Millet's posts

Vanora tapped her lip in contemplation, "I wonder if this is the right place?"

Beside her, Vivienne took a look at the piece of paper they had acquired from city hall, and read it aloud: "Cirque ad Infinitum is looking for willing and able bodies to help with setting up our attractions. If you wish to lend your time and energy, seek the colored tents to the back of the fairgrounds." She glanced up and tilted her head, "I think so, Van! This tent is a pretty shade of blue, isn't it?"

"True, there's not much cause for concern. If anything, we can ask whoever's inside for details," Vanora nodded to herself and held the flap open for Vivi and you.

Vivi gasped at what she saw once inside. Tied around one of the support beams overhead was a ribbon, and attached to the ribbon near its bottom was a colored ring. And inside the ring was a small female form sitting impossibly on the thin ring, back against it with one foot braced on the opposite side. One leg dangled freely while both hands gripped the ring behind her head.

The young woman glanced at Vivi and smiled, releasing the ring to cross her arms. "You must be the hel-helpers," she let herself fall backwards and the ring swayed, but she had both feet hooked to maintain an upside down pose. "Hello! My name's Ran. It's ve-very nice to meet you all."

"Incredible," Vanora whistled and Vivi clapped enthusiastically. "A pleasure, Ran. My name is Vanora, this is Vivienne, and we brought some friends to serve as... carnival hands, was it?"

Ran smiled with her eyes, "Right you are! Though... my re-request is a bit different."

Vivi piped in at that point, "Oh? But we'll be happy to do whatever we can!"

"Tru-truly?" The girls offered affirmation in unison and the acrobat gave a sigh of relief, "Well then! Let's sh-share the deets for you good people."

"A few days ago, I held a little per-performance in the city to adver-advertise for our show, you see," Ran began. "So many fa-families came to see me, and it was... well, sur-surprising! I never thought soo many people could enjoy what I do, but all the kids seemed to be having a blast! I was be-beyond happy..." She twiddled her fingers with a shy smile, but it quickly fell - or in her unorthodox position, lifted - to a frown.

"Unfor-unfortunately, one of the kids wasn't doing so well. Emily was her name. Oh, but she was def-definitely excited! It's just, uhm... her body was so frail and she'd break into cou-coughing fits that really broke my heart." She shook her head and the momentum caused the lyra to sway, "Wha-whatever happens, I have to show her Cirque ad Infinitum! If-if she's distracted here, forced out of her cir-circumstances, then maybe... maybe she'll get just a bit better! So please - I know it's sel-selfish, but you have to find her. Convince her parents to, to bring her here, and I'll put on the best performance I can!"

Vivi held up a clenched hand, "Don't you worry, Ran! We'll find her and make doubly sure she can come!"

Vanora smiled, "Yes, I'm sure we'll be able to locate her in time especially with their help," she motioned to you all. "You can count on us!"

"That's what I wanted to hear!" Ran grinned and for the first time since the conversation began, didn't seem to stammer. "Now you might be wor-worried thinking... welp, she's se-sending us off on our own without any leads or anything, but I act-actually snagged her phone number!" Still in her upside down position, she slid a mobile device out of her costume which made the two girls look at each other in brief astonishment. How did anything fit there?

"It should be right here under my co-co-contacts?!" Her voice rose and she fell from the lyra suddenly, but landed on her feet without tearing her eyes away from the screen. "It looks like so-someone messed with my phone and now ever-everything's scrambled!" She glanced up with a sigh, "Well, I say so-someone but I know it was Connie - er well, Constance that is. Little sh- I mean..." Trailing off, she chuckled. "Da-darling girl really. SO! About that help?"

[center]

Due to Constance erasing Ran's contacts. Ran had to go through her call history
and try each phone number to see who was who. Trying to find the number of
a little girl who is a big fan or ran and can't afford tickets to the show.
_________________________________________
“Ah… Hey Berry. I’m sorry, we m-must have dialed the wrong n-number!”

“Well I am wishing you many lucks in dialing the right one!”
The strongman cheered, “Also be sure to eat well, it’s past lunch havings and you’re already so small! You’ll disappear!”
__________________________________________
The phone rang once more, and Ran’s eyes lit up as a voice came purring from the other end, “Hello darling.”

Shaking her head, Ran smiles faintly from the familiar voice,
“Heya Arika… S-Sorry… C-Connie touched my phone and my contacts are all a mess… I d-dialed the wrong number…”

"Oh, no worriess my sweet! Whether accidental or intentional, I'm alwayss available for you," t
he sultry voice pronounced each word as a snake would hiss. "
You ssay Connie damaged your phone in ssome way? Hm, that one could use a sspanking of sseverity."

The acrobat sweatdropped, "Uh-heheh, well! Just be su-sure she can still walk, okay? None of us are good at being a clown!"
_____________________________________________
Ran seemed to get a little antsy as the phone rang, before releasing a sigh of relief as she heard the click.
However, that relief was short lived as a jeering voice sang out, “I see you found my little prank, wouldn't you say it's pretty dank?”

“Connie! You abs-absolute loser! It’s NOT funny! I need to make an im-important call!” Ran huffed.

“Awww, it seems I ruined your good time, it's what you get for souring mine!
I had dibs on that last slice of cake, and yet, surprise! What did you take?
Princess doesn't always get her way, so hope you have fun while you play!”
________________________________________________
The ringing cut as the other side picked up. There was no greeting this time, as a calm voice spoke instead,
"This isn't Emily, Ran. You chose the wrong number."

"O-Oh! Io!" Ran stammered with a faint blush, and for once it seemed out of fluster as she fiddled with her hair,
"I'm sorry if I bo-bo-bothered you..."

"It's alright. You will find her. Let your friends know they are on the right track...
But the next number they select will also be wrong. I'm sorry.
Also, please tell Vivienne Harper that it's alright. She doesn't need to pay for that."

"Hm? Pay for w-what?" Ran asked, before hearing a loud smash followed by a sheepish 'sorry!' behind her.
____________________________________________________
Hearing the phone ring, Ran nervously tapped her foot on the ground, smiling when it finally picked up.
However, the smile soon fell into an unamused grimace from the sound of the confident voice on the other end, “Hello?”

“Oh. Lin! Hey there.” The girls shared a look as Ran's tone couldn't be more off.

"Ran! It's not everyday I get a call from you," he chuckled a bit in surprise, but didn't seem upset in the slightest.
He cheerfully asked: “Is there anything I can do for yo-”

“Yea-uh, no. Wrong number, bye,” Ran cut him off bluntly and hung up without her stammer or a second thought.
Letting out a huff, she looked to the girls with a shrug. “We might be here for a wuh-while and I need to cool down…
Want to take a br-break for some food? My treat.”
___________________________________________________

“Hello! Speedy Clean Dry Cleaners! What can I do for you today?”

“Oh…” Ran laughed, scratching her fingers against her cheek, “I’m sorry. I dialed the wrong nu-number.
But while I’m here, can I ask about a ga-garment I left with you? Customer number 2348-”
Vanora tilted her head, tapping her finger against her wrist as she watched Ran, earning a gasp from the acrobat,
“Oh! Right! S-Sorry, another time! Thank you!”
_________________________________________________
This time, the phone barely had a chance to ring before a feminine voice
answered with a professional spiel, "Hello, you've reached Sunflower Orphanage.
This is Amy speaking. How can I help you today?"

"Oh, Amy! It's be-been so long," Ran lit up with a big smile.

"Well, well! If it ain't my little princess," the woman's tone slipped out of its formal
attire and into a more casual fit. One could almost hear the relief. "How is everyone?
I hear Cirque ad Infinitum is turning heads throughout the realms, and make no mistake you all deserve it!"

"Heheh... I don't know if I'd go th-that far! We just got to Vol-Voltra not long ago
and going to be putting on a big sh-show in a few days!" The acrobat gave a frown,
"I wish you could co-come out and see us. How's the orphanage been?"

"Eh, you know. Same old, same old. People looking to cheap the system.
Scumbags wanting kids for money and all. Ain't been the same without the troupe,"
Amy laughed. "Wish I could, princess. I'd be there in two flaps of a duck's wing if
I could trust anyone else to look after these bra- I mean, these loveable munchkins..."

Before Ran could reply, the woman let out a loud and intimidating shout.

"How many times have I told you before? If you're going to prank visitors, at least
do it right so you don't get caught!" Amy coughed and said to Ran, "Sorry 'bout that, princess.
Looks like I have to go, but keep me in mind, would you?"

"Of course, Amy! T-take care."
_____________________________________________________
The ringing was short lived as it was immediately cut off by an automated voice,
“I’m sorry. The number you are trying to reach is out of service or terminated. Please try again if--”

Ran hung her head in silence as she ended the call, looking down at her phone as a frown found her lips.
“That must have been papa…” After a moment she looked up at the girls, smiling. “Let’s try the next one, okay?”
_______________________________________________________
As the phone picks up once more, Ran was immediately met with a man’s enthusiastic voice,
“Dashing Dan, the Snake Man! What kind of live feed you lookin’ for?”

“Oh ew… This mu-must have been from when I lent Arika my phone. Sorry I-”

“We got frogs, we got mice, we got just about any critter that’ll squirm an-”

“N-NO THANK YOU. Bu-Bye!” Ran responded hurriedly, hanging up the phone.
________________________________________________________
There was a bated breath as the phone rang once, twice, and a third time.
Hope started to drop amongst the girls until someone finally picked up. "Hello,"
came a soft female voice. Seemingly worn but gentle. "This is Samantha. May I ask who's calling?"

Ran broke out into a big grin as she seemed to recognize the woman.
"It's me, ma'am! Ran, the ac-acrobat from Cirque ad Infinitum."

"Oh! It's so good to hear from you. After my daughter saw you perform, you and that circus is all she's been talking about,"
she laughed. "What can I do for you, sweetie?"

"Wow, that's... am-amazing to know," Ran glanced to Van and Vivi who spurred her on.
"Ahem! I was calling to ask if it would be alright for Emily to... att-attend the show tonight? I prepared ti-tickets for all of you..."

"Oh my... really? Thank you..." The mother choked back a sob, "I hope you didn't go too out of your way."

"No no, it was no tro-trouble at all. Some... uhm, friends of mine will come by to pi-pick you all up, if that's okay?"

Success!
_________________________________________________

As Vanora and Vivienne made their way up the drive of Emily's home, someone else was leaving.

"Ah, excuse me sir?" Vivi waved to him with a smile.

The older man stopped and seemed to take a second longer than necessary to answer, "Hello there, miss! What is it that you require?"

"Oh, uhm! Is this where... Emily lives?" Vanora walked up at that point but didn't interrupt. Merely tilted her head at the man's unorthodox glasses.

"Ah, yes, yes indeed! Are you friends of hers?"

"Sort of," Vanora answered. "We have some tickets for her to see Cirque ad Infinitum, the circus that just got into town."

"Ooh, I see, I see!" The well-dressed man held his hat with a nod, "Splendid, splendid. A good show will surely lift the girl's spirits, hm? I'm a traveling hypnotherapist, you see, and while my methods seemed to have helped, I do believe a high dosage of fun is in order." He shook his head, "Ah, but you didn't come to hear ole Smolkie ramble on! Don't keep the poor girl waiting, hm?" Smolkie took a bow and turned to leave.

"Oh, it was a pleasure meeting you Smolkie! I'm Vivienne Harper and this is Vanora Aria. If you're new to Voltra and need any help, don't hesitate to ask for us!"

He glanced over his shoulder, "Thank you, miss! I'll be sure to keep that in mind. You two be safe now, hm?"

The hypnotist left them to their own devices and took out his pocket watch. "Vivienne Harper, is it? I wonder..."

Ran heaved a sigh as she fell back into the Strongman's arms. Her performances were usually tied to his strength, and they had developed a close relationship over the years because of how much trust was necessary for him to assist her time and again.

Berinhard knew something was wrong when she missed all her poses, and didn't even notice he hadn't thrown her again. "What has the good lass so worried? Tell ole Berinhard what's the matter and he will try his best to be cheering you up!"

"Oh... I'm s-sorry, Berin," she blushed. "Was it that ob-obvious?"

"Aye, you are not like the butterfly soaring through the sky. You are more like bundle of logs, or thick caterpillar crawling along ground, or loathsome cocoon yet to do the hatching-"

She punched him in the bicep, "I get it, I get it! I su-suck right now... but they hav-haven't come back. Maybe they couldn't find her?"

"Mmm, and here I was thinking the lass was focused on other affairs of the heart," he offered a sly grin.

"I both love and ha-hate you, Berin," she turned her head with a 'hmph' and smiled mischievously. "Remind me to tell Arika you hurt my fee-feelwings. She'll kick your butt for sure." A pout danced across her features.

The Strongman's face went pale, "You... you would not be doing the telling, would you? Berinhard would be in the big trouble!"

"Of cour-course not, silly," she laughed. "It was a joke, Berin. Ju-just a prank."

Moments later, Lin announced the Sky Princess, and all eyes were on Ran as she dove off the highest platform of the big top. There was a collective gasp before she was caught by the Strongman and launched towards the audience. She struck a pose as she flew through the air and over their heads, a hand outstretched.

Through the shadows, a ribbon emerged for her to grab, and she clung to it. Her body's momentum caused it to swing and instead of allowing it to settle, she twisted her body around it to continue the airborne waltz. Swaying in a wide arc over spectators beneath, the Sky Princess had a strange moment of familiarity.

Her eyes lit up and she smiled big. 'It's her,' she cried inwardly. A little girl was up and cheering, not strapped to the medical device she called home. Her name was Emily, of course, and her emerald gaze was oh-so-vibrant. Her body may have been weak, her legs trembling so, but she stood tall with loving parents by her side.

'Th-thank you so much,' thought Ran as she caught Vanora and Vivi there too. Van gave her a thumbs up and Vivi waved frantically. A lyra descended in the center of the big top, then, and Ran, spirit renewed, leapt from her ribbon to beautifully contort along its length.

The Sky Dancer Ran is a very cute young lady who suffers from a stammering speech impediment.
She has a soft spot for young children, and now that the troupe made it to Voltra, there was a specific
little girl she wanted to invite to the show- who had been a fan of hers on social media. However....
Constance being the brat she is was petty and erased all of Ran's saved contacts after Ran ate the last
slice of cake accidentally intended for Constance.

Distressed, Ran asked for help from Vivi and Vanora to try calling all the numbers in her call history.
Some numbers revealed personal bits about Ran. Such as, that her biological father is no longer around
yet Ran for whatever reason still calls him despite a dead phone line. It is confirmed that she and the troupe
were raised at the Sunflower Orphanage together as kids and had a relatively good relationship with staff.

Ran and Constance's relationship is of close sisters that frequently prank each other.
Arika and Berinhard are both very protective of Ran and always come to her help and defense if she's been
wronged.
She blushes even hearing Io's voice, and is teased by both Berin and Constance for her obvious love pains.

After finally finding the young girls phone number, Vivi and Vanora drive out to retrieve the young girl from home
with free tickets from Ran. They bump into a man who was exiting the girls home named Smolkie.
He confirms it is Emily's home and that he is her hired Hypnotherapist. He agrees his client could use
a good dose of fun to lift her spirits despite her weakened body. As he walked away, he took out his pocket watch
and said "Vivienne Harper?...I wonder..."

Once Ran learns that Emily made it to her show in time, she is able to focus and perform her best with the help
of Berinhard catching and tossing her air through varying aerial arts apparatus's.

"Alright, Constance. We won fair and square. No more riddles.
You can give us the big boy work now. ”

Vyc slightly raising his octave to appear friendly.
Constance gives a hesitant giggle while looking down at her feet, as she circles her shoe in the dirt making meaningless shapes.
______________________________________________________
"Oh, worry not my decorative dermis.
The riddles shall stop in all fairness.
You have been and will be helpful in other ways.
You just don’t know it yet. Sorry- life’s a craze.”

Something about her tone didn’t seem to fit the playful narrative to Vyc. For a moment a pinching guilt nabbed at his chest
as it sinks in a bit deeper than before that she’s likely just a typical kid, like any other; that has a lot of pressure on her and
wanted some form of emotional release. At the end of the day, it must be hard being a full time worker at her age, clown or no clown.
Extending his hand out, Vyc pats her head and tells her she did a real good job. Detailing how she made the volunteers laugh and
have a good time. At first Constance seems startled . Her eyes meet his confused for a moment. Drips of Vyc’s empathy for her
can be felt from his touch and she pulls away in recoil. Quickly, she recovers back in character. Excessively dusting off her pants
that didn’t need to be dusted and reinstating her trained demeanor.

" Alright, alright, that was just a sneak peek! If we hang out any longer, my show will reek.
Off be with you all, to the seats in the tent. Thanks for letting my riddles have a good vent. Good bye, and farewell!
But hush hush, others do not tell!”

Vyc lingered, letting most of the volunteers get a head start. His guilt still left him with a compulsion to give praise to Constance
that he figured she doesn’t hear enough. "I hope you regularly remind yourself of how good you are doing.
Working to help make others happy. Quite noble, if ya ask me. Take care of yourself, kiddo.” Vyc says smiling while
walking away, waving good bye with his back turned.
Constance contemplated his words for a moment and how they made her feel. Then- rapidly shaking her head to dismiss the thought.

"How good I’m doing? No I don’t.
I can’t and I won’t.”
"Was th-that really all you wa-wanted them to do, Connie?”
Constance looks up to see Ran, the Sky Princess of the circus:
her fellow friend and barely older sister from the orphanage.
Ran, presently donning a robe over her outfit- likely to prevent unfinished makeup from flaking off onto it,
prompts Constance to follow her back to the makeup room within the tent.
______________________________________________________________________
"Truth is, I have a lot of tasks that are egregious and overwhelmingly high.
But I’m far too controlling with those, my volunteers would prematurely die.”
Constance states blandly while leaning on the desk and mirror set Ran is doing the final touches of her makeup at as she pulls out
her own calculator and pen to finish tallying some loose ends.
"You only rh-rhyme around me when you are stressed …Is there something I can help you with? I have a good piece
of free time ri-right now.” Placing her fake eyelashes and fanning them so that the glue may dry quicker, Ran turns back
to face Constance, unashamed of how silly she probably looks fanning her eyes aggressively. Constance stifles her chuckle.
"My bad. Just been harder for me to break character lately, ya know?
I’m still envious of how you approach every job…always so cool and…disturbingly chipper”
Constance starts biting at her fingernails out of nervous habit. Clearly distracted by anxiety inducing thoughts.
Ran decides to close the case of makeup in front of her, so to give Constance more honest attention. She scrunches her lips for
a moment and twiddles her fingers as she tries to sort how to approach something of a lighter subject.
"Constance!! How about when this show is over I teach you how to do ma-ma-makeup?”
Ran suggests with extra pep in her tone and eyes full of hope that this would change the mood for the better.
A fire now returning to Constance’s tone from the previous funk she was in, she lashes her head away from the
calculator towards Ran defensively.

"Are you seriously suggesting that I do not 'know how' to do my own clown make up? ??
Ran’s facial expression shifts from alarmed, to confused to a laughing acceptance of the miscommunication.
" No, you silly girl. I don’t mean c-clown makeup. I mean fe-feminine makeup! Getting DOLLED up.”
The tenseness that could initially be seen on Constance’s face quickly fades to nonchalant. Which is still a win for Ran’s efforts
considering Connie is no longer gnawing at her nails anymore. "Oh…But I always have to wear clown make up.
So what would be the point? My face needs to breathe on non performance days if I don’t wanna look like a pepperoni pizza.”
Ran popped up over Constance’s shoulder startling her. Her silent movements, famously spooking her over the years.
The look of excitement and anticipation filled in Ran’s eyes gave Constance nothing but heebie-jeebies as she knew
Ran was already plotting and planning a non-consensual glitzy glammy bonding session.
The point is, imagi-gining a life, outside of the circus. Don’t you w-want to fall in love someday??”
Retreating back to her chair, Ran twirls around in it while looking to the ceiling so to more easily envision her thoughts while talking.

"Life outside, huh? Didn't know you were such an idealist, Ran...”
Constance was being sarcastic, but Ran didn’t catch it.
"You don’t have to be an i-idealist to have goals! Makeup also has other uses too! Like if you aren’t fe-feeling
well on a specific day, it can help hide your tiredness, ya k-know? People perceive you differently and with m-more respect.
It can be liberating.” After trailing off, Ran realizes Constance is no longer beside her and is now in a distant corner;
counting and organizing money from the last minute ticket sales. Frustrated, Ran whines out.
"C-CONNIEEEEE!”
Constance turns to re-acknowledge Ran, blankly. Still not ceasing muttering numbers under her breath as she continues to count.

"Did you hear a-anything I said!”
"Ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one flippin hundred! Times nine full piles, equals $900
in last minute ticket sales. And yes, dear sister, I was listening. Makeup may mask problems, and make you feel empowered.
Money however, can FIX problems. Money can buy and become power. Spending money on makeup therefore feels
irrational to me.” Placing the stacked and separated piles of income into a safe, Constance locks it and sits ontop of it,
resting her face in the palm of her hand while giving her attention back to Ran.

"Ba-bad Doggo! Much chastising. Such cli-cliché.” Ran teases with her eyes widening as wide can be.
In response, Constance hops up and begins clucking like a bird in a competitively more exaggerative fashion.
"Sorry (cluck) TRASH DOVE (cluck), can’t hear youuuuuuu. (cluck, cluck)”
Ran laughs and dabs her eyes carefully with cloth, so not to smudge any of the fine detail work she achieved on her look.
"W-well this conver-versation turned into a trainwreck qu-quick.”

"Not as much of a trainwreck as it is your efforts into doing your makeup on non-work days;
despite the fact the object of your affection is uh, BLIND!”
Ran’s face scrunches up in a flare of annoyance and she raises the mascara in her hand threatening to throw it at Constance,
who in response giggles and slips behind the curtain as Lin announces her on stage. A cleverly timed comment.
"Looooove youuuuuuu.” being the last thing she states before completely dashing off.
"What a b-brat.” Ran says to herself in a mild hissy. Despite her heart low key stinging at
Constance’s comment, she takes a deep breath that lets her forgive her on exhale. Sealing up the cap of her eye liner,
Ran stares herself in the mirror sadly before flicking the lights off. Constance has enough ethical integrity to not tease
Ran for her stammer, but struggles to understand what jokes may or may not hurt others.
The troupe as a whole often forgives her, knowing she means no harm and just in her own way, struggles to socialize.

Our beloved NPC Vyc, took a group of Volties to help volunteer at Cirque ad Infinitum.
Assigned to Constance the clown, they quickly realized the young girl was a typical kid
and didn't actually need their help- just wanted someone to dominate, test and pick on.
Volunteers were charged with answering a series of riddles.
She was rude, loud, judgmental but awfully well spoken for her age and overall fun.She prefers to speak in rhymes.

Vyc ended up feeling bad as he realized clown or not, she's just a kid working full time.
She recoiled from his friendly touch and he noted something seemed off about her reaction.

Her older sister Ran, came to check in on her also noting Constance's mood was off.
They had a sisterly chat where Ran tried playing the fun big sister roll but was shot down
and made fun of by Connie per the usual. Connie struggles to know when her "jokes" go too far but
ran loves and forgives her anyway.

Constance went onto perform riding her fire truck out with passion, and in her own fashion pranked the entire audience into thinking
They were going to get soaked- and instead were covered in confetti. She doesn't like to be called cute and is apprehensive and skeptical
of any physical gestures, right down to a handshake and prefers her personal space. That is of course, unless she is the one invading yours.
She handles the money concerning Cirque ad Infinitum and manages the rosters.

"Honored guests and esteemed comrades! Friends of all ages!"

Three spotlights switched on to illuminate a solitary figure standing tall in the center of the big top. All eyes were drawn to Lin and the confident grin on his made-up face.

"I bid you welcome to this new and fantastic realm," he stepped off a raised platform and seemed to fall through the floor as the lights switched off. They came back on with a thunderous sound to reveal Lin stepping between two supporting beams with seemingly nothing supporting his feet. His arms were crossed behind his back, fingers interlocked. Gasps rang out, but were drowned by his smooth, uninterrupted voice.

"You now find yourself lost in a maelstrom of curiosity and wonder... much like me," he hung his head when he reached the other side and seemed to sigh. "For years have I walked this road," he motioned towards the air he had just traversed. "But never once have I seen it! Much like YOU, I am sure? For we all must... stumble and fall," he stepped back shakily and let out a cry as he fell, but the sound cut off abruptly.

"-But we catch ourselves, of course," he continued, lights swirling into focus on his form as he descended slowly from mid-air, levitating it would appear. "Life demands it, time and again. We here at Cirque ad Infinitum repeat this struggle for days, for years... for however long it takes, and you - WELL, you are surely on this journey with us, no?"

His feet had touched the ground and he was already pacing, using the grand stage upon which the audience was seated around. He made eye contact with individuals as he spoke, and outstretched a hand at the end.

"I invite you, then, to take a vacation from whatever simple cage life has crafted for you and, for just a moment..." His voice trailed off as the lights suddenly gave out, and for a split second there was total shadow. When they boomed on, an entire cast of characters were arranged on the stage with Lin nowhere to be seen.

"For just a moment," he began again, and the audience drew their gaze upwards to where he had fallen from before. He was back there, light shining down on him. "Enjoy a feast of the unknown with my friends and I - the colorful types before you that will now introduce themselves in turn."

"That brings us full circle to yours truly! My name is Lin and I am the Ringmaster of this beloved troupe. I shall be your guiding voice for the next two weeks as that is the duration we plan to entertain! A pleasure, Voltra," he gave a deep bow with a hand over his heart, and the lights switched off to shine on him and one other.

"To my left, the Oracle Io, who can tell your fate with powers mystic and all-knowing," he smiled. Fanning out his arms, he declared: "His activity is up for you to take part in and enjoy, but tomorrow a new attraction will open - and the day after that, another at the same time. Check back to us daily and the fairgrounds will have a treat for you!"

The lights focused solely on Lin once more, and he made a clicking sound with his tongue that echoed throughout the big top.

"That reminds me! You all know of Trick and Treat, yes? Cirque ad Infinitum is well aware of their Reaping Ritual for we have been tasked by city hall to incorporate it into our show! Do be in attendance for that spectacle on October 31st, or you will surely miss a fantastic experience!"

He turned and the billowing of his garb cut through the air. "Now then, friends! We proceed with an evening of delight sure to set your eyes alight..." His voice shifted as if whispering to each member of the audience before fading as did the light that trailed him until nothing was visible.

Lin is the charismatic leader of the troupe. He is swift and cunning and exudes a presence
that leaves most people immediately respecting him. He's fun and always coming up with clever
surprises. He adores his younger brother Io passionately. Maybe too passionately?

He introduced the troupe via cryptic puzzles and after all were solved
passed the flame of performance on to the rest of his beloved circus family.

Although it was not the most flashy attraction in the carnival grounds, the humble tent of Io the Oracle never failed to draw a crowd past its dark veils. Wispy strands of incense smoke and the comforting warmth of burning candles were the first to greet the curious bunch, but their excited mumbles fell into a sudden hush as the owner made his debut.

Flowing robes draped over the young man as he nodded calmly, gesturing for everyone to sit with him, “My name is Io, and I know who each of you are, and why you are here…” As he spoke, he pulled out a deck of tarot cards from his large sleeve, spreading them across the table before him, “It varies between you… Some seek answers, some seek entertainment. One of you is here because you took a wrong turn on your way to concessions and are too embarrassed to leave now,” he smiled faintly, holding his hand towards the exit, “We won’t keep you here longer, it’s alright.”

As the patron scurried out, Io returned his attention to the crowd before him, “What I offer you here is no mere reading. Instead, I would like to teach you about divination, and help you find your own destiny, free of charge…” Reaching out, he ran the tips of his fingers over the crystal ball before him, “Of course, I also offer personal readings for a small fee, if that is what you desire. But that is for another time. Let us begin, shall we?”

Io appears to be a soft spoken man who prefers to carefully select his words.
He is genuinely blind and relies on braille in order to read and write.
His Psychic abilities and knowledge extend into several vectors in the field.
Talented as he is, was able to know that someone in the crowd watching him was
there by accident and politely gave him the opportunity to leave.
Daily he posts a new form of divination that can be seen by clicking below:

*Io's hut is open to view former methods of reading, but is no longer providing new services.*

It's raining today, and I can see lightning in the distance. The storm is just a storm, but I realize quickly, when I see people in all their diversity running through the city not far off, that I'm not in the present.

The proof lies in my ability to visualize them, and the elements surrounding me. My sight has long been dead. Such an experience would thus be impossible if this were real.

The orphanage ahead calls to me, and I step inside its hallowed walls...

"Io? Hey Io, you alright in there?"

The familiar voice pulls me back to the here and now. I manage a subtle nod to the friend whose been with me for as long as I can remember. His name is Lin and I trust him like I would a brother. I have never known family, mind you, but he at least encapsulates the qualities of a brother in my eyes.

Sorry, that is in poor taste. In my heart is a more apt phrase.

"I apologize for any worry I caused you, brother. I can assure you it's nothing pressing," I muster the faintest of smiles in an effort to reassure him while absentmindedly shuffling the deck of tarot cards in my grip. I don't remember when I pulled them free from my garb, but they're comforting in my hands. Flickering lights in the vast darkness.

I'm not expecting him to close the distance between us and lay a hand on my head. His caress is warm, caring.

"I trust you, my cutie wutie."

Ah, you might be wondering why this phrase... but the truth is I don't know. One day he started calling me by different nicknames because he claims just one cannot contain my 'cute factor,' but I have my doubts as to the credibility of this allegation.

"But ya come to me first thing if whatever's botherin' you becomes urgent, okay? Promise me, taquito."

Without hesitation, I reply: "Of course. We promised long ago not to hide secrets from one another. The others are included in this." I mean every word.

"There's a good answer! Just leave it to your older bro," Lin laughs and it's a beautiful sound. Boisterous and radiant. But in the end, it's an act of confidence that can fool everyone save me. "On a lighter note, ya got your cards out! 'The Arcana are the means by which all are revealed' - that how it goes? Either way, ready to get whooped?"

"More or less," I start laying the cards down on the small table between us, knowing where he's going with this. "Also, I will be doing the whooping." I'm being serious here as I alone control my fate.

"Yeah, sure thing pumpkin. Don't hurt yourself reaching up here, okay?" He chuckles and there's comfortable silence for a few minutes as I arrange the cards.

"Boy, it's been a while since we've kicked back, hasn't it? I've already gone up and down the train gettin' our name out there with passengers, so I'm up for a little fun until our stop."

"I have no objections, but..." I tilt my head questionably. "What of the others?"

"Ah, you're right!" He seems to think for a moment and ultimately waves it off. "Can always play with 'em later. For now, how 'bout just the two of us have a relaxin' time?"

"Then," I pause to glance at the last card before placing it down. I cannot see it, but feel a sinister air about it. Curious indeed. "Let's begin."

The arcana are the means by which all is revealed... nods and flips over the first card



The Sun, in the upright position. Very good. You brim with energy, burst with happiness.

flips over the second card



Ah, the Hermit. After burning so bright, you seek solitude for introspection. Lin shrugs acceptingly

flips over the third card and inhales, crossing his arms



The Wheel of Fortune... Lin lets out a gasp, but then frowns as Io continues ...facing down. Reverse arcana represent negative energy. You will suffer grave misfortune, brother. Lady luck has abandoned you.

flips over another card... and freezes

"What is it?" Lin tilts his head curiously.

rears head up with a frown



The World... reversed. It would appear fate is not pleased, brother. It has been divined by the crowd that surrounds us. You shall lose everything, Lin. There is no escaping such an end.

"Huhwha?! That... wow, I've never lost so badly at this game before! Maybe lady luck really has ditched me..."

Lin seemed to swallow hard as a bead of sweat rolled down from his brow to drip off his chin. Leaning forward, he braced his elbows on the table to fold his hands and stare at the cards below. There were many arcana still to be flipped as was the nature of the game, but only...

"Lin," Io began, softspoken voice suddenly all-encompassing. "Your final choice. What will it be?"

Lin shook his head to clear any doubts he may have had and thrust a hand towards the last arcana whose voice he swore was calling out to him. He slammed two fingers down on the card as if there was an invisible power fighting against what physical force he could muster. As if the arcana itself were alive and could have escaped his grip if he wasn't strong, confident.

"I have made my decision," he declared, tone perfectly crisp. A smirk flashed across his expression.

The blindfolded boy let a small smile play across his lips, "Where fate is concerned, there are no regrets. Are you certain this is the path you wish to tread?"

After a considerable pause, Lin gave his answer. "I am..." His words seemed to trail off as he began to lift the card he chose. A crowd of passengers had formed around the two brothers as their hypnotizing game of chance went on, and now all eyes were on the pick that would determine its outcome.

"Afraid you all will have to attend our show if you'd like to see more," he continued with a wink. He flicked his wrist and the card he had begun to lift vanished from view. "This train is due for the scene of our biggest audience yet, and we hope to see you among them!"

He caught some sounds of surprise and carried the momentum, waving his hands over the table in an intersecting motion. As he did, each card he passed would flicker out of existence. When they were gone without a trace, he stepped up onto the now accommodating table with the grace of a gazelle and took a bow at the round of applause.

"Thank you, thank you! Remember the name for we are Cirque ad Infinitum, and will surely delight should you deign to spend your most precious time at our humble abode," he waved an empty hand around his back and revealed Io's deck of cards which he slid into the boy's waiting hand without skipping a beat.

"Look for the big top in Voltra City. We welcome you with an experience you will never forget!"

The crisp leaves of fall swirl an elegant dance in the wind before settling down to the pavement,
making their last rustles until the next gust sweeps them away all over again. You excitedly reach out for one
of the fire hued leaves, stashing it in your bag to reflect on later...or maybe you'll forget about it entirely.
As you continue your journey to whichever residence in Voltra you set out to, along the way you notice a fine but peculiarly dressed man
gazing at a brochure stapled to an electric post as he strokes his beard.

"Ah, it would seem my guess was indeed correct! Thank goodness I got a head start and made it
to Voltra before they did. This time I CAN'T miss the show!

Joining you in your curiosity, two young boys rush up in a hurry.
Their faces sticky with sugar residue but smiles nonetheless charming.
"Hey mister, is tha' the flyer for da circus?!"
"Oh garsh, I hope I HOPE it is!"

Unaware he had company, the man quickly turns around mildly startled but then beams a
friendly and disarming smile towards you and the boys.
"Why yes, yes indeed it is! I've already had my look over it so I'll be going now!
Perhaps I'll see you all there? Farewell to thee, look both ways before crossing the street.
Revealing his bald head, he respectfully tipped his hat to you with a short bow and walked away
whistling a peppy ditty.

"Um...um...excuse us but ah...
You crouch to meet both boys eye level warmly. "Yes, what is it?"
"We ain't tall enough ta read da sign!
"Sowwy. Please get it fo' us?
"Sure!" You reach up and pull the brochure off the post, trying not to tear the paper too much.
The boys snagged it and began flipping through it with excitement, and then..frustration
as they squint their eyes and scratched their tousled heads.
"Um...well...we can't read. Do ya think tha' you could read it to us?" -
Their sweetness enamors you and you lead them to sit on the edge
of the sidewalk to sit side by side with you.
"Certainly. I am curious myself so let's read over this together!"
You start from the cover. "I can't wait ta see the pwetty ladies!"

A caravan of talent and magic travels throughout the realms spreading wonder and amazement to all major cities.
The famous troupe sextuplet now make its way to the electrifying land of Voltra.
Welcoming you to join and be mystified by the show's infinite possibilities.

Aboard a train, onlookers watch as the Blind Oracle Io plays a game of fates with his brother Lin(The Ringmaster of the Circus) using Tarot Cards.
People chose sides to see who would win and the victor was Io.

Alternatively somewhere else, you the user were walking down the streets one day when you bumped into a peculiarly dressed man
who had mentioned he has been trying to predict when and where the troupe performs. He was very friendly and excused
himself from reading a flyer so that you could learn what the circus was all about.[/align]