Two evenings ago, they had arrived at Sharpstem.

The harbor had been half illuminated by twilight hues, the other half shrouded in shadow. Torches were in the process of being illuminated as workers began closing shop for the day. Stalls were closed, fishing ships tied to dock and harvested, and roads filled by moving feet. However, through the mist of goodbyes, evening greetings, and last minute scales, a sense of anxiety could be sensed.

It reminded Gerris of the hours before the Trifarian Proclamation.

In those hours, only mystery was certain. Rumors had come of what had happened, but nobody had the full picture. It was known General Boram Darkwill was gone; dead or missing was unknown. The same went for the whereabouts of Jericho Swain and Draven the Executioner; dead, missing, unknown. Theories rose, some closer to the truth than others. Some toasted to the death of a tyrant, others raged against the rise of a usurper. Others laughed, not believing a thing.

Whilst not to the same extent, Demacia's populace seemed to have a similar reaction to Xander's attack on the royals. All that was known was that the attack itself happened; the nonexistent death toll was unknown (and, Gerris figured, would remain unknown), who attacked the prince was a mystery, and whether they were brought to justice was up in the air. Gerris could only imagine the theories going around.

Which was fine, because with the task Xander had left him and Erret, he'd soon learn what those theories were.

The Left Hand had left for Meltridge early in the morning, hoping to meet with his contact in the rebellion. Yin, who had proven herself a better babysitter for Xander than he was, followed along. And that meant he had to stay at Sharpstem with a sulking partner-less Erret.

All whilst training up a local militia.

"Why the frown?" Erret asked from his side, arms crossed and watching their recruits, "These guys are actually pretty decent."

The guys in question were their recruits; the local workers of Sharpstem who were under Lady Elia's direct employ. Whilst traces of their old Noxian heritage could be seen in their features, they still looked the part of Demacians. Most notably, however, their heart seemed a combination of both Noxian drive and Demacian discipline. Gerris hadn't expected the workers to survive a Legionnaire's warm-up. Whilst they were clearly struggling, the men remained standing, striding, surviving the challenge he'd set before them.

In fact, a group of them leading the pack seemed to be thriving.

As they passed by him, Gerris halted their tracks, "Stop, and run in place. You, in the front, you have the look of a leader. Who are you?"

The man, appearing to be in his late thirties, answered, "Anderson, sir."

"Anderson..." Gerris tested the name on his lips, "What is your occupation?"

"Hunter, sir," Anderson said, "My mother was the late Lord Sharpstem's favored game hunter."

"And these men. Your partners?"

"Yes," one answered. At Gerris' glare, he quickly added, "Sir. Yes sir."

Gerris returned his gaze to Anderson, "What are your favored weapons?"

Three answered spear, including Anderson. The other two said bow and arrow.

Gerris nodded slowly before ordering, "Two extra laps."

Anderson flinched, "S-sir?"

"You and the archers will have four extra laps," Gerris continued.

"R-respectfully, sir, why?"

Gerris stared cooly at Anderson, "You have combat experience. You are expected to aid your inferiors and make them stronger, as a leader must do," the ex-reclkoner glared at two particularly worried men, who he guessed were the archers, "You bowsmen will be the scouts of this militia. You must be swift! Now go, before I add more laps!"

As the hunters ran off for another lap around the manor, Erret chuckled.

"You have to give them credit; they didn't ask many questions," he pointed out, "Though, I'm surprised you didn't punish them more for asking the one."

"I was only planning on giving them each a single lap."

"Ah."

"And speaking of punishments, do you have any ideas on what to give Xander for ditching us like this?"

Erret glanced at him with a curious eyebrow. "Oh, was that why you were looking down?"

"Well, yeah. Perhaps I should've asked him to stop his spontaneous additions to the mission, but then it wouldn't be Xander, would it?"

Erret rolled his eyes, "No, it wouldn't."

The two Noxians stood in silence as the non-hunters passed them by. They'd have only one more lap.

"So, how do you think they'll do?" Erret asked.

"The men? Decent enough," Gerris replied, "Some better than others."

"Like the guy you were training? Erdrich, right?"

"Yeah. Decently strong, wonder the kingdom hasn't conscripted him yet. Then again, that goes for a lot of people in Sharpstem, so I'd be willing to bet our host had something to do with it."

The man in question was the first of the non-hunters to finish. As Gerris expected, he was ahead of the non-hunter pack. Unlike some of his compatriots, Erdrich seemed to have much left in his tank. He'd still be sloppier than usual, so the Trifarian training technique of sharpening even an exhausted soldier's skill would work. But, it was only just. That wasn't to say he was perfect though; Gerris frowned as Erdrich and his compatriots' steps slowed.

"Keep moving," Gerris ordered, "Do not stand, do not sit. If you're tired, walk it off."

A few groans came from the recruits, to which Gerris rolled his eyes. He glanced to Erret, who nodded and briefly left. In the event that the Demacians were as fragile as some of the more exaggerated propaganda pieces claimed, Gerris decided to keep the training equipment stored. However, the men had proven themselves capable of Legionnaire training (And Gerris believed perhaps a few could get the Trifarian treatment as well), so Erret was going to get their equipment.

The sudden absentees were noted by Erdrich, "Gerris, where's he going? And where are Anderson and the rest?"

"Firstly, since we'll be doing military training, it's sir," Gerris replied, "Second, Erret's going to get you lot wooden weapons so you can start sparring. Well, half of you, anyway; the rest will be with him learning unarmed combat. Finally, Anderson and his hunters will have more specialised training; their combat experience means they'll be able to pick up the slack for us when we're off on mission."

"I see... so, will stuff like what happened at the capitol be more often?"

Gerris raised an eyebrow at the question, "Who else figured it out?"

"Everyone in Sharpstem who has worked with your party... sir," Erdrich quickly added the address, "We still don't have specifics, but it's clear to us that it was Noxian action."

The ex-reckoner shook his head, Alright, I was hasty judging Xander. Of course the Noxian town would figure the Noxian secret.

"How do people feel about it?" Gerris asked, pressing further, "Do they hate us?"

"Hate? No, not hate. Anxiousness, yes, though," Erdrich replied, "We don't know what's about to happen, or why. We trust that what's happening will serve Noxus, but we don't know what that means for us Demacian citizens. And of course, the traders are up in arms about it."

"That's to be expected, I suppose," Gerris muttered, irritated, "Have you heard any theo-"

The clatter of wood interrupted the conversation.

"There are enough here for half of you," Erret explained, picking up a wooden sword and handing it to the nearest man available, "First come, first serve. Guys with sticks stick with Gerris. Everyone else with me for unarmed training."

As the men sorted themselves out, Gerris snuck a death glare at Erret. The saboteur replied with a glance of confusion, which was answered when Gerris sent a look to Erdrich before glaring again at Erret. The saboteur then gulped, the message clear, and mouthed a simple apology. Before Erret could elaborate, a man in front of him blocked their vision, brandishing a wooden axe.

By his side, Erdrich squinted, "What was that about?"

"Inconvenient timing," the ex-reckoner grumbled, "We can speak about how the world's reacting to my boss' reckless impulses during the break. Now..."

Gerris addressed the group, "Everyone, pair up. We'll start with drills, then maybe some sparring later. Hurry up, on the double!"

As the men did as they were told, Gerris sent a grin Erdrich's way.

"Go easy on your guy," the ex-reckoner said, "He hasn't been gotten the Noxian treatment yet."

"Well, shouldn't I give it to him?"

"Sorry, but I'm keeping the fun to myself," Gerris scoffed, "Please, leave it to the professionals."

They arrived in Meltridge as the sun rose.

The windows of their carriage glowed in the light of a new day. Yet, the sights through those windows were obscured by mist and morning condensation. Yet, Yin could still make out the men and women walking the streets; some to work, others to purchase essentials for the days ahead. To Yin's dismay, by their sides were patrols of Demacian soldiers. On all their faces was a contained worry. A frown here, a wary gaze, there. By market stalls, women gossiped, but with none of the amiability of their first visit. From the knights in runesteel to the babes at their mother's sides, the town of Meltridge was on alert.

It worried the hemomancer more than she thought.

Gaze not leaving the windows, Xander asked, "You good?"

She responded in kind, "Well, what are our odds of getting out of here if things go south?"

"About as low as the odds of things going south," Xander answered, "The worst case scenario, I think, is just an extra swig of petricite juice. But, we should still have enough in our system that any Mageseekers there will let us through."

"I hope you're right."

"Just take over on the bullshit department, and we should be fine."

Yin chuckled, "You're the one trying to manipulate a whole country, and you want me to bullshit?"

"I can keep secrets and make others look bad, but my outright lying skills are trash-tier."

"You deceived the Black Rose," came Yin's deadpan reply.

"By having Swain steal my memories! I didn't even realize I was spying on the Black Rose; I just showed up and followed LeBlanc's orders when possible! Never mind that I realized I'd be caught and just told her straight up that I was sent by Swain; the only reason I lived was because she thought she could use me. You know this!"

Yin rolled her eyes with a tired smile, "Fine, fine, I'll take over here. But if we don't even make it to that room to lie, I'm saying I told you so."

She never got that chance. As they passed entered Meltridge's town hall and were escorted, the Noxian mages passed by three Mageseekers; one at the gate, one in the hall, and a final one before entering the meeting room. With each one they had shared a glance with the hooded man after the Mageseeker checked the Graymark. None of their petricite badges flashed in recognition of the mages before them. None asked for an open hand to draw blood, none opened a bottle of grey goo for forced consumption, none raised alarm for the guards at station. They were let into the town hall, and like before, a few guards escorted them to a meeting room.

Eventually, the Noxian duo found themselves in the same position they were in a bit more than a week prior, save for the absence of their host.

To Yon's surprise, the Laurent heir wasn't too hasty to note the discrepancy.

"Good morning to you both," the heir retrieved a few sheets of paper from a folder and laid it on the table, "Now, please sign this here."

Xander took the seat opposite the heir's and began to read through the first sheet, "Yes milord. S-"

"That one's is verification of the petricite transaction," the heir said abruptly, "There are more important papers in that stack. Sign that one and get on with the rest; the quicker the better."

Xander sent a curious glance at the Laurent heir before complying. As Xander began scribbling, the nobleman addressed the seeming basilisk in the room.

"If I may ask, where is your matron?"

"Lady de Recht wished to remain in Sharpstem to ensure the safety of her people," Xander started.

"Check stocks of food and resources and see to the status of the nearest garrison, to be specific," Yin clarified, "She sent us in her stead to oversee the transaction of petricite, then we are to leave for home immediately."

"She wants to keep you two close, eh? I suppose that's fair, given the situation..." the Laurent heir paused pensively before asking, "You were just at the Capital, right?"

"Yeah, same time as the incident," Xander answered, "Not a fun thing, waking up and being told there's been an attack on the palace, and the city's on lockdown."

Yin shook her head.

Can't lie my ass, the hemomancer thought, That was perfectly executed. I mean, I know your ticks, so I'd read it, but still!

The words that left her mouth were different, though, "As ex-mages, we were suspects. So, we ended up having breakfast with Mageseekers as they made sure we were clean."

"I'm sure you can relate with having to take shit for someone else's problems. Damn rebels, don't they realize that shot harms more than helps?," Xander added with a grumble that was ever so slightly out of character for him. Not that the scion knew or noticed.

"The Mageseekers were well within their rights, but that irritation is understandable," the Laurent replied, ignoring his question, "And, is that the latest rumor you've heard?"

"Err, yes, milord. What of it?"

"The mageseeker just outside the office joined my retinue just yesterday. According to him, the attackers were Noxians."

Yin squinted in half-genuine curiosity, "Wait, Noxians? As in, multiple?

"Yes," the Laurent nodded, "He said three men in grey armor showed up to Mageseeker Headquarters and tried to assassinate Lord Eldred. Didn't use magic. I doubt a true Demacian would betray the crown in such a way, so it had to have been Noxians."

A true Demacian? How pretentious. Ugh, and that accent. And three men?

Once again, Yin did not speak her thoughts aloud, "Huh. So that's why they checked our assistants as well. Of course Noxus would try attack Demacia now."

In that, Yin didn't even need to lie. After all, Noxus had sent them in.

Alas, the Laurent seemed to agree with what Yin was saying, "Dishonorable barbarians, but not unsurprising. It is a time of crisis, and we face war on multiple fronts. Which is why the sooner this petricite is put to use against the mages, the better."

At the tense tone of the Laurent, Xander smiled. He leaned against his chair and laid down his writing utensil with a content sigh.

"And done," Xander stood up with a smirk, "Everything's signed, milord, so now we can get to doing just that."

The Laurent picked up the sheets, regarded them, and nodded.

"Indeed," the Laurent sent a curious gaze to Xander, "You have improved your manners."

"A necessary skill, I think," came the reply, "If I hope to be useful to House Sharpstem, Lady Elia would have me respect our partners."

"Indeed. Do well to continue," the Laurent turned his attention to Yin, "Until our next meeting. Safe travels."

Yin nodded, shared a short glance with Xander, and soon departed. Coming back the way they came seemed was less stressful than going in; the soldiers didn't seem to pay them mind, nor did the Mageseekers. Nonetheless, down the staircases and through the corridors the two did not dare speak until they entered their carriage. Even then, excluding an order on where to go, the Noxians didn't speak, glancing to the windows for peering ears.

They were halfway to the Misty Ridge Inn when Yin finally spoke.

"First off, not good at lying my ass."

"Okay, I underestimated myself, but to be fair everyone in Noxus either knows my ticks or can sense lies through magic," Xander defended himself, "Thanks for picking up the slack there."

"Of course, but second: they know Noxus was involved," Yin pointed out, "What's the plan?"

"Proceed as planned, because they don't know for certain. And before you start, they have very deep suspicions; there's a difference," Xander insisted, "What they'll do on a hunch and what they'll do with certainty differs only a bit, but enough for us to make decent bets. For one, since they aren't sure if it was Noxian, or Mage, or a joint op, they won't try unite the country against us. That means treating with the rebels is still an option for us."

"And that's on your agenda, huh?" Yin asked, "Well, seems we have a timer for that task, don't we?"

Xander frowned, "Indeed, we do."

"Then, just one question: will you tell them?"

Xander gave Yin a cautious glance, "Tell them what?"

Yin responded in kind as she clarified, "That we're Noxian?"

Xander opened his mouth to respond, then paused.

"Of course you can't," Yin assumed, "Guess that's why I'm here."

"I will do what I must to ensure this mission doesn't fail," Xander cut-off, "If that means... no, not going there. Just... hope I don't have to do anything."

"That doesn't inspire confidence in any way, shape, or form," Yin sighed, "And with your luck, they've definitely figured it out."

"I thought I was lucky," a weak grin formed on the Left Hand's face, "If anything, they think its a false-flag operation to get the populace on their side. I mean, me not killing anyone could be an odd detail, no?"

"Yeah. Who's fighting Draven, by the way? I think he can take him," Yin shook her head as the carriage stopped, "Well, I suppose optimism is all I've got right now. I'm right behind you, just don't fuck it up."

"Well… No pressure," Xander stood from his seat with a weak smile, "Alright, let's go."

Yin rolled her eyes as Xander got off the carriage, his mood restored. She followed, glancing back at the carriage crew as they unloaded, then followed Xander into the Misty Ridge. Or rather, she would've if Xander didn't plant himself in the doorway. Such a reaction could come from only one thing.

She glanced over the Left Hand's shoulder and found a pair of familiar eyes glaring their way.

"Well, Xan, I take it back; I don't actually have optimism, and good luck dealing with that."

Alright, so... what are my options?

Xander deeply inhaled as Aislynn escorted him to the back room. He paid no mind to her, channeling what magic he could through the petricite in his body. The itch at the base of his neck was a distraction, as was the iron grip Aislynn had on his wrist. Yet, his personal spell worked, and his daydream began. Free from distraction, and mind moving miles a minute, the Left Hand started to think.

I could just tell Aislynn the truth, but needless to say, that's a terrible option. Assuming she doesn't rat me out or kill me straight up... well, between Gerris and Yin I'd get a new asshole. Never mind Lady Elia ratting me out to LeBlanc, who will rat me out to Swain, who will then just call it treason and have me killed. Yeah, no, let's try avoid that... if we can.

In that case, the first option would be... to lie about my involvement. If I can convince Yin that I wasn't the man who attacked the Capitol, I shouldn't even need to reveal that we're Noxian. From there, I'd need to commit to Death-Note level plans to counter my own actions, so as to keep up appearances with her and the rebellion. And if they found out anyway, that's basically game over; they'll kill me and the guys if they could at that point.

Xander shook his head, dismissing the thought.

What the hell am I thinking? She knows I'm with Nocturne, she knows Nocturne was there. She's already figured out I was there; she was glaring at me for a reason!

Alright then, option two, option two...

Could we just run? As soon as the thought entered his mind, Xander recoiled, disgusted, Even more stupid. Even with Yin behind me, using her hemomancy, we're both weakened. We probably wouldn't make it out of town, and even then if we disappeared we'd just implicate Sharpstem. So what does that leave...

I could lie about us being Noxian. Assuming he hasn't already figured that out, it should be a viable option. I could say me and mine framed Noxus. It certainly is a viable option, I could bullshit some stuff out. If I were a third party, uniting Demacia against the ever-looming threat of Noxus would be a believable strategy; especially given that the rest of the world gives its citizens anti-Noxus propaganda to keep themselves afloat. But would she believe that? Could I pull off that lie?

"Maybe if you remembered I have the same powers as you, you could've," an irritated voice cut through the daydream, "Or maybe, because of those powers, I was always going to shove my boot up your ass!"

Xander could've returned to sobriety on his own, but Aislynn delivered on her promise. A solid punch snapped Xander out of the dream state, followed by a kick to the gut. Caught off guard by the boot, Xander fell to the floor with a yelp. His attacker didn't relent, and another kick struck the Left Hand. In the remaining rational part of his head, Xander reflected that it was rather unbecoming of the Left Hand to get his ass handed to him by a girl a head shorter than him that had, as far as he knew, never been in a war, or even a military operation. But, that part was slowly diminishing, as Aislynn landed another kick. Whilst he wished Aislynn no harm, Xander would not let another strike pass.

When he caught Aislynn's fourth kick, the mage was clearly surprised. Her lack of combat experience showed, and she had no answer for when Xander shoved her off balance. Freed, Xander stood up and put his back to the door and began to focus. As he watched Aislynn rise channeled a single bolt of fear magic; not particularly strong, but enough to stun Aislynn. Instead of releasing it, however, Xander pointed an open palm at Aislynn.

Guess it'll have to be option three. Sorry guys.

"I don't want to hurt you," Xander insisted, "Just, let's not attack each other... I'll tell you what you want to know."

Aislynn spat her response like venom, "Why should I trust anything you have to say, Noxian?"

Alright, so she knows. And damn if that isn't a good point...

Xander cursed under his breath before replying, "You... don't have any reason to. But if I go down, so will you."

Aislynn growled, "Really now?"

"You have two options before you. Option one is you try to out me; something only possible because I've taken petricite to hide myself. In your attempt to subdue me, you will inevitably reveal yourself to be a mage, and without Nocturne here to help me, you won't have anything to prove me the capital assassin. We will both be in prison, and whilst my friends joining me at that point is all but guaranteed, yours aren't. But, I just might be in a vengeful mood."

"You... You're threatening me?!"

As predicted, Aislynn lit up at the threat. If not for him enchanting the door to block sounds, Xander figured they'd already have been caught. Thankfully, he still had time.

"I don't want to, but if it's the only option, what do you want me to do? Barring Sylas' hostile takeover some how working, my mission is the only way the mages in this country survive, so please take option two, and sit down," if Xander could've pleaded harder, he'd be on the floor kissing Aislynn's feet, "Please. I know I've lied to you, but I swear, everything I've done, I've done with the hopes of making Demacia a better place."

"Even joining Noxus?" Aislynn spat, "Turning traitor?"

It was Xander's turn to feel anger spark in his heart, but he tempered his reponse before speaking, "I betrayed this country for the same reason you did; because I believe it could be better. Please, I'm begging you: don't make me put to waste the past five years of my life!"

Was emphasizing his desperation helpful to making Aislynn relent? Yes. But, it was a genuine emotion, so Xander felt no shame in expressing it. Yet, at first, Aislynn's glare was unrelenting. The mage looked to him with rage and disgust. Eventually, though, with his magic, Xander felt the slightest bit of hesitation. It gave way to a growl, a grimace, and eventually, Aislynn loosening up.

"I will hear you out," she muttered, still frustrated.

Xander let out a sigh of relief as he responded, "That's all I ask."

Contrasting Xander's eager steps to the table, Aislynn stiffly walked to the seat opposite him. The Left Hand opened his mouth to speak, but decided against making the opening statement. Better to let her tell him what she wanted, rather than assume and get punished for a potential mistake. As to be expected, Aislynn regarded him differently; like a rabid animal rather than the ally he hoped to be. Xander forced himself to be still, as he feared even just rolling his shoulder might give Aislynn the idea of a threat.

Eventually, the mage spoke, "Not going to get us a dream room?"

"Daydream trances are hard enough with petricite. I could, but I'd rather not use magic if possible; want to recover quicker, " Xander explained.

"Hoping to strike another target?" Aislynn all but accused, "Maybe we can help."

"Help them, rat me out?" Xander gave a weak smile before waving away, "No, we don't plan on striking like before for a bit. Perhaps I'll have Nocturne try find mages before they do; play the hero. But no, no attacks for a while."

Xander wanted to think that Aislynn had softened slightly at his joke, but even if she did he wouldn't change his behaviour. He remained silent, waiting for Aislynn to ask her next question. After a brief pause studying him like an experiment, she probed.

"I suppose this would be the most important question; what the hell possessed you to join Noxus?"

"...Old lore," Xander answered, "Whilst Demacia would have us believe Noxus to be nothing but bloodthirsty barbarians, I knew better. I heard, and suspected, that they might even be a better candidate for this world's moral authority than Demacia."

"Really now? What is it, they're the noble, accepting judges, and we're the barbarians? Is that the plot twist, or have they not spent the better part of a millennia conquering the world, like most evil empires are to do?"

"Noble? No, Noxus wouldn't claim that title; too pretentious and vague," Xander shook his head free of his Noxian biases (or at least, tried to), "It's true that Noxus seeks to conquer the world, but its not out of some megalomaniac's wish for supremacy. Nor is that wish born from a superiority complex. In essence, Noxus seeks to unite the whole world under its banner for just that; the sake of unity. Quoth the poster boy, Darius: reforge the world to partake in a glory shared by all. Most literate I ever heard him..."

"And war is their way of showing it? Perhaps I should have their boss watch A:TLA."

"Unfortunately, I doubt General Swain would appreciate the best fiction Earth had to offer," Xander sighed, "But, he has scaled back on the offensives greatly. If not for rebellions, political intrigue, and other magic bullshit, the past few years would by far be Noxus' most peaceful."

"Then what about the Argent Mountains campaign?"

Xander opened his mouth to speak, but could not stop a pause to smile, "That... was actually a Demacian offensive."

"No... that's wrong," Aislynn mumbled, then repeated with steel, "That's wrong. The Argent Mountain campaigns were to reclaim from Noxus lands belonging to Demacia and its allies."

Xander had to stop himself from smirking, This should at least be check.

"And where did you hear, this..." the Left Hand asked, "The same people who brand us vermin to be exterminated, no?"

Aislynn flared up with the indignant rage of a tricked fool. But, as expected, she couldn't say anything; the statement he'd made was fact, plain and simple.

Xander continued, "The campaign was to take back land claimed by Noxus, yes, but that inciting campaign was centuries ago. Prince Jarvan believed they could reclaim it for Demacia, thus avenging his ancestor, the first Jarvan. Truth be told, if they had been earlier, they'd have succeeded."

"They didn't because...?"

"Swain had just finished the whole army's recall. Noxus' territories dwarfs Demacia's; only in coalition with their neighbours can Demacia actually rival Noxus, and even then they're at disadvantage. Needless to say, Jarvan got wrecked..." Xander frowned, "As well as many of the men who followed him. Of course, I only learned that after the battle, after I'd joined Noxus."

Aislynn's rage was quenched for a moment, replaced by curiosity, "Joined, or captured?"

"Both. I knew of what Noxus was from lore, but until that opportunity rose I didn't dare make the trek. If fate were kinder in the circumstances of my reuniting with Jarvan that day... perhaps I'd never have turned."

"Wait, you reunited with Jarvan?"

"Yep. My joining Noxus coincided with me 'holding the door' for him, so to speak," Xander smiled with genuine pride, but that too faded, "Too bad my noble sacrifice was for nothing. I told the guy; 'Don't forget what saved you.' I literally grilled him about the oppression of mages during that runaway. If I'd stuck with him, I assure you: this revolution never would've had to have happened. I mean, saviour of the prince, the prodigal son returned? C'mon, too easy."

"Sure," Aislynn clearly doubted him, "But you said captured... so you fought off Jarvan's would be captors, then surrendered to them, joining Noxus."

"Yes. Because, if I couldn't enjoy a good life as a mage in Demacia, I sure as hell could in a place as Darwinistic as Noxus. It isn't too hard to make yourself useful when you have a natural utility to abuse..."

"Uh huh, I'll take your word for it," Aislynn crossed her arms and bored into Xander with her eyes, "Yet... at its worst? I imagine the stories we've heard have a kernel of truth to them."

"...Aye. They do. Times have gotten better, but Noxus is still a nation of conquerors."

"And now you've returned under their service. You, at the very least a citizen loyal to the Prince."

Xander raised an eyebrow, "Yes... as has always been my plan."

"And I assume you're proud of it?"

"Why of course," Xander smiled, "I had, or rather have, an impossible mission: convince a nation of ruthless warriors that I was skilled and loyal enough to return home, then from there uproot centuries of flawed tradition to pave way for a brighter future. Despite the odds, I'm half way through that mission. Surely I'm allowed some pride for that?"

"So you're a braggart," Aislynn muttered, "Regardless, that isn't what I meant by 'it'."

"Then what did you mean?"

"Despite claiming loyalty to Noxus, you've been proud Demacian all this time."

"Yeah. What about it?"

"Why would they even risk letting you return here, then? I can't imagine they'd trust you to not turncoat."

Xander froze, his smile stiffly dropping. Shit, now I'm in check. But, this is still winnable.

"That... is a wonderful question..." Xander laughed awkwardly, "Truth be told, I haven't an idea myself. They really shouldn't... but, if I may brag further, I do believe my Demacian nature and ideals are part of it."

"Your Demacian nature; the part of you that isn't remotely Noxian."

"On the contrary, they are Noxian. Or rather, they can be," Xander leaned in. This was his thesis; he had to get this through, more than anything, "It is well known that Noxians incorporate Survival of the Fittest into their culture. This manifests in terrible things; the emphasis on war, as the most obvious test of fitness; the cruel utilitarianism by which many of the powerful live their lives and most of the weak die their deaths; the cut-throat politics to prove one group's supremacy over others. This is Noxus at its worst."

"And you don't deny its existence?"

"How could anyone deny that? About anybody? Every nation thats ever existed on Runeterra AND on Earth has had this ugly underbelly. Its the terrible truth we try to ignore by propping up virtues and praise. Many in Noxus abhor that all; its just useless dressing, they say. I say different," Xander smirked confidently, "By my view, no nation forgoes virtue. Its why traitors are hunted down and slain with cruelty, its why politicians and generals still need speak words to their troops. Noxus is more blunt about it, but it doesn't mean Demacian values can't be accepted. Striving for truth, justice, and honour? Its more useful than people think. Speaking truth breeds trust, being honourable to allies breeds loyalty, bringing justice inspires the wronged, and brings them to your side..."

It was a terrible idea, but Xander couldn't help but smirk.

"Here's a secret for the road: I'm one of the most powerful men in Noxus," the Left Hand confessed, "Whilst I have my fair share of blood staining my hands, it was not by cruelty that I rose this far. I lived as though I remained in Demacia, helping the lowly, fighting the corrupt, and yes, hiding my magic. I spoke truth, remained honorable in station, and delivered justice to those who deserved it. And I was rewarded for it."

"So, why did my superiors let me back here? Why risk this Demacian betraying them for his homeland?" Xander smiled, half with blatant pride, half in genuine conviction, "It is because I am Demacian that they trust me, and it is because Demacia isn't that they know I won't betray them."

The fact that Aislynn was silent throughout almost all of his monologue might've brought him alarm, had he not spent it all conveying his emotions with his eyes as well as his words. As he spoke, Xander noticed the curiosity rise and the anger fade. Aislynn didn't seem self-righteous, or fearful. There was some nervous apprehension, but Aislynn seemed invested in what he was saying.

Xander offered her a hand.

"Fear and faith from olden days. It's what fuels this country now," he stated, "But, if we can teach them how to truly be Demacian, if we can show them the right way... Let me help you. We can change this country for the better."

Aislynn glanced at the hand, and for a moment, Xander thought she might take it.

The mage stood up instead, "I have heard you out, as I promised. You've... given me much to think about."

Xander frowned, disappointed. Yet, before speaking, a small smile crept on his face.

"You won't report me to the Mageseekers, though, no?"

"I am tempted," Aislynn replied, stepping past him to the door.

Xander doubted she was, but for her to even say that...

Well, she said she has a lot to think about, Xander noted, Maybe we'll talk soon-

"Visit me tonight," Aislynn continued, "And bring your men. You know where to find me."

Xander blinked, then stood up to address her, "Wait, what do you mean?"

"I'll admit, you nearly have me convinced," she said, "But I'm no queen. You will have to convince the mages under my leadership if you want me to follow you. So, until then, I'm sure you'll have your hands full."

Aislynn reached the door, then turned to face him one last time. A grimace was on her face, and Xander could tell some final threat was on the tip of her tongue. But, the mage didn't pull the trigger. Instead, with a final nod, she left the room, leaving the Left Hand alone with his thoughts.

Author's Note: Just kidding, I can still write 6k chapters.

Unfortunately, my art for these chapters has been stagnant, can't really find the time to do them. Or, more accurately, I keep procrastinating, and the past few chapters don't have particularly interesting-to-draw scenes? If you guys think otherwise, please do include it in a review.

As always, thanks for the support thus far. Please leave a review; I appreciate any feedback I get for the fic, as it can help me improve or show where I'm succeeding. Stay safe, and see you next chapter.

[Edit 20/03/22] - Textual and grammatical errors corrected.