leoxerickson

[leoxerickson]

theodorestoneward​:

-

“Your happiness is my utmost priority. Parliament, the rebellion, and the people of Elysi are all secondary to your needs.” Theodore responds dryly, his expression and overall disposition still tense. It was commonplace for Leo to be the recipient of Theo’s harsh moods. With so few to turn to, he had become a necessary outlet. In turn, the Northerner responded with an easiness that he never anticipated needing. A shred of sanity, amidst the psychosis that began to draw upon him. “What can I do to rectify the situation? Should I step outside and pretend to be afraid again?”

He quirks his lips, the anecdote fitting for the situation. He was not a thief, and therefore never had to rely on slight of hands. Instead, his was a game of strategic manipulation. Theo supposed one lent the other. “And what is bigger than the Lord of the most fertile land in Elysi? I already have my fiance, should we need to claim to the trading ports. And the Red Keep is Phelix’s domain. No, it will have to be something different.” He snorts, the derision in Leo’s words all too predictable. The fellow rebel never had a fondness for his relationship with the assassin. “None quite like her. She’s brilliant, selfish, and devoid of sentiment and idealism.” Theodore summarizes, an almost wicked smile now occupying his face. “And I would like her skill set among our ranks.” And more aptly, her presence by his side.

-

“Now there’s the best friend I know and love,” Leo joked, the corner of his lips tilting up into an amused grin despite Theo’s tense disposition. He knew Theo was in one of his many moods, but at least the man was still joking which was a good sign. “I mean I’m not going to say no to that,” Leo told the other cheekily despite not actually expecting the man to do it.

“Not sure. You’re the strategist, remember? I’m just the ideas guy. But, maybe something to do with Loqoala? Or maybe we use one of the other Ashcrafts in the meantime while Alek is still in the picture? Or you know, send your thief in to snatch up their trade route information? Or I don’t know. Find a way to have you become the crown prince already?” Leo tossed a few ideas out there, not thinking much of it as he yammered on. “Devoid of sentiment and idealism? You know what that sounds like to me? Boring... Just saying,” Leo let out a low whistle as he rolled his eyes lightly over at the other. “Oh I’m sure you would. You’re quite fond of her ‘skill set’, aren’t you?”

[leoxerickson]

masqucradings​:

CECILY  WAS  A  GHOST  ,  slipping  into  the  keep  silently  and  leaving  no  trace  of  her  behind.  all  this  effort  only  to  find  theo’s  loyal  lapdog  behind  closed  doors.  she  made  no  effort  to  hide  her  scowl  as  she  shut  the  door  behind  her.  her  distaste  for  the  prince’s  friend  was  no  secret  ,  thankfully.  cecily  could  scowl  and  groan  all  she  wished.  

     “  yarra’s  dry  cunt  ,  what  are  you  doing  here?  ”  disgust  dripped  off  of  cecily’s  words  ,  her  eyes  rolling  at  the  sight  of  him.  she  entered  the  room  nonetheless  ,  plucking  a  couple  grapes  from  their  stems  as  she  passed  leo.  eventually  she  made  her  way  to  theo’s  bed  ,  kicking  off  her  shoes  so  she  could  tuck  her  feet  under  her.     

     “  i’ll  wait.  ”  cecily  finally said  ,  narrowed  eyes  resting  on  leo.  if  he  were  so  lucky  ,  she  thought.  cecily  felt  a  tinge  of  satisfaction  knowing  that  she  was  disrupting  his  plans  for  the  evening.  “  i  know  by  now  not  to  trust  your  memory.  ”  

“Oh haven’t you heard, I’m the Prince’s lover. The two of us are very found of one another,” Leo told Cecily with a cheeky smile. The sarcasm rolling off the tip of his tongue despite the amused look in his gaze in response to Cecily’s scowl. 

“Oh joy,” Leo muttered under his breath. It was now his turn to let at a scowl at the thought he might be stuck with Cecily until Theo’s return. “Just what I always wanted. An assassin who is- what was it that Theo said? Oh! Yeah. ‘Devoid of sentiment and idealism’,” He grumbled, shooting Cecily a look as he popped another grape into his mouth. 

[leoxerickson]

sirlucanerickson​:

Lucan loved hard and where family was concerned, he held room in his heart even in the most disappointing of circumstances. Had he always wanted his brother to follow in the footsteps of those before him as well? He definitely had, but did he selfishly want to forge a bond with Leo despite the disappointment? He most certainly would. Their mother leaving left an empty hole in the family and Lucan wouldn’t allow this to mean that he lost a brother as well. 

“Sir Lucan has never done a single thing wrong ever in his life,” Lucan said, an amused grin playing at his features as he and his brother both knew that to be a falsehood. Even though he did mostly tell the truth in his life, he wasn’t completely a saint. “When they told me I would have a younger brother, I only wish someone foretold of what it would be like. I did not agree to this being my life.” His words were lighthearted and he knew Leo knew this wasn’t an actual poke at him, but rather an amusing assessment of their current predicament. “Sir Lucan’s coins won’t be paying for anything. I told them thief and known swindler Leo Erickson was the culprit. But that drink for my pain and suffering would do just fine,” he said dramatically as if there were actually any pain or suffering that he endured.  

Lucan studied his brother for a moment, concerned etched in his gaze. “How are you?” he asked. “You fairing okay?” Sometimes he wanted to ask just what his brother was up to, but he feared the knowledge would implicate him as complicit in things he didn’t truly want to be a part of. 

Leo burst into a fit of laughter as his older brother not only referred to himself in the third person, but also how the righteous knight made a clearly bold faced lie. “So we can add lying to the list of crimes against Sir Lucan, I see,” Leo chuckled some more. “And not many people do and yet here I am. A blessing and a curse wrapped up in one. You’re welcome,” He added with an amused smirk as he went ahead and ordered himself an ale. Despite their differences, he knew his brother still adored him, just like he loved his brother. Even if their differences sometimes drove a wedge between them. “Aww fuck. You gave them my name? What kind of wingman are you? No. Nope. No drink for you. You ratting me out makes us equal, oh brother of mine,” Leo grumbled, glancing over his shoulder, suddenly slightly more on edge than he had been a moment before, well aware of how many people the thief had offended or pissed off in the past.

Glancing back over at his brother, Leo gave Lucan a raised brow. “I’m fairing just fine,” He told the other, which wasn’t completely a lie. Especially now that he had befriended a Prince of all people. “Don’t worry about me, Lucan. Believe it or not, I have friends in high place,” He said, brushing off his brother’s concern with a shrug. Even though Leo was well aware that his words probably wouldn’t ease his brother’s concern much.

[leoxerickson]

oggyfromthebog​:

…

“Oi, don’t be silly, you. It’s not like I plan to spill my beer in a specific area, is it? It’s the whole bartop.” Oggy rolled his eyes. Leaning against the bar as he waited for Leo to sort himself out. “Either way neither of us has to be desperate enough to be sleeping or licking on bartops if we play our cards right.” 

“Come of it, just want you to get a start on getting into your character. Yeah? S’bit more complicated that she’s horny. She’s horny, horrible, and rich. Plus she thinks you got a title bigger than hers from foreign parts but are sadly down on your luck. Think you can do that?” Oggy dropped a heavy satchel on the counter top. “Got some options in there for your outfits, they’re a bit baggy on my own arms but sure to fit you since your last growth spurt. Big lad that you are, she’s liable to be salivating as soon as she sees you all totted up in fancy taffeta. You know what they like”

“And you call me unsanitary after you’ve just confessed to licking the entire bar up and down with your tongue?” Leo made a face at the thought, climbing down off of the bar and sniffing himself over. Oh he definitely needed to wash up. Especially now that he had napped in what he could only imagine being Oggy’s saliva. “Doubt that would stop us, but alright, alright. I’m in,” Leo grumbled, not exactly one to be turning down a job either. 

So just pretend to be Theo? Leo couldn’t help, but think as Oggy explained the target. “Yeah, yeah. Easy enough. And eh- I’m gonna go with my own costume stash. No offense,” Leo said as he riffled through the clothes before moving behind the bar to the backroom Zaynder let him use to store his gear, quickly washing up before popping back out wearing an old outfit of Theo’s the Prince had let him keep. “How’s this?” He asked, looking over at the other with a raised brow. “Think it’s convincing enough?”

[leoxerickson]

Leo glanced over at the woman. His lips curling up into a grin as he slowly placed the knife he had been looking at back down. “Nice eye you got there,” He mused, glancing from her down to the wolf companion that laid beside her. “And um... wolf? Do they got a name?” He asked, not bothering to hide his admiration that the woman had actually caught the expert thief trying to snag one of her items or his curiosity in wolf companion. Keeping his distance from the wolf despite his curiosity in the other. 

@leoxerickson​

She didn’t venture to Mer Sereine very often. In fact, if she didn’t have to, she wouldn’t. But she drew the short end of the stick and her, along with three or four other tribe members, had to venture in to the city in hopes to sell some excess wares. There was pelts, bows and arrows, knives, and an assortment of leather items. Her tribe mates were meant to peddle and sell, and she was supposed to watch and protect.

But that didn’t mean she wasn’t bored out of her mind as she watched them desperately try to sell from where she laid in the wagon. Her ever present wolf companion laid next to her, one eye open, as his head rested on her lap.

Movement catches her eyes and she warns lazily, “I would put that back if I were you.”

[leoxerickson]

annoraamaranthe​:

-

His retort cause Nora to smile and she hated herself for it. She simply detested the way her heart beat’s normal steady strum seemed to pick up from the moment she’d laid eyes on him. She’d opened her mouth to retort, but stopped herself quickly.

“Not quite, not all of us are mountains. Some of us seemed to have been missed when the gods were determining height,” she joked. It was oddly easy to fall into a back and forth rapport with him. She hadn’t forgotten their interactions, but she had thought that it’d be more difficult. With her heart’s ache and the sad way that she felt as though any moment the sight of him could bring her to unwanted tears, it surprised her at how easily she could joke with him. She also felt herself want to practically melt at his words about her eyes. Nora let out a shaky breath, trying to remind herself that even though part of her wanted to jump into his arms  and let him go that that was over. The swooning over the handsome thief was out of the question. “Avoiding you? I thought that you were done with me?”

The dragon rider shook her head feeling just as confused as he sounded at the moment. She hadn’t been avoiding him, but rather avoiding all the places that held memories of the two of them. After his distance and seemingly pulling away, the last thing she wanted to do was dwell on past memories and what could have been between them.

When he cupped her face in her hands, she closed her eyes against the feel of his skin against hers. A stray tear betrayed her, falling down her cheek at his touch. The absence of such an act, sending her heart into a persistent ache. “W-what?” She asked, her mind feeling foggy with confusion. Her hand moved atop his holding it against her cheek, not wanting to relinquish his touch just yet. “You…came back?” She asked, surprise in her tone. Her tear-filled gaze unwaveringly on his now. “To do what? Break up with me? To tell me I’m not enough?” She supplied. “I only left because you started to disappear on me. You were distant, like you were pushing me away and then you left. I couldn’t bare it, the man that I -“ she shook her head, not wanting to say the word now. “That I cared about, pushing me away. I thought you weren’t coming back.”

- 

The corner of his lips tilted up ever so slightly at the sight of Nora’s smile. Gods, did he miss that smile. His heart annoyingly drumming louder against his chest as he took her in.

“See, that’s where we’d disagree. I’m not sure the gods missed anything when it came to you,” He admitted quietly under his breath. His gaze shifting as he spoke. It was surprisingly easy to slip back into their familiar back and forth rapport. But, with it, came a painful jab in his chest that he had been hoping to forget. “Done with you? Why would I have been done with you?” He asked, shaking his head in disbelief. “I was gone for a week tops and when I came back you had vanished quite like a ghost might I add. I searched everywhere and asked around, but no one seemed to have spotted you or if they had, they didn’t want me to know about it at least and after a while, well, frankly it was getting a little pathetic so... Let’s just say, I got the hint, Nor,” Leo shrugged, shoving his fists into his pockets as he did, despite the pained and slightly humiliated look across his gaze. 

His thumb lightly brushing away her stray tear as he own hand rested lightly a top of his. “Yeah, Gem. I came back,” He whispered once more. His deep voice was almost rough and raw as he spoke. “To do what- No. Fuck,” Leo cursed, shaking his head as he lowered his hand back down to his side.  “I was coming to tell you that I love- loved- it doesn’t even matter. I mean, fuck, Nora. Is that what you really think of me? I mean I get it. I’m a nobody and a thief. Message received,” He mumbled under his breath, starting to turn away on the balls of his feet. Leo knew that was all people saw when they looked at him. That he was a lowlife. The kind of guy you wanted to steer clear of. And maybe they were right. Just another reminder of why Leo didn’t flirt, he didn’t do love and he didn’t do hook ups. It all just seemed fairly worthless these days. “I wasn’t dist- I was nervous. I had never fucking done this before and, to be honest, you can be kind of intimidating,” He shook his head, running his hand through his tangled curls as he did. He had been trying to get his thoughts together and figure out how to explain all that he was feeling in words, but before he even got the chance, she had made the decision for them. “Yeah... well... I guess It doesn’t really matter now... does it?” He asked, quietly under his breath. His eyes glued onto his shoes as every nerve in his body was begging for him to walk away before he made even more of a fool of himself than he already had been- admitting he had fallen for a girl whom seemed to have already made up her mind about him.

[leoxerickson]

why are you siting over there? there’s a perfectly good lap right here.- Leo

“Why? Cause, you absolute brat. You may think you’re something special ‘cause you’re tall and all muscly” Oggy stood up, kicking his stool away as he sauntered over. Pointed finger waving over toward Leo. “You think, cause of all that I’m just gonna’ fall for your lines like I’m some sappy young thing. But you don’t know what kinda’ tiger you’re poking.”

“Like I’m just going to come over here,” he stopped in front of Leo, “sit myself down,” he planted one foot to the side of Leo’s lap before sitting down and straddling the younger down. “And just like that I’m--” he rocked back and forth “Oh. Ohh, now that is surprisingly plush.” Oggy blinked. Reaching down and squeezing one of Leo’s thighs. “Fuck, you’re brother’s gonna kill me isn’t he?”

@leoxerickson

[leoxerickson]

theodorestoneward​:

-

“If I humor you once, you will inevitably resort to even grander antics.” Theodore summarizes knowingly. Leo’s penchant for trouble making was off-putting at first. A far cry from Theo’s calm and strategic disposition. But within the ranks of the rebellion’s cause, he learned to appreciate the light touch of the Northerner. Or perhaps, he simply clung onto him as a singular companion in the hardship of a rebellion. Either way, his foul mood is visibly lightened by Leo’s anecdotes. With a sigh of deflection, he plops onto the spot beside him, his head resting atop the previously-admired pillow. His breath steadies, with his fingers coming rubbing the space between his eyebrows.

“A couple of days. It will only spark further doubts regarding my fealty to the cause. It is already under question as is.” Theo believed his loyalty proven by the destruction of his home and of his family. But his moment of weakness, in the form of an exchange with Kirian, prompted wider speculation. “That Lord controls the majority of Elysi’s food supply. His removal all but guaranteed our control of the Reach. Now, I must stand idly by as their line their pockets and ration our men.” Puffing his lips, he turns towards the man to his left. “I have yet to tell Cecily of the news. This was her opportunity to align herself within our ranks.”

“Maybe,” Leo chuckled under his breath, amused as to how well his dear friend knew him. “But, in doing so you would make me so immensely happy. I mean don’t you want to make me happy? Just a little bit?” He teased. His signature smirk ever present across his lips as he watched the other plop down on the bed beside him. A pleased glint finding its way to Leo’s eyes as he did. Leo knew that his joking nature could sometimes be off putting, but he found it easier to crack witty retorts than to stress over the twisted thoughts raging on in the back of his head. That and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy lighting someone’s mood now and again.

“Huh. That complicates things. But, at least it buys us enough time to come up with a plan to pitch to them. The basics of thieving- distract them with the temptation of a bigger prize than you originally offered, and then they don’t seem to care as much that it took you a bit longer,” Leo offered up with a shrug. “And as for the Duke, they’ll be another chance and, in the meantime, I mean you have a world class thief right here that you’ve yet to put into play,” He pointed out. His grin twisted into a grimace however at the mention of Cecily. “Oh drats. Was it? Oh well. I mean they’ll be other assassins,” Leo let out a low hum, shooting his friend as innocent of a look as he could muster.

[leoxerickson]

“Forgotten about me already, have you?” He let out low whistle as he stepped out from around the fallen bucket. It had been a while since the thief had returned to the castle with Leo preferring to avoid coming home if anything. The North being a blatant reminder for him of memories he would rather forget- of the silhouette of his father turning his back towards him and cutting him out of his life, of the time he would never get back with his mother, of his brother’s obsession with the knighthood and finding her, and now, of a princess whom had only viewed him as a boy- as a thief. 

“Princess,” He nodded in her direction, taking the time to draw out each syllable. Leo knew the woman was a Queen now, with a husband and two little kids for that matter. But, she’d always be that girl who would tell him off to him.

With everything on her mind, she felt like she barely got a minute of sleep. Rosaline had been tossing and turning long enough to see the sun peak over the horizon. The beginning of a new day. She didn’t see much of a reason to keep to her bed if rest was never going to come. She got up and dressed modestly, tying a shawl around her shoulders before stepping into shoes and hurrying out to the stables where the horses were kept.

Rosaline always loved the horses and feeding them apples and carrots that had been left in a bucket from one of the stable-hands a few days before was enough to distract her for the moment. She whispered compliments as well as worries to them, chuckling as they huffed and whinnied to their own accord. Rosaline turned to return the feed bucket to its place when she heard a fumble and crash from the other side of the structure. “Hello?” She called out, “Who’s there?”

@leoxerickson​

[leoxerickson]

annoraamaranthe​:

-

Nora thought that she could do this. That she could handle being in his presence, but she felt almost like she could crumble. She thought back to how her heart ached every time she noticed his distance, and then finally his absence. The way her heart felt as though some affliction had caused its agonizing ache. Sure, she’d moved on with her life, and the ache was easier now, but now he wasn’t more than an intangible memory. 

When he called her Gem, her breath hitched, her step faltering as she fought the pain in her gaze. Calling her Gem had made her feel as though she was worth something. She was his Gem a most valuable treasure when in her own life she felt more than worthless in most ways and like she could never measure up. To him, she had felt as though she did. Until she didn’t anymore. Until he was gone and she was left with more questions that she was afraid to ask. Afraid that she wouldn’t be enough for him either. 

As the arrived in the more private corner of the tavern, she looked up at him. “Did you grow?” she huffed, moving to stand in a chair, still not quite right, she moved to stand on the table that just a bit taller. “I didn’t want to give you a way to not meet my eyes,” she explained. “So…you’re not dead. Very alive,” she assessed. “I’d hoped I’d be more angry at you. Oh believe me there were times when I’d pace and let loose my angry rants on Cressida as if she were you just as practice for this moment. I called you every foul name there was. And it’s frustrating that I can’t yell at you. I want to be angry with you. I want to hate you.” Her voice was low, not the usual angry Nora that she often exhibited when she felt heightened emotion. This one was defeated. Broken. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if she needed the comfort to keep herself together. 

“You disappeared..or faded. You came into my life, made yourself as necessary as air. And then you were gone.”  She’d always held the assumption that he’d come to the realization that she was not enough or perhaps she was too much this time, she couldn’t keep up with which she was and to whom. Living in two different worlds, as if there was a middle when there was not. She would be ready for the words this time, to hear them, and she wanted him to look her in the eyes as he confirmed it. She wanted him to drive the figurative dagger into her heart, rather than the slow and silent poison that was unanswered questions. 

Leo inhaled a sharp breath. His head swarming with half-formed thoughts and whispers of regret. He didn’t believe in love. He never had. It was fantasy. A concocted story one would whisper to children to lure them to bed and nothing more. Love was only as meaningful as people fooled themselves into thinking it is and, yet, standing there in front of her once more inexplicable felt like an insatiable fire had burnt all of the oxygen out of his body, leaving him feeling listless... empty. A gentle reminder of the pain that came before a warning not to tempt his own fate.

“Oh yeah. A whole six feet. I was actually pocket sized before,” He quipped. Keeping up his cheeky disposition despite his heart feeling as if his blood had turned to tar, struggling to keep a steady beat.

 “Are you-” Leo narrowed his eyes over at the girl whom was once his as she shifted from the chair to the table. The corner of his lips tilting up ever so slightly in amusement. “The chair didn’t do it for you, huh?” He started to tease. But, his grin faded as quickly as it appeared at the sound of her next words. “Why wouldn’t I meet you the eyes?” He asked with a raised brow as if it was the simplest question in the world. “You have beautiful eyes. Always have. What happened between us doesn’t change that. And... yes? I am alive? Why shouldn’t I be? Wait- you were the one who was avoiding me. Shouldn’t you already know that?” His brows scrunched up in confusion.

“Oh great. Two more members to my fan club, I assume,” He mumbled under his breath, shoving his fists into his pockets as he did. Leo knew fairly well that he rubbed people the wrong way. He was thief, a criminal, and a liar among other things. It would be surprising if he hadn’t ended up on anyone’s shit lists at this point. Especially seeing how much of an instigator he often would be. But, to hear it coming from Nora couldn’t help, but rub him the wrong way. He had cared for girl, more than he’d ever care to admit. Love was a fable nobility encourage to help sell this notion that you will only be complete after you settle down and get married. And yet, the past month he had spent with her back when they were still together, he had caught himself slowly buying into the idea. He didn’t know why he was behaving out of character at first. He tried to ignore it, but as more time past, the less seemed to be able to avoid it. He was even debating about telling her that day. The day he came back from his trip to Glasswater to find the woman he had called his own to have vanished like a ghost.

“I disappeared? Wait- whoa, whoa, whoa,” He looked taken a back. His head tilting slightly to the side as he cupped her face in his hands. His gaze darting back and forth as he scanned her eyes. “What are you talking about?” Leo asked her, honestly confused. “I didn’t disappear. That was- that was you. Wasn’t it? I mean for god sakes, Nora. I went to Glasswater for a week with Theo and by the time I came back, you were gone. I fucking looked everywhere, trying to hunt you down. I was even gonna tell you that I-” Leo cut himself off before he could mutter the three words he’d never let himself believe in again. “But, after a month of searching, I mean... it’s pretty clear when a girl doesn’t want to be found, so... if we’re gonna do this, can you please explain how I’m the bad guy exactly?”

[leoxerickson]

oggyfromthebog​:

“That’s unsanitary.” Oggy looked down at his human almost-protege. Oggy would call him protege in stories if he’d thought it would impress the listener, the elf wasn’t sure what Leo thought of all this. “And that’s coming from me who’s licked his spilled ale off this counter when I was skint and desperate enough. Get up, I don’t want to picture your dirty feet in my drink-licking area.” His hand clasped around Leo’s shoulder.

“Oi, oi, don’t say tricking so loud, yeah? We’re not tricking, we’re convincing her to care enough about you to part with some of her coin. Just remember you aren’t you, you’re a displaced baron counting on her- Or she’s barren and you’re a count.” He shook his head. “Can’t keep this shit straight, but it’s all in the letters. Either way it’s sunup, you were supposed to meet me already, and you need to stop smelling like the floor of the second worst tavern in the village.”

“You’re one to talk,” Leo chuckled under his breath, rubbing his tired eyes as he sat up. “And you have a drink licking area?” He asked with a raised brow. His eyes scanning the surface of the bar as he did. “Wait- where is it? Is it here? Or maybe over there?” He asked, gesturing to different spots across the bar before he said cheekily, “Just so I know where to stick my feet for next time.”

“Oh. You’re right! What was I thinking? One of the many patrons might overhear,” He chuckled some more. The sarcasm clinging to each word as he motioned to the empty tavern around them. “Uh huh. Got it. I’m some whoop-de-doo noble and she’s horny. And okay, okay, I’m coming. I’m assuming you’ve got some clothes for me to change into? Or should I go dig through my stash to find something that will suffice?” He asked. Siding onto his feet, Leo ran his hands across his face, still trying to will himself awake.

[leoxerickson]

✩ + reverse for Leo

NSFW

He was on the verge of consciousness, his body jerking unconsciously as the sunlight crossed over his eyes. Theo emits a silent yawn, with his eyes slowly flickering open. An immediate inkling of desire overcame him, as he felt himself stiffen underneath the skillful movements underneath his bed sheets. Theo yawns, lightly raising the sheet. But it was non Cecily. Instead, a familiar raven-haired man -- Leo. With a raised, quizzical brow, he inspects his closest friend’s mirthful expression. After a brief silence, he shrugs, resting his head back against the pillow. “Whatever, I’m halfway there already.”

[leoxerickson]

@oggyfromthebog​

“Take my dignity, but not my money!” Leo lurched awake. His arm jutted out and protectively grasped onto the pouch around his waist. His eyes squinting at the light creeping in through tavern window. “Oh, thank god. It’s you,” The hungover thief mumbled, with a sigh of relief, as he made out Oggy’s features. Leo had made a habit these past few days of passing out on the top of the bar after closing. One of the perks of annoying the owner so much so, that they happily agreed to let him pass out there if it meant he’d stop pestering them. Yet, waking up on the stiff table never stopped being a startling way to come to. 

“I was suppose to meet you, wasn’t I? There was something about tricking some noble? What hour is it anyhow?” He asked with a quirk of his brow, rubbing his tired eyes as he did so.

[leoxerickson]

Leo had been bobbing and weaving through the crowded market place of the Red Keep for what seemed like hours. The hot summer sun beating down on him as his sticky fingers slipped in and out of unsuspecting pockets, racking up quite the hefty sum of coin and some other questionable items that a few townsfolk for some reason had poking out of their satchels.

He was just about to turn it in, when he caught a glance of a small boy snatching a potion off of on the local carts out of the corner of his eye. “Amateur,” Leo mumbled under his breath, not the slightest bit shocked when the shop keeper latched onto the child’s wrist. That’s what the kid got for trying to nab an item out in the open without even bothering to try to conceal it, He thought, half tempted to turn on his heels and walk away. But, as look back over to the helpless little urchin’s face, he found himself swearing under his breath knowing fully well he would help the boy despite his better judgement. 

“Hey son, scram,” Leo said, ruffling the top of the kid’s head as he pulled the small boy away from the shop keeper’s grasp. Slipping the potion the kid had been gunning for into the boy’s back pocket as he sent him on his way. “So, how much do I owe you for it?” He asked the merchant, instantly regretting his decision to get involved the second he heard the amount. “5 gold pieces? Are you kidding me? For that? But, it was pocket size!” Leo exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. The shop keeper and his voices evidently growing loud enough for the tiny blonde to approach them. 

Leo’s ears perking up at the barely audible sound of her sweet voice. “No. No, you shouldn’t have to,” Leo shook his head. His eyes softening as his eyes lingered on the girl. She seemed vaguely familiar and yet he couldn’t bring himself to place her. But, the merchant quickly agreed to her offer, not caring who paid up as long as somebody did. Leo’s mind already set on stealing her coins back for her the second she handed them over to the rip off artist of a shop keeper.

@leoxerickson​

The sun was a challenge for her pale, northern skin, especially among the dunes of the lands surrounding the red keep but she had to admit, the longer she stayed the more comfortable she became with it. There were creams and spells to divert some of the sun’s destructive power and there was just so much light. It was almost as if she was literally in her element. The heat was a challenge but one that could be managed by wearing lighter fabrics, she felt a little exposed but having lived so long wearing so many layers in the Northlands, she felt exposed without a cloak on. 

Some time after her channeling lesson, she made her way down from the fortress and into the marketplace, just to sight see and perhaps eat something. The market was busy, alive but she felt somewhat anonymous in the yellow draped fabrics, fine of quality but not in her family’s signature colour and not so fine as to immediately give her away. He hair and her pale skin would tip someone off, certainly, if they knew to put two and two together. 

Se came across an argument, an impressively tall man and a shop keeper. She frowned, was he a thief? She pulled out a little coin purse that hung between her breast beneath her dress and approached cautiously, “Um…” she said, barely audible, she cleared her throat, “um, hello, if you like, I can pay for whatever that man took, would that be agreeable with you?” she asked the merchant. Thievery was never the best course of action but it was one seldom taken by people who had other choices. 

[leoxerickson]

If there was one place Leo seemed to end up at more than just about anywhere, it was the local tavern. No matter the city, the inside of a tavern always felt welcoming to him. From Vailen to Loqoala to right there in the Red Keep, every pub seemed the same. There was always boisterous drunkards, a group of shady looking figures whispering in some back corner, and a mildly friendly bartender that he may or may not be able to convince to let him pass out behind the counter at the end of the night.

The thief was just about to roll up his sleeves and take these conniving locals for all that they were worth, when his body tensed up at the some of the distinct voice behind him. He would know that sound just about anywhere. It was the sound of the one woman whom had ever managed to break his heart. 

He was grateful that his back was still towards her, for when she reached up and gave his shoulder a heavy handed push, his face winced ever so slightly. His eyes widening slightly as she cheered on the other gentleman around them while purposely avoiding saying anything in reference to his own skills. Sure, talking him down could work in favor of his own hustle, but as he slowly turned around on his heels and made note of her own fallen smile, he couldn’t help, but get the feeling that she actually wanted him to end up penniless by the end of it. 

“It’s been a while, Gem,” He whispered softly under his breath, not even bothering to hide the pained look in his eyes unlike her. Leo had never understood what the poets meant when they described how a person’s heart could break with just one look. And yet, as he stood there, hands shoved into the depths of his pockets to keep himself from fidgeting with his belt loops, there was only one thought that consumed his mind...

Looking at her hurt. It hurt so much that the typically cheeky bastard couldn’t bring himself to met her eyes. Following her quietly two steps behind her as she let led him back towards the table she had gestured to before. 

Nora was in her favorite place - a tavern. She’d often made many friends as she visited such places all around Red Keep. It was a rare night when she wasn’t drinking, but here to enjoy the ambiance of being around people. She was friends with one of the bar wenches and the two as she walked past the table in a secluded corner where Nora had been sitting the two would often gossip together about the patrons. That was until one patron had arrived that looked awfully familiar to her. “I know I said I wasn’t drinking tonight, nor fighting so your boss’s furniture would be saved, but I might at the very least be yelling,” she told her friend. 

Nora didn’t know what she should do at first. She sat in the corner, out of view of most, fuming at the thoughts and memories of the man that had made her heart race and flutter. That had caused tough as nails Annora Amaranthe to blush. To feel. Then he’d up and disappeared on her without a word. And those blushing cheeks turned tearstained. Her feelings had turned to anger and hurt. She had almost convinced herself to just leave, getting up from her table and starting toward the door. That was except her feet had carried her to the table where it looked like locals were attempting to convince him into a card game. 

The dragon rider composed herself, putting on a smile as she made her way over to the table, standing between Leo and another patron. “Hey, boys,” she said with a grin at the others, a heavy handed push to Leo’s shoulder. “I know you planned to hustle him penniless tonight, and I would love to watch, but I’m going to be needing his company for just a moment. I promise to bring him back, and when I do, take him for all he’s worth. Make me proud, gentleman.”  Her hand dropped from his shoulder and she stepped away from the table. Her arms crossed over her chest, any trace of a smile gone as she looked at him, trying not to convey any hurt that she might have been feeling. “Shall we? I have a more discreet table toward the back?” Though she didn’t think that discretion would even happen because she didn’t trust that she wouldn’t make a scene. @leoxerickson​ 

[leoxerickson]

At The Beginning || Leo & Rosaline

@thenorthernrose​

12 Years Ago... In the Northlands...

It was about half past noon when the young thief made his way down the corridor. A light whistle filling the air as he went. It had been about a month since the first time Leo had returned to Chateau Mer Sereine after his mother’s disappearance. The handmaiden was all but forgotten in the grand Chateau. A thought that seemed to creep its way into Leo’s mind and torment him in the middle of the night. But, today was not the day to dwell on how expendable people like him seemed to be to the nobility. Today was, instead, the day he had planned to swipe some of the Desrochers family jewels.

He had been scouting out the palace for weeks, parading around as the court fool no less. A sight that, more likely than not, would send his father into an early grave. It was almost funny how far the young Erickson had fallen. He used to play in these halls as a kid, imagining what it would be like when he grew up and became a knight. He wondered if it would prestige, pacing around the corridors with the Gold Crown and Red Roses craved into his armor. He used to wonder a lot of things, but he never could have predicted that the armor would be exchanged for a floppy hat and oversized shoes with bells on the ends. Bells which he had removed the bobbles in to stop them from producing any sort of sound. It made it easier for him to sneak around that way.

It was the perfect disguise really. Court jesters were there to be poked fun at and cause a good laugh. They were unpredictable idiots in a way that was amusing to no end. But, they weren’t ones to often be paid attention to during their times off. Leo used the spontaneous nature the court’s fool was known for to his advantage.

Passing a few maids down the hall, Leo waited until he was far enough out of their line of their sight before dipping into what at the time would have been the Crown Princess’s quarters. He had already managed to swipe a look at the future queen’s schedule and was sure she was supposed to be no where near her room for at least another hour or so. It was more than enough time for him to make off with some of the noble’s less valuable possessions.

He wasn’t planning on taking anything she’d miss. He was looking for items such as antique vases or some earrings that never seemed to be worn. Something along the lines of a jewel encrusted pen. Something that would go unnoticed for people whom had everything, but would mean life or death for himself and the few other street kids he kept an eye out for now and again. It would mean a warm meal that hadn’t been dug out of the trash. It would mean a bed and place to rest his weary head. It would mean not having to return home and face how disappointed his older brother must have been of him- how disappointed he was with himself.

Popping off the funny hat, Leo began plucking up the smallest knickknacks and paperweights he could find. Dropping them into oversized material, he continued to rummage around right up until he heard the sound of a creek of a floorboard behind him. Fuck, Leo thought. It was time to run. But, instead of knocking the first thing he saw over and darting towards the nearest window, Leo slowly turned around on the back of his heels to face the other.

“Hey… How’s it going?” Leo let out a low whistle, shooting the Princess as innocent of a smile as he could muster as he placed the hat back on top of his head. Holding it in place so that it wouldn’t spill over with all of his spoils.

Rosaline: The day had not been going well for the Crown Princess of the North. Her schedule had recently been fleshed out with royal duties to attend alongside her parents, and though she had been educated from an early age how to be future Queen, it was more difficult to put into action. Rosaline was good at hiding her mistakes and embarrassment, but it was enough to boil over by the time the sun set. 

She had managed to sneak away during teatime, craving the solace of her room to breathe easier and check a welt on her arm from archery practice. Rosaline could already feel the tenseness in her shoulders start to ebb as she hurried down the hall to her bedroom. What she wasn’t expecting was to see the bright stripes of the court jester clashing with her furniture. She slowed and stepped carefully in slippers, eyebrow arched high in suspicion waiting for the intruder to turn and see he was caught red handed. 

“These are private rooms.” Rosaline said sharply. “No one in your position…” Her words faded when she recognized the jester beyond the floppy hat and jingling bells. “You.” She had heard the whispered rumors around court when Leo dropped his knight training. It was a rare occurrence for Northern boys born to the privilege. She crossed her arms stiffly, “Why are you poking around my things? Give me one good reason I shouldn’t call the guards on you, Leo.”

Leo: “Oh! Are they?” Leo feigned innocence, blinking around the room as if he had set his sights on it for the first time. “My bad, your highness,” He said, bowing in her gesturing. His hands still glued to the side of his head as he tried desperately to balance the now stuffed hat on top of him. “You know I knew something seemed off, put I just couldn’t put my finger on-“ Leo started to say, but his words cut off as Rosaline recognized him.

Shit! Leo’s brain was practically screaming at him to drop the hat and make a mad dash for it. He could fling himself out the window if he really needed to. It wasn’t that far of a drop down… Or if arrested, he could live a fairly quaint life behind bars. They’d probably feed him better than how he had been eating up until this point, he mulled his options over in his head. “Leo? Leo who? I’m not-“ He tried to argue, before letting out a stiff sigh.

“Alright, alright. I’m sorry, Rose,” Leo said quietly. His tone growing soft, but serious for the first time since he entered the room. Slowly taking the hat off of his head, Leo placed it down on the vanity table with his stash along with it. “I mean I wouldn’t say it’s a good reason, but… for food mainly? I also owe some guys a whole lot of money and if I don’t pay them off soon, they’re gonna come for head or worse- the last people they saw associate with me which happen to be a couple of street kids. But, that’s not really anything you need to worry about. I mean you’re a princess after all, right? I’m sure you have more important things to do than to be concerning yourself with likes a thief.” Nor did he really think she would. The Desrochers didn’t seem to have a care when his mother went missing and she had devoted her life to serving them, so why would they give a second thought towards a boy who was robbing them blind? And the more he thought about it, the more the window option was becoming a lot more appealing…

Rosaline rolled her eyes as he tried to act clueless and anyone other than he so clearly was. Being taken for a fool was almost the greater slight than being stolen from. She stepped up to the vanity where Leo had placed his hat and the items he’d swiped. It was nothing she would have noticed, at least not for a couple of days. Still, the betrayal stung slightly and Rosaline pouted to herself as Leo slowly came clean. 

She wanted to point out, first and foremost, it was Leo’s choice to be living on the streets now. He could still be training  as a knight and safe in the barracks, but he’d given that up. But Rosaline had also been visiting the poorer villages and sections of the Northlands, she saw what hungry people looked like. She would not know the strife personally, but she had witnessed it and understood. “I wish you weren’t wearing that stupid outfit.” She murmured, “You stand out like a sore thumb.” Rosaline was already trying to strategize the food issue, at least.

“I’m the princess. It is my concern. They’re still my people.” She scowled at him slightly, “What sort of trouble did you get yourself in to, owing money?” Rosaline looked him up and down, Leo clearly had so little to spare. “If you put my things back, and don’t run away – I’ll help you. We were friends, once upon a time.” Friends for Rosaline were hard to come by.

Leo: At the sight of the slight pout against the young girl’s lips, Leo felt a wave of guilt wash over himself. A feeling he all, but forgotten until that very moment. A sudden urge over came him to reach out and brush his thumb lightly across her lower lip as if to will the pout away, but he resisted. A person like him wasn’t capable of comfort like that anyhow. So, instead, he just stood there. His gaze soaking her in as he watched her debate over in her head what to do with him.

A soft smile traced across his lips at her comment about his ridiculous attire. “You and me both, Princess,” He admitted. Running his fingers through his tangled locks as his gaze fell down to his feet. “But, it worked, didn’t it? Up until now anyhow. It’s hard to imagine anyone would be dumb enough to steal looking like this and yet, here I am,” He let out a low whistle as he gestured to himself. He had fleeting thought that maybe, just maybe, he might make her smile? But, as soon as it popped into his mind, he thought better of it.

“I know. But, you’re also a girl. One whom I imagine has a hard day which is why she’s chosen to come back earlier than anticipated, only to be rudely interrupted by some fool,” He met her gaze. Not looking at the scowling girl before him as a princess, but as a person. “How off am I here?”

He didn’t need her to answer, to know that he was right. Playing different parts had already given him a sharp sense when it came to reading people. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll figure it out. I always do. Same goes with the food. I am respectfully relieving you of your duties, even though I would prefer if you didn’t call the guards. I don’t want to take away any more of your time you should spending on you. That and being locked up doesn't exactly sound pleasant... And I um… I didn’t think you’d remember,” He admitted. His hands slipping into his pockets as he gave her another light shrug.

Rosaline: “Just barely.” Rosaline responded dryly, lips still pursed in observation over Leo’s completely changed appearance. It would be easy to miss him if one didn’t give a second glance, and who would give any jester a second glance? The Desrochers had better duties to attend than that. That’s what made the disguise so clever, but then here they were face to face, and there was no mistaking him. “You’re dumb enough to pull it off for as long as you did.” Rosaline jeered him.

But the slight playful attitude was quickly pulled from her when Leo pinpointed her day so perfectly. He’d been gone for so long but could waltz back in and see her better than her parents or close handmaidens. It bothered her. “You’re just a boy.” She shot back defensively, “Have you really come to terms with turning your back on everything your family did before you? Do you think that makes you brave?” She just saw a desperate hungry thief instead. 

Even though her words were harsh, she didn’t fully hold them against Leo. Rosaline would be damned if she’d be relived of her ‘duties’ from him though. “I can get you sandwiches and treats from tea.” She answered instead, “Just meet me by the kitchen later.” She took a seat on a stool by the foot of her bed. “Given the chance I could recognize you in a crowd of thousands Leo Erickson.”

Leo: “Aw come on, Rose,” Leo said, taking a small step forwards, just enough to be able to whisper in the girl’s ear, “You’re honestly telling me you don’t find me in this get up amusing? Even in the slightest?” He asked. He cocked his head slightly to the side as he looked her over as if searching for the smallest hint of a smile across her lips. “Not quite the smile that I was hoping for, but I’ll take it,” Leo chuckled at her jest. His tongue running across the front of his teeth as he shook his head lightly in her direction.

But when the Crown Princess reminded him of his place, Leo found himself recoiling back the step he had taken. His eyes zoning in on a spot on the floor as he rocked back and forth on his heels. “I know,” Leo’s words were all but a whisper after a long drawn out pause. He knew he was nobody. He was a criminal and a thief among a long list of other equally negative adjectives. He was on a path of destitute, while she was destined for greatness. He had no right to even be standing there let alone looking at the future Queen to be. That was how things were supposed to be and, yet, here he was.

He lifted his head up towards her. A brow raising at her question. “Brave? No. Foolish? Maybe. But, would that really be anything new for me?” He said with a nonchalant shrug, despite the weight behind his words. “I mean let’s play this out, shall we? Say I did what every other Erickson has done before me? Say I became your dear knight? Then what? Hmm? I take orders I don’t agree with that will inevitable get me killed or have me vanish into the night? No ones gonna send a search party or mourn a guy like me. You said it yourself. I’m a just a boy. While you? You are going to travel the world and forge decisions. You are going change the course of history. You are going to get married to some Prince or Duke or some other guy with a title that, let’s be honest doesn’t actually mean a whole lot other than the fact that they have some whoopididoo prestigious parents and won the lottery at birth,” Leo exclaimed, messing his fingers through his hair as he did. “Everyone acts like being a knight is this prestigious thing, but the truth is, either way? Knight or not, you’re the one who will make the history books, while I’m the one who’ll be forgotten. And if I’m going to be forgotten anyways, then I might as well get live freely while I still can. Is that what you really wanted to hear, Princess? That I’d rather starve than stay in line?” The truth laid buried in between his words; Leo didn’t become a knight because he was afraid to end up like his mother- squandering his life protecting a family that wasn’t his.

“I can’t do that, Rose,” Leo spoke softly. Shaking his head back and forth as he took another step back towards the window ledge. “I can’t meet you in the kitchen, just like you can’t relax around me because you’re a Princess and I’m a prideful nobody and that’s the way it has to be.”

Rosaline: “You act as if every guard and soldier is disposable. The past may lead you to believe so, but that is not how I plan to run my kingdom.” Rosaline spoke with slight breathlessness. If that is how Leo and others looked at her she would prove the opposite if she had to. She didn’t want to be feared or resented. Not even as a princess. 

Rosaline shook her head, “I don’t understand how you can believe living off the streets is more prosperous than under Desrochers barracks- but you have made your decision.” A slight against his family, against her, she lifted her chin slightly in her own defiance: Rosaline wanted to scold herself for feeling that ache in her chest, but the emotion was there nonetheless. Leo was only disposable because he believed it, and he’d only be a street urchin as long as he kept himself there. 

But then he openly refused her, and her expression turned into a momentary grimace. “If we’re keeping with decorum make your escape. Or I have to turn you in.”

Leo: “Maybe not every guard or soldier, but can you honestly promise me I would not? I have no doubt you will be an incredible leader, Rosaline. But, if a war happens, there will inevitably be collateral. I mean you speak of everything my family did before me, but can you honestly stand there and tell me one of those knights names and what they stood for that was so extraordinary? Because I can’t,” He didn’t mean it in a slight against her family. He understood why his brother and the men before him chose to serve. He just didn’t see the point in it himself and how he could he look her in her eyes and fight for something he didn’t believe in? “I can’t and I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s more prosperous. I just don’t believe being a knight is for me is all. You’re talking to a boy who values his freedom more than anything. Who values the free will I have to stand before you and speak my mind instead of having to bow and refer to you as your highness or your majesty. And sure this freedom could get me locked up or killed, but at least it would be my stupid mistake that brought me here.”

“If I could be my brother, I would. But, I’m not and I know you don’t. But, hey, if it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one,” He admitted quietly under his breath. No one ever seemed to understand why. He was treated like so much of a disappointment from one simple decision that his own father wouldn’t even look him in the eyes. At least Lucan would speak to him, but it wasn’t without a saddened or downcast disposition. Everyone he cared about seemed to see him as a boy who threw his life away while he viewed himself as someone fighting for something bigger; Fighting for a world where a princess and pauper could stand on equal playing fields, where a boy like him might be able to approach a girl like without any false pretenses, and the highest position he could hold in society wasn’t a solider. But, those democratic thoughts of his would be treasonous if he ever dared speak them out loud.

“Always about the decorum, huh Rose?” He asked her cheekily, despite the solemn look in his eyes. Lifting himself up onto the window sill with ease, he glanced back at her once more. “See you around, Princess,” The thief gave her a salute before taking a step backwards. Sliding down the slated part of the roof, he disappeared out of sight.

End.

[leoxerickson]

@sirensbeckon​

“Thank ye, Thank ye! If thou didst enjoy the show please put something in the hat. Any coins will do. We also accept sexual favors, but do us a favor, and don’t put those in the hat. They make the coins all sticky and, on that lovely note, we bid you adieu,” Leo announced in a grandiose and over exaggerated accent. Bowing to the crowd who had gathered around the small group of Thespians, the Charlatan chose to hang back. He lightly bumped into and brushed up against town goers’ pockets as they dropped a few copper pieces into the hat. It was chump change, truly- parading around as a Thespian to nab mere pocket change. But, the sun was setting in East Reach and the the thief was craving a drink.

Spinning around on his heels, Leo separated himself from the cheerful actors he had been performing with and quickly vanished into the dispersing crowd. Waiting until he was far enough away to begin to count his findings. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for a few rounds at the local pub and a warm bed back at the Inn. A pleased grin began to spread across his lips. But, as soon as he glanced up, his feet were skidding to a halt. His smile faltering as he met the gaze of the familiar face whom he quickly realized had been eyeing him since the end of his show. 

“Well isn’t it my favorite siren,” His words were soft as he spoke. Running his fingers through his tangled black curls, Leo’s eyes fell to the ground. “How, um... how much of that did you see?” He asked awkwardly, surprised to see her there of all places, especially not while he was getting up to the same old shit he had been when they had first met all those years ago.