Cirque Nocturne: Messages

I'm never gonna get used to walking into my trailer at 11:30pm on one continent and opening the door at 2am to step out onto another. It's so trippy!

Even though I'm really sad that we left Thailand (but not those creepy dolls urgh), I'm so psyched to be in Vienna! I got up kinda early yesterday (before noon!) so I could get in a few hours in and around Stephansplatz and shit it was magical. Crowded as hell but so worth it! I also had the best marillenknödel too, so I was a very happy guy! So happy that I barely minded the cold...

[Private to Winny]
Hey. It's none of my business but I saw you yesterday near the midway while I was heading out and you looked kinda upset. You okay?

[Kit]
My dress is green silk like this :) Hopefully I've left you enough time since you wanted to know what color?

We didn't say which ball we were going to go to - the tonight one? Or the ones later? Issac asked me to go with him to one of them but I don't know if he had one in mind either. Have you bought tickets? I didn't even think about how we need to buy tickets! What if they're all sold out?

Vienna looks beautiful, from what I can see. I'm still not really sure about venturing out on my own. But hey, I haven't killed anyone at the restaurant yet, so that's a plus?

( Private to Zane )

Added Later: ( Private to Isla )

Okay, so I'm seeing a bit of consternation and confusion when it comes to how to pay for the clothing one is supposed to wear to all these balls. I realize that we don't necessarily make money that enables us to expend thousands of dollars for just one outfit. But I also realize that I come from a more... privileged stand point than most of those here and that a combination of my "own" money, alongside a healthy portion I've divested from my father's accounts, could certainly help those here in achieving their ball gown dreams.

But this isn't a charity. I've grown somewhat accustomed to the trading/bartering economy. So come at me with your trades, whether it be for something mundane like art for my trailer or something a bit more arcane.

The Bank of Oliver is now open.

I keep hearing talk of Balls.... what are they?

[Redheads]

Dear Many Red Riding Billy Goat Gruffs,

I want to take all of you to the balls. So, everyone pick one and I will escort you like the princesses you are... though I'm more of a pauper so... let's just make a splash at these haughty things, yeah?!


[Elia]

Mother's Milk Ball? Yes/Yes?

[Ariadna]

Can I claim your arm for the Confectioner's Ball?

Ah, the New Moon and the Old World – the very best combination for building long-working spells. And for making new friends. If anyone would like to visit a couple of the Vienna Covens with me, feel free... although they're not especially fond of mortals in my experience.

Nice location! If I was in better mood I would be even happier about it and the idea of new experiences. Right now I am only interested in going to Spanish Riding School. They have it here. All the best Lippizaner stallions! They do fancy dancing of their own. It is like a horsey ball.

( Christmas sent card to her parents )

This may not be necessary, but just so I don't get tossed out for being a trespasser during employee only hours, this is Fox. I look like a dude. This dude, specifically. It’s only for the next 24. I've been working on changing my normal shape but it's been difficult and clunky today, and I'd rather not be running around as tiny me, unable to talk to anyone. So for now, I'm this. Very big, sort of lumbery, lots of red hair, kinda of frowny. Please don't give me the boot. TYVM.

Fox

It's odd, having heard so much about the Cirque over the years but hadn't ever laid my eyes on it. It certainly fits the descriptions of it I had heard. And I do have to commend their choice in location. Vienna has always had such a fine taste for detail this time of year. Should anyone still be seeking an escort, I would be more than willing to lend an arm and years of experience from returning to this lovely city each season. Jaq, at your service.

Balls! In Vienna! Christmas markets! Ice skating! Time to break out all of my cute winter clothes and play tourist. Someone whose German is better than mine, do you want to tag along? Mine's conversational, at best. Issac, can I talk you into being my date for one of these shindigs? And possibly help me carry back all the shiny things I will inevitably buy?

[Eric]
Prince Eric, won't you invite me to come swimming with you in your lagoon?

( Private message to Asher )

Balls, galas, premieres. They used to be the bane of my existence when I was the heir to the family name and the family fortune. I was trotted out at every single one that could help our business interests, that could help our standing. And while they always had open bars, my father, being well-versed in my functional alcoholism, always made sure my dates were more handlers than dates.

However! I see no reason why I cannot reclaim the experience with my new friends here at the Cirque. So I am offering myself as a date for whomever would like to accompany me to one of these parties. I can promise good conversation, a talent for ballroom dancing that can only come from expensive lessons, and to sneak a flask inside in case we get tired of champagne and fine wine and want something harder.

And to highlight the fact that I am one hell of a snappy dresser, here's a photo of how well I clean up, courtesy of the Daily Mail's coverage of the 2017 National Portrait Gala. Yes, I spoke with Kate. She's very nice.

Any takers?

I know many of you are looking forward to this stop and the parties that happen here, and everyone is free to go amongst them and bring back patrons as wanted for a proper disappearance, but do not cause issue outside of the Cirque grounds. This city has old roots that might not be too pleased with employees causing trouble.

That said, it is wished that we throw a promenade for the employees as well. A Yule ball will happen in a month, but for now, a formal dance where outsiders are free to be brought in as guests are allowed. It will be held on Moving Day before we depart for the next location.

[Elia]

You are required at my trailer.

Hallo. Mein Luftkissenfahrzeug ist voller Aale

I'm feeling over the worst of whatever it was I had. No more fever or almost hallucinating or general feeling like I'm dying. Thank you, Rose.

I've heard there's a ball happening here. I'm tempted to go but I feel like I'd stand out even if I managed to find the right kind of dress. What do people do at a ball??

[Kit]
The flowers are beautiful, really beautiful. Thank you. And thank you for taking me to the clinic. And... like... thank you for almost everything in the last month? It's been insane and you've been amazing. I never could have expected it from someone who I've known for so short a time but I just want you to know how much I appreciate you and how grateful I am.

That Cauldron-thing smells like STIs and the Midway smells like someone couldn't fucking decide between an orgy and a murder spree. Everywhere smells like it had been covered in god damn blood or someone's jiz. I've been here less than 24 hours and I feel like I need to be dipped in Purel.

Is much better weather here, am very happy! And I am seeing advertisements for balls, like in the Disney movies I am watching to learn English!

Who wants to go to the balls with me? I will even put on a shirt for you! A whole suit, actually, and learn how to dance! I be perfect ball date. Come at me, Cirque, let's be having some fun.

So the welcome wagon says that I'm supposed to say hello here. Have you guys ever considered, like, a packet? Maybe a nice folder with a checklist, some reading material, a brochure? Nothing too serious, a nice tri-fold would do it. But definitely glossy, because the pictures would really sell it. Anyway, you could replace the trailer keys with little key-cards, hotel-style, and join the rest of the modern world. (Seriously, how many hands have these keys been through? Did someone drool on them? Was the drool filled with blood? I'm concerned.)

Anyway. Hello! My name is Lily, and I'll be joining the performers at the Hanged Man. Nice name, a little morbid, but I'm getting a lot of that vibe here. If you're interested in knowing, I'm an aerialist. That means you'll find me on silks and hoops, although I've also got some trapeze and tight-rope skills. It's okay to be amazed, most people are.