#【 event season ⁎ sabbam vitatham 2023 】

[freedomarrow]

Caspar gives his canteen a solid shake as he approaches Leonardo, confirming that there's still a serviceable amount of water inside. The weight of the liquid within sloshes from side to side. He nods approvingly. "I can get more once we're done here," he clarifies as he offers the drink up to his teammate. "So take all you need." He looks aside toward the slavers, eyes sharp with fury. They may have beaten the initial rage out of him, but Caspar is far from tamed. "Are you hurt? Strong enough to run?" He's learned how to lower his voice a bit more properly, hissed out between his teeth. "I'm not dumb enough to cut you guys loose right here and now, but we can't stay like this, right?"

Much as Leonardo dislikes being at the mercy of others, he knows better than to refuse help offered genuinely, so Caspar does get a faint smile as he comes over.

"... Thanks."

It is a quiet and hesitant expression of gratitude that the blond forces through his throat, through which guilt and remorse can also be heard - gratitude combined with an unspoken apology. For what it is worth, at the very least, three of the group have managed to make their escape, and Caspar, too, is in a better position than the rest of them.

"I'll be alright," he responds, a frown creasing his features. Caspar has not lost hope, and he should not either. There has to be something he can do - something they can do...

"I... might still have something in mind." The hint of hesitation disappears from his voice once he realizes the slavers are paying them no mind at all. Determining it is safe, he continues: "They have not taken all of my hidden blades. I still have one left..."

His eyes wander over to his sides, to Jakob and Arval sitting next to him, before returning to Caspar.

"Can you... try and buy us a few moments? Keep them occupied, or at least away from us," he whispers. "I'll... see what we can do."

[freedomarrow]

Even Ayra — adamant on a course to Isaach — had come around to see Sara's way of thinking, so there is only one person in the group that makes himself an obstacle to her will. It might be unflattering to brood quietly and allow herself to openly radiate displeasure, but she has never cared for appearances.

Sara pointedly ignores him for as long as she can with words on the cusp of her tongue ready to criticize and devalue the lone contribution he has to his forgettable name.

"I see everything you do," she says gravely. “And more.”

From anyone else the declaration would be arrogant, however she hears the rhythms of this world as soundly and surely as the beat of her own heart. And Sara is most certain he cannot profess the same.

“You are a follower, not a leader.” He’d gone rigid under the intensity of Prince Macedon’s authority. “As a stranger to the land, what makes you so confident to act as a guide? Does it amuse you to blindly stagger towards any destination?”

A beat passes. Her brow furrows, lips pressed together in a line.

“Without me, you are just as lost as the others.”

"You did not make yourself trustworthy. That's not on me."

His voice is quiet, but the annoyance is clear to hear and his gaze is cold as his eyes meet hers. "Know for the future that people don't like when someone holds back information."

He did it wrong - he messed up - he knows that. Granted, he did not consider that Lord Michalis would betray them like that, and he is certain neither did she; reasonably, he knows that that, at least, is something no one blames him for.

But the rest of it? At the end of the day, he is the one who advocated for this path, and feels responsible for whatever transpired here. She really does not need to rub it in. He already knows he got them into this mess.

It is up to him, now, to try and get them out of it.

He says nothing more for a while longer, his attention drawn elsewhere; another shape appears far away on the horizon, small at first, but getting larger seemingly by the second. More wyvern riders, he soon recognizes, and a glance at first Sara, then Lady Ayra, tells him that they do too. As do the slavers - they become alert, a few orders are barked here and there, weapons are drawn at the ready. So these are not reinforcements for this band. The opposite, in fact, by the looks of things.

Leonardo's eyes narrow. If he is going to get a chance to make up for his mistake, it is probably going to be in a moment, in just a second, as soon as they get here, any time now -

shouts and screams soon erupt around them, the sound of screeching wyverns and clashing weapons deafening and overwhelming - terrifying, somewhat; one would expect him to be used to it, and he is, but it is still scary when one is unarmed, defenseless and bound.

His mind in overdrive, he spots the one opportunity fate sees fit to grant him; he lunges forward, a stray axe missing his back by a sliver, but running across his wrist - and the ropes, just enough for him to wrestle his hands free. The slaver responsible for the deed turns sharply towards him, eyes filled with hatred, big, muscular hand already reaching for him to rectify his mistake.

He cannot free himself from this one, but he can -

You know what, fine. I'll trust you, then.

with one sharp movement, he pulls a concealed knife out of one of his bracers and runs it through the ropes binding Sara. In what feels like the same moment, he shoves her forward, pushing her as far out of the way as he can.

"Go!"

In the corner of his eye, he sees Professor Diamant had freed himself as well. Sir Lukas is right behind him. The one second where everything happens seems to stretch itself into an eternity - but not even an eternity can get him out of this struggle unscathed.

But that is fine. He cannot make it out, but at least some of them may escape. And then, she can lead them to where they need to head. He swings the knife one more time, wounding the slaver - nothing that can threaten him, but anything to keep the man's attention and fury on him.

"... GO!!"

[freedomarrow]

The sounds of a gathering catch his attention, pulling his eyes away from the endless seas on the horizon and back towards the group of those destined to be his allies for this expedition. It is vital to learn as much as possible about both the dangers he may potentially face in an unknown land, and the strengths of those he can rely on - as well as ensure that they are assured they can count on him, as well.

It is with that in mind that he joins the group, listening attentively to what everyone has to say. The description of the situation is immediately etched into his mind, catalogued for further detailed analysis at a later date. Child Hunts... The mere phrase sends a shiver down his spine. For all the atrocities the Begnion Occupational Army committed in Daein, they did not, at the very least, stoop this low. (Granted, that begs the question of whether the lives of adult men killed in the work camps and thrown into the Shifu Swamp are worth less just because they were adults? Which is... probably best not overthought. Still, somehow, this does manage to sound even worse.)

After Lady Ayra and Arval finish speaking, he takes notice that his arrival prompted a few pairs of eyes to turn towards him. He shifts slightly - as much as he dislikes speaking out loud to a larger group of people, he does not want to come off as hesitant or apprehensive. That would be easy to misread in circumstances like these.

"Thank you for sharing all the information you could. It's good for those of us who aren't of Jugdral to know what we can expect," he says with a light nod. "I do not believe... that many of us are in need of thanks and shows of gratitude, though. The situation is urgent, and I'm of the belief that many of us were appalled to even so much as hear about it, and are happy to help. I know I am."

"... My name is Leonardo," he continues. "I am a student of the Golden Deer, but please do not judge me by my age and status. I have fought in a war, and have plenty of experience in battle... as well as espionage and sabotage, if need be," he adds the second part after a brief moment of hesitation. "Combat-wise, I am most proficient with archery, but I can also wield a spear. Please do not hesitate to make use of my abilities whenever necessary... I hope to be of use."

All Aboard the Jugboat!

[freedomarrow]

Both Arval and Jakob's staves fail them, prompting Leonardo to frown - not out of anger or frustration, merely of concern; for what it is worth, the staves of Tellius and the healing spells of Fódlan have never hesitated to answer their users' call when necessary, so this situation is unfamiliar, and to put it mildly, somewhat dire.

Lady Ayra takes the situation into her own hands - or claws, perhaps; in spite of her heavily wounded state, she charges bravely at their opponent, lacerating and wounding him? her? it? heavily, before finishing off with a single, well-placed bite. For a split second a familiar image from some past long gone flashes before his eyes, of a Tiger laguz doing the very same to the soldiers of his homeland back during that fierce battle in the swamps...

How long ago has it been?... They need to go back...

It is not long, however, before some commotion far away draws Leonardo's attention and wakes him up from that temporary daze. He turns, his sharp eyes quick to recognize the grave danger that approaches them. "Padraigh is catching up to us... Oh, no. They have more Demonic Beasts!" He calls, his tone full of urgency, the previous frailty and exhaustion gone almost entirely in the heat of the current circumstances. "They're approaching from both the north and the south. We cannot engage them in battle... Not the way we are now," he adds, eyeing the heavily injured states of Jakob and Ayra.

"We need to run. They're far away, we might be able to outrun them. Let's go!"

(Roll: 3, success)

The sand they kick up soon covers the traces of their pursuers that he had spotted on the horizon. It seems as though they have a good lead on them.

Perhaps they can take a breather in a moment and try to heal again before they continue...

If only they could reunite with the rest of their allies...

@indevouement @centrifugalcycle

caught, again, like a caged animal and only recently freed.

sand finds itself within lacerations, the beasts claws had raked his flesh something awful -- and though he loathes to admit it, he stumbles a little as he stands. he was injured. badly.

not the injury that is mended entirely by a vulnerary. not the irritance of a sprained ankle. the type of harm that clouds his vision with pain, even if for a moment, the distinct sensation of vulnerability that leaked from weeping wounds and dried lips.

he was not going to die here. no-- he had promised lord leo, he had promised lady corrin, he had vowed to the others ( who may very well be deceased ) on that sunken boat that come what may jakob would live and fulfil his quest.

quickly does he run ( say : stumble, a little, and he hopes none see ) to his stave, scalding metal meeting bare flesh and yet it feels as if it were nothing from the way adrenaline strummed deeply in his heart. he is grateful the dried blood marring his fingers assisted in his grip, for it would be coated in sweat otherwise. it was the little things, the optimism, the dark humor.

it bit at him, leonardo so very frail, and his determination to hold off a raging beast so . . . so what ? so jakob could collect himself ? it burns, it tastes foul, bitter and alarming.

ah . . . this team he had travelled with was willing to die for one another. expected, yes, they were the type, but to lay their necks on the line for him? words of disdain had fallen from his lips like wet cement come their first meeting - a half-hearted, dry joke on the poorness of leadership in their team. how they would not last a day.

and now they were risking their lives for him ? it puzzled him. but he had no time to waste.

' that was dire , incredibly poor '. jakob felt no better, and perhaps the sight of arvals tremble and pointed gaze at him was almost worse. what a bad time to miss. he ought to focus more in precision in lessons, huh?

"don't even consider freezing on me, arval," jakob speaks, quickly now, quickly readying his own stave as he moved towards ayra. his breath hitches in his throat a moment, steadying his gaze in the direction he ran -- he needed to focus. needed to mind his footing. one wrong step, and maybe an off-path rock would knock him dead. "you'd be a fool to try and make yourself a walking test to challenge my previous sentiments. that's assumed high praise of yourself."

it's spoken fast. messily. it even comes out irritated -- but they were still his student, and so he owes them passing words in a moment of what he perceived to be their raw panic. alas, jakob was not one for reassurance.

Jakob [1/12 HP] uses Recover on Ayra [1/10 HP] [Roll : 3, miss !]

the rod is dead in his hands, and nothing forms of it. no surge of energy. no nothing. and yet he cannot help but move towards ayra, as if he could do something, as if distance could allow him the chance of trying again - as if he was simply too far and that was certainly the reason why he faltered.

if he could catch his breath, then. . .

"there's no time," he calls. he wasn't even sure if ayra could hear him, more or less comprehened him. part of him expects her to chastise him, to growl that she does not need jakobs advice. and for jakob to roll his eyes, and retort with yet another comeback. "you are going to need to strike to kill now."

he waits for the retort, knowing he will not receive it.

and he does not hear a thing from her.

@astrasword

[freedomarrow]

@heriteur

The ship rocks gently against the waters that carry them towards their goal. The continent of Jugdral... Leonardo remembers hearing the name. It has gone through some severe hardships, from what he has heard - but then again, it seems as though few places in the world have been spared war and suffering. Because apparently that is simply how this world has to work.

Leonardo holds back a sigh, looking over the horizon. Others have already gathered in groups smaller or bigger for chatting or some activities, but he has not yet found it in him to do so. Without the likes of Edward and Micaiah to drag him out of his shell, he finds himself with little drive to initiate any interaction with others.

... But standing here and overthinking whatever may lay ahead is really not doing much for him.

Not far away, he spots one of the Professors he is now familiar with, Sir Diamant. Gravitating first and foremost towards known faces, Leonardo figures he may be a good place to start. He does note that the man is fishing - the archer knows just enough about the activity to be aware that he should not cause too much noise.

With that in mind, he approaches calmly, quietly, but not stealthy enough to actually sneak up on him.

"Professor Diamant. Um..." He actually does not know what to talk about. "How... are you holding up? I hope I'm not intruding?"

Gone Fishin' || Leonardo & Diamant

[freedomarrow]

He could see it, he is not blind to such subtleties. The way the instructor's face changed when he said that they are just happy to help and returning favors is not necessary. Was it wrong of him to say? He did not consider it at the time, but given the reaction, something in his words was... inappropriate, perhaps.

It bothers him afterwards, to the point where it does not leave his thoughts until he finally gathers the courage and approaches her. If he said something he should not have, he needs to know, and he should no doubt apologize.

It is what has him find her when he notices that she is not busy with anything in particular - if he already insulted her somehow, the last thing he would want to do is also interrupt her. "Pardon me, Professor," he speaks to get her attention. Once he does, he needs a second to find the proper words, thinking a little extra on them before he allows them to come out.

"... I noticed earlier, when we were introducing ourselves, that you did not... seem to like something I said," he finally continues. No point beating around the bush, after all. "The part about... not needing shows of gratitude? I think that's how I phrased it... Anyway, was that inappropriate of me to say to you? If so, I would like to apologize for that."

The Subtle Art of Accepting Gratitude || Leonardo & Ayra

[freedomarrow]

@heriteur @berglietz

The boots he is wearing are not made for traversing through the sand, but considering the shipwreck they recently survived, he is going to be grateful that he still has them at all. The path through the cliffs has not been too hard on him - as it turns out, the experience of jumping across buildings and rooftops comes in handy out in the wild as well. He often has to slow down and ensure he does not get too far ahead of the others - especially those wearing armor - as they travel. As well as be mindful of the fact that it will likely only get more difficult from here, and save his own strength, and his reserve of water. He needs to remember to plan ahead, especially here and now.

He wonders, sometimes. Was he right to distrust Sara and insist for the path leading above ground? There is something of an unpleasant feeling in his stomach, as is usual for the presence of a sensation that there is someone in the group he does not feel that he can place his full belief in.

He supposes there is nothing to be done about that now. They will know soon enough.

Towards the northwest, in the distance, they spot a weird-looking stone - man-made, perhaps? It is hard to judge just how far away it is, but a few in the group take interest in it, and so the group splits up - some following the wyvern that passed above them and flew off, others looking out in other directions, and him, Caspar and Professor Diamant heading towards the strange statue.

"The sand is deep, so be careful... It's easy to fall over," he tells them. "If you can, try walking across the rocks. It's more stable."

I Like That Boulder. That Is a Nice Boulder

[freedomarrow]

While some aboard the ship are quick to engage in all sorts of activities to pass the time on the long journey, others find themselves seemingly struggling to find something to do. Leonardo ends up falling into the latter category, what with the rocking ship providing less than optimal conditions for archery practice. (He should probably try later anyway, new opportunities are always good... but maybe when there are less people running around.)

But he feels as though others who experience such struggles have different reasons of their own. In particular, it seems as though some of those who are currently on the way to what they would call their homeland are somewhat restless.

Which, given what Leonardo has heard about the place and its current predicament, is probably understandable.

However, as he has already tested on himself... it does not inspire a positive attitude, and only makes the mind weigh heavier.

It is with that in mind that he approaches the lady he saw earlier. Altena, if his memory serves him right, which it usually does. He recalls her from the Golden Deer classroom, actually, now that he thinks about it - but this was his first time seeing her lance.

"Hello, Altena. Do you have a moment?" He inquiries. By his side is his own spear - the Killer Lance, a lot more common and simplistic than the Gae Bolg, but it will have to do. "You must be proficient with the lance, right? Um... could I ask you for a small training session, maybe? I don't have enough experience with this weapon, and I'd like to practice a bit with someone who does."

1v1 Me || Leonardo & Altena

[freedomarrow]

The monster's grip on Jakob is released, but whatever words Lady Ayra seemed to attempt to impart on it remain either unheard or ignored. Leonardo cannot be sure which, but he does not need to know - he knows when the time comes to defend himself and his allies, and that is all the knowledge he needs.

His hand clutches the bow he had received from Arval. His body remembers little of its usual strength and energy - but no force on earth could make it forget this feeling of the handle under his fingers, the gentle yet powerful bowstring that signals his enemy's demise, the reassuring weight of a quiver full of arrows on his back...

If his mind focuses on these things and these things only, it makes it easier for him to pretend everything else is fine.

"Fall back!" He calls, the previously faltering strength of conviction returning to his voice. "You guys need to heal first. I'll try to distract it in the meantime!"

And said distraction takes on a form of an arrow that he pulls out of the quiver in a gesture he would have to die to forget -

Leonardo attacks Demonic Beast with Longbow: 1d20+4=14. Hit Leonardo deals 2.5 damage. Demonic Beast HP: 10 -> 7.5

- and firing it into a weak spot he picks out on the side of its head, causing it to screech in pain and take a step backwards.

> @centrifugalcycle

The Art of Humanity

[freedomarrow]

"People sacrificed in the name of a fell god..." The phrase alone makes Leonardo shudder, even before his imagination can supply his mind with fitting images. He winces.

"... I don't think my own homeland ever did sacrifices like this for gods. They were revered, sure... But all the atrocities committed in Tellius were generally for the sake of mankind. If you can call it that." The sub-human hunts came first, and then he witnessed the horrors of what they called the Feral Ones... In the same breath, Izuka sang praises of his "genius" and expressed horror at the prospect of the same being done to him, putting on full display his steadfast belief that some lives were simply worth more than others.

Are those "child hunts" born from a similar conviction?

He sighs, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Professor. I came to you thinking about clearing my head, and here I am, overthinking things all over again... and this time also putting this burden on you." When he next tears his eyes away from the horizon and looks to Diamant, there is a faint smile on his face. "We'll still be traveling for several days, won't we? Maybe you can show me how to fish in the meantime. But for now... I think a training session actually sounds good. When you're done with fishing... would you join me, maybe? I'd appreciate if you could give me some pointers with my swordplay."

Gone Fishin' || Leonardo & Diamant

[freedomarrow]

All of a sudden, everything goes from urgent to just wrong.

Even as attentive as he is, Leonardo barely has any time to recognize Caspar’s warning that the shadow in the sky above them is indeed a wyvern – before the other student has a rough net thrown over him and is knocked unconscious. It is not long before Professor Diamant follows, the axe he had borrowed from Caspar seeing little use before he is overwhelmed by the surprise attack.

Others from their group soon join them - with the exception of Lord Michalis, who turns tail and leaves them behind. Leonardo wastes two - in retrospect precious and necessary - seconds looking behind towards him and the slaver scout chasing him silently. The man gave off the appearance of a stern commander, a stalwart leader, harsh and unforgiving, but decisive...

But apparently even such men have the capacity for cowardice.

He then turns away from the scene - he cannot get distracted. Several of them have been jumped and taken by surprise already, those who can still fight need to do whatever they can.

His eyes quickly lock on the slavers' second-in-command, wielding a powerful sword. He glances at Lady Ayra, silent understanding in their eyes: watch my back; then, he pulls out two arrows with a swift motion, firing them in quick succession right into the man, who staggers back with a groan, death's messengers now protruding from his chest, but not fast enough in delivering the end - slower than Lady Ayra, at any rate, who charges in and ensures the job is finished,

- before yelping as a flash in the corner of his eye and a quick jump off to the side are all that save him from getting a spear through him, thrown by the wyvern rider scout who returned to the fray. Leonardo grabs another arrow and fires his way - but the man dodges it with ease. Seasoned in fighting against archers, by the looks of things. The blond grits his teeth, reaching for another arrow -

but the opponent is faster, charging at him before he has time to so much as blink, and a sharp pain below his ribs erupts through his whole body as he is sent flying backwards, his hands letting go of the bow in surprise.

Next thing he knows, there is sand beneath him, the sky above him, a spear pointed at his chest,

shadows of a fight still ongoing somewhere far away,

it is hot,

it hurts,

Edward help,

Micaiah I'm sorry

Leonardo has been captured!

— Thread End

I Like That Boulder. That Is a Nice Boulder

[freedomarrow]

"Thank you, sir."

Not that Diamant has even done anything in particular for him just now, but Leonardo nevertheless feels the need to express gratitude either way. He comes a little closer, leaning on the railing next to the instructor, glancing at the water and the fishing hook awaiting its prey in vain, before looking back to the man.

"It's... nothing special, really." In spite of the reassurance, his voice remains quiet. Just in case. Maybe something will come to bite after all, in which case he should not speak too loudly. "I just wanted to find someone to chat with, but everyone else seems busy with other things. But that just gets me standing in place and overthinking stuff. It's a bad habit."

He sighs. He knows he has the tendency to worry too much, and yet... he cannot stop. Edward not being around is not helping his case, either.

After a brief pause, he straightens himself up, his eyes attentive as they fix upon Diamant's figure. "Do you know a lot about the continent of Jugdral, Professor? I... don't believe you're from there?"

Gone Fishin' || Leonardo & Diamant

[freedomarrow]

"Also good advice. Thank you, Professor."

He says that, though there is not much in the way of old footprints that he can see at the moment; but, at the very least, they do leave those for one another, so it is still a piece of advice that they can use.

Caspar calls for a moment of time, prompting Leonardo to look behind him to check what is happening; he pauses, watching as the other student retrieves his boot from the sand. "There shouldn't be quicksand around here, I don't think... but be very wary if you suddenly start sinking," he offers another warning.

The archer then looks back towards the rock that they have chosen for their destination. It does look like they have come closer towards it... though the harsh sunlight reflecting against the sand's surface makes it difficult to judge just by how much.

"Don't rush it, save your strength..." he says, sighing lightly. "I'm sorry. I really cannot judge how far that thing is, at the moment. We might be walking for a while still." He allows himself a small sip of his water reserve, but not much - only enough to keep going.

@heriteur

I Like That Boulder. That Is a Nice Boulder

[freedomarrow]

"I admire the guys spending the time doing push-ups on slippery floor," Leonardo nods in agreement to the Professor's words - the faintest of chuckles passing through as he speaks. "I don't think I could do that, really. I'll train later, for sure, but I don't quite have the stamina for that, I don't think."

Whatever works for different people, he supposes.

"I've never tried fishing," he admits. "Where I come from, there weren't really many places in my area where one could do that. There were small streams here and there in the forest, I guess... But I don't think I've ever seen fish there." They did not really attempt to fish much while on the run, either. For their circumstances, it took too long. Their hunting had to be swift.

"And I see... It's alright, though. I guess we'll have to learn more as we arrive." Whatever small smile lingered in the corners of his lips fades as he recalls Sara's words. "Have you heard what they said about the... the child-hunting, Professor? I've never heard something so atrocious... can someone really do something this evil?"

His grip on the railing tightens a little as he speaks. He has seen the evil people are capable of, many times, in many forms. Or at least, he thinks he has. But this?

Gone Fishin' || Leonardo & Diamant