sixthiterationlogs | A man of peace? Ideas take precedence.

Entry tags:

A man of peace? Ideas take precedence.

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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."

"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."

"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."

Oh yes, there is a momentary horror on Reeve's face at the idea of such a time. What? And then his face softens to understanding. Yes, he won't push.

"Ah, I will let the topic slide then. Except for underlining that the draw-knife would truly be good for him. When he arrived he felt rather... at a loss. It took some convincing from me to get him invested in this timber interest he's started in. And it's more than my personal need for the work to be done that has me hoping he will be able to do so. But I will speak no more of it, because sharing his history is not my place. I will cease by saying I hope it was a lovely walk, because you are both lovely men who could use such affection in their lives."

And he says it with the absolute assurance of a friend who truly wants the best for the people in his lives. No doubt he won't pry much more than this unless asked. And Leonardo does not seem the sort who would seek such advice from others. No, his mind might make him more one to go for trial and error. Still...

"If you ever require advice on such matters, do not hesitate to reach out. You know where my door is, and it is always open to you friend. If only because watching others find happiness here has done my heart good. My world has lacked happiness for a time."

"It's interesting to me, how many people seem shocked at what was only normal to me. Although Alistair said he was warned to stay away from the same path." For reasons that seemed more about reproduction, but in that at least, they were similar. Neither of them had been encouraged to follow their hearts when it came to a specific gender. "But it could be the religion aspect." It usually was. The few mentions Alistair made of his background, that became clear. Leonardo did not grow up religious, but he lived in Italia, the center of the church.

Leonardo studies Reeve thoughtfully, listening to his words, and while ordinarily he would smile and move on, or say something else, he's curious and speaks his mind. "Did I step in between something between the two of you without realizing it? You speak as if you know very well of him, and it sounds personal." Blue eyes are direct, and not at all offended or concerned, merely pensive. He wants Alistair, of that he is certain, but he never intends harm and won't start now.

"Do not get my expression wrong, Leonardo. Sexuality leads to much discrimination in my world. But we haven't criminalized it. And never attached death to it. There is a stigma, even as a bisexual man, to be involved with men for me. Here has been freeing for myself. I had the chance to dance with two men at the new year eve celebration, something I never would have dared at home, for how it could come back at me."

Oh dear, there though was a question Reeve didn't wish to face. He put on a soft, political smile. The sort that says 'of course not, we didn't spill waste in the river'. Because whether he liked it or not, there was not a 'two of them'. There was Reeve, awed by an amazing man who cared not enough about himself.

"No, Leonardo, you stepped between nothing. In fact, Alistair and I were at odds with each other due to my overbearing concern. But we are friends. And I have more concern for him than others because of his history. Don't concern yourself with me, Leonardo. I'm more concerned about the two of you, as my friends."

"I've never considered the possibility of it being real. The few times I acted on it, that led to my arrest, were with a ... man who people sought out were they looking for that." A prostitute, but he doesn't really want to use the word in public. He might not have the same amount of shame now, but it is simply polite. And beyond that, Leonardo did care for him, when he was young. He wasn't so foolish to think he loved Leo back. "After that, it never came up again." He maintained very good and positive platonic friendships across the board and put his mind to work.

Leonardo studies Reeve as he answers, but he takes him at his word without any more questions. Alistair doesn't strike him as someone who would try to romance a person while interested in another. "There is nothing to be concerned about, I assure you. Due to our backgrounds, we are both similarly willing to take things slow and cautious." There, he did manage to speak a little on it, without looking around nervously even. "He saved me from the fountain, he was the first person I spoke to here. I am very fond of him, Reeve, I would never intentionally do him harm." Or anyone else. Leo couldn't hurt a fly.

He frowns and sighs. "I ... haven't told Ezio yet. If I do intend to live more freely here, he must be told, and I am not ready to do that."

"I'm concerned about both of you hurting each other, though not through intention. You are too good," Reeve smiles, shaking his head. "Too kind. Too gentle in these matters I expect. So I truly wish you both luck. And if you ever need assistance setting up a romantic evening, please let me know. I'm not good at much, but I can at least help get things set up before disappearing for an evening. I'm a planner."

And knowing he helped his friends have a happy moment would make him happy in turn. It was something he rarely ever had a chance to work toward with people back home. His greatest hope, though, is that they have time. From what it sounded like, Alistair had nothing but suffering to go back to. And Leonardo deserved what pleasure this place could give him. And Reeve was glad to have hte man here as a friend.

Wait, Ezio? Did Reeve remember that name? Perhaps a friend of Leonardo's? But the concern is a legitimate one.

"Coming out to a friend can definitely be difficult. Back home I was close with a number of people and never had the courage to be honest about myself with them. I suppose it mattered less as I had no prospects, but if you ever need me to run interference with your friend, tell me. I can bore him chattering about architectural things."

Oh right, he'd heard about Leonardo's friend in relation to how Ezio tuned such things out. Good.

"If we are too good, kind, and gentle, perhaps that is all what we can be to one another. I think we have a better chance of that than most." There is something to be said for opposites attracting, but Leonardo had his fling with someone like that here, not that he plans on speaking of it. And it was necessary and appreciated, to believe he was able to do that without fear. This is something else, and he cannot deny he is afraid and concerned himself, but knowing that Alistair is as gentle as he is helps.

"It is still a great deal to process. These feelings are already more than I've been allowed." He didn't really intend to speak too much about it, but he couldn't seem to stop himself now that it is out there. Leonardo has no one else to talk about it with. He is considering embarking on a romantic relationship, but he is not willing to speak to his closest friend about it. So he is adrift. "He was brave enough to take the first step, so I can only try to be as brave."

As for Ezio. He squirms slightly, the red not overcoming the deep seated anxiety on this issue. "No, I ... he is too important to me to hide from. I want to believe he will be supportive, but he was raised Catholic, and the Bible is very clear on this subject." He knows Ezio is kind and wonderful to his friends, but fear is not rational. Being rejected by him would be devastating.

"You were brave enough to say yes, which I can tell is a very serious step," Reeve counters. Surely that should count as brave enough. Reeve thought so at least, but he knew it wasn't his opinions that mattered here.

Still, the concern regarding Leonardo's friend makes him sad. He doesn't want his friend to worry this much, and can't imagine that any true friends would ever hold such a thing against you. But had he not been mostly closeted for a long time? He had no place to talk.

"I'm not sure what 'Catholic' or 'the Bible' are, but friends are supportive. If he loves you as a friend, then he will want you to be happy. Or so I would hope."

"It is," Leonardo agrees quietly. "I cannot help the fear and anxiety in me, it is something trained and suppressed for all these years, but I am working on it." He is very self-aware about his feelings and the struggles he's having, and openly addressing them as they happen. It's the healthiest way to handle it, he feels. "Neither of us are in a hurry, so that is good." Arguably they should be, as every day here matters and could be temporary, but it is not the best way to approach a relationship in this situation.

"The Bible is the religious text that led to the laws against relationships between the same sex. I think I am being too harsh on Ezio, because it is far more likely he will be accepting, we have been through so much together." And he kept secrets of Ezio's, some that would arguably be against the Bible and its teachings too. A lot of murder, after all. "For some reason it is difficult for me to say it to him regardless."

Interesting and worrying. Of course people would use what they could to work against those things they did not approve of. Humans liked to find differences it seemed. How sad. Still, the rest makes him smile.

"Good. Now I'll stop harassing you over your relationship with him. I offered my help, I've extended my joy for you. Now let me instead pick your brain my friend. We've a bridge to build, and I've been doing measurements by the river. Perhaps you can help me with some of the math."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A man of peace? Ideas take precedence.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

ftb?

Thumbs up!