It had been a week (and a few days) after the invasion, and Ashe was still tired beyond belief. Many nights she had refused the comfort of her own bed and indeed, the comfort of another person if only to fix the wrongs wrought on their precious city. The Northern lands of Freljord had been ravaged, to the point where not even nature could cover up the scars laid upon the icy surface. She needed to discuss with Lissandra and, if necessary, Sejuani too but they were all caught within their own business of repair. Her own city had gone untouched, but her people, not so much. Many warriors were lost that day and there had been a grand funeral, a great fire lit in the center of Rakelstake where the ice was so cold even flame could not melt it and the families of the lost would throw any personal belongings into the fire. Bodies were returned to be buried or cremated, whichever they would prefer and while Ashe knew it was tradition, it would never be enough to heal the heart of a wounded.
The weariness of both mind and soul showed, in the way her shoulders fell whenever she was certain she was alone and the way her blue eyes would dim ever so slightly when she blinked. Ashe was pale, more pale than before and it was painfully obvious that the Invasion had more of an effect on her than most would think. Her people and her city was absolutely everything to her, the very thing she sacrificed so much for. Still the Archer remained strong for those who still looked to her for guidance, and she knew that if she betrayed any sign of weakness, it would instill doubt which was something she absolutely did not want. Especially in times like these.
Which was why, instead of leaving the Palace, she invited an old friend to join her. He had also seen things, things she needed to know - things that could help her husband and everything else she could possibly care for. The room she had set up was warmly lit with two plush chairs and a small table, a little bit like a lounge but smaller and not as 'private' so to speak. There had been rumors floating around, or so Ashe had heard from little birds, and it would not do to have such implications reaching the ears of the wrong people. Though she supposed the wrong people were the ones to start it.
Ashe sighed, the first of many, as she made her way carefully down the carved steps. Her arm was in a sling - though the paralytic venom had worn off to the point where she could feel things on her flesh, she was unable to move her limb properly. The areas of burned skin had been treated, leaving slightly darker patches there as it healed. The medics had told her they could completely remove any evidence that she had been injured, but Ashe wanted it there. It served no purpose other than to remind her when she saw herself in the mirror what she had been through and what she would go through again for the exact same reasons.
She told her guards that she did not want to be interrupted when Tekun arrived, and that they should not allow anyone in the room without permission - other than her King - if possible. Once these requests were made, the guards who looked more than a little world weary, nodded in acceptance and walked off briskly. There, by the large ice doors, she stood and awaited her friend's arrival.
Post by Tekun Valos on May 18, 2013 18:10:35 GMT -5
His men were dead. His forces decimated. Tekun took the time to compose himself now that things had settled. The Immortal Soldier was weary and grew tired of the death that surrounded him. His eyes had bags beneath them from the sleepless nights which now plagued him once again. The weight of new responsibility was foreign to him and bore heavily down upon his shoulders. The urge to hide his head away emerged but he exposed his head to the elements that buffeted him. He needed to stand strong, now more than ever.
Tekun had caught word of these rumors as well and did nothing to verify them. Talk was talk and the best Tekun could do was to avoid fueling them as best as he could. He had a small idea as to how they started in the first place. But in any case it didn’t stop him from accepting Ashe’s invitation to the palace. The warrior hadn’t thought to dress for the occasion and went dressed in his usual cloak and gear, the only difference was that Tekun abandoned his weapons for once. He was willing to let himself feel possibly vulnerable if only to spare himself from the thought of having to fight again so soon.
Tekun had been mostly uninjured and what he had sustained was minor. Being struck by the void’s influence was nothing he wasn’t accustomed to, but always left him with a shaky feeling after. Usually that went away. What injuries he did have were minor and left a few new scars. In the grand scheme of things he considered himself rather lucky. The warrior came into view, approaching slowly with a tall walk. He looked like hell, it couldn’t be helped, but he could at least compose himself. Finally he greeted his friend and queen by the ice doors.
“…I’m glad to see you again? Are you holding up okay after the battle?” Tekun inquired with the slightest of smiles.
Ashe returned the smile with a gentle one of her own. No matter the situation, an old friend always made her a little happier. Even as many claimed her to be true to her somewhat insulting title of "The Ice Queen", she still enjoyed the company of others, especially those she held dear.
She gestured for Tekun to come in, closing the doors behind him before responding. "As well as I am able to," Ashe took this time to contemplate Tekun's appearance. She could not miss the way the darkness shadowed his eyes, so very similar to her own and to many of her people. Sleep did not come easy to any of them, it seemed. He had also seemed to acquire a few more scars, but nothing Ashe found she should note.
Instead, she beckoned for the warrior to follow with her good hand, "You don't seem to be so certain," Ashe laughed softly, "I assure you, I did invite you here only to introduce you to more unfortunate news." After all, it goes without saying that if such a thing happened, she doubted she could hold up. Even with the fact that her city remained undamaged physically, too much had occurred.
The image of Tryndamere flashed in her thoughts, roaring against the cursed blade of the Grey Knight... she shook her head. There would be time enough to talk with him later, but for now, they needed to heal. Her people still needed to know that their alliance with the barbarians remained strong. They had been an incredibly powerful asset in the Void invasion. Their sacrifices were honored just as well as those of the city.
She lead Tekun to the room that had been set up, a polite greeting issued to the guard standing outside the door before the door was opened for the pair. "Hungry?" She could only ask such inconsequential inquiries - no doubt their conversation would turn towards the war, and Ashe was determined to keep their meeting as pleasant as she could before the inevitable twist.
Post by Tekun Valos on May 19, 2013 17:09:31 GMT -5
“Good. so long as you’re doing the best you are able to, that’s all I can ask for.” His mannerisms, besides his appearance weren’t rundown at least and he followed as she beckoned. His smile widened, if only due to the company he was with.
“It’s hard for anyone to be certain in a time like this. I was hoping to avoid more bad news but it’s best to clear it up anything ill that comes our way. I’ll let you speak first, I have more unfortunate news to send your way. I’ve held off on saying it for as long as I can but it needs to be mentioned.”
“I ate already but I have an appetite. If you’re bringing in food you may as well bring me in something.” Tekun answered as he let out a deep sigh. “I’m ready to begin whenever you are. Unless you’d like to delay that fall towards the grim for just a little longer.” He lifted his head to look at Ashe, readjusting himself so that he was at the very least no longer slumping in the chair.
Last Edit: May 19, 2013 17:39:49 GMT -5 by Tekun Valos
"Well, whatever needs to be said shall be said in due time." Ashe responded as she closed the door behind them, leaving only an inch open. So long as they did not yell, the guards outside would not be able to hear their conversation. She watched as Tekun took his seat before moving to the table with one tray of food that had been prepared beforehand. A good host never let their gusts go hungry, and especially not a good friend. She placed the assortments of pastries and bread onto the small table, gesturing with a smile. "Help yourself then."
Ashe finally sat herself down, brushing out the creases in her clothes. She allowed the crackle of the fire to fill the silence first as she gathered her thoughts in preparation for Tekun's 'unfortunate news'. She didn't even attempt to guess what it could be, as it would only make her even more anxious. She fixed her gaze onto the male, the light doing nothing to hide how exhausted they both were. "Nothing good comes from delaying such information. A dark start to our meeting, but there is no point in holding back the inevitable."
Post by Tekun Valos on May 19, 2013 23:31:17 GMT -5
Tekun looked at the tray that was brought before him and suddenly the need was replaced with emptiness. His eyes fell from the food on the table and his lips stretched thin. With a deep breath he steadied himself. With his eyes refocused upon his Queen, he said it as he had rehearsed with a brave face. It was harder than the other time but it wasn’t anything he didn’t know.
“In the wake of the invasion here the Void struck the Preserver’s headquarters in the Southern lands. I received word hours after the invasion. I’ve been…handling the matter. They killed over 70% of our full force. The chain of command is gone. As per protocol, the next highest ranking officer is to take over the position of Archon. After such heavy losses, that would be me. My forces are crippled…but we’re far from dead.”
Then there was a pause. “I wanted to relocate here. Near Rakelstake or within it.”
Ashe's eyes darkened as Tekun began to speak, her brow drawing in with every word. "I'm sorry for your loss," she said, once the other man had finished speaking. "I will do whatever I can to assist you." She owed the Preservers much, but there was another matter to attend to. Though Rakelstake was by far the largest populated city in Freljord, she wasn't sure if it would be the best place to set up another place of meeting. Especially considering the Preserver forces, however diminished, would take up a fair portion of Rakelstake. Still, she knew that she would not refuse Tekun's request, especially considering how much the Preservers have already done for Freljord.
"There is space enough for you and your forces," she finally replied, leaning back slightly. Her eyes were fixated on the man's face, quietly studying. "Whatever you need, I will do my best to provide. Though I know you understand that we are in trying times." A faint smile twitched her lips, "My people come first."
Post by Tekun Valos on May 28, 2013 0:46:42 GMT -5
“I won’t require any other resources but space to set up and to build upon. We have enough supplies for our own and maybe something we can offer something for Rakelstake for your generosity.” There was a pause. “And I…appreciate the condolence.” He let out a sigh, his eyes never left her face as she studied him. Fatigue showed but resolve remained in his eyes yet. “I’ll discuss details with you later; when I have more things up and off the ground. You said there were other matters we needed to discuss?”
"Very well. Rakelstake owes you and the Preservers for your sacrifices." It was a fair enough suggestion. She knew Tekun well enough to know that his companions would not be of much trouble to them at all.
Ashe exhaled lightly. "Indeed. As you are aware, Tryndamere was wounded during the Invasion though it is expected that he would make a full recovery soon. The man's endurance knows no limits," she smiled wryly, more to herself if anything. "What I wanted to discuss was... the matter of Sejuani. Her lands were ravaged by the Void and we of Rakelstake offered to help to defend Freljordian lands." She rubbed her good hand against her opposite shoulder softly, as if attempting to massage out a wound. "I am not implying that she owes me allegience, but at the very least it would be prudent of me to attempt yet another call for peace." But Sejuani was hard headed and Ashe was very much doubtful that she would get anywhere at all with the Winter's Wrath.
Post by Tekun Valos on Jun 9, 2013 17:37:01 GMT -5
“I wouldn’t expect that even The Void and its wrath could keep that man down. It’s hard for even myself to believe that he’s human at all sometimes.” Tekun admitted in a joking fashion, his lips upturning if only slightly to ease himself down from the dark things. “I think all they managed to do was anger him.”
And then came the reason for their discussion. Sejuani. The woman embodied the old belief. Kill or be killed; only the strong survive. His expression hardened as the conversation took on a more serious edge to it.
“Sejuani thinks you’re soft and thinks your ideas are pitiful. Even now she still has a following to back her, even after the damage that was done in these lands. If I were you, I would attempt peace one more time however I don’t think she will ever except accept you as her ruler. At least not yet. The old ways are deeply in grained in her and what you’re attempting to do with the land is against everything she believes. In you, she sees the death of Freljord. You’re probably going to have to kill her.” Tekun spoke his mind, fully.
“However, even the most stubborn can change their minds in the face of great atrocity. There are other evils on the horizon. There may be hope yet. Take it slow with her.”
Ashe nodded in agreement, though she similarly avoided eye contact with the Preserver - if only to save the way her own eyebrows tilted gently downwards. The way the other's voice was strangely light did not go unnoticed by the Archer, but she wisely sought to avoid mentioning it. "Of course, that comes to no surprise," she said, smiling slightly, though she did not add anything further.
She shrugged thinly, a gesture she would have only allowed in the presence of those she considered her close friends. It was not something she enjoyed showing to others - this idea that perhaps, just perhaps, she was too tired to care, even if that was impossible in itself. "Sejuani can think what she likes," Ashe responded quietly, her uninjured fingers playing with the hem of her cast.
In truth, she hated this vulnerability. If anything, this would give Sejuani more of a reason to speak out against her. That the famous Frost Archer cannot even protect herself, let alone an entire nation. She sighed, "The Winter's Wrath is beyond all reason - even her name suggests she cannot see past her hatred and petty violence." She gripped at the coarse material a little harder, the ends of her slender digits turning paler still. "Killing her is not an option," she glanced up, her eyes finding Tekun's own. Her smile turned wry and she continued. "If I do, then I will be condoning the very thing I seek to avoid."
Even as she said that, it appeared her general visage had lost a touch of color and she coughed. "Sometimes, in the face of great atrocity, stubbornness hardens."
Post by Tekun Valos on Jun 10, 2013 3:30:13 GMT -5
“Whatever you decide to do, I will support you all the way through.” He paused with a great deal of concern as she coughed and lost more color to her; she was already pale. His eyes were matched upon hers, even so she was smiling. His expression wasn’t hard, but rather soft.
“It’s just my opinion upon the matter, but I understand the point you make very well. Strength comes in many forms. You’re a strong woman and a strong leader, you’ll pave the way to something greater, of this much I am sure.” He let out a sigh and let himself smile again but the paused.
“...Are you coming down with something?” He couldn’t restrain himself from asking.
"I appreciate it," she responded, a flicker of relief passing through her and it showed. She felt her shoulders drop slightly, easing away from the habitual tenseness. It wasn't that she expected Tekun to argue, but it was something she had come to accept. Arguments and conflict - that's all there ever was. She smiled once more, "If I am to lead, I must show my people that, as you said, one does not have to starve to be strong." Though it was a little unfair of her to make such a statement, it was her poor attempt at a joke.
At the inquiry, Ashe shook her head. "Nothing that isn't already there," in truth, it was not illness she was feeling. Nothing of the natural kind - though her lips twitched wryly at this thought, because when was anything ever natural nowadays? - and her shoulders rose up into another shrug. "You and I are both very familiar with the feeling of stress and exhaustion." She managed to produce a mild chuckle, "I can only hope this injury of mine will heal in time."
Post by Tekun Valos on Jun 14, 2013 16:35:45 GMT -5
“I would certainly hope that starvation doesn’t lead to strength. I do enjoy eating…” He managed a much more audible laugh and sighed. “…It’s nothing new but it’s not pleasant. We both bare a burden that we need to carry. Don’t let it be too heavy on you though; I know you don’t need to be reminded but there are many who will support you. Don’t push them away.” Tekun reclined in the chair and moved his shoulders outwards, eliciting a loud crack from them and another sigh.
“What else is there to discuss besides the results of the battle and The Winter’s Claw? Is there anything else that we should touch base on Ashe?”
"Yes, but in times of trouble, sometimes we must maintain our face of strength." Ashe quirked an eyebrow at the male, "Many cannot differentiate between mercy and weakness." She said, her tone almost blunt. Though she reacalled stating a smiliar line to the Institute of War, it was no less true.
"The Ice Witch, who had made her presence known to the League..." she thrummed her fingers on the armrest. "We may have to..." She was having a difficult time searching for the appropriate words. After all, the Ice Witch supposedly held the same name as her cousin's, whether because she found it amusing or for a different reason entirely, Ashe was convinced that she was nothing more than dark rumor. Up until her induction, of course. "I may have to visit Frostguard City soon enough."
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