[OTA] Diamond Sharp

[uncutclarity]

The Diamonds focus more on intellectual challenges. You're more likely to see chess than a MMA challenge from Diamonds rising through the ranks. Poker before sword-fighting. Debate before boxing. But Avery's usually been an outlier that way. She had her fair share of non-violent challenging - baking, singing, mah jong - but largely she's risen in

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[lightsthejewels]

There are some things certain departments should never tell Face Cards. Be it drama or issues or situations among workers. Sometimes it was thought the Cards didn't really need to know about it. It is a Rule well learned. While Danielle was a famous stickler for rules. This was something she felt like should be brought to the attention of the Diamonds Face Cards soon as possible.

"Your Lady Jack Avery." Keeps a steady distance and gaze, the Blackberry somewhere else. "Could I be allowed to ask permission for advice from one of my esteemed Face Cards? I thought you'll be the most compassionate and in terms of the situation due to experience."

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Well, possibly not the most auspicious way to begin a conversation, Avery thought as she hung up her sword and turned cool blue eyes on Danielle. Danielle was one of their best and should be challenging her supervisor soon, but this clearly was not that conversation.

"Of course, Danielle," she said, brushing back damp hair. "How can I help?

[lightsthejewels]

Not auspicious at all. But Avery deserved the respect she gave to the Face Cards before. She did it for Hector, for Helena and even Lindsey. Avery was, until Silas' taking over as King, the admittedly most approachable of the Royals in the Suit and was a capable Jack.

"It's about Rosaline Dupin." One of the IM's more intelligent dedicated workers. Actually competent in her work and a fellow Seven of Diamonds. "She's been wishing to retire early for some time despite being in her early twenties. To care for her sister in the town. Others have been telling Lady Dupin to not do it so they won't lose her and others are encouraging her. Sir Jones is trying but."

Might not be emough for once. "Considering the lack of Piquets to pass responsibilities as it is but Lady Dupin's reasons for her leave. I was wondering what your stand would be on this matter, Lady Jack Avery."

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"If her sister needs her, then she should move to Town to care for her." There was a thoughtful pause, Avery crossing her arms over her chest. "It depends upon how ill Rosaline's sister is, of course, but perhaps Sir Jones should speak to her about reducing her employment to part-time. That would give IM time to train a replacement. I'd recommend Caroline Faust. She's only a Six, but a bit wasted, I think, as Irene Berthier's assistant in the Art Acquisition and Control department."

And if that pissed off Sophie's Nine of Diamonds little sister, well...

Oops?

[lightsthejewels]

And almost smile comes and goes Danielle's face. Lady Faust was someone Danielle almost got along with thanks to their shared productivity. The idea to give Lady Dupin part-time employment until a replacement comes in to take the place was also a brillaint idea. Irene surely will understand them taking away Lady Faust. For the good of the Suit and all.

"Thank you for your most valuable insights about this. I'll speak to Sir Jones about these ideas soon as possible." This is where Danielle thanks again, curtsies and leaves. But something makes her not do that yet. Call it her Diamond Senses. "And I hope everything is well with you these days. You've been working very hard for the Suit and for that we're grateful."

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Surely she wouldn't. And if she did, well, she'd deal with it. Irene was...resourceful, certainly.

"I hope it all works out," Avery said, sincerely. "You've been doing very good work since you returned, Danielle, and we're grateful for it. Thank you." Then Danielle didn't go yet, and Avery gave her a curious look before the Seven spoke again.

Ah. Well, perhaps she hadn't hidden her turmoil as well as she thought. Or perhaps Säde let more people know what she thought of Avery than she thought. Either way, Avery's smile was quietly rueful. "Thank you, Danielle. I do my very best."

[lightsthejewels]

Lady Ace Säde didn't say a word about her opinion on thei Jack to the Seven. Nor did the others Danielle interacted with on a timely basis say a peep either for whatever they thought. Best way to infuriate Danielle is insulting a Face Card or demeaning the Suit somehow no matter the intent or reason. It was just a sense Danielle had. Suddenly becoming the responsible sibling for her brothers after Wengcheng's death demanded her to develop those senses and work ethics of it. It was tiring at times but gave her an advantage in some things.

"Are you sure, Lady Jack Avery?" A cock of the head and a slight frown. "Is there truly nothing I can do to be of assistance these days? While I hope the retuning of the paperwork distribution and handling helps. I always aim to do more for my fellow Suitmates in anyway."

[uncutclarity]

Avery was generally good at hiding the way Säde's attitude affected her - it was hard, honestly, because while she'd never known the Ace as well as the Queen, who had taken her under her wing when she'd come to the Diamonds, she'd always admired Säde. She had, in fact, settled on Jack for her ambitions because Säde was the perfect Ace. So, it was hard that once she'd become Jack, she'd gotten nothing but sharpness, but she couldn't show it for the sake of the Suit

[lightsthejewels]

It wasn't fair that Lady Avery faced such scrutiny from Lady Säde compared to, say, Miss Helena. Hector was a good Jack but so was Avery in her own ways. And Laureline despite her Suit will always be a Spade that thrived once on others' conflicts and discomforts in the Seven's personal eyes. Those instincts will never change and it seems to be true in the case of that lowbow she threw at someone who was above her in both honor and esteem. These were things Danielle might have said or hinted to have said

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"We will." Avery turns to look at Danielle and gives her a warm smile. "Don't worry, Danielle. It really is just a bit of stress. Nothing a few cocktails can't cure, I promise."

Or at least they'd help. Avery raises her chin and gives Danielle her bright smile.

"You'll be the first I'll ask, if there's anything."

[lightsthejewels]

A bow and a brief look of relief at the shining smile the Jack had given her. Her Lady Jack will be fine, she is telling herself now. She is a strong woman. And what can happen in the following days?

"That is a blessing to hear," she says and does her curtsy, the signal of her leaving. "I'll hope you'll have an enjoyable evening with Lady Ace Wren and others who might come and enjoy the pleasure of your company. Take care."