xivyxx

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien nodded slightly at Faolan's words, moving away from the boy to pull out the map Faolan had been chartering for their journey. He figured it was best for him to check which way was the best for them to go. Heading out of state lines was probably a good idea. Considering Circuses worked outside the law, he didn't think that it would be wise of them to go to the authorities for this, considering the abuse this child had been enduring. He didn't think they'd dare to try, but i they did, he wanted them to be completely out of the jurisdiction of that state.

"I'm going to give Faolan some directions okay? Make yourself at home."

The boy only nodded, and then Lucien walked to the front of the trailer, taking a seat on the passenger side.

"We should head into Nebraska, to the town of Chadron. There's a lot of forest around, it might be good for us." Lucien suggested, glancing over the map.

"A town visit would be good too, the boy needs new clothes.." He muttered. They needed to get him cleaned up too, or people might be asking a bit of questions when they saw him.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Ivory was amused by Illyana's response, but wasn't able to speak up in response as Aurel had joined them. He certainly did look cold, but it seemed like at least the blanket was doing a good job of keeping him warm.

"I'll be sure too.." Aurel said as he began to eat his food. There was probably less food on his plate than there probably had been on Illy's but.. this was usually how his meals ended up being during the winter. He remembered a time when he had gotten used to eating much more than this, but over time his appetite had slowly began to decrease, and he had also stopped exercising. Part of him knew he probably shouldn't have began to slack off in that way but.. it was hard to continue without Faolan here.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by Ivory rising from her chair. "Well.. I'm heading off to the Big Top, I think I'm running a little late." She said with a sigh. Honestly she wasn't even sure if Geralt was at there already or not, but she knew that Lucien and Cora at least were, so it didn't hurt to head over.

-

Lucien was satisfied with the assessment of the song, and honestly looked forward to playing it tonight. He took note of the small exchange of eye contact between Geralt and Cora, but said nothing. It was clear that the mermaid had grown at least a bit fond of him, he'd have to be sure to keep that in mind for the future. He was glad that he wasn't making the woman uncomfortable but.. he couldn't help but worry a little. He didn't think she'd be won over that quickly.

"I don't expect to have many notes, but I do look forward to seeing it." He said with a smile.

A little after that, he heard someone at the entrance. "It seems that your wait won't be too long." Lucien said, just as Ivory stepped into the tent.

"Good morning." The dhampir greeted them. "Were you two able to finish your practice?" She asked Lucien, knowing that they had probably been at it.

"We just finished, so your timing was impeccable. I was just telling Geralt that I wanted to see what you two had come up with, if you don't mind." He told her.

"No.. not at all." It was probably good that they got someone else to see it, considering it would be good to get an outside perspective on it.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien had quickly sprinted across the grounds behind Faolan, holding the boy close. It did not seem like the carnies were paying any attention to them at all, too preoccupied with trying to sent the tent upright again and get new ropes attached to it. He stopped when Faolan motioned him to, knowing that he had heard something. He felt the boy's grip on him tighten, and he gave him a reassuring smile, taking note that the snakes had finally caught up with them. They seemed.. well.. determined to follow.

The nephilim had heard the small scuffle, if one could even call it that, but approached the side of the trailer as he heard the knock. Passing by he could see the now unconscious man laid across the floor, with a severely bloody nose. Well.. he supposed one man down was better than seven.

"Are they coming too?" Lucien asked the boy.

"Please.." He responded.

"Let the snakes in too, Faolan." He told the man, before he walked into the trailer and set the boy down on the cot they had in the trailer. It was the one Faolan used to sleep on before they had began to sleep on the same bed. They had considered getting rid of it but, for appearances sake, decided to keep it. He supposed that was a good decision, considering they'd need it now.

The reptiles were quick to make their way inside. He moved toward the window, and opened the curtain, which had a good view of the circus entrance.

"It seems no one has noticed yet.. we are in the clear." Lucien spoke up before pulling the curtain closed.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

"Well, while I'd love to practice more, I think the song came out exactly how we wanted it to." Lucien said as he rose to his feet. He was glad that Cora had enjoyed herself, he knew that she loved practicing music like this, and honestly he quite enjoyed it to. Her presense made it a little easier for him to focus at the task at hand, instead of getting pulled in by his own feelings.. at least.. when he didn't completely lose himself in the effects of her voice. It had been a good mental practice, that was for sure.

"Now, I believe you said that you and Ivory were almost finished with your practice? I hope you don't mind if I stay to see what you two came up with?" He asked, figuring that Ivory might have woken up by now. He trusted whatever she had ended up agreeing with, but he still wanted to see it at least once before the actual show.

--

Ivory glanced over to Illyana as she pushed her plate away. "You know if Lucien were here, he'd want you to finish that." She commented, knowing that it was something the ringleader would fuss over. She wasn't going to force her to eat it, but she figured she'd mention it, just in case it convinced her otherwise. Unlike her, Illy was completely human. She didn't feel like she was nearly as nourished as she should be, so she understood why Lucien always tried to make sure she ate all of her food when he wasn't too busy doing something else.

"Research? Well I suppose that's good, you definitely look at lot more well rested today." Akane commented with a smile. She was glad for it, considering how exhausted the fortune teller had seemed these past few days.

It was around that time that Akane took notice of Aurel heading their way. The man was had a blanket wrapped securely around himself, and looked a bit bundled up. He was clearly cold, but was greeted by both Akane and Ivory as he reached the table.

"Good morning.." He responded, grabbing his plate of food and taking a seat next to Akane.

"Did you sleep well?"

"I did.. but this morning was a much colder than yesterday.. it seems like winter is almost here, the snakes are all curled up in my blankets." He said before he began to eat his food.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien followed Faolan through the grounds of the circus, they were much more careful getting out than when they had snuck in. He made sure to keep the boy close, eyes on Faolan as he stopped or kept going depending on the motions the Irishman gave them. It had gone fairly well, up until they reached the entrance, at least. There were carnies at the entrance, and they couldn't really get through them without being seen. He noticed that the other snakes in the cage were trailing and following behind them. It seemed they weren't willing to let the boy be, but he didn't really mind, since the boy didn't seem to either. It was clear there was some sort of friendship between him and the snakes.

They stopped near the entrance, and Lucien's eyes followed Faolan's gaze to the crowd of men. He frowned, as he wanted to avoid any sort of scene while they were here. He didn't want them to know who may have done this. He didn't want Faolan to have to fight anyone either.

"No.. we should be able to pull this off without violence, it's better if we aren't seen.." He muttered, taking on a pensive expression. Lucien glanced around the grounds, trying to find some sort of distraction he could make. He spotted a large tent within view of the entrance, and looked to the boy.

"Do you know if there's anyone in that tent usually?" He asked in German.

"I don't think so.. it's only for performances.."

"Alright.. Faolan, I'm going to break a couple of the ropes securing that tent. It'll most likely collapse, I think that should be enough to pull those men away from the entrance." He told them. Upon receiving Faolan's approval, he turned back toward that tent, and lifted his hand. A small barrier formed around one of the ropes, and caused it to snap in half. He did the same to the other one, and soon after the tent began to shake, and collapse inwards, no longer having the security of being tied down to the ground. The carnies had reacted immediately, as he had expected, and ran toward the tent, and away from the entrance, just as they needed.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien.. this man was certainly strange. He had a smile that somehow managed to reassure him even though he was scared.. it was the first time really.. that he had felt this way. He had even been able to gain his snake's approval. For whatever reason.. they reacted well to this man. They didn't seen to have the need to act aggressive toward him, like they had with Johan. Did that mean that.. maybe he could trust him? He watched the larger man come and tear off the lock. Honestly he couldn't help but feel intimidated by him.. he was really large..

"Thiss one iss.. weird.." The brown, dark striped snake spoke in regards to the large man.. Faolan.. as Lucien had called him. This one was the one that had been at his side from the very beginning.. the snake that taught him everything he knew.. before the circus. It was the only one that he had been able to keep before coming to America, before other snakes had found him. He stared at the man warily, but obeyed as Lucien told him to cover his ears. Honestly he was shocked at the amount of ease he had broken through the lock. Last he had tried it wouldn't even budge. Was this man.. really that strong? Lucien put his vest back on and fully opened the cage, and extended his hand toward him again. This time he took it with less hesitation. The possibility of getting out of here.. he wanted nothing more. Part of him was still afraid that Johan would find out and punish him but.. Faolan.. he was much bigger. If Lucien wasn't lying to him.. he felt like he could feel safe.

He shifted toward Lucien, and grabbed hold of his hand, he pulled lightly on it, and he tried to stand, only to have his legs falter and cause him to fall forward. It seemed.. he was right.. he was simply too weak. Lucien had been quick to catch him, and he couldn't help but wince.

"I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" Lucien asked worriedly. He shook his head, but only lightly, the motion of it still made his head throb.

"No.. it's okay.. My head just.. hurt's a little.."

"I'm.. going to try to make it better okay?" He felt a soft touch at his head, it felt.. gentle, and warm, unlike what he was used to. Suddenly he felt that warmth increase. His headache slowly began to fade, until it was completely gone, as was his earlier light-headed feeling. It had caught him off-guard.

"How.. how did you do that?" He asked, clearly amazed.

"It's.. my special little skill. Can.. you walk? Or would you like me to carry you?"

At this, Snake looked down, almost ashamed. "I don't.. think so.. I'm sorry.." He said quietly.

"There's no need to apologize, I'm going to pick you up okay? We're getting you out of here." He felt himself be gently lifted off his feet soon after. He grimaced slightly as his hand brushed his back, but he tried not to react too much to it. He felt the striped snake curl around his foot before he was lifted, having no intention of leaving him, which he was glad for. Lucien looked at the snake curiously, but didn't say anything.

"He's.. my friend.. He.. can come right?" He asked him quietly, hoping it was okay he was sticking with them. It was odd that the man did not seem particularly concerned by it. Usually people were more.. concerned about having the snakes this close to them.

"But of course." He responded to him with a smile. Now having the boy in his arms, Lucien turned to Faolan. "Lead the way." He told him.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien's smile widened slightly as he gave the mermaid a small bow. "You flatter me, Cora, your voice would be just as amazing with or without my accompaniment. I am honored to have you play at my side." He said, before taking a glance over at Geralt. He had just managed to catch the end of him recomposing himself. It seemed even the mysterious magician was not immune to the effects of Cora's voice. That was interesting.

"Thank you for your kind words, Geralt. I hope you don't mind if we try it one more time. It's perfect the way it is, but it doesn't hurt to try again." He said. The man sat back down at this, and he turned his attention back to Cora.

"Once more, from the top?" He asked, and began the song again once Cora had given him the go. This time he was more composed. He allowed himself to immerse himself into the music, but he tried to keep the thoughts behind them under control. Lucien was very good at resisting the effects of mind altering abilities like Cora's, but considering the feeling behind Cora's singing was anything but negative, it didn't hurt to allow a bit of it to get through, for the sake of providing them with a much better synergy for the song. When they were finished with it, Lucien smiled in satisfaction. It was certainly ready.

---

Blue eyes fluttered open, staring up into an unfamiliar ceiling. Ivory sat right up, and took a glance around the now empty trailer. She could see the sun shining brightly behind the curtains of the partially opened window. What time was it? How long had she overslept? There was a small soreness in her neck from the position she slept in, but she knew it would soon fade. The dhampir stretched and set aside the book she had fallen asleep reading before rising to her feet, taking note of the blanket that had been placed upon her shoulders. She smiled slightly and removed it, before folding it and placing it on Illy's bed.

To think Illyana managed to leave without her noticing, she must have really been completely out to not have been awakened by her movements. She walked past the table and saw the note Illyana had left her, expressing her gratitude for her assistance. Her smile widened a little upon seeing the little smiley face she had drawn, and her eyes ventured to the cookies she had left on the table for her.

"Don't mind if I do~" She said, before she began to eat them. She could always count on Illyana to have snacks like these lying around. Mood brightened by sweets, Ivory grabbed the black scarf Illy had left hanging on the chair, before wrapping it loosely around her head, a small attempt to block out the sun, but it would suffice for now. Not like she expected to spend a lot of time outside anyway. With that, she quickly headed out, and made her way across the grounds to the breakfast area, finding only Akane and Illy there.

"Good morning." She greeted them. It seemed a fair amount of food had already been eaten, meaning that the others had probably already taken their leave. Great for her, considering it meant Geralt wasn't here. A fine morning it was.

"Good morning, Ivory! Where did you come from?" Akane questioned curiously as the dhampir made her way to the food, deciding she might as well have some food. It was the day of the big show anyway.

"Hmm? Spent the night at Illy's." She responded, causing Akane to smile.

"Ooh, you guys have sleepovers too? You should join me and Cora sometime! I'm sure it'll be fun." The kitsune said brightly.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien tightened his hold on Faolan's hand as he accepted, gratitude and love reflected in his golden eyes.

"Thank you.." He said quietly, pulling on his hand and lightly kissed the back of it, before reluctantly releasing it, and turning to head back to the boy. He knelt back down in front of the cage.

"My friend and I were talking.. and I wanted to ask you.. would you.. want to leave this place?" He asked, causing the boy's brow to furrow, clearly hesitating before he answered.

"I-I don't.. know.."

He knew that this was a big question he was asking, so he decided to rephrase. "Let me ask in a different way.. if given the chance, would you like to leave here and see the world? Away from this circus.. and this cage"

"The world... it.. seems scary.." He said quietly, before sending another nervous glance at the entrance. "Who.. is that big man..?"

Lucien followed his gaze to Faolan. "That's Faolan. He's my closest and most trusted friend. Once.. I was lost.. and alone.. and he saved me from big, bad men. He may seem big and scary, but he's actually very kind. He's been with me for plenty of years now, and he's kept me safe. If.. you want to come with us, I'm sure he'll help me protect you too."

"Protect.. me..?" He seemed almost unsure, but slightly less afraid of him now.

He smiled. "Yes, he would never let anyone hurt us, and I wouldn't let anyone hurt you either. The world can be really scary, but if you have people by your side that you can trust, it doesn't seem all that scary anymore. I want to offer you a chance to get out of here, and come with us. I promise you have nothing to fear, and no one from here will be able to get to you, I swear it."

The boy's apprehension was clear, he had glanced down at his snakes, one of which had turned to face him. It was almost like.. he was communicating with him. It was certainly strange to see, but he didn't question it. Whatever had just happened seemed to make the boy relax a little more.

"Johan.. he won't find me?"

Lucien shook his head. "No, I promise he won't. You won't have to.. learn anything from him anymore." He reached into the cage slightly, and extended his hand to the boy. Some of the snakes moved back slightly, but then tilted their heads in his direction. He was glad none of them had decided to bite him, mostly because he wouldn't have wanted them to get hurt giving an attempt. There was a moment before the boy finally moved, and reached to grab hold of his hand. The boy's hand felt.. so small in his own, so frail. He could see more patches of those scales he had seen on his skin.

"Do you have a name? Mine is Lucien."

The boy shook his head. "They just.. call me Snake.." He responded. It was certainly not a name, but they could come up with something else later.

"Alright then.. Snake, my friend over here is going to break this lock okay? So we can get you out." He said. The boy nodded, and Lucien then released his hand, before calling out to Faolan.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien continued to play, the soft, soothing music of their song continuing to resound throughout the tent. His gentle smile remained as he played, matching Cora's pitch perfectly, and increasing his tempo when they reached the next stanza. He closed his eyes, fingers dexterously moving through the keys without mistake as he was allowed to immerse himself into the song and the meaning behind it. Hope.. hope that people could begin to feel again in these troubled times.. that even if things seemed to not be looking the best... that as long as they had each other they'd be alright, as long as they clung to that hope, and did not give up. That was something he more than anyone could relate to.. even if he was trying to throw those thoughts in to back of his mind.

It was then that Lucien's eyes opened, smile shifting ever so slightly as his eyes tried to retain their focus as he let Cora's voice continue to guide him. This was not for him, this was for the people who would come to listen, he had to make sure not to let himself get swept away by his own music. This was something he had practiced to not do over the years, but when playing with Cora it was hard not to feel so relaxed that he could stop himself from immersing himself a little too much. It was hard to keep a balance between not letting her voice affect him while playing his music, he didn't want the message of the song to be lost.. so it was just something he had to allow to happen. When the song came to an end, his smile fully returned to his face as he turned to Cora.

"That was delightful, Cora, better than I originally imagined." He told her.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan's anger reflected his own, that much was clear. It was hard to keep their cool in a situation like this. This circus was despicable, to allow such feats upon a child. It made him wonder if there was more going on behind the scenes, but he hadn't seen any of the other acts and performers look like this.

At his question, Lucien averted his gaze. Honestly that was a hard question to answer. From what he had seen, he had no doubt in his mind that there was no way this child was purely human. There had to be some supernatural aspect to him, to have such features, but he couldn't really know more about that without asking him, and now was not really the time. He didn't feel like he would be fully safe in an orphanage with that appearance, but he couldn't bear to leave him here either. He would never be able to live with himself if he let himself walk away from this situation.

"We.. can take care of him, at least until he had been restored to full health. Faolan.. I don't think he's completely human. His eyes are snake-like, and I noticed scales on his body. Those snakes in there seem to mean him no harm at all, in fact with the way they act.. it's almost like they want to protect him. It's not safe to leave him here, and it's not safe to leave him in the hands of a human orphanage either. I know that.. our life on the road can be difficult, but it's certainly better than what he is experiencing here." He reached for Faolan's hand, which he knew was tense with anger, and squeezed it gently.

"I can't leave him here Faolan.. We can ask him what he wants to do, he has the freedom to choose and live his life as he pleases.. that's what you told me once isn't it?" He asked quietly, pleading eyes looking up at the love of his life. He knew that if they did this the road ahead would not be easy with a child to take care of, but he was willing to take that chance, for this boy's sake.