Sethyr's Sirkus

Starting Up

The next day, Marna woke up and quietly prepared for school. She was thinking about the job she has just accepted and starting to wonder if she did make the right choice. Without wanting it, a part of her brain seemed to constantly repeat that Sethyr was a demon and that she shouldn't work for such a dangerous being.
The day was pretty uneventful, except for when she learned that she had scored 100% in her French exam. Marna was eased in that language, however she didn't expect to do that good. That made her forget about Sethyr for a bit.

Then 5 o'clock arrived and Marna thought it would be a good idea to go early. She called a taxi, too lazy to take the bus.
When she reached the door, she made sure no one saw and went through, her finger with the rose scar raised.

This time, she expected the drastic atmosphere change and waved at Shiva while walking towards Master's room. It was calmer than last time for sure, and low and behold the destroyed phone was back, as well as the wall. She didn't even have time to reach the velvet door before Sethyr bursted out with a large pointy smile on his face:

"LADY MARNA! I'm glad to see you back. How was your day, may I ask?

- Boring, I was kinda curious to see what I could do here, she replied, faking a disinterested attitude.

- Haha, oh my, my lady, I should let you know that I do theater acting myself and that I can read your real emotions with ease? I know that you were in fact eager to see me again!

He winks

- I'll admit you might be right. So, where do we start? I don't want to come back home at midnight.

- We will start with the two bar areas. I know Shiva already taught you some stuff about our clientele, but I want to make sure it's all clear. Then, we will go behind the scene, where the magic happens... You know what I mean!"

He abruptly turns around, seemingly disturbed by his own aborted joke.

"This way, dear. " he eloquently announced. They both got to Shiva's counter and Sethyr explained:

"Here is the first bar, where most of our customers buy drinks and snacks during show nights. Shiva is the barmaid here. She's quite the gal and serves everyone with elegance, may I add. Be careful not to get on her nerves though, as she knows how to defend herself. In this part of the Sirkus, we only serve soft and moderate drinks, from sparkling water to Imp Juice, a favourite of mine. Clients can either sit on one of these tabourets (he points at them) or choose a table in the space behind us. We have enough spots for 205 souls, including the Loser's Seat-- he whispers as if it was some big secret -- I counted one time when I was bored. Anyways, this is the main area in this building, so you'll clean here often.

-Clean?, Marna questionned.

-Yes, clean. I decided to give you a trial job of part time janitor. Isn't that fun? I'm sure you will look great in a maid outfit", he exclaims, with a smug grin on his pale face.

"Let's keep going, my dear, we still have a lot of things to see. Next up: The Exotic bar. -- It's not what it sounds like, please do not look at me with those eyes!"

Marna followed the tall man on a couple of meters until they arrived at a steel door guarded by a well-built green demon dressed in a black tank top, black pants and combat boots. She observed him while Sethyr explained what they were doing. The one with the large emerald-colored horns stepped aside after opening the door. The duo entered a relatively small room with six round tables, a bay window that gave a view on the Sirkus' stage and on the opposite wall, a bar. This one looked extremely similar to the first one, apart from the weird decorations that consisted of animal skulls and dried up repriles. The back shelves, however, were filled with neatly labeled jars containing ingredients of all sorts: eyeballs, snake skin, scales, spider legs, bloody cap mushrooms and much more. Sethyr jumped over the counter and took a glass which he then filled with a bright red liquid contained in a big barrel. He raised the glass to his lips and took a sip.

"Exquisite as always. Triannah is the name of the barmaid who takes care of this place. She makes the best Dragon Nectar, a specialty of our establishment. Don't tell her I took some of it without asking, I dont want her to kick down my door when she comes back.
The Exotic bar is for strong drinks and magical infusions. It is not open to anyone who comes by however. In order to be allowed in, you need a card from Shiva that attests your ability to handle lots of demon alcohol without going on a rampage. Thanks to this system, we only had one death in five years of running. Not too shabby, if I can say so myself.

- Someone died here?, Marna asked, a bit worried

- Yes, but do not fear my dear human, the guy had nothing to live for anyways, only throat-burning beer.

- That doesn't reassure me, Mr. Rosica..."

He jumped over the counter, putting his glass back as if nothng happened. Marna was escorted out of the room. Sethyr walked towards the imposing stage, open arms, as if he was going to hug the wooden structure.

" Now miss, time to show you my treasure. Please come after me!"