AU: Come one, Come all! [Lani]

[Karalie Heise]

The woman stepped into the small tent which was fixed with tapestries, candles and other small trinkets.  In the corner stood a tall, flimsy looking cabinet, candles lit on top of that.  In the center of the room was a small round table, a deep silk blue tapestry adorned with silver stars lay across it and in the center of that was a crystal ball.  Two chairs with plush, worn cushions sat on either end of the table, the one furthest from the cloth entrance of the tent sat a young woman, no more than eighteen years of age, though the bags under her eyes made her appear almost older.  She wore heavy charcoal makeup around her eyes and lipstick that was as red as an apple.  A scarf encased her head, her dark brown curls creeping out the bottom.  She wore gold hoop earings, heavy beaded jewelry around her neck, wrist, chunky rings and a friendly, welcoming smile on her face.

"Welcome. Please, sit." She encouraged the older woman.  Her guest was a slight thing in a commoners dress, maybe late twenties, early thirties.  She looked weary and unsure, like this was a big mistake.  Probably her first time at the circus and certainly her first fortune.  She made her way to the spare chair and took a seat, looking around at the things that were set up in the room.  "I charge a nickle for a basic reading, anything beyond is extra." She informed the woman, who still seemed skeptical, but fished into her purse for the three cent coin, laying it on the table.  "You really know the future?" She asked and Karalie smirked.  "I know nothing more than what the spirits tell me."  The woman seemed to mull it over a moment before dropping the coin on the table between them.  The fortune tellers hand reached to take it, dropping it somewhere unseen.  "I want you to place your hands on the spiritual ball." She explained.  "Close your eyes.." Karalie grinned as the skeptical woman's eyes slid shut, her hands on the crystal ball between them.  Karalie placed her own hands on the woman's, humming softly as she allowed the memories to slip from her customers into her own mind.  She had four children, no, two.. two had fallen into a river and drowned.  She looked younger in the memories, she must have lost them years ago.  She gathered what information she could, drawing the memories out while she hummed softly.

"Rebecca and Sarah are with me." She could feel the woman's hands tense, the change in her breathing.  Part of her felt terrible for what she did, but it often brought her customers comfort to hear from their deceased, and it made her tent a lucrative one.  "They said they're okay, you need not worry, someone is watching over them.  An aunt, maybe.." "Lucy?" "Yes, I believe that's who."  She wasn't sure who Lucy was yet, but it wasn't uncommon for her customers to let small tidbits of information out as she went along, only making her job easier.  "They know the trouble you've been having.."  The woman openly sobbed now, shaking her head, a hand slipping to her face.  "Charles has been ill, and the crops.." She started in a choked voice.  She knew from the memories that Charles was her husband, and not a stellar one at that.  When he was home he was on the bottle, though in older memories she saw he'd been more loving, more in touch with his family.  As for the crops.. "It's been a dry season, but I see rain later on in the month." She couldn't predict the rain any better than a rock, but she would be gone before her prediction didn't come true, and would therefor be safe from any repercussions of her false fortunes.

The reading went on with the woman asking questions, Karalie giving convincing answers, throwing personal information in where she could, even talking to the woman as her deceased four year old daughter.  The money kept finding its way from the woman's purse into her possession, and it was time for Karalie to push for the grand finale.  "Your sister wanted to tell you something, but it's getting difficult to hear.."  "Please.." The woman begged and Karalie pursed her lips.  "I'm growing weary."  It wasn't the first time she'd fed her the line and soon the woman was dropping more coins on the table.  "A few more minutes I suppose." She offered, dropping her money where the woman couldn't see.  "Yes.. Lucy.." She had gathered from their conversation that it had been her sister who died far too young.  She even pulled a memory from when they were girls.  "She says she's with you.. everyday.. and now she's humming."  Karalie gently hummed the song they'd sung together as children, this woman and her sister, memories that were not her own now swimming through her mind.  "She says the farm will thrive, that Jacob will come through for you.  She's with you now, at your side.  Your hair.. she still loves your hair.  It's always been prettier." Karalie could see the woman's hair swaying, as though someone were touching it though she knew it wasn't a ghosts hand doing the work.  Suddenly she gasped, pulling her hands away as the ball lifted into the air, spinning slowly at first and then speeding up.  Soon the candles were beginning to levitate.  The woman's eyes grew large and Karalie could see how frightened she'd suddenly become.  Quickly, the patron stood and ran from the tent, no doubt horrified by what was beginning to happen there with the fortune teller.  Truth be told, if she didn't know the truth, she might be terrified herself.

"She covered half my quota for the day." Karalie mused, turning to the flimsy cabinet in the tent.  "She's gone, you're free to come out."

[Lani Hunter]

Lani leaned against the barely solid wood and listened to the exchange between a mysterious woman and Karalie. He wiped his brow, it wasn’t at all comfortable in here, he could at least have gotten a cushion or something, he thought sourly and waited listening. His lips quirked in a smile as he listened, Karalie was quite the actress. This poor woman, Lani thought, his heart going out to her as much as he could, but well people have to eat. He listened and counted the familiar clinks on the table and he listened for his chance. In the darkness Lani closed his eyes, needing nothing to See the world around him. He’d escaped into this cupboard when he’d sensed someone coming, whether it was a customer or not, it wouldn’t do well for Lani to be caught slacking.

Stifling a yawn and praying that his stomach’s hungry aches didn’t give him away. “She says she’s with you… everyday,” he heard and held out his hand toward the door as if he were about to burst through. With a relaxed gesture he brought his hand back and his tendrils of power brushed the woman gently, like the wind through her hair. With the gently pressure Lani made it seem as if an airy hand were on her shoulders, embracing the woman. Nothing heavy, nothing to even make her sure she’d felt anything at all. Now for the grand finale. The crystal ball lifted in his mental hands and ever so slowly he turned it, like a little globe he’d seen in a library once when he was young. Then faster and faster it spun, Lani’s wrist moving in a tight circle from the darkness of the cabinet.

Opening up his mind, Lani felt the world around him, down to the smallest detail. With a silent breath of concentration he lifted the table, it swayed unsteadily as if someone was rolling it in this hands. The candles wavered as he moved them, lifting them and he was just around to start spinning them when he heard Karalie’s voice from beyond the darkness. Now he did open his eyes. He carefully placed the table and crystal ball back and set the candles before letting them all go to their own devices. He pressed a hand to the door and in took what felt like the first fresh air in ages. He fanned his face as he dropped into the chair opposite Karalie. “It is god awful in there,” he told her, not for the first time, nor probably for the last. “What do you think? That last part was a bit too much, wasn’t it?” He asked removing his floppy cap and ruffling his hair a bit.

He was draped over the chair stretching himself out in all directions after being confined to such small spaces. His gray-brown pants were unremarkable with his dark colored shirt and soft boots. If someone saw him now they’d probably think he was just a poor man on the streets. His shirt was partially untucked and now that his hair was sufficiently in disarray he was starting to get comfortable again. He continued to fan himself with his hat now as he watched Karalie. Sometimes she took these hard, he didn’t like to ask her about it, he knew she hated doing this to people, but hey they had to eat. Speaking of which, Lani’s stomach moaned and he pressed a hand to his belly. “Cook hasn’t been around with the rations yet has he?” Lani asked, really hoping he was right and Karalie had something saved for him under the table.

[Karalie Heise]

Everything that had seemed supernatural came to an end; the table and glass ball lowering as well as the flickering candles.  She smiled at Lani as he emerged, looking a little worn from sitting in the warm cupboard.  She didn't have any way of making it more comfortable for him and it wasn't as though they had been given much in the way of options for hiding places.  With them being on the move so much furniture in the tents needed to be light and cheap, fulfilling their purpose and that alone.

Karalie rolled her shoulders.  "Maybe a little, but if we didn't stop her soon those babies of hers were going to starve."  The ringmaster wouldn't like to hear her say such things, happy to rob the feeble minded blind, but Karalie liked to think she had something of a conscience.  She'd lost two children, she didn't need to lose the other two to starvation.  Her eyes followed her partner as he rufled his hair and stretched himself over a chair, working all the kinks out.  This scruffy Lani was such a contrast from what the patrons saw when he was dazzling them with his magic.  That Lani wore a smart black tux, worn with age, but sharp none the less.

"Not yet." She informed him getting up from her seat and pulling some of the bulky, heavy costume jewelry off her hands, dropping it on the table.  "But I might have something for you."  Karalie made a habit of saving what she could from her rations for when she got hungry later, or when some of the others complained of not having enough.  The circus had become a sort of family for her; they were all in the same boat, all being abused and pushed to do things they didn't.  You took care of your own in situations like that, and in the end she knew the others would do what they could to help her.

She moved to a small pile of scarves and pulled out a small pinkish red apple, tossing it to Lani.  "He should be around soon.  Hopefully before you have to start getting ready."  She nodded towards the handheld mirror she had.  "Speaking of, you might want to fix that mess atop your head.  Looks like you just woke up."

[Lani Hunter]

Lani stretched out like a cat and worked through all of the kinks of sitting in a cramped cupboard for hours. He felt sore all over and like always all he wanted to do was stretch out and lay on the floor. Karalie started taking off some of her jewelry and he could almost see their weight leave her as she shed them. No one like what they did here and removing the evidence of what they did always seemed to give a glimpse to the freedom they longed. “People are so gullible,” Lani said, but his tone was sad more than accusing. “It’s not your fault,” Lani said looking up at Karalie hoping she understood that, maybe Lani had just always been better at accepting that he did what he had to survive but Karalie seemed to hold onto the guilt.

Lani’s face fell and his stomach rumbled on cue. He put a hand on it to quell it, it had gone longer without food, he reminded it, but that did nothing to stop it from complaining. “Karalie, you don’t have to do that,” Lani said, perking up anyways to see what she might have stashed away. Without Karalie’s kindness Lani didn’t know where he would be. They’d come to the circus at around the same time and so fear and confusion brought them together. They helped each other out. Lani had been quite a trouble maker and well without Karalie he didn’t think he’d be here today. In his own way Lani’d tried to keep Karalie from the eye of the ringmaster and it had worked with varying degrees of success but none were so bad as the time he’d gotten the both of them into trouble.

Catching the apple as it came to him Lani resisted the urge to just take a bite. Instead he pulled out a pocket knife and sliced it in half handing half back to Karalie. “I hope so,” Lani mused. Lani laughed, “I’ve got plenty of time,” he said and ran a hand through his hair. “Better?” He had to deal with a lot more than his hair before he went on stage. He’d been doing this same act with Karalie ever since the other Magician… retired. The old man had taught Lani everything he knew, the tricks of the trade, the illusions and more importantly how to use his power and use it in a controlled fashion. After his first solo show Lani hadn’t been able to understand why the Magician had looked so sad and strangely so relieved. He hadn’t understood until much later why.

Lani swung his power out like a radar and when he found no one within earshot he gave Karalie a conspiratorial look. He kicked his feet off the arm of the chair and leaned over the table. “I’ve got a present for you in the cupboard,” he said his eyes shining with mischief. They had been talking about stealing what they earned back from the ringmaster and well, talking had come to planning and a small pouch clinking with coins sat in the cupboard. He lowered his voice, “We could sneak into town after the show and get ourselves some real food. What do you say?” He smiled charmingly, they could be quick, no one would ever realize they were gone.

[Karalie Heise]

"Of course I don't." She agreed, her brows knitting.  Just because she didn't need to didn't mean she shouldn't.  She could get by with very little she'd found, and her mind was often distracted enough to not notice the rumble in her belly.  She didn't mind sharing, it's what it was there for.  Besides, they would have supper soon enough and she would get her fill then.  As it stood, he still sliced the apple in half.  She shook her head as he handed it back to her with a sigh; he was too good for his own good.  Not wanting to be rude, she accepted the half of apple and bit into it.  Even though it was mealy with age, it was still sweet and delicious and certainly hit the spot.


"A bit better, it's still sticking up just there in the back." She teased.  She'd end up fixing him up before his show anyway, or attempting to.  If not her, he himself would probably do it if he could get himself in front of a mirror.  The last thing she wanted was for him to get in trouble for looking disheveled.  It was never a good thing to displease the ringmaster, and she'd watched Lani fall into his bad graces in the past.  It was easier to do what their master wanted than to succumb to the consequences.  Just thinking about what that man could do to them made a shiver run down her spine.  All the more reason to try and get away.

At the confession of a gift her eyes widened slightly, a suspicious smirk tugging at her lips.  "What sort of present?" She asked, unable to keep the excitement from her voice.  Presents were rare indeed, and she got the feeling his wasn't an old apple.  When he suggested they sneak away that night she felt a thrilling mixture of excitement and terror flood her.  He'd really done it! He'd taken some money!

"Are you serious?" Her voice lowered, her dark eyes wide at the very idea of sneaking off.  What if they were caught? She shuddered to think what might happen then..  Karalie bit her bottom lip, eyes flying to the cupboard where the money lay unseen before back to Lani.  "What if we're caught?" She knew as long as she was with him she'd be safe.  He could tell when anyone was too close, but if anyone came looking for them while they were away.. it was risky.  Still, they brought a great deal of money in.  Sure, they could be replaced, and they would be, but Karalie knew they were a valuable talent to the show and the ringmaster wouldn't likely take their lives.  He certainly would have no qualms about making a spectacle of their punishment, though.  

She bit her lower lip.  The thought of being her own person for just a little while was too delicious to pass up, and if Lani was there to protect her..  "Where would we even go?"

[Lani Hunter]

If it were to be debated Lani would argue sun up and sun down that Karalie was the greatest blessing that this god forsaken circus ever had. Lani smiled knowingly at Karalie, she was never going to stop and Lani was never going to stop thanking her for it. Ignoring her as she shook her head Lani held out of the half to her until she took it. Lani bit into his own half and savored the delicious apple. It was old but that didn’t matter, it wasn’t bruised and it wasn’t moldy and that made it a delicacy. Their rations were only just enough to keep them from keeling over during their acts. He would have given anything for a hot and full meal every once in a while, but as it were they were forbidden to leave the circus.

The telekinetic laughed around the apple in his mouth and shrugged. He ran his hand through his hair again, not worrying whether it improved his look or further disarrayed it. He would clean it up before he went on stage, he didn’t look to be caught in any form that would annoy the ringmaster, despite how much Lani wanted to just throw him. The temptation had never gotten any further than that, the man was terrifying and like Karalie, Lani had started to do what he could to keep himself away from the sharp eyes always looking for an excuse to punish someone. There was still a bit of time before the show but by now the visitors would have headed into the big tent and it would given them rest and time to eat. Soon after eating Lani would have to get ready.

Lani smirked and gave an innocent shrug, “Why don’t you take a look?” He replied casually. The impish look on Lani’s face practically screamed that he was up to something. The telekinetic’s smile widened as her eyes widened with comprehension. He waggled his eyebrows in confirmation. He was absolutely serious. They had been talking about it, but the chance had finally come this morning and Lani had taken it. He’d stolen from plenty of people before, that’s pretty much all he did before he actually took to the stage, but this was the first time he had ever dared take something from the ringmaster. It had been all too easy and if anything that was what scared Lani even more. Lani took another bite and sobered when she asked the question.

If it came to that then it was Lani’s fault. He’d already made that decision. He smiled at Karalie, she would never let him take the fall for this, but in Lani’s view it was his, he had done the act, even if they had planned together. Lani had gone through with it. Karalie would never agree to this so Lani resolved not to tell her. He was really hoping he’d never have to find out. “We’re not going to get caught,” Lani said confidently, winking at Karalie and giving her a carefree look as he cocked his head. “Besides, I don’t think he’ll miss it.” Truth be told if they left for food Lani wasn’t sure he could talk himself into coming back, he might very well start walking and end up running. “We’ll be quick,” he said leaning forward and taking Karalie’s hand, “Anywhere you’d like to go. We could eat whatever we wanted and however much we wanted.” Lani’s voice was low and urgent, almost hinging on desperate.

[Karalie Heise]

At his suggestion she rushed to the cupboard and pulled it open.  Sure enough a small pouch lay on the bottom.  She bent over to touch it, feeling the bulky, heavy coins within.  Eyes widened she turned to him, her jaw dropped slightly.  He'd really done it!  If he had gotten caught, though.. She shuddered to think what may have happened.  How would she go on without him? She'd come to rely too heavily on her partner.  It wasn't as though he couldn't be replaced in her act, but the bond they'd formed was irreplaceable.  She'd never forgive herself if he were harmed while doing something for her.

The pouch felt heavy and awkward in her hands; he'd taken more than he should.  Though Lani insisted the ringmaster wouldn't miss it, she was sure he was wrong. What if he did? He'd always known how much Karalie made before she gave it to him, something she had the feeling one of his cronies assisted him with.  He'd know exactly how much money he had, and if he realized there was a shortage..

Karalie sighed, pained at the desperation in his eyes.  She wanted to go.  She more than wanted; she needed.  She couldn't remember her last decent meal and was certain neither could he.  How could she deny him? How could she deny herself?  

The hand enveloping hers gave her a sort of confidence.  "Meat that's not salted." She found herself saying, a hint of laughter in her voice, giddy with the thrill of this adventure if not a bit terrified.  She tried not to think of the consequences.  They couldn't.  She wished there were more money.. if there was they could just leave, be done with this place, but how long? She feared what might happen if the ringmasters men came looking for them and found them.  She'd be safe with Lani, but even if they escaped how would they make money? She knew there were only two ways for her to make a living; one was what she did now and the other she didn't want to consider an option at all.  "Fresh bread.. cake! Definitely cake. Chocolate cake."  She felt like it was her birthday and her stomach growled as her mouth watered.  Was it really possible? She'd make herself sick all before Lani's show!

Before she could stop herself she moved forward, pulling her hand free of his to wrap her arms up around his neck.  How bleak her life would be without him there to protect her and keep her moving on.  She would have never survived so long.  His scent was comforting and familiar and gave her the extra boost of confidence she needed.  They would be alright.. they would be fine.  He wouldn't allow harm to come her way.  She pulled away and smiled up at him.  "When? Now?"

[Lani Hunter]

Lani grinned impishly as he watched her. So maybe he’d gotten a little bit too excited about having actually gotten into the safe but well, nothing he could do about it now. He’d been excited and terrified and it was all he could have done not to drop everything when he got out. Karalie was a worrier, Lani worried before anything happened and now he thought he’d gotten away scot-free. If their boss knew about this, he would have hauled Lani away by now, Lani thought. He’d gotten away with it. He grinned like a loon and waggled his eyebrows at her again as she turned to him, shock on her face. The ringmaster was just a man, Lani reminded himself, not the boogieman. But he could do things that were horrifying. Lani had started to wonder why he was so afraid, he had telekinesis and it was strong. He could ‘accidentally’ drop anything on him or even throw him high in the air. But Lani hadn’t done any of that, for fear still gripped him from their childhood.

“Karalie,” he said softly, reading her face, “Even if he does figure it out, there’s no way for him to know it was us. No one saw me.” He reassured her, he was hoping she wasn’t going to get spooked and accidentally give them away. They’d just been talking about it and when the opportunity presented itself Lani couldn’t resist. Lani was clever and he gave Karalie the sad puppy dog eyes he knew would get her to melt. They were in this together, at least while it was safe, as soon as it wasn’t Karalie had nothing to do with this. He held her hand in his and he could practically see her consider all of the options. Lani watched her, a serious expression falling over his face, if she wanted him to give it back he would, but…

The telekinesic’s face broke into a wide smile and he laughed softly. He squeezed her hand and nodded. His mouth watered at the sound of that. He didn’t even remember what real meat was supposed to taste like. “Mmm,” he hummed closing his eyes so he could picture it. He could practically smell the fresh bread and cake. “Okay, sweet cakes, bread and meat that’s not salted. That’s what’s on our menu,” he said brightly, feeling optimistic for the first time in years. Who knew if they would get away with this but it almost seemed worth it for one good meal. Lani was avoiding thinking about it, but he was a flight risk, and with money in his hands after a good meal he might just be tempted to escape. No, not tempted, he was desperate. He didn’t want to spend his entire life like the old Magician, making money until one day he was too old and disappeared into the night for a new Magician to take his place. He was not going to die here.

Lani wrapped his arms around her waist as he held his best friend. He breathed in Karalie and she gave him courage, they could do this. Tonight, they would do it. Lani looked down at Karalie and took hold of her shoulders lightly. He bit his lip and shook his head. “Not now,” he said sadly, it was too risky, Lani’s show was in a few hours and if he didn’t show up there would be a hunt for him, and his lovely assistant, Karalie. “But tonight, after the show, when he’s celebrating.” He didn’t realize how scared and excited he was until he heard his own voice shaking. “Tonight, Karalie,” he said holding her close so he could whisper low into her ear. “We’ll slip away and when the train leaves tomorrow morning we won’t be on it.” That would put the distance between them and the ringmaster and then they could run away, to another city, a town even a small one where no one would recognize them and no one would think to come looking. Lani didn’t know what he would do, he could steal to live, he would find something that would work. But he needed Karalie, he couldn’t do this on his own.

He pulled away and gave Karalie a knowing look. He pressed his fingers to his lips and drifted away from her. A voice called from outside the tent and Lani sighed with relief, someone calling from the cook. He felt his stomach rumbling as a middle aged man, thickly corded with muscle ducked into the tent. Gruffly handed a small pouch to Lani and one to Karalie. Lani felt it, it was smaller even than yesterday’s, he didn’t understand. They’d been making so much money in this city. He held his tongue bitterly until the man left and then dropped back into a chair. Lani used his power and called a few candles down on the table. "Care to dine with me?" he said as artfully gesturing to Karalie's chair, as if they weren't eating salted meat and probably stale bread in a tent.

[Karalie Heise]

She smiled gently, nipping at her bottom lip at the hunger pain from talking about all the things she hadn't really had since she was a girl.  Karalie could still smell the cakes her mother used to bake for birthdays, Christmas and Easter.  Her stomach gave an audible growl out of protest when he insisted not now.  She understood why.  There was more chance of getting caught now, and what if someone went looking for them before the show?  The last thing she wanted was for there to be any trouble for  them.  No, he was right.  Tonight after the show would be best, when the ringmaster had his guard down and was busy celebrating.

The words whispered in her ear sent chills down her spine.  Leave? Forever? Was there enough for them to do that? Where would they go? What would they do?  Despite the heat in the room, the small hairs along her arm stood on end at the thought of never having to do another show after tonight.  Could they really disappear?  Her eyes met his as he pulled away, the look in his eyes telling her someone was coming before she herself even heard.  Fingers to his lips he stepped back and she did the same, bowing her head slightly as she looked towards the doorway.  One of the cooks men, muscles rippling down his arm, came and delivered their pouches.  She swallowed, hungry but not wanting what was in the pouch whatever it was.  She had her mind set on fresh warm bread, maybe even fried eggs.  It made her almost sad to think about.

Despite her displeasure she mumbled a meek word of thanks as the man retreated, turning to Lani as he slumped into a chair.  "Always." She felt herself ease some as she moved closer to him once more, settling into the chair the woman she'd all but robbed had sat in not twenty minutes prior.  The rations were smaller than usual and it only served to depress her more.  She turned and looked at the doorway before back to Lani, pulling cold, hard, crusty bread from the pouch.  "Where will we go?"  There was a spark in her eyes as she leaned in closer, ripping the bread in half.  The inside was usually still soft even if the outside was crusty and stale, though today it felt a little dryer than expected.  "What will we do?"  She nibbled at the bread, a dreamy sort of look in her eye as she gazed down at her meager rations.  "We should just stay on the train. Just.. stay on and ride forever. Well, not forever, just.. for a while.  Rest.. see the country.."

[Lani Hunter]

Lani smiled warmly catching her stomach’s protests. Just until tonight, he promised his own belly. He rubbed her arms with his hands, comfortingly. He understood her desire, but if they wanted to do this they would have to do it right. They were so close, they couldn’t let their eagerness destroy them. It had to be just perfect. Lani hadn’t thought much about escape before now but the idea now gnawed at him. They would probably need more money, but Lani had stolen from the ringmaster he didn’t think anyone else would be so difficult. He knew he couldn’t do it on his own, he wouldn’t know what to do with freedom. If Karalie didn’t want to leave, Lani didn’t know if he could stay much longer. Once the telekinetic made up his mind he didn’t let it go easily. He couldn’t leave without Karalie, not after everything they’d been through together.

Poking at the bundle in disappointment Lani finally pulled it open. “You know, one of these days they’re going to hand us a pea and call it ‘dinner’,” he said bitterly before he tore into the stale bread. They had given them each a small strip of what Lani figured was supposed to be meat. The telekinetic chewed pensively, staring into the crystal ball. Where indeed. “Anywhere,” he finally said turning to her, his eyes meeting hers. Anywhere they liked. No set schedule of cities one after another, with the only rest being the time crammed onto the train. Better yet, how about they find the farthest place away from their ringmaster. Lani shrugged, “Maybe we could join another circus?” Lani offered with a small laugh. This whole experience had really killed the circus for him. They’d both been taken in the circus against their will, but it gave them a narrow form of talent with which to make money. He remembered when he was so excited his dad was taking him…

Nodding along Lani smiled, cautious optimism rising in his gut. “Let’s do that,” Lani said excitedly, “We can learn to do something, I can find a factory job,” he said, maybe they could go west. Lani’s smile grew far away as his imagination ran off with him, literally anything sounded better than their lives now. He tore, with some difficulty, a bite of jerky. “First things first,” he said waving the sad excise for meat at her, “Meat that’s not salted.” He laughed and dropped his voice lower, leaning closer to her. “Then we’ll tour the rest of the country,” his eyes sparkled as he spoke, “Why stop there, we could see the world!” He exclaimed in a hushed voice. He leaned close as they spoke in hushed and rushed voices. Tearing another bite out of the bread Lani winced a little. All this talk of good food was nearly making this inedible. God knew they’d eaten worse too…

[Karalie Heise]

She gave a weak laugh when he pointed out the size of their portions.  "I hope not." She declared gently at his pea comment.  Surely they would never do such a thing, there would be an uproar.  The ringmaster couldn't fight them all off, could he? He was powerful, but exactly how powerful she had no idea.  Karalie wasn't sure anyone knew the extent of his power over the group.  Without the help of his cronies, he might be nothing, though.  Surely they were all paid handsomely.  Everyone was but the lot who was making the actual money.

Her nose wrinkled at the mention of joining another circus.  This wasn't the life she wanted, not unless she was treated with respect.  She felt like a crook taking from those innocent people.  Surely that wasn't what God had in mind when he gave her this gift, though she couldn't fathom what the reason possibly could be.  She shook her head, smiling at his light laughter.  He couldn't possibly be serious.  "I think I've had my fill of the circus, thank you."  As hungry as she was, she didn't feel much like eating, not with the escape looming over them.  As exciting as it was, there were so many things that could go wrong.

A factory job? She bobbed her head from side to side, not sure she saw her beloved friend slaving away in a factory.  He shouldn't escape just to be locked up all over again.  "Maybe I can be a seamstress? I could darn a sock." She suggested with a small laugh.  Darning socks was probably the easiest thing a seamstress could do, but surely she could learn more with enough practice.  "Fresh meat, yes.  That's first." She agreed, pulling her own out.  It wasn't bad, per se.  In some ways she liked it, but there was nothing quite like a freshly made meal.

Suddenly Lani's eyes seemed to sparkle in that familiar way when he spoke of something extravagant.  "The world?" She asked giggling before shaking her head.  "No.. could we?" She'd never thought of it.  Sure, she'd imagined flying to London or Paris, even Rome sounded wonderful, but they were only childhood dreams she never expected to become a possibility.  But.. could they? "Maybe.. we could move to another country." She suggested, not entirely sure if they could.  How would that even work? She had no legal papers about herself. Would she need them to start a new, fresh life?  Suddenly she shook her head, looking into her lap.  "We need to leave here first.  I don't know if we'll have enough money to get through to next week let alone travel the world."

[Lani Hunter]

Lani might finally be driven by hunger at that point to do something he would regret. Every time he saw someone on the receiving end of a punishment it took all of his mental strength not to lose control and blast someone. It had happened once, Lani’d completely lost control and he didn’t even know what he was doing, not until someone shut him down. Being unaware hadn’t lessened his punishment either. The man was terrifying and if anything Lani didn’t want to bring anything worse down on them. But by god if it came to it, Lani might just unleash everything he held back. He knew there was a part of him that was separate, a part of him that didn’t care, a part of him that once it broke free, had no pity, no mercy.

A laugh slipped through Lani’s lips and he nodded his head in agreement. Lani leaned toward her resting his chin in his hand. “Really? I can’t possibly imagine why,” he said sarcastically an impish smile flashing across his face. The telekinetic joked but there was a truth that came with it. Lani couldn’t even say that this was the worst experience of his life since his life before the circus had become dull and sometimes Lani forgot there had been a part before it. It did best not to dwell on it, it made days harder. Not all bad things had happened, after all, he’d met Karalie here. He tore another piece of bread with a harsh tearing of his head. Well, maybe he’d settle for bread that didn’t make him feel like he was tearing it like a dog.

Lani blinked in confusion and socked his head at her. “What is darning a sock?” He asked baffled. Lani didn’t know the first thing about being a seamstress. “See, we can do it. We learned to do this, we can learn to do something else,” he said encouragingly. They were capable and they were still young, they could do anything. Lani was willing to do anything to keep them afloat. “We’ll figure it out, Karalie.” He smiled optimistically. With Lani’s power maybe he could get into construction or manufacturing. He could do anything that required strength and precision. He was good enough at his power. He didn’t think he would be able to do anything else, not without a stable education, or any at all. Hell, Lani’d barely learned how to read and write.

“Yes,” Lani whispered excitedly. Nodding his head, he tried to dispel her fears. Anything was better than here. “We can,” he said. They could sneak across the border into Canada and catch a ship from there to Europe. He was glad she was on board, hell it would probably be much safer for them to be on another continent. At least they knew that would be much too costly for the ringmaster to send someone after them. Lani knew they needed at least a day ahead of them. They could keep that distance and hopefully increase it. Lani lacked legal papers as well but he was optimistic about getting them. Maybe too optimistic. Lani’s heart fell and he nodded. “You’re right,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair, maybe he hadn’t thought that far ahead. He looked back up and spoke urgently, “We have enough to get out of here. I…I can get more if we need it and we’ll keep running until we don’t have to anymore.”

[Karalie Heise]

Karalie shook her head.  He was such a, well, boy.  "Fixing a hole in it, so your little toes don't stick out." She teased, sliding a chunk of bread in her mouth.  She let it soften in there, her smile fading slowly as she looked at the table, listening to him as he continued to talk so optimistically.  It was all a wonderful idea, and she wanted it, more than anything, but how could she be so sure of the unknown? She had to trust that whatever situation they found themselves in, they would at least be together.  He would protect her, but would he be able to do it always? What if something happened to him and she was left alone? Could she manage by herself?  Perhaps she could reconnect with her family, if they'd have her.  They knew what she could do.. Surely they would take her back. Or she hoped.

She didn't like thinking too far ahead.  She smiled at him and gave a nod.  They would figure it out, he was right.  She would figure it out on her own if she needed to, but how she didn't want to..  As long as they got a good head start, anything was possible.  They could be anywhere by tomorrow, though realistically it would only be a few hours away.  A few hours away from where, though? She wasn't even completely sure what state they were in.

He was so optimistic as he spoke softly across from her.  She leaned closer to hear his words, understanding the need to be quiet.  The walls had ears it seemed, and the last thing they needed was the walls to decide to tell someone of their escape.  She nodded, hoping the smile she offered was encouraging.  "I trust you." She offered, and it was true.  She'd never trusted anyone more.  "It'll be fun.  An adventure.. like in a book.  Maybe we'll write a book about it." She mused looking at the candles on the table flickering.  "Expose the ringmaster, get the circus shut down." A thought occurred to her and she couldn't help but frown.  "What about the others?" She asked, her shoulders visibly slumping.  They couldn't save them all, but there were some people who wouldn't last much longer without help.  She knew she couldn't save them all, but didn't they have an obligation to help those less fortunate than themselves? Many had shown her kindness, how could she leave them to take the ringmasters wrath when two of his top acts disappeared?

[Lani Hunter]

Ducking his head, Lani gave her an innocent grin. “Ah,” he said in understanding and nodded his head pensively rubbing his chin. One might think he was still thinking about fixing holes in shoes, about the holes that wore in his own. New socks weren’t a luxury they had. Even when they had been growing there had been handed down socked, patched up to some form of decency and promised washed. It wasn’t like it mattered, when there was snow on the ground, it didn’t matter whose feet your socks had come off of. All of those things did run through Lani’s mind but eventually he ended by adding another tick to the reasons they should leave. He nibbled again at the bread and found himself suddenly so furious with all of this that he was tempted to throw the bread away. But it was all he would have tonight, unless they did get away. Besides, he had eaten worse.

The way Lani saw it, the ringmaster probably wouldn’t come after them, he’d send his cronies, if he sent anyone. Lani could take them. They were tough but they didn’t have the ability to get into his head. If only Karalie’s power allowed her to look into the future as well they might at least not be jumping in blind. Lani’s face broke into a warm smile and he reached out and squeezed her hand. “I won’t let you down,” he said sincerely, he’d do everything in his power to keep them safe. Laughter slipped out Lani’s throat and he shook his head. “Don’t count on it being fun, Karalie. An adventure surely, but it might be hard.” Lani’s brows rose in surprise then lowered again in amusement. “Well I’ll leave the book writing to you, but if you need any embellishment you let me know,” he joked, feeling light and excited now that they were talking about this, even as a joke.

Lani leaned back in his chair and ran his hands through his hair, ruffling it and then swiping them down his face. Letting out a breath he shook his head, he didn’t know what to say about that. Finally with a heavy heart Lani spoke. “We can’t tell anyone that we’re leaving. If the ringmaster asks then everyone will be able to answer honestly.” The ringmaster could make someone tell the truth he could even convince someone that a lie was true, but the latter wouldn’t do him any good in finding Lani and Karalie. He knew that wouldn’t help much, but it was something. He watched Karalie, she wasn’t going to be happy about leaving people behind but Lani knew they couldn’t take all of them and how would they then choose who to tell. Lani didn’t trust anyone here half as much as he trusted Karalie, she was one of the only people that hadn’t turned around and stabbed him in the back. “Think of it this way, if we succeed we’ve shown that the ringmaster isn’t all powerful. It might encourage others to do the same.”

[Karalie Heise]

Karalie nipped her bottom lip and then nodded.  She knew he wouldn't let her down.  Lani would never let her down.  He was one of the few people in the world she could guarantee that from.  She also knew it wouldn't really be fun, not like a game, but fun in the sense they would experiencing new thing, breathing fresh air away from all the pain they'd suffered, the oppressing fear they countered daily.  She bit her tongue, though.  No need to clarify, she was sure he knew what she'd meant.  "You'll be the first I turn to." She assured him somewhat playfully.

She knew what he spoke was true.  Anyone they told would be in grave danger if they didn't come with them, and having more people come along would make it more dangerous than it already was.  The ringmaster might notice four, five, eight people missing, but two? It might take a bit longer.  Plus they could slip away more quietly, more quickly, without arousing suspicion.  It was unrealistic to bring others, but her heart felt heavy still.

"Without you I would never have the courage to go." She admitted quietly after a moment, her eyes downcast as she was too ashamed to see his judgement.  She tore at the old bread but put none in her mouth, warmth creeping through her cheeks.  "I'm not strong. I have no real talents, no real education.. who would take me seriously?" It was a hard truth.  Without Lani she would never have the chance to go.  She would fail before she even began because he was her strength both physically and metaphorically.  

"If we can't take anyone with us, we should shut the circus down somehow.  We should expose the ringmaster for what he is; a criminal."  She didn't know how, but it was the only way they could help the others.  Cautiously, she let her dark eyes fall on him once more.