Preparation

This time around Lunaira didn't have the heart to grin genuinely. The performer had no need for a mirror to know it probably did not look right. Still, she made those dirty hands spread out. Opened, accepting all her flaws, dreams, and struggles that laid before the path she planned on going. Her head lifted towards the sun, soaking up the warm rays that danced across her skin.

"Phew, I gotta say I feel pretty winded from chatting so much." Another sigh broke through, releasing all the tension that had been building up this whole time. Lunaira's uplifted lips brightened sincerely while she dramatically bowed her head with her hands on her hips.

"No comment, Marrow? Was my abrupt humor too dry for you?" The sixteen-year-old said nothing at first, her brows furrowed thoughtfully. For the third time now, the spellcaster was found under scrutiny, her own fault due to her quick shift. There was no doubt there were remaining questions that were forming deep within that younger, stubborn mind. Yet she dropped it, not continuing it further despite clearly wanting to. Something Lunaira could only be grateful for.

"It seems like you're getting old?" It took everything within the albino to not burst out laughing right then and there. She sucked in a break, while her frame shook just a bit. Harshly biting her lip when she thrusted her arm around protruding shoulder blades, pulling Marrow close. Their steps were in perfect sync.

"Give me another week little Marrow. I'll make you the snarkiest brat of the bunch." It was a personal promise that would lead to chaotically lethal results. A future Lunaira could not stop herself from anticipating. The lingering darkness left behind, they smiled towards their destination. Matching amused, comforting expressions were awaiting them.

"Thanks, but…don't we have a show to do first? What do we do for decorations?" The albino woman huffed. Fondness filtered through her while nudging her head gently against Marrow's. If only half of the rest of their troupe had such curious eagerness. Fun times were certainly coming, though sadly that would have to wait.

"It's a lot simpler than it sounds, definitely one of the more enjoyable aspects of preparation. Especially when there's a spell here or there going…wrong." The cogs in Lunaira's head began to spin as she thought of all the potions she had been experimenting with lately. It had been a while since she allowed some trouble. It WAS part of her job to keep everyone on their toes, after all. Dull senses led to duller lives afterall.

"Children, I've returned with breakfast!" However, those mischievous plans would have to be put on hold. The merry Ori returned, approaching with two hand woven straw baskets. Sweet aromas wafted through, filling every single one of their nostrils. It bloomed stronger the closer their adopted mother came. The freshly baked goods revived their forgotten empty stomachs. A chorus of gurgles rang about. So loud that Lunaira could only roll her eyes fondly. Already knowing what to expect.

First, she would hear Coco complain.

"It's about time."

Next, Dusty would raise his hands high above his head, ecstatic. Sounding far younger than he was.

"Wahoo! Food."

Illese, annoyed while also secretly excited herself, would do damage control. Trying (and failing) to rein in the two loud mouths.

"Really? Dusty and Coco stop being rude!"

Kail, starving for some good food, would only encourage the previous two's antics. Practically bouncing on the balls of his feet to reach for their meal.

"Come on. Let's dig in already!"

Of course, it would end with Dante putting his own attempt at keeping peace. Another failure to be sure.

"Relax all of you." Despite demanding peace, Dante did nothing to restrain the others who dived into the fray the moment Ori plopped the baskets onto the ground. The ravenette backed away with a slight stumble. Lunaira shook her head with her arms crossed. Mentally counting down until the inevitable mini wars that came over breakfast.

"Let go, dammit! I grabbed that muffin before you, Bastian!"

"Hell no, Dusty! You know I love blueberries."

Lunaira swore that meal time was the only situation where Bastian refused to cower away. Those hands held strong in his battle against his bunkmate. Practically harmless banter soared to her ears. The group before her were half territorial beasts, half bratty children.

"For the last time Momo, no. You chose that, so stop trying to manipulate me into giving you more."

"Ugh so rude, bullying my poor sister like that. Have some shame, Illese!"

Their petty arguments meant nothing, at least until the threat of using magic was brought in. Lunaira was more than fine staying back. Taking the time to have a private conversation with her adopted mother off to the side. She remained silent, intent on watching whether or not Kail would succeed in keeping Dante away from his raisin scones.

Even when Ori saddled up next to her, wiping her sweaty brow with her dull rainbow bandana, Lunaira simply stood there. On such a gorgeous day she relished the noise and playful banter. Lingering buzzes past her ears. Her mother's magic encompassed her being, a sea of loving protection over her. Checking for wounds or pains that would not be found.

"Did things go well while I was away, Luna?" Did things go well…quite the question to ask. Lunaira turned to Marrow for a moment. Her focus upon the particular girl bumping shoulders with her beaming cousin. They apparently already demolished their choice pastries based on their crust coated lips that were uplifted in fulfillment.

"It went better than expected, Mama Ori. I imagine tonight's show is going to be fantastic. You know…so long as we don't deal with any mystical, unwanted guests." A sigh escaped the aging woman, a bad sign in Lunaira's eyes.

Hidden beyond the habitual process that came with their lives...there was more than one reason that they settled in Hallowcile. Very rarely were their sources wrong. The troubles that crept in the masses were heard. Eventually resolved by her hand.

"There is indeed a Supernatural lurking somewhere in this town, my dear girl. From what I have found there's only one, however it's literally sapping away the lifeforce of any poor civilian it comes into contact with. Tonight will be our best chance to kill the bastard before there are more casualties."

"How many are we talking?"

"There have been ten within the last month."

She released a long breath. The magician was afraid of that, though Lunaira supposed she should be lucky that there was only one confirmed abomination roaming free. Hordes were never a fun thing to deal with. A hum softly rumbled through her chest at the news while she snapped her fingers. Two buttery croissants floated their way through the mayhem as the conversation continued.

"Have there been any turned?"

"No, thankfully."

"Well…overall, those aren't good numbers. Guess it's a good thing everyone hauled ass today. As you can clearly see, the boys, Kail not included, did a magnificent job getting our tent up and usable. Illese had the girls place protection markings all over the area, these ones in particular will dwindle the strength of whatever nasty decides to invade our territory."

It was good knowing that even while Lunaira was trying to get through to Marrow, things got done without much of her input. Still, despite clearing the air with the sixteen-year-old, there was more to do. Though, with the sight before her, the white-haired albino had faith that they'd be able to pull it off despite having very little time. Her fingers listed off the rest of their to-do list.

"We still need to put up Dante's illumination flowers, make sure Dusty's signs are out front and readable so he doesn't complain so much when the audience members break the rules, then get to work on the inside..."

Both blue and purple eyes brightened significantly when the croissants fell onto their opened palms. The only one that took a bite was Lunaira. Already the young spellcaster was feeling energized when the warm, flaky, buttery bread melted in her mouth. Her belly rumbled in gratitude.

"Don't forget that once that's all situated, we need to summon our animal companions from my books. I imagine they are rather discontent with being turned into text for so long…" Lunaira managed to bite back a groan, but she did roll her eyes. Honestly, she predicted her mother producing such an unhappy tone, however there wasn't much either of them could do. The same argument for ages was on the tip of her tongue, ready to be released. It wasn't until after she took another bite of her meal that she did.

"It's either the books or a magical cage. At least in the books they don't have to worry about being hungry, let alone cooped up in a stinky, cramped space for weeks on end." They both felt bad for treating these wonderful beasts in such a way. Hell, they both felt bad for having Ori's horses, Zaza, and Cheshi travel as much as they did. Like every other time, Ori waved her hand in front of her.

"I know, I know, regardless it still feels cruel. Also, are you sure you want Marrow and Graves to take part in the show? I trust your judgment, of course, but I still feel like it is too soon. Neither of them has had any official training, so whoever I pair them with will be showing them how to do it properly. If something goes wrong, you will be on your own to manage it. Especially with poor Kail sick again..."