Tumgik
princepsumbra · 18 days
Text
stater for: @fellpurpose
Club Rush brings with it new opportunities to show off previously niche hobbies or brand-new creative endeavors; sometimes both. He's even helped out the gardening club on occasion, offering insight on the latest growing techniques and suggesting plants they should try cultivating. (The coral bells were growing quite nicely, based on his last check-in.)
But for all his interest, he'd never officially joined a club. Faculty liaison was often a position filled early, not to mention extra responsibilities would distract from his own avenues of extra curricular study. Lending a hand when asked suited Leo quite well.
Though with the rumors of BOOMS, he's beginning to wonder if perhaps a guiding hand wouldn't go completely amiss. Magical innovations are rife in Fódlan, and it's something he deeply appreciates about the continent. There's no reward without a little risk, after all. Still, as an assistant professor, he can't let a group of starry-eyed kids cause damage to either school property or themselves out of sheer recklessness.
Leo glances over his shoulder, where Odin dutifully trails a few steps behind. "I find it hard to believe you have no involvement in this. Even the name sounds like something you'd create." There's a pause as he considers. "On second thought, Magitransience sounds too technical. I'm sure you've already come up with a dozen more dramatic suggestions."
For who else would he ask to accompany him on this investigation? It was not just out of nostalgia or duty Leo requested his retainer's presence; Odin possesses a keen sense for magic, when he drops the theatrics.
Put simply, Leo considers the other man a friend. A friend whose absence has been keenly felt and missed. "In answer to your unasked question: yes, you can help them out, after we've observed them."
Does the Product Safety Commission Know You Have These?
3 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 26 days
Text
She is distrustful. A good sign; she won't easily fall prey to scams such as this. "My classroom is always open to those interested in the magical arts. Dark magic is my specialty; I understand if that is not something you're interested in."
Leo tucks the ring into the inner pocket of his jacket for safekeeping. Theories have begun forming in his head, and all of them point to the very same student who passed along this farce of an artifact.
"Nice to meet you, Eirika. Thank you for your offer of help; I believe between the both of us we can sleuth out the truth. The student that brought this to my attention will be in class later this afternoon. My opinion is he's the one behind all this and has gone to great lengths to make it appear otherwise."
He inclines his head. "Hopefully we can put this mystery to rest once and for all."
A passing fad. Though there is no evidence of it being anything more than that, there remains the slightest bit of unease that crawls up her spine. While this ring itself possessed no power of its own they still could not be certain that any others would be duds. "I admit, professor, I cannot help but worry that there's more to it than that..." There was no point in arguing it any further. "A project? Though I'm not in any of your courses, I would be interested in participating."
Even though the ring in their possession held no such power as the rumors foretold, finding the original was still of the utmost importance. Fad or not, rumors such as these could still cause great harm. "Then perhaps your student would be willing to tell us who they got it from! I wouldn't mind talking to them-- while I'm sure they respect you enough to come forward, it may be easier to get information as a student."
Eirika pauses as well, eyes widening a touch. "Oh! I had forgotten to introduce myself! My name is Eirika-- I've come here from the continent of Magvel to study. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
10 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 26 days
Text
Attention remains fixed on the recently closed door. "That, or they thought this nothing more than the ravings of a mandman." Leo's not sure which option is worse. Either way, it's no surprise the monastery has sent two of their own to investigate.
From the moment they'd crossed the threshold of this run-down estate, Leo felt something was off. Nothing obvious; there were no broken windows or moth-eaten carpets, but one could still sense neglect. Covered furniture formed ghostly outlines in unused sitting rooms. Dust settled on windowsills. Soot-covered candle sconces lined the hallways, casting everything in a dull glow reminiscent of Nohr's least cloudy days.
His suspicions were confirmed by the Duke's explanation of his process--deliberately confusing, more akin to alchemy than true potion crafting. Plenty of scientific terms were used, no doubt to assuage both doubters and those with only a passing knowledge of the subject.
The few bites he'd swallowed of the admittedly delicious breakfast sit heavy in his stomach. If the Duke was even slightly aware Leo and Andrei had tried breaking into his chambers last night, he did not let on. Emerald eyes finally flick over to his companion. A stalwart companion, uneasily phased by odd circumstances. Leo's glad Andrei was chosen to come along.
"Any confrontation will end in conflict, I imagine," Leo replies drolly. "He said he had a meeting later today. Part of me wants to see what that's all about before we slay a monster." The academy will want every drop of information they could possibly glean.
"It could turn out to be nothing. An idle noble's attempt at curing boredom. But if there's an interested party looking to acquire this recipe for themselves, we best be one step ahead of them." Leo makes for the door. "How good are you at spying, Andrei?"
we are but dust and shadow
3 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 26 days
Text
He nods in agreement. There's a trade off for everything; ease of movement for a more intense focus on casting. "It is. I admit I struggled with tomeless magic my first few months here. Even now, I find myself missing the weight of a tome by my side when not using Brynhildr." For though the arcane forces permeating Fodlan allow a form of Brynhildr to flourish without a physical tome, Leo leaves nothing to chance wielding such a powerful spell.
"That is why we practice. I doubt you'll find a dark knight alive who still looses their grip on a tome during heavy combat."
Leo's lips twitch into a frown at that. Not everyone is as dedicated to their horse as he is to Faustus; he schools his features into something more kind. "Maintaining a horse is a lot of work. That's why we have stable hands mucking out stalls, feeding the horses, letting them out when are otherwise occupied. That's good you're heeding their advice. How else can your relationship with Oifey grow stronger if he considers you a stranger?"
He's not displeased; far from it. Pelleas is doing everything to the best of his ability. If anything, Leo respects him for pushing through his clear discomfort. "If I may offer a suggestion. Try visiting during the day, at least once. Observe what they do from the safety of Oifey's stall. No need for questions right then; we can go over anything you're curious about during our lessons."
Faustus nods away a persistent fly, great head bobbing up and down. Leo waves a hand over his ears to help.
shadowing
12 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 1 month
Note
milord!!!!! the tomato gardens!!!!!! theyre on FIRE!!!!
Leo's eyes flick upward. He doesn't bother putting his bookmark between the open pages on his lap.
"Trying to cover up some mishap of your own, Odin?"
The sequel:
Tumblr media
"Happy Great Tree Moon's fools as well."
Bonus:
Tumblr media
6 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 1 month
Note
this odin knows well: the most compelling sagas do far more than chronicle the protagonist's heroic feats. they speak of stirring backdrops and a memorable cast, with clear themes contributing to a proper understanding of the hero — explaining why he acts and thinks the way he does.
and yet, despite withholding chapters from his lord, the man still found him interesting. worthy, even. leo had treated him with respect while so many thought him a raving fool. for all the secrets kept, there were times when odin thought leo saw through his guise. certainly panic-inducing then, though it now brings about a faint smile.
nohr hadn't changed him. rather, it had been one royal in particular. the one with the gold-spun hair and stony visage. the one odin now hesitates to approach for fear of rejection.
(but then again...his lord had come to him first. surely that was a promising sign?)
he watches leo like a hawk, waiting patiently for an opening as not to startle his liege. (he'd made that mistake before, many moons ago...never again). upon making eye contact, odin hurries forward and quickly sinks into a well-rehearsed bow. "milord! i was hoping i could find you here." without missing a beat, he straightens up and retrieves an object stashed in his cape — an intricately carved brass astrolabe. odin offers it with a lowered head. "my travels did little to forget you, lord leo. with the greatest regret, i shall spare you the details...but by chance's fickle hand, i was led to this marvel of a relic, which i found buried the shadows of antiquity. i can think of no greater owner for it than you. that is, if you'll accept this humble token of friendship."
Night settles over the academy in shades of onyx and navy. Leo stretches out his neck as he locks the door to his office, satisfied when he hears a soft crack. Grading papers took far longer than he'd expected. Once the stack had dwindled to a few left untouched, he decided to finish them all, rather than wait until tomorrow.
He slips the key into his pants pocket, hiding a yawn behind his free hand. It's not late, by any means, but he's always been prone to rising early. A full day of teaching and other clerical work--grading, for example, followed by lesson plans--catches up to him by nightfall.
The hair on the back of his neck prickles. He pauses; someone's watching him. For how long?
Methodically, he scans his surroundings, studying shadowed corners for silhouettes until he lands on a man too bold for such a thing. "Good evening, Odin," Leo greets, tension easing from his shoulders. Unbidden, a small smile springs forth. There's comfort in Odin's familiar dramatics, so far from the shores of Nohr.
"I did not forget you either," comes the quiet murmur as he accepts the gift. "One day, I would like to hear of your adventures."
Carefully, he turns the astrolabe over in his hands, mindful of the delicate mechanism. Leo's read about these devices, but never held one, A gloved finger traces the intricate grooves and lines of the stereographic projection. He squints; he'll need further study to determine what skies are depicted on the surface.
For something like this to be preserved so well, then for Odin to carry it with him across untold miles, speaks volumes louder than even his grandest declaration. "Thank you, Odin. I accept this...token of friendship with the utmost gratitude."
High above, an owl floats over head, its plaintive call echoing across the starry sky. Leo does not fully understand what drives Odin to act the way he does, to hide the depths of his loyalty and talent behind the mask of a fool. Whatever tale makes this hero balk at the retelling is certainly the culprit; Leo cannot blame his retainer for bearing some things alone.
(Once Leo understood this, he often asked himself if, had he received a shred of the love Odin clearly received in the face of adversity, would Leo have crafted a similar mask?)
"I have no item of equal value to return; will my continued promise that you will always carry the title of retainer suffice for now?" For though he'd tried seeking a new one out, it was rote action instead of true intent. He saw no point in filling a role already being carried out.
5 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 1 month
Note
[ MACARON ] : what do they do after having a fight with their partner ?
A Prince's Heart also asked by: @braveryinblue !
It depends on the severity of the fight!
If it's over something silly--so more of a disagreement than an actual fight--he would get over it pretty quickly. Take a minute to see where his partner is coming from, acknowledge his own faults, then ask their forgiveness.
If it's a full blown argument, Leo will step away. Cool off, gather his thoughts. He's a man with very tight control over his emotions/words/actions/etc, but he does have a bit of a temper if prodded. (See: his support chain with Xander.) After analyzing the argument--and regardless of being right or wrong--he'll come back with a neatly wrapped gift in hand and an apology on his lips.
5 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 2 months
Text
>continued from here; @chevaleri
When he was younger, Leo created a game for himself. Not with the intention of passing what few ideal hours he had; rather, discovering that which set him apart from his brother.
The game itself was simple: he would sit, and observe, and try to see the world through Xander's eyes. What made him tick? What thoughts ran through a crown prince's head? Most of all, what traits did he possess that Leo lacked?
(Answers Leo now has, and understands, accepting--even appreciating--how their differences form a type of strength when put together.)
He falls back into this old habit now as he tracks Xander's flitting gaze across the office. What does he make of the papers, the neatly organized books, the little plush toy so out of place among it all?
They are improving at closing the distance instilled in them during childhood. Instead of assuming, Leo nearly asks his opinion, but the king beats him to the punch, replying to the earlier question. Words are filed away for later; best they tread familiar ground before venturing into more unknown territory.
"Summers here are indeed brighter than what we're accustomed to," Leo agrees, relaxing somewhat. Diplomacy is easy. Smooth ground, unlike the pitfalls waiting just around the corner. He can tell where Xander is headed with this. "There are a number of royals attending this monastery, either as students or faculty. I've complied a list for my own notes; you are more than welcome to browse it at your leisure."
Leo leans down in his seat, reaching for a knee-level drawer. There's a bit of shuffling before he unearths a slim leather volume. He closes the drawer, then places his prize atop the desk and slides it over. "I hope I have made a favorable impression of Nohr.
Here comes the crux of the matter. Leo doesn't bother hiding the twitch of his brows at such a bold admission, or the clear concern Xander exhibits. It's not shock at the knowledge Xander cares--it is the obvious emotion that surprises him.
Leo clears his throat. "I...I am glad to put your fears at rest, Xander. You were missed as well." Hands fold atop the desk, gloved fingers laced tightly together. "Accept my apologies for the lack of letters. Time moved differently while on the mission."
Did they achieve anything? Death, a history preserved as a story book, familial betrayal. It almost sounds like a Nohrian stage play, with the star herself chained up below the monastery proper.
"In a sense. Our final outcome was not what I'd strived for, though I am not alone in feeling we will regret sparing her life." He knows he's speaking as though Xander knows all the details. "It is a long story, and one I am not sure how to properly tell. For now, I can best summarize it as a dying girl used her remaining strength to pull us into her illusions. We were meant to piece together a fragmented history, and in the end, let her take her secrets to her grave."
Now Leo exhales, eyes shadowed with memory. "Enough of that. Please."
1 note · View note
princepsumbra · 2 months
Text
>continued from here; @bruniatrobaire
Try as he might, Leo will never fully understand his son. Hobbies aside, Forrest wears his heart upon his well-designed sleeve, every emotion felt to the fullest extent and on display for all to see.
There are some days where Leo wonders if Forrest inherited anything from his patrilineal blood, followed by the dismal thought that Forrest rejected such things in some form of rebellion. Leo only has himself to blame if that's the case.
He removes his hand, letting it fall at his side. "I made a promise to be a better father, and I intend to keep it. No one expected this little journey to yield such confusing results." Blond head inclines away from the greenhouse, towards the stone building of the Academy proper. "I'll answer your questions in my office. We can stop for tea, first, if you'd like."
Older prince begins walking, heading for the small flight of stairs. "Well, fashion is something you hold dear, is it not? I will not lie and say I understand it all, but I cannot learn if I refuse to listen. Where do you get your inspirations for new designs?"
Leo pauses on the first step and glances over his shoulder. The boy is owed his full attention, at bare minimum.
Seeds in a Garden
3 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 2 months
Note
chouquette - does your muse believe they deserve to be loved? why or why not?
A Prince's Heart also asked by: @anruraiocht !
Oh REAL funny. (says the girl who is very excited to answer this)
It takes him a long time to realize yes, he is deserving of love.
Love in all its forms--familial, platonic, romantic--is very complicated for Leo. Throughout most of his youth, and even well into his young adulthood, he oscillates between feeling like his family only barely tolerates him (except Elise, who I maintain he's always had a soft spot for) and that he must keep himself at a distance from them despite knowing they do love him.
It's not until he gains the confidence to speak to both Xander and Camilla--both of whom are his primary examples of what affection looks like--that Leo opens himself up a bit more.
His S Supports often have him calling out the qualities of whomever he's proposing too, followed with Leo saying he'll protect them/he's fallen for precisely who they are, flaws and all. That says a lot right there (to me, at least) about a) what he values in a partner and b) what he's learned about love not being a one size fits all approach. Rather, it's tailored to each individual.
(That also reflects his support with Camilla and acts as a lightbulb moment for Leo regarding his relationship with his eldest siblings.)
Now, I do wholeheartedly believe he's a romantic, deep down. Once he gives his heart to someone, he goes all in. Not to say he suddenly becomes super flashy or obvious about it; it's all about the quiet gestures with him. A bouquet of flowers, a private dinner consisting of his spouses' favorite meal, the perfect gift.
So a super longwinded way of saying: yes, he knows he's worthy because he too has quite a lot of love to give if offered the chance.
4 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 3 months
Text
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆ love headcanons !
--
apple strudel - who was your muse's first crush? do they still have feelings for that person?
baklava - does your muse believe in true love? soulmates?
cannoli - how does your muse express love? how do they act when in love that differs from how they act around others normally?
chouquette - does your muse believe they deserve to be loved? why or why not?
croissant - what is your muse's ideal date?
eclair - do they want to one day be married?
inipit - what qualities do they seek in a partner? describe physical qualities and personality traits?
lattice pie - what kinds of gifts do they like to give to/receive from their partner?
macaron - what do they do after having a fight with their partner?
makmur - what role does forgiveness play?
mille-feuille - do they believe friends can become lovers? if so, when does love transcend from platonic to romantic? if not, why?
pan dulce - do they have an "i can fix them" complex? or are they one that needs to be fixed? if neither, how do they feel about the idea?
73 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 3 months
Note
"Father!" Forrest storms over to the older Nohrian with a righteous indigence, fist curled to his chest in anger, "Father, where have you been?! You haven't sent me a single letter in the past year! Why... I!"
Tears bubble at the edges of almond eyes, "I thought we had come to an understand Father, but if you are content to ignore me for a entire year, then perhaps I was wrong!"
The greenhouse courtyard is far too public a place for this.
Emerald eyes dart first left, then right, cataloguing the students and faculty milling around. Most avert their gazes, pretending to be engrossed in conversation or their own thoughts. Leo sighs inwardly; details of this familial reunion will have reached everyone in the monastery by evening.
Attention settles on Forrest. Every ounce of anger thrown Leo's way is rightly deserved; the boy fairly trembles with emotion. He appears unharmed physically, and in that Leo takes a modicum of comfort.
A phantom ache burns a line across his throat.
How can he explain the circumstances here? That magic beyond anything ever experienced before tangles time the way a child does a piece of string? That Leo died, twice, in efforts to make Pasithee's last wish come true, only to ultimately fail?
Leo was never deserving of being called Father. They'd tried repairing what had long been broken, like the Hoshidans filling the cracks in their pottery with gold. He thinks of the letters sitting in his desk drawer. For a man who loved words, his responses were slow in coming, sitting half-finished in an ever growing pile.
"Forrest," he begins, hating the anguish on his son's features. "Please, forgive me. I did not intend to ignore you or anyone else. There were...circumstances, that prevented me from writing. Even I was not aware how much time had passed."
Comfort does not come easy to him; still, he reaches out, clasping a hand on Forrest's elegantly clad shoulder. "I will happily discuss things with you in a more private location. And on the way there, will you tell me about your latest designs?"
8 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 3 months
Note
craxis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Obscure Sorrows craxis: the unease of knowing how quickly your circumstances could change on you.
He takes a perfunctory sip of wine, not tasting the sour notes rolling over his tongue. Delighted voices rise all around him, smiles loose and postures relaxed.
Tonight, they can afford a brief respite. Tonight, their focus is on a fresh victory and reaping the fruits of their hard-fought labors. The road ahead is long, but a moment to stop and smell the flowers helps them forget.
Someone laughs. Camilla, maybe. Leo registers the sound, understands he should be joining in this moment of levity with his siblings, yet his brain can't turn off. If he takes an evening off, who is ironing out their upcoming strategies? Pouring over battle and inventory reports?
The back of his neck prickles. Leo lifts his gaze, knowing who he'll find on the other end of that stare. There's a question in Xander's expression. Visible only in the slight cant of his mouth, the line in his brow.
It's one Leo can't answer here, surrounded by levity and laughter. He downs another sip of wine. One tiny mistake in his plans could spell disaster for their war, and then when will they laugh? They'd be standing around graves, not lounging in comfort.
A voice that sounds disturbingly like Corrin's positive tones echoes in his head. Shouldn't he enjoy what he can, when he can? Isn't that what they're fighting for?
Leo gives a tiny shake of his in head in silent reply to Xander's invisible question.
1 note · View note
princepsumbra · 3 months
Text
starter for: @purloyned
He knew this seminar would not be a traditional one.
'Meeting near the forest after dinner' already sounded like a cliche horror tale told around soldier's watchfires. The fact that Niles expressed interest in attending meant he'd found it intriguing, which also meant the off-putting aura around the entire seminar did nothing to dissuade him.
Still, in the archer's defense, Leo doesn't think he expected a terrifying chase in the dusk lit woods.
Hands raised high, emerald eyes remain fixated on the cloaked figure of their "instructor." Magic sparks weakly around gloved fingertips. A half-finished incantation lies prepared on his lips; he will not be caught unawares.
He felt the initial attack was nothing more than test of skills. Beginner's fencing moves are not fearsome in and of themselves. The unexpectedness of it all is the true attack. Given enough time, Leo's confident he can outmaneuver this cloaked, theatrical showman.
But he does not know what will come next, and that irritates him most of all.
"Tell me this isn't some elaborate ruse you conjured out of sheer boredom," Leo murmurs to his retainer. While he doubts even Niles would go this far for a joke, recent experiences have shaken his trust in people. "If this is, remind me never again to leave you alone for so long."
Mirkwood Ninja Warrior
8 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 3 months
Text
The battle rages on.
Beasts erupt from above and below, arriving too quickly for them to properly deal with. The horrible winged creature above rains ice and frost indiscriminately. Blood slips down his cheek from a superficial cut somewhere underneath his eye.
Allies flow around him, weapons held steady despite their clear exhaustion. Melibeous sits unmoving in its box. Leo's gaze sweeps across the ruined manor not as a soldier, but a tactician, weighing odds that are clearly stacked against them.
Their duty may be to help this tiny creature; that does not mean they need give their lives.
"Retreat!" Leo shouts above the din. Scowling, he climbs onto the rickety staircase, ignoring the ominous creaking. "Fall back! We'll be overrun if we continue at this rate!"
It's not a decision he makes lightly--many among their number may see this as weakness. He will accept their ire after they survive this.
There's another crash nearby. "Take Melibeous back to Poliades. If we fall here, who will protect the creature?"
insatiable
26 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 3 months
Text
The letter's remaining fragments resonate with him more than he'd admit out loud. Leo pushes that tangled knot aside for now, instead making note of the names listed. Poliades' is conspicuously absent. "Shame a few of them faded. We could have compared handwriting."
Leo rests a hand on the remaining shelves, fingers curling slightly, as if seeking support. He's never been unaware of his own shortcomings; impossible, when the living embodiment of everything he's not is his blood relation.
"So you learn. You ensure you don't repeat those mistakes again." Hammer away at your blemishes the way a sculptor does unfinished marble, until nothing's left but smooth perfection. "Dwelling without the desire to improve is wasted time."
He makes a noise of agreement at Poe's statement, watching her pore over the book. Something pokes out of it near the front cover.
[Roll: 4! Yayayay we did it!]
"What's this?" He says, kneeling down and pulling it free.
this paper is different from the others. rather than a personal account, it appears to be some kind of official document. most of it has sustained erosion and damage, much of the ink faded, and only a few words remain legible. following                battalion, after battle of confirmed desertion: helike
After reading aloud, he hands it off to Alcryst for transcription. The last shelf wilts with a sense of grim finality.
Leo stands. Dusts off his gloves. "Poliades has some questions to answer. Thank you, for all your efforts. They did not go unnoticed."
veil of shadows
— roll D6 per post
   ・ 1 : you find nothing
   ・ 2 : poliades' magic has resorted the shelves! existing leads lost
   ・ 3, 4, 5, 6 : you're onto something. next person must roll 3 or higher to progress
— when cumulative score reaches 10, ping rai
27 notes · View notes
princepsumbra · 3 months
Text
The little speck sitting safe in its box packs quite the punch.
Horrific creatures implode into piles of ash. Pacified for now, Leo spares a moment to inspect their curious charge. Meliboeus had grown, now appearing more substantial than something that could be knocked out with a strong gust of wind. Had it helped them because it observed their behavior, or it was somehow magically endowed with the knowledge of "good" versus "evil'?
Poliades Fortify! 1d20: 1, +1HP healed. Leo 8/10HP
Yet another in a long list he'd like to ask Poliades. The burning in his leg subsides to a dull ache, and he raises a hand in thanks. "Keep watching our backs," he whispers to Meliboeus. He talks to Faustus while on the field; the same logic applies here.
No cracking of a roof signals something more on the horizon; the twisted creature simply appears as if conjured from a nightmare.
Alcryst lands an impressive shot; Leo respects how the boy doesn't back down in the face of danger, despite his nervous nature. Brave when it counts, and that's good enough for the prince while in battle.
[Roll: 12! Desecrated One is Hit!]
[Desecrated One: 4.5/10 HP]
"Stand clear!" Leo shouts, holding his tome aloft. A purple aura envelopes him, free hand once more outstretched to command gravity and life itself.
Branches scrape upwards, razor-edged leaves stabbing into the nightmare creature with ease. It roars. Leo closes Brynhildr with a satisfied thump. "Do not let up our attacks! Strike wisely and watch your strength!"
insatiable
26 notes · View notes