Book Date [Leo and Alicia]

Oak town has been know for its rich record of history. Why, he basically wrote a few of them down. He was delighted to be among the books that relayed the tales of old inside a very prestigious bookstore in town that was already standing before he got to build Fairy Tail. And in this section of the bookstore which was basically a library for how huge it is now, He was reading through a book on all the cities of Fiore. It was an old book, the pages had already been brown to age. The smell to him was indeed intoxicating, taking a sniff every time he would turn a page. He enjoyed the occasional read and this is actually one of the few books he had been reading before he started his journey around Earthland for finding himself. It was in a literal library section of the bookstore wherein people could read books in the place, and even check some out to borrow. He indeed had a fondness for books which was somehow surprising for other people when he would shock other customers that a man of his build and stature acts like a nerd when holding a book. He had sat on a chair by the window. Slouching back on the back rest and had his leg over his other one, while his book was on top of it. He'd flip the pages by lifting it up with just his right pointer finger from the top and sliding it down to the middle edge of the page before turning it. It was a serene form he had taken in, especially with the sun's rays going through the window. He'd occasionally look through it as he would reminisce of memories he had when the book would reference a certain event that he was part of. It was shaping up to be a great day for the man who had slacks, black leather shoes, and a white shirt. He looked so regal indeed for what normally does for a living, and even for fun. Of course, the image of a very large greatsword leaning on the other edge of the table in front of him does bring him back to earth that he is still the rugged old swordsman from the city of Magnolia.

The section of the book he was reading was talking about unexpected meets, and friendships that blossomed from across guilds. He giggled at the paragraph and looked at the window once more remembering the friendships he had made, from across guilds. Granted it was because of Guild Master meets, they didn't necessarily had to be friends. Perhaps this day would prove to be another iteration of previous events. One that even the old man who had claimed to have seen everything did not expect.

WC: 469
Personal Total: 469
Thread Total: 469
@Ryuusei

Oak town is a bastion of history, rich with knowledge of the past. Alicia was well aware of the opportunity oak town had presented itself as a fountain of wisdom and knowledge. Ever since Alicia had joined the ranks of the esteemed Rune Knights, Alicia found her free time dwindling. It didn’t really bother her, since she would rather train or work, that…. And there was also the fact that she had little to no friends outside of work. She had become good acquaintances with a few of her fellow Rune Knights, but she was not close enough to actually spend time with them outside the work space. Even so Alicia was perfectly fine spending her afternoons customizing and modifying and maintaining her firearms while enjoying a glass or of whiskey. She was small and petite but her hobbies and interest were very masculine and boyish, underneath her feminine and very lady like appearance.

Today she wore a cute white dress, with black floral patterns. Over the dress she wore a white cardigan with a matching bag. In her bag was some make up, mints, and her trusty M1911. She could have simply had the said firearm stowed away in it’s own pocket dimension, however having a physical firearm was something Alicia appreciated. Tucked under one of her arms were two books that she was returning. The book was about historical records of previous wars and battles waged across earthland, the other book was an anthology of earthland poetry. Alicia did enjoy masculine hobbies but in her heart and core, she was a fair maiden, who enjoyed cheesy romance poems and heartfelt romance novels. She felt a tinge of regret, since she found that she had less and less time to read and enjoy her other hobbies.

After turning the corner Alicia found herself in front of one of Oak town's prestigious book stores. She entered with excitement in her heart. She was eager to return her books and browse for new pieces of literature to immerse herself in. She presented the books she borrowed and promptly returned them. Never in her life was she ever late in returning a book, to her returning a book late was a cardinal sin. Turning in a book late could rob someone’s opportunity to read said book, so despite Alicia’s busy schedule she always made sure she could find the time to return all her books in a timely manner.

She found herself navigating the labyrinth of bookshelves, her small delicate fingers traced the spines of the leather rebound books. It was peaceful, it was nice, it was something that Alicia missed. She found herself lost in the moment, recalling how she met a very important person in her life in a very similar setting. Alicia paused looking down at a scarlet red book, one the spine was written in golden letters: Love Bravely by Alastor Dawn…

Alicia felt as if a knife stabbed into her heart. A lump in her throat began to form as she reached out to the book, her hand gently caressed the book as if she was holding the hand of a lover. She looked around as if expecting someone… yet there was no one there… Alicia looked down at the book lovingly and spoke to herself. “You recommended this book to me…” her voice was soft sewed together with a thread of sorrow. She sighed and attempted to gather her bearings.

“I don’t really want to read this at home alone…” Alicia murmured as she took the necklace around her neck. It was a beautiful necklace made of silver, and on the necklace was two rings one ring was the perfect size for Alicia to wear, the other was slightly bigger obviously meant for someone with bigger hands. She held the two rings in the palm of her hand. She reminisced silently before putting the necklace back on. She didn’t bother tucking and hiding the rings away, so the necklace dangled around her neck, hanging the two rings above where her heart would be.

Alicia quietly looked for a vacant seat, but unfortunately all the solitude places where she would usually read was taken. While searching for a seat Alicia’s curiosity got the better of her, she opened the book and began to read. Her peripherals faded as she focused on the words arranged in beautiful sentences on the pages of the book. Eventually she found her way to a vacant seat by the window and sat herself down completely absorbed by the words in front of her.

The book was another collection of poems. Alicia read out loud a short poem softly to herself...

“Oh she's got an orchestra of sorrows
A symphony of misery
But at the sound of her voice I’ll surely follow
When she smiles, when she laughs,
that’s best song she sings to me”

Something broke, and tears began to well up Alicia’s eyes, she quickly shut the book closed and put it on a table next to the chair she sat in. She wiped the forming tears from her eyes trying to bottle up the surge of emotions that had just blind sided her. She closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down, trying to shove a surge of memories back. After a few seconds she was able to steel herself, and when she opened her eyes she noticed….. A sword? A large sword….

Alicia looked up, unintentionally making eye contact with the gentleman in front of her. Alicia was sure she was alone, then she realized that she must have been too focused on reading to notice that there was a person sitting in front of her. Alicia slowly began to turn red, Alicia usually kept a cool confident aura about her, never did she dare to present any emotional weakness to anyone. Yet here she was in front of a stranger who had just seen her cry. She immediately grabbed her book and attempted to escape, but in her rush her hand slipped and the book tumbled from her grasp and landed next to the stranger.

“Damn it…” Alicia cursed at herself, trying to avoid eye contact with the man that sat in front of her. “S-sorry to bother you…” Alicia stammered, kicking herself mentally for losing her cool.

_________________________________________

WC: 1,052
Personal Total: 1,052
TWC: 1,521
@Sir Leonard

Reminiscing alone was certainly a welcome feeling to the old man, especially of times during what others would consider his prime. The feeling continued to grow as flipped and flipped through one page to the next. It was a feeling he wanted to feel for he, especially in these changing times, felt out of place with the rest of the world. Though ever the adventurer, he would always welcome moments of pure surprise and unpredictability. And, as it turns out, that very unpredictability of life would come for him today, bringing with it such intrigue and a certain charm that captivated the man for he would be reminded of a person he had known for most of the important years of his life. Of course, he would also consider that the young lady now in front of her which was apparently oblivious to the world around her, even before she had come to the chair she was sitting on and not even realizing that her body movements had become somewhat autonomous and seemingly acted on instinct because she was so engrossed in the world of the book she held was indeed just that. Engrossed in the book. And anyone with a passion for literature would know that she too was a bookworm such as himself. The man would forget his own literary world and focus on the lady whose hair and dress would put freshly fallen snow to shame. He didn’t even bother to try and glimpse the book the lady had, but was indeed inspired by her taking it in.

The grace she would exude would only pique the interest of the obviously older man. Leo has yet to make more new friends in this era of Fiore’s history, and he considered it to be an honor that he could have a friend such as her. Of course, the inevitable self-serving purpose of her reminding him of someone was indeed there for she made him feel that she too was of the old days, a familiar presence if you will. Perhaps, even too familiar. Nevertheless, the man continued to watch, and at the same time, wondered when she would realize that she was not alone on the table as she thought she was all the while smirking and stroking his chin.

But of course, despite all these thoughts of intrigue, of excessive familiarity, he never once did think of the encounter romantically. For there still was only one person in Leo’s heart: Lina’s mother. It was thought that he had always been there even before the whole event began. A thought that he thought was indeed well-founded when he was able to see rings dangling on her neck. The rings in question looked to be engagement, or  even wedding rings, but no matter. Leo thought that perhaps it would be a better idea to engage in a conversation after she had realized her circumstances. Nevertheless, he would continue to wonder and time how long it would take for her to look up and see that she wasn’t alone.

Though, over the course of their mutual silent reading, the peace would be disturbed by the sudden sobbing of Leo’s now table companion. She had placed the book down on the table, and Leo looked up at her when she did. Their eyes would meet, getting a better look at the appearance of the young lady, especially her beautiful sapphire eyes. They were a marvel to behold indeed and he could not help but be captivated by them that he was not able to tell her that she doesn’t have to go or that it was ok.

However, as luck would have it, the girl stumbled due to her haste. It was at this moment that he was able to see what book she had read as his sight followed it down. Love Bravely by Alastor Dawn. Gently, Leo then made his move, he stood up and bent his knees down, first reaching for the book and then turning to the lady to return it to her. “No worries, My Lady.” he said calmly and comfortably as he could, even in his veteraned fatherly voice. "Love Bravely by Alastor Dawn. This is a nice book.” he remarked, being fully aware that it was indeed a collection of lovely romantic poems. And if such a book were to inflict such evident heartache to her, he took it upon himself to make sure she was ok.

He looked at her eyes once more and recited a poem that he believed was from the same book though had the theme of hope and moving on.

“Time and even love may fade away
Hold the memory that saved you from malady
For we too  are memory in our way
Then we must make new one and remember
That tomorrow is another day.”

He then offered the book back at her with a smile and a gentle pat on the shoulder while he said “It’s going to be ok.” Once she had taken it back, he would turn around and take his sword, placing it on his back. “I’m Leo by the way. Once again, no need to apologize, but perhaps we would be better served reading a more humorous book? I could recommend a few to you and perhaps share it here.” he continued, sounding a bit more regal and gentlemanly as he pointed at the same table where their fates crossed. Though in a slight shock and widened eyes that he could forget himself and his manners, especially to a young beautiful lady that too possessed a great degree of strength for her trying to compose herself that ultimately was elegant and graceful in Leo’s opinion, the man continued to speak. “With your permission, of course.” unknowingly and unintentionally having had a bit of an old english accent when he said those words.

WC: 974
Personal: 1,443
Total: 2,495
@Ryuusei

A swirl of emotions flooded Alicia's heart and mind, she barely had enough focus to hear what the gentleman had to say. "Y-yes it's a beautiful anthology of poems..." The gentleman spoke in a warm and kind tone, he exuberated the aura of a caring father figure. At that moment the gentleman's kindness overwhelmed Alicia due to her momentary weakness. She felt comforted and bothered at the same time. It was as if a burden from her heart was lifted, but at the same time she felt so vulnerable and weak. The gentleman locked his gaze with hers reciting familiar words. Every word made Alicia's heart ache, reminding her of the one whom she lost some time ago. She was ripped away from her thoughts when the gentleman handed back to book to Alicia.

"Ah... thank you very mu-" Alicia began to thank the gentleman but was cut off mid sentence when she instinctively grabbed his hand. This happened when the  gentleman reached out to give her a gentle pat. She glared at him, any shred of weakness was devoured by a cold and hostile gaze. Her ice cold blue eyes hid any form of vulnerability, but instead projected a gaze of a warrior and a survivor. This was made even more apparent with the deep scar that ran down her left eye. Despite her frail looking hands, her grip was strong and firm. If the gentleman would pay attention, he would surely notice the calloused and battle hardened hands of the young woman.  Alicia held her ground for a quick second, before realizing what she had done. She gasped and quickly drew her hand back ashamed at her behavior.

"I am so sorry... t-that was a force of habit..." Alicia quickly stood up and took a step back. She listened to The gentleman introduce himself. "Leo. Well Mr. Leo it's nice to meet you... I'd like to once again apologize for my unacceptable behavior... my name is Alicia... it is a pleasure to meet you." Alicia's voice was calm and collected, she quickly composed herself in a proper manner. Despite her formal and proper aura, the tips of her ears were still a shade of pink due to her embarrassment. She hoped that Leo wouldn't take notice, she kicked herself mentally for her blunder.

"Humorous book? Hahaha... perhaps..." Alicia chuckled brushing off her nervousness as she quickly regained control of herself and her actions. She listened to Leo's proposition and gave a slight nod a a sign of acknowledgement. "Alright... as an apology of my rude behavior... how about I treat you to some coffee and then you can give me your recommendations." Alicia's voice was far more confident and spoke with a degree of authority. She no longer stood there a damsel of distress but as an equal to the seasoned warrior in front of her.

________________________
WC: 480 Words
Personal: 1,532 Words
TWC: 2,975 Words

Leo was not at all shocked when the lady grabbed his hand in ferocity and seeming defense. In fact, he was all the more intrigued by her action. He would raise a brow on his face with an expression that had not changed. He has met strong women in his day, something he was, in a way, deeply familiar with. He stared into her eyes as she glared at him, and as they looked at each other, Leo’s want to grow ever closer to this woman grew. And slowly the smile he had earlier would intensify. But alas, Leo would discern that the woman was not used to being vulnerable, hers was currently an expression of a warrior that Leo respected, an expression a certain someone had, and would be reminded to keep himself in check, for the wind still blows in this world. The grip on Leo’s hand was growing tighter to his liking and asked if she would kindly let go. “I’m sorry for having offended your personal space, would you please let go now?”

The woman went on to explain that it was a force of habit. A statement she was flustered to say as there would appear to be a moment of embarrassment coming about her as a result of her action. Something Leo would not have understood because warriors do need to defend themselves. “No need to explain yourself to me, fellow warrior. We always need to be at the ready, don’t we? After all, we only just met. So I once again apologize for my own action.” he replied quite calmly, bordering on cheerful for it has been quite the pleasant exchange so far. He even took his arm back up, with the hand near his mouth as if in thought as the other arm’s hand would rest on the former’s elbow. Even then he felt the combatant’s strong hands. And a whiff of gunpowder? He closed his eyes for a moment and felt out the magic aura about him and sensed the woman’s own. She too was a mage, but why need a gun? Requip perhaps? Interesting. Now he had all the more reason to be smiling behind that hand near his mouth. Because in all honesty, everything is proceeding as he has hoped. Leo thought that the gesture he had committed would reveal more about the woman’s character. He surmised  that should she break down from a pat, he would be the one to invite her for a hearty beverage they could share in order to find out more about each other. But should she recoil in defense, like what a strong independent woman would, then she would be ashamed of herself for threatening a man that had only shown kindness from the moment they met, because she was still a lady with manners, she would be the one to offer something to make up for it. Either way, Leo wins, he liked her and he has ways of getting what he sets his mind into. But he was banking on the second scenario, he was never to look down on anyone, especially with his initial observations of her.

Then came the way to make up for it that Leo giggled at though he tried his best to hide it. What he didn’t expect tho was the clear invitation to go out for a beverage. Perhaps there really is something going on here, especially since she spoke with authority. “Assertive. Very impressive, Alicia. Also please just call me Leo. It is indeed very nice to meet you. And as respect to my equal, I accept your invitation. Though, I must say that I only drink tea and the occasional alcohol. If you would like, I know of a place that has a fantastic view.” he replied gently, even bowing his head down a bit to show his respects, and then he would turn around and walk towards the store’s counter once she accepted, taking a few detours along the way . “Let me just bring something with us, and change into something a bit more appropriate to accompany that beautiful dress of yours.” he said, as he walked over to some shelves, putting the one he was reading back, and pulled out a couple of books from another section that had his recommendations.

Once they were at the counter, Leo presented the books and the sword he had on to the store owner, clearly knowing why he would. “Let me just put away my sword here.” he said, grunting as he lifted the giant blade off his back and onto his friend’s arms who was able to hold it quite well and set it down somewhere gently. “So long as you promise to put your guns away.” he continued.

“And now for my attire.” he said, stepping inside the office behind the counter which was clearly a perk he enjoyed for being a patron and he was sure others had the same privilege, he took off his simple white shirt, letting his battle scars on his toned body get some sun from the window peeping to the outside. He put on a silky white short-sleeved polo that had light blue trims and bright yellow buttons that was topped off by a black trench coat. He stepped outside the room afterwards and asked politely, presenting his hand for her to take “Shall we go?”

WC: 900
Personal: 2,343
Total: 3,875
@Ryuusei

Alicia was relieved that she had not offended the kind gentleman. She waited patiently as Leonard excused himself to change his attire. In Alicia’s mind, there was no need to change, after all the simply we’re going to get some coffee and exchange literature recommendations. Alicia gave a nod to acknowledge the store keeper that seemed to be good friends with Leonard. She wandered a bit to kill time, but she was not too far from where Leonard had left her. Her attention was piqued when she heard the soft rhythmic patter of footsteps rushing. As expected a child came running around the corner at break neck speed. The kid slipped and crashed into a ladder, that’s when Alicia realized there was another child on the ladder, a young girl who was trying to get a book at one of the upper shelves. Alicia could see the fear on the young girls eyes as she plummeted. The magical circuits fired in her body as mana began coursing through her veins. In a flash of speed she dashed forward just in time to catch the girl and set her down gently.

She turned to the child that had caused the accident and noticed he had scrapped his knee. “Hey kid… slow down… you almost hurt yourself and you almost hurt someone else.” Alicia said sternly as she held her hand over the boys wound and proceeded to heal it. The young boy held back his tears as he apologized to the girl. The shop keep approached and thanked Alicia, it turns out the little girl was his daughter. “It’s not problem… we’re here to help” Alicia smiled.

After the shopkeep returned back to the counter, Alicia began to make her way back to the meeting area. She noticed a window with a figure inside. Her eyes narrowed and to her surprised it was Leonard changing. She quickly averted her eyes and waited on a bench outside the shop. She was still in line of sight so Leonard would be able to see her easily.

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343 @Sir Leonard

It appears that there was some kind of event that had occurred while Leo was changing. The swordsman took a few steps towards the translucent glass wall of the office that provided a vague view of the library. From there, he could see what seems to be a toppled ladder, a young girl standing near it, and his new friend Alicia placing a gentle touch at another child's knee. The old man was very much interested at what was transpiring and proceeded to hasten his changing. Once he got done putting it on, he was able to spot Alicia easily and the apparent aftermath of her heroic deed. Leo smiled at her a gentle smile, appreciating and admiring the skills and instincts. "Seems like you don't need guns at all." he commented softly, offering a small humorous quip so as to lighten the mood or break the ice as it were.

Hoping that was enough to relieve any tension that may currently exist, he bid the shopkeeper farewell by slightly nodded head was accompanied by a small wave of his left hand. After that, the gentleman turned his attention to his companion for the day and gestured "after you" to Alicia with the same left hand held out towards the exit door.

Leo would follow Alicia out the door once she does, and he would lead the way to a certain spot in town. It was to an old grey building just a few minutes away from the bookstore he had met Alicia. As they walked along the sidewalk of town, Leo would make sure that he was the one who was next to the street, subtly positioning himself in that spot by always allowing her to go first on turns. He would simply gesture his hand towards the direction they need to go, and quickly catching up in a mere second. The walk was short but in that moment, he had been very careful and gentle so as to not make Alicia uncomfortable. He wouldn't want that impression from the new friend he had made, especially since he had only been finding her more interesting as their time together goes on. And when they finally arrived to the building that had a wide open balcony on top that had an unobstructed view of the mountains to the west, the forest to the east, Clover town and the neighboring lake to the north, and Magnolia along with the rest of Oak and the sea town to the south. It was another hotspot for those whose hearts had a special place for literature. Though unlike the library, this place only had beverages and some food on the menu to go along with the books the people may be reading.

"This lovely establishment had only been around for a couple of years unlike most of the town, as such it is considered to be a hidden gem." he commented once they reached the door of the café. He opened the door for Alicia, gesturing her to go first in to the modern interior of the building: White walls, jazzy ambience, soft couches, tables and chairs, it had it all. Leo told Alicia that they should head on immediately to the second floor then through the glass partition where more tables and chairs awaited those who wished to smell and feel the fresh air and for a better view.

The area, despite how gorgeous, had but a handful of patrons. About two tables out of the 8 in the area were occupied. Both sat a couple. one seem to be enjoying the company of one another  while they worked on something for their professions. While the other two were simply chatting over their favorite beverages. Leo chose a cozy spot just at the edge of the balcony.

He walked over to it and pulled out a chair for Alicia to sit on, waiting patiently for her to take it and only after she had taken it would Leo himself take his seat just opposite hers. At the edge of the table was a gadget. A touchscreen invention from the illustrious Dagger Co. from which patrons can order their beverages and food. "I'll be having some good old green tea, how about you?" Leo asked calmly as he pointed on the screen on the edge of the table.

Once they had made their choices, the old man pulled out the books he had to recommend Alicia. Most of which had hopeful or hilarious themes. One book in particular was entitled "A Confederacy of Dunces" had a wonderful story from which he had laughed several times to. There was also another called "May We Be Forgiven" by a man named Homes that proved effective from distracting one's self from melancholy. "I hope you would find these to your liking." said Leo as he placed the books gently on the table on top of one another, giving them a pat afterwards.

WC: 825
Leo: 3,168
Total: 5,043
@Ryuusei

Alicia chuckled at Leonards remark. "I am a woman of many talents. Hahah I'm joking" Alicia smirked playfully as she shot him duo akimbo finger guns. She returned back to her normal professional cadence and formality.  She noted how Leonard was quite the textbook definition of a gentleman. Alicia was certainly not a damsel in distress that needed to be coddled nor babied. However, she did appreciate the mans dedication to proper etiquette and manners. She followed Leonard through the streets taking another mental note how he would position himself closest to the street. Alicia was shorter than Leonard, thus her strides were much shorter. Leonard was kind enough to walk at Alicia's pace, and it was something the young Sinclair appreciated. It reminded her how she and later fiancé would walk together in their spare time. It filled her with warmth and fond memories with hint of melancholy. Despite reminiscing about the past, the soft smile on her face remained, and her mind soon focused at the social interaction with he new acquaintance she had made.

The two eventually arrived at the destination and upon finding their seats. Alicia was greeted with the sight of a beautiful scene. The balcony provided a beautiful view of the mountains and shimmering lake. The aesthetics of the cozy thoroughfare was quite charming as well. The venue provided tasty beverages, and the place was perfect for soft idle chatter and book reading. It was definitely a place Alicia would take a mental note of whenever she had the time to sit down and read a book or two. "It's a wonderful place, and the view you get here is gorgeous." Alicia concurred to Leonard's statement. The two eventually arrived at a cafe that was the picture perfect environment for appreciating literature and close company. The soft music filled the air only enacting the aesthetic aura that permeated in the building. The two eventually found a seat, Alicia watched Leonard pace his order using the gadget sitting on the table. "Just black coffee for me" She then followed suit and placed an order of black coffee.

She listened intently as her new book buddy presented his literature recommendations. The titles all seemed interesting and the book covers caught Alicia's eye. There was quite a selection of comedic works, but the one that caught Alicia's attention the most, was a book titled "May we be Forgiven" by a man by the name of Home. "They all seem to be intriguing titles, I'm sure their contents are equally interesting as well." Alicia smiled. The waiter eventually arrived with their beverages and served them to the two white haired patrons.

Alicia took her black coffee, the smell indicated that the coffee beans used were used to brew it was of high quality. She took a sip of the black caffeinated liquid. The bitter taste was mixed a delicious hint of a chocolate berry like taste. It was a familiar taste, Alicia was sure she had coffee made from the same beans before, but the cafe did a brilliant job brewing and doing the coffee beans justice. "That is some good coffee..." Alicia commented as she set her cup down, her crystal blue eyes shifted and looked at Leonard.

"So... Leo... your face seems familiar... What is your profession if you don't mind me asking?" Alicia inquired as she crossed her legs and sat in a more relaxed and comfortable position.
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573 Words
Total WC: 5,616 Words
@Sir Leonard

Coffee was Leo's companion's choice for this little conversation they were about to have, and he believes it to be a wonderful conversation indeed for she seemed to be genuinely interested in the titles he had recommended, judging purely by the glisten in her eyes, as if scanning the books' covers with such interest that made the old swordsman let out a subtle sigh of relief. He had been afraid that he was still making a fool of himself. That despite his love for literature, he was afraid it would still be shallow or of poor taste to the evidently far more sophisticated woman.

Aside from her sophistication, Leo was also impressed by how straight-forward she was. Getting down to the brass-tacks of conversations right away. However, he would have been more impressed if the topic Alicia had in mind wasn't about him. He was still afraid there are people from his past who hunt him, who would do anything to get  Leo to do what they need him to do, putting whoever knew anything about Leonard or his whereabouts  in potential serious danger. Though, as he gazed upon Alicia's stature, the manner of which she carried herself - and admittedly he looked longer than he should because of such stunning beauty the girl had - Leo thought that she could handle herself. Though truth be told, the people after him might not be able to take on Alicia herself, they will use whatever information she has and unknowingly gives them from the shadows to torture her for that was their specialty.

"I am... or rather, was... a mage." he said cautiously. Trying his best to say as little as he can without sounding rude. "My prime has ended. Now I just read books... though I wouldn't turn away from a call to defend Fiore, especially now that... uhm... times have become more dangerous than before..." he added. Trying his best not to add to the conversation that he had a daughter he's taking care of. "How about you, Ms. Alicia? Aside from literature, what are the other activities do you partake in?" he asked politely.

WC: 356
Leo: 3,524
Thread: 5,972
@Ryuusei

Alicia listened to what Leonard had to say, she raised an eyebrow and smiled “Quite cryptic of you Leo.” Alica chuckled, clearly joking with her new acquaintance. “I won’t pry any further. Also please I insist you drop the Miss when referring to my name. No need to be so proper with me.” Alicia closed her eyes and took another sip from her coffee before answering Leonards question.

“As for me, I am enlisted in the Rune Knights, specifically in the special operations branch. I hold no rank, I am simply a nameless grunt in the roster. So I guess serving the nation and doing my part keeping the order of things is an activity I quite frequently do…” Alicia explained casually. She paused and pondered for a moment thinking of what else she enjoyed to do. Since she had joined the Rune Knights her life had been nothing but work. She hardly could recall the last time she indulged in an activity she enjoyed. Reading was always an exception though, no matter how busy she was she always tried her best to make time to read a few pages or so.

“Hmmm…. Target shooting I guess could classify as another hobby of mine…. Oh! I do enjoy collecting firearms… I am not as gifted when it comes to mage craft, so technology is something I enjoy dabbling in as well.” Alicia explained as she leaned forward and put her chin on her hand. “To be quite frank I’m quite a boring individual.” Alicia laughed softly as she came to realize how basic her life was. Work, Read a bit and go back to work again. It was just a year or so ago she was off living the lavish life of a wealthy young woman, indulging in her family's riches. Yet after losing her late lover Alicia matured quickly and focused all her energy in her career in the Rune Knights. It was something that surprised her, she felt that it had been so long since she reflected on her life. Eventually Alicia pulled herself away from her thoughts and brought her focus back to the conversation at hand.

“Very noble of you to be willing to take up arms for others. Though if I may, perhaps you sell yourself short. You seem quite capable as it is.” Alicia noted as she opened and closed the closest book to her.

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WC: 402

Leo would be startled slightly for just a bit. His stoic nature was shaken, and he would then go on to count this moment as one of the few moments the old man would be left speechless. Stuttering. Yet, he made an effort to maintain his composure, after all, this would be the first time Alicia and he have met. Though, now, he had been ever surer that he wants to see her more in the future.

Leo chuckled with her, why he did is surprisingly lost to him. But he felt himself wanting to explain himself, to not be rubbed off on the woman the wrong way though his efforts would lead him stumbling through most of his defense."N-no... it's... just that there's not much going on in my life... aside from my da-daugther, books and crafting..." he muttered. Though he knew his defense was weak, he wasn't able to address the issue of his vagueness for he knew it would be a long story. Being amongst the first members of one of the first guilds of Fiore, a dark lineage whose fanatical cultist followers may or may not still be after him and his daughter, a dead wife, it's a complicated list. What's worse is that he had already slip his mention of Lina so casually, and he wasn't sure if that might seem off putting to her, a red flag some might call it but alas, it was out there making the subsequent sip of their coffees feel awkward for the swordsman.

Thankfully, there were able to blow past that awkward display of his and move on to more of Leo's questions regarding his current companion which he was more than interested in. The old man would put his cup down to its saucer and lean in ever so slightly that its almost unnoticeable and would simply look as him sitting up in a few inches in attention. His eyes gleamed in compliment to the attentiveness of his ears as he could only be more interested in the lady-like beauty that is as independent and fierce.

He closed his eyes and shook his head as he smiled once Alicia had addressed his question along with her self-implicating comment. "You aren't boring nor a simple nameless grunt. I'm sure people appreciate your service. I know I do, Alicia." he replied, emphasizing her name just a bit as to imply that she is not nameless, and that he had dropped the honorific at the beginning. "And I certainly don't think weapon craft is something to scoff at." he added, while he raised his hand slightly for an unobstructed view. From that hand, a dark rift from which a weapon protruded from. "I myself smith the weaponry in my ReQuip pocket space. It gives me a sense of pride." he continued but would soon realize that perhaps he had shared too much. He hasn't been vulnerable or as open to anyone else. Like he can feel something special as he intently shared a part of him. And considering he doesn't have much to loose at this point with his awkward burst earlier, he ended with a rather brave question. "Perhaps we can share more about each other, if you'd like to see each other again sometime?"

WC: 546
Leo: 4.070
Thread: 6,920
@Alicia Sinclair

A daughter? Alicia raised her eyebrows in curiosity, it was certainly not surprising to her. "A single father, I assume." Alicia stated bluntly as she stared down her cup before lifting her eyes once again to meet his. "It must be difficult. How old is she? Your daughter?" Alicia asked her tone hinting at curiosity. Growing up in a loving family the young Sinclair knew how important family was. She was sure that man before her had his personal struggles and strife, after all who didn't in this troublesome world. Yet the Sinclair would not judge, if she intended to get to know Leonard, logically she should know more about his daughter. She could tell Leonard's daughter meant a great deal to him, which was major brownie points to Alicia.

"What's her name? That is if you don't mind sharing." Alicia continued as her fingers traced the bindings of the books that lay before her. "Forgive me, I don't mean to pry, I'm just curious is all." Alicia chuckled softly, she hopped that she didn't come off too nosey or rude. She would listen to him speak, she found it adorable how quickly the gruff old man before her nearly melted at her simple words. She smiled as she heard him speak his name and thank her for her service. She was accustomed to hearing the superficial words of thanks due to her active military service, it was appreciated but rarely did she feel it was genuine thanks and praise. However, this time it was different. Leonards praise and thanks just felt.... right.

Her frost blue eyes watched as the man before her recovered from his embarrassment. She chuckled once more Leonard proved to be endearing despite his apparent age. She would watch with much interest as Leonard would present his finely crafted weapon. "Interesting... a handy man I see. Hahaha." Alicia smirked, her face clearly impressed at the gentleman's display of power and craftsman ship. "gun smithing is something I dabble in, but truth be told I usually have machines and A.I. assemble the weapons in my arsenal... I simply put the parameters into a computer and my little automated workshop does everything itself." Alicia explained in the most basic of terms. She felt that it would be a bit much to suddenly dump the information regarding her secret satellite base orbiting over Fiore. Besides, the man clearly had his secrets so she too would have hers.

"Hmmm that sounds like plan. I would like that very much Leonard." Alicia smiled sweetly as she agreed to his suggestion. Soon enough the two's meeting became frequent, whenever the two weren't busy they would find time to meet up and talk. Days passed and Alicia had grown accustomed to Leonards presence. Eventually she would grow close enough to Leonard to the point where she would spend yule festivities with Leonard and his daughter, Lina. As time passed the two grew closer than friends, but not quite in a romantic relationship just yet. The two still had certain things they were working on, but bit by bit they learned more about each other.

One night Alicia had been invited to dinner at Leonards home, she agreed and had driven one of her modest cars to the address given to her. The young Sinclair was dressed in a simple white dress and black cardigan, her hair still tied in a pony tail. She had bought a box of expensive sweets from a popular desert shop. She knew very well her cooking abilities were abysmal, so she opted to buy something premade rather than run the risk of poisoning Leonard and his daughter with her terrible cooking. She eventually would knock at the door of Leonards home announcing her her arrival. She wondered what the night had in store for her.

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WC: 637 words

@Sir Leonard