Cirque Noir

If anyone is looking for recommendations and has any interest in the history of witch trials then consider visiting the Witches’ Weigh House in Oudewater.

As most of us are aware that many people were unfairly judged as witches and put to death for something as simple as being different, but in this small town here in the Netherlands 13 people were charged with witchcraft, but were acquitted because the scales were set to reflect an accurate depiction of weight.

That is quite a legacy.

Well, that time skip fucked with my head and my energy.

At least we're in Amsterdam so I can get both those things sorted relatively quickly.

Part of me wants to ask how the hell it's Friday, but I know there isn't an answer for that. I'm not thrilled about loosing a whole day, but at least we have a whole new city to explore.

Everyone make it through the move ok?

Been away for so long that I'd almost forgotten how the time leading up to a move affects me.

I'm lucky if I stay human and I don't shift into my hound form.

Guess only time will tell.

I guess I should say hello?

I'm Liam, Liam Murphy, and if the surname sounds familiar that would be because it is, Niall's my older brother.

I'll be working over in the Ticket Booth with Mikhi.

So, hi.

Hello, lovelies! Guess who's back!

Time's up: It's me!!

Oh, I missed this place so much and I'm happy to be back! How has everyone been? Behaving ourselves since I've been gone? Come on, I want stories. Tell me all the juicy gossip!

Ooo! So many new faces too. Hello! I'm Stella. Pleased to meet you. Don't be shy now, come over and tell me about yourselves.

Hey! Who's got drugs, the harder the better? The new girl is a drug addict so she needs them real bad. Told her I'd help cause I've got that community spirit. I AM that community spirit

What's everyone got? (I'll check them out too, make sure they're good.)

HELP

THE CIRCUS ATE MY WITCH

HAS IT EVER DONE THIS BEFORE???

I've been reliably informed that, and I quote "need to get out more".

So... would anybody like to do something while here in Japan?

Went out with Haneul and tried some amazing food. The whole night was great, plus she shared her fish shaped waffle thing filled with red beans, I think it was called...something yaki? It was really good. For a sweet thing, Phineas you may like one.

Still, with all the amazing food I've had while in Japan, I woke up craving ceviche so I think I'm going to go find a fresh market to find some fish, shrimp, and I think I want to grill some octopus. See if I can make my Abuelita proud.

Oh! Phineas, I'll grab you the waffle thing on my travels today! Hey, Niamh, want sugar coated fruit? I'll get you some sugar coated fruit.

Han, I'll put some ceviche and octopus aside for you! You too Ame!

If anyone else is in the mood for Mexican seafood or likes grilled octopus - there will be enough to share until there isn't.

...is it going to be cool if I build a firepit to grill? I'm going to build a firepit.

Will that motorcycle tent be open for tonight's show? I watched some videos online of people doing this Wall of Death thing and I think I've got the hang of it. Put me in, mommy cirque, I'll be such a good little zippy monster.

I bet I could juggle chainsaws too. I've never tried but I bet I can.

Gachapon machines are a large waste of money. So are most of the arcade machines. Don't get sucked in.

[Friedrich]
Seems you were right.

Have you been here before?

Please report any damages around the cirque to the roustabout team, and report directly to me for anything that needs replacements provided. That is replacements for cirque items. Personal replacements come out of your own money, though I will help you to source anything difficult.

Not a particularly pleasant arrival, but not even in the top 10 of bad moves. If it's your first time experiencing this, know that it is not a sign that anything is wrong but that it occasionally just happens. I hope no one was injured.

[Mikhi]
Doing okay, kiddo? The only thing that broke for me was the stain-glass you made when you were eleven. I'm impressed it survived thirteen years hanging in the window. Must have been some good workmanship.

Who deals with the magic tied to our trailers? Mine is on the fritz. Door wouldn't open this morning and I almost became cremains. Instead I got a sunburn for the first time in about a century and I'm unhappy to report that it's still rubbish.

On the upside, the beds in the med tent are pretty good. A guy could get used to this orthopaedic memory foam.

I feel as though I might need witch etiquette classes before this party, though I suppose witches are less easy to offend than fae (and I didn't manage to make a fool of myself at the New Year's Eve party in Finland). At least, I hope I didn't. Even though I did sort of sneak off away from the party for a bit... I grew up on stories of Baba Yaga/Močiutė Jaga and that as queen of the witches she had to be approached with respect and sincerity. I know she's not actually real (probably??) but I think you can't go wrong if you approach everyone with those two ideals in mind.

Anyone want to join me tonight for a few hands of poker? Maybe in the dining tent or Delire?

Good news, darlings, we've all been invited to a party! The incomparable Mother Manjula Chaudhri, the leader of the witches of Telangana, has extended to us ( the following invitation... )

I do hope you'll all make plans to attend.

WHO Two unknown locals and Phineas
WHEN Saturday night
WHERE The midway
WHAT An introduction and an invitation
WARNINGS very likely nothing

( The two women who entered the cirque didn’t look especially remarkable )

I want to go out and see the city but I am feeling apprehensive cautious.

I don’t exactly have the most menacing scary face.

I’m not sure where I would even go. The spirits here feel different, and I can’t understand what they’re saying.

I'm going to apologise in advance before I offend or upset anyone today.

I am feeling crabby as fuck so maybe just avoid me.

Or better yet I'll just keep to myself.

so is it gonna be this hot the whole time we're here?

i think i might die.