{ LORD LEO !
“My brother speaks highly of you despite some of your more…irksome tendencies. Is it wrong of me to do the same when witnessing you doing something praise worthy?”
Though some wouldn’t find the act of mere dancing to be anything worth more than a few meager claps. Some would even find the compliments given by a prince to simply be too much. But Leo had a soft spot for the arts - something he attributed his own Nestrian heritage to. A love of dance and theater born and carried on through genes. Silly, yes. But an amusing thought to entertain.
On top of that, he hadn’t been lying when he’d stated his brother had nothing short of praise for his retainer. Laslow being easier to deal with than the murderous Peri. A devoted man despite his foreign upbringing. To put one’s life down for a prince that wasn’t even of his own kingdom - remarkable. On some level Leo felt the same towards Odin.
“Hmm, from what I observed I had thought you to be a theater trope member turned mercenary. Preposterous now that I think of it.”
What actor or dancer could pick up a sword and become talented so fast? He’d been there during Xander and Laslow’s first duel. The fight that decided the man’s worth. And judging from that fight - the man was no beginner. He moved like one that had been fighting for years. And yet he still managed to have the grace and movements of a dancer performing up on stage. A man who wished to captivate his audience.
“Tell me, what do you plan to do after the war? My brother has voiced concerns over you possibly returning home.” Concerns he shared when it came to Odin.
Really, the prince is far too kind on his heart. To receive such praise, in any form, why it’s quite the level to take in. Laslow truly does find it… quite so embarrassing, but… oh, be still and take it to his soul, this is what his calling has always wanted to be.
“N-Not at all, milord!” Laslow shakes his head, “It simply caught me off guard! Truly, just a bit of kindness rings quite well! What flattery, I’m charmed.”
For the longest time, he’s simply wanted to dance; yes, it makes him happy, actually and genuinely so. That’s why it’s a part of his dream, for a legacy to uphold. In memory of his mother, the one who carried more talent than him, who uplifted more spirits than him. Dance, ever important to him, one day... perhaps he’ll be able to rest the sword and pick up the rings.
That would be wonderful.
A man with a past unspoken, his little secret that isn’t worth mentioning.
“I have seen more than a few battles before coming here,” Laslow says. That’s right, ages, warring across time. Sworn swords, he, Odin, and Selena are, restless, memories of how cruel fate is, but how tireless efforts can come to bring change. Learned to dance to the tunes of his mother’s favorites, and of his own adaptations, the sword taken up with a smile never leaving in order to save those around him. “Such is the case with many, it seems.”
What does he plan? That... an excellent question, to be sure, and one that he must answer... less specific than he’s sure any would be satisfied truly with. But there are some words that aren’t meant for some ears, whispers that tip their toes and shyly bow their heads. A life... with... a certain fair lady, if the world will spare him that much. But to leave friends behind... nay, they mustn’t stay here.
They have others awaiting them.
“Returning... home mayn’t be too off the mark, milord. Or where my blade might be needed, though I think I’d like a bit more a moment of rest than tea time.” Laslow smiles. There’s no point in entirely jumping around it, but however can he quell, can he reassure that there would be loyalty until the end? “However, I’ve... I’ve more sight on ensuring I fulfill my duties here, currently. Dreams to be had and backs to protect and conversations to uphold.” That is, there’s still... things to figure out. Which ‘home’ will they choose? No, they needn’t steal time from that realm’s versions of them... “It is here that I reside currently, you see.”
