InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "i've never meant anything more"

Ringmaster (hardshelled) wrote in cirque_rp,
@ 2017-10-28 15:50:00

WHO: Elia and Kennet
WHEN: Oct 20th, evening
WHERE: Elia's Trailer
SUMMARY: Elia puts clothes away
WARNINGS: TBD

Nearly the entire Coven had decided to go out shopping during the day, something Kennet really never understood the obsession with. Humans enjoyed objects, specifically purchasing objects they did not need to purchase. From the looks of it, anything Elia had brought back with her could have been made by the costumers.

Kennet did not typically visit other's trailers. In fact, he had never stepped foot into the trailer of another employee in the entirety of the Cirque's being- yet there he was. His height much too tall for the small space of the trailers, even with the second half floor at the head. the cool blue eyes of the Ringmaster never looked up toward the bed, instead he stayed near the kitchen, out of the way from the mess of shopping bags Elia went through.

"Could this not have been done after we spoke, Elia? While the Cirque has been in many locations in the past this one was very specific and the coven needs to make sure nothing goes wrong in the magics." His hands were at his standard position or crossed behind his back. The Djinn did not pace or move so much from his spot.

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nocturnally
2017-10-28 08:02 pm UTC (link)

"You can sit, you know," Elia responded breezily. Her bed (and most of the rest of the available space on that end of her trailer) was littered with shopping bags and clothes – everything from pieces of expensive lingerie to accessories, new kimonos and dressing gowns, enough shoes to re-costume every one of her dances. London had made for quite the enjoyable day. "I don't have special enchantments on the furniture, and maybe you could look just a bit less cross if you were more comfortable."

Not that Kennet was the very best at being comfortable or not being cross. It was part of his charm... although Elia had been doing her very best over the past few months not to be charmed. The Ringmaster's attention toward her had cooled, seemingly without any reason – there was a joke there about burning hot and cold. But Elia's wounded pride wasn't exactly amused.

"No, this could not have been done after we spoke. After we speak, I have to get ready for tonight's performances. And after that, I'll be working – as well you know. You aren't the only one with things to do, Kennet." Her tone was crisp, but she couldn't help indulging in the slightest bit of amusement. He really did look terribly out of place, didn't he?

"There is nothing wrong with the Coven's magic. The move went beautifully. Marcus is handling the Hub. The Cauldron is fine. We haven't had any problems in months... I don't understand why you're so worried now."

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hardshelled
2017-10-28 08:18 pm UTC (link)

His brows rose slightly at her response to him. "Such things had never stopped a visit to my trailer before."

He waved off the discussion though. Having crossed the line of no return by using her or giving into her had created a strange dynamic that he had tried to not have to begin with. The strength the Cirque gained back from the months of Cirque norm had clasped the chains harder around him, cooling his exterior to all of those who wished to see his flame. While Elia might have pouted due to it, Kennet also knew she enjoyed flirting with the danger of the power behind him. The closer he became his old self the more dangerous he was for the Cirque itself- but no one but Management understood that.

"Because nothing seemed to be wrong with the Coven's magic a few months ago either," he retorted in his emotionless tone.

Looking around at the furniture around him, his eyes raised slowly back to her. "Sitting would not make me more comfortable." A moment of a smirk passed across his lips but died away quickly.

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nocturnally
2017-10-28 08:26 pm UTC (link)

His comment about the problems in the months previous earned him a brief, dark look. After all, it hadn't been the Coven's fault that things had gone so terribly awry. Marcus would have been happy to point out that, at the worst of it, he had asked for extra help with the wards and been denied it. That was between Marc and the Ringmaster, though; he could have the argument again if he wished.

Instead of offering a retort, Elia turned her attention back to the costume pieces that she had splurged on – delicate 'playsuits' made from golden chains, things that would sparkle tantalizingly from the shadows during her acts. "I would offer you the bed," she drawled, raising her eyes once more – the look was full of wry suggestion, perhaps even something of a challenge. "But it's a bit covered up."

At least the witch had deigned to stay mostly dressed for their conversation, which was more than she usually did. Or perhaps that was just an excuse to enjoy new, expensive silk slacks and a lacy top.

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hardshelled
2017-10-28 09:12 pm UTC (link)

Marcus enjoyed pointing out anything and everything that left him and the coven without blame, but that did not change the fact that their reason for being was to make sure the shift of locations were successful and protections kept. But Kennet rarely chose to speak with Marcus unless necessary. After so long, no one had ever questioned the fact that the Ringmaster went to Elia with all coven discussion rather than calling group meetings over them.

"It is, quite covered," he responded with ease and a hint of challenge on his end as well.

He sighed. "My concerns are mostly with the stability of the magic. We have two Stone Guardians joining us for protection and Ms Hernandez's hive has also given their promise to assist if there are any issues, though the victims from that are not going to be so easily disposed of as others might."

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nocturnally
2017-10-28 09:33 pm UTC (link)

Elia wouldn't have gone that far – perhaps no one ever questioned Kennet about why his problems or concerns in regards to the Coven went to one witch instead of the group itself... but Elia had certainly heard about it before. At this point, she thought it was rather more that no one wanted to deal with her snarling over the questioning than anyone really accepting that it was just Kennet's way.

"Two Stone Guardians and a shiny new hive of supernatural weirdness – and yet here we are, discussing whether or not the witches are lying down on the job. If we have all this new security, why are you fretting?" Pausing as she considered one of her new treasures, she arched a brow at the Djinn. "Do you know something that we don't know? Something more than usual, that is?"

His concern was catching though, at least a little. She could talk with Marcus about making sure the Hub was ready for the new faces coming to the Cirque... and with Alex about checking the wards... and it wouldn't kill her to scatter a few of her darklings about to keep an eye on things.

Frowning, Elia dropped the bit of chain back to the bed. In the next moment, shadows flickered across the surface. There was some rustling, the sound of moving fabric, and all of her purchases were directed back into their bags by shadowy fingers. That left the witch sitting on the edge of the bed, finally looking interested. "Why is London a special stop?"

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hardshelled
2017-10-28 10:09 pm UTC (link)

Kennet always knew something no one else knew. It was his job to be aware of many things that others did not need to concern themselves with. Knowledge of the very nature of the Cirque lay open for him to know and keep that knowledge for himself. The Cirque eased back to its normal state over the last few months, the attacks seemingly gone, but the danger was not eradicated. His chains stronger than before told him that the Cirque needed to stay on top of it and the secrets he had seen within the attackers he had kept to himself.

"The certainty of safety is not held within silence," was all he was willing to say on the subject.

"All of our stops are special." Kennet moved forward, his steps long and graceful, taking nothing more than a few to get him to in front of her. His head tilted, blue gaze inspecting her for a moment, though in a different way than he inspected the other employees.

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nocturnally
2017-10-28 10:21 pm UTC (link)

At his response, Elia sighed and rolled her eyes. "You know, when I first came to the Cirque I thought that your secrets were very alluring," she offered, watching him approach without shifting her position. Only when he stopped before her did she slide to her feet, her hands moving to smooth familiarly over his shirt. "Now, of course, I know you're as troublesome as you accuse me of being."

Troublesome, and bothersome in the fact that he was still alluring. There were things about Kennet that still pulled at her, still tugged at her consciousness. Like the taste of his power on the back of her tongue – not power that she craved any longer, really. But power that she missed the touch of, that she missed feeling curling around her own. "And that your secrets are easily the most troublesome part. What would you like me to do, Kennet? Walk the ward-lines with Marcus? Have Issac test the Stone Lions with his chaos magic?"

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hardshelled
2017-10-28 10:47 pm UTC (link)

Making no move to stop her hands from moving up his shirt, he pressed his lips together and raised his brows. "If you wish to not be troubled by them, all you have to do is ask," he offered. The statement so pointed, yet so vague as to the intention of it. His wording very much meant to see what her response might be to it.

"You know far more of my secrets than anyone else. Beyond those frustrations you are trying to hide, that should, at least, be appreciated." His hands kept to himself, the space between them heated followed by the familiar scent of desert spices. "While not performing, I would like you to keep an eye on the wards, as well as continued eyes on your chaotic coven member. His secrets may have settled but are still there, and his magic does create the base of our presence not being questioned."

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nocturnally
2017-10-28 11:02 pm UTC (link)

The suggestion that she request not to be troubled anymore got him another look, this one much closer, from beneath dark lashes. It had taken her better than a decade to get to this place with him; she wasn't willing to start over just because he was being... well, as difficult as he always had been before. "I would be bored without you. A girl can only do so much shopping."

The heat and the flickers of his power, the taste that it left teasing the back of her tongue, were heady and familiar. Elia leaned slightly closer, her eyes fluttering half-closed for a moment before she caught herself. "Mm," she hummed agreeably. "Watch the wards, watch the warlock... very well, Ringmaster. You should be impressed by my attempts to hide those frustrations – it's an effort I wouldn't put forth for just anyone."

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hardshelled
2017-10-29 01:02 am UTC (link)

"Hmm." If he took the energy to keep his presence away from her, she would likely find herself exceedingly thirsty. He had the ability to keep any he wished away from his trailer- any but Management. She would not be pleased with the action.

"With the coven at your fingertips, it is a wonder that you feel frustration at all." He replied.

His gaze moved over toward one of the 'outfits' the shadows had not managed to put away. "Hm. I trust you tried on everything before you bought the whole store. The patrons will be pleased with such a piece." Much like everything he said, it was said with purpose. Kennet stepped back away from her bed with a small smirk on his lips. The power and heat dissipated from the air.

"I will leave you to your work. Keep an eye on Miss Beaufort as well, if she finds bones in the dungeons of the Tower, make sure Ghede does not see."

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nocturnally
2017-10-29 01:38 am UTC (link)

Luckily, Elia was intelligent enough to know that she didn't want to be kept at such a distance. To find herself so suddenly, completely disconnected would have been troubling on several levels. She had gotten used to being Kennet's contact within the Coven, had spent years becoming accustomed to bothering him.

"The Coven is something different. Something else," she offered breezily, and that much was true. The casual sexuality between the witches and warlocks was nothing like what she felt in regards to the Ringmaster. Not that Elia was keen to label that in the least.

Especially not just then, with his heat making her cheeks flush and her power hum beneath her skin. Her eyes followed his after a moment, coming to rest on the piece he referenced – an arrangement of delicate chains and tiny jewels. "Another costume you'll never see?" she teased, but felt an immediate sense of loss when he stepped back. He was easily the most frustrating man that had ever been.

"Mm, now I'm supposed to babysit the Puppeteer as well? The wards, and Issac, and keeping the peace between the bone collectors..."

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hardshelled
2017-10-29 02:59 am UTC (link)

"No, Ghede can babysit himself. But the peace between their ways of life must be kept in some way. She does not need to stop, as it is her power base, but continue on in discretion if she wishes to have souvenirs from this stop." He smirked. "You already babysit Mr Arepo as it is, so that would be no change for you."

He closed his eyes a moment, listening to something unheard before reopening them. Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. "There are other things I must attend to before this evening's performance." Kennet stepped toward the door.

"And you might be surprised of the costumes I might see of yours." The Djinn could not help but tease. His cooled nature and tightened shackles had not left him completely blank, merely back to square one in the witch's mind. His indulgences had peaked. He had tested his limits while the Cirque was wounded, but he had been punished for them. As the Cirque healed, he had been rebound to it.

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nocturnally
2017-10-29 03:18 am UTC (link)

As far as Elia was concerned, his commentary added up to 'yes, now you're responsible for the Puppeteer and his feelings on bone-magic as well'. Which, she supposed, was fair. She had pestered and preened for attention from the Ringmaster – it was bound to come with drawbacks such as these. She could mediate tensions between the Puppetmaster and Lila, she supposed. Or perhaps she could delegate that one to Alex?

The witch was considering whether or not that would be acceptable and watching Kennet make ready to leave all at the same time. He looked irritated, as if whatever was attempting to re-direct him was trivial. It probably was, as far as the Djinn was concerned. "Oh? And here I thought you liked me best uncostumed, so to speak. What do you need to attend to, Kennet, that couldn't wait a while longer?"

Her tone was just the right side of enticing, half-teasing, with the same challenge as before. "You could see it before any of the patrons..."

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hardshelled
2017-10-30 12:50 am UTC (link)

Kennet looked back toward Elia. The witch could be enticing; a well of power as several others amongst the employees were, but her so much more willing to give it. He knew she found her frustrations when he stopped giving her the attention she had so craved previous to the increase in unnatural happenings amongst the Cirque. She went to her Marcus and her pet demon and her Coven to try and work through it. Kennet knew most everything that went on in the Cirque without needing to use much of his power.

"You have never been stopped to show off your costumes before, Elia. I doubt whatever you perceive my likes to be will ever stop that." His ice blue eyes looked toward the door, turning to flames in annoyance. While he had cooled as the Cirque healed, his flame could still be seen from time to time- more often than the past hundreds or years.

"It could wait about as long as you putting away your purchases could." Said with a straight tone and no extra commentary, the words when thought about were precocious.

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nocturnally
2017-11-05 12:49 am UTC (link)

"Ah, very important, then," Elia said with false gravity, reaching for the errant bit of costuming. It really was a lovely little... well, almost nothing, to be honest. But the chains would fall against her skin in a very pleasing way – she had no doubt that it would be a popular costume. "I would hate to keep you from something so pressing."

Even so, she glanced up at him with a raised eyebrow, a little smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Sometime when you aren't busy, though... you know I always appreciate your feedback." Yes, Elia was frustrated. She had enjoyed Kennet's attention, the feeling of being wanted as much as she wanted him... but she had made as much of an offer as she was willing. It was a matter of pride.

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hardshelled
2017-11-07 06:09 pm UTC (link)

Hands behind his back, he tilted his head and gave an aggravated sigh. His face the stoic mask it tended to hold. "I am sure you will eventually show up in my trailer unannounced, Elia, to gain my feedback. Or so we may discuss matters of the Cirque and the Coven as we tend to do."

He stepped toward her until he was in her space, towering over her smaller frame. Icy blue eyes looked her over for a moment before he closed them in annoyance and stepped back toward the door. His presence was being summoned by Management and he could no longer push it off. In his next step as he opened the door, he disappeared. The door closed on its own to leave her to her duties.

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