6. Outside, Inside

Summary: In which Acrobat Calista and Contortionist Therius go outside of the carnival and discuss things between each other while on the way back from getting supplies. Meanwhile, the Gamemaster and one of the Illusionists argue over relationships regarding the ones between each other and Calista-ending with the vow to battle for Calista's affections.

Performers: Acrobat Calista, Contortionist Therius, Gamemaster Jirall, Illusionist Zepha

The village that Carnevale di Felicita had stopped at seemed to be full of some sort of life. The village seemed relatively peaceful, for sure, but there was also this unease that spread through the atmosphere. Therius couldn't blame the poor villagers for it. They were probably all trying to take as much precaution against the sickness that was spreading through the entire land, the same sickness that poor Zesha and Zepha had been afflicted with in the past (and survived somehow).

He and Calista had been in the middle of getting supplies. Zepha had looked jealous to see them together as they set off intiially, and the same went for Jirall. Zael seemed to be completely oblivious to the two though, instead smiling and waving 'goodbye for now' as they left the others to get supplies.

Of course, now they got all the supplies, and they were now on the way back. Which was good, because by now it was already halfway through the afternoon and if they didn't get back soon, well, that would mean that they could be at risk of missing dinner. And that would not be fun.

"Therius?"

Therius blinked, turning to face Calista. "Yes?"

The Acrobat paused, before speaking. "Um...what do you think of everyone?"

He kind of stared. "Everyone as in...?"

She let out a sigh. "Everyone as in everyone in the carnival, Therius."

He nodded. "Um, right." He paused. "Well...who should I start with? How much should I elaborate?"

"Anyone, and for as long as you want." She paused, before choosing a carnie. "Ringmaster Asthar."

"I respect him for being able to keep the visitors as well as ourselves under control when things get chaotic. If there is anything I envy, it is how he can be so patient with everyone, even when we're all having a bad day."

"Uh...Zael."

"He knows how to give anyone a smile. Including me. I like his optimism, I admit that. Though, sometimes I think his obliviousness regarding others might not help him in the long run..."

She winced a bit. "Yeah, I guess I can see that...uh, Dagran."

"Dagran. I honestly don't really know what to say about him because I haven't really talked with him much. He seems alright, though, for now..."

"Lowell."

"The most flirtatious being I have ever met. That is all."

"Syrenne."

"Short-tempered, but has a words of wisdom in her, surprisingly. Even when drunk she can still make some intelligent statement."

"Mirania."

"Patient, kind, and a good listener."

"Jirall."

"...can I skip him? Because the things I would say about him would probably not be good for your ears to hear. At all."

"Um, okay. Zesha and Zepha."

"Frightening, somewhat flirtatious in a strange way and also...friendly."

Calista blinked a bit at this. "...Interesting description, Therius."

Therius let out a sigh. "Thank you..."

"Um...Ariela and Zoran."

"Ariela is nice, and Zoran is alright...unless he is provoked by something negative aimed at him, of course."

"What about Yurick?"

Therius hesitated, unsure of what to say. He blushed a bit, before speaking, occasionally stuttering. "I-I think that he's a very...cold, but...pleasant person to be around once you get to know him. And he's helpful. Somewhat short-tempered at times, but very...very...n-nice." He ended awkwardly, blushing a bit.

Calista giggled a bit at this, swinging the bags of supplies she held in her hands playfully. "You like him, don't you?"

He stared a bit. "Of course I like him."

"You two would be so cute together as a couple. I can kind of imagine it already."

"Oh." Therius blushed at that. "Erm...thank you..."

"You're welcome." She paused, before asking one more time. "What do you think of me, Therius?"

He blinked a bit, recomposing himself. "You?"

"Yes, me. And be honest about it."

"Well..." Therius paused, before speaking. "I see you like you're a curious little sister. You're unafraid to take risks, but you have this thing about being tough on yourself when something doesn't go right. Your kindness for the others, though, truly shows in your actions."

Calista smiled at that. "Thanks, Therius. I should tell you what I think of you-" That was when the two saw the nearby clock. "Shoot! We have to get back to the carnival, now! Otherwise we'll be late for dinner!"

The two rushed off, nearly losing their supplies in the process as they ran, determined not to miss a great meal cooked by the Ringmaster.

Jirall hated this and loved this.

He hated how Zepha could be the most manipulative fool that he'd ever met.

Scratch that. He hated how Zepha could be a the most manipulative, teasing, sharp-edged, mischievous individual he had ever met.

And he loved it all the same.

Zepha had captured Jirall in a liplock, the two practically trying to get the upper hand over the other during their little make-out session.

Jirall pulled away, panting a bit.

"I hate you," He growled, before pressing his lips to the Illusionist's own as furiously as he could.

Zepha pulled away after a moment, chuckling to himself.

"You kiss by the book," He cooed softly, before kissing Jirall on the cheek. The Gamemaster pushed him away, a snarl on his face.

"I hate you." Jirall repeated. "We have to stop using each other as replacements for the Acrobat, Zepha. Neither of us can take it anymore."

Zepha glared at him in response.

"Either we explode and hurt her or we implode and hurt ourselves. Either way, we will hurt in the end."

"Shut your damned crap about that!" The Gamemaster looked really pissed at this point. "The only reason we're together in this twisted way is because neither of us are brave enough to face Calista and tell her of our love and to try to have her love us! And I'm not going to be weak like you and hide away like this! I've had enough, and I'm going to fight." He looked away from the Illusionist temporarily. "This is over. This thing between us-it's over."

He turned towards the Illusionist to glare at him-

-until he realized that Zepha was glaring at him.

"Lay on, Macduff," The Illusionist snapped, the blue aura about him glowing fiercly. He leaned in closer to Jirall, as if about to kiss him, but his voice said otherwise. "...And damn'd be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!'"

The next thing Jirall realized was that he was struck in the face. When he recovered, he realized that Zepha was gone.

Scowling a bit, Jirall left the tent, plans stewing in his mind.

This wasn't just a mere hate/love thing he had with Zepha, now.

This was war.