Welcome to Gaia! ::

Translated to "Black Circus" it is a tremendous tent with black and golden stripes. The sign at the entrance reads: Cirque de Noir, depicting three contortonist in complicated formations in flashing lights. The ringmaster's performance stage, at the center of the big-top has everything one would imagine a circus to hold. A tightrope, silks, trapeze, etc. Further back into the tents are the performer's living quarters, the ringmaster's office, and the training facilities. Outside, a carousel, among other rides. They're a twisted combination of a Cirque du Freak, Cirque du Soleil, and a theather troupe. The pack of Lycan's call the Cirque de Noir home and the owner is Rashaad, their Alpha.

Sitting upon the tightrope, Asher's balance was perfect upon the wire. It was quiet and she could think. Her dagger danced around her fingers, twirling back and forth absentmindedly. She'd be performing tonight. Seemed like alot to prove. Although she'd already proved herself to Anri. And Rashaad. Man, Anri had no idea. Stupid idiot, underestimating her. Placing the dagger in her mouth, she took her long black hair and began french-braiding it. Tonights theme for Cirque de Noir was Frankenstein. She'd heard rumors that the light show would be spectacular.

Asher had finished her braid, then rose to stand beside Jynx. Perfect balance. "Thank you," she said, "It's been awhile since I've performed. Wonder if I've still got that old spark..." Studying the other performers below, she noticed the dirty look Anri was giving her. It wasn't like he'd stop being a Beta just because she whooped his a**, he just wasn't Rashaad's second-in-command anymore. Boo hoo. "Guess I'd better get in costume, huh?" Smiling to herself, Asher walked the highwire the rest of the way to the platform and took the ladder. "Good luck tonight, Jynx!" She called.

"A full house tonight, cher." Rashaad stood behind Athena, her hands resting upon her daughter's shoulders. Rashaad's hair hung loosely around her in thick curtain of black. A miniature red sequined top hat was clipped into her hair. The corseted bodice was sequined also, red and black. The high-waisted pencil skirt hugged her figure and the ballerina boots she adored made her legs look a mile long. A red sequined lab coat billowed around her, buttoned tightly at the top to reveal an ample amount of cleavage. For the theme and allure, of course.

"Oui, Asher has taken Anri's position. However, he is still a Beta of our pack, but my third-in-command now. She is new, doesn't smell...quite like a wolf. There's something more. It is, how do you say, intriguing." Patting Athena's hand, she said, "Anri's pride may be hurt, but he'll get over it. He always does."

"I did not. Anri is getting into costume as we speak. Tonight, he is Frankenstein. His status may have changed, but his is still one of our top performers. I would not jeopardize the circus's reputation because my favor has been swayed towards another." Rising, she tapped her cane against the wood floors and nodded to Athena. "The men will grovel at your feet tonight, my sweet." Brushing aside the curtain, Rashaad left her daughter to her own devices to make her rounds to the other performers.

Anri stood below, arms folded across his chest and watched Athena from the sidelines of the stage. She was gorgeous, especially when she was performing. The blood red rubies caught the lighting just right. He'd always been fond of her. Anri's hair was black and curly like both Athena and Rashaad, short except for the long braided ponytail he allowed to grow out. It looked like a mullet when it wasn't braided. His skin was tanned and he was muscular. That's why his costume consisted of leather pants made from belts that glinted as he moved. A stitched choker wrapped around his neck and black eye make-up made his emerald eyes stand out against all that darkness.

Anri smirked and went to Athena. Taking her hand, he kissed her knuckles. "At such an invitation, who could resist?" Looking around at the growing crowd, he caught a few heated gazes, both lustful and jealous and his grin only widened. "I've impressed even myself tonight, Athena. Tony agreed to do The Wheel of Death with me." Tony a.k.a grumpy's incarnate and the circus's Were-Cheetah never volunteered to perform. He mostly did Rashaad's dirty work. So, it was quite an accomplishment. Anri specialized in The Wheel of Death, but he also did other acts. Like Cat's Cradle, which he'd sometimes do with Athena. Even the highwire with Jynx.