lostcarnival | ⇨ GAME START INTRO LOG!

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⇨ GAME START INTRO LOG!

Who: EVERYONE!
When: NOW!
Where: Around the carnival grounds, and in the Cookhouse.
What: Carnival worker orientation, Ringmaster style.
Warnings: Alcohol consumption, maybe drugs. Other things?

BRAVE NEW WORLD↴

► THE NEW: It doesn't matter when you entered the tent to discuss your new contract with the Ringmaster, you exit it beneath a blanket of stars. Pointedly alien stars at that - currently the carnival grounds are being treated to a show of shooting stars, and what appear to be unnaturally large and living green moons hanging just a bit too close. The carnival was bustling when you entered, but now it's in the latter stages of being shut down for the night. If you manage to find a clock, it states that it's around 8PM.

Workers from during the day will be passing through the grounds, attending to various pieces of business. None of them will seem very surprised or concerned by the goings on, though some may be sympathetic enough to pause and answer your questions. If you put some effort into finding out how it became nighttime, you may discover that it's been anywhere from a few hours to 7 days since you originally signed your contract. Someone may explain to you that it was probably some kind of time bubble, meant to keep you out of the way until the Ringmaster had time to deal with you.

Every few minutes another new person will pop out of the tent, looking just as confused and under the impression that they had only just finished discussing things with the Ringmaster. Weird.

She passed you a note before you left. Opening it up, you'll see you've been assigned a trailer number, and been given the instructions to drop off any excess belongings and do what you can to get settled in. You have until exactly 9:36PM to do so, because that's when you'll be expected to attend what is listed only as "WORKER'S ORIENTATION".

This is, perhaps, more abrupt than you were expecting - but what can you do? You're here for the long haul.

► THE OLD: If you've ever seen a mass recruitment before, then this is no surprise. People enter the tent when they're recruited, and then sometimes how up again days later when the Ringmaster is ready for them. She isn't a big fan of wasting her time on individual orientations when she's expecting a crowd.

Maybe you're too jaded to all of this to care much, but you'll see the newbies wandering around, probably confused and maybe a bit lost. Maybe you're the kind whose is sympathetic enough to pause your role in clean up and give them some directions, and maybe a word of confidence. Maybe you'll just jeer at them, because you're some kind of asshole. Either way, you expect you'll have the chance to see them later tonight.

Whether by world of mouth, radio, or written note, supervisors will be passing out the following message: all workers are to report to the Cookhouse at 9:36PM sharp for "orientation." If you are at all familiar with how things go around here, you probably have a good idea of what this implies.

Mandatory Karaoke Night.

MANDATORY KARAOKE NIGHT!!!↴

At 9:36PM, the main dining hall of the Cookhouse will be found heavily decorator with various coloured lights and at least one disco ball made of what is ostensibly high karat gems. There are a bunch of cushions and additional seating set up along with the usual tables, and at the head of the call there is a state set up - a karaoke stage. For veteran workers, this is no surprise. Karaoke nights are fairly frequent as activities go, even if they are not usually mandatory. Some of you probably have signature songs already prepared.

The karaoke machine is set up with mostly karaoke tracks that would be popular in the 90's and 00's on the average modern earth, with a few that are more recent. It also has some other random stuff from other worlds that people rarely sing because they are confusing and in languages no one understands. Here is a big karaoke list for your inspiration! The more stereotypically karaoke the better.

Beyond that, there is plenty of food and snacks that were prepared by the cooks earlier, as well as a bar set up for alcohol and other vices. The selection is, as most things in the carnival, eclectic.

Music will be played in between if nobody is singing, and otherwise veterans are encouraged to bring along their own fun and show the newbies a good time. The Ringmaster does ask that vets attempt to be courteous to their new coworkers.

It's just being a good host.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The whole night has been busy, even not counting his cheerful deliverance of gifts for the newbies and his fellow supervisors. Orientation nights always are, honestly. Checking in on everyone, getting everything ready for the new faces, figuring out acts they can use now that they have a few more performers... Being the Stage Manager is a lot to do, especially now that they're getting back into business.]

[However, he's been trying to enjoy the night as best he's able, cheering on singers and reassuring new faces and enjoying the food Koel's cooks have gotten up. That latter bit particularly when Alois goes up, and Joker pays attention to the youth as he starts to sing. He's not particularly surprised when a strong start goes into something a bit more teary, and he's prepared by the time Alois comes down. As the blond buries himself against his coat, he might be able to pick out Joker coming through the crowd.]

[Once he's close enough, he leans over and nudges Alois in the shoulder gently with a tall glass of something honey-gold.]

Sounds like yer voice got a bit hurt up there. I hear this helps with that kind of thing.

[And it's not even alcoholic, just incredibly smooth. Joker doesn't want to add intoxication to the mix, after all.]

[Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Or whatever way Alois wants to blaspheme. It doesn't matter: what matters is that Joker is here, with his language which feels weirdly like home, and his kindness which makes Alois want to crawl into a different skin. Most of the time Alois can tolerate these things because he's accustomed to a particular amount of emotional torment, but right now it's almost unbearable. Seriously, Alois almost can't handle it, because he's wearing the scarf, and the scarf is obviously from Joker, and Joker can see him wearing the scarf, and... it's really... embarrassing. Why is it embarrassing? Because Alois is being provided for like a kid? Well, he always talks about how he misses being spoiled, right? And isn't it true he can't do anything by himself? These thoughts are roiling around in his head, and he stares at the glass in Joker's hand, lips pursing into a tighter line.

He tries to tell himself that maybe it's okay. If Joker can see him wearing it, he'll know Alois likes it. Like that, Alois doesn't have to say thank you, right? ...

Alois snatches the glass out of Joker's hand and takes several moments to drain the entire thing in one go. He gasps a bit when he finally pulls away from the glass, trying not to hiccup, either tearfully or just from the exhaustion of taking such a long drink.

... ... And now he looks petulant, because that's what he does best.] I was expecting... cognac! [he lies, pretending to be haughty.]

[Joker allows the glass to be snatched from his fingertips easily, the wooden digits offering no resistance. It was a little odd, that first month, but he's since gotten used to the sensation in his strange arm. Besides, he was expecting that from Alois, much like the boast that follows it.]

[Chuckling, he takes a seat next to him- with a bit of distance, half for his wing space, half for Alois' sake.]

'Fraid ta say that I couldn't find much a that, but I wasn't exactly lookin'. It's a lot more fun ta watch everyone else have some spirit in 'em, after all.

[Even as he talks, he glances at Alois from the corner of his eyes, vivid pink catching the glitter of the gem-light. Still a little bit rough, from what Joker can tell... But not so rough that he can't pull himself together with that usual haughtiness. It used to bug Joker, just a little bit, but he's softened with time the longer he's humored him and realized how much of it is an act. While he's not from any kind of nobility like Alois never stops talking about, Joker knows well enough about masks, especially the kind you put up as a child.]

[Hell, that was nearly his whole childhood, when he thinks about it.]

[Anyway, he's wearing the scarf. He can't be in nearly enough of a bad enough mood if he's still keeping it, far as Joker reasons.]

[The eye color, special, reminiscent of something Alois loves fiercely, is one of several things which make it difficult for him to make any eye contact with Joker. He doesn't complain or say anything rude when Joker takes a seat, but he crosses his legs and rests his empty hand—the one with his gold and ruby ring—atop his stockinged knee. He's raising the glass back to his lips even though it's empty, almost like he's hiding by speaking against its rim.] I don't know what's so fun about watching everyone else. [The way he says it is not quite angry. And despite his words, he's glancing in some other direction, eyeing groups of people or at least the spaces between them.

He's quiet now, a contemplative sort of quiet, which happens sometimes; often he is loud and garish in tone and turn of phrase, but there are times like this when he just thinks. In this way, his thoughts are usually dark, and sometimes he says them, and sometimes he doesn't. Right now, it's this:] What do you like about it? What do you like to see them do?

[For all his chatty nature, Joker does in fact know silence. It helps that the rest of the building is practically rocking off of its foundations with noise- chatter from people, occasional scuffles, whoever is trying to drive the rest of them deaf from on stage now.]

[If it was just them sitting outside, well, Joker knows what he'd be doing. Same old tune humming along his tongue as always: Tom, he was a piper's son...]

[He stirs out of his thoughts when Alois speaks, flashing a grin at him.]

I like seein' 'em just be.

[That's not clear at all and he knows it, as his laughter gives away before he quiets down. Resting his elbow along his knee, he leans forward and hums thoughtfully.]

I've got thirteen new faces workin' under me now... and I have ta get ta know 'em all real quick. Details, eh, that'll take time, but it's good ta have 'em all together like this. Now I can see how all of 'em act, who I can shuffle straight onta the stage and who I gotta look after. [He clicks his tongue.] For example...

[Straightening up, he starts to point individuals out.]

Skeleton with the afro? He's goin' inta the spotlight right quick, and he seems like the sort I can count on ta bring up the mood. Sour type hidin' in the corner, smokin'? Apparently a new magician, can already tell it's gonna be a bit tricky workin' with him, he's better for subtle things if how he acts is any way ta tell.

And apparently one of my beast tamers picked a fight with bleedin' Sans of all people, so I'm gonna have ta make sure he doesn't get his fool self killed.

[He leans back again, wings stretching out lazily a tad.]

Ya can learn a lot about a person, seein' how they land on their feet or what they do while bloody well drunk ta kingdom come.

[He thinks a lot about these things. He sort of has to. And anyway, he thinks Alois is smarter than he lets on sometime, lapsing into thought like that, so he doesn't mind talking about it.]

[Alois follows along intently, absorbing this information with more voracity than any physical appetite he has. (He's usually a very light eater.) His eyes are directed to every individual Joker singles out. But as Joker finishes speaking, Alois stares at him, instead. He stares and stares—he might even be trying to practice what Joker has just told him.

Finally his concentration breaks, and the heat of his eyes and furrowed eyebrows lets up. He sinks in his seat, not very lordly, and hugs his coat more tightly while he looks out across the cacophonous crowd.]

I never know what anyone's thinking. [His voice only barely beats the music in volume.] It's ghastly... Whatever it is, it's probably bad.

[There's his patented pessimism, which has gotten markedly worse during his stay with the Carnival.

He really wants to ask, What have you learned about me? But that's too scary.]

[Well, if Alois wants to stare, he's more than free to. Joker is used to it- the stares of an audience, the stares of the police, the stares of passerbys thinking that a ragged little group of half-starved misfits on a street corner had to deserve their lot in life. His mask has been through the ringer, and it's in place now, perfectly relaxed as he eases back with a hum.]

[The music and noise nearly drowns out Alois' voice, and Joker has to strain to hear him. Faintly, feathers brush along the boy's back.]

Probably ain't as bad as ya think. Most folks don't got the energy ta stick ta nasty things all the time. S'borin', more likely.

[Rarely has Alois met anyone so wise as Joker. That's what he feels: he doesn't know much about Joker, but he gets the sense that the man knows how the world works. Alois generally assumes that most people don't know how the world works, and he tends to look down on them for that, but there's something knowledgeable about Joker, which is, in part, why Alois will listen to him better than he listens to most.

But because Joker seems to understand the world, that's what makes his kindness so confusing. Anyone who knows anything wouldn't be a nice person, right? Anyone would be angry, vindictive, out for blood or bruises—or is that just Alois? Is something wrong with him?

His grip on his coat grows a little more lax, especially when he feels the slightest of feathers. He uncrosses his legs, and looks hard at both his knees.]

Sounds just as awful, in that case. Being bored is the worst.

[Abruptly he looks back up, and abruptly he's grinning, like he's got an idea.]

But some people, they think very nice things, right? Supposedly.

[Oh boy. Now if that isn't a look. Still, Joker grins back, amused before he's even heard the idea.]

Supposedly, s'what folks say.

[And, for the most part, Joker can believe it, he guesses. Surely there's no one who does that 24/7- he doesn't have the optimism for that, and it'd probably take a literal saint besides. Still. Occasionally, the nicer thoughts have to pop in.]

[He can really only speak for himself, of course, or his family to some degree, so who the hell knows. Maybe he's wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.]

A head full of bluebells. Well, a person like that would be very stupid, but I'm sure it's a good feeling. [He wants to ask, So what do you think about? Maybe that's some sort of progress; at home, in his manor, Alois avoids the thoughts of others like a plague. He doesn't wants to know what Claude thinks, because he doesn't want confirmation of Claude's disappointment. He doesn't want to know what Hannah thinks, because she terrifies him.

But he wants to know what Joker thinks. It's still scary, sure, all the unknown and the pessimism that comes with it, but so much about Joker's behavior challenges what Alois had been certain of: people are bad, and they want to hurt you.

Alois takes a breath. "Thank you." "Thank you." Just say it! He's holding that breath, not wanting to release it until he can say those stupid words. His lips purse. He pinches himself on the leg, a subtle but frustrated gesture. Just say it.

He lets out his breath with a huff.]

It's no wonder they put you in charge.

Well, y'know what they say about ignorance and bliss...

[He smiles and shrugs, but hell if it isn't a true saying. A bitter taste is on the back of his tongue again thinking about home, and Joker desperately tries not to think about it as he glances over to whoever is the most eyecatching in the room.]

[Think about anything else. Don't think about England. That way lies a bad mood that'll last him all night, and maybe then some. Best to let his head get filled with the godawful singing happening on stage.]

[The whole exercise leaves him a bit unfocused on Alois, but he hears that huff and feels himself smiling. He flashes a wink his way.]

Well, got the experience too, don't I~? When it's for somethin' like this, of course ya want someone who's in everyone's business, ha ha. Besides, I'm so used ta it, I'd feel outta sorts if I wasn't where I am. If I'm gonna be workin' here, might as well do what I'm best at, eh?

[Take care to breathe slowly, Alois fiddles with the glass Joker had given him before, cradling it with two sparkling hands. His gold and ruby ring stands out starkly compared to the sapphires and amethysts that dot him.]

Well, those are good reasons to be in charge. But it's also good because people like you.

[Nevermind the strange ways in which the other supervisors approach each other. Alois says this like he's sure of it.]

[Well, the supervisors are also all their own flavors of disaster, and it's probably for the best that no one think too hard on their interactions.]

Oh? [And there's another flutter of wings, this time a little closer and brushing along the back of Alois' head. Look at that horrible shiteating grin on Joker's face.] And ya wouldn't happen ta be speakin' from personal experience, would ya?

[It's no use. There's just no point in trying to keep composed and classy around Joker—I mean, yeah, Alois has trouble with that anyway, but Joker can throw him for such a loop... The brush of his feathers, soft like angels that never cared. The pomp in his face, which makes Alois self-conscious; Alois thinks Joker pulls it off much better than Alois ever could himself. Alois hates feeling inept, like a kid.

But, like a kid, he rears back, face animated in his fluster. His mouth is open and his eyebrows are knitted in a scandal.] Oh, come on, it was a total lie! Anyway, I'm just saying, you're the showy type, you know?! People like that, I suppose, but it's sooo immodest!

[He regrets everything that comes out of his mouth, immediately.]

[Joker's boisterous laughter cuts through the noise of the party at Alois' reaction, not stung at all. If only "immodest" was the worst thing he's been called.]

Oh, I won't deny that I'm that, and shameless too if it pleases! Life's too short ta keep things somber, don't ya think?

[He says this as someone who's come too close to death far too many times in the short amount of times he's been alive, from start to finish. It's a miracle he's still kicking, honestly.]

[Watching Joker laugh, Alois makes a face like he's completely out of his element. There have been many things to acclimate to here with the Carnival, but someone who seems like a good person is still weirder than not.

He settles in his seat. Not against the nearby wing—not quite. Not quite.]

It pleases, [he says, once more only barely loud enough to be heard above the party sounds. Then he fluffs himself up again and lifts his chin, managing to resurrect his haughtiness. Louder now:] Obviously I like having fun too! That's why you should have found the cognac.

Edited 2016-10-18 00:10 (UTC)

[Another laugh, this time easier to get lost in the chaotic mess of noise.]

Oh, forgive me, yer highness! But, frankly speakin', I think you'll only get some cognac outta me when Koel stops bein' the head cook. I ain't nearly brave enough ta face off with her, I'll admit it.

[Then again, when you see a woman butcher vampires with no hesitation and then cook them on her grill, well, he thinks that's well warranted even outside a joke.]

That the only way ya can have fun, eh?

Haha, [says Alois, legitimately intimidated. He doesn't tend to pester Koel. And he looks away, staunchly in the other direction—yes, even watching other people have fun and get attention is better than facing Joker right now. Your highness is too much to listen to. He wants to hear it from Claude again.]

Not the only way. [He's still looking off and away. In truth, he's never had cognac. Claude always tempered him in other ways, distracting him from these flights of fancy with even better things to drink. Special tea, hot honey, something flowery. Strange how a demon knew so much about what would taste and feel nice.] I do like having fun. I do! I have plenty of fun, all the time, maybe even more than anyone else.

Well, alright then...

[And because it's better than seeing a kid mope- even one like Alois who's all arrogance and roughness, maybe especially one like Alois- Joker hops to his feet with his wings sharply coming to a close. Twisting around on his feet, he gives an exaggerated bow and playful wink.]

Let's go have fun!

[The sudden retraction of wings makes Alois sit straight up, whipping his head back round to Joker, a bit startled. He definitely had not expected an indulgence like this of all things—he's a little bitter, because he knows Joker is looking at him like a kid who needs to be cheered up, and he tries to make that bitterness stay, but...

Well, he does love having fun, that wasn't a lie. His cheeks warm up and his big blue eyes get even bigger and bluer with an excited shine. He bites his bottom lip for a moment.]

Well, if you're a gentleman... [Alois stands from his seat, folding his coat so that it hangs neatly over his forearm, which rests horizontally across his chest.] If you're a gentleman, you must at least offer me your arm! I'll go ahead and see what sort of fun you like, Joker.

Well, I'm always sayin' I'm one, but I'll leave that ta yerself if that's true or not.

[Another laugh even as he does the polite thing and offer his arm. Already, he's glancing up at the ceiling and trying to gauge a few things. It'd be hard to get some proper air up there, but maybe...]

[Welcome to Bad Ideas 101.]

[As he takes Joker's arm, touch almost ginger, Alois raises his shoulders, trying to look as delicate as possible—it's instinctive. It's also not how he truly wants to present himself to Joker. When he catches himself, he squares his shoulders instead, spine straight and chin raised, like a bird asserting its beauty. Now he's trying to look sturdy.

Anyway, Alois is practiced in the art of Bad Ideas, so he thinks he's fortified enough for anything.]

I'm very good at telling what sort of person someone is, you know.

[That's not exactly true, but he at least believes it is. It's just that he tends to assume the worst of people.]

[It's an interesting change to watch, but any thoughts Joker has about it he keeps to himself. Another laugh bubbles out as he testingly flares his wings out to see how much room he has around them.]

Oh yeah? You'll have ta tell me what ya think of everyone, then. I'm sure it'll be an enlightenin' lesson.

[Yeah, this is probably enough. He tugs Alois a bit closer, still grinning wide.]

You'll want ta hold on for this next bit.

It's easy, they're all just— [Wait, what? Between the tentative wings and Joker's suggestion, Alois is finding something ominous about this. At once he's clinging to Joker with both arms, and the gesture isn't playful or saccharine like he would usually make it—it's 100% clingy kid. So is the way he's kind of breathless, with... it's not fear, exactly, because he doesn't think Joker will hurt him (??? where did that thought come from? when did that start?), but he's nervous stacked on top of excited.]

You'll be in so much trouble if you do anything too odd! [he warns, trying again to be tough.]

Ah, Alois…

[He leans down a bit, all grinning.]

The joke there is that this whole bleedin’ place is odd.

[With that, he crouches down a bit, whoops, and pushes off with a heave of his wings.]

[The good news is that he’s always been fairly fit, once he stopped starving to death. Combine that with one arm and realizing that the use of his legs was vital for taking off, and he’s definitely gotten better. His grip around Alois is tight as he makes it up to the beams of the cookhouse. Once you get over most of the heads, it’s unconscionable how much room there is, really, and he’s laughing as he flaps his way close to one of the beams with the most head space.]

⇨ GAME START INTRO LOG!

Karaoke 2

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