“I was defending Jesstin. I didn’t mean to.”
“Yet there are times you do mean to shape your chaos to the detriment of others, or would like to.” Estelar stopped in the fairway and waited for people to pass before speaking again. “And you’ve come here to understand how.”
“How to harness it in the defense of myself and the people I care about.”
“In due time.” Estelar squeezed her arm. “You’re home, Aelloven. At long last.” His face twitched. “With gratitude to Mr. Considine.”
Taven returned a tight smile. She found their exchange confusing, as with Taven’s sullen mood, which no longer matched the enthusiasm he’d had before their arrival.
“Now, the cirque!” Estelar spread his arms wide, sweeping the area in front of them. A large board, as tall as five men, detailed the events ahead.
He started to explain, but Elloven’s mind worked faster, reading ahead.
CIRQUE CALLIOPE RETURNS TO OBLIGE YOUR UTMOST DESIRES, FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Revelers may indulge in some or all of these delectable delights:
The Opal of Desire
There is no wish too small or too great for our wishmaker! Come and see fantasy be made real!
The Odeon of the Heavens
Feats of strength and aerialism unlike any you’ll see anywhere else! Be dazzled as you watch our skilled acrobats fly through time and space, leaving you breathless!
Covent Mystique
Everyone’s favorite market returns to satisfy hungers of all kinds! Cast your net into the future with our oracles, gather rare enchantments, or lavish yourself with your favorite foods!
Spectral Mori
If you watch the Choral Mori with envy, envy no more, as you join them in their solemn song that brings us even closer to the beloved dead!
Cry of the Ancestors
Experience our histories in these most unique and vivid retellings that will bring past and present to light!
March of the Marionettes
A mummer’s farce, a comedy, and a cautionary tale wrapped in entertainment!
Arcana
Our elusive friends of the arcane persuasion dazzle us once more with their rare and celestial magic!
Our great Cirque Calliope would not be complete without the event that has everyone talking well beyond the season...
Labyrinth of Deception
A maze with no match. Win and anything you ask for is yours! Your sleeves will be adorned with the coveted seven golden stripes! Alas, if you should lose, you will perish in unusual and terrible ways whilst ruing the hour of your cursed birth! Fancy an attempt?
Estelar was right. None of it was like anything she’d ever experienced back home, or even in flashy Whitechurch. Her eyes lingered on the Odeon of the Heavens, which must be what she’d seen a hint of on their ride through Rivenholde. A flood of warm memories returned, of her mother teaching her tricks of flight and air in the field beyond their home. Those sunlit days belonged to another lifetime.
“All of this in one night?” she asked with a wistful sigh.
“One very long night,” Estelar answered. “You’ll see.”
“Pretor, forgive me, but should we be indulging in distractions when we have the matter of the bond to resolve?” Taven asked.
