The Training Grounds

Luxanna’s attention was drawn away from the clumsy foot solider over to a large, armor clad man and what appeared to be his charge. Her smiled widened as they began to go over a drill – or what Lux assumed would be a drill. What she saw instead caused her eyes to widen slightly, though her smile was still etched onto her lips. She watched in half amusement, half horror as a blow caused the large man’s charge to falter to his knees. She had been swinging her legs idly and the motion grew slower and slower as she strained her ears to hear the conversation between the two.

She did not catch much, only bits and pieces about Freljord and the weak, but it was enough to peak her curiosity as the large man kicked his charge’s blade from his reach. Standing, she made her way towards the duo, attempting to seem as inconspicuous as possible by fiddling with her hands behind her back as she whistled an upbeat tune. She was within earshot when the large male rose his wooden blade up to deal, what she expected, would be the final blow of this session if the poor charge did not dodge in time.

She had no intentions of stopping them or interrupting until Vinctus’ words graced her eardrums, “That’s not true.” She called, her high pitched feminine voice out of place among the clashing blades and low guttural grunts, “Allies always care about their fallen comrades.”

Lux’s smile never faltered as Victus’ preformed the bow she had witnessed hundreds of times before. Noble blood flowed through her veins and she had received such treatment for the first half of her life, though the ignorance of the man’s charge amused her greatly. She motioned for Victus’ to stand quickly, however, as she did not want to attract too much attention.

She held her tongue, eyes brows furrowing as Victus told his tale of betrayal. The story deeply saddened her, striking a cord deep within her, she did not let it melt through on the outside. Out of respect Luxanna let the smile slip off her lips, the sparkle in her eyes dimming for just a moment so he did not think she was mocking his pain or past. She waited patiently for Victus to finish issuing his orders to Marcus before she began to voice her own opinion on the matter, “I am deeply sorry to hear of your clan,” She began.

Luxanna had heard of the raid he spoke of and the retaliation that Demacia had exacted upon them before – even Victus’ name tickled her memory though she could not grasp how, exactly, “However, I would argue that alliances and allies are similar yet different. I am sure your own people attempted to help in the case presented. They would have been your true allies.”

She linked her hands behind her back again, strolling slowly around the large man as her lips turned into another bright smile, “Dying to save those in need would result in an honorable death, Brightblade.” She was practically singing.

OOC: Sorry if I'm interrupting.. >>

The ungraceful clank clank of armor could be heard as the Might of Demacia himself came barreling towards the Training Grounds of Demacia, his large sword strapped to his back and his hair sticking to his face from both sweat and... more sweat. Garen was, in one word, exhausted. But! Demacia never slept, and neither did he - unless he had to. It was in this situation where he had decided that taking a complete round, or maybe two, around the city in full armor was a good idea. Gauntlets and his sword and his large boots and everything. It wasn't a bad idea when he had first thought of it, but now when he was about to reach his starting point was he beginning to think that maybe he should have kept his sword somewhere safe. A slight error on his part, but he was also determined to see his training through.

The sun was also rather determined to continue beating against his neck like a Zaunite child who had been given a flowerpot for his birthday. Still, that did not deter him from the final stretch of his arduous journey, and Garen reached his hand out to clasp the wooden post in front of him. He heaved his breaths out quite loudly, gritting his teeth against the slight pains mostly thumping against his brow and almost everywhere else on his body. The light was intent on searing through his armor, and he could feel his undershirt stick to his frame.

Under the bangs plastered to his eyes, the Might of Demacia happened to glance up and spy a familiar head of blonde hair whom he had already memorized to be Luxanna's. On the other hand, there was an unfamiliar suit of black armor that seemed to be conversing with his dear sister. Then said sister began to move, and Garen's eyes were glued onto the strange thing in dark tin. He did not realize that his hand had begun to cramp on the post, and so he straightened himself up, finding himself no longer tired or out of breath. In fact, his dark blue eyes had gone rather cold as he continued to observe. There was no second guessing Luxanna's skill, and she could most certainly protect herself.

Which was why Garen was only going to walk over to have a little chat. But for now, he busied himself with unstrapping that heavy sword from his back which was threatening to weld itself into his armor if he didn't - despite the thick leather sheath.

Victus kneels humbly before the Prince.

"Your Majesty. If you have want of my blade, ask. I will not hesitate."

"I am Victus, formerly of Grimcleaver clan and now foster son and oathsworn of the Brightblade house, who reside in the west of your kingdom. I am no tracker, but should the beast stand before me, I know what to expect and will gladly drive my blade down its throat until it cannot state its lies and curses. I have had the pleasure of meeting it before and as you can imagine, I hold less love for the beast now than I did before entering its chamber."

Victus remained kneeling and his head was down.

(omg. ;_; I am so sorry everyone! Someone needs to get my FB and pester me to get on here like, everyday because I forget.)

The circle Luxanna had slowly been making around Victus crawled to a stop as she caught sight of her brother in the distance. His wide frame and thick armor was a comforting sight for the Lady of Luminosity but there was something about his demeanor that seemed unhappy and it held her thoughts hostage. She heard the deep guttural voice of Victus but the words did not register.

She was just about to greet her brother when another familiar voice greeted her instead. She spun on her heels, eyes wide as the tall form of her prince stood before her. She was momentarily shocked to see him and it took her a moment to properly bow before her prince. She felt fire lick at her neck and cheek as he called her enchanting but quickly regained her composure as the conversation continued.

"Nocturne?" Lux mumbled, eyes already wide as her hands began to tremble. Images of her judgement flashed before her eyes - how they had rummaged through her memories to her deepest and darkest secrets. She had been left exhausted after the encounter, though determined to prove herself. She was already well aware that any contact with the Eternal Nightmare could reproduce that experience tenfold.

She stayed silent as her prince and Victus spoke - the latter offering his blade to their cause. Then her dearest brother spoke but he began to barrel off before she could offer to help him in his search, "Wait, Garen!" She called after his retreating form. She sighed deeply when she realized it was too late and turned her attention back to Victus and Jarvan instead, "I will assist you in anyway I can, your majesty. How do you wish for me to proceed?" She was standing tall, any hint of fear gone from her eyes and stance even though she felt her heart working just a tiny bit harder.

She took a deep breath as the crowd around them began to disperse, smiling brightly at the soldiers who were glaring in their general direction, "That is not true. The people love you more than you could ever know, your majesty."

(eccckk. Hopefully that was okay.)