Jaq laughed, returning Calli's hug with her own brand of enthusiasm. Guess I picked good after all, she thought, and her smile came back full force. "Glad you like it, Calli. She can keep you company at night."

Jaq giggled, slinging her arm around her friend's shoulders.

"At least seven times, countin' that one. Ain't it about time for breakfast? The birthday girl's starvin' over here!"

Dorian watched the girl open her presents with a broad, happy grin. She was so free and excited and...Gods what would she think of his gift!? His stomach flipped around as he got closer to the group. The boy wanted to wait until she'd recieved all her friends and families gifts before he gave her his. It just seemed appropriate.

"Dorian." The brown haired boy turned with raised eyebrows, stunned.

"Tae?" He said in quiet shock, scooting away from the group to come close to his blonde ex-bestfriend, standing on the edge of the camp. The tamer shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Hey...long time no see. So...Calli's birthday huh? Looks pretty good." Dorian nodded.

"Yeah, yeah. I uh...I haven't actually participated in anything but a hug yet. I got..I'm just waiting.." He fumbled over the words he wanted to say. Taegan looked at him for a moment, arms crossed, before chuckling.

"Your clocking hopeless. Go and give her your present. And hey, I'm really sorry alright. Seriously." Taking a breath, he nodded, shoving his hands in his pants pockets.

"Tell Calli...tell her Happy Birthday for me, alright." Dorian smiled at the boy and nodded.

"Alright." After a moments pause, Taegan turned and left. Dorian stood smiling for a moment, before turning back to the group with a determined stride. It was go time.

"Calliope Bard, I have a present for you." He announced as he broke into the group. Looking around, he smiled at the guests.

"That is, if your all finished giving your own. I don't want to be the party killer with an early gift."

Calli turned towards him, still holding her ballerina in one hand and the spheres out yet again in the other. She wrapped her arms around him, twiddling with the spheres, and kissed his cheek.

"Nothing can kill a wick party." She said, feeling very sure of that. "I'd love anything you gave me."

She glanced about, with an expression that kind of hinted that she really wanted to see what Dorian was talking about. Her father was now on the outside of the group, with her mother holding his arm to sooth him. Her brother and her sisters were present, the little erse was currently making faces. Terpi had a box in her hand but she delicately tucked it behind her back. Calli's mother mouthed the word "later" and began to pat her father's hand.

He looked like he wanted to go apoplectic on Dorian's face but Calli just wasn't about to let that happen. She gave Dorian a besotted look.

In Tristaan's mind, his present for Calli was threefold: one, they were both in the same place at the same time for the first time in at least two birthdays; two, he was not the one actually cooking the breakfast that was practically ready to be served; three, he'd somehow managed to assemble people into something very much like a party. Not otherwise talented in the art of actual gift-giving, the passive was rather pleased with the small gathering of Circus folk and Crow family. He could see well enough that the younger witch was enjoying herself immensely and was assured that was more than enough between them.

Tristaan took the time in between gift-giving and Dorian's arrival to make sure that the breakfast of eggs; spring island fruits; fresh, flat bread; and whatever else some thoughtful wicks decided to bring was sufficient for the small crowd.

Convinced he'd planned sufficiently, he paused to hover near Calli's parents, noting the older wick's change of expression upon Dorian's arrival. The passive spoke up to Calli first, "Go on, beata. You've got plenty of time."

Quietly, he added to Ouranos, "Oh now, he ent so bad, that one. He's gotta better head on his shoulders than he looks."

Dorian felt suddenly, very very open. He glanced at Calli's parents with a sort of fearful gulp. Her dad was so...very...scary. Watching Tristaan move in and mumble to Ouranos emboldened him slightly. Looking back at the yellow haired ball of excitement, he forced back the fluttering, vomity feeling.

"Okay..well...good." He stammered, not entirely sure who he was talking to. For a moment, he looked like he was going to run away, then all of a sudden he dropped down on one knee, fumbling in his vest pocket. Looking down as he pulled something small out, he laughed nervously.

"I uh...well...you know, I perform in front of hundreds of people all the time, and I'm never this clocking jittery. I thought I would be better at it. Oh well." Blowing air out in a huge bust, he looked up at Calli and grinned.

"Calliope Bard...Calli...I know we haven't been stepping out long, but I have adored you for ages. As soon as you came to the circus, I thought my heart would stop beating. You were so clocking pretty, and fun and happy and...everything. I don't usually end up with the girl..." He paused for a moment. Somewhere behind the birthday group, Winslow and Balder had appeared - with Taegan. The two older men were grinning ridiculously, they'd been in on this little idea for ages, helping Dorian with his nerves and words. The blonde tamer chuckled and called out.

"On with it man!" The brown haired youth turned for a moment, a massive grin breaking out on his face. This was how it was meant to be. Turning back to Calli, he seemed more confident and relaxed.

"Obviously we have an audience, and I don't clocking care. I love you Calli, I would go through fire for you. And I don't think I could see anyone else in my life." He moved his hand, holding up something small and silver. It was a ring, a delicate affair, the band looked like three ribbons wound around themselves. On the top was a bright, sparkling gemstone, about a quarter the size of her little fingernail, clear as fresh water and catching the morning sun with a fierce brilliance. The fire breathing-sword swallower looked up into her brown eyes with adoration.

"How about it?"

Calli smiled encouragingly, starting to feel a sliver of apprehension form. Was she imagining this? She tried to hold off the suspicion she was having, knowing how disappointed she'd be if she was wrong.

She slid the spheres back into their box, placed the box in the bag Jaq had given her with the statue and put all of that on the ground just in case.



He was. He was! Calli's eyes filled with tears and her hands shifted up to cover her mouth, trembling slightly. Never in a million years would she have thought this could happen to her. They hadn't even been together very long, she'd even worried that he might end things if he became friends with Taegan again, underneath her usual sunny optimism.

That fear was now blown into so much dust.



Calli tried to answer right away and only a happy sob came out. She laughed and tried again. Everyone else in the world ceased to exist in at least a metaphoric sense. A tiny, aware part of her mind reminded her not to throw herself at Dorian while they had company.

"Oes, yes, definitely!" She said, laughing and crying, dropping to her own knees and kissing the man she was going to marry.

She didn't reach for the ring first. It was beautiful, it just wasn't as important as the question, the answer and what it all meant. Calli was euphoric. She wanted to jump up and dance forever. Behind her, her father burst into tears, torn between congratulating his daughter and wanting to tear Dorian limb from limb. Calli's mother patted his hand gently.

"I remember when that was us." She said smiling.

Sarinah watched the little scene with a sort of bemused smile. Dorian had definitely seemed the smitten type with Calli, and they were both rather impulsive youths. She couldn't help but glance up at the attractive passive standing by Calli' now bawling father. It wasn't a meaningful or accusing glance, just a simple glance. Dorian's proposal was very human, it was sometimes easy to forget he wasn't a wick. Her thoughts strayed...what would a proposal from a galdor-turned passive-turned wick be like? A small smile danced along her red lips.

Her brown eyes drifted to the fire and suddenly, her stomach lurched. Whether it was hunger or hangover, she wasn't quite sure, but she needed to sit down. Or eat. Or throw up. Moving away quietly, she sat down on one of the log seats, resting her head on her knees.

Dorian thought his jaw would break from the grin on his face. She'd said YES! YES, YES, YES! Laughing with her, he kissed her soundly, grabbing her delicate hand as he did so. Leaning back, he moved to slide the ring onto her third finger on the left hand. Taegan and Winslow hollered and clapped, whilst Balder blew his nose on an over sized black handkerchief. Kissing her again, the brown haired youth hugged the acrobatic girl close and looked at her parents.

"I promise I will take care of her and try not to let her climb any trees." Letting her go, he grinned.

"How about we get off this dirt ground and let the rest of your guests give you their presents? And eat! I am so hungry!! Tristaan, you outdid yourself!" The sword swallower said, standing and helping Calli to her feet.

Tristaan might've seen it coming, had he been the type to allow himself to think about such things on a more regular basis. He wasn't. He didn't. Thus, he was surprised; almost pleasantly. However, the mix of emotions was almost uncomfortable. It was beautiful, and the passive was stupidly happy for the young witch who was practically his sister. He certainly approved of the suitor, and it was obvious Calli did, too.

Still, for all the rush of excitement he genuinely felt for the pair, his own heart sank like lead in his chest. Alioe gave freedom to who she chose, apparently, and the swordsman watched its loveliness blossom between Dorian and Calli in a way that he could admit wanting very much for himself. He was probably getting too old to feel the same, childish sort of longing that he did when privy to such things as engagements and weddings ... but ... still. There it was, that wrenching gut feeling, that fear of forever being left out of something he'd been told his whole life he couldn't have. While he'd come to realize that some of his own limitations were either self-imposed or culturally understood, Tristaan couldn't help but continue to feel bound by convention, even though it hurt.

No matter how easy it sounded to shrug off, some burdens were still just so heavy.


With a sigh, Tristaan looked over at the two older wicks, family in a way. He offered an encouraging smile, though it was perhaps suddenly a little forced. Gods, would he ever really be able to say that? Or was he just pretending, even now?

The passive could tell Ouranos was a little torn, despite his tears. He rest a calloused hand on the man's shoulder warmly, smile fading from the edges of his expression, consolation mixed with solidarity.

He thought to open his mouth and say something encouraging, but Tristaan caught a look instead.

That was it.

That had to mean something.

What was he doing? Or what hadn't he done?

Everything was instantly less exciting and suddenly more awkward, but there was nowhere the passive could go to get away. His smile completely faded under the gaze of the lovely witch and he slid his hand from Ouranos' shoulder, gray eyes drifting from meeting Sarinah's brown ones like a beaten animal.

He didn't even bother to try to fake another smile as Dorian spoke, hoping all signs of his inner conflict weren't as oppressively obvious as they might have felt.


Tristaan blinked, taking a moment to realize he was being addressed. He chuckled, but it might have rung a little hollow had anyone been really listening, "Dorian, that's kind of you, but y'better be thankful it ent me who did th'cookin'." The passive finally managed some of his normal humor, "Anyway, it's th'least I could do for Calli, beata that she is, an', well, now you."

He finally offered a semblance of a smile, waving his hand toward the fire and prepared food, "I think it's safe t'say we're all thankful to Alioe for all she's given us in Calli t'be celebratin' her birthday with each other, an' I'm sure it's an honor t'all th'Circle t'see th'two'f you as happy as y'are." Tristaan kept his expression from wavering better than his voice, but his feet felt firmly planted, unwilling to move just yet, "Go on an' let's eat."

"Oh, my!" Calli was getting married? Wowwowwow. Giana would dearly love to be married, but seeing as she was missing the other half of the equation...
"Oes, let's go eat, all of this happiness is making me hungry. Ugh." She noticed Taegan actually cheering in the background. Well, well. He's doing very well with this. She'd go talk to him soon.

"Aye, now that's the truth for sure!" Jaq cried, wiping her eyes on her shirt hem. The whole thing was just way too sweet for words.

"Three cheers for Calli, another one fer her birthday, an' half a one for Dorian!" She said, laughing, throwing a wink towards the sword eater. Jaq clapped and cheered, casting a sideways glance toward Taegan, who was still standing with Balder and Winslow. She smiled to see him laughing and cheering along. It was good to have him back.

Hal's mouth went a little dry at the proposal, but nothing more. He was surprised; they hadn't been together very long, after all. But he wanted to see Calli happy, and she was absolutely glowing. He was fairly certain she wasn't touching ground.

He laughed and cheered as Jaq led the group in a miniature eruption for her and Dorian.

Calli let Dorian help her up, not relinquishing his arm once she was standing. She could barely hear above the sound of her pulse racing in her ears. She looked at the ring on her finger with joy and awe.

"Oes, let's eat!" She said happily, wondering if she was too nervous to have a bite or so excited she could eat a horse without noticing. "I'm so happy I'm crying!"

And she was. She had tear tracks down her cheeks now and her face hurt from smiling too hard. She felt more wonderful than she'd ever felt before. It was like the high she got from performing only so much better, warmer.

"I love you so much, hamaye." She said it in estuan and then tek, wanting to keep saying it in as many ways as she could until her breath ran out.

Even then, she'd still be thinking it.

Tristaan slipped away from Ouranos quietly, giving him a firm pat on the back before he did so. It was a gesture of both comfort and congratulations. The passive was rather sure it was a good match, having spent plenty of time with the sword-swallower during the Circus.

With a weak smile, he wandered toward the fire and took a seat on the log next to Sarinah, but the reality of his expression was almost timid. For what, however, he wasn't sure if he was willing to elaborate. He just expected something to be wrong, considering the brief glance he'd caught from the dancer. Managing to arrange a party for the only sister he still knew, in a way, was probably the extent of his ability to be impulsive. The happy surprise Dorian had brought to the event reminded Tristaan of this, and he worried it was terribly obvious.

He rested his wrists on his knees and waited a few moments before tilting his head toward the lovely witch, gray eyes concerned, "Are y'alright?"

Sarinah heard the footsteps approaching, but didn't move her head from her knees, arms curved to hold her shins lightly. As the footsteps stopped and someone sat down, she already knew it was Tristaan, familiar with his walk and his scent. She hoped he wasn't in too festive a mood this morning, unsure if she could manage to dance or celebrate too actively.



The dancer groaned softly.

"Ne. I am never drinking again." She said in a sort of moan, slowly lifting her head and sitting up. The unsettled churning in her stomach had abated somewhat. Perhaps some good, ungreasy food would ease it. Perhaps not. She turned her face to the passive and smiled a little.

"I ent quite used to this early morning lifestyle yet kov. It's okay though. I'll be alright..later." Pausing, she searched his face for a moment.

"Are ye alright? You look...out of sorts. Don't ye approve of Calli and Dorian?"

Dorian continued to grin stupidly, as though he was unable to do much else. Everyone was so awesome about this, and Calli was so happy and...she said YES! He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and go get hitched right now. But...perhaps he should at least wait a little while. Till things could be prepared. And possibly till Ouranos had time to be reasonable.



The youth laughed and reached up with a thumb to wipe the tears from her face.

"I know how you feel."



Moving his hands so he held her face in them, Dorian kissed her on the forehead, followed by both cheeks, her nose and then her lips. Pulling back to look at her, still grinning, he tested the word she'd used.

"Hamaye...I love you too Calli. I'll make you so happy every single day. Now," He moved beside her, throwing an arm around her shoulder and leading her to the fire, reaching down to hold her left hand. Watching the ring as they walked, marveling at the fact it was there on her hand.

"Let's do this eating thing. I didn't eat a single thing since last night, I was so clocking nervous. I need something in my belly." Behind them, footsteps were jogging over.

"Hey, hey you two, wait up." Taegan slowed as he came over, walking slightly behind them as they moved to the fire.

"Congratulations. Hey Calli." He said with an apologetic smile. Dorian looked back at him, then down at Calli with a sort of questioning look. He loved Calli, and he forgave his best friend, but if she didn't want the blonde around, he would understand immediately.

Warmth bloomed and spread from Calli's heart as Dorian told her he loved her in tek. She let their fingers lace together, kissing his cheek as he gazed happily at the ring she was wearing.

"I'm not sure if I'm too nervous to eat... I'm just so excited!" She said, turning to see who was coming over behind them.



Calli felt a momentary rush of something like fear. It abated when Taegan congratulated them. She still wasn't happy with him and he hadn't really apologised as far as she was aware. Looking at Dorian though, she realised that this clearly meant something to him. She was going to accept things as they were, at least for now.

"Thank you. It's good to see you, Taegan." Calli said, smiling. She might have looked a bit overwhelmed but it was still genuine.

Tristaan moved to sit closer, arm moving to hold the lovely witch with almost an apologetic smile, "I think I've heard that one before," he chuckled, "An', oes, I very much approve of Dorian for Calli. I ent broke his legs yet, have I?"

The passive attempted to hide his own insecurity behind his typical humor, but his gray eyes might have betrayed his feelings just a little, "I'm fine, macha." He looked away to his hands briefly and considered being honest, or at least open, but he somehow managed to convince himself that now was certainly not the time. Or something, "It's a benny thing for 'em both."

Sarinah could see he was hiding something, but she didn't press the issue. It was too early to fight. Turning her head to the side, she rested her cheek on her knees.

"Mmm...benny." She mumbled. Closing her eyes, she looked almost asleep for a moment. Finally, she spoke again.

"Have you told her we're leaving?"

Tristaan shifted uncomfortably, looking away, "Er, ne. Not yet. It ent so fair t'be tellin' her right now, I'd think. I mean, it was gonna happen eventually, but she'll prolly feel it's too soon."

He frowned a little and glanced back at the dancer, "I can take y'back t'bed while everyone's eatin'."

He offered, though it wasn't entirely playful, "I'm sure there'll be somethin' goin' on all day for her, an' it ent like I slept any more than you did." The passive chuckled, definitely moving to change the subjects at hand entirely, but his tone of voice might have hinted he had more to say.

Taegan smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.

"It's good to see you too." He cleared his throat and moved to walk beside Dorian, heading towards the fire. The sword swallower gave Calli a thankful smile and kissed her cheek, moving forwards again.

"So..uh...what are the plans Dorian? Shacking up with Calli now? Or...seperate kints till after the big day? You know, your always welcome back at our kint, I ain't changed your side or anything." The blonde tamer eased into the conversation with an almost elated smile. He'd missed Dorian - a lot. The brown haired boy made a face as they walked.

"Well, as much as being in the same kint as Calli really, really appeals to me. Her dad might just kill me. No..he will kill me." Looking at the blonde, he shrugged.

"If you want me back, I wouldn't mind having my bed again. At least then me and Calli have somewhere to escape to where her dad can't get us...maybe." He squeezed the little blonde gently.

"What do you think Calli? It's your decision too, and you know your dad waaaay better than me."

Sarinah made a sort of tsk sound, eyes still shut. No matter when he did it, Calli was probably going to get upset. But maybe the fact she had Dorian and the others would make it easier. She understood Tristaan's hesitation. She would have been the same.



A smile came to her read lips and she chuckled under her breath, knowing he didn't mean it in a suggestive way, but finding it amusing all the same. The idea of going back to bed sounded clocking fantastic..but...Calli...this was her big day. She might get upset.



Opening her eyes with a little regret, she sat up and tucked the tendrils of black hair back from her face, braid not holding as much hair back as it should. Sighing, she gave the passive a stern look.

"Ye promise to tell me whats on your mind one day, kov? All of it? Not just the bits ye think I want to hear? I ent a bochi, I'm an adult. I've done a lot of things, seen a lot more. Oes, I'm a little messed up, but I ent fragile." Pausing, she closed her eyes, concentrating on keeping her stomach from roiling. It seemed like a good idea to eat something..bready. Opening them again, she continued.

"I think, I need a little food, then I would definitely appreciate being taken back to bed. If Calli doesn't mind."

Tristaan stood and considered answering, but whatever he might have had to say to Sarinah's accusation of him treating her like a child was most likely unnecessary and unkind. He exhaled through his nose and flashed a placating half-smile instead. Quiet for an extra moment, his tone was more gentle than his expression, "Oes. I will. When I know exactly what I want t'be sayin', you'll be th'first t'know."

The passive began to hold out his calloused hands to help the lovely witch up, but changed his mind. He set them on the dancer's shoulders instead. Not trying to be rude, Tristaan was genuine in his concern, distracted by his own internal conflict or not, "I'll go fetch somethin'. Y'can stay here."

His smile filled out across his weathered features before he pulled back to walk away toward the breakfast gathering, Calli, Dorian, and the others who were slowly pretending to form something organized around the food.

Calli smiled happily, pleased that Dorian was still showing affection even with his best friend around.

Calli wasn't sure she wanted to refer to sharing a kint as "shacking up" but then, she had inherited some of her father's romanticism. Possibly more than he had, even it was tempered by practicality. She couldn't see why they'd live apart until they were married but she did want to organise things better before they finally chose to do so. For one thing, her kint was far too small. Even if they stayed living in each-other's pockets and didn't eat much, her bed still wasn't going to fit two. Unless they were...

Hmm... On reflection no. It would get stiffling. Calli liked a little space to herself, after all.



"Well, he seems a bit overwhelmed today but that's just how he is. Surely he must have known we'd get a kint together when you told him you were proposing. Most folk do" Calli said, unaware that Dorian had not actually informed her father in advance. "Da feels everything in the gut and not the head, that's where I get it from. He can probably help us find a kint that'll fit too, if we ask nicely."

Dorian gave her a lopsided grin. He hadn't considered getting a kint together. It was a clocking brilliant idea.



The brown haired youth felt his face redden a bit. Oops. He didn't even realize you were supposed to tell the father first. Clearing his throat, he tried to continue as casually as possible.

"You think he'd do that? I aughta speak to him..uh but..not today." Taegan patted his stomach as they approached the fire, looking over at Tristaan. He wasn't sure if the brotherly like wick would want to speak to him, but he was pushing his apologetic self on everyone today. Leaving the two lovebirds, he approached the man.

"Hey Tristaan..erm...awesome layout. I mean seriously. Uh...where's your witch friend?" The boy kept it casual, looking around the standing people for the brunette. Balder took a moment to blow his nose again, before deciding it was time to break the food out. Moving through the milling people, he found a large plate and started piling all sorts of delicious treats on it. Bacon rolls, warm pasty crescents, cheese and egg filled muffins, tomato egg and cheese mush...he grabbed a bowl from one of the tables and balanced it on the plate. Carefully, he filled it with wild rice and a steaming rich marsala, smelling of coconut. Someone had managed to get some stock from mugroba it seemed. Excellent. Moving away from the food, he found a log by the fire and began to eat, munching his happy tears away. Winslow followed him with a cigarette between his lips and a cup of sweet berry wine in each hand. He stopped in front of the man and grunted.

"You eating for two Balder?" The stumpy bald man chuckled and took the cup as he settled beside him. He nodded to the marsala.

"No you git, I got that for you. You know I can't eat curry in the morning. Gives me awful indigestion." The grey clown took the bowl, coughing once. He stared at the still full plate of food in front of Balder.

"Well then, good to see your not starving yourself for me." Throwing the cigarette into the fire, he put down his cup to eat.