A Storm Is Brewing...
30 minutes later, the rolling of the cart became a profound ruckus against the calm of the night. He rolled steadily down the hill, speeding up to an alarming rate as it zoomed downhill. As it hit the valley floor, it slowed drastically, almost to a stop. The reins were connected to two large horses, who were stamping their feet repeatedly after their swift descent.
Teemo lay ahead on right-hand side of the path, his outfit blending in with the nearby foliage. From his position 10 meters away, he could barely discern the voices that sounded out from the wagon.
"Driver! Are the beasts injured?" The voice was tough and gruff, but unmistakeably female.
The driver, a gaunt looking man with a thin, wispy beard called back in a coarse voice.
"Nay, marm, the beasts be fine."
"Good. Continue on to Bandle City. This news must be delivered as soon as possible."
The driver put a pipe in his mouth, while snapping the reins to signal the horses to get on the move again.
Teemo sat up from his hiding hole, and stepped out onto the center of the path, the brim of his scouting helm covering most of his face. In his left hand he held his blowgun across his shoulder, and his right hand hung down by his side. As he got into position, he pictured himself from their angle, envisioning a heroic figure barring the path to Bandle City from evildoers.
A smile spread across his face at the thought.
"Woah!"
The driver's eyesight had never been good, but as age caught up with him, his eyesight worsened more and more until he could barely distinguish letters on near signs. But their was no missing the small moonlit figure blocking the path. He leaned around and knocked on the side of the wagon's cabin.
"Uh, Ma'am? You might want to come out for this. We may have trouble."
A voice sighed with resignation. The dull clanging and ringing of bronze brushing up with bronze could be heard, and from out of the cabin strode another small figure, if only slightly taller in stature compared to Teemo.
She stood perched behind the driver, the light within the cabin peering out into the darkness of the night. Her hammer was hefted across her shoulders, and she called out to Teemo in a curt voice.
"Are you going to stand there until dawn, or do you want a ride to Bandle City?"
Teemo looked up so his face was in full view, his features were shocked in a mocking fashion. He stuck out a leg and bowed deep.
"you mean me, riding with Poppy, the Iron Ambassador? I am unworthy!"
Poppy rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Please don't call me by my title. Now get in, before I demonstrate diplomacy on you."
Teemo leapt upright, a huge smile wreathed upon his face, and dashed forward, clambering aboard the vessel. He threw himself into one of the benches in the small cabin, and kicked his feet up.
Poppy strode in after him, sitting opposite and letting her hammer rest upon the floor. She called out to the driver.
"Onward, Mr. Gibbs."
"Yes Ma'am!"
The cart rumbled and shook as the horses' gait rocked the wagon. Teemo still had a huge grin on his face, staring impudently at Poppy.
Poppy's craggy features stared back, her eyes stark blue, like azure steel. She leaned back against the cart's wall, and crossed her arms.
"Stop staring at me like that."
Teemo grinned even wider.
"Yes Ma'am."
Poppy shook her head, the traces of a smile touching her lips. Not even she could resist Teemo's charm.
At any other time, she would have given in to her companions antics, but now was a serious, trying time.
"Teemo, any other day, and I would revel in your antics, but I have bad news."
Teemo's smile faded, and he sighed, picking his feet up of the opposite bench and assumed a normal sitting position. His hands interlocked and he leaned forward, his head bowed.
"I had a feeling bad news was coming."
When Poppy saw Teemo's face again, there was no merriment left on his features. Instead, the exultation had been replaced with a fierce and determined light. He looked nothing like the Teemo who had been sitting there mere seconds ago.
Poppy shuddered involuntarily. Teemo's swift change always disturbed her. She grew up hard, and it reflected in all of her lifestyle, but Teemo's swift mood changes in combat and in peace were unsettling. It was as if he was a completely new person.
"Trouble is brewing, Teemo. The feud between Noxus and Demacia is heating up. I fear war may be an eventuality at the current rate of things."
Teemo spread his hands in a questioning gesture.
"And? How does this concern Bandle City? Have you come to warn us of a coming storm, or enlist us as cannon fodder in a war that is of no concern to us?"
Poppy's eyes widened slightly. Her voice started angrily.
"Demacia would neve-"
She stopped, and closed her eyes, breathing deeply. When she opened her eyes back up, Teemo sat impassive as ever, offering neither pardon or apology. Teemo had no reason to apologize. His duty was the safety and continuation of Bandle City. Nothing more.
"Unfortunately, this does involve Bandle City. Because of specific individuals who hailed from here, We have attracted unwanted attention."
Teemo sighed, and folded his arms.
"We've always attracted unwanted attention. People think we're easy prey because we're small, and look harmless. Those brave enough to attempt sabotage or espionage against us have all failed and paid it with their lives. This will be no different. I will defend Bandle City, as I've always done."
Poppy shook her head sadly.
"Not this time, Teemo. This time is different."
Teemo arched an eyebrow, a silent question upon his face. Poppy began to delve into the hard facts, the rumors, the speculations, and assumptions. As she told all, Teemo's eyes began to widen at the improbable tale she was spinning.
Perhaps, he thought, this time won't be enough.