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 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...]

[Elise is not buying it either, her brows curving upwards as she holds her hands closer together. Aether doesn't want to cause these two worry, so he forces a smile on his face and then steps forward to grab her hands.]

Don't worry... It's going to be okay.

[Elise is surprised at first, but then she nods. Even though they've known each other for a short time, she still trusts the prince. Seeing that, Aether then reaches out to Luke, trying to take his hand as well.]

We should focus on good things... and the approaching ball.

[He wants them to feels safe and happy. Childe and Aether can deal with all the problems that arise.]

[Luke instinctively knows that something is definitely amiss, but it seems that the prince and Childe have it covered. He nods as Aether takes his hand, putting his full trust in him. There's no reason not to, he's the prince, and if anything it's his duty to do so anyway.]

Since it's getting a bit late, I think it might be time to retire to our chambers.

[Childe doesn't want them to practice any more out in the open, for fear of getting more servants to become witnesses to their little secret. He yawns, stretching his arms above his head as he shakes his head once as his hands fall to his hips.]

That feast was grand indeed. I'm already getting tired, how about the rest of you?

[He shoots Aether a subtle glance. Just go with it.]

[Aether really hopes that he'll never betray the trust that is put in him. He swears to himself that he'll do anything he can to ensure that both Elise and Luke are safe. For now though, all he can do is give them reassurance through warm smile and a gentle squeeze of the hand.]

Ah, yes. It's best if we get rest.

[He lets got of the other two hands, then covers his mouth, pretending to stifle a yawn.]

We'll find an empty chamber tomorrow to continue with dancing lessons.

[The princess nods.]

That sounds like a good idea. Let's rest.

[As they all agree to it, slowly they leave the garden and head to their chambers for the night. Another eventful day ended. As Aether collapses onto his bed he can't help but think back on everything that has happened so far: the approaching ball, them getting caught in the garden, his night with Childe.

...It's funny how he misses his knight already, misses his warmth right next to him in the bed, but they have to be careful from now on. As careful as possible. They can't let anyone catch them ever again.]

[Childe is glad that was easy to have them all agree to return to their chambers. He has a lot to think about tonight, and a lot to be careful about in the days coming. He sets out towards his own chambers, lying down in bed once he returns to close his eyes and try to relax his mind. For now, all he can do is try to roll with the punches as much as he can, and try to find out who it was that saw them.

A task that proves much easier said than done, because the masked ball comes and he never does find out who it was.

It's a splendid affair, the decorations sporting a white and gold theme with nothing spared. A giant spread of food with every kind of roast in the kingdom presented, everyone in their best with all sorts of different kinds of masks, and a dance floor in the middle for all to enjoy. Childe finds Aether easily enough, sliding in next to him as he's entertaining a few guests.

His mask is red, covering the entirety of his face, though it's still easy to figure out it's him- his ginger hair sticks out like a sore thumb.]

Good evening, prince. You haven't been having fun without me, have you?

[The guests pull a face. Great, it's Childe...]

[Many people have been working on the decorations and the food, to make sure that the event will be absolutely perfect. The entire room is bustling with voices, nobles excited with the idea of hiding oneself behind a mask. It's like they're given a bit of freedom that they normally can't have and even though some people may be easily recognized, it doesn't matter than much. Everyone is enjoying the occasion.

Aether has a black half-mask on his face, his golden hair is neatly pinned at the base of his neck as opposed to his usual braid. The prince is happily entraining some guests, but at the same time he is waiting for a certain someone.

...And that someone shows up soon.

Aether smiles.]

Hm... I think I'm having quite a bit of fun, actually. [He laughs, then bows to the guests.] I must go now and check on other guests. I hope you will enjoy the ball.

[And with that he excuses himself to go with Childe.]

[Childe nods to the guests as Aether turns to leave them to accompany him instead, feeling relaxed. It's been quite a bit of time since the incident in the garden, and nothing's come of it so far. Not that he's heard anyway, he hadn't been summoned to see the king to be scolded before being condemned to the dungeon or had his head cut off or anything. It seems eerily quiet, when he thinks on it.

But now isn't the time to dwell on that. Tonight is for having fun, and he happily accompanies Aether to get some refreshments for now, pouring a cup of cider for the prince and handing it to him before getting one for himself.]

Ah, it's lovely, isn't it? I'm looking forward to the castle being like this more often.

[They have Elise to thank for it, and she's going to be around forever now.]

I must say, you're looking rather dashing tonight, prince.

[After the incident, Aether was looking out for any signs that the secret is out, yet he didn't notice anything suspicious. The servants acted the same as always, his father didn't seem to behave in a different way either. Maybe whoever saw the prince and the knight on that day decided to keep it to themselves.

But now it doesn't matter. They are enjoying the night, just like all who gathered here.]

I do, too. [Aether agrees, accepting the cider. It's warm in his hands.] I'm sure Elise will happily think of more events like this.

[She seemed to really enjoy it. Just like she enjoyed plotting with Childe.

Aether blinks at his knight's comment.]

...You do realize that flattery won't get you anything? [He answers jokingly, blushing softly behind the mask. He made sure to look great for this occasion, if only for his lover.] A charmer as always, aren't you?

[It's almost as if he can see the blush behind the mask, grinning from behind his own. But for now, his mask can be set to the side- he's not hiding himself from the world from behind it, sliding it to the left side of his head to let it rest there as he pours his own glass of cider.]

I get the feeling that you're accusing me of something, [Childe teases, drinking deeply from his cup. The warm cider is soothing on the back of his throat, savoring the taste.]

Being charming has certainly not kept me from the things that I want. Wouldn't you say that's true, Prince Aether?

[His smile is bright, a playful cockiness dancing on the edges of it. Though for however long he had to wait, he knew he'd always had the prince's attention and eye. Childe wears that badge proudly, even more so now that he can call him his lover even in if it's in secret.

He downs the rest of his glass, glancing out to the dance floor- he sure would love to dance with Aether out there.]

Me? Accusing you? How could I? [The prince responds with fake innocence, smile playing on his lips with no shame at all.

Childe definitely gets what he wants and that is both scary and admirable. Aether looks at his lover for a longer moment, as if admiring him with a quiet smile, before he takes another sip of cider, enjoying the taste and its warmth.

He never misses the way his knight looks towards the dance floor, though.]

...Do you want to dance with me?

[The offer comes almost naturally, even if his voice is a bit quieter. On the other hand, they probably don't have to worry much. All the guests dance freely tonight, not caring if they're seen with an inappropriate partner, as if the masks were giving them anonymity, no matter how fake it actually was. In a crowd such as this, surely nobody would pay attention to a prince dancing with a knight.]

[Childe only shoots Aether a sly grin, setting the glass down and instantly forgetting about it. Someone will take care of it, because he's far more interested in dancing with the prince now. His mask is put back on his face, living in the pseudo-anonymity of it as he holds his hand out for Aether to take.]

It's almost as if you read my mind.

[This is what they'd practiced their dancing for after all, and Childe is more than happy to tango and make a show of their dance. He doesn't get the chance to do this often, and he's not even sure if many people even know he can dance.

Luke finally shows to the party as well, looking around for Elise first. He'd barely made it in, and after some arguments and finally getting someone to recognize that he was the princess's soon-to-be knight, he was finally let in. Just in time to see Childe take the prince out to the dance floor, attracting the attention of all...why is he like this?]

[The prince's glass is likewise forgotten and he easily lets the other lead him to the dance floor... Only to gasp in surprised when he's pulled into a tango, close and warm, but so very inappropriate considering their situation. He can tell that there are eyes on them and he can't help but make a face.

Thankfully, the mask hides the blush and the look in his eyes. No one can tell how fast Aether's heart is beating either. All they can notice is the disgruntled grimace on the prince's face, so maybe most of them will assume that this is the knight teasing Aether again.

Elise is watching them from affair, giggling softly to herself, before he spots her future knight. She joins him happy and asks if they too, could dance - maybe not a tango, but she definitely doesn't want to miss a chance and enjoy the night.]

[Luke offers a hand to Elise- of course they can dance, and it won't be as suspicious as the knight and the prince on the dance floor. Childe's ginger hair is very unique, where Luke's blonde is not. He'll lead her in a nice, slow dance, very contrary to the intimate tango that Childe leads Aether in.

The knight spins his prince, before pulling him in tightly to him to continue the tango, the grin on his face wide and easily peeking out from behind his mask.]

You're keeping up quite well, did you practice more when I wasn't around?

[There's no hiding the amusement in his tone, stepping quickly across the dance floor, seeing if Aether can really match him step by step. How much did the prince practice, he wants to know.]

[Elise smiles bright and as they dance slowly into the night, her heart thumps loudly in her chest. What a wonderful ball.

Meanwhile, Aether hopes that nobody can see how hard he's blushing right now, as Childe holds him so close with a grin all over his face. Why is he always like this! The dance continues and the prince barely keeps up, mainly because of his embarrassment. They are making a huge show right now and that was not what Aether planned!]

...I can't believe you're challenging me even now.

[As those words leave his mouths, the prince's eyes narrow and he changes his hold on Childe, in an attempt to take over the lead and turn the dance into something slower. Obviously, this way they still stand out because Aether is shorter - if he leads, the dance may look a little silly.

...But it's still better than getting attention due to his knight wanting to make a show.]

[He's not surprised that he's basically issued Aether a challenge. He's eating it up that he knows intrinsically that he's embarrassing the prince a little, even though he knows that the other man is enjoying this little dance they're having. Aether's steps push Childe to swap, leading the knight in a slower dance that's hardly as flashy as what they were just doing.

But since this is what the prince wants, he'll concede for the time being, slowing his own steps to match and looking down at his prince in adoration.]

An impressive turn, prince. I suppose for now, we can have this dance instead...

[Childe lets Aether lead him, reveling in the closeness between the two in front of everyone. They can speculate all they want, but it is in his nature to be like this- so they'll never truly know what's going on. But as the dance goes on, the music finally dies, and it's hard for him to tear himself from the Aether's arms. Though, it's best not to seem suspicious, and he sighs as he spots Elise and Luke.]

Wait one moment for me, and let me go grab the other two so we can dance together.

[Aether doesn't say anything, just leads for as long as the music lasts. In a calm step like this, he can't deny he's enjoying his knight's closeness and that they can be together in plain sight. But all good things must come to an end.

Reluctant, he pulls away and nods when Childe offers to go get Elise and Luke. He's planning to wait patiently, not moving a step but someone approaches him. The man has a mask that completely hides his face and nothing about him seems familiar either. Aether hesitates a moment, but he remembers that despite the fake anonymity of the guests, no one suspicious would be allowed here. The guards had to make sure of it.]

Sir Childe seems to be giving you trouble as always. [The man jokes, as if knowing the knight well.] Prince, perhaps you would be willing to agree to a dance with me, too?

[Aether's eyes widen, but then he agrees, realizing that if he refuses it may come off as suspicious.

And so the man takes a lead, but thankfully maintains some distance from him. The prince hardly feels comfortable in this new situation, still trying to guess who the other is. The man seems to notice and a quiet chuckle escapes him, before he leans in, disturbingly close, lips right next to the prince's ear, shielded only thanks to the mask.]

It's not as fun as dancing with your lover, isn't it? [The man says and Aether tenses.]

I don't know what you mean. [He hisses.] And please, don't get so close.

[The man doesn't listen. Instead he continues on:] Oh, you know exactly what I mean. And I know of your time with your knight hidden in the garden, of the time you went riding horses and hid away in the willows... I know so much more, too. Wouldn't it be a shame if everybody found out? But don't worry, I won't say a word... for as long as you do as I say.

[The man then pulls away, bows and leaves in the middle of the dance. Aether looks after him, unsure what to do and how to react. There's too many people around. If the secret comes out here, then... they would be all doomed. Him, his beloved knight, Luke and Elise.]

[Childe finds Elise and Luke fairly quickly, chatting them up for a moment before he turns back around to lead them over to Aether. But by the time he manages to do so, some other person is dancing with the prince- someone he doesn't know. As he watches, he looks to the other two and asks:]

Do either of you know who that man is?

[Luke only shakes his head, explaining that he's never seen that person, though it's hard to tell because of the mask. The man doesn't seem to get too close to Aether, well, until he does get close. He can see Aether's body tense up, and a small fire ignites inside of him. It's one thing to let Elise or even Luke, if he so chose, dance with Aether, but this guy...that's not okay. He can see how uncomfortable Aether seems to be, and he can't take watching it anymore.

Childe stomps forward, with Luke crying a small Hey! to try to stop him, to no avail. But the knight won't get there in time- the man disappears into a corridor, and Childe joins Aether, looking a little frustrated.]

Prince, [he says, trying to keep a cheery demeanor in front of the crowd,] who exactly was that? I saw your interaction from over there, and needless to say it didn't seem...pleasant.

[Aether doesn't initially notice that Childe approached him. He flinches when he's spoken to, then attempts to keep calm, because it's hard to tell who may be watching.]

I don't know who that was... [He confesses, fighting an urge to grab onto his knight's arm for support, to let him know that things are not well.] I... can't say I enjoyed that dance.

[He hesitates, then in a lowered voice he mutters:]

...He seemed to know too much.

[Then he shakes his head and looks towards Elise and Luke. Again, he feels awful for not telling them anything, even though they're both in danger as well.]

I hope I didn't worry them, too. I'll go let them know I'm fine.

[It's better not to stand around and attract any attention.]

[Childe expression doesn't change when Aether reveals that the man who'd be dancing with him knows exactly what they don't want anyone to know. He only stares in the direction of the corridor that he disappeared into, his temper starting to flare. What did he threaten the prince with, and how? He's going to find out.

Nodding, he speaks in a low tone to Aether.]

Go. I'll go hunt down our friend here to ask him a few more questions.

[Childe wastes no time, his pace quickening as he strides across the room towards the corridor. Moments later, he's disappeared into it, keeping an eye out for the man who seems to know their secret. The knight doesn't call out for him, just keeping himself aware, sharing a smile to any other party goers that pass by him before his expression turns deadly serious once again.

He'll find him, no matter what.]

[Everything in Aether screams to stop Childe and make him stay, but then he reminds himself that as rash as his knight can be he's always got them out of trouble too. They'll pull through this. They have to.

It takes him an extra moment, to turn away and head to Elise and Luke, fake smile put onto his face to reassure the other two. He tells them that the man he'd danced with was disturbing, but he does not elaborate. He insists he wants to move on from the subject.

Meanwhile, Childe won't have to look for the mysterious man for too long. He's waiting for the knight right around the corner, giving a light bow with his head to the other, before inviting him closer with a gesture of a hand.]

Ah, Sir Childe. I have been waiting for you. Please, let us speak in a... quieter place.

[It takes a great deal of willpower for Childe to keep himself reigned in. He knows what this is about, and he's already got a few guesses as to how this conversation will go. It would be much easier to beat him senseless, and the knight doesn't let the hardened look on his face drop as he follows the man to somewhere more private. He doesn't respond to the man, but keeps his hand close to a hidden dagger on his person that he kept in case he needed it for the night.

The man leads him down another corridor, away from the guests, finally stopping and turning towards him.]

Alright, we're here, what do you want?

[The knight growls, keeping his tone agitated as he bares his proverbial teeth at the other.]

[The man seems completely relaxed, but at the same time he's keeping some distance from the knight, just in case. There's a smile in his voice, almost as if he did not care what Childe thought or could do now.]

There's no need to be so hostile, Sir Childe. Though I do apologize for dancing with your lover without your permission.

[That's all he needs to say to reveal how much he knows. The man grins behind the mask and bows slightly again, hand on the heart as if offering his service.]

But fear not, I am not an enemy. In fact, I believe we could help each other. If my plan succeeds you can be with your lover without any worries at all.

[The blood in his veins instantly catches fire, incensed by the the idea and comment of his man dancing with the prince, especially in the way that it came about. He can only imagine that a threat was made, or something similar had been said. How dare he be so openly brazen about it right in front of him like this, it's bold and stupid as far as he's concerned.

Childe's eyebrow raises at the offer. It sounds enticing, sure. Anyone in any other position might jump on it. He manages to keep his simmering anger in check, listening.

Not an enemy. Sure. Does he think he was born yesterday?]

Oh? It sounds far too good to be true. What's in it for you if this plan of yours succeeds? Nothing in life is free, after all.

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