Evelyn apologized for what felt like the hundredth time to a customer as she stumbled along with her crutch, having bumped into many a man or woman while trying to make her way towards the first tier living quarters. In her shock over what had happened, the illusionist couldn't help but replay the scene in her mind over and over as she walked, resulting in distraction - and, by default, running into the attendees. Swinging her way through the row of second tier tents, she overheard what could only be described as pure pandemonium as she passed the medical tent.

"...haven't even touched it yet!" Dagger's voice ripped through the air as several small pings were heard from inside. Curious, Evelyn cautiously drew the tent's opening to the side, peeking into...

Absolute chaos.

Dagger was screaming, whipping knives from his belt and tossing them at the dark-haired gentleman from before, who was standing on a support beam. The man easily caught the knives, a sly look crossing his eyes as he smirked down at the performers. Joker whistled, looking impressed at the man's ability. Beast cracked her whip, shouting "Don't get cocky!" as she began to fling the leather towards the man.

Immediately Joker stuck his cane into the whip's path, the weapon curling around it as the ringleader flipped himself over Beast with ease. He turned, giving the animal tamer the most chilling look Evelyn had ever seen - it gave her goosebumps to see the normally happy Joker looking so thunderous. His expression stayed enraged for only a moment, before turning into a smile as Joker made flowers pop out of his cane, offering the small gift to the busty woman.

"Ta-da!" Joker grinned. "Alright, that's enough," he said cheerily as Dagger began to protest. "Here, Beast, don't be so scratchy," the ringleader laughed, pushing the flowers closer to the woman as Doc panicked in the background. Evelyn felt jealous - he never offered me flowers, she thought enviously.

Beast started to object as Joker placed a skeletal hand on her shoulder. "It's such an 'ansome leg, I can see why he'd want to touch it!" He grinned, causing another pang of jealously to stab into Evelyn's heart. Immediately she decided to make her presence known, stepping in and clearing her throat, pretending to look confused as she stared at the wreckage.

"Oh, my, what happened here?" Evelyn asked innocently, shooting a small glare at Beast as she limped forward. The black-clad gentleman hopped down from the support beam, as Joker smiled softly at the illusionist.

"Oh, Evelyn!" He said, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around her shoulder for support. "Just a bit of a spat, nothing more - say, how's your leg? Bandages holding up?" He babbled, as the gentleman strode towards her, looking intrigued at the sight of her injuries.

"My, what happened to you, my lady?" The strange man asked, looking at her curiously, his eyes flashing with something Evelyn didn't quite catch - an odd look, one she didn't recognize.

"Nothing really," Evelyn brushed off the gent's words, leaning onto Joker for support. "Fell out of a carriage. Nothing too serious," she reassured. The gentleman raised an eyebrow in confusion, before Joker turned to him.

"That was mighty athletic, sir!" He said heartily, practically beaming at the man. "I reckon I'd hire you!" He laughed, as Evelyn tossed him a worried look. They don't just... hire people here, she thought. Well, me being the exception, of course.

"Is that true?" The gentleman asked all too eagerly, leaning in closely to the ringleader's face. Evelyn jumped back at the sudden movement, wobbling as she backed into a table.

"Truth be told, my current master is so spoiled, I'm quite disgusted with him," The stranger said, sighing with revulsion and shaking his head.

"'Master?' Be thee a servant, then?" Joker asked, his interest piquing. "I took you for a gentry, dressed up so fine..." He trailed off, as the stranger placed a hand over his heart, looking amused.

"Me, gentry? Hardly," He replied. "I am merely one hell of a butler," He said, his mouth curling upwards into a smile. The way the man said it sent a chill down Evelyn's spine, and with her free hand she clasped Joker's gloved one. "Now, was that true? If so, I'd very much like to join you."

"...Not having me on, are you?" Joker asked, sounding weak - but also suspicious.

"I never jest," The gentleman said, his red - red, Evelyn noticed, squeezing Joker's hand as slight fear began to pulse through her - eyes narrowing.

To Evelyn's dismay, Joker let out a small 'peh' of laughter. Quickly launching into full chuckling, the ringleader clapped the gentleman on the shoulders, laughing. "Lord, that's funny!" He guffawed. "Alright, me 'ansome. Sure, join us anytime!"

"Hey, Joker!" Beast snapped, beelining for the man as she got in his face. "You can't just decide that!" She said, looking very unhappy. I still hate you, but thank you for speaking up, Evelyn thought, agreeing with the animal tamer.

"We don't know where he came from, what his name is, even..." Evelyn offered, as Beast shot her a thankful look.

Joker raised his hands in defense, shrugging slightly. "But he's got such talent," he argued, as Evelyn died a little inside.

"Pardon me," The gentleman, now known as a butler, spoke up. "There's actually another person I'd like to introduce you to," he smiled.

"If he's anything like you, that's fine!" Joker chimed. "But I reckon we'll give an entry test," he added, as Evelyn and Beast sighed in relief.

"Very well," the butler agreed. "I'll come back tomorrow with him, then. Thank you for all your help today," he added, giving a small bow. "No need to show me out," the gent called, ducking out of the tent and leaving behind four confused performers and one bewildered doctor.

Short chapter!

I figure I should let you guys in on something - I start school on August eleventh. And as luck has it, I have a test on the first day that I have to study for. I'm also a bit nervous, because it'll be my first time going to a public school - I've been homeschooled/private schooled for most of my life. Wish me luck!

So chapters might be a bit slower from now on. Just a bit of a warning!

Anyway, see you in chapter 10! (Wow, we're quite far along now...)