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fiery_ringThe reception takes place in the Big Top, which is more than large enough to accommodate the crowd. Outside, a large hog roast is taking place, with food and drinks aplenty.
It's a good time for Carlotta to catch up with her friends from school, most of whom she hasn't seen since the start of the war. A few of them have married in that time and brought husbands, some are in work or still at university. A petite, pretty woman, Alison, has brought a daughter of about two; finally a distraction from an incessant need to worry what her hair looks like. A tall, strapping woman, Mirabel, is sporting a burn scar on her face; rumour has it, she has been serving in combat.
The circus folk mingle among the guests, bringing food and occasionally breaking out into acrobatics. At the front of the tent, Fred the Bouncer sits with Wolf, his large guard dog.
It's a good time for Carlotta to catch up with her friends from school, most of whom she hasn't seen since the start of the war. A few of them have married in that time and brought husbands, some are in work or still at university. A petite, pretty woman, Alison, has brought a daughter of about two; finally a distraction from an incessant need to worry what her hair looks like. A tall, strapping woman, Mirabel, is sporting a burn scar on her face; rumour has it, she has been serving in combat.
The circus folk mingle among the guests, bringing food and occasionally breaking out into acrobatics. At the front of the tent, Fred the Bouncer sits with Wolf, his large guard dog.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-13 10:55 pm (UTC)And then launches herself at the cowgirl, in a truly pathetic scratchy slappy attempt at fighting only performed by rather delicate ladies who have been temporarily distracted enough not to care what their hair will look like.
"Oh gracious..." Carlotta yoinks William to safety.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-13 11:04 pm (UTC)Doing so would defeat the purpose.
She takes a slap to the face. At least the scratches cutting a line under her eye help her fake a wince for such a pathetic attempt at a strike. She makes certain the lawmen get a good look before she hauls around and decks Fern, her right cross hardly fooling around.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-13 11:11 pm (UTC)The police are moving in their direction too.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-13 11:20 pm (UTC)At least the in-laws are getting along.
The fancy hat Butch Cassidy gave her as a gift is delicately taken in hand. She isn't about to spoil it, so she turns to the closest person — who, at the time, happens to be one of the policemen.
"Would y'mind holdin' onto this for me? Thank you."
Then she hikes up the hem of her dress, and moves back in — albeit with her hands in the air, and a cat-who-ate-the-canary grin on her face.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-14 09:51 pm (UTC)Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-14 10:23 pm (UTC)"Lady, I'm about three paces from puttin' your face in the ground. I'm gonna give you one last chance t'shape up an' leave with some dignity."
Her fingers twitch.
(It's a damn good thing she doesn't reach for her gun.)
"I suggest y'take it."
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-14 10:30 pm (UTC)Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-14 10:40 pm (UTC)She grabs her wrist while she's still off balance, twisting her arm (the way X showed her, to disarm more than harm), and in less than three moves she has her on the ground with her knee in the small of her back.
Well, she did give her a chance.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-15 09:02 pm (UTC)"You're nicked." One of the officers says calmly into her ear. The other picks up Fern and easily handcuffs her too.
"And if you don't come quietly, we'll arrest anyone else in the way."
"Hey! Stop that!" Will charges back over, slipping his hip flask back into his pocket.
"Will, no, we'll bail Kate when this calms down." Carlotta says, making a grab for him.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-15 11:08 pm (UTC)"Y'can't be serious! She assaults a number of the guests here an' y'don't do a thing, but I get arrested for defendin' myself?"
She doesn't struggle, however. She looks more amused than anything.
"Lawmen for you."
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-15 11:21 pm (UTC)"Kate! What the hell--?!"
Nothing is making sense to him right now except that she's in handcuffs and he's pretty damn sure that assaulting a police officer in England isn't a crime, is it? Because he's on the verge of doing so if someone doesn't hold him back.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-15 11:24 pm (UTC)"Not ladylike to be fighting like that anyway." the other officer adds. "Though with you circus people, I suppose it's to be expected."
"You take that back!" the twin acrobats yell from across the tent, as everyone starts to yell again.
Carlotta rolls her eyes, moves across the big top, and gets a whip from behind one of the show boxes. Making sure nobody is next to her, she cracks the whip, loud.
"SILENCE!"
The circus folk immediately hush, as do the surprised guests.
"I am the Ringmaster, my word in this tent is law. We will co-operate fully with the police." Apologetic look to Kate, but she has to take charge. "If anyone objects, I'm sure these officers have more handcuffs. We have no desire to cause trouble in this village and this was a peaceful gathering prior to our uninvited guest."
She gives Kate a look that she hopes conveys that they will come and bail her out at the earliest opportunity.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-15 11:35 pm (UTC)All right, she can't much argue with that.
When Carlotta takes charge and the tent falls silent, she listens respectfully and gives her an apologetic look in return.
"I'm sorry for spoilin' your day, sweetheart."
At least the police aren't focused on her and Little William anymore, and at least Fern is finally being dragged out. Still, she knew she was going to be that party guest nobody wants to invite to their gatherings.
Which reminds her.
"Tommy?"
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-15 11:47 pm (UTC)But he then turns back to Kate, cuffed and being held back by a policeman. He can't do much -- well, anything -- but he approaches her, hands held up slightly so that the officer will see he won't try anything funny.
"Yeah, honey?"
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-16 12:04 am (UTC)"I'm sorry 'bout this. Bet you'll think twice before takin' me out again."
Her lips twitch halfheartedly.
"Try an' get back t'the bar with the others. I'll be all right."
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-16 01:48 am (UTC)He sighs, shaking his head.
"Listen -- if I can't stay for as long as it takes to get you out, then I'm gonna be waiting for you on the other side of that door."
Not caring who sees, he cups her cheek in his hand and bends to kiss her, just a reassuring peck on the corner of her mouth.
"'Kay? We'll fix this."
With that, he backs off, glaring at the police officers, along with the one looking pretty ridiculous holding Kate's hat. Stepping up to him, he snatches it out of his hand. "Gimme that," he grumbles, and he moves back toward the crowd.
Re: Action!
Date: 2012-08-16 08:56 pm (UTC)Carlotta watches the proceedings, and holds the fort of the party until the non-Milliways guests are gone.
Jailbreak time.