Fancy Free Party

    The small town of farmers, field works, and towns people resided in this little area of the world. Their homes were quaint to say the least, there wasn't much prosperity here, but what they had they made do.

It was these such places that this mysterious dance troupe would visit and it is here that Miyako learned that such would be held this evening.

    On their arrival as the sun was setting, they could see people already heading toward the back of town, where a stage has been set, not much different than the one at the carnival; If not a bit smaller.

Laterns hang above to light the area, makeshift seats of boxes and barrels have been lined around the stage. A little to the north of there was a tent. One could imagine where the dancers were getting ready or at least would be the guess.

Kotono's accompanying Miyako, as she tends to do a lot of times. But she's not looking too cheerful. She knows that this is a very serious thing, especially for Miyako. So for now she's got a neutral look on her face, albeit with one eyebrow lowered slightly as if hinting at a bit of suspicion. Her eyes dart from side to side occasionally as well. "We're here," Kotono finally whispers after a moment. "Now let's see what happens..."

    Miyako has been worrying about things for a while now, even if she pushes it off to one side frequently enough. It's been an experience, for her, walking across the land and meeting the people. The 'traveling bard' routine has stood well in general, even if her music is often strange and new to the Landers. "Mmm, yes," she murmurs. "I'm sorry to drag you off like this, Ko-chan, I just... sometimes things just nag at me, inside, you know?" Like the weeks she spent obsessively writing down every song she could remember, just to have it all on paper to share.

    The two would see the different landers gathering around the stage, taking seats on the ground, their coats, rugs, and even blankets. Others taking seats on the barrels and crates.

It would not be long till a hooded robed figure came up on the stage and extended his fingers out to everyone with a dancer's grace to him. "Good evening ladies and lords!" He would call out to the crowd, his voice with a charismatic charm. "Welcome to our free entertainment show! A dance like no other for all to enjoy!"

He waits for the people to finish clapping. "We know times are hard and so we come to lighten your spirits and mayhaps, among you," The mysterious man motions to all. "There will be those who wish to join our merry band! For while we do aim to entertain, we also wish to give those a chance. A chance at life they would never have dreamed to have!"

People cheer once more, as he waits yet again. He then goes to step back, his hand extending forward, for a moment his eyes glow under the hood. "So please, enjoy tonight's performances as we shall begin very soon." Then with a twirl of the cape connected to his robe. It spins around before he 'poofs' with a cloud of smoke!

    There is a gentle breeze, many of the flames around the area begin to slowly dim, almost placing the area in slight bit of darkness. A notice perhaps that the 'show' was about to start.

"Don't apologize," Kotono replies reassuringly to Miyako. "I understand what's going on." She smiles gently, before turning her attention forwards again. "Looks like things are about to get underway." She narrows her eyes. "Be ready for anything."

    Miyako reaches over to squeeze Kotono's shoulder briefly, releasing as the first performer appears onstage. "Keep an eye on the sides of the stage," she murmurs, "Try not to look straight at anyone."

     She joins in the cheers and applause with the rest, her eyes following the man onstage. She glances to either side when he vanishes, checking the edges of the seating area.

    The two both with keen eyes would see the caped hooded figure drop down a trap door near the steps going up to the stage. They also would see others coming up, staying down low.

One of those being tiger cait sith that Miyako met that day at the Carnival.

The sound of drums would be at last heard. First it was a simple beat; Tribal almost. Then it picked up a little as a native flute came to play.

    The first up on the stage was a female leopard cait sith, who moved with grace to the tribal melody that played. The 'coin' like jewelry that hanged down from her dancer skirt jingled with each step.

As she moved across, her feet seem to 'slide' like on ice, as her kicks in the air had almost a mysticism of water. Then as she lowered herself down, the tiger dancer appeared seemingly beside her, lifting her chin into his hand. The beat grew, like a heart beat, moving a bit faster now.

He ushered her to her feet and then the two danced across the stage, as voices sang from others that shown up on the back edge of the stage. The music continued to remain tribal, passionate, and yet a hint of predatory danger.

Kotono's careful watch over things helps her spy that something else is going on. A trap door, hidden figures... something's definitely not right here. She narrows her eyes again as she grips her daggers. "OK, it looks like we were right about this place having something strange about it. I just wonder what it is..."

    Miyako nods, her eyes still following the dancers, flicking out every few moments to survey the surroundings before being drawn back to the show. "Nothing too omnious yet," she murmurs to Kotono, leaning close.

    Then she spots a familiar face among the waiting figures. "Definitely the same lot, though."

    The tiger male cait sith continues his dance with the leopardess, before they finish at last with the final beat of the drum. As they stand there, two wolves walk up, both playing their tribal flutes.

It seems in time as they take over with their musical melody, the two cait sith leave the stage, the tiger sliding down into that trap door.

    The two that play the flute move about the stage, playing their music to the people, as another woman enters up on the stage. A female Salamander who moves between the two cait sith wolves, like a snake that is being charmed with a style similar to that of a gypsy.

So far, everything seem rather normal...

Things may seem normal for the time being, but Kotono knows that things can change at a moment's notice. Her knives still gripped tightly in her hands, Kotono keeps her eyes peeled and her ears open as she pays strict attention to what is going on. Even the littlest details get a scrutinizing eye from the girl. Her breathing is slow and deliberately kept soft to insure that she does not miss any sounds. "I don't like this," She says to herself very quietly.

    Miyako catches herself humming along with the music, then distracted by a segue that reminds her of one of her own songs, the lyrics of which immediately toss her out of the mood. She narrows her eyes, focusing her senses, and nods. The music is definitely the root of whatever they're doing.

    "It's the music," she hisses to Kotono, still feigning complete attention. "Don't let it earworm you. Focus on something else, anything else."

    Inside her head, even as she watches, she's running through lyrics to old songs, anything to keep the music from captivating her attention.

    The two wolves continue their melody and as the salamander woman twirls, she brings then fire to her hands, before using the flames to move them around, almost like an orb that she rolls along her skin.

She curls her fingers to a few of the single men who seem to be getting closer to the stage to get a closer observation of the scaley woman before them; Those married dare not move.

It is here that both may notice a melody shift, something about the music has changed and with that display of fire. Maybe its the combination of both? Music to pull in the focus and the magical elemental displays to add the final touch of hypnotics?

    Though Miyako does not go unnoticed, as the tiger cait sith returns with a new outfit on. The same one that almost enticed her into the fate of so many before, looks her way. He raises a brow gently, but his attention turns back to what is happening on stage, before looking back to her and Kotono once more.

"OK," Kotono says with a slight nod to Miyako, as she lowers her eyes and starts softly humming a tune of her own to herself. She's trying not to focus on the other music as she places her fingers in her ears slightly. "Something's definitely not right for sure, I don't like it."

    Miyako's eyes follow that familiar tiger, even as she continues reciting lyrics in her head to resist the compulsion. When she sees him look back at her, she winks, smiling with false warmth.

    "Don't be so obvious about it," she hisses to Kotono, and she focuses down on the music to work out a wider-area counter. Humming it under her breath, she tests it against the magic that worms through the crowd, but finds it lacking... so far.

    As the performance continues the tiger cait sith whispers to one of the others, before moving away from the group. It is about then his attention shifts to the tent.

The two may see a gloved hand extends out, making a motion, before the tiger cait sith looks at the two-- and he starts to make his way over toward Miyako and Kotono.

As the cait sith makes his way over, one performance ends with a loud BOOM of the drums that doesn't help Miyako's attempts any. The crowd once more standing up and applauding.

    The next group takes the stage, which seems be a tribal dance of salamanders with vocals to go along with it. Which in turn is about when the Cait sith is upon them. His smiles gently, before giving a bow. "Forgive the interruption," He says with a smooth voice. "But mister Nightshade would like a word with you both."

His eyes then look to Miyako, "... and may I say, it is good to see you again. You look as ravishing as the first day we met."

"Sorry," Kotono whispers, before looking again. She then notices that Miyako has been spotted, and she scowls a little. The girl squats down a little as if preparing to spring forth at a moment's notice. All the while she's focused on the song in her head which she's now humming silently.

    Miyako holds that smile in place as she curls to her feet, to greet the tiger-man. "I'm sure he would," she answers, "And I'm sure I should like to see him, as well." She reaches a hand down to Kotono.

    "You're a handsome fellow yourself," she responds to the compliment. "Might have been luckier if your sister made the try, though." She winks at him, teasingly.

    "You speak of my dance partner or are you hoping for a lady tigeress?" He purrs his words softly. "Alas, not many of us speak. To-- focused on the arts." The tiger cait sith explains.

He would lead them to the tent, where it seems the effect of the music is not as strong. As such, he moves the flap to the side and motions for them both to enter.

    Inside they would find a rather cozy tent. A few wood crafted chairs, a table, and a few bits and bobs. Sitting in a chair toward the back is another cait sith, a panther at that.

He wears a fashionable suit-like outfit, along with a top hat, and a cane with a crystal orb at the top. It rests relaxed acoss his lap.

Taking Miyako's hand, Kotono comes forth in a manner that looks normal enough, but there's a slight hint of uneasiness in her steps. She looks around cautiously as she follows along with Miyako. When they get into the tent, Kotono is looking around with even more scrutiny than before.

    "Mmm, a lady tigress might be interesting," Miyako muses. "I'm content with my current partner, however." She reaches over to squeeze Kotono's hand, and then they're at the tent.

    "Good evening, neighbor," she offers to the gentleman panther. "Your group puts on a fine show... Your musicians must be quite the skilled Bards, yes?"

    The cait sith panthers stands as the two enter, "Welcome, welcome my dears." He motions for the tiger to leave. "I am Felix Nightshade. Owner of the carnival, nightly entertainment, and this troupe."

Both hands rest on the top of his cane as he stands there with his back straight and gaze set on them. "What can I do for you adventurers?" The way he says adventurers though has an air of a dangerous tone to it. Just as his eyes are watching their every movement.

A quick inspect would show his name, along with his health bar being red in color; A boss-leveled monster.

Kotono attempts to speak politely as she says, "I'm Kotono, and this is Miyako." But something seems a little off about him, and she steps back a little, narrowing her eyes. As she looks closer, her eyes widen as she realizes it's a boss monster. While the girl doesn't go for her blades just yet, she nonetheless starts to shift her stance a little, just in case.

    Miyako nods briefly, her eyes darting to the cursor, then back to the man's face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Nightshade. I'm a musician myself, so I take a special interest in new music, and interesting musicians." Her smile is, likely, a bit forced.

    "I must admit, however, that I do have another motive. Several people went missing from the village after the last time I encountered your show. I was hoping you could tell me if you had seen them, or if they had perhaps joined your troupe. If I can reassure their families that they are well and happy...."

    "Kotono and Miyako." Felix repeats the names before he looks between the two. Watching as Kotono takes on a defensive stance. His glowing eyes gaze over to Miyako. "... and you, you are the one who my dancer's said got away. He enticed you to the stage, called to the music in your heart-- and yet, you did not follow."

As Miyako's questions come, his hand shifts slightly, as if 'molding' something in his hand. He raises a brow softly and says with ease, "They have indeed joined our family. Found... a new place in life."

    Then he looks at her more closely, "But do not worry about them, my dear Lady Miyako... Let us focus on you."

"I am positive you have great gifts, Lady Miyako. Gifts that could outshine all my performers on the stage. Why did you turn away?" He motions his hand out to her. An image of her appears in his hand, like an illusion of her. Dancing with grace beyond measure.

"Does not your heart desire? Desire to be on the very stage? To be seen by all?" He allows the image to continue to play upon his gloved hand.

Then his eyes move to Kotono, "You though... I wonder what it is you desire? Perhaps to keep someone safe? To protect? ... Strength? Power?"

"What do I desire?" Kotono furrows her brows a little and looks down a little as well. "I... I want to..." She looks around a little before composing herself. "For one, I want to protect Miyako. She has become one of my true friends here. Without her, I don't know what I'd be doing." She looks up a little as she tries to focus on what else she wants. "I also want... to... to be able to keep the others safe as well. I... I want to be able to know that I can make a difference for those around me."

    "Well. There are songs, and there are Songs," Miyako muses. "The call of one's heart sometimes leads in contradictory directions, don't you think? The stage has its allure..." Her eyes focus on the dancing image for a long moment, following its movements curiously. "And yet, there is so much more to be found in the world... So many wonders. Music is one of the greatest of those... but it does not lie alone in my heart."

    Her smile is a little warmer, less forced. "I, too, wish health and happiness for my friends and comrades... but most of all, to discover things, to delve into the lore, the history... the Ways of the World."

    Felix listens to them both. "Adventurers." He says softly, "... you are all strange beings." The images fades away like smoke on the wind. "Your minds look at things differently and yet the same. Your hearts sing out, but not on the same chorus. How I would love to have you as one of my own..."

The panther cait sith twirls the cane around to come to rest under his arm, as he adjust the gloves on his hands. "Yet, even if our work of arts and musical show... No matter how we pull on your strings, you do not play the same notes. So close, yet so far away."

    "It is no smaller wonder you stand in our way." His eyes look at them both directly. "and yet seek answers to the unknown. I could give you both what you desire. That strength. That ability... But i think your hearts would turn it away. Your minds would never accept that gift."

Felix then walks over to a tea set, he flicks his hands with a snap to follow. One could smell the tea, with its aroma of lavender and honey. "How I would still yet love to have one of you preform for me. Perform for our benefactor. Maybe... even perform of the Merchant Prince. To come on our stage to bring the greatest gift of all to his very town!"

He says moving his hands outward. "You on center stage," He motions to Miyako. "Your friends," He then motions to Kotono "By your very side! Protecting you, protecting the great gift as we come to deliver it!"

    Miyako continues watching the dancing figure for a long moment, her eyes briefly glazing over. "It certainly does seem interesting, don't you think, Ko-chan?" She hums happily, head moving side to side as she follows a phantom tune.

    Her foot tapping with the same tune, she ponders it for a moment. Then blinks several times. "I would not be averse to performing for such an audience," she agrees. "Or perhaps - at some future point - touring with your troupe for a time. But I fear I am too much of a free spirit to commit to anything long-term."

    Her eyes narrow briefly, and she adds, "I will be glad to convey your assurances to the village families, however. They will be happy to know that their kin are well."

Watching the dancing figure, Kotono does seem a little interested before looking to Miyako. "Well, it does seem interesting," She says with a slight hint of suspicion in her voice. "But I'm not about to leap into anything just yet." A pause as she continues processing what Miyako said. "And I'll help convey your assurances as well."

    Felix watches Miyako, perhaps picking up on the fact she was slipping away from his grasp. His jaw shifts ever so slightly, before he smiles. "Yes... Please do." He then goes to pour the tea.

Before moving the saucers with the cups towards them. "Lavender tea with honey. Old recipe I use to make fairly often in my younger days. I just needed to warm it back up. I don't... get visitors such as yourselves often."

    "But yes, tell their families they are fine. That they are well cared for and living the dream. Such as I wish I could give you both." His panther tail flicks. "Alas, I fear that not to be... But do hope you both can make our greatest show ever in a few weeks time."

Felix smiles. "It will have a woman of great power present and it will be to /die/ for." His eyes glow softly as he goes to step back.

    Miyako could sense something amiss. Not with the tea, but outside. A shift in the air; Much like when the carnival was 'packing up'. Sadly Kotono though is very unaware of anything happening outside the tent.

Kotono nods a little as she begins to sip the tea. "I've never tried this before." It seems to taste all right to her. "I'll be sure to tell everyone that everything's OK." She's clearly unaware of what's going on, and this could prove to be dangerous for her...

    Miyako nods, taking the offered teacup and sniffing it slightly before taking a sip. "You are a most kind and generous host, Sir Nightshade," she offers. She doesn't miss the emphasis, adding, "I would be quite pleased to be there for such an event... if I knew where and when to be, of course."

    Her eyes flick briefly to the window, and she reaches out for Kotono's hand. "But we really should not impose upon your hospitality longer, we are keeping you from your duties to your own people."

    Felix's eyes glow softly, "Are you sure you will not at least finish the tea?" He tilts his head, "As for when, well, you will just need to keep your eyes open and ears ready. After all, while we may hide in the night," He moves out his hand gently. "We do love to make an entrance for all to see."

It is about then that Kotono may feel it. The ground shift, that feeling back at the Carnival of magical energies starting to move the ground; The tent was sinking.

They would need to move quickly to get out!

    Miyako sets down the teacup, nods, and stands, tugged up by Kotono. "I am sorry, Sir Nightshade, but we shall most certainly meet again." She *grins*, this time.... and then turns to run with her friend. "Until next time!"

    "We will indeed, my fine madam." Felix says back to her as the two run out, the ground rolling around the tent as his eyes are all that can be seen in the darkness of the tent inside. "We will indeed..."

When the two get out, they will find the tent gone now, along with the stage. There are several people who look dazed, several others calling out for their loved ones who are now missing.

Once more the Carnival Master has taken people and without shedding a drop of blood, but now they know how he does it. With his performers and with his distractions. More importantly, they both know that Felix Nightshade is planning something for the a town, a merchant prince, and the people within. Though when and where is unknown, but it may be just enough to place the other alliances on alert.

    Miyako looks back at the ground where the tent and stage stood, taking a slow, deep breath, and then swears softly. "At least now we know," she says quietly. "We'll have to get the word out."

Kotono looks to Miyako and nods a little. "I knew something was wrong with this whole thing, and I was right! Let's do this!"

Kotono looks to Miyako and nods a little. "I knew something was wrong with this whole thing, and I was right! Let's do this!" She looks ahead and narrows her eyes, eager to get things taken care of.