"Keep up with me, Mr Bluer. I won't slow down for slackers."

"My apologies, Mr Ravenne! I can assure that I am not a slacker." Bluer quickened his pace to keep up with the long strides of Leon Ravenne. Wolfie had taken his place trailing behind the Prefect, occasionally nudging the back of his legs to walk faster.

"Assured words mean nothing-it's action that cements the promises."

After swimming and being helped back onto the river side, it was finally time for the celebrations to begin, and everyone was invited.

Queen Victoria's henchmen-the three Grey Charles-joined the tables, offering quail and chicken on platters.

Lau and his scandalously dressed woman sat around...scandalously.

Blue had joined the Prefects' table, Evelyn sitting beside him. He was quickly drying with the warm night air.

"I suppose you're quite right, Mr Ravenne."

"Don't flatter me-it does nothing."

"My sincerest apologies, sir."

"And stop apologizing-it doesn't suit a man worthy enough for my daughter."

"...Yes sir."

"You sound more like a butler than the sole son of a solicitor."

"H-how did you-"

"I did my research. I have many a man to use for such tasks."

They were standing on the bridge, the very one that the Cox will lead the winners through for the Boat Parade. The waters were still, the sun still in the sky, but was on it's way to leave the earth for another day.

There was silence.

"What did you wish to speak with me, all alone here?" Bluer asked.

"I think you're smart enough to already know that. Or was the one who won the tournament and the chance for my daughter's hand really a boy placed in the body of a man?"

The scathing comment made Bluer's blood boil in ways he didn't realize was possible. But he bit his tongue, for if he were to step out of line, then his chance with Evelyn would be out of his reach.

This was a test. And Bluer would pass.

"You understand that though Blue House won the tournament, that doesn't mean that you are immediately engaged to my daughter, I'm sure?"

Bluer tested the waters. "Sir?"

"I said 'the chance for my daughter's hand'. That means that though you won the tournament, the real battle will be courting Evelyn. You're not her fiance just yet, Mr Bluer."

"I understand."

Leon stepped closer, "I am not so sure. What interests you?"

Bluer was taken aback, but replied shortly. "I have a passion for learning-to be able to understand what lay men cannot. It is why I was placed in Blue House, for my talents lied in academic pursuits."

"What else?"

Bluer hesitated, "...Listening to Evelyn read...There's something to her voice that's enchanting-I've heard rumors that she could sing, but I've yet to be given the privilege of such a show."

"I see." Leon didn't say anything for a while, staring at Bluer intensely. "Do you...consider yourself...close to your family?"

"My family are very dear to me-my older sisters took care of me when my father went away, or if my mother was ill, and we would often take care of my younger sisters as well. I believe that having them in my life-though they can be quite overbearing-has done me a great deal of good. As I said, they can be too much to handle, but it is because they care for me as much as I care for them."

"...I see." Leon repeated. "But how can I be certain that you will be worthy of Evelyn? How I can I be certain that you'll be able to prove yourself when she truly needs it?"

Bluer inhaled, "Then tell me how I must prove myself. That is what you want, isn't it?"

"No. What I want is for Evelyn to be safe."

Cheslock had grabbed his violin, and seeing the musicians and band players, rounded them up for a quick jig. The air was filled with a quick and hearty tune to up their spirits.

The light and friendly atmosphere was infectious, and soon everyone had a partner, men spinning their ladies, skirts twirling, laughter unfolding.

With the outside world forgotten, this world of bright lanterns and stars within Weston was quite a peaceful sight to see.

"I have little doubt that Evelyn hasn't told you everything, has she?"

"During our time together, I have never asked for Evelyn to divulge anything she deemed private-it's ungentlemanly to do so."

"I am not surprised." Leon looked away, staring over the waters, but not truly seeing them. There was something in his blue eyes Bluer noticed as he continued. "She is the heir to the Ravenne line. That much you know, correct?"

"Y-yes. Though I assume that there is more to it than inheriting financial support and property?"

"...Yes. The Ravenne's have served Her Majesty for many generations. We protect the Empire and her interests-by any means possible. The Phoenices, however, deal with more political cases in more...civilized manners. In short, the Ravenne's do the fighting-the purging of anyone who threatens the Empire, and the Phoenices take care of the political side of things."

"And Evelyn is the combination of both such houses."

"Correct. There may be some hope for you after all. I tell you this, because my family has many enemies. Enemies that are not afraid to kill women if they stand in the way. I was the only male of four children-one of which died young. I've carried my duty of making sure this line continues-my children were to carry on our duty of protecting Her Majesty."

"Children? I was under the impression Evelyn was an only child-she never mentioned any siblings."

The knuckles on Leon's hands whitened as he gripped the railing harder. "...She had a brother. Edgar Ravenne. The first-born, and only son I ever had."

Bluer did not speak.

Evelyn looked around, seeking a partner, for Bluer was not to be seen. Strange, she thought, he can't have gone too far...A light tap on her shoulder took her out of her thoughts, "Oh! Redmond!"

Redmond winked, "Hello, Miss Evelyn, I was wondering..." The handsome man's smile faltered, looking away, his hand wringing the other, "W-would you d-do me the honor-"

"Of a dance?" Evelyn smiled taking his hand and leading them into the fray, "But of course, for a dear friend of mine."

He lead her as easily as he could, as they talked, "I'm surprised you finally honored me with a dance with such a beautiful woman, Evelyn."

Evelyn laughed lightly, the joyous mood infectious adding a subtle timbre to its' core. "If there's anything I've learned whilst living on this Earth, is that anything can surprise you. None of us expected a Blue Miracle, did we?"

Redmond laughed charmingly, a tenor sound with a hearty bass, "I must agree with you then, Evelyn." He twirled her expertly, bringing her body close to him as he spun her back.

Evelyn looked away, a sudden sadness in her eyes.

"A angelic face like yours should only be smiling, tell your old friend what troubles you."

Evelyn looked back at him, "I suppose that everything will change after tonight. The tournament is over, and admittedly, I am anxious."

"I suspect there is more to it than that-your quest to find a husband is over. Whilst I am slightly disappointed that I could not receive the lovely hand of such a remarkable woman such as yourself, this tournament is but a game. I have no intentions of using games to find myself a wife." Edgar blushed sheepishly. "Such an idea would be ill conceived."

"Edgar..." Evelyn was somewhat at a loss for words. But she quickly recovered, "I think that is one of the most sincerest things you have ever said to me. It is my turn to be honored."

"I am always sincere! I have no idea whom else you speak of!" Redmond leaned into Evelyn's ear, "I must tell you something else, I pray you'll perceive it to be truthful also."

"Be my guest."

"Lawrence-we grew up together. Our houses were close by to each other, and he is my best and closest friend. Please...take good care of him when I cannot...But I already know you will."

He leaned away.

"I promise, Edgar, you have my sincerest word."

"I do not doubt the virtue of such a remarkable woman, Evelyn Ravenne."

"Edgar came to Weston, into Red House. After a while, he went missing. He was found dead. Evelyn wasn't even twelve years old when he was murdered-by the very enemies I warn you of."

"Was this...was this the reason Evelyn came to Weston?"

"...Yes. She is the first woman to carry this cross for the Ravenne's. If Edgar was here, perhaps she would be free to-no. Being who she is, she has control many women do not have the luxury of even dreaming of possessing."

"Evelyn once mentioned...that there was a reason she stayed. I had a suspicion that there was more-but I never expected this."

"Did you not? Many daughters are brought up to marry a man who will provide for them. Many men are brought to do as they please and expect women to serve them. Evelyn came here to find a husband, much like she was told to do by a previous Principal."

"What?"

"It was a tradition that women from prestigious families would marry the winning Prefect after the June tournament. I broke that tradition so that my daughter and many more daughters would not have to suffer a fate they had no say in. Were it not for Edgar's murder, Evelyn wouldn't have come here."

The words stung more than Bluer imagined. The words crept into his mind and festered like maggots in a corpse. Did Evelyn really mean when she said I was the reason she stayed?

"I tell you this, Mr Bluer, because if you were to indeed marry Evelyn, though she may be your wife in name, she is still a Ravenne at heart. Until the day she dies, she will carry out her duties as Her Majesty's Shield and Sword. Her work must and will come first. That is her true duty and role."

"Violet, won't you share this one dance with Evelyn? This may be your last chance." Redmond had Evelyn on his arm as they both waited for Violet to answer.

"No...thanks."

Evelyn sighed pitifully, "Well, I suppose it is to be expected. I recall you saying that you didn't like dancing-something about giving you a headache?"

Bluer's little sister Beth tugged on Redmond's arm, "Edgar! Will you dance with me now? Pleeeeeaaaaaaseeee?"

Redmond looked back at Evelyn, "Oh Edgar, it's ungentlemanly to refuse such a lovely lady. Dance with Beth, for me?" She pulled out her trump card, "Eddy?"

"Fine...Only because you're asking. Well, let's dance, Miss Beth!"

"YAY! Thank you Evie!"

Evelyn smiled, delicately waving goodbye as Redmond led the duo among the others. She looked at Violet. He was sketching a number of things into his ever-present sketchbook.

"Gregory, those are quite good! I'm quite jealous." One in particular caught her eye, "What's that one?"

Violet saw a long, pale and delicate finger tap on an picture of a side profile of a woman with closed eyes, and black hair crowned with gentians and edelweiss, and woven with different flowers, mainly sweetpea, baby's breath and roses.

"Such an array of flowers...what do they mean?"

Violet grunted a confused "What?"

"The flowers." Evelyn stated, pointing back to them, "There is meaning to them in the language of flowers, do they not? I've read that baby's breath means innocence, and roses mean love, but I was never sure of gentians, sweet peas or edelweiss. "

"...Oh. The sweet peas mean blissful pleasure, delicate pleasure, good-bye, departure, adieu and thank you for a lovely time. Edelweiss means daring, courage, noble purity, and the gentians mean intrinsic worth* or sweet be thy dreams."

"Oh my, they sound so beautiful!"

"Shame they die pretty quickly though." Violet grumbled in his blunt honesty that was oddly admirable. "No matter what you try to do, they all die. I remember my art professor telling me this when he taught me how to draw flowers-they're all doomed to perish, he said, it was why we capture their fleeting beauty whilst we still can."

I think that's the most Violet's ever said to...well, anyone! "I suppose...but then, a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts." Violet glanced at her, smiling wistfully.

"Things are beautiful because it doesn't, so we cherish them all the more..."

Violet watched Evelyn for a while, before he sighed, "It's you. I thought it might a nice gift for you and Bluer. Like a wedding gift. I'll do a bigger one and send it to you."

Evelyn blinked, slightly stunned, "For me? I'm...I'm quite flattered, but you don't have to do that! I still have the picture you drew of me, so there's no need."

Violet grunted. "...Thanks."

"So what do wish of me? To give Evelyn full rein?"

"More or less. I have a number of properties, so you may stay in which one that you choose. Evelyn however may want to stay close to home-it would be far easier to reach London when she will be called for jobs."

Leon noticed the young man vying for his daughter's attention clench his fists. "This displeases you?"

Bluer released the pressure in his fists. Perhaps this was a trick question? There was no sign in the older man's scrutinizing, icy blue gaze. "I...was under the impression...that perhaps Evelyn doesn't want to do this-at least not as much as she has had to."

"Oh? Please, elaborate."

That was it. "I mean that perhaps working as much and on such gruesome cases would worsen Evelyn's health-mentally, I mean." Bluer inhaled a deep breath, "I once saw...these marks, on her arms. Like scratches. I never asked her. But I thought that perhaps it could be something to do with the pressure she is constantly under. Or maybe it is, was, something to do with the death of her brother."

Leon was silent.

"But I've also seen this...something...when there was a fire at the Violet Wolf dormitory, when Evelyn saved those two students, even at the risk of her own life, there was look in her eyes. It was like... looking into the eyes of a storm. There was a desperation in her eyes to save those children-it showed both so much strength, and yet so much frailty. If she believes that she would do better by staying a Ravenne than a wife, then that is her decision."

Evelyn's father looked unimpressed, "You once said to me that family is important to you. That you are close with your sisters. Should you choose to court my daughter, and if you propose and she says yes, then you must give up that closeness."

Bluer's eyes widened, "What?"

"Did you not listen to me? We have many enemies. If you become a part of my family, for the safety of your own, you must abandon this closeness. You must sacrifice the chance to live normally."

Bluer didn't speak. His family, his sisters, they meant everything to him.

"If you truly love my daughter, you will do this. To help protect others, you must first distance the people who could potentially be killed because of your duty to Evelyn and Her Majesty."

"Evelyn! Evelyn! Come here a sec!" Paddy called out to Evelyn. She rushed over, asking where was the fire.

"No fire here, lass, but I hear that you haven't been giving these wee lads a show! Is that true?"

Evelyn blushed, "Well, I've played the piano once, but that was for Purple House-"

"Now I think you know what ma wee lad's talkin' abou', lass! Go on! Give us a wee ditty!" Old Man James tried to coerce.

Evelyn backed away, hands raised apologetically, "Oh, but I couldn't-" she bumped hard into the chest of someone who towered over her, "Goodness, my sincerest apologies-Oh! Herman, it's you!"

"Who names their child Herman?" Old Man James asked Paddy, who could only shrug,

"Aristocratic folks, Da."

Greenhill grinned, "Last time I checked. Now what's this about you backing out of a challenge?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Greenhill winked at Paddy and his ageing father, "Surely such musical talents should come naturally to you, so why do you refuse an old man's request?"

"OI I AIN'T THAT OLD-I ONLY HA' A FEW GREY HAIRS-"

"DA CALM YERSELF!"

Ignoring Old Man James, Greenhill went in for the kill, "Or are you afraid you may sound awful? Such a shame, Evelyn Ravenne, I would have thought that you would meet any challenge that came to you. Perhaps fencing is your forte, not the Arts." A little revenge for Evelyn tricking him into challenging her wouldn't hurt, would it?

Evelyn harrumphed, taking the bait, "Alright then, Cheslock!"

The Purple Fag ran over, "Wha?" Evelyn whispered into his ear. He nodded, "Rightyo then. One, two, three-" He brought his bow to the strings, but not a sound came out from his violin.

"Tá cailín álainn, a dtug mé grá dhi, Sí 's deis' is áille, ná bláth 's ná rós, Gan í ar láimh liom, is cloíte atá mé, Ó a chailín álainn, 's tú fáth mo bhróin." A haunting voice rose over the crowd, falling silent as they fell under the chilling but beautiful spell.

Evelyn looked back at Greenhill, smiling smugly as he stood with his mouth open in shock, "A chailín álainn, a dtug mé grá duit, Ó bí ar láimh liom, mo mhíle stór, Ó abair liomsa, gur tú mo ghrá gheal, Beidh orm áthas, in áit an bhróin..."

Then Cheslock finally rounded the rest of his musical group as Evelyn lifted the skirts of her dress as she lightly danced around Greenhill. A bodhran sounded the pace, and an tin whistle chirped in the warm air.

"A 'níon mhín ó, sin anall na fir shúirí
A mháithairin mhín ó, cuir na roithléan go dtí mé

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn

Tá ceann buí óir ar an dúlamán gaelach
Tá dhá chluais mhaol ar an dúlamán maorach

Bróga breaca dubha ar an dúlamán gaelach
Tá bearéad agus triús ar an dúlamán maorach

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn!"

Evelyn grabbed Soma, who grabbed Ciel, who grabbed Finny, who grabbed Meyrin, who grabbed Baldroy, and the numbers of people joining grew as they danced, forming fíor céili , the ground thundered with their steps. Evelyn's voice lead them, even those who weren't sure how to dance the infectious movements.

"Góide a thug na tíre thú? arsa an dúlamán gaelach
Ag súirí le do níon, arsa an dúlamán maorach

Rachaimid chun Niúir leis an dúlamán gaelach
Ceannóimid bróga daora ar an dúlamán maorach

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn

Ó chuir mé scéala chuici, go gceannóinn cíor dí
'Sé'n scéal a chuir sí chugam, go raibh a ceann cíortha

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn!"

Evelyn sang, voice powerful and clear as a bell. She caught Bluer's eyes, and for a moment, she broke the chain to join hands with her potential-future-husband. The chain broke, but instead of confusion, the crowds broke into quadrilles, all singing along with Evelyn as the beat quickened, and Bluer spun her around, all cares forgotten as Evelyn's ever-present hound pranced around them all.

"Cha bhfaigheann tú mo 'níon, arsa an dúlamán gaelach
Bheul, fuadóidh mé liom í, arsa an dúlamán maorach

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn

Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí, b'fhearr a bhí
Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, b'fhearr a bhí, b'fhearr a bhí
B'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn!"

Evelyn was beaming at everyone, breathless, but joyous as the crowds clapped and cheered. Redness darkened her cheeks, but looking back at Bluer, she wasn't the only one. Her green eyes glanced at his left hand that held her right.

The ring her father had worn to show his union with her mother shone with the lantern lights.

Evelyn felt her heartbeat quicken, though she tried to not show it, "I was beginning to think that you got cold feet and ran away." She petted Wolfie's head, "Did he tell you everything? Oh, I do hope Father was not too harsh on you."

"You haven't spoken in a while." Leon smirked, thinking that he had broken the young man, "Or have I scared you away?" Bluer didn't answer him, facing the ground, his bangs hiding his eyes.

"I wish you the very best, Mr Bluer, but I shan't keep my family waiting." He walked past Bluer, head held high as Woflie trotted behind him, tail wagging. Perhaps Evelyn was better off leaving this suitor business for a few years until a man showed up who wasn't all talk and no action-

"Mr Ravenne! Wait!"

Leon inclined his head back to Bluer, but without fully glancing at him-full attention must be earned, he believed.

"Yes, I may be frightened-I'm actually terrified. I may not be the strongest of men, or the smartest. But there is one thing that I know for sure that I am." Bluer waited a heartbeat before he continued.

"I swear I am a man who adores your daughter-I would do anything for her!" His shoulders shook with intense emotion, "I would give up my family, I would give up my very name for Evelyn, if it would make her happy!"

Leon was silent for a moment before he asked, "...Would you die for Evelyn?"

"YES!" Bluer cried without hesitation. He quickly calmed himself, regretting raising his voice at the father of the woman he swore he loved.

Leon showed no signs of annoyance, nor acceptance, "...That's too easy to answer..." Leon said, "...Would you live for Evelyn?"

"...Yes." There was no tremor in Bluer's voice. Thoughts of Evelyn kept him strong in front of the head of the Ravennes.

Leon turned around fully. He lessened the distance between them. "Give me your hand."

Bluer raised his hand slowly, not knowing what to expect. Leon grabbed it, and pushed something into it. Bluer looked down-a golden ring glinted in the sun's dying rays.

"Welcome, Lawrence Bluer, into the Ravenne family-your future family."

Bluer smiled at Evelyn lovingly, as if her being in his arms was the only thing that brought him true bliss.

"What is it?" Evelyn asked, gaze more curious than confused. Suddenly, the bespectacled man embraced Evelyn, eyes closed.

"Evelyn, nothing could ever stop me from loving you in all its' entirety."

*Intrinsic worth

-A value or attribute that a person has that is internal which is a part of their makeup or being which is something that can be taken away

OR

-Underlying, essential, inherent value.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WE ARE SO SO SO SOOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO CLOSE TO THE END-THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THE TEA PARTY! AHHHHHH!

That kinda takes away the seriousness when you just say tea party...

And yes, I recently watched Suicide Squad and the bit with Harley and Joker really stuck with me.

While this chapter may seem like filler (and a pretty long one too), I feel like it is kinda important for Bluer to know what will most likely happen should he marry Evelyn and what could happen should he try to take away her ability to fight in the Underworld, and that he has to be ready to sacrifice a lot for Evelyn, instead of Evelyn sacrificing a lot for Bluer. I also felt the need for Evelyn to have maybe one last interaction with the Prefects (especially the ones who didn't get enough lovin ;) )

I was listening to this song when I was writing this, and the first bit has always given me chills: Celtic Woman An Chailin alainn - Dulaman (Live at Morris Performing Arts Center - 2013)

But I really hope you enjoy this chapter! Please tell me what you think!