thecutdiamond | iron sharpens iron

She's stepped down from Head of Defense for a few years now, but she's still a Ten. It's a kindness, she knows-- the old guard didn't have the heart to Challenge the former Queen who had sacrificed so much of herself to the Suit, and the new guard didn't have the courage. Besides that, Eileen Eicheln is still very much (and once again) the Ace of Clubs, and while Rachel doesn't care quite so much for her Rank, these days, everyone knows that her niece will likely take some offense.

With Edgar moved into the Hearts castle, Rachel and Elliot had decided to move to a smaller place in Town closer to the Diamonds. It was easier for Elliot to get to the Wild Cards (though even he had begun shifting more to supervising than actually doing as much of the work) and for Rachel (who, after all these years and a few more injuries, was permanently on a cane, now) to get to the Diamonds castle.

Just as well, really. Rachel still devoted so much of her time to the Diamonds, even if it was more in emotional energy than physical, now. Even if that emotional energy was focused, rather largely, on helping guide some of the younger members of the Suit down their path.

She's had no small number of mentees, over the years. She has to confess to herself, though, that the young man with the name of one of her former Kings and who is about the age of her son, has been one of her favorites.

And it's always nice, to meet young Horatio Hornblower in the castle for tea.

Threaded | Flat

He tries not to be a bother.

Rachel has been so kind to him, after all. She's given him so much time over the years. She's had so much to do and so much to look after and so many people who have needed her, and she's still managed to give him little moments and attentions that have slotted him along in the right direction.

He's not sure he would have come back from his first fumbling Challenge without her guidance. He's not certain he would have gotten back up on his feet after a lot of things without a few carefully selected words from behind her quiet smile.

So he tries not to be a bother. He tries to lean on Archie. He tries to sit with his own thoughts and sort through them, as if they could be shifted into equations and solved through sheer force of will.

It's just that he's about to issue his challenge to Seven. That has him checking his watch compulsively as he waits for the Ten. It doesn't much upset the quiet of his features, but he can't stop himself from at least checking the passage of the seconds.

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