I'm not content to merely to capture the world. I want to change it.

[capturetheworld]

WHO: Leonardo da Vinci
WHERE: Fountain, and then all over the village
WHEN: January 13th during the day (Fountain), 14-16ish for the rest
OPEN TO: Everyone!
WARNINGS: Overabundance of enthusiasm.

---

Fountain Arrival

The last thing Leonardo remembered was a late night staring at codex pages, trying to make sense of the strange designs and visions they saw when Ezio touched 'the Apple.' It was still an interesting name to him, a nod to the temptation of unknown things, but he was weary when he lay his head on his work desk to close his eyes. Just for a few minutes. That was all. So imagine his surprise when his next coherent thought is I am drowning! as he finds himself floating in freezing water. His beloved Italia is rarely if ever so cold, and he flails wildly at first, but manages to see some light up ahead.

He breaks through the top of the water with a big gasp and wide eyes, scrambling his fingers against the side. Oh no. This feels like one of those situations he keeps finding himself in, and that means Ezio should not be far behind. Ah well. Leonardo hefts himself up and onto the ground, sitting on the edge and breathing deeply. Blue eyes dart around taking in the strange unfamiliar landscape, the land that is most certainly not his country or one he recognizes, and he isn't in his robes to deal with the harshness of the cold air.

"Oh Leonardo," he murmurs to himself, brushing wet hair from his face. "What have you done this time?"


Seen Around the South Village

Leonardo is a very energetic and curious person, so he can be seen in multiple locations over the next few days. If outside, he will be overly layered because it is too cold for him. He will be in the inn for lunch and chat with whoever is there, the schoolhouse eagerly looking over all of the books there, the boathouse and the mill and then simply wandering around clearly checking the place out.

He will then go up to the North Village and do much the same thing.

Comments

Wandering Around Town - Near The Blacksmith

[plate_builder]

In the grand scheme of things, it's a rather pleasant day. Which of course meant that Reeve wasn't freezing enough to be held back by the weather. The man had already gone to the Inn to fill his backpack with the day's improvised supplies for his surveying work, and was now on his way back in the general direction of the Blacksmith's house. Held in one hand he had a piece of cardboard he had stuck paper to with sewing pins to keep it from fluttering around, and as he walked he was clearly tabulating some values on it. Specifically calculations on the specific slope angles of different open areas he was working on as possible sites for construction.

None of it was complex math, all things more than easily in the reach of a genius such as Leonardo, even down to the wonderful twist of luck that meant Reeve's world used the same symbols and letters to stand in for unknown values. Which meant that when a stiff breeze ripped the cardboard and paper form his hands he should have foreseen the issues of sail area, really and carried it to the ground at Leonardo's feet, no doubt he would be able to pick something relevant out before the shocked architect-slash-engineer came rushing up to recollect his work.

"Excuse me sir! Can you please catch that before it blows away!"

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo could do without this weather. He wanted to experience snow, yes, but he felt like his body just wasn't accustomed to frigid temperatures. He was bundled up perhaps more than necessary. Still, he was never one to let such things weigh on him to the point of misery. That was why he wandered outside regardless. He did see the cardboard and paper collect at his feet, and he already leaned down to pick it up even before Reeve said a word.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself, touching the math and images he recognized at once, and only then did he realize someone was speaking to him! Oh his lack of awareness never stopped being a problem. He handed it over to Reeve with a bright smile. "What are you surveying, if I may ask?"

[plate_builder]

Oh, the man got it. Reeve was relieved to see it scooped up and slowed down his approach just to catch his breath. His pencil went into a pocket and he happily accepted his calculations back.

"I'm attempting to derive information on what degree of leveling or perhaps pitching of terrain would be most easily produced so that I can build a barn. Of course working with the tools here has forced me to improvise but the averaging methods I'm using provides a..."

Right. Not everyone was nearly so interested in this as he was. And often he had to put it in laymen's terms. So just because the man thought he was surveying didn't mean he should skip it.

"Basically we need a barn. I'm trying to figure out which open field is the best place to build it without too much manpower to pack or fill the land to a mostly level state. More houses would mean digging a foundation which would help make things level. Not the same with a barn."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo was about to stop him and say he knew what he meant, but it was rude to do so, and so he nodded and let Reeve say it all before smiling. "You explained very well in clear terms, I am very impressed! I always find it difficult to explain to people what I mean when I use technical terms." Ezio made him repeat himself a few times before giving up and accepting whatever Leonardo said was right. He had a tendency to babble.

He considered the terms that Reeve was talking about, calculating in his head. "And how big are you thinking? Farmhouse barn or storehouse barn?" One would be more modest than the other, but it was a big undertaking for the latter. "I am Leonardo, I would not call myself an architect, but perhaps it is better to say I actively dabble." He more than dabbled but it was such an official title, one he had not earned quite the same as one from an academy.

South Village

[relentlessness]

As the days draw on, Jacob reconciles himself to the truth that he is not going to find a sign of his sister. Reminding himself that it means she is likely gone, and not dead somewhere he has yet to discover, it doesn't make things much easier for him. Yet there is no choice but to continue on with his life until such a time as they are reunited. Which means keeping himself busy.

The inn tends to provided supplies, and if he's going to venture out from the village, he's going to need them. Taking some time to look over the notes others have left while he grabs something to eat, not used to being the one to do the research, but now it's all on him and he's not letting Evie down.

Though he keeps stealing looks at someone he doesn't recognize, hasn't seen in the village before. Finally he pushes his bowl a bit away from him. "You're new, aren't you?" Or he hasn't been paying attention, and he's already chastising himself for that.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo might not be enjoying the cold, but the inn was delightfully warm and he always did enjoy a nice roaring fire. It didn't happen much, and he thought it smelled great. The food was unlike anything he knew, the meat at least, but it was good. This was all madness, but fascinating and he was absorbing every bit of information. He spent much of that morning reading through the archives, until his eyes felt hazy and he knew he had to take a break. He would come back for it later.

His hands twitched wishing for a brush or a pencil, but neither were to come for him. Paper either. He didn't know yet what the situation was on supplies. He looked up at Jacob's voice, rarely aware of those around him when he's focused, which can be rude and he knows that. His smile is friendly and his blue eyes bright, nodding in response. "Oh yes, very. Just the other day. I cannot remember the last time I went swimming, so it was sudden." Horrifying too, at first, but he moved past it. Leonardo was very adaptable.

He gets up and walks over to Jacbo, not a moment of hesitation. "Leonardo da Vinci." He offers his hand. "And you?"

[relentlessness]

Since before the turn of the year, Jacob realizes he's been letting his guard down. Maybe it's hoping something might happen, something to give him a chance to go bare knuckled and get out some of the pain and aggression that he's feeling.

The introduction of a man with a kind smile is likely not going to give him what he's looking for.

Especially not with that name.

Sitting a bit straighter, he looks the man over slowly. "Da Vinci? As in theDa Vinci?" He snorts. "Because if you are, my sister is going to be livid she's not here."

Because she must be somewhere. Dead is not an option.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo nods with a quizzical look. "Ah, yes, I am probably the da Vinci, if you mean the painter." He is not quite use to people knowing his name so well yet. It's happened more than once. He did paint several excellent ones for his customers, and he did have some notoriety in his day, but not to the extent he's sensed from others.

"I also dabble in inventions, science, engineering, so if this all sounds familiar, yes, I am. Please call me Leonardo, in truth the da Vinci only indicates where I was born, but people want official titles on their work." And just going by Leonardo wouldn't work with a common name, so there it is. He takes a seat across from Jacob, assuming that their conversation allows such a choice. "She's an art fan, then?"

Fountain, because why not.

[nobroth]

"You've found yourself in a weird little village in some weird little place that I assure you is not home," came an answering voice - from a tall, bulky man who was stripping out of a coat that he held out toward the new arrival. "And we probably need to get you out of the cold. There's an inn down the way if you're all right to walk."

At least he looked friendly enough, even if there was an axe on the ground not far from where he'd been standing. It looked like an axe meant for work instead of wounding, if that was any consolation.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo looked up at the voice, wide eyed, and he took in the look of the man and the look of that axe too. If the man wanted to use the axe, he could have already, and there was no sign yet that he was the kidnapper who no doubt brought Leonardo to this strange place. He really did not want to be kidnapped. The gesture of giving the coat over instantly warmed the artist to Alistair, emotionally and then physically when he pulled it on, shivering intensely.

"I apologize for dripping on your coat," he said sheepishly, even though he was offered it in the first place. It just seemed very rude to ruin it so quickly. The pack on his back was odd an unexpected, but he carried it with him, getting to his feet. "This is not home, if the land was not so clearly different, the weather would be." Leonardo's teeth were already starting to chatter so he pulled the coat tighter and tried to smile for the man. "P...please guide me, s...sir." Chatter chatter.

[nobroth]

"Maker's breath, you're going to freeze your balls off - come on."

Yes, he had the axe in one hand, but he immediately put the other arm around Leonardo, knowing himself to be rather radiant with heat. It was one of the few benefits of being Fereldan. "I know, short notice, but squeeze up; I'll get you warm. I'm Alistair, by the way. And that bigger building over there is the inn where there's always a nice fire and, in my experience, something warm to drink."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo was not someone who shied away from physical comfort, especially not when it was well meant in such a manner. If anything it made him instantly trust this stranger, to show such care so soon. "Grazie, Alistair, I am Leonardo." It did make him feel warmer and also slightly less alarmed in general. He still was alarmed, but less likely to panic and run. "I am from a very warm climate, this is far outside of my understanding." He was probably more sensitive because of that.

He gratefully stayed close to Alistair's side and hurried toward the big building he spoke of, wasting no time, as it also meant he could give back the coat. Leonardo felt much like a drowned rat when he stepped inside, soaked to the bone, but it was warm inside, he was right. It was a relief. He turned to look at Alistair, eyes troubled. "You have not kidnapped me, have you?"

north village!

[bloodbathing]

It's apparent at a glance that the North Village is decidedly less populated than the South. There are fewer footprints in the snow; less noise from the neighbors; no electricity in any of the houses. One could be forgiven in thinking that it's entirely abandoned. Perhaps a place that people visit now and then, but nothing more.

But there are a few who call the quiet Village home. Or at least, they call it a place to stay. A place they happen to be living until they can find a way back to their real home.

One such individual is Agent Maine. And, when he sees a stranger investigating the inn, he suddenly understands why — when he first arrived — one of his own neighbors initially asked if he was lost.

The massive space marine sticks out against the snowy backdrop. He's seven-feet-tall, broad-shouldered, and clad in black, with a build that suggests the firewood he's hauling may as well be matchsticks. Maine gives the stranger a curious look before speaking up, voice low and just on the human side of a growl.

"New?"

[capturetheworld]

In truth, the quiet of the North Village appeals to him. While he is used to bustling city streets and friendliness, it was the quiet he longed for while working. This may not be a place to live, but it is certainly a place to work, and that is on his mind as he walks through it. Lost, yes, but so very fascinated by the way it is formed. A mimic, to the other, or the other a mimic to this one, and it is curious to be designed this way. Or is it easily maintained?

At times he spins, sharp eyes taking in all around him, but if he does get turned around, it is his own fault. Leonardo appears far different from the marine. He is of average height and on the lean side, clothed in bright violet underneath the heavy coat he found stashed in what he was assured is 'community' clothing. It is necessary, as even now he is cold. He is no soldier, that much is certain, and he somehow missed Maine's approach.

He startles, wide blue eyes looking Maine's way, and at first he is slightly cautious. It is not his natural state, to distrust anyone, but Ezio would advise him to be wiser. Yet no one has harmed him here, and the man is carrying firewood, not being threatening. So just like that Leonardo relaxes and smiles at the man.

"Am I that obvious?" He gestures around. "Why is it so quiet here in comparison? Is it because it doesn't have ...." He searches for the word. "Electri...city?" Clearly not one he knows well.

what an excellent pb choice!!

[bloodbathing]

The ease with which Leonardo relaxes is startling in turn. Maine is accustomed to being feared. Accustomed to even his fellow Freelancers stepping warily around him, intimidated by his size and demeanor. Only those closest to him ever truly relaxed, secure in the knowledge that he would never intentionally harm them. That he'd do damn near anything to protect them.

But this man... Maine doesn't know him. He's sure of that. Yet here the stranger is, relaxed and smiling at him after only a moment of caution. Like there's nothing to be afraid of at all.

Maybe there's some kind of weird anti-intimidation shit in the water here. The number of people willing to just accept his appearance is, to Maine, quite frankly baffling.

The man stumbles on a word. Not because of fear, but because it's evidently unfamiliar. Electricity is unfamiliar.

Maine blinks. Sighs internally. Takes it in stride as best he can.

"Lazy?" It's a guess offered with a little shrug; he doesn't know why people seem to shun this area. "Long walk." Not from the marine's perspective, but the distance seems daunting to many civilians.

Not this one, evidently. This one just seems fascinated with his surroundings.

omg thank you!

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo does note his giant build and he is physically impressive, but he is friends with Assassins and has met people from another planet now. No one has warned him about anyone in the village being a danger, and he assumes they would by now, so he takes them at face value. Maine started the conversation, although he probably did not know what was in store for him from the cheerful artist.

He glances around uncertainly, because it didn't seem far at all. "Ah, well, I am from a city, in which people are too lazy to go to the edges of it and send letters through others instead of walking there themselves." So basically, he understood that. Leonardo rarely left at all, using messengers out of necessity than laziness, because he was too focused on his dozens of projects. "Sometimes a walk in the fresh air is the best way to think through troubles, but it is very cold fresh air."

He is from Italy. This is beyond freezing to him. His face is a little rosy from it. "I was thinking of using one of the free spaces here for a workshop. I don't know what I will make yet, or what is needed here, but I prefer space and quiet." He realizes he's been chattering away and slaps his forehead. "Where are my manners. I am Leonardo da Vinci, signore."

Schoolhouse

[praypal]

There is a man perched on one of the chairs in the schoolhouse. He is blue. Not only blue, but with an anatomy that is not exactly within the human norm. While humans often develop tridactyl hands as a birth defect, his seem perfectly functional. Then there's the reason for the fact that he's perched- a long tail ending in a spaded point at the end, currently wrapped around his feet like a cat's. His feet, similar to his hands are a unique two-towed shape on digitigrade legs.

He's reading a book on basic carpentry, but doesn't seem terribly engrossed by it.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo is running his hand over the titles of the book in a corner, pulling out a few at a time to make a pile. It appears this is a place where it is allowed to borrow the books, although perhaps it is wisest to read them here, otherwise his room would be stacked with them very soon. He is completely unaware that anyone else is inside, until he stacks the books to the side and glances over at Kurt.

And openly gasps. What in the world? Much like his curiosity didn't scare him away from Venom, he only felt mild wariness at first, but fascination for certain. There were several wondrous people here, it took his breath away. "Hello?" Leonardo approaches Kurt with wide eyes.

[praypal]

"Oh!" Kurt honestly looks relieved to have an excuse to put the book down. It's not that he doesn't like the idea of woodwork, exactly, but that reading about it isn't nearly as exciting as the prospect of just starting on the project at hand- but the rarity of the supplies he has means taking extra care. And that means studying.

"Hello there- a new arrival, I take it?" he gives the man an extra-friendly smile (even if it's a little fangy), and extends his hand in greeting. "Kurt Wagner. I have not been here very long myself." He's used to people reacting more noticeably to his appearance than the very understandable startled gasp, and he doesn't look offended by it.

"You can ask, if you like." He's actually starting to be amused by these sorts of reactions. It's nice to feel appreciated for you're uniqueness- especially when you've faced literal torch-wielding mobs in the past.

Fountain Arrival

[locum_tenens]

Niska has been waiting for someone to arrive, hearing the splashing. She doesn't quite have the empathy to drive herself to help, so she's been sitting with her jacket on and her hood up, watching the fountain intently. After the most recent arrivals, she's become fastidious about this.

She needs to ensure if there are other forms of AI here, she tracks them, ensures she knows who they are. This man doesn't appear to be one of theirs, though, but Niska remains wary. "You've certainly gotten yourself plenty wet," she notes, sure he'd been asking a rhetorical question, but happy to answer.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo is unaware he has someone else there due to being overwhelmed in general by what happened, and he's also terribly confused. He swipes the wet dark hair out of his face and looks over at the hooded woman. "Somehow. It certainly wasn't from choice." He has a light Italian accent, and he glances down at the violet scrubs he's wearing. How odd. It is not a color he sees very often, or has ever worn himself, although quite lovely.

He immediately clings to the pack on his back, pulling it around to look inside. How did that get there? Who gave it to him? His mind feels like it's on fire from racing too quickly. "This is not Italia. It is impossible." He knows that much from the climate in particular, and their surroundings. He puts his arms around himself, his wet skin already starting to freeze on him. "Where am I?"

[locum_tenens]

She's not sure that she's seen a man like him around here to this point. She notes his accent and his comment, raising her brow. "No, it's not Italy," she agrees, given that the temperature would be rather shocking to anyone who wasn't in the more mountainous regions of the country.

"I don't know if you'll believe me," she begins, seeing as she's had poor luck to this point, "but you're in a small village at what appears to be the late 19th century. And yes, you did just crawl up out of a fountain."

Schoolhouse

[loyalrebel]

The moment Malik sees Leonardo, he's intensely thankful that there's nobody else in the room at the moment.

Something that had been hurting and unreleased since he'd seen last seen him Jaunts and Jaunts ago throbbing sideways and fighting against some sense of relief that the man he'd grown to love was alright.

"Leonardo? You are- I-" He says, striding in and cutting off as he opens his arm for a hug. He's wanted nothing more than to have the man's arms around him for months, even if only for some brief moment.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo is there trying to pick what books he wants to read, as he assumes it is a community option and they have very interesting books. He has not seen many how-tos, but he always thought about writing one himself, but alas, no time. There are many skills that would be useful, so he's browsing.

He glances up when he hears his name and smiles at the man, although he does not know him. Perhaps this was one of Ezio's friends. There is no other reason he could be recognized so warmly, and he feels guilty he doesn't recognize the man on sight. He is usually very good at recalling faces, as an artist! Still, he clearly knows Leo and apparently needs a hug, and who is he to refuse? He knows the value of a good hug.

He only briefly pauses before accepting the hug and returning it warmly. And tries to think of a way to explain he doesn't remember Malik's name, and apologize profusely without it being hurtful. "It is good to be recognized! There are only strangers here." This is true. He is not accustomed to it.

[loyalrebel]

It is a good hug, one of the better ones Malik's had in months. There's something wrong about it though, and Malik lets Leonardo go when the other man ends the embrace.

Then Leonardo speaks and Malik realizes the truth of the utter lack of recognition.

It takes only a shattered heartbeat for him to raise up walls and a mask of a polite smile perfected in court.

"You are a difficult man not to recognize, if only by reputation. Forgive my familiarity, hear enough good things of a man and one forgets you have not actually met. I am Malik Al-Sayf."