Dancing Duelist

"Hey, now, how about a smile for old Inigo, eh?" ((closed Inigo/Laslow rp blog with FERP))

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Time for Tea! | Open

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Mercedes had stretched her arms out after the bell had run and she took a stand and gathered up her belongings. She made her way outside to the area where she typically decided to study herself. While her room was a prime spot for studying, typically during this time it was so loud around her that she wouldn’t be able to focus.

The library was out of the question as well as many students would gather there and chatter among themselves. So before she went to the cathedral she normally sat a little table by the gardens so she could immerse herself in the flowers.

Yet, someone was there at the table. The table she normally sat at, but nonetheless, they had a spot still open for her. Pulling the chair out she looked down at the individual and gave a sweet smile. “Mind I sit here with you and study? I promise I won’t be loud.”

It wasn’t long before someone filled in the empty spot next to him. Inigo looked up at the blonde who had asked him. “Ah, Mercedes! Feel free, it would be my pleasure!” he replied as he moved his books closer towards himself.

There was a twinge of guilt about Mercedes falling into his study date trap. He had thought about continuing his plan but he had too much respect for this particular classmate. She was too kind and innocent for Inigo to hit on. 

Inigo noticed that there were still a few tables open. It made him wonder why someone as sincere and pious as Mercedes would choose to sit at a table with him. “My apologies if have taken your spot, though.”

[prince-of-askr]

Teaching a Prince to Flirt >Inigo

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Alfonse returned the smile and forced a gulp down his throat. Had anyone told Inigo how pretty his eyes were? Alfonse shook his head at the thought and returned his hand back to his side. Would Inigo truly be okay with helping the prince out like this?

“Er well, it’s a rather silly matter. My sister seems to think that I could be more people friendly if I started to flirt with people. She sent me in your direction. I understand if you wish to decline the offer though.” Alfonse did truly feel ridiculous for asking for flirting advice.

Perhaps he could give Inigo something that would help reimburse for the troubles for helping this antisocial prince.

“You know, princes need to be well informed on their people, right? Well, I have a problem of just talking with people. It took me at least a week to approach you and ask you this.”

Inigo couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The prince of Askr? Asking him for help? With Flirting? It took all his will-power not to bust out laughing. “Surely you jest? To hang around someone of my caliber, would tarnish your reputation. Besides, I don’t really think flirting is the answer you’re looking for.”

Although, the young mercenary felt sympathy for the prince. Inigo wasn’t so different when he was younger. Well, actually, he was far worse. It took Inigo the majority of his childhood to work up the courage to talk to someone that wasn’t his sister.

“Well, I’m sure I can find another way to help.” he reassured. 

[prince-of-askr]

Teaching a Prince to Flirt >Inigo

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Alfonse somehow had made an arrangement to speak to the other heroes summoned here. A few had caught his eye with how they could openly speak to people with no worries or concerns. Alfonse had wanted to be able to talk to people so freely and without a care.

He knew of a few people who were… to put it lightly, skirtchasers. People who could openly flirt and chat with people so easily it was like second nature. Alfonse gulped and ran a hand through his hair. Could he be a person like that? Someone who could woo someone?

Alfonse approached someone who possibly almost looked nigh identical to him. A young man named Inigo. His blue hair resembled his own and owning status as a prince was another thing they shared. He tapped the man’s shoulders and waved when Inigo turned.

“Greetings, uh, perhaps you could help me out with something if you’re not busy?”

Inigo had just gotten back from helping the Summoner when he was tapped on the shoulder. Turning around, he was met with the prince of Askr. It was quite humorous how much the two were alike in terms of appearances. Quite a few of his friends had pointed out that they could pass for siblings... Although, he got compared to Lucina more often than naught. Having Alfonse as would be too cruel.

Pushing his former thoughts away, he returned the greeting with a smile. “Ah, Prince Alfonse! It would my pleasure! Now what is it that you require my assistance?” he asked in response.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Time for Tea! | Open

Classes had finally dismissed for the day and there was one place that Inigo had his mind set on. Giving a polite to his professor, he headed out the door with all of his books. Navigating through the common area was a frustrating daily task for all students, but the young man had found that being first out the door meant avoiding the chaos.

It only took a few short minutes for him to reach the gardens. Luckily, with classes just being let out, Inigo found an empty table. He set his books on the table close to his seat. The flirt made the other seat easily accessible for another person. He opened up one of his books as he started Operation Study Date.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

A Night in Paradise | Laslow and Niles

[dancing-blade-inigo]

“I suppose I cannot.” Niles smirked. already moving and hoping Laslow followed along. “We’ve got quite a lot of work to do, so let’s get a move on.”

At the question, he hummed, closing his eye and taking a moment to recall the location. “Well, I think we should first grab a bite to eat somewhere. See what places will be closing soon and follow the flock to the pubs. How does that sound, my good friend?”

Laslow followed along with Niles as they walked down the brightly lit street. While he wasn’t particularly hungry, the thought of a warm meal sounded nice. The ex-mercenary could only withstand so much of his comrades’ cooking, especially Felicia’s. Aside from that all he had were his personal rations and even that was barely edible.

“Well, no matter where we eat, it’ll be better than camp food. That’s for sure!” he said with a chuckle. “Although, we should probably avoid the taverns that are closer to camp. The further away, the less we get scolded for our endeavors.” Laslow grimaced remembering the last time Lord Xander caught him in a bar fight.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Autumn Delights | Open

[dancing-blade-inigo]

“I… thank you?“ Luthier tilts his head, taking the pastry from the other’s- Inigo’s- hands. The warmth seeped into his chilled fingers and he inwardly sighed in relief.

“Inigo, was it? I am Luthier,“ he nods. He wasn’t the best conversational partner, so he awkwardly looked at the pastry in his hands. “I am in Ylisse, correct…?“

Unsure of what else to do, he pulls at the pastry, the flaky dough crumbling in his hands. He pops the small piece into his mouth, looking over at the man beside him. He isn’t quite sure why he paid for a pastry for him, a mere stranger. What kind of person did that? Luthier wanted to ask him about it, but he refrained from doing so, part of his mind nagging him to be somewhat polite.

Inigo nodded, listening intently. There was something about his name that sounded familiar. There was no doubt he was a traveler, though. Perhaps not a very good one considering he didn’t know where he was.

“You must not be from around here. We’re in the heart of Ylisse, the capital Ylisstol.” the mercenary replied.

There was still something about the mage’s name that was nagging at the back of his head. He just couldn’t remember where from. “Luthier...” Inigo repeated. “That sounds foreign. Are you from Valm, by any chance?”

[thorned-regalia]

To Your Defense ||Open Starter||

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Clearly, Laslow was lying through his teeth. However…. if there’s even a small chance Laslow is changing his ways, Xander will take it. He nods, slowly. “I see. The work if allotted for you is insufficient then. I admire your initiative to change what you see unfit- but next time, before you make a decision like this, please consult me first.” He lays a hand on Laslow’s shoulder.

“I’m glad to see you unharmed.” And he really does mean it. Sometimes it’s… difficult to find the exact right spot between a distant professional work relationship and sincerity, but let it be known that Xander does try.

He takes his hand from Laslow’s shoulder and moves back to where his horse was still waiting for him. “We should head back to camp before anyone else gets the idea to perform extra work. Oh and speaking of which, since you’re so eager for it, you’ll be joining me on evening patrol from now on.” He mounts the horse again, reaching a hand down for Laslow.

“It’ll be faster to ride with me.”

Laslow nodded solemnly as his lord’s request. “Of course.” There was a twinge of guilt when the prince removed his hand. He really hadn’t meant to cause worry, especially from his highness. 

Although that guilt was quickly replaced with dread at the thought of working patrol with Lord Xander. While, yes, he had patrolled his liege plenty of times before, but working solely with him until Naga knows when? It wasn’t exactly a good time with someone as strict with Xander. 

“Whatever you see fit, your highness. You know I’ll always be there at your side.” he said. The retainer grabbed the hand and mounted behind his liege.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Nothing… That was highly concerning. Out of reflex, she sat up, wincing at the throbbing of her mending wounds. She took a deep breath, trying to collect herself in a dire situation. She could be overthinking it, but she cared not. Someone’s life could be on the line, and as the tactician, she felt fully responsible for their safety. “Inigo, I… I may not be in the best shape, but please allow me to help. If I could be released, only for a little…” She lied back down, unable to think straight. She realized she had to calm down, making rash decisions wasn’t going to keep anyone safe. It wasn’t going to help her heal faster. As a healer came rushing in to check on Robyn, her eyes met Inigo’s once more. “My apologies… Is there still anything I can do, even in this sorry state?”

There was a part of Inigo that wanted to tell Robyn no. With how she winced at her wounds, it would be in her best interest to stay in the med tent at least for a few more days. But another part of Inigo knew how it felt to be helpless. His next idea could get him in a world of trouble with the clerics but it was worth trying anyway.

“Alright... If you feel that you are up to it, I can at the very least escort you to the tactics tent. However if you’re in too much pain, then I’ll just have to carry you back.” He offered a hand out to the tactician. “Does that sound fair, Milady?”

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Lost in the Fray | Inigo and Natasha

[dancing-blade-inigo]

“I,” her voice was still hoarse and thought that if she were to make it out alive, she’d need to drink an entire flagon of water to get her speech back. “I’m fine, thanks to you. I am truly grateful.”

The blood on her sleeves did not leave her be however, so she insisted again.

“Still, let me heal you. It’s the least I can do. Is it your back?”

She circled the swordsman a little too frantically until she noticed the gash on his lower back. The blood had seeped into the fabric of his torn shirt. While the cut hadn’t severed his muscled, that was no just mere scratch. If it was left unattended for a longer period of time, it could get infected. And in their current situation, the amount of time they had was uncertain.

She knelt down, one knee on the ground, staff in her hand.

“I’m sorry to touch you like this” she placed her free hand on his waist to hold him still “Please bear it a little. I’ll try to close the wound as fast as I can.”

As the orb of her staff pulsed with healing energy, she could hear the ringing of steel against steep from outside the thicket as well as the ruffling of foliage. With sweat beading her forehead, she prayed that she could heal her savior before they were ambushed once again.

Unfortunately, Inigo failed to distract her. Before he could protest again, there was a delicate hand on his side. There was a sudden warmth on his back as she healed the gash, only a slight stinging resided.

He peered through the branches to see the progress of the fight. So far, the enemies had been pushed back from the gate. But for the most part, the opposing forces were starting to retreat.

“Thank you, truly.” he whispered. “Although, I’d ask you to hurry it up a bit. The longer we stay in this thicket, the more rumors are spread.” It wasn’t necessarily the truth as most people in Askr tended to their own business. Inigo just couldn’t stand being on the sidelines like this.

[thorned-regalia]

To Your Defense ||Open Starter||

[dancing-blade-inigo]

“What do you mean, what am I doing here? What are YOU doing here?” Xander cleaves downwards with his sword, separating two Hoshidan soldiers attempting to attack Laslow in tandem. Apparently not having learned their lesson in fairness quite yet. Well, a taste of their own medicine will have to suffice.

“I highly doubt Corrin sent you to come along with me for scouting duty, after the fact.” Not to mention alone and without a mount! It’s not that Xander thinks Laslow incapable, so much as that his retainer risking himself so recklessly like this, and when such a thing is completely unnecessary… He’s lost two retainers too many to put up with such thoughtlessness.

He may just take out that frustration on their enemies, just a bit. Using just a bit more force than necessary while keeping the enemy soldiers back. The Hoshidan soldiers make a quick retreat after that, despite their wounds, Xander watching with narrowed eyes as they disappear into the forest with the kind of quickness that can only come from familiarity.

Once he’s sure they’re safe and alone again, Xander drops down from his horse. “Are you alright? That was incredibly foolish, I hope you know.”

After a couple more attacks, the Hoshidans fled, leaving Laslow to deal with the repercussions. He put his sword away as Xander dismounted.

“Well you see, Milord. I figured I would add myself to the patrol force since we are so close to enemy territory.” The retainer was clearly lying through his teeth. Hopefully, he would buy it. It was a noble cause after all! Laslow spending his own free time to make sure the camp was safe, it was definitely believable.

“I am alright. And what of yourself, Lord Xander?” Laslow knew that was more of a rhetorical question, given Xander’s capability as a fighter, but he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if something were to happen. “My deepest apologies, though. I knew the risks when I went out on my lonesome. I in no way meant to trouble you, Milord.”

[thorned-regalia]

To Your Defense ||Open Starter||

[dancing-blade-inigo]

It may say something about him that Xander finds going on evening patrol relaxing. Even if it means he won’t be back to camp until late, it’s an opportunity to force himself away from his desk without feeling as though he’s being completely unproductive. It’s the solitude of it too, allowing Xander a moment to think, to breathe and reflect on the day.  

The night is clear this close to the Hoshidan border, hardly cool at all even with the absence of sun. Relaxing, though these nights are nothing at all like the silent snow-covered bluffs Xander is used to- the forest is alive with sounds of life and a clear sky allows for moonlight to cut through the gaps in the canopy above. Silver shafts of light dappling the forest floor. Beautiful if not wholly unfamiliar.  

Xander’s soldiers were making good time- ahead of schedule even, which was highly helpful given that it’d give their enemy even less of a chance to pinpoint their location. Better to strike quick and true than to inflict or suffer any more bloodshed than absolutely necessary.  

It’s as though some cruel Fate heard his thoughts skirting too close to complacency because in that same moment he hears the clash of steel on steel. Xander’s head snaps to the direction of the noise and through the trees he can see it, five enemies in a loose semi-circle, slowly advancing towards one of his allies. Righteous anger flares up in Xander’s chest at the sight of such obvious cowardly tactics, unsheathing his sword in the same moment as he grabs the reins of his mount, turning around to defend his ally.  

He bursts through the treeline, Siegfried drawn, leaving the air burnt with black magic behind it. Xander’s mount leaps beside them, drawing his sword down sharply, cutting off the end of the spear that would have been thrust in the direction of his ally. “Stand down.” His voice isn’t loud but clear, ice in his expression.  

After a long day of fighting, Laslow was ready for a drink. While their advances were fast paced, tensions were rising among the camp. Many of the soldiers, including himself, had never set foot in Hoshido. Not only that but the further away from Krackenburg, the more his friends got homesick. Which, the old mercenary was already homesick enough. 

Laslow knew the risks of leaving the camp when they were so close to the border. But by the gods, he was anxious for the illusion of freedom. And of course, he had barely made it away from the camp before he was ambushed. It was five against one but Laslow had fought worse odds before. 

The skirmish had only begun before someone had come to his aid. With a quick block with his pauldron, he looked to see Lord Xander intercepting the Hoshian’s spear. The glare his lord had sent to his foes sent a shiver down his spine as well. Hopefully, Laslow wouldn’t get in too much trouble for sneaking out.

“Lord Xander!” he exclaimed in between breaths. “Wha... What are you doing out here this late?” The retainer blocked another sword and parried with precise.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

A Night in Paradise | Laslow and Niles

[dancing-blade-inigo]

AhThere was one benefit to being dragged along with the royal family - sightseeing and meeting new folks. Sometimes, Lord Leo let the former slum walk around the town, drink and flirt with strangers. He knew too well that Niles liked to push buttons. If he didn't’ get a chance to, then Leo would be the next victim.

Lord Leo was wrapping up for the night, and Niled bowed his head.

“Thank you, Lord Leo. I will return for nightwatch in due time. I assure you the guards will take good care of watching your abode.” He wished him goodnight and slipped to the planned meeting spot, humming a tune to himself.

“Ah, you waited as you promised this time~.”

Laslow beamed as he saw Niles approching. "On a night like this,of course I would. I need my wing-man in a city like this!” he said as he slung his arm around his friend.

“Besides, there haven’t been any fair maidens to drag from our rendezvous. Surely, you couldn’t blame me?”

The beautiful ladies weren’t the only thing on Laslow’s mind though. Cyrkensia was a city full of opportunities and the night was still young. “So, where shall we begin our mischief tonight? I know there’s several taverns around the city.”

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Lost in the Fray | Inigo and Natasha

[dancing-blade-inigo]

As she fought hard to breathe, Natasha recalled a conversation she once overheard between Commander Anna and the Summoner.

“We can revive heroes that fall during battle as long as you’re with us, Kiran. Still, though this reverses the ravages of the battles, they feel pain just as we do.”

That was alright. Though she didn’t wish to, and trembled at the thought, Natasha knew in her heart that she would perish in this battlefield, so far away from home. But it didn’t matter. She could be brought back –as blasphemous as it sounded- and she could handle the hurt, just as she had before she was summoned into this strange realm.

She pressed the orb of her staff against the palm and a small beam of light flared towards one of the enemy soldiers that surrounded her, only to mildly incapacitate them.

“I’m no fighter.” She thought as she attacked once more, gasping for air. Her true strengths lied in her healing, yet she had been caught within the enemy’s range and they dragged her away from her allies; forcing her hand to attack as best as she could.

Miraculously, she had avoided fatal blows, so she still stood, but she knew her luck and breath would soon run out.

With every step she took back, her enemies advanced towards her twice as fast. Her heart slammed against her chest and her throat was on fire. Shaking, she summoned another beam of light. And once again, she barely scratched the soldier in front of her.

The song of steel rang in her ears, louder and louder and she thought she would soon be dead. Instead, it was her enemies who fell to the ground, followed by a flash of blue and red.

“Joshua saved me.” She thought almost immediately, eyes wild and bruised fingers tightly wrapped around her staff. It had been like that in Magvel. Why should it be any different in Askr? “I always need to be saved.”

Only the voice that spoke to her wasn’t Joshua’s.

As her eyes focused on her savior, she realized it was a gray haired swordsman –one of the many foreign heroes who were summoned to this real.

“I-” her voice so hoarse it hurt to even breathe, yet she felt like screaming her gratitude “Thank you so much, I owe you my-”

At the corner of her eye, she noticed a sniper just feet away from them. Before they could let their arrow go however, Natasha grabbed her swordsman ally and shoved him into the thicket close to them, following him almost immediately. The arrow zipped past behind her, tearing at the fabric of her blowing veil.

“I’m sorry I pushed you.” She rasped. The hyperventilation from the previous skirmish had stolen most of her voice, but at least she and her savior were out of harm’s way, if only for a moment.

She was about to speak again, until she noticed the blood on her sleeves and hands. Blood that wasn’t hers.

Her eyes were wide as she glanced back at her ally.

“Tell me where you’re hurt. I can heal you.”

Before the healer could finish her sentence she had pushed him into cover. With her hand on Inigo’s back, he winced at the pain. Once the arrow flew past, the mercenaries thoughts were moved to other things.

“I guess I should be thanking you now.” Inigo said in astonishment as he turned to see where the arrow had come from. “Damn these snipers are fast.” he muttered.

The mercenary turned back to see the priestess gaping at him with red stains on her sleeves. Hopefully he could draw the attention away from his own injuries. Besides, it could wait til they returned to Askr.

Inigo chuckled lightly. “It’s fine. Tis but a scratch, really. It only hurts when you touch it. But what about you? You’re not terribly hurt, are you?” he asked, a more serious tone in his voice.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Restlessness | Open

[dancing-blade-inigo]

“Inigo, huh? Nice name,” Leon replies somewhat awkwardly, in an attempt to alleviate some of the tension. “I’m Leon.” Wild flower? Leon’s not sure if he should take that as a compliment or an insult. Flowers are pretty, but “wild”? He’s refined and cultured. He decides he’d better assume it was a compliment- taking something the wrong way and starting a fight isn’t a very good first impression. “Well, I had some…” He pauses for a moment, brushing some of his long hair out of his face. How should he answer? Should he be honest about what’s troubling him, or vague? He doesn’t want to just unload his problems onto Inigo…so he’ll be vague! Can’t go wrong with a little question-dodging. “Some troubles I needed to mull over. And you?”

“Leon? That seems to be a common name around here.”

Some troubles, eh? It seemed like every hero summoned to Askr had their own emotional baggage. They all had some sort of war that they needed to get home to. Luckily enough, they had Askr as a sort of asylum that heroes could rest in.

“Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in the same boat.” Inigo replied. “Can’t sleep with how calm everything is around here. I’m used to things being a little more... bustling if you know what I mean.”

[dancing-blade-inigo]

A Night in Paradise | Laslow and Niles

@sins-and-bows

Cyrkensia was a beautiful town in the center of Nestra. The lights, the canals, the theater. Laslow was in love with it all. The city just had that certain feel to it. It was a place that he dreamed of performing ever since he knew how to dance.

But there’s a time and place for such frivolous fantasies. Tonight he was on duty... well sort of. The entire royal family would be in Cyrkensia for the next couple of days to see some of the shows. There would be plenty of other retainers actually doing their jobs, which meant him and Niles could go gallivanting around town.

Laslow had successfully slipped away from his shift and all he had to do know was wait for his partner in crime.  

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Lost in the Fray | Inigo and Natasha

@sisterofhealing

Inigo had always thought of himself as a good fighter. He had always managed to hold his own in a fight, especially in dire situations. But every once in a while, the mercenary got to cocky and managed to get a scrape. 

It’s always my backside. He cursed to himself. Inigo tried to get a feel for the severity of the scratch. It was right on his lower back where he couldn’t see it but he felt the warm liquid seeping through. Figures.

The fight was still going on so there was no way he could fall back. The only choice Inigo had was to fight close to the Askr gate. It felt a little demeaning at first but at least there weren’t many heroes around to notice. 

Although, Inigo noticed a priestess that seemed to be struggle with some enemies. With a quick clash of steel, the enemy soldiers were cut down.

“You all right there?” he asked as he turned towards the healer.

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Restlessness | Open

[dancing-blade-inigo]

Leon wanders through Askr’s gardens, humming quietly to himself. He picks a nearby flower and softly inhales its scent…it doesn’t smell like much of anything. Some flowers are just like that, he supposes. Though it doesn’t make them any less beautiful. That could be a big inspiring speech, if he was the type to give speeches. Something about flowers just reminds him of the inherent beauty of humanity, even if he can’t quite put what it is into words. That’s why he’s taken to the same habit as Inigo: coming here whenever his mind- or his heart, in this case- is troubled. Gods, you sound like Celica, he reprimands himself. After a few more steps, the distracted Leon finds himself walking into a hedge. He glares at it, brushes himself off, and mutters “Stupid shrubbery. Nobody likes you! Except those weird knights who kept saying ‘ni’ for some reason…” He glances back up at the path ahead and sees… Oh, by Mila. It’s a gray-haired man, and he’s dancing. And it’s beautiful! His movements are elegant and fluid, as if he’s barely touching the ground; he hardly even seems to move the air. Leon stands there, gaping like an idiot, until the man freezes up. He wildly gesticulates and cries out, “N-no, it’s fine! I mean- I’m sorry for interrupting! I mean…you’re, uh, that guy who wore that sexy outfit for the dancer festival, right? Montoya or something?”

Hearing what the other man had to say just made him blush more, if that was even possible. Of course, Inigo had called himself sexy plenty of times before. But hearing it from someone else? He didn’t even have a smooth comeback for that!

“Er... It’s Inigo.” The only thing that made him feel better was that the other seemed equally distraught. There was a bit of an awkward pause while Inigo tried to regain his composure. He brushed a hand through his mildly sweaty hair.

“Soo...uh. What brings a wild flower like you to the gardens so late at night?” he asked, trying to break the ice.