<div class="floatleft">(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3rb4pAg651r7wrq1o1_250.png)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Chloe M. Mallory<br/><strong>Place within Hierarchy:</strong>Elizabeth's Talent<br/><strong>Role:</strong>Act/ Trapeze Artist<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Dining car<br/><strong>Wearing:</strong>This (http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=51680918)<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Erin, others within earshot<br/><hr/><br/>Her breakfast consisted of a simple light meal since she did not believe in gouging one’s self in the early hours. That was technically a lie. Chloe never engaged in any form of greed with food at any portion of the day even though she had a weakness for sweets. It was a flaw that was hardly ever indulged. On her table, there was an intricately decorated cup, filled with tea, and matching saucer. The tea collection was one of her own, but it had been gifted to the circus upon her arrival even though it was exclusively used by mostly her. Her tea was accompanied with one small slice of bread covered with a light spread of strawberry jam along with a small bowl of fruit.<br/><br/>It had been canned rather than fresh but was still delicious all the same. She was content with her meal and was content to momentarily forget the morning’s trifles even though the culprit was in the same room with her. In fact, every time she was to take a sip of her apple-cinnamon tea, the back of the girl’s head was to be within sight. Not the most pleasant of views. Instead, Chloe attempted to focus on the rolling terrain outside of her window. That did not work particular well so she changed her seat so that she was graced with the sight of no other than Jim and those who might enter through the door for their morning meal. To her regret, this action also placed Kepler out of her sight as well, but it was a necessary sacrifice for some scant form of serenity.<br/><br/>No offense was taken when she noticed Kepler sitting by those who clearly disliked her at that particular table. Well, she hoped at least Lawrence did not view her in a discourteous light since she had been nothing but kind since he arrived back at the circus even though there were rumors surrounding his relationship with the ever infamous Elizabeth. All was particularly well within Chloe’s world as she enjoyed the taste of tea on her tongue along with the accompanying music of the train as it rolled along the rails until the sound of a shrill voice disturbed self-created peace.<br/>So Erin felt it necessary to not only speak untruths about her but announce it to the circus as well. If anything, her actions only solidified Chloe’s thoughts about her. The girl was nothing more than an immature child in a woman’s body, who desperately sought the attention of those around her through any method possible. The only indication of her displeasure was that her hand shook slightly as she picked out the steaming cup of tea even though not one drop was spilled onto the table. A soft clink was heard as she settled the tea cup back into the saucer as she closed her eyes while a hand lifted to rub at her temples.<br/><br/>Why did Elizabeth seek to torture her with constantly allowing unruly souls into the circus? Was it not enough that she was forced to give up her family to fulfill childhood dreams and hopes? Was it not enough that she destroyed a part of herself each time she was reacted to wear her ensembles when flying through the air? The faint caress of the spirit attempted to help her recall the joy it allowed her each time she was wrapped in its protective embrace in the air. It gave her wings. It permitted her the ability to become the best trapeze artist in any circus. It gave her freedom to become what she always aspired to be upon her first visit to the circus as a child. Yet, right now, the spirit’s usual charm did not work.<br/><br/>In this moment, she was to be subject to persecution while consuming her meal by a bloodthirsty fiend. Quietly, even though her eyes were becoming story with clear distress, she picked up her piece of bread then took a small bite of the corner. A smidge of jam marred the corner of her mouth before it was wiped clean with a handkerchief. Still, even though Chloe was uncomfortable, she would not grant Erin the pleasure of making her leave the dining cart although at the back of her mind, she knew the girl would derive more pleasure to further torment her by staying. Yet, like a mountain, she remained in her seat without much of a glance in the child’s direction. She was the one who must maintain the example of a lady. Graceful and poised even under pressure as what was taught to her the moment she could take her first step.<br/><br/>Her eyes shifted to the door when it opened to reveal the twins. For once, they were a needed sight since she viewed them as allies even though Kate was a bit too bold for her tastes. Still, they had not been nothing but kind in her presence. Kindness was much desired rather than the venom coming from a girl that barely knew her. How on earth did all of this start from her merely checking on the child? She was just about to invite the twins to join her at the table when a shiver went down her spine. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed out the lower portion of her dress as she turned to address Erin with disinterested eyes along with a mask of complete happiness as if all in the world was right and proper as it was meant to be. Her jaw tightened as the girl insulted her again without care for being heard by anyone. This was the first time in her life that anyone treated her with such disrespect. Back at home, people were bound by their small town attitude. No one really crossed such bounds with her. In the circus, people understood her. She could not tell if they liked her or not, but they possessed enough manners and etiquette to not be so rude.<br/><br/>“As I told you earlier if that is your opinion, you are allowed to have it even though it means nothing to me. Although, I do believe the truth is plain enough for anyone to see. I agree with Kepler. I believe people would rather eat their breakfast rather than be subjected to this conversation.” Her tone of voice was one a mother might use with an insolent child. “Now, perhaps we can meet up at another time if you would like to throw insults at me, but I can promise that I will not give the type of outburst you crave.” With that, she turned back to pick up her cup. The contents sloshed out of the brim onto the small saucer and her index finger, sending a wave of pain through her. Chloe was forced to lower the cup back down then clean up the mess with little dabs of the handkerchief. She was no longer hungry by any means, but iron will forced her to remain sited rather than escape her would-be tormentor by leaving. She was indeed very uncomfortable but nothing other than calmness reflected on her face. The only indication of displeasure lay in her eyes.