Len Dubs (Commissions Open)

Arrival: Arrived after everyone else in the Midnight Circus, but before Pomni.

Encore's arrival was... less than graceful.

She panicked almost immediately, horrified by the realization that she'd become a living marionette. Every movement felt wrong. Her limbs bent in impossible ways, her joints clicked softly when she moved, and the strings that floated above her seemed to mock any illusion of normalcy.

It took time before she stopped seeing herself as broken.

Fortunately, she wasn't alone.

The other members of the Midnight Circus helped her adapt to her new reality, and while she'll never claim to enjoy being trapped here, she slowly found comfort in the fact that she still felt... herself.

Today, Encore has become one of the gentlest souls in the Circus, finding beauty wherever she can—even in a place as strange as this one.

Personality

Encore is quiet by nature.

She enjoys listening more than speaking, often letting others fill the silence while she simply enjoys their company. Soft-spoken and endlessly patient, she's the sort of person who makes others feel comfortable without even realizing she's doing it.

She has a deeply creative spirit.

Whether she's drawing, singing, dancing, or simply admiring something beautiful, Encore believes there's always value in creating something, even if nobody else ever sees it.

She isn't naïve.

She knows the Circus is frightening.

She simply refuses to let it rob her of the ability to appreciate beautiful things.

Emotional State

Unlike some of the others, Encore doesn't distract herself from the Circus.

She embraces it.

Every adventure becomes an opportunity to experience something impossible.

Every strange landscape becomes another place to sketch.

Every performance becomes another memory worth holding onto.

She understands that she can't control where she is...

Only how she chooses to live there.

Strengths

Exceptionally compassionate.

Creative and artistic.

Talented singer.

Graceful dancer.

Patient listener.

Naturally empathetic.

Finds beauty where others overlook it.

Weaknesses

Sensitive.

Easily overwhelmed emotionally.

Struggles to stand up for herself.

Needs regular solitude to recharge.

Sometimes carries other people's burdens as though they're her own.

Her puppet body reflects her emotional state more than she'd like.

When she's frightened, grieving, or overwhelmed, the wood of her limbs becomes noticeably more fragile. Small cracks begin to appear, joints loosen, and even gentle impacts can leave visible damage.

It's something she's deeply self-conscious about.

Talents

Encore possesses an incredible singing voice and remarkable talent for dance.

Whenever Noire provides the music through her television, the two often lose themselves in impromptu performances that brighten the entire Circus.

She also spends much of her free time drawing.

Sketchbooks filled with landscapes, friends, adventures, and little moments of everyday life are scattered throughout her room.

She believes memories deserve to be preserved.

Habits

Hums quietly while drawing.

Tucks stray puppet strings behind her shoulders absentmindedly.

Often sits with her legs folded beneath her.

Presses flowers between sketchbook pages.

Gently sways whenever music is playing.

Enjoys simply existing in comfortable silence with the people she loves.

Puppet Quirks

Encore has gradually grown fond of some of her marionette traits.

She can:

Spin gracefully without becoming dizzy.

Fold into surprisingly compact positions.

Move with incredible precision while dancing.

Create soft wooden clicking sounds while walking.

She still jumps a little whenever one of her joints rotates farther than she expected.

Little Mystery

Encore's sketchbooks are filled with breathtaking drawings of places throughout the Circus.

Curiously...

Scattered among them are landscapes no one recognizes.

When asked where they are, Encore simply tilts her head.

"...I thought we'd been there before."

No one can remember visiting them.

Relationships

Kinger

Encore has endless patience for Kinger.

She happily listens to every story he tells, no matter how disconnected they may seem, and genuinely enjoys hearing about the adventures he's experienced over the years.

She often sketches while he talks.

Somehow...

He always notices.

Ragatha

Encore greatly admires Ragatha's kindness and determination. The two naturally gravitated toward one another, often supporting each other through difficult days with gentle conversation and shared optimism.

Whenever Ragatha feels like she's carrying too much, Encore quietly reminds her she doesn't have to do it alone.

Gangle

Gangle quickly became one of Encore's closest friends.

Their shared love of art, creativity, and storytelling means they can happily spend hours drawing side by side, exchanging ideas and encouraging one another's work.

Encore wishes Gangle had more confidence in herself.

She thinks her art is beautiful.

Zooble

Encore understands Zooble's need for space and never takes their bluntness personally.

She respects their boundaries while quietly reminding them they're always welcome to join the group whenever they feel like it.

Sometimes...

Simply knowing the invitation exists is enough.

Jax

Jax can be frustrating.

Sometimes infuriating.

Yet Encore has never been able to completely dislike him.

She suspects much of his cruelty is a mask for something much sadder beneath the surface. While she won't excuse his behavior, she quietly hopes that one day he'll let someone see the person he's hiding.

She still isn't above gently scolding him when he goes too far.

Pomni

Seeing Pomni arrive reminded Encore of her own first terrifying day.

Rather than overwhelming Pomni with advice, Encore tries to simply be a reassuring presence—someone who understands what it's like to wake up in a body that no longer feels familiar.

Sometimes, that's enough.

Caine & Bubble

Encore genuinely enjoys Caine's adventures.

To her, each one feels like stepping into a storybook or a favorite video game, full of places and experiences she'd never have imagined possible. Even when things become chaotic, she does her best to embrace the fun Caine is trying to create.

Bubble, meanwhile, is impossible not to love.

She finds Bubble's endless enthusiasm charming, often indulging their excitement with a smile and treating every bizarre observation as though it's perfectly reasonable.

Noire

Noire was one of the first people to truly help Encore feel at home in the Circus. Her warmth, patience, and constant encouragement helped transform Encore's fear into curiosity, and over time the two became nearly inseparable.

They often spend quiet afternoons drawing together, share comfortable silences without feeling the need to fill them with conversation, and frequently perform music together—Noire providing melodies while Encore sings or dances.

Encore treasures every moment they spend together.

She's completely unaware that Noire has fallen hopelessly in love with her.

Everyone else knows.

VesperaEncore enjoys Vespera's calm presence immensely. Whether they're experimenting with new outfits, discussing art, or simply relaxing after another exhausting adventure, time spent together always feels peaceful.

She admires Vespera's quiet confidence and often finds herself seeking her company whenever she needs to recharge. Jinx

Jinx constantly keeps Encore on her toes, though she wouldn't have it any other way. While Jinx's antics occasionally leave Encore laughing until she cries, she also appreciates the joy Jinx brings into everyone's lives.

Arrival: Arrived after Vespera, but before Zooble.

Jinx took longer than she'd like to admit to adjust to life inside the Circus. The sudden loss of her old life, combined with waking up in the body of an energetic little cat, left her overwhelmed and unsure of who she was anymore.

Thankfully...

She wasn't alone.

With the support of the friends she made along the way, Jinx slowly found herself embracing the absurdity of the Circus rather than fighting against it.

These days, she can usually be found somewhere she absolutely shouldn't be.

Personality

Jinx is the reason nobody can stick to the script.

She's endlessly curious, bursting with energy, and possesses an almost supernatural ability to find trouble no matter where she goes. Rules are more like suggestions to her, and if something looks climbable, she'll probably be halfway up it before anyone has a chance to stop her.

Despite her chaotic nature, Jinx has an incredibly kind heart.

She loves making people laugh, often pulling harmless pranks or performing little magic tricks simply because she enjoys seeing everyone's reactions. She hates seeing the people she cares about upset and will go surprisingly far out of her way to cheer them up—even if her methods are... unconventional.

Life in the Circus can be frightening.

Jinx refuses to let it become boring.

Emotional State

Jinx copes with the Circus by refusing to let herself dwell on what she's lost.

She keeps moving.

Keeps laughing.

Keeps climbing.

Keeps exploring.

If she ever sits still for too long, the reality of her situation starts to creep back in.

So she'd much rather ask if anyone wants to play a game.

Strengths

Infectiously optimistic.

Highly creative.

Quick thinker.

Surprisingly agile.

Excellent climber.

Finds humor in almost any situation.

Naturally good at lifting everyone's spirits.

Weaknesses

Impulsive.

Easily distracted.

Doesn't always think through consequences.

Has difficulty taking serious situations seriously.

Sometimes uses humor to avoid talking about her own feelings.

Although she appears fearless, Jinx quietly worries about being left behind.

She's already lost one life.

The thought of losing the family she's found in the Circus scares her far more than she'll ever admit.

Abilities

Jinx knows a handful of simple magical tricks.

Nothing particularly powerful.

She can conjure little sparkles, create harmless illusions, make objects disappear for a moment, and pull off enough sleight-of-hand that nobody is ever entirely sure where she hid something.

Whether it's actual magic...

Or she's simply an incredibly talented little gremlin...

Depends on who you ask.

Cat Instincts

Jinx has fully embraced being a cat.

At this point, she's stopped questioning it.

She:

Chases moving lights.

Purrs without realizing it.

Knocks objects off tables just to see what happens.

Squeezes into boxes that are obviously too small.

Falls asleep in sunbeams.

Has absolutely no concept of personal space.

She insists these are perfectly reasonable behaviors.

Habits

Climbs absolutely everything.

Frequently rides around on Noire or Vespera's shoulders.

Collects shiny trinkets.

Plays with Bubble whenever possible.

Leaves little magical surprises for people to discover.

Always lands on her feet.

Mostly.

Little Mystery

Jinx has an uncanny ability to find places inside the Circus that nobody else remembers existing.

Hidden crawlspaces.

Tiny attic rooms.

Secret little balconies.

Whenever someone asks how she found them...

She simply smiles.

Relationships

Kinger

Jinx absolutely loves Kinger.

She happily listens to every strange story he tells and asks questions no one else thinks to ask. While she doesn't always understand him, she never laughs at his confusion.

She simply enjoys hearing whatever adventure he's currently remembering.

Ragatha

Ragatha was one of the people who helped Jinx settle into the Circus, and she's never forgotten that kindness.

Jinx often tries to repay her by making her smile, though Ragatha occasionally has to remind her that "borrowing" props without asking is generally frowned upon.

Gangle

Jinx thinks Gangle is fun to tease...

Very gently.

Never to be mean.

She'll dramatically compliment Gangle's artwork, rope her into little games, or insist Gangle help with one of her "totally foolproof" plans.

More than anything, Jinx wants Gangle to smile more often.

Zooble

Jinx understands that Zooble values their personal space.

That doesn't stop her from occasionally popping up beside them just to see how dramatically they'll sigh.

Despite their wildly different personalities, she genuinely enjoys Zooble's company and respects it when they ask to be left alone.

...Eventually.

Jax

Jinx sees Jax less as an enemy and more as a challenge.

They constantly try to out-prank one another, though Jinx draws a clear line where people's feelings are concerned. She enjoys harmless chaos, but if Jax crosses into genuine cruelty, she's one of the first people to call him out.

She firmly believes pranks should end with everyone laughing.

Pomni

Pomni reminds Jinx of herself when she first arrived.

Confused.

Scared.

Completely overwhelmed.

Jinx's solution is simple:

Drag Pomni into fun before she has time to panic.

Whether that's a magic trick, a climbing contest, or a game of hide-and-seek around the Circus, she wants Pomni to remember that joy can still exist here.

Caine & Bubble

Jinx thinks Caine's adventures are fantastic.

Maybe not because they're always good...

But because they're always interesting.

She's usually the first person to enthusiastically volunteer for whatever ridiculous activity Caine has planned.

Bubble, meanwhile, is one of her favorite playmates.

The two have been banned from at least three rooms in the Circus after "conducting experiments."

Arrival: Arrived after Gangle, but before Zooble.

Vespera's first days in the Circus were some of the hardest she'd ever experienced. The panic, confusion, and fear nearly overwhelmed her... until she slowly began to understand what this place was.

Oddly enough, amidst all the horror, she found a small sense of peace.

For the first time, she looked in the mirror and saw a body that truly felt like her own. While she'd never choose to be trapped in the Circus, she quietly treasures that silver lining, making the thought of escaping more emotionally complicated than she'd ever admit.

Today, she's one of the Circus' more level-headed members. She prefers to observe before acting, finding comfort in quiet moments and familiar routines. Though often calm and reserved, those closest to her know she has a surprisingly sharp wit—and a habit of causing just enough trouble to keep life interesting.

Personality

At first glance, Vespera seems quiet.

She's often found perched somewhere high above the others, watching conversations unfold with a faint smile rather than joining immediately. She rarely raises her voice, speaks thoughtfully, and carries herself with an effortless confidence.

That doesn't mean she's serious all the time.

Underneath the composed exterior is someone with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. She enjoys harmless mischief, loves catching people off guard, and has absolutely no problem matching someone's sarcasm if they decide to test her patience.

She has little interest in starting conflict...

But she'll happily finish one.

Emotional State

Unlike some of the others, Vespera copes with the Circus by seeking moments of stillness.

Bright lights and constant stimulation wear her down, so she often disappears into quieter corners of the tent after adventures. Sitting in the dark helps her organize her thoughts, and she's learned to embrace solitude without letting it become isolation.

She understands that surviving the Circus isn't about pretending everything is fine.

It's about finding small moments that make tomorrow worth facing.

Strengths

Extremely perceptive.

Excellent listener.

Calm under pressure.

Dry, quick wit.

Fiercely loyal to those she trusts.

Exceptional hearing and echolocation allow her to notice details others miss.

Weaknesses

Can become emotionally withdrawn when overwhelmed.

Sensitive to bright lights due to her enhanced vision.

Has difficulty asking for help.

Holds grudges longer than she'd like to admit.

Occasionally lets her pride get the better of her.

Despite her calm demeanor, Vespera has a breaking point.

When pushed too far, her patience gives way to instinct. Her claws come out before she has time to think, and afterward she's usually the first to regret losing control.

Abilities

Her wings allow her to glide and achieve short bursts of flight, though they don't follow normal aerodynamics. Flying is awkward, requiring practice and creativity rather than brute strength.

Her hearing is exceptionally sensitive.

She can pick up conversations from across the Circus, recognize people by their footsteps, and even navigate using a limited form of echolocation when visibility is poor.

Ironically...

The same heightened senses that make her so observant also make bright lights and loud environments exhausting.

Habits

Frequently perches on rafters, beams, and balconies instead of sitting in chairs.

Likes quietly observing conversations before joining in.

Experiments with different outfits and makeup whenever she can.

Enjoys startling people by silently dropping down beside them.

Often folds her wings around herself like a blanket while resting.

Has a tendency to unconsciously twitch her ears toward interesting sounds.

Gargoyle Tendencies

Vespera has discovered that remaining perfectly still while perched high above the Circus unnerves people far more than it probably should.

So naturally...

She does it on purpose.

She finds it endlessly amusing to wait until someone finally notices her before offering a small wave.

Little Mystery

Despite her love of fashion and makeup, Vespera has never explained why experimenting with her appearance brings her so much happiness.

If someone asks...

She simply smiles and changes the subject.

Relationships

Kinger

Vespera has a great deal of respect for Kinger.

His stories often wander into strange territory, but she's learned that if she listens carefully, there's usually a surprising amount of wisdom hidden beneath the confusion. She's one of the few people willing to simply sit with him, no matter how bizarre the conversation becomes.

Ragatha

Ragatha's kindness helped Vespera through her earliest days in the Circus.

Though Vespera doesn't express affection as openly as Ragatha does, she deeply appreciates everything Ragatha has done for her and quietly returns that kindness whenever she can.

Gangle

The two bond over creativity.

Whether they're discussing movies, trying different makeup styles, or simply sharing a quiet conversation, Gangle is one of the few people Vespera feels completely relaxed around.

She genuinely wishes Gangle had more confidence in herself.

Zooble

Vespera appreciates Zooble's honesty.

Neither of them feels the need to constantly fill silence with conversation, making their friendship surprisingly comfortable. They don't always agree, but they respect one another enough to say exactly what's on their minds.

Pomni

Seeing Pomni's arrival reminded Vespera of her own.

Rather than overwhelming her with reassurance, Vespera offers steady, practical support whenever Pomni needs it. She knows firsthand that sometimes the most comforting thing isn't advice...

It's simply knowing someone is there.

Jax

Unlike most of the Circus, Vespera refuses to let Jax dictate the conversation. If he throws a sarcastic remark her way, she already has one waiting in return.

Their constant back-and-forth has become something of a spectator sport among the others.

She'd like to believe she doesn't enjoy it.

She'd be lying.

Caine & Bubble

Vespera appreciates the effort Caine puts into entertaining everyone, even if his adventures sometimes lean a little too heavily into childish chaos. She's one of the few people willing to politely tell him when something isn't working.

Bubble, on the other hand...

She finds strangely endearing.

Noire

Noire was one of the first people to make the Circus feel less frightening, and over the years she's become Vespera's closest friend. The two understand each other in ways that rarely require words, often spending long stretches of time simply existing in comfortable silence.

Vespera is one of the few people who regularly sees past Noire's theatrical persona.

She also knows Noire's crush on Encore is painfully obvious.

Noire remains convinced she's hiding it perfectly.

Encore

Vespera genuinely enjoys Encore's gentle company. Whether they're discussing fashion, experimenting with makeup, or quietly relaxing after one of Caine's adventures, time spent together always feels peaceful.

She has absolutely noticed the way Noire looks at Encore.

For now...

She's choosing to let things happen naturally.

Jinx

Jinx brings out Vespera's mischievous side like no one else. While she usually presents herself as the sensible one, she's surprisingly willing to participate in harmless pranks if Jinx can convince her they'll get a good laugh.

She'd never admit it...

Arrival: Arrived shortly after Ragatha, before Gangle.

The oldest member of the current cast besides Ragatha and Kinger, Noire has long since accepted that escape may never come. Rather than fighting the Circus itself, she focuses on finding ways to make life within it meaningful—for herself and for everyone else.

Personality

At first glance, Noire is theatrical.

She enjoys making dramatic entrances, speaking in riddles when she's in the mood, and turning even simple conversations into little performances. There's an unmistakable mischievous streak to her, and she genuinely enjoys keeping people guessing.

But beneath the performance is someone surprisingly gentle.

She's patient with newcomers, quick to comfort someone who's struggling, and has become one of the people others naturally drift toward when they need advice. She remembers what it felt like to arrive in the Circus for the first time, and she's determined to make sure nobody has to face that confusion alone.

She doesn't pretend everything is okay.

She simply believes life is easier when someone is willing to smile first.

Emotional State

Years in the Circus have taught Noire that sanity isn't something you keep forever.

It's something you maintain.

She actively works to stay mentally healthy through routines:

Drawing.

Experimenting with her strange television abilities.

Throwing herself into Caine's adventures.

Finding little things to laugh about.

She's learned that sitting still too long gives her mind dangerous places to wander.

Strengths

Highly adaptable.

Athletic and surprisingly agile.

Excellent at reading people's emotions.

Patient teacher for newcomers.

Creative problem solver.

Weaknesses

Bottles up frustration.

Everyone knows, never touch Noire's knobs. Jax does it anyway. Noire absolutely hates it because it's invasive, but Jax thinks it's the funniest thing ever.

Screen Abilities

She can display:

Pixel drawings

Symbols

Emojis

Simple animations

Arrows

Maps

Memories she sketches herself

Little jokes

Emotional Tells

Calm

Smooth screen.

Eyes blink normally.

Happy

Tiny pixel sparkles.

Screen brightness increases slightly.

Eyes become more animated.

Embarrassed

Screen flickers pink.

Little loading icon appears for a split second.

Nervous

Brief static.

Eyes look in different directions.

Angry

Heavy distortion.

Audio crackle.

Screen briefly loses color.

Eyes multiply across the display before settling.

Heartbroken

Screen dims dramatically.

Occasional black frame between blinks.

Voice cuts in and out.

Habits

Tilts her whole television when tilting her head.

Draws when she's thinking.

Uses her screen instead of pointing.

Sits cross-legged on furniture.

Likes climbing things because she can.

Has a habit of absentmindedly tapping one of the knobs on her head while she's deep in thought.

Little Mystery

Noire has an odd habit of occasionally referencing adventures, locations, or conversations that nobody else remembers happening.

Sometimes she'll casually mention a room that doesn't exist anymore, bring up an event the others insist never occurred, or greet someone as though they've had a conversation they don't remember.

Whenever someone points it out, she simply pauses.

"...Did that not happen?"

She never seems to be joking.

Whether she's remembering dreams, forgotten adventures, or something else entirely...

No one knows.

Relationships

Kinger

Noire has always looked up to Kinger, seeing him as both a mentor and a father figure. While many dismiss his ramblings as nonsense, she's learned that beneath the confusion often lies genuine wisdom earned through years of surviving the Circus. She makes a point of listening whenever he wants to talk, even if the conversation takes unexpected turns, and often seeks him out when she's struggling herself.

She wishes more people realized just how much there still is to learn from him.

Ragatha

Ragatha was one of the first people to welcome Noire when she arrived, and she's never forgotten that compassion. Noire admires Ragatha's unwavering desire to help others, even when the Circus gives her every reason to stop caring.

The two have become close friends over the years, often checking in on one another after particularly difficult adventures. While Ragatha tends to wear her heart on her sleeve, Noire often supports her through quieter gestures—a cup of tea, a shared sketchbook, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence.

Gangle

Noire and Gangle bonded almost immediately over their shared love of art, stories, and creative expression. They can easily spend hours discussing films, games, animation, or exchanging sketches, often losing track of time entirely.

Noire admires Gangle's creativity and gently encourages her whenever self-doubt begins to creep in. She only wishes Gangle could see her own talents as clearly as everyone else does.

Zooble

While their personalities couldn't be more different, Noire has developed a quiet respect for Zooble over the years. She understands that socializing doesn't come naturally to everyone and has never expected Zooble to be someone they're not.

As one of the only other nonbinary members of the Circus, Noire feels a quiet sense of solidarity with them. She doesn't pry when Zooble wants to be left alone, but she's always happy to lend a hand if they need one.

Even if Zooble's blunt attitude occasionally gets on her nerves.

Jax

Noire has incredibly mixed feelings about Jax.

On one hand, she finds his constant teasing, practical jokes, and habit of pushing people's buttons absolutely exhausting. He's one of the few people capable of genuinely testing her patience, and she's had to remind herself countless times not to rise to the bait.

On the other hand... She doesn't believe Jax is beyond saving.

Whether he hides behind his sarcasm or simply enjoys causing trouble, Noire still chooses to treat him with basic kindness. She hopes that one day he'll realize he doesn't always have to make himself the punchline—or everyone else.

That said... If he touches the knobs on her television again, all bets are off.

Pomni

Watching Pomni arrive brought back memories Noire thought she'd buried long ago.

She remembers the panic, the disbelief, and the overwhelming feeling that nothing around her made sense. Because of that, Noire has made a quiet effort to be someone Pomni can rely on, offering guidance without overwhelming her or pretending to have all the answers.

She's also secretly delighted that she finally isn't the only jester-themed performer in the Circus. Caine & Bubble

Noire doesn't mind Caine's constant enthusiasm nearly as much as some of the others. She can tell he's genuinely trying to keep everyone entertained, even if his adventures occasionally become exhausting or a little too chaotic. While she does wish the group had more opportunities to simply relax, she appreciates the effort he puts into making every day different.

As for Bubble...

She absolutely adores them.

Bubble's boundless energy, bizarre comments, and unwavering excitement never fail to make her smile. She happily indulges Bubble's antics, often chatting with them as though everything they say makes perfect sense. Whether Bubble is proudly showing off something ridiculous or enthusiastically chiming into a conversation, Noire is almost always happy to play along.

Kaufmo & Ribbit

Before they abstracted, Noire considered both Kaufmo and Ribbit dear friends. While she wasn't part of their closest circle, they shared countless adventures, conversations, and quiet moments together that made the Circus feel just a little less lonely.

Their abstractions hit her harder than she expected.

They're painful reminders that no matter how much time passes, nobody in the Circus is guaranteed another tomorrow. Noire rarely speaks about them, but she quietly keeps little sketches of both tucked away in one of her notebooks.

She refuses to let herself forget the people who made this impossible place feel like home.

Encore

From the moment they met, Noire found herself drawn to Encore's warmth and quiet compassion. Around everyone else, Noire is confident, theatrical, and always ready with a joke—but Encore has an uncanny ability to leave her stumbling over her words.

It's painfully obvious to almost everyone that Noire has a crush on her.

Almost everyone.

Noire is convinced she's doing an excellent job hiding it.

Jinx

Jinx is one of Noire's dearest friends, even if she has a habit of causing trouble wherever she goes. Noire often finds herself chasing after her to prevent the latest disaster, but it's all done with fond exasperation rather than genuine annoyance.

The Circus would feel far too quiet without her.

...Though Noire still wishes she'd stop climbing absolutely everything.

Vespera

Vespera is Noire's closest friend and the person she trusts more than anyone else in the Circus. The two don't need constant conversation to enjoy each other's company; simply existing together is enough.

Whenever one of them is struggling, the other somehow notices without needing to be told.