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

Current Music: https://youtu.be/mfolIbbIKLw

Entry tags:

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...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.

[Childe looks back to Aether, disappointment in his eyes that he's being told to behave, but quickly gives in. With a sigh, he lets it go, and Luke looks to Aether apologetically. He knows better than to feed into Childe's competitive nature, but sometimes one can't help themselves.]

My apologies, prince. We didn't mean to interrupt dinner in such a fashion.

Please accept my apology as well. I'll make sure to choose a different part of the gardens for our duel.

[It would look cool, two people locked in the heat of battle with beautiful scenery all around them. It's just too bad that they can't go all out during the fight. The flowers would have made a choice object for blood to be spilled upon. But Childe knows that Aether probably won't approve of that either, so he quickly adds:]

Kidding, kidding. There are plenty of grounds here at the castle for such a use. There's no stands here for people to watch either, so it's not exactly ideal.

[Childe's disappointment is not lost on Aether, but the prince chooses to ignore it. His knight has to learn to not give in to his strive for battles. There are many fights he will likely face in the future, there's no need to rush.

Maybe Aether can make it up to him later tonight, but the dinner is supposed to be a peaceful occasion. They have to make good use of this time while they can.]

Luke, you have nothing to apologize for.

[At least Aether can forget about his previous embarrassment. He gives Luke a small smile, before turning to Childe, a brow raised, before his knight explains that he's just kidding.]

Well, you'll just have to be patient. The knighting ceremony will be after the ball, so it's not that far away in the future. And that reminds me... Luke, would you be opposed if I danced with the princess during the ball?

Edited 2022-08-03 21:03 (UTC)

[Luke dips his head towards the prince in appreciation of his graciousness, still cursing himself for letting himself get swept away by Childe's boasting. Maybe that's just a byproduct of being around him so much, though Luke does prefer to stay on the straight and narrow- except, of course, for this little affair. At least he has royalty on his side.

He responds with another quick nod to Aether's question. How could he deny the prince?]

Of course! It would seem strange if you didn't, wouldn't it?

[Childe, on the other hand, lets his head fall against a closed fist as he rests an elbow on the table, not all that interested in this conversation. He picks up a fork, waving it in front of him before letting it sink into a piece of chicken, picking it up and eating a piece. He can be patient, as long as he gets his fight.]

Perhaps it would be best if we all shared dances. It will make the whole affair a bit more natural, wouldn't you all say?

[Elise quickly nods to that proposition.]

Yes, I think that's a great idea. Perhaps it will also allow us all to get to talk to each other.

[Aether nods in agreement. It's important that they're all close and that they all have mutual trust. This affair won't last long if there will be any misunderstandings between them.]

Then it's decided. I hope the ball will be pleasant to all of us and that it will go well... And then the knighting ceremony. And the wedding.

[He smiles sheepishly. It will be busy for some time and there's many unknown in the future that awaits them. As if sensing his thoughts, Elise gives him an encouraging smile.]

We're all in this together, so don't worry.

[Her optimism really is something he'll be forever grateful for.]

[Childe chuckles quietly to himself- he was never all that worried about this masquerade ball anyway, but he's happy to see that at least the other three are starting to become more comfortable with this. He eats a bit more of his food, chewing thoughtfully. Since they're all decided, then he supposes they can move on from thinking on things that cause too much anxiety.

This is supposed to be a nice dinner, sans a good fight unfortunately, but even so they should enjoy it than worry about such matters.]

Hmmmm...

[He thinks out loud, clearly something brewing in that chaotic brain of his.]

How well do the three of you know how to dance?

[Both Aether and Elise also started enjoying their food, the general mood definitely more cheerful. As Childe asks the question, they turn to him.]

Well, I was required to learn how to dance for any formal balls. I'd say... I'm decent.

[Elise nods.]

I can say the same. I've always been told that it would be embarrassing not to know the basics. I'd like to think that I can dance well enough.

[For royals it's just one of the many skills that they need to learn, but neither the prince nor the princess were ever truly interested in dancing, considering that they danced only when it was absolutely required of them to do so. Now... it's different. Aether is genuinely looking forward to sharing a dance with his knight.]

[Childe then looks to Luke, who blinks nervously. This man. Does not. Know how to dance. He gulps, and the knight looks beyond amused. Oh, good. One person doesn't, and that means an endless amount of fun for him.]

Sir Childe, I do not. There's never been a reason for me to learn, because I never thought I would end up in the good graces of royalty.

[The knight shoots a look over to Elise, his chaotic partner in crime. This is their time.]

You don't have anything to worry about, Luke. We'll teach you, won't we?

[He looks to Aether and Elise together now, his expression absolutely delighted with this development. Dancing lessons would be fun, wouldn't they? And Childe has a plethora of different dances he can teach them.]

[Elise clasps her hands together, smiling bright.]

But of course! I will be delighted to!

[She then takes Luke's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. Aether also nods to this. Dancing lessons are much better than fighting, after all.]

Don't worry, Luke. You're in good hands.

[Even though Childe's amusement screams that chaos approaches, the prince doesn't think any of this will cause them much trouble. Even if they get caught they can always say they're helping Luke gain skills that will be necessary for him once he becomes Elise's knight. It won't even be a lie.]

I think we can start the lessons after the dinner... Would you like that? [The princess asks her lover, eyes big and sparkling.]

[Luke looks back to her, mild panic on his expression, but how could he possibly deny her when she looks at him like that? The squire tries to calm himself, giving her hand a squeeze back, an appreciative nod sent Aether's way.]

Thank you...I never would have guessed I would be in such supportive company...I'd love to start lessons immediately, so I don't make a fool of myself or you, princess.

[Childe is leaning on the table now, smiling at the two of them. Oh, he'll teach Luke a great dance. He's got the perfect one in mind, and he's going to make Aether help him teach.]

Excellent. We'll begin shortly after we eat, to at least let our dinner settle. I have the perfect dance for you to learn, and I'll be glad to teach it to all of you if you don't already know how.

[It sure isn't ballroom dancing.]

[Aether continues to smile at Luke.]

We're all in this together, so we have to help each other out. [It's really that simple. Mutual support goes a long way.] Let's practice after the dinner.

[He glances at Childe, though, wondering what chaos is brewing in his head. What kind of dance can he possibly mean? Aether signs inwardly, but decides that he'll find sooner than later, so there's no need to ask now.

The princess seems to come to the same conclusion, except there is a hint of excitement in her eyes. Whatever Childe is planning, Elise is absolutely looking forward to it.

And so they continue on with their dinner.]

[The dinner goes along smoothly, Childe chatting them all up and having a great time. But when it ends, is when he gets more excited. The gardens still provide a great cover for them, and the knight leads the other three towards the giant purple wisteria tree that sets a beautiful scene in the center of the royal garden. The warm hue from the hanging lanterns that had been lit several hours ago gives the tree its own glow, accented by the full moon that rises in the sky.

Very romantic, if Childe were to voice his opinion, but instead he admires the view as he looks up to the sky.]

This seems like the perfect spot to start! Aether, why don't you come and join me for this.

[He's totally not going to surprise him with what he's about to do, not at all.]

Elise, Luke, just watch our steps. You'll be able to learn this in no time at all.

[It's very romantic. Elise seems absolutely charmed by the sight while Aether too, can't take his eyes away while a soft smile is brighting his face.

When asked by Childe to join him, Aether nods, steps close and offers his hand, allowing his knight to lead the dance. His head tilts slightly to the side.]

So what kind of dance we'll be starting with?

[He still suspects nothing.]

[Oh, that innocent look in Aether's eyes, he wonders how quickly that will change when he begins the dance.

Childe takes his hand, pulling the prince in close to him, arm wrapping intimately around his waist. Mischievousness flashes in his eyes, before he steps off into the dance, an easy tango so Aether doesn't have too much trouble at least. The knight makes sure each step is deliberate and easy to follow, but he's making sure he has his prince as close to him as possible, moving and circling before dipping him down and bringing him back up right into him.

Childe stops here, as a small demonstration was really all that was needed, warmth spreading in his chest to have his lover so close. Close without worry.]

Did you two catch all that?

[He says as he looks over to the princess and squire. Luke's face is a bright shade of red, eyes wide for so many reasons. He doesn't even know if he can do that.]

[It catches him off guard to be pulled so close and the dance that follows is nothing like what he expected either. He should've known - it's Childe, after all. Chaos is his second name and seeing as they're in a secluded part of the garden, it would be unthinkable for the knight to not take a chance.

Aether blushes bright, but follows the dance, gasping slightly when he's dipped low, then pulled right into his lover. His eyes are wide and his mind is a mess. It's good to be close, but there's a part of him that still feels embarrassed. He's so very unused to showing affection in front of others.]

Childe... [He manages to say when he finally finds his voice.] It's not something that can be danced in a ballroom. [His tone is slightly scolding, brows narrowed, but the deep red of his face is ruining any seriousness of his expression.

Meanwhile, the princess looks absolutely over the moon. Her face is just as red as Aether's and she has her hands pressed to both of her cheeks, but there's an unmistakable smile wide on her lips as she looks at the pair.]

Ah... No, don't worry about it! [She says, as if suddenly brought back to reality.] I'd love to try this dance! Ah, how exciting!

[She spins around, then skips closer to Luke, taking his hands in her own. Then suddenly, she notices the other's embarrassment and gives him a worried look.]

O-oh... but if you don't want to do it, Luke, it's fine. We can try something different.

[Luke's hands meet with Elise's, looking down at her with a mixed expression of surprise and mild embarrassment. He doesn't know how to tell her how weird it was for him to watch his own knight dance with the prince so intimately, how he's supposed to do the same with Elise, and that she too! She too!!!! Is royalty, with him being able to call her his partner in some shape and fashion. Plus she's so enthralled by it...though he's pretty sure it's because she loves the idea of boys being in love with each other, which is just another whole thing.

It's a lot for him, and he feels so overwhelmed by the entire affair.

But he's supposed to be her knight! He stands up a little straighter, pushing down the redness in his face, determination set on his features.]

N-no, I want to try. Let's try once.

[Luke begins to lead her slowly through it, as best as his memory can serve him, and Childe holds onto Aether still despite the fact that they've stopped dancing. He glances down to the prince, a smile on his face, nudging him slightly, speaking softly.]

Haha, I didn't mean to embarrass you too much, but you enjoyed it, didn't you? Now look. Look how happy they are. This is just a glimpse of what our future will be one day.

[Even though she's excited and loves the chaos that Childe introduces at every step, Elise still understands that all of this is overwhelming. She smiles kindly at her future knight, giving him more reassuring squeezes of the hand, happy that he wants to give the dance a try. She follows his lead just as slowly, blushing bright at their closeness, but happy for it as well.

Aether watches them for a moment, before his gaze shifts to Childe. The prince pinches the other's cheek gently, shaking his head. Yet, a smile is ever present on his face.]

I can't believe you keep on getting away with everything... What kind of magic is this?

[It must be Childe's irresistible charm. He chuckles, staying close.]

[It makes Childe happy, to see Luke and Elise dancing together. It's a mixed set of reasons why, one being that he's happy that they're happy, another being that this is the future he'd envisioned when he suggested this to them. It's nice. And the best part is, the opportunity to be with Aether, something he never thought he'd ever have, is a reality.

He laughs as his cheek gets pinched, smile bright as he looks down at the prince.]

You could say that I have a knack for this kind of thing.

[Childe leans down, to press his lips to the prince's, even though he knows that Aether will probably get very embarrassed. But the moment takes him, his whims winning out, not caring if the other two see. After all, it's not like they hadn't spied on them kissing already, albeit accidental.]

[Aether is happy too. He's happy that both Elise and Luke could find love, he's happy that Elise smiles bright and feels at home in here. He's happy... that he can finally hold Childe close, feel his affections, enjoy imagining their future together.

Everything is going so well, as if pieces of puzzle put into the right place. Hopefully, it'll stay like this.

When Childe leans for the kiss, Aether's face burns with red. The prince is too conscious that they're not alone, so he responds with a shy press back. He tries to tell himself that it's okay, that he doesn't have to worry about anything, but it's not so simple. He needs some time to get used to it.

A soft sigh escapes him when they part, his face is still flushed. At the same time he feels like someone is watching him, but he doesn't dare to check who it is.

Unbeknownst to the prince, the person who spies on them is neither Elise nor Luke, but a servant who wandered into the garden. Said servant is now trying to make a haste retreat, scandalized by what he has just witnessed.]

[The minute he presses his lips to Aether's, he swears that they are being watched. When he pulls away, his head turns in the exact direction of where the servant had just been, and he swears he hears rapid footfalls as if someone were running away. Childe considers it for a second- let's say someone saw it. But it would be a hard sell, to convince anyone of what they saw.

They could just deny it, and it would be fine. After all, Aether's word has far more weight than anyone else in the castle save the king and queen.]

Not to frighten you, but our cover has been blown.

[But the knight doesn't seem worried about it, the concern he had already falling to the wayside.]

Don't worry about it though. Who's word stands up against the prince?

[The moment Childe says that, Aether feels all the blood draining from his face, cold fear settling in his gut. He steps away from his knight, staring with wide eyes at him. How can the other be so calm about this?

It takes a moment for the prince to say anything. He tries to keep his vice low, to not cause panic.]

But if any of this reaches my father... You know that he's already suspecting something.

[It may be easy for the prince to disprove the rumours around the castle, but the king himself will be a problem. Aether is more than sure his father will believe the servant's words and look into it, maybe even keep a closer eye on his son. They've already been so careless and the upcoming ball is meant to give them an opportunity to be together in the open.

They need to do something about this... fast.]

We... we should go after the person who saw us. Maybe we can convince them to stay quiet about it.

[He doesn't like this, but what other choice does he have?]

[He understands Aether's concern, and he too is trying to push down a cold fear of death. Luke would be in danger too, and though he knows this has suddenly become a possibly tight spot for them, he's sure he can think of a way through it. It won't be the first tight spot he's landed himself in, nor will it be the last.]

I didn't see who it was, so finding them will prove a little more than difficult.

[Because they'd have to find the person without revealing any truths to anyone else. That's a bit hard when the garden is big and they have many servants.]

I don't see a lot of reason to fret at the moment, Aether. Even though your father does suspect something, it's not as if he saw it with his own eyes. Do you think he'd treat his son so unfairly?

[It's true that it's too late. Aether stands still, trying to listen in, but all he can here are the dance steps of Luke and Elise, and wind playing in the leaves of trees. He lets the air out of his lungs, before looking to Childe again.]

I... [He hesitates.] ...No, you're right. I don't think he would believe it without some sort of proof.

[But the rumours won't do them any favours. They need to be so much more careful...]

Did something happen?

[Elise's voice startles him and Aether quickly turns around to face her. He's silent at first, before shaking his head.]

No, not at all!

[There's a moment where he's unsure if they should tell Elise and Luke. Childe definitely doesn't want to scare them, but at the same time, they do need to be cautious. Even this secluded garden didn't end up being as secretive as he thought it was going to be.]

Have the two of you gotten the hang of the dance, Elise?

[Childe quickly changes the subject, asking as earnestly as he can muster while keeping himself steady. There's a lot to consider, and he just needs some time to think about it.

Luke wanders over too, his eyebrow raised, but decides to drop the question for now.

The two of you look like you've seen a ghost.

He glances at Childe, trying to read the man's expression. But he should know better, his face is unreadable when he wants it to be.]

Haha, it's nothing, really.

[He's not sure if he sounds convincing or not. Why can't he be better at lying...]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject