Hero of Brynhildr

Black Eagles Student of the Officers Academy

[tomatotactician]

LEO of FE: FATES ⸻

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RP blog AFFILIATED with TOA, but observers are welcome ! However, this blog will not interact with anyone outside of TOA.

PORTRAYAL NOTES .         Leo relies on logic and reason to guide his actions, but he is actually a very emotional person deep down. His feelings often leave him conflicted and confused, and logic is the path that guides him out of his indecision. However, it isn't hard for him to get carried away and lose sight of his reason — he is prone to occasional outbursts, and may even panic if publicly embarrassed (see: his inside-out collar). He still has a good bit of maturing to do in my eyes, despite being aged up for TOA.

        I write Leo's narration and internal monologue with his inner turmoil on full display, because I especially love unwrapping the side of him that he tries so hard to hide. However, please keep in mind that externally, Leo has a pretty good poker face and has mastered the art of hiding his expressions (see: narrow range of emotion in his dialogue sprites). Maintaining a polite, perfect mask was his defense mechanism in the court of Nohr. Your muse is welcome to pick up on his uneasy undercurrents, but please keep in mind that his expressions are not that easy to read unless he's having an outburst.

        Despite my portrayal focusing on Leo's imperfections, don't forget he is generally regarded as an outstanding genius. He is notorious for wearing his clothing inside-out, but this is moreso a surprising quirk than a knock against his intelligence or dignity. Also, he likes to sleep just as much as Corrin, so his wardrobe mishaps are mostly due to being a slugabed... Please don't make this the center or sole gag when interacting with him! I consider it a fairly minute detail of his character.

Leo's muse page contains more information about his situation in TOA and how he relates to others, in case you'd like to discuss or adjust your muse's responses to him. Please do give it a read!

[tomatotactician]

   What is the proper gift etiquette for those known to whom you are unknown? This song and dance isn’t so common. Before, he was content to maintain distance, to not reach out into a space he was unsure of. 

   As he wraps a black gift box in muted purple ribbons and pins a purple hydrangea to the top, he understands the hesitation of his past self. “Lord Leo! If I recall correctly, today’s your birthday, yes?”

     “It’s nothing too grand.” The halls of the monastery only contain so much while the markets and the town contain far too much. The teas Leo likes, the books he finds interest in, the accessories he prefers to don - it is hard to figure out such things when marching along. Harder still to take a guess when such a scene is all that comes to memory. Darios hands the box over with a gentle smile.

   Inside, a black leather cover is bound with soft sheets thick enough not to bleed ink. A journal of such quality is the primary gift to the young lord. The secondary, a pen. Wooden in its handle, though stained to appear a reddish purple, the tip is made from brass though intricate inlays of silver decorate the inner borders of it. “Happy birthday, I hope you enjoy many more in peace.”

        There are only a handful of individuals at the monastery who still call Leo "Lord." Funnily enough, Prince Darios is one of them.         He recognizes the voice now, the face as well as the name, and although the man himself is still shrouded in a deep veil of mystery, Leo brightens and bows in reply.         "Hello, Professor Darios. ...Why, yes, it is. Is this gift for me?" Questions like "How do you know even my birthday?" are secondary to the fact that Darios cares to commemorate the day. In time, surely, he will divulge the secrets he is keeping from Leo.

        "It's nothing too grand," Darios says, and yet the gift Leo discovers is a fine one: tasteful, elegant, overwhelmingly practical. The kind of present the prince appreciates the most.         His fingers trace the leather cover, softly thumbing the sumptuous parchment. The pen fits his hand perfectly, the polished wood a beautiful royal violet that reminds Leo of Nohrian livery. He hums thoughtfully.         "It's just what I needed," the blonde says simply. "Really. I brought a journal with me from home to record my days at the Academy, but thanks to you, I shan't need to purchase another one when the pages are filled," Leo chuckles. “The pen is exquisite, too. Thank you, Darios.”

        He tucks the journal and pen back into their box for safekeeping, but his fingers linger over the purple hydrangea. A symbol of royalty, and a wish for deeper understanding. Leo holds it up with a smile. "...This flower... It's funny. I was thinking the same."

[tomatotactician]

"Prince Leo! A little birdie told me that today is a very special day." She produces a perfectly wrapped box with a bow atop. When he opens it he will find cat ears that match his hair color exactly. Its tufts of fur give it an especially extra cute look. "Happy birthday! I hope that you will think of this as a memento of the time we spent together that day."

        Leo is surprised when Queen Eirika enters his line of sight. He almost, almost quietly turns to walk down another path, but... No, no. It's too late, and if she ever noticed him avoiding her, he would bring immeasurable shame upon Nohr. So he lifts his chin, smiles, and hopes she won't bring up the cat café.         What he isn't prepared for is the immaculate gift box she offers and the accompanying birthday wish. ...Camilla, Leo thinks idly. He smiles, bowing slightly. “Lady Eirika. I'm honored that you went out of your way to prepare a gift for me... Thank you.”

        He gently loosens the ribbon, prizing open the lid. The box is light and thin, so perhaps it's jewelry or a small magic stone?         It's... a pair of cat ears, not unlike the ones they donned at the cat cafe, but of a much more... exquisite craftsmanship. Yes. He hates to say it, but these look like an artisan's commission.         Leo instinctively glances up at Eirika, confusion and shock bright in his eyes before he remembers to mask it. He isn't sure what he ought to be more disturbed by: the fact that this is her gift to him, fully sincere and invested, or the fact that the color exactly matches his own hair.         The queen of Renais is somewhat frightening, in her own way.

        He can only gawk at the headband for so long before it becomes awkward. Leo meets Eirika's eyes and smiles again, expression cleansed of his earlier reaction. "My, what a memento. Thank you for the well wishes, Lady Eirika, and your thoughtful gift. With this, I daresay I'll remember that day for the rest of my life."         —Not that he needs a reminder; it's already seared into his memory as equal parts humiliating and enlightening. In the back of his mind, Leo quietly contemplates whether Eirika would notice if he, er, misplaced her gift later.

[tomatotactician]

“LEOOOOO! Leo Leo Leo — LEEEEOOOOO!!!!”

Elise vibrates with hardly-contained excitement as she tackles her big brother in their legally-mandated greeting hug, pulling back just as quickly as she came to shove a neatly folded bundle of fabric into his arms — wrapped up tightly in a pretty purple ribbon so it wouldn’t unfold too soon and ruin the surprise to come.

After all, there’s a bunch of great stuff about them all finally being here together (re: pretty much everything), but if you ask her, one of the greatest things of all is the fact they get to spend their birthdays together again! Especially after all the missed ones, it’s only right she makes this one super duper special with a super duper gift!

“Hehe, happy birthday, big brother! Open it, open it!” It’s less an ‘opening’ than it is the undoing of a single bow to let gravity take its course, but the princess leans closer in anticipation with clasped hands and sparkling eyes all the same. And how could she not, really? She’s been waiting all week to see his reaction to the golden thread woven into the nicest and shiniest silk she could manage to find — hand-stitched patterns of flowers of all types shimmering with her very own magic enchantments.

“Tadaaaa! It’s a cape! I sewed it myself. See, this side is all fancy and embroidered and stuff, but this side is plain like your usual one!” She folds the fabric over itself as she speaks to show off the pure black color from before now that it’s graduated from its status as packaging, beaming proudly up at him as she does so. Because naturally, as his sister, she knows he doesn’t share the same preference for sparkles that she does — sadly — so even if in the grand scheme of things it’s a minor detail compared to the effort and skill the other side required (that she very much hopes he notices and is impressed by), it’s still an equally important one.

“Sooo, not only is it super practical since you can wear it for every occasion, but because it’s double sided, it can also never be inside-out! Hehe, awesome, right? Guess you’re not the only smarty-pants problem-solver in the family anymore, huh?”

        Leo hears Elise long before he sees her, and turns to greet her with practiced ease: arms open, feet stanced, absorbing her overflowing kinetic energy as his dearest little sister's starry-eyed grin briefly fills his vision. "Hello, Elise. What's this?"         The "package" he receives is light; the prince's fingers gently feel it for anything fragile within. He can't sense anything, but... magic? Oh, he shouldn't let on that he noticed. Leo quickly nods and obeys Elise's prodding, pulling the ribbon to unfurl the gift.

        And unfurl it does: luxuriant silk, painstaking embroidery; the softest fabric money can buy, yet still of durable weave. It's a gorgeous cape, and it might have just become his favorite.         "It's wonderful, Elise," Leo murmurs. "And this sheen — you've imbued it with magic? How subtle. You really have been paying attention in your classes. I see your needlework has improved, too."         His praise is light, almost more tease than compliment, but he means every word. And should any doubt remain in the youngest princess's heart, her older brother unfastens his uniform cape and sweeps her gift round his shoulders instead, keen on trying it immediately.

        "Hmm, yes... I think 'awesome' is an appropriate word to describe this gift. You say it's double-sided?" Leo turns this way and that, examining it on himself. It truly is suitable both ways. He laughs, bright and soft with delight. A small hug for his sister: just a curl of his arm to caress her hair for a moment, really, but a large gesture of affection for the prince. "You're ever so thoughtful, Elise. Thank you."

[tomatotactician]

June 2026 ⸻ PASSED!

       The month following the Ethereal Ball is quiet: a chance to connect with new allies and further bonds with the old. Leo's time at the Academy has surprised him in many ways, leaving him with much to contemplate. His academic prowess is already yielding its first fruit, but a new question has snatched his attention: With the burden of royal duties resting continents away, what sort of a person is he?        Whether he finds the answer or not, Leo is glad of one thing: He is not alone in this journey.

[ NEW! ]

       - Met: Sanaki        - Met: Sephiran        - Met: Xander

       - Learned:  Certain flame tomes produce blazes impervious to liquids, which may only be quenched with physical intervention.

       - Support gained: Eirika - C        Am I unfortunate to have embarrassed myself before you, or fortunate that you were so gracious? Could the two cancel one another out?

[ LEVEL UP! ]

MASTERIES:    Dark Mage -> Learned Heartseeker, Poison Strike

[ THREAD SUMMARY ]

TODO:        - two's a crowd - ostianshadow PENDING:        - Dance Dance (hopefully no) Revolution - @nohrslittleflower        - TWENTY-FOUR. - sollegro (enjoy your hiatus!)        - daddy's girl - umbralward (enjoy your hiatus!)        - here you are and here i am - @nohrianoutlaw        - Fresh Prince in Town - @nohrianoutlaw        - Darios - Flower Arrangement - grxstnnefealltoir (enjoy your hiatus!)        - You Don’t Appreciate the Pinnacle of Comfort and Style?! - @izanagifortune        - only children play with their food - @fiercerival        - Burning the Ballroom - @bibliophiliacs        - man the one time i'm trying not to work - senerist (enjoy your hiatus!)        - what happens in the cat cafe stays in the cat cafe - @azurelunae        - House of Horrors (yes, you included) - @fujinsfavored        - ᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢꜱ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ - @thelightofcreation        - 𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗧𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦. - @wolfhednn        - cleaning a feathery mess - @lovelyflight        - Live a Little, Laugh a Little - grxstnnefealltoir (enjoy your hiatus!)        - ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʀᴏᴡɴ - @sanakialtina        - finally, home away from home - @sigfrithu

[tomatotactician]

"Leoooooo!!!" The older brother's voice is excited as he runs over to the younger, a small package clutched in his arms. As much as he wants to spoil his little brother, he knows that Leo wouldn't like to be fussed over that much. Even if it was his birthday.

So Corrin's gift is simple. A book that he had saw at a market that had caught his eye. Something that he thought Leo might be interested in. Simple and elegant, just like his baby brother. But thoughtful all the same.

"Happy birthday, baby brother."

        Birthday or no, Leo must attend classes as ever. Still, it doesn't take long before his day is interrupted by an all-too-familiar voice:         "Corrin!" A smile appears on the blonde's face in spite of himself. He's always insisted that he doesn't need a large celebration nor any particular pampering for his birthday, but— Leo's gaze still strays downwards, identifying a package. He's no longer a boy, heart aflutter at the idea of shiny new toys or tomes, but a certain warmth settles over him. Of course Corrin would never forget.

        "...For me? You're too kind." He accepts the package with cool grace, pausing with his hand upon the ribbon: "...May I?"         With permission, Leo unwraps it. A new book for his collection, beautifully bound with an embossed cover. A hum of satisfaction as he gently ruffles the pages open, taking in the scent of fresh parchment. He'll carry this through his next classes, but it's no hardship. Every time his eye lights on the cover, he'll think of his beloved older brother.         His smile returns to Corrin. "Thank you for the thoughtful gift, brother. I look forward to reading it in the coming days."

tossing in this sketch! i can't guarantee i can sketch for every birthday ask but i thought it'd be cute to show leo's reaction

[tomatotactician]

lost in thought

Plagued by sleeplessness, Leo ventures out to the fishing pond to still his thoughts. Memories bubble up to the surface of his mind, accompanied by a song... and a wish.

[ independent study 🩎 drabbles .⋆⁺ᝰ🪶 ]

        “⠀Although the division of anima and black magic is widely accepted, there are some few dissidents who suggest theories to the contrary, not the least of whom includes ...⠀”         Leo snaps the textbook shut with a sigh, rubbing tired eyes. Not even the driest, most onerous of authors in his collection is able to lull him to sleep tonight. He shouldn't be surprised; sleep only ever seems to creep up on his reading when he's found a fascinating new subject and can't help but burn his lamp until the moon hangs low in the sky.         Although Leo is already dressed for bed, tangled in his comforter as he lounges in a silken nightgown, he rouses himself and slips on his lightest footwear, moving to the door.

        As expected, nobody is outside to witness his midnight stroll, save for some few torches up on the monastery walls as the night shift whiles away the twilight hours. Still, Leo's fingers silently curl closer round Brynhildr — because of course he would never venture out unarmed — and he softens his footfalls to ward off any unwanted attention.         Here at the monastery, the cure to Leo's sleeplessness is a little different than in his youth. There are no servants to offer him tea or herbal sachets, no guards to defend him from hidden assailants. He cannot enjoy the same freedoms he would whilst roaming Castle Krakenburg's silent halls. Still, one thing hasn't changed: the pressing urge to walk until his thoughts clear.

        When night creeps over the monastery and the bustle of its inhabitants gives way to the sounds of small creatures, he cannot help but come to the pond. Leo's steps bring him to the edge of the water, as far as he dares to go. The bright moonlight halos his figure, soft silk capturing ethereal light as it ripples in the wind. He shivers, pulling his nightgown closer to his skin as if it could shield him from the breeze cutting across the pond's surface. Windmire was still colder than this when he strolled the battlements at night, but the stone embankment is a far cry from the comfort of his bed.         The blonde prince gazes at the celestial bodies reflected in the water, bright and clear like so many gems, and lightly hums the beginning of a song. He isn't musical, not in the slightest, and his vocal cords form the notes crudely compared to the original singer. But this song changed his life, changed his family, changed everything. When he gazes out across Garreg Mach's pond and clumsily recalls this song, he can almost envision that forgotten princess of Nohr dancing atop the waters.

        His focus lifts from the broken reflections in the pond to the heavens above, and Leo's eyes fill with the starry expanse. Although he has sworn to ascend until he shines like the brightest of stars, when he stands under them like this, he knows full well that mankind cannot rival their glory.         In Nohr, he used to read until his vision blurred and his nose dipped down onto the pages. Study harder! Train more! Master everything! Now, in adulthood, Leo finds himself staring at the night sky more often when evening falls. There is merit to late nights and passionate pursuit of knowledge, certainly. But as he acquaints himself with those faraway stars, the prince realizes more and more just how inexorable they are. Cold, lonely, fixed in their paths. Is that really the fate he desires? "...This year, I shall forge my own way," he whispers.

        It's getting cold. Leo turns from the pond, arms wrapped round Brynhildr as he clutches it close to his chest. The hurried revolutions of his mind have gradually slowed, like a child tiring of spinning a planetary model.         By the time he returns to his dorm room, sighing a little at the warmth that envelops him as soon as he crosses the threshold, Leo's worries have dissolved like ripples upon water. He slips off his shoes, snuggles beneath his comforter, and falls into a deep, deep sleep.

[tomatotactician]

finally, home away from home

Non-Mission 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Xander

[sigfrithu]

He is hardly given a handful of minutes to explore the monastery grounds that shall serve as his current residence, before an all too familiar voice calls his name, stopping him dead in his tracks - but also prompting a smile to break through the usual stern expression worn with hardly a pause out of a misplaced habit.

By the time he turns in full to face the source of his distraction, there is already a warm smile creasing his features instead.

"Leo," he greets; it has been some time since he last spoke the name, and it comes off as akin to shaking off the stiff and dust in relief. "You could say that, indeed... The halls of Castle Krakenburg have become awfully quiet as of late, too much so even for me."

A hand is placed on Leo's shoulder, as though in reassurance - it really is me. I really am here. Though the mention of letters does prompt a curious frown to flash across Xander's face.

"Hmm, I did send one announcing my arrival. Have I somehow managed to outrun it? Or perhaps it got lost along the way... Ah, well." Not a matter that feels worth overthinking. "I suppose that simply means I got to give you a little surprise, and I'm glad if it was a pleasant one." The hand on Leo's shoulder gives it a little assuring pat as his smile grows a touch warmer still.

"I've missed you, too. How have you been holding up?"

[tomatotactician]

        Leo will never admit it, but Xander's smile brightens his moments like shafts of sunlight on an occluded day. A familiar hand, heavy but warm, rests upon his shoulder; that regal, commanding voice fills his ears. The voice of his brother, the voice of his king. Ah, this is the piece of home that he has been missing, the key to his unsolved puzzles. Leo thought he would do well to escape Xander's shadow, but there is certain comfort in dwelling beneath it as well.

        "Strange indeed, but it is no matter. The important thing is you're here, hale and whole — and that's better than any letter." The younger prince folds his hands at the small of his back in well-practiced habit. "I've been well, of course. My studies are proceeding apace, and my professors seem pleased with my progress. Some of them are rather more personable than I anticipated... The culture here is far different from Nohr's court. It has taken no small amount of adjustment on my part, but thanks to the others, it is not a lonely task."         Leo won't mention the multitudinous ways he has embarrassed himself since coming to the monastery. Those are secrets he shall take to his grave before he divulges them to Xander.          "Speaking of, have the others come to greet you yet? I imagine Corrin must have been overjoyed by your arrival. And Elise — well, she very nearly tackled me when I first set foot on the monastery grounds."

[tomatotactician]

ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʀᴏᴡɴ

ACT II .⠀ʀᴇꜱᴛʟᴇꜱꜱɴᴇꜱꜱ 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Sanaki

[sanakialtina]

He’s been thinking about this for a whole moon? This?

Sanaki’s brows rise into her hair. No wonder the students under his unofficial tutelage are going haywire, she thinks, biting back an uncharitable snicker. Still, he’s far more docile with the proper introductions out of the way; it’s not one she always led with, here at the monastery, but Prince Leo seems the sort to take comfort in form and function.

So she squares her shoulders, steps back to look him evenly in the eye. Lets her mantle settle over her, ageless and familiar.

"Empress is fine.” One of her titles that remains true, in any case. “It means very little here, because Begnion means very little here. So it also matters little to me if people forget.” A pointed curl of her mouth. “How presumptuous would it be, to demand authority as a leader before earning their respect as a person!”

In truth, she has admitted this to very few. Most who accept her do use her title with honor, and feigning offense at inadequate forms of address is quite the convenient threat. But if Prince Leo can’t set his pride aside for long enough to tell the difference between lip service and true regard, then there really is no hope for him.

( Noblesse oblige is all fair and good, until it begs of nobles to bow their heads. )

“That is why I must be on my best behavior. In Fodlan’s eyes, I am Begnion, so to speak.” He’s not wrong, just misguided. In this sense, her title means more to her when no one else understands its weight. She taps a heel against the dock, before venturing curiously —

“Perhaps it’s different for you, however, with your siblings also present. It’s easy enough for them to put a good word in for you.”

[tomatotactician]

        From the look on her face, it's clear that Empress Sanaki does not consider Leo's question nearly as weighty as he does. Still, she takes him seriously, drawing herself up as she delivers a reply befitting a sovereign. It's Leo's turn to stifle a quirk of his lips; she hasn't much height to flex. The prince's eyes narrow as he considers her words carefully, testing them for any flaw or failure.

        No. Her philosophy is sound, if not delivered with sharp simplicity.         Leo's lips twist as Sanaki mentions his siblings. "Hm. No, I would not ask my siblings to shore up my royal lineage if I have failed to earn any recognition myself." He still feels the venomous sting of a prior conversation, one with a man who dared claim Leo incapable of bearing his own title. He was wrong, and Leo will prove it so. "You speak with wisdom, Empress. I can tell you've long since solved this puzzle for yourself."         His gaze drifts out to the pond again, pensive. There's clearly still more on his mind. "...Although my title was bequeathed to me by blood alone, I have had to fight for it nearly from birth."         Mother's harsh, shrill words; the poison lacing his teatime snacks; hearing screams and wailing in the concubines' quarters as yet another victim of the silent war was discovered. Yes, the fact that he lives to be called "Prince" today is no happenstance.         "All Nohr recognized that the royal family who united under my father was begotten by the elimination of our rivals. None dared question that we had the right to call ourselves princes and princesses... But as children, we were merely relieved that it was all over. Those of us who remained wished to wash our hands of needless bloodshed and pursue virtue and honor for our people. Only then could we bear our titles with dignity."

        Leo's brow is fixed in a frown as he turns back to Sanaki. "When others see me here, they surely only perceive a man who dares style himself as a prince. Those who do not, believe that they may yet reap rewards from my title. In either case, to be of royal blood is merely a social ploy. It grates me to no end. I do not want their praises, nor have I accolades or riches to grant from here. I simply want them to know that my country..." He falters momentarily. Such complex feelings associated with the dark land he calls home. "...My country is a beautiful one. I am proud to be a prince of Nohr, and I want its name known the world over. That's all."         It's rare to see the prince so impassioned, a blend of frustration, pain, and pride blooming across his face. "I am constantly aware of my role as representative of Nohr. To stand here, on foreign soil, and speak its name — it is an honor and a burden both." He has already failed to bear it, in some respects. "I'm well aware that I have not been here long enough to earn praise nor respect. My peers admire my intellect, but they would rather remember me as a study aid than a Nohrian."         As the shameful words spill out, Leo stills, a shadow crossing his face. He turns from Sanaki, shoulders braced against her laughter. "...You must think me quite the fool."

[tomatotactician]

Respite in Twilight

Ethereal Ball: Week 2 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Camilla

[malignantknight]

"Oh I'm certain she'll find out eventually." Camilla chuckles.

Leo takes a seat next to her and she listens as he tries to explain how he was feeling. She smiles in agreement when he admits that he's forgotten how to enjoy himself.

"Not like social events before the war were as lighthearted as this." Camilla takes another sip of her champagne. "No worrying about anyone poisoning your glass if you leave it unattended, or telling father about how you rudely turned down their "polite" conversations. It certainly is a strange feeling." She agrees.

"Personally, I'm enjoying watching everyone else at the ball this year. If you've already given a flower to Elise, you're welcome to stay with me and watch their antics from afar as well." She gives him a warm smile, matching her warm voice. "If you're not enjoying yourself, you're free to leave too. There's no need to further your discomfort to meet the expectations of others here."

"What ever you choose, I'm here to support you."

[tomatotactician]

        A short laugh, mirthless, as Camilla describes the social events they were all too familiar with back home. Yes. The royal palace, regularly transformed into a hellscape of prying eyes and sharp tongues. Perhaps that explained why Leo felt ill at ease without a mask to slip behind, be it gracious host or foreign dignitary. To attend an event simply as himself is too vulnerable, too exposed.         "...I knew I should have talked to you. You understand exactly what I mean." 

        When Camilla offers an escape, Leo merely shakes his head. "I did receive a flower from Elise — she added it to my boutonnière. Isn't it lovely?" He gestures to the large lily pinned to his breast, smiling. "I would hardly be a responsible younger brother if I wandered off while you're in this state. Anyways, Niles seems to be taking his sweet time... I'll have a word with him when he returns."         A teasing tone, a gentle smirk: Leo lifts his glass to Camilla. "Here... A toast to my dear sister Camilla. Cheers."

⸻ Fin .

[tomatotactician]

finally, home away from home

Non-Mission 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Xander

[tomatotactician]

        Xander? Here? Leo cannot believe his ears. He all but runs out the door, grabbing his cape and hastily slinging it round his shoulders, searching the monastery grounds until— Finally. There he is, blond hair shining in the morning sun, figure tall and proud and——

        “Xander!”

        Leo pauses, struggles to finds his composure, his breath. He closes the remaining distance at a brisk walk, not to be seen charging at the king of Nohr. He cannot hide the grin breaking across his face though, nor the boyish sparkle in his eyes. Some things still haven't changed over the years. “You... I can't believe it! Were you scheming this all along? You never said a word in your letters about joining the faculty...”

        Leo gives Xander a look up and down as if he still cannot believe his eyes. "...Gods. It really is you. Did you miss us so much you couldn't stay at home?" A soft chuckle. He won't ask about the kingdom; surely Xander must have it all in hand if he's made the trip. "I..." the younger prince suddenly softens as a vulnerable thought lights upon his mind, hesitating a moment longer before he meets Xander's eyes: "I missed you, Brother."

⸻ @sigfrithu

[tomatotactician]

Live a Little, Laugh a Little

ACT II .⠀ʀᴇꜱᴛʟᴇꜱꜱɴᴇꜱꜱ 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Darios

[grxstnnefealltoir]

   It is easily the best time to think. Without the pressures of eyes upon you or the expectations of the setting itself, the mind can process all in its most honest form. That is why it isn't quite too strange, though he does wish the specter of the night had brought warmth for himself. Perhaps that too helps one become lost.

     “I’ve met a specter tonight, have I not? Most of them aren’t yet aware of their nature, so indeed I believe.” It's a blatant tease, joy for joy and a small chuckle to top it off. “Even humans are enigmas at this time of night.” 

   For a moment, Darios considers the situation before he goads Leo into continuing his trek. He can only hope that it ends in a good night's rest for him. “It's calming, when the moon and the stars do the sky like they do, it's easy to follow suit. Is there any reason you’ve found yourself wandering?”

   The question is reiterated with a far more curious tone, the gleam that accompanies it searches intently for any tell that might betray the words of a Lord Leo he’s only slightly come to know.

[tomatotactician]

        "Hm...?" The hint is subtle, but it doesn't escape Leo. He blinks in disbelief for a moment. "You... You can't be referring to me...?"         A glance down at himself. The fine weave of his nightgown does catch the moonlight, haloing his figure in gentle silver, but to be mistaken for a ghost...? The blonde clears his throat. "It seems my peers are more susceptible to superstition than I realized."

        It looks like Darios isn't about to question his midnight stroll, instead choosing to walk with him. Leo subtly relaxes. With a companion by his side, his selenic sojourn will seem less strange to observers.         "It's funny you should ask." Leo begins his reply carefully. "I've a habit of pacing the grounds when my mind cannot rest. If it's disturbing others, however, I'll take more care when I go out.         "As for what's on my mind... hm." It's a rather vulnerable topic. He isn't sure if Darios is friend or foe yet, but he's shown enough goodwill towards Leo already. Perhaps it's time to repay him with a little trust. “It's occurred to me that this is the first time I've ever had so much freedom. Choosing to come to the Academy, focusing my mind on naught but studying... it's been liberating. However... It's also left me with an abundance of free time. So much so, I hardly know what to do with myself.”

        He could say more: missing home, feeling helpless in a foreign country, fumbling without a role to play for others. There's loss of identity and the fear of finding something new about himself within the vacuum. Leo holds his tongue. After all, how could any one man hope to answer all his questions?

[lovelyflight]

cleaning a feathery mess

[lovelyflight]

It was quite the sight to see so many missing from the ballroom. Some staff were present, of course, as was their duty but the students? Well… since she had started this morning, Rose had only found those upset or frustrated by the circumstances and those who took the opportunity to mess about with their friends. Curious, wasn’t it?

The true reason why so few were present was that they’d caught an illness of some kind. One rapidly spreading throughout the student body, it seemed. I should really check it out when I’m done! Perhaps my healing could offer them relief…

In her thoughts, repetitions of the same reminder to get it completely in her mind, she’d only just noticed a couple of her feathers had fallen. Oh no! Thankfully, they fell down slowly. Slow enough for Rose to quickly sweep them up alongside the rest of the trash in that area. 

Unfortunately, she didn’t consider the consequences of her speed being… well, a few more stray feathers falling only a couple steps away from another student wasn’t… the worst happening, was it? Just a quick scan behind her was enough to learn of her mistake.

“Ah! Apologies! I’ll help clean that up, I’m so sorry!”

➻❥ @tomatotactician

[tomatotactician]

        Leo wasn't entirely sure how he wound up sweeping the ballroom floor after the festivities concluded. Guilt, maybe, from the embarrassing mishap he'd had at the snack table. Normally, he was content to let the staff clean events while he moved on to the pleasantries and politics of a royal host: socializing at the door, bidding goodbye to dukes and duchesses, the entire song and dance. He didn't have any excuse now, though: nobody to play host to, and a mess that all but had his name on it.          Leo sighed and pushed the ashen corn across the floor.

        As he cleaned however, the prince began to notice something strange: one feather here, two feathers there... At first Leo chalked it up to the leavings of some lady's accessory, but—— Another one?         He cast a sharp glance at the winged lady sweeping nearby. She had seemed innocuous enough, but looking closely, it was unmistakable. Feathers were falling in her wake, only adding to the mess they had to clean.

        Despite her prompt apology, Leo couldn't help but sigh and pinch his brow. "Miss... I can't pretend I'm familiar with your physiology. But... are you molting? If so, might I recommend taking one of the outdoor tasks, where your stray feathers will have less impact?"

[tomatotactician]

Live a Little, Laugh a Little

ACT II .⠀ʀᴇꜱᴛʟᴇꜱꜱɴᴇꜱꜱ 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Darios

[grxstnnefealltoir]

   Specters of the night make for quite the tale, but when such stories find their persistence as an excuse for late arrivals and naps during lectures, it's hard to still find them endearing — hard as they fight to remain so. The moon at its brightest negates the need for lanternlight though it’d have been nice to fight the chill in the air. 

   He clutches the sleeves of his coat and for a moment, Darios finds himself reminded of the late night patrols he undertook as a knight. Boring and inoffensive, had he known it would be so he’d have brought a book or some other means of killing the time. Walking the familiar paths now, he wonders if the students hadn't simply conspired to tell of a figure that did not exist.

  Such skepticism is challenged as the moon catches the glint of white, a glow emanating around the figure, his eyes trail up and soft hues of blue catch along blonde hair — in fact quite a familiar shade of it. Softly, he huffs. 

     “What a surprise to see you this time of night, Lord Leo. I’ll have you know, there's quite the terrifying rumor of these halls these days.” He’s not sure if the cold pierces his student the same way it does him, but his jacket has already slipped off of his shoulders to add at least another layer between the chilly night air and the young prince. “A ghost with the most menacing of auras lurks and should it spot you, you’ll be restless all throughout your lectures.”

     “What's brought you to take such a risk?”

[tomatotactician]

        Leo is lost in thought as he wanders across the monastery grounds, drifting like a ghost along the stone walks. Even the night wind, chilled by Fódlan's winter, does little to dissuade him; if anything, it reminds him more of home. He cannot count the nights he spent pacing the spires of Castle Krakenburg cast in silver under moonlight, wind tousling his hair like an old friend.         He misses home, misses the daily burden of restoring a kingdom from the brink of ruin. What is he supposed to do with himself, with all this free time on his hands? Leo has never been without a task or purpose before. "Learn all I can from the Academy to further the kingdom of Nohr," certainly, but he's studied all his life. It's something he's always squeezed into the margins of his days, not a singular goal.

        A voice interrupts his reverie. Leo spins round, startled, but he actually recognizes the man. It's... the mysterious prince he met before, at the Ethereal Ball.         "Hm? Good evening. A rumor..." The blonde responds absently, smoothing his nightgown as a faint blush colors his cheeks. It isn't exactly scandalous to be seen dressed like this, but it surely paints a more careless image than Leo would like. "I can't say I've heard of such a thing. ...Ah, your coat...? You're too kind."         He pauses as he straightens the jacket round his shoulders, a hint of amusement entering his voice. "...I didn't take you to be the sort to believe in ghost stories. Do you think there's some merit to what you've heard?"

[wolfhednn]

𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗧𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦.

mission. EPIDEMIC⠀∶⠀any skill.　　/　　combat doc

[wolfhednn]

HE HARDLY KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED.⠀🗲⠀one instant, he's taking stock of the enemy's intent to decide where to aim his next shot, and the next, there's screaming and panic as the pegasus flies out of bounds, sending onlookers scattering from the perimeter of the battlefield. shouting, scrambling, a shrill whistle ; disoriented, he slowly lowers the bow in his hands, brows furrowed, taking in the scene. the proctor climbs back to his feet again, admonishing the other pair who look like they're barely listening——(⠀"i'm not feeding him! he took it from me!"⠀"whatever! i don't wanna have to fork over gold if you mess up one of the beasts!"⠀)——so at least no one appears to be injured.

weary, the staff waves him and his partner away to the infirmary and walks away, concluding the match. is that it? he glances to the pair still arguing in the distance. did they win? no ; officially, he knows it'd be decided as inconclusive, but in a real battle, a soldier who couldn't control their own mount was as good as dead ; they'd be lucky if they didn't manage to bring their own allies down with them. so he'd consider it a victory for now.

a few places across his arms and torso smart as he takes his leave from the matted patch of hillside serving as their training grounds for the exercise, but he's not in such a terrible condition that healing is necessary immediately. it looks like there's going to be a break before the next match of the exam begins, but he at least was finished for the day. hands beginning to lose their tension steadily unwind bandages, collect one of the cold compresses provided in a pile on the side to soothe budding bruises. it'd be enough until he was checked properly. as he does so, a rustle on his right draws his attention to the blond who's joined him for supplies——he struggles to recall his name from before they'd gotten started.

"oh, it's you." leo. right. he hadn't done anything noteworthy in the fight, but he hadn't been a gigantic liability and had managed to successfully use his unfamiliar weapon, so he supposes that puts him above other classmates he'd been paired with before. "if you can't get back to the monastery, there's a knight over there who'll take you." he considers making a remark about improving his skill with the lance, but decides against it. aptitude with the weapon wasn't the point of these tests ; adaptability was. more and more often on missions lately, they'd ended up improvising in a fight, or finding themselves either without their weapons or wielding unfamiliar ones. his skill with a bow, or his ally's skill with a lance, didn't matter. he's pleased to see that the church is moving away from their rigid traditions and training them for real conditions.

[tomatotactician]

        Leo huffs, finally relaxing out of his battle stance as the match ends. It certainly isn't the conclusion he expected, nor does it sit right with him. Technically, they had "won" due to the girl's loss of control, but he and his partner had only a hair's breadth more coordination than the other duo. In other words, none.         He knows Dervla's mistake would have cost her life and those of her allies', but on a battlefield, there were still more soldiers to fill the ranks. If Leo had Felix covering him on a real battlefront... he isn't sure he would survive.

        He follows the other man off the field, setting aside his lance momentarily as he tends to the most pressing aches and pains. Now that the adrenaline has faded, Leo can feel it acutely: the throb of bruises blossoming across his back, the prickling burn of skin singed by magic. The feeling isn't foreign to him, but... It really has been forever since he was last trampled by a pegasus. He only prays he can sit up in class tomorrow.

        "...I see. I can still stand as of yet, but I'll consider it. Thank you."         Silence hangs as they tend to their injuries. A lone wolf on and off the battlefield, is it...? Doesn't he at least want to review the results of their spar? Leo purses his lips, then speaks.         "Felix, was it? Our opponents may have been sloppy, but I feel they would have won if the pegasus rider hadn't lost control." The prince winces as he lightly presses a cold compress to his back. "I don't expect perfect coordination with a stranger. But what we fought was less of a two-on-two, and more of a brawl with common enemies."

        It's not as if the battlefield is perfectly spliced, either. Leo knows this better than anyone, having watched formations fold and plans disintegrate firsthand.  Still, if they could've exchanged words for even a moment, a hasty strategy is better than none.          "You're fast and decisive. But how do you expect your allies to fight alongside you?"

[tomatotactician]

House of Horrors (yes, you included)

Mission: Infamous 　⧸⧸ 　Leo & Takumi

[fujins-favored]

“How did I get here? Pretty sure it was the same way you did.”

The rope that bound him was clumsily tied. Wincing through his headache, he worked it loose as he scanned their surroundings. The room was damp and littered with cobwebs. Moonlight filtered in through a boarded-up window—it was nighttime already? Naturally, there was no sign of his yumi nor anything that could make a makeshift weapon.

At the other end of the room, a hallway veered to the right into darkness. Their way out.

Next, Takumi turned his attention back to the student in front of him. Leo—because of course the student that found the note was that Nohrian—clad in the uniform of the Black Eagles, looked very startled to see him. At this point, he could probably guess why.

Well, fortunately for Leo, Takumi was going to have to get him out of here alive. Unfortunately for Leo, he was going to have to just deal with that.

“Did it ever occur to you to examine the note more thoroughly? Consider the possibility that it could have been a trap?” Takumi sighed and tried to clamp down his annoyance. “Lucky for you, the Golden Deer staff were concerned about the safety of the student who oh-so-helpfully tipped them off on whatever note you found. So I’m here. As a staff member. Investigating your potential murder.” 

Finally, the rope gave way and Takumi was freed. He got to his feet, noticing that Leo had been doing the same, albeit slower. Takumi decided to ignore him and make his way over to the hallway instead. Surprisingly, it was unguarded, but there was an alcove to the left that Takumi hadn’t noticed before: a wall with large, pointed spikes. The right path, dimly lit with moonlight, curved out of view.

Experimentally, Takumi put one foot into the hallway—and snatched it back as he heard the rumbling of gears inlaid in walls. The left wall shuddered and inched a tiny bit closer, and there was the scraping of stone as the floor shifted slightly towards the spikes. 

Oh, so it was a murder hallway. Great.

The setup seemed incredibly impractical, and yet there was almost certainly danger. They’d have to make a run for it, of course, but what could have possibly compelled someone to make something like this? Suddenly, Takumi was a lot more wary of whatever they would find on the other end.

“Hey,” Takumi said, turning back towards the room. “King Leo—Prince Leo—Whatever. I’ve got another question for you. How fast can you run?”

[tomatotactician]

        Leo's brow darkened. He wanted to argue, but Takumi was... irritatingly correct. The blonde prince had come to that very conclusion earlier, but the last thing he wanted was to hear it from a prince of Hoshido. "Sure. Then how did you get captured so easily? Doesn't an archer like you know to bring backu..."         Leo stopped short, stiffening as Takumi rose. He was still bound; defenseless. A yank, harsher than before, cutting into tender flesh—— He wrested his way free, rope burning through his skin.         Leo scrambled to his feet as Takumi made to leave him behind. "Hey!"         The silver-haired prince didn't seem to be murderous, at least, but he also didn't seem to care if Leo died here. Unfortunately, the rest of his questions would have to wait until he had Brynhildr safely in hand again.

        A shudder, and ominous rumbling. It was as though someone had activated a Dragon Vein, bringing the building to life. "—Now we're in for it! Bumbling around without checking for traps... Do you want to die?!"         In the face of death, his other concerns were insignificant. Leo rushed forward, darting around Takumi. With the passage being as narrow as it was, there was no way they would be able to fit two abreast by the time they reached the end. If Takumi wasn't going to run first, he was.         How fortunate that Leo was accustomed to darkness. He could see the spikes in the shadows, pressing ever closer even as he willed his feet towards the end of the passage: Ten meters, eight meters, five...

        Clearing the corner, he skidded round it, glancing at the wall: thick stone. Good. It was highly unlikely that the trap would crush the wall, pressuring them further.         But something was wrong. The air burnt his heaving lungs; a pungent, foul odor stung his nostrils. Leo's gaze fell downwards, aided by a few lit wall sconces: a pool of stagnant liquid lay below in a steep basin, even as the path continued in the form of rickety, narrow scaffolding around its edge.         "Stop! Stop! It's... acid of some kind!" Leo at least had the forethought to hurl himself flat against the wall, in case his fellow hostage came careening around the corner. Gods grant him mercy if Takumi pushed him into this pool of death by crashing into him.         "What kind of sadist would construct a pit like this?" Leo's mutter was laced with incredulity. Iago, maybe, if Father would have allowed him the budget and land to create such a thing. These kinds of people disgust me.

[tomatotactician]

ᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢꜱ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ

ACT II .⠀ʀᴇꜱᴛʟᴇꜱꜱɴᴇꜱꜱ 　⧸⧸ 　Leo   &   Sephiran

[tomatotactician]

        Leo's dreams are troubled of late. He sees the Faceless, shambling from black mud, taking the lives of their own soldiers. His father, transfigured into a monster, mocking him from the throne. Xander, head bowed as the crown is seated upon his head, but the weight of it renders him unable to rise. Golden fields, rippling like an abundant sea; roses blooming under moonlight; the sight of Windmire from on high, lanterns and torches glittering like a sea of stars.         Sentimental. That's what he calls it at first. Memory mingled with both the horrors of war and fondness for his homeland... of course Leo would dream of Nohr. He has lived there all his life. But as the visions persist across days, across weeks, Leo's patience wears thin. What is wrong with him?

        He keeps in regular correspondence with Xander, and all is well back home. His other siblings are here with him, and they often meet for meals or tea. He has no lack of connection with those he loves most, and yet somehow, there is a restlessness in his heart that will not be quelled.         Leo is beginning to wonder if "home" entails not only his family, but the soil he was born on. Home. A land blessed by the Dusk Dragon, teeming with remnants of ancient power, resonant with his very blood. Yes. He misses it.

        A burden lifts from his shoulders as soon as he accepts the thought, but it does not alleviate the yearning in his heart. Leo is not one to flounder helplessly when met with a dilemma. He pores over his maps of Fódlan, borrows more books from the library, ventures into the nearby village to seek a guide.         It doesn't take long for him to find a potential candidate: a man with long black hair and a quiet wisdom deep within his gaze. "Excuse me, sir. Are you knowledgeable about this region's geographical features? I'm searching for a few specific locales, but I am not familiar with the surrounding area yet."

⸻ @thelightofcreation