lostcarnival | ⇨ WISMUTH

Entry tags:

⇨ WISMUTH

Who: Everyone!
When: S2:D6-D11
Where: Wismuth and the Carnival Grounds
What: The carnival enjoys a few days in Wismuth, a coastal city on this planet's version of the American east. However, there are a few things very unique about this version of the planet...
Warnings: The usual, wholesome fun.

PILLAR OF CREATION↴

Upon arriving, things in Wismuth will seem pretty peaceful. It's a massive city, with no shortage of things going on, but things like violent crime and homelessness are at an all time low. You can wander the streets without much scrutiny, presumed to just be tourists, and most people here come across as helpful and friendly.

► VIBRANCY: The main thing that sets this planet apart is its vibrancy - AKA, the raw creative energy its filled with, flowing from its status as a Pillar of Creation. There is no literal pillar, but Wismuth and its planet is a place where Creation's energy comes through strongest. As a result, everything here feels somehow more real, more intense in a way that's hard to put a finger on. Life is abundant, and its bleeds through in every sensation.

► ATTRACTIONS: There are plenty of things to see while going around the city. First and foremost, there is a lovely beach area bordering the ocean, and a number of tourist aimed attractions built around it. There are giant malls, movie theaters, live stage performances, museums and all kinds of other points of cultural interest. Anything you can do in a big city you can do here, but better.

► ALLOWANCES: The Ringmaster will be giving everyone a reasonable amount of local currency for a few days on the town. You can't make any massive acquisitions with it, but it's more than enough to eat out, see some shows, go to the beach, and whatever you like. You can feel free to pick up some casual supplies, like mundane clothing and souvenirs. There will be more given out later, after the performance week.

► PERFORMANCE: Performance week is starting early this time, after only a couple days of exploration. When the carnival has already been on vacation for a month, the Ringmaster figures they may as well get right to it, and then do more touring afterwards. Members of the local populace will find themselves in the carnival once performances begin, dazzled by the other worldly sights. Magic doesn't seem to exist here, despite the fact that it will flow easier for people bringing it from other worlds.

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He always allowed Strange to go first since he was the veteran of the show and his escape artist attempt with his magic took less time to do than any of Strange's more artistic flair. He had more ideas listed in the back of his mind somewhere but those would have to come later on when he became more solid in his first routine.

Eventually the magician's act comes to a close and he allows himself to remain damp in order to rub himself dry the natural way. He could just shed the water off but the believable air of the act was all in the subtle hints and tricks he performed. He allows people to approach as he's always more hands on than others. Unlike the main tent which had a more grand display, they were out in the open from a few chairs set out here and there.

It's why when Victor approaches he greets him with the usual warm smile but his eyes drop to the towel when he already has one and the fact he was able to get one signals him he's not just part of the audience, "Thank you. I've been a magician at this carnival for a couple of months or so." This was his second around of performances after all. He had lost considerable time at the manor and he always had to take a moment to remember.

Dangerous mud slicks out in the open. Or not; Victor nods, affable in his reception of a response. He has no real sense of who's been around for how long, but that's part of the point in talking with people. Learning through proactive measures suited him more than shutting down.

"Did it happen to be anything like what you did before?" He's genuine in his curiosity, in no small part because it helps inform him about other's experiences and expectations. He settles the towel over his shoulder, lifting a corner and quirking an eyebrow Tyki's way as an invitation. If he wants another whole towel for the same purpose.

"No, not at all. This carnival was unexpected but I am use to sudden surprises," he states calmly as not to sound disappointed. He generally wasn't but he had not signed a contract willingly. It was his choice to make a reckless bet and he can only blame himself.

"I am use to being in the public eye but that was day to day tasks. Social graces and the like. I can say I am at least use to entertaining people, Mister...?"

"Nikiforov. Victor Nikiforov." In the absence of any hand extended his way, Victor opts for a nod of his head; his time spent in Japan had instilled something of a cross between different greetings out of immersion and a general wish to be respectful. Here it's half to avoid being handed anything else and finding himself accruing more debt through similarly unfathomable means.

He waited for the necessary pause allowing the other person to introduce themselves, studying Tyki's face in a casual way.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mister Nikiforov," he says without butchering his last name. Tyki adapts well to a lot of situations and while he's not strong in math or geography, he does excel in language and social appeal. His era and time didn't always accept social handshakes as it did polite nods and short bows.

"I am Tyki Mikk. One of this carnival's Magicians. Tell me, what role are you filling?"

"Likewise, Mister Mikk." If they're sticking to formalities. Victor doesn't feel the pressing need to be called one thing over the other, so he takes his cues from Tyki for the time being. His smile is wry and a touch amused, Victor shaking his head. "A showman. One currently taking time watching everyone else's acts. I haven't been here for more than a day or two."

Everything's been a little too real in a sense. He knows how long it's been, but the days here feel too long and too short at once, filled with frankly overwhelming sensory information and mental gymnastics causing further fatigue. "I've been involved with and organised ice shows before, but nothing quite like this." He nods his head back toward the big top. Nothing quite like a carnival.

It's force of habit and years of upbringing that causes him to be so formal. There are several that have asked him not to speak of them in such a way. After the Manor he sort of keeps most praises to a minimum when it comes to Sir or Madame. There's only one person here he'll address above higher formalities.

"I don't think any expects you to have a show put together right away in any case. But showman, hmm? That means you'll be in the bigger tent next to this one. It can get rather noisy and there are hundreds more eyes on you." But if he could indeed take the pressure then it wasn't as scary as it seemed. "Ice shows? I don't know if I'm familiar with those."

He laughs, light and amused. "I shouldn't be surprised. Ice shows are related to figure skating, a form of ice skating--is there anything familiar about that to you?" The idea of hundreds of eyes on him doesn't bother him in the slightest, though he doesn't feel there's a point in saying he's used to performing for thousands, and for television on top of that. It's currently irrelevant. He has to perform for these audiences now, but stage fright isn't one of his stumbling blocks, for what it was worth.

He's far more curious how much Tyki does or doesn't know about Victor's lifelong passion. Of the subjects he can talk about at length, that's top of the list for better and worse.

The crowd is starting to thin out more and more as they talk and when he feels it is safe enough to be comfortable he'll close his eyes and allow the water to drop from his clothing and slither down his body until it puddles onto the ground. From there he'll fold his clothing over his arm and gesture for Victor to follow as he pads out barefoot into the carnival grounds out the side flap. He can always talk to Joker once he's done managing later tonight.

"I haven't heard of that before. I know of leisure skating on ice but not actual performances. I am from the year 18xx so that might influence that."

He hasn't heard about anyone being from any particular timeperiod, let alone one firmly in Victor's own past understanding, presuming they're both from (an) Earth. It's the incongruity of the year that draws his eyes away from how there's now puddles of water on the ground, while Mr. Mikk himself is dry.

He keeps his mouth closed, following after Tyki and wondering just what in the world that was. Magic, part of him sing-songs. It leaves him feeling queasy and unsettled, and on a smaller level, excited. Part of him usually is when facing something new.

"I... hahaha, the first World Championship was in 1896, and I feel like the European Championship was a few years earlier? The International Skating Union was established in 1892. Ice skating's always been around, but that was when it started coordinating on an international level." He shakes his head, glancing around at the carnival grounds once they're outside. "Ice shows are a performance version coordinated by people competing or who've gone professional. Usually it's a variety of different skating programs, or acts, all to music and with lighting."

It's only for comfort that the soft towel is rubbing through his hair and against his cheek. Tyki loved being comfortable and the nice cool air was always refreshing. He loved how the carnival smelled when it was alive and full of wonder. Despite being tricked into joining he did like it.

Just ask him, Victor. Tyki was the type that loves showing off and away from the eyes of the public he could be himself. It takes getting use to when someone is so normal and Tyki's almost forgotten at times that people here can come in fresh without any trace of magic.

"Ah, then I have yet to hear about it because it has not occurred. That does make sense." He lets the towel slip around his neck and he wanders past the outside where he can just lean against the tent and enjoy the air. "Do you enjoy these ice shows? It sounds like a lot of work."

He laughs again, coming to a stop nearby. He doesn't join Tyki in his leaning, though he does turn his attention outward again, listening and watching for the time being. "I hope so! I've been doing them most my life." Sometimes he wonders if that's an exaggeration, but no, he knows it isn't. "Competitions are the bigger challenge. Seeing what people bring to the ice in terms of artistry and technical skill is inspiring." Or it is again, when before, it'd been losing its luster. Victor's glad to have found it again.

He tilts his face toward Tyki, weighing options. He opts for the direct, albeit casually stated. "You dried off fast."

He can hear the roar of the crowd here behind him as the main events are still going on and no doubt Doll is doing her performances or the daredevils were at it again. Sometimes he liked to watch the main events as they went off during Strange's magician act. The man was rather good but he had seen it over and over again by now. He's picking up on that passion quickly the more he talks about it, "Then I look forward to what you may bring to our little carnival."

He was about to fish out a cigarette but Victor's statement draws his attention away from that, "Oh? I suppose I did~ I am a Magician here in this carnival."

He breathes out in a soft scoff of amusement. "You and me both." Considering ice shows require niceties like ice, he's undecided as to how that'll be helpful in any direct sense. He'll need to talk with the Stage Manager and see what he can work out.

It's the repetition of the word he's heard around a few times now, Magician, that has him making a speculative noise in the back of his throat. "Back home, magician would qualify as someone adept at sleight of hand and misdirection. Magician here seems to mean something... different." His lips quirk in a wry grin, eyes serious. "How'd you manage to pull the water off you?"

"Well, Mister Strange is the other Magician and he has a lot more versatile magics he can perform and if he hasn't done something he has quite the vivid imagination. We do have a rather large lake and I'm sure ice could be something he could pull off time to time." Though don't mess with his fishing grounds too much.

Well, Victor wasn't wrong. While he was actually using magic to escape it was a lot of sleight of hand and misdirection as well. His performance was all about magic and using magic to seem like he wasn't using magic. There were times he would change up a performance and actually use the magic to 'disappear' if he needed saving. "Magic~" he responds without a hitch.

He holds out his hand towards Victor, "If you don't believe me, take my hand. That is, if you can." Because with Tyki now using his power to choose Victors hand will pass right through his.

"I don't believe I've met Mr. Strange yet," Victor says, quirking an eyebrow at Tyki's offer of his hand. He glances from Tyki's hand to his face, lifting a hand and waggling his fingers. "Seems impolite to try when it implies a lack of belief." His lips quirked up, Victor apparently amused. "Still, if you insist."

He doesn't so much attempt to take Tyki's hand as press his fingers down against it; only there's no resistance when he presses his fingers down, expecting to meet flesh. Victor yanks his hand up immediately, the unnerving sight of his fingers penetrating the other man's hand enough to have his eyes widening and a spike of adrenaline coursing through his system. He's a little breathless when he speaks, working to keep his voice at a normal octave. "Oh. Well, that was surprising."

He rubs his fingertips together, brow furrowed, still processing what just did (or didn't) happen. "Can I, again?" He holds up his hand, frowning as he looks to Tyki. Can I try again? to see exactly how far this insanity of his might go. How tired has he been, anyway?

"He's remarkable though I would keep a few steps back if he's casting anything with fire," he says in a loving and yet joking way. He adored Strange and loved his passion for magic.

His hand is outstretched and he's waiting for any reaction. His cheerful grin is present as he dips his fingers against his palms. He'll feel a tingle as any of his skin touches his and when he jerks back he grins wider. He loves these different reactions and this one is precious.

But it is also very obvious and it is a sight he hasn't seen in a long wide. His grin is cracking and he can't stop himself. This is a pure, normal human.

"Yes, touch as much as you like." Anywhere Victor tries he'll find his body untouchable from his head to his toe.

Victor's lips quirk in a wry sort of grin. "Not normally the circumstances those offers are made in," he quips, while taking no further liberty than to deliberately attempt to press his finger against Tyki's hand once again. The same results are met, meaning his finger passes through. Enough so this time that Victor sees his fingertip on the other "side" of Tyki's hand.

He suppresses most of a shiver, laughing a little weakly. There's a resignation in his eyes having to do with how the impossible has turned into the improbable: still not easy to believe, but also visibly possible. He lifts his finger again, just as careful as he pressed down through Tyki's hand.

"Well, that's both unnerving and incredible. This is, ah, part of your 'magic?'" A younger Victor would have asked if that meant Tyki could fall through floors or walk through barriers or things like that; Victor as an adult is mostly struggling with not turning around and walking away while reminding himself there are stranger things, like carnivals that were never in St. Petersburg and being contracted to a fae's circus in the first place. Having a finger pass through someone's hand without any blood or injury is almost normal.

(It isn't, and he isn't truly fooling himself.)

It tingles to the point that it feels like Tyki's hand isn't there at all and something else entirely was laid out before him. "No, not usually." It's his manner of speaking really that presents himself to the general audience and lures them in.

It's hilarious how normal he is as if he's wary or confused. He's not sure if Victor is even sure of what is going on but he's indulging this odd behavior regardless. He's patient and he can wait there for a while and let him poke around.

"That's correct. This is part of my magic. Do you not have magic in your world?"

Victor's only rejoinder is a soft sound of amusement. He wonders if Tyki is as apparently flirtatious in persona as Victor tends to be; perhaps it isn't even a persona. Hard to say. He doesn't know anything about the other man, other than his apparent intangibility, his status as a Magician with the carnival, and a seeming patience for Victor's prodding.

Though he does stop after the second failure of contact, less inclined to push limits when he was a largely self-contained man around those he didn't know. Particularly now, in such strange situations. "Not this kind of magic. It's more of a metaphor, or something for the theatres."

Victor surreptitiously tucks both his hands into his pockets, leaving the towel draped over a shoulder. "With the water earlier, were you... refusing to be solid for it any longer?" He isn't sure that's what's happening at all, or if that's even how it works, but he's making an attempt. As long as Tyki is willing to indulge, Victor figures to ask.

"You wouldn't be the first to give me that kind of answer. It seems magic in some worlds isn't really magic except in mind or the heart." Trickery to be exact with fancy lights, smoke, and mirrors. It's likely more amusing that Strange does use smoke and mirrors but for his act instead of for trickery. A respectable magician with enough imagination to entrance an entire crowd.

"Not exactly," he says to play into his curiosity but Victor was one of many that simply thought all he did was go intangible. In a way he was fine with that, "But that is the basis of it. Once the water couldn't touch me it fell off."

The not exactly earns a tip of his head, and the small beginnings of a wry smile. "Do you mind informing this unfortunate, magicless person what, exactly, your magics involve?" Water meeting no resistance would follow the theory of gravity. In and of itself, that makes sense. Less so that Tyki stays above ground, unless he chooses to maintain contact there; unlikely that he doesn't obey concepts of gravity, since he did manage to stay entirely grounded.

Why am I wondering about any of this at all? I have no idea what's going on. He knows the reasoning has everything to do with wanting to better understand, though understanding anything of one person doesn't explain the whole: just part of the menagerie of differences at the carnival.

"And ruin your sense of wonder? Not a chance~" Or more so because he could be a bit of a tease with information and he didn't know Victor all that well. "You'll simply have to figure that out yourself. You have plenty of time." A year and a day to be exact.

"Besides, with so much magic in the air I wouldn't doubt if you ever got a chance to touch some yourself."

"Considering how difficult you are to catch, it certainly won't be with you." He winks, good naturedly amused, tamping down on how this really is absurd and unbelievable and undeniably true, all at once.

He tips his head to Tyki, lips still curved in an amused smile, masking right over whatever else he thinks. His surprise and unfamiliarity has already been showcased; it's already known. "Thank you for your time today, Mr. Mikk. And for the impromptu lesson. I'll leave you to the rest of your day."

With the same affable expression, Victor gives a waving waggle of his fingers, stepping back and turning to leave, hands finding their way back to his pockets. THere's certainly enough to consider about people's possibilities here. The rules he thought he knew don't apply in quite the same ways, and Tyki is likely correct. At some point Victor might end up having to deal more directly with magic himself.

Hopefully just nice kinds, like tea warming magic, and maybe stay-fresh-vegetables magic. He'd rather like those indeed.

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⇨ WISMUTH

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