<div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 8pt;">Interest thread (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=138093.0)</span></div><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Cirque De Sang Et De Flammes</strong></span></div><br/>The week of shows has came to an end, and with it comes the traditional end of run party.  Time after time, the Family is enamored with the spirit of the final crowd.  The spirit that, as always, built and built over the course of the week until that final show was unlike any of the others.  The crowd was beyond infatuated, the acts beyond genius, and everyone else performed their duties with such a grace and beauty (Down to the very last stage hand) that if a video recorder had been allowed in, that show could be on the big screen the next day.<br/><br/>As always, there is an hour between the final show and the beginning of the celebration.  An hour for a few things to be taken down, a few things to be set up.  This was the only evening in which the Burlesque tent lay dormant outside of the Big Tent.  The local stage hands set to cleaning up the Circus Grounds, with their final check in their pocket and a week worth of memories they would never forget.  The family where dispursed here and there upon the train getting ready.  A tradition that was as true as any other.<br/><br/>Except this time was just a bit different.  The last celebration had been the first evening that Lawrence had arrived, but he had chose not to crash the party.  Ever since then, rumors and whispers captured the ears of anyone who was willing to listen.  No explanation was given as to why he returned.  To those who had never known him, or never known of him, there was confusion as to how he went from an unknown name to becoming Elizabeths partner over night.  There was no doubt of his talent, the main question was who was more talented between the two.  That question, of course, was never muttered…It’d be in bad nature to allow Elizabeth to hear such accusations.<br/><br/>Elizabeth herself had seemed to change a bit.  She was no longer quite as vibrant as she typically was.  The strictness and iron fist that she had always ruled with had seemed to grow a bit lighter.  Lawrence himself had been approachable, but it was already known that he was not the type to go up and shake hands with an introduction.  His appearance had altered the mood of the circus, the prevailing question was whether or not it was for better or for worse.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>The Big Tent was set up the way it always was.  The Trapeze act was left standing as it was simply too much work to take down in such a short order.  But the bleachers and private seating had been removed, everything short of the twelve foot circular stage set two feet above the ground had been removed.  From the tight rope that was set from one end of the trapeze to the other hung a large Candelabra, burning two dozen candles over the dancefloor.  It was one of 18 candelabras that hung inside of the tent, casting a dim and almost eerie yellow light that lit up every surface inside of the tent.  They were all high enough to not be jostled, removing any fear of a fire.<br/><br/>There were tables and chairs spread amongst the inside of the tent for people to sit and talk.  Drinks were set on every table, everything from Whisky to Gin, Dry and bitter red wines to chilled, sweet Rieslings.  Tobacco products were provided by the Family themselves, and the only drug allowed within the Family was to be brought in the same order.  A quiet music hummed throughout the tent, an upbeat and classical variety that was clearly meant for dancing.  But once the family arrived, the sounds of conversation would outweigh the sounds of the phonograph.<br/><br/>The Clowns would dance merrily from family member to family member, casting their joy and sense of freedom to any who were willing to take it.  The spirit still had hold of everyone within the family, making the event something that pulsated with a state of euphoria and unity.  No matter the questions that were at the tips of everyones tongues, or the worries that may reside in anyones fool hearted head, this evening was not meant for negativity.  It was meant for celebration, and an immersion into everything that made the Families lives great.<br/>