~ Ğяǝÿsɯıʇɥ }} ḋεṿïαи¢ε υиḋεɾ τhε вïģ τøρ {{ ₮ɐℓıи ~

[Talin]

>> Pavla || Marie || Ibanescu <<​

Pavla knew it was true, she had all the signs. She wrung her hands in her lap and sat waiting for him to arrive. He would know what to do, he always did. At 22 she was dependent upon him to figure it out. Looking up as he entered with sad, tearful brown eyes she saw the scorn in his eyes. Inwardly she cringed, and shied away from him, sinking into the chair that sat opposite his desk. She watched as he hung his hat on the peg in the small wagon he used as his office.

“You wanted to see me?” Petre asked, his deep voice showing his age as he stared at her, dark black eyes sweeping over her. He licked his lips, he would have to have her after this meeting, it had been too long since he had felt her body shudder against his. “Pavla!” He said gaining her attention with his sharp tone. “Speak up I’m, a busy man.”

“I’m with child,” the girl stated softly, she pulled her flowing dress tighter against her small frame. The bulge of her belly visible, she caught her head in her hands and cried.

“Is this what you wanted to tell me, that you are a harlot, one that can’t keep her legs together. TELL ME!” he glared at her while inside he panicked. “What is it you expect me to do? You brought this on yourself!” His words were harsh, he knew her lover, he knew her parents, he knew every painful detail. His wife’s face flashed in his head, he shook it away.

“The child is your Petre… Father please…” her voice cracked and she sobbed all the harder.

Rising her moved toward her, patting her head he let his mind move over his transgressions. It was true, she was his daughter, but not by blood. He was her only lover, of this he was sure. He clenched and unclenched his jaw. A small flicker of hope in the dark lit and sparked. “Stay here, I may have a solution.” He watched as she nodded and responded, “Good girl.” Whistling he moved through the maze that was their home, temporary here but always the same once set up.

The ringmaster moved past tents until he reached the one he wanted. Patting his hand on the cloth he entered without much waiting. The man he sought was inside, he was sure. The smirk that crossed his lips was downright devious, what woman would want the freak that stood before him. “Dmitry, I need your help, actually it’s Pavla. She is in trouble.” He scowled and sat across from the much larger form rubbing his head, resting his tall hat on his knee. “She has lain with a married man and is with child, I need a husband for her, someone discreet.” Petre hoped his plan would work. “She is in my wagon, we cannot afford to wait, her belly swells as we tarry.”

The young woman sat in the wagon alone, worry painted her every feature. She hoped her step father would be able to right his wrong. She knew he would try to blame her; none of it had been her fault. Her mother would blame her, he’d said. He was forceful and it scared her. She still remembered the shame each time it happened. Now everything was ruined, he’d always been able to come up with solutions in the past and hoped today would be no different. She heard him yell her name and she moved, opening the door to the wagon she stepped out. “Yes father?”

 

[Wuffie]

The energy around the circus lately had been one of deep regret for the past few months, they had lost many of their best performers to new, more up and coming circus troupes, with more money, larger tents and more outrageous performances. So, the company had to fall back on the main money maker in these operations, the freaks. They were always a sure buck to be made, people willing to pay the nickel to see these poor abominations of nature again and again, without thought to how they were mistreated, undernourished and without the proper rights of regular people. But they had nothing else in life, nowhere else to go, they would be begging for pennies on the street if it were not for the circus.

Dmitry knew this world all too well. The beautiful, dainty horseback riders and handsome, powerful lion tamers earned top shilling, traveling in their own private caravan while the likes of himself and the other freaks were relegated to simple makeshift tents to be their dwellings while on the road, which they almost exclusively were. He stood in his tent, neck bent forward so as to not graze the top of it with his head, arms extended forward and locked with one of the hunchbacks, his arm flexing forward and pushing the hunchbacks long arm over his head, so that the man let out a cry of pain, holding it there for a few seconds before releasing it, the man’s hand went to hold his shoulder instinctively, struggling over the cumbersome weight of his hump to look up at Dmitry’s face.

“Thank you, old friend. That shoulder seems to pop out of place all the more often lately.” The hunchback spoke with a fine voice, so juxtaposed with the shape of his body, the malformation of his face, one eye higher than the other, and a nose turned up like that of swine.

“Not a problem Gustav. I’m always happy to help.” Dmitry spoke with a thick Russian accent, but his English was without fault. He had come to America many years previous, but had to shake the timbre of his roots. He sat back on a stool, the wood creaked beneath the heft of his weight, pulling out a bottle of amber liquid, and pouring a small amount into two glasses, offering one of them to Gustav. “This will help you feel better.” He assured the hunchback, both taking the shots at the same time, Dmitry was unfazed by the burn or bitterness of the liquid, instead raising his lips to the bottle and taking another swig.

“Best be careful with that friend, should the ringmaster see it. You know how he feels about your drinking.” Gustav warned, causing Dmitry to scowl somewhat, but stoppering the bottle and putting it away. He had sworn off heavy drinking months ago, ever since the accident… He didn’t want to think about it. Needless to say, someone his size with his temper should never be allowed to drink more than his fill.

They were interrupted then, the ringmaster entering his tent without much introduction. The information he was given at that time however was far more than he would have ever liked to hear. Gustav tipped his bowler hat, stepping out of the tent so that the two could speak in private.

“Pavla? Are you sure? She seems like such a good girl….” But his words were already lost on the man, who was returning down the path that he came. Dmitry stood, pulling his worn coat over broad shoulders. His clothing definitely left something to be desired. Clean, but tattered and threadbare, nothing but a simple pair of black trousers, now almost grey, and a button down white shirt, looking a bit more crème than white, washed so many times with lye soap. But he was not your average man, all of his clothing had to be custom made, for a man that stood on the precipice of 7 feet was not exactly the norm.

He exited the tent running a hand through his chestnut hair, it was long, almost past his shoulders, kept that way to go with his act, a giant, and barbarian strongman didn’t have a clean cut image. Deep blue eyes scanned before him before catching on the ringmaster, taking a few quick steps to catch up to him. The pair paused outside his tent, where he called for his step daughter. Dmitry looked down at the ground, catching a glimpse of himself in the muddy puddle outside of the ringmasters’ lavish tent. He was massive, fear was the only thing he seemed to elicit from women, despite having fairly proportional features to that of a regular person. Nose was straight and slightly upturned, His cheekbones where high on his face, a strong chin and all of his teeth was far more than some of the other individuals which who called his circus home. But still, he wasn’t…. Normal.

He looked up again when the tent flaps opened, stepping out the lovely form of Pavla. His chest felt tight when he saw her, partly in shame, the other in anger. Was this her punishment? To be relegated to marrying the likes of him? He scowled at the ringmaster, whose devious grin made it all too clear he wished to make the girls life miserable. Well, Dmitry thought, if this girl was to be punished by marrying him, he would be sure to live up to the title.

 

[Talin]

Pavla saw Dmitry standing with her father, the “giant”, stepping out she stood across from Petre. “You’ll marry him, raise the baby as his, be with him.” Petre sneered and leaned closer hugging her as he whispered the things he would do to her if she told the truth, then he added in a final threat about her new husband. “I will have him thrown from the circus, you will both be nothing if I hear a word breathed about this..” he shoved her using her stomach to propel her into Dmitry.

Pavla felt the pain from the shove and she collapsed at his feet crying, she felt more shame than she had ever felt in her entire life. He was as much to blame, but nothing could be said, no fingers pointed. she sobbed on the muddy earth surrounding her betrothed’s feet. “Get up Pavla, you’re getting married tomorrow, tonight you will sleep on the floor of his tent, tomorrow you will do as he says. Make him happy, stay faithful.” She looked up, dark hair blowing across her face, the strands dancing in the breeze as she watched Petre’s back move into his office.

Her brown eyes turned looking at the mud squished in her hands. she didn’t know Dmitry or any of the other males, she wasn’t allowed, it was improper. Yet the one that had hurt her, destroyed her reputation was her own family member. Her flowered dress was a mess, dirt streaked her bare legs. Her eyes followed up his large body, “I will need to gather my things from my mother’s tent.” she rose slowly and stood looking up at him. She had no fear, she wasn’t afraid of any of the freaks, though Petre had tried instilling it in her. “I am not sure why you would want me for your wife, what promises he made, know that I am sorry to bring my shame to your good name.” Her tears were gone but her small nose was red, as well as her eyes.

Pavla walked the short distance to her mother’s tent, her mother was rarely there. She stayed in the larger tent her stepfather had while Pavla refused to share. Her dark eyes met those of her mothers. they looked alike only 20 years difference. Pavla opened her mouth to say something, but her mother held her hand up to silence her. The sadness in her mother’s eyes was hard to deal with. Her mother’s hard slap was unexpected and sent Pavla into more tears. Standing only at five feet even her mother, an acrobat, towered over her. “A married man… I raised you better than that, get your things… I no longer wish to see you.” her mother gestured to her bags and a box near the front flaps.

Grabbing her things she ran from the tent, one hand clasped over the red handprint on her cheek. He’d made sure she had nowhere to go but with Dmitry. Her heart sank at the thought of isolation; no doubt the other workers knew or would know, by morning. Dragging the heavy bag behind her she stood next to him. “I am ready.” She stood looking at her feet, the only thing left were what the future held. The man before her made her nervous. Her eyes followed up his long frame again, she smiled slightly, softly.

 

[Wuffie]

The strange actions between the stepfather and daughter were something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on, but something definitely wasn’t right. The shame on the girls face, her tears, and things just didn’t add up, and who was this married man with whom she had lain? No talk had floated around the tents, and it was quite a microcosm, so news, especially the bad kind, travelled quickly and with vigor. His eyes followed her as her father threw her to the ground, his mouth fell open to protest, but when his own livelihood was put into question, he shut it quickly. This was certainly not what he had in mind when the Ringmaster asked for his assistance, but he could not question it, lest he was tossed out, and then she would be in an even worse situation than she was right now.

When she fell into the mud, he quickly extended his hand, but she pulled herself up on her own. She was so, so very small compared to himself, just reaching the top of his solar plexus. He was shocked that the tiny girl would have to somehow deal with him…. It was certainly not an ideal situation, but now both of their homes and income were on the line. When she spoke, his eyes rose to her face, seeing the tears and mud streaking her visage. It caught pain in his heart, seeing another human being like this, and his original distain for these… normal people, was put on hold. She was as much an outcast as himself at that moment, but he was unsure of how long something like that would last.

“He promised me very little, I assure you. Though a tainted bride isn’t exactly what I would call a prize, given my… disposition in life, I’m doubtful I would have ever married unless forced.” He was talking behind her as she walked inside her mother’s tent, he waited outside, it was improper for him to enter without being invited. He heard the slap, cringing at the sound, only to have her emerge moments later with a suitcase and reddened cheek, tears still streaming down the girls lovely face. He took the bag from her small hand, nodding his head to the east, toward his tent. “Come… We will get you cleaned up. “ he spoke softly, now was not the time to be aggressive with the girl, or she might run, and then he would most assuredly be removed from the circus.

He lead her through the maze of tents, twisting and turning until they came to a small alcove, a semi-circle of small tents, all surrounding a large fire, logs and stumps surrounding it as stools, there was a large pot over the center, which a hideous woman with a straggly beard was tending to. There was a plethora of creature like human beings in this area, hunchbacks, little people, mutated faces and forms all just trying to get by in a simple life. He directed her to the tent on the left, opening its flaps and escorting her and her things inside. It was a simple living quarter, a bed, a makeshift table topped with a washing basin, stool, and another more formal desk which was stacked with books of all kinds, many of them in Russian, dog eared, dirty and worn. Also on this desk stood a collection of empty liquor bottles.

“I’m.. Sorry you’ve been relegated to the likes of this… Its no place for a lady.” He spoke with his own shame, running a hand through his thick locks, the other resting on his hip. “Clean yourself up, Gorianna is almost done with a stew…. You’ll feel better after a full stomach.” He knew she probably wouldn’t, but he couldn’t come up with the words at that moment to comfort her, he doubted he ever would. They would just have to make due for now.

 

[Talin]

Hearing he didn’t even want her as a bride, made everything that much harder. Knowing he felt forced didn’t make it easier either. Pavla readjusted the box and followed the man to his tent, at least he was kind toward her. “Thank you,” Her voice was soft; she kept her head low as they walked. Everyone knew who she was, but none knew of her predicament. She rubbed a hand over her swollen belly and fell in line behind the tall man that led the way.

The fire they came too looked warm and a chill ran down her spine, she smiled at the woman cooking and even though she was ignored would make it a point to befriend her. Following Dmitry into the tent she looked around at what would be her new home. It wasn’t what she was used to, but it would do. Her brown eyes looked up at him, she felt tiny compared to the man. “It is not your fault that I am here; it was my father’s decision. I will be happy and quiet.” she looked around once more and smiled. “I will not make troub…” Stopping in mid word she shook her head and let her eyes fall as she pulled her dress tight over her belly. “We will not make trouble for you.”

Moving to the basin she found it already had water in it. Turning she rummaged in her bag for clean clothes and placed them on the table with a rag. Stripping the filthy clothes off she let them fall in a pile to the side of the table. Moving quickly she washed away the mud and got redressed. Moving to the bag she pulled out a pillow and a small handmade quilt. Soon she had pulled the rumpled blankets smooth and fluffed the pillows he had. the rug at the side of the bed she picked up and dusted off. Dropping her pillow and the blanket she made it as comfortable as possible.

Going to the box she pulled out a jewelry box, it was small and white, something her real father had made it for her 12th birthday, a few months before he died. She opened the lid and smiled as it played its song, she sat it on the desk amongst his things. Hoping he wouldn’t mind. The brown pants she slid on her form were comfortable as was the large white shirt she wore now as well. Slipping her dainty feet into the flats she had in her box, she pulled a green shawl from it as well and moved out of the tent, where she assumed Dmitry had wandered off to. Approaching the older woman she offered her assistance.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” The look on her face was not one of shock or horror, she had seen the woman around, all of the sideshows, but never been able to talk with them. She simply smiled and moved toward the bread the woman pointed at. Nodding as though they spoke a secret language she added a piece to the hand of each who grabbed a bowl ladled up by the woman. Smiling at each as well, some stared back curiously and others chose to ignore her altogether. She handed the woman a piece of the bread and took the offered bowl. With a smile and a nod she moved off and away to find a small place around the fire. She sat next to a hunchback and another male she knew to be the elephant man. She smiled politely and dipped into her stew.

The flavor was not what she was used to but being the only thing the group had she understood. Looking around the fire she found Dmitry and smiled softly, until someone asked her a question. She only nodded, the woman had asked her if it was too her liking. She ate her fill and gave the scraps left over to a skinny dog that approached. Its fur was matted and he seemed to have a limp. A midget approached, female, and pulled the dog away apologizing profusely. She ate her bread in silence. She wondered if they had questioned Dmitry about her presence, she knew they would not come to her, it was not proper. The few that had ignored her either still did so or glared at her angrily. It was to be expected, they knew who her father was.

Picking up her bowl she moved to the low bucket of soapy water and washed it and her spoon. sitting them with the few others to dry she moved to Dmitry’s side. She placed a small hand on his shoulder and waited for him to acknowledge her, “I am going to bed now, father will likely be by in the morning to gather us for the ceremony. I don’t expect it to be much.” She waited to hear what he had to say then leaning down she kissed his cheek, “Thank you and goodnight.” Moving to the tent she glanced over her shoulder one last time before pulling the flaps closed behind her. Extinguishing the lantern she curled up on the rug. She lay there in her shirt only with just the small blanket covering her form when he entered the tent, his shadow stretching over the interior from the fire outside.

 

[Wuffie]

When Pavla returned to the fire, he looked over to her, watching as she took a bowl of stew, he himself was already siting, a large hand grasping the bottom of a tin bowl, shoveling a spoonful into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully, adding a mouthful of bread. His eyes were glued to her form, unable to shake the odd feeling in the put of his stomach. This was an unbearable set up; she did not belong here, with them, abominations of nature neglected by god and man. She took a seat away from him he noticed, a discontented huff leaving his lungs. She couldn’t even bear to sit with him, how were they supposed to marry? He thought to himself. She interacted with them stoically, they, with fear, confusion as to why the ringmasters daughter would be eating with them. But no questions were asked yet; they conversed quietly amongst one another.

Eventually they finished, cleaning up their messes and stoking the fire a few times, to give them some heat for the ensuing night. He felt a small warmth on his shoulder, looking up to see Pavla standing above where he sat. She spoke, her voice soft, he opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by the soft warmth of her lips on his cheek, a shocked look coming over his face, he blinked a few times.

“Goodnight…” He muttered, watching her wander off into the darkness, disappearing inside his tent.

It wasn’t more than a few seconds after she left that Dmitry was surrounded by his fellow freaks, all looking very curious and concerned about the girls presence.

"What is she doing here?!” Gustav demanded, the others agreed profusely.

“Well, apparently I am to marry her. Tomorrow, in fact. Her father demands it of me, or else we are both getting tossed out on our arses.” It was a bitter fact to swallow, speaking it out loud now, the taste of it in his mouth was foul, and he thirsted for the warm burn of rum.

“But… Why? Why would he force her to marry…. You?” Glorianna questioned with a perplexed look on her face, Dmitry shook his head, a shrug flowing over his strong, broad shoulders. Her words stung, the idea of Pavla being forced into his life, his tent… His bed. He wanted none of it. The likes of her.. Of any proper woman, wouldn’t have anything to do with him if given the chance. His hand balled into a fist.

“I don’t know dammit! To punish her.” He yelled at the lot of them, his deep baritone was enough to startle any one when rose. He calmed as much as he could, taking a deep breath before starting again. “She.. is with child. The father is apparently a married man. So, her father abandoned her, forcing me to look after her and the child.” He took another deep breath, someone finally pushing a bottle in his direction, He thanked and cursed aloud in Russian, taking the stopper out of the bottle and drinking deeply of the contents. “So.. Here we are. I am to marry her. Tomorrow. Wether she, or I, want it or not.”

He lowered his head into his hands, the bottle still gripped in one of them, unwilling to let the comfort go. He took another swig, the midget woman taking a step forward and pulling his massive hand down from his face, petting it lovingly with her tiny one. “Don’t worry dearest. The lord has a plan for us all.” She said simply, suddenly looking like a thought came over her, before she smiled at him, petting his hand once again, before disappearing into the darkness and to her tent.

Dmitry remorsed a little more, continuing to drink himself into a state of not caring, until the Regina, the midget lady re-emerged from her tent, scurrying over to him, her hand clasped around and small object. He looked at her through half closed eyes; she took his hand again, placing a tiny object in it. He put the now empty bottle down, using that hand to pick up the shining metal, and upon closer inspection realizing it was a golden band, a small sparkling diamond in its center. Blinking away his intoxication, he shook his head, unwilling to take an object that was clearly being saved for harder times.

“Don’t worry dear.” Regina demanded, putting her hands up in front of her. “Can’t have a young woman being married with no ring, it’s not right.” She smiled, causing Dmitry to smile back, grasping her in a single armed hug, before standing, placing the object in his pocket, and returning to his tent. He stood outside the door for a moment, taking a deep breath before opening the flap, taking a step into the darkness inside. He almost tripped over her at first, forgetting in his drunken stupor that her father told her to sleep on his floor. Unwilling to have her sleep like a dog, he leaned her, a strong arm slipping beneath her shoulder blades, the other under the crook of her legs. He could feel the sudden warmth of her skin against his arm when he picked her up, forcing himself to not let hands wander.

He placed her on his bed, taking his own blanket onto the floor, leaving her with her pillow and blanket on his bed. “Please… Take the bed. Trust me, once I lie down it won’t matter where I am, I will sleep.” He chuckled a bit, lying down on the floor next to the bed, pulling a pillow beneath his head, and before he could even wish her goodnight, had passed out.

 

[Talin]

Pavla startled and placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself in his arms, the strength beneath her palms was enough to crush her. a shiver ran her spine as he placed her on the bed so gently. His words were interesting to her. “Dmitry?” she said softly in the dark tent. She heard a noise as the male slumped and fell into a deep sleep. Pavla could hear voices whispering outside for long after she was supposed to be asleep, but she couldn’t. The child within her stirred and kept her up. His bed was comfortable, but she knew if her father came in and saw her there he would be unhappy about it. With a small sigh she moved back down to the floor.

Finding her way to his side she curled up against his warmth. Under her own blanket she slept against his larger frame, her small body almost unseen as she fell into a deep sleep. The morning bustle woke her with a start. She could hear some of the side-show artists practicing their acts and others doing their home tasks. Laundry and chores still had to be done, Pavla knew this. her brown eyes blinked in surprise as the flaps were pushed aside.

“What’s this?” her father bellowed. The sneer and pure anger on his face caused her to cringe.

“I was on the floor… he put me on the bed, said it didn’t matter to him where he slept, but I didn’t want to disobey.” her eyes were kept low, as she heard him growl. “It is not his fault; I curled up to him… I was scared and cold.”

“You feel safe… with him?” He sneered down at her. He kicked at the end of the blanket to rouse the sleeping giant. “You slept with her, on the floor… isn’t that sweet.” his voice was vehement. “Get dressed, the minister is here.” He moved back out the flaps, his voice could be heard talking roughly with those gathered about.

Pavla spurred into action; grabbing the basin she rushed out the flaps and dumped the old water out. Moving back inside she grabbed the pitcher and filled it with more water. it was cold but it would have to do. A blush was upon her cheeks as she moved through the gathered carnies. She’d forgotten she was only wearing an old shirt of her fathers and nothing more. She secured the flaps and struck a match to light the lantern. Stripping her clothing she washed herself , it didn’t matter to her that Dmitry was there. In a few hours they would be married so her body would no longer be hidden from him.

Her cheeks rose in color as she avoided his gaze. Her body had changed so much recently and it was horrifying. The plain dress she put on was white with small pink flowers and she pulled her hair back and secured it in a bun. She opened her jewelry box, the band that was her fathers was tucked inside a secret compartment. Pavla wasn’t sure it would fit him but at least he could wear it on a chain or perhaps she could get someone to melt it down and make him a new one from it, either way it would have to do.

“I am sorry that I am forced upon you, a girl that you don’t even want. I will stay out of your way as much as possible.” She ducked through the flaps and back out into the dreary morning. She hadn’t noticed it earlier, but the clouds hung low in the sky and were heavy, much like her heart. She wondered if she could tell him the truth, if it would even matter. The way she felt about it all was numb. She felt him approach and turned from him to dry her eyes as the minister cleared his throat.

Everything was interrupted by the little midget woman who pulled her aside with the help of the cook. Adding a few more things so the bride looked more that part. “Thank you,” was all she could say as the duo gave her a veil and replaced her dress with a simple white one. a bunch of artificial flowers were grouped with a handkerchief and she was looked over.

“There is a bride,” The midget cooed.

“Very beautiful,” insisted Glorianna. As the duo ushered her back out.

Lifting her soft gaze to his she stepped up to Dmitry and the minister. Placing her hand in his as instructed the ceremony began. Soft words of devotion, pledges to honor and obey and vows of love were all said between the duo. Pavla held up the ring and handed it to Dmitry, she didn’t want to force it on and hurt him. Petre’s eyes went wide in disbelief and jealousy as he gave his daughter and child to the giant man. he wanted to stop the wedding but knew it was in all of their best interests not to.

 

[Wuffie]

The morning arrived with a start; Dmitry had barely had time to recover from his inebriation before the flaps of his tent were thrown open, the bellow of the ringmaster ringing in his ears. His eyes flew open, unable to focus for a moment, blinking a few times before the form of his aggressor came into focus. His head was pounding, the effects of last night’s sprawl into his new life catching up with him painfully, his strong hand rising to his forehead with a cringe. It took a moment for him to realize that the warmth of the form next to him was Pavla, and he was sad to see her get up so quickly, rushing to gather her things and begin preparations for the day. Petre bellowed a few more times, Dmitry was still not completely awake enough to make it all out, sitting up, still holding his head in his hands with a grunt of effort.

He stood eventually, looking around him as Pavla scuttled about, she disappeared, returning with an empty wash bin and filling it with cold water, removing her clothing and beginning to wash herself. Dmitry averted his eyes at first, looking anywhere but at the nude body of his soon to be new bride. Eventually however he could not help himself, azure orbits scanning over her, taking in the slim lines of her back, then to the small bulge of her belly. He frowned instantaneously, she was thin, frail looking, she didn’t have near enough fat on her body, especially to support the new life brewing inside of her. But Dmitry remained quiet, taking off his own shirt when she was finished cleaning, to follow suit. His chest was firm, muscled and with little else to distract from his form other than a little dark hair dappling his pectoral muscles. He cleaned himself up quickly, rinsing down and searching about his trunk of clothing for something appropriate for the day, needless to say he had not been prepared to be getting married. The only thing he possessed was a brown three piece suit, and with a sigh he donned the garments, smoothing down the wrinkles as best he could and tightening his tie, he ran his hand through long hair, trying back the brown strands at the nape his neck, a brave attempt at looking as normal as he could.

Taking a deep breath, he emerged into the sunlight of the morning; he blinked rapidly, his headache returning with vigor. He dammed the liquor from the night before; swearing to himself for what must have been the thousandth time that he would not drink more than his fill again. There was a crowd outside, all of them walking in one general direction toward the side tent, which normally displayed the lion tamer on a great stage, but today there stood none but a minister, dressed in the usual black garb of one of the church. He cleared his throat, climbing the stairs onto the small stage, bowing his head gently to the minister, while the crowd of onlookers seemed confused by this sudden marriage. He looked down at his feet, until the crowd seemed to hush slightly, looking up he watched the lovely form of Pavla climbing the stairs to stand opposite him, he dark hair covered by a thin veil, covering her face, obscuring her from his vision. They both stood there somewhat awkwardly, until the Minister took his hands and hers, merging them together.

The vows felt forced, merely repeating them after the minister, unable to put much emphasis into them, his eyes however remained squarely on Pavla. She looked positively radiant in her white dress, despite how it was ill-fitting, the flowers in her hands makeshift and worn, and the veil somewhat crumpled. Even beneath all of this he could feel his heart flutter when her hands sat in his, petite and warm, he gave them a gentle squeeze, as if trying to reassure her. He was pulled from his thoughts when the light glinted on the gold band, his mouth twitched a little, almost revealing a smile, taking the small object from her and examining it for a second, before lifting up his left hand, and pushing it on to his pinky finger. It just fit, barely, a little too tight, but he flexed his fingers before they dived into his pocket, pulling up his own gift to her. He took her small hand, placing the ring on the proper finger, it seemed as though it might be a little too big, but left it there regardless, taking her hand in his again.

“And so, by the power vested in me by our lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce you man and wife.” Dmitry’s heart pounded in his chest, looking down to Pavla apologetically. “You may kiss the bride.” The minister finished, Dmitry stalled for a moment, before bending down to her slightly, his large hands gingerly lifting the veil, looking into her large, beautiful eyes for a moment, before leaning forward, taking her small lips against his own, holding the meek kiss for a moment before releasing it, unable to look her in the eyes, Dmitry felt as if he had stolen it. The crowd clapped as was customary, throwing some rice and milling away from the congregation area, Dmitry still holding Pavla’s hands in his own, mouth open as if to speak, but unable to form any words to comfort her at that moment. “Well… We are married.” was all he could say.

 

[Talin]

Pavla’s heart fluttered in her chest, the white dress hung off of her frame much like an ill fit on a makeshift doll, but she was thankful to the two women. In her time of need they had helped her out and she would return the favor when, and if, possible. She felt the squeeze of hid large hands over hers and her thoughts pulled to him. Dmitry wasn’t as bad as he could have been, she felt his heart was good and that was all that truly mattered. Glancing out to her step-father, she knew the man that held her hands now wouldn’t harm her like Petre had. If anything she was sure he would try to protect her. Marrying her off had been the best for her, she was another man’s wife and he could not demand her to his bed without the side show artists banning together. Together they could ruin the circus and all would be left was not much. Turning her gaze to Dmitry she saw him slide the ring into place as best as possible. She would talk to the ladies about a bit of cording.

The ring he pulled out however shocked her, “Oh my…” she whispered softly. It was too big but another bit of cording would make it fit properly. She smiled behind her veil. Brown eyes lifted to his blue as the minister spoke about her being his wife. Relief swept through her, she thought of the safety she felt the night before just lying next to him. She saw the sad way he looked at her; he didn’t even want to kiss her. Dropping her eyes to her hands she stared at the new object and held back her tears. As the veil rose, so did her eyes. Looking up at him in this way she was sure they looked very large, almost too large for her thin face. Rising on her toes she pressed her lips to his, they were warm and soft, not at all what she had expected from him.

Her heart fluttered in her chest as she lost her balance and pressed a small hand to his stomach before the kiss was through. Pavla’s cheek blushed. The light pink tint covered both her cheeks as she turned to follow him down the stairs. The rice was tossed and flecked both of their dark hair, the veil saving Pavla’s hair. She looked up at him expectantly, though she wasn’t sure what she expected him to say. her hands felt so small and fragile in his. She nodded, but before she could speak her step-father chimed in.

“Yes, you two are married. Tonight is a special night.” He circled the two of them and laughed as Pavla moved closer to Dmitry. “Because tonight is such a special night I have given you each an extra performance.” He sneered at Pavla.

Absentmindedly she rubbed her belly, she had not been performing because she was ill and now that she was known to be with child, she wasn’t sure it was safe. Her worried filled eyes looked up at Dmitry and then back to her father as she nodded, “I understand.” She gave his hand a squeeze. Her father laughed and moved away. Pavla knew he wanted her married, but a true marriage was not what he had in mind. “I need to practice; I have not been in the box for some time.” She was a contortionist and performed in the main tent, she was one of the regular acts. Smiling over her shoulder she moved to speak with Glorianna and Elizabeth, the midget woman.

Smiling she walked to him and tugged the ring off of his pinky gently. The flesh was purple-red and she rubbed it gently, she slid the ring onto the length of leather and looped it around the ring and then tied it in a knot. “Now it should fit.” She slid her own off and wound yarn around the band and slid it on when it was tight enough. She tucked the ends in and moved toward their tent. She slid on her practice outfit which was just a little too tight, deciding it would stretch she folded the dress and veil and returned them and headed toward the main tent. The band was light on her finger but felt heavy.

That night she stepped from her second set and felt lightheaded and exhausted. Glorianna found her heading to her tent, a thick robe slung over her shoulders to ward off the cool night air. “Come on dearie let’s get you tucked into bed.” Pavla mumbled something, but the older woman could not hear it nor understand it. An hour later Pavla was screaming and shaking, her stomach convulsing and going concave as her muscles spasmed. Elizabeth found her on the rug and knew what was going on. She sent Glorianna after Dmitry and helped Pavla through the pain of delivery. Her small body expelling the form of the developing child, her sallow face was a sharp contrast to the dark shirt she wore. It was a sad moment.

 

[Wuffie]

There small moment together was quickly dispelled as Petre approached them. Pavla seemed to instinctively come closer to him, his hands left hers to come around her shoulder, blue eyes rising to meet with the cold stare of the ringmaster. They were both assigned an extra set, to which he growled in his throat.

“But she can’t, the child-“ He was put to silence with a menacing gaze, lowering his head to her, pulling her form a little closer to himself. He knew she shouldn’t perform, shouldn’t do much of anything in her condition… she was so frail, He feared for her getting inside that small box, compressing her insides, it was dangerous even when not with child. But there was nothing she could to, nothing he could do to protect her from the one that provided both of their livelihoods. So with a deep sigh of regret the two parted ways, his hands not wanting to leave her, as though if he held her, then no harm would come to her.

He went back to his tent, taking out the barbarian costume and donning it, nothing more than a fur loincloth and belt to hold it in place, Dmitry felt ridiculous in the thing every time he put it on, but it went with the act, and definitely attracted the attention of those who frequented the freak show. His act consisted mainly of lifting multiple people, heavy weights and wrangling one of the young elephants. Having to force a smile on his face that night was almost more than he could bare, thoughts constantly travelling back to Pavla, hoping she wasn’t straining herself.

By the end of the night, and through completing his second run through, Dmitry was sore and worn. He went inside the main side show tent, looking around for a washbasin, finding one in the corner and cleansing the sweat from his body, beginning to change back into his normal attire. He had only just gotten his trousers on when Glorianna found, him, her hand coming up to her chest with relief.

“There you are! Come, hurry, its Pavla, she’s delivering.” She breathed out, Dmitry was just putting on his shirt when the words reached him, his heart almost stopping in his chest.

“Wh-what?” He stammered, Glorianna simply nodded, he shot passed her, still barefoot and half-dressed running back to his tent where she lay on the carpet. The sight was painful; red was all that met his eyes. Dmitry fell to his knees on her side, still breathing heavily from his sprint. “You should have never- the box, it was too-“ He couldn’t finish his sentence, eyes welling up as his hand stroked her hair, she was in so much pain… And there was nothing he could do. Elizabeth passed him a cool cloth, which he stroked her forehead with, dabbing her cheeks. He rested her head on his lap, trying to make her more comfortable. His eyes rose to Elizabeth, questioning her with his eyes.

“The child is lost…. It should be over soon.” She said sadly, looking at Glorianna who was dabbing her eyes with the apron of her chest. He couldn’t bring himself to speak, simply stroking her hair, trying to bring peace to her in whatever way possible. Her screams echoed in his head, closing his eyes and forcing tears away, until eventually her screams turned to sniffles; he couldn’t be positive that the horror was over, but from the sounds of it her agony was coming to an end. Dmitry tried to meet her deep brown eyes, but she didn’t seem to be all there quite yet, continuing to hold her as best he could while Elizabeth and Glorianna cleaned up, the sad remains of a life that would never be being removed from the tent, to be buried tomorrow he was sure.

“She needs rest. Lots of it.” Glorianna advised, Dmitry pulling her up onto the bed, covering her with blankets. “She may fever, may become erratic, or may simply sleep for days. I don’t know.” She was clearly worn, needing her own sleep, Elizabeth bowed her head, exiting as well, leaving Pavla and Dmitry alone. He pulled up a stool, sitting next to the bed where she lay, chewing on the top of his thumb nervously, unable to take his eyes off of her. Would she be alright, was all he could think.

 

[Talin]

Pavla’s heard Dmitry as he dropped to her side; her eyes were closed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her small hands were white in their gripping of the rug beneath her. She didn’t care that she was exposed to three strangers. She felt her head against him and his helping. It was more than she ever expected from him. In all honesty she wasn’t sure he’d even have come in, most men kept out and called it ladies business. Thankful that he was there; his bit of strength was needed and wanted. Hearing Elizabeth say it didn’t bring as much sadness as one would have suspected. Relief that she wouldn’t be having her step-father’s child filled her. She would grieve because the child was part of her, though she understood it wasn’t the child’s fault. The sadness she felt from the others touched her, they didn’t know the full situation and would never, if it could be helped. Pain surged through her from her chest to her tailbone. The contractions working as nature intended.

She screamed, Elizabeth having already told her it was to be expected and they would understand. The pain caused her to become lucid and very lethargic. Pavla felt as though she could have slept for days and yet the process wasn’t over with. She saw him leaning over her and tried to focus but her eyes were bleary and blurred in her state of pain. Silently she prayed that her step father would stay away, he wasn’t something she needed, much less wanted, to deal with. Though the way things were going for her lately she knew it would happen. She watched as they cleaned up the remains of her child and felt Dmitry’s hands on her still, comforting and caring. Feeling surrounded she couldn’t move to even thank him, her mouth tried to form words but not even a whisper came out.

After about an hour Pavla’s eyes opened, red surrounding the brown from the strain of birth on her small body. The light was low in the tent, but she felt his presence. Her limbs ached from bracing herself as she pushed so movement was little. Turning her head she caught sight of him, her face crumpled slightly, but she smiled softly. “It’s for the best,” she whispered hoarsely. Her hand moved out to take his. Tears fell, “Don’t let him have me, please.” Her eyes pleaded with him a moment before focusing on something behind him. He wouldn’t need to turn around, the real show was about to begin.

Petre swept in with her mother, who rushed to her side and cooed and started making a fuss. “Did the big bad man hurt my Pavvy?” she said and glared at Dmitry. Turning her eyes to her daughter again she smiled, “It’s alright, Mommy’s here lovey.” Pavla held to Dmitry’s hand, though she stared blankly at her mother. Her step-father was still taking it all in. Looking up she watched as his hand came to rest on Dmitry’s shoulder.

“You were a good husband to here while we needed you, happily, now, you are not needed. I will pay you kindly for you accommodating us but since the marriage was never … fully taken to, then we shall have it quietly annulled. It’s good to know that we have a man like you to count on in our needs.” Petre turned the attention to his wife and daughter, though his eyes focused on Pavla more. “Pavla, gather your things, we are leaving… Now.”

“No,” her eyes met Dmitry’s, “Our marriage is full… before the stage.” She knew what she was doing; at least she hoped she did.

“So then HE is to blame for the loss of our… your child. Consummating your marriage so soon, you must be starved for attention. No matter, we can lie and say it wasn’t, he was just doing as told.” Petre glared at him.

Petre, she just lost the babe, I daresay she can barely walk. Took me three days to walk straight and mine lived.” She patted her daughter’s cheek roughly. “We can come back and get her tomorrow, of course we best check with her husband.” Pavla heard her mother’s word become slurred with cruel laughter.

“No, I can’t. I won’t do that to him, it gives me a bad…” She spoke softly, slowly in her defense.

“What?” Petre roared, half with anger and the other half in hostile amusement. “You ruined your reputation when you opened your legs to that man. Was his wife not doing her job? Did he want just a taste Pavla?”

She dropped her gaze to their clenched hands, shame filled her and she dropped his hand. Her eyes were sad. He knew she would never speak about it in front of her mother. Determined not to go with them she would runaway first, but something occurred to her that hadn’t in the past. Would they punish Dmitry for her leaving? Knowing they would never take the blame for it was likely the obvious choice. She felt torn. “You can’t give me over and take me away, it’s not fair to him.”

 

[Wuffie]

They say news travels fast, and bad news like wildfire. This particular bad news was like a bullet into the darkness. She had barely had time to come to before Petre and his wife were barging into Dmitry’s tent, fawning over his daughter as if she had been lost and was suddenly found. Dmitry watched the tirade in silence, his hand still clasped onto Pavla’s until her mother glared at him, he reluctantly released her digits, Petre’s hand falling on his shoulder, promising compensation and making another great fuss. His blood boiled, stone faced and unwilling to accept that the woman he had just crossed every social barrier to assist was being taken away as if he has simply babysat for a day. But it had already become more than that, and her words echoed in his head… Don’t let them take her away. And he wouldn’t.

“She will not leave.” He bellowed, stopping the arguing between the dysfunctional family, each of them looking at him in different ways. He rose to his feet, towering over the rest of them, a look of determination on his face.

“She… she has just suffered a terrible loss. She needs rest.” He spoke in a more calm tone, taking a step in front of his bed, placing himself between them and his new wife.

He saw Petre’s mouth open, but he put up his hand, unwilling to listen to what the man said.

“I said, she needs rest. And she will remain here until she is better. I will see to her care.” He demanded this now, eyes filled with rage.

“I promise you, if you should take her away like this, I will be the first one to leave. And I will take all of the other side show artists with me. You may think this and idle threat, but I assure you, without us, your circus will fall. We are your money makers, and you know it as well as I do.” He spoke sternly, taking a step forward, so that he had to look down over his nose at Petre, his wife already pulling back with fear in her eyes.

“Leave Pavla with me. When she is better, the decision will be hers to make, whether to leave, return to you… or to consummate our marriage, so that to all and in the eyes of god she is my wife. Mine!” He yelled his final word, fists tight at his side. The anger in his words was palpable. But he knew not what the reaction might be to his demands, Petre could simply kill him on the spot, but Dmitry knew he would not go down without a fight.

 

[Talin]

Petre burned with rage, Pavla could see it and was thankful that Dmitry stood up for her. “She will make no such decision, she is MY daughter… remember your place!” He grumbled, “Take the artists with you… I WILL RUIN YOU, all of you freaks…” As if just remembering something he shoved past the monster. “Which is it? Have you consummated your marriage or have you not? Which?” The anger burning on his red face scared her.

“We HAVE,” Pavla yelled, her eyes dull. “He pleased me,” she whispered.

Petre’s eyes went wide with rage thought he said nothing. Turning on his heel he stormed to her mother, glaring at Dmitry, ”I do not believe your marriage has been consummated and I will return for her, she is mine!” Staring at her mother he moved from the tent.

Her mother just stared at her, then turned and followed her husband.

Pavla shook her fear apparent now. “I will run away before going back there with him. I don’t want him taking it out on you or the others. I will stay with you Dmitry, even if it leaves me in the path of his rage.” Her insides rolled and her head pounded in her skull. She wasn’t sure how they would manage. Her step father knew what went unsaid about her new lover. She’d only held his hand, but the charade had to be kept up.

“Thank you for standing up to him, he is not an easy man to do that to. He’d have slapped me for back talking him if you hadn’t stood up.” She wiped her hands over her cheeks and up against her eyes grabbing all her tears and drying her face. “I hate lying and I’m sorry.” Her brown deep depths sought his blue and patted the bed next to her, “You are tired, as am I. Would you keep me warm Dmitry, please?” She pulled back the covers, the women had changed her into a light blue shirt but her skin was still pale as she leaned back against the pillows. “He will try to force me to work, I will not, until I am healed. It is best this way. I was not fit to care for a child made in such a way.”

 

[Wuffie]

Dmitry’s heart skipped a beat when he, without thinking, contradicted what Pavla had said first, that they indeed had felt the heat of one another’s embrace, he stammered a bit, but thankfully Pavla jumped in, he was surprised by her words, but even more surprised at the pure rage which filled her stepfather. He treated her as if she was a possession, or a whore. It was uncomfortable to witness, but given Dmitry’s growing desire to protect her from this callous man, almost unbearable to simply stand by at watch him degrade her with such vigor.

Once they had finally left, he let out a roar of contempt, cursing them to the dirt with every Russian curse word he could muster, pacing the floor a few times before reaching for an almost empty bottle, putting it up to his lips and drinking the remainder of its contents. He sighed, placing it with the rest of the empty bottles, finally having fulfilled his rage before turning to Pavla, and instantly feeling ashamed. She was visibly crying. He looked at the ground taking a few steps closer to where she lay on his bed, slumping himself onto the chair beside it.

“I know not why you do not wish to live with your parents, but I will not question it… Clearly he is not a man that gives you any respect or decency… I promise never to beat you, or mistreat you like he does.” He tried to comfort her, looking up at the ceiling of his tent, trying to gather his thoughts as best as possible. To her request, he looked into her eyes for a moment, wondering if she truly did want him to lay beside her, and when he could not find a trace of fear, or disgust for him, he blinked at her a few times, before nodding his head.

“Yes, Of course… whatever you need.” He agreed, pulling himself to his feet and removing his shirt, hands falling to his pant buckle but stopping, thinking better of it at that moment and merely blowing out the lantern and climbing into bed half clothed. The bed was not large, and generally there was enough room for him, but for two people… he wasn’t exactly sure. Dmitry lay on his side, draping an arm over her body and circling it around her, pulling her body close to his, he let out a breath, unbeknownst to him that he had been holding, his other arm slipping beneath the pillow under her head. His heart was pounding in his chest, his grip was extremely gentle, for every movement he made, felt for sure as if he may harm her small form. But she did not let out any signs of being in pain, so he simply put his head down on his pillow, so that he was almost face to face with her.

“Are you.. Comfortable?” He asked gently, the heat of her body was incredible against his, the softness of her arm against his hand; he raised the digits to her face, pushing her deep brown locks aside from her face. Her eyes were red from crying, gently wiping beneath them with the pad of his thumb, attempting to dry them as best he could, holding her cheek gently in his hand.

“I know… I know I am not the most appealing of husband. But… I will protect you.” He reassured her, letting his hand fall and wrap around her again, pulling her body closer to his.

“Come.. Sleep. We both need it.”

 

[Talin]

Watching him drink, she knew he was upset, though she didn’t understand why. A shiver ran her spine at his words, she knew she could trust him; he would protect her from Petre. Her brown eyes met his blue, she did not fear him and her heart was pure of thought for him. Curiously, though, she watched as he toiled with her question. His mind was full of questions, some she could answer and others she could not. Smiling as he began to nod she situated herself on her side slowly, her body aching in ways it had not ever before. She watched his shirt fall and blushed as he reached for his pants; she hadn’t paid attention when he stripped earlier for their wedding.

Pavla could feel the bed move when he joined her, the springs protesting his added weight. She moved closer to him as he wrapped his arm around her. For as large as he was, he was gentle. Smiling softly she lay a small hand on his chest and the other under her head. Feeling his warmth move into her small form she smiled and relaxed against him. Pulling herself closer to him she nodded her head, “I am.” Looking into his eyes in the half light of the area around them she smiled softly as he dried her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to treat her with such kindness, yet he did. He had every right to be angry with her; she was anything but a proper wife for him. She wasn’t proper as anyone’s wife; at least, that was what she’d always been told by her step father as she approached womanhood.

Her hand reached up and slid into his hair moving it from his face, a slight frown upon her lips as she did this. “You have a kind heart Dmitry, that is all that need to appeal to me.” Dropping her hand from his hair, she kissed his chest over his heart. “I am not perfect either, I do not expect you to be.” Settling her head against his broad chest she was as close to him as she could possibly get, she felt so safe pressed against his warm body, “I appreciate your protection. It may only get worse when I chose to stay with you.” Allowing the heaviness of her words sink in she lay there her hand stroking over the firm muscles of his side. Her heart was heavy burdened with secrets that one her age should not of had to even deal with.

Clearing her throat she leaned back and looked up into his eyes. “I have been warned if a word was breathed about who fathered my child you would be tossed from the circus, along with me. I cannot stomach the thought so I will spare you the details, but I feel you should know this. The man, whose child I carried, he forced himself upon me. I-I never welcomed him into my bed and the child was not my choice.” She settled and held him closer, realizing she had invited him into the bed. Her heart raced at the thought, she hadn’t meant to make it seem like that was the comparison. But it was, or at least that is what she thought about now. Even if it was she felt safer now and he had promised not to hit her or mistreat her.

“Goodnight Dmitry,” she whispered and lay there. Her head was full of thoughts, could she be a good wife for him. What did he need to make his life complete? He seemed to have everything set when she was thrown at him. Perhaps that had been Petre’s thinking. Dmitry was a grown man and Pavla was but a child, she’d never been on her own and had not been taught any of her responsibilities by her mother. Sliding her hand down his chest she stared at the ring that adorned her finger. It was a beautiful reminder of whom she belonged to, where she belonged and that she mattered to him. Even if he didn’t know it, the ring was a small token of promise, future. Her thoughts swirled in her head as she lay there waiting for sleep to take her.

 

[Wuffie]

She spoke kind words of him in the think darkness of the tent, Dmitry was only able to see a small glimmer of light off of the whites of her eyes, the slick surface of her teeth when she spoke, but he listened to the lift and fall of her voice, his eyes not meeting hers as he spoke of his kind heart. Perhaps it was true, perhaps he was not the monster that everyone made him out to be…. But when the liquor was flowing, and accusations were flying, he could easily live up to their expectations of destruction. There were many reasons for him not to take a wife, more than he couldn’t even count, but with the small form of her body pressed so closely to his in that moment, he couldn’t seem to come up with any reasons why she should leave his side right now.

His comfortable thoughts were quickly shaken when she revealed that the father of her miscarried babe was not a lover, but a horrid rapist. His pupils dilated in the darkness, and he silently held her closer to his body, kissing the top of her head before releasing his grasp on her. She continually refused to speak the man’s name… and he did not come forward when she lost the child, only her stepfather. It quickly clicked for him then, the contempt, the anger, the possessive nature he exhibited… it was all to clear. But Dmitry kept silent about his new found knowledge, she obviously did not wish to reveal his information to him, and he would not try to pry a confirmation from her. She would tell him in her own time, and if she never told him, then he would never ask. A part of his heart turned black at that moment, for if it was the last thing he did, he would make the ringmaster pay for this, for no woman deserved what had happened to poor Pavla.

The two eventually fell asleep, but for Dmitry it only felt like a few moments before the crows where making a racket outside, indicating that morning had arrived with vigor. He let out a sigh, looking to his side at the sleeping form of his new bride. She still looked tired, weak from the events of the night before. Dmitry slipped his arm out from under her and off of the bed, trying his best not to wake her; she needed all the sleep she could get. He rose to his feet, running a hand through his hair. He felt dirty, and weak, he had eaten little in the past few days, and with a quick glance at the ever growing mountain of empty bottles, and merely drank. Still his thirst for alcohol seemed to never be quenched, and after putting on a shirt and his shoes, exited the tent in search of more. His pockets were almost empty, only a few shillings before their next pay, and with the ringmaster having complete control over these funds, he was unsure of whether or not another payday would come. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the coins and looking at them, watching them shimmer in the early morning sunlight.

Before Dmitry knew it he was approaching a merchant cart across from the conglomeration of circus tents, many of the acts were surrounding it, getting themselves prepared for another long day with an early drink. Dmitry did not need to say anything, as the thickly mustached cart owner reached beneath the main offering and pulled out a large bottle of clear liquor in exchange for the majority of Dmitry’s remaining shillings. He quickly pulled out the stopper, drinking deeply and walking back to his tent, he stopped before it, looking down at the bottle in his hand and feeling the growing buzz in his head. She did not need to see him like this… and yet he could not stop himself. Preferring instead to seat himself in front of the fire once again, and drink into a stupor.

A few hours passed, and Dmitry felt as though the dragon inside him was pacified for a moment, still able to walk and converse, such as the benefit of being so large, it would take far, far more alcohol to make him incapacitated. He requested two bowls of the thick porridge Glorianna had been toiling over while he simply sat next to the fire and drank.

“You should be ashamed of yourself Dmitry. Your poor wife can’t even walk and you’re out here drinking? I thought you might stop this nonsense once you got married.” She scolded him like he was a child, his demeanor quickly changing from content to cold.

“Shut your damn mouth woman, and serve me as I ask!” He yelled at her, she seemed unfazed. Indeed, Glorianna was used to dealing with a drunk Dmitry, she gave in, giving him two bowls, their contents steaming in the cool morning air.

“I hope you don’t speak to Pavla that way.” She said more softly, Dmitry glared at her, as if she could tell him how to treat his own wife!

“I will speak to her however I bloody well please.” He quickly revolted, turning his back and walking into the tent, plopping down the two bowls with a loud clatter on the table. He set the bottle of liquor behind him, sitting down and beginning to eat, shoving the bed with a strong foot to rouse her. “Eat. You need your strength.” He demanded, his voice was not the soft, warm reverberation that it was the night before, his whole demeanor changed when he drank, and not for the better.

 

[Talin]

Pavla enjoyed lying there in his arms it was the most wonderful night of sleep she had in a long time. She felt him move from their bed, but didn’t have the strength to actually move. She wanted to tell him to stay. To come back to bed, to hold her, anything that would keep him with her. She was not blind or stupid, she knew what drew him. At least she’d heard he was addicted to the bottle. She relaxed and slept more, her body aching with the early birth of the child. She didn’t know how long she slept, but she hobbled from the bed only to use the bathroom.

She’d run into Elizabeth who asked her how she was feeling, they only spoke for a moment before she was called away. Pavla hobbled back to her and Dmitry’s tent. Glorianna stepped in to help. Smiling at her before she tucked her in. “I’ll bring you some food in a bit dearie, you just rest.” Pavla thanked her softly and settled back into the mattress. She fell asleep again but it seemed like it was only a moment when the flaps were shoved aside and Dmitry came storming in. Pavla whimpered as the bed shook, the jar waking and hurting her. Blinking she stared at him confused. She knew enough not to back talk. “I’m not hungry, Dmitry.” She whispered, but seeing the look on his face decided to get up and try.

Her face was still pale and she moved slowly to the table, one foot in front of the other. Muscles protesting the action. She hurt, but she attempted a smile. “How has your morning been, you didn’t sleep very long.” Sinking to the chair she dipped the spoon in and out of the porridge. Her stomach rumbled and she tried a bite. It wasn’t bad but she couldn’t stomach something so heavy, not yet. “I can’t eat it, maybe just some bread for me.” She smiled weakly at him. Her mind was trying to figure out what was wrong with him. “Dmitry, will you be joining me in bed again? I enjoyed it last night and I am still so very sore and tired. Would you?”

She remembered his promise, he’d never hit or hurt her, she was thankful he was there for her. Last night had been a nightmare and the last thing she needed was someone willing to sell her out to her stepfather. Giving her dark hair a shove she smiled softly at him, true they weren’t a true husband and wife, not yet. It would come in time. She didn’t want to give herself to him because she felt she had to, she wanted to let what they had had blossom and grow into something more exponential before acting upon it. If she was honest with herself she wanted to love him. She knew she could but she wasn’t sure he wanted her to, he seemed so hard on himself and she wished to ease that.

Pavla looked over to the desk, he drank a lot. Could he stop drinking? If she had carried the baby to full term she would have asked. Standing once again on her shaky legs she looked him over. She smelled the alcohol, “Have you been drinking? Are you... Are you drunk? You left me alone so you could... You could drink? I need your help, Elizabeth and Glorianna can only do so much Dmitry. I’m sorry; I don’t mean to be so hard. I understand that you don’t want me. I can accept that, but I still need you. That takes a clear head; my father will try everything he can to take me away. A foggy mind is no way to deal with a conniving man like he is.” Moving slowly she hobbled back toward the bed.

 

[Wuffie]

His eyes followed her body as she moved to weakly sit upon the chair, her hand extending to the spoon, attempting to eat what he brought, but unable. Dmitry could feel the alcohol stirring his emotions, talking to him, telling him constant lies. When she failed to eat what he brought he let out a huff, pulling the bowl across the table and eating it himself, laying the bowl inside of the other empty one. When she asked him to return to bed with her, he sat there silently for a moment, his blood boiling in his veins as the alcohol spoke to him. Yes, why don’t you Dmitry? Hold her close, but don’t fulfill any of your needs…. Ever. She does not want you, how could she? Look at her…. He looked away from her, but she rose, coming a few steps closer to him, he looked back, seeing the concern in her eyes, watching her nostrils flare as his scent. He felt guilty, and even while the booze told him to take advantage of the situation, to do as he pleased without concern for her pain or suffering, the promise he made the night before stung in his heart, pushing back the cruel voice which continued to hammer on in his head.

When she turned her back to him, requesting that he not drink, years of putting the bottle first retaliated in his mind, and he reached behind him, taking the bottle to his lips in direct contradiction to what she asked of him. He laughed, setting the bottle down on the table once again and rising to his feet, quickly closing the distance between them where she stood. His hand caught her hair, pulling her back slightly and wrapping his other arm around her waist, so that her back was pressed against his chest, the warmth of her body against his bringing back the tingle he felt last night, but this time, laced with so much alcohol, his body reacted differently, feeling lust stir in his loins.

“So… You need my help, hmm?” His voice was deeper, darker than it was normally, his hand releasing her hair, only to push her dark locks over one of her shoulders, using it to crane her neck to the side. His lips lowered down to where her soft flesh was exposed, but did not make contact, his hot breath merely lacing over her skin

“I am perfectly capable of protecting you, no matter my state of mind.” His voice held that same cloudy timbre, his lips stroking gently over her throat, his hand traced over the warmth of her stomach while he spoke, inching its way upwards, pausing on her ribcage. He was supporting her weight with a single hand, and exerting little energy, speaking of his strength, and, should he have wished it, ability to overpower her.

Dmitry paused for a moment, releasing her hair from his steel like grip, transferring his hands to lift her bridal style, so that her face came to greet his. Her deep brown eyes met with his azure orbs, her small face mere inches away from his.

“Why is it you want me to lay beside you, Pavla?” He asked, holding her in his arms, taking a few measured steps so that he stood before the bed, laying her on it gently. But he did not slip beside her, instead pulling his body above hers, resting on his palms, shoulders rotating as he pulled himself closer, like a great panther stalking its prey.

“Is it so, should your stepfather come back, I can be at your side? Or, so that you can torment me further. I’m nothing but a toy to you, am I Pavla?” He rested his weight on one arm, his other hand clasping on her face, so she looked him directly in the eyes.

“I don’t take well to torment, girl.” He demanded, the smell of alcohol surrounded him, and he could feel his conscience pleading with him, speaking over the powerful effects of the drink. He released her face from his hand, still staring deeply into her eyes, as if trying to determine whether or not the words she spoke yesterday could be trusted. Eventually he pulled himself back, sitting on the bed beside her and releasing her from his icy stare.

“You have it wrong. It is you whom does not want me. And why would you? You’re….” He paused, making a motion to look beside him, but thinking better of it, instead looking to the unstopped bottle on the desk.

“You’re beautiful, and I am a monster. That’s why your stepfather brought you here. Don’t be so naive.” He rose from the bed, walking over to the table and leaning a hand on it, the other wrapping around the neck of the bottle and raising it to his lips, drowning the emotions that came with the words which has passed his lips.

 

[Talin]

Shaking her head as she heard the glass bottom of the bottle hit the table, she wanted to cry. She didn’t like Dmitry drunk she adored him sober, when he held her and at least tried to care for her. e felt his hand tangle in her hair as he pulled her toward him, she stumbled and fell harder against his chest that she would have liked. “Yes, but not like this.” her body trembled as he manipulated it int the ways he wanted. A few soft moans escaped her lips when he moved his lips on her throat and his hand on her small body. Undeniable heat rose from her midsection.

“You may think you are, but not when you are drinking and acting this way. This man that you are now is not who I married.” She stared at him as he held her close to his face. she wanted to look away and forget everything he’d done so far, but she couldn’t. Opening her mouth she closed it again, she liked having him near, had since that first night. Sure he didn’t want to hear that answer she was relieved when he settled her on the mattress. Expecting him to walk away she relaxed but as he came over her she tensed. She felt his warmth hovering over hers, body brushing hers gently every once in a while.

His body was so large and warm over hers, she could have placed her arms around him a ways and urged him to mash her down into the mattress, allow her to truly feel him, but the thought scared her a bit. He thought she was tormenting him… Her brown eyes searching his for something, anything. “You are not a toy…” her words were soft and whispered. Watching as he sat on the bed’s edge. Her mouth fell open slightly at his words. As he swallowed the drink she found words, “While you may find me beautiful, I do not think you are a monster. I think if given the chance I could love you. But you don’t want me Dmitry, you stated so yourself.” She sat up and tilted her head.

“You called me a tainted bride… and hardly a prize. It wasn’t my fault that I was tainted, it wasn't my choice. My being hardly a prize... Well I am sorry I am inadequate as a woman." Her lower lip trembled, no woman liked to think she wasn't complete. "Glorianna will show me what all I can do to be a good mate for you. But you feel forced to marry me. You were and you have every right to be angry. However, I was forced as well. I am making due. I am trying to work with you, but I can’t do it alone.” She moved from the bed and hobbled to him.

Wrapping her arms about him she sighed. “I am sorry, sorry that I am not what you want. Dmitry, I will try to be what you would like to have, but I can’t guarantee that it will happen. Yes, I am scared of my stepfather, but I know that you are able to stop him. I adore that you stood up to him but, if a true wife is what you want then some changes will need to be made, from both of us.” Looking up at him she sighed again, “Won’t you come with me to bed now, lie however you want… I will not complain. I need to be comforted and I want you to be the one to do it.” She stepped back, taking his hand. “Please?”

 

[Wuffie]

Dmitry couldn’t quite understand what it was that her soft voice sought from his soul, but it was searching, for something he was not sure even existed within himself. His eyes gazed into hers as she spoke, his heart felt tight in his chest, guilt racking through him. Yes, he knew what he said, but that had been before these new details of her pregnancy came to the surface.

“I didn’t know then what I know now.” He said simply, raising the bottle to his lips once again, but stopped, pushing it to the side and out of his sight.

“You were wronged, Pavla, horribly wronged, and then punished for being wronged. And I was your further punishment…” He let out a ragged sigh, raising a hand to his eyes and rubbing them. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her then, knowing what was in her eyes. “I am the inadequate one Pavla.” Truly, he felt this way, so many years of abuse, of torment and neglect at the hands of others, Dmitry could not bring himself to trust anyone, they always seemed to have ulterior motives to their affection, and as soon as he provided them with whatever it was they needed, he was abandoned, the only steady friend or companion he had soon becoming the bottle, and eventually it was the only thing he allowed himself to trust, and for many years it remained this way. But now, with this stunning creature being thrown into his life, as much against his will as her own, he couldn’t seem to wrap his head around her wanting anything from him without first serving her own interests first, it was foreign to him completely.

Finally he looked back at her, watched as she walked weakly over to him, her arms wove around his torso, cheek pressed to his back. She truly appeared to care about him, but still he could not let his guard down, could not let himself believe that someone like her could care about him, as the liquor continued to fuel his rage and self-doubt. But his large hand rose, rubbing her forearm as she held him in her arms, breaking her hold so he could turn around, facing her with a troubled look on his masculine features. She begged him to hold her, to comfort her. given her experiences from the night before, and those which had led to it, he could understand why she sought such comfort. Those chocolate pools of hers spoke deeply to his own stark blue orbs, and with another great sigh he nodded his head, it hung low to look down to her small form, his chestnut locks hanging down about his face.

“…Alright.” He spoke softly, still having not returned to his more kind sober timbre, but filled with remorse and his own undeniable need to feel her against him. It was such a long time since he had been with a woman, that even now, with her hands upon him, his own resting on her lower back, the other stroking through her long, espresso tinted waves, Every fibre of his being wished to take her to the bed and run his hands and lips over every part of her. But he resisted, she was clearly weak, tired, and needy. He wrapped his arm about her waist and helped her back to the bed, waiting until she made herself comfortable before kicking off his shoes climbing in next to her, settling himself in and pulling the blankets over their bodies. He turned to face her, returning to the position that they had been in previously.

He couldn’t bring himself to speak, afraid something might come out which he didn’t intend, the effects of the liquor beginning to fade. The curse of his massive size, Dmitry would have to drink constantly to maintain a sufficient level of intoxication, and with the heavy porridge in his belly it was beginning to lose its most potent effect. So he satisfied himself with merely stroking the soft skin of her arm, trailing upwards to side of her lovely visage. He held his hand there for a moment, gazing into her eyes. Could she truly love him? Could he let her love him?

“I… I won’t leave your side. Alright?” was all he could muster, letting his hand fall from her cheek and wrapping his arm around her slight waist, pulling her body close to his.

 

[Talin]

Pavla’s heart raced as she stood there in front of him, would he ever allow her to truly love him. She wanted to be his true wife and give him what he needed, but would the day ever come? She felt his hand in her hair and smiled up at him softly, shyly as he confirmed he’d be coming to their bed with her. The dark shirt hung loose on her slight frame, she wasn’t sure where Glorianna and Elizabeth had gotten it from. Sliding into bed she relaxed under the covers and sighed as she sank down into the mattress. She wanted him comfortable with her, she wasn’t sure what had happened to him, but could sense his unease.

She slid her arms around him as he settled in beside her, eyes meeting his briefly before looking away. Blushing, but she smiled as his hand stroked over her arm and on up to her face. Lifting her eyes to his again her mind sputtered to form thoughts. When his hand dropped she bit on her lower lip, “Thank you.” He pulled her closer and she sighed, it was comforting in his arms, but she could feel the tension. Feeling as though she wanted to cry, however she wasn’t sure why. She brushed her lips against the underside of his jaw, the bit of scruff there tickling her cheek.

“Dmitry, you are not inadequate and I think if you allow me in,” One small olive hand came around his body and caressed his heart. “We would be good before one another.” She left her hand against his heart as her chocolate eyes gazed into his blue. She found herself thinking thoughts that were best left alone, for now. The way he touched her so gently gave way to her heart and the strong beats that fluttered it behind her breast. She rested her head against him, tucking it in under his chin.

Pavla knew he would need to go to work, but was unsure of when. It was still early and most everyone was moving about outside of their tent. As tired as she had been moments ago, she could not sleep now. The way he had changed and treated her so roughly had only slightly scared her. Thinking about it deeper she wondered if perhaps he was drinking more now because of her. She didn’t like feeling conceited or as though she was the center of his torture.

Maybe that was what he had meant when he mentioned that he didn’t take well to torment. “Dmitry, do you desire me… is that why you drank… to help drown the feelings?” She lifted her head to look him in the eye. “I have not meant to torment or torture you; I want you to be happy and comfortable around me. Tell me how I can help you do that… please.” both of her hands had slid up his body to his cheeks, each thumb gliding smoothly over his rough tan skin. She didn’t want to see him like this, drowning himself on her account or not, either way she wanted to help him.

 

[Wuffie]

Her hands on his face brought a searing desire to the surface, but not like he had thought, it felt… warm, kind and affectionate. He turned face slightly, his hand raising to her hold the backside of hers, kissing her palm and gently over her wrist, his eyes returning to hers as she spoke. He paused, blinking a few times thoughtfully and eventually looking away from her, knowing that the answer to her question was yes, and very much so. What kind of man wouldn’t desire her? It was an almost asinine question. Yet he couldn’t speak this answer to her, for if he did, she would refuse him, like those before her. He remained silent for a moment, trying to force the thought from his mind, battling with himself for an answer to her question.

“I… I don’t know why I drink like I do.” He said vaguely, he had a pretty good idea why, but didn’t quite feel like divulging that information yet. “I guess I just… enjoy not having to feel anything for a while.” Not having to feel the loneliness, the betrayal and the pain that came with his life up until now. Now things were…altered. The girl he held in his arms…needed him. It had never been this way before, sure women had wanted something from him, or felt as though they needed him, for a while. But Pavla, she truly had no other place to go, no one else to defend her from a man who would, if given the chance, continue the tirade of violence and abuse where it left off. He resolved to protect her from him once again, silently, as if to reconfirm his commitment to her internally.

“Maybe…” He was not confident in his words then, debating whether or not they were best at that moment, but swallowing his pride, journeyed forward. “Someday, we could be good for one another. If we can escape this place…” Dmitry’s eyes returned to hers, a twinkle of something there that hadn’t been visible since they met, and had disappeared altogether for longer than he could remember… hope. “We could run away together, Pavla. With you by my side, perhaps the outside world would be… more accepting. We could save our earnings… and one evening, slip away and never return.” Something that resembled a smile tug at the corner of his lips, sheepishly looking away from her, as if surprised with himself that such a thought could pass his lips, clearly the booze hadn’t left his system completely, he decided.

The outside world called to him, he could sense the others, wondering where he was, and why he hadn’t been out to assist with the day’s work. Truthfully, he had been getting up and getting drunk and passing out for so long the others did not usually come looking for him until mid-afternoon, but that time was soon approaching. He had no desire to leave her side at that moment, continuing to hold her against his form, deliberating over what she had said still, doubting she would be satisfied with his answer. But given her current state, and the turmoil she had been through not long before, he thought it best to keep himself at arm’s length, figuratively. Still, he thought some sign of their newly conceived union needed to be expressed.

He couldn’t bring himself to tell her directly that he desired her, desired her more than he had any girl before, so he remained silent, his fingers dipping beneath her chin and bringing her face up towards him in a gentle motion. Each time his eyes met with hers, there was such great longing, and he couldn’t bring himself to fight it anymore. Dipping his head forward, his lips caressed hers, for only the second time since they married. A shiver ran down his spine as they connected, his hand slipping behind her neck, fingers running through her hair. “I… I do desire you…” He mumbled against her lips, reconnecting the kiss and wrapping his other arm around her waist, pulling her body against his as kissed her. Fire coursed through his veins, their small moment together having an undeniable effect on him. He prayed silently that she would not push him away.

 

[Talin]

Perhaps he didn’t desire her, perhaps like her stepfather stated she would never be good enough. She would never be wanted, he’d said, since no one ever would he’d decided to give her what no one could, or so he said. Even then she told him no, begged him not to. He told her it was his present to her, she’d cried and he’d covered her mouth before she could scream. When he finished he left her in her bed sobbing, telling her if she was any kind of good girl she’d say nothing, since it would kill her mother to know what she’d done. Pavla had felt the tenderness of his kiss to her palm and smiled up at him as she spoke. She wanted more of that. Having never had tenderness she longed for it. For now she could only wait for his response. The moment stretched before her, her eyes moved over his face slowly, searching for some kind of sign or change.

Finally he spoke, she nodded understanding the need not to feel. She was sure his life was hard; they hadn’t had much time to talk. Even if they had she was pretty sure he wouldn’t have divulged much. Her life was good until her father died, and then her mother was sad and depressed. The ringmaster stepped in. At first he was kind and sweet, but after he married her mother she became the servant. Her own mother got in on the act and treated her, not as a daughter, but as a slave. She continued her tender touches as she kept her brown eyes on his blue. When he spoke of escaping she smiled. “I’d love to run away with you, but all I know is circus life.” She stopped, they could figure it out, it wasn’t as if they had to figure it all out now. He had yet to say whether he desired her, she had a feeling that perhaps Petre was correct and no one would ever want her.

She liked his smile, and wanted to know what she could do to keep it there. she looked away from him biting her lips fearing what he might say next. Was she strong enough to hear that she wasn’t desirable, that perhaps in the future he could desire her and make their marriage a true one? She felt his hand on her chin and her brown eyes met his, mirroring the emotion in them. Following his lead she pressed her lips tenderly to his. Then came the words she wanted to hear for so long, he desired her. She felt his hand in her hair and the other wrapped around her waist. She pressed to him and returned his kiss, wrapping her small hands around his neck and into his hair she held his lips to hers. Pavla released a soft moan into his mouth as she responded to his kiss. Her heart pounded solidly in her chest as she returned his kiss.

Breaking the kiss to breathe, she ran her nose along his jawline as her hands ran through his hair. Situating herself higher up in the bed she kissed along his jaw back to his ear. “I desire you as well Dmitry... I want to make you smile always.” She whispered into his ear, leaning her head back she looked him in the eye and smiled. Her body was on fire but she wasn’t sure they should go much further; even if she wanted to she was scared he would see her as damaged goods. Her hands smoothed down the front of his shirt to the hem and slipped under to touch his warm flesh. She felt her body responding do him physically. Hard beaded nipples behind the shirt pressed to his strong chest and her loins were beginning to ache slightly. The ache was something she had never experienced as well as being turned on. Softly pressing her lips back to his, starting off tenderly the kiss grew to something needier.

Hearing a soft giggle Pavla jumped. Lifting a hand up she covered her mouth from yelping out of surprise. To her surprise her lips were slightly puffy from their moment of kissing. Elizabeth stood at the tent flaps smiling. “I tried knocking, but it seems you were preoccupied.” Pavla blushed and smiled toward Dmitry. “Glorianna asked me to check on you, I will come back later.” She grabbed the dishes and with one more smile she moved from their tent.

Smiling Pavla settled against his chest again, looking up at him. “I like kissing you, you aren’t demanding with it. You have to go soon don’t you?” She knew he had to work, something that he didn’t look forward to. She’d seen his attire; it was very small and showed off his body, something that now belonged to her. The thought of women looking at him lustfully made her a bit upset. “I can work on your costume; perhaps sew it so that you are more covered. I sew all my own costumes. I’m sure Glorianna and Elizabeth can help me gather some fabric for it.” It had been a while since she had seen his act, perhaps when she got feeling a bit better she would watch him and the others. Being a main act she wasn’t able to see them, or them to see her. She was sure they knew what she did, but none would have guessed that she would have much rather been a side act instead of a star.

 

[Wuffie]

The words that passed Pavla’s lips struck his heart, and quickly found its way to his loins. She desired him? Truly? He couldn’t bring himself to believe it, but as her lips grazed his jawline, the warmth of her breath cascading over his throat, he swallowed thickly, giving a gentle nod in affirmation. Her small digits caressed their way down the front of his shirt, leaving a heated path in their wake, arriving at the hem of his shirt and to his surprise, going beneath the fabric and resting on his skin. Dmitry’s body responded immediately, and without much ability to stop he let out a heavy sigh, touching his hands to her lower back, tracing his fingers over the gentle rise of her posterior, but not feeling brave enough to venture beneath the cotton of the large black shirt she wore. When she reconnected their kiss he could feel his trousers become tight and uncomfortable, silently attempting to control himself, knowing she wasn’t ready for such things, but the feel of her warmth against his erection was positively intoxicating. He wanted nothing more than to grab her slight hips in his large hands and ground his need against her, it screamed at him in his head, demanding he pursue, but he denied, simply holding her against him, the sudden emergence of her nipples made her breasts all the more apparent, and he slid his arm up her side, making a movement to graze it with his fingertips when they were interrupted.

Elizabeth stepped in without much ado, he released Pavla from his grasp instantly, as if afraid she might frown upon their afternoon moment together. He nodded.

”Tell her… we are fine.” He spoke softly, Elizabeth had always been so helpful to him, acting like a mother to his needs, but had been unable to convince him to stop his heavy drinking. Seeing him awake no doubt surprised her, but given his current preoccupation, he would have been unable to sleep even if he had finished the bottle. She scuttled in, grabbing their dishes and disappearing again, before he had a chance to open his mouth. Eventually Pavla would be the one looking after things, but at this time, given how weak she was, it was very kind of Elizabeth to continue on as if he had never gotten married at all. The thought hit him then, wondering if the rest of the Troupe thought of him as just a holding place for her until things cleared up, as if their marriage was some sort of sham…. Dmitry forced a small smile on his lips, not letting her in on more of his self-doubting deliberations.

“I… I’m sorry about that. Usually I’m here alone… Elizabeth looks after me as if I were her kin.” He explained, feeling her settle back into his chest, he let out a small sigh, loving the feeling of her against him. Yes, it was true, he would have to being some work for the day, and given his lax training over the past few days, some hard work. He nodded in affirmation, looking down to where she nuzzled into him.

“Yes.. I suppose it would be for the best. We don’t really need the ringmaster or his goons breathing down our necks any more than they already are.” He explained, caressing the side of her face with a finger absentmindedly. A true smile came across his face then, almost laughing as she travelled through thoughts of kissing him and then to his revealing costume when he was on the side stage. Could she honestly be jealous? Given all the trouble he had in the past with a lack of love, hell, a lack of caring from any human being other than those who shared the outcast life with him, it was easy to imagine why this was humorous to him.

“I greatly enjoy your lips as well… and for gifting me with them, I’ll let you do what you like to my costume… anything would be an improvement, I assure you.” He laughed again, a deep baritone rumbling in his chest. Dmitry couldn’t remember the last time he had truly laughed like this, and it was somewhat difficult to stop. Eventually though his chuckles died down, and he looked back at her, cupping the back of her head in his hand and connecting a small kiss to her forehead.

“I’m going to have to get to work….. Did you want me to get you anything before I leave?” He asked curiously, still kissing over her temples gingerly, seeming unable to separate himself from her touch.

 

[Talin]

Pavla smiled up at him as he laughed, it was contagious. Placing her head against his chest she joined him in laughing. Her own hands traveled against his shirt, the moment had passed, sadly. At that point she would have given most anything to gain it back and see where it would have taken them. She sighed as he sobered and lifted her head to look up at him. She closed her eyes as his lips pressed against her forehead. Small hands drew up his body and caressed the base of his neck. In his anger he had become something else, something less than what he was now. Harder.

Lifting her face up to his she smiled sweetly, pressing her lips to his she lightly kissed him. “I can’t think of a thing to ask for. The thing I want, I cannot ask for. I wish you didn’t have to go at least soon it will be both of us leaving.” she pressed herself to him holding him close. She had felt his arousal before and had wanted to hold herself against him in that moment. Her body still burned for him, she heard the bustle outside their tent and knew that the others were readying for their acts. “I will miss you.” Her lips didn’t want to leave his skin. Her eyes watching him closely, he didn’t want to leave her, she could sense it. “I think a bath tomorrow will be nice, especially a long soak to help with my muscles.”

A few more kisses and he was gone. She lie there long after he had gone, her body still buzzing. Was it simply because he was her husband and it was natural? No it was more than that. He made her feel safe, yet he had that side. When he drank it came out, it was something that they could work through. Maybe? Rolling over to her stomach she sighed heavily. She didn’t hear the tent flaps open and close behind her

“What’s wrong Buttercup?” Her mother asked, she knew it was safe to visit now. Had learned from her husband the schedule of the monster he’d married her off to. She had screamed at him and gotten a black eye for her outburst.

“Mama… what are you doing here?” Her brown eyes narrowed as she sat up. “Don’t tell me that you missed me, you barely noticed when I was around before.” She saw the bruise, even though she had it covered, she wouldn’t ask and embarrass her. The wrath of her mother was sometimes worse than Petre’s.

“How could you treat your own mother like this Pavla?” Her eyes welled up with tears, they were fake.

“You abandoned me, when I needed you.” Pavla’s hair was hanging in several directions around her body.

Her mother huffed, Pavla was right but her mother would never admit it. “I heard you speak to your father about him, was he… was he gentle with you. Dante hasn’t… hurt you has he?” She wiped at the moisture on her cheeks. Petre told her that Pavla’s husband was a drunk.

“Dmitry his name is Dmitry.” Her face softened, “He is gentle Mama and he has a good heart. Like Papa.” She knew what her mother was getting at, but she chose to ignore the obvious and go in general. It wasn’t any of her business what she and Dmitry did, or didn’t do. Her mother, though she didn’t know it, was being used as a spy for Petre. It wasn’t long before her mother left and Pavla sank back to the mattress. It took only a moment and she was out, the encounter with her mother weighing heavy on her mind. Elizabeth peeked in on her, lighting the lantern and leaving some bread and a glass of water, in case she woke up.

When she did wake up it was dark outside, the soft light from the lamp on the table. Pavla moved to the bathroom and back to the table eating the crusty bit of bread and sipping on the water. Retrieving more water she washed up thoroughly and dressed. A light green dress and clean panties donned she headed out to sit by the fire. Glorianna wasn’t there but Elizabeth was. She denied allowing Pavla to help. She was making sausage and potatoes. Pavla chatted with the woman as she waited for Dmitry.