Felicity smiled slightly in relief. "Thanks.." she said softly, before ducking behind the changing screen. Just then, there was a loud commotion, sounding like it was coming from the Great Hall. "Though I think they've already started without both of us.." Felicity said from behind the screen, sounding both amused and a little frustrated at the same time.

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Evelyn sighed, laughed, and shook her head at the same time. "Well, I should go. Susan'll give me a lecture later if I don't. Just try to be out in a half hour at least - I run out of excuses for you quickly." And with that, she left for the Hall.

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Felicity murmured a quiet response as Evelyn left, and had changed within just a few minutes. Going over to the full-length mirror again, she double-checked how she looked, and satisfied, lifted the hem of her dress and left the room, and started towards the Great Hall.

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"Well there you are," whispered Evelyn as her cousin came up beside her. "You haven't missed much."

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"Good..then maybe I can take my leave before much longer.." Felicity murmured.

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Evelyn shook her head, then applauded with the others.

Afterwards, during the festivities, she tried to talk her cousin out of leaving. "Come <i>on</i>, Lici. You've survived the formality, now it's just the relaxation part."

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"No..I smell like a birthday cake, and I'm tired from running around all day.." Felicity said, shaking her head slightly.

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"Alright," said Evelyn, "But you're going to regret it - mark my words. Well, I'll see you later on tonight, then."

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"See you later.." Felicity replied, shaking her head, before turning to slip away quietly.

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Evelyn smiled at her, then went over to take a couple of the refreshments herself.

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Once away from all the noise, Felicity sighed quietly in relief, then began to head out towards the balconies, to take in some of the night air.

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Evelyn took a bit of water, along with a light pastry.


Edmund, in looking for Felicity, had noticed her slip away, and casually slipped out to look for her. Before long, he found her at a balcony, just like he had five years ago at the coronation. "Felicity?" he asked.

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Felicity didn't jump this time, merely laughed softly. "Now, this brings back memories.."

(And writer's block for Peter..though I'm sure he's quite busy..>.<)

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['Course. ]

"I know," said Edmund, laughing, as well, and coming up next to her. "Though I must admit, your cousin did do a good job in fixing you up. You don't look as bad as you did then," he said, smiling at her.


Evelyn looked up as Susan called her name. She smiled and put up a hand saying, <i>I'll be there - gimme a sec!</i> She swallowed her bite of food, washed it down with water, and walked over.

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Felicity blushed slightly, then coughed lightly into her hand in an attempt to cover it up.

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"You alright?" he asked, his smile fading a bit.


Evelyn laughed with Susan as they discussed the decorations and fiascos of earlier that day.

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