Ezreal's chest seemed to tighten as Ashe approached. Her regal stance and dignified composition intimidated Ezreal to the point where his breathing became shallow. However, he was not going to let that get the better of him. He knew little of Ashe (preferring ruins and artefacts to politics and people), and thus was preparing for the worst. However, this was all cut short when he saw a small smile play across Ashe's face, a smile which he knew was genuine.
"While I do make a point of extending my hospitality to all, I cannot help but wonder what an explorer and assassin are doing so far north, and also in such dire condition." Her regal tone was slightly offset by the humorous twinkle in her eye, and Ezreal relaxed slightly.
"Ma'am," Talon barked, curtly, "We had taken leave off the League, as I agreed to search for an artifact Ezreal knew was in the Freljord." Talon spoke without emotion and refused to look Ashe in the eye. "On the way-"
"Talon." Ashe cut him short, but spoke in a gentle tone. "This is not a Noxian court, please drop the formalities." Turning so she faced both Talon and Ezreal, she continued. "Please do not treat me as your superior; we are all champions of the League, and therefore equal. Now, I apologise for interrupting you, Talon, please continue." A brief silence followed as Talon was momentarily stunned.
"Thank you. As we made our way into the older part of the Freljord, we duelled the maiden of Sejuani to earn our passage." Talon was making a visible effort to let more emotion into his voice but still refused to look into the eyes of Ashe, whose face betrayed no emotion at the mention of Sejuani (and her handmaiden). However, as Talon's account moved onto Lissandra, Ashe's face grew stony.
"Lissandra... She rarely shows herself unless she wants something important doing... She must be up to something."Ashe muttered. "That is serious indeed."
"Really? She seems like a pushover to me." Ezreal was surprised by a tone of voice he had never heard in Talon before; arrogance.
"I am afraid to say that is where you are wrong, Talon. If you beat Lissandra that is because she wanted you to beat her. I should know, she murdered my ancestor, Avarosa, with just a flick of her finger." Ashe suddenly has a slight tremble. Composing herself, she continues. "In fact, she did the same to Sejuani's ancestor." Taking a breath, Ashe's new tone is firmer and commanding. "If Lissandra is planning something, it will be something big, and we will need all the strength we can muster to fight her off. I am lucky I have a position at the League where I can take an extended break, due to my long-time membership.' Ezreal would have gone green with envy if his thought process had not been interrupted.
"We?" An incredulous voice came from Talon. Ezreal was slightly surprised by how Talon was acting. It was almost as if he was a different person once more. Then again, Talon's previous behaviour had been well out of whack from what Ezreal expected of an assassin. Ezreal put his unruly thoughts to rest for a second while Ashe spoke.
"Yes Talon. I regret dragging you into our situation but if Lissandra is not stopped early who knows how destructive her intentions could be? As you have seen, she is not exactly the kindest." Thoughts bean racing through Talon's mind; it was unlikely he could back out of the situation now. So what could this situation do to benefit him? Well, if Lissandra is as powerful as Ashe made out, she could be a serious threat to Noxus if she ever raised an army. This would also gain Ezreal's trust, meaning it would be easier to finish the job he had started so badly. It would also do the same for Ashe, if the time ever came. Plus, Talon was getting tired of the League and it's limitations. It would be fun to unleash some of his real skill. At last, Talon duly nodded, signifying his agreement to Ashe.
"Very well." Ashe continued her address of the two. "I will inform my huntresses, and Riwith here will send word to my husband, to see if he can lend his aid." Ezreal was confused as to who she was referring to until Ashe gestured to a medium-sized bird that Ezreal had not noticed, as his white down matched the surroundings perfectly. Although Ezreal was not good at identifying birds, he guessed that Riwith was a hawk.
"Okay." Ezreal's voice was firm, and although Ezreal was apprehensive that did not affect his outer demeanour. "That's settled then. We'll help you." With no objection from Talon, Ashe simply nodded curtly and turn backwards, and began to walk back to her throne. Taking that as a sign of being dismissed, both Talon and Ezreal left.
Once they were outside, Ezreal almost flung himself over Talon in expressing his gratitude. Talon responded coldly.
"It's nothing kid. Now leave me alone." Ezreal was thrown off by Talon's cold behaviour ('why isn't he using my name?'), but decided to honour Talon's wishes (as Talon had just saved his life). Talon left quickly, so Ezreal busied himself by exploring the camp, leaving himself no time to contemplate what seemed to be another U-Turn in Talon's personality.
Far above the camp, a white hawk zoomed to the west at amazing speed.