The Sun on their Side

Following Jarvan, Poppy merely states. I can't say I enjoy tea that much, so I must decline that offer. As they arrive she seeks a chair that is accommodated for the size of a yordle and takes a seat, looking at Jarvan with an expression that seems to hide nearly all signs of emotion.

What do you think of them King Jarvan? Obviously a strong people... but are they perhaps too unpredictable? The Rakkor are known to fight any who come their way, would they choose a side?

She glances to Fiora quickly. The noble's personality was quite known to be quite problematic to deal with, but she had been able to keep it in check as the Solari had chosen to come to talk about it. She then turns back to Jarvan, quietly waiting.

Leona nodded to the man who had lead them there in a gesture of thanks before taking several brief glances around the room. They noted with appreciation that the rooms were well kept. The Ionians, however, could likely learn a lesson in simplicity from the Rakkor, Leona remarked to herself. Although it was simplistic, few could compare with them when it came to such a subject. There was no reason to complain, they provided the most simple quarters they had, and that was enough for her. The amount of food offered, however, made her do a double take. It was almost alien to her, living on Mount Targon where scarcity of food was a simple fact of life, to see so large a single meal just for the three of them. Perhaps they were expecting them to eat with visitors? Or was it really all for them?
"They may have given us the simplest rooms they have, but they seem to have compensated by giving us the service of the highest of nobility." one of her guards remarked, in a lowered tone and in the Rakkor language so that only his companions would understand.
"Silence, Hector. Life is different here. Appreciate at least they have given us the simplest quarters available to them." Leona replied in the same tongue, with a mildly abrasive tone.
"Of course." He pressed his right fist to his heart and gave a short bow to her in reply. Having addressed him, Leona began to unfasten the many pouches and bags she had on herself and laid them against the wall in a neat pile. When she had finished, she approached the plate of food and took one of the sandwiches in her still armored hand, looking over the foreign food before her for a moment before taking a bite. Her two guards did the same. Although they remained expressionless for all their actions, their curiosity, or at least unfamiliarity, with their surroundings could be discerned by their infrequent pauses between actions to take in a certain foreign aspect of their surroundings.

Their reactions were silently noted by their caterers who attempted to be as unobtrusive as possible. In truth, the food was prepared with more souls in mind, but the Solari had sent only three. Whether they had no servants or officials to send, or simply chose not to send them, was unimportant.

Daylight streamed into the suite through tall slim windows, laying bars of light across the floor. It was by no means dark inside, but not nearly as bright as the cloudless day. A soft cough interrupted the warriors as they settled into their accommodations and unloaded their burdens.

The palace staff waited for until their guests seemed clearly finished before speaking.
"If it pleases you we will clear the table now, Miss Leona." More a statement than a question, the room was cleared quickly and the remaining food taken away, leaving only a fresh bouquet of flowers on the center table.

"If you should need anything at all, I shall be right outside." Their guide bowed once more before closing the doors, leaving the three in privacy for some time.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Taking over the closest sitting room, simply set and normally used by the palace guard when on break, the forced the officers to make the long walk upstairs to one of the rooms provided to foreign dignitaries. With an altogether finer substitute, none complained.

They were as used to being redirected as Jarvan IV was making himself home in whatever room of the palace he happened to be in, to the chargin of messengers tasked with bringing him news wherever he could be found in the palace complex. Here, he relaxed and had his tea quietly, listening before speaking.

"I have discussed little of my plans with the Council, so I appreciated your candor in this matter. The Rakkor are not interested in alliances. They are interested in fighting prowess, the Solari, and little else. Where the Solari go, they may follow, not out of respect for an alliance but the preservation and protection of the Solari. Fiora, you've seen more of their society that most, but I expect they have said little of what they think, as they have done historically. They do not value us as they should. Perhaps I can change that."

He took a sip of tea, turning his attention to Poppy. "I believe their unpredictability stems solely from our lack of understanding. We do not know the laws and customs they follow. They are strong, and they are few. Used to being outnumbered. Comfortable at all odds. However, their mountain is not impenetrable. They know little of the world outside it, because few venture there but they are not a secret anymore. The world knows of the Solari, and they cannot stay holed up on their mountain forever. If we make an effort to understand them, we might be the first step they take onto lower ground."

He set down his cup, pressing his back against a chair that seemed a bit too small for him. "Fiora, what do you think of them? Any glimpses past the hard exterior?"

The sudden arrival of Shyvana came before either could reply. She was right, though her deliver left much to be desired in the way of respect. Whether or not Demacia would be considered worthy by the standard of the Rakkor was in question. The standards of the Solari were somewhat more mysterious. "They requested room to train so that they day not be wasted. That alone says something of their standard." He paused, considering. "Shyvana, I want you to be there when they train. Give the order to have one of the courtyards cleared and made available just for our guests. Be there if they need something. If it comes up... you may spar with them." 

Upon entry, Shyvana would find all eyes looking at her. They had heard her approach. They were in the process of sorting their belongings in their rooms when she came in. Leona was only slightly familiar with her, she had never spoken at any length with her during her time as a champion. She spoke with few of them, and she always remained brief. Such was normal for her. Apparently, however, Shyvana was more familiar with her than Leona was with her.
"I...do not believe we have met." To Leona's memory, they had not. She only knew of her because of her status as a League champion.