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freedomarrow · 2 months

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Activity Check: February 2024

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Dirt Got a Jar of Me (Caeldori) - dropped by partner (Lance: C ½ → C+) - Activity (Riding: A+ 2⁄3 → S)

Total: 2; 49 → 51

Obtained: - Movement+ (Riding S)

Class mastery: - Cavalier class mastered! Gained: Desperation

#【 have i improved? ⁎ activity check 】#toaactivity #Riding S wahoo #also there is something really funny about writing 'gained: Desperation' sfghjkdsfg

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freedomarrow · 2 months

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Succession [drabble]

There was a time when the banner of Daein fluttered in the winds, carried both by the harsh, unforgiving gales that called his homeland their own, and the proud wings of Daein’s Dracoknights as they looked to the horizon from on high, while the cavalry and infantry below marched in perfect synchronization and harmony — ready for battle, for glory, for victory and death, all in service of their country.

Leonardo only ever saw it once; when he was nine, his father took him to show him his destiny. He was a noble, after all — one obligated and expected to give it his all for the good of the motherland, and he was being prepared for this role since his earliest days. He saw it all… The flags and banners, carrying the name and pride of his country. The black armor on every knight, glistening in the sun. The swords and spears prepared, sharpened, polished, ready to fight for that which must be defended. The majestic wyverns, floating in the air above him, as though the wind itself, too, was at Daein’s command. Father’s horse, Goldmane, with whom he loved to play and with whom he learned to ride already as a little boy, dressed in the beautiful garments befitting the mount of His Majesty’s handpicked paladin.

Only once did he have a chance to witness it, but on an impressionable boy, aware that this was his future, it left a mark never to be forgotten.

Four years later, the Mad King summoned his army to war. A year still passed and it was gone.

Scattered on the winds, lost in the fields of Crimea’s righteous blades as they protected the freedom they deserved. Lost in the name of, as he would later learn, nothing, for they and their valiance were used in the name of madness and greed, little more. Swords broken, shields shattered, his father and Goldmane, too, lost on some battlefield or other, no longer important and relevant to anyone. It was as though they never mattered to begin with.

History would only ever remember them as villains, invaders, those who trampled upon the rights of others. Yes, they too left behind grieving wives, orphaned children and a shattered nation — but those do not matter, do they. Who cares about the bad guys, after all. And it was a reality that Leonardo found he had simply resigned himself to.

It is not as though he ever expected or demanded apologies, sympathy and compassion from others, but perhaps somewhere deep down, it hurt to know that he did not even have the right. He never allowed himself to think even that much, though. It was not until after the Dawn Brigade became a cornerstone of the newly reborn Daein army and he truly began to reclaim the value of his life that he forgot existed, that he finally began to let his thoughts give voice to his grievances and frustrations — and questions on what comes next, now that he knows the “next” will, indeed, have a chance to happen.

What is the point of glory if it only brings ruin? What is the point of reaching for the skies if it only leads you to crash to the ground?

Today, a decorative dagger with the family crest on its hilt rests in a drawer in his dorm room, seen by few, but never forgotten. It is the main keepsake he still owns - Leonardo has preserved little else of his past life. Family riches and belongings were, naturally, stolen by the Begnion army, and though some of it — as well as the family mansion — was regained via reparations, he donated a lot of the former to the Daein army reconstruction effort and the latter… is still a little difficult to think about. Perhaps he will sell it and settle down elsewhere, where ghosts of the past will not plague his thoughts. Or maybe he will eventually find it in him to return to them like a good son, a good brother, a good young master.

When he is certain no one would come to visit or bother him, he will sometimes take the dagger out of the drawer and simply look at it for a while in silence, wishing his father would answer his questions. His fingers will gently rub against the high quality silver blade, and he will close his eyes and listen, hoping to hear his voice, heed his advice — only to then realize that he was deluding himself, and whatever words he heard were actually his own.

In the end, however, he had no right to expect anything else. Many perished, young and old alike,

but it is especially many of the former who remain. The nobility, experience, tradition, foundations — all of that, first and foremost, was swept away during those years of tragedy. (And it makes sense, from the war point of view. That, too, is how you kill a nation.)

(This is what they deserved.)

(Is this what they deserved?)

What remains are those who had seen either too many winters to be called to arms, or too few — provided they made it through said winters to begin with, which especially during the occupation was not a given — and who escaped the work camps, the fate of collateral damage, and the malice of a bored enemy soldier to whom the people of Daein were equal to livestock. As well as a couple lucky people like himself, who fought and made it out. It is their task, now — these children, ready or not, are the people who will shape Daein’s future.

The thought that this is up to the likes of him is sobering and terrifying — and refreshing, too, in a way. They get to decide, now. They can choose what they do, how they fight and who they hate.

Today, he studies and trains for the future in a foreign land far away from home, a land where the fields were not burned, schools were not destroyed, and a place where the less fortunate can come to still continue hoping for a future. Fate saw it fit to place him here and fill his new world with adventures, missions and new companions; one of whom happens to be a gentle, serene mare, reminiscent of the one that accompanied his happiest days - the main difference being the moonlit color of her mane and tail, rather than the suntouched tone that Goldmane sported. In her honor, Leonardo named his new friend Silvermane.

She was somewhat neglected and not in the best of conditions when he first brought her to the monastery. Small wonder, what with her having been wrestled from the hands of brigands, who cared nothing about her health and well-being and treated her as little more than another trophy. When no owner came forward, Leonardo volunteered to take care of her, having sensed the first thread of connection forming between him and the horse from the start. He has taken care of her ever since — feeding her properly once again, turning her shaggy coat beautiful and glistening, and healing her emotional wounds that she could not speak of, but sustained nevertheless. He restored her glory and pride by reminding her that she matters, and made it so that she once again walked with her head held high.

And yet, for a long time, he failed to realize just why and how it was so important for him as well, until Silvermane himself explained to him in her own, wordless way, that she was not the only one being healed through this process. For it was when she first placed her forehead against his chest in a silent request for an embrace, that he made the realization —

he looked in her eyes, and he saw himself, with his father and brother standing behind him, their hands on his shoulders, smiling with pride and faith.

And today, months later, it is as he sits atop her back, with Lughnasadh in one hand and the reins in the other, that he finds himself looking up to the sky while the gentle wind of Fódlan’s plains ruffles his hair, and he smiles lightly.

I will keep going, always and forever, and so will Daein along with me.

———

Leonardo has mastered: Bow Knight.

#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 i am no stranger to loneliness ⁎ drabble 】#((yes I know Bow Knight does not require a drabble but I still wanted to ramble about it))#((because I HC that his father and brother were Bow Paladins who perished in Ashnard's final battle))#((so Leonardo has some Feelings here))#((anyway wahoo enjoy whatever this is))

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freedomarrow · 2 months

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Leonardo continues to stroke the affectionate - or, perhaps, simply despondent - wyvern, as he ponders Sephiran's words. He takes a note of the man's gesture, reaching out towards the animal, but eventually withdrawing his hand. He thinks about commenting on that, but eventually reconsiders. If he does indeed have little experience with wyverns, it is only natural to feel uncertain about touching one.

The drake makes no movement, though as far as Leonardo knows, that is only a cause for more concern. After all, these are normally highly proud animals that do not tolerate hesitation and fear; that she is this accepting of it shows just how weak she has grown.

"That is understandable," is all he says to the first remark. He pauses for a moment, until the name mentioned by Sephiran grabs his attention anew. As a noble and son to one of Daein's elite paladins, he knew a good amount about the state of things in the army, and in spite of his young age, he would have recognized that name anywhere.

"General Shiharam... He was known far and wide for his valor and honor. I'd heard that some higher-ups disliked him, but only because of those virtues of his." He sighs quietly. "Deaths of such people are going to be an immense loss for any country, I think. Unfortunately, Daein well and truly threw his life away."

When Sephiran redirects the topic fully to his person, Leonardo considers the question for a moment, organizing his thoughts before he voices his answer.

"Well, I've found that my call lies first and foremost with archery. Most wyverns get spooked when there are arrows flying around, and understandably so, of course. It is possible to train a flying mount not to fear them, but it takes very specialized training, which in Daein at least, we did not have access to. So I guess it's two things... One, I don't want to scare the poor animals, and two, I feel most comfortable firing from solid ground." A small pause, before he adds, a little nonchalantly. "But who knows... perhaps one day I will give it a try."

He pats the wyvern, who has by now well and truly settled with her head on his lap, akin to a gigantic dog. He then looks up at Sephiran again.

"You can pet her, she wouldn't mind. Wyverns are highly intelligent and understand the idea of death, so she knows that she lost several companions last night. She could use some more comfort."

Cold-Blooded, Warm-Hearted || Leonardo & Sephiran

#thelightofcreation #【 thread ⁎ cold blooded warm hearted 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 mission season ⁎ snowglobe 】#【 +1 flying 】#【 the dawn of a new day breaks through; do you dare look to the light? ⁎ support: sephiran 】#((sorry for the delay :pray:))

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freedomarrow · 2 months

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"In Tellius, we know that there exists a country of Dragon laguz, and though we know they are fewer than us, very powerful and enjoy longer lives than others... I think we are still accustomed to think of them more as an integral part of our world," Leonardo responds, before wincing. "We've even... turned a few into Feral Ones, after all. Not something you would think to worship..."

It would seem that Daein's past sins follow his train of thought no matter where he attempts to take it.

"... But I'm told that, in many other countries, people are not used to the thought of dragons walking the same plane of existence, but rather, they play the role of deities and caretakers of the realms, and they are someone that one turns to, usually in prayer, in times of need." A pause, then a light shrug. "Whether or not they responded... That I do not know."

He watches in silence for a moment as Pelleas examines the instrument for magic traces. Upon hearing the explanation, he shakes his head.

"There is no need to apologize. That makes the two of us, after all. Hm..." What to do, indeed. He looks around for any landmarks that they could use for orientation. His eyes land on a dried husk of a dead tree not too far away from them. Taking out an arrow, he fires it into the stump, and it lodges itself into the wood with a soft thump.

"There, we can use that for orientation now to find this place. The arrow's shaft will be like a signpost, showing where I fired from," he explains to Pelleas with a nod. "We can keep going and see if we find anything else, or make it back to camp and come back with a few more men to help us transport this item. What do you think?"

His Majesty or no, Leonardo instinctively continues to leave the final say to him.

Long-Lost Meeting || Pelleas & Leonardo

#pirrhyc #【 thread ⁎ long lost meeting 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 mission season ⁎ anniversary 2022 】#【 +1 heavy armor 】#【 heavy rests the crown not tailored for you; a weight that crushes easily ⁎ support: pelleas 】#((I took SO long I am sorry))

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freedomarrow · 2 months

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Activity Check: January 2024

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - We Reach up to Tall Places (Hardin) - dropped by partner (Lance: C → C ½) - Most Valiant Steed (Sigurd) - dropped by partner (Riding: A ⅔ → A+) - Knowledge Gem (Riding: A+ → A+ ⅓) - Activity (Riding: A+ ⅓ → A+ ⅔)

Total: 4; 45 → 49

Obtained: - Knowledge Gem, Momentum, Hunting Whip, Traveler's Backpack, Gospel of Pi (Apollyon Ouranos 2024)

Class mastery: - Bow Knight class mastered! Gained: Defiant Speed, Rienfleche - Class change! → Cavalier

#【 have i improved? ⁎ activity check 】#toaactivity

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freedomarrow · 3 months

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Sleep offers little respite against the pains of the waking world. You drift off, and always you feel as though you are being scrutinized, but when you drift back into consciousness, the feeling fades, not unlike the coming and going of the tide.

One restless night, you are at last approached by The Watcher.

"You have a decision to make."

A feast materializes before you. You can smell it, can nearly taste it, you can feel the warmth and care put into every bite.

You already know, whatever the decision ahead, you can only choose one.

You, whose soul alights with a hunger for freedom,

There is something you can't do without.

Will you starve, or will you leave all behind and become a mere puppet? Will you take up the shackles of your own accord?

Amidst the quiet lull of what can barely be called existence anymore, the Watcher calls out Leonardo's name, awakening his senses, if only briefly.

A feast manifests before him, tempting horribly and incessantly as his empty stomach longs for it, the desperation shooting through every fiber of his being like a lightning bolt,

at least, until the voice rings at the back of his head.

Will you leave all behind and become a mere puppet? Will you take up the shackles of your own accord?

His eyes meet those of the visitor for a short moment.

"They have tried to make a puppet of me... of us before."

He then turns away, his gaze choosing to slide over the wall rather than spare the feast offered even a single glance more.

"And I knew, I always knew... I would rather die free than live at the whim of others. I can then die at their whim, too, after all."

He shakes his head, not looking at The Watcher anymore.

"If I starve to death, so be it. I will have done so with no regrets."

#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 i grow fond of the faces around me ⁎ ask 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024

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freedomarrow · 3 months

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Every day becomes more challenging than the previous one. One may expect Leonardo to be used to such hardships, seeing as some of the worst periods the Dawn Brigade had endured saw him going on half a slice of bread for a whole day a few times.

However, half a slice of bread per day is still more than what they have here, and unlike Daein, there are no Begnion army stations for them to raid at a time of need. And so, he has to admit that he finds himself struggling.

The bickering he had witnessed earlier really does not help, the atmosphere within the group still heavy as many end up going their own ways. The Dawn Brigade - his family - is this his family? - which one is his family? - stayed together and united no matter what, ready to fight and die for one another. Even if they had nothing, they still had each other.

It was a pillar of support that Leonardo did not truly realize the importance of until now, when it is no more.

A voice wakes him up from the lull, and the blond stirs before looking up at Sir Kris. Thankfully, even now, there remain some people with whom he still feels comfortable sticking around. The question he poses prompts a moment of thoughtful silence.

"It does sound similar, now that you mention it," he nods in agreement. "In which case... I'm not sure just how safe it is."

He sighs quietly, glancing around, before turning back to the knight.

"... Have you considered taking them up on this offer?"

Roll: 8. Didn't find anything

✦ —𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞.

#unsungblade #【 thread ⁎ another’s substitute 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#AOpi2024 #【 sworn forever you rise with your lord’s glory and fall with his demise ⁎ support: kris 】

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freedomarrow · 3 months

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@frauleindermorgen @atypicalsenerio

It is rare for Leonardo to wander aimlessly, but he finds himself doing just that. While he remains on the lookout for any chance to gather anything that could pass for food, or simply spot anything useful or meaningful, there is a nagging voice in his head assuring him repeatedly that his efforts are destined to be fruitless.

So he keeps trying, but at the same time, he does not really, because there is no point.

Years have passed since he last felt this hopeless. Has he ever felt this hopeless, actually? Perhaps when his school was destroyed, or when the Dawn Brigade was fleeing for their lives from the Begnion soldiers' clutches. When was that, anyway? How long has passed since then?

Does it matter?

His hand wanders into his pocket, his fingers rubbing across the journal gifted to him by Edward.

Yes, it does. We need to make it out.

His steps eventually take him to the small graveyard, where he stops a certain distance away, realizing that Soren and Micaiah are there, paying their respects. Best not to disturb them during this time, so he resolves to wait...

Roll: 3. Leonardo has been spotted

... until movement flashes in the corner of his eye, grabbing his attention and prompting his arm to reach for his bow, albeit a little more sluggishly than normally due to the tiredness. The shadow retreats swiftly, but the blond can still see it - concealed behind the ruins of an old house, its eyes firmly fixed on him.

Unease rises in his chest. It feels terrifying, and yet at the same time, he feels as though he should want to meet it. (Maybe he is finally going insane.)

Once he finally manages to tear his eyes away from the shadow, he notices that Soren and Micaiah have finished, and so he makes his way over to them.

"Um, I hope I'm not intruding. Are you two busy? That... thing others were talking in the village. I think I saw it just now."

He glances behind his shoulder, over to where he last saw it.

It is still there, unmoving.

You, Me, And My Bestie The Horrors || Leonardo, Micaiah & Soren

#frauleindermorgen #atypicalsenerio #【 thread ⁎ you me and my bestie the horrors 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a new dawn of daein; a beacon of hope that did not lead us astray ⁎ support: micaiah 】#【 a herald of doom to daein; scorched home and empty throne welcome the dawn ⁎ support: soren 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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There are times when Leonardo really struggles to understand the ability others have to remain in good cheer even in the thick of battle - and even when severely wounded. There are also times when he would have to admit that he kind of envies it.

He is in the company of seasoned knights - surely their attitude is not a result of arrogance, or misjudgment of the situation. They simply... posses this skill that he lacks.

Much as he would like to try, this is no time and place to be attempting new things that he doubts he could ever manage; and so all he does is silence the words of criticism and chastisement that had been gathering in his mind, pushes them aside, and merely remains focused on the situation at hand, to ensure that no one needs regret their decisions.

While Sir Sigurd and Sir Sain handle a few of the other statues, the blond casts a glance towards the still intact one in the back, the one he is no doubt best equipped to handle between their party - the magic user. Lughnasadh returns to his shoulder in favor of the even more powerful bow, and the archer loads up two arrows in quick succession.

Leonardo uses the Hunter’s Volley combat art and hits and crits Statue H with Bow of Zoltan (roll: 2d20(+8)=11, 23; -3.5HP, -7HP) Statue H 0/6HP Statue H has been defeated

With a whistling song, they fly right past Sir Sigurd's shoulder in a moment of the man's stillness, and then a sound of crashing and the tumbling of rocks is heard as they knock the statue's head clean off at the neck, before the whole thing falls into pieces.

In response, another foe turns to him, swinging an iron spear at him - but the move is so telegraphed that Leonardo need only sidestep to avoid it -

Statue C misses Leonardo with Iron Lance (roll: 2d20-2=3; -0HP) Leonardo 3/8.5HP Leonardo counterattacks and hits with Bow of Zoltan (roll: d20+4=20; -3.5HP) Statue C 0/6HP Statue C has been defeated

- before an already loaded arrow strikes where a heart would be in a living person, and the statue stills as though suddenly paralyzed, before collapsing on its back like a log and shattering into pieces.

Only a few more left to go. "Look alive, it's almost over," is all Leonardo says out loud once he finally speaks.

> @enarmor

✢⁎. smiles go for miles!

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third post (including your starter), with every post, add +1 to your d10 +1 counter resets after +5 1-8: carry on 9-10+: ping key

#enarmor #bxldrsdraumar #【 thread ⁎ smiles go for miles 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a heart steadfast; a lance sharp in steel; what is knighthood if not service ⁎ support: sain 】#【 the past leads through the present; and ever on into the future without you ⁎ support: sigurd 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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Leonardo does not comment on Sir Sain's words in any way outside of a silent shake of his head. He has seen enough people like that in his life - stubborn if one were to be diplomatic, delusional if no punches are to be pulled - and knows that arguing achieves nothing beside a waste of energy.

Alas, however odd that may be in this particular situation, fate sees fit to try and prove to Sir Sain that Sir Sigurd and Leonardo were telling the truth in its own way.

For all of a sudden, multiple statues begin to move.

Difference being, this time they are holding weapons.

Leonardo does not even have the time to shout a warning before they strike, with particular fury directed towards Sir Sigurd, the vast majority of the hostile statues aiming their attacks at him. He wants to charge in and assist, but just then, one blocks his way.

Statue G hits Leonardo with Iron Bow (roll: d20-4=8; -1.5HP) Leonardo 3/8.5HP

Unlike the opponent itself, the bow is of regular make, and the arrow that flies into his shoulder is a standard iron head.

Gritting his teeth, he staggers back a step; the damage may not be serious, but the pain does a fine job reminding him just how tired he is, still having not recovered after the chaos and tragedy of the cave passage.

But Leonardo is nothing if not an expert at handling crises with far too much experience in the art of hopeless odds.

Leonardo counterattacks and hits with Bow of Zoltan (roll: d20+4=13; -3.5HP) Statue G 2.5/6HP

Though he is not certain just how effective shooting against a statue can be, he fires nonetheless, and the arrow whistles through the air before embedding itself in the stone, painting cracks all around it. Sir Sigurd lands one more solid hit against it, doing even more damage - one more proper strike, and it will crumble.

But the onslaught is devastating, and the man's strength begins to wane. "Sire!" Leonardo shouts as he falls to his knees, before quickly switching bows, the ever trusty Lughnasadh offering more mobility - before loading and firing off two arrows in quick succession.

Leonardo hits and hits Statue D with Lughnasadh (roll: 2d20(+4)=17, 12; -2.5HP, -2.5HP) Statue D 0/6HPStatue D has been defeated

Just as expected based on the other opponent, this one first cracks, and then shatters under the damage of the well-placed shots. The axe clatters onto the floor among the rubble.

One down, seven to go...

> @enarmor

✢⁎. smiles go for miles!

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third post (including your starter), with every post, add +1 to your d10 +1 counter resets after +5 1-8: carry on 9-10+: ping key

#enarmor #bxldrsdraumar #【 thread ⁎ smiles go for miles 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a heart steadfast; a lance sharp in steel; what is knighthood if not service ⁎ support: sain 】#【 the past leads through the present; and ever on into the future without you ⁎ support: sigurd 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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If asked, Leonardo would have to admit that his decision to volunteer for the exploration of the nearby area was not entirely selfless. The immediate surroundings had to be scoured for signs of life, danger and resources alike, and it is no doubt an area where he has both experience and skill that he can offer.

But it would also be impossible for him to deny that this was a fine chance to distract himself, and focus his thoughts elsewhere after the tragedy of the caves. As well as remove himself from a potentially inflamed situation.

Nephele's blank stare after life had left her has been following him in his sleep, and Euphorie's vengeful glare substituted for her daughter's watch in the realm of awakening. Leonardo understands it - even if he did not deal the final blow, one of his arrows did pierce the girl's body nonetheless - and does not attempt to fight it. She is entitled to hate him if she so desires, and it falls to him to remove himself from her path and try to atone by making himself useful and, if possible, preventing more deaths.

And so, he finds himself exploring the area around the village with Sir Sigurd, as well as another knight and Melita, Keranes and Celephais' canine companion who seems to have chosen to hang out with them for the task. Leonardo is all for it, dogs are useful for such missions (and that is one extra distraction for him to focus on).

Sir Sain's words prompt no verbal response from the blond, only a vague twitch of eyebrows. Those who know Leonardo understand this gesture as "you're making no sense", but whether this man does, he has no idea.

Someone who certainly does seem to understand and also disapprove, however, is a statue they pass by, which backhands Sir Sain right on the head before innocently returning to its original pose, as though nothing at all just occurred.

Ahem. What.

Now, Leonardo has seen lifelike statues before, by Ashera has he seen them, but none of them actually moved.

He stirs as Sir Sigurd addresses him, requesting verbal input from the archer.

"That might be up for debate," he admits with full honesty. "But yes, I did see it. I don't think we're imagining it."

Well.

"... I guess, if we see more of those... Just don't walk too close to them," he adds with a light shrug, his gaze somewhat blank, as though commenting on perfectly normal events. Who on earth knows what is and is not normal around here anymore. "Or perhaps keep certain opinions to yourself," he adds nonchalantly.

Beside him, Melita barks, wagging her tail, as though in agreement.

Roll: 8. All is well > @enarmor

✢⁎. smiles go for miles!

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third post (including your starter), with every post, add +1 to your d10 +1 counter resets after +5 1-8: carry on 9-10+: ping key

#enarmor #bxldrsdraumar #【 thread ⁎ smiles go for miles 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a heart steadfast; a lance sharp in steel; what is knighthood if not service ⁎ support: sain 】#【 the past leads through the present; and ever on into the future without you ⁎ support: sigurd 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

Text

The last lingering pain left behind by the pincers of the monstrous spiders they had fought fades away under Micaiah's healing touch, leaving nothing but a memory - and a wish that all that had happened could have really just been a dream, but Leonardo shakes it off as a sign of weakness on his part. It was not and he knows that, and no amount of deluding himself will change or reverse all that had occurred.

It vanishes behind a fog, beneath which the archer shoves all the tragic, the painful, the traumatic he can, in hopes that it will not distract him at a time of need, and leave only the experience gained that he can use moving forward.

(It does not work like that, he knows, but what else can he do?)

He breaks out of those thoughts when Micaiah speaks, wishing to make an inquiry. He nods, his eyes now fully focused, ready to offer her his full attention.

Once the question finally leaves her lips, he blinks in surprise, not speaking for a moment, as though to process it.

"... Were you worried that I didn't?" He eventually answers her question with one of his own, before sighing. An attempt to smile is made, albeit a failed one.

"I remember." A pause. "I miss them."

His hand wanders to his pocket, from which he retrieves a hand-crafted notebook. A feather-like accessory, reminiscent of an arrow's fletching, dangles from one corner. As he opens it on the first page, the words FROM EDWARD can be seen, written painstakingly with clear effort.

"I think I would have gone crazy if I didn't remember," he finally continues. "I feel like I'm in a haze, or a fog... but when I think about the Brigade, it's like I see a faint light somewhere far away."

He tears his eyes away from the notebook to look back up at Micaiah.

"... He and Sothe are okay, right?"

apocatastasis

#frauleindermorgen #【 thread ⁎ apocatastasis 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a new dawn of daein; a beacon of hope that did not lead us astray ⁎ support: micaiah 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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Euphorie unloads her entire fury upon Sir Griss now, her grief on full display for them all to see. Micaiah makes no move to stop her, and Leonardo does not, either. Truthfully, he does not think he could even if he was told to - his stare still bleak as he watches the horrid scene unfold and listens to her wails and his laughter. Only somewhere far away, in another world of his own, he subconsciously feels his hand curl into the fist.

It is not until Brizo cries out that he wakes up, in sync with the boy's mother, and shakes his head to try and get out of this strange haze. Still a little out of it, he nods to Micaiah's words, but only as he moves -

... He does not recall pulling out an arrow.

He looks down at it, then at Micaiah, and finally at Sir Griss. He seems to hesitate for a moment, his eyes stopping on the man for a few seconds. But as his friend announces the decision, he turns away as he slowly places the arrow back into the quiver, as though in a silent refusal.

Euphorie is kneeling on the ground now as she clings to Brizo, sobs shaking her entire body. The boy holds on to her, as if for dear life, staring into space until Leonardo approaches, at which point he directs his eyes at him. The archer bends down, placing his hand on his arm.

"Mister... She's... She's with papa now. Yes?"

The blond remains silent for a moment, then nods. There is no point in lying to him. Not here and not now. He understands.

"Yeah. She's with papa. So don't worry... She's not alone. And neither are you. You still have mama, and the rest of the group. Stay with her, okay? She needs you."

Brizo nods, and as Leonardo stands back up, it feels as though a hint of steel flashed in the boy's eyes. Turning away to rendezvous with Micaiah, he strangles a sigh in his chest.

Tragedies and calamities make kids grow up way too fast.

Micaiah finds a body of drinkable water, and gathers some of it. Beside it, herbs that Leonardo recognizes as edible from Euphorie's earlier instructions grow in a cluster, and he pulls out his knife to gather them.

Once that is done, he nods to her.

"Yeah... I think we can go back, soon."

Roll: 1d10=6. +1 plants

— Thread End

"What Is That?!" "Protein!" || Leonardo, Micaiah & Griss

Team Pi: Food Gathering

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third, with every post, add +1 to your d10. 1-8: +1 food (your choice if plant or insect) 9-10+: ping key

#frauleindermorgen #twistedisciple #【 thread ⁎ what is that?! protein! 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a new dawn of daein; a beacon of hope that did not lead us astray ⁎ support: micaiah 】#【 through agony you laugh as you look up to see your family’s smiles ⁎ support: griss 】#【 thread end 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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Kris agrees with Leonardo's suggestion, but to little avail - for the large, slippery residents of the other pond - in plural, this time - lunge at the other man almost immediately, and it is a good thing that he is fully alert, for the double attack could have easily been successful had he been even just a little slower.

As the blue-haired man turns to the blond with the inquiry, the latter winces, considering the situation. They have yet to find an uninhabited body of water around here - for all they know, they simply cannot because these may all be interconnected somewhere deeper down, with the monsters moving freely between them. But...

"... Do we have another choice? If these are watching now, it is practically a given that they will not let us gather water in peace..."

But before he can even pick a direction in which to keep moving, fate sees fit to challenge them further still. The two eel-like monsters that had lunged at Kris previously re-emerge from the water suddenly.

"Chiron, stand back!" The archer throws, and the young boy nods before running a few steps back; the Daein's eyes quickly dart away from him and back to the adversaries as a gleam reflected from the shiny, slimy body of one of them tells him of the incoming attack. It lunges at him with a strange sound, almost between a growl and a hiss, but Leonardo is prepared at this point and swiftly jumps back to avoid contact.

(Roll: 3+4=7)

The instant he is stable, an arrow is pulled out of his quiver, which he sends directly into the monstrosity's eye, and it recoils with an unholy screech. And then, the other one moves -

"Watch ou—"

- but not for them. Leonardo freezes in place, eyes widening as the thing bites down viciously on the one he had wounded, blood spurting across the floor and walls, the shriek growing even louder.

And then, as though to further mock him for thinking they stood a chance in this place, a third head emerges from the pond, considerably larger than the other two. The monster pulls the wounded creature underwater, and the noises die out in almost deafening silence - and soon, even in the dim light of the area, it becomes clear that the whole body of water has become red. Once chunks of skin begin to float on the surface, Leonardo winces, and is just about to turn away -

before a whip-like tail suddenly strikes at the walls around them. He blinks, before jumping back into his instincts as a small rock bumps him on the shoulder.

"Cave-in! We need to get out of here!" He shouts at the other two, before grabbing Chiron's hand and making a run for it.

(Leonardo's roll: 1d3-1=1. Chiron's roll: 1d3-1=2)

"Ow!" The exclamation of pain as a large rock strikes him on the shoulder is the biggest expression of emotion the boy has given so far. Still, they make it out.

Once it is safe, Leonardo stops. Turning back to see Kris, he catches sight of a gleaming pair of eyes still watching them from the bloodied pond.

What in Ashera's name was that.

> @unsungblade

Ah. Life-Giving Water. Nectar of the Gods || Leonardo & Kris

Team Pi: Water Gathering

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third, with every post, add +1 to your d10. 1-7: +1 water 8-9: there's something in the water. watch out, it's coming right for you…! 10+: ping key

#unsungblade #【 thread ⁎ ah. life giving water. nectar of the gods 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#AOpi2024 #【 sworn forever you rise with your lord’s glory and fall with his demise ⁎ support: kris 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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"I'll kill you, too."

It takes Leonardo a long while to realize just who Sir Griss directed those words at, and he freezes in a combination of disbelief, shock and the last shred of restraint keeping his instincts for firing an arrow straight into the man who is supposed to be his ally. Before he can take any potentially irresponsible action however, Micaiah handles the jaded situation in a calm, collected manner, as she always does - how does she do that - before redirecting the archer's attention into the here and now, though her voice shifts its tone significantly.

But Leonardo would be the last person to blame her for being tired right about now.

The last of the monstrous spiders, badly injured, attempts to skitter away, and the blond's first thought is to simply let the creature get away - but then, his eyes catch the sight of the empty cocoon that used to bind Nephele still stuck to its back, and in that very moment, Leonardo suddenly feels well and truly sick to his stomach and he pulls out an arrow before he fully realizes it.

Leonardo hits Cave Spider B with Bow of Zoltan (roll: 16+4; -3 HP; Cave Spider B 0/7 HP)

It whistles a dirge through the air before striking true; a single screech echoes through the area before the spider crumples limply to the ground, its legs twitching for a moment before it stills.

And then, there is silence.

Suffocating silence.

Leonardo stands frozen for a moment, before exhaling loudly, realizing in the process that he had held his breath. Stiffly, he places the bow back on his back.

Brizo slowly lets go of his clothes and walks over to Nephele's corpse. A bit unsteady on his feet, he kneels beside her.

"Neph…? Hey Neph... Wake up..."

Nothing.

"This isn't funny..."

Euphorie, her silence even more striking in contrast to the screams from earlier, slowly stoops to pick up the rock she had dropped earlier. Freezes. Whispers something under her breath.

Then rises, and with a wild gleam in her eyes, hurls it at Sir Griss.

Leonardo stands where he was, his expression blank as he watches, as though observing a scene from another world.

> @twistedisciple

"What Is That?!" "Protein!" || Leonardo, Micaiah & Griss

Team Pi: Food Gathering

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third, with every post, add +1 to your d10. 1-8: +1 food (your choice if plant or insect) 9-10+: ping key

#frauleindermorgen #twistedisciple #【 thread ⁎ what is that?! protein! 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a new dawn of daein; a beacon of hope that did not lead us astray ⁎ support: micaiah 】#【 through agony you laugh as you look up to see your family’s smiles ⁎ support: griss 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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— And all of a sudden, things go horribly wrong.

Leonardo does not realize exactly what has happened until he hears the scream. The shrieking, unhinged borderline scream of a mother who just saw her child die in front of her.

(The kind of scream that no one should ever hear, that few have ever heard.)

(He has.)

Blood seeps onto the ground, painting a sickening-looking stream as the spider skitters along the wall. Nephele is still stuck onto its back, her head bobbing to the sides as it moves, limp and frighteningly quiet.

Why is she so quiet.

A five-year-old should not be so quiet -

"NEPHELE!!!" Euphorie screams, as though to make up for her daughter's silence, as though to wake her up, to beg her to wake up, before she picks up a rock and with the fury no creature other than a grieving mother can muster, throws it at the spider.

Euphorie hits Cave Spider B with Rock (roll: d20=6. Hit!) -2.5 HP to Cave Spider B CAVE SPIDER B 4.5/7 HP

It strikes right where one would expect a head, and it falls off the wall, the girl sliding out of the cocoon. Still limp and still quiet. The woman throws herself over her body and sobs.

Sir Griss is laughing. Why is he laughing? He is laughing, and chortling, and howling almost and Leonardo has to desperately shut it off and focus on something else, or else the trick of the light and the wild laughter distort his silhouette and he can almost see one of the Begnion officers who was there on that day - no, look away, do not

— His hands finally manage to tear through the last of the disgusting, sticky webs on the other spider's corpse, and he pulls Brizo out of his trap.

Did he see? Does he know? Leonardo does not dare ask. Surely he heard mother's scream, but does he understand exactly what it meant? He is not sure. "Stay by me," he hisses to him, and Brizo nods stiffly, his hand gripping the edge of the Daein's clothes like his life depends on it.

Light flashes across the cavern - Micaiah's spell. Leonardo fails to see where it landed, but when the blinding glow dies down enough for him to see again, there is a spider - a living one - right in front of him, and he raises his arm to protect both his bow and the boy clinging to him.

Cave Spider B hits Leonardo twice with Pincers (roll: 3-1, 9-1; -0.5 HP, -0.5 HP; Leonardo 7/10 HP) Leonardo counterattacks with Bow of Zoltan (roll: 12+4=16; -3 HP; Cave Spider B 1.5/7 HP)

The pincers connect, tearing a gash across his shoulder, but the wound is not major - and as soon as he can, he fires an arrow directly into the monster's abdomen.

"Kill them!" He yells, at no one in particular and everyone at once.

His first answer is Euphorie's scream.

> @twistedisciple

"What Is That?!" "Protein!" || Leonardo, Micaiah & Griss

Team Pi: Food Gathering

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third, with every post, add +1 to your d10. 1-8: +1 food (your choice if plant or insect) 9-10+: ping key

#frauleindermorgen #twistedisciple #【 thread ⁎ what is that?! protein! 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#aopi2024 #【 a new dawn of daein; a beacon of hope that did not lead us astray ⁎ support: micaiah 】#【 through agony you laugh as you look up to see your family’s smiles ⁎ support: griss 】

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freedomarrow · 4 months

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"Yeah, sure." Reaching for the other bucket, Leonardo turns over the handkerchief to the clean (or, well. cleaner) side and wipes its handle as much as he can, before setting it back by Kris' side.

"Hey, you never know," Chiron looks up at the other man. "Maybe you can poison your weapons and make them super deadly. Stick your sword in a spider and it explodes."

Leonardo turns his face towards the water to hide the wince that forces its way onto his lips - not at the words, but rather, the manner in which they are spoken. Most children would laugh and wave their arms excitedly while saying such things; this ten-year-old, however, utters them numbly, in an almost matter-of-fact way, unexpected of someone his age.

He may be doing better than some, but the loss of his parents before the flood must still be difficult on him.

Luckily, though the boy had dirtied the handles, the inside of the bucket itself is pristine. Leonardo still is not sure about the idea of drinking glowing water, but at least, for what that is worth, they can acquire it as clean as possible.

... Or at least, that was his plan. Chiron comes closer to the water's edge beside him, watching the blond dip the bucket into the water; this distract him for just a moment, until a sudden movement flashes in the corner of his eye -

Roll: 8 - there is something in the water!

"Watch out!"

With a lightning-fast gesture, Leonardo pulls the bucket out of the water with one arm and the boy with the other, getting away from the edge as fast as possible - only barely fast enough to avoid the large, slimy head full of long teeth that emerges from the water to reach for their ankles. Its eyes meet the Daein's for a brief moment, before it disappears beneath the surface once more, and deafening silence follows.

It takes a solid eight to ten seconds before Leonardo breaks it, turning to Kris and shaking his head.

"... Let's... try that other pond over there. I know we saw something in that as well, but I think this one will be watching us now."

Ah. Life-Giving Water. Nectar of the Gods || Leonardo & Kris

Team Pi: Water Gathering

Roll 1d10 for every post after your starter. Starting with your third, with every post, add +1 to your d10. 1-7: +1 water 8-9: there's something in the water. watch out, it's coming right for you…! 10+: ping key

#unsungblade #【 thread ⁎ ah. life giving water. nectar of the gods 】#【 i have my orders ⁎ ic 】#【 event season ⁎ apollyon ouranos 2024 】#AOpi2024 #【 sworn forever you rise with your lord’s glory and fall with his demise ⁎ support: kris 】

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