#xjackdaw

Even as a child there had been something undeniably serpentine in his appearance; his demeanor and nuances. But she had never quite been the child most might have been, a delusion that many went into if their mothers or fathers were nobles within the Nohrian court. How quickly it had extinguished that innocent flame with manicured fingers and hateful, children’s hands. Now with her return, she wondered what his mind possessed. What thoughts, for while she was not all-knowing, such a thing was foolish to even assume . . 

( He was undeniably untrustworthy, from childhood, now to adulthood, her vision had not changed. ) 

@xjackdaw liked for a starter!

“It was unavoidable.” Leo said at length. “If I hadn’t focused my efforts into dousing the flames, the entire fort would’ve been destroyed. I realize that the target escaped but—“

“—interesting. I’m afraid I must have misheard.” King Garon’s gaze narrowed in the dim flicker of torchlight. “I could’ve sworn you just admitted to the need for punishment due to your repeated failures to quell the rebellion in the North.”

The throne room was darker than usual due to the lack of moonlight seeping in. The light that was there shrouded the king in ominous shadow, and from where Leo knelt the darkness was particularly intimidating. It was near impossible to make out his father’s face, but his voice was clear, and his words were sharp.

“Punish me if you wish, but it will not help our cause.” He chose his words carefully. “The leader of the rebellion escaped, but our forces have him confined within the forests along the Northern border. If we waste this opportunity to destroy the rebellion while they’re cornered, then we’ll truly have lost all ground we’ve gained.”

“Hmm. You provide an interesting argument.” King Garon drummed his fingers against the arm of his throne. “But why should I send you? Your competence has been less than impressive as of late.”

“Because,” Leo forced his eyes to meet the face that glared down at him. “This mission is not over, and you assigned it to me.” He hoped his gaze appeared as determined as the emotion he willed into his words. “To send anyone else would show weakness to our enemy—confusion in our ranks. Furthermore, Xander and Camilla are away, and calling them back would waste the precious time success hinders upon. I’m the best option you have. I haven’t failed my mission yet, and I don’t intend to.”

A long silence followed, and as it went on the tension between them only grew. Leo maintained his gaze, though he wondered if the thud of his heart was audible, or if his father was merely taking his time in considering the most vicious retort he could manage.

“Very well.” When the king delivered the words with a curt nod, Leo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “But you will not go alone. Iago,” he gestured the man who hovered in the darkness to his right, “you will accompany the boy. I trust together you will have the success I demand.”

Leo felt his jaw clench when his father looked between them, but when signaled to rise he did so with grace. “Very well.” His tone was carefully stoic. “It would be an honor to work with a man known to be so skilled and experienced in battle.”

It was an ironic punishment he’d been given-- anchoring a ship was not likely to help it reach its destination—but it was feasible.

there are two kinds of bird people

“P-Pardon me...er...Sir? I was just curious about your outfit..”

With cautious steps, the small red head dares to move closer into more polite conversation range. Her smile was a bit shaky, obviously due to embarrassment and nerves, but still there in an attempt for friendliness.

“I suppose so.  I was just hoping the master tactician might be able to come up with something last minute to get us both out of this.  Maybe Elise could have a crying fit over losing her sister and you could graciously decide to reconsider.”

She spoke under her breath in a dull tone, aware this plan was unfeasible.  But one could dream, even in the midst of tragedy.

The princess was wearing the most expensive gown and jewels that had ever touched her skin, and was desperately uncomfortable and hot.  She’d heard people whispering she was blushing with excitement and had to violently suppress the urge to loudly correct them.  She had promised to try to be polite for the sake of Iago’s parents, who seemed remarkably normal and good natured to produce a slime like him.

But for right now they were joined in the solidarity of hating this stuffy event and the purpose for it.

[CLOSED RP with @xjackdaw]

Xander scoured the castle, doing his best to not be frustrated. He could not eliminate the frown overtaking his features, however. Iago certainly was not on the prince's list of people he loved to talk to. But he could not claim that the older man wasn't smart. It was this exact factor that led Xander to finding him.