⋆˙⟡ Icarus is flying too close to the sun, and Icarus’ life, it has only just begun... ⋆˙⟡ Icarus— Bastille

You were a princess. In a land of great power, unknown and mystic creatures, you stood reaching to the heavens. Not fragile, and anything but nectar-sweet like people take princesses to be. You roamed freely, wielding the sword and the dagger, drawing the bowstring. All alongside the greats and fellow royals.

And Leo loved that about you.

Everyone did.

You were respected. Your family too. But he… he was just a blacksmith. He loves his job, yet he yearns for something more. To be a knight, strong and mighty just like you.

But who was he to dream? Scrawny, forgettable, and small in this huge world. In a place of dragons, fairies, giants. Where did he stand out?

You stood at his forge’s doorstep as you requested yet another dagger design. He was the only one not tired of it. It made him useful.

His eyes traced over the shine of your only sword. Unlike your daggers, you wielded only one your whole life. Streams of ruby red snaked across the smooth metal.

How he wishes he could wield one.

He glances to the wall, a single poster of a tournament for only the best of fighters to join. It would be held in a week, and Leo dreamed of that place.

The winner could take all, be taken in to become the mightiest of fighters and lead in wars, stand in title alongside kings. Basically, become the most brilliant knight.

You watched as his crafting movements slowed, eyes glittering with that sweet hope you always saw when you talked to him about your battles. Your gaze drifted to the poster too.

As you were about to speak up, Leo looked away, giving you a sheepish grin. “You think I’d look cool on a horse, princess? If I don’t… maybe, I dunno… fall off?”

Your immediate thought was ‘no.’ It was ridiculous, a guy like him riding into war… but you just smiled back.

Leo Valdez. Interesting guy, he is. Full of hope but full of doubt. You could never tell if you saw potential in him, or just false optimism.

But he will always be your friend. No matter where he goes. You are sure of that.