"Milady." Fiora wiped her rapier clean before handing the cloth back to Nera. "That was quite the extended duel. I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did."
The duelist only hummed as she headed for the exit. The crowds parted ways, unwilling to be too close to a woman who just killed a member of one of the most militant organizations in Demacia. Or they were simply too awestruck by the incredible exchange that left one man dead, and the victor untouched. "How many does that make it now, though? Forty? Fifty?"
"I don't know, honestly. Zey never cease zeir attempts."
Nera frowned. "With how many heads you've accumulated on your list, you'd think people would stop trying to test their luck with you."
"Zey will never learn." Fiora would have left without another word, but an anguished cry echoing through the hall stopped even the duelist.
They turned around to see the other Mageseeker bowed over the fallen man, tears streaming down her face and eyes burning with fury and vengeance. They demanded blood, justice, and most likely the raven-haired woman's life. "You will not get away with this, you degenerate bitch."
The sigh that left Fiora's lips was more resigned than actually irritated. Had she not been clear in the first place? "Zis was a fair, and honest duel. He refused alternatives. He knew ze consequences, as does everyone else present." She looked at the people around her. "Is zere anyone who believes I killed him unfairly, when he is ze one who drew an unaccounted weapon?"
The sound of shuffling feet was the only response to her inquiry and she turned her gaze back to the other woman. "His desperation to sully House Laurent ended up wiz him losing his life. Zat, to me, means ze Mageseekers do not discriminate on who zey persecute, as I have stated before."
"You don't know who you're messing with," the Mageseeker hissed.
Fiora placed her hand on the hilt of her rapier and glowered at the woman. "If 'ou wish for vengeance, zen insult me here and now. Allow me to call upon ze very same laws zat led to his demise." Her words stung like the bitter frost of that morning and punctuated her intent.
The woman failed to respond, and Fiora took that as her cue to leave with Nera hot on her heels.
"And I can promise 'ou zis - 'our dearh will be much more swift."
"You do realize you basically declared war on the Mageseekers, right?" Nera wasn't entirely certain Fiora had her head screwed on properly with that declaration. The entire situation felt off-kilter and her gut screamed danger.
"Mm… I extended ze duel for a reason." Curiosity filled Nera as she paused in the middle of preparing her hose. "Someone is maneuvering ze Mageseekers in ze background."
"Are you certain of this?"
"Positive," Fiora replied, pulling her horse around when Nera was settled. "And I believe ze Crownguards are behind it."
The accusation threw Nera off. "Why-"
"Lady Crownguard was at ze duel. I saw her."
That still didn't quite explain it.
"When I met with her, we also ran into Mageseekers in her home."
Oh.
"...so you think-"
"-zat zey are looking to tear down House Laurent?" Fiora scoffed. "Zat much is obvious."
It was less of that fact, but more of trying to incriminate them for magic. The intent was clear, but the motives much more grey. Nera sighed and scrubbed at her face at such a complicated situation. The Mageseekers would have knocked on their doors much sooner if they wanted to purge the kingdom of magic, but why wait until now? If they were daring to openly accuse House Laurent of magic, then someone was definitely pulling the strings who held more sway and power than the Laurents' did. Buvelle made no sense, seeing as they were a neutral family and that struck them out of the equation. That left Crownguard and Lightshield. But the Lightshields were the official royal family, what did they have to gain from attacking Laurent?
It did leave Crownguard, and to an extent Lux, likely suspects.
Why?
Sensing the turmoil swirling in the duelist, the snowy-haired woman placed her hand on her shoulder and shook her gently. "Would you care for a quick bite, milady? We've not eaten, and I think we'll be better off with some food in our stomachs rather than formulate conclusions on empty ones."
Fiora didn't argue with that notion - today had been exhaustive and it was barely mid-morning.
The raven-haired woman didn't even notice where her servant dragged her off to until the strong stench of alcohol hit her like a muggy day - if Demacia was capable of having a pollution issue in the first place. Fiora scrunched her nose in disgust and finally registered the establishment with a critical eye. "We are not eating here."
"Less so for the sustenance, milady." Nera smiled at Fiora apologetically. "I have my reasons."
Honestly, the place wasn't as bad as Fiora made it out to be, but few expect high-ranking nobility to dine in an establishment as lowly as a tavern. When they stepped inside, some heads turned to see who entered, but for the most part no one heeded them. Unsurprising really, given the obnoxious clamor and rowdy behavior going on around in different parts of the place. "Oh, Nera, you stopping by for a bit?"
Fiora's attention snapped to the waitress coming up to them, a large tray in hand and all smiles. The snowy-haired woman nodded and gestured to Fiora. "A small table, remote. Just the usual, and should anyone come through looking, notify me immediately."
The waitress didn't even ask for the reason and led them to one of the empty stalls, seating the two and leaving them as quickly as they took their seats.
Fiora folded her arms over her chest, tapping her foot patiently against the floor. Nera didn't look at her directly, hunched over the table with her hands clasped around each other. "Somezing I should know?"
"I do not go chasing tail, milady. That much I can assure you." She met Fiora's gaze with a hardened one and Fiora relaxed her arms. "There are few places in Demacia that aren't riddled with spies belonging to various families and factions, this being one of them. She is a trusted source and a perfect alibi for many things."
The duelist took a deep breath before releasing it slowly through her nose. "I hope you aren't wrong."
Nera scoffed and smiled fondly. "Haven't I told you before, milady? Have you ever doubted my judgment?"
"No."
"Then believe me, we are safe." Nera sat back and watched the rest of the patrons mill about, eyes never staying on one person for very long. Even when their food was delivered - and oh man, she hadn't realized she was that hungry - neither of them spoke until about halfway through their meal. Okay, so she had to admit it actually tasted pretty fucking good, and the duelist was a picky person.
Something about the atmosphere kept her at ease, and suddenly everything made sense.
The constant din, the darker lights, the safety promised by a close ally. Fiora knew Nera's ticks through and through, and gave the woman time to sort her thoughts out.
What she didn't expect was the next line to come out of her servant's mouth.
"Let Lady Crownguard get closer."
Fiora nearly choked on her next bite. "Excusez-moi?!"
Nera didn't seem to be focused on the duelist in front of her, but instead on the wood table separating them. "There are missing pieces. Lady Crownguard approached us, without escort, and attempted an audience. Nothing happened then. But when you met with Lady Crownguard, it was in the Grand Plaza, in the Commercia. Mageseekers found you in Lux's home that day. And now, you challenged them in the Hall of Blades because they drew you out. However they seemed unaware of Lady Crownguard's presence. If someone that prominent was in attendance, people would have taken notice. She must have disguised herself."
It finally clicked. "Are 'ou saying-"
Nera nodded, finally meeting Fiora's gaze. "Indeed. The Mageseeker's power and influence is strongest in the capital, but stops short of you."
"And she comes to me, by herself, outside of ze capital."
"It is likely there are different motives in all of this, milady." Nera finished her food quietly, sipping at her lager. "Many of which I believe are of ill-intent, but from what I can tell Lady Crownguard appears the least worrisome. She may be the key to finding out what the Crownguard family is truly after. I see vague connections but there are too many missing pieces. I will not voice uncertainties on just hunches."
Nera remained quiet when Fiora covered her mouth with a palm. Contemplative and careful seemed out of character for the normally brash duelist, but the straightforward and dogged dance she put on display for the people she interacted with were simply that - a display. It didn't include the hours she spent pouring over contracts, business documents, background checks, and consulting her servant over various grey areas.
She knew, without a doubt, Fiora weighed the different possibilities and scenarios of making her next decision. Nera would wait for however long it took, until she came to a sound conclusion.
And even then the snowy-haired woman would fully support her choices.
"What would 'ou do, if 'ou were in my shoes zen?" Fiora's inquiry came right as the waitress came by, whispering in Nera's ear. A pleased smile appeared on her lips and the servant thanked her quietly. She rose from her seat, prompting Fiora to follow suit if only because she wasn't exactly certain of what to expect from the woman.
"Looks like Lady Luck is smiling on us today," Nera commented quietly, leaving behind a few coins on the table. "Come, you shall see what I mean."
Fiora shook her head but followed her out anyway.
"Lux, why are you dragging me along for this?!"
Lux rolled her eyes as they wove through the crowds, towing behind her a somewhat-willing Eyrin. "Because I've got so much to talk to you about and I don't want to do it with my mother hanging around."
"And you think being out in the open like this is going to be much better?"
"Honestly, yes."
Eyrin knew Lux had a point, but still wanted her to be more reasonable.
"Besides, when was the last time we were able to go out together? I'd like to have someone I actually trust with me than a squad of escorts making me feel more like a prisoner than a person."
Okay, that was reason enough. The other woman heaved a sigh. Under the Crownguard roof, formality was a must and speaking through riddles and messages were not her forte. At least out here they could be much more lax to discuss things. "Milady, where did you have in mind anyway?"
Lux pointed to a modest looking tavern just across the road and Eyrin's eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets. "Surely you don't mean to-"
"Oh I do. Now come on, it's not actually that bad." Lux practically had to drag the protesting woman across the road just to get to the entrance.
"Milady - Lux, just. Hold. On." Eyrin managed to wrench her wrist out of the blonde's grip, trying to formulate a proper sentence. On the outside it didn't look terrible, but the strong, heavy scent of alcohol hit her from the outside. "What if we're seen?"
Lux rolled her eyes and pulled up her hood. "That's why I'm not wearing the crest, and neither are you."
Eyrin grabbed her arm and hissed quietly. "You're breaking the law like that."
Lux huffed back. "That's the least of my worries-"
"Is there a problem here?"
Both women froze in place. Lux slowly turned to whomever it was, fearful she might be recognized but immediately brightened when she realized who it was - and the person right behind her. "Oh! Fi-"
The blonde gulped and stopped herself, nearly slapping herself in the forehead when their two newest visitors raised eyebrows. "Ahem… It's a coincidence running into you here."
"It is indeed…." Fiora mused quietly. Lux wanted to melt on the spot at having run into the youngest Laurent out in the open and in front of the tavern no less. What a way to be impressionable, right? "Why are 'ou here?"
Oh god, what am I going to say?! "I, uh, haven't been out in a while-"
"'ou and I were in ze Grand Plaza not even a week ago…." Oh blast, right. I forgot about that.
"-erm, pardon me Lady Laurent-"
"Zat is Mistress Laurent." The duelist's voice seeped with ire as she corrected Eyrin, who looked ready to faint on the spot. "Mon dieu, is it zat hard to get somezing right?"
"Ahem." Along with clearing her throat, the servant nudged Fiora in her side, and the duelist stopped looking so angry for a moment. Lux found it odd how quiet she got with a simple gesture and took advantage of the moment to properly organize her thoughts. "I haven't been out in a while with my friend, and we were looking for a spot to eat and discuss some things."
The servant smiled warmly. "Ah, you've selected a wonderful place to dine at. It does have a rather impressive menu despite its looks. I frequent here when time allows and on business." That was a good sign - Lux found it easy to like this woman. She blushed lightly when she bowed to the Crownguard. "Where are my manners, I may have forgotten to introduce myself the first time we met. Nera, at your service. Should you reference my name, I'm sure the wonderful waitress will treat you well."
Lux beamed at the friendly gesture. Fiora really was lucky to have someone so genial at her side, to balance out her coarse attitudes. "I thank you kindly. Forgive me if I am overstepping, but might I ask why you are here in the capital? It's not often Demacia is graced by House Laurent unless on official business."
Nera and Fiora looked at each other, though their expressions remained unreadable even to Lux. An uneasy feeling settled in her gut at the extended silence, and she wondered if they knew. "Milady…. Had a duel. A rather important one, accusing our good name of crimes we did not commit. I must say they were a fool to challenge my mistress, and expect to come out of it alive. Not one soul I know has been able to walk away from her."
"That's pretty impressive," Eyrin murmured, and Lux nodded enthusiastically in agreement. "I've never seen you fight before, maybe one day you could show me?"
The request shot out of her mouth before she completely registered it and the blonde clasped her hands over her mouth in shock. She could feel her cheeks burning brighter than the sun and wanted to die on the spot.
Neither Nera, nor Fiora, seemed ready to send her to the Cursed Isles for even suggesting such a thing. In fact…. Nera seemed absolutely pleased with herself while Fiora just looked utterly baffled.
And that was something to witness - the renowned duelist, at a loss for words.
Several seconds passed until Fiora finally walked past the two younger woman, silent as a sentinel with Nera following close on her heels.
"Come find me, at my home. Beginning of next week, I expect to see 'ou sharp and early."
"Okay, so she's soooooo cool, like. I can see why you daydream about her."
Lux slapped her friend's wrist, scoffing at the notion. "I do not."
Eyrin waggled an eyebrow. "Please, you were smitten from day one, and you hadn't even actually met her."
"Would you please eat your food? I am paying after all." Lux desperately wanted to change the subject after her embarrassing show. Her filter stopped working since the duel earlier that morning, and now she managed to get herself into some kind of private viewing of Fiora in practice. "Wow, Nera did not lie. This stuff is good."
"While you're busy stuffing your face and dodging questions, what did you want to talk to me about anyway?" Lux had the courtesy to at least finish chewing before responding. Eyrin already knew about the whole situation with her mother asking her to dig more into the Laurent's business, but not her own reasons for doing so. "I want you to come with me."
"Wha- Lux, why would I-"
Lux stopped the short-haired woman with a finger to her mouth. "Hear me out on this, okay? The last time I went, I had a little trick up my sleeve. I'm not going to get by with it this time, and it'll give more leverage if things go better than expected." Fiora inviting her over was a literal god-sent miracle. She didn't know how to approach the older woman after the terrible fiasco of their meetup, and her willingness to open up her home surprised the blonde. Maybe she wasn't so closed off as she originally thought, but then again all the circumstances leading up to today pointed in that direction to begin with.
Eyrin frowned. "Why me though? Why not a bodyguard?"
"I need someone I can trust," Lux replied softly. Seeing the blonde lose her luminosity only reminded Eyrin that Lux was as much a human as she was. "Garen isn't even around anymore, and I can't tell him anything to begin with. None of the people around the estate like Fiora, and the last thing I need is someone being sliced to pieces. At the least, you seem to be more aware of her capabilities and won't step on toes."
The raven-haired woman sighed. Lux had a way with logic. "Okay, so imagine if I did go with you. I don't have an inkling on what fencing is like or what to do except stand in the corner and watch."
Lux poked at the remainder of her food with her fork. "Maybe she could be lenient enough and teach us? I mean she doesn't seem that bad of a person. A little rough, but not unkind."
Eyrin rolled her eyes at that suggestion. "What even makes you think that? It's not like we have any idea how fighting works."
Lux smirked and poked her friend's arm, ignoring her quiet protests. "I still have some cards I've yet to play. Just follow my lead."
Eyrin reached out and grabbed Lux's hand. "Lux, as a friend and not a servant of the Crownguard name, I'm worried for you. All this could go very wrong. We don't really know what is going to happen if we do jump into this."
Lux knew the dangers of diving into something like this. It wasn't the first time she faced danger, nor the last time. Worse situations filled her past and life when she lacked more preparation than now, and her gut instinct told her to grab this chance before it slipped away. "It's better than not doing anything at all." She held onto Eyrin's hand with both of hers.
"Come with me, please. At least be my peace of mind," she pleaded.
"Ugh, alright. Fine. I'll come with you, as long as you promise not to bore me with more explanations of your double rainbows."
Well, small victories had to start somewhere.
"Nera, wipe zat smile off 'our face." Fiora badly wanted to send her backhand at the servant who only laughed at the biteless command. Fate would have it to send Lux right into the palms of their hands, and Nera perfectly maneuvered the unwitting blonde into coming right on their doorsteps. Conniving and charming, both fearsome traits in anyone and ineffective on Fiora, but terrifying when on her side. And it wasn't like the snowy-haired woman did it out of sport, only in times where her skills proved more useful than the duelist's usually straightforward approach.
"Sincerest apologies, milady. The opportunity was too perfect to pass up. Besides, it puts us ahead of Lady Crownguard." They were well on their way back to the estate, in good moods and under pleasant weather. With the sun high above them and the day finally warming enough for them to shed protective clothing, it offered a rare moment of peace and comfort. Even Fiora found it difficult to stay mad at Nera, joining in on her laughter with a soft chuckle of her own.
"Perhaps 'ou are right. Zis might be fun after all."
