Closed

[brynwieldr]

Who: Leo and Niles
What: The two from Nohr take on a prayer...and Leo explains something to his shinki.
Where: A library somewhere
When: March 30th
Warnings: Possibly swearing, probably some Fire Emblem Fates spoilers, lots of angst because seriously how do you handle your retainer of several years not remembering you?

[This place was so strange and...frankly, overwhelming to Leo that if he had it his way he would just stay on the Far Shore and handle whatever was needed from afar. But he couldn't and at least this was an easy prayer to answer. Someone needed help studying and they were in a library. They were also cripplingly shy and couldn't talk to the librarians. Studying was best done alone and quietly, so it wasn't hard to help them get a private study room and make sure they were undisturbed.

Perfect time for a much-needed talk with Niles. Once it looks like things are more or less handled, Leo glances at his shinki.]

Niles?

Comments

[deniles]

[How did they even get something so easy for a first prayer? Then again, this was the first prayer of many they'd have to do. He'd let Leo decide what to take as whatever he took...

Well, it wouldn't be the least bit clean, that's for sure.

He shuts his eye and crosses his arm.]

Yes, Leo?

[brynwieldr]

I can tell you what I know, now, if you'd like.

[This would not be fun.]

[deniles]

Hm. Okay.

[He pauses for a moment.]

Will you let me take a guess at what you know?

[brynwieldr]

Go ahead.

[Leo glances over to the study room their...person was in. They seemed to be doing okay for now.]

[deniles]

You saw me, and said my name immediately. You recommended a bow to me, even though most people who saw my disability would never let me near one.

[He looks at him.]

This is not your first time meeting me. Is that it?

[brynwieldr]

[Leo shakes his head]

We're from the same place. This is not your first time in my service.

[deniles]

...That does explain a lot.

[But he's not really surprised. He thought it might have been something like that.]

[brynwieldr]

I could tell you more, but to be honest it is far too complicated to sum up and would take time to explain. But you were my retainer, in Nohr, and had been for years.

[deniles]

...I see. Can you at least tell me what I was like?

[Was he better? ...Or worse? He knew his behavior was pretty damn bad but it was still damn fun.]

[brynwieldr]

...pretty much exactly like you are. Maybe a little smoother around the edges at times, but honestly I've dealt with you like this for years. Why do you think I don't give a damn about everyone else's opinions of you?

[He shrugs]

Apologies and a place to take complaints are mostly for show, and in case something does go wrong.

[deniles]

...I suppose that's a good a reason as any.

[He chuckles a bit.]

Whether you are my lord, or my god, you are still the man who I would follow to my untimely death. So if there is anything I can do, tell me.

[brynwieldr]

...perhaps don't say "untimely death" again.

[Slightly sensitive topic.

Leo gestures to the study room.]

And see if they've fallen asleep in there.

[deniles]

[He moves towards the room and looks inside, blinking, before turning to look back at him.]

They're awake still.

[He looks closely, narrowing his eye.]

...What happened? You know something.

[brynwieldr]

[Leo works his jaw, trying to figure out what to say. He wants to tell Niles, but at the same time.]

I do. But I can't tell you, Niles. It would end poorly for everyone if I did. But know that I will do all I can to keep you from dying--and don't argue with me on it.

[deniles]

...So you're asking for my blind trust here. That's it.

[He doesn't know if he can now. Leo's hiding things from him.]

[brynwieldr]

Of course not. I know better than that.

[Does he ever.]

But there are some questions I don't think I can answer--I may even have the wrong answer. It's just a gut feeling, after all.

[A technical truth--he has a gut feeling to not tell Niles.]

[deniles]

...I'd like to think you have a good reason for not telling me it.

[He paused for a moment and sighed.]

...But no matter what you say. I trust you, Leo. I don't remember anything... I just know I can trust you.

[brynwieldr]

[That makes Leo smile as he stands. He really has no faith in their charge to stay awake, so he's checking on them again and--yep. Asleep.]

Thank you. It took years to earn that the first time and while I'd do it again, I'm glad I don't have to. Who wants to go wake them up?

[deniles]

[He just nods and goes over to wake the charge up again to make sure they were studying instead of sleeping.]

...When there comes a time, Leo... I want to know everything about me. I trust you the most out of anyone here. So I will listen to what you know.

[brynwieldr]

[They jerk awake, looking around sheepishly and thanking Niles before he steps back out to Leo. Leo nods.]

Of course, Niles. Whatever I can answer, I will.

[deniles]

My only question, from now until I know, will be what you're not telling me about.

[He let's out a little sigh.]

So, I want you to tell me what you're okay with me knowing.

[brynwieldr]

...do you want to know how we first met?

[deniles]

...Let's save it for another time. I feel that one requires a drink.

[brynwieldr]

For you, it might. I wonder if there is a merchant that sells decent bourbon or wine here...

[deniles]

I'm sure we can find something somewhere. Although it looks like sake is the main drink here.

[brynwieldr]

I know.

[He makes a face]

It's very Hoshdian, and while I appreciate some of their foods I never could tolerate their sake.

[deniles]

...Hoshdian?

[remember. No memories.]

[brynwieldr]

We are from Nohr. There is another country called Hoshido that is very much like this Near Shore and Far Shore, only less...'modern', I suppose, though for us this is all futuristic.

[deniles]

Ah. ...Then maybe you can start telling me more about Hoshido instead.

[brynwieldr]

I don't know much, to be honest. And my accent is horrible. I can tell you about Nohr, however.

[deniles]

Alright. Then tell me about that. I want to know something more today.

[brynwieldr]

[Leo nods and begins to tell Niles about their homeland of Nohr. He doesn't go into the history, but he tells Niles about the land of Nohr, how they were now working towards peace with Valla and Hoshido and opening up trade, and the festivals they attended. Occasionally he stops to see if their charge needs any help, or to correct their math]

[deniles]

[It's a fascinating thing to listen to. Filling his head with stories of where he used to live. He crosses his arms, making sure that the charge keeps staying awake.

When it's all done... he smiles.]

...Sounds like a wonderful place, Leo. You'll have to bring me sometime.

[brynwieldr]

I'd love to, one day, if we can. It's still hardly a nice place to live, but it is home.

[deniles]

I hope we can even more then.

[He chuckles a bit.]

Especially if it was my home.

[brynwieldr]

[Leo smiles as their charge comes out of the study room. They're on the phone, telling someone about how they got a lot of studying done and how they feel more confident with their exam.]

Well, I think we did it.

[deniles]

Then, let's have a discussion another time. And tell me something new, Leo.

[He chuckles a bit with a nod.]