The Carnival of the Damned

It proved no difficult task to find Dimitri in the Emporium of Creatures. His signature top hat was clearly visible as it bobbed among the rows of steel cages of various sizes and shapes, weaving in and out of enclosures as it's owner hummed a mysterious tune. Rose first crossed the threshold with trepidation, finding that the large pole with the spiderweb lights was in fact central to this area of the carnival. Each string of lights connected from the pole and attached to a large surrounding gate that kept the rare and exotic displays separate from the madness of the rides and noisy crowds. The lighting here was also much more subdued, only the glow of the strands providing a dim contrast to the looming shadows. Such a strange circular area. The rows of connecting creature habitats formed a spiraling corridor to lead to the very center right at the pole's base. It was at this farthest point that the hat of the gypsy now paused as the connecting head peeked over the tops of the cages to greet Rose with a wide grin.

"Ah! You have made good time after all! I would expect nothing less from one such as yourself. Come! Come! You like the rare creatures, yes? Here! I'll show you a few!" Not bothering to make his way out of the spiral by traditional means, the gypsy stallion hopped upon the top of a nearby cage, agilely leaping across the rows while ignoring the howls of anger from the captive residents. He paused atop the cage closest to the mare, lowering himself to lounge on it's surface. "Much better. I can see you easier now." He smirked down as she glared up at him, clearly not in the mood to play his games. All the same, she stepped back while remembering Hazel's warning of Dimitri's thieving ways.

"Mister Dimitri-" She began.

"Ah-ah! No no, I am no 'Mister'." He gave a hearty laugh, raising his hat slightly. "It is either 'Dimitri Vladislov Dragomir Horatiu' or only 'Dimitri'."

The mare tried again, steeling her voice and hoping that her glare was convincing enough. "Very well then, 'Dimitri'. Where is this place and why have you brought me here? I order that you return me to my home this instant." The gypsy examined her closely for a moment before chuckling and rising once more to stand high upon the cage's surface.

"You almost had me for a moment there, miss Rose. You need to work on your poker face a little more, I think. Where is this place, you have asked? If you had been paying closer attention to me earlier at the opening, you would have seen the signs." He held up his hooves in a grand gesture. "This! This is my Carnival of the Damned! Well... this area more so is the Creature Emporium. Here we have rare and exotic creatures from across the realms. Centaurs, phoenixes, goblins and so much more. A few of which possibly are the last of their species." His grin turned sinister in the shadow of his top hat. "Though for the right price, I may be willing to mount their heads on plaques for decoration."

She bristled, stepping back a few more spaces and nearly bumping into one of the cages. The beast inside gave a warning snarl as the gypsy leaped down from his perch to stand between it and the mare. "Ah! Careful! Careful! Some of the pets here do not give such warnings before they attack, and they are very sensitive when prey gets too close." Rose heeded the warning and stepped away from the cage, glancing behind to keep ample space between her and the opposite one as well.

"Th-then what are you doing here? Would it not be dangerous for you as well?"

"Me? Not so much. Besides, they must be fed somehow. They know me as the bringer of food, and they will not risk their only source for sustenance. However, you, Miss Rose, to them you are nothing more than a tasty meal." She paled as Dimitri grinned, bursting out into a jovial laugh. "Ah! You're face! Priceless! You need not be so serious, my dear. I have just finished their feeding. After all, you know much about similar, do you not? Take a look around. I have much here." He sauntered down the aisle, gesturing that she follow as he started listing the occupants off.

" Basilisk, harpy, manticore, centaur, griffin, cerberus, chimera, djinn, dragon, sphinx, fairies, gargoyle, mermaid, hydra, gorgon, oracle; on loan only, naga, phoenix, quetzacoatl, satyr, yeti, wyvern, succubus, incubus, seraphim, troll...just to name a few...." She peered inside a few of the cages, fascinated by the variety of species held within.

"H-How do you keep so many? Some of these...do they not escape?"

"We have had a few 'incidents' in the past." Rose could not help noticing his emphasis on the particular word. "Since that time however, we have upped our means of security. If you look closely enough, there are magical wards placed in strategic points." He gestured to one as they passed, a faint glow pulsing from it. "And these!" He gave a swift kick to a nearby cage, the creature inside hissing with annoyance as he did so. "These cages are made of good quality, and fortified with charms and magics predating the Princesses. I have made many precautions, as you can see." His chest swelled with pride as he beamed in satisfaction. Rose could not help but be impressed. Angry as she was at his abducting and thievery, he was a very smart pony. Ah! But he had avoided her questions so easily! She berated herself for allowing him to have distracted her from her purpose.

"But why have you brought me here? You have not answered me. I wish to go home. Immediately!" A commotion from somewhere nearby caused both of them to turn, Dimitri hopping upon a cage once more for a better look. In the distance he could see the crowds parting as a group of ponies made their way to the front gates of the carnival. The emblem of the Rosencroix kingdom was proudly displayed on a banner that one held in it's jaws.

"You will need to excuse me once more, Miss Rose." Dimitri hurriedly hopped down from the cage, beginning a swift pace out of the emporium. He flashed her one more grin as he turned to call out. "We will finish this talk a little later, yes?" Without waiting for her response, he vanished between two tents.

"W-wait! Dimitri!" She stepped forward, pausing with a huff of frustration. The cunning gypsy had escaped her once again, evading what questions she had and leaving her with only more to ponder. Her mind attempted sorting this most recent conversation, turning over and over in contemplation. So deep was she inside these thoughts that she did not find it odd as the creatures of the emporium suddenly quieted while a cold air seeped about the area, clinging to her hooves and sliding over her throat. The dim lighting began to flicker as a shadow appeared at her side, green eyes glinting from the inky blackness as they studied her.

"Hello, Rose..."