insurmountable | everybody's challenge turning into mine / and overcame adversity

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everybody's challenge turning into mine / and overcame adversity

[He knows he's going to get scolded by Prince Aether. He knows and he doesn't really care, that other knight really had it coming.

He'd had a little spat with one of the other knights in the keep, a little disagreement over dinner, at least that's what Childe would have called it. In reality, he'd started the fight, running his mouth and delighting at the visceral anger he'd caused the other knight. A few words were exchanged, a bone from a finished chicken wing was flung at the other, and that's all it took before he was showing off his martial prowess in front of the rest of the keep. The guy got one good blow in before he'd beaten him unconscious, having to be pulled off of him before he went too far. No alcohol needed for that mess of course, since he reveled in making scenes like that.

And he never regretted it, at least when it came to his reputation. Which, of course, wasn't great. He'd always had a chaotic side and people steered clear of him because of it. But those people really aren't the kind he'd hang out with anyhow. He had his own agenda, and if he's being honest, no one could keep up with him.

He's trying to get back to his own quarters now, a nasty cut right across his eyebrow where he'd gotten punched. He swears the other must of had a ring on or something, a knuckle shouldn't of made a cut that big. But it hurt, and he has to constantly wipe the blood away or else it would trickle down into his eye. He's a bit preoccupied with making sure he can see that he doesn't see Prince Aether round the corner and begin to walk towards him.

When he removes his hand from his face, there's blood all over it, and still some that bubbles up and pools in his eyebrow again.

That's when he spots the other. Drat, he's in for it now...]

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[He moans softly as Childe leaves more and more kisses against his skin. His body is slowly burning with passion again, trembling softly at every contact, every press, every touch of skin against skin. It's electrifying.

An hour is plenty of time, his lover says, and Aether wants to reply that he wishes they had more than that, but any complains are drowned when their lips lock in a tender kiss. It's almost natural at this point, with the way their tongues glide against one another. And yet it still strikes him to the core and makes his heart thump loudly in his chest.

Aether lets his hands slide down, first to the shoulders, then down the chest, tracing lazy patterns into the skin. When their kiss breaks, he's quick to lower his head and press his lips over the other's heart, before moving on to other parts of his knight's chest. There's no hesitation, no embarrassment. His kisses are driven with passion and love, and the prince is not afraid to show how much he wants to his lover to enjoy every moment.]

[The covers are thrown over them as Childe grabs a hold of the fabric, lifting it up so they are unseen unless one got close to the bed. It feels almost secretive this way, how Aether's kisses to his chest are hidden from the rest of the world, getting away with something that would surely be his demise if anyone were to find them. Small hums and content noises spill out of the knight, eager to let him do what he wants with his body.

But he wants for even more than that, and while Aether is busy attending to his skin, Childe is reaching to massage something further down. It's easy to find, and the knights eyes flash playfully, wanting to draw out those delicious moans and whimpers from the prince.

So much so that he doesn't realize there's a soft knock at the door, not once but twice, as a nervous squire waits outside for someone to answer. Luke shuffles back and forth, before gulping and opening the door, his concern overpowering how much trouble he could get in for barging into a royal quarters unannounced. But Childe hadn't come back the night before, and he's worried...and the only person he can think of who might know where his knight is is the prince himself.

He slips inside, gazing about the room as he closes the door quietly behind him. There doesn't seem to be anyone in here, and he steps further in to marvel at how nice it was, before he notices...

...movement on the bed...

Luke lets out an involuntary gasp, loud enough that Childe's ears perk up and his stomach drops from underneath him. He stops his ministrations immediately, his mind freezing. They've been caught, he's a dead man. The only saving grace is that he's still under the covers, and perhaps they can play it off like it's Elise...or something. Anything.]

[The covers are a nice touch, hiding them from the world and Aether can't help but smile at that. He happily continues on with kisses, letting a surprised gasp when Childe touches him. He wants to laugh or say a snarky comment that his partner is impatient, but then again, the prince is enjoying every moment of this and he makes sure his lover knows. The moans that bubble inside him are much quieter now, almost breathless, but he doesn't hold them back.

He never hears anything, the moment is just for the two of them, until they're pulled apart, until they have to face the day ahead. That's exactly why the sudden noise shakes him to the core. His eyes widen, he doesn't dare to move, stunned. Maybe they could pretend that they're not here, but he's well aware that it won't work at all.

An agonizing moment later, Aether decides to peek from under the covers to check who interrupted them. The face he sees is familiar, but that doesn't make him feel any better.]

L-Luke...!

[He wants to die so badly now. His cheeks are burning bright from shame.]

[The moment Aether says Luke's name, Childe immediately collapses with relief under the covers. He's so thankful that's who's decided to interrupt them that he doesn't even get angry, knowing that it could have been so much worse. His face burns bright red, but at the very least he knows he's not going to die today, at least not from this.]

I'm so terribly sorry your highness! Sir Childe is being sought out for training this morning, and I thought to come here first given he didn't come back last night. I couldn't bear the thought of if someone were to find you before me...is he here?

[Luke looks genuinely apologetic, his hands and arms stiffly at his side, bowing to Aether as if the prince might rain punishment down on him for such a rude intrusion. Though Luke has asked if Childe is there, it's without a doubt to him that the other lump under the covers is the knight he's looking for.

Childe pokes his head out from the covers, his expression a mess of previously terrified now relieved yet completely embarrassed all at the same time. He laughs nervously, scratching his face with his finger as he looks over to his squire.]

Y-Yes, I'm here. How late am I?

About two hours, [Luke explains, urgency in his eyes.]

Tell them I'll be along shortly, if you could? It seems I've...hm...overslept.

[Luke nods, hurrying out of the room, and Childe groans. Two hours...]

[Aether doesn't say another word, waiting for the squire to leave the room, before he wraps himself tight in the covers and curls on the bed. Even his face is hidden as the prince laments over this embarrassment.]

I can't believe this...

[They left the door unlocked, he didn't let Childe leave and now Luke found them. If this was anyone else they would've paid dearly for this mistake!

Peeking out from the covers, Aether gives Childe a worried look.]

You should go... and we need to make sure none of this happens again.

[He presses his cheek into the mattress. The bliss he felt before is now completely gone, replaces with dread creeping in his stomach. They just keep being found out over and over. Just yesterday Aether's father almost caught them kissing and now this. They really need to think things through before they do anything else.]

[Childe breathes out a heavy sigh, pressing a kiss to Aether's head before he gets out of bed and finds the clothes he'd discarded to the floor the night before. He swiftly pulls on his pants and shirt, getting ready enough that he looks semi-presentable if he's stopped on the way back to his quarters. A quick bath will have to wait until after training, as they've been waiting far too long for him.]

We'll think of something, I'm sure of it, [he replies, quickly moving to the nearest mirror to fix his hair into some semblance of what it usually looks like, which is already tousled and messy as it is.]

I'm going to be off now, you'll summon me a little later in the afternoon, won't you? I'll need to clean up after helping a few of our new pages learn some proper swordplay. The local baron specifically requested for myself and Luke, and though it is a little unorthodox, I don't mind helping anyone become more acquainted with battle. You know how I feel about that.

[Ever the bloodthirsty knight, he knows that his accomplishments have reached even those within the smallest village in the kingdom.]

[Aether doesn't move from the spot, still wrapped in the covers, blush prominent on his face. Despite that, he nods to the knight's words as he watches the other prepare to leave the room.]

I know... You never miss a chance to get stronger and you like when others strive for the same, don't you?

[A shadow of a smile crosses his lips and Aether sighs to himself, before finally pushing himself up from the bed. He slips the covers down just a little bit, so his head and neck would be fully visible. A mess of golden hair slides down his shoulders and back.]

I hope everything goes well... despite the delay.

[The local barons wouldn't dare to mess with the knight, but still... Aether hopes none of it will reach his father's ears.]

[Childe quickly turns from the mirror, grinning back at Aether. He's got that right, he'll never miss a chance at getting stronger. It gives him great joy to see other strive to the same heights, especially if he gets to meet them battle himself. But for now, the knight crosses back over to the bed, beckoning the prince over to press his mouth to the other's for a small, but loving goodbye kiss.]

I'm sure they'll find I'm well worth the wait.

[Winking, Childe turns to go, walking towards the door.]

Don't forget about me later. There's still much we can do despite sleeping half our day away, and I wouldn't want to miss it.

[And with that, Childe cautiously opens the door, slipping out to take care of his duties for the day.]

[No words are needed as Aether quickly moves to his lover for the kiss. One hand still clutches the covers around him in order to give himself some shred of decency, while the other reaches for Childe's face, fingers soft as he pushes some strands of hair behind the other's ear.

Then he removes his hand and nods.]

We'll meet soon.

[He watches the knight leave the chamber, heart still nervous in his chest.]

---

[Aether carries on with the day, pretending as best as he can that nothing has happened. Thankfully, he has not much to worry about. No one asks him about the knight either. At some point the prince asks one of the servants to check if Childe has returned and tell him that the prince would like to see him. For a report on his daily duties, of course.

When they finally meet again, it feels so odd, as if long days has passed since the time they were basking in each other's warmth, sharing affections. Aether smiles fondly, but he doesn't get to say anything. A familiar voice interrupts him instead.]

Prince Aether! Sir Childe!

[Elise runs up to them both, face bright with excitement. The prince greets her in return and gives her a puzzled look.]

I have a thrilling idea! I was talking to my father about it and he thinks it'd be amazing - a ball to celebrate our official engagement! [She sounds very proud of herself when she says that, hands joined together and a sparkle in her eyes.] A masked ball!

Edited 2022-07-24 15:17 (UTC)

[It's a little later in the day, and the servant that had been sent to fetch him quickly comes and goes. Childe takes the time to clean himself, get dressed into something a little more comfortable, and makes his way through the castle to finally meet up with Aether. His eyes light up when he finally catches a view of the prince, but the moment is all too short.

Elise arrives seconds later, and Childe turns to her to bow his head with respect. She seems so excited that he doesn't get a word in either, but he already is excited about the prospect of a masked ball.]

Oh ho, now that's a celebration that's worth having. In all my time here, I don't believe we've ever done such a thing. That's a wonderful idea, Elise.

[He glances over to Aether, to gauge his reaction.]

What say you, prince? I think this is going to be quite the enjoyable occasion.

[Aether gives it a moment of thought, expression unreadable for the time being.]

We never had this kind of celebration here...

[The possibilities are tempting. They could be out in the open, enjoying their time, hidden behind masks like everyone else. Nobody could forbid them from doing whatever they would want. Aether can definitely understand why both Elise and Childe are excited about this idea.

But what about risks?

As if sensing his uncertainty, Elise grabs his hands and tries to sway him in something akin to a childish dance, while no music is playing.]

It'll be wonderful, you'll see! Wouldn't you like to dance with someone special? [She says, teasing.

Aether blushes in response, but then he sighs and finally nods.]

...Life's too short to waste a chance like that. [He looks to Childe.] Right?

Edited 2022-07-25 20:50 (UTC)

[The prince's knight looks over with rascality dancing in his eyes, a wide grin that seems all too pleased with that answer. Childe throws an arm around Aether's shoulders, leaning on him playfully as if he had a million ideas floating about in his head and all of them were bad.]

It's like you read my mind. I'm glad you're starting to see things in this light more often.

[Because he definitely wouldn't pass up an opportunity like this either. Childe offers a wink to Elise, her idea perfect and that little tease of hers on point.]

Let's prepare for it together. That way, we'll know who's who when the day of the ball arrives. This will be quite exciting.

[Ah, a walking chaos as always. Aether expected nothing less. He lets a soft snort at his knight's antics as Elise giggles. She then lets go of the prince's hands and sways in place as her own hands are joined on her chest. Yet again, she seems so very much like an excited child.]

Absolutely! It will be wonderful and I can't wait!

[Aether laughs.]

In that case, let's tell my father about it. I'm sure we won't have to convince him for too long if he sees how happy you are about it.

[The princess stops swaying and averts her gaze abashed. Yet the smile is ever present on her face.]

...On the other hand, if my father sees how Childe is happy about this, he may get suspicious. [Aether adds, tone amused. The princess again giggles softly, then steps closer to them, her gaze fixed on the knight.]

I think it'll be a good moment to practice dancing in general, too. [Something that they will definitely need on the wedding day.] Sir Childe... I hope you won't mind if... [She looks around as if to make sure nobody is listening in, then she leans in, brow worried, voice quiet.] If I dance with the prince? Just one dance is fine.

Hey now...

[Childe lets go of Aether to set back on his hips, arms akimbo. Now that's just unfair, why is it if it makes him happy everyone assumes that there's a great possibility it's going to be a headache for everyone else involved? Even if that's true half of the time?

However, Childe's face softens as Elise asks him politely to dance with Aether, and the knight only returns an amused smile at her. She didn't need to ask of course, but it's cute that she did regardless.]

Of course, I don't mind at all. Prince, I suppose you should ask Luke if he's alright with you taking the princess out for a spin on the dance floor. [He turns back to Elise, eyes even more amused than before.] You two have been getting along quite well, I've noticed...

[Since they caught them making out and all behind that tree.]

[Considering what happened in the morning, Aether's face burns when Luke is mentioned. The princess doesn't get a chance to ask what happened. Her own face is soon set on fire at Childe's comment.]

Ah, y-yes! Luke is very good to me... I'm happy... I never thought I'd be this happy.

[That's probably something none of them expected when Elise was supposed to come to the castle. It hasn't even been long yet it already feels like the princess has become an integral part of their lives. Almost as if she's always been here, with them.]

And I'm happy for you. We both are.

[May that happiness last for as long as possible.]

[Childe nods his head in agreement, thoroughly entertained by Elise's embarrassment, and at Aether's as well. What short lives they live, it's best to enjoy it as much as possible.]

Why don't the two of you find the king. The sooner you can get this in the works, the better, I say. I'll wait for the both of you to return with the news. Then, we should have a relaxing night before preparations are made for the ball.

[Since it'll look suspicious if he doesn't come! Then he guesses he won't go! So unfair...he's not a bad guy...]

Perhaps a quiet, private dinner out in the gardens. Out of the way of prying eyes.

[He winks at them both- then they might even get the chance to chat privately, too.]

[Aether nods.]

Well then, we'll go and get this done.

[But at the proposition of the dinner, the prince blushes again. The princess also looks flustered but she grins happily.]

That's a wonderful idea! Ah, Sir Childe... I am truly happy I got to meet you!

[Aether blinks, then shakes his head with a weak smile. Elise and Childe are really a chaos duo now, coming up with various ideas so their days would never be boring.]

I think I know a spot in the garden where we should be hidden from everyone... and let's hope nobody will be looking for us this time.

[The knight throws his hand up behind his head, grinning. Elise is a very enthusiastic person, and he can't say he doesn't enjoy all the praise she gives him all the time. Chuckling, he nods to Aether, the mental map of the gardens already running through his mind.]

I've got an idea of where you mean. Alright. I'll see all of you tonight.

[Childe waves to the both goodbye, strutting off to find a little trouble to cause while he waits for dinner to come...]

---

[The secluded part of the garden is a beautiful sight, one that the knight seldom visits due to his duties, but one he always appreciates when he gets the chance. Luke follows close behind, not having the chance to experience as much as Childe has being close to royalty, his eyes widening at the sight of the gardens.]

I don't know if I'll ever get used to this, [the squire exclaims as he walks with his knight to their destination.

Childe regards him with a smirk, taking the time to take in the sweet scent of the flowers that are so well cared for.]

You will, but never take it for granted. There, here's the spot. Seems we've arrived just in time. [He waves to the prince and princess, smile bright.] Hey! Fancy seeing you two here.

[Both men take their respective seats at the table, next to their own royal. Much to Childe's surprise, Luke takes the hand of Elise and kisses the back of it before sitting, his face flush as he does so. Amusing, the knight thinks, how he's gotten so bold in such a short amount of time. Childe glances over to Aether- can he do that too?]

[The meeting with the king went well. Aether expected his father to be unconvinced about this idea, yet Elise endless charm and happy attitude quickly mellowed him down. With a sigh, he nodded and agreed to the ball. The orders for preparation were given out soon afterwards and both the prince and the princess thanked the king with bright smiles on their faces.

Now they are waiting in the garden. The many flowers that surround them are absolutely magical and the secluded area gives them enough privacy to talk freely and do whatever they want. Not many people ever come here, save for the gardeners who work in the morning.]

A secret place that only we know about... [Elise mutters, still in awe. Then she chuckles to herself. Aether can see how much she's enjoying every moment here, in the castle. It's good to see her so happy.

Before the prince gets to say anything else, Childe and Luke arrive and join them. Aether also looks surprised when Luke takes the princess' hand and places a kiss to it. They've grown so close to one another in such a short period of time. Elise's face is bright red, but she's beaming, eyes brimming with fondness.

For the moment Aether is completely mesmerized by the happiness of the couple in front of him, before he blinks and finally notices Childe's look. He's asking for permission to...?

Oh.

The prince blushes, his gaze dropping to the side as he slowly offers his hand. He doesn't have to worry about anything here, a kiss on the hand is not a really big deal either, but at the same time he's not used to being affectionate when other people can see it. Not too mention... His gaze quickly falls on Luke, before he averts it again. His face grows even darker red.

How will he ever apologize to Luke for what happened in the morning?]

[The knight idly wonders if that blush is because he's taking his hand and kissing it sweetly in front of the other two, making sure it's slow and deliberate- it's not as if he'll get many chances like this. That thought is not only confirmed, but is augmented when he notices that Aether steals a look at Luke for a moment. He's still embarrassed about getting caught...the poor guy. Childe is completely over it already, something that happened that he'll try to avoid in the future but no harm no foul.

Childe lowers the prince's hand, smiling brightly at the three of them, making himself comfortable as they start their dinner.]

So...

[He looks over to Aether and Elise specifically now, because he must know.]

Did you two get the masquerade ball approved by the king?

[The tender kiss against his hand easily makes his heart beat faster and Aether is trying to beat down his own embarrassment. Nobody is making a big deal over the morning events either, so maybe it would be for the best to move on.

Elise watches the two with some sort of fascination, cheeks brightly red. Maybe it's only now when it fully occurred to her that all of this is real. A knight and a prince, sharing sweet moments like in a secret garden... How romantic! She beams, not hiding how proud and happy she feels right now. In fact, she looks like she's just gotten everything she's ever wanted.

Aether glances at her and his face only gets redder again. But Childe asks him a question...]

Ah, y-yes... We got it without much trouble...

[A soft, awkward laugh follows. He really needs to get used to this.]

[Goodness, look at Elise. He catches that expression out of the corner of his eye. That's as happy as a girl can get, sitting next to her lover while admiring the relationship he has with Aether. And the prince, that's even better. But maybe he should stop making Aether so red that he won't be able to eat his dinner.]

That's splendid to hear. I guess we'll have to have some masks made for ourselves soon. I think I've got a couple of ideas for a design in mind already. I'll have to share them with all of you later to see what you think.

[He turns now to Luke, grinning from ear to ear. His own squire, to be knighted, how exciting is that?]

You know, I was thinking that perhaps as part of you knighting ceremony, you could duel me one last time to see how well your skills have progressed since you've been my squire...

[He just wants to fight someone, that's all that is...]

S-Sir Childe...

Edited (had to fix my html) 2022-08-01 23:26 (UTC)

[Hearing about the duel makes all eyes fall on Childe. Even though still embarrassed, Aether shakes his head, smiling slightly.]

You never miss a chance to a fight...

[Elise, on the other hand, seems to sparkle. Her hands are joined over her chest as she beams.]

Oh, I would love to see a duel between the two of you! It will be absolutely splendid!

[But then she thinks a bit more about it and her brows furrow.]

But only as long as nobody gets hurt! [She grab Luke's hand almost protectively, as if she was ready to fight anyone who hurts her future knight. Aether blinks at this, before turning to his lover.]

A new challenge for you, Childe - making sure that nobody gets hurt during the duel.

[A match like that doesn't sound nearly as fun as one where they can go all out, and Childe pouts a little at the fact that it seems that he'll have to hold back if this fight actually occurs. Though, it surprises him how ready Elise looks to fight anyone who would dare hurt Luke...maybe he could talk her into learning swordplay one day.

Luke blushes when Elise grabs his hand, sitting up straight now as if he were defending her honor just by taking Childe on.]

That does take a little of the fun out of it, but who am I to deny a challenge even such as that. Alright, I'll be careful- but I'll still win.

[The self assured cocky grin on his face says it all. Challenge accepted, then.]

I won't make it easy, Sir Childe. I've learned a lot, and who knows, maybe I'll better you in combat!

Oh? We're starting the fighting talk already? We could always duel right here, right now...

[He's not kidding either, the knight's fingers itching for a sword to be put right into them. A little exercise right before dinner sounds good.]

[The back and forth between Childe and Luke is a little unexpected and Aether has to wave a hand to stop this.]

You two won't duel here, because that would give away our secret spot.

[Aether lightly pokes his knight in the side.]

I know you're itching for a fighting, but you'll have to wait. Surely, there's plenty of things that can keep you occupied before the two of you can duel.

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