Twinkle the Clown

Twinkle was born, like Fey, a loyalist to the Court. They grew up, per tradition, within a small witch dig. While not a popular kid by any means (even having horror stories of being called Twinkle the Tinkler), Caia passed by relatively under the radar. During their formative years Caia developed a growing curiosity for magic and the unseen. Unlike the other kids, Caia seemingly was able to dream. They loved sleep more than the awake world, as they saw unimaginable realities and endless possibilities. What ultimately awoke Caia’s interest was a run-in with a Greywood mage, using the Edict. Meant as an attack on the Witch Dig, was quickly nullified by the Matron. Still, being connected to the Dreaming, Caia sensed some of the magic the mage used and was forever curious about it.
When reaching adulthood, the Matron of Caia’s Witch Dig recommended Caia to be taught the art of Magic within the Academic Grounds.

While completing their beginning studies of magic, Caia started forming an unorthodox interest in the human magic practices. While they couldn’t wrap their head around it, their research quickly garnered disapproval from both their teacher, and more importantly, their peers. The year’s star student, Erta the Enchanting, was incredibly fond of conservative Fey views, and considered the Silent Tongue and the Pact (the Fey way) the only acceptable practice. Erta and Caia, safe to say, were at odds the entirety of their shared time. Erta would make it their personal mission to undermine Caia’s any attempt at suggesting the research of human magic practices.

As any other Konsearnan student, the Spectacle was a large focus for Caia’s teachings. For Caia, they were taking part in one of the biggest branches - the Magic Spectacle. Of course, being very early on in their training, Caia wasn’t expecting a large reception. As such, they dared to be creative - intending to subtly use teachings of the Edict they once felt - for their presentation. What they hadn’t expected was the danger it would bring. Nor the attention of the Mad King. (Although, to this day Caia sometimes has thoughts of possible interference).
It is the one thing Twinkle refuses to speak about.

Suddenly being unable to produce sounds and with a broken crown, Caia was obviously shunned from the teachings of magic. The next months floated somewhat in a depressing blur. Seeming a traitor at first glance, due to the broken crown, Caia had to travel somewhat unnoticed through the Thicket. What uplifted their spirits in these times was meeting the Songbirds. During their time with the politically charged group, Caia’s loyalty to the Court quickly soured. Learning and sharing the Songbirds views, Caia grew to resent the degree of surveillance within Konsearna.

This is what ultimately inspired Caia to leave for good. With their target on the human nations (having heard rumours of Geld’s hospitality), Caia took their first unsure but independent steps. Finally reaching the northern border between Konsearna and the Iron Banks, through the hidden smuggling routes, Caia was quite lost. Obviously unwelcome within the Iron Banks, Caia hid within robes and dirty alleys. What ultimately drew them out of hiding was a poster for one Madam Juno’s Travelling Carnaval.

Caia had of course heard of, and even seen some, circus performances within the Thicket. But this felt different. This was free in a way Caia was foreign too. They weren’t affiliated with any nation or faction. Sure, while some of them were in disguise, Caia still recognised some Fey within the circus folk. Caia hid within a corner, with a stolen ticket, and watched the Carnaval in awe. What caught them off guard, was the clown performance. A Miss Bell was introduced to the crowd, and for the first time in ages Caia could simply not help but laugh. She was a riot. Caia returned every night the Carnaval was in town.

As the Carnaval was packing up on its last day, Caia snuck in through the tents. Being soundless sometimes had its perks. With nothing to lose, Caia snuck into what they thought was Madam Juno’s tent. Within the fabric walls, they didn’t get very far before being addressed by a smooth voice.

This came to be a turning point in Twinkle’s life. Surprisingly, Madam Juno let them stay. Even going so far as to convince Miss Bell to take them on as an apprentice. After just a couple of weeks, Madam Juno graciously gifted Twinkle a familiar for communication purposes. Now Twinkle performs with Miss Bell, recently even taking some solo numbers, for the Carnaval. They don’t think they’ve ever been happier.

Gender is one of the few things Twinkle doesn't understand in the other races. Fey are born genderless and as such Twinkle doesn't relate to any strong binary.

As most Fey, Twinkle is both Asexual and Aromantic.

Besides the basic education afforded to most Fey in reading and writing, Twinkle's education centered around the foundations of spellcasting. This process was cut short of course.

Twinkle learnt clowning from the older clown also employed in the Carnaval. While they're still fairly new to the trade, they enjoy it immensely.

Twinkle works exclusively under Madam Juno's employment.

Twinkle was never astoundingly bright. By Fey standards they were considered a bit slow of mind and not as witty as the rest. They would struggle especially with enchantment magic as twisting their words never came as naturally.

After living with the Songbirds for a couple of months, Twinkle's opinion on the Court of Daggers and surveillance systems in general grew negative. They came to hate the war and the agenda that the Court pushes. They wish the war would end and that peace would be found.

As a personal belief, they think information should be free and should be spread by as many as possible, not just a centralized seat of power.

Twinkle both fears and loathes the halo of the Court of Daggers.

Weirdly enough Twinkle has picked up some human mysticism belief's from their clown mentor. "Bad luck is a thing to be avoided"

A want to spread freedom, help keep people aware of what their system of power might be doing.

Getting good at juggling! Still struggling a bit with balancing on their toes because of their large feet.

Acrobatic movements based around jumps are great though, but slow tricks are difficult.

Huge interest in what Twinkle calls Human Oddities ™. It's all things they believe only humans in their creative freedom could've created. Like pet rocks. Pet rocks fascinate them.

Oppressive government systems. Sour candies. Soups without anything to chew-able in them.

Twinkle's virtues consist of a new-found open-mindedness and a persistent curiosity about humanity. After joining the circus they have also decided to appreciate anything that can bring about laughter.
This has led to Twinkle being quite a popular entertainer for the younger audiences.

Twinkle is incredibly grateful to the Carnaval, and in turn very loyal to Madam Juno and all the other people within the circus.

What will be Twinkle's greatest flaw is their weak will. They believe starkly in some limitations, which will keep them from really pushing their skills.

A left-over from their Konsearnan upbringing, is their guilty need to show-off. While slowly learning to work better in a team, they find immense pleasure in performing well or besting an opponent. This sometimes is a handicap for Twinkle, as they can grow sour from a weak crowd response.

Due to the limited alone travel, Twinkle lacks confidence in their skills independently. While within the Carnaval they feel secure, they struggled performing alone at the start.

Due to their muteness, Twinkle has picked up the habit of exaggerated gesturing.

To the misfortune of their companions, Twinkle has started chewing their food with their mouth open since it doesn't produce any sound.

Twinkle does still have notions of appearance instilled in them from living with the Fey for so long. It's incredibly important to them that they appear clean, but even more so that their clown suit is impeccable. They will panic over every single stain and tear.

They also like a perfect skin (fur? their skin is a bit odd) and make sure to preen themself any chance they get.

Madam Juno - Employer
Twinkle looks up to Madam Juno and considers themself indebted because of both being offered a place in the circus and the gift of the familiar. Twinkle is also incredibly curious about Madam Juno as she so rarely shows herself.

Arleen Bell (Bell Chime) - Clown Mentor
Miss Bell is the older clown whose performance originally dazzled Twinkle. After pestering Miss Bell enough, Twinkle finally got her to agree to teach them the tools of the clown trade. While Miss Bell was a bit skeptical about Twinkle's Fey nature and mute condition, they eventually warmed up to each other.

The common human family dynamics don't apply to Fey, so Twinkle, when asked, will always reply the circus.

After having practically worshiped the Court of Daggers, Twinkle is wary of following another idol. They understand the comfort found in belief though and does not judge most religions or causes.

In a round about way, sometimes Twinkle is a bit grateful to being mute as it gives a perfect excuse to not partake in conversations. Unlike most skilled Fey, they lack the "silver tongue" charm. Their weakness is strongest in forms of indirect lying, which most of the time the mask covers up.

After becoming mute, Twinkle relies heavily on body gestures to emphasize their points.

Twinkle has a familiar that Madam Juno gifted to them, that has the ability to speak. Intended as a communication aid for Twinkle, the familiar has instead become very sassy and is not always accurate in it's translations of Twinkle's intentions.

Twinkle also has a collection of pet rocks, in their hoard of Human Odd Things™. While they don't fully understand them, they do leave snacks out sometimes (which the familiar always eat in secret.)

Before the accident, Twinkle used to have a very light bubbly voice, feminine by human standards. Now not a single sound can pass through their lips.

Twinkle is famously bad at keeping their money in check. Whenever the next paycheck comes through, it will be gone by the time they leave whatever city they're in. In turn, Twinkle's ever-growing collection of human oddities grows. They simply find them fascinating.