The Circus IC Thread

He was not insensible of the changes in Freddie, because they were becoming all the more obvious, especially when that gaze turned to Enrir. His heart all about stopped, and his movements especially did as he looked between the two. No.. no surely not. That was so unfair!! Enrir didn't want him, not really, he couldn't! But the way that Freddie reacted was clear, just as clear as Saquir disapproved of the situation.

The horror and hurt in his eyes were clear to see for several long moments before he would move forward with cheesy delights to turn Freddie's gaze away from Enrir. Anything but to see him look at another like that. Enrir was bustled off just as the knock on the door came. Oh thank goodness, this would be business, especially since Freddie hated the Regent, it would settle the atmosphere back again, he was sure.

<<Freddie>>

He's touching me! He's touching me! went one half of Freddie's brain. Then his eyes widened in panic and something else, his fingers trembling beneath the elemental's as the other half of his brain screamed, He's touching me!"

"Oh!" he gasped, trying to jerk away and having nowhere to go. He was breathing too hard, in time with his racing heart, and, Gods! Enrir smelled so good! He shook his head, confused, clutching his shirt with both hands to keep it closed, all too conscious that all he had under his last, formal layer was a light undershirt. His eyes continued to glow softly, spinning in his agitation.

Thankfully, Saquir chose that moment to intervene and Freddie made good his escape, scurrying around the table to put distance between himself and Enrir, over by Jasair where it was safe.

"He doesn't have to go," he protested, but he made the mistake of glancing at the rippling muscles of the elemental's toned chest. Heat blossomed in Freddie's face and he ducked beneath the table, clutching Jasair's legs for support. He would not look, he would not look...!

"A-all the stars of the show are supposed to be here," said Freddie. The food made his nose twitch and his stomach growl menacingly, but he was too wound up to eat. The fabric against his body was stifling and erotic at the same time and he shuddered, forcing his breaths in through the nose and out the mouth as he attempted to calm the fuck down!

He shook his head when Saquir approached, trying to give him water. "No, I don't want it!"

The knock made him jump and Freddie closed his eyes to say some quick prayers to gods the Epheans didn't believe in. He snatched the glass from Saquir and downed it in a few quick gulps, shoving the glass back in his hands before tugging and pulling his clothes back into order, cursing under his breath.


<<The Regent of Jan>>

The fall of fabric on the side of the tent that managed as a door swished to the side just as the Regent arrived with his party. His frown flipped into a smile at once and he reached out to pump Enrir's hand excitedly.

"Fabulous performance tonight, my friend," he babbled. "Just absolutely amazing. You must tell me all about how you created those displays. Come now, you're not leaving, are you?" He gestured to his escort. "This lovely young woman tells me that there's quite the private party for us tonight. You must join us. I insist!"

The Regent was in a much better mood, still overwhelmed by the tale of the Fairy King, the first performance of its kind in Jan. With his hand firmly on Enrir's elbow, he entered the tent with his men following behind, not waiting for his arrival to be announced.

"My dear Freddie!" he cried as soon as he spotted the ringmaster. He strode forward to clasp the tall, black-haired beauty by the shoulders and kiss each cheek. His happy words halted abruptly as he got a good look at Freddie's face. He was flushed, his skin hot and beaded with perspiration, his eyes dark and glowy. Was that a trick of the light?

"Keton!" barked the Regent, holding Freddie firmly by the upper arm and pulling him unceremoniously forward, so suddenly that the man stumbled, bumping into the servant boy who dropped his tray, the heavy platter hitting the Regent's foot.

Forgetting everything for the pain in his foot and the ruination of his clothes, the Regent hollered and clipped the idiot boy on the side of his head with a closed fist.

The Regent's bodyguards zoomed forward, taking their master's arms to guide him hastily to a seat where the physician kneeled to prod at the chubby feet distending the thick-soled, curly-toed shoes the Regent wore.


<<Freddie>>

Off balance, Freddie didn't have the sense of mind to step away for a proper greeting, startled anew when the Regent grabbed him. His eyes were riveted first on Enrir and then the Regent, torn between the two as he fought conflicting desires to flee and rip his clothes off. He ended up not moving at all, his body moving independently of his feet and he snatched at Jasair, but that turned out to be a bad idea, too.

In all the confusion, he closed his eyes and clung to Jasair, too tall to hide behind him, but doing his damnedest to keep Jasair between himself and everyone else. He imagined he was being torn into pieces, with so many different conflicting desires.

Meanwhile, the Regent continued to bellow in what had to be imagined agony, the circus performers huddling together, the girls in one corner where they'd stood at the Regent's entrance and Enrir with Saquir and Jaynie by the door.

"Oh gods," whispered Freddie into Jasair's hair where he hid. "What a gods be-damned mess."

Everything that was happening was like the unrolling of a drama nightmare, almost in slow motion as everything came together, each piece sliding into place like it was all choreographed by some sadistic god. Like slow motion he saw Enrir enter once more, thrust in almost by the far worse presence of the Regent. He saw his father's eyes churn with dislike under the surface that only those that knew him well enough would spot, he saw Freddie shocked and stunned, conflicted and not in his usual form, compromised by illness and whatever else was going on.

But then the Regent grabbed him, and things only got worse. By the time that the Regent was being prodded by the physician, the hurt serving boy (also an acrobat) was being helped up by other members of the crew, and Freddie was clinging to his back, he had, without even realising it, palmed a couple of knives.

He took his father's word seriously, and Freddie above all he felt strongly for, even if it wasn't returned, and right now he was not able to defend himself. The Regent was dangerous, that he knew, not only because he had muscle with him, but also because he was a powerful man and a powerful man could do bad things. His gaze flickered to his father. What to do? In his eyes, the Regent was not welcome here, and his presence was at the worst of times right now, but it was not his decision. If they got the Regent off the ship, they could up and leave within the hour, less if they hurried, and they would have to. They would lose their position here in Jan, but they had never liked dealing with the Regent here, and Freddie certainly didn't.

He backed away, taking Freddie with him, merely due to the fact that Freddie was clinging to his back like he would protect him from the situation. Well he damn well would. He might just be a cook, but he had other skills, and ones the Regent would be aware of from watching the shows when the few times he was actually on stage. No one came near him when he didn't want them to, and he was a faster, and more accurate than anyone with a gun, or usually was.

Saquir snarled, reaching forward to grab the boy who'd dropped the tray, though not before the bastard Regent had clocked him good. His upper lip curled, putting his hand on the Regent's he was small enough that he wasn't noticed as he pinched the nerves so that he released Freddie. "Take him back to a chair, sit him down and don't let him move. Stay near him and *don't* let Enrir to him." He said sternly, pushing Jasair back a bit so he could stand in front of the Regent, his arms folded, a deep frown etched into his face.

"Regent." He said firmly, cooly, though it was evident it was not a friendly tone, nor was it the polite tone everyone used with the Regent, "You are here on invitation, we've been polite to you, nice to you, and even overly indulgent of your over-bearing, arrogant, pompous behavior." He was not giving the man a friendly look, "We have even been polite in the face of your infatuation with our Ringleader. In return you have treated us as peons, as your servants, and lowlier than commoners. You have insulted us, and even stricken one of ours where you had no grounds to." His voice had gotten slowly uglier and meaner, his upper lip curling in little more than a sneer, "I've made the threat, Regent, I know how much you like our shows and I know how much you enjoy our Ringleader, now, if you wish us to remain in your land and keep returning to bring in both revenue and morale to your people you would do well to remain seated and be exceedingly polite to us, or you will never be allowed into one of our shows again, and you will never see Freddie again." He said cooly, "And if you so much as look at one of our people the wrong way again, I will personally see you and your muscle off the grounds by our resident muscle." And indeed there had been a strong man show during the afternoon and it had show exactly how easy it was for even one of their ligra tamers to haul around weight.

Saquir was practically frozen, his countenance was so icy, most knew well not to mess with him when he was in a state like this, though it was extremely rare he did, "Enrir, if you would so kind as to take leave, for the moment?" He asked smoothly, warming immediately to the elemental, smiling at him and begging for his patience with his eyes. As for the boy with the serving tray, he was not only going to give him a promotion, he was going to see to it that Jaine personally saw to it that he was in the next show. He could kiss him. "Now, Regent, if you would be so kind as to prop your foot up so that no one steps on it, we'll see to it you have a good time, regardless. And, of course, we beg you to mind your manners." He smiled an unfriendly smile before he moved to see if Jasair and Freddie were all right.

Enrir fairly growled. He loved growling, but not usually the reason why. Here he was, trying not to make a scene where Freddie was so obviously making one, and Saquir came up on his bloody high horse saying it was all his fault! He was trying to wake the man up with the comment about the Regent for bloody sake!! Pushing away from Freddie he glared into Saquir's eyes, making his thoughts known. Though he was mad, there was no real heat in his gaze - he just could't do it to the smaller man, but still - it was clear to both of them that he wished it.

Stalking out the way he had come in - he was suddenly cornered by a firm and meaty hand and a deep commanding voice. Enrir blinked and was pushed back into the gathering tent, all thoughts wiped from his mind and he tried to extricate himself from the Regent. Of course, it became much easier when the Regent laid eyes on Freddie - and then Enrir was left alone. He watched, curious for a moment and was about to leave when Saquir made his little speech.

Enrir moved up silently beside the smaller man and used his taller presence to loom over the Regent, lending credence to Saquir's threats. His eyes glowed slightly red and a faint head radiated from him as his hands clenched by his sides.

Then the man had to ruin his attempt at familial protection by asking him to leave again. Tonight was definitely not a night he would forget any time soon! He wasn't a bloody yo-yo!

Widening his eyes slightly, Enrir bowed stiffly towards Saquir and gave him a questioning but firm look. They would talk about this later. Then he swept out of the room, stopping just outside it with his ears cocked to try listening in on the now private party.

<<Freddie>>

Pressed tightly to Jasair's back as the younger man backed them into an easily defensible corner, Freddie moaned. The slide of cloth across his skin was tormenting, as if rope had frayed and the ends dragged teasingly across his flesh. He closed his eyes and held onto Jasair's shoulders, not to stay upright or even as protection, but to keep from throwing himself before one of the forceful personalities now occupying the room.

He was lightheaded and he burned all over, rubbing against Jasair, not able to think clearly beyond the need for some kind of release. He buried his face at the back of Jasair's neck, biting his lip in an attempt to stay silent. He could ride this out, whatever it was.

Inexperience didn't keep him from being able to name the sensations coursing through him, but he'd never been this turned on in his life. What brought it on was a mystery, but he'd be damned before he went to the Regent, and Enrir ... He was handsome; that much was ungodly true, strong and powerful, but Freddi had never been attracted to him before. Why now?

He groaned again at the thought, his grip tightening on Jasair. Freddie trusted the young man more than himself at this point, the chaos in the room sweeping over him and making him tremble with uncontrollable lust.


<<the Regent of Jan>>

Saquir was not even half-way through his speech when the pain-maddened, infuriated Regent exploded to his feet. Standing sideways on one stocking foot and squarely on the other in its shoe, his aim was off and he strong-armed the wildlands man in the shoulder instead of a strong punch to the center of his chest.

The blow sent Saquir spinning; the Regent had a lot of weight he could throw around, even if he wasn't muscled the way a working man would be. His face was dark red, nearly purple in anger, and the men he'd brought with him scrambled between the Regent and his target, restraining both men as their boss screamed invectives and insults.

"Threaten me?!! You insolent, mutant whelp! I'll have your tail whacked off and tossed back across the border where those damned imperialists can put you back in your place!" He struggled against his guards as they held on determinedly, cursing them, too. "Harming my person, I'll have you all in jail, this ship impounded and taken apart for scrap metal!" Getting an arm free, he struck out again, but only managed to rock one of his guards into another and the whole pile went down, the Regent entangled in the middle, shouting in pain as body parts dug into tender flesh, hollering for the indignity and adding colorful curses at everyone.

All the commotion brought other members of the circus running, and they burst into the door, running into Jaynie and the servant boy and halting to stare at the bedlam in shock. Pedon, leading the pack, hurried forward to grab Saquir where he was a hands-breadth from grabbing fistfuls of the Regent's hair and biting whomever got in his way. Another look around found Freddie but clearly no one was in charge here and the animal tamer reluctantly handed Saquir off to help get the Regent's guards squared away.

With order somewhat restored, the Regent stalked from the tent. Embarrassment over being driven to a rage by a child with delusions of grandeur would come later. For now, his pride bruised and his toe throbbing, the Regent let the words said in anger stand, barking out orders to scramble the Regency Guard.


<<Freddie>>

This was like one horrible nightmare. Freddie's ears perked up at the Regent's words, and he knew that he had to do something. Quickly.

He broke free from Jasair and hurried after, shouldering his way through the mass of circus workers and bodyguards and trying not to let the mass of willing and able bodies distract him.

"Your Excellency!" he called, catching up just as the Regent's servants handed him into his aircar. "Please, your Honor, I'm sure this has all been some misunderstanding."

The Regent's hard look softened a fraction and he leaned awkwardly forward to pat Freddie's cheek. "Don't you worry your pretty, little head a bit," he said. "You'll be well looked after. Liam!"

The rush of unwanted pleasure at the Regent's words turned to horrifying dread as the bodyguard nearest Freddie closed an iron hand around his arm. He yanked away, but didn't budge his human handcuffs in the slightest. "Hey! Hey, let go!"

"Get things settled," the Regent instructed, "and then bring her to me."

"Yes, your Excellency," the guard replied, bowing and ignoring Freddie's struggles. When the aircar took off, the captain of the Regent's personal guard tossed the ringmaster to one of the others and then turned to address the few visitors that had hung around long enough to be captivated by all the hubbub, and the members of the circus, most of whom were now assembled.

"You are under arrest, by order of his Excellency Lord Oxfen Esaur the Fourth, twenty-third Regent of Jan." He drew his sword. "I encourage you to come peacefully."

For a long minute there was only shocked silence. Then Freddie landed a shot to his captor's groin and followed that up with a solid punch to the man's jaw that dropped him like a stone. He didn't have his guns, but Freddie was a deadly duelist with a sword and he slid the guard's free from its sheath.

"I don't think so," he growled. His moves were still far more seductive than threatening, but what mattered is that he got everyone's attention. "Don't be stupid, Captain. Of course we mean to resist! Well?" he demanded of his employees, his crew, his family. "Get to the ship!" He made sure to step between his people and the guards, his mocking invitation turned into a sultry, come-hither look, but the sword was sharp, and the point didn't waver.

Saquir, bruised and nothing short of seeing red, was going to give that doughy, lard eater the sharp end of his horns. He snarled, "Unhand me, let me go this instant!" He hollered at Pedon, "I'll threaten you all I like you fat bastard! You set foot on this tent, these grounds, this ship ever again, I'll show you how mutant I can get!" He howled, his feet kicking and he struggled to be free. When Pedon did release him, he landed on his feet, only to be picked up by another, goddammit!

"Let me down! Let me down!" He bellowed as they all poured outside and eventually, after the proclamation of arrest Saquir struggled free. "You pompous, over-bearing, arrogant, stuffy, proud, camel licking, corn holing, belly dragger!" He snarled, "You roly-poly nerf runner, how dare you!" He stood in front of the Regent, out of striking distance, keeping him and his goons occupied at the moment, "Release Freddie this instant, you floppy piss-poor excuse for a beast, calling you human would be an insult to their kind!"

He shouted further expletives and insults at the Regent, even as he was taking off and likely couldn't hear him, throwing rocks, tossing them at the soldiers who had Freddie, until the other got away! He had a sword! Goodie! He hurried up to him, his tail flicking as he touched Freddie lightly to let him know he was here. "Ugly as sin." He muttered agitatedly.

Behind him, everyone was scrambling around gathering things up, the animals being put in their cages and loaded onto the ship, as Saquir turned, behind Freddie he sneered at the Regent's entourage, feeling every inch superior to the tubby ruler's people, "And don't think we'll be silent, people don't like it when the best entertainment has been run off by an arrogant ruler." He said, "Jasair!" He called, gesturing for him to come and back Freddie off, as the strong men moved behind Freddie, and the animal trainers and Jasair with his knives, and then there was Saquir, his chest puffed up, his arms folded across his chest and his tail moving back and forth, his upper lip curled in a sneering snarl, daring the Regent to do anything else as the last of the equipment was tossed onto the ship.

He hated violence, really really hated it, and this was turning out to be something of a picture perfect example of it rising. He was shaking a bit with the shouting, and trying to control that so he could use his knives properly if he had to. It was therefore a couple of moments before he realised that Freddie was no longer clinging to his back, and was now being manhandled by one of the Regent's bodyguards. His eyes widened, then narrowed. He could do this. He could. If it was this or watching Freddie and the rest of them getting hauled away to jail, well.. he would have to do this, because the second just wasn't an option.

Soon enough though Freddie was free without his help, though there were a number of body guards there even as the Regent had made a hasty escape. One less person to worry about. As the Captain looked around the crew, noting the speed with which they had already taken down the tent and were packing the stuff into the ship (all those practice drills that Freddie had made them do were coming in very useful it seemed), then to those standing around: Freddie with his sword, Saquir looking ready to plough anyone that came close, yes, he had noticed the knives in Jasair's hands. Despite the fact they were large well trained men, they were outnumbered, and knew that the circus would fight hard and dirty to get away.

"I suggest you back away Captain, these knives were not meant to draw blood, but they will." he said, making the point. If he wanted to, he could perferate the Captain several times over before the rest of the Regent's guard got to him. No one outside of the circus knew he had a phobia about blood, so there was no reason to think that he wouldn't do it. He wasn't about to let Freddie get taken away, but Saquir had better be ready to haul his son away if he had to throw those knives, because if blood was spilled, he was likely to be vomiting or out cold, depending on the severity of the wounds.

Enrir cocked his ear just as the first shouts began to rise, and was soon shoved aside unceremoniously by those others in the circus wanting to know what was happening. Enrir growled yet again and wondered just what the hell was going on. Saquir had been clear though and he knew the little man could handle himself, no matter his appearances, so Enrir just stood there, waiting for something to happen.

He didn't have to wait long though as the Regent and his men came rushing out, a pleading Freddie right on his heels. Enrir spun around , following them with his eyes and gave a shout when Freddie was suddenly man handled. His eyes narrowed and he began to shoulder his way through the crowd. By the time he got to Freddie, he was holding a sword with Saquir and Jasair right beside them. Enrir raised an eyebrow.

Wondering what would happen next was tricky, but he knew where his loyalties lay. Stepping up beside Freddie his eyes suddenly glowed a deep, smouldering red and the air around him shimmered with heat, able to be seen even in the night light. He didn't bother with packing, others would do just as well as him, but he didn't trust some of them with this particular task. Protecting the circus, his friends and Freddie himself.

"Leave us alone!" he bellowed, his voice riding deep on the night air. He sounded angry, he sounded pissed and he sounded powerful.

<<Freddie>>

There was chaos again, but this time it was organized. They couldn't take everything with them, not by half, but they were well-trained in breaking down and securing the essentials. A light screen of chosen brawlers stepped to the fore with Freddie, to engage the guard if necessary. The Regent's guards didn't see the chaos as anything but panic for several long, essential minutes and Freddie stayed to return their barbed words, watching the men carefully to make sure the guards were all accounted for.

A dozen thoughts ran through his mind when Enrir got to them, and they all went straight to Freddie's groin. He shook himself sternly, unstuck his tongue from his mouth and blinked his eyes to try and focus again. Grabbing the elemental, he demanded, "Are you mad?" loudly enough that the guards, who had gathered together in a bristling pack, would hear. "This isn't the time for your illusions!"

It was not a script they'd rehearsed, but Freddie hoped that Enrir would understand. They were to be only humans with a talent for costumes and magic tricks, especially so close to the border. A slip-up could land them in more trouble than simply evading arrest. The real trick was going to be getting to the capitol in time to fight the charges the Regent would surely bring to bear against them. This was not how Freddie had planned to spend the touring season, and he snapped out commands with frustration, a running tally of how much money they were losing rolling through his head.

"Saquir!" he said. "Watch them." He indicated the frightened guards with a nod of his head. "The rest of you fall back to the ship." On the horizon they could now see the dust clouds of the approaching soldiers, enough muscle to keep them from going anywhere, because Freddie would not risk any of his people in an actual battle.

Turning, he raced for the ship. He had to get the Cygnet powered up and moving before the soldiers arrived. He flung himself into the pilot's seat and started flipping switches and turning dials. Little more than a month into the season, the ship was still in tip-top condition, and the engines thrummed to life immediately. He released the landing locks and turned on the take-off alarms. This was an emergency start and the going would be rough.

Daven left the Big Top with a smile. The show had been about fairies, but the performers involved made it easy for him to get past that. The show, overall, was superb. That, of course, was why Daven was sticking around to find the Ringmaster, Freddie Fantastik. His search took a little bit longer than he'd expected , considering all the security that he had to dodge, but so long as he appeared to know where he was heading, he wasn't questioned. He loved that about this place. Of course, his wanderings took him closer and closer to where the security was heaviest.

Staying in his tallest and least glowy form, he sneaked around as close to the tent that the security surrounded as he could. He got just close enough to hear shouting and see a couple people leave, one storming, that other following and pleading. Shortly thereafter all hell broke loose. There was an arrest (and the fat man left after calling for it), then the arrested man got free. That and all manner of other things were going on.

Daven took full advantage of the chaos. He quickly changed to his smallest form and circled a couple people, trying to glean from the chatter what was going on and where he would have to go to find what he needed. He found that they were grabbing what they could carry and leaving town. Seems someone pissed off an important man. Probably the big guy that he'd seen earlier. By the time he got to the airship, the thing was taking off. The only thing that he could do now was fly up and land in a small corner of the ship. He was now officially a stow-away on a circus airship. He took his larger form, knowing exactly what to do now. Get caught and ask to see the ringmaster about a job here. 'Easy enough.' He thought as he straightened and began walking proudly through the ship, toward where he could here any sort of activity.

It took Enrir some time to understand just what Freddie was going on about. What a thick headed mistake to make! Of all the things that had happened throughout the night, this was probably the worst. And Enrir took it so.

He pulled his arm free of Freddie as his mouth turned into a petulant pout and his eyebrows drew down in a hurt frown. He rubbed his arm (although Freddie had not actually hurt him) and pouted at both the Ringmaster and the guards. He turned a brief eye towards Saquir didn't bother to pout at him. The man was as dense as a fence post when it came to Enrir (he had stopped trying long ago) and spun on his foot dramatically, flicking his head to make the ends of his short hair flare out slightly.

Hurrrumphing loudly he departed from the tense scene with nose in air and eyes condescending. It was childish, but Enrir felt particularily childish right now. He had tried to protect the man! Of all the!.... He growled again, his powerful muscles rippling with suppressed tension. Clenching his fist he wanted to punch something - but when someone looked too closely at him as he walked towards the airship, he simply placed his hands on his hips and pouted.

Life was just a show, any how.

Stalking onto the ship, he secured a few boxes and bags and then shut himself away in his room. Let everyone think he was sulking. Because, frankly, he was.

He would stand with Freddie, his gaze watching all that came near, including Enrir. There had been something wrong between their interactions earlier, (very wrong in his personal opinion, for selfish reasons), and he wasn't sure what was going on between them. Saquir had seen it to, and so it wasn't just him.

As Freddie said to fall back, he would move back, but make sure the man was moving with him. Sorry, but he wasn't just going to leave him there, facing off all those guards. Saquir could leap far better than any of them could to get away, so he wasn't worried about his father. Moving back onto the ship, he stayed beside Freddie, already seeing the sweat on his forehead. The man still wasn't well, whatever was happening to him, though had likely ended up with his appearance changed to the more rugged and 'don't fuck with me' visage that was Jasair's preference, which might help keep the guards back, but likewise might do exactly the same thing that Enrir's little show had done, it just depended on Freddie's ability to control it.

Glancing around, keeping watch, he was about singing with tention. He could not last much longer without his trembling starting to show and mess his aim, which only made him tremble all the more. So far, no bloodshed. "I think that's most of it" he murmured to Freddie, seeing the last, but his father, on the ship now.

<<Freddie>>

They got away safely, though it was a near thing. The approaching reinforcements lent the Regent's guards courage and they chased the circus performers all the way to the ship. Only Saquir's powerful legs got him into the ship as Freddie took off.

He directed the ship South and a little West to flee into the Tharan Desert. The Regent couldn't follow them there and they cut through the Eastern edge and reach the port city of Chobo without the Regent knowing where they went. Obviously, Freddie thought as he pushed the engines as fast as they could go, we can't continue the tour. Half our props, and our gear is back in Jan. They'd most likely never get it back. If he could only think how to spin the night's catastrophe to their advantage!

Re-fitting and the inevitable delay would eat through a great sum of his savings, still more to hire the solicitors to defend them, and even more if they ended up paying restitution. They had broken no contracts other than an unspoken verbal agreement to entertain, but Freddie was not so naive as to believe their innocence would be easy to prove. Slavery might be illegal, but Freddie had so far avoided having to register as a non-human, and he'd protected the majority of his crew likewise. That could cost them dearly ....

The thing to do would be to return to Madhya, or tour the Eastern edge of the continent instead, but the Epheans had enough wonders among them to make Freddie's circus fairly commonplace, and Akkadia did not support this type of entertainment.

He tried to shove aside all his worries, at least for the moment, drawing a few easier breaths once the sparse grasslands turned to rocky sand. There were some tall mesas upon the horizon and he steered the airship in that direction. They could take advantage of the ravines to hide out and get some relief from the heat, venturing out again the following evening. The only thing was, there were no maps of the Theran Desert. Only the borders and the rocky outcroppings visible in the distance were even notated on their maps, and Freddie had the most up-to-date maps he could purchase. There were rumors of nomads living out here, and strange tales of monsters and magic. As a stage performer he could well appreciate the usefulness of such rumors (such as making pursuit impossible), but as master of his crew, responsible for dozens of people and animals, he couldn't help but worry about the truth behind the old stories.

The distance was deceiving, and Freddie was exhausted before they reached the edge of the mountains. They were much larger than they'd appeared, but he hadn't the energy to marvel at the majestic sight. He rubbed at his eyes, shaking his head and blinking hard to stay focused. His hands shook as he pulled on the controls to steer the Cygnet beneath the shelter of an overhang. The moons set to the West as dawn lightened the Eastern sky.

The airship settled with a dusty hum and Freddie's fingers went through the landing procedures automatically, leaving the engines on idle in case they needed to make a quick get-away. He almost missed the last toggle and switch, the boards wavering his his vision due to fatigue. He supposed he should warn everyone not to venture outside, but his brain had shut down some time ago and although his stomach had growled and rumbled the night long, unnoticed, exhaustion overcame hunger and he slouched into his chair, eyes sliding closed, body asleep hours before, but mind finally letting go now that they were safe.

During the flight, Jasair had made an inventory of the foodstuffs and beverages that the ship had left. It was vital to know how much there was, especially if they were to fly a long time. He had no idea where they were going, trusting his father and Freddie to deal with such things. He was, after all, just the cook.

Moving to go and find Freddie to report, he knocked on the door a little, and when he didn't get a snappish response, he would ease in, only to find him slumped at the controls. He smiled a little and moved forward, crouching down beside him. "Freddie, you should get to your room" he said, not knowing whether he should just get someone to come and carry him. With almost anyone else he would have, but Freddie hated to be touched. "Freddie?" his eyes were worried for the other man, still suffering from the illness that had taken him, though it seemed by far better now than it had been, though how much of that was adrenaline after what had happened, he didn't know.

He had barely made it to the ship, his knees trembled with the effort it had taken the fly across the ground and take a leap for the shutting hatchway, thank the gods he was a jumper. He moved into the large cabins of the ship and made his way into the bridge, watching Freddie for a time, before he went to go help put away what they'd managed to rescue, maybe in the future, they'd be able to go and retrieve it. Well, the tents were starting to get ratty anyways. He sighed, hollering up for some of the beast tamers to come help him take inventory and make note of things they'd need. Time to start doing his job. Fortunately, they'd pulled in a good revenue this time, full houses every show, they had enough to pay their performers as well as stock on food, energy, and enough left over for solicitors and to spread nasty rumors about the Regent.

People were easy to rile up and they loved gossip, a variety of nasty things could be spread in order to cause doubt among the people against their rulers. His eyes flitted over their gear, a pad and a stick of charcoal in his hands as he wrote down things they needed. Four pages later and he was pretty sure he had all they needed before he made his way back up to the bridge. He found Jasair inside, trying to wake the sleeping Freddie, and he smiled a bit, "Jasair, why don't you help me get him down to his room?" He said, Freddie wasn't likely to be waking up anytime soon, so it was best just to take him downstairs to rest. He took up Freddie's feet and let Jasair pick up his torso as he helped him downstairs and laid him in bed. In the meantime, he sent men up topside to keep an eye out for anything funny and to report to him if anything happened.

As for Saquir, he went up to the bridge again, to muddle over his thoughts, setting aside his pad as his ears drooped slightly, this disaster was his fault. He groaned quietly, his head hitting a panel, if he had just kept his mouth shut! But couldn't tolerate the abuse of his people, he wouldn't stand for it! That Regent! Presumptuous, pompous, vomit-breathed, camel-faced bastard! Always pawing over Freddie. Humph. He would undermine everything that man was, or ever wanted to be. He'd uncover 'lovers' he'd sell pictures of the Regent hitting the boy, he'd send them everywhere. He snorted, he'd pay. Threatening to arrest the performers looked well upon everywhere, because of Freddie's good nature and pleasant demeanor, there wasn't a man, woman, or child anywhere that didn't enjoy the Circus. Devious Saquir, devious, devious, devious.

Enrir spent most of the trip sulking. Well, to those that saw that his door was locked - he appeared to be sulking.

The truth was, he was melting. Well, not so much melting, but going into melt down. Because of his recent activities, the physical feelings he had experienced with Freddie not long ago and also the intensity of his latest Retreat, Enrir was in full horny overload.

Usually when this happened, he confined himself to his quarters until it passed. It had been years since he had had someone to hold so intimately - after getting his pick for so long, he had taken a while to adjust to the sex drought. And this time was no different. So he lay back on his bed and closed his eyes, playing out fantasy after fantasy in his mind. He knew he had to get rid of the feeling - but for some tortuous reason he never tried all that hard. Unless he had to work - and since they were on the run at the moment, he wasn't expected to do anything.

Gripping the sheets beneath him, he moaned and tossed his body onto his side, curling up and biting his lip. Mating season was over - but his natural desires still raged on. Once again, he ran through his wildest sexual fancies and couldn't help but grinning madly at the imaginations in his head - or the memories he chose to relive from his past. Some of those... well some of those made his toes curl.

Gasping, he reached over for a glass of water and knocked over the jug that held the precious liquid. Enrir blinked and sighed again, staring at the water that slid across the timber floors. Stirring his fingers in the air, he tried extracting the water from the ground - it didn't even quiver. Fully aroused, most Elementals were useless when it came to their natural abilities - a fail safe built into their species by evolution. Elementals had the habit of losing all control and inhibitions when mating - something that would be distasterous should they retain their channelling. It was said that the Gods had not had this peculiar trait, and the world had been the result of their powerful lovemaking - the birthing of all the elements and the world itself.

Groaning with exasperation, Enrir swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. Scrambling into some clothes, he moaned, feeling the fabric rub sensually against his skin. Clenching his fist, he wrapped the long fingers of his other hand around the jug and unlocked his door. Padding his way to a water source on the ship would take some time. Freddie had deliberatly placed him in a section of the ship that had minimal piping. Enrir had a habit of evaporating unwary water.

Unfortunately for him, people were still bustling around - gathering equipment hastily stored in the corridors for their escape and placing them where they ought to be. There were a number of greenhorns that seemed lost, wandering around waiting to be told what to do. When Enrir found these, he promptly got them scuttling away with a growl and a job. There any number of things to do besides dealing with the result of their fast getaway. Deliberately wiping his memory of his own days as a greenie, he had almost no tolerance for their slack, unblinking stares.

Spying one in particular, a frail looking man that was a bit shorter than average and paler than most he had seen on the ship, Enrir growled. As he strode towards him, he noted the almost shimmering quality of the man's hair - it was almost hypnotic. And if his hair was exotic, his eyes were even stranger. Those shifting colours, in Enrir's state of arousal, made him shift into a cold sweat. There was something primal in Enrir's eyes when he growled and grabbed his arm. His voice was deep and sensually gruff, though not on purpose, "And what do you think you're doing? We're all expected to do our part on this ship! Now, find me some water!" He shoved the jug into the young man's hands and stalked away, back to his apartments.

Of course, he had no idea that the young man wasn't actually supposed to be on the ship in the first place and was in fact a stow-away.

Finding a person who wasn't too busy or frantic or tired to point him in the right direction was more difficult than Daven imagined. Eventually, some just told him to find a place to sleep, as it was late and they all needed their rest. Sighing, he took to wandering, maybe he could find his own way. Of course, that didn't last all too long. As he rounded a corner, a tall man seized his arm and he immediately sensed the state of the man. A smirk crossed his features while he was ordered about. Had he not left so suddenly, the man might have gotten what he needed more than water.

He was the man who played Oberon in the show. And it seemed the moodiness of the character was a play on the guy's actual personality. He stood where he was, watching the redhead stalk off and huffed. Well, he was certainly no servant, nor was he part of the ship's crew and so he followed the other back to his room. And, besides, the skill he was going to offer the Circus was his ability to sense ailment and healing capabilities. This guy needed help and Daven was more than willing to offer his assistance.

'This should be fun.' He grinned to himself as he knocked on the door and waited for answer. When answered, well... he'd get to that part when he got there. For the moment, he smiled in greeting and planned to explain that he didn't know where to get the water, but he could think of at least one way to help him. Oh yes, he fully intended to offer his own body to ease his suffering, not only was it a way to weasel himself in closer to the circus, but he also found the tall man intriguing and what better way to get to know a person than by seducing them?

Enrir was in too much of a bother to notice that he had been followed. His clothes rubbed against his sensitive skin and it took all of his self control not to rip off his clothes there and then. Of course, it's not like he had never gone naked around the ship before - but a year amongst the crew had taught him to be more self conscious than he had been.

Yanking open his door, he mentally calculated the time that it would probably take for his jug of water to be delivered. He even generously allowed time for the fellow to inquire as to where his room was - most people knew him personally but even more knew where to avoid his room.

While he waited, he groaned and stripped off, relishing the cool draft that came through the slitted windows of his room as it caressed his bare flesh. Leaving his clothes in a pile, he lay back on his bed and closed his eyes, fantasies already skimming through his memory.

A moment more and a knock came. Enrir blinked and growled - it was too soon! He hadn't had enough time to settle down enough even for the brief contact it would take to recieve his order. Groaning with the sensual effort he strode to the door, not even bothering to place any clothes around his frame.

As he opened the door.....

Freddie woke to a deep, twisting rumbling in his gut. Still half asleep, he staggered from his bed and collapsed over his toilet, heaving and spitting a few bitter, acrid mouthfuls while his stomach tried to rip itself to shreds. The force of his vomiting made his head spin and leeched all the strength from his limbs. Reaching up to yank on the chain was too much effort.

He leaned his head against the cold, clammy skin of his arms where he rested slumped against the toilet. Sweat beaded on his skin making him shiver and he kept his eyes resolutely closed. It was too bright even under his eyelids and he groaned, tears leaking out as his stomach heaved again and he spit into the toilet, nose wrinkling at the smell. His fingers trembled, holding onto the toilet bowl for dear life. He had a moment's thought for his hair, but couldn't spare it the effort, hoping instead that he wasn't vomiting on his hair.

"Ugh ... Help ...!" he moaned, thumping against the wall and sliding down to the floor. He curled into a ball around his stomach, groaning and shivering. His head spun from just that movement and he squinted, pressing his face to the floor to hide from the light. He couldn't think to wonder at why he might be asleep in his clothes, still in the same outfit as the night before. He hadn't turned on any lights, hadn't looked in the mirror or he would have noticed that his eyes were glowing again (if they'd ever stopped), and slightly brighter than before.

Somewhere behind him, the soft tinkling of his water clock chimed the first hour after noon, sounding like a thousand bells right by his ears. Only the pounding of his heart, high up on his right side felt louder.

He had been rightfully worried about Freddie during this time, and after he had helped with moving him to his room, and the man had seemed settled enough, he had busied himself with the jobs in the kitchen that needed doing. Things needed a bit more sorting, and the food for later needed to be put on. Still, he was used to these tasks, and there was ample time once things had been set, and one of the ones he trusted to assist in the kitchen were left there, he went back to Freddie's room, bringing a jug of water and a glass.

Moving into the room, he noticed instantly that the man was not in his bed, and setting down the tray quickly, he moved to the bathroom door only to find the man curled up beside the toiled. "Freddie!" His exclamation was one of horror and worry as he rushed to the other's side. He didn't know what to do, not being a medic. "Freddie?!" he said, smoothing hair out the other's face. The skin beneath his hand was clammy, but when the other looked up at him he drew back in shock at the glow. "Freddie, your eyes are glowing.. a lot" he said, his voice whispered, as if worried to say it any louder. He needn't have bothered, seeing as how they were on the ship and there was no one else to hear, but he didn't know what it meant. "What's the matter?" he asked, though the obvious fact that the other was still sick was rather clear.

"Lets get you back to bed, there surely can't be anything left in your stomach now." he said, helping the other up if he let him, or staying, a bundle of worried, nervous energy if he refused. "Tell me what I can do?" he pleaded. Freddie had always told him what to do, ever since he was little and they had first made the circus, both him and his father had always known what to do, leaving him with the position of being told what to do. He had always been happy with that, since it was the easier position for him, and now left with the task of having to know what to do, he felt completely out of his depth.

He would not leave Freddie's side now, not now that it was clear he was as sick as before, if not more so. "Maybe we should look for your people." he offered "maybe they would know what was the matter with you. I don't know what is sickness, and what is your body's reaction to the sickness, or if its something else entirely." He would help the other to the bed if possible, leaving a basin beside the bed in case it was needed, sitting on the edge of the bed and watching the man, worry in his eyes. He could not lose Freddie. He could not.

<<Freddie>>

Moving made Freddie's head spin and his stomach clench painfully. After that one squinting look to find out who was there -- hadn't he locked his door last night? -- he kept his eyes closed, shivering and staying stubbornly curled in a little ball. How humiliating to be caught like this! maybe if he ignored Jasair, he'd go away....

He had little room to think outside steeling himself for the next wave of nausea. When it came, he moaned, muscles tensing, hugging himself, forehead pressed to his knees where he lay on the floor, shivering. Cold sweat made his hair and clothes stick to him. His throat hurt, burned, really, from throwing up, his tongue thick and filling his whole mouth.

He spat a little, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, dizzier now as if his stomach was punishing him for being empty. The thought of food made him moan again. He must be dying, that could be the only explanation. No one could ever have been as sick as Freddie felt, as empty and twisted-up inside, like wringing out a wet cloth. It was the end of the road! He'd die curled around a toilet, a freaky, un-human virgin!

Tears leaked out of his eyes, making them sting, and he sobbed brokenly. It was so bright, couldn't someone turn off the sun? He was cold, and hungry, and tired, and quit touching me! Help, someone, help, it hurts, it hurts, I don' wanna be sick no more!


<<Reth>>

The scouts brought back word of the airship skimming the borders of their territory. They kept out of sight, watching the craft and keeping their people clear, and Reth went to take a look himself. He blinked in astonishment when he saw the name painted on the side of ship. The Cygnet! He remembered that ship, and its charmingly sweet but naive captain. How funny that they should cross paths again, and here! of all places.

Reth lifted his hand to signal his men: watch but do not approach. He could see a sandstorm approaching; this ship wasn't going anywhere soon. Sending his men to safety, Reth summoned his best saboteur. No need to take chances.

He didn't know what to do. Freddie was worse, and he was in no way a medic or healer. He wasn't strong enough to lift the other to bed either, and so he would move back, trying to offer the other some water, and if that failed he would sit back, panicked, unsure what to do. He was getting no response from Freddie and he felt very much helpless in this situation.

Saquir.. Saquir would know what to do. "You just.. umm.. wait there. Ill get dad." he said to the unresponsive Freddie before hurrying out the room and through the ship. He was in a tizzy of nervous fear, moving his way through the place with little or no care as to who he bumped into as long as they got out his way. Finally getting to the ship's helm where the familiar short furry-tailed man was. "Father.. its Freddie.. hes worse." he almost never used the parental title, and it showed just how stressed out he was. "We need to get him to a healer, or to his own people or something!"

Saquir turned as he heard Jasair come up to him, "Freddie?" He righted, "Come on," He murmured, going to Freddie's room, and pushing open the door. He sighed, seeing the other curled around the toilet. He turned to Jasair, "Water and ansainise juice, bring them to me please Jasair, quickly, and some salt crackers." He said, nudging the other to hurry. He went to Freddie, "Shhh," He murmured, pressing his hand against the other's forehead before he picked him up, his legs pushing them up as he carried the other to his bed, "Stay there." He murmured, wetting a cloth and wringing it out to lay on the other's forehead.

When Jasair returned he helped Freddie sit up and put the water and the juice next to the other and sat down. The water would help keep him hydrated, the juice would put some electrolytes back into his body as well as help settle his stomach with the crackers. "Drink some water." He murmured.

If Freddie refused he'd level him with the impossible 'evil eye' "If you don't drink you'll stay sick like this." As a dedicated father to Jasair, he'd been through the motions with the young man when he was sick. He helped Freddie drink both the juice and water and then he pulled out a sleeve of crackers and put them in his lap, "Eat. It'll help settle the acid in your stomach so that if you throw up again it won't burn so much." He said, his tail draped over the other's feet as he sat up on the bed.

It was a vast relief to turn over the responsability to his father. He didn't know stuff like this, but Saquir sure did, having helped nurse, cajole and otherwise bully the crew back to health numerous times. Following through behind him, he could only look on as the other picked the larger man up and put him to bed before he himself was sent rushing off, following his father's commands automatically. It wouldn't take him long to find things, though passing by Enrir's room he could hear suggestive sounds from inside, which he ignored as best he could before hurrying back to the two owners of the circus.

"Here" he said, setting the items down and backing off, though staying within commanding distance if his father needed something else from him. His worried eyes turned back to Freddie on the bed while Saquir forced liquids down him.