columbina

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It holds the tent flap open for her to enter if she wanted.

Besides, you're not all wrong. This was one of Bils event tents, its just been repurposed. It was cheaper than getting me my own and he said they didnt really plan to use this one anyways. Doesn't fit the theme here. I dont actually know why they got this one to begin with...

It shrugs.

She dips her head in gratitude, stepping inside.

"Thank you, Cottonii."

She stands meekly, her hands clasped in front of her.

It closed the tent flap, then removed its mask.

Cotton candy. Prepackaged stuff right now, but Bil got me a machine to make it myself! Im... not very good at it it.

It smiles sheepishly.

"Bil... he's never been great with technology. He's very old fashioned. Hihi, he prefers to do things like he's always done them."

She starts to laugh softly, her ears perking up.

A pause. It seems a little embarrassed mentioning that, but continues to mask it.

I understand it too, i also prefer how things were before. With my parents. Its hard adapting to... all of this.

It gestured around the tent.

"Yes... I miss how simple life used to be when I was a little doeling. I... I miss my parents.."

She trails off in thought before realizing she's oversharing.

"Oh! But no matter. The circus crew is family to me now."

It tilts its head to the side. Something about its tone while asking that question seemed like it wanted a specific answer. Whether it wanted a a yes or no, she couldnt tell.

Though before she could answer it lifts its head again and changes the topic, realizing the shift in Columbina's mood with that discussion.

"Oh, I'd love to see it! Can I??"

It steps over to the stack of boxes and opens the top one, taking out the pink machine along with a couple cones and a small jar of colored sugar. She brought the items back to Columbina and laid them out on the ground, sitting behind them.

"Pfft! Haha! Really? He must've been so mad hihi!"

She laughs, her shoulders shaking.

Cottonii powers on the machine to let it start heating up. Its quiet for a moment before continuing.

So is he your brother? Cousin?

She looks at, smiling softly.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It holds the tent flap open for her to enter if she wanted.

Besides, you're not all wrong. This was one of Bils event tents, its just been repurposed. It was cheaper than getting me my own and he said they didnt really plan to use this one anyways. Doesn't fit the theme here. I dont actually know why they got this one to begin with...

It shrugs.

She dips her head in gratitude, stepping inside.

"Thank you, Cottonii."

She stands meekly, her hands clasped in front of her.

It closed the tent flap, then removed its mask.

Cotton candy. Prepackaged stuff right now, but Bil got me a machine to make it myself! Im... not very good at it it.

It smiles sheepishly.

"Bil... he's never been great with technology. He's very old fashioned. Hihi, he prefers to do things like he's always done them."

She starts to laugh softly, her ears perking up.

A pause. It seems a little embarrassed mentioning that, but continues to mask it.

I understand it too, i also prefer how things were before. With my parents. Its hard adapting to... all of this.

It gestured around the tent.

"Yes... I miss how simple life used to be when I was a little doeling. I... I miss my parents.."

She trails off in thought before realizing she's oversharing.

"Oh! But no matter. The circus crew is family to me now."

It tilts its head to the side. Something about its tone while asking that question seemed like it wanted a specific answer. Whether it wanted a a yes or no, she couldnt tell.

Though before she could answer it lifts its head again and changes the topic, realizing the shift in Columbina's mood with that discussion.

"Oh, I'd love to see it! Can I??"

It steps over to the stack of boxes and opens the top one, taking out the pink machine along with a couple cones and a small jar of colored sugar. She brought the items back to Columbina and laid them out on the ground, sitting behind them.

"Pfft! Haha! Really? He must've been so mad hihi!"

She laughs, her shoulders shaking.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It holds the tent flap open for her to enter if she wanted.

Besides, you're not all wrong. This was one of Bils event tents, its just been repurposed. It was cheaper than getting me my own and he said they didnt really plan to use this one anyways. Doesn't fit the theme here. I dont actually know why they got this one to begin with...

It shrugs.

She dips her head in gratitude, stepping inside.

"Thank you, Cottonii."

She stands meekly, her hands clasped in front of her.

It closed the tent flap, then removed its mask.

Cotton candy. Prepackaged stuff right now, but Bil got me a machine to make it myself! Im... not very good at it it.

It smiles sheepishly.

"Bil... he's never been great with technology. He's very old fashioned. Hihi, he prefers to do things like he's always done them."

She starts to laugh softly, her ears perking up.

A pause. It seems a little embarrassed mentioning that, but continues to mask it.

I understand it too, i also prefer how things were before. With my parents. Its hard adapting to... all of this.

It gestured around the tent.

"Yes... I miss how simple life used to be when I was a little doeling. I... I miss my parents.."

She trails off in thought before realizing she's oversharing.

"Oh! But no matter. The circus crew is family to me now."

It tilts its head to the side. Something about its tone while asking that question seemed like it wanted a specific answer. Whether it wanted a a yes or no, she couldnt tell.

Though before she could answer it lifts its head again and changes the topic, realizing the shift in Columbina's mood with that discussion.

"Oh, I'd love to see it! Can I??"

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It holds the tent flap open for her to enter if she wanted.

Besides, you're not all wrong. This was one of Bils event tents, its just been repurposed. It was cheaper than getting me my own and he said they didnt really plan to use this one anyways. Doesn't fit the theme here. I dont actually know why they got this one to begin with...

It shrugs.

She dips her head in gratitude, stepping inside.

"Thank you, Cottonii."

She stands meekly, her hands clasped in front of her.

It closed the tent flap, then removed its mask.

Cotton candy. Prepackaged stuff right now, but Bil got me a machine to make it myself! Im... not very good at it it.

It smiles sheepishly.

"Bil... he's never been great with technology. He's very old fashioned. Hihi, he prefers to do things like he's always done them."

She starts to laugh softly, her ears perking up.

A pause. It seems a little embarrassed mentioning that, but continues to mask it.

I understand it too, i also prefer how things were before. With my parents. Its hard adapting to... all of this.

It gestured around the tent.

"Yes... I miss how simple life used to be when I was a little doeling. I... I miss my parents.."

She trails off in thought before realizing she's oversharing.

"Oh! But no matter. The circus crew is family to me now."

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It holds the tent flap open for her to enter if she wanted.

Besides, you're not all wrong. This was one of Bils event tents, its just been repurposed. It was cheaper than getting me my own and he said they didnt really plan to use this one anyways. Doesn't fit the theme here. I dont actually know why they got this one to begin with...

It shrugs.

She dips her head in gratitude, stepping inside.

"Thank you, Cottonii."

She stands meekly, her hands clasped in front of her.

It closed the tent flap, then removed its mask.

Cotton candy. Prepackaged stuff right now, but Bil got me a machine to make it myself! Im... not very good at it it.

It smiles sheepishly.

"Bil... he's never been great with technology. He's very old fashioned. Hihi, he prefers to do things like he's always done them."

She starts to laugh softly, her ears perking up.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It holds the tent flap open for her to enter if she wanted.

Besides, you're not all wrong. This was one of Bils event tents, its just been repurposed. It was cheaper than getting me my own and he said they didnt really plan to use this one anyways. Doesn't fit the theme here. I dont actually know why they got this one to begin with...

It shrugs.

She dips her head in gratitude, stepping inside.

"Thank you, Cottonii."

She stands meekly, her hands clasped in front of her.

"Yes, of course, little dove! Come!"

Her hands already busy braiding her hair out of the way.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

She looks at it, quickly averting her gaze.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

Its fine, really. Jester has everyone in his tent to go over next weeks schedule.

It tilts its head towards the purple tent. Then paused for a moment, fidgeting with a button on its chest, seeming almost nervous now.

@p0isonsnake

She smiles softly

I love you. So much.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

oh, i see... yeah, they've mentioned you before. Im sorry, you aren't disturbing anything.

It look back up at her and offer its hand to shake.

Im Cottonii, it's nice to finally meet you... Columbina.

Its face was still obscured but Columbina could hear the forced smile in its voice.

Columbina hesitates to give her hand, seeing the subtle tension it's is hiding in its body. Eventually, she does take the extended hand, her touch gentle.

"Again... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bother you... I was just looking for the others. I.. I haven't been around lately."

*A small tiny, creature with a long tail with a large feather in lilac, lapis upper body, sapphire lower body, two small legs, two small arms, two antenna and a diamond shape on its chest. It skipped along the way with its tail like a kite dragged against the wind as it looked around before it squeaked when it saw someone.*

Columbina is sat on the grass as she feeds birds, tearing off bits of bread and holding them out to the several doves around her. She pauses, hearing a small sound. She looks around, pausing when she sees a creature she's never seen before.

Oh! Hello, little one!

Do you speak, little one?

Columbina pauses, lifting the creature to her face.

Little one, I'm sorry. I did not realize...

She thinks for a minute, an idea forming.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.

No, i dont perform. Im a vendor... You seem to know the Ticket Taker personally..? At least i would assume so, you're visiting his tent in the middle of the night.

Their voice was soft but they had a slight edge to their tone. They seem a little upset by that familiarity she seems to have with him.

She looks at them, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

She points to herself

*A small tiny, creature with a long tail with a large feather in lilac, lapis upper body, sapphire lower body, two small legs, two small arms, two antenna and a diamond shape on its chest. It skipped along the way with its tail like a kite dragged against the wind as it looked around before it squeaked when it saw someone.*

Columbina is sat on the grass as she feeds birds, tearing off bits of bread and holding them out to the several doves around her. She pauses, hearing a small sound. She looks around, pausing when she sees a creature she's never seen before.

Oh! Hello, little one!

Do you speak, little one?

Columbina pauses, lifting the creature to her face.

Little one, I'm sorry. I did not realize...

She thinks for a minute, an idea forming.

It was late at night, though the circus was closed for the weekend. She couldn't see anyone around when she entered the circus grounds. They were probably just winding down in their tents.

Speaking of tents... looking around she would notice an unfamiliar one. It was hard not to notice the sparkly pinks and blues against the dark sky and other less vibrant tents.

Had they found a new performer? Why wouldnt they have mentioned that to her? It didn't look like a performance tent, more like a personal one. Smaller and situated too close to Ticket Takers.

Would Columbina be curious enough to investigate on her own?

🌈✨️- hope this is a good start <3

Columbina looks around, hoping for a familiar face to ask about the new tent. When she sees the circus quiet and desolate, she decides to investigate for herself.

Her hooves click softly on the ground, her steps light and quick. She trots over, looking around.

When she notices the proximity to Ticket Taker's tent, she thinks it might be his.

Columbina pokes her head inside, searching for him.

"Ticket taker? Is this another pop up tent of yours? Since when do you–"

She pauses, an unfamiliar scent in the air. Her nose twitches as she sniffs around.

When she called out she heard some noise from the new tent, like someone scrambling to get dressed.

An unfamiliar performer peeks out, still adjusting their beaked mask to cover their face.

Ah- hello?? How did you get in here? The circus is closed tonight...

"Oh! I'm so sorry!"

She looks at them for a moment before her eyes snap to the floor.