Silence. That was how she liked it, although things rarely went in favour of her liking. Nevertheless, it was a rare opportunity. Being able to hear none but her own subtle footsteps echoing amongst marbled walls as she stroll passed the Institute's widened hallways. The full moons ethereal shine illuminating pale column walls.
Those who partook or shared connections with the Fields of Justice knew the significance of such a monthly event. A time where Participants and Summoners alike were able to indulge in Runeterra's worldly pleasures, leaving the vicinity practically soulless. Perfect for her to go by unnoticed even through the busiest of areas, though it was not how she planned to spend such a short coming night. Unlike many of her wrongful desires she had been falsely accused of, there were others that she enjoyed (not liked they wasted a single thought on any of them).
Not too far south of the great Institute, sat nothing but a humble town. In such town dwelled a tavern with fortnightly performances by an anonymous bard whose enigmatic voice caught her attention many moons ago whilst idling about. The strumming of his strings in perfect harmony with life-filled vocals were no doubt what touch her heart closer than any other could. And when the clapping of hands died down after each of his performances, she simply longed for the chance to feel the same once again. A chance where she could sincerely enjoy herself once more with no one harassing her with spiteful intensions. It was no doubt that time of the fortnight where the mysterious performer showed once again and without a moment's hesitation she stepped out upon the end of the great hallway. The two cauldrons ever so blazing brightly at the entrance. With cloak in hand, she sheltered her tails and concealed her odd protrusions with the hood whilst stepping downwards ivory steps, with the intention of hiding what most know her by as Ahri.
_
It was to no surprise that the street markets where more crowded than just the usual folk, with many of the Institute's members enjoying the pleasures such a town had to offer. Others who were more adventurous travel off the further lands, sometimes even going as far as her homeland. Though their returns were not so timely, often incurring the wrath of the higher ups. A privilege it was. To walk past many whom she'd known whilst doing her part as a "Champion" only to go by unnoticed. Smells and sounds of freshly made delicacies decorating store entrances with adults and children alike scrambling to purchase the freshest ones available. Oh the joy stamped on their faces when sweet confectionary touched their lips. A marvelled sight for the Nine-Tailed Fox to behold, but also one that triggered a yearning ache deep inside. She shook off the thought with a solemn smile and with a quick readjustment of her leather hood; she hurried pass oncoming crowds towards the tavern upon a lowly hill.
That all too familiar scent of ale wrinkled her nose as she made her way past unsuspecting customers inside the stuffy tavern. A sense of vulnerability indulged her as she slipped pass drunken oafs and purple cloaked colleagues alike, which would not have been half as bad if it was not for the shear noise coming from the vicinity. More crowded than usual. She thought, knowing that they were here for the very same reason she was.
Ahri continued pass the fiery hearth, deeper into the common room making her way towards the counter hidden in the shadows. To her expectations, the oaken bench was unoccupied. A terrible view of the vicinity no doubt, but the safest she felt compared to the rest along with the fact that the ever so disruptive noises quietened to a lower hum. Despite how many times she had made her appearance around these areas, the sheer number of men and the volume always made her uncomfortable. Her ears twitching at the snotty laughter echoing from the bowels of clearly intoxicated men; Men who boasted of their past which to her, contained dark deeds. Ones that caused her tails to shrivel at the mere thought of them. Many a time had she overhead such conversations before. After the disgusting occasional burp of course.
"What would it be for ya tonight?" An unexpected voice said.
Ahri glanced up peeking from her hood only to quickly fix her gaze to the floor once again.
"Just a wench." She said to herself relieved.
"Sir?" The wench replied, tapping her visibly worned footwear impatiently.
"Oh. Umm… Just tea would do, thank you." She replied, her voice trying to impersonate that of a man. The wench lifted her eyebrow, surprised by her request.
"Not a pint of the usual?" She questioned, perhaps hearing her wrong for the first time.
"Just tea thank you."
"Not my business ta belittles a customer's request but ya cup would require a little wait. Tis been awhile since the kettle last boiled."
"Not a problem at all. Sorry for the trouble."
And with a flick of the wench's greasy hair, she left Ahri back how she'd like to be; Alone.
Lost in trance, Ahri stared out the smokey windows, into the alleyway long enough to finally witness the first flakes of snow gliding towards the dirt ground. Anytime now. She sighed, a deep yet satisfying sigh turning her attention towards a crude wooden stage into the distance. The usual laughter and chattering dying down to whispers and shuffling of feet brought to an abrupt stop as customers made their way to vacant seats. Everyone seemed to be fitted in a place like they belonged. Everyone except Ahri who shared no pleasure of company with another. Though it bother her, it was not enough to stop her anticipated enjoyment.
As the bard stepped upon the wooden platform, dull claps and coughing were heard from the crowd. He too was shrouded in mystery. Anonymous to all behind a wooden mask, resembling nothing but a quaint smile, along with his hair presumably tucked under a black silken bandana.
The Bard drew upon his fiddle. An ivory coloured instrument. Taking a deep, sincere bow, the musician placed his fingers upon gutted strings and began strumming chords whilst humming to a tune. A somewhat stunning yet melodic sound. Ahri immediately awoke from her drowsiness caused by her half-finished mug of tea. Her ears perking up underneath her hood, receiving the musical delight that wavered through the air. A song he had played before, amongst one of her favourites. She sat physically unmoved yet her heart longing to inch closer. To be immersed in such a beautiful voice yet unable to as others may recognise her. Perhaps a word with him after the night alone. She thought, but shaken from her head. Impossible. Besides, approaching him would very much dishonour his reason of concealing himself in the first place.
Lost in thought and completely unaware of her surroundings, a figure sat beside her. Though not close, it was enough to shift her mood to the usual uncomfortableness. Ahri's eyes rolled slowly to the mysterious figure's side. It didn't seem to notice. Much like her, it wore a hood shadowing him from the rest. Eyeing further below, it was clear it was a male. Judging from his posture and build which was something Ahri tried hard to perfect for the art of disguise. It also came to her attention that the figure ordered the very exact beverage she did only moments ago, though not touched as steam still hovered above. Odd, but unquestionable. She decided to shake the thought away to enjoy the rest of the Bard's performance. Perhaps why he was here too.
_
The once roaring flames were brought to embers once the Bard's performance came to an end. With another bow followed by muttering and claps, he exited the stage and into the kitchen's, presumably leaving from the back. Ahri's gaze traced his very steps, all the way to the fluttering of wooden doors, longing for his return. Until next time…
Many of the customers began making their way out. Sounds of shifting furniture and clattering of cutlery filled the air once again. It was brought to her realisation that the mysterious figure was still indeed beside her and with less people present, it soon became oddly uncomfortable. She rose silently, in hopes of not disturbing the figure's gaze at the others leaving the tavern. Dusting off her cloak she proceeded for the exit only to be stopped by an all too familiar voice.
"Could it be?" It mocked menacingly. Although its source was closer to the stage, it pierced louder than ever. A gut wrenching sensation filled her stomach. Oh please let me out.
"Aye it could." Responded another. "His presence can never be masked, no matter how hard you try… Temptress."
Ahri's lips curled. Fist clenched, she stood unresponsive. Of all places, why now? She screamed internally, cursing her dumbstruck luck.
"A beautiful performance indeed. A surprise you'd show up in a dump such as this to watch as well." The initial voice spoke. His creeping smile evident underneath those deep purple robes.
"A shame my dear friend missed it. Oh how he used to love singing. Too bad he is no more." The sarcasm in his voice was evident made even more so by his snickering companions.
Be brave, be calm. Don't give him what he wants. Not like the last time, oh please no. Those thoughts echoing in her mind, mustering whatever strength she had left.
Her unmoving stature brought little irritation to the purple cloaked menace.
"Where have you been my dear?" His voice mocked. "We've missed you. We've wanted to tell you that we are willing to forget everything. Leave behind what had been done, but at a price. A simple price… One which you surely have no troubles providing…" His tongue encircling his lips as he reached out towards the Nine-Tailed Fox, back up with lustful snickers.
"Come, surely you would be more than obliged to surrender yourself. That is your nature is it not? Ah—"
And before the two touched. A wave of odour, foul smelling odour permeated through the tavern, followed by a brown dusty cloud.
"Wh.. what the d-devil is this?!" The purple cloaked figure cried. Their eyes blinded and tongue stained by such an awful stench.
Though unpleasant, Ahri couldn't help but feel relieved, but not for long as an arm reach for a cloak, tugging her through the misty air towards the tavern entrance.
"Come!" He said. "Hurry!"
An unfamiliar voice, but one which she'd follow over the purple's any day. With a loud thud, the doors flew open with two foul smelling, cloak covered strangers darting out from the tavern into the snowy night. As much of the odour was gone, she looked upon the figure in front, still tagging her along. An all too familiar scent entering her nose and she'd realise who it was (somewhat) that had rescued her.
"M-my thanks." She hesitated, upon deep heavy breaths.
"My pleasure." He replied, obviously as breath taken as she was. His cloak dropped by the cold winds revealing her saviour's face. A noticeable smile visible. "Ahri."
_
Hello :) Thank you for reading my first chapter of an attempted fanfiction. Thought it isn't my first time writing, it is indeed when it comes to uploading, so criticism is more than welcome (but please be gentle o/o").