[for Hector, but OTA] I cannot see when the stars are gone

[ishineon.livejournal.com]

A great deal about Säde is largely inferred rather than directly known. Her personal life, in particular, is largely a matter of conjecture, and fifteen years is enough time to build up a large enough store of data to deduce several things. For example, the thing with Hector, the former Jack of Diamonds.

And today it may be assumed that her agitation has to do with that very man. She keeps her Diamond mask on, but at the edge of her smile is something brittle, fragile, less the rage reserved for something gone wrong and more the anger of a wounded animal.

Not, all things considered, the best mood to leave the Deck in. This may be the first day that Leigh sees something similar in her guardian to the people who came before. Not the physicality of an action, but the light in the eyes that comes before it. It will keep her wary for days until Säde talks about it suddenly, no warning and no regard for the age of the girl she's speaking to. Then there's just an uneasy, pitying accord.

[ooc: Hector first. Anyone else talking to Säde would be coming in on the aftermath of their argument.]

Comments

[songsbyheart.livejournal.com]

Astrid remains silent until Säde winds down, and then she inclines her head with a slight smile.

"I think," she says slowly, "that you and Avery were not ready to work as closely together as Face Cards must work. Her work in the kitchens must have been largely separate from much of the work the Face Cards do, and she'd only managed human resources for a brief time. I think that while it's hard to find any silver lining in her accident, and I am sure Avery doesn't think there's any at all, if there is a silver lining, it's that you now have the opportunity to work together as Ace and Ten in a way that you hadn't been able to before she was named Jack, since she'd barely become a Ten when Lady Helena resigned.

"I hope that you both use this opportunity, because if I know my daughter, her current belief that this fall from Jack means she should be satisfied with being a Ten forever - it's not going to last." And someone would face a challenge, whether it was the yet-to-be-named Jack, or Avery's mentor.

[ishineon.livejournal.com]

She nods slowly as Astrid speaks, the tension draining from her bit by bit. "I certainly shall. And I- I thank you, for your advice. It will be something to think on while I'm away." Something to stew over, advice and argument both, while making nice with her stepson and daughter-in-law, introducing Leigh to them, going through the motions of a christening and godmotherhood.

She'll decide to apologise, but it won't crystallise fully until she's back in the Deck, soaked in memories of Juuso and how he'd talk, how he'd brag and laugh so full of life.