XXXI: "Les Enfants De La Nuit"

Cassius Morven regarded me with a discerning eye before speaking, "You have indeed found favor in our midst, my friend. This was but a test; each aspirant to our troupe must first earn the approval of my children. Their judgment is paramount - if they find you wanting, you cannot be part of our ensemble. However, you have surpassed this initial trial, and thus, I extend to you a warm welcome to Le Cirque Macabre. Come, acquaint yourself with each member of our family."

Responding with a sincere smile, I replied, "I am deeply honored to be accepted into your illustrious family, Cassius. My gratitude extends to you, young ones, for your approval." My words, imbued with genuine respect and appreciation.

As I stood there, observing the Children of the Night, each child presented themselves as a unique character, painting a vivid picture of varied human dispositions.

Aurelia Cupida, a young girl on the cusp of her teenage years, appeared to be about thirteen. She possessed an air of wistful envy that seemed to cling to her like a delicate shawl. Her hair, a cascade of light golden waves, fell around her shoulders, framing her face in a gentle, almost melancholic manner. Each strand shimmered under the dim light of the circus environs, giving her an ethereal quality.

Her face, marked by youth yet shadowed by a depth of longing, bore an expression that often strayed into contemplation. It was as if she were perpetually lost in a world of yearning, always observing, always seeking something just beyond her grasp. Her eyes, a striking shade of emerald, were windows to a soul filled with both envy and admiration. They flickered with a complex blend of emotions, reflecting a heart that desired to possess the talents and graces of those she watched.

In her gaze, there was a keen sharpness, an intensity that suggested a young mind constantly at work. She studied her peers with an analytical eye, absorbing their performances, their movements, their very essence. One could almost see the cogs turning in her mind as she sought to emulate and incorporate their strengths into her own being.

Venustus Amor, a youth in the tender years of early adolescence, bore the unmistakable mark of a natural charmer. At the age of fourteen, he possessed an allure that was both compelling and effortless. His dark, curly hair, unkempt yet strikingly stylish, framed a face that seemed to draw the gaze of all who encountered him.

His eyes were particularly captivating - deep and dark as the midnight sky, they held a magnetic quality, ensnaring the attention of onlookers with an almost hypnotic force. In those black orbs, one could perceive a depth of emotion and an old soul, belying his young years.

His attire complemented his beguiling persona. He often wore clothes that were both fashionable and slightly daring for his age, perhaps a finely tailored jacket that accentuated his lean frame, or a shirt that was left casually unbuttoned at the collar, hinting at a rebellious streak.

In his presence, one could not help but feel drawn to him, as if he exuded a magnetic field of allure. His smile was disarming, and his laughter infectious, making him a favorite among both his peers in the troupe and the audiences who witnessed his performances.

Despite his youth, Venustus carried himself with a confidence that was both alluring and slightly mysterious. There was a sense that he knew exactly the effect he had on others and that he wielded this knowledge with a mix of innocence and burgeoning awareness. 

Viridis Oculi, presented a figure of unbridled zest and vivacity. A mere twelve years of age, he carried with him an air of perpetual anticipation, as if always on the cusp of discovering some new delight that life had to offer.

His appearance was that of a boy who fully embraced the joys of existence. His eyes, a radiant shade of green, sparkled with an insatiable curiosity and an ever-present hunger for all the world's wonders. They darted about with an eager intensity, alighting on every new spectacle or tantalizing morsel with equal fervor.

The robustness of his form spoke volumes of his appetites. He was well-built for his age, his physique rounded in a manner that suggested a hearty appreciation for the culinary arts. His cheeks, often flushed with the thrill of his latest indulgence, bore the rosy glow of health and contentment.

In his movements, there was an endearing clumsiness, a result of his constant quest to satiate his numerous cravings. Yet, there was also a certain charm in his actions, a testament to a life lived in pursuit of pleasure, unburdened by the trivial concerns that so often occupy the minds of adults.

Viridis Oculi's attire was simple, yet it seemed chosen with an eye for comfort and ease, allowing him the freedom to engage in his ceaseless explorations of taste and sensation. His clothes were often slightly disheveled, bearing the tell-tale signs of his most recent adventure in snacking or play.

In all, Viridis Oculi was a delightful representation of childhood indulgence, a living embodiment of the joy of giving in to one's desires without restraint. His presence within the troupe brought a certain light-heartedness, a reminder of the pure, uninhibited delight that can be found in the simple act of enjoying life's myriad offerings.

Edax Ventris, a girl of merely eleven, possessed a demeanor far more mature than her years would suggest. Her gaze was sharp and discerning, as if she were constantly appraising the world around her, weighing its worth in some unspoken currency. The intensity in her eyes spoke of a mind that was constantly calculating, always strategizing.

She was of slight build, her movements quick and nimble, like a young feline on the prowl. Every gesture she made seemed driven by a purpose, a relentless quest for something just beyond reach. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, flickered with a keen intelligence, scanning her environment with an acquisitive air.

Edax's attire was simple yet practical, befitting her active nature. She often wore dresses of modest cut and muted colors, which allowed her the freedom of movement necessary for her pursuits. Her hair, a rich chestnut hue, was typically tied back in a neat braid, further accentuating the sharp contours of her face.

In her interactions, she was brisk and to the point, her words often laced with a subtle sharpness. She seemed to possess an innate understanding of value, both material and otherwise, which she applied in her dealings with others. Her presence in the troupe was as much a mystery as it was a fascination, suggesting a depth and complexity well beyond her tender age

Flammeus Ira stood out among the Children of the Night with a distinct, fiery aura. At the tender age of ten, he bore the unmistakable mark of passion in every aspect of his being. His hair, a vibrant shade of red, seemed almost ablaze, cascading in unruly locks that mirrored the fervor within. This fiery crown framed a youthful face, alive with an intensity rare for one so young.

His eyes, a startling blue, were like twin sapphires set against his flame-colored hair. They shone with a piercing clarity, reflecting the depths of his emotions, from the heights of joy to the suddenness of his ire. In those azure depths, one could see the unbridled spirit of a child whose emotions were as quick to ignite as they were to change.

Flammeus moved with an energy that seemed inexhaustible, his gestures swift and animated, each one an expression of his inner fire. His laughter was infectious, a sound that could light up a room, but it was equally matched by the speed with which his mood could shift to stormy anger.

In attire, Flammeus often sported vibrant colors that matched his spirited nature. His clothes, while practical for his acrobatic endeavors within the circus, were always chosen to make a statement, often adorned with bold patterns or bright accents that celebrated his fiery personality.

In essence, Flammeus Ira was the living embodiment of his name – a flame of emotion and energy, burning brightly and fiercely, a young soul who lived each moment with a passion and vitality that was both inspiring and formidable.

Somnolentus Nubis, the youngest of the Children of the Night, was a sight to behold. At the tender age of nine, he carried himself with an unhurried, almost ethereal grace that belied his youth. There was an air of perpetual drowsiness about him, as if he were perpetually on the cusp of drifting into the realm of dreams.

His movements were slow and measured, each gesture seeming to require a concerted effort, as though he were wading through an invisible, languorous mist. Despite this, there was a deliberate intention behind his actions, a sense of purpose that emerged from the fog of his sleepy demeanor.

His eyes, heavy-lidded and serene, were like windows to a tranquil world far removed from the bustling reality around him. They were soft and deep, capturing the essence of a dreamer who lived as much in the internal world of his imagination as in the external world of the circus.

The boy's countenance was one of peaceful contemplation. His facial features, relaxed and untroubled, were often bathed in a gentle, dreamlike expression. His hair, a light shade of brown, fell in a casual, tousled manner that added to his somnolent appearance.

Dressed in soft, comfortable clothing that seemed to embrace his sleepy nature, he wore garments that allowed him the freedom to move with ease while also reflecting his tranquil character. The colors were often subdued, echoing the calming tones of twilight or the soft hues of early dawn.

In the presence of Somnolentus Nubis, one couldn't help but feel a sense of calm and tranquility, as if his very essence invited those around him to slow down and appreciate the quiet, unhurried moments of life. In a troupe as dynamic and varied as Le Cirque Macabre, he was a gentle reminder of the beauty found in stillness and contemplation.

Together, they were a microcosm of humanity, each child a reflection of a distinct aspect of human nature. Their smiles and interactions revealed not only the innocence of youth but a profound depth of understanding and experience, nurtured under the watchful eye of Cassius. Their complexity and talent were a testament to the extraordinary environment in which they had been raised and trained.

Bidding farewell to Cassius, Mystera, and the intriguing Children of the Night, I proceeded to acquaint myself with the other illustrious members of Le Cirque Macabre. My first encounter was with Ekaterina Petrova, the renowned Clairvoyant. Her reputation for uncanny foresight and a mystifying presence had preceded her, stirring a sense of anticipation within me as I approached.