Work Text:
⠀⠀⠀⠀Ꭲʜᴇ sᴛᴀʀs sᴍɪʟᴇᴅ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴛᴏɴɪɢʜᴛ...
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The ebon expanse was illuminated with the gentle silver reflections of the sun against the moon. Its starry wings spread across the universe, showering all kingdoms with its celestial beauty as children reached with outstretched arms to embrace the flitting constellations, wishing to dance among the heavens as they did in their dreams. When the foreboding clouds had been whisked away that evening, a cleansing spell was cast over the glory seeking citizens of Nohr; the people at once finding peace in their hearts as they lifted their dull eyes towards the zenith. Rare was this canvas available to the viewers of this broken land. They, who were so accustomed to the storm stricken clouds; they, who sat in dark rooms as lightning scorched the already starving and parched lands; they, who had lived in jealousy of the happiness and prosperity of their neighbors; were in fact relieved—even if for only a few hours—to witness the infinite breadth of the night sky. Prince Leo included.
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The ability to breathe the cool air was one of the things that the young royal was thankful for—his family being the first. The serene atmosphere brought peace to his often occupied mind, and allowed him not only to think clearly, but to start over entirely. As he tilted his head skyward in admiration of the stars, he longed for a book, mystical or worldly, to read under the faintly glowing moon. His mind drifted towards his sleeping quarters, his conscience tugging him to the warm, private confines of his room where he could read in a much safer environment away from both prying human and vicious animal alike; however, he rooted himself to the cracked, dark gray stone of the castle surface which was so much more appealing under the soft moonlight.
A distant explosion caught Leo’s attention, forcing his gaze, regretfully, to the mountain peaks known to brew heavy storms. As seemed natural for the vengeful clouds, they hastened towards Castle Krakenburg with terrifying ease. The young prince thinned his lips with a narrowing brow. He exhaled a heavy sigh filled with disappointment.
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“Leo!” a pitched voice cried. The sorcerer turned his body halfway to meet Elise’s thin figure emerging from the stairwell leading to the interior. “What is it, Elise?” he responded although he knew he was being called inside. She approached him, eyes flicking between the stars and the storm.
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“The storm is coming back. Xander has a favor to ask of you inside.” She took her place beside him, gazing up at the sky. “I wish they’d stay longer.” Leo, who was also staring, hummed in agreement.
“Me too.” He then removed his sight from both heavens and storm.
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“Head on inside. You’ll catch a cold if you stay out too long.” She scrunched up her face.
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“You’ve been out longer than I have.” Her cute face then unraveled into a smile. “I’m going now. Read with me later, will you?” Leo nodded and she hurried back inside. Taking one look back at the stars, a smile twitched on his lips before he turned and descended down the steps into the castle’s keep.