[ Elise will go ahead and keep kissing Leo's cheek (and make a totally not obvious at all attempt to read over his shoulder) while he turns his attention to the next letter, addressed to the gallant and valiant Prince Leo. ]
Leo, my beloved, my sun and moon and stars, whose radiance surpasses that of all the celestial beings,
You have done well to earn the trust of the princess of light. Surely she has equipped you with the means to loosen the shadowy grips on my soul!!
But you must move quickly, for time is running out for me. You must now find she who can tame dragons, and obtain from her the strength to slay even the gods!!!
[Has it been mentioned enough in this thread how much Leo loves Odin? He loves him. He loves him so much.
So the next step is to find "she who can tame dragons." He can only imagine that's the same as the dragon princess Elise mentioned, which can only be Camilla.
Camilla might be a little harder to track down.. but following the obvious context clues of the letter, Leo thinks he knows where she is.
[ Once again, his intuition is spot on - Camilla has been spending some time in the stables cooing over her beloved Marzia, but is more than ready to pull Leo into a soft (very soft) and loving embrace and kiss his hair as soon as he's within arms reach. ]
It's so good to see you, darling. [ She may not be as deeply invested as some in Odin's fantasy adventure, but loving on her little brother is definitely something she can do, no problem at all. ] Have you been having a good birthday so far?
[ Camilla chuckles softly, fondly. Not that Leo's a particularly unhappy person, but she can't remember the last time she's seen him so happy, so radiant. It's a wonderful sight.
She gingerly rests a hand on his cheek. ] I'm happy to hear that - we all want you to enjoy yourself today. [ tee hee ] I'm sure you're terribly eager to see Odin, but would you mind if your big sister stole you away for a moment? I've been thinking, it's been quite some time since I've taken you flying.
Edited (fuck u phone tagging i wasn't done yet) 2018-06-30 17:17 (UTC)
[Leo certainly is beaming. A little bit of Odin's sunshine has rubbed off on him.
The prospect of flying with Camilla is certainly not one Leo wants to pass up, though.] It has been quite a while. Odin will understand.
[After all, if Odin sent him in Camilla's direction he must have had some idea of what her plans for Leo were.
The process of preparing Marzia to fly is almost intimate. Leo doesn't often get to ride the wyverns so he appreciates a refresher on all the steps and rerealizing how different they are from the horses. Camilla climbs atop Marzia first and Leo follows.
When he settles, he wraps his arms around his elder sister's waist. Presses his cheek to her back, mindful not to pull her hair. And they're off.]
[ (Odin absolutely understands. From wherever he's hiding, he sees the wyvern take to the sky and he's delighted.)
They say that a rider and wyvern's hearts are connected - which is definitely the case with Camilla and Marzia. The wyvern can sense how happy Camilla is in the moment and, in turn, is happy as well, going as far as to nuzzle Leo with her head to his chest while Camilla reviews safety precautions with him.
Marzia lets out a screech as they soar higher and higher into the sky, and Camilla keeps her hands tight on the reins as wind rushes past them. It's only once they've settled at a good elevation that Camilla speaks up. ] Take a look around, darling. Isn't it beautiful up here?
[ "Around" being the entirety of Windmire and its surrounding areas below them. ]
[Windmire.. Nohr has had its troubles and so sometimes Leo forgets just how vast and just how beautiful it can be. Just how beautiful it has become thanks to the hard work of his siblings and the people of Nohr.
It's even more beautiful when he's able to experience it with Camilla like this but y'know. Leo wont schmoop too much out loud.]
[ Oh please, Leo's more than allowed to be schmoopy - especially on his birthday, of all days.
But the wonder in Leo's voice is still crystal clear to Camilla, and she takes a moment to rest a hand over Leo's and squeeze his hand tight. A fond, loving little gesture, as much as she can manage right now while still wanting to keep her darling little brother safe. ] Mm... We've done well, don't you think? It's almost hard to believe these lands used to be so dry and barren.
[ And she knows exactly who's been working on that not so little project in particular. ] You've been working hard on that, haven't you? And on top of all that you do to support Xander... [ If she could kiss his cheek, she would. ] You're truly wonderful, Leo, and I'm so very proud of you.
[Leo's breath catches in his throat and suddenly his vision becomes a little foggy (from the wind, clearly. nothing else).] Camilla....
[He never asks for recognition; he just wants to do good by Nohr so it can thrive again. But hearing it from the one person who he used to want it from most... Leo buries his face in Camilla's back.] Thank you...
[ Camilla smiles to herself and pets his arm in a soothing motion. ] Of course. I love you very, very much, you know.
[ But she won't say anything else that can ruin poor Leo's heart - she does a few more circles around the castle so Leo can see all that he can see before bringing Marzia back down for a landing.
Once on solid ground, Camilla kisses his hair and presents him with a few more gifts. ]
These are from me - I hope you'll get some use out of them. [ A box, with different headbands inside! All of them are more ornate than his usual one, but there's some that're more subtle than others. ] And this is from Xander. [ She quietly pins the gift - a beautiful brooch with a lion surrounded by roses - to his cloak. ] He wanted to make sure you got it, even if he couldn't give it to you himself.
And I think you know who this is from. [ Another envelope! Addressed this time to he who is my love for all eternity, Prince Leo. ]
[Leo normally isn't one for grand events - he hates crowds and small talk which is always exactly what any kind of event is - but he would kill for an excuse, a dinner, a ball, anything, to show off his new array of headbands and the brooch. Leo's not surprised that the headbands are all beautiful, even the simpler ones, when Camilla's sense of style has always been peak. But the brooch is so gorgeous that Leo finds himself floored. Xander can sometimes.. miss the mark with these sorts of things. It's tasteful and as thoughtful as the rest of the gifts have been.
Everything about this day has been so touching... Leo's managed to keep his eyes dry up until not but he has a feeling it wont last till the end of the day. Or much longer depending on what this letter says or who he'll be meeting next.
He gingerly takes the letter from Camilla. What does his most beloved have in store for him next?]
[ This letter is significantly shorter than the other two - namely due to the fact that his "PS: I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" takes up almost half the page this time. ]
Beloved Leo, my eternal soulmate, whose gentle touch I yearn to feel once more upon me,
You are now ready to face me, and free me from this most evil and terrible curse!! Go now - meet with he who is ever your shadow at the place where your steed rests, and set out for the grand finale of your quest!!!
He's going to meet Niles at the (horse) stables. Got it. At least this means he probably wont cry. Niles has seen him at his most vulnerable and while ugly sobbing too, but he can usually keep it together around him.
Leo stands on his tip toes to give Camilla a kiss and bid her farewell, and then he goes on his way. When he arrives at the stables, he calls out to the only person he is expecting to see there.] Niles? Are you with Eve?
[ Niles is, indeed, with Eve - but he's not the one that'll respond to Leo's call. Instead, he'll hear an equally familiar voice belonging to a man that, as far as everyone knew, was supposed to be too busy with meetings and other kingly obligations to do anything special for this very important day. ]
Yes, we are.
[ When Leo rounds the corner, he'll see not only Niles, but Xander as well, tending to a fussy Eve that starts behaving the second she sees her owner. Die maybe? ]
[Leo had prepared himself for Xander to not be around today. He was fine with it - he understood that Xander was busy. He would expect nothing less of his diligent king. Besides, that Xander had even gotten him a gift - a beautiful, beautiful gift that he is going to wear as often as possible - was more than enough for Leo. There was no doubt in his mind that, despite not being around, Xander had not forgotten him on this day. He was still in his brother's mind.
All that mental prep and talking himself out of being disappointed falls to shambles when he actually sees Xander there in the stables with Niles and Eve. Leo feels his breath catch and suddenly he's not so confident in his ability to not cry yet.
Because he feels so relieved and happy to see Xander, and he feels the rush of it all at once. He hadn't realized just how much he wanted to see Xander today.]
Xander. [He hopes to all the gods and dragons above that his voice is steady.] I thought you were in meetings all day today.
[ Xander laughs, soft and light, and steps towards Leo. ]
Yes, I was supposed to be. But I postponed all my afternoon meetings so I could play a role in the celebration. [ He's never been the most physically affectionate person - unlike his sisters, it's not something that comes naturally to him. But now he pulls Leo into an embrace without a hesitation, resting one hand on his back and the other on the back of his head. ] There is nothing in this world that could've kept me from being here, Leo.
[ Especially when he knows what's coming up next. But that's Odin's surprise, and no one else's. ]
[Leo feels like his brain is short circuiting momentarily, unable to process what is happening. Xander isn't the most affectionate, true, but it's not like he's never given Leo a hug before - so why - Leo sucks in a breath and squeezes his eyes shut, effectively forcing the tiniest of tears that had formed to drip down his face. It's a quiet cry, but he's crying nonetheless.]
The king of Nohr really does as he pleases, doesn't he? [His voice cracks a little more with each word, but he ignores it. He ignores his own sniffles, too, and squeezes Xander back.] Camilla's already given me your gift, though... I love it. [But now it pales in comparison to Xander's actual presence here.]
[ Though there's the urge to squeeze Leo tighter, to wipe away his tears, Xander refrains from doing so and simply cards his fingers through his hair. He's not here to make Leo feel embarrassed for crying... ]
I'm relieved to hear that. [ As he's being held by Xander, Leo will feel a hand on his back - Niles silently showing his presence as Xander continues to talk. ] But you mustn't linger here. Odin is no doubt waiting for you.
[ Not that he'll rush Leo right now - but when he's ready to let go, Niles will offer him a (crudely) hand-drawn map that guides him away from the castle walls, to a quiet, scenic place they've snuck off to together when the castle felt too suffocating. ]
[ Odin is waiting for him - and in the typical Odin Dark (Scion of Darkness!!!!!!!) fashion, he's got quite an entrance planned for his beloved.
As Leo comes into sight, magical fireworks begin exploding above, lighting up the sky with bright, beautiful, and bold colors. ... An effect that might look better if he'd waited for nightfall, sure, but he thinks it still looks really cool.
With magical energy gathered in his palms, he raises his arms up high and exclaims in his loud, exuberant voice ] Behold! The all-powerful and legendary prince of darkness approaches!
[ He lowers one arm, hand extended out toward Leo. ] Tell me, my love - are you ready to free me from this curse that grips at my very soul?!
[Good gods. Leo is not at all surprised by the theatrics but they sure still are something.
The sound of the fireworks are loud in his ears and of course he can see the colors around him. They are beautiful but he doesn't pay them much mind beyond that. He's making a beeline for Odin and as he speaks, Leo's pace quickens.
By the time Odin extends his hand to him, Leo is walking a speedy but controlled sprint and more or less throws himself into Odin's arms. He throws his own arms around his boyfriend's shoulders and kissing him deeply in a flurry of movement.
He doesn't know if this is what Odin needs to "rid him of the curse" but it will have to do for now.]
[ To be fair, Odin himself had no clue how Leo was going to rid him of his most terrible curse. But his kiss does wonders for his heart, at least.
His arms wrap around Leo tight and he returns the kiss with equal fervor. It's only when their lips part and they have to catch their breath that he tries to speak again. ] Uh- kiss me like that again? That should do the trick. [ Not a very elegant line, but it's something? ]
And, most importantly, the wonderful boy that's producing that laugh and kissing him so nicely. Odin melts so easily into Leo's arms and for a moment he forgets himself entirely.
Only for a moment, though - he leans his forehead against his, a doofy grin on his face. ] Hah - of course, no measly curse is a match for you. [ Has he mentioned recently that he loves Leo with all his heart and soul? ] Have you enjoyed your adventure, my love?
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Leo, my beloved, my sun and moon and stars, whose radiance surpasses that of all the celestial beings,
You have done well to earn the trust of the princess of light. Surely she has equipped you with the means to loosen the shadowy grips on my soul!!
But you must move quickly, for time is running out for me. You must now find she who can tame dragons, and obtain from her the strength to slay even the gods!!!
I believe in you, always!!!!!!!!!
πΊπππ π―πππ
PS: I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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So the next step is to find "she who can tame dragons." He can only imagine that's the same as the dragon princess Elise mentioned, which can only be Camilla.
Camilla might be a little harder to track down.. but following the obvious context clues of the letter, Leo thinks he knows where she is.
To the wyvern stables.]
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It's so good to see you, darling. [ She may not be as deeply invested as some in Odin's fantasy adventure, but loving on her little brother is definitely something she can do, no problem at all. ] Have you been having a good birthday so far?
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[He steps back, donning the flower crown and the cloak, a little embarrassed, and heart so full of love and joy.] Yes, it's been wonderful, thank you.
Odin's... set up quite an adventure for me.
[FOND!!!!!]
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She gingerly rests a hand on his cheek. ] I'm happy to hear that - we all want you to enjoy yourself today. [ tee hee ] I'm sure you're terribly eager to see Odin, but would you mind if your big sister stole you away for a moment? I've been thinking, it's been quite some time since I've taken you flying.
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The prospect of flying with Camilla is certainly not one Leo wants to pass up, though.] It has been quite a while. Odin will understand.
[After all, if Odin sent him in Camilla's direction he must have had some idea of what her plans for Leo were.
The process of preparing Marzia to fly is almost intimate. Leo doesn't often get to ride the wyverns so he appreciates a refresher on all the steps and rerealizing how different they are from the horses. Camilla climbs atop Marzia first and Leo follows.
When he settles, he wraps his arms around his elder sister's waist. Presses his cheek to her back, mindful not to pull her hair. And they're off.]
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They say that a rider and wyvern's hearts are connected - which is definitely the case with Camilla and Marzia. The wyvern can sense how happy Camilla is in the moment and, in turn, is happy as well, going as far as to nuzzle Leo with her head to his chest while Camilla reviews safety precautions with him.
Marzia lets out a screech as they soar higher and higher into the sky, and Camilla keeps her hands tight on the reins as wind rushes past them. It's only once they've settled at a good elevation that Camilla speaks up. ] Take a look around, darling. Isn't it beautiful up here?
[ "Around" being the entirety of Windmire and its surrounding areas below them. ]
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[Windmire.. Nohr has had its troubles and so sometimes Leo forgets just how vast and just how beautiful it can be. Just how beautiful it has become thanks to the hard work of his siblings and the people of Nohr.
It's even more beautiful when he's able to experience it with Camilla like this but y'know. Leo wont schmoop too much out loud.]
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But the wonder in Leo's voice is still crystal clear to Camilla, and she takes a moment to rest a hand over Leo's and squeeze his hand tight. A fond, loving little gesture, as much as she can manage right now while still wanting to keep her darling little brother safe. ] Mm... We've done well, don't you think? It's almost hard to believe these lands used to be so dry and barren.
[ And she knows exactly who's been working on that not so little project in particular. ] You've been working hard on that, haven't you? And on top of all that you do to support Xander... [ If she could kiss his cheek, she would. ] You're truly wonderful, Leo, and I'm so very proud of you.
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[He never asks for recognition; he just wants to do good by Nohr so it can thrive again. But hearing it from the one person who he used to want it from most... Leo buries his face in Camilla's back.] Thank you...
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[ But she won't say anything else that can ruin poor Leo's heart - she does a few more circles around the castle so Leo can see all that he can see before bringing Marzia back down for a landing.
Once on solid ground, Camilla kisses his hair and presents him with a few more gifts. ]
These are from me - I hope you'll get some use out of them. [ A box, with different headbands inside! All of them are more ornate than his usual one, but there's some that're more subtle than others. ] And this is from Xander. [ She quietly pins the gift - a beautiful brooch with a lion surrounded by roses - to his cloak. ] He wanted to make sure you got it, even if he couldn't give it to you himself.
And I think you know who this is from. [ Another envelope! Addressed this time to he who is my love for all eternity, Prince Leo. ]
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Everything about this day has been so touching... Leo's managed to keep his eyes dry up until not but he has a feeling it wont last till the end of the day. Or much longer depending on what this letter says or who he'll be meeting next.
He gingerly takes the letter from Camilla. What does his most beloved have in store for him next?]
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Beloved Leo, my eternal soulmate, whose gentle touch I yearn to feel once more upon me,
You are now ready to face me, and free me from this most evil and terrible curse!! Go now - meet with he who is ever your shadow at the place where your steed rests, and set out for the grand finale of your quest!!!
I will see you soon, my love!!!!!!!!
πΊπππ π―πππ
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He's going to meet Niles at the (horse) stables. Got it. At least this means he probably wont cry. Niles has seen him at his most vulnerable and while ugly sobbing too, but he can usually keep it together around him.
Leo stands on his tip toes to give Camilla a kiss and bid her farewell, and then he goes on his way. When he arrives at the stables, he calls out to the only person he is expecting to see there.] Niles? Are you with Eve?
[Eve is his horse. I've just decided that.]
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Yes, we are.
[ When Leo rounds the corner, he'll see not only Niles, but Xander as well, tending to a fussy Eve that starts behaving the second she sees her owner. Die maybe? ]
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All that mental prep and talking himself out of being disappointed falls to shambles when he actually sees Xander there in the stables with Niles and Eve. Leo feels his breath catch and suddenly he's not so confident in his ability to not cry yet.
Because he feels so relieved and happy to see Xander, and he feels the rush of it all at once. He hadn't realized just how much he wanted to see Xander today.]
Xander. [He hopes to all the gods and dragons above that his voice is steady.] I thought you were in meetings all day today.
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Yes, I was supposed to be. But I postponed all my afternoon meetings so I could play a role in the celebration. [ He's never been the most physically affectionate person - unlike his sisters, it's not something that comes naturally to him. But now he pulls Leo into an embrace without a hesitation, resting one hand on his back and the other on the back of his head. ] There is nothing in this world that could've kept me from being here, Leo.
[ Especially when he knows what's coming up next. But that's Odin's surprise, and no one else's. ]
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The king of Nohr really does as he pleases, doesn't he? [His voice cracks a little more with each word, but he ignores it. He ignores his own sniffles, too, and squeezes Xander back.] Camilla's already given me your gift, though... I love it. [But now it pales in comparison to Xander's actual presence here.]
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I'm relieved to hear that. [ As he's being held by Xander, Leo will feel a hand on his back - Niles silently showing his presence as Xander continues to talk. ] But you mustn't linger here. Odin is no doubt waiting for you.
[ Not that he'll rush Leo right now - but when he's ready to let go, Niles will offer him a (crudely) hand-drawn map that guides him away from the castle walls, to a quiet, scenic place they've snuck off to together when the castle felt too suffocating. ]
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Leo gathers himself so he can give both Xander and Niles a proper thank you and farewell.
And though the map may be crude, Leo knows exactly where Odinβs leading him from just a glance. Thereβs no mistake.
He hurries. Because Odin is waiting and his heart cannot wait another second.]
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As Leo comes into sight, magical fireworks begin exploding above, lighting up the sky with bright, beautiful, and bold colors. ... An effect that might look better if he'd waited for nightfall, sure, but he thinks it still looks really cool.
With magical energy gathered in his palms, he raises his arms up high and exclaims in his loud, exuberant voice ] Behold! The all-powerful and legendary prince of darkness approaches!
[ He lowers one arm, hand extended out toward Leo. ] Tell me, my love - are you ready to free me from this curse that grips at my very soul?!
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The sound of the fireworks are loud in his ears and of course he can see the colors around him. They are beautiful but he doesn't pay them much mind beyond that. He's making a beeline for Odin and as he speaks, Leo's pace quickens.
By the time Odin extends his hand to him, Leo is walking a speedy but controlled sprint and more or less throws himself into Odin's arms. He throws his own arms around his boyfriend's shoulders and kissing him deeply in a flurry of movement.
He doesn't know if this is what Odin needs to "rid him of the curse" but it will have to do for now.]
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His arms wrap around Leo tight and he returns the kiss with equal fervor. It's only when their lips part and they have to catch their breath that he tries to speak again. ] Uh- kiss me like that again? That should do the trick. [ Not a very elegant line, but it's something? ]
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True love's kiss is truly powerful..! [He jokes but he isn't about to not kiss Odin again. He is very much kissing Odin again.]
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And those kisses.
And, most importantly, the wonderful boy that's producing that laugh and kissing him so nicely. Odin melts so easily into Leo's arms and for a moment he forgets himself entirely.
Only for a moment, though - he leans his forehead against his, a doofy grin on his face. ] Hah - of course, no measly curse is a match for you. [ Has he mentioned recently that he loves Leo with all his heart and soul? ] Have you enjoyed your adventure, my love?
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