As the party traverses the quaint streets of Rivington, Karlach immediately senses the allure of the extraplanar circus known as the Circus of the Last Days. The mere mention of it brings a spark to her eyes, a radiant energy that contrasts sharply with the skepticism etched on the faces of Astarion and Lae'zel.
Despite having just enjoyed a day of respite, Karlach insists on a detour to explore the circus. Astarion can't help but roll his eyes at the suggestion. Lae'zel, ever the stoic warrior, shares in Astarion's chagrin, preferring the straightforward path of their quest.
In response to Astarion's eye roll, Delphie seizes the opportunity to playfully engage with him. She leans against him, casting a coy glance and batting her eyelashes. "Maybe we'll find out some information about my mother or Cazador," she suggests with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Astarion, unable to resist her charms, rolls his eyes once more, accompanied by an exasperated sigh.
"You know, it's very hard to say no to you, darling," Astarion concedes with a nonchalant shrug, a subtle smile breaking through his normally composed demeanor. Delphie, pleased with her small victory, wrinkles her nose in amusement.
Upon reaching the fenced perimeter of the Circus of the Last Days, the adventurers are met by a gatekeeper with an odd ghoul companion sniffing attendees for traces of blood. The gatekeeper, wary of potential threats, scrutinizes the party. Being seasoned adventurers, they naturally carry the scent of battle and adventure. The ghoul's keen senses detect the lingering scent of blood on some of the armor they're wearing.
A brief standoff ensues as the gatekeeper hesitates, denying entry to those marked by the unmistakable scent of recent combat. After a series of convincing arguments, Delphie finally breaks through the gatekeeper's initial skepticism. The gate creaks open, granting the adventurers passage into the Circus of the Last Days.
The circus sprawls before them, a kaleidoscope of colors, laughter, and mystical wonders. Tents of various sizes and shapes dot the landscape, each promising a unique experience. As they navigate through the bustling atmosphere, the first tent that captures their attention is run by a mummy. The ancient being, adorned in tattered cloth, offers an array of vibrant face paints to the intrigued onlookers.
Inside the tent, rugs are strewn about, creating an eccentric tapestry against the backdrop of the canvas walls. A tall standing mirror reflects the curious faces of those who dare to explore this peculiar corner of the circus.
With the decision to cover more ground efficiently, the group decides to split into pairs. Karlach, ever drawn to the allure of music, pairs up with Wyll as they make their way toward a lively crowd. Enveloped by the melodies of two bards skillfully playing a flute and drum, the duo loses themselves in the enchanting performance, captivated by the magical harmony that permeates the air. Meanwhile, Gale and Shadowheart opt for a journey toward the rear of the circus, where the distant silhouette of a large stage beckons. Intrigued by the promise of a grand spectacle, they navigate through the diverse array of tents, catching glimpses of different performers. Jaheira and Lae'zel, drawn to the unusual pairing of a mud mephit and elemental, decide to explore a tent that emanates an earthy aroma. As for Astarion and Delphie, they find themselves standing before the neighboring tent.
The tent exudes an otherworldly ambiance as the red-skinned djinni stands beside the shabbily crafted wooden chance wheel. Delphie, always quick-witted, catches on to the charade almost immediately, her perceptive gaze discerning the illusion of the grand prizes. Yet, rather than dismay, a mischievous glint dances in her eyes, a foreshadowing of plans yet to unfold.
"APPROACH! UGLY ONE," the genie-like creature commands, crossing his arms with an air of arrogance.
"Well, that was rude," Astarion retorts, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"BEHOLD! AKABI'S WHEEL OF WONDER!" the djinni announces proudly, exaggerating the grandeur of his rigged game.
The pale elf, mimicking his posture, questions, "Let me guess. You're Akabi?"
"YES. SPIN TO WIN PRIZES BEYOND YOUR TINY IMAGINATION, AND MAKE YOUR MISERABLE LIFE MORE BEARABLE. AKABI HAS TRAVELLED ACROSS THE PLANES - BURNING AND CONQUERING ALL. WIN THE SPOILS OF SUCH CONQUEST!" the djinni boasts, his words dripping with fabricated grandeur.
Both of the elves share an unspoken understanding – the djinni is a charlatan, and the game is rigged. However, Astarion, always one to seize an opportunity, hatches a cunning plan. They decide to give the deceptive wheel a spin, parting with 500 gold pieces. As the wheel turns, their keen eyes catch a glint in Akabi's beard, subtly nudging the wheel away from the coveted jackpot. The djinni is cheating.
Delphie, playing along, expresses her desire for another spin. Simultaneously, Astarion unleashes Pax. Feigning panic, the pale elf hides behind his other half, diverting Akabi's attention toward the snake at his feet. Seizing the moment, Astarion stealthily returns the pouch of coins to his possession, a move so deft that even the keen-eyed djinni fails to notice.
As the wheel comes to a stop, it lands on the grand prize. A confident smirk graces the faces of the two elves, infuriating Akabi. "IMPOSSIBLE! YOU SNEAK. YOU CHEATED!" he accuses, his temper flaring.
Astarion retorts with a mischievous smirk as Pax slithers back onto his wrist, "What are you talking about? We've been right here the whole time."
"LIAR!" Akabi's frustration peaks, and with a snap of his fingers, he banishes the two elves into a dissipating cloud of mist.
As Astarion and Delphie materialize in the midst of a prehistoric-looking jungle, the air is thick with the primeval energy of a bygone era. Towering rocks, ancient trees, and colossal dinosaur fossils surround them, creating a surreal landscape. Astarion's quick reflexes pull Delphie behind a large rock as a pack of Alioramus turn their gaze toward the unexpected intruders.
"Damn djinni. Where did he send us?" Astarion mutters under his breath, his eyes scanning the dense foliage for any signs of danger.
"Are those dinosaurs?" Delphie squints, observing the approaching Alioramus. With cautious curiosity, she begins to stand, prompting Astarion to instinctively attempt to pull her back down. However, Delphie raises a reassuring hand, a subtle indication that she knows what she's doing. She understands this unfamiliar environment in a way that the pale elf cannot fathom.
As the pack of Alioramus enters attack mode, Delphie confidently kneels before them, her head hung low and her eyes closed. Astarion, feeling a mix of awe and anxiety, readies his bow and arrow, prepared for a swift retreat if necessary. The Alioramus growl, closing in on the wood elf, who extends her hand in a gesture that seems to defy common sense.
Astarion sweats profusely, unsure if his companion has lost her mind or if there's some innate connection between her and any type of creature with scales. One Alioramus moves closer, baring its teeth menacingly. Delphie, undeterred and without a hint of fear, whispers, "I won't hurt you, moxt ir." The pale elf holds his breath as time seems to slow, witnessing the incredible scene unfolding before him.
With a surprising calmness, Delphie adds, "I promise." The Alioramus, against all expectations, gives in. It emits a small chittering noise before placing its head in the palm of Delphie's hand. Astarion can't help but curse inwardly – she really just tamed a dinosaur. In moments like these, he's reminded of the vast depths of surprises that Delphie holds within her.
The tamed Alioramus communicates with the others, emitting more chittering sounds that seem to convey the elves' harmlessness. Delphie, seemingly understanding their newfound companions, addresses them, "Shilta wux drex udoka wer idol ekik?" Astarion doesn't know draconic, but he could tell she's asking them for a way out. Miraculously, the Alioramus lead the duo toward a portal situated near a large chest, about a mile ahead.
Astarion skillfully picks the lock on the chest, the satisfying click echoing through the prehistoric jungle. As the lid creaks open, the duo is greeted by an ethereal glow emanating from within. Nestled inside is their grand prize – a magical trident. The weapon gleams with a teal otherworldly light, and its surface seems to ripple with mystical energy.
A mischievous smirk passes between the two elves as they lay eyes on the enchanted trident.
With the prize in hand, the duo turns their attention to the portal, the vibrant swirls of energy beckoning them to step through. Before they depart, Delphie can't help but cast a sad smile towards the dinosaurs. Despite the brief encounter, a bond formed in the jungle, and she acknowledges the creatures with a silent farewell.
The Alioramus respond with a series of chitters, their eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and curiosity. Delphie gives them one final wave, a gesture of gratitude for the unexpected companionship in this ancient jungle.
Upon their return to the circus, Astarion and Delphie find themselves once again in the midst of Akabi's con, the djinni's irritation palpable but unspoken. The rigged games and illusory prizes persist as the duo navigates through the lively atmosphere, their recent escapade with dinosaurs still fresh in their minds. Akabi, choosing to avoid confrontation, merely continues with his deceitful charade.
As Delphie revels in the spectacle of the circus, she catches sight of a captivating figure amidst the vibrant surroundings. A beautiful dryad named Zethino, with olive-colored skin and glowing green eyes, captures her attention. In complete and utter awe, the wood elf is drawn toward the mysterious creature, leaving Astarion trailing behind in bewilderment. Dryads, she believed, existed only in the Faewild, and the sight of one in the material realm fills her with wonder.
Approaching Zethino, the wood elf is met with the dryad's soft smile as the creature looks down at her with eyes that seem to hold ancient wisdom. "Your eyes, stira. There is pain, endless and deep. But also devotion - blazing like the sun. You're in love, are you not?" Zethino speaks, her words carrying a sense of insight that goes beyond the immediate.
Delphie, caught off guard and blushing, stammers, "Um...I mean something like that."
The dryad continues, her voice a gentle melody, "You are wise to admit it. When it comes to love, vulnerability is armor. Truth, a sword. And trust, a shield. I pray you wield all three, stira. Is this the one you love?" Zethino gestures toward Astarion, who gives the dryad a puzzled but friendly wave.
Caught in the spell of the dryad's presence, Delphie nods, her curiosity piqued by Zethino's ability to perceive the depths of emotions. The dryad, seemingly unaffected by the social norms of the circus, continues her insightful commentary. "I can look into your hearts and see if your love is eternal. Or doomed eternally."
The two elves share quick glances, their skepticism evident, but a shared understanding lingers in their eyes. Why not? They seem to silently agree, aware that the mystical divination is likely nothing more than a spectacle. Delphie hands the dryad a few gold coins.
"Close your eyes, little ones," Zethino instructs, her voice a melodic whisper that echoes through the air. "Be still as stone to earth. And remember to breathe."
In an instant, the bustling atmosphere of the circus fades away, replaced by a breathtaking scene. A majestic waterfall cascades behind them, and a sturdy log stretches across the tranquil waters. Delphie finds herself standing at one end, while Astarion and Zethino grace the other. The natural beauty of the setting evokes a sense of serenity, as if they've stepped into a pocket of untouched paradise.
"Ah, glorious. Your bond is sweeter than nature's dew. I see you. Know you. But do you know one another?" Zethino begins, her voice carrying a mystical resonance. Astarion and Delphie exchange a small, knowing smile, intrigued by the unfolding spectacle. The dryad continues her enchanting commentary.
"Astarion: a tumultuous past hides behind a mirthful grin. Delphnye: a heart of gold shrouded by darkness. The heart is fraught, so let us begin with the joyous." Zethino turns her attention to Astarion, a twinkle in her eyes as she seeks insights into Delphie's happiness.
"Astarion, when is Delphie the happiest?" she inquires, her voice carrying a gentle curiosity that hints at an understanding of the elven duo's dynamics.
Astarion, despite his initial skepticism, responds with sincerity. "When she's surrounded by trees and scaley creatures." The wood elf's emerald eyes light up with amusement, and she nods in agreement.
The dryad gestures for Astarion to take a large step onto the log, bridging the distance between them. The log, suspended above the crystalline waters, becomes a symbolic pathway connecting the two ends of this mystical tableau. As Astarion complies, cautiously balancing on it, a subtle tension fills the air.
The dryad, Zethino, studies the two elves with an ethereal gaze, her glowing eyes reflecting the wisdom of the ages. "Delphnye, when is Astarion the happiest?" she inquires, her voice a soft melody that harmonizes with the natural symphony surrounding them.
Delphie, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, responds without hesitation, "When he's elbow-deep in gore." Her words are accompanied by a playful crinkle of her nose, and a shared understanding passes between her and Astarion.
The pale elf smirks, offering a shrug of admission. "Guilty as charged, sometimes literally..."
Zethino, unfazed by the brutal honesty, nods with a knowing smile. The dryad seems to appreciate the authenticity of their responses, recognizing that within the complexities of the two elves lies a balance of light and shadow, joy and darkness.
Encouraged by Zethino, Delphie confidently steps onto the log, her movements fluid and graceful as always. The balance of the log beneath her feet seems to mirror the intricate dance of her emotions, a delicate equilibrium between vulnerability and strength.
The wise dryad continues her enchanting inquiry, her eyes reflecting both the profound and the playful. "Your bond beats in pleasure. It is an honor to behold. Many things delight the heart, but only one makes it sing. Tell me, Astarion, what does Delphnye desire more than anything?" Her voice resonates through the serene scene, echoing with the profound wisdom of the natural world.
The mood shifts, and a somber expression grows on Astarion's face as he contemplates Delphie's deepest desires. "Freedom. To be able to swing in the trees without having to peer over her shoulder," he answers, his words carrying the weight of understanding. Delphie, standing on the log with a bittersweet smile, appreciates the acknowledgment of her longing for a life unburdened by constant vigilance.
The dryad turns her gaze to Delphie, seeking insights into the desires of the pale elf. "Delphnye, what does Astarion desire more than anything?" she asks, her eyes holding a sense of anticipation.
Delphie's smile turns playful, and she answers with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Me." Her response is accompanied by a small, girlish giggle that dances through the air.
Astarion, in turn, returns the smile, acknowledging the lightheartedness of her response. "Oh, you're very sweet. I wouldn't say no to some gory vengeance personally, but that was an adorable answer," he quips with a twinkle in his eye.
The wood elf rolls her eyes playfully at the vampire spawn's remark, a playful exchange that captures the essence of their dynamic. Taking another exaggerated step forward on the log, she embraces the theatrics of the moment.
The perceptive dryad delves deeper into the emotional landscape of the elves, seeking to uncover the intricacies of their fears. "There is a hollowness between you, something brittle and strained. We must dig deeper. Grasp the pain hiding within. Fear sits in the soul of all - to tame it, we must name it. Delphnye - what is her biggest fear?" The dryad's voice carries a gentle insistence as if urging them to explore the uncharted territories of their vulnerabilities.
Astarion ponders for a moment, contemplating how to answer with sensitivity. Finally, he offers a response that carries a touch of humor and insight. "Short hair," he says, choosing a more lighthearted fear to share.
Delphie chuckles in response, revealing the genuine nature of the revelation. "I mean, you're not wrong. I don't think I'd look good if my hair was at my ears," she quips with a playful smile.
"Darling, you'd look stunning without hair...although I do love your curls. Please do keep them," Astarion teases, his tone affectionate.
"I think you're exaggerating a little, but I'll take the compliment," Delphie replies, her amusement evident. The pale elf takes a step forward, bridging the symbolic gap between them as if inviting a more profound connection through the shared exploration of fears.
Zethino turns her attention to Delphie, her next question probing into the depths of the pale elf's vulnerabilities. "Astarion - what is his deepest fear?" she inquires, her eyes holding an empathetic understanding.
The wood elf recognizing the gravity of the moment but embracing the playful spirit, responds with a teasing flair, "Breaking a nail."
"Ha! Well, when you look this good..." Astarion dramatically observes his nails, humorously acknowledging the frivolous nature of his supposed fear. Delphie bursts into laughter, the tension of the emotional exploration momentarily lifted.
As they close the gap between each other, the playful banter continues. "I have to say, you know me better than I thought. I'll have to be more mysterious in the future," Astarion remarks, a hint of teasing in his voice.
A playful smile graces Delphie's face, and she counters, "Try all you want, I'm very perceptive." Their eyes meet, and a shared chuckle bridges the remaining distance, transforming the exploration of fears into a moment of connection and understanding.
The air in the circus takes on a tense quality as Zethino utters words that cut through the whimsical atmosphere like a blade. "Your bond is false," her voice echoes behind them, a stark contrast to the playful energy that had filled the scene moments ago. A sudden heaviness settles between the elves, their carefree banter replaced by an unsettling revelation.
Delphie, feeling an unexpected pang of discomfort, reacts instinctively. She grabs Astarion's hand, her grip tight and protective, as if seeking reassurance in the face of impending uncertainty. Astarion, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, intertwines his fingers with hers, offering silent support.
The dryad fixes her glowing eyes on Delphie, a gaze that seems to pierce through the layers of the wood elf's soul. "Your heart belongs to another," she declares, her words carrying an otherworldly resonance.
Delphie's mind races, attempting to comprehend the cryptic revelation. There's no way. She thinks to herself, feeling a sudden pang of confusion. This is just a load of shit, right?
"Close your eyes, and she will show herself to you," Zethino encourages, her voice now a soft whisper that hangs in the air.
As the dryad's commands echo through the unseen currents of magic, Astarion and Delphie find themselves once again thrust back into the heart of the circus against their will. When they open their eyes, the vibrant colors and fantastical wonders surround them, but the enchantment is shattered by the presence of a woman with eyes as pale as the moon standing before them. A menacing grin carves across her face, and a shiver runs down Delphie's spine at the sight of her.
It's Orin—the woman who had once beaten her to the brink of death years ago. Astarion, sensing the threat, immediately positions himself between Delphie and the looming figure of her past. The air crackles with tension, memories of past pain resurfacing, and the circus's whimsical charm now tainted by the haunting specter of the wood elf's tormentor.
"Look at it, crawling home, hands stained with the Bone Lord's soot. And you carry his stone," Orin hisses with contempt. Astarion's protective stance stiffens, and the two elves meet Orin's glare with defiant eyes. Delphie, feeling a surge of fear, instinctively grabs the vampire spawn's hand once again, seeking comfort and strength in his touch.
His reassuring grasp resurges her confidence, a silent affirmation that they'll face this threat together. The shapechanger continues her malicious tirade, "I see you still reject Father's gift to you, pup. You're weak. I could end it now—but I'll be patient. Father will see us once again. He will see you bleed."
The ominous words hang in the air, and Delphie's heart pounds with a mixture of fear and determination. Astarion remains steadfast, his gaze unwavering as he shields the wood elf from the looming menace. Orin manipulates something on her wrist, and with an eerie twist of crimson magic, she disappears, leaving behind an echoing threat that lingers in the air.
The circus, once a haven of wonders, now feels like a battleground, the magic tainted by the echoes of a painful past. Delphie and Astarion stand together, their hands tightly interwoven, as they process the unsettling encounter. In an attempt to dispel the remnants of fear, the pale elf turns his attention towards Delphie, gently cradling her face in his hands. "Are you alright, darling?" he inquires, his touch seeking to reassure and ground her in the present moment.
"What was she talking about? Bhaal will see us once again. He'll watch me bleed?" Worried emerald orbs search crimson for answers.
Astarion, despite the weight of uncertainty, meets her gaze with unwavering determination. "I don't know, but we'll figure it out. I'm sure of it," he assures her, offering a semblance of comfort in the face of the unknown.
His hands release her face, and he lets out an exasperated sigh. "You didn't bother to mention she was a shapechanger?" A hint of frustration colors his tone, as the revelation adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate web of challenges they face.
"I only met her a few times. I didn't know she was capable of that," Delphie confesses, her own uncertainty mirroring the vampire spawn's.
Another exasperated sigh escapes Astarion's lips. "It's not enough we have a gallery of villains to look out for, but now we can be infiltrated by a shapechanger? I can't even tell if any of you are acting strange because you've been replaced or because this group is full of weirdos!"
As if on cue, Wyll and Karlach return to them, both adorned with clown makeup. It's evident that Wyll, in particular, was forced into the whimsical transformation, as he looks utterly miserable. The pale elf, seeking to make a point, holds out his hand to them.
"We'll just be careful. I'm sure if one of them is Orin, she'll slip up," the ranger says with a hesitant shrug, attempting to inject a sense of optimism into the disquieting situation.
"Don't leave my side. The last thing I want is to lose you to her," Astarion implores, the fear behind his words present. Delphie nods, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the sincerity in the pale elf's plea. With that agreement, they walk towards the back of the circus with their other two companions, hand in hand, determined to reunite with the rest of their party and face whatever challenges the mysterious circus has in store for them.
The vivid designs of the tents create a kaleidoscope of colors, and the air is filled with the distant roars and growls from the cages housing fantastical creatures.
Two cages, in particular, draw their attention – one containing a magnificent displacer beast, its tentacles lashing out gracefully, and the other holding a Dilophosaurus. The wood elf, unable to resist the call of her compassionate heart, is tugged away by Astarion from the Dilophosaurus's cage. Her gaze lingers, a profound sadness etched across her features at the sight of the reptilian creature confined within the bars.
The duo continues to the stage, its vibrant design standing out against the backdrop of the circus. The stage is painted red with large white diamonds and small yellow stars, its grandeur further accentuated by the red velvet curtains adorning the back. As they approach the gathering crowd, they spot their companions—Gale, Jaheira, Lae'zel, and Shadowheart—standing together, exchanging irritated glances.
Shadowheart, in particular, eyes them with an irritated raised brow, her hands on her hips. Her gaze drifts over the glowing trident attached to Astarion's back and the clown paint on both Karlach and Wyll. "You do remember the mission was to find information?" she remarks dryly, her tone filled with disapproval.
"Well, I mean, we are at a circus. I figured we could multitask," Karlach offers with a sheepish smile, rubbing a hand against the back of her neck.
Shadowheart's expression remains stern as she continues, "And...did you find anything?" Her question hangs in the air as Astarion and Delphie give her a haunted look, silently communicating the unexpected turn of events.
"Not now," the wood elf asserts firmly, breaking the awkward silence and earning a nod of understanding from Shadowheart.
As Shadowheart and the group exchange glances, a sudden burst of commotion draws their attention to the circus stage. Dribbles the Clown, adorned in a jerkin of mismatched red, blue, and yellow stripes and diamond patterns, steps onto the platform with a blink dog at his side. The dark clown paint on his face stands in stark contrast to the vibrant purple and pink hues of his unruly hair.
"God, I fucking hate clowns," Delphie mutters under her breath, her discomfort evident as she instinctively curls into herself. The whimsical atmosphere of the circus becomes tinged with an unsettling edge for the wood elf.
"Buddy the dog is my very best friend. Do you know why?" the clown asks dramatically, scanning the audience for a response. Delphie, fully aware of the absurdity unfolding before them, facepalms in disbelief. What are they doing here again? She wonders, sharing a perplexed look with Astarion.
"Why?" a man in a padded tunic beside them responds, unwittingly playing along with the circus act.
With a flourish of dramatic hand gestures, the clown responds, "Because with him, anything is paw-sible, way-hey!"
Delphie, with her aversion to clowns, remains unamused, her discomfort evident as she watches the whimsical performance unfold on the stage. The unexpected turn of events has intensified her unease, making her more aware of the unsettling contrast between the lighthearted circus atmosphere and the shadows of their recent encounters.
A small snort interrupts the tension behind her, and she whips her head around to find Jaheira, of all people, letting out a small chuckle. "What? Shut up," Jaheira retorts, unashamedly admitting her amusement at the clown's pun. Delphie raises an incredulous eyebrow at the druid's unexpected enjoyment.
"Oh good, puns. Because clowns aren't enough of a horror already," Astarion remarks sarcastically, clapping his hands in feigned amusement. His eyes, however, are keenly observant of Delphie's discomfort after another pun is told. Recognizing her unease, he slips one of his hands into hers, offering a reassuring touch. As his fingers entwine with hers, a subtle relaxation settles over Delphie, the connection grounding her amidst the circus's eccentricities.
"Can we not find a more pleasant amusement? Gouging out our own eyeballs, perhaps?" Delphie chuckles at Lae'zel's deadpan quip. She can't help but appreciate the gith's unexpected sense of humor when she's not trying to be intimidating, whether it's intentional or not. Meanwhile, the man beside them expresses his dissatisfaction by booing the clown on stage.
"Thank you to the loudmouth who volunteered for my next trick! Now, where, oh where, are you...?" Dribbles the Clown playfully pretends to search for the man before locking eyes with Delphie. A moment of tension passes as the wood elf feels the weight of the clown's gaze. "You! My special assistant. Come on up."
The ranger glances over at Karlach, whose idea it was to visit the circus in the first place. "Yeah, go on, Karlach. Up you go!"
"Hang on now, soldier, I'm not paying for your sins," the tiefling responds, a hint of playful reluctance in her voice.
Delphie looks at Karlach in confusion, stage-whispering, "My sins? What did I do?!"
"Ooof - my heart! The enthusiasm is...too much! Now, up, up - double sharp! Or poor Buddy will think you don't like him," the clown says with exaggerated drama.
Delphie gestures for Karlach to go up on stage, and the tiefling lets out an exasperated sigh. "This better be violent, sexy, or both," Karlach mutters, injecting her usual wry humor into the situation. As she stiffly ascends the stage, the crowd's anticipation grows, unsure of what the clown has in store for his "special assistant."
"Now, you're very special. As special as can be! Does anyone know why?" Dribbles begins another pun, and the wood elf, feeling a wave of second-hand embarrassment, pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Oh, gods. Please make it stop," she mutters under her breath, her tolerance for clown antics rapidly diminishing.
"Why?" a little girl shouts from the front of the audience, adding to the chaotic engagement.
"You're special, my friend, because I have a message - just for you!" Dribbles declares with theatrical flair, his words sending a chill down Delphie's spine. A sense of unease settles over her, and she instinctively tightens her grip on Astarion's hand.
The clown's gaze then shifts to Karlach, and his face contorts into a menacing smile. "Praise the Absolute." The ominous words hang in the air, casting a shadow over the whimsical atmosphere of the circus.
The blink dog, once seemingly friendly, suddenly transforms into a snarling menace. Without warning, it lunges at Karlach, attempting to sink its teeth into her. Reacting with swift agility, the tiefling dodges out of harm's way. Meanwhile, Dribbles arms himself with a large wooden mallet.
Panic ensues among the circus-goers as the once-joyful atmosphere turns into a chaotic scene of fear and confusion. Some in the crowd cower in terror, while others attempt to flee the unfolding madness. Delphie, her aversion to clowns now justified, shouts in frustration, "This is why I FUCKING HATE CLOWNS!" The sentiment is echoed by her companions, who ready themselves for a confrontation with the unpredictable threat.
"Eager to bleed? Very well...praise the Absolute!" Dribbles declares with a disturbing glee, his words sending shivers down the spines of those who understand the implications. The clown leaps into the air, brandishing the mallet with malicious intent, aiming to bring it down on Karlach with full force. "Here comes the punchline!"
The tiefling evades the initial strike. Dribbles, undeterred, swings the mallet again. This time, the blow connects, striking her across the face. She stumbles back, pain etched on her features as the force of the impact takes its toll. The clown, having delivered his unexpected attack, jumps off the stage with a theatrical leap.
In the midst of the chaos, Delphie's keen eyes catch a glimpse of the animal tamers unlocking the cages of the displacer beast and Dilophosaurus. An idea sparks in her mind, and before Astarion can react, she darts toward the cages with a determined glint in her emerald eyes.
With two powerful swings of her axe, Karlach efficiently dispatches the blink dog into shreds. "Bad dog," she quips with a smirk before leaping off the stage in pursuit of the escaping clown. Astarion, quick to respond, activates his radiant blade and swings it toward Dribbles. The agile clown, however, dodges the attack with a small chuckle, showcasing an unsettling proficiency in evasion.
Jaheira transforms herself into a displacer beast and lunges at the similar creature charging toward them. The once-ordinary animal tamers reveal unexpected combat prowess, launching coordinated attacks against the party. Shadowheart and Lae'zel, drawing upon their combined magical and fighting skills, join forces once again to confront one of the assailants. Meanwhile, Wyll and Gale work in tandem to engage the other tamer, weaving spells and swordplay into a synchronized dance of battle.
The atmosphere becomes charged with the clash of weapons, arcane energies, and roars of the unleashed beasts.
Delphie skids to a halt in front of the Dilophosaurus, a formidable creature ready to charge at her with acid dripping from its bared teeth. Undeterred and recalling her earlier encounter with the Alioramus, she kneels with her head bowed, holding her hand out in a gesture of trust. There's not an ounce of fear in her bones. The Dilophosaurus, uncertain of her intentions, lunges forward, expecting a flinch or an attack. However, Delphie remains remarkably still, and to the creature's surprise, she extends her hand further.
As the dinosaur hesitantly puts its head in her hand, Delphie looks up with a confident smile. "Lowd dout plisoic, sia sune. Wux re duulo jaka." Her words, spoken in a language unknown to many, carry an ancient resonance. The Dilophosaurus, seemingly understanding her, lets out a loud roar and charges after Dribbles. With a swift motion, it launches a spray of acidic venom at the clown.
Delphie follows behind, her scales beginning to glow. A red hue courses through her veins, and as she outstretches her hands, the color shifts into a vibrant lavender. "Rygat bluthel!" she shouts, unleashing a crackling lavender beam that flies past Astarion's head and crashes into Dribbles. The clown stumbles under the impact of the magical assault, his malevolent grin momentarily replaced by an expression of surprise and pain.
In the midst of the magical onslaught, a bugbear unexpectedly joins the fray, aiding Jaheira in taking down the displacer beast after she loses her transformed state. Their combined efforts quickly overwhelm the remaining enemies, and the adventurers watch in astonishment as the defeated bodies morph into tall, pale, fleshy goblinoid figures.
"Dopplegangers?" Wyll whispers in confusion, his eyes narrowing as he assesses the fallen foes.
"Great, that's all we need is more shapechangers," Astarion groans, crossing his arms with a mixture of annoyance and concern.
Delphie begins to kneel beside the Dilophosaurus, ready to express her gratitude for its valiant efforts in battle. However, the sudden sound of a bolt rushing past her head shatters the moment. The projectile strikes the creature in the chest, and she watches in horror as it collapses to the ground. Turning around, she is met with the sight of the bugbear who had assisted them lowering his crossbow.
"What the fuck was that for? It helped us fight against these dopplegangers!" Delphie's voice trembles with a mix of grief and anger. Shadowheart kneels beside her, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder, while a glare is directed at the bugbear.
"It's a wild animal. They're unpredictable," the bugbear explains with a stern face, attempting to justify his actions.
Delphie's tears stream down her face as the weight of the situation settles on her. Even Lae'zel, typically stoic, reveals a glint of emotion at the heartbreaking scene unfolding before her. "First, you torture it by taking it from its home and keeping it locked in a cage for others' amusement. Then you kill it after it was aiding you in battle?"
"If you don't recall, it was going to attack us first," the bugbear counters with an unwavering stance. "Wild animals change without reason. I never thought it was a good idea to keep those beasts around in the first place."
"Then return it to its home!" Delphie shouts through her sobs, her heartache and frustration pouring out. "Or leave it under my care. This is why the beauty of this planet keeps dwindling. People like you continuously take it for granted. You killed this poor, beautiful creature for no reason other than it frightened you. It would've left you alone!"
Astarion, sensing that the situation is escalating and drawing a crowd, intervenes, "Darling, maybe we should go." Both he and Shadowheart help Delphie up, wrapping an arm around her for support. They begin to leave the circus, leaving behind the tragic aftermath of the dinosaur's demise.
Wyll, lingering for a moment, notices a slip of paper protruding from Dribbles' jerkin. Curiosity getting the better of him, he retrieves the paper and reads its contents before discreetly placing it in his own pocket. Following suit, he exits the circus to rejoin his companions, leaving the tragic incident behind.