Arachne’s Faireground Nocturne: The Gossamer Carnival

Date: 2025-07-26 20:08

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(Arachne’s Faireground Nocturne: The Gossamer Carnival)

[Sat Jul 26 2025]

A Dusty Fairground Parking Lot/span>/spanThe unpaved parking area stretches across packed earth, its surface worn
smooth by countless vehicles over the years. Tire tracks crisscross the dirt
in overlapping patterns, creating shallow ruts that fill with murky water
after rain. The ground is compacted hard near the entrance but becomes looser
and more uneven toward the edges where sparse patches of crabgrass struggle
through. Old carnival posters, faded and torn, cling to the chain-link fence
that marks the lot’s perimeter, their bright colors bleached pale by weather
and time. A few streetlights on weathered wooden poles cast pools of yellow
light across the lot after dark, leaving deep shadows between them. The smell
of motor oil mingles with the earthier scent of dust and dried grass. Empty
bottles and discarded tickets collect against the fence where the wind pushes
them, remnants of crowds that have passed through this gateway to the
fairground’s attractions./span>/spanIt is after dusk/span>74F(23C) degrees, and there are clear skies. The mist is heaviest At Mayflower and Oakwood/span>/span There is a waxing crescent moon.

“Forgive?” Mab echoes Obadiah’s comment with a note of mirth in her voice, “I would never forgive anyone, my darling, for I am never sorry for anything myself. You will have to earn your way back into my good graces.” Though she makes a show of lofty posturing, her closeness and amusement make plain that drama is all it is.

Shiloh grins a bit as the announcement is made and moves on his merry way, whistling softly under his breath.

“Naturally.” Lykaia answers to Eloa. “Not a fan of places like this in my leisure time when there’s too much activity.” She glances from behind her bask to Matias. “Let’s go first. Then rejoin her highness afterwards.”

There are still programs being handed out by a masked courtier right at the gate, though Arachne certainly doesn’t need it as she sashays on.

[OOC: Take program if you need a map, and use MAP LEVEL once inside to see corresponding places where attractions are.]

Dovie looks over to cold, “What a mask that is. Where is your companion?”

Eloa nods her head and offers her arm to Lykaia and Matias before setting off.

Dovie gasps at Esme, “Oh wow, I don’t think I can take on the mantle of Aphrodite, not with how beautiful you look tonight!”

“Yours is … so on-brand,” Mab turns to tell Aeryn, holding up both hands with pinched thumb and forefinger, admiring her with an accompanying double chef kiss. “I will really have to work to pretend not to recognise your purely distilled essence in all of it. But tonight, I will call you only Velvet.”

As Eloa leads the way, Matias comments to Jenny, “Have you enjoyed getting ready for this, you should take note. If we add a bonfire it would be similar to the kind of parties the Student Council should be preparing.”

“Ah well I will try harder!” Obadiah tells Mab tapping his mask against hers before taking Dovie’s hand and moving towards the north, “Shall we go to the haunted house first or get food?”

“I didn’t try too hard to hide,” Aeryn confesses to Mab. “I do like the name though.” She gives a knowing wink, and studies her program.

Esme finds her way to Gabriel’s side again, already clearly trying to combat the feelings of the crowded space, but she gives Dovie a bright smile. “Thanks. You look amazing too.” looks toward Obadiah, “You both do. Haunted house is my choice.”

Lykaia gets a little lost at first and examines the map more than twice before turning back around and finding the place they are meant to go to. “Here it is. Am not a knife thrower. Some of you will be enjoying that more.”

Meridith smiles and waves at Lillian and Arachne and Amber.

At the sight of Malin, Mab greets her with a wry sounding, “Sir Volcano.”

Gabriel offers Esme his hand and some reassurance, “Things will get a lot less hectic once everyone starts filtering to different parts of the carnival.”

Following Lykaia alongside the group to the knife throwing stand, Jasper turns to look at the prize stand while he says, “Me neither. I doubt I have a better aim of throwing.”

Jenny gives a nod as she looks over the knife throwing game “Oh yeah, I almost got a perfect score on this one.”

“Oh you already tried?” Eloa asks as she lets go of Lykaia and Matias’s sleeves to gesture towards Jenny, “Why don’t you go first. See if can win giant plushie.”

“Matthew, you need a mask,” Aeryn waves her fingers.

“How do you partake on this?” Lykaia asks, looking around.

Arachne accepts the glass given to her, an airy kiss extended to Aeryn with a faint smile creasing her lips. “Plan to stick with me? I’m going to make my rounds around the festival at my leisure to enjoy the fruits of the Court’s labor.”

Malin releases a gasp at someone and she replies, “Tis I,” of herself, gesturing and reaching behind to force a long trailing tail of her bodysuit to be dashed briefly. “You look fantastic.”

Obadiah looks around at all the various people and frowns, “Are they hear yet?”

Matthew points to his mask, “But I’m wearing one!” he insists.

Malin releases a gasp at Mab and she replies, “Tis I,” of herself, gesturing and reaching behind to force a long trailing tail of her bodysuit to be dashed briefly. “You look fantastic.”

Lykaia says “I want to put the stuffed mermaid on a shelf for some reason.“

As the group approaches a barker that uses the carny version of vicious mockery to insult and cajole attendees into competing Matias motions for Jenny to take the lead, “Go on, Hoot hoot.”

Cadalie opens her own program for advice, but alas, the three words are singularly vague in their direction. “..MMm, not sure.”

Dovie points out Gabriel and Esme for Obadiah.

Amber leads someone on over to the masks, then continues sidling on over to Arachne. “Birthday gal here?” she wonders to Arachne, “’cause I have a delivery.”

Amber leads Lillian on over to the masks, then continues sidling on over to Arachne. “Birthday gal here?” she wonders to Arachne, “’cause I have a delivery.”

Gabriel flips Obadiah off in lieu of a greeting.

Obadiah says “Oh Fine. I was distracted by Mab’s beauty and cutting wit.“

“I’ll definitely make the rounds before I find somewhere to lounge,” Aeryn nods her head. “So many fabulous masked figures roaming around.”

Cadalie pats her face, “By the by, is this mask too disturbin’? I could rather illude my face to somethin’ else?”

Arachne says “Wait, the Marvelous Mab is here?“

Aeryn says “She is. I found her already!“

Malin says “She’s wooing me at the moment.“

Jenny chuckles “Hoot hoot.” back to Matias grabbing the five knifes provided and sending them in quick succession towards the target

Jenny uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A pair of Siamese twins spin around one another on a shared pole. The blade lands where their necks meet and they split in half, howling in unison, dissolving into sugar glass and echoes.

Jenny uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

Arachne says “I’ll see her soon, I suppose. All of you, don’t linger too long out there./span>/span[[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A marionette controlled by thorny strings begs in rhymes. The perfect hit slices all four threads, and she slumps in agony. Her porcelain skin cracks and light spills from within.

Jenny uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

“You always look fantastic,” Mab/span>/spanMab says “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, my love.“

Lykaia says “I see.“

Lykaia uses a knife-throwing game: [[6 Points – Dismemberment!!]] A living harp in feminine form stands before you- and each string is a vein. The toss strikes her hands, causing them to explode, scattering blood-covered strings across the stage. Her mouth opens too wide, then snaps shut forever.

Lykaia uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

Lykaia uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] A giant, grotesque man is curled up asleep in a child’s crib, but when the knife hits his heart he convulses with silent sobs, then bursts into oversized baby teeth that glow like moonlight.

“Think is fine.” Eloa/span>/spanLykaia uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A marionette controlled by thorny strings begs in rhymes. The perfect hit slices all four threads, and she slumps in agony. Her porcelain skin cracks and light spills from within.

Lykaia uses a knife-throwing game: [[6 Points – Dismemberment!!]] A living harp in feminine form stands before you- and each string is a vein. The toss strikes her hands, causing them to explode, scattering blood-covered strings across the stage. Her mouth opens too wide, then snaps shut forever.

Malin replies to Mab, “You’re too kind,” and then she nods northward. “I dressed Matthew. I would not allow him to wear Nikes,” she expresses.

Amber holds a box out to Arachne, looking about ready to slink away the moment it is accepted, should it be.

Eloa also claps for Lykaia because well why not it’s a game. She bounces a little before accepting five knives and tossing them as well.

Eloa uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

Eloa uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

Eloa uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A pair of Siamese twins spin around one another on a shared pole. The blade lands where their necks meet and they split in half, howling in unison, dissolving into sugar glass and echoes.

Matthew/span>/spanArachne extends a hand to receive Amber’s gift box with a dazzling smile. “You are far too kind, my mysterious fortune teller. Thank you,” she murmurs.

Dovie squeezes Obadiah’s hand. “Ready to go?”

“What an outfit you have,” Aeryn gasps to Esme. “Beautiful.”

Eloa pouts as she only gets fourty nine points and turns to look at Matias. “Win giant plushie!” She tells Matias as she pushes Matias from behind towards the stand.

“Where is our rhinestone-studded star?” Mab inquires of Malin, turning about to search the crowds. “Ah, and there is our queen. I should go say hello.”

Cadalie watches the eerily lifelike jesters and brides take daggers, the plastic that sits molded onto her face expression a slight knit of brows. “..Then I shall keep it. I think, rather, that it has good company.”

“I believe our Liege Lady has won her own stuffed animal.” Matias comments not moving to participate in the game, but seemingly entranced by the illusions considering their believability and diversity. “Impressive.”

Matthew makes his way over towards Malin, a smirk present on his exposed lips. “Hello, everyone, you are all stunning in your masks!”

Eloa says “You have to get fifty“

Lykaia says “Almost perfect, almost a token.“

“Just be sure to look inside at some point,” Amber offers, giving a crooked grin before slipping away with someone’ hand in her own.

Matias says “Is forty-nine not good enough?“

Obadiah says “Alright. Haunted house. “

Eloa says “Jenny also only got fourty nine“

“Just be sure to look inside at some point,” Amber offers, giving a crooked grin before slipping away with Lillian’s hand in her own.

Eloa says “No is fifty“

Obadiah says “North then east“

“He’s off finishing up some last minute details that the Queen needed assistance with,” Malin is starting to say, but then Matthew’s is there and she goes, “Oh, here he is. The Sun himself,” is said to Mab.

“Hate this already,” Alice declares, scooting away from the horror. “Hurry up…”

Matias uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A marionette controlled by thorny strings begs in rhymes. The perfect hit slices all four threads, and she slumps in agony. Her porcelain skin cracks and light spills from within.

Matias uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A bearded fortune teller snarls curses as the knife strikes his third eye, causing his crystal ball to shatter violently. His head ignites like a candle and the flames cause him to vanish with a whisper.

Matias uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

Matias uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

Matias uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A marionette controlled by thorny strings begs in rhymes. The perfect hit slices all four threads, and she slumps in agony. Her porcelain skin cracks and light spills from within.

Lykaia says “You all are so much better with chugging those out than me./span>/spanEloa sighs as someone is also short one.

“You also get fourty nine. This game is very tricky. Guess not can let everyone win giant plushie.” Eloa sighs as Matias is also short one.

“Hello Sunshine,” Mab calls out to someone, spreading out her hands as if to embrace him, though she doesn’t approach. “At last all my favourite cousins attend a Masquerade together in the City Between. I am delighted.”

Obadiah says “Huh well I think this is knife games, but I am down to try if everyone else is…“

“Hello Sunshine,” Mab calls out to Matthew, spreading out her hands as if to embrace him, though she doesn’t approach. “At last all my favourite cousins attend a Masquerade together in the City Between. I am delighted.”

Kai hangs around near the knife throwing booth

“Well, they’re illusions.” Cadalie supposes with a tone charming the tune of, that’s how they getchya.

“Although we all get over 30 points. So I guess we get pick prize. is just not quiteee as big as fifty?” Eloa asks looking into the prize stand.

Gabriel informs Obadiah, “These are drugs.”

Esme says “We like drugs“

Dovie holds up a vial. “Shall we try?” she downs it.

“Fifty get you a token,” Jasper says while he watches knifes being thrown. “Thirty and higher, you can get a prize.” With a nod towards Eloa, he walks towards the stand to receive the knifes.

Obadiah says “Am I the designated driver tonight?“

Matthew looks towards Mab and the smile that draws into his face practically radiates warmth, like the very sun itself. “Well if you are not a sight for sore eyes,” he greets warmly, drawing towards the embrace that she never truly extends beyond that gesture. “You look fantastic.”

Jasper uses a knife-throwing game: [[1 Point – Minor Contact]] A silent nun clasps a dagger-shaped rosary at her chest as the knife is thrown, and the blade only cuts her wimple. Her smile widens just slightly before she bows and vanishes into a falling curtain of white feathers.

While the rewarded are handed out Matias/span>/spanJasper uses a knife-throwing game: [[6 Points – Dismemberment!!]] A living harp in feminine form stands before you- and each string is a vein. The toss strikes her hands, causing them to explode, scattering blood-covered strings across the stage. Her mouth opens too wide, then snaps shut forever.

Jasper uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] A giant, grotesque man is curled up asleep in a child’s crib, but when the knife hits his heart he convulses with silent sobs, then bursts into oversized baby teeth that glow like moonlight.

Jasper uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

Jasper uses a knife-throwing game: [[4 Points – Superficial Wound]] Pale, with needles for fingers, a nurse shuffles across the backdrop. A graze to her cheek leaks glittering pus, and she hisses and disappears in a wisp of antiseptic stench and baby powder.

Matias says “After our Wolf … kills a bystander, that throw are terrible./span>/spanDovie begins to grin, almost maniacally.

Esme goes for the breath-mint strip

Lykaia says “Think I remember where it was. Should not be far.“

Derek gingerly takes up a candy from the opulently dressed courtier, dipping his masked chin before he slides it under his mask surreptitiously right as others arrive. He tilts his head to Obadiah. “I’ve a chauffeur, should I need one.”

Pointing at the stuffed chihuahua, Eloa looks excited as the attendant bring sit down for her and she holds it under one arm. “Haunted house is good. Did you want try knives Red eyes?” Eloa asks, smiling at the other woman.

Malin states, “She really does,” after Matthew’s has expressed his views on someone’ current state.

Malin states, “She really does,” after Matthew’s has expressed his views on Mab’s current state.

Cadalie shakes her head to the negative. “Oh, I don’t like much to hurt thangs when I can afford it. Besides, there is somethin’.. Eerie about seein’ somethin’ scream so realistically and knowing it to be false.”

Obadiah gives a heavy sigh looking into the vendor to try to whatever there is to try

Aeryn says “Oh, what are these.“

There’s a sound, a chuckle, faintly muffled by August’s mask while green eyes flit from one face to the next. They, in their severity, eventually settle on Arachne, and never stop to blink before he breaks free from the crowd by the parking lot to stride towards her.

Cadalie might have rolled her eyes. They’re entirely red, sclera and all, so it’s impossible to say. “..If it’ll get us onward, I’ll throw some darned knives, fine.”

“Is there an artist somewhere?” Mab wonders. “I should’ve hired Lucien. We’ll have to take photos, if that’s allowed.” She’s just about turning towards Arachne when the woman herself comes towards them, at which point she steps towards her, flourishes her arms outwards, and curtseys. “Thank you for the invitation, Summer Queen.”

“Okay! Everyone get a prize if they want? Then we head to haunted house.” Eloa links her arm around Jasper and Jenny this time. “Is okay no really hit bystander.”

Matthew draws nearer to Malin, studying her mask more closely, “Now this is fantastic, you look amazing.”

Cadalie says “How many is it? Five, six?“

Eloa says “Five knives!“

Cadalie uses a knife-throwing game: [[6 Points – Dismemberment!!]] A candle boy is melting slowly on a stool. The knife hits him in the chest and his whole body liquefies into wax, pooling with glowing fireflies that whisper, “Thank you.”

Cadalie uses a knife-throwing game: [[3 Points – Glancing Blow]] A caged scholar floating by reads aloud from a burned book. The thrown knife slices his ear and he flinches, slams the book, and bursts into a cloud of snarling ink-rats that assuredly are squealing curses.

Cadalie uses a knife-throwing game: [[2 Points – Startled Reaction]] Seven rats sewn together by tongues form an unusual rat king. The knife only nicks one tail, causing them to scatter. Chittering curses in unison, they leave a stink of sulfur and jam in their wake.

Cadalie uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] A giant, grotesque man is curled up asleep in a child’s crib, but when the knife hits his heart he convulses with silent sobs, then bursts into oversized baby teeth that glow like moonlight.

Cadalie uses a knife-throwing game: [[0 Points – Complete Miss]] The knife flies through the air, but only whiffs through the chains of an empty swing, which sways gently, creaking like laughter. A soft voice behind you says, “Try again,” followed by manic giggling.

Cadalie’s last knife sails above the tent, running wild faaar into the next street over.

“See, this won’t even work on me, at least not in time,” Aeryn/span>/spanIf one could see Derek’s eyes through his mask, they’d see they’re quite dilated; he lets out a quiet, satisfied sigh, humming and drawing his arms close as if giving himself a hug.

Eloa winces a little and giggles, “Um.. okay well.. At least we get mermaid and mermaid is not get hit.” She tells the others, tugging a little towards the haunted house. “Lets go haunted house.”

Malin starts to smile as Matthew’s comes nearer and she says, “You don’t look too shabby yourself,” as she looks him over, head to oxford toe.

Gabriel informs Aeryn, “It’s working rather effectively on me. I’ll just be stone sober in no time.”

Eloa immediately gets lost and follows Lykaia.

“See, I’m bad at throwing stuff,” Jasper muses upon throwing his knives, watching the illusions with his nose scrunched before he slowly nods. “A lot of effort on those illusions.”

Cadalie pats her hands together like she’s done a good day’s work. “Mmmh.

“Okay. Everyone had their fill? Then let’s go visit the haunted house.” Lykaia suggests, looking back and starting on the little route. “Be sure to be following me for it.”

Cadalie gives Lykaia a thumbs up. “I’m just gonna be quiet with my steps, don’t mind me.”

“You sir, can wander about with me, yeah? We can…see if these have some effect, or something.” Aeryn nods to Kai

Lykaia says “Mhm. “

Lowering her phone and letting it disappear below the haze of mists that soften the edges of her glamorous form, Arachne cannot stop the smile that blooms wide over her glossed lips, drifting forward toward Mab and August, the former the first to receive the very rare gift of her arms sliding open to usher her into a hug, “You came!”

Eloa says “Oh “

Obadiah takes the vial but one of the strips. For later. He knocks it back like a champ then starts to scratch at his skin

Dovie leans heavily against Obadiah as the drugs take hold. “Oh. Wow.”

Eloa gestures for everyone to follow Lykaia.

Obadiah says “I don’t know that I like this one,“

Esme lets the strip dissolve on her tongue with a pleased sound. “Which one?” She asks Obadiah

Lykaia makes a nod suddenly.

Gabriel glances at Obadiah’s reaction to it and decides, “Alright, not trying that one then. Strip was the right choice.”

Lorelei saunters in from the Street with a languid, almost theatrical sway, one hand balancing the enormous remains of a gaudy party sub wrapped haphazardly in deli paper. Near the white Maserati, she pauses, then with a soft ugh, deposits the greasy burden squarely on the glossy hood, as if washing her hands of the whole ordeal. “Too much mustard,” she chastizes herself, brushing her fingers against her sequined hip before adjusting the sea-glass mask over her face. With a flick of copper curls and a knowing glance toward the courtier, she strides further into the lot, heels biting into the dirt, her presence shimmering under the yellow streetlights.

After her theatrical curtsey for Arachne, Mab smiles and rises to accept the hug with ardour, giving her a brief squeeze before stepping back, one mask studying the other. “You look resplendent,” she tells her, holding her programme just off to the side. “I so very much want a picture of all of us. I wish I’d thought to hire an artist to paint us.”

Matthew kicks one foot out in front of him, turning it side to side to catch the light on teh polished leather of his oxford shoe. “You see that?” he grins clearly too proud. “Shiny as hell, I feel like I shuold be selling stocks or starting a cult!”

Dovie encourages Obadiah. “Let’s go? I only have a limited time and want to explore.”

Obadiah looks at the shadows for a moment and between the various people before beckoning Aeryn, “Come on Aeryn You have been adopted.”

Lykaia says “A Conclave individual. Hmm.“

“Adopted?” Aeryn blinks. “Is this good? I feel like maybe I’m in trouble.”

Derek lifts his hand up to the eye slits in his mask as though to look at it, surveying himself skeptically.

Kai folds his arms behind his head as he turns his head to Aeryn, “Uhhh… okay I guess, sure,” he nods and steps over to her, following along with her.

It seems Malin does indeed see ‘that’ as Matthew shows off all that glistens, and she cannot help but to smile widely at him. “Why not do both?” gets suggested about being a cult leader who dabbles in trades.

Matthew hears the sounsd of his cousins drift his way and he says, “We could get a picture here, couldn’t we, all together, in our masks?” Then he’s looking over, seeking out the third Montrose cousin.

Esme says “Yeah come back“

Obadiah says “We found them“

Cadalie looks at the figure in the velvet coat, and touches not his gifts. “Hmm. Blood?”

Matias clasps his hands behind his back like a little piece of the night sky amongst animals and a doll.

The tickling warmth of flames and heat dances and plays, amusement ringing, “What a lovely party, Arachne,” Aurelia comments in the reflection of various surfaces.

Tamar wanders through the faire, meandering through the crowds.

Dovie clings to Obadiah like a limpet in the crowd.

“For fucks sake, how many times are you going to say artist.” August snaps towards Mab, but there isn’t much heat to it – only the usual, cigarette-burnt baritone of someone familiar spilling beneath the porcelain, and the hard to hide familial stare through the sockets. “I’ll paint it if you take a picture with everyone in it.”

Obadiah says “Where is the haunted house?“

Lykaia says “The second courtier is who we want to look at.“

Esme says “Uhhh F06 on this program“

Lykaia says “Can anyone figure out how to get the mint strip from them?“

Matias offers a half bow to Aeryn his robes swishing about him and pencil rimmed hat obscuring his eyes.

Esme says “Oh we’re like. Right next to it I think…“

“Someone can get adopted?” Jasper wonders, looking around the crowd while folling Lykaia.

Arachne squeezes Mab to herself for a moment far too long, nearly reluctant to part from her heart before she draws back, delicately rearranging her corset before inclining her head. “Now is the perfect time for a picture before the night gets too far,” she agrees, then turns to stretch out a hand for August, threading their fingers together.

Gabriel uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

Kai shakes his head at someone and wanders off on his own, stuffing his hands into his hoodie pocket.

Dovie uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

“Do you think these will make people um… drugged?” Eloa/span>/span“Do you think these will make people um… drugged?” Eloa asks as she accepts a piece of mint, hands it to Lykaia and then picks up another one herself. “Is look like tasty candy..”

Derek uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

Esme flinches back against Gabriel a the horror hands reach out

Dovie/span>/spanAeryn uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

Dovie/span>/spanStoned out of his mind on the drug, Obadiah is very VERY jumpy at all of the hands and shadows. “That one… That one keeps looking at me funny!”

Derek steps in gingerly to the haunted house, before letting out a yelp as he notices the hand reaches out from the wall towards his limbs. “No, no, no.” he mumbles.

Lorelei stands amid the packed earth and puddled ruts with one heel cocked, back arched just enough to hint at practiced indulgence. She draws in a long breath through her nose, wrinkling it faintly as the scent of motor oil and damp carnival dust mingles with whatever mustardy regret still clings to her fingers. One hand tugs the slit of her gown higher with casual boldness while the other pulls her phone free, nails glinting like polished sugar against the lavender case. Her sea-glass mask tilts toward the streetlights, catching the glow, and her lips part into a slow smirk beneath her mask as she watches the growing crowd with unreadable interest.

Kai wanders over to his BMW and hops in, driving off.

Matthew reaches to rest a hand on Malin’s back, “Come, let’s go see if we cannot spy Aeryn” he heads to where Arachne is, continuing to scan over the many masked gatherers.

Eloa says “Maybe we go elsewhere?“

Dovie uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

Gabriel chuckles softly and wraps an arm around Esme, “You’re fine.” then he calls to Obadiah, “You are too. Don’t go getting jumpy on the haunted attractions.”

Obadiah uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: Mannequin heads turn in unison, though none of them have eyes.

“I imagine so.” Cadalie/span>/span“I do love this, honestly,” Aeryn decides. “Perfect.”

Tamar follows the crowd, plucking one of the mint strips from the tray and sliding it under her mask.

Aeryn uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: A wall–mounted baby monitor crackles to life, repeating a prayer in reverse.

Esme uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: A coffin springs open, empty, except for the smell of something still alive.

Dovie uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: Mannequin heads turn in unison, though none of them have eyes.

Eloa watches Tamar carefully to see if there’s any effects from the woman eating the candy.

Jenny stares out blankly looking at the carnival around her after taking the strip letting it melt on her tongue “Wooooaaah….”

Aeryn shivers slightly. “Okay that’s creepy.”

Derek uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: The exit finally reveals itself at long last as the walls shift, and illusion fades, allowing guests forward east.

Malin is easily guided by Matthew’s hand on her back, and she walks along, but playfully swats at the man’s rear once in the most casual of manners, acting like she didn’t just do that. At all.

Dovie/span>/spanGabriel freeze as the mannequin heads turn, “Okay, I don’t like those. Those are unnerving.”

“It’s fine…” Esme mumbles even as she clings closer to Gabriel. It’s definitely the drugs.

“Gah!” Obadiah says as his hand is already coming up and flicking sparks of prismatic light at the eyeless dolls.

Gloved fingers lace into Arachne’s own, pull her in. “Just so you know, I have no idea who anyone is.” August relays, but he’s also moving to take a step back, lead Arachne to the forefront, and hang behind her. Loom over her shoulder while keeping one hand holding hers, and the other slid across her waist to keep her in place, her back to his chest. “This better be my girlfriend or I’m dead before the night’s over.”

Dovie trembles like a leaf next to Obadiah.

Turning to Jenny whose apparently taken one without Eloa noticing, Eloa frowns a little, “Guess they do have drug effects..”

“You’re against mannequins?” Aeryn wonders of Gabriel. “Does this mean a doll collection is out of the question?”

Looking around the party, Mab tilts her head and wonders, “Where has our Velvet run off to?” she wonders, turning to Arachne as she explains, “Tonight, I will address no one by their names. Each of you deserves a new one for the night. You are, of course, Queen.” She turns to study the nearby August intently before deciding, “This one is Broken.”

Esme says “Let’s uh. Next room. “

“…Yikes.” Derek mumbles as the baby monitor crackles on, before letting another sudden yelp at the coffin.

Tamar tilts her head to one slide, a slow blink followed by her gaze settling on Eloa.

Gabriel leans back against Esme and remarks to Aeryn, “If they’re creepy, eyeless things that look at you on their own? Yes.”

Obadiah uses a mirror horror: 4342T41h41e4141 w4141a41r41p4100e41d41 41r41e4141f43l4241ec4141t41i41o4141n 4141o00f4141 41a 4141s41h4342a41d41o4141we4141d41 4142f43i4342g4141u41r41e41 4141a41p42p4341e41a41r41s41 4100i41n41 41t4141he4141 41m41i4243r41r4141o41r 4141b00e4141hi4141n41d41 4141yo4142u43.

“This is a Court function a Fae court function. Anyone who accepts free food or snacks and expecting them not to be psychadelic is fool.” Matias/b/span/i says with a shake of his head and a breathy sigh.

Aeryn uses a mirror horror: 4342T41h41e4141 w4141a41r41p4100e41d41 41r41e4141f43l4241ec4141t41i41o4141n 4141o00f4141 41a 4141s41h4342a41d41o4141we4141d41 4142f43i4342g4141u41r41e41 4141a41p42p4341e41a41r41s41 4100i41n41 41t4141he4141 41m41i4243r41r4141o41r 4141b00e4141hi4141n41d41 4141yo4142u43.

“How is feeling?” Eloa/b/span/i asks Tamar, Jenny and Jasper, her hands lifting up a bit. The trails of her dress follow her hands, looking like a bird flapping their wings.

Dovie uses a mirror horror: 434241Y4141o41u414141r41 410041r41e4141f4141l434241e4141c41t414141i41o410041n41 4141s4141m434241i4141l41e414141s4142 434342u4141n4141n4141e4141r424341v4141i41n4141g004141l41y4141 4141b4141a424341c4141k41 4141a004141t41 4141y4141o4141u4243.

“Oh no, my own reflection isn’t reliable, nope,” Aeryn/b/span/i decides.

“The mirror is cursed!” Dovie cries out with a gasp accentuated by all the drugs coursing through her system.

Mab says “Velvet! Where have you run off to? We need a group photo.“

Jenny stares over to Eloa “Feels amazing… like i’m in a… dream.”

Derek uses a mirror horror: 434241Y4141o41u414141r41 410041r41e4141f4141l434241e4141c41t414141i41o410041n41 4141s4141m434241i4141l41e414141s4142 434342u4141n4141n4141e4141r424341v4141i41n4141g004141l41y4141 4141b4141a424341c4141k41 4141a004141t41 4141y4141o4141u4243.

Esme uses a mirror horror: 434241Y4141o41u414141r41 410041r41e4141f4141l434241e4141c41t414141i41o410041n41 4141s4141m434241i4141l41e414141s4142 434342u4141n4141n4141e4141r424341v4141i41n4141g004141l41y4141 4141b4141a424341c4141k41 4141a004141t41 4141y4141o4141u4243.

Aeryn says “In the haunted house! Where do you need me?/b/span/i”

Gabriel seems rather unbothered by the mirror tricks, “Yeah, this is just normal for vampires. Mirrors are sketchy things.”

“Good,” Tamar replies to Eloa, the gaze behind the fox mask narrowing and turning slightly predatory as she watched the bird twittering.

Mab says “We will come to you.“

Aeryn says “I’m following behind Poseidon.“

“This isn’t as bad as the popping open coffin.” Esme agrees with a quiet exhale, gaze flitting to the various mirrors.

Matthew claps his hands together with a sharp, enthusiastic rhythm, nodding along as Mab makes her call. “Oh, yes,” he decides, affirming each title with pointed emphasis: “Yes, Queen,” for Arachne, “Broken,” for someone, At his side he gestures toward Malin with a smirk, dubbing her, “Trickster,” then gaze lingers on Mab narrowing with mock deliberation.” Hmmmm.”

Obadiah gets startled by the shadowy form in the mirror and lashes out with a strike which, hits frame and breaks a knuckle. “Ow!” he exclaims before moving the groupalong

Lykaia takes a little nibble of it under her mask, and then asks “Alright. Anyway, we on into the scary house now?” Her eyes do widen slightly, which then come to a slow narrow and a slow sigh.

Matthew claps his hands together with a sharp, enthusiastic rhythm, nodding along as Mab makes her call. “Oh, yes,” he decides, affirming each title with pointed emphasis: “Yes, Queen,” for Arachne, “Broken,” for August, At his side he gestures toward Malin with a smirk, dubbing her, “Trickster,” then gaze lingers on Mab narrowing with mock deliberation.” Hmmmm.”

“Disagree, that had a scent of life still,” Aeryn looks wistful. “Could have been a lovely drink.”

Taking a mint from the opulently dressed courtier, Jasper puts it into his mouth and lets out a hum. “It’s like a dream,” he admits. “Like in some fairy tale.”

Dovie remains trembling as she glances around paranoid, asking Obadiah, “What happened?!” she startles.

“I was going to call you Sexy Volcano again, but Trickster is more original,” Mab admits to someone.

Lorelei pivots toward Arachne with a practiced grace, her sea-glass mask catching the light as she sinks into a plush, swaying curtsy. The sequins along her violet gown ripple like water, copper curls spilling forward as she bows her head just enough to be polite, never meek. “Mein Konigin,” she breathes with syrupy reverence, the soft edges of her accent curling around each syllable. “It is an honor to bask in your light this evening.”

Derek lifts a hand to his neck, the experience seeming heightened by the drugs coursing through his body, breathing hastening – before he stares over at Obadiah, letting a yelp out at the sound that frame probably makes as he smacks into it. “…What was that?!”

Gabriel nods briefly to Esme, “I can never look at coffins the same af-” his gaze flicks to Obadiah with the strike, “Didn’t I just say to not get jumpy? You okay?”

Malin gazes at August for a moment, and then she just starts singing out a botched version of The Phantom of the Opera. She may or may not realise the lyrics are wrong, “Sing once again with me… that laundry tune. Your power over me, wait, was that the moon?” She leans into Matthew and glances around the area. “So many costumes. I’m impressed.”

Obadiah says “Yeah the mirror was looking at me funny.“

“I was going to call you Sexy Volcano again, but Trickster is more original,” Mab admits to Malin. Then, beaming at the others, she asks, “Shall we traipse off to the haunted house in search of our missing thread?”

Arachne allows herself to be drawn into August, a delicate squeeze given to his gloved hand in turn, the corners of her mouth upturning just-so at his words. “Do you believe this is your girlfriend, wraith of the night?” she queries of him, before turning her head to look toward someone, Malin, Mab, and Matthew. “You all are picture-perfect, simply marvelous, by the way.”

Arachne allows herself to be drawn into August, a delicate squeeze given to his gloved hand in turn, the corners of her mouth upturning just-so at his words. “Do you believe this is your girlfriend, wraith of the night?” she queries of him, before turning her head to look toward Lorelei, Malin, Mab, and Matthew. “You all are picture-perfect, simply marvelous, by the way.”

“Who are you?” Aeryn wonders of Gabriel, blinking.

“Think Haunted house too busy. Pick another game or spot?” Eloa asks Lykaia, “We’ll come back after.” She puts her mint strip away for… later.

Tamar’s weight shifts from one foot to the other, crop settling against one shoulder. The mask turns, lingering on Lykaia for several heartbeats before other conversations distract her.

Esme giggles to Gabriel at the mention of the coffin. “God, I wouldn’t be able to either if it’d been me.” She murmurs.

Lykaia says “Anyway… not hearing disagreements. Visit into some horror thing might be nice drugged.“

“What’s wrong with coffins?” Aeryn wonders with a pout.

Gabriel tells Obadiah, “You’re on drugs in a haunted house surrounded by supernatural creatures. Everything is looking at you funny. You’re safe though, if you see others attacking something -then- you might want to worry.”

“Drugs’ll do that.” Cadalie comments of Jasper, scoffing- probably.

Obadiah throws his hand a couple of times to stretch his hand, “I am fine. I am fine.” He looks around then shuffles north, “I am fine.” Who is he trying to convince.

Obadiah uses a strobe light horror: 40Th41e 42ro43om45 s46tr47ob48es 49to50 t51he52 r53hy54th55m a55s 54la53ug52ht51er50 s49pi48lls47 i46nt45o 43th42e 41da40rk.

Esme uses a strobe light horror: 40The 41shar42p sla43p of45 thei46r bo47ots e48choe49s thr50ough51 the 52dark53, fra54ctur55ed by55 bur54sts 53of wh52ite 51light50 tha49t tur48n hi47m int46o a 45stop-43moti42on ni41ghtm40are.

“We can go to big tent, see what the main attraction is.” Matias/i>/span/iGabriel looks to Aeryn and says, “I’m Gabriel. Nice to see you again.”

Dovie uses a strobe light horror: 40The 41shar42p sla43p of45 thei46r bo47ots e48choe49s thr50ough51 the 52dark53, fra54ctur55ed by55 bur54sts 53of wh52ite 51light50 tha49t tur48n hi47m int46o a 45stop-43moti42on ni41ghtm40are.

Eloa nodnods at Matias, “Lets do that first. Come back when it’s less busy.”

Lykaia says “Amber probably has someone. There’s a strongman test somewhere else. Some ticket booth. A big top? Skeeball and the ferris wheel. Ferris wheel could be nice. Less busy now, busy later, towards the end./i>/span/iDovie holds Obadiah’s undamaged hand.

Meridith steps in and rubs her face. “This place seems decently quiet…” she mumbles, then sees Amber and pouts. “Waaah, sorry. I’m sure they’re getting ready to show up!” She insists.

Malin snaps her attention to Arachne and she expresses, “You look fantastic, and happy birthday to you. It’s an impressive turnout.”

“Yes, can we please all just stay together?” Matthew pleads, already reaching like he’s about to scoop Mab and Arachne both into his arms, dramatic and entirely unrepentant about it. “We’ve been apart for far too long and I simply cannot bear it another second!” The Montrose theatrics are laid on thick tonight– deliberate, indulgent, and on brand.

“Yeah,” Jasper lets out a giggle, slowly nodding his head while he watches the people at the southwest. “Oh, right. The tent where the circus isss.” He then starts to grin while he hears the people around the group.

Esme says “Maybe there’s a, ah uh…hidden door…?“

Aeryn uses a strobe light horror: 40Th41e 42fi43gur45e 46dr47aw48s u49nn50er51vi52ngl53y 54ne55ar55, h54an53ds52 cl51aw50in49g 48tow47ar46ds45 y43our42 h41ea40d.

Aeryn uses a strobe light horror: 40With41 eac42h pu43lse 45of s46trob47e li48ght,49 the50 for51m of52 a f53igur54e ap55pear55s: c54lose53r, d52isto51rted50, ey49es g48leam47ing 46with45 a p43reda42tor’41s fo40cus.

Esme seems to be doing better in the strobe-light room but not by much

“I knew I should’ve dressed like a devil doctor.” August/i>/span/iAugust sigh within the porcelain mask, featureless, and his eyes know only severity in their animation to convey emotion. When they turn upon Arachne in his arms, he lowers his hand from her waist to her hips and cops a not at all discreet feel before deciding, deadpan, “Yes, this is my girlfriend.”

Lykaia says “There is a maze.“

Dovie uses a strobe light horror: 40Th41e 42ro43om45 s46tr47ob48es 49to50 t51he52 r53hy54th55m a55s 54la53ug52ht51er50 s49pi48lls47 i46nt45o 43th42e 41da40rk.

Matias says “Yes. /i>/span/iAugust complains in a bit of distraction at Malin’s antics, because he’s notably not the phantom of the operate – even if the similarity eluded him up until now. Something that makes August sigh within the porcelain mask, featureless, and his eyes know only severity in their animation to convey emotion. When they turn upon Arachne in his arms, he lowers his hand from her waist to her hips and cops a not at all discreet feel before deciding, deadpan, “Yes, this is my girlfriend.”

Dovie uses a strobe light horror: 40The 41shar42p sla43p of45 thei46r bo47ots e48choe49s thr50ough51 the 52dark53, fra54ctur55ed by55 bur54sts 53of wh52ite 51light50 tha49t tur48n hi47m int46o a 45stop-43moti42on ni41ghtm40are.

Matias says “Ignore everyone else. Yes./i>/span/i“No no, I think we can go back the way we came,” Obadiah says as he looks around and squints “You’re all very pretty tonight. Like freakishly pretty. Are you some sort of… cult of pretty people?”

Esme says “I found it!“

Amber offers an odd thumbs-up Meridith’s way, “Not in any hurry. Just waiting for those, uh- destined to arrive.”

Esme pushes on a panel of all that leads north

Lykaia says “Ignore everyone else? Okay.“

“We go through maze together?” Eloa asks, reaching forward to take Lykaia’s hand justtt so she doesn’t get lost.

Meridith blinks. “Um, I think my knight needs me…”

Derek uses a strobe light horror: 40Th41e 42fi43gur45e 46dr47aw48s u49nn50er51vi52ngl53y 54ne55ar55, h54an53ds52 cl51aw50in49g 48tow47ar46ds45 y43our42 h41ea40d.

Aeryn says “Be right back./i>/span/iDovie breathes a sigh of relief, “Can we get snacks?”

Matias keeps his hands clasped behind his back, following along and comments, “The Maze.” to Lykaia clearly obsessed.

“I think… I think I need something to eat,” Obadiah says as he looks at the program before nodding to Dovie.

Shiloh smiles and waves as the hroup arrives “Hey, enjoy the food and drinks! The drinks were catered by the Velvet and Vine and I was responsible for the food.”

Matthew can’t help but grin once Malin starts singing, his performance broken while August reconsiders life choices. Or at least tonight’s when it comes to his mask. The announcement made earns a nod, “Oh, I’m happy to hear it,” he says, his own hand dropping from Malin’s back to her hips as he turns to regard Mab, declaring, “This is my girlfriend.”

Shiloh smiles and waves as the group arrives “Hey, enjoy the food and drinks! The drinks were catered by the Velvet and Vine and I was responsible for the food.”

Obadiah says “Apparently we are all on the same wavelength. Who would ahve guessed.“

Esme says, with a laugh, “Four muskateers“

Derek rubs at his neck nervously, stumbling out of the previous room and giving a brief look about.

Lykaia says “I want to threaten him with violence. Let’s keep moving.“

“Thank you.” Eloa waves to the Jasper, lifting up a glass and trailing her ‘wings’ through the air.

Dovie chants, “Snacks, snacks, snacks!” like a child wanting McDonald’s.

Amber lifts a hand in greeting to Alice and Stelle, “Welcome to my tent of, uh- wonders and stuff.”

“Thank you.” Eloa waves to the someone, lifting up a glass and trailing her ‘wings’ through the air.

“I was needed for what now?” Aeryn wonders.

“Thank you.” Eloa waves to the Shiloh, lifting up a glass and trailing her ‘wings’ through the air.

Lorelei gives a little shrug, her sequins catching the light with every motion. One dangerously tall heel scuffs lightly at the dirt as she tugs at the slit in her gown, smoothing it down with both hands. “I did not know I could make it until last minute, or I would have went with something more… conceptual,” she murmurs, glancing sidelong as if hoping the shadows might forgive her. “But time got weird, and I just grabbed the shiniest thing in arm’s reach.” The sea-glass mask dips faintly as she admires the others.

Obadiah says “Right so we are C2, no we are g5… so we need to , right ok. And were walking and we’re walking“

Eloa thanks and waves to the correct person.

Lykaia says “Oh, he’s invited in a lot of darkness, too…“

Esme wraps her arm around Gabriel as she shifts steps to follow Obadiah

Cadalie takes some cake, passing it seamlessly through the faux barrier of plastic to her mouth.

Alice claps her hands excitedly, looking to Stelle. “Look, no one’s in line! Let’s get fortunes! Maybe she’ll do a compatibility reading?”

“Okay,” Jasper nods again towards Lykaia and Matias. “I’ll try.” While he gives bone a smile, he turns to take off his coat and drape it over his shoulder before he grabs some popcorn.

“And this is mine,” Mab announces, touching both of her opera gloved hands to her own chest as she declares, “I am self-partnered, for there is nobody I love more than myself. Except of course for my family.” She indulges Matthew and Arachne both with a smile. “Speaking of, shall we go find our …” And then Aeryn appears. She turns, gasps, and beams, “You’re here! All of us here now. We need someone to take a picture.”

Stelle places her hand on Alice’s back, guiding her forward first. A sacrifice perhaps or more likely just the porcelain masked woman’s way of allowing the raccoon the first entry. “Oh no doubt, no? I do not know if our signs really line up to begin with though.”

Lykaia says “Not to figure out how we get into the maze.“

Lykaia says “I brought pipebombs.“

Obadiah says “Ah ha! Food!“

Esme says “Please no pipebombs..“

“That’s fine! Our energy will realign the stars!” Alice declares, rushing forward to excitedly take a seat at the table.

Eloa bites into the cotton candy and her eyes dilate a bit, glazing over slightly, “Oooh these cotton candy is not just cotton candy..” She starts giggling more.

Shiloh grins over at Obadiah “Hey, welcome. The food was catered by me, so if you have any questions just let me know.”

The moment August’s hand descends beyond her gorgeously snatched waist, Arachne flicks a wrist, and a dagger is pressing in hard against his ribs. “You’ll not repeat that again, wraith,” she murmurs through a flawless smile that does not warm her gray eyes, head tilted slightly. “Aurelia, darling, thank you for blessing me with your presence tonight. I do hope you’ll enjoy yourself,” she calls across the car park, the blade disappearing. When Aeryn appears, she follows Mab’s exclamation to be a warm-enough reception to her cousin. “There you are. We’re waiting on you to take a family picture,” she explains, leaning back into August.

Eloa says “Oh that was the ferris wheel“

Esme beelines for funnel cake

Eloa says “We could also go up!“

Lykaia says “I want to get into the maze!“

Shiloh says “The drinks were provided by Velvet and Vine.“

Eloa says “Okayy “

“Oh,” Obadiah says giving the popcorn to Dovie

Lykaia says “Maybe pipebombs are the right choice…“

Stelle follows with decidedly less energy, crossing her legs once her seat is taken.

“Ah, the ever elusive family photos,” Aeryn gives a slight smirk. “Perfect. Let’s.”

How lucky Matthew must be to have the crazy ass Malin as his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Malin is absolutely beaming, and thankfully her song has not continued. As of yet, at least. Those too-full red lips frame perfectly straight, too white of teeth. Her blue-grey gaze finds Mab once again, and she says, “Taking matters into your own hands. Literally. And I get it, why wait for fireworks when you’ve got your own spark? Unless… Someone here is old and ridiculously wealthy — then you’ll forget all about this self love stuff.”

Lykaia says “Maybe we do need to climb it. Fine.“

Shiloh says “Also there’s cotton candy over to our left, though it is laced.“

Dovie loads up on snacks, starting to dig into her funnel cake. “Shall we walk towards the next exhibit after snacks?” Dovie asks Obadiah and the others.

“So, uh,” Amber shifts in her seat, waving a hand over the crystal ball, “What fortunes do you seek? What dire questions loom over you?” Then she starts shuffling a deck.

Jenny says “Where’d she go…?“

Eloa points to the south apparently.

August’s hands are up, immediately, in surrender. Such is life, when a dagger is up on a man’s ribs. His indignation shows when he sighs again with a subtle lean-back, even if his hands quietly return around Arachne’s waist. “Someone take a selfie already before I’m skewered and let’s go have fun.”

Malin mentions, “And I think the Queen learned to knock before coming over today,” with a nod to Arachne as she leans further into Matthew.

Alice blinks for a moment, then glances at Stelle. She seems to change her mind, looking back to Amber. “Can you tell me if…” A pause. “Can you tell me if a big change is in my future?”

Eloa says “Is anything there?“

Eloa says “should we come?“

Shiloh smiles over at Dovie, motioning to the west “Just over that way, follow the path to the booth.”

“…Ooh.” Derek lets out with intrigue as he spots the faefire popcorn, procuring a small helping.

Arachne says “Is anyone where?“

“This is hot,” Jasper comments upon eating a hand full of popcorn. “Woo.”

Dovie crams down popcorn in a very unladylike way.

Matthew casts his eyes down towards Malin then back over towards Arachne, “In the very least to at least be visible upon entry,” he reasons, diplomatically.

Matias lingers with the group and watches the doll clamber up in a dress then tips his head down so the brim preserves Lykaia’s modesty

“You know me too well,” Mab complains of Malin with a hitch of one shoulder, as if this were a curse. Once everyone’s gathered for the family photo, she starts preparing, adjusting her arctic fur fox shawl to try and reveal a little more of her bust, although her avant-garde swan-feathered blouse makes that rather difficult. She settles for popping her chest forward, back out like she’s got lumbar lordosis, and twists her legs into unnatural, lengthening angles in order to strike the perfect pose, chin tucked in. She spreads her hands out to try and gather her family for the shot.

Lykaia says “No entrance there. Maybe we do need to pipebomb the way in.“

Tamar meanders her way into the tent, loitering near the doorway with an easy lean against one of the poles. Her gaze settles lazily on the table and those seated around it.

Obadiah nurses the gin drink from a straw so he doesn’t have to take off his mask. He, notably, doesn’t eat any of the food, and then looks around, “I see. Where do you all want to go next?”

Comparatively, Derek is probably decently more delicate as he nibbles popcorn; the drugs still seem to be working on him, as he seems rather enamored with the way his hand moves for some reason, gingerly reaching around the bottom of his mask to nibble popcorn.

Jasper says “Perhaps the entrance is hidden.“

“You invited me to come and partake in flapjacks, so I don’t know see why the onus is on me when the penthouse is the -Montrose- penthouse, and not Matthew and Malin’s penthouse,” Arachne points out to Malin and Matthew with a careless lift of a shoulder. “Now that Mab is back, I certainly hope you’ll at least keep it out of the kitchen,” she teases irelessly, drawing forward to settle inf rame with Mab, and August behind.

Malin is terrible and when other people are beginning to pose, she simply leans in and sticks her tongue in Matthew’s ear. Forget wetting a finger and sticking it in, she just goes all out.

“I think it’s nearby?” Cadalie offers to the group, searching around with great two pairs of eyes that she has.

Aeryn l

Amber continues to shuffle for a few more riffles, setting the deck down before Alice, “Already I see infinite possibilities for you. So- like, cut the deck a few times until it feels right. We’ll see what turns up.”

When Queen makes her comment about Matthew and Malin, Mab turns and whispers something in her ear.

Matias continues to walk in a swish and sweep of nightly robes with Eloa and Lykaia. “Are we still unable to find the maze start?”

Jasper says “Let me check.“

Matthew huffs out a laugh and starts to work his way back and center around the three Montrose women, extending out arms like he actually is going to frame them all in and together. “Now, now,” he issues towards Arachne, “You declined the breakfast, I thought you weren’t coming, and no Montrose need knock at the Montrose Penthouse, but surely being visible and not lurking is, well, common courtesy!”

Lykaia says “It would look like there is a way in over there. Havn’t found it. Not from the roof either. I should explode a wall!“

Alice swallows, taking one more glance at Stelle before she reaches forward to cut the deck – first roughly in half, setting the top half aside and covering it with the bottom (now the top), then she takes the top card and slides it back into the middle of the deck. “Okay. I’m ready,” she thinks. She hopes.

Lykaia says “It’s going to be a fun explosion.“

“Who is taking this photo?” Aeryn arches a brow.

“We can go on ferris wheel? Is see that.” Eloa twirls around in circles, holding her drink up in the air. She looks like a pretty blue macaw as she psins.

Obadiah says “Alright. Knife throwing is ag G2, The fortune teller is at F1… And then Skeeball is f3“

Obadiah says “So where am I driving to?“

Esme clears her throat a little and lowers her plate of funnel cake. “Knife throwing sounds fun and dangerous.”

Obadiah says “Or there is the ferris wheel?“

Eloa says “Also maybe we can see the entrance of the maze from above on the ferris wheel“

“Darling,” Mab calls out to Lorelei, without moving an inch from her highly artificial pose, “Would you take a group photo of us?”

Dovie nods at Esme.

Matias says “Let us do ferris wheel… Unless our Wolf found it.“

Jasper says “No hiddn entrance.“

Amber uses a tarot deck: the next card is revealed to be the 55Page of Wands, inverted/span>/iMatias says “To the ferris wheel!“

August simply flashes double peace signs behind Arachne. His eyes are distorted for the picture – that doesn’t help things at all. When the picture is taken, he’ll likely go back to his own antics of trying to peer over into the fairground, while keeping an arm around someone’ waist.

August simply flashes double peace signs behind Arachne. His eyes are distorted for the picture – that doesn’t help things at all. When the picture is taken, he’ll likely go back to his own antics of trying to peer over into the fairground, while keeping an arm around Arachne’s waist.

Meridith realizes why she did not see anything going on.

Jasper says “Yeah! “

Obadiah says “Knife throwing it is“

Lykaia says “The platform is the entrance to the Ferris Wheel.“

Lorelei perks up behind her sea-glass mask, the mirrored pink of her nails flashing as she lifts her hand in a graceful wave. “But of course I would, liebchen,” she purrs, her hips already angling toward the entrance with that easy, liquid sway. “Strike your fiercest pose, ja? I want to capture every inch of the drama.” She lifts her phone, flipping it open and pursing her lips, glosing one eye like she were lining up a sniper’s shot as she waits for the group toe crowd together.

Matthew remains where he’s standing behind his three cousins, Malin at his side, his arms out to envelop all the women in his life.

Matias says “Is it two by two or the big group seater.“

“I wonder-” Cadalie tries to snatch herself in a moving carriage.

Esme says “Oh Skeeball! “

Obadiah uses an aged-looking skee-ball machine: [[40100 points]] 39The ball rockets up the ramp, curving to the right with uncanny precision before vanishing into the gaping mouth of a leering clown. Carnival lights burst to life as maniacal laughter echoes overhead./span

Gabriel immediately tells Obadiah, “Knew you’d do that. And fuck you for it.”

Dovie uses an aged-looking skee-ball machine: [[40 50 points]] 39The ball hits dead center, dropping clean into the ring lined with jagged teeth and flickering lights, where a carousel horse briefly bucks and whinnies in approval./span

Obadiah grins a little and takes a step back. His point proven.

Esme laughs, trying her hand

Esme uses an aged-looking skee-ball machine: [[40 20 points]] 39A slow roll ends in a slump into the dull-red ring, where a porcelain dolls cracked eyes light up briefly before blinking shut again./span

“I’ll try my hand at it.” Derek supposes, squinting through his mask as he prepares.

Derek uses an aged-looking skee-ball machine: [[40100 points]] 39The ball rockets up the ramp, curving to the right with uncanny precision before vanishing into the gaping mouth of a leering clown. Carnival lights burst to life as maniacal laughter echoes overhead./span

Matthew echoes Mab’s request for Lorelei speaking up louder, “You enchantress looking thing! Please, come take this photo of our family.”

Eloa stumbles a bit onto the platform, seeming all dreamy and floaty as she perhaps needs some assistant to hop into a ferris wheel cage without falling out again.

Gabriel sighs and steps up for his turn, “I hate you all.”

Dovie gasps at Derek.

Gabriel uses an aged-looking skee-ball machine: [[40100 points]] 39The ball rockets up the ramp, curving to the right with uncanny precision before vanishing into the gaping mouth of a leering clown. Carnival lights burst to life as maniacal laughter echoes overhead./span

Amber lays the Page of Wands down on the table across from Alice, upside-down from Alice’s perspective. The card’s image is that of a young man on a journey through distant lands, holding a staff. “All the possibilities have coalesced into one, though it remains unclear,” she says ominously, “And that’s because the change, or lack of change, is up to you. Normally, this card means youthful energy and excitement. upside down, it means you’re stuck. Stifled by self-doubt and unsure of what you want. The only way the change can come is if you spend time deciding what you really, truly want so you can pursue it.”

Derek throws his hands up triumphantly, looking about.

Lorelei is already aiming a camera at the entire family.

Esme says “You can’t hate me! I got the lowest score!“

Mab shifts her pose at the very last second when she hears the word ‘drama’, lifting up one arm, settling her other on her hip, and jutting her most dramatic pose amid the couples around her. “Velvet, darling, don’t be on your phone for the photo,” she advises Aeryn.

Obadiah high fives Derek and their shared love of games

Gabriel somehow gets a high score, “Huh.. I retract my statement.”

Esme looks to Dovie, “They’re all cheaters.”

“It would have to be taken first,” Aeryn tells someone, sticking out the tip of her tongue before flashing a near perfect smile.

“There’s a woman up there.” Cadalie confirms for all as her feet slam back down onto the platform, a pool of force erupting in an invisible shield on her legs. “..You did? Whatever for?”

Lykaia says “Oh. I don’t have my belt. I didn’t bring pipe bombs.“

“It would have to be taken first,” Aeryn tells Mab, sticking out the tip of her tongue before flashing a near perfect smile.

Dovie snorts at Gabriel. “Let’s go throw knives then do our fortunes!” she nods in agreement with Esme.

While Lorelei aims the camera at the entire family, Arachne presents a glamorous smile with her head tilted back against August’s shoulder, and her fingers linked through Mab’s own, and the other attempting to sneak a peace sign to feign ears behind Aeryn’s head.

Alice stares down at the card. She doesn’t look worried until she hears Amber’s explanation, her brow furrowing more with every word. She nods, though, clearly taking this extremely seriously. “Self-doubt,” she echoes, before she looks back up at Amber. “But it means I can overcome it, right? I can still… I can still make change.”

Matias checks his phone and tucks it back into his robes leaning forward to murmur something to Eloa

Obadiah says “I refuse.“

Aeryn continues that smile toward the camera, not at all noticing the digits held aloft behind her.

Cadalie looks into her own belt, finding a flagellant, a knife, some vials, a tupperware container filled with a living thorn, the like. “Hmm.. Me neither. Reckon I could just rip my hand through the canvas, though.”

Lykaia says “I’ll bring a pipe bomb and get in there another time.“

“Mad ‘cuz bad.” Derek teases the haters nonchalantly, giving Obadiah a thumbs-up post high five, then nodding once then twice. “I like prizes!” he enthuses.

“Take the damn picture already.” August seems to strain, holding the double-peace signs, and resorts to just dropping one and giving Arachne bunny ears instead. It’s a better pose, in hindsight, with one hand on Arachne’s waist, and her head on his shoulder.

Esme gives cold a bat of her lashes and a grin

Mab could be a model, not because of her looks necessarily, but because she doesn’t at all complain about endlessly posing for the camera. In fact she seems to enjoy it.

“I am throwing a temper tantrum,” Obadiah says folding his arms. At least he is honest.

Esme gives Gabriel a bat of her lashes and a grin

Amber nods very seriously, leaving the card out for Alice for a few moments longer, “Oh yes, definitely. This card is you. It’s not some external circumstance doing this to you. It’s you. And you can decide your goal and move towards it, all under your own power.” She turns the card around, right-side-up now, “And get back on the path you are supposed to be on. You just have to make the choice. Even if it’s scary.” She slides the card back into the deck.

Jenny says “What is laced…?“

Matthew maintains his pose, taller than the other three Montrose women, sidled close to Malin, one arm around her, the other aloft and across shoulders to frame everyone in as close as possible. His smile never falters, teeth white as can be, looking like he can pose all day if necessary.

Eloa tries to call out to Lykaia from on the ferris wheel but it’s too late, Lykaia has already eaten it.

Lykaia takes the candy this time, and this has her breathe calmly, then her eyes open widely and her turns around quickly as if put into a frenzy of paranoia.

Eloa says “The cotton candy“

Lorelei lets out a delighted giggle muffled behind the fractured sea-glass of her mask, one heel digging into the dirt as she tilts forward slightly to frame the shot. “Hold it, hold it,” she coos, voice lilting with mischief as she angles the phone just so. “This one’s going in the court archives. Say drama!'” She starts to snap off a flurry of photos, not counting one just one to turn out perfect.

Jenny says “The funnel cake feels like a hug…“

Lykaia turns her head around quickly.

August says “Drama. “

Esme hugs the dragon plush to herself.

Matthew says “Drama “

“What a fitting word,” Aeryn decides. “Drama.”

Arachne says “Drama! “

In a sing-song voice, Mab exclaims, “Drama!”

Lykaia says “We need to get out of the open.“

Gabriel claims the dragon from the prize stand and hands it over to Esme for her to hug greedily, “It matches your outfit as well. Lot’s of blues tonight.”

Eloa says “Ummmm “

Derek squints over to Dovie. “Is that a Djungelskog?” he wonders of the oversized stuffed bear.

Eloa says “Okay wait for Elao to get off of wheeel“

Obadiah slides his phone into his jacket pocket, “Loyalty means nothing to you people does it?” He shakes his head slowly, a disappointed sigh before he leads them on to somewhere else.

Eloa calls out from in a cage and stumbles her way out once it’s back at the platform.

Cadalie blinks out of a momentary daze. “Oh, the cake’s fine.”

Standing up against Matthew’s side, Malin knows how to put on that picture perfect smile, poised and posed there, but still seems to have something like the mischief of a duchess slumming it for fun. It’s a strange mix, but she’s always got it figured out.

Cadalie says “Maybe your take tastes different.“

Derek says “Djungelskog! “

Eloa stumbles into Lykaia a little and then giggles and twirls around. “Okay is down!@

Eloa says “Lets goooo“

Obadiah uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A pair of Siamese twins spin around one another on a shared pole. The blade lands where their necks meet and they split in half, howling in unison, dissolving into sugar glass and echoes.

Alice opens her mouth as if she’s about to say something, but then her jaw snaps shut, and she nods again, watching the card disappear. Her gaze lingers on the deck for several long moments, before she gives yet another nod, breaking her own reverie and resolving, “Okay. I-… I think I know what I have to do. That’s really helpful.” She glances aside at Stelle.

“Five per player.” Derek/span>/spanObadiah uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

Dovie/span>/spanObadiah uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] The thrower’s own reflection, but older; bloodier. Stabbed in its face, it shatters, screaming like you wish you couldn’t recognize your own voice. The pain is felt in your own jaw for a moment.

Lykaia uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

Obadiah uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A bearded fortune teller snarls curses as the knife strikes his third eye, causing his crystal ball to shatter violently. His head ignites like a candle and the flames cause him to vanish with a whisper.

“I’m going to go get my fortune read after this,” Mab/span>/spanObadiah says “So I am sitting at 45“

Cadalie stares red into red as everyone immediately draws weapons on the creature, flapping black curtains over her eyes. “..Uh.”

Dovie uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] A giant, grotesque man is curled up asleep in a child’s crib, but when the knife hits his heart he convulses with silent sobs, then bursts into oversized baby teeth that glow like moonlight.

Jenny startles at the sight also pulling out a pistol “Woah…”

Dovie uses a knife-throwing game: [[2 Points – Startled Reaction]] Seven rats sewn together by tongues form an unusual rat king. The knife only nicks one tail, causing them to scatter. Chittering curses in unison, they leave a stink of sulfur and jam in their wake.

Derek applauds in a little golf-clap as Obadiah nails an illusion, then another.

Dovie uses a knife-throwing game: [[1 Point – Minor Contact]] A silent nun clasps a dagger-shaped rosary at her chest as the knife is thrown, and the blade only cuts her wimple. Her smile widens just slightly before she bows and vanishes into a falling curtain of white feathers.

Dovie uses a knife-throwing game: [[6 Points – Dismemberment!!]] A candle boy is melting slowly on a stool. The knife hits him in the chest and his whole body liquefies into wax, pooling with glowing fireflies that whisper, “Thank you.”

Dovie uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

Esme watches the knife throwing with wide eyes. “I’m going to end up hitting someone with a knife instead of the target…” She murmurs.

Derek stares at the stand, his pupils still wide and dilated. “This is so fucking trippy.” he mumbles more to himself than anything.

Gabriel nudges Esme, “Go for it. I’ll get rid of the body if anything goes poorly.”

Dovie/span>/spanAmber smiles beneath the veil, only visibly by wrinkling of the eyes. “Blessed be, Miss Raccoon,” she offers as she starts to shuffle the deck again, “You’ll do great.”

Obadiah says “27 for the Siren“

Lykaia instinctively draws the glock from its thigh holster and turns to point the barrel at the hand. Her finger begins to squeeze onto the trigger before relaxing. “Right. Right. Haunted house. Unlikely place.”

Derek uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

Derek uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] The thrower’s own reflection, but older; bloodier. Stabbed in its face, it shatters, screaming like you wish you couldn’t recognize your own voice. The pain is felt in your own jaw for a moment.

After the flurry of photo taking, Aeryn/span>/span“You’ll enjoy it from our newly minted chamberlain, Miss Blake,” Arachne tells Mab as she turns away, threading her fingers together with August’s own, then turning to make her way into the carnival. “I want to see how the haunted house turned out,” she tells her family. “I’ll see you all inside!”

Derek uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A bearded fortune teller snarls curses as the knife strikes his third eye, causing his crystal ball to shatter violently. His head ignites like a candle and the flames cause him to vanish with a whisper.

Derek uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] Hanging by his ankles, arms splayed in mock crucifixion, an upside down priest floats by. A knife to his heart causes his chest to burst open with a choir of screaming moths before he evaporates into gold dust.

“Oh. I didn’t know we were coming to the haunted house…” Jenny/span>/spanStelle might have smirked beneath that mask but who’s to say. She starts to stand, a hand offered towards Alice. “Answers that make sense to you?” she questions, seemingly without questions for herself.

Gabriel whistles, “47. very good.”

Esme motions for Gabriel to go next if he wants.

August can barely wave, he’s dragged away.

clings to Lykaia’s arm, “Might shoot someone else in here. Is haunted house!” Eloa tries to reassure Lykaia, although she only clings to Lykaia’s non shooting arm.

Obadiah nods to Derek, “Two more than me! Good job!”

Lorelei lowers the phone with a practiced flick, the mirrored surface of her nails catching the light as she folds it shut. “Alright, you’re captured,” she purrs, voice edged with wry amusement behind the fractured gleam of her mask. “Everyone looks absurdly good. If nobody makes this their profile pic, I’m suing.” She tilts her head, giving the posing group a slow once-over before adding, “Let me know if we need a retake, I only charge in compliments.”

Gabriel steps up fro his attempt, “Let’s see if I carried any luck over from skeeball.”

Gabriel uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A pair of Siamese twins spin around one another on a shared pole. The blade lands where their necks meet and they split in half, howling in unison, dissolving into sugar glass and echoes.

Dovie/span>/spanGabriel uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] The thrower’s own reflection, but older; bloodier. Stabbed in its face, it shatters, screaming like you wish you couldn’t recognize your own voice. The pain is felt in your own jaw for a moment.

Gabriel uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

Gabriel uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A jester cackles and juggles knives of his own until the knife strikes his belly and he deflates like a balloon; bones clattering to the ground before melting into licorice.

“Evil hand!” Jasper/span>/spanEsme says “That looked pretty good to me!“

Cadalie says “The worst part of a true Demon is how it sounds, not how it looks. Fleshy noises, teeth on teeth when it moves its arms.“

Derek lifts a hand to gingerly touch at his chin after that third strike, holding at his chest, before he clears his throat under his mask. “Thank you.” he adds softly thereafter to Obadiah, letting out a short laugh.

Jenny says “Ah! Who touched the door?“

Dovie nods at Esme, clapping for Gabriel.

“It’s too late for a retake,” Mab declares as her family splints and filters off. She relaxes her pose to approach Lorelei, and moves to air-peck her on each masked cheek, never actually touching. “Text me the photo, darling, I’m going to have an artist re-render it.”

“I’m a bit of a fortune teller,” Malin extends to Mab, claiming, “I see a great change ahead. A turning of fate… in an unusual partnership. I smell…” Her nose twitches. “Mothballs?” She tries to figure it out, it appears. “And I see fourteen antique grandfather clocks.” Then she’s explaining, “You will cross paths with a geriatric magnate who owns half of Switzerland, but cannot for the life of him remember where he put his dentures.”

Matthew looks like he intends to stick with Mab and Malin, the latter he keeps hooked in the crook of his arm. “That sounsd amazing, someone send me the photo and I’ll–” he turns to Lorelei “update my profile photo, I think mine has me declaring myself a loser or something, but also–” he grins to Malin, “I’m in her lap so I’m also winning.”

Gabriel hums happily, “I’ll take it.” then he turns to Esme, “You’re up, gorgeous.”

Esme uses a knife-throwing game: [[10 Points – Direct Kill]] A blindfolded ballerina pirouettes barefoot across burning coals. A knife to the neck halts the dance; blood pours like wine from their lips. As they fall, their body turns to tulle and ash.

Esme uses a knife-throwing game: [[9 Points – Devastating Hit]] A jester cackles and juggles knives of his own until the knife strikes his belly and he deflates like a balloon; bones clattering to the ground before melting into licorice.

Esme uses a knife-throwing game: [[7 Points – Vicious Strike]] A velveteen butler is stiff, upright, and smiling. The strike hits his throat and blood sprays in the shape of a clock. He tips forward in slow-motion, then shatters into timepieces.

Alice stands when Stelle does, taking the offered hand, a little concerned. “Are you not going to get a reading?” she asks, then starts digging in a bag for something. She slides a tenner onto the table for Amber.

Esme uses a knife-throwing game: [[8 Points – Vicious Strike]] A giant, grotesque man is curled up asleep in a child’s crib, but when the knife hits his heart he convulses with silent sobs, then bursts into oversized baby teeth that glow like moonlight.

Esme uses a knife-throwing game: [[4 Points – Superficial Wound]] Pale, with needles for fingers, a nurse shuffles across the backdrop. A graze to her cheek leaks glittering pus, and she hisses and disappears in a wisp of antiseptic stench and baby powder.

Lykaia looks back at Eloa, eyes visible with an open eyed stare before turning back. “Always be ready to exterminate the supernatural. Can’t always do it with a big bomb alone. Let’s continue?”

Obadiah makes an oof sound at Gabriel. “Good showing but I think our Wavy Haird friend won.”

“Not me,” Jasper/span>/spanBig hazel eyes that are dilated look at Lykaia and Eloa nods her head a bit, “Okay one step at a time.”

Malin gasps and tells Matthew, “But I love that photo!”

Gabriel nods to Obadiah, “He did indeed. Though I’ll take a tie for second.”

“I like them toothless. This is the best news I’ve ever heard,” Mab tells Malin, clasping her hands over her feathered heart. “Are we all going to get our fortune told, then?”

Lykaia uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: A wall–mounted baby monitor crackles to life, repeating a prayer in reverse.

Esme flings the knives without trying to think too much, and seems surprised. “Didn’t do as awful as I thought I would.” She mused. “They are unsettling though.” She agrees with Dovie

“I felt like I felt it.” Derek/span>/span“I have nothing to ask, no? I blaze my own path, it is euh… not for the cards to say,” Stelle replies, hand squeezing gently, “Plus I am hungry.”

“Ribbit.” Derek states as he claims the frog plush from the stand.

“I suppose I could eat,” Alice acknowledges, before giving a little wiggle-fingered wave to Amber. “Thank you SO much. I think you really clarified things for me,” she promises.

Malin glances over at Matthew as Mab poses that question. “I’m up for it,” she replies easily.

Matthew glances at Malin, “You do? Okay, then I guess I’ll just hold off,” he decides; pussy-whipped, clearly. “IF that’s where you’re going, yes,” he decides without any hesitation, “I can’t stand to be away from my cousin Mab another moment longer, you’ve been gone way too long.”

Jenny says “Spooky… “

Dovie makes her Teddy’s paws make a shadowboxing motion at Derek’s frog.

“Not as unsettling as Judas and Brutus over here,” Obadiah says to no one in particular before moving towards the fortune teller unless anyone objects.

Jasper says “Very spooky…“

Malin squeals a little with delight at someone, and she slips both arms around his waist, holding herself to his side.

Naturally, August takes *both* offerings from *both* courtiers, but there is a moment where he stares off with the opulently dressed one, given their stares are a little similar. August’s just happens to be more overbearing and keenly unnatural through his mask, because the courtier looks away first, and he can return to Arachne’s side with his treasure in tow. “I don’t know which one you’re taking,” August tells her, genuinely, with a little humor that spills unseen bereft of an expression to attach to – he just lifts his mask, takes both.

Amber offers a thumbs-up with one hand while the other gloved set of digits reach out to slip away the cash.

Cadalie’s plastic scrapes across the paper plate as she mops up some of the tart. Her ears perk up, having expected entirely there to be illusions. “..Mmmmn. Afraid recitin’ in reverse is uhh.. Oh.” Whatever she hears from it, her face settles absent and she doesn’t share.

Malin squeals a little with delight at Matthew, and she slips both arms around his waist, holding herself to his side.

Eloa shrieks a little and clings to Lykaia while eating more of her cotton candy.

Stelle nods and offers a peace sign before she leads Alice out in search of food. Probably.

Obadiah says “I’ll tell you later.“

Lykaia reaches up to one of the needles in her hair, drawing it out and holding it in one of her hands. “Weird abominations. The Five Nights at Freddies shit? Real story. Different names.”

Esme says “Fortune teller next “

Obadiah takes Dovie’s hand and leads the group off

Derek makes a little kick motion with his frog plush’s legs towards Dovie’s bear and makes a whip-like sound, before snorting under his mask.

Shiloh waves toward Alice and Stelle, smiling “Hey, welcome. The food here was catered by me if you have any questions, and Velvet and Vine brought in the drinks.”

Matthew beams a smile towards Lorelei “You’re staying with us, right?” he asks of the family’s photographer, “and I hope your ankle is okay!”

Dovie giggles at Derek as the plushies go to war.

Shiloh motions to the west “There’s also laced cotton candy that way.”

As her other cousin speeds off from the scene in her Audi, Mab turns to the others and remarks with a shake of her head, “Something really needs to be done about Velvet’s phone addiction, it’s crippling.”

Alice squints her eyes at Shiloh. “Are there drugs in this food?” she asks accusatorily.

“Evening person I have never met before,” Stelle replies teasingly after only the briefest moment of eye contact, “I doubt there are drugs in this food.”

Lorelei tilts her masked face just so, flashing a coy smile back at Matthew “Oh ja, I’m a quick healer,” she assures him with a lazy flick of her fingers, her voice bright as crushed sugar. “And I wouldn’t dream of vanishing before funnel cake.”

Gabriel stands off to the side, commenting, “You all are welcome to your fortunes. I’d prefer not to know mine.”

“If you keep feelin’ like screamin’, I’m gonna start gigglin’!” Cadalie protests with a little of that giggle buried in her tone

Malin has lashes fluttering through the eye holes of her half-mask, and she recalls something because she goes, “Oh crap,” when Matthew mentions Lorelei and the ankle. “It wasn’t because you saw us…. through the windows, … doing …. eating… breakfast, unclothed mostly, right?” she checks.

Shiloh shakes his head at Alice “Not in these, no.”

Jasper treads alongside the group callously, the popcorn bag empty yet he carries it until he flinches at the baby monitor. “This is some paranormal activity shit. Or Exorcist-levels of that,” he murmurs while he peers around.

Alice happily declares, “Okay!” and gets herself some popcorn.

“I would like to know.” Derek supposes softly. “There’s always time to change it if I don’t like it, I suppose.”

Lorelei gives Malin a slow, theatrical blink behind the fractured gleam of her mask. “No knock november came early,” she murmurs, voice honey-sweet and just shy of scandalized. One hand drapes to her hip as she adds with airy indifference, “I was just chasing Mimi, I heard she was spotted in your building. The ankle was… incidental.”

Lykaia uses a mirror horror: 434241Y4141o41u414141r41 410041r41e4141f4141l434241e4141c41t414141i41o410041n41 4141s4141m434241i4141l41e414141s4142 434342u4141n4141n4141e4141r424341v4141i41n4141g004141l41y4141 4141b4141a424341c4141k41 4141a004141t41 4141y4141o4141u4243.

Amber lifts a hand in greeting, “Welcome, uh- weary travelers. Do you come bearing questions and stuff?” She lowers her hand to start shuffling a deck, offering to Esme, “I don’t mind if you wait here.” But as Dovie sits, “But looks like you’re first. Oh siren of the sea, what need you know?”

Aurelia holds the candy in the air, swirling flames burning away and dissolving it in the air and the colors flickering into icy, coiling colors of blue, white, and purple. And then it’s gone, replaced by shimmering flames in various imagery. “Of course!”

“Are you sure you don’t want to meet up later, darling? You could always go eat some funnel cake first,” Mab/b/span/i suggests to Matthew uncertainly, “Five of us at the fortune teller might overwhelm her, and I think I see people there already.”

Dovie uses her teddy bear plushie’s arm to wave at the Amber. “Hello, oh teller of fortunes! I wish to know my future!”

Jenny stares over at the mirror shaking her head frantically “Oh… this is feeling like bad mushroom trip…”

“Ooooh,” Alice croons as she munches on the popcorn. “Kinda spicy, but really tasty. I’d buy a bag of this at the grocery store.”

It’s a polite greeting, between Cadalie and Cadalie. Both are happy to be here, in their own way. A place such as this is inevitably a source of joy. The material Cadalie gives her double a little wave. “Hey there- ohhmhm.. I do look strange.”

Stelle lifts her mask ever so slightly, the smallest piece of funnel cake ever slipped beneath before the mask is lowered once again. There’s some movement beneath that porcelain, eyes lighting up a little. “Mn. This is unique too, each crunch is a little different.”

Shiloh grins at Alice “Wanted to keep the theme of tricks and treats throughout the faire food.” He explains to Stelle and Alice

Eloa uses a mirror horror: 4342T41h4141e41r4141e41 4141i0041s41 41n4141o4143t4241h41i4141ng4141 41b4141u0041t41 41a4141 4143s4241h41a4141d41o4141w4142 4343w42h4141e4141r41e4141 41y4243o4141u41r41 4141r0041e41f4141l41e41c4141t41i4243o4141n41 41s4141h0041o41u4141l41d4141 41b4142e43.

Obadiah looks between Esme and Gabriel and makes the I am watching you sign before folding his arms

Jenny uses a mirror horror: 434241F4141o4141g4141 414100b4141e41g414141i434241n4141s4141 4141t414100o4141 41b414141r434241o4141i4141l414141 424343o4241u414141t4141,4141 424341c4141l4141o4100u4141d414141i4141n4141g424341 4141t41h414100e4141 414141p4141a4141t4243h

Matthew’s/b/span/i twists his head, the sun beaming down on Malin when she asks that question, looking very much like he can’t believe, “Well,” he lifts his shoulders, “I’m followin you, Mab,” he decides, “but can break off to get funnel cake if you’re worried about crowds in the fortune teller booth.”

Jasper uses a mirror horror: 4342T41h4141e41r4141e41 4141i0041s41 41n4141o4143t4241h41i4141ng4141 41b4141u0041t41 41a4141 4143s4241h41a4141d41o4141w4142 4343w42h4141e4141r41e4141 41y4243o4141u41r41 4141r0041e41f4141l41e41c4141t41i4243o4141n41 41s4141h0041o41u4141l41d4141 41b4142e43.

August uses a haunted house horror: demonic eyes begin to glow as a hand reaches out from the wall, snagging at limbs

Amber plops the deck down in front of Dovie, “Already the infinite possibilities cloud my vision. Cut the deck until it feels right, and we’ll narrow those down a bit.”

Jenny says “Ah! MIST!/b/span/i”

“Oooh how about we …. go fortune telling after… Surely that is less spooky.” Eloa calls out as she looks into the mirror and doesn’t see herself. She gasps. “Eloa is vampireee vampireee.” She twirls around with no reflection.

“Follow me after,” Mab decides, and does her best to abandon someone, strutting away from teh group.

“Follow me after,” Mab decides, and does her best to abandon someone, strutting away from the group. “We’re too many people.”

“You did a good job, mysterious caterer. I’m proud of you. Or I would be, if I knew who you were,” Alice declares conspiratorially, in between stuffing her face with the popcorn. Luckily, her mask doesn’t block her mouth, because she’s going to town.

“Another look-alike is looking funny at me,” Jasper says, lifting a hand to point at the mirror where his warped reflection is… or should be given that it’s only a shadow. “Hey, where did he go?”

Aurelia remarks, in complete indignity, “Ghost? GHOST?! I am a goddess, you little crawling imp of a cretin, and you had best refer to me with proper -respect-. I am AURELIA,” She declares, a flounce of flame appearing around Arachne like a corona.

Malin likes to ask questions. It’s her specialty. Especially if it is the wrong time to ask such things. Talent. She’s just keeping close to Matthew for now, holding one of his hands with both of her own.

Dovie nods, cutting the deck for Amber.

“Follow me after,” Mab decides, “we’re too many people. Everything takes longer herding cats.” With that, she struts off.

Stelle dips her head and comments, “Well you certainly pulled it off with this, yes. I certainly have absolutely no idea who you are and I agree, it is delicious and surprising.”

Matthew smirks and then beckons Lorelei

Amber uses a tarot deck: the next card is revealed to be the 55Knight of Pentacles.

Shiloh snickers softly at Alice “Yes, well you’d have my thanks, if I knew who you were. I’m sure my distinct accent gives away nothing.” He declared in an easy Chicago rhythm.

Shiloh says “I will say though, if you don’t mind molly, the cotton candy is a great experience.“

When Lykaia comes to look into her reflection smiling back at her, that does not cause her to be jumpy but to give it a quick stare. That only lasts until Jenny calls out about mist and the grip over the needle tightens and she glances around more, then draw to something she sees. It makes her wince, and then jump behind another mirror and tuck her head in.

It does not help when something then draws her focus to her feet, and she rolls behind something else again, trying to escape it.

Wandering on in, Mab looks around at the crowd and clasps her opera-gloved hands in front of her. “I see there’s a queue,” she notes, waiting off to the side while trying to observe Amber’s current reading.

Derek’s gaze falls on the card in the tarot deck with mute interest from the side.

“I’m afraid I do mind molly,” Alice declares, proudly following up with, “I’m straight edge.”

Stelle slips a straw beneath her mask and takes a deep sip of her cocktail. She coughs and regrets her choices immediately, declaring, “Oh it’s strong…” Then her eyes drift westward and she shakes her head. “Afraid we are both euh… rather drug free, yes.”

Shiloh waves to the group as they enter “Hey welcome! The food here was catered by me, so if you have any questions just let me know. The drinks were also brought in by the Velvet and Vine.”

Lorelei lifts a hand, fingers splayed in a sheepish little wave. “Alright, alright,” she admits, her voice breezy. “The funnel cakes were speculative. I was hoping, not following my nose.” Her other hand drifts to her hip as she adds, “But honestly, I’d risk my ankle again for something fried and powdered.”

Jenny stares at the fog “Oh.. its just… fog.”

“Is okay is just mist!” Eloa calls out to Lykaia, giggling a little or alot as she twirls around in the mists.

Shiloh nods to Alice and Stelle “Don’t worry, I am too. Now at least.”

“Miss beauty in gold and silvuh?” Cadalie calls out to the mirrors, releasing one hand from her funnel cake to wave off. “..Maybe if somethin’s in here, we could go outside to escape it?”

Amber pulls off the top card, setting it right-side-up in front of Dovie, “The Knight of Pentacles. Pentacles are the suit of Earth and material things. Knights are action, movement, energy.” She draws a picture over the card, depicting a knight on a horse looking out over a cliff. “When you combine the two, it means the time is right for patience. Slow and steady. You are coming up on a time in your life where you will need to be reliable and work hard and endure. Whether you succeed, of course, is up to you. But be prepared for the long haul.”

Matthew arrives with Malin and Lorelei but his eyes are settled on Shiloh, beaming all his radiance on the man attending the booth. “I couldn’t wait,” he says, “had to try the funnel cake!” A pause and he adds, “We still need to eat dinner-” and he’s looking to Lorelei “Would you like to come and join us for dinner after?”

Stelle bumps Alice and inquires, “Ferris wheel?”

Dovie nods at Amber, “Thank you!” She gets up to let the next in line take their turn.

“Ferris wheel is fine,” Alice nods to Stelle, still munching on delicious popcorn.

“Get down, Eloa! There’s red dots, get out of sightlines!” Lykaia asks, though Cadalie’s suggestion does have her rise up. “They aren’t shooting you, so maybe…”

Lykaia uses a strobe light horror: 40With41 eac42h pu43lse 45of s46trob47e li48ght,49 the50 for51m of52 a f53igur54e ap55pear55s: c54lose53r, d52isto51rted50, ey49es g48leam47ing 46with45 a p43reda42tor’41s fo40cus.

Amber slides the card back into the deck, nodding to the crowd, “Who else has a burning question deep in their soul for the Oracle of Cards?”

Malin smiles broadly at Shiloh and expresses, “It all looks incredible, per usual,” as she looks over the various good.

Jenny uses a strobe light horror: 40The 41shar42p sla43p of45 thei46r bo47ots e48choe49s thr50ough51 the 52dark53, fra54ctur55ed by55 bur54sts 53of wh52ite 51light50 tha49t tur48n hi47m int46o a 45stop-43moti42on ni41ghtm40are.

Eloa uses a strobe light horror: 40The 41shar42p sla43p of45 thei46r bo47ots e48choe49s thr50ough51 the 52dark53, fra54ctur55ed by55 bur54sts 53of wh52ite 51light50 tha49t tur48n hi47m int46o a 45stop-43moti42on ni41ghtm40are.

Jasper uses a strobe light horror: 40Th41e 42ro43om45 s46tr47ob48es 49to50 t51he52 r53hy54th55m a55s 54la53ug52ht51er50 s49pi48lls47 i46nt45o 43th42e 41da40rk.

Shiloh beams wide at Matthew “Well I’m glad you stopped by. Each treat has a little trick about it. You’ll see when you try it. Also there’s some laced cotton candy over on the west path.”

“They should have warning about epilepsy.” Eloa/i>/span/iMab looks around at the others rather than push herself to the front, to see who might’ve been waiting longer, but her interest on Amber is clear when the question is posed.

Obadiah is still grumpy about something, even as he holds Dovie’s hand and motions to Derek and Mab to go next

“Me!” Derek calls out to Amber. “O Teller of Fortunes Fair, what holds my future there?” he rhymes.

“Does this mean I’m going to turn into a cat girl again?” Malin wonders of Shiloh whatever that means.

Lykaia makes to try and stab one of the figures that appears. “Fuck me. This place isn’t good. We gotta GTFO.”

Jenny squints covering her etyes “F-fuck ow…”

Eloa says “Yeah lets go get “

Eloa says “Fortune told“

Shiloh tisks at Malin “No spoilers.” He tuts.

Lykaia says “They shouldn’t stay so much in the open. Something is definitely wrong.“

“I though one of those mist monsters snuck in,” Jasper murmurs until he ducks dwn for a moment. He then moves along but then jumps at the laughter, the lights reflecting faintly on his black mask before he nods and runs quickly.

Amber shuffles the deck, sliding it out onto the table for Derek soon thereafter, “Already infinite possibilities coalesce. Cut the deck to narrow them down.”

Cadalie stumbles as the lights flash in her eyes, squinting terribly through the crack in her fingers as they alas make their way out. “Gosh! Mmhm.. Well, if I ever need a career path other than a tattoo artist, that’s where I’ll go.”

Malin widens her eyes behind that mask that lets those eyeballs be on display. She looks intrigued, though.

“A trick?” Matthew looks very enthused about it and reaches for one of those cakes, stepping out of the way so others can get in on the treats. Shiloh’s question is considered and he wobbles head side to side, “I don’t think so, tonight, but… if so are you saying you’re free to whip it up?”

Amber uses a tarot deck: the next card is revealed to be the 55Queen of Cups.

Derek exhales from his nose, relaxing before he cuts the deck.

Arachne uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: The ceiling splits open with a tearing moan, birthing a tangle of limbs that never stop twitching.

Shiloh nods at Matthew “Yeah, of course. I don’t have any plans for the night.”

“Well maybe they like being in opennn.” Eloa/span>/span“Well maybe they like being in opennn.” Eloa calls out to Lykaia, spilling some alcohol as she drinks her cocktail. “Anyone want drink?” She asks, holding it up with her tails trailing from her wrist as she giggles.

Lorelei shifts her weight with a slow, suggestive ease, one hand resting at the soft inward curve of her waist. The sea-glass mask veils any hint of expression, but her tone carries a teasing warmth as she replies, “Mmm… maybe. I could be convinced.” Her fingers trace idly along her hip as her other hand rises like a cobra, swaying over the funnel cakes before snatching one.

Malin looks over the funnel cake once she accepts it from the concession stand worker. “It doesn’t look like it’ll make me try to catch Mars on fire again, but we’ll see.”

Cadalie sticks back on her heels now that they’re out of the cloth tarp and back onto the dirt, looking over at Lykaia with a distracted glance, and then back down to her feet. “Uhhh.. Well, drink? Sure. Maybe.”

“Big mistake.” Lykaia says back, looking at Eloa with narrowed eyes. “You said the tent. Fine. You’ll go in first. Sit down. Have your fortune told. Understand?”

“Is being a tattoo artist another path you’re taking,” Jasper wonders of Cadalie, blinking while he readjusts from the lights. Turning towards Eloa, he nods and tells her, “I don’t mind a drink after.”

Aurelia compresses into a tighter, brighter, whiter light, as the room starts to heat up to an unpleasant degree as she seems about to do -something- terrible to someone in spite of Arachne’s words and interference – and then the hand comes out to smack him, and she relaxes with sudden, giggling laughter, and then conceding, “All right, if it’s for -you-, Arachne.”

Lorelei says “Is she in retrograde?“

Aurelia compresses into a tighter, brighter, whiter light, as the room starts to heat up to an unpleasant degree as she seems about to do -something- terrible to August in spite of Arachne’s words and interference – and then the hand comes out to smack him, and she relaxes with sudden, giggling laughter, and then conceding, “All right, if it’s for -you-, Arachne.”

Amber slides out a card in front of Derek. On it, a woman on a throne contemplating an ornate device that MIGHT be a cup, if you squint. “The card of the unconscious mind and the understanding thereof. A card of support and understanding. A friend or relative will need you soon, and you will only be able to help them by looking deep inside.”

Aurelia is apparently sound and fury, appropros of nothing.

Matthew has zero inhibitions and simply goes in for that first powdery bite. Lorelei words earn a huffed amusement, his head nodding a number of times as he speaks after swallowing, “I saw on X someone sayin’ it’s in retrograde until….” he’s unsure, “well it might still be!”

“Umm okay can leave tent door open so everyone can hear Eloa fortune!” Eloa agrees with a few nods of her head. She hands off her drink to Jasper, “Ummm where is tent?” She asks, spinning a full 360.

“Mhm.” Cadalie answers Jasper, stomping a foot past the lip of the shoe. “I get to create somethin’ pretty for folks that’ll last them their entire lives.”

“…It also hurts them to no end.” She admits sheepishly, tucking hair.

Malin tentatively takes the first bite, but then once she’s partaken initially, she relaxes. Nothing exploded, save for incredible flavours in her mouth.

“By looking deep inside.” Derek repeats after Amber in an even tone, standing still with curiosity for a moment before he nods. “I understand. Thank you, o Wise One.” he intones, wiggling his fingers before he steps aside from the table.

Lykaia says “Too many people in there. Shouldn’t waste time trying that.“

Eloa says “Oh okay then“

Eloa says “What next“

Jenny says “Skee ball?“

Eloa says “Did we ever find entrance to maze..“

“I see,” Jasper nods towards Cadalie, receiving the gin and taking a sip from it before he offers it back to Eloa

Lykaia says “For fucks sake. Fucking knew it. And no one fucking else is gonna be in there.“

Lykaia says “Doesn’t let me go that way.“

August uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: A coffin lid creaks open and a skeletal figure jerks upright, bound in velvet and teeth, before vomiting a swarm of mechanical locusts across the room.

Lorelei tips her head, sea-glass mask catching a glint of fairground light as she lifts a corner of the moondew funnel cake to her lips. The powdered sweetness kisses her mouth, and despite the clear risk to her slinky violet sequins, she takes a slow, indulgent bite. Her throat bobs with the swallow, curls tumbling forward as she leans into it without shame, licking a bit of glaze from the tip of one manicured finger. Somehow, she makes it look effortless, like decadence was made to be devoured by girls in dresses far too tight to breathe in.

Jasper says “Could be another illusion./span>/spanCadalie takes a bite of the candy, and reels as she’s flashbanged by its flavor.

Jenny says “Theres a skee ball game isnt there…?“

Obadiah sits down at the table after moving away from Dovie and folds his arms, “Hit me with your best shot. What do you forsee in my twisted future?”

Shiloh says “Be sure to try the popcorn as well, it has a little bit of kick to it though.“

Eloa squints at her program, “Oh there is strength test game! Maybe Red eyes can win it.”

Jasper says “Yeah. “

Malin looks intrigued by what Shiloh says, so she’s moving over to get some popcorn.

“Maaaaaaaaaaybe.” Cadalie expresses in a lilac haze, beginning to bury her nose in the cotton candy.

Lykaia uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6070 38- 60Ruptured38]] The puck lights the cracks that stops near the top. The heart emits a sharp, metallic snap. The 38Rusalka folds inward and cries, seized by a spasmodic spell./b

Arachne uses a crooked metal lever marked EXIT: A nursery mobile overhead begins to turn, playing a tinny lullaby, as porcelain dolls drop one by one from the ceiling, their faces shattering on impact.

“Already I see endless possibilities clouding the way,” Amber/span>/spanDovie rubs Obadiah’s shoulders as he sits.

Amber uses a tarot deck: the next card is revealed to be the 55Ten of Pentacles.

Lykaia uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[60100 38- 60HEARTBREAKER!38]] A jagged red crack splits the heart in two and explodes it open with a deafening snap! Through 24red mist, the 38Rusalka convulses in agony – eyes glowing all 24baleful, hair whipped upward in a corona./b

Lykaia uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Malin tries the popcorn, and then she gasps. “It tastes like me!” she initially declares. “Like… if I was popcorn. This is what I would taste like. I’m sure of it.”

“OoOoOOo!” Cadalie claps as Lykaia breaks the heart. “Strronng.”

Jenny grins over at Lykaia “Woo! You broke it!” as she moves over next

Eloa says “Woo! good job! @me calls out towards @doll, bouncing around a little.“

Jenny uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6060 38- 60Battered38]] The heart lights up violently – veins blazing, cracks spread like panic. Whimpering, the 38Rusalka throws her head back, long hair lifting unnaturally high in the breeze./b

Jenny uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6090 38- 60Shattered38]] The heart nearly splits in half, but not quite. The 38Rusalka‘s scream is full-bodied and animal, distorted through the speakers./b

Jenny uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Matthew continuse to eat someone, but his eyes do slide towards Lorelei watching how she takes in the cake, nodding an affirmation that way. “Enchantress,” he asks Lorelei “Do you know my chef, Shiloh?” When the popcorn is pointed out he doesn’t take an entire tin, still working on his cake but he does drift to Malin, choosing to reel her back into the wrap of an arm, standing behind. “Can I have a taste?” gets wondered down to her.

Matthew continuse to eat funnelcake, but his eyes do slide towards Lorelei watching how she takes in the cake, nodding an affirmation that way. “Enchantress,” he asks Lorelei “Do you know my chef, Shiloh?” When the popcorn is pointed out he doesn’t take an entire tin, still working on his cake but he does drift to Malin, choosing to reel her back into the wrap of an arm, standing behind. “Can I have a taste?” gets wondered down to her.

Eloa says “OH my god!“

Cadalie uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6090 38- 60Shattered38]] The heart nearly splits in half, but not quite. The 38Rusalka‘s scream is full-bodied and animal, distorted through the speakers./b

Cadalie uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[60100 38- 60HEARTBREAKER!38]] A jagged red crack splits the heart in two and explodes it open with a deafening snap! Through 24red mist, the 38Rusalka convulses in agony – eyes glowing all 24baleful, hair whipped upward in a corona./b

Cadalie uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Lykaia says “Where do we get a coin from an attendant?“

Shiloh snickers at Malin “Knowing the ingredients, I’d say that sounds about right.”

Eloa gasps as she spots the stuffed rainbow pony in the prize stand. “Lykaia pick that one!” She calls out excitedly.

Eloa uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6070 38- 60Ruptured38]] The puck lights the cracks that stops near the top. The heart emits a sharp, metallic snap. The 38Rusalka folds inward and cries, seized by a spasmodic spell./b

Eloa uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6090 38- 60Shattered38]] The heart nearly splits in half, but not quite. The 38Rusalka‘s scream is full-bodied and animal, distorted through the speakers./b

Eloa uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6040 38- 60Bruised38]] The tower pulses red and purple. The heart lets out a low, groaning throb. The 38Rusalka folds forward in shame, head drooped and hair hanging./b

Obadiah cuts the deck like a champ and then taps it with one finger before smiling behind his mask at Amber

Cadalie takes the mallet and gives it the three spanks it deserves, laughing madly at the sounds of split brass.

Derek looks through the eyeslits on his mask to the card Obadiah’s drawn, tilting his head with mute interest.

Cadalie uses a translucent lime-green water pistol: 58The stream of water shoots out, but it dissipates before ever finding flesh to land on.

beams brightly at Shiloh as she shares her Malin/b>/spanJenny says “Huh… who is the attendant for this?“

“OoOO..” Cadalie had drawn the gun on her very own heart, so the fact that mist comes out is a good thing.

Lykaia says “Who’s the attendant for the strong game for a coin?“

“…Ribbit.” Derek lifts his frog and imitates a frog as if offering a commentary on the card. “How… Ribbiting.” Derek adds on with a hint of cheek.

Eloa smacks the mallet, cheering excitedly and jumping up and down when she gets 90… which doesn’t win her the grand prize but gets her a pony!!

The card is drawn, and Amber slides it onto the table for Obadiah to see. It’s a scene from a medieval city, with people and dogs and a series of coin-shaped circles with pentagrams inside. Ten of them. “The Ten of Pentacles,” she explains, “Truly a card fit for a god. A card that could inspire fear or excitement in their children. It is a card of legacy. Family. One’s roots. Tradition and stability.” She runs her fingertip between the ten pentacles, “It also means a windfall. Your ancestry, your roots- in the future, its blessings will rain upon you and multiply.”

“Nice!” Jasper applauds with a clap of his hands while the heart is getting beat up. Walking towards a nearby trash can, he throws the popcorn away before he rejoins the group. He waits until Eloa is done before he grabs the mallet to try next.

Arachne says “You should be able to do it without a coin. Is someone gatekeeping you?“

Esme says “Oh, Hester made this one! She did really great“

Shiloh tilts his head a bit at Lorelei, extending a hand “I’m Shiloh, their personal chef.” He says with a soft chuckle.

Gabriel says “I like the style of it. Curious how well I do.“

Jasper uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6090 38- 60Shattered38]] The heart nearly splits in half, but not quite. The 38Rusalka‘s scream is full-bodied and animal, distorted through the speakers./b

Jasper uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6040 38- 60Bruised38]] The tower pulses red and purple. The heart lets out a low, groaning throb. The 38Rusalka folds forward in shame, head drooped and hair hanging./b

Jasper uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6020 38- 60Stung38]] The puck jolts two rungs up. A red LED light flickers like a pinprick on the heart. The 38Rusalka expels a breath through clenched teeth./b

Lorelei’s brows lift behind her sea-glass mask, lips parting in a scandalized little o before curving into a wicked grin. She leans in just enough for her curls to sway, voice low and honey-sweet: “Oh, so you’re doxxing now?” A finger traces the air toward the owl-masked man. “Careful, hashtag Maskgate’s already trending. Next thing we know you’ll be leaking his flavor profile.” She gasps as Shiloh further self-doxes.

Holding a chihuahua in one arm and a stuffed pony in another, it’s getting hard for Eloa to flap so she jams one under her arm so she can eat more cotton candy.

Lykaia says “I don’t see an attendant or coins.“

Jenny takes a bite of the cotton candy shivering and letitng out a giggle “Wooah.” she looks over at the prize stand “Is that Jangles the moon monkey?”

Obadiah smirks a moment and nods, “I have a good family. We take care of each other. It’s good to be an ocean faring people.

Arachne says “I’ll make my way to that side shortly.“

Esme grins a bit, “Well let’s see how you do then. You go first.”

Malin looks to Matthew, asking him with the utmost innocence, “Does it taste like me?”

“Hai, guys.” Annabelle greets from under her visor, drawn to the dings of the bell like a vulture.

A satisfied hum spills out from behind the golden sun-mask, the upper half of Matthew’s face still obscured, but there’s no hiding the way his eyes close for the taste. “God. That’s good.” he murmurs, licking spice and sweetnes s from his thumb like it’s a secret he doesn’t want to share.

Gabriel uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Derek says “I got 47 on the Knife Game. Anyone get any higher?“

“A hundred fifty,” Jasper comments, his eyes on the heart until he finishes and sets the mallet down.

Gabriel uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6070 38- 60Ruptured38]] The puck lights the cracks that stops near the top. The heart emits a sharp, metallic snap. The 38Rusalka folds inward and cries, seized by a spasmodic spell./b

Gabriel uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[60100 38- 60HEARTBREAKER!38]] A jagged red crack splits the heart in two and explodes it open with a deafening snap! Through 24red mist, the 38Rusalka convulses in agony – eyes glowing all 24baleful, hair whipped upward in a corona./b

Eloa says “Alot of us got 49 is tricksy!“

“Rain upon you and multiply,” Mab echoes someone’ words to Obadiah with a wink, “I told you you’d die surrounded by grandkids.”

“Rain upon you and multiply,” Mab echoes someone’ words to Obadiah with a look of fond amusement, still lingering by the entrance. “I told you you’d die surrounded by grandkids.”

“Rain upon you and multiply,” Mab echoes Amber’s words to Obadiah with a look of fond amusement, still lingering by the entrance. “I told you you’d die surrounded by grandkids.”

Gabriel grumbles at the first couple of attempts before properly putting his back into the last one, “There we go! I was getting a bit nervous there.”

Esme grins as Gabriel uses the mallet. “Amazing!” She tells him, clapping. “I don’t think I can follow up on that at all.”

Dovie asks Obadiah and Derek, “Shall we go to the strongman tent and meet the others?”

“Wouldn’t mind if you might cut down on the storms a little while, Poseidon,” Amber smirks under her veil a bit, “But the blessing of your presence has been welcome.” She gathers up the deck and starts to shuffle again, nodding over to Mab for the next turn.

Obadiah smiles then to Amber, “Is that it? I don’t want to rush you, but I think there is a line forming.” He stands then and winks at Mab, “Lots of tadpoles.”

Derek nods a few times to Dovie. “I kind of want to try my hand at that.” he muses.

Shiloh lifts an eyebrow beyond his masquerade mask, his lips curling upwards into a grin as he chuckles “Contractually, I don’t think I’m allowed to leak such a thing.” He says, tutting softly as if it was such a heinous crime to even speak.

Obadiah takes Dovie’s hand and leads her and Derek out and about.

Cadalie gives another goofy clap, as cotton candy sticks to her face and fusses with the illusion of plastic over it.

Lorelei eyes the tin of faefire popcorn with wary suspicion, one manicured finger curled at her lower lip as if debating its motives. “That is not normal popcorn,” she says, voice velvet-soft and doubtful, with a skeptical tilt of her head. “American food is always trying to prove something. Too spicy, too sweet, too…” She trails off with a flick of her wrist through the air, mirrored pink nails flashing.

Gabriel gives Esme a little nudge and nods toward the game, “I believe in you.”

Smoothly sliding into her seat across from Amber, Mab beams at her when her turn is called. Her posture is prim, and she laces her gloved fingers in front of her. “Daughter of Typhon, you call me? That’s a new one,” she notes, “I’m ready to hear what lies in store for me, now that you’ve revealed my unknown past.”

Malin winks at Shiloh. “Such a good man,” she comments at him whilst nudging lightly against Matthew’s side with an elbow as she’s impressed that their chef has remembered his contract.

Esme says, with a laugh, “Oh great, a crowd to watch me fail“

Dovie is holding Obadiah’s hand, her eyes glassy and wide beneath her mask. She squeezes a big teddy bear, cheering Esme on.

Esme uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6040 38- 60Bruised38]] The tower pulses red and purple. The heart lets out a low, groaning throb. The 38Rusalka folds forward in shame, head drooped and hair hanging./b

Esme uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6010 38- 60Unscathed38]] Their mallet lands like an apology. The puck barely moves. The 38Rusalka coos, giggles, and starts to hum an old love song./b

Esme uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

“I had a Greek myth phase,” Amber shrugs a little awkwardly, the metaphorical mask slipping a moment, “Nice mask.” Then she clears her throat a little, sitting up straighter to shuffle a few more times. She slides teh deck in front of Mab, “Already, the infinite possibilities of your future cloud my vision. Cut the deck and clear the fog. Then I will tell you what I see.”

Derek claps for Esme. “Brava!” he enthuses.

Shiloh flashes a knowing grin toward Malin before nodding to Lorelei “Admittedly that one was last minute preparations, trying to think of another fun way to incorporate the trick theme. I think text time I might lean into a more savory profile.”

Jasper claps his hands towards Esme. “Good job,” he says.

Shiloh says “Next time, rather.“

Esme starts off strong, and is maybe a little surprised by that because her follow up is terrible, but then she rallies and maybe channels some internal feelings as she slams down with the final strike. “Whew!” She laughs, sitting the mallet aside for the next person. “That was fun!”

Matthew takes another handful when Malin offers more, already nodding an endless confirmation: to the offer, to the flavor to her. It builds him into a grin as he turns to Lorelei and provides his own conclusion to what American food is” “Good.” No elaboration needed, just certainty as his nodding finally comes to an end. The elbow to the ribs snaps him upright, attention flicking to Shiloh, “Oh hey, yeah, that is a family secret, thanks for that!”

Obadiah looks at all the people and makes his way towards someone with Derek and Dovie in tow. He doesn’t say anything just watches Esme for a moment and leans into Dovie’s whisper, affording her a simple nod

Matthew takes another handful when Malin offers more, already nodding an endless confirmation: to the offer, to the flavor to her. It builds him into a grin as he turns to Lorelei and provides his own conclusion to what American food is: “Good.” No elaboration needed, just certainty as his nodding finally comes to an end. The elbow to the ribs snaps him upright, attention flicking to Shiloh, “Oh hey, yeah, that is a family secret, thanks for that!” [fix]

Gabriel points at Derek and Obadiah, “You two have to give it a shot. I’m curious to see how you do since you two are so good at games.”

Flexing her manicured fingers out towards the deck, Mab gives the matter a great deal of apparent thought, as if to psychically influence the cards. Such things are likely impossible, but all the same, she cuts the deck for Amber, and then gazes studiously at her. “Thank you, darling. I’ve heard much about your future as well, Oracle.”

Obadiah looks at all the people and makes his way towards Gabriel with Derek and Dovie in tow. He doesn’t say anything just watches Esme for a moment and leans into Dovie’s whisper, affording her a simple nod. When Gabriel calls he and Derek out he motions to Derek, “You first.”

Derek tilts his head to Gabriel, then nodding once or twice. “Alrighty, then.” He looks to Obadiah. “Would you-” And then he speaks, and Derek nods. “Alright.”

Amber uses a tarot deck: the next card is revealed to be 55Wheel of Fortune.

The Heartbreaker is the main attraction in this stretch of the field, rising high with a weeping effigy that tempts one to clobber it in the name of love or spite. Arachne makes her rounds at her leisurely pleasure, hand tucked into the crook of August’s arms as she watches with interest as Eloa takes to the wooden platform.

As the last of Matthew’s funnel cake goes down the hatch he suggests to Shiloh, “Maybe you should… hmm, yes savory might be a good little thing, or, you know how they do that is it cake, show. Could make that the trick!”

Derek prepares to strike!

Derek uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Derek uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[60100 38- 60HEARTBREAKER!38]] A jagged red crack splits the heart in two and explodes it open with a deafening snap! Through 24red mist, the 38Rusalka convulses in agony – eyes glowing all 24baleful, hair whipped upward in a corona./b

Holding a stuffed pony under one arm and a stuffed chiuaua in another, Eloa only kindof walks past the front of the stand. “You get your token yet?” Eloa asks Lykaia, cheering a bit as someone else hits the ding ding ding noise.

Shiloh nods to Matthew “That would have been fun, but Arachne wanted something savory for the menu as well, so I chose the popcorn. Though I should totally do one of those cakes for one of our events.”

Matthew then turns and motions about the fairgrounds, asking Malin, Lorelei “Shall we continue on and explore the fair? A smile is flashed towards Shiloh, including him, “You dead set to manning this booth or you wanna play hookie and roll with us, maybe join for dinner, too?”

“How very ominous,” Mab remarks, settling her gaze thoughtfully on the Wheel of Fortune. “That was the last mask I wore.”

Dovie claps and cheers for Derek.

Gabriel applauds for Derek as he cracks the heart, “Woo!” then he remarks to Dovie, “Alright I walked into that one.”

Matthew then turns and motions about the fairgrounds, asking Malin, Lorelei “Shall we continue on and explore the fair?” A smile is flashed towards Shiloh, including him, “You dead set to manning this booth or you wanna play hookie and roll with us, maybe join for dinner, too?” [fix]

“Sure,” Jasper nods towards Eloa as he holds on the stuffed chihuahua.

Obadiah says “How many swings do we get?“

Malin is very much enjoying this culinary experience. It’s amazing she doesn’t look like Hester, really, given how much she eats all the time. Thank goodness for supernatural metabolisms. She tells Shiloh, “The popcorn is freaking amazing, so well done.” As Matthew asks his question, she nods. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

Derek swings once with the white mallet, bringing it all the way to 80, and he lifts a hand enthusiastically, taking it in, before adjusting his stance and swinging once more, hitting it all the way to 100!

Shiloh says “Don’t forget the cotton candy if that’s your thing though. Comes with party favors.“

“Oh maybe we should join the crowd fringes.” Eloa smiles at Jasper, taking his hand as she makes her way to the fringe to try and find her friends

Obadiah joins the platform after Derek to try his hand at it, but there is a note of aggression to his swagger. Defintiely not going for the finesse approach.

Malin asks, “Where’s the cotton candy?” of Shiloh.

Obadiah uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6090 38- 60Shattered38]] The heart nearly splits in half, but not quite. The 38Rusalka‘s scream is full-bodied and animal, distorted through the speakers./b

Dovie cheers loudly for Obadiah, making her teddy bear cheer along by pumping its arms!

“Did you get token yet?” Eloa calls out to Lykaia, making her way over holding a giant stuffed rainbow pony. “Pink pony girlll.” She sings happily slightly off tune as she makes her way to Lykaia’s side.

Obadiah uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Matthew breaks from Malin’s side to reach out, seeking to dap Shiloh up, “That’s what I like to hear,” he says, grinning broad, but it’s an all or nothing kind of night, attention and focus sliding on over to Lorelei. “Whatcha say, Enchantress, it time to move on?”

Shiloh nods to the west “It has it’s own booth over there.”

Malin looks intrigued once again.

Lorelei leans forward over the carnival table, reaching delicately for one of the violet cocktail glasses near the center. The motion sends her curls spilling over her shoulders, and the plunging neckline of her sequined gown dips with her, offering a bold, unbothered glimpse of deep, buoyant cleavage. Fingers wrap around the stem with effortless grace as she straightens again, the faintest smirk playing at her lips.

Obadiah returns to the fringes of the crowd and just shrugs. “Ferris Wheel?”

Obadiah says “Oh Dovie you want to go?“

Lykaia looks back to Eloa and shakes her head.

Esme cheers for Obadiah during his turn. “You definitely have to do it.” She nods to Dovie.

Dovie hugs Obadiah, “Great job! And no, but I would love to ferris wheel!”

Following Eloa along to the crowd fringes, Jasper looks around before he finds Lykaia and nods at her.

Still, standing arm-in-arm by Arachne, August tips his mask up half-way, and brings his free hand out of his pocket with a pack of cigarettes. It’s tapped to his hip until he can dislodge a slender stick and brush the back of his fingers under his mask until his mouth is in view – where he lays it, lights it, and seemingly, waits his turn on The Heartbreaker while whispering something towards Arachne every once in a while.

Amber watches Mab and the consideration given to the cutting. She nods approvingly, “Good. Intent is key. It makes the vision clearer.” She places the card down, the circle of symbols in the sky and surrounded by winged things. “Uh- you have?” she briefly breaks character again as she slides the card forward. She shifts in her seat a little and begins, “The Wheel of Fortune is one of the most difficult cards to read. One must have their fingers directly on the strings of fate, and a longer reading can help. But I will tell you what I can in our limited time together: there are forces beyond your control at work in your life now. You have their attention, for good or ill. There will be change soon. You won’t see it coming, and it will feel big. But one must never forget that the wheel never stops turning, and the change you endure will itself be changed before too long.”

Shiloh pushes away from the booth, stepping in line with Matthew.

Matthew starts to wander toards the cotton candy, catching Malin’s interest, “This train’s moving,” he declares.

Obadiah says “Might as well?“

Eloa turns around in circles and giggles, clearly high on something as she hugs a giant rainbow pony. She finally finds Jenny who she’s looking for. “Did you bash?” She asks Jenny, gesturing to the stage.

“You should.” Derek advises Dovie.

Shiloh says “This, I am proud of.“

Shiloh grins.

Malin looks proud of it, too, and she had absolutely nothing to do with it.

Dovie nods, grinning at Obadiah, Derek, Esme, and Gabriel. “Okay!” She steps up.

Mab recoils just a touch from the cards, folding her hands back into her lap. She considers Amber with a tilt of her head, and then inquires, “Will it be good?”

Dovie uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6070 38- 60Ruptured38]] The puck lights the cracks that stops near the top. The heart emits a sharp, metallic snap. The 38Rusalka folds inward and cries, seized by a spasmodic spell./b

Matthew takes one, pulling some of the cloud-like confection from its nest into his mouth.

Dovie uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6050 38- 60Cracked38]] The puck meets the halfway rung, and a large crack spreads across the heart. The 38Rusalka bends back in an odd angle, shuddering sideways like it hurt./b

Dovie uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6090 38- 60Shattered38]] The heart nearly splits in half, but not quite. The 38Rusalka‘s scream is full-bodied and animal, distorted through the speakers./b

Dovie bows and steps off.

Jenny gives a nod over to Eloa “Yeah..”

Gabriel claps for Dovie as well, “That was good! See, you didn’t do as bad as you thought you would.”

Malin gets high on cotton candy, and she seems very much to enjoy this. “Oooooo,” she giggles out, eyes wandering about the area and taking in everything that seems to beautfiul.

“Okay! Well maybe we move on. However still need get token.” Eloa flourishes her way back towards Lykaia, “Is try ask soverign for token? The attendant saw you hit the 100.”

Shiloh snickers as he watches Malin “I thought the pop rocks added a bit of fun to the high.”

Lillian has been pretty zoned out watching all of this fortune-reading.

Lorelei lifts her drink and takes a long sip, lips wrapping the rim with practiced ease. Her lashes flutter once as the alcohol hits, and she swallows slow, letting the glass dip back down. With her chin tilted and hips swaying just a bit too much to be accidental, she follows a step behind the others, sliding easily into that prime third-wheel position, close enough to linger in their orbit, far enough to let the tension breathe. “You should make yourself a beard” She suggests to Malin.

Amber smiles a little beneath her veil, eyes a little sad. “To see the wheel is to see a flipping coin. It could land either way. But the card is upright, and that gives you better odds for something good than if it weren’t. Whether good or bad, the wheel always turns. It won’t last long,” Amber attempts to reassure.

Obadiah says “All good?“

Cadalie says “I wonder how tired she is?“

“Is probably her job but sure lets go fortune teller!” Eloa nods excitedly at Lykaia, almost losing her grip on the magical rainbow pony.

“Right,” Jasper nods towards someone with a glance at Dovie. “Yeah.”

“Perhaps I’ll finally meet my prince,” Mab says rather girlishly, smiling to herself at this reassurance. “I hope he’s rich. I’m ready for another divorce.” With that, she straightens up, drums her fingernails lightly on the edge of the table, and starts to rise. “A pleasure meeting you, Oracle. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around without your mask. Your future looks promising, so the Queen has foretold.”

The moment it melts somsething in Matthew unlocks. His eyes widen, not in shock but wonder, like he’s tasting color, feeling music, vibrating with the secret frequency of the universe. A slow smile spreads as he lifts hsi face to the lights overhead, breath catching in a soft, reverent laugh. “Oh…. woooow,” he murmurs, like the world just told him a secret. He turns to someone expression brimming as he strides her way, the cotton candy being proffered, “You gotta try this out,” he insists.

The moment it melts somsething in Matthew unlocks. His eyes widen, not in shock but wonder, like he’s tasting color, feeling music, vibrating with the secret frequency of the universe. A slow smile spreads as he lifts hsi face to the lights overhead, breath catching in a soft, reverent laugh. “Oh…. woooow,” he murmurs, like the world just told him a secret. He turns to Lorelei expression brimming as he strides her way, the cotton candy being proffered, “You gotta try this out,” he insists.

“Right,” Jasper nods towards Eloa, carrying the stuffed chihuahua as he follows the group to the fortune teller. “Yeah.”

Just as the crowd arrive, Mab appears to have finished her own reading, and has started rising to her feet with a few parting words to Amber.

“They’re just games, dearie-dear.” Derek supposes softly to Dovie, tapping a hand to his mask and tippity-tapping on it for a moment, though that thought does give him pause. He lifts his shoulders, holding his plushie frog up before allowing it to rest on his shoulder.

Amber slips the card back into the deck, inclining her head mysteriously towards Mab as he others arrive. She lifts a hand to them, “Welcome. Who comes with questions for the Oracle of Cards?”

“Oh there is line.” Eloa almost bumps into Mab although it seems like Mab is getting up from the table. The woman that looks like a bird is holding a giant stuffed plushie pony.

“Will go first!” Eloa chimes to Amber, hauling herself and her pony up infront of the woman and taking a seat at the table first.

“It’s like…” Malin tries to think of exactly what it is like as she stares at Shiloh, mouth agape for a few seconds as she processes, and reprocesses, and then blinks. “It just threw a rave in my mouth and melted my brain into a warm sherbet sunset that makes it want to flirt with the universe and maybe whisper my innermost secrets to blades of grass because I feel like they get me now.”

Looking to Matthew next, Malin says with a gasp, “I know what our next date is going to be,” after he makes that beard comment.

Derek hums. “I felt like that with the knives, honestly.” he mumbles.

Breaking away from the mixed company of August and Annabelle for a time, Arachne ascends the wooden platform toward The Heartbreaker, a hand outstretching to collect the mallet after it’s cleaned and sanitized to her liking by a courtier that melts from the shadows. “I wonder if I have the might to break its heart,” she muses, head tilted back to scale the height of the attraction where the top resides.

Gabriel says “Highs for me go away so quickly unless it’s blood.“

Arachne uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[60100 38- 60HEARTBREAKER!38]] A jagged red crack splits the heart in two and explodes it open with a deafening snap! Through 24red mist, the 38Rusalka convulses in agony – eyes glowing all 24baleful, hair whipped upward in a corona./b

Amber shuffles the cards a few more times before setting the deck in front of Eloa. “Already, infinite potential clouds my vision. Speak your question and cut the deck, and I will tell you what I see.”

Arachne uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Shiloh smiles as he watches Matthew’s expression shift, gaze turning toward Lorelei, he nods a bit in agreeance “It’s really nice.” He offers, gaze distracted for a moment on Matthew before grinning wider as he steps closer to Lorelei “The secret ingredient is a bit of love, and molly.”

Shiloh points to Malin “And everything she said.”

Cadalie sticks to the background of the tent, not that she’s made it all that far within.

Lorelei lifts her chin slightly, lashes lowering as she studies the candy with a curious little smirk. She leans in just enough to let her curls fall forward and her neckline shift with the motion, then plucks a bit of the cotton candy between two fingers. Her posture remains relaxed, unhurried, following behind the pair like a third star in a constellation. “Well if everyone’s having a moment,” she murmurs, and lifts the fluff to her mouth with delicate precision, stuffing a clump of it past the lips of her mask where some snags and clings.

“Uhhh..” Not realizing she has to actually ask a question and thinking that she would just get her fortune told to her like a palm reader, Eloa blinks those doe like eyes at Amber. “How strong will love be?” She asks as she reaches forward to cut the deck.

“The fae and their luck.” August mutedly shakes his head, but does give a soft-sounding golf-clap with gloved hands once Arachne gets it to scream in one.

Amber uses a tarot deck: the next card is revealed to be the 55Queen of Wands, inverted/span>/iObadiah says “Oh there we are.“

Esme says “Whew “

Gabriel says “I found her.“

Lykaia looks out of the tent, the needle still in her hand as she walks across, and happens to get a glance on Eloa’s card. Reminds her she has a wand in her other hand that she then stuffs into a pocket.

Dovie is shaken, hugging her teddy.

Obadiah says “Where is Derek?“

Gabriel says “I’ll check if he’s still up there.“

Lykaia says “Could not enter from the door found. Where’s the entrance?“

Holding the giant pony, Eloa’s big doe like eyes watch Amber as a card is flipped.

Obadiah says “Did you follow me up the wall thinking it was the ferris wheel?“

Giving Malin MDMA is never a good thing. Here it comes, folks. “If I could like spoon the whole universe right now, I would. Starting with you,” she informs Matthew. “I want the world to be one big group hug, and I want to be in the very middle of it.”

“And it screamed quite beautifully on the first go,” Arachne draws back from the strongman game, surrendering the mallet to August. “Fae luck, as you said. I’m sure you’ll manage it without a sweat, Pierce,” she teases, before weaving an introduction to Annabelle in aside, “I’m Arachne Fairchild-Montrose, Summer Monarch, and Head of the Whispering Hand. This is August Pierce.”

Shiloh watches Lorelei’s expression with a growing grin, a curious expectation striking his features as he appraises her.

Amber lifts the card from the top, after Eloa is done, and sets it down face-up before Eloa. “The Queen of Wands,” Amber explains, though the image of a woman with a staff on a throne is upside-down. “The Queen of Wands is a confident woman. Passionate. Optimistic,” she explains, gesturing over the card, “But she is reversed. The energy is blocked. Something is keeping her from reaching her full potential. As long as that is true, the future I see is one here love has become jealous and selfish and angry.” She puts on a wan smile behind her veil, “I can’t tell whether this Queen in your future is you or the one you love, but I can tell you that the future can be changed if jealousy is replaced with passion and optimism. And I see in your soul that you have the capability for much of both.”

Gabriel lands easily on his feet, “Didn’t see him.”

Dovie says “Derek?? “

Obadiah says “He is apparently in the maze now. Lost to the sands of time.“

Esme says “Rest in piece “

Obadiah says “We’ll come find you.“

Dovie says “You must be in the maze.“

Gabriel says “Ahh.. I know where he is I think. Wish me luck.“

Arachne says “… He is most certainly in the maze, which is specifically why I did not list it in the program.“

Obadiah says “Best of luck“

Lorelei sways slightly where she stands, the sea-glass mask tilting as her lips part on a quiet breath. Her lashes flutter, and she giggles, an airy, uncontrollable thing that bubbles up as the crackling shimmer melts across her tongue. She presses her thighs together, shifting her weight with a slow, indulgent roll of her hips as if the sweetness is settling somewhere low and warm. Her smile blooms wide and a little dazed, voice soft and syrupy as she exhales, “Oh… oh that is dangerous.” One hand lifts to fan at her flushed collarbone, long nails dragging along the soft flesh of her chest and tugging perilously at the neckline of her gown, the other still curled loosely around the glowing stick, fingers sticky with sparkle.

August’s hand lifts to press his shoulder and roll it in place in preparation while he moves on ahead after Arachne steps off the platform, and while she talks with Annabelle, he’s grabbing the mallet. It’s hefted a few times, bounced up in place and spun in his grip. Only once he’s ready, in pose and posture, does he lift it over his head and brings it down – hitting for spite, not love.

August uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[60100 38- 60HEARTBREAKER!38]] A jagged red crack splits the heart in two and explodes it open with a deafening snap! Through 24red mist, the 38Rusalka convulses in agony – eyes glowing all 24baleful, hair whipped upward in a corona./b

August uses a mallet to break the heart: [38[6080 38- 60Fractured38]] Two-thirds of the heart bursts open. 24Red light streams out through the smoke. Sobbing, the 38Rusalka dances violently in a pantomime of grief./b

Matthew turns back from where he’s standing before Lorelei reaching towards Malin now, “Then come on,” he insists, cus it looks like he’s about to initiate a group-hug right there. Shiloh is already getting one arm reaching in his direction, trying his best to usher him in on the triangle formation he’s attention to create, centered around Malin.

Obadiah says “Mirror rescue time! Just like the mist but with fewer woody women“

“She seems so terribly, sadly fragile.” Annabelle mutters off to the weeping woman as her heart shatters a whole two (2) times. “I guess that’s what a heart is. It’s all just arteries and muscle tissue.”

“Huh is as long as is less jealous and angry is get happier with love?” Eloa asks nodding her head a bit as she holds onto her pony. “Okay Pony will no get jealous of you.” She tells the stuffed animal before turning back to Amber, “Thank you for fortune! Will keep in mind!” She tells the other woman excitedly and a bit high as she bounces off of the seat and gestures for someone to take her place.

Esme chuckles softly.

Jasper watches as Eloa’s fortune is told until he slowly nods his head and give the bird a smile.

Amber shuffles the card back into the deck, waving to the group standing behind Eloa as the pony-wielder departs. “Who’s next? I have more answers than questions. Come help bring balance,” she requests of the others.

“Sure.” Lykaia says, turning away from the entrance and making her way to the round table.

The mallet is tossed away on the side of the convulsing Rusalka, and August steps off the dais like he didn’t shatter her heart twice. He does, however, brush his hand off his shoulder all too proudly before joining Arachne, “I think I should end the night on a high note. I’ll let you join the others and go home – these drugs are hammering my skull in.”

Shiloh raises an eyebrow up at Matthew before chuckling as he’s pulled into the group hug, waving Lorelei into the group hug that has already been initiated, a glance is spared behind him as he chirps off to Mab “Hey, welcome, enjoy the cotton candy, though it is laced.” He announces, his time served on the stands clearly not worn off yet.

Gabriel says “He’s dead. Only possible explanation.“

Obadiah says “Does he need to just escape?“

Mab has an enervated air to her when she drifts back towards Matthew, Malin and Lorelei, grinning like a demon. She looks about at the group, and then points a manicured finger into the distance. “Look,” she tells the trickster, “It’s you, Sexy Volcano.” Turning to Shiloh, she then tells him apologetically, “Oh I’m so sorry, I don’t eat carbs.”

It looks like Matthew finds everything about the world just amazing, and loving, and like every single motion is talking to him. His arms are outstretched, attempting to envelop everyone into one big group hug when he spies Mab — the guy’s clearly on something now. “Maaaaaaab,” he calls out, doxxing his poor cousin, “Get in here, we’re all hugging.”

Amber sets down the deck she’s shuffling, sliding it to Lykaia. “Already I am surrounded by the haze of infinite potential. Cut the deck and clear the path, and I will tell you what I see.”

“Have a good night, Nurse Pierce.” Annabelle waves from down low, really just too slow. “Do less drugs. They’re bad for you.”

Esme looks to the phone, “Oh good.”

Obadiah says “If he is stuck in the maze is there an emergency escape?“

August says “..I’m not a nurse.“

“What a strange analogy to use,” Arachne remarks mildly toward someone in distracted aside. “He’s quite busy with the student council and his own studies, though I’m sure he’ll find the time if he can.” Her gaze never leaves August when he is upon the platform to make his attempts, her hands rising to applaud his attempts, genuinely impressed. “Two broken hearts left in your wake. I’m impressed.” Her hand lifts to Annabelle. “I have to go and make my rounds, but I’ll see you again soon. I’m pleased you escaped the university, unscathed. You worried us all.” And then, she tells August, “I’ll walk with you, Doctor Pierce.”

“What a strange analogy to use,” Arachne remarks mildly toward Annabelle in distracted aside. “He’s quite busy with the student council and his own studies, though I’m sure he’ll find the time if he can.” Her gaze never leaves August when he is upon the platform to make his attempts, her hands rising to applaud his attempts, genuinely impressed. “Two broken hearts left in your wake. I’m impressed.” Her hand lifts to Annabelle. “I have to go and make my rounds, but I’ll see you again soon. I’m pleased you escaped the university, unscathed. You worried us all.” And then, she tells August, “I’ll walk with you, Doctor Pierce.”

Esme looks around at the sound of the bang.

Jenny says “What was that bang?“

Dovie startles at the bang!

Pure euphoria. That’s what this situation is for Malin right now as Matthew invites others to hug around her, and she gets tucked in like she’s the heart of the group hug she’s accepting like it is the womb of all things surrounding her. She’d hug anything right now. A couch. A fire hydrant. Definitely a possum. She presses her cheek to one of Matthew’s shoulders, nuzzling there as she muffles out in a heartfelt manner, “You guys are like… warm bread. I love you so much. All of you. Every single molecule.” Her head lifts suddenly, and she asks, “Ahh, did you feel that? Our hearts were synchronizing. It’s like we are all one big affectionate jellyfish bent on world peace and water conservation and love-drenched everything.” But Mab has returned, and the sexy volcano expresses, “I need you, too.” Despite the explosion, she doesn’t flinch.

Obadiah seems to have sobered up by now but flinches when he hears the bang

Dovie says “What was that banging sound?!“

Eloa says “Probably someone broke wall“

Lorelei takes another dreamy little step, eyes bright behind her sea-glass mask, fingers still sticky with glittered sugar clutched loosely around the glowing candy stick. The offer of a group hug draws a soft gasp-laugh from her lips as she leans slightly forward, a sway that sends the neckline of her sequined gown dipping lower than intended. She doesn’t correct it. Instead, she drapes an arm around the waist of Malin from the side, slotting in perfectly at the edge of the forming triangle, a breathy little, “Oh I adore triangles,” floating from her lips as she presses in.

Gabriel says “A reasonable response.“

“..Doesn’t seem to be for us.” Cadalie starts, but she’s making her way outside.

Arachne says “Overzealous cousins breaking themselves out of the maze, I assume.“

Obadiah says “… I love you Derek.“