Mr. Light looks to Inif and says with a smile, seemingly not catching the reference, “The carnival is here simply to spread fun and joy to those who visit. Though everyone who visits comes away with something different.”

“What about what the carnival takes? It’s stolen from me! I can’t keep a secret for the life of me anymore and I know it happened here!” Giovani is less composed, and a little frightened. 

For the first time you see a bit of a frown cross Mr. Light’s face, as he says, “Ah… You have lost something here.” He then thinks for a minute and says, “Yes, yes I do think I remember seeing most of you here many years ago. I am sorry to hear that you lost things. That does happen here unfortunately. Though,” and he here looks a bit offended, “the carnival takes nothing from its guests. Forces are at work on the other side that are entirely beyond our control.” Mister Witch adds, “The wheel of time turns ever on… what’s lost is lost, what’s gone is gone.”

“Then you are at least complicit,” Speedwell chimes in almost under his breath, not really liking what he’s hearing. 

Autumnleaf frowns a bit around the bite of food she's chewing, then swallows. "Outside forces predating this fair Carnival, which you two are unable to hold at bay? Well, I for one won't stand for such a thing, point me to them, show me the way." She flutters up, taking a rather poor boxing stance.

“Well!” Mr Light says rather indignantly after Speedwell’s comment, “We thought to invite you here to share snacks and a quick chat with those who were helping bring joy to the carnival. Not to be called thieves and conspirators!” He then grins at Autumnleaf’s actions, adding, “Thank you dear Autumnleaf, but perhaps it would be best to teach your friends some manners first.” 

Mr Witch then, checking his watch again, closes it with a sharp click and places it back into his pocket, nodding to the bugbear and clown who stand up and walk towards you, and then to Light who adds again, “And it seems then that we are out of time. Please do enjoy the snacks and the rest of your evening.”

"It would seem that soured rather quickly."  Inif considers Mr. Light's words.  "He said 'forces at work on the other side'.  On what other side did he mean?  I was reminded of the hall of mirrors..."

Inif considers Mr. Light's indignant behavior.  "He seemed genuinely perturbed by your accusations, though he is a performer.  The best course is to move on and see how it plays out." 

@Inif - Thinking about it, and watching Mr. Light, he certainly seemed at first happy to invite you all in, and was surprised and a bit offended at the questions, not expecting to be accused to thievery like that. You can also tell that they clearly didn’t want to discuss whatever it was that are ‘on the other side’, as they quickly turned the conversation away.

"I would say Mr. Light was not keen on providing us more information, that is for certain."  Inif utters as an aside to his companions.  "I want a look around."

When the bugbear motions towards the group to escort them, Inif replies curtly, "No need to get up good sir, I'll find my way out."  The githzerai monk moves like a cat and quickly dashes from the bugbear, readying himself against any attempt to grab him and circles behind the wagon and away in a circle between the hedge.

The Bugbear, who was simply walking towards you, sees you dash, and reaches out to grab for you, but you slip past his grasp and dash behind one of the cabins. As you look back over you see him headed your direction saying 'Hey! Come on! I was just gonna help you get back to the fun outside."

What is everyone else doing?

Gio is stamping his foot. 

“What a frustrating… turd!” 

Speedwell is going to make use of the distraction and attempt to hide somewhere nearby. (Behind a cabin…under a carriage, or something. But somewhere he can hopefully keep an eye on things.)

Inif takes a quick look around to see if he spots Mr. Witch or Light. He continues to outpace the bugbear and attempts to hide when out of sight.

Autumnleaf, still eating one of the snacks left for the group, watches as the rest of them scatter as the Bugbear tries to catch up with Inif, blinking in confusion.

Mr Light and Mr Witch are both still sitting in their wagon, visibly confused as two of the group that they’d just invited suddenly dash off in attempts to hide. The bugbear loses sight of Inif for a quick second, unable to keep up with him, but quickly after hears the monk breathing hard hiding behind one of the wagon wheels and dashes over saying, “What’re ya doin’?!” The bugbear then attempts to grapple ((16)) Inif, adding, “Come here. It’s time to go.”

The clown watches as Speedwell jumps behind a wagon, but also quickly follows, saying, “Hey. Where do you think you’re going?”

Do you want to go into initiative? Remember that you are currently in the staff area, which is surrounded by brambles, trying to hide behind wagons. What would you like to do?

Autumnleaf looks to Mr. Light and Mr. Witch, tilting her head. "Well, I can say certainly Mr.'s Witch and Light, that I am uncertain as to what they're up to, but I was honest in wanting to discuss this plight. This carnival is very dear to me, you see, and if it is beset by dark forces, I would do all I could to see it free. I know you would rather we all go and seek joy, but I would be unable to feel any such thing knowing that this place, my home, is the target of some cruel ploy."

Gio stops his stamping and turns to Autumnleaf. “What about the tiefling? He’s bound to know something more we can do, yeah?” 

Inif does a lap around the wagons before trying to hide, looking who might be the residents of other wagons or any thing of interest. When he bugbear finds Inif in his awkward hiding spot, the monk attemps to side-step the bugbear grab.  "Ah sorry, I just wanted to stretch my legs a bit." 

Inif ultimately abandons his curiosity, and heads quickly towards the way they entered.  "It was this way, yes?" 

Feeling sheepish at unsuccessfully hiding, Speedwell comes out while Autumnleaf is talking. When she finishes, he says, “Honestly, I don’t know if you’re trustworthy or not,” looking towards Misters Witch and Light. “But, Autumnleaf clearly trusts you. As I’ve grown somewhat fond of the creepy fairy, I’m at least willing to put my suspicious nature aside for now and give you the benefit of a doubt. As Autumnleaf has said, if there is something over you, let us help.”

Mr Light looks to Autumnleaf and smiles, saying, “Thank you dear Autumnleaf. We know you care for the carnival. But do not worry yourself about it. The carnival will continue it’s travels and continue to bring joy to those who visit it.”