#deviousprinceofdarkness

🌧 to be caught in a sudden storm with my muse beach asks: accepting

Beruka sat hunched under the overhung roof by the entryway of the hotel, knees tucked into her chest, staring at the dark overcast of ashy gray clouds as rainfall began to makes its way to the earth. The pitter patter of rain hitting against the rooftop managed to quell any unrest that remained in her head, kneading out the furrows of her brows and sinking into a state of tranquility.

Even as a young child living in the slums, what little rainfall came over the dark country of Nohr always managed to keep her calm. She would often find herself in the same state that she was in now; sitting back on her haunches with her knees tucked in, sat beneath some decrepit rooftop that kept together with misshapen nails and rope, constantly in danger of toppling over and crushing her small body. 

Even if she were drenched in water, shivering and cold from having soaked in wet clothes for far longer than she should, it was a state she much preferred. A storm was the only time when, contradictory to its usual image, that the slums were quiet. Most, if not all, would avoid the streets altogether, hiding under what shelter they could find to avoid getting pounded by the downpour. The sound of rain usually served as white noise for the young child, able to drown out the moans and screams of the poor and the dying. She often welcomed the rain upon her allowing its purity to wash away the sins she bore; the blood of her victims and past washing away into the streets out of sight and out of mind.

Of course that was just her imagination. No matter how hard she tried, even if she made a plea to the Gods, her sins would never wash away. They would always be there with her—from now until the day she drew her last breath.

She turned to face her new company, eyes opening slightly in surprise at his appearance. She had suspected that the other Nohrian royals would be here but it was still a shock nonetheless to see them in person. She stood from her hunched figure, straightening herself out before the prince. Though she had no lingering loyalty towards him, as someone Lady Camilla deeply cared for she felt it right to show him some ounce of respect.

Kissing Booth, Open for Service! || send “kiss!” for, well, y’know…

To see his uncle step into line was surely a surprise. Last Siegbert checked, Leo was not exactly the most affectionate person on earth. When he finally steps to the front of the line, Siegbert can only stare for a few moments before finally speaking.

“And here I was thinking you’d prefer not to exchange such pleasantries in public, uncle. Have you really come for a kiss?”

He won’t tease Leo too much. With a soft grin, he stands and leans over the booth, if only to press a gentle kiss to his uncle’s cheek.

Official TOA Beach Day! || send 🏐 to play a game with my muse

Grey eyes light up the second the mage prince approaches him. Uncle Leo wants to play with him? Awesome! Oh, but what to play... Uncle wasn’t quite the type for things like volleyball or playing chicken in the water, so... 

Head snaps up, a genius idea comes to mind. “I’d love to play, uncle!” he grins, already bouncing in place. “Did you see that big chessboard over by that cluster of umbrellas? We could play that!” 

Bare hand snatches up Leo’s and drags him off to the safety of the shade, where an over-sized, lightweight chessboard lay set up on a checkered cloth somewhat-submerged in the sand. It’s humbling to see how Kana quiets down once they start to play, the true face of a little king-to-be. 

The match lasts a surprisingly long time; Kana has clearly gotten better at strategy since he left for the academy. Thumb and index finger stroke his chin, soft hm’s leaving him now and again; surely, seeing this game would make his parents proud. He’s learning!

Official TOA Beach Day! ||  📗 individual reading time

Siegbert knew his uncle well. He could see when Leo was in need of rest, clearly fatigued and aching. Above all else, he wanted his uncle to feel okay again, so Siegbert took it upon himself to keep a watchful eye—

—even if that meant clearly getting caught. Leo looks up from his book and immediately calls out to him; cheeks somewhat flushed, Siegbert settles down beside his uncle, a book of his own held loosely in his hands.

Munday Asks Not Accepting

🍄 = my opinion on crossovers

In a roleplay setting, honestly, this is my only experience with crossovers. I’ve talked before about how this is my first real foray into RPing canon characters, so it’s also my first exposure to crossover roleplay. And with the setting ToA has, since it’s all within one universe, the term is pretty loose at best. I like it a lot though! Since my muse is canon to the setting, interacting with those from outside of it is really interesting. There’s no “preset” basis for how those interactions would go, and I like the creative freedom that comes with that.

Family is a concept Leo is vaguely familiar with.  Siblings, yes, but forging a relationship with a nephew whom he rarely saw? Uncharted territory. So he approached it like any new problem: as strategically as possible. 1. Obtain gift. 2. Wrap gift. 3. Deliver gift. Leo found his nephew by the training hall–the spitting image of a younger Xander–and offered him a greeting. Holding out a small package, the older prince smiles softly. “Happy birthday, Siegbert.” Inside rests a fresh block of rosin for Siegbert’s violin bow. “I would be honored to hear you play one day.“

It’s something he’s used to—while he trains, most people leave him alone, some afraid that he might get distracted and hurt them, while most simply don’t want to interrupt his focus. His uncle enters at the perfect time, right as Siegbert is taking a short water break.

“Uncle Leo,” he greets with a smile. Siegbert would never say it aloud, but of all of his aunts and uncles, Leo was his favorite; the mage seemed to understand him the best out of anyone in his family. Quiet and reserved, the same as Siegbert himself.

The carefully-wrapped present is opened neatly, and after laying eyes on the small block of rosin, his expression shifts into one of pure adoration.

“You’ve done your research, I see,” he laughs quietly. “I’ve been meaning to go out and get new rosin for a while, but never found the time. Thank you, uncle.”