thought. He wondered if this meant he had further suspicions of what he might be but.. considering he hadn't brought it up or acted any differently.. not even back when he had healed him, he didn't think it was something he had to worry about. He.. trusted Faolan.

His response eased a bit of his tension, it wasn't a no, and that was enough for him to maintain his determination to go. After all, if he hadn't wanted him to deal with him, he could have just immediately shut him down. If there was anything he had learned about Faolan in their time on the ship, is that he was a fairly straightforward person.

"I.. understand that. I know that there is still a lot I don't know about the world.. and I'm sure the life that awaits me is nothing like what I've lived the past twenty years.. but that's why I want to go. I'm tired of living behind these church walls. I want to experience the world." The small amount of hesitation in his voice had begun to fade as he spoke.

"I promise I won't get in your way. I'll be sure to pay proper attention and try to help in any way I can. I don't want to be a burden to you." That was the last thing he wanted. It was difficult to tell the man that he would be okay. After all he couldn't just outright tell him that he couldn't be hurt, or that he had never caught any sort of illness in his life. There were relatively little things he had to worry about physically, but that would be too difficult to explain without completely revealing himself. While he did trust the man, he didn't feel it was something he should just say. It wouldn't be the easiest thing to believe.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

The next few days had been hard for Lucien. There had been a part of him that had wanted to bring up the subject again but.. he didn't have a different argument to make, and he knew he'd be shut down just the same. It kept the man quiet, with a lack of appetite. He still managed to eat his food, as to not be wasteful, but it certainly wasn't with as much vigor as before. It was Faolan's breakage of the silence that snapped Lucien out of his thoughts.

His eyes narrowed slightly, gaze lifting to look at the Irishman. He was leaving? So soon? Sure.. he knew this time would come eventually but.. hearing him say it for himself was a big awakening. To think he had spent the last few days in dejection.. hardly speaking to anyone. The time he had wasted.. and now Faolan's departure was just around the corner. He wanted to tell him not to go, but he held his tongue. It wasn't his place to say that to him, but he felt an increasing sense of loneliness.

Once Faolan was gone, what was left for him here? The irishman was the one who had given him the courage to speak up in the first place. With him gone.. he felt like he might easily succumb to the life they wanted for him. Ending up living the life of priesthood.. It seemed that's what was on track for him already.. considering he no longer had the will to bring it up again.

Father Cyril raised his eyebrows. "Oh, I see. I will be sure to check in with the church to see if there's anything else to be done." He told him.

Lucien remained quiet, finishing his food and excusing himself. He heard Father Cyril leave after dinner, most likely to check in on any last things he had wanted Faolan to do. This left Lucien to his thoughts. If these last few days had told him anything.. it was that he knew this wasn't the kind of life he wanted. Just thinking about it made him feel miserable, and the tension in the house only made it worse. How long would that last? He felt the only way would be to agree to what the priests wanted for him, but would he do it at the cost of his freedom? No.. he didn't want to make that sacrifice. He knew it was selfish but, he just couldn't live like this anymore.

The nephilim left his small room and walked out into the livingroom where Faolan was. There was a moment of hesitation before he spoke, but he knew he had to. If.. Faolan said no to his request then he would have to figure things out on his own, but he really hoped it didn't come to that.

"Faolan.." He called out. "Would.. it be possible for you to take me with you..? When you leave?" He asked, his voice holding a sliver of hope.

"I-It's okay if you say no.. I just.. figured I'd try asking.." He didn't want to say anything more, because he didn't want to make him feel like he had to say yes. He knew Father Cyril didn't want him to go off on his own but.. he hoped that if Faolan agreed to take him with him on his journey then maybe he'd feel more inclined to allow it.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien shook his head ever so slightly at the magician's response. "Just Lucien is fine, no need for such titles." He said as they continued their walk. That was until the man spoke again. He glanced at Geralt as he spoke, gaze shifting toward the main entrance for a moment. He didn't have to look down at Illyana to know what kind of expression she held. He had known their fortune teller long enough. He was hesitant, and not all inclined in delaying their start further but he knew that it wasn't a bad idea.

Geralt seemed to be eager to please, so he didn't think he would do something that would impact them negatively. Before the night had even started, Lucien already knew the other shows would most likely be a little lacking in audience, considered this was their second run, and everyone knew that too. Allowing Geralt to do this would most likely bring more audience to his performance. That was fine, after all that's why they had sought the man in the first place.

They hadn't been able to advertise the fact he would be here, since Lucien hadn't been sure whether he'd even show up today, this was a good way to make the man's presence known.

"I'll allow it." He said. "We were unable to advertise that you were performing today, I suppose the best way would be for them to see Geralt the Great for themselves." He motioned over to the small crowd as he spoke. Considering Illyana would have to leave soon, he figured he'd also give her the chance to see him in action. It certainly seemed like she wanted to.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien's expression did not change at Geralt's apology. Honestly, he couldn't even tell whether his apology was sincere or not. "I certainly hope that is the case. Punctuality is important to us here. The last thing we want is to disappoint our audience by not starting a show on time." This was true, there had not been even one occasion in which a show had not started at its appointed time, and he planned to keep things that way.

Seeing his gaze shift to Illy, he followed it briefly, but didn't have to do any of the actual introductions as Illyana handled it herself. He could clearly see being around the man made her uncomfortable, so he stayed a subtle distance between them. He knew the last thing Illyana wanted right now was to touch him. He was glad Geralt had backed off before he had to step in to direct his attention away from Illy.

The ringleader's expression shifted to that of surprise at hearing Geralt had intention to perform. He was clearly not happy about letting this happen without knowing what he had in store, but denying him the right to perform would most likely only hurt them. After all he had wanted him to perform tonight. It would have more impact if he was here from the very beginning as opposed to showing up on the second day. Strategically speaking, if he didn't perform, then they really would only be relatively repeating their past visit. As much as he didn't like it, he did not believe Geralt would put on anything less than a good show. It just wouldn't be like him. That much he was sure of.

"I would highly appreciate if you were to discuss these kinds of things with me ahead of time from now on." He let out a heavy sigh. "You can wear whatever is the most suited to you for your performances. I do not own the right to top hats." His tone had eased a little, seeing no need to allow himself to stay in a soured mood. Lucien turned his head in the direction of the performance tents. Luckily he had already prepared the man's tent ahead of time, knowing it would be needed sooner or later. He liked to be prepared for anything.

"Despite the.. rocky start, I will decide to put my faith in you, Geralt. Follow me, I shall show you to your performance tent. Illy, you should get going too, it's nearing your time as well." He told her, giving her an excuse to leave so she didn't have to stick around Geralt any longer.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien quickly shook his head as Faolan spoke, not wanting him to misunderstand. The man's words had truly meant a lot to him, and really had made him happy. To not make things awkward, he was quick to drop the subject, and simply allowed the conversation to end, following Faolan to the docks. Unfortunately the man wasn't able to find work today, but they made the best of their outing by trying to take in as much of the colorful town as he could, until they finally made their way home.

--

Over the series of the next few days, he could clearly see how hard Faolan was working, having taken on two jobs. Part of him felt bad for how little rest he would get. Whenever he was able or happened to wake up on time, the nephilim would attempt to leave him some food to take with him in the mornings for breakfast, usually beignets or a croissant sandwich, since it was one of the few things he knew how to make and prepare. He hoped it would help give him a bit more energy for his work.

Today was one of the days Lucien had stayed home instead of going to the church. He knew Faolan had returned, but he had seemed really tired today, so he decided not to bother him. He had been reading a book to pass the time when Father Cyril walked into his small room.

"Lucien, I truly admire your dedication to your studies and reading. I figure maybe now is about time I start giving you these other books that will teach you more about the life of a priest. Father Thomas told me that you had already studied some of the subjects, and you've reached a good age for beginning the process. I've spoken to the head of the catholic school here, and he said he'd allow us to home school you, so the risk of exposure is lower." He handed Lucien the books as he spoke. It took a bit for the nephilim to register Father Cyril's words as he glanced down at the books he held. Religious texts, some he had already seen before but others appeared more advanced, philosophical ones. He replayed what the priest had said in his head. Homeschooling? Priesthood? Already? Honestly the idea of being able to go to school had been more appealing to the man, but hearing he'd be home schooled instead took that potential excitement away. What was the point if he still had to stay locked in like this? He set the books to the side, his expression filled with hesitation as he tried to find the right words.

"Father Cyril I... what if.. I.. decide not to become one..?" He asked quietly. These last few days had given him more time to think about it.. and honestly the idea had become less and less appealing each time. The priest seemed surprised with this response.

"Why Lucien.. why wouldn't you? Priests are one of the closest people to God.. You.. being what you are.. and the divinity you hold.. think of how many people you could help guide to the right path. The comfort you could give them.."

It was hard for Lucien to summon the bravery to speak up against this. For a moment it made him feel selfish again, for making this decision but.. he thought of Faolan's words.. and was reminded of the encouragement he was given to do what he wanted to do.

"I.. understand that but.. I feel like I could do so much more out there. Please don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful for Father Thomas taking me in as a child and keeping me safe but.. I think I am old enough to attempt to look out for myself. I.. can't even be hurt, and I've learned a lot about how the world works.. I'd like to think I'm not as naive as before.." He trailed off, afraid to meet Father Cyril's gaze.

"Lucien.. I don't blame you for feeling like this but.. think about the dangers. There are people out there that would exploit your abilities without a second thought. That was why Father Thomas sent you away in the first place, with how tense the situation was getting in France. He didn't want to endanger you, and truly believes staying here is the best way for no one to ever find out about you. Your father entrusted them with the task of keeping you safe, and since then they've only tried to do what was best for you."

Lucien's gaze remained lowered. He couldn't even deny his words, after all on the ship he had already exposed his ability to heal to Faolan, and had gotten himself into trouble on top of that. Who knew if he would be able to keep his identity hidden if he went out there on his own but.. he didn't want to give up on that hope.

"I-I know.. I.. know that my father wanted them to keep watch over me and I appreciate that.. but I never even got to meet him, or ask what his plans were for me. In the last twenty years he never even appeared before them or me again. I don't.. resent him for it but.. because I understand why, but do you really think he wanted me to stay cloistered for my entire life? Maybe.. it was only meant to be until I could take care of myself. Is.. that really so wrong? What.. is the point of having wings if you are not able to use them to fly?" He asked quietly.

Father Cyril shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. "You know very well what doing that would do. I'm sorry Lucien, I sympathize with you, I truly do.. but I can't let you go off on a journey by yourself with no one to look out for you or guarantee your safety. Specially not when the church in France entrusted me with your safety. I'm sorry, but I am needed back at the church, we can continue this conversation another time." The priest's voice was stern, and didn't leave room for disagreement. With that, he left the room.

Lucien was silent as he left, completely dejected. Was this really what his father had wanted for him? Did he even care to follow that? This.. wasn't the life he wanted for himself. He wanted to spread his wings and see the world.. why couldn't Father Cyril understand that? They were being unreasonably too overprotective of him, but the worry of the defiance and ungratefulness he might show if he decided to ignore their words and just leave haunted him. He simply did not know what to do anymore.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien followed Illyana's gaze to the car she had been referring to, and simply nodded. Just from the direction it was headed he had already known their member had arrived before he had gotten out of the car, but it didn't ease his frustration in any way. He had stepped away from the truck he was leaning against, and allowed his arms to fall to his side, standing slightly in front of Illyana. His eyebrow twitched in further irritation as the woman had left the car. Seeing the wedding band and hearing the woman's clear French accent only caused him to shake his head. Geralt really was a philanderer, and the fact he had most likely been late for that reason only irked the ringleader further. Lucien wasn't here to play games, and he wasn't planning to allow this man to do as he wanted.

"Seemingly so. Try not to let it become a habit, Geralt. We have a schedule to keep." He said, glancing down at his watch.

"Well, considering you didn't show up early enough for us to go over your performance. You can feel free to watch the others or I can have someone guide you to your trailer. We can go over things after the show, or tomorrow, whichever you'd prefer." He did well in hiding his irritation, but his tone was stern. Clearly he was displeased with the fact that he had been late, but he didn't want to waste too much time here either. He also had a job to do.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien was a little taken a back by Faolan's words, even more so the expression the man currently wore. It was.. a little eye opening for him. No one had ever told him to do what he wanted to do. The things that were best for him had always been suggested by other people. From the moment he was born, he had been given no decision on how to live his own life. Taken from his mother because some policemen thought it was what was best for the newborn child, raised within the walls of a church because it kept him safe. Sent away to America to avoid becoming endangered during the war.. Every single decision he had no say in, but for the first time, someone was telling him to do whatever it was would make him happy. Perhaps that's what he had been hoping for someone to tell him this entire time. To validate the feelings of longing he had for freedom.. to assure him that what he wanted wasn't wrong.. or selfish.

The nephilim felt tears whell up in his eyes, and without a second thought, he wrapped his arms around Faolan in a tight hug. "Thank you.." He said quietly. It was after a moment of this that he realized Faolan might not be comfortable with this action, and quickly let go. He had momentarily felt a bit overwhelmed by his feeling of acceptance.

"I'm sorry it's just.. no one's ever said that to me before.." He wiped away his tears as he spoke, a little embarrassed he had allowed himself to get so emotional. It was just.. hearing something like this for the first time.. it meant a lot to him.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien glanced up at Faolan briefly before he averted his gaze. He had spoken without thinking, and now he felt a little bad about it. Thinking back.. he recalled all those scars he had seen on the man back on the ship. Faolan clearly had his fair share of hardships. In his feelings of jealousy for his ability to be able to travel as he pleased, he had almost forgotten that.

"I'm sorry.. That was insensitive of me." He muttered, knowing he was probably right. His words had only discouraged him further. After all, Faolan clearly knew way more about the world than he did, and the dangers it held. Maybe if.. he dedicated some time to learning more about the way people lived and how things worked for them out there.. maybe that would help him make it out there, but he felt like that would take too much time. He had already spent twenty years of his life isolated from the world. Now that he had gotten a taste of the outside.. holding back on wanting to go out there and see it for himself was hard.

Lucien let out a sigh. "My lot huh.." He said quietly. "Continuing as I am would probably mean I'd end up becoming a priest or something of the sort.. I remember hearing the head priest back home talking about that." He didn't sound extremely excited about it. After all he didn't really follow their religion to the dot. He had his own view on things, and he didn't think the occupation suited him, but the head priest thought otherwise. After all with his ability and origin.. he would make the perfect priest in their eyes, and that way he would stay secluded from the world, and his abilities would never be discovered. The man shook his head, unsure of why he had even bothered to bring it up. Perhaps he simply wanted someone to complain to.. someone that wasn't part of the church already.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to continue to complain. I should be grateful they've taken me in here.. I probably sound like a spoiled brat.." Before he most likely would not have thought twice about it. He would have had faith in the priests and what they thought what was best for him, and went along with what they had wanted but.. it was just hard to do that now. He wished he didn't have to worry about these things.. that he had been born an ordinary human, that way he could have done with his life as he pleased. Things simply did not turn out that way. He'd just.. have to accept the way things were.