{ota} the baffled king composed hallelujah

[denythyfather]

These days, things happen. The question is: how fast does gossip travel around Diamond Castle? And, honestly, does it count as gossip if the subject of said news is airing it loudly to the public as well? Because Adrien isn't wasting any time in letting people know that he's challenging up.

That's right. Ermenegilde Pascal Adrien Fitzgerald is challenging up to Seven. "About time I climbed up the ladder, don't you think?" he'll ask as Sitara giggles from behind him.

Comments

[wherethewild]

"I really would have no idea," Peter says, winking at Sitara. "Is there a schedule you're supposed to adhere to, then? A challenge a year or people start to nag you about things?"

He really has no idea, and he plans to be long gone before anyone gets any bright ideas about him becoming a a Three or Four.

[denythyfather]

"Nothing like that. I've just never challenged before in a life. 26 is a good a year as any to start, I suppose." He grins. "My parents would've been nagging like crazy if I'd stayed, but I didn't."

[wherethewild]

"...How'd you get to Six, then?" And how come Peter got stuck as a Two? Not that he minded. He didn't buy into this weird system in which he was a deuce of diamonds, or anything.

Just. Well, really. He was awesome.

[denythyfather]

"Promotions. I was... quite close to the last Diamond King. And the Queen at the time wasn't a fan of allowing males to challenge up." She's not that bad now, of course.

[wherethewild]

Sex, Peter interpreted. Good to know this world went 'round the same way as the real one did. "Yeah, I'm thinking the current pair aren't much for the promotion concept. Pretty certain His Maj doesn't like me much."

Shrug.

Oh well.

[thecutdiamond]

"I suppose if you're feeling that way, it must be so."

She'd been rather deliberate in her Challenges, herself, wanting to get up to Ace as fast as she could while still ensuring she was properly prepared for the job. She hadn't waited until it was 'about time.' She'd waited until she felt she was ready.

But to each their own.

[denythyfather]

"You approve?" he teases, running a hand through his hair. "I'd hope you would, at least."

[thecutdiamond]

"I'm not certain it would make so much of a difference, but I do."

She'd not have said as much a year or so ago, but they've all changed greatly since then.

[denythyfather]

"I'd still challenge if you didn't, but I have a lighter heart now that you've said yes," he says extravagantly as Sitara wrinkles her nose."

[thecutdiamond]

She laughs a little, smiling at Sitara's nose wrinkle.

"I'm happy to give my blessing, in any case."

[diemwnt]

Ermenegilde Pascal Adrien Fitzgerald, if you think you will be exempted from having a face like a line made at you because you have your beautiful daughter with you or because you're finally clearly being serious, you have another thing coming.

It's a face like a line.

Forever in your direction. Forever.

[denythyfather]

"Your face will stick that way and Sitara will be too scared to talk to you," Adrien teases. And he's promptly proven wrong by the little girl huffing and running to catch at the other man's arm instead.

"M'not a scaredy!" she protests before wiggling her fingers in a /Hello, Papa is silly./ up at Cadogan.

[diemwnt]

Look. Look how your tiny child is infinitely more reasonable than you, sir. One last huff in Adrien's direction before he clicks his tongue and gives Sitara's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

For her? He always has a smile, however tired and faint.

/He is. He's lucky you're here./

Now give Uncle a hug before he chides your father forever.

[denythyfather]

Can she climb up into his arms even though she's getting tall? Because there's something she has to whisper in his ear. "A-ver-ee said you're being a bad boy." Adrien nods seriously in agreement.

[diemwnt]

She'll never be too old or too tall to be clutched up in his arms--and she's certainly still not so tall he can't lift her up in a tight hug.

He will, however, have to arch a brow at that 'secret.' What on earth did that mean?

[onlytolerable]

"Careful you don't throw out your shoulder while you're patting yourself on the back." Sophie winks at Sitara as she dumps her leather satchel in front of Adrien, her suspiciously heavy leather satchel.

"Every historical fashion book to be found in the Deck," she tells him. See? It helps to have librarians in high places.

[denythyfather]

"I'm going to--" Ah. He abruptly breaks off, possibly because Sitara might have pinched him. "I would kiss you except Sitara's right here." She buries her face in his shirt, whining out, "Gro-oss!" as he laughs. "Thank you, darling. I'll be careful not to hurt myself."

[onlytolerable]

Oh, now, that opinion requires a big, sloppy cheek kiss punctuated with a buzz for Sitara. "Boys are ooky, mon chou, but they have their uses. They make excellent papas, for one."

She smiles at Adrien. "Psychological warfare. There's plenty of information on the internet, though I don't know why I'm helping you against my own staff."

[denythyfather]

She reaches her hands up to be pulled into Sophie's arms, giggling at the kiss. "Also for piggy back rides!"

"You're helping me because you're taken by my devilish charm. I know. It's alright. You can admit it." He grins mischievously at her, running a hand through his hair.

[onlytolerable]

"Alright. I'll grant you piggy back rides."

She has her arms full of squirmy little girl, which no doubt is what saves him from having his hair mussed as soon as he straightens it. She sticks out her tongue because she's mature that way. "Bedevil me enough and those books get returned right back to their shelves." Sitara, your papa is so silly.

[allthesamemask]

She's clapping her hands in delight at the news. It's good news, as good as that of what's in the tower. Certainly better than where her guardian had gotten her black eye from. "When's that, then?"

[denythyfather]

"Probably next month. I'm going to wait a little bit. Maybe things will have calmed down a bit before then, yeah?" He shrugs, one hand going to smooth back Sitara's hair a little.

[allthesamemask]

"Or they'll get so overwhelming you'll forget you have a challenge to do," she deadpans. "Do the Sevens know yet? They quakin' in fear?"

[denythyfather]

"Come on, dear, isn't being an optimist nicer?" he cajoles. "And I doubt any Seven would be shaking in fear if they did know. I'm not very intimidating."

"He's silly!" Sitara affirms from his side.

[allthesamemask]

"Makes me less prepared, though." She grins down at Sitara. "Yeah. Now we just have to wonder how he'll win a challenge by bein' silly, won't we? No Seven'd expect a challenge like that."