Ah, so she did come up with a plan, good. The woman must have decided to confer with the Seer before speaking her mind, which the man assumed was a form of respect rather than a means of affirmation. She did not seem phased by his rather indifferent speech, which was a slight relief, seeing as most humans believed he spoke ill when he in fact did not intend to. Such dynamic creatures they were, always wanted to make a name for themselves, yet did not hesitate to fall in line with a group. It was the outgoing, intellectual mortals who Malzahar found worth conversing with. In a sense, he did suppose the Demacian had earned herself the title of 'companion', though, how he treated her would no doubt be different than how she'd normally been addressed.

It was also a relief that the two had managed to level out mentally, the Prophet feeling as if they were on the same page of thought now. She was smart, and clever, no doubt about it… But perhaps she simply misunderstood some of his occasional queries, seeing as she seemed perplexed by a few of his simple questions. Then again, he was the one ignorant of societal norms and stereotypes. Suddenly, she gave the man a warm smile, returning his original nod. Lux appeared rather joyful over how their situation had progressed, Malzahar found it increasingly challenging to speak negatively towards the Demacian, not that he had planned to anyway.

"Thank me? What for, Lux?" The Seer asked, remaining at the woman's side as they walked— Well, as she walked. What had he done? Was it that he agreed with her? Once again he found his mind churning with trivial questions that would normally be considered insignificant.

The Seer seemed surprised by her reaction, which emitted a quiet chuckle from the mage. "I'm thankful that you agreed to come to the beach with me." She answered simply, staring at the path ahead. It was an amusing sight with Malzahar levitating next to her as she picked up her feet. "It's quite a pleasant surprise to have you… accept me. I didn't even think a simple meeting like that could lead to such a big trip." It amazed Lux in all honesty that he had grown accustomed to her. Even though he put on a serious demeanor, Lux enjoyed the time they had spent together. She did not really believe that there was anything better that she could do, besides reading her romance novels. This adventure already seemed romantic. At least to her.

One could hardly call Malzahar the romantic type, but she did not mind at all. In fact, she found interest in the things he said, whether it be a question or what his preference was. Lux made sure to keep note of what he disliked in case she were to accidentally irritate him. That would make for a lonesome and stressful trip, which would bother her from then on. Staring at the Seer next to her, she could not help but gaze at him. A light red paint had taken over her cheeks. He only gave her a slight nod, which made her laugh. Nothing ever seemed to faze him…

"You amuse me a lot, Malzahar." She commented, peering at him with curious eyes.

Lux went on about her thankfulness in his responses, reflecting on their time in the library, and showing optimism for the road ahead. Normally he'd get sick from hearing the extensive and frivolous explanation of one's inner feelings, but he did not mind so in this case, simply letting the Demacian speak as he quietly listened. It was true, Malzahar did not expect to be thanked for his gesture, making him raise a brow in response. She did not turn to speak, so neither did he, his voice resonating through the corridor. "Most would not requite such from me to begin with, but I see where your initial surprise derives from." The man replied, his hands slowly meandering their way into his pockets, leaning forward slightly as he levitated forward.

... Then she finally spoke, the Prophet himself deciding to turn to look at the Demacian once more. You amuse me a lot… Was that a compliment of a sort? A jape? And why must she always stare? At first he did not know how to respond, but given his knowledge of the girl, he assumed it was not detrimental.

"I suppose I could say the same." Malzahar simply remarked, his posture unwavering. She had been rather respectful to his own being now that he put some thought into it. Then again, that is why he could only tolerate intellectuals— At least they had a hint of decency and character. After a while, he could nearly feel Lux's stare, somewhat surprised she hadn't tripped and fallen yet. Why did she take so much interest in him? Was it his power? His appearance? The Seer simply did not know, but pondered asking her in the future. "Fair enough."

I suppose I could say the same.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, as she stared at him in amazement. Just as she was about to ask him more, he simply said, "Fair enough." The woman sighed, looking away. She only said things in the"heat" of the moment, realizing that she should have thought it through before saying such things. Amusement—she found it a positive feeling. She loved being amused, especially by others—it was not hard to amuse her either. She loved laughing, but it seemed everyone else hated it...

Why was he so calm and collected while she stood there, her heart nearly beating out of her chest? Why was she nervous around someone like him? Did Luxanna feel the need to impress him? As he stared at her, she found herself entranced by his glowing eyes; they were mesmerizing and gorgeous—something that he should not have had.

Thinking back on it now, why was the Demacian so interested in him? Was it because he gave off a mysterious aura around her? Around everyone? She wanted to dig deeper, to find out who he truly was, Voidbeing or not. She wanted to know the Malzahar that no one else knew, but it would come with a cost… Lux realized that she would probably become attached to the man. And if he were not to become attached to her then she would die to him… to die by the hands of her friend.

"Fair enough?" The mage finally asked, confused. She still did not know what he meant. She still continued to walk in front of him, staring at him curiously.

There she went again, her cheeks suddenly streaked with a light hue of red… Was she blushing? He had uttered less than a sentence and yet here she was, looking so bashful and nervous again. Is this what all humans did when put into an estranging situation? Perhaps it was a triggered reaction of a sort, involuntary of course, but it would explain the frequency of the event. Deciding to say nothing of it, he merely continued to return the look given by the Demacian, watching her watch himself. If he did not know better, he would say she was in mild distress— But seeing how often she did this, he worried not about her safety.

After a while, she finally spoke up, her tone firm but her facial expressions suggesting otherwise. Earlier it look as if she had something to say, but he appeared to have cut her off before she had a chance to speak her mind. Lux on uttered two words, a confused echo of what the Prophet had said previously. Did she not understand what he meant?

"Yes, you find me amusing— I do not intend to be interpreted as such, but I do not mind that you feel as you do about the matter." The Seer coolly responded, tilting his head back slightly. "Are you alright, Lux? You seem to be acting rather unusual come of late… Are you certain you are fit for this expedition?" He asked with a level tone, expressing what little sincerity he could muster. "Speak your mind, friend, I shall not scrutinize nor criticize you."

Of course. She was supposed to take him seriously, yet she could not. If he knew what she was thinking… he would probably lash out at her. Lux saw a speck of hope in him, all because he was kind. She wanted him to join her side and live with her in Runeterra together, but that was all for a selfish reason, was it not? It was all really to prevent his destruction of the world… at least that was what she told herself. It was for all the wrong reasons, but at the same time, it made her feel… right. It cleared her conscience, that she was doing the world right by befriending Malzahar and hopefully changing him for the better. But what kind of friend was she if she did not learn to accept him for who he was?

I do not mind that you feel as you do about the matter.

That was a start, at least. Perhaps he thought she was insane… she knew he already thought she was a strange mortal. And yet he had not pushed her away, but rather indulged in her company. It mystified her; she wondered why someone as determinedly "evil" as him would stay around someone that wanted the good of the world.

"Oh I'm alright." Her tone once again reached a peak of confidence as if to hide from him her anxiety. It soon all faltered, however, when he told her to speak her mind. There was no harm in telling him the truth, was there? "Y-you just make me… anxious. It's not a negative thing, not at all. I just have not been to the beach with my friends before. Especially with, well a man…" Did she seem ridiculous telling him all of this? Lux had predicted that Malzahar would not even understand exactly why she would feel nervous traveling alone with him. He would probably assume that she was only worried because he was not someone she should have trusted.

Anxious.

Such a reaction was strange to hear, for the Prophet had been more used to mortal's emotions ranging from fear to extreme anger when in his presence. Perhaps his teammates on the Fields felt slight anxiety working with him, in which case would explain why Lux would be feeling as she was, being his 'companion' and such. But as she continued, he tilted his head slight his brows furrowing. Was she nervous about being seen with a male at he beach? When he was forced to go, he saw both men and woman socializing and participating in summer activities. Maybe she had only visited the vacation spot with female friends, but still, she didn't seem like one to be riled by such a minor event.

"Is that all? It appears that you are reacting rather dramatically if that is the case— I understand if you are not accustomed to my presence, but if that was truly an issue I assumed we would not be here as of now." Malzahar remarked, his tone more level and inquisitive than hurtful. There were many issues she could have with the Seer, all of which she seemed to hide masterfully if so, yet he felt that wasn't the answer either. Lux might just be anxious to travel in general, outside of the boundaries of her homeland with a near stranger would no doubt make most people question their previous choices… But she had been the one to ask of his presence.

"I do not intend to bring any harm to you if that is what you believe." He continued as they exited the Institution, hoping the Demacian was still keeping her sense of direction in mind whilst they walked… Well, as she walked.

She was reacting dramatically? Lux sighed, thinking over the day's events. He was right—why would she come all this way and give up now? They had barely even begun their journey and were still close to the outer steps of the Institute. The mage could only stare back at him, but no longer with hesitation. She was rather feeling happy again, seeing the way he looked at her curiously. It seemed that the Prophet emitted a range of emotions within Lux, one moment she was feeling excited and yet in another, she began doubting herself. Hadn't she been through this experience before? It was as if social interaction was unbeknownst to her previously. He expected otherwise from her—there was no reason to suddenly push him away.

"You're right…" The blonde looked over towards the path ahead of them, trying to keep her thoughts composed. "I don't know what has gotten into me. But knowing the fact that you wouldn't try and hurt me sure makes me feel more comfortable."

It was meant to be sort of a joke, yet somehow, she let herself go. He was expecting the Demacian to act normally, for she went through all that effort to befriend him. Of course, he was always calm and collected, seemingly criticizing her. Yet, his tone soothed her, and if that weren't enough, he did not have any intentions of sacrificing her to the Void. That promise alone was enough to lift her spirits, and was enough to make her smile back at him.

Lux's awkward response made him raise a brow, but he gave a slight shrug in response, assuming this was simply how she was. It appeared she was have some internal conflict, but it was nothing serious, most likely a simple side effect of the man actually agreeing to travel with her. The Demacian bounced between uncertainty and happiness, two emotions he did not expect to see in such quantities. Would she be like this for the whole trip? It wasn't that it was a nuisance, it was just… Odd.

"I feel that you will overcome your struggle, Lux." Malzahar replied, giving her a slight nod. She was a strong mage, and though young, had good potential. Mid-laning against her was rather bothersome, but certainly not impossible. He respected her attitude in combat, keeping moral high whilst being able to back her words with magic. Even if he desired to injure her outside of the League, did she truly find herself defenseless? That was not a good quality for someone who was destined for such a big role in her nation's future.

I feel that you will overcome your struggle, Lux.

How… sweet? It only proved that he viewed her as an equal, which actually comforted her. She had her awkward points, especially around him. She found that she could not act like her usual "insane" self, trying to make herself and everyone around her laugh. Instead, Lux found herself staring down at her feet while trying to compile her thoughts together. He probably found her strange at the very least, but at least he was willing to accept that part of her…

"Ah, thank you, Malzahar." She said, offering a warm smile again. A silence overcame the two of them again; it was to be expected, however. Lux twiddled with her fingers. She didn't really know what to say to him, after all, she wasn't supposed to be seen near him. He was a respectable mage himself, and she could not help but wonder just how he would be if he were not affected by the Void. He'd most likely still be an admirable champion, but rather goodhearted. Thinking of this softened Lux's eyes as she peered at him curiously, as she knew their relationship would end in pain… even with that small speck of hope that she nearly held onto, since she knew him, she found herself unable to accept their fates. Somehow, the Demacian believed that things could change for the better if she willed it to. Her own selfish greed to have him by her side until she passed kept her eyes on this speck.

For a few moments, she realized that they hadn't been speaking and were rather silent. Some sort of conversation would have to do. She didn't want to bore him, necessarily. "...Have you ever been to Bilgewater before?" The mage asked after a few moments of awkward silence, trying to maintain somewhat of a casual conversation and to keep their trip occupied at the very least.

He was trying to keep a sense of meditation and peace as he floated, but he knew that morals invested in mere conversation. He preferred to be in solace, of course. Yet, when listening to her query, a hand went to his chin, rubbing it slightly in thought. He knew about the location, but not well; it was a land of renegades, pirates, and thieves… Much like Noxus.

"I have not, truth be told I know little of the city-state— If one could call it that." The Seer replied, admitting to his ignorance of the place.

"Ah, really? I've only been there once, to visit a dear friend of mine." However, he wasn't exactly just a friend—they went on a few dates but preferred the option of seeing other people. Lux actually cringed at the thought; what would Malzahar think? He'd probably just regard it as a mortal practice and move on, now that she considered it. She just hadn't had the time or the emotions to actually partake in a full fledged "relationship." The mage figured that she would one day… just not now.

Hmm, so the Lady had connections in the port city-state then? That no doubt proved useful in political matters between Noxus and Demacia, since Bilgewater was supposedly under tabs by the Noxians. Katarina herself remained a mainstay at a location known as Fleet Street in the city-state, acting as a recruiter of a sort for men who found themselves at fortune's end.

"Yes, I may not know the nation well, but their practices and personas are known almost typically throughout Valoran. Though, that is not necessarily a bad thing— Perhaps a majority of them are nothing but backwater scum, but so long as their reputations proceed them, they earn a sort of respect from the other city-states of Valoran." Malzahar mused, his churning mind speaking fluently. "I am not one to indulge in such acts. It ceases to amaze me how you mortals practice self-harm so frequently and treat it as nothing." The Seer replied, taking a moment to rub his left shoulder.

"... You mentioned mortals participating in self harming activities? Might I ask what kind of activities you're talking about?" The girl raised a stern eyebrow—she hated to think that Malzahar thought of her as reckless, since she was usually trying to keep everything under control. The mage had spent all this time building up her walls, but soon she realized that her walls were better off destructed. She let everyone in so easily… there was no point in keeping her boundaries guarded any longer.

"You mortals partake in excessive drinking, brawling, harlotry, gambling, and more at such locations, I find little desire to pay pilgrimage to any place of the like." Malzahar replied, referring to the Captain's tavern. He had more productive things to do than waste his time squabbling about in petty recreational affairs. As for Lux, he did not care how she spent her time, so long as she did not get into any 'trouble'… For in the end, he would no doubt be the one blamed.

"I don't know why, but did you really assume I participated in such vulgar activities?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "I would never consider myself a harlot, even if my interest in a few people develops over time. I've only drunk harshly once, and I can tell you, it is not an experience I want to revive again." She smiled softly at the Prophet.

She had never participated in any of those activities, besides excessive drinking… Everyone knew she was a lightweight, yet the Demacian had participated in drinking with Ezreal one night. The reason why, she did not know. Despite the jokes that Lux seemingly threw at men she knew, she was only joking. There were no actual feelings behind her words, but Lux knew somehow it would come back and bite her one day.

"Do not take offense, Lux. I was not directing my generalization at you, more so, those who spend their time fluently at such locations." He continued, offer a slight nod to the woman. "I would not consider yourself a harlot, nor a heavy drinker. You might be outgoing, but not so much in that nature… However, I must lament I was a rather avid gambler in my days of mortality." Malzahar admitted, remembering the times he used his power to foresee the future during card games and matters of chance. It was cheating, but he was young, and royalty— Put those together, and one would find that they did not always abide by the house rules.

Malzahar was a gambler? She chuckled a bit as she heard it come from his own lips—she'd never expect him to gamble. Visualizing him now, it amused her once again. He was just so… serious. Lux wondered if he was just as carefree and lighthearted as he seemed when he was a mortal. She'd probably get along with his mortal self even better than now, but… she could admit that his demeanor was charming in a way. The mage already found that she could trust him, as he was always so straightforward about whatever the topic of discussion was.

"Awwww, I'm glad you think so highly of me. But it is a nice port, Malzahar! Despite all the people, Miss Fortune has her own tavern that she'll let us visit probably. Of course it would be strange for her seeing us together, but I'm sure it'll work out. It has a beautiful view of the ocean right next to it anyway."

It was somewhat relieving to see Lux deescalate from her heightened state. Even if she was not in serious distress, it made him question whether or not she was well, in which case she pleaded her health was in optimal condition. No matter, once again this could all simply be a part of her nature, for every human was unique, individualized, no one was like the other. Suddenly lifting his head slightly as she spoke of Miss Fortune, he gave a single, stifled laugh, nearly inaudible to those who were a few feet away. "Yes, me and the Captain know each other well enough, though, fail to see eye to eye on most things." Malzahar continued, looking out over the landscape. He did not expect the Demacian to be the drinking type, but once again, what did he really know about her?

"You and the Captain… huh?" Lux shrugged, raising an eyebrow. "You fail to see eye to eye on most things? Things like what?" Again, another minor detail of his experiences already captured a spark of interest within her, causing her to question. What had Malzahar and Miss Fortune discussed already? Was it that she highly disapproved of his future plans for the world? She could see why—Miss Fortune was not one for nonsense and she probably assumed the man was insane, and unstable. Like everyone else did.

As she inquired about himself and Miss Fortune, Malzahar shook his head slightly, remembering their conversation. "The woman certainly has the qualities of an able leader, but some of her methods are rather questionable, both ethically and in effectiveness." He replied, a slight yawn escaping his lips. The being did not get tired easily, but the merging of two dimensions was tedious, strenuous work, even for an immortal like himself. The Seer needed not to sleep, but merely to rest and meditate and regain energy spent throughout the days, since he was not in direct contact with the Void.

"Miss Fortune's methods? What exactly do you mean by that?" The woman asked, raising an eyebrow. What methods could they have possibly discussed? As it seemed, he knew far more than she did—she hardly ever conversed with the other champions about politics. It was usually about short term happiness and other activities. She merely conversed for pleasure and not as much for knowledge, which could have been considered a flaw to the Prophet.

"Ah, it would be best I do not speak further on the matter— I will simply say our rules of engagement vary." The Seer remarked, deciding it was best to get off the subject of himself and the Captain. Lux knew little of what transpired between the two during their meeting, and Malzahar desired to keep it as such, least he run into Miss Fortune herself during their trip. Though, it would be fair enough to say they agreed to disagree about a certain matter, and that was it.

"Ah, I see." Lux raised an eyebrow, interested in seeing how Miss Fortune would react once she saw them. Or if she would ever get the chance to.

Lux and Malzahar conversed routinely on their journey, the days and nights passing quickly as they neared Bilgewater. The two now joined together on a large vessel approaching the port city-state on the horizon, the ocean vast and infinite around them— An eerie reminder of Nautilus' tragic tale.