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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[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.

[The man straightens, his mood unchanged. If he notices anger igniting in Childe, he ignores it. Or maybe he's slightly amused by it? There's no way of telling, as the man's face is hidden by the mask.]

You are right. Nothing in life is free, but forgive me, as I will refrain from explaining how this plan benefits me.

[He pauses for a moment, before taking a step away and looking towards the corridor they both came from. The chatter of guests enjoying the ball is nothing more but a faraway noise.]

And the plan is simple, really. [The man continues.] The king's death. That's all both of us need.

[He turns sharply to Childe, both hands in front of himself as if in defence.]

And before you say or do anything... Sir Childe, think about it. Once the king is gone, your dear prince will become the next king and he'll be free to do as he pleases. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

[The knight's eyes are trained on this man like a hawk, reading his every movement, wondering what he'll say, what he'll try. The most he'll get out of Childe is his eyebrows both lifting. It's surprise, but only because he's surprised that he has the gall to even suggest such a thing to him. Kill the king. He saw that coming a mile away, and he only laughs with derision towards the man.

See how he cowers, he knows how dangerous Childe really is. Good. The knight will loom over the man, death in his eyes.]

Whoever sent you isn't concerned if you come back dead or alive, are they?

[He doesn't answer the question. Sure, it would be wonderful if Aether was the king and he didn't have to worry about losing his head. But to turn against the king and remove him himself to save his own skin, the man he'd pledged his loyalty to. Aether's own father. So bold, so incredulous.]

You're lucky I'm interested in more of what you have to say. But what if I say no at the end anyhow?

[A wicked grin on his face begins to spread, like a hungry animal about to strike his prey, satisfied with their catch. He's waiting for this answer, though he has a feeling blackmail is going to be the response.]

[The man straightens again, hands behind his back as if accepting the challenge of the beast. As dangerous as Childe is, the man firmly believes that he's the one who has the upper hand here.]

If I don't come back... Well, there will be no secrets anymore. Everybody will know and the poor prince will have to watch the chaos unfold, unable to do anything. Is that what you want?

[His voice sounds almost innocent, as if the man really did not want that to happen. He's playing a dangerous game here, he knows.]

And sadly, I will not say more unless you agree to help. But saying "no" is a fair answer, too. [He assures.] If you don't interfere, then the king will die and you'll get what you want either way. However, if you try to stop us... again, you will have to deal with everybody knowing about your affair. Hm, I really can't imagine the king or the father of the poor bride to be happy about this, just before the wedding, too... But you enjoy chaos, don't you?

[He knows a dig at his character when he sees it, keeping a sneer off his face when the man is so bold to insult him so. Instead, Childe keeps his demeanor still dangerous, as if he could change his mind at any moment and take him out on a whim, as he is apt to do at times- and everyone knows it.

The knight's fingers twinge, aching to place the hilt of a blade in them, but wondering if the man could fight as well as he could threaten.]

It's no secret that causing a stir tends to be more than enjoyable for me. And maybe, this is the kind of chaos I'd like to incite. After all, what could be more grand than shaking up the entire kingdom with this secret? Do you think that any knight outclasses me so that I couldn't cut them all down when they come for my head?

[He hums thoughtfully to himself, eyes still wild.]

You've missed one important ingredient however. Where is your proof? Words are nothing without anything to back them up, whether here or in battle. Try and say that we've spoken or that anything you've mentioned has transpired, and we'll simply deny it. Do you really think the king will take the word of someone else over his son, the prince?

[The man smiles behind the mask.]

That chaos you're painting... I'm sure your prince would enjoy it. Watching you slay knights that he's known whole his life, shaking the kingdom that he wished to protect, making him stand there helplessly as the entire world is falling apart... [The man crosses his arms and nods.] Yes, I'm sure your prince would be thrilled about such future.

[As the proof is mentioned, the man chuckles softly.]

But of course. I have a proof... That's the prince. [He gestures with his hands as if stating the obvious.] He's not good at lying, isn't he? Just a small whisper into his ear about the things he has done with you was enough to shaken him. Do you think that he would be able to deny any of that in front of his father and make his story believable?

[The man shakes his head as if he was actually pitying the prince.]

Poor thing, the future could've been so bright for him... The king is already suspecting something, too. A few words are enough to make him ask questions... that his son will likely not be able to answer.

[Childe can hear the smile in the tone of his voice, and it pisses him off. So much so that his fingernails begin to cut into the palm of his hand, though he don't notice that it's happening, keeping the same demeanor as before. He hates so much that when it comes down to it, they're both such terrible liars, and he'd argue that he's even worse than Aether is.

But to use that against them, to get Aether himself to provide the evidence needed to take him down sets a fire ablaze inside of him that's hard to control. Wanting to kill the king, threatening Childe's own life and making Aether completely miserable in the process...it's akin to threatening his own family.

He won't let them get away with this. Whoever it is that wants the king dead. Because where does it stop? There's more questions than answers.]

...Fine. [Is the answer he finally spits out, not hiding the venom or anger any longer.]

I'll agree to help, but only under one condition. The prince is left out of this. I don't want him involved in any way.

[The man doesn't hide the joy in his voice.]

Of course, the prince will have nothing to do with this.

[He's already involved though, whether he likes it or not, but the man doesn't bother saying that. There will be no more threats send the prince's way... at least until the king is dead. Afterwords? Many things may happen. The man is thrilled for the future events.]

I shall contact you with details later. Go on, assure your prince that he's safe now and that soon you'll be able to forever stay by his side.

[With that said the man bows and leaves.]

[Childe watches him go, wanting to put his sword through him, but it's not a good idea. Not when Aether and the king are involved, so he stands there and glares a hole in the man's back. It's not until he's disappeared that Childe turns, walking back to the main ballroom where everyone's gathered.

He keeps as cheerful as an expression as he can muster on his face, and Luke notices that it's a facade, but doesn't call attention to it. He can't imagine what kind of bad mood Childe is in, and he'll discuss things with Elise later...]

Sorry to have kept you all waiting. You weren't waiting on account of me, were you?

[He can't tell Luke and Elise now. He has to talk to Aether about it personally, and even then. What can they do?]

[Elise also notices the bad mood that Childe is in, but he quickly imagines that it must be because of that other man's inappropriate behaviour. Aether clearly was shaken for a moment, too and Elise hopes in the depths of her heart that it was just that, nothing more.

And so she tries to put a smile on her face.]

Well, yes... actually yes, we were. [She says, then reaches to pat Aether on the shoulder.]

I'm sure you gave that rude man a lesson, Sir Childe. [She says in a lighter mood, hoping for the best.] Why don't we forget about him and continue on with the ball? Prince Aether, would you like to get something to drink?

[Some drink and good food should be enough to cheer someone up. Maybe. Aether doesn't think so, but he understands that Elise means well. There's little she can do now and he absolutely can't tell her what the man had whispered into his ear. The prince looks to his knight and there's worry all over his face. He has a feeling that the matter was not resolved and this is why Childe is in exceptionally bad mood.]

...A drink may be nice. [He agrees with a wavering smile.] But I think... I need some fresh air first. I'll go just for a moment. Childe, can you accompany me?

[He needs to know.]

We'll be back soon, I promise. [He assures.]

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