Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-24617443-20170205025114/@comment-25924729-20170216013552

The long break had been exactly what Leon needed to recover, after his crushing fauilure to woo Artoria earlier on the fairgrounds. He still winced a little at the memory, but Leon was used to harsh rejections, and simply didn't have it in him to hold hard feelings towards any woman, especially after seeing her panic attack on-stage earlier. Bitter feelings were replaced by pity and concern for the girl. Before stepping through the curtains, Leon gave her a long look and gentle smile. "You did well, milady..."

And then he stepped into the spotlight as King Erytheus.

---

Leon was no stranger to acting, having done it often enough in pursuit of romance and female attention. Earlier he had skimmed through the script and a brief summary of his character. From what he read Erytheus was a villain in this play, who's purpose was to torment Heracius/Heracles with impossible task after task. As a king and a villain, Leon would have to portray himself as extremely unlikable, the type of man who posessed great power and revelled in it, a stereotypical assh-... er, "mean person".

They had to keep this kid-friendly after all.

He was comfortable playing the rich and flamboyant part of his role. Leon emerged wearing a white and red toga, a paper crown and fake beard plastered to his chin. He strutted towards the throne with his chin raised, displaying an air of confidence and snobbish pride, and cast Zincz a dismissive look as he passed and sat on the throne.

"Erm... hello Heracles."

No! Not proud enough!

Now was the hard part. Though his attitude seldom showed it, Leon had always been a humble man at heart. To act mean spirited was the exact opposite of his personality, Leon wouldn't know the first thing about that... or did he?

The cowboy remembered meeting and working for a similar man not too long ago. Back then, he had been disgusted by his god complex, massive ego and general arrogance. But now he realized it would be perfect for this role, if he could pull off a similar display of pride and power... He would had to act like Senor Gillian.

"Ah... the great hero Heracles, come to grovel at my feet?" he asked with a sneer.

"Why are you here? What's that, the Oracle sent you?... She only does that to people who have commited great crimes... Ohoho, Heracles~ You have been very naughty haven't you."

This wasn't in the script, but Leon figured a little impromptu wouldn't hurt anyone.

"But fear not, even for scum there is hope of repentance, and even a bonus gift of immortality at the end if you succeed. All you have to do is serve me, perform 10 labours, though it pains me to be forced to hire peasants like you... alas, i cannot defy the Oracle's will."

Leon crossed his legs and scratched his bearded chin, as if thinking solemnly for a moment.

"Very well... i shall give you a task even a simpleton like yourself cannot fail. Slay the Nemion Lion of Nemios and bring me his pelt."