[Act III Scene Three]

East Wing of the Demacian Royal Palace—Fortune, Swain, Taric/Swain

Taric/Swain: "What's that sound?"

Fortune: "What do ye think is going on?"

[Enter Swain]

Swain: "So, this is my alter-ego and the talented LeBlanc."

Taric:/Swain: "It's you! How did you get past the guards?"

Swain: "Magic, of course. I would have thought a mastermind could have figured that out."

Taric/Swain: "Miss Fortune, could you give me a minute alone with this gentleman, if you please?"

Fortune: "I didn't know ye had a twin brother, Swain."

Taric/Swain: "Please allow me to insist. This is a delicate—means dangerous—family matter."

Fortune: "Sure. If he's yer brother, shouldn't ye be glad to see him?"

Taric/Swain: "Indeed I am. You have no idea how much."

[Taric/Swain embraces Swain warmly as Fortune withdraws]

Swain: "Now I feel dirty. It's like playing with oneself."

Taric/Swain: "Now, now, 'brother', it's not like I was squeezing your ass or anything. So, is it good to be back?"

Swain: "That depends. Is the news good?"

Taric/Swain: "I believe that you will be quite satisfied indeed with what we have accomplished here."

Swain: "Go on. I had hoped to disrupt diplomatic relations between Demacia and the Freljord, but…"

Taric/Swain: "I am five steps ahead of you. I fleshed out the sketchy plans I found in your desk, and with the aid of the loyal Katarina, executed them perfectly. Within the next few hours, Prince Jarvan will duel King Tryndamere, and regardless of the outcome, Noxus cannot but benefit."

Swain: "My thoughts exactly. Excellent work."

Taric/Swain: "Thank you, General. As my final act as acting Grand General, I request a promotion for Katarina. While I had my doubts initially, she has clearly demonstrated her resourcefulness and dedication to your country's cause."

Swain: "However, I do not trust anyone of the Du Couteau family, nor do they trust me."

Taric/Swain: "A small promotion, then. Not enough to endanger you, but enough to show that you recognise the value of quality workmanship. When it comes to covert operations, that woman was clearly to the manner born."

Swain: "Make a man Grand General for a few days, and he starts giving orders. May I remind you that I am the Grand General, and you are merely an actor.

Taric/Swain: "I am a grand actor, and this was the performance of a lifetime. If you had seen the show, I believe that you would have been converted into one of my devoted fans. In the end, it shall be as you wish. You may have your reasons for keeping the assassin in her place. I merely suggest that she deserves some credit.

Swain: "I don't trust her, but I am not afraid of her. What is her promotion to me? I'll give the orders."

Taric/Swain: "Most gracious of you, General. One other thing."

Swain: "What is it?

Taric/Swain: "I do not believe that the beautiful young woman across the room is LeBlanc, nor is she Katarina in disguise. So far as I can tell, she is the real Miss Sarah Fortune, and she is unaware of the game being played."

Swain: "Perhaps we should eliminate her, just to be on the safe side."

Taric/Swain: "But what if she really is LeBlanc—here on her own initiative, not acting under our command?"

Swain: "A calculated risk."

Taric/Swain: "I beg to differ. I am afraid I cannot let cold-blooded murder or assassination take place on my watch. I completed my mission without directly causing loss of life, and would appreciate it if you not mar the beauty of my work."

Swain: "What if Tryndamere or Jarvan is killed during their duel?"

Taric/Swain: "A calculated risk. The odds are against it, in any case."

Swain: "If Jarvan is killed it would ruin everything."

Taric/Swain: "That is something nobody would ever believe you capable of saying."

Swain: "I have my reason and it is a very cogent one."

Taric/Swain: "Offhand, I am guessing that it is because you want to be the one to kill him, and that it must be done by your own hand or your own magic—that merely arranging his death does not satisfy you. Something about the twisted sense of honour you are rumoured to possess."

Swain: "And you are free to believe that."

Taric/Swain: "I will not allow you to replace me unless you promise not to seek the life of the fair lady, no matter her true identity."

Swain: "Fallen for her, have you? Such sentiments are unworthy of a Noxian general."

Taric/Swain: "Ah, but of course I am not Noxian and I am not a general, and I am sentimental."

Swain: "I am surrounded by weakness. Very well, you have my word of honour, that if that woman does not cross me, I will not harm her. Will you take my word?"

Taric/Swain: "Certainly, brother. And you will answer to me if you break it."

Swain: "Strength for glory! Do you really think you could defeat me?"

Taric/Swain: "I do not believe that you can afford to take that risk."

Swain: "My thoughts exactly. To be honest, I admire a man who is not afraid to stand up to me, so I agree to your terms. The redhead lives, regardless of her true identity, and here is my hand as witness to my word."

Taric/Swain: "How did you get by the guards, by the way? I would have thought that a sizeable contingent was right outside the door. You didn't kill them all, I hope."

Swain: "Such scruples. Unbecoming a champion of your power."

Taric/Swain: "I am an artist. I have heightened sensitivities."

Swain: "You may put your mind at ease. They are merely asleep. One last thing. It suits my plans perfectly to be locked up while the duel unfolds. That way nobody can accuse me of foul play. Would you be so kind as to drop by the Noxian consulate and tell them to demand my immediate release?"

Taric/Swain: "Sound reasoning, General. If you don't mind, I'll be changing my uniform and then watching the duel first."

Swain: "Not at all. I'd enjoy watching that matchup myself, under other circumstances."

Taric/Swain: "Yes, it promises to be interesting."

Swain: "Thank you, 'General', for all that you have done."

Taric/Swain: "I'll take my leave. Do I have time to say farewell to the charming Miss Fortune?"

Swain: "I wouldn't risk it. Let me handle it for you."

Taric/Swain: "Very well. One last question: Did you like our new uniform?"

Swain: "Very striking. Bold and yet…stylish. To be honest, I hate it."

Taric/Swain: "May I keep it, or would you like it in your wardrobe? You never know, it may start to grow on you."

Swain: "Perish the thought. On the other hand…indeed, you never know. Leave it with the Noxian consulate."

Taric/Swain: "As you wish. Farewell, General."

Swain: "Farewell. If you ever need a favour, you will not find Noxus ungrateful."

Taric/Swain: "Heh."

[Exit Taric/Swain]