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wipstoriesandart · 3 months ago

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Jester Levi ch 3

Ok, further chapters may be a bit more few and far between sadly. but! I am still plotting out this story, making sure it works, and hope the future plot twist of it all will work out well.

For all readers feel free to ask about Levi, his life and if you wish to do character asks I don't mind, but adult Levi after the twist will be the one to answer so it may get a tad confusing. ( @starry-p )

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Levi had found the statue and various information. The name Victor had told his father was a false one. Not that shocking. But the name Gareth Ironsheild was his name. Well. Names have power as Jared said, and with a name, and a bit of charm one can find out almost anything.

Including the fact this fellow had once been the leader of the old Kings Royal Guard called the Crimson Watch. Not that it mattered, what did matter was the fact this traitor was supposedly still living within the Royal Capital, still dwelling within the castle.

Levi would have some travel ahead of him, this small town was simply Gareth’s home town, and they praised him like a hero.

Which also meant, finding out about such a man was even easier, or well was for him. The stories were overblown, outrageous and obviously padded. But just like with the stories Jared told, there were common threads.

Stories of Gareth fighting monsters, and devils. The new fables of how he had saved people. They were all tall tales of how the prick had infiltrated Levi’s home, tricked Levi’s father and killed his people. “Saving” the people from the wicked king, who as far as Levi could tell was just another lie to justify the bastard's deeds.

A month of learning what he could, performing on the streets, bringing smiles to those of the town, Levi made his way to the capital. Sadly though, travel without the troop was quite a bit more difficult.

His feet hurt, finding water was difficult, and food… well he had always taken care of the meals for the troop, foraging for bits here and there, so at least he was good enough at that. But it didn't take away from bandits trying to rob him, only to find he had nothing.

Had it not been for Hugo’s training, he would have probably been stabbed several times over. Bran’s stamina training helped him walk for two day’s straight before needing proper rest. But still… with such strain he was probably losing what little fat he already had.

So by the time he made it to the capital, he looked little more than a beggar.

The people were less than accommodating to a nobody like Levi. He watched the people. How they ignored the downtrodden. The further away from the capital the more peaceful things seemed.

But here in the capital’s walls there was a strict divide.

The poor were outcast, the working class were considered less then.

Levi had the gut churning privilege of watching a noble’s carriage run over a child… and not even stop.

He had to dip into an alleyway to throw up. Even presents in his father’s kingdom had been given the right to live. What was this?

Surely the royals here were not monsters right? Surely such horror was not just…

He shook his head. No, he didn't need to think about the people here. Yes to some he would probably seem a self righteous hero, But he was not here to be anyone’s hero.

The mother was sobbing, the people were walking past not even having a care in the world.

Ok… he could at least help the mother.

“Miss?” Levi knelt, “Forgive me, but… do you need help carrying the child?” Stay strong Levi. You had seen far worse than this when bandits were foolish enough to try and attack the troop. Try and keep a level head.

“Please…” She sobbed, “help him!”

Levi looked down at the child. They were already gone, “I'm sorry, but I am only a clown. I do not have the power to heal.”

She sobbed into him. Ok… maybe he could take down more than just that one prick. That wouldn't be making his words a lie, right?

After all, a Castle willing to ignore such pleas from the people, such pain, and divide, do they really deserve to rule? Let alone get away with taking down his family’s kingdom?

The women had him bring the child, wrapped in what was once Levi’s blanket down the alley ways to a shack of a home. To think such an area existed so close to a street that was made of stone.

All the houses looked as if they were made from found trash, torn apart wood from boxes and crates, tattered fabrics.

“Can… Can you lay him here? We will need to find a way to bury him, but…” The mother sobbed.

Levi sighed, “Forgive me, a clown should bring joy and laughter. But it seems I can not brighten this day.” He placed a few coins upon the table of the shack before attempting to leave.

“Wait!” The woman said sternly, tears still in her eyes, “I can not accept this,” She tried to hand back the coins.

Levi glanced about the shack, the women had so little. But he did understand, few people wanted to feel as if they were in debt.

“A trade then? The coins and blanket… for a trinket?” he tilted his head with a smile, “Or a story. Both are quite useful for me.”

The women blinked confused looking at the coins, that would allow her son a place outside of the pauper's grave at least, as well as to the blanket that was far better then any cloth she could even manage to make their clothes from.

“A trade then,” She nodded looking about the shack desperately trying to find something to offer.

She then walked towards the hearth pulling down a box and opening it, within she pulled out a metal toad that sat upon the palm of her hand, “This… this trinket comes with a story…”

Levi smiled, “I would love to hear it.” He took a seat at the table as she told her tale. A tale of someone who traveled across the lands, after crops had failed, and work became so little, In hopes to find work beyond the mines where the metal the toad was made of had been taken.

“My grandfather did his best. He tried to give us a better life,” She looked over to her son, “Perhaps this is just god’s way of saying we never should have left that town? We have known nothing but hardships.”

Levi took the toad and placed a hand upon the women’s, “I have known loss, I have felt helpless. But it was not God who gave me purpose nor a path. I had to find my own. We all must.”

He doubted his words were helpful to the women. But he left his purse a little heavy now with the addition of the metal toad, despite the coins that the purse had lost.

Levi continued to walk the back alleys and streets. A few drunks tried to rob him, some ladies tried to proposition him, and some children were begging for food….

To think this was the capital? Had his kingdom had such things? He had never left the castle, it was… possible.

Then again would that mean the current Royals were ignorant? … probably not. At least not the ruler who had condemned so many kingdoms to death.

Night had fallen. Levi was considering finding an Inn for the night. He would possibly benefit from a good washing.

“HELP!!” a woman's cries rang out.

He sighed, looking about, he had somehow managed to wander towards the river’s doc’s there were probably several brothels about. And bars, and taverns.

Chances were… he probably should not get involved.

With the acrobatics his troop had taught him, he lept up to the top of the buildings to walk and avoid the commotion below.

But fate or cruel god, whatever the cause, a loose shingle to give way. And he fell.

For the briefest of moments, he almost thought he saw Jared atop the roof.

But that was soon forgotten as he landed upon a man.

“Ow,” Levi groaned.

“Who the hell are you?!” A blade was pointed at him.

Levi blinked looking about. He was between the men and what seemed to be a young lady. Well great. Seemed he was getting involved even if he didn't want to.

“I'm so sorry,” he held up his hands, trying to stand, “Seems i may have fumbled.”

The girl rushed and clung to Levi’s back, probably misunderstanding the situation, “Save me please! They want to kill me!”

She couldn't be any older than 17 at the most if Levi had to guess. Not a child, but still far too young to be wandering alone, at least in those fine clothes.

He smiled looking at the men before them, “I'm but a humble Jester, clown of sorts. I see nothing and know little, surely you can understand this was merely an accident.”

He took a few slow steps back, giving the girl time to move with him.

“Well your accident may have just cost you your life,” one man chuckled, “Can't have any witnesses.” the man charged. There was a brick wall behind him and the girl with these men blocking the exit.

Well crap.

Levi twirled, scooping up the girl as if in a dance, raising his foot as a counter balance, only to bring it down hard upon the fellow’s head as the criminal had stumbled expecting his blade to make contact.

Two down, two remaining. Levi simply smiled wide tilting his head, “Oh come now. You two wouldn't want to dance with little ol me as well would you?”

“What are you doing?” the girl gasped.

Levi didn't change his happy stance, as the two charged provoked.

Good.

Levi used their momentum to leap, pushing off the back of one, to aim him and the lady he carried out of the alley, His years of training… honestly who would have thought such skills could have been used for such things.

“Get back here!”

Levi chuckled, “I wonder how often that line ever works? Dose anyone simply run back to them apologizing? Oh so sorry sir, didn't mean to run for my life, whatever can I do for you?”

The girl giggled at the comment.

Levi was not too familiar with the streets. This city still new. There was a risk he was going to run into other crooks or friends of those fiends.

“That way!” the girl cried, “I know that shop!”

Levi turned the way she pointed, realizing she was referring to a shop on mainstreet. He just hoped he was not going to be accused of kidnapping the girl. Given how people treated the lower class within this city.

Levi paused only for a moment. Then he saw it, a large banner near a carriage. The very symbol upon it that prick had. He forgot he was carrying the lady as Levi ran for it, not hearing the shouts or clanging of armor around him, as he leapt upon the carriage.

“We're ok! They are my men,” The girl’s happy voice snapped Levi out of his search for the face of the traitor.

Levi set her down, “Oh, forgive me. Seems the rush kinda got to my head.” he smiled and even gave a silly little knock to his head.

“Your Highness!” came an all to familiar voice. One that haunted his nightmares every time they wandered to the night he lost everything. A bit older, slightly more gruff. But Levi could tell. It was HIM.

Levi’s attention snapped to the man.

There he was. More gray hair, his eyes more tired, and one even looking as if cataracts took it. But there was the man who stabbed his father. Who had stolen his life from him.

“Are you alright!?” The man rushed to the young girl.

Oh? Well then. His smile became genuine for a moment as he leapt down and knelt before the girl, “Seems my presence is no longer needed dear maiden. This clown shall take his leave.”

“Not so fast,” a blade was placed against Levi’s throat, “Who are you?”

“Garth! Remove your blade! This man saved me, surely that is worth a reward and not accusations!” The girl stated sternly.

“My lady, he has every right to be suspicious, though i would be more suspicious of those fellows who were trying to kill you,” Levi pointed toward the alleyway, which the two who had been chasing him had just gotten to the opening and turned to run.

Garth ordered the men to search for the others, then bound Levi in cuffs.

“Garth!” The girl cried.

“Forgive me your highness, but this is far too suspicious to just leave this man go.”

Levi continued to smile, after all he wasn't wrong, and had Levi not been there it would have seemed as if he were manipulating the situation.

“Garth! Release him! That is an Order!” She snapped.

“Your Highness he is-!” Garth started.

“Oh my, to ignore a direct order?” Levi let out a mock gasp, “You act as if the royal family holds no power. I do hope such a figure as you who has statues even in the small villages are not so crash as to think yourself above the Royals.”

The other guards around, glanced at one another.

Garth snarled, “Watch your tongue!”

“GARTH!” The girl snapped glaring, “Release him. Now! Or do you think yourself above me?”

The Head guard, the traitor, and apparently a man named Garth seemed conflicted but sighed lowering his head, “Of course I do not my Queen. Forgive me.”

“Good,” she snipped.

Levi held out his wrists for the other to remove the cuffs.

“Now, sir… what is your name? I feel I should know the name of the person who saved me.”

Levi bowed, Jared’s words starting to make some sense, “Forgive me, but I have no name worthy to give. I am but a clown without a traveling troop. A jester without a master. No one of worth to be known by such a noble as you, my queen.”

“Nonsense You are the jester who saved me, when even my own Guard had failed to save me before I was taken from my castle let alone my bed,” She insisted.

“Well then,” Levi still had his head bowed low, “I am known as Jester Levi.”

“Why were you out so late?” the young queen asked, “And know lying to a Royal is treason.

Oh how funny, “I only made my way here to this town today. I had been wandering in hopes to find a safe place to sleep. When I heard the cries, and lept to the roof… sadly my entrance was not my best. My old troop leader would probably be laughing for the wrong reasons if he had seen such a falter.”

“Well then, I think we can give you a place to rest while I decide upon your reward. Come,” she was helped down and into the carriage. But Levi stood outside waiting.

“Are you not going to enter the carriage Levi?”

“Forgive my behavior my queen,” he gave another curt bow, “But even though Jesters should not be taken seriously, I feel a young queen being left alone in her carriage with a man would be unbecoming. Not to worry, I can run alongside and keep up.”

Garth snorted and rolled his eyes after taking his place upon the horse.

Levi ignored it, he found the bastard. Now… to bide his time. Though there was still some pleasure in the thought he could stab the bastard after killing the queen. Let him feel the helplessness. Or was this queen his next victim?

“If you're sure,” she motioned for the door to be closed.

Garth glared at Levi, he couldn't help but feel the younger man reminded him of someone but he could not quite put his finger upon who.

As he promised Levi managed to run alongside the Carriage, even making it look almost as if he were skipping. Then again the carriage was not going all that fast. But to the young queen who had only ever seen men run during drills or training.

When they arrived at the gate Levi took mental note of the pathways, guards and number of people about.

“My Lady!” A maid rushed over upon seeing the young queen exit the carriage.

Levi was introduced to the Maid, her name being Allegra or something, Honestly he wondered if he should remember it. Then again if he wanted to play this out right, best to play the fool.

He greeted her with a deep bow.

“He saved me from the men who kidnapped me,” She said happily.

Levi looking about, how poor was the security? For four men to have snuck in, snatched her and dragged her through the castle lands, and into the city? He may be a fool but even he could tell something was off over all.

“My word my lady, you should get a bath and I can get you a warm cup of tea,” Alegra insisted.

“Of course but first, Steward!” the young queen spoke to a well dressed man, “See to it this man gets a room to rest and is treated accordingly, i will be rewarding him tomorrow during court.”

The maid looked ready to say something, As did Garth, but Levi rolled his eyes as neither looked willing to speak it.

“Your Majesty,” Levi smiled with a curt bow, “With due respect, and please keep in mind I am just a silly Jester so my words do not need to be taken seriously. But perhaps in light of the situation as a whole, it would be best for me to not be rewarded in such a public manner?”

She looked to Levi curiously, “Why is that?”

“Well I'm sure a great Queen such as yourself would not want it to be publicly known that your knights and guards had failed in such a task. It would be humiliating for them. And practically an insult for their leader,” He smiled at Garth who seemed to have a twitching eye.

“Hm, you have a point there, Well then, what would you suggest?”

“Well, I am but a humble clown with no troop, or Jester without a Master. But! Perhaps it would be best to sleep on it, and come tomorrow do as you see fit? I would be willing to accept simply the place to sleep soundly with food without having to worry for my safety.”

The young queen seemed to be mauling over what he said, “Very well, Stewart, see to it he is taken care of, with proper bed and meal. I will figure out what to do tomorrow.”

Levi smiled and gave Garth a wink.

Garth scoffed, “Do not think I owe you clown.”

Levi acted shocked, “who had said such a thing?”

“Garth, stop being mean,” The young queen huffed.

The man referred to as Stewart led Levi into the castle, “Tell me… why does the queen seem so taken with you?” He seemed to side eye the once traveling clown.

“Ah, well I was simply in the right place at the right time. Managed to help her escape from the criminals who took her,” He smiled, “But then how was I to know the cries of a lady were in fact those of the Queen.” he shook his head, “Rather odd that only four men had managed to get her so far from the castle.”

The man stopped, “What do you mean?”

“Simply that if the Crimson Watch are as skilled as the great stories say, and truly loyal to the Queen as one would hope, then one would have a hard time believing only four curs managed to sneak the lady from her room, through the grounds, and into the city where i found her… don't you think?” he tilted his head, watching the other’s expression. Genuine curiosity upon Stewart's face, and worry. Not guilt, not fear. No he had no hand in this.

“I see,” The man thought.

“Best we keep this random thought to ourselves though, without proof it could stir up trouble. But for a mere Jester, well one should never take me seriously should they?” Levi smiled.

“I understand, but why tell me?” The stewart asked.

“Why not? If you are a steward, or butler, isn't it your job to work and be loyal to the queen?”

“Fair point,” He nodded.

“And if even you are against her, then this poor queen truly has no one,” Levi pointed out.

“Another fair point,” he motioned to a room, “You may rest here. A staff member will be bringing in some food for you, is there anything you would like in particular?”

“I am fine with whatever is left over from dinner. I wouldn't want to put any stress upon the staff.”

“I must insist that you have something beyond leftovers, if you were the hero of the queen.”

Levi was about to insist then paused, “Fine… it has been quite a few years since I had some beef or chicken, or even soft bread. I will leave it to you and the staff how you may wish to prepare it.”

“Anything we should avoid?”

“Honestly, I am not picky. Though i have survived quite a long while on foraged greens…”

The Stewart smiled, “I understand, we have had soldiers with similar requests. I'm sure it will be easy enough to accommodate.”

“Though, i should request one thing. Where might i be able to wash up? I admit it's been some time since i was able to properly wash, and i doubt my state would be worthy to meet with the queen tomorrow.”

“We will see to it,” he gave a curt bow.

“Thank you,” Levi then entered the room. It was far larger and more luxurious than he had expected, after all who gives a clown a room like this. It was quite possibly meant for the personal maids of dignitaries.

Still he wasn't going to complain.

Sitting at the desk, he removed the shirt he had on and pulled out the sewing kit he needed to mend his traveling clothes. Thankfully his costumes were still put away and unharmed.

The Stewart brought in his food, and even offered a pitcher of warm water, soap, and a cloth to do a basic sink wash.

“I… had thought your color was from the sun,” The steward commented looking at the exposed skin upon Levi, “In the morning I will send some servants to properly bathe you,” Stewart looked at the clothing Levi was mending, “Are those your only set of clothing?”

“I have my Jester’s outfit, but somehow I feel that would be inappropriate to wear before the Queen unless she requests it,” he commented.

“Hm, I shall see what we can do,” the Stewart left, and Levi heard a soft click.

Checking the door… yep, they locked him inside. Figures. Garth probably got to the Stewart.

But, for the first time in a long time. Levi slept in a proper bed. He still had the habit of hugging his bag in his sleep, after all he had that habit longer then he didn't.

Come morning, several staff members ushered him to a room where a large wooden tub awaited him.

He cleaned, revealing that the water was warm, with some form of scented oil, that to him smelled of pears. A delicate and faint smell. But still a welcomed one as it was probably attempted to be used to cover his smells from traveling.

The clothing offered wasn't anything too fancy. Though probably a far cry from anything an average person, not that they would notice upon first glance. The shirt was a basic off white more than likely intended for under vests, or coats. The slacks were a basic dark gray, possibly even naturally colored. They were sturdy, well cleaned, and honestly would be well for whatever weather.

“To think the savior of the queen was given such clothing,” The one old maid tisk-ed.

Levi smiled finishing putting on his shoes, “Oh please, do not think in such a way. After all, I'm sure care was taken in picking these. As they do fit quite well, and were gathered on such short notice,” He stood looking at himself in the mirror. His reflection was not that of the child Jacob, but without the makeup it didn't quite feel like the Jester Levi either.

“Besides, it's not as if I saved her knowing she was the Queen, and one should never act based upon just the thought of gaining a reward.” it was a lie, everything he did was for the sake of a possible reward of revenge.

But the old maid smiled softly, “Such an understanding fellow.”

“Well thank you Madam,” he gently took her hand and kissed the back of it.

After his hair was brushed, and more scented oils used, he had to mentally roll his eyes behind his smiling face. He knew he spent quite some time out on the trail but surely he wasn't that bad.

“Mister Levi?” The Stewart greeted as he was having breakfast.

“Oh, hello, forgive me I wasn't.. Uh…” Levi quickly wiped his hands.

“You are aware of how to use the cutlery?” the Stewart raised a brow.

“One of the old troop members had mingled with the upper crust, insisted I learned,” he shrugged, ok only partly a lie. But he did forget not everyone was familiar with the use of a fork, and few common folk would eat as cleanly as this.

“Hm, i would ask why but i'm sure it would seem crude,” Stewart seemed to frown.

“Not so crude, their reasoning was, that I may one day manage to find a noble to serve as their clown, and if so, then best I didn't embarrass them.”

The older male nodded, “Reasonable.” The Stewart cleared his throat, “Well the Queen has a full schedule, and despite the events last night, it may take a few days before she can see you.”

Oh? Possibly Garth stepping in, “I see, well I do understand, after all Being a ruler of a country must be quite a stressful life,” what were the odds of this being a set up of some kind? “Might I request being able to go outside the castle walls?”

“Might I inquire as to why?” The stewart raised a brow.

“Well work mostly,” Levi answered.

The Stewart sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Levi wasn't sure if the fellow was arguing with himself in his head, or between the voices of two orders from two separate people.

“I can not by all rights keep you here against your will, Though i would request you come back by night fall,” The stewart paused, “Would you need coin?”

“I wouldn't turn it down, but I am capable of earning my own. I do not wish to seem as if I am simply taking for the same to take at this point.”

The Stewart sighed, “Fine. I will speak with the guards. Just make sure we know before you head out.”

“Thank you, dear Stewart.” Levi gave an overly dramatic bow.

Once the older fellow was gone, Levi raised a brow and checked on his reflection. It really was strange to see himself without makeup. But… well for now at least…

He looked at his luggage. Best to take it for worst case scenarios.

It was near noon when he finished speaking to the guard, and headed into town.

Levi smiled, he noticed the pattern of foot steps. At first they were easily drowned out by the crowds, but as he ventured here and there, further away from the higher class area, and further away from the more well populated.

The brisk glances of shadows, the patterns of foot steps.

Honestly he half wondered if these people were ever taught to walk silently ever in their life?

Levi stopped at the bakers, buying two loaves and headed into the slums and to one particular house.

He knew with the two following him, they would probably try to keep tabs on whoever he interacted with. Well…

“Hello?” the widow opened the door, “Oh! It's you! Well look at you, it seems you're doing well for yourself, Is there some reason you're here?” The woman who had lost her son not too long ago, stood before Levi, her eyes with dark bags under them from both crying and lack of sleep, she looked disheveled. And from the smell… well… there was a chance her son was still present in the home.

“I came for a visit, i realized i had some questions about your story you gave me to tell, but i didn't wish to show up empty handed,” He held up the two loaves, “Might we sit and talk?”

She adjusted her shawl looking into the one room shack then shook her head, “Please… forgive me, but I don't think you should be seen or known to be acquainted with someone like me, not when you seem to be doing so well for yourself.”

Levi gave a sad sigh, “Well if you insist, these are still for you. And my question is this, might it be alright if i told your tale to those of the upper crust? If not I will respect that, but wished to ask before I went ahead to do such things.”

“Oh,” the woman accepted the bread and then seemed to process what he said, “Uh, y-yes? Though I must say I don't know why they would care about the plight of such a lowly being as I. I can't even convince the church to let me bury my son upon their lands.”

Levi sighed, “Despite my desire to help more, I don't think I have that ability,” he knew he probably couldn't help her. But then that wasn't why he showed up. Given the two people following him they would probably inquire, and they would fix the situation. Probably.

“You're one of the few who helped me. Not only now with bread, but the night my poor boy was lost to me,” She held the loaves in her one arm as she wiped away a tear, Thank you. Now go ahead and get out of here before someone sees you with me.”

“Take care, and I do hope things get better for you,” Levi said his goodbyes and headed off, mostly to just browse the market, and do a small bit of performing on a corner to help bring about a few smiles.

He did take notice of how there was only a single pair of footsteps following him after he left the old widow for a time. Good, one of the fools stopped to question her. Which would mean, that if the queen sent these fools she would start to think he was a sweet and kind soul.

After a few more performances, even doing a slight bit of sleight of hand when a child seemed to have dropped a coin and he “gave it back” Levi headed back to the Castle.

With two footsteps following him, he was sure they would soon report to their mistress or master… though he was not expecting the guard to stop him.

“Just who are you? And what business do you have here?” The Guard wasn't the same as the one that morning. So Levi couldn't quite expect him to know him by face.

“I go by the name Levi sir, I have come back as per the Stewart’s request.”

“Stewart?” the guard snorted, “yeah right, Get lost.”

Levi still smiling after all it always did help in situations, “Sir, i do have to insist that i am telling the truth, surely if you sent someone to inquire with-”

“Look,” the guard growled, “if you were supposed to come in here, you would either work here, or be some Noble. But you're not either. So get lost before I have you dragged down to the dungeon!”

Levi held up both hands and took a few steps back. With luck the two who had been following him would hear, or at least be able to inquire after he left so that any misunderstandings could and would be cleared up.

“Please Pardon me. I had only been trying to follow orders, But if you insist then I will go and find accommodations elsewhere,” Levi turned and headed back to where he recalled there being an Inn he could use for the night.

There was only one pair of footsteps following after that. Surely this could or should work in his favor.

#jester levi #oc #original story #ch 3 #my story #my alt blog

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