princepsumbra

[princepsumbra]

she hasn't forgotten the kindness of the professor from all those moons ago. he owed her nothing—they shared little in common, other than that they were both mages with a penchant for improvement. but where fodlan's nobles seemed to think magic was their birthright alone, seeking to pry it from the hands of common people, professor leo—prince leo, she'd heard—was a different beast entirely. merit above all else, and for this, she could only be thankful.

dorothea quickens her pace when she spots him, heels clicking loudly against the marble as she weaves through the crowd. a free hand raises in greeting, followed by a bright grin. when she draws close enough, she holds out to him an offering in the form of a bouquet, sporting hydrangeas of all shades.

"a little bird told me today's a special day," she laughs. "so i thought to myself, 'wouldn't it be a shame if i didn't go see for myself?'" the smile grows wider. "happiest of birthdays, professor, and thank you for all that you've taught us. i dare say your class is one of my favorites."/ ignore how late this is hHDFhKJF weeps

Errands require doing, even on special occasions such as birthdays.

Classrooms need supplies, after all, though he is making a slight detour to his preferred stationary shop to purchase a new journal. A gift to himself, as it were.

Leo ignores the rapid click of heels at first. People march through this section of town in a hurry all the time--he'll not concern himself with someone's lack of punctuality. But the clicking grows closer. Instinct makes him stand a little straighter, eyes scanning the crowd until they land on a girl with her hand raised, intent on catching his attention.

He sidesteps a man and a young child, then waits for Dorothea to approach. "Good day, Dorothea."

An eyebrow raises at the flowers; he cannot recall the last time someone offered him a bouquet as a present. Gingerly, he takes them, mindful not to crush the petals.

"That little bird wouldn't happen to be my brother's retainer, would it?" Leo remarks with amusement, brushing a gloved finger over a purple blossom. He returns her smile with a polite one of his own, fighting down the urge to wave away her effusive praise. "Thank you. Both for your compliment and the flowers. It is a pleasure to teach the finer points of magic."

[princepsumbra]

The knock he gives on the door to Leo's office is quiet, so as not to disturb whatever book his nose buried in or work he's diligently trying to complete. There's no rhythm to it that would provide any indication that it was Niles rather than one of his students or other faculty, but regardless there's a couple seconds of pause before he's opening the door to invite himself in. "Apologies for the interruption, my lord. I hope now is a good time."

"Happy birthday." For someone who valued secrecy, he's not putting in the maximum amount of effort to conceal his gift for the other beneath the cloak he normally wore. It's unwrapped and there's a soft clang of metal buckles as he pulls a leather holster meant for tomes out from behind his back. The leather of the front and back panels and straps were dyed black, and indented into one of the corners was the Nohrian emblem. "I had Brynhildr in mind when I commissioned this but with it's size, you could probably fit another spell book alongside it." Normally Niles wasn't especially big on gift giving, believing more so in the value of quality time and affirmations but he hoped Leo knew how appreciative he was for taking a chance on him. It's a practical gift, one he hopes Leo will make use of.

"If you need someone to help lighten whatever load you have, I'm at your command. But if not, perhaps we could do tea or play chess again this evening?"

"Come in," Leo calls, dropping his quill into the inkstand. He closes the leatherbound notebook in front of him, wrapping the leather cord attached to the front cover securely around the volume with swift, sure movements just as Niles appears in the doorway.

Setting the journal down, Leo offers his retainer a polite smile in greeting. "Not an interruption, Niles." In fact, it's a relief to see a familiar face, instead of a student begging for a better grade on their sloppy essay.

Ah. He was wondering when the felicitations would begin. "Thank you."

Lips part in poorly concealed surprise; even from a distance, Leo can tell the craftmanship is exquisite. The scent of new leather fills the space between them. Half-rising from his chair, he leans closer, eyes tracing the embossed Royal Seal of Nohr.

Leo gives an absent nod. Brynhildr would indeed fit comfortably alongside another tome--Fire or Lightning or even Fimbulvetr. How easy it will be to ride Faustus and cast at the same time! (Not that he will skimp on perfecting his one-handed grip. Still, a little ease here and there harmed no one.)

"Again, you have my gratitude. This is incredible! May I?" Carefully, he accepts the holster from his retainer, metal clinking softly, and runs a gloved finger along the fine stitching connecting the straps to the main cover.

Leo chuckles softly. "My burdens these days involve creating lesson plans and responding to Xander's letters." And there, unspoken: I am grateful to have you at my side. The prince finally lifts his gaze and meets his retainer's eye. "Already eager for a rematch? Let's see how much you've learned!"

[princepsumbra]

[princepsumbra]

[ LANTERNS ] - Lanterns shaped like flowers decorate a large table alongside bowls of strips of paper and writing utensils. Guests are instructed to write a wish on the piece of paper and then roll it into the rim of a lantern, and once finished, to set them into the water. The result of everyone’s wishes is a truly breath-taking sight of a hundred little lights on the ocean’s surface.

“Leo! Come do this with me!”  If anyone expected Elise to be able to resist a sparkling flower thing, they either have never met her, or have severelymisunderstood her, somehow. Something her siblings would never do, which is why she feels no need to give any prior warning before grabbing the arm of her brother to drag him along with her to the activity table, only letting go once she’s secured them both seats in front of lanterns next to each other.

Elise hums, tapping one of the provided pencils thoughtfully against her chin, just like shes seen the people in strategy meetings doing. Something that activates the smarty-brain-thoughts, she’s pretty sure. Something she very much needs right now. After all, if she’s gonna wish for something, it’s gotta be something important! Something that’ll benefit everybody, not just her. Just in case this is the one that actually gets magicked into reality or something. Being selfish is bad.

“Hm… I’m gonna wish… that we’re all gonna have peace forever! And everyone’s gonna be happy and healthy and safe, always!” The princess smiles to herself, nodding as though approving her own words. Yeah, that’s a good wish! Definitely lantern-worthy, she thinks!

Yes, usually telling someone else your wishes is a sure way to make them not come true, duh, she knows that — but sibling telling doesn’t count! It is different! If anything, the wishes she tells her siblings have come true more often than the ones she hasn’t! She’s increasing her odds. That’s math.

Wish now transferred to words, she carefully folds the paper up and slips it into her own lantern, before turning to face Leo and his own, smiling up at him expectantly. “What’d you wish for, big brother?”

Really, it was only a matter of time before she found him and dragged him into some activity or another. As long as it's not dancing--he's had quite enough of that tonight, thank you--he will follow his baby sister with only minimal complaints.

Setting his glass of wine down just in time, he allows her to clutch his arm and lead him along like a horse being guided by its reins. "Depends on what this is, Elise," he replies without much heat, sighing once he catches sight of the lanterns carefully arranged on a long table.

Of course.

He does not put much stock in wishes; on the rare occasions that he allows himself to release control and confess his worries to the sky, he much prefers talking to the stars.

But this is important to Elise, and therefore, it's now important to him. Leo picks up both pencil and paper, watching the little princess from the corner of his eye. She'd make a good strategist, should she ever develop the taste for it. Her singular concentration for things she deems serious is not a skill that can be taught.

Green eyes flick back to his empty paper. What is there to wish for, that he cannot accomplish through hard work?

The safety of his siblings, for one. They've survived this long, but now, with Xander still in Nohr, who is watching out for him?

Elise's voice is suddenly too bright for the shadowed cast of Leo's thoughts. His pencil moves of its own accord as he forces an indulgent smile her way. "Don't go telling everyone else your wish. You know the rule of making them."

He sets his pencil down and quickly folds the little slip of paper before she can dare snoop. The square falls into the lantern with a soft whisper of parchment. "Oh, the same as you, more or less," Leo replies, vague, gathering up both his and Elise's lanterns.

"Would you set it in the water for me?"

[princepsumbra]

That ceaseless happiness of hers constantly impresses him. It's a genuine reflection of her heart, not some mask meant to hide a darker, uglier truth underneath.

How lucky she is, to live with her heart so openly upon her sleeve.

Faint laughter echoes across the frozen pond. Leo blinks, refocusing on Sakura in time to hear her question. "I've heard them referred to as skates. Sold by a rather enterprising merchant who, if approached directly, swears up and down he's a simple cloth merchant."

Probably true in the warmer months, though if he's already set up a successful side business so early in the winter season, it's likely this is not his first foray into less than scrupulous practices.

"Ah, they're not magic," he explains kindly, gesturing to a student who stands a few feet away, arms held out at her sides as she gains her balance. "See the blades on her shoes? The merchant sells the blades, which then allow us to skate. Rather clever, if dangerous."

He blinks at her, the invitation slow to process. "I..." Leo falters, glancing between the crowded pond and Sakura's timid eagerness. Another heartbeat passes before he closes his eyes, exhaling deeply through his nose.

He fervently hopes he won't soon regret this.

"...Alright. With you, I will." Slowly, he re-opens his eyes, clasping his hands behind his back. "Allow me a moment, would you? I've a merchant to track down."

With a slight bow, he departs, boots crunching on the snow.

-----

Some ten minutes later, Leo returns, fingers curled around two pairs of skates. "Thank you for your patience, Sakura," he says by way of greeting, then gestures to a nearby bench.

"Ready? The merchant explained the process of attaching the blades to our shoes. I should be able to manage it without much trouble."

Do You Even Skate?

[princepsumbra]

"You're welcome," he replies, a hint of amusement in his tone. Pelleas' eager reply is a far cry from the shy, determined young man who once asked for a mentorship.

Leo is eager for a second look around the greenhouse himself; he could spend an entire week there and still find more secrets to uncover. Now that he thinks about it, the Count is a quite a showy person--he might enjoy explaining his techniques in detail. If only Leo could think of a reason to draw said Count from the fireworks....

Pelleas speaks, drawing Leo's attention away from half-formed schemes. Teleportation magic. Not an area Leo has any experience with, either personally or facing an opponent who possesses it. He follows the flashes of light with open awe, lips parted slightly as he digests this new skill.

Another flash of lights heralds Pelleas' return. He looks none the worse for wear--in fact, slightly exhilarated, flush with the pride of successfully wielding a new form of magic.

Suitably impressed, Leo can't stop the slight smile tugging at his lips. "I can see why it's considered a luxury. Or," he amends, images of what Nohr's previous court would have done with such magic flashing in his head, "why those with the means hoarded such knowledge."

He tugs absently on the lapels of his jacket. "Congratulations are in order, Pelleas. You've excelled at mastering your magic."

passionate darkness

         ⤷   ethereal ball 2025: second half.

[princepsumbra]

[ STREET CREPE ]

No longer drenched from both the sea and the storm and knowing he shouldn’t let the glass of wine he was offered earlier be the only thing he’s consumed, Kris hovers near the large spread of food laid out for those who’d retreated into the viscount’s estate with something like decision paralysis at first. Too many choices and only one of him, hardly a picky eater given his background... Probably best to start small and go from there. There’s still a long night ahead, after all.

Newly-bared fingers have just closed around the base of a crepe when blue eyes glimpse in their periphery a face he hasn’t reached out to since his graduation from the Academy. Free hand plucks another crepe from the tray then, closing the gap with– well, not a smile exactly, but the brightness of his gaze is clear if nothing else. “I’m glad to see you were able to escape the weather outside, Professor. Would you like one of these? They come in sweet or savory if you’ve a preference.”

A shame he could not hide away in the greenhouse for the rest of the evening!

Monitored house tours and groups of curious, unsupervised guests alike frequently passed through, and someone is bound to eventually wonder why Leo has amused himself by snooping through the plants for the last hour.

Motivated both by avoiding any potential embarrassment and a sudden realization he has not yet eaten anything of substance, he leaves the greenhouse behind. He makes his way back to the main hall, where staff diligently keep an eye on the veritable feast so graciously provided by their host.

He bites back a frown. He should have known they would mostly feature sweets--something about extravagant parties such as these seem to require sugar rushes.

"Ah, thank you, Kris," Leo replies after recovering from his momentary surprise. "Same to you--I hear some of our number were trapped in the initial deluge." Green eyes drop to the offered crepe with some hesitation.

"Savory, please." Is the relief obvious in his tone? Leo peruses the crepes, picking out the ones he deduces are the savory kind. "Do you have much of a sweet tooth?"

A crepe is halfway to his mouth before he recalls the charm bracelet around his wrist. "Here. A token of my gratitude, for offering me something other than sugar." Leo sets the crepe and plate down, then offers a small anchor charm.

[princepsumbra]

[ FIREWORKS ] - Far be it from Sara to criticize another's failure to follow magical protocol, but she stops just in time to bear witness to a blinding light show, pulling him by the arm to join her at the silhouette of an open window.

"Isn't that dangerous?" Her head inclines to the display of loud colors that streak across the darkened sky.

She hasn't always valued his opinion in the past, but there was no denying that Leo possessed a great many experiences in the field and understood the intimate intricacies of spellcraft.

The wind picks up and noisily rattles the frame of the window separating them from the elements. Her mind wanders to sibylline studies, to a discussion about happy children.

"Do you think the Viscount has done it for the sake of his son or something else?"

Someone tugs on his arm. He initially assumes it's Elise, as she's the only one liable to do such a thing, until he registers the familiar form of Sara.

"What--unhand me," Leo says, a touch too sharply, though he follows her all the same. He recalls her tendency to do things her own way, no matter what others might think. It would be almost admirable if he weren't so averse to mere acquaintances manhandling him out of the blue.

He frees his arm while she considers the wind and rain raging furiously outside. Fireworks valiantly try to interpose color in an otherwise monochrome sky of grey.

What an interesting question. Leo brushes his opposite hand along the rumpled sleeve. "I believe the Viscount would say he's doing it for his son. And it may very well be true; it's obvious the boy has been well cared for."

Sparks of blue and red flare to life among the clouds. "As far as any hidden motivations, the one that comes most easily to mind is a show of strength. The Viscount is no slouch when it comes to magic. Now, why he'd feel the need to prove himself by both allowing us free reign of his estate and showing off his talent for tricks such as these," he gestures to the window, "I've no idea."

He sighs through his nose. "We've a game to play while we're here." The anchor charm slips into his palm easily. Gingerly, he holds it out to Sara, like he's wary she'll attempt to grab him once more.

[princepsumbra]

It would seem that time has not quite soothed Prince Alcryst's anxieties. Leo can't help but wonder what happened in the other man's life to affect him so deeply.

"Ah, glad to hear it. None of us were prepared for an unexpected storm."

His brows furrow. Better off...? The lack of sand is nice, yes, but that's more of a personal problem than anything. "Thank you, Alcryst. It's only because I'm no longer covered in sand." A sip of wine. "I'd say you're doing better than you think--not having to deal with wet clothes is quite the boon."

He considers the glass in hand a moment. "Not bad at all. I vastly prefer this over champagne." Leo glances between the table and Alcryst. How strange, for the hosts not to accommodate a guest's request. "Looks like they've found some more. Oh, before I forget," Leo says, setting his glass down, "we're supposed to be collecting these."

The anchor charm materializes in his hand. "Now, let's get you that wine."

[ MULLED WINE ]

Leo peruses the feast, a half-empty plate held in one hand. The myriad pastries and other treats, while presented quite nicely, do little to entice him. He's never been one for sweets; seems he'll have to endure a less than satisfactory dinner if this is all the Viscount is offering.

Near the end of the feast table sits a selection of drinks. Again, more sweet teas. The bergamot would do in a pinch, though, especially if it leans more into the floral profile than the citrus.

But something more robust calls his attention. A few glasses of mulled wine sit, ripe for the picking. Leo takes one, allowing himself a small sip. Only then does he notice another person hovering anxiously near the feast tables.

"Good evening, Alcryst," Leo greets, lowering his glass. "Did you make it through the storm unscathed?"

"Prince Leo!" Here's an old face. They met during that big mission, succumbing to sickness only to meet in the "afterlife."

It's hard to believe it's been over a year since that happened! Alcryst greets his fellow prince with a bow and even a small smile. "Good evening to you too...! I made it out alright. It was only drizzling when I made it back inside, so I didn't get too wet." Others weren't so lucky, getting soaked to the bone... though Alcryst thinks he's not much better. He's seen in his reflection how frizzy his hair is getting. Ugh...

"You seem better off than me," Alcryst compliments. Better to turn the conversation away from himself before he bores Prince Leo. "How is the wine, by the way? I've been wanting to try it, but they didn't have any when I asked... Bad luck on my part, I guess..."

[princepsumbra]

"Thank you, Niles," Leo says, and it's an inadequate expression for the bone deep sense of relief the prince feels at having someone he trusts so completely once more at his side.

Physical touch has never been a language Leo speaks well. He's learned the intricacies over the years if only because it matters to those closest to him; most notably, he's come to realize that, like any language, there are dialects.

Niles seems to flit between meanings as the mood strikes him. A grounding touch here, another one rife with a dozen potential meanings there. It used to bother Leo, at first, the bold way Niles approaches contact. Now, the prince endures, knowing this is just another way for Niles to confirm he's no longer living in the past.

"Good; there's only so much I can keep an eye on while so far away." The reform work is a slow, tedious business. Leo often wondered if any progress would come of his tireless efforts. "Your own work towards improving living conditions are much appreciated."

Leo nods, absently tugging on the lapels of his jacket once Niles stops fussing. "Indeed. I never thought the life of a professor would suit me so well." A wry smile touches his lips. "But I've never been very good at living up to expectations, have I?"

He accepts the charm and passes another to Niles in return. "Consider this a confirmation of your position as my retainer, here in Fodlan."

CATCHING UP.

toa ball 2025 mini thread --- continued from XXX

[princepsumbra]

[ FIREWORKS ]

“ Leo! Ah, it is quite the strong storm, isn't it? ”  Pelleas mentions as he greets the man, looking worriedly outside the windows. Despite such concern, however, the smile upon Pelleas's face remains radiant.  “ It really is unfortunate... but I'm glad so many of us could find shelter— including you, of course! ”

He hopes that goes without saying. Outside the window, flashes of bright colors explode in a kaleidoscope of different shapes, trying to serve as a consolation to those stuck inside.

“ Even if it took a disaster from the elements, I count myself extremely fortunate to be invited into the home of such an accomplished mage however. Everywhere I look or hear, it seems he has some spectacle of magic. The show outside just one of them... ”  Pelleas almost gets lost in the beautiful sight.  “ It would be nice if we could somehow do the same with dark magic for others, but perhaps that is an unreasonable dream... and perhaps an even more risky use for such dangerous magic, hahaha. ”

He turns back to the prince.

“ Ah, before I forget myself, I should offer you my charm, shouldn't I? ”  Pelleas unclasps one of his seashells and hands it to Leo.  “ A gift from me to you. In a bid for normalcy while the storm rages on... ”

Mostly dry and warmed by the glass of mulled wine in hand, Leo claims a spot near one of the many windows, watching the rain lash against the pane.

"Good evening, Pelleas," Leo returns, feeling an answering smile of his own stretch along his face. "And a rather unexpected storm, I gather. Thank you--we are incredibly lucky the Viscount opened up his home to us."

Colors flash across the sky, reflecting off Leo's wine glass. He takes a sip as a faint boom echoes outside. Fireworks are an impressive feat of magic on their own; it's quite a brave (or stubborn) man who braves a storm to show off his prowess.

Pelleas' admiration mirrors Leo's own private thoughts. This is the home of someone deeply in love with their craft. Leo cannot begrudge anyone so passionate. "Indeed. Have you visited the greenhouse yet? A far less riskier use of dark magic." Another sip of wine. "I don't consider it unreasonable. We've seen some incredible advances in the study and use of magic."

Oh, right. The charms. Leo gratefully accepts, then hands Pelleas an anchor in return. "Thank you. Ah, I've been meaning to ask: how are your studies progressing?"

[princepsumbra]

The constant grate of sand must be some cruel joke played upon him by the gods. Fastidiousness has no place on a beach, clearly.

"Ah, hello, Camilla." Leo stiffens as she fusses over him, enduring the onslaught of sisterly preening only because it makes her happy. (And, truthfully, it's embarrassing, walking around looking like a mess.)

He gives a small laugh. "No, nothing of the sort. Please; we're adults, not children running amok in a garden." Although, it often feels as if they've never outgrown such childish instincts--words can be just as grating as sand.

"Thank you," he says once she's finished. "And before I forget--" Leo fiddles with his bracelet, handing her an anchor charm-- "we must keep in the spirit of the event."

Coarse and Gets Everywhere

[ FASHION POLICE ] - What in the world is that person wearing, and are you fit to be judging them for it? Or are you instead the culprit in question?

[princepsumbra]

[ BIRTHDAY GIFT ]

"Good evening, Lord Leo." Technically, she is cutting in line. However, she believes that so long as you do anything confidently enough, there are very few who will be brave enough to question it. So, she strides up to the Nohrian prince as confidently as she can and settles in next to him in the long line to present the special birthday boy with his gifts.

It is not just a strategy to get through this more quickly, however. Mitama is curious, and she imagines a studious soul can only appreciate another. "Might I ask what you're presenting as a gift to our lucky classmate? I always wondered what sort of gifts were common at Nohrian celebrations...my caretakers always made up ridiculous stories that I cannot imagine would make for very practical gifts at all."

"Good evening, Mitama," Leo replies automatically, an eyebrow raising at her brash move of cutting in line. Someone nearby grumbles under their breath. Normally, such a breach in etiquette is something Leo would call out--some small part of him quietly agrees with the disgruntled party guest.

But, Mitama's lucky. Leo wants to get this over with as quickly as everyone else, and drawing attention to what he can only assume is not the first attempt of line cutting would result in this gift giving convoy dragging on even longer. He swallows his remarks and instead considers her question.

Indeed, what do you get for a man who supposedly has everything? Leo lifts the small package in his hand. "My gift is rather boring, compared to whatever you're imagining. A book on famous Nohrian strategists; perhaps this will enlighten our well-to-do classmate on other cultures."

A sigh. "I'm not sure if I'm the right person to ask about Nohrian celebrations. I am fully aware life in Castle Krakenburg was not the common experience of my countrymen. My siblings and I received all the common trappings of royalty--jewels, armor, weapons, whatever else we desired." Before Garon turned into a monster, he does not add. "From what I've gathered, most outside the castle walls received practical gifts. Things to help them survive, though our festivals often carried more frivolous things."

He tilts his head. "Now you've piqued my own curiosity. Just what did your caretakers claim we exchanged as gifts? The blood of our enemies?"

[princepsumbra]

[ FASHION POLICE ]

"This won't do, milord." The evening had barely started and, as soon as he found him, Niles was already reaching a hand out to wipe the sand from Leo's shoulders. It wasn't like him to fret over his lord's appearance, and he couldn't express how much he'd missed him out loud without the vulnerability that came with it. Niles still wasn't very good at that... And he didn't have to be around Leo but part of his job was to take his burdens, not add to them. "I don't know how you've managed to get dirty already."

The small smile that tugs at the corners of his lips is just as subtle as the way his eye quickly takes in the rest of his lord's appearance to make sure nothing else out is of place. Perhaps he's a little too close, but he's trying to make sure Leo's collar isn't inside out as well.

There is a sense of relief, knowing at least one of his retainers is nearby. It was only a matter of time before they eventually found their way to Fódlan's shores; Leo does not begrudge the time that has passed since they last spoke.

Striking out on your own is a good thing, after all.

Leo's brows knit in confusion at Niles' blunt statement. "What--?" A hand descends upon his shoulders, brushing away grains of sand with quick efficiency. The prince sighs. Time apart has not lessened his retainer's sharp tongue.

"It is through no action of my own. Thank you all the same, Niles. This might become something of an uphill battle this evening," Leo replies, adjusting the lapels of his jacket. "I am glad to see you're doing well. Tell me, any news of Nohr? The last correspondence from my brother claimed all is well. Still, I'd like to hear from you."

[princepsumbra]

When he'd received word of an outdoor ball--at the beach, no less--Leo was inclined to skip out on the festivities this year. However, further investigation revealed it was an evening affair, and that is something he can manage.

The beach glitters under natural starlight and magical lights. He appreciates the dedication to detail. Slipping on his gloves, Leo presents his invitation, earning an anchor charm for his trouble.

Charm tracker:

Seashell: Camilla

Starfish: Sanaki

Anchor: Niles

Turtle: Alcryst

Pearl: Kris

(Again forgive me for no ball fit this year but Leo's in his usual princely regalia. Sans the armor of course. Imagine there's just the tiniest bit of sand inexplicably clinging to him at all times sorry king)

[princepsumbra]

His hands still on the curtains. It's one thing to have an attitude about the circumstances, quite another to take it out on an unsuspecting party who you're sharing space with.

Even he kept his tone civil.

Leo finishes the minute adjustments while the girl catches her breath. He turns just as she settles atop her bed, his ire fading once he notices her clear distress.

Little orbs of magic circle around her. A defense mechanism, perhaps? She's young--a student, most likely, and a strong spell caster at that. Strange he hasn't yet seen her in his class.

That attitude rears its head once again. Leo doesn't bristle this time; he knows a front when he sees one. "Given the small size of these rooms, there's no doubt we'll run into one another from time to time. I only asked about the door because I'm allergic to cats."

He clasps his hands behind his back. "My name is Leo. I help teach reason magic at the Academy."

Sharing is Caring

[princepsumbra]

starter for: @peerlessscowl

Leo's brows twitch in brief irritation. The professor continues speaking, going on about the importance of forging connections by learning to work with people outside your closest friends, but Leo doesn't quite register the words.

Group projects are an expected nuisance--he well understands the point of them, though in his experience, others aren't as caring. There are very few in this program Leo trusts to actually pull their own weight. So far, he has managed to pair up with them for nearly every required group assignment.

This one should have been no different. The professor, apparently, decided to change things on a whim, pairing students herself rather than allowing them the luxury of choosing their own partners.

Leo smooths his features. It won't do to go into this already annoyed; he will figure out a plan, like always. He has no qualms about letting a disinterested party reap the consequences of their inaction. Nor is he completely heartless--he doesn't mind acting as a quasi-tutor so long as his help is appreciated.

He waits, patient, hands folded atop his desk while names are rattled off a list. Quiet murmurs and shuffling footsteps fill the class as students pair off. He observes it all, taking note of who is left. None of his preferred partners; he barely holds back a scowl.

"Raven, you're with Leo."

Green eyes flit across the classroom until they land on the redheaded boy. Leo knows little about him, other than he doesn't look like he belongs at this school.

(He squashes the thought; no one expected someone like Leo to attend botany classes.)

Leo scoots out of his chair, smoothly picking up briefcase as he stands. He weaves between the desks until he arrives at Raven's, head tilting just a touch as he takes in the other boy's appearance up close.

"Good day," Leo says, tone perfectly polite. "Nice to meet you."

This Wasn't On the Syllabus