Karen
Sylus Pen had never seen Erba. A dutchy nestled in the southern reaches of the Kingdom of Terresol, the Vined Lands. The weather there was fickle, and although the winter had been cruel, spring was here. It brought a sun that bathed the land in warmth, bringing flowers to bloom and sending the farmers to prepare the summer's berry crop. Orchards fell into full bloom, sending pinkish petals along the cobblestone roads. They fell beneath the wheels of his caravan.

"Terresol in spring..." The man remarked, his hand clutching a well shaven chin. He had never seen anything so beautiful. The woman next to him, ginger haired and half impressed, scoffed. "I've seen dis shit a million times. Its tha same fuckin' fing every year, Sylus." 

 He nudged her arm, "Please Gitten, try and lighten up. The Gods know you could use it. When we get to Erba, we can get you situated in a nice tavern and the _adults_ can go an—" He was cut off by the driver. The entire caravan began to cheer. On the horizon, cream colored walls rose from the earth, and the road in front of them diverged. There was another, louder celebration when they turned off the main road and made their way to Erba. 

There caravan was hardly unnoticeable, five wagons, four carriages, two cages. The sides of their carts sported colorful flags, foreign designs and vibrant banners. Their tent was in the final cart, and the men in charge with setting it up were preemptively breaking it out of its boxes. Sylus was bumped out of his amazement by Gitten, who had been inquiring about the potential alcohol for the past five minutes, but only now noticed his lack of attention.

The circus had come to town.
George
Evelyn adored the annual Spring festival. The winter had been long, the snow hardly relented for a week, and it had been far too long since she felt the luscious feeling of grass against her bare feet. Since she was an adult, those type of indulgences were allowed. When she was a girl it was only with her Mother in the comfort of their own backyard that she could dance, get the hem of her dress buried six inches deep in mud, and have it escape the notice of the women who taught her how to be a proper Lady since her Mother had no formal training on the subject. 

This year was the first that she decided she would see the festival on her own, and he was in no position to say no to her excited dark eyes. She made him a promise to be back home before dinner, and she was with the company of a few friends who came along with their Mothers. She was in good hands. 

Evelyn was enjoying a cup of sweet wine, the last few barrels from the previous year were being served in anticipation and celebration of the summer berries that were soon to be planted. She couldn't help but to notice the caravan, everyone did. It very nearly brought the festival to a halt. It seemed as if the entire duchy was aware of the visitors before they'd even seen their faces properly. The Duchess wore a soft pink gown, a crown of flowers sat on top of her long chocolate braid as she sat on a rather uncomfortable bench with another Lady who snickered at the arrival.

"Who are they?" She asked Evelyn who simply shrugged, "I've no idea." The woman nudged her because she was staring, and Evelyn immediately turned her head. Evelyn sat her cup down with a short laugh, "They won't get out of the carriage, too posh." Evelyn playfully rolled her eyes then took the arm of her friends to relocate where the music of the festival radiated from.
Karen
The line of carriage pulled off to the side of the road, butting against the wall. Sylus watched Royce Leander, the older gentleman at the front of the caravan, stepped from the drivers seat and shouted up at the guards positioned above the arch. 

"WHO ARE YOU?!" They returned. Royce turned to the group and let out a quiet laugh. "Weee—" This gained the attention of every member of the circus troupe. They responded with a variety of answers, 

"A GROUP OF MISFITS!" "THE GREATEST SHOW IN MARIN!" "A SIGHT TO BEHOLD!" "BRIGANDS IN DISGUISE!" "THE RAMSALOT ROYAL GUARD!"

Royce silenced them all with a wave of his hand and turned back to face the gateway. "WE ARE THE LEANDER TRAVELING TROUPE OF VARIOUS VAGABONDS AND EXOTIC ECCENTRICITIES! WE ARE THE CIRCUS, AND WE HUMBLY ASK TO SPEAK TO THE LORD OR LADY OF YOUR EMPLOY!" 

He took a bow, removing the wide brimmed hat from his balding head.
George
Evelyn's arm was hooked through her friends' as they skipped around to the jovial melody of the fiddle being played at the festival. She'd been trying to keep an eye on the large group, but she lost sight of them once she faded into the crowd. She had a thin layer of sweat glistening across her skin, from dancing when a deep loud voice nearly made her jump out of her skin. "Pardon me, Your Grace!" The guard screamed above the music, and Evelyn swallowed hard as she looked up at him. "Yes? What's the matter?" The guard seemed a little uncomfortable then leaned in a little closer to speak a little more low. Evelyn's eyes lit up.

"A circus?"
"That's what he says, M'lady." 
"At the gates?"
"Yes, M'lady."

The Duchess looked over at her friend, Lady Alyssa who shook her head and clutched her arm once more. Evelyn laughed, "I must go. I couldn't have planned for a better surprise at the festival. I'll bring Col here, I'll be fine." Alyssa swallowed hard, "Please wait for me to send for your Father." Evelyn rolled her eyes then made her way over to the gate.

She pulled the flower crown off her head, leaving a few wispy strands of her glossy chocolate hair to fly away from her braid. She still didn't bother to put on shoes, she felt safe. The guards remained at the top of the arch, several at either side of her, and as far as she could tell these people seemed to be armed with smiles and tents.

Up close it didn't seem so posh. The colorful banners were inviting, she couldn't hold back her smile. "Welcome, Travelers!" She called to them from a safe distance, "It is my understanding that you wish to speak with me. How can I be useful?"
Karen
Sylus Pen watched as a few men surrounded Royce, whispering things into his ear and slipping a bouquet of flowers into his hands behind his back. Slowly, a woman came over the arch, flanked by the guards. Sylus could hardly make her out from his position, but assumed that Royce that could see her well. In reality, The Ring Leader had to hold up the bouquet to keep the sun out of his eyes. "FOR YOU, M'LADY!" He shouted.

"WE HAVE COME TO INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SETTING UP SHOP! WE HAVE TRAVELED FAR AND WIDE TO ERBA. WE HAVE BROUGHT YOU MANY GIFTS, INCLUDING THIS BOUQUET OF ARAEDIAN WILDFLOWERS!" Royce took a knee, "IT WOULD BE OUR PLEASURE, DUTCHESS EMIL—" A man by his side knelt down and whispered something into his ear, "DUTCHESS _EVENLYN_ WELLES, TO ENTERTAIN YOUR PEOPLE!"