1. Arrival in Abberton

Understanding the Kambali family's concerns and respecting their decision, Vespera nods in acknowledgment. "I hear you, and I understand your hesitation. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance, and I would never want to pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with."

With a reassuring smile, she adds, "We'll find another way to ensure the show goes on smoothly. Perhaps we can revisit this idea in the future, under safer circumstances. For now, let's focus on delivering the best performance we can, together as a troupe."

Leaving the Kambali family to their deliberations, Vespera turns her attention to the disturbance in the crowd, her instincts urging her to investigate further. "I'll go check out the disturbance in the crowd," she says, her voice resolute. "You all take a moment to gather yourselves, and I'll be back shortly."

With a sense of purpose, Vespera moves through the bustling crowd, her mind focused on uncovering the source of the disturbance and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the audience.

Martha gives her beard a short tug. The constant delays and unexpected mishaps of the night are starting to gnaw at her patience. How would Thunder have dealt with this mess? "Sisters, this is the most important show we've had together," she tells the Kambalis. "You know the ropes better than anyone. Think about yourselves flying in the air, not what's on the ground. You can do this."

Ok will do it but we will do only one trick !

Litta had worked with the Kambalis plenty, as both being high wire acts. She provides support up high, like a "Tada!" girl."You've got this!

Elzia was able to put her anxiety aside and succeeded with Mr Tickelr show.

The feather five on the other side got nervous and their show was not a success.

A couple of humans, obviously drunk is shouting, whistling, scoffing at ever trick. THe audience near them begin toask them to stopand leav, which increases their behavior and violence.

When Gray & Vespera find out about the notice, they can sense that soon the couple will strike on one of the audience, you can sense that's what they wanted from the start : a good fight !

Gray says to the drunks, just loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, "Excuse me, but all entertainment here takes place on stage. If you are interested in fisticuffs, that's where you will need to go. . . in front of the audience . . . unless you aren't up for the challenge?"

The patrons' pleas for peace go unheeded, and the drunken ruffian, emboldened by both alcohol and the desire for conflict, raises his hand in a menacing arc towards an innocent bystander.

In that split second, Vespera's champion instincts kick in. With grace born of both her elven heritage and her martial prowess, she steps forward, positioning herself between the ruffian and his intended target. Her reaction is not just a physical intervention but a manifestation of her divine mandate to protect and preserve beauty and love in all its forms.

As Vespera's hand, encased in her gleaming gauntlet, meets the ruffian's arm, there's a sudden, ethereal bloom of radiant energy that emanates from the point of contact. This energy, suffused with the essence of Shelyn, does not merely halt the blow but seems to momentarily transfix those nearby with its beauty. It's as if the very air around them is imbued with a shimmering, roseate glow, soft but undeniable.

The backhand that follows is swift and precise, a physical reprimand delivered with the intention not to harm but to underscore the sanctity of peace and respect. The impact is accompanied by a melodious chime, a sound that resonates deeper than mere physicality, echoing the disapproval of the goddess herself towards acts of violence and ugliness.

---

As Vespera attacks, Gray takes just a moment to assess the situation. 'I'll have to take a note to keep a weapon on my during shows if incidents like this are going to be commonplace" he thinks to himself, as he calculates if his fist will be enough to silence this loud drunk . . .

Realizing assault isn't the answer here, not for Gray anyway, he attempts to knock the drunken man down.

Her face is a mask of contained fury, anger and offense barely restrained beneath a facade of tempered composure. "Here," she seethed, "where every performer, worker, and audience member is woven into the tapestry of this circus, of our family, know this: any harm inflicted upon them is an affront not just to their individual beings, but to the very heart and soul of our shared home."

With a deliberate motion, Vespera shifts her grip on her polearm, holding it firmly in both hands. The haft of the weapon becomes an extension of her resolve, a symbol of her commitment to protect those within the circus's embrace.

In a single fluid motion, she swings the haft of her polearm towards the ruffian who had attempted to strike an audience member, aiming to incapacitate rather than cause lasting harm.

"Leave now," Vespera commands, her tone firm but not devoid of mercy. "There will be no further violence, but know this: you are barred from ever again standing in our house. Choose wisely, for the path of peace is always open to those who seek it."

---

Turn : Vespera - Gray - Wife <frightened 1> - Husbad

Vespera succeeded in Frightening the Drunken Woman this turn. But not in hitting her.

It is Gray turn now.

Grays continues to assess the situation, especially the drunks reaction to Vespera's words . . .

Gray calculates that attacking is worth the risk, and he throws 2 punches.Gray attacks on the husband is rather strong (-9 hp), but not enough to shake him even a little. His second attempt missed the target who was ready for the attack.

With a simmering intensity in her eyes, Vespera confronts the two ruffians, her voice a controlled thunder as she extends a challenge veiled in restraint: "If it's a brawl you seek, I'll oblige—but not within these hallowed grounds. Step outside the tent if you dare, for our stage is reserved for beauty and grace, not for your senseless violence."

Alas for Vespera, Gray's action already trigger the man, and his wife is not ready to let it slide either.

You're righht paal ! said the woman to Vespera, taking a piece wood from who knows where and hitting her. the blow is hard and the pain is real !

The man is not far behind and grows in rage hitting on Grays with his fists and shouting Well saith Jallen, show them reshpect hic.... But the man is too eager and Gray is able to evade the punch.


Elizia tries a second trick with her snakes.
Her trick seems to work bringing you a Critical Success for the show : Anticipation 15, Excitement 15


The Kambali as well try another trick. They miss again, the clowns save the show, making it a critical success.