CHAPTER 10: SHOPPING WITH TALON

. . .

GOOD GUY TALON

Talon followed the man to the edge of the lake. The trees whistled elegantly as the branches brushed past each other in the afternoon sun. Petals danced in the air, light tossing reflections in shafts of light around. It looked like a scene from a fairy tale story Cassiopeia used to like. Talon and Fiora had finished their snacks and now it was time.

'Time to be free' thought Talon.

Talon held his breath, Fiora's eye grew wide.

"I'm not your admirer," Talon was in shock as the words flew from his mouth like water, the truth... felt good. He pointed at the true admirer, who stood on his tip toes eagerly jumping. "He is." The Grand duelist grew very still. She closed her eyes and breathed in and out. For a few moments Talon stared concerned and ready for any attack.

Suddenly she was screaming at Talon.

"You! You! You fool! This is a trick! A trick from those upper families! Madame Avogale! It was her!" Talon opened his mouth to reply but Fiora clenched her knuckles, "that Crownguard girl! It was her! You did this on purpose!"

"I didn-"

"Oh yes you did!" She raised her hand to slap Talon when her true admirer jumped in front of Talon.

Talon mused to himself, wow, a true Demacian.

The man cried, he arms wide "my love! My heart! My rose! It is I! Your secret admirer." He bowed his head, and grabbed her hand giving it a gentle peck. Talon gagged.

Nevermind he thought.

Fiora stood still, the man continued.

"It was all a misunderstanding, I stood, as always, in the corner of the stall waiting for you to see me- I was afraid the nobles might make fun of you, so I stayed secretive... But you don't know how happy I was to see..." and everything after that was blurred to Talon's hearing. He stood still waiting for the flowery language to dissipate... Some nice language is nice, but this was too much. After a few minutes, the man got to the point, "but this other man in similar color clothing to I stood in front of the stall! I wanted to scream your name but dare not impede your honor... So I stayed silent..."

Talon looked around.

The tree branches towered above them single petals and leaves filtering through the scene, sunlight caking the floor with different hues of yellow. Talon turned to the lake, water shimmered with single droplets of afternoon light.

I need to bring Quinn here along with my sisters. Seems pretty nice to relax here.

Suddenly he looked back at the two.

There was a stillness, and the man knelt to her whispering forgiveness.

One half of Talon begged him to leave. Another told him to be nice and stay.

He stayed. He insides lurched. Talon gazed at the sky, what did I do to get into this mess?

The admirer's innocent wide blue glassy eyes widened, "well all of that was my money anyway!"

Talon whisked his head at the man, "what?!" Talon eyes grew dangerous. You little- how can this guy do that, I just helped him and he lies like that! Katarina was right, all Demacian's are horrible people!

Fiora looked unconvinced. The admirer looked at the Talon begging.

Most of Talon's gut told him no.

A harsh voice in Talon growled, say no.

But something sweet that had blossomed after meeting the village girl in the outskirts of Demacia told him otherwise.

He said yes.

"Yes... it was.. his money," he looked down unhappily, frowning. The admirer then laughed, and continued to speak in an honest innocent yet subtly accusing tone.

"Of course, it was all his fault, it was his plan to ruin everything- oh my friend is a real sly backstabber- just like those silly noxians." The admirer didn't even cast a glance at the wanted, dangerous assassin he just offended, pushing past Talon, he shouldered him and began dragging Fiora away, boasting about himself over the 'useless' man to the side.

When another voice was heard.


TASTE THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE

"Hey, you! That's not true!" A voice of a girl resounded. Talon turned back. He recognized the reports Katarina had stuffed in his face years ago. Luxanna Crownguard. A blond girl with white silk linen and silver plated iron armor appeared. "I saw everything! And you are a liar! Everything else was true, but that was his money, not yours! If you don't know each other- how could he have used your money in the first place!" The admirer knelt.

"My lady, this here is- is- I could never do such a thing!" he looked at her with large round innocent eyes, "Oh sweet Lux, Paragon of light- bringer of my dear-" Lux raised a hand in front of her.

"Stop! Enough!"

Talon was frowning, he was disgusted at what this 'Demacian' admirer was acting like. The most innocent looking person could be so sly to backstab a normal person trying to help him, acting so kind with such sweet talk then treating the person he helped like trash and putting him down. Well, actually- Talon rethought again, he was- is the most wanted assassin in all of Valoran. He clenched his hands at the possibilities. However the Crownguard child relented, pointing a direct finger with a small flare of illumination at him.

"You pay him back!" she gave a short hop in the air, "you give back his money!" The admirer looked around stuttering.

"I, I... Uh..."

"Then get lost or I will send you to jail for creating falsifications and framing an innocent person who tried to genuinely help you!" The admirer, looked up, stunned. Lux's face cracked a little, she was beginning to feel guilty. However quickly looked back at the man and she stood still with her pout-ridden glare.

Talon willed her to not be too sweet like Quinn. If she didn't punish, he could always find him and give a nice... 'scratch' to remind him of his treachery... Which he at the moment, was reluctant to do. He mentally tapped his chin. Though he never found any interest in the Crownguard family since they were to important to be 'rid of' as Katarina said. Luxanna was around Quinn's age- maybe younger. They both seemed a bit similar but were drastically different from one another.

Talon mused privately to himself.

Quinn and Luxanna could be great friends.

Though he was supposed to be bitter enemies with the Crownguards and all things Demacian, he was beginning to respect the young Crownguard prodigy.

After a few minutes that felt like an eternity of pondering for Talon, the man slivered away. However Fiora stood still, her face blank as she looked in front of her. Her lips trembled.

Luxanna approached her with one arm lifted.

"No, no! Fiora! D-Don't cry!"

Fiora whirled towards Luxanna's direction, and bowled past her, her hands on her face. Lux fell on the floor, Talon looked both ways before attempting to reach down to who he thought would be Quinn's play mate. However Lux immediately shouldered past him and sped after Fiora, calling after her.

"Fiora! Fioooraaa!"

Talon felt a small gnawing in his chest. He felt sorry for the Grand Duelist, though she mostly made fun of him with small remarks, even Talon knew she was somehow lonely. All she needed was a friend. Kind of how he needed some friends too. Katarina and Cassiopeia were different. But Quinn was a new friend, and for once in his life, he felt full- something gentle and soft continually comforting him. Lux ran panting as she followed Fiora, Talon caught up easily, he could have easily outrun her, but he decided to handle the situation with the Crownguard- which was pretty awkward in the present circumstance of their true factions they came from.

Fiora was out of sight. Luxanna looked around frantically.

"Where did she go!"

Talon glanced around. He was a very good tracker after all, he spotted a few disturbances in the soft lime green grass.

"I think she went this way," Talon bolted through from small bushes followed by the Crownguard and entered a large clearing with a single willow tree in the middle. He foot steps slowed, as he heard muffled crying. He heard Quinn's future play mate gasp.

"Oh... Fiora..." Lux slowly approached Fiora who's demeanor has suddenly changed from before. The uptight noble Talon knew was now, shattered, crying mess. Lux knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder. Fiora screamed pushing her away with force.

"Get away from me!" she breathed in deeply and exhaled ecstatically, "you- you-you" she breathed in as tears continued streaming from her eyes, "you- you" she inhaled a bucket load of air, "planned this C-C-Crownguard! Y-Y-You just don't like me and because my father..." She whined and dug her head into her hands. Talon looked on. He felt very irritable towards this lady, yet held his tongue.

She was crying like a child. Lux paid no heed.

She gently spoke to Fiora, "no... Oh no Fiora, I don't hate you, I just really want to be your friend- I think you are a great Duelist! Even better than me and maybe Garen!" Fiora continued with labored breaths and shuddered.

"My life is shattered! My 'onor is tainted!" Talon couldn't help turn around and roll his eyes.

Another Cassiopeia.

He walked over to Fiora and knelt before her. The lady was too busy crying to see his annoyed look he had plastered on his face earlier.

Fiora frowned at him through red teary eyes, "wha-what do you want?"

Talon sighed and forced a small smile.

"Though I did end up getting snagged up with that useless-" he raised both fingers up, " 'admirer,' it was ok and nice that we both got to see Demacia... If it helps you can keep the necklace. My gift. You-" he recalled the things he and Katarina told Cassiopeia, "you have a nice character, and I think you are pretty brave." Talon paused, "my little sister will admire you very much." Fiora sniffled and looked up at him her breathing turning shallow. Luxanna Crownguard continued to massage her back gently.

"Y-you think so?"

Talon smiled, Quinn would probably ask her for training, "yes, I know so."

Fiora smiled, and Lux gave a sigh of relief, she leaned her head towards Fiora.

"You want to wash up at my place Fiora? You can hang out with me today, I can miss..." she flinched, and suddenly smiled again, "I can miss class today- it's okay."

Fiora looked at her. Talon held his breath

"Y-You sure? A Laurent who's way older than a Crownguard... 'Hang out?'"

Lux nodded.

"Absolutely."

Fiora right arm behind her back trembled until she took a step forward with a shaky smile.

He sighed.

It all went well.

Talon watched the two chat and begin to walk in the opposite direction. Though he didn't notice, he felt something on the inside open... it was a different spark, it was as if he met people he could talk to. It was something nice- yet different, it wasn't as a bright of feeling as meeting the little village girl, Quinn but it was nice. He smiled at the fact of telling Quinn who he met- in face, he couldn't wait to tell Quinn about this. It would sound like a jocular tall tall tale, which would probably make her laugh. But as he saw the woman in clad armor speak to the blond haired demacian, the assassin stealthy tip toed and disappeared into thin air within the soft brush and fall of leaves, and flower petals. He needed to get things done to travel back to the little girl he deeply cared for.

Talon stood still as the foot steps of the other two rustled and faded away. An inner voice mocked him.

You really are smitten fool.

Talon hissed and shook his head. No... But maybe yes, since Quinn was a charming little sister.


QUINN

. . .

Quinn walked past the tall watchful trees around her, the soft smell of musky wood was tinged with the freshness of the cooling dew. The tall shadows that had be cast against the small peeps of sunlight filtered through the green canopy. Valor cawed and gently nudged her cheek.

Inside, she felt...

Something.

A little feeling she couldn't put a finger on- but it was innocent, and it made her happy and bold at the same time.

It was something, she hadn't felt in a very, very long time. The girl then glanced at the falcon beside her, it's eyes piercing into hers. She giggled, and sighed as she returned her gaze to the trees.

"Oh Valor... I can't help but miss him and feel a bit sad..." She hopped over a few rocks and soon as she crouched underneath the undergrowth of the tree, she saw the vicinity of the small humble house she had come from. Propping the bird in her arms she trudged her way to the door. Inside, her Mother and Father sat on a table, talking to each other in hushed whispers. Quinn forced a small smile on her face. Yet she had a feeling that her parents knew she had a small liking for Eldgar. And... for some reason, she felt queasy and uneasy about it... After all, she never really had this happen in a long long time. Quinn's mother approached her, hand on her arm.

"Quinn, what did your friend say?" Her Mother looked at her with unreadable eyes, she was mocking her obviously, but Quinn ignored the smile her mother wore. She happily walked past her after nuzzling her cheek to grab a towel for her daily chores. Valor however did the opposite and also began to ogle at Quinn in a similar demeanor of the young girls' parent.

"He said he was going to get me books about Piltoverian inventions and art! Maps books and maybe books on the Demacian Guard!" Though Quinn was looking at the dust caught in the window she had spotted, her parents also shuddered at the mention of 'Demacian guard.' Quinn continued unfazed. "Also! He said he would get us food! Meats and other things we can't even afford!" Quinn ran to reach for the stoic still hands of her Father who stood up to meet her. Quinn's mud brown eyes sparkled with a bright light. "You won't ever need to hunt anymore Papa. We won't need to tire as much as before for food." She sighed as a feeling of calm and care coming from someone else placed a blanket around her. "We will be fine."

Her Father forced a smile on his face, "I know we will." The little girl he loved did a small dance as she ran back outside, carrying the Falcon with her. Quinn's parents stood next to each other watching the girl run outside, a light bounce in her feet propelling her into the air, laughing softly to the blue sky and soft puffy clouds that danced around the sun.

Their hearts were heavy and both sighed.

"I feel she's gone now..." Quinn's Mother looked up to her husband. His worry had aged him slightly, but he was as burly, strong, and just as caring as he was when she met him so many dreamy years ago.

"But she's here with us Aden. She's still here." reaching for her husband's hand, she placed it on her cheek. Warmth soothing her cold tears that had trickled down while Quinn was looking away from them. Both of them knew they were also talking about Caleb. The son they loved so dearly as they did their daughter. They would never get to see Caleb love someone grow up great and carry them happily in laughter when he was old enough. Yet still in their hearts, they wished it wasn't never. They wished it was just a couldn't so their beloved son could come back walking to them someday, laughing at how silly they were worrying about him going off for one of his silly adventures he had with Quinn. Except this one being by himself.

Aden scratched his stubble to stop his thoughts with a free hand before grabbing his wife in a soft embrace.

"I know she's here- but she's not a young girl like before... I can't bear to lose her after so much"

. . .

GIFTS

II

It was already past noon, and the shadows had grown taller, the sky had turned to a burning orange, and the city of Demacia was now tinged in a flaring red.

Talon stepped across the cobblestone, he remembered the dove necklace. Tuning right, he walked past the slowly receding waves of citizens towards the stall. The yordle sat, his head low, a small rumble sounded from his nap. Talon scoffed, and shook his head, a twinkle in his eye.

Demacia is something? Isn't it? If this were Noxus, he would have nothing to sell by the end of the day napping like that! A poor fellow would probably make rich by all these left out goods!

Talon shifted his head, towards the red velvet cloth. He scoured the pieces with keen eyes. Yet, the dove was gone. He frowned. Well, he could only stay in Demacia for so long. Taking long strides, he strode off in the opposite direction away from the sleeping yordle. The emptiness digging its way into his stomach, he increased his pace. Glancing at the direction in front of him, he saw two large twin towers, with small Demacian flag poles placed at the top of each roof. With agile speed yet with the sturdiness of a wolf, he turned and began looking at the stalls standing around sleepily. Some of the merchants recognized him from before and gave a nervous smile. He ignored it.

A gift for Katarina, I'm sure if I can find something for her, I might find something nice for Quinn. He paused and stopped abruptly. Nothing about the Demacian guard for her.

A silver glint took his eye as he scored a nearby weaponry stall. The merchant, was wearing white robes with his long hair in a pony tail. He smiled at Talon, beaming proudly of his wears.

"Knives, weaponry, fine artists work from Ionia- rare weapons built for your needs." Talon smirked and bent over towards the wares before him. The merchant laughed pleased. "I see you are very skilled in knife work?" The merchant's eyebrows rose in interest, "one doesn't just look at knifes with precision like you do." Talon's eyes met the ice blue ones of the merchant. Though his face remain undisturbed, the insides of him were tumbling and writhing in annoyance.

"I actually don't use knives in my work- I'm a trader myself- but my sister is an... 'ambivalent' collector."

Nice fancy words, Talon.

The merchant nodded, not noticing the lie at all "ahh, then what kind is she looking for?"

Talon scratched his chin in thought and looked up at the slowly moving orange clouds above.

"Hmm, I was thinking of... Something known for precision, grace. Yet with a nice hint of sturdiness." He inwardly smiled to himself, he remembered the General's words of wielding a knife.

Understand it's grace and beauty- but also master it's use to understand precision.

The merchant cut Talon's trail of memory as he presented a silver dagger with etched symbols of gentle vines and flowers that extended to the hilt of the weapon. The scabbard was flaked with a darker shade of silver and was enveloped with a sharp streak of ebony. Talon raised an eyebrow in interest. The merchant laughed as his fingers graced the dagger.

"The dagger you see isn't very good for fighting, but it's made of pure Ionian steel ivory. It isn't real ivory, heavens! The Ionians would never want such a thing to be sold- but it's glow that it gives off when enchanted shines just like ivory. It comes from certain ore veins around the area... Very valuable. Good for magic tempering." Talon glanced at the merchant with an angled gaze.

"Enchanted you say?"

The merchant simply nodded, "yes! Enchanted! Some weapons are created for the use of enchantments- not brawn. This here is an Ionian Dagger made of Ionian steel ivory, used by enchanters and many mages for ward locks or protection, or other arcane intent... You know?" The merchant began to sway his hands sheepishly at Talon. Talon looked at him in slight disbelief nodding slowly as encouragement. The merchant continued, "little things, but, this is also used for display- a grand prize for any knife user." Talon touched the blade. The rose etched into the blade caught his eye.

Oh, how it looked so beautiful. The blade was sharp, but the polishing that the engraver must have done soothed this, giving it soft glow of ethereal grace. It wasn't like any other knife he saw, he shook his head. This weapon isn't meant to kill or hurt.

Talon smiled at the merchant, "this isn't meant to hurt isn't it?"

The merchant's eyes twinkled in laughter, and he placed a hand on Talon, his ice-blue eyes of age looked warmly into Talon's young golden gaze. The merchant inched closer and told him in a hushed voice away from the hustle and bustle around them.

"It's a knife that some in Ionia buy to give to someone they care or love. Usually it's passed or given from the parents sides of both a bride and groom's family. It's a gift of love, peace or anything the holder means for it to be."

"It's a love letter then?" The merchant shrugged.

"It can be, but these knives are way to expensive for that."

"I'll take it, and maybe a tough one as well."

The merchant looked questioningly at him. "A tough one?"

Talon bit his lip, Talon, you fool!

"Uh, I meant a non-celebratory knife the random soldier would need to buy." The man in the white cloak laughed hardheartedly.

"You seem to be the more conventional type... Don't like weak metal that looks pretty hmm? What is your name boy? I'm Elsiowyn."

"You remind me a bit of my son and a kind commander-soldier I met before." Talon's attention sparked at the hearing of 'commander.'

"Did you say commander?"

"Of course I did! He was such a kind man, he loved his children very much like me." Elsiowyn's jovial laughter attracted onlookers around, Talon's stomach and heart dropped as he lost the opportunity to speak to Elsiowyn about the 'commander' he spoke of. Through the day, Talon managed to haggle and reap an Ionian steel ivory dagger, a well-made dagger made of Valoran steel from a small yordle trader Elsiowyn spoke to- though it was not as elegant as the dagger from Ionia, and a necklace for Cass. He sighed.

He knew that the dove necklace was one let down. But the books.

He remembered that... 'Eldgar' had to get the books on Demacia for Quinn. But for some reason, his heart seemed to weep as if the action of just giving her a simple book would allow him to not see her for a very, very long time.

Yet a gentle voice he hadn't let out whispered something into his dark musings.

You promised her.


Lovely books

Talon sat in his room. He wore a simple brown tunic and brown knee length pants. The night was a bit chilly, but all the same, the sky was all watching as the dark navy blue sky covered the whole town in sleep. Stars sprinkled the darkness with dusty innocent light as the moon rose above, glowing curiously and gently over the sleeping town. Trees were now a dark shade of dark green and blue as everything changed from the bright busy look it had during the day. Talon looked around and lay on his bed, toying around with the Ionian Dagger. The rose glinting in the soft orange light from the candle next to him. He turned it left and right. It kind of reminded him of Quinn for some reason. And now that he thought of it, roses seemed to look really pretty after he thought of it. Talon looked away and smirked.
A small voice inside mocked him.

Now what would Katarina say at that?

He laughed to himself as he placed it in his case quietly and gently. Sighing he ran a hand through his hair.
"What are you doing Talon?"
"I'm just living a dream. I'm not who I am. I'm just being someone else I want to be."

You can still change. Anyone can.
Talon scowled, and looked away from the small bag of gifts he had bought as if he couldn't stand to look at the action of gifting.

"It's not so easy to change. I-" Talon breathed in as he gave up. Shutting out the voice inside. He glanced at the pie the little girl gave him. He hadn't even touched it since he came. Feeling something inside him that made him feel bad, he looked away and traced the patterns on the bedsheets. The sweet girl called Quinn who was what he called 'his sister' was unknown to the girl. He smiled. It was like he had a family of his own, perhaps this is what it was like to not live a harsh life. Just living by the day and finding peace with each other. He wouldn't need to hurt anyone, it would be just them and him taking care of her and her parents... Just like his family, except without Katarina and Cassiopeia and his Father, the great General Du Coteau... Along with the Noxian politics. He frowned at the winding trail of thought that he had went down.

The General. His Father.

Even though he wasn't his kin, he still treated him like one in his own gentle gruff way. Talon frowned.

Ever since he disappeared, everything in Noxus has gone amiss. Stupid. He shouldn't have went on the mission. Listening to that old crone.

Unwrapping the pie he poked a finger into the crust and back into his mouth.

Cherry.

Moving around the turbulent thoughts he went back to the books. He smiled even though his heart and gut were feeling the opposite.

Just one book on the Demacian Guard. But everything else will be about art and other things.

After he had finished his snack, he lay on his bed, moonlight placing a soft ray of silvery light on him. He looked up at the moon from his window- which for some reason, he didn't cover with the dusty beige curtains.
He wished for something before he closed his eyes sleeping with a heavy confused heart.


Talon walked through the morning trail to the city square again. He didn't see Lux or Fiora around so he decided to find a local library or bookstore. Which was a relief, it was better to keep a low profile in Demacia. It was a menial task as the library turned out to be a large building erecting in bold blue spires and columns of gold. A single glass circular window refracted different shades of light into the main circular hall of the library. As he stepped in, the marble floor tapped underneath his feet. Many others were there, however they seemed to be of noble class from the looks of their clothes- Talon stood out like a sore thumb. However unfazed by this he walked around. The soft grey light and gentle tones created a low inert feeling. Dust particles danced in the air. It was a dreamy light but the library itself felt conservative in a way of expression that Talon couldn't put a finger on. However as he turned to walk towards the tall halls of books a lady came to him. A female figure walked towards him from the shadow. Underneath the light, he saw she had plain blond hair a square face, round small green eyes and a large mouth that Talon guessed was very large when she laughed. Another loud mouth.

"What are you doing here."

Talon winced. He hoped this person could just magically turn to Lux. They were both blond right? But it turns out. She didn't.

An inner voice cackled at his struggle, sucks for you, Talon.

Talon ignored the thoughts and laughter and eyed the girl in front of him. He spoke calmly, "I'm look to buy some books from here."

The girl looked at him as if he was the craziest, unruly person in all of Valoran. Eyes widened and mouth wide in shock.

"What?" she choked out, "Oh my gosh. What?" She laughed and looked around towards the others in the library. Talon looked around. The other nobles looked at him with disappointed condescending stares. He was sure they were going to treat him like dirt after that whenever they saw him. Talon scoffed to the shock of the others. If they were Noxus, none of them would be alive to look for a single second. The girl looked at him, and continued huffing like a diva and looked around to another older round man who approached talon. His stout body and short white hair and black eye brows and a pointy nose that slightly rose up to the sky, tinged with the slight red that his cheeks had gave him a yordle like image. Both nobles didn't look at the eyes of Talon however as the stout man walked to him, he looked away and coughed as he bent over to a few random books on a nearby bookshelf.
"We didn't even pass out our learning lesson pieces commoner, what is wrong with you? You are ridiculous! Do you know where you are? We are in the inner library Sanctum that belongs only to the Demacian Elite. The highest noble races. Not some ugly washy hair-wash like you." Talon craned his neck to look at the man. Everything seem to freeze.

First. Jump.

Second. Disappear.

Third. Slash.

No.

Not this time.

Talon craned his towards the two people before him. His golden eyes shown with heightened viciousness. The two nobles stumbled back. The man's eyes looked like death to them, and they feared it. Talon only sneered. Everything of all the warmth from meeting Lux, Fiora, and Quinn dissipated away into the light shaft that shimmered from the top wall of the Library to the large floor beneath them. Everything he loved and enjoyed about being here and feeling something else new. It was scary how easy it was for him to change and Talon thought didn't admit it. He feared it.

"Did you call me hair-wash?"

Like a machine Talon stalked towards them, dangerously close he hovered above them as the blond and white haired man looked above in horror. Everything in the room was stagnant. The air froze, and the tension had wrapped a finger around the spectators of the scene, even the guards stood frozen in fear. Talon suddenly felt a tug inside him, and without warning turned away speed walking in long strides past the guards who were quacking in their boots. Closing his eyes as he walked outside. He remembered darkly while an inside voice was pushed away.

This is why we are still enemies with Demacia. This is why people must fight for their power... Because idiots like them ruin it for others. The General was and always is right. I never should ever doubt his words again.

He walked past many, his face sour. For a second, he felt sorry for the common citizens of Demacia. While these people just trying to live by worked, had families, and later, sent their children to be killed while defending their home- silly nobles like them were getting fat, hogging all the extreme spoils of the high life. Not to mention, he couldn't believe Quinn wanted to serve why would she want to waste her life- Suddenly the hot-headed talon bumped into a large plate of armor.
A shocked deep masculine voice was a response "Oh, excuse me!" Talon rolled his eyes. Let me guess, is this another noble or what- some kind of random Crownguard.
"You seem so troubled citizen!" A large hand rested on Talon's shoulders. The assassin lifted his head to find himself looking into the eyes of Garen Crownguard.

Garen Crownguard.

It took him a few seconds to take things into note.

Garen Crownguard.
Wait.

Garen Crownguard.

What?

The idiot who likes to shout "Demacia" as Katarina would say.

He never thought of meeting him like this.

Garen according to some propaganda posters in Noxus was actually a really big buffoon. But the drawings of his sheer size compared to Darius were different. Garen towered above him like a tree, his hands were the size of medium large rocks picked off from a mountain. Talon however wasn't in a mood, he felt like ditching the silly books in Demacia and going to Piltover to find some real books. Rather than some washy biased readings.

"What do you want? Oh wait, I'm busy, I got to find some real books, on things that aren't placing whiney nobles on a golden chair."

Garen looked taken back, his eyes radiated of hurt however Talon continued to walk away. Garen trudged on after him before stopping in front of him and kneeling to look at Talon, eye to eye. The Noxian slowly looked stubbornly with thick furrowed eyebrows at Garen. He saw a bit of Lux in the older Crownguard- it bothered him.

"What happened, friend?" Talon felt eyes staring at them. He was sure that if Quinn was here, she would be hiding her face from embarrassment. His eyes darted around the crowd the nobles he met in the library looked at him smiling fiendishly. The blond looked at him and smiling wider than any evil smile Talon had ever seen. What was worse was the old man who also had the tips of his lips lifted in a sneakily pleased way. Raising his own arm he attempted to push Garen away.
"Go away." But old habits die hard, the noble lady he met, laughed and soon a small group of nobles were bunched outside laughing, whereas a few commoners stood in shock and sad awe at the scene before them. Some only stared at Garen. However the Crownguard's hands held an iron grip. Talon could promise that this made him look like a child getting scolded by Father- or so they say in some books he read in Cassiopeia's book collection. Garen only kept staring at him while Talon looked away. He didn't like the way he was being looked at, being humiliated. The General would only do so in order to help him understand a grave mistake he made. Though when the Noxian looked at Garen's blue eyes. It was of concern?
Grumbling and speaking through his teeth, Talon growled at Garen. "Well, genius, I just wanted to get some books for my little sister. I asked if I could buy some, but no! Rather than give a quick answer, some idiot has to use the long way and-" Garen stood up, and turned to the nobles behind him. The blonde lady and short white haired man walked up to him, heads held high.
"Oh we knew you would stop this pathetic imbecile of a commoner." The lady stood in front of the old man and shook her head fearfully, "he's a killer! He gave us a scary look when we told him gently that this wasn't a place for him to buy books!" Talon's face heated up at the lie.

"Yeah, your ugly face shows how you 'gently' warned me." Gasps erupted. Talon couldn't help but cross his arms in his glory. His burns were really sharp! I need to thank Kat some time.

He clenched his hands from grasping his knife. He imagined what Quinn would do.

Oh calm down Eldgar. Let's go somewhere else and find an amazing book store! We can read stories and forget about that mean lady.

Too bad scenarios can last for so long.

Garen addressed the noble respectfully nodding his head. "Lady Wortan?"
The noble lady, who looked in her teens smiled, placed a hand on Garen laughing.

"Oh, Garen Crownguard!" She batted her eyes as her arms wrapped around his shoulder.

Garen shook his head solemnly. "Apologize."
"Oh- of cour- what!?"
Garen stood still.

"Say sorry." Lady Wortan looked at Talon and Garen.

"Wha-What?"
"Say it." Flustered, the Lady Wortan walked to Talon who stood still, who now smugly crossed his arms. The teen scowled at him, and jabbed a finger at Talon, who stood still, as if nothing had actually happened.

"Don't think that just because you can be a wimpy cry-baby to someone like Garen Crownguard is going to help you. He's just doing that because he just happens to care about commoners. It's the nobles that keep things in charge and in order. You will never amount to anything, you are a let-down. But since he insists, I am sorry- I'll try to hold your hand next time." With that, Lady Wortan stomped away.
Talon scoffed.
Garen turned around to the crowd.

"Citizens, think nothing of what happened, Demacian soldiers and the Demacian guards and everyone involved care for you all, have faith!" locals cheered, some walked away and patted Talon. Garen walked up to Talon.

"You were looking for books, citizen?"

"Yeah."

"For your little sister?"

Talon stood awkwardly still.

"Umm, yes, why?"

Garen shot a fist into the air valiantly, "tell me the types of books you want and we shall find it!"

Talon swallowed. And sighed. The will to relent died as the words poured out of his lips without warning.

"About the Demacian guard. She wants to serve."

I hoped you all liked it. Thank you all for the support! Ahah, but it's been a long run. I thought I could update fast, but I just lost the spark, things just got very tough and I just some people you can meet outside aren't so nice :/ I try to write but ah. Some times. Well. I try. I hope for the current set of things for me can settle down. Also, for the last chapter, ah, it all comes together later on. I'm glad for all the kind reviews I received its very nice to get messages from some to keep going on with very kind well wishes. But besides that, I really tried to focus on some character building and short build of of background lore connecting here. I'm not sure whether to include General Du Coteau's whereabouts but I'm thinking of including it. If you want a mood for this chapter half of it I got sucked onto a playlist of Robert Haig Coxon's relaxation music for.. 'para sentir?' to sleep right? Very nice.

Also, I think Ionia as a peaceful country that would have some type of tradition where they give another enchanted item to another family- not necessarily a weapon but something sweet of course xP Probably weapons in ninja-families or ooh, magical familes (hi Karma) I kind of like the idea of gift giving it nice to see friends just be happy at little Christmas, Valentines day (doesn't need to be romantic just be a good sport and share some chocolates!) or birthday presents. I especially loved it when my friend got me Guqin sona xD ahah! Oh and not to mention pool party Leona, ahh memories :)

But yeah... sorry for a super late update. All my files got deleted. But stuff is getting tougher by the day anyway.

However I hope you all liked it :D :P :)

Thanks for reading! Review and favorite! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. :)