Reception

[fiery_ring]

The 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.

Comments

[ostro_goth]

"Oh, I was known for trouble among my people: - trouble to our enemies!" Teja says. "But I had disputes lately, and shall not have more of them, for the sake of Carlotta's peace and happiness."

[ikissdhimbck]

She laughs quietly.

"Have you been rabble-rousin'? Teja, I'm shocked."

There's no heat to her voice. Quite the opposite, she's gentle and teasing.

"I don't think you're about t'start a scuffle with me, though. Are you?"

[ostro_goth]

"No," Teja says, somewhat amused. "I shall not. I wish it was just rabble that I had roused. I became estranged from a true good friend, over a Security matter."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Oh, I see."

More concern slips into her expression.

"Is it so serious that y'can't join the party? I'm sure Carlotta would love a dance with you, an' if not her then I certainly would."

[ostro_goth]

"I shall do that," Teja says. "We have a truce for today, agreeing to think of Carlotta first, that former friend and I. Still I would not cross paths."

[ikissdhimbck]

It would be impolite to ask who it is, but there are so few here she recognizes from the bar that she can chance a guess.

She smiles reassuringly. Her focus is on cheering Teja, not on knowing every dirty detail.

"Then we'll hafta be careful. Perhaps I'll steal you for the whole evenin'."

[ostro_goth]

"One would assume the man that advised you about the dress would object," Teja says. "This is not within my jurisdiction - : I still would not risk a brawl, later on."

[ikissdhimbck]

She chuckles.

"You're likely right. I don't think it'll come t'that, however."

She hopes simply by getting out there he'll feel comfortable mingling with some of the others. Perhaps one of the lovely ladies here will steal him from her.

(And if Tommy tried to brawl with him, he would find himself fighting a much wilier opponent. One with blonde hair and sharp blue eyes.)

[ostro_goth]

"But I shall gladly dance with you," Teja then says. "There would be no trouble, for one dance or three."

[ikissdhimbck]

She smiles brightly. That's the spirit!

"Good. Shall we?"

[ostro_goth]

"Indeed!" Teja says, holding out his hand to her.

[ikissdhimbck]

She takes his hand with a bright smile, and the two make their way to the dance floor.