{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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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]

"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."

[denythyfather]

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

[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.

[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."

[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.

[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.

[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]

"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."

[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.

[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.

[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?"

[thecutdiamond]

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

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

[denythyfather]

"Don't worry. I don't have a very high opinion of our current King either. And the Queen doesn't have a very high opinion of me. It's a wonder I got approved to challenge at all," he finishes with a laugh.

[denythyfather]

"Thank you, honestly. It should be interesting, to say the very least."

[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.

[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.

[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?

[denythyfather]

"He's not going to bed on time," she lectures sternly. "All good boys and girls go to sleep at nine."

[thecutdiamond]

"I'm certain it will. What are you planning to do as a challenge?"