A man of peace? Ideas take precedence.

[capturetheworld]

WHO: Leonard da Vinci
WHERE: Various places
WHEN: Through February, more specifically February 8th-23rd
OPEN TO: OTA, one locked to Alistair (in comment)
WARNINGS: Nothing for now, will update if necessary!

---

All of Feb 8-23rd

After Leonardo's declaration on his wrist band, he got straight to work in the smithery. It would take time to change his ingots into something workable, and he had many long days and late nights ahead of him, but he was very happy about it. He started on Ezio's hidden blade, of course, always his first priority, the mechanism not difficult to put together with all the proper supplies. But then there was the steady clang when he started on blades. He can be found in his forge so if anyone requested an item from, they can swing by to give direction or ask questions.

He also occasionally remembers to take breaks from the forge only to enjoy the sunlight as he works on patching up a boat he identified as the best possibility for the pod. He can be found out back of house of house 26 doing that

Color Change, February 16th-23rd

Leonardo wakes up on February 16th feeling unburdened by some of the anxieties he'd be living with. He felt good, actually, and at first he chalks it up to certain things happening most recently, but eventually he can sense this particular boldness is something else. When he notices his wristband changed its lovely violet to a vivid red, and remembers people speaking of this on the network, he almost gets concerned. And then he doesn't actually end up caring, because really, it is what it is. So be it.

It is not overly noticeable at first that he's changed, but he does find himself more honest, feeling less like he has to reconsider everything he does. He can be found eating at the inn, walking through the greenhouse, lounging in the hot springs, and generally walking around with his head held high and a sharpened focus in blue eyes.

Comments

For Alistair, Feb 15th

[capturetheworld]

Shortly after his request to meet outside, Leonardo had pulled on his coat and various layers for the cold, although his pink cheeks and blood rushing through his veins almost made him feel like he'll self-heat soon. He kept going back and forth in his mind about this, between anxiety and nerves that perhaps this was too much or he was still uncertain, and then excitement and the thrill of having fuzzy feelings returned.

Alistair was a great man. He was handsome and competent and he fought dragons. He was a powerful fighter who survived trauma, and Leonardo wanted to soothe his hurts from day one. But he does seem rather grand, in comparison to a simple painter. He wondered what this walk could mean or where it could go, and while his cowardly self wanted to run, he was growing a solid backbone. He could do this. He wanted to do this.

He waited for Alistair, wishing he had distractions in his mind, but none of them would have worked. He was too fixated on this walk, on this man. Wherever it led them.

[nobroth]

It didn't take Alistair long. He gave the requisite thank-yous and polite goodbyes, but then he was pulling on his coat and his gloves (he really needed to find out who had knitted them, if they were still about, and thank them because they were very good gloves), tugging his hat onto his head, and heading outside to find--

...Maker's breath, he really was adorable.

For a long moment, he wondered what he was doing. Someone like Leonardo surely had more options than a fool like him. He could find someone smarter, someone better looking, someone who would be exactly what Leonardo needed, but for some damned reason, he'd been the one Leonardo chose. Maybe he needed to thank the Maker a little more often. Or... Or something.

But he'd taken a chance. And now... Now he needed to finish that. To finish the chance he'd taken.

After a nervous swallow, Alistair closed the distance between them, his smile having turned shy. "Sorry it took me so long."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo only had a few flings in the past, so the concept of knowing a person first, of going on walks together, was new to him too. He still was uncertain if this was supposed to be the friends with additional elements, or something more, and both options were new territories. But here he was, looking up at Alistair's handsome face and shy smile and he was glad he said yes, even if his palms were getting sweaty.

They needed to be away from others, so his paranoia could calm down. Losing that part of himself was going to take time. There was no mistaking the warmth in his blue eyes, the returned shyness of his smile, and he resisted the urge to take Alistair's hand. They could do that once they were out of eye sight. "I don't mind waiting, but I'm glad you are here." Glad neither of them backed out.

"Eventually I might turn blue and you'll have to come in my house for tea, but I am bundled up enough for a time." They would know his fragile reaction to the cold was getting too much when his teeth started chattering. Until then he'd be fine. And he just assumed Alistair would want to come in for tea, even if they haven't started their walk yet. He was sheepish about that. "Did you have somewhere in mind you wanted to walk to? You lead."

[nobroth]

"Nowhere specific, really, I just... It's nice out at night, I've noticed, and seeing the snow on the ground..." He started to walk as he talked, along one of the roads. Thankfully foot traffic had beaten down a lot of the snow, making the paths easier to find and easier to travel. He slipped his gloved hands into his pockets for a bit. And then he let the one toward Leonardo hang free, held out in an offer. "My childhood wasn't the greatest, but I still remember looking out over Redcliffe village or even the monastery grounds covered in snow and thinking it was beautiful. Especially when it was fresh and even and the moonlight made it glitter."

But then he laughed softly. "Of course, I was always the first in line the next day to go outside, make snowballs, and fling them at people, too."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo kept pace with him, listening without comment. When the hand was offered, he resisted the urge to look around, he physically kept himself from looking around and boldly took it in his own gloved hand. It was probably strange that something as simple as holding hands made him this nervous and ecstatic, but it did. He was holding Alistair's hand and even if someone did have a problem with it, Alistair fought a dragon, he could protect them. This was okay. He even dared to walk a little closer to him, now that they were holding hands.

"This is my first real time seeing snow. Where I'm from, Firenze, Florence some people call it, it is rarely this cold. It is not hot all the time, but the majority of the time, the sun is shining, it is warm and occasionally rainy. In all my time I've never seen it snow. I moved to Venice, but it is much the same." He smiled over at Alistair, humor glimmering in blue eyes. "Perhaps the next snow storm you can show me how to make them. I promise not to throw them at you. At first."

[nobroth]

"Oh, Leonardo," he half-teased, placing his other hand on his heart. "I'd be hurt if I wasn't your first target." But he couldn't even finish the statement before he was laughing. "Yes, I'll absolutely teach you to make good snowballs. And we'll target practice against some trees. Nobody will expect it, but you'll be the best snowball-thrower on the field."

Smiling happily, he squeezed Leonardo's hand-- And then he saw just what he'd been talking about. Alistair pointed over between some houses where the snow was as yet undisturbed. "See, there? Like that. See how it sparkles? That's always so pretty."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo laughed with him, feeling some of the tension melt away as they were by themselves now and he could focus on Alistair alone. "I obviously have to make certain I am a formidable foe before going up against you, an expert in the field. I may not be very competitive, but when I play, I do try to win." He had pretty good arms from being a blacksmith so all he needed to do was learn proper aim.

Leonardo squeezed the hand back, amazed at how simple but warm the sensation was, going deep into his heart. He following Alistair's hand and yes, he saw exactly what he was talking about. "It's light hitting the ice crystals, they act like mirrors and it causes a splendid glint." Leonardo knew quite a lot about light and reflection and colors. He smiled softly up at the other man. "You have an eye for beauty, Alistair. Not everyone sees the details in the splendor of nature."

House 26, Feb 16

[demiurgency]

Billy's on his way back from a solid morning foraging in the forest east of the South Village when he hears the sound, a repetitive, hollow sound that implies work being done. He hadn't realized anyone was staying this far out this way, he thinks, but maybe that's because he doesn't know anyone over here. No reason to not investigate, though, right? Curious, one hand on the strap of the backpack slung over his shoulder, Billy follows the sound to Number 26, then around to the back, quietly watching. He doesn't want to interrupt, but he also doesn't just want to stand there like a creeper and maybe give this dude a heart attack, so at a lull in the work, Billy clears his throat, lifting a hand in greeting.

"Hey--need a hand?" He doesn't know exactly what he's doing, but it seems like that's the standard greeting these days. Everyone needs help with something.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo picked this as his very first project, so while he is focused on the blades people asked for in late nights, this can mostly get done only during the day. He picked out one of the boats that already existed, searching until he found the the sturdiest. He'd get around to the others, but he wanted to start there. He's currently stripping rotten wood away, leaving it to the side. It'll be the size to fit at least three people when he's done, to the pod.

He glances up when he hears the throat clearing, not very jumpy although he realizes he's been so focused it's possible the young man did it more than once. "Hello!" Leo smiles and glances back to the boat. "Hm, certainly. There is one major piece left to take out. It wouldn't hurt to come at it from two angles." He cannot start repairing the patches and wheedling down the wood he has until he knows how much he'll need and in what form. "I plan to make this into a workable transport to the...." Searching for the word. "Platform to the underground facility."

[demiurgency]

"The dock? Yeah, I've heard about that. I haven't been, yet," he answers, dropping his hand back to his pocket and moving towards the boat to get a look at what's been done so far. It looks like he's taking apart the boat to maybe replace parts, at least to Billy's untrained eye. Setting his backpack down, he moves around to the other side of the boat. "The bunker seems kind of, I don't know, creepy? A little too Roswell for me, I don't want to run into any other clones of me they might be growing." He doesn't seem to realize that half of what he's saying is probably incomprehensible to Leonardo.

"So, where do you need me?"

[capturetheworld]

"Yes, the dock. A very special dock, I'd say! It moves so fast." Of course Leonard hasn't been able to resist going to the bunker. It was very confusing and almost scary at first, when it started moving, but he adjusted quickly and spent half a day wandering around. He understands more of what Billy says now than when he arrived, because creepy and clone were terms that were brand new to him then. "I did look for clones when I was there, although I still am not sure what they are in scientific terms. I know they are created to be identical to us." So it wasn't that hard to look for someone who might look like him down there.

"See that part?" Leonardo moves the boat on its side, pointing at the long plank that ran at the bottom. "Kick it toward me and I will see if I can strip it." He always appreciates the help, even if he can do most things on his own. He continues the conversation though. "It was unnerving though, yes. More so for me than others, I think. I am from the fifteenth century on earth."

[demiurgency]

Billy obediently follows the direction, coming around to the other side of the boat and looking for the plank Leonardo's talking about. It isn't hard to spot, it's just getting the right angle to pop it out. Holding onto the edge of the boat with both hands, he shifts enough to get leverage, still talking as he does so.

"Fifteenth century? Man, you're adjusting a lot better than I'd think," he says, honestly impressed. "Even this place is a ways ahead of anything you know--I mean, minus the weird bits. The bands and the bunker and whatever. I'm from Earth, too, though, twenty-first century." He gives a test kick, then does the same for real, hitting one end of the board to try and leverage it out. Two or three kicks and it finally creaks, popping free, and Billy shifts again to hold the boat while Leonardo pulls the board free. "How long have you been here?"

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo chuckles. "Adaptability is one of my better skills, I would say." He does seems genuinely at ease there, and it is because he is. Strange, bizarre, distant from everything, yes, but he faces such uncertainty with curiosity and enthusiasm. "Everything I've seen here is magnificent. I could not even fathom up a concept of electricity, and yet it is here, and I know powers big cities in your time. And there are flying machines everywhere!"

Leonardo loves hearing about airplanes and helicopters the most. It's been his dream for so long. He pulls the board free and tests to make certain they got the most of it out. From here he will have to give a visual measurement to the space needed, but it isn't his first time. "I have been here since early January, it has been quite an experience." His Italian accent was thick but he is very comfortable with English, his tone enthusiastic.

He hesitates, glancing over to Billy, and smiles with slight shyness. "I should warn you that people from your time have been surprised when I introduce myself." It feels like he should say that first. He offers his hand. "Leonardo da Vinci."

Lunch Time At Inn - Feb 17th

[plate_builder]

Lunch. One of the few times where Reeve is reliably out of his house and away from his work. Thus a regular lunch is something that Reeve uses to remind himself that his life isn't entirely work. You know, when his keepers don't hover over him to make sure he manages it on his own. So it is that he comes into lunch one afternoon, work tucked into his backpack. He considers which table he can best spread out on to work through his meal except... When he catches sight of Leonardo he smiles and dismisses all thoughts of work.

He has to talk to the man, mostly because he had been a bit disappointed not to run into him at the Speed Dating himself, even if he had seen Leonardo there at first. He had his suspicions, after all. When the things had started to wind down he'd noticed Alistair's table had been empty, and Leonardo too had been gone. Could it be?

"Good afternoon, Leonardo, my friend," he says as he puts a hand on a chair at Leonardo's table. There's an unspoken question as to whether he might join the man.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo can't say that he feels hugely different right away. He might be timid and hold his peace often, but there is a distinct lack of concern on his part at the moment. No real nerves or worries to speak of, he's relaxed, clear headed. It's let him accomplish quite a bit of work without getting easily distracted, which has been great. He ordinarily likes sitting with others, and he still does, but he's comfortable alone at the moment, and he glances up at Reeve with a smile. He doesn't overthink it.

"Good afternoon, my friend, please sit." He was checking the network curiously, but he sets it aside to focus on Reeve. If he got a good look at Leonardo's vivid violet the last time, the new color is on display now. "How have you been? How are your projects going? Did you go to the south like you mentioned?" Yes he pays close attention whether he responds or not, he likes knowing what people are doing.

[plate_builder]

So many questions at once, and Reeve considers how to address them as he sits.

"First, thank you for sharing your space with me. I have been well enough. I had a rather unfortunate incident before I headed to the farm. Though I have had a chance to patch things over a bit. Not as I originally intended to, but it will suffice. And at this point, with the snow such as it is, my work has slowed quite a bit."

Mostly he's hoping to pass the time until spring and hope that positive things come with the change of seasons.

"Though, you've skill with metal working, is that not right? I have a friend that could very seriously use a draw knife for his work."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo has a way of throwing questions at people, it was difficult for him to stop from one thought to the next. This village is such a bright spot, despite its weather, and he enjoys learning all he can from a brilliant mind such as Reeve's. Plus, he may be in a better mood than usual these days, even if it is quietly. "My space is your space." He listens and his eyebrows furrow, concerned. "I am glad it was not as much an incident as you feared, if it was patched. Was it with another? Many here seem prone to understanding."

He nods eagerly. "Oh yes. I am working on blades for others now. It seems as if they are in much needed supply, I believe the other forge focuses on the more necessary day to day life of this place." Not that weapons were unimportant, but there were more present troubles for certain. "Please do send your friend to me, I would be pleased to assist him in his work."

[plate_builder]

"I went further with a comment than I intended to, and failed to account for the man's history and experience. I was, at the time, a different color, which was an interesting experience. I am not used to being as straight-forward as I was. My concern was unwelcomed, and as such I shall have to be careful with him in the future," Reeve answered, thoughtful. But whatever, there's a lot more to talk about. Still, he should not press too much.

But there we go, the opening he needs. Reeve smiles knowingly at Leonardo. Surely the man would understand what he was getting at if something had actually happened.

"Alistair."

[capturetheworld]

"Ah, I understand. As you can see, my color has changed." He gestures to the red. He can see the differences. He considers using these powers, they must be good. "From what I can tell it's made me more forthright." And unafraid of that. Certain he is doing great. "I am certain he can understand the mistake, we cannot be perfect in all things, especially not with strangers." There is a closeness in their situation from shared feelings., but they still are learning one another.

A very precise flicker shows in his eyes at the name, and he doesn't blush for once, although he absolutely would be as himself. He can tell that Reeve knows, it is written in his gaze, and he gazes steadily back. He still manages not to look around them, although it is his instinct. "I come from a time where being with a man gets punishment and sometimes death. Even with this color, it is not natural for me to speak of my heart in that regard."

Hot Springs

[duel_wielding]

Hot springs are, for lack of a better word, amazing. There's a warmth to be enjoyed there, and while he's absolutely cool with all the cold around here, there is nothing like a hot spring. When he learned about it North had immediately resolved to enjoy the waters, and now here he was, smiling at the steam curling off of the water. And, by extension, smiling a greeting to Leonardo.

"I hope the water is nice and hot," he says as he sits down nearby to work his shoes off and from there start stripping. Sorry, military guys didn't tend to see as much reason to be self-conscious or ashamed of their bodies.

"You have any luck at the meet and greet thing at the inn? I didn't see you by the end," he asked Leonardo has he stripped off his shirt scars, so many scars everywhere over his pale skin, puckered bullet wounds and shiny smooth plasma burns, and a particularly nasty cut at his heart, scars obscuring the clearly well maintained musculature and folded it neatly off to the side.

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo actively dislikes the cold, but he stays warm enough between his home and the forge. A trip to the springs he heard of seems like a brave decision, although it is not completely unusual to bathe with others in attendance. He still has soot on his face, and it is necessary to get it off the rest of him. It feels great, toasty and comfortable, and he smiles warmly when North joins him. He finds the man fascinating, as well as his delightful AI companion. It is still strange to know so much about it, but he never tires of learning .

"It is!" He is not concerned with North's nudity, if he feels comfortable being in the nude as well. Leonardo may be feeling shameless, but he has the good grace not to stare openly at the man. It is not respectful, although much of the time his gaze is for art alone. He often has need of physical models for his ideas.

Normal Leonardo would certainly blush at the question, but red Leo's smile turns playful. "I think I did. I had a nice walk with someone." Shouldn't he be hesitant? What if North asked more? What would he say of the man who made Leo's heart beat faster? It was difficult to think he should be sorry for it. Nida had to be right, no lightning bolt came down to stop him. "And how about you?"

[duel_wielding]

It takes another moment for North to finish stripping the rest of the way down before slipping into the hot water. He finds a place to settle and leans back, eyes closed, breathing softly at the pleasure of the heat. He takes some time to relax, but he smiles.

"I'm glad you did. Theta would like me to say he is happy to hear it as well. I hope the walk was nice, and the guy makes you dinner or something."

Sorry, Leonardo, you're historically known for your sexuality, so it's not even a surprise to North Dakota. You're famous enough to even be thought of in his time. Fun. "I had no luck."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo's eyes do widen at that. "Oh I ---" Well. Wow. He doesn't feel shamed, no, but he is still surprised at the same time. "So that is common knowledge, in your time?" That meant that most of the modern people he spoke to probably already were aware and none of them cared. It was actually a beautiful thing, honestly, to reframe his life that way. He was still respected for his art and his inventions regardless of his sexuality.

"You only just got here. I walked out with someone but I knew him since the day I arrived." His very first few moments, actually. But Leonardo is more cautious and hesitant than most. "I think many people take time to adjust to this as their new life. I must admit some hesitation on my part, to start something when this is temporary, but ---" He really has no choice if this is it for him.

[duel_wielding]

Wait, was it supposed to be a secret? North considers this thoughtfully and looks a bit ashamed to have said it out loud. Clearly he's feeling bad about it.

"Your personal records, arrest records, other 'primary sources.' Yeah, it's known. In fact, I understand it was inspiring back when there was a big push for civil rights for LGBTA people. One of the greatest minds of history, and he was gay. Clearly it's not a perversion then."

He settles further down into the water, wishing he could sink in to his nose.

"I definitely believe in taking time," North smiles thoughtfully, eyes closed as he relaxes. "But I'm a romantic, you know? Take time with a guy, get to know him, learn what you want from him and what he wants from you. But I'm also big on neither party being obligated to pursue things beyond where they feel comfortable. My sister always said I'm a bit slow paced, but it makes me feel more comfortable with a partner."

[capturetheworld]

Leonardo just tries to let that sink in; it's a lot, like so much that has been said about him and his work. "I am glad if that fact helped others ... like me." He frowns slightly. "I think I am going to have to get used to gay as a term, I keep thinking people mean happy. I can see how it would make one happy were they free to openly be who they are." He doesn't know where the term came from that tied the two together. "It is a good thing this is only known in the future, if it was known so well in my time, I would have died long before I could become what you all know me as."

If North had said that before Leonardo was informed about homosexuality being acceptable, he would have been horrified even with the shiny red band. It is an adjustment, to know that it was public knowledge, but there is a strange release in that too. People know in the future. He won't have to keep saying it. How interesting.

"This is a brand new concept for me. I have no idea how to approach a romance." Leonardo isn't panicking about it, as he thought their walk was very nice, and they had lovely conversations too. "Neither does he, so at least he doesn't expect me to know everything." Or did he? Leonardo didn't think so. Romance was unnerving. It promised possible greatness and a lot of trouble too. "Your sister was not as slow paced?"