Though it wasn't a common occurrence, Aislynn had learned over the course of the rebellion to dread hearing a returning party before seeing them. Such events happened often near the start of the rebellion; a scouting team would spot a flanking loyalist force and call for a sudden halt or to get down, or a location would be compromised, and the rebel guards would be warning everyone else to run. Whenever it happened, panic followed, then would come the cause for it, be it petrified-clad mageseekers or steel-bearing soldiers. Thankfully, that was usually the end of it, but the grim reality was a casualty report would follow.
The pattern had ingrained itself in Aislynn to such an extent that she'd almost been surprised when it didn't transpire. No cries for escape or shouted warnings came this time. Only a headache.
This is Xander we're dealing with, after all. Aislynn mentally groaned as she left her tree-trunk hideout, What'd you do this time?
A question of Larissa's echoing through the forest told Aislynn her own question was mistaken.
"How'd you know the person in the carriage?" the raven-haired mage asked, "Is she an informant? A secret mage?"
"She's both," Xander admitted as he broke through a series of shrubs and entered Aislynn's vision, "Though actually... I've got two possible allies that could be in that carriage, though I doubt both are there. Couldn't say who got sent, though."
"So you have allies in the aristocracy?" Larissa wondered, "Hmph. How can you trust they're not gonna turn you in?"
"Well... ah shit, that's a complicated answer. But I can trust them, don't worry," Xander hummed as he looked past the tree line to the tops of Falconclaw's walls, then glanced to his fellow dream mage, "Aislynn, you mind explaining everything to Larissa and taking her to camp? I'll need to infiltrate Falconclaw again."
"Well, I do slightly mind," Aislynn crossed her arms, "Why'd you need to go to Falconclaw?"
Larissa added, "Yeah, what's the rush? You said it yourself: the nobles and your spy will be here for a while."
Xander didn't face them as he replied, instead starting his march towards Falconclaw, "My spy was supposed to stay put until me and my buddy returned. That she's here means something's come up; that something's likely impermanent. So, I need to go check up on her-"
"In those torn rags?" Aislynn pointed out, " Larissa did a number on you: at the very least you'll need a fixed up shirt."
Xander stopped dead in his tracks for a moment. He rolled his shoulders, no doubt feeling at the torn fabric at his back. Even in the cover of night, Aislynn recognised the pinkness of the bare skin under Xander's torn coat; she guessed they hadn't fully healed yet.
Xander sighed, "...shit, you're right. Well, I guess we'll both take her to camp. Thanks for spotting that."
The Noxian dream mage then snapped a focus look onto Larissa, "Larissa, what would be the safest way north from here?
"Er, well... if we keep left from here we should reach one of the less used tributaries of the river" the raven haired mage recalled, "Then it's a climb up a waterfall to get further north, or through the eastern sewage pipe if your camp is closer to Falconclaw; there's another pipe north, so we won't need to be out in town."
"Alright, rock climbing then," Xander nodded and resumed his march, "Let's go."
The rate at which Xander walked a way might as well have been a jog. The Noxian disappeared into the woods quickly, not leaving any room for interruption. So, Aislynn and Larissa quickly acquiesced to his order and followed.
They only caught up to him when they reached the river.
"Not used to military marches?" He snidely asked.
"I'm used to walking and running, but you might as well start running if you're walking at that speed," Aislynn shot back, "Anyway, what're you going to do at Falconclaw anyway? Surely you don't need to rush for that, right?"
"I... guess not?" the Noxian admitted, "I don't plan to be long; I just need to drop off a pebble of petrified charged with my magic. That way, whoever's at Falconclaw can tell me why they're there next time we nap."
Larissa raised an eyebrow, picking up the clue Xander left, "Nap... You're a dream mage? Like Aislynn?"
"I did mention his dream demon," Aislynn noted, "Our shared magic type was how he found me. Well, basically."
I mean, linked through recalling songs we both heard in our dreams counts, right?
"The blood's a learned magic. Turns out there are a few of those; abilities the magically gifted can learn with instruction," Xander expanded, "I'll teach you some if you'd like... or not. Given who the spy at Falconclaw might be, it'd probably better if I let her do it. She's this generation's prodigy at the magic; at least, according to the guy who basically perfected the craft."
"And he taught you? Who was he?"
"Was? He is Vladimir, a rich snob who just doesn't die. He's a-" the next point died on Xander's throat as the Noxian again stopped his march, "- ah. Shit."
It didn't take long for Aislynn to figure what was wrong, "You going to tell her?"
"Well, I am trying to be honest," Xander chuckled awkwardly, sighed, then cleared his throat, "Might as well do it now... Larissa, I'm sure you've heard rumors about my person, some good, some bad."
"I have," Larissa raised an eyebrow, "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Just indulge me this," the Noxian frowned, "Could you give me some examples of these?"
"Well, most of the ones I've heard are pretty good; the crown's lost a lot of status for letting a demon into the capital, not to mention people wondering what someone like you would be doing there. Those rumors suggest that you're a vengeful spirit, a new aspect of Targon, or the Veiled Lady, even," the raven-haired mage chuckled, "Though clearly you're not that latter most one."
Xander beamed, almost proud at the latter-most comparison for some reason, "Well, I mean... anyway, the bad rumors?"
"The mage-hating crowd obviously tied you to the rebellion, some went further with the demon story and linked you to the Rune Wars as some ultimate magic-born evil Demacians ought to defeat... And finally..."
Larissa paused, eyes flickering with thought before she came to the correct conclusion.
She glanced with disbelief to Xander, "... you're Noxian?"
Xander sighed, an awkward smile on his face, "Don't hold it against me?"
In the tense silence that followed, Aislynn could only grimace.
Yeah no. She'll hold it against you... though I doubt she'd try anyth...
Aislynn's train of thought was cut off when Larissa chortled, then devolved into full laughter. The raven-haired mage facepalmed as her giggles filled the air, and all Aislynn could do about it was back away, disturbed at the display.
"You just can't make it up," Larissa snorted, before sending an accusing gaze to Aislynn, prompting a flinch from the attention.
"What the hell are you even doing?" the raven-haired mage went further, "Where in all the hells did you find this guy? A Noxian spy who's as vicious as they come, but he admits to his Noxian-ness and apologises for it? I mean, what the actual hell?"
...Well...
"... as I said, he found me," Aislynn mumbled, internally sighing gratefully that the absurdity of the situation had defanged Larissa's rage, "And also, he was born here in Demacia, from what I've seen in his memories. He's... well..."
"A complicated person," Larissa finished for her, her amusement already dying down, "Of course... hm."
With that, Larissa's laughter faded, and a grimace replaced her grin. Her gaze hardened as it fell on Xander. The Noxian didn't flinch at the eye contact, but a twitch at the edge of his lips told Aislynn he was uncomfortable at the very least. Aislynn felt the same, glancing between the two and praying another skirmish didn't occur.
But, Xander didn't act rashly, and neither did Larissa. The latter let a tense silence fill the forest around them as she thought, her frown communicating the various emotions under her skin. Doubt, confusion, intrigue, and...
The raven-haired mage relented, "Well, alright. You're Noxian now... and I assume your buddies in town are too. Have you told me any other lies?"
Xander shook his head, "No, I-"
"Great," Larissa sighed, "Then I suppose... then, nothing's changed."
Aislynn couldn't believe her ears
What?
"... nothing?" Xander blinked, equally confused.
Aislynn matched the Noxian dream mage's move before further questioning, "Nothing. Nothing at all. Really? Nothing has changed with that information?"
"Yes, nothing," Larissa glanced to Aislynn briefly, but enough to for Aislynn to catch the burst of contempt within, "The rebellion's still in a shoddy spot thanks to you, and we need help. The Noxian's still a powerful combatant, and has access to resources and info that could sway the war in our favour."
The raven-haired mage then snorted, partly amused and partly... disturbed, "And I mean, it's not like I fully trusted him when he showed up. That short skirmish aside, he's a mage who didn't join us immediately and instead pursued his own campaign. So, ulterior motive. And, he somehow knew you. Combine that with the glaring issue that he, oh, I don't know, consorts with actual demons? Wasn't that a bit concerning to you?"
Aislynn had no answer to give; the question she was faced with forced the dream mage inwards.
That's... completely ridiculous. I should've been more cautious...
Well, no, I was cautious enough, given the circumstances. And it's not like he would've killed me.
He cares too much about Earth for that.
Yet even then, that answer felt feeble. Not to mention Aislynn felt no need to explain to Larissa the concept of reincarnation from dead worlds.
In the end, all that left Aislynn's lips was an indecisive, "Well..."
Xander had a more coherent question to ask, "That's it? Not gonna throw a... moral bitch-fit or something about my allegiances?"
"Did that happen with her camp?"
Aislynn made to reply, but paused in recollection first, "... I couldn't exactly just let him in, right? I mean, he is a Noxian soldier."
"Right, right, which means he could be useful," Larissa noted, "You could've had him do all the dirty work whilst you hid away. Tell him to fuck off to the opposite side of the kingdom so your cowardly lot would be ignored. Or, you could've betrayed him to buy your lot a peace treaty with the crown, not that they'd accept... But then again I doubt you could've pulled that latter one off.
Aislynn nodded, admitting to the point, but chuckled, recalling Xander's hesitancy to make any demands, "You'd think that, but-"
"Doesn't matter," Larissa interjected before rounding on Xander, "So, since you said you haven't lied to me, can I confirm that you're just here to unite all the rebels into one force, or at least, a unified set?"
"Yeah," Xander replied slowly, still in disbelief but not letting the emotion get in the way, "Ideally I can narrow down the factions in this war to the simplistic two sides people think there are: anti-mage and pro-mage. From there I just break down the anti-mage group's arguments - and people if need be - and bring about a Demacia tolerant of magic... in summary."
"... arguments? I'd have thought a Noxian would just skip to the people-breaking part."
"Well, that part's inevitable. People will fight, people will die. But, for us to win, we need to manipulate the meaning behind that. It's politics: if we can convince the people on the sidelines that our deaths are a loss but our kills are justified, we win full stop. But, if our side can't even agree on who needs to die, who can live, and what is necessary, we'll just get rolled over by the established status quo. So, I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen... I mean, the status quo is pretty anti-Noxian. You're at least hearing me out."
"And speaking of, what about Noxus?"
"Noxus only comes back into things when I finish up, and all I need to do is force whoever's in charge of the country to sign a paper saying they won't attack Noxus," Xander shrugged, "And for that rather cheap price, you get me, my buddies - all veteran Noxian soldiers - and the resources of a noble family which, surprise, was a Noxian plant the whole time."
"A noble family was a Noxian spy?" Larissa frowned, "... who?"
"House Sharpstem," Xander admitted, "The reason they worked so hard to get rights to sell petricite? So they could export some back to Noxus for study. It's a recent development, but it has borne fruit."
"I just figured they'd bribed the Mageseekers for power. Well, I suppose bribery was a part of it," Larissa paused, recounting the aforementioned 'cheap price', "... Noxus is afraid of us? Really? The big bad empire?"
Aislynn squinted, amused. And you think I'm naive?
"Their attention is elsewhere; inwards or further east," Xander explained, "They don't want Demacia, or rather, the western front as a whole, to be a thorn in their side. In essence, that's all I'm here for. That, and maybe convincing whoever rules Demacia to sign trade agreements and start actual diplomatic ties, but we'll see."
"We'll see," Larissa repeated, "Who knows? If I'm the only one around to agree to anything, and you win us our war? You might actually earn my full trust by the end of this."
"I might?" Xander grinned, then chuckled, "Heh... oh, this is just... Lynn, can you believe it? Finally, a mage who doesn't want to kill me on the spot for my occupation!"
"Well, I did try kill you earlier because I thought you were a seeker," Larissa mused, "But not because you were Noxian, so-"
"So drop the subject, and I can start working on getting that trust," Xander grinned, "Sound good to you?"
"Maybe. I'll be sure to tell you when you first help the rebellion in an op," Larissa replied with a smile, "It should at least be entertaining watching you work."
"Oh, I do aim to please," the Noxian replied, smirking.
Aislynn could only sigh at the sight before her and shake her head.
Yep. The first mage to not want to kill you for being Noxian... Aislynn grimaced as the beginnings of a headache throbbed at her brain, No, they're going to find reason to kill you somehow else. Or, they won't, but it'll go to shit in another way, surely. What an achievement.
Xander was oblivious to Aislynn's plight, only adding to it with his next comment.
"And speaking off pleasing, let's move. I've actually been holding out on you for something, Larissa," the Noxian mused, "Just a feeling, but you'll be pretty happy about this one... hopefully he's gonna be happy too.
... fuck. Sylas hasn't even been introduced into this picture... Protector preserve me, this is going to be a long night.
But then again, Aislynn knew she should've known. Given everything, it was to be expected.
In similar fashion with the previous days of her journey, Yin ate her supper alone. Not that there wasn't anyone to share it with; Lady Elia had supplied her guards loyal to the Black Rose, and of Yin's non-bodyguard escorts, half had been trained by herself and Gerris. They were agreeable, so she'd a lot time for them on the road, but as far as Yin was concerned they weren't her friends, and were thus not privy to sharing a meal with her.
... Perhaps I'm more dear mother's child than I care to admit, the thought prompted a grimace from Yin's face, Though I could be worse. At least I'm cordial and don't sneer at anyone without a fashionable accessory. Mother only ever has her cold shoulders and opportunistic eyes...
Also to be fair, this night will need my full attention.
To say the letter from Brightpride was a surprise put it lightly. The Illuminators, Lady Elia had observed, hadn't contributed much to the Mage Revolution. Save for providing relief to recent victims and defending attacks directly in their territory, the semi-monastic order had left the in-fighting to the other factions of Demacia. This naturally formed rumours concerning the order's loyalties, but none could be proven.
Not without Noxian interference, that was, but neither Yin or her superiors wanted to pull that trigger just yet.
Though perhaps it would suffice as ample blackmail, or a final spite-driven assault, should the worst come to past. That the Illuminators asked for aid with petricite wasn't entirely shocking given the war, even with their absence. But, that wasn't the key point. Yin grimaced, the memories of that eventful morning echoing in her mind's eye. More specifically, the question she'd asked herself and everyone who could pitch in since that morning repeated itself.
Why did they specifically call for me specifically?
There was an alibi to it; their contact had highlighted Yin's alleged backstory of a ward of Lady Elia's, hailing from the Arbormark. The letter spoke of trust and only suggested Yin, assuming Lady Elia cared deeply for her, but why bring up Yin at all if you were only offering? And if Lady Elia did care for Yin as their contact seemed to believe, wasn't that just blatant threat? And what could Yin contribute that any other attendant couldn't?
Why did they specifically call for me specifically?
There was also the petricite haul. It was not the usual request of just a chest or two of the draining stone, but draining potions and small cuffs. Those remained in the carriageway, and Yin had spent few paranoid minutes of her trip glancing at it, wondering if they'd be wrapped around her wrists in time. Of course, she wasn't the only mage in the kingdom, so it wasn't a guarantee. In fact, concerning who she was to meet... she might be a hunter rather than the hunted for this brief mission. She'd rather not have to come at all, but all things considered...
Well, they'll never take me alive. Not with charged petricite and blood bags hidden under my coat...
A series of knocks at the door snapped Yin out of her thoughts momentarily.
"I'm decent," she announced, "You can come in."
With that, the door gave way to reveal the man who'd become her main attendant. Recommended by Gerris to aid with the petricite delivery, Erdrich was one of the more promising militiamen. Broad-shouldered and brutal in the few spars Yin had seen, Erdrich painted a menacing image. Despite that, though, he was as mild-mannered and respectful as every other Demacian... or perhaps, more so, given the local lords and Laurent heirs acted so more out of face.
"I do hope dinner was to your liking," the cargo lifter mused, "But... I'll get it the point. Lady Kahina just arrived. She's called for you to join her for dinner."
"Did you tell her I've already had?"
"She did, but she offered for extra refreshments if you wished them," Erdrich replied, "I'm no noble, but I assume that's code saying she wants to see you soon."
"Then let's not keep her waiting. Lead the way."
The moment Erdrich opened her door, a Demacian soldier marched pass, alert and driven by whatever errand he had. It made Yin stand on edge, but she quickly calmed herself as she followed her attendant. More soldiers walked by, and with her calmer frame of mind Yin saw it for what it was. With an actual officer present, the soldiers at the Falconclaw outpost were more active. Some seemed excited, or at least no longer bored; these were the regulars of the outposts. Of the officers Yin passed, however, she noted a few with brighter armor and darker undercuts. These, Yin assumed, were the Brightpride Illuminator Knights.
As she approached, Yin noted their leader followed the same trend. Though wearing more personalised amor, the leader of the Brightpride shield was definitely a Radiant Knight. Her armor was largely composed of a spotless silver, with a vaguely dark blue undersuit that contrasted with the burgundy cloak that overlaid the whole uniform. A sort of battle-tiara inlaid with silver-gold adorned a mane of golden hair. Said hair in turn framed an angular face that, if set in a scowl would've been intimidating, yet remained smiling cordially.
Finally, at the Radiant Knight's right breast lay a leather badge with a lion inlaid with gold thread; a badge showing the house of the noble lady Yin beheld.
"Are you Lady de Recht's apprentice?" the Illuminator asked with a smile, standing up and offering a hand, "Radiant Kahina Buvelle."
Yin accepted the hand and gave her false name, swallowing her fear, "Yin Sha... you asked for me specifically?"
"I was hoping for you," The knight shrugged, seemingly unaware of the lie told to her face, "In this time of great turmoil, everyone needs someone they can trust. This is a delicate request I've asked of House Sharpstem; in asking for this I hoped your lady would reciprocate the trust I have in her with sending you... a most cared-for attendant."
Despite herself, Yin chuckled at the compliment awkwardly, "W-well, I'm not that precious, but... never mind. I guess, thank you for seeing my worth?"
"You're welcome," Kahina still smiled, but some light faded, "Excuse me, since I've only just arrived I haven't had much time to freshen up. And I think our discussions would be better done in Falconclaw's officer lounge. If you would join me?"
"Of course," Yin glanced to Erdrich, "If you don't mind cleaning up for me?"
"Will do. Send for me and I'll be there," Erdrich nodded, then swiftly left.
Yin trailed the cargo hauler for a bit more before diverging at the outpost stairs. As she ascended to the next floor and neared the officer's quarters, the soldiers flanking Yin gained more Illuminator traits. It made sense to the hemomancer; the outpost at Falconclaw was only that, whilst Brightpride was a secondary holding of the Buvelles' and a key base for the Illuminator order. Most if not all of Lady Kahina's retinue likely outranked Falconclaw's usual commanding officer, so this short arrangement was basically a takeover. Yin confirmed it for herself as she entered the officer's lounge; the trinkets on the desk were clearly not Kahina's, bearing more Crownguard livery than Buvelle; the Falconclaw commander had likely offered up their office to the Buvelle Illuminator.
So a whole base's worth of experienced Demacian soldiers if this is the worst case scenario... well, maybe 20% chance of success if I chain kills with hemomancy efficiently enough?
Well, that's just escaping the base, so I guess let's hope its otherwise.
As Yin took her seat opposite Kahina, the Illuminator glanced over her shoulder and sent a glance to one of her men. The echo of the door closing made Yin shift in her seat momentarily, but she kept her face resolute.
Kahina still caught the reaction, but didn't pounce on it; not offensively, that was.
"Delicate request," the Illuminator repeated in explanation, "What we'll be discussing isn't for everyone's ears."
A secret... only so many of those between us...
"And what will be discussing?" Yin prompted cautiously, "I should hope it isn't anything... incriminating."
Kahina lightly flinched at the tone Yin took - a tone the hemomancer had copied from the Mageseeker investigations she'd seen, not to mention the poking and prodding of the Laurent scions Lady Elia dealt with. Were this Noxus, a smirk would've covered Yin's face then. But without the Noradi name to draw a line in the sand with, and her infamous skill with hemomancy not viable... It may have been a step too far.
Kahina sighed, then set a stare of stone to Yin, "I fear it is. But, I'd hope for understanding on your part; what I need your help with here would be no more incriminating than your own matters."
Yin met the stare head on, "And what matters are these?"
Kahina didn't respond verbally, instead taking one of the trinkets on her desk and putting it to the table's center. As Yin glanced to it, her heart froze. The grey carved stone glowed a faint pink in her direction.
Kahina retracted the carving quickly, "I understand you were a mage from the Arbormark who was to emigrate here before the revolution. Lady Elia let you and your brother through, as the paperwork was done, and with Sharpstem being a key trader of petricite it was assumed you two would simply strip yourselves of your magic... but I had my doubts. Magic is a part of a mage's person, after all..."
Part of Yin wanted to call upon the blood under her vest, in her hands, pulsing in Kahina's veins, and run... Yin fought down that wish. She had to think before acting. That needed things to think on, so Yin forced a glance to Kahina's eyes. A judging glare or the smirk of a hunter would be met with blood. An impassive glazed look would be concerning for its unreadability.
Kahina held neither. A layer of understanding seemed to undercut her eyes and Yin sighed in relief.
Her intent wasn't to out me as a mage... which means its the other issue we're here for, then. Damn shame Xander ain't back yet; this'd be right up his alley.
Yin continued, answering the Radiant Knight's question with a lie, "... Indeed. Obviously, I don't practice my abilities in public. I rarely do it in private as well... but its not something that will be willed away. As for petricite... just the small amount Lady Elia grants me on our trips to the capital, just so I won't be taken for being who I was born as..."
Kahina frowned, pity in her eyes, "I... am sorry. I wish it could be differen-"
"Of course, but I imagine my suffering isn't why I'm here," Yin tightened her expression, going on the offensive, "I'm grateful for your sentiments, truly, I am... but it doesn't change that I'm at risk here. So, what will be discussing?"
Kahina took a breath to center herself before spilling the secret Yin suspected she knew, "You aren't the only mage I have kno-"
Before Kahina could just finish her sentence, the thud of the office doors being opened cut her off. Yin instinctively stood on a dime, legs tensed and ready to burst at an attacker. None came, but Yin remained tense as she beheld who came in. The newcomer wasn't armed, but clearly had seen action; a built, wiry frame lay under worn leather gear and a cloak shaped like eagle's wings. She was the famed Ranger-Knight of the generation; a skilled combatant if Xander was to be believed...
But by the smile on her face, Yin knew Quinn of Uwendale wasn't a threat.
The ranger walked past Yin towards her friend, "Kahina! It's good to see you."
The Radiant Knight stood up with a smile and wrapped her in a hug, "Likewise, but did you have to barge in like that? Damian was standing outside for a reason."
The Illuminator Knight in question spoke up with a knowing tone, as if he'd seen such displays before, "It's not like I could stop her. But I imagine she's in the know. I'll leave you to your discussions now?"
"If you could pick up a waterskin and a meal from the mess, I'd appreciate it," Quinn spoke, "And perhaps more meat for Valor: that salmon might not be enough given how fast we rode."
"Of course. I'll knock before entering."
With her pet's wellbeing assured, Quinn took a seat next to Yin and sent her an analytical look.
"So... are you the mage?" the ranger asked tentatively.
Yin's response wasn't equally cautious; she interspersed feigns of fearful submission in her address, "Yes... Yin Sha. I.. don't use my magic, not often, and... please don't hold that against me?"
Quinn held her gaze, then let out a chuckle, "If Kahina trusts you, no complaints from me. You're not one of the insurgents, so I have no quarrel with you."
"Ease off her, Quinn. It's bad enough we brought her into this much risk without prior questioning," Kahina gently chided the Ranger-Knight before glancing to Yin, "As I was saying... you're not the only mage we've known."
"That's why I've been brought here, then? You need help with another mage?" Yin hummed in thought before playing dumb, despite knowing what was on the Buvelle's mind, "If it's one of the rebels, I fear I won't be much help. Just being a mage doesn't grant me knowledge on other mages... unless I'm baiting a recruiter, perhaps?"
"You aren't," Quinn answered, "Truth be told, whatever magic you have, it shouldn't matter for what we're asking you to do. We just needed someone who wouldn't rat us out to the Mageseekers, and a mage who renounced her magic to join Demacia seemed a viable choice."
"Ah," was all Yin could manage, somewhat disappointed at the answer to her question, but nonetheless relieved.
"In any case, I assume you're about as familiar with your new family's products as those who purchase them. We'll need your help in their use," Kahina noted with a frown, "... We don't wish to harm our friend, so if you know of a way to minimise the patricide's effects, then..."
"I can think of a few ideas," Yin smiled, "Though I have to ask, who is it I'll be needing to use my haul on?"
Quinn frowned before glancing to Kahina, who gave a slow nod. The ranger remarked, "I suppose we shouldn't beat around the bush."
"No, we shouldn't," Kahina sighed, hesitant, before finally asking.
"What do you know of my sister?"
Xander smiled as he walked the familiar stone streets of Mortorra. The 'Iron Gate' district, as home of the Noxian aristocracy, was one of the more aesthetic places in the Empire's capital. The red family banners seemed more vibrant, and were assuredly cleaner than those deeper in the capital. Some gardens could be peeked at past estate fences, and various structures adorned the streets. Among them, Xander most favored a fountain at Mortorra's center. Not only was it a focal point of the district, allowing for socialising with aristocrats, but its waters gave a calm feeling missing in the rest of the capital. The fountain's waters, one of the few open sources not filthy due to its regular cleaning, reflected the unusually blue skies of Noxus Prime.
Which should be the first clue that this ain't real life.
The second from Xander's point of view was how empty Mortorra was. Though it couldn't compare to the city center, Mortorra was still a busy place; officers reported to and fro, servants with messages tiptoed on by... but in a dream, unless it was a key part of the scene, even the Noxkraya Arena would be found empty.
Given that, it was obvious where to find Yin.
Entering the Noradi mansion wasn't a difficult task with no guards to bar him, but even in reality Xander found the mansion's interior to border on labyrinthine. Thankfully, a mist of red clued the Left Hand of Noxus up the main staircase and to the right... where it seeped out of the Noradi matriarch's office.
Well, I don't hear Erret, so this isn't some exhibitionist/stick-it-to-the-shitty-parent fantasy. I should be able to barge in...
Unless realising I'm a dream mage gave Yin the subconscious tip to invest in soundproofing.
... ah, fuck it, it's not as if I accidentally cockblocked Erret IRL before...
Though he didn't barge in or kick in the door, Xander did enter the office unannounced. He didn't find anyone sitting at the desk, though; Yin sat instead in a plushy couch in the corner. The hemomancer didn't notice his entrance, too busy enjoying a hemomancy high... or so Xander thought.
Blood magic was in the air, and it was being used for a therapeutic use, but Yin wasn't just lounging around or losing lucidity. The hemomancer instead was reading a long sheet of parchment. Though with her lying position Xander knew no real work would get done, the fact that Yin was engaged with the document in the first place was interesting enough.
"Why the fuck did I get this job anyways..." the hemomancer grumbled, before reading aloud the document for what seemed to be proofreading purposes, "Alright... stipulates... stipulate? It's a marriage that actually has all parties involved content, so... but a gentler word won't work with keeping Sharpstem trade continuing; need to be more forceful... blah blah blah, states choose taxes, not a Noxian imposition..."
With a sigh, Yin leaned her head against her couch and dropped the parchment. She closed her eyes, deep in thought and exhaustion, lightly groaning in irritance all the while. Even without his magic, Xander had an idea of the thoughts she held. Still, curiosity made him peek inside
I should've gone with Erret to train the warband, Yin's thoughts echoed, Or to the arena, or whatever the hell he had planned. Surely it would be better than this-"
"Probably, but Sylas can be a pain in the ass."
Yin's eyes immediately opened at Xander's interjection. Alert, the hemomancer sat up and narrowed her gaze with amusement and accusation.
"Xander, this is a surprise... What're you doing in my hou..."
The words died in Yin's mouth as understanding filled her eyes. She glanced to the window, where blue skies could be seen, then to Xander, who shrugged, then finally to her hair, which was in its natural white shade. Yin could only shake her head.
"Ok... we're in a dream..." the hemomancer slowly took account of her surroundings before grimacing towards her dropped parchment, "... No, we're in a nightmare. Gods, Lady Elia must be getting to me."
Xander chuckled as he settled in, summoning a quaint stool to sit on, "Well, administrative work is important."
"And not supposed to be my specialty," Yin grumbled, "I'll give you hell later for dumping this on me, you know."
"Don't bother, I'm already going to be micromanaging the mage rebellion, I can already tell," the Left Hand muttered with displeasure, "... Also, what's this about a marriage proposal?"
"Apparently Lady Elia's into gossip, and not just for her political rivals. I think even you'd be surprised at the shit her actual spies get up to ... anyway," Yin ceased her digression, "... so what're you doing here? Did you find Sylas?"
"Why yes, I did," Xander answered, "We're here at Falconclaw because whilst we got Sylas, he doesn't know where his men are; they didn't bother set up a rendezvous point, what with them needing to be on the move at all times. But, they have spies who can lead us to where they are, so we came to Falconclaw to get them."
"... huh. Mage spies here?"
"They've got a local sympathiser."
"Ah, figures. Say, who is the sympathiser?"
"Didn't get their name, but they run an inn called The Perch. We can meet there for updates."
"Sounds good, but that might be hard with my current situation... they have good drink?"
"The beer is shit, but everything else, apparently, is top tier," Xander mused, "Also, remember Aislynn? The mage leader at Meltridge who left the main sect? She's here too."
Yin squinted, "Why's that?"
"She went looking for me because she didn't trust I wouldn't kill Sylas," Xander shrugged, "Which is fair, I did have to threaten him with possession through Nocturne... anyways, Aislynn and a buddy of hers got captured and imprisoned at Aron's Defiance, so Sylas and I had to bust her out."
Yin raised an eyebrow, "With or without help from the Freljordians who raided the place?"
"So that news' come out? I'd hope not with mention of our involvement," the Left Hand noted, "To answer your question: with. But, I recommended to Sylas we distance ourselves from the raiders as much as possible. I mean, could you imagine how bad of a picture that'd paint?"
"Thankfully we only can imagine... I'm surprised you could imagine considering how you didn't just kill Rell like you were ordered to. But, I suppose she did turn out alright..." Aislynn blinked, seemingly realising something as she glanced to the doorway, "Is Nocturne here?"
"Nope, he's at our encampment, short walk away from Falconclaw," Xander explained, "Whilst he's mellowed out since we met him and is busy with the new friend we picked up, Sylas isn't too keen on foreign intervention. And since I'm currently dead to the world-"
"Nocturne's making sure they don't slit your throat," Yin assumed.
"Or set up a hostage situation with Erret," Xander corrected, "But killing me works too."
"Of course," Yin shrugged, but her eyes were alight at the mention of her boyfriend, "He's well?"
"Would I be showing my face to you if he weren't?" The Left Hand countered.
"If it was a recent injury that you couldn't heal, I'd hope you would," Yin pointed out, "But in any case... if not through Nocturne, how're you here? Didn't you need to have that rune put on me to share dreams?"
"Heh, I did, actually," Xander sighed in recollection, "Damn hard infiltration, but as it turns out our new mage rebel buddies had some backdoors to the local outpost. Just had to get around two patrols, and voila, access to the guest room. Had to stay in your room for ten solid minutes waiting for people to leave, and that was time ticking for the charged petricite I had."
"You could've charged the pebbles I had on hand."
"But that would've left me without magic for getting out of camp. Needed my powers for illusions, and let me say, I got pretty close to getting caught a few times," Xander groaned, recalling what he'd experienced, "Fucking bird. Also, why is Quinn here?"
"She got summoned here, same as me," Yin hummed in thought, "But say, you know who called me over here?""
The Left Hand smirked knowingly, "Well, based on my new bud's intel, I'd assume it to be one Kahina Buvelle, Radiant Knight of the Illuminator Order?"
"Got it in one. She wrote Lady Elia about two days after you left, requested a haul of petricite allegedly for use at Brightpride," Yin's smirk mirrored Xander's as she explained, "Perfectly logical, given we're the main exporters for petricite... except she also requested Lady Elia send one of her new ex-Arbormark assistants to deliver the haul. Also, said haul wasn't only to contain petricite stones, but also duty-build petricite cuffs and petricite potions. Given all that, well, I'm sure you can guess who the main focal point of this op will be."
"Sona Buvelle."
"Yes. Sona Buvelle, your famed Maven of the Strings. According to Lady Kahina, she went missing after a performance the day you left," Yin then sighed, "Kahina and Quinn are here to find her and bring her to safety, not that their plan has gone any further. I think they were still working on that. Anyway, they needed someone with knowledge of how to use petricite but wasn't a mageseeker. So, here I am."
"I see... I'll try have Nocturne get to you soon; I'm sure Erret and I can at least spare a day without his babysitting," Xander muttered, "We'll likely leave soon for wherever the main Mage camp is, and at that point... well, at that point if the threats present do decide to act, this'll be our last discussion."
Yin frowned with concern, "Will you be able to get them on your side?"
"On one hand, Sylas doesn't trust me," Xander admitted, "On the other hand, apparently without him the mage rebellion's been going through rough times. Not to mention Aislynn's crew and the mage we met here don't seem to mind Noxian intervention if its neccessary. Obviously with their leader back the rebellion won't be wasting away soon, but I should be able to make our help a deciding factor if they want to win."
"How'd you figure that?"
"... Well, not thing specific yet," Xander shrugged, "But considering that Sylas will definitely want to go on a warpath, everyone's going to be hating on the Meltridge mages for leaving them, and that the rebellion as a whole is spread across the country, well..."
"Lots of problems we specifically can solve," Yin summed up.
"Exactly, so I'm feeling pretty optimistic," Xander concluded, "With just a bit more good fortune, we can really begin this operation."
Yin chuckled, "Finally. Gerris will be happy; he's been getting bored handling our new recruits."
"Oh please, like Gerris gets bored yelling orders and playing the drill sergeant."
"You'd be surprised. Maybe its cos they're Demacian, but Gerris hasn't been running them ragged."
"How good are they then?"
It's a local militia trained by the best teacher of war in Noxus. They're better than you'd think, but don't expect your own warhost when you get back to Sharpstem."
"I was never so optimistic even before Noxus," Xander smirked, "... so, is that all?"
"I... guess so," Yin hummed, confirming her words mentally, "... though... could you give Erret a message?"
"Well, I was going to tell him you missed him regardless if you asked," Xander shrugged, a teasing smirk on his face, "I could embellish it, but if it gets ero-"
"Let me stop you right there," Yin interrupted with a shake of her head, "Do you have to do that?"
"It's fun."
"Of course it is. How Erret didn't just kill you from the start, I'll never know."
"You already do, and aren't you glad you lost that bet?" Xander shrugged and closed his eyes, bragging with his movements.
Yin chuckled, "Allow me to amend my statement; I'll never know why Erret didn't kill you in your sleep before that fight. But I suppose it's for the best he didn't."
Xander scoffed, openign his eyes "Of course it is-"
Whether his last message got to Yin became a vague question. The hemomancer wasn't in Xander's sight, and the dream before him lost focus and faded to black. The Left Hand attempted to will something back into the dark dreamscape, but could only sigh.
"... range is more of a factor than I thought. Or maybe because it's a petricite house?" Xander grumbled to himself, "Hopefully I won't need Nocturne to babysit my physical body soon. He'll need to be the one coordinating."
The Left Hand sighed before having a look at the dreamscape around him. The darkness had options to bare. Xander could've let it consume him, and fall into an un-lucid sleeping state, or form whatever he wished from the void. Or rather, anything of his own that he wanted. What the Left Hand was interested was a distant spark; what in his mind symbolised another person's dream. Lighter ones were farther away, harder to intrude on. Sadly, none that Xander could see belonged to Yin. A reconnection was likely impossible.
But, an alternate option was available. Like a star in the night sky, a cluster of three lights glowed before Xander. The Left Hand rolled his eyes, knowing what it meant, then reached for the light.
Green, blue and grey filled Xander's vision as a hidden canyon formed around him. The scent of moss and freshwater followed, and a cool breeze soothed the Left Hand's back. Finally, the sounds of conversation reached Xander's dream ears.
"...everyone has to be fighting, support roles will help just as much, if only you'd... hold on, just felt something," Aislynn's muttering wouldn't be audible were the scenario in real life, but with Xander's magic peering into her subconscious they echoed as though she were in an auditorium, "Xander, is that you?"
The Left Hand didn't respond verbally, instead emanating the idea of an affirmative answer into the dreamscape. Taking in his surroundings and focusing, he tracked the magic signature of his peers to a lake near where he appeared. Gazing that way, Xander could make out the vague shapes of Aislynn, Sylas, and Larissa. The Left Hand focused, closed his eyes, and opened them to find himself by the mages' side.
Sylas flinched at the instant appearance, "Wha- how did-"
"So... I take it this is where you're hiding in real life?" Xander ignored him as he addressed Larissa, yet his eyes didn't reach either of them, instead taking in the new view, "Nice place, remote enough and with a water source... at least, I think with that former part."
"It isn't as remote as you'd think," Larissa replied, her mood lifting from what the Left Hand assumed to be an argument with Aislynn, "The hideout's is only half a day's travel from where you camped out. This time tomorrow, we'll be celebrating Sylas' return and our uniting, I'm sure."
The Left Hand nodded slowly, "Maybe... we'll see, but this time tomorrow I suspect we'll be coordinating some sort of plan. Or maybe you'll be; if this place is so close, I may head back to Falconclaw and get my spy there up to date on our plans. If I go I'll be sure to pick up more spiced wine as well. That is, if you want."
Larissa grinned, "I'll take you up on that."
"As long as its from your pocket," Sylas muttered, a slight frown on his face.
Xander nodded as he took careful note of the mages' expressions. He'd only seen a glimpse before donning a replacement shirt and heading into Falconclaw, but what he saw here matched what he'd seen then. Larissa was only tentatively interested in the alliance Xander offered, having a natural doubt for the Noxian. But, since meeting with Sylas, that animosity had vanished. The raven-haired mage was positively glowing following her reuniting with her leader. That mood carried on not only to Sylas, but also to Xander; Larissa seemed particularly grateful, and was beaming last Xander saw her in the real world. Judging from how weirded out Aislynn was at the display, Xander assumed it was rather out of character.
In character, however, was Sylas. At least, for the most part; the Sylas Xander had met in the Freljord; the one he'd expected from all the visions he'd seen... he wasn't all that anymore. He'd definitely mellowed out, and whilst Xander largely attributed that to Aislynn, he wouldn't ignore the change. The Unshackled still wore his distrust for Xander on his non-existent sleeves, but since Aron's Defiance he wasn't so bold to act on his thoughts. Unfortunately hints at a change showed on Sylas' dream form; his frown remained pronounced, his distrust seemingly heightened by his peer's enthusiasm. Perhaps, Xander thought, the Unshackled believed he'd use Larissa as a means to depose him?
Well, I wasn't, but thanks for the idea if a team-up with you doesn't work out.
Aislynn spoke up, "How was the meet-up with your friend?"
"Well, I confirmed that it actually is my friend, and not the local boss Noxus assigned me for this op," Xander answered, "So I guess I'll put teaching you guys hemomancy on hold. She's far more competent than me at the craft."
"So you'll be the damage sponge for any mission we have?" Larissa assumed with a smirk.
Xander had no reply save a frown. Though amusement flickered in his eyes, he remained grim at the reminder.
"Your spy friend, does she have anything interesting for us?" Sylas questioned, "What's she doing here?"
"On the surface, well, Larissa'd already know," Xander shrugged, before sending a cautious glance to the raven-haired mage's way, "At least, I think so: the lead of a shield is pretty key info. You got that one?"
She nodded, "From Brightpride, right? That'd be the shield of Radiant Knight Kahina Buvelle... or were my spies wrong?"
"Nope, that's correct. My pal in town's been summoned here by Kahina Buvelle to supply her and her shield special petricite goods..." Xander smirked, "At least, officially. Unofficially its more complicated."
Both Sylas and Larissa raised an eyebrow and asked in sync, "How so?"
Amidst the two mages chuckling at their shared brain cell, Xander raised a question of his own to lead the conversation.
"Larissa, Sylas, what do you know of Sona Buvelle?"
"The Maven of the Strings?" Larissa squinted, "She's arguably Demacia's best musician, she was adopted by the Buvelles, she's a mute, and... I think that's about it?"
"She's not from here, right?" Sylas questioned, "She's from some country in the Far East... Irenion, Aenea?"
"Ionia would be the name you're looking for," Xander supplied, "Anything else?"
"The Mageseekers took note of her and the other adoptees from that land," Sylas explained, "Apparently they were higher risk for being 'afflicted'. I confirmed that suspicion for some of them, unfortunately, but I was never sent to investigate the Buvelles. But if Kahina Buvelle needs petricite... Xander, what exactly is your spy's haul?"
"Cuffs and potions," the Left Hand responded.
"So she's a mage, and they intend to capture her. Perhaps secretly as well; with the right amount of petricite, mages can only weaken their magic instead of removing it, and that also keeps them off Graymark sensing," Sylas concluded, "Kahina Buvelle must know where her sister is, or at the very least have an idea of her location. But she doesn't want to kill her, hence the cuffs and potions..."
"A pair of noble siblings who support the crown and Mageseekers decide to ignore their laws just because it benefits them. How familiar," Larissa grumbled, "And they won't just betray the system they know to be wrong? Hypocrites. Damn them to the hells."
The vitriol Larissa spoke with caught Xander's attention. The raven-haired mage's mood had made a complete 180; looking closer, Xander found Larissa's fists clinched and her pupils shrunken. It was... alarming to say the least. But, it was, at least, consistent. If Larissa could be so furious just with Aislynn refusing to fight, she naturally would be apoplectic for people like the Buvelles or, worse, the Crownguards.
Speaking of Aislynn, she didn't seem to get that, and she raised a counterpoint, "Well, if we damn them to the hells, they won't be able to betray the system, would they?"
Xander braced for an argument to begin, but it never came. Rather than explode on her fellow mage, Larissa merely turned away from Aislynn.
"They had their chance," she said dismissively, "They're in the way of our freedom, so we'll stomp over them."
"If they were as righteous as they believe, they'd have joined us," Sylas continued, "More than that, if they were just, the rebellion wouldn't need to be fought. They ultimately chose this fate."
Aislynn squirmed momentarily, trying to find a response to what her fellow mages had said. Ultimately, she could only sigh. Perhaps she believed Sylas and Larissa would be to stubborn, or perhaps she'd exhausted any possible arguments beforehand. Either way, no fight came from the other dream mage of Earth.
Xander didn't intend to fight either, but he did want the last word.
"Well, it's not like they had much of a choice, what with everyone and everything telling them they were making the right choice. They're all mistaken, of course, but for most people I imagine it's hardly a malicious choice," the Left Hand mused with a chuckle before moving on, "In any case, I think we can move on. Sona Buvelle is the reason her sister is here, and regardless of what we do, I think we can agree we will be doing something. What that is, we can decide later, when we have a full idea of what we have on hand. All in agreement?"
The mages paused in thought, glanced to each other for confirmation, then answered affirmatively.
"Alright then," Xander shook his head, somewhat relieved, "So, on the topic of what's on hand, what were you guys talking about before I arrived?"
Aislynn glanced to Larissa, her gaze asking for permission before explaining, "Larissa walked us through the path to the hideout. As she says, we should be able to make it there with little interruption. Nothing short of random Vayne would bar that."
"Don't jinx it," Xander jested with a hint of caution.
"Of course not. But, we'll be there by tomorrow. Or rather, we'll be here."
With her statement Aislynn motioned to their surroundings, and Xander found himself glancing to them again. The lake, Xander noted, was fed by a collection of silver streams trailing up the canyon wall. Following the water up the canyon wall, it became apparent that this hideout near Falconclaw was within a deep basin. Such depths didn't impede the local ecosystem, however. Instead, it seemed the flow of the local rivers had fed the basin well. The trees around were vibrant and tall, the grass a verdant green, the bushes almost fluffy with their layers of interwoven leaves... it was no wonder the rebels had found a safe home here.
Xander imagined with Aislynn's help, the basin could even be a more permanent settlement. But, that time would come later; he had more pressing matters.
"How many people live in this basin?" The Left Hand asked.
Larissa opened her mouth to answer, but Aislynn beat her to the punch, "Based on our estimates, expect a number slightly over Meltridge."
"I can talk about my people, thank you very much," Larissa scowled at Aislynn before flinching, "Err, your people, Sylas-"
"We're all equal in the rebellion, how many times must I remind you guys?" The Unshackled sigh, "Well, I suppose someone had to step up, and the diction doesn't really matter."
"Slightly... what would the demographics be?" Xander pondered, "Mostly fighters, or still a few caretakers and kids?"
"Aislynn didn't take all of those, thank the gods," Larissa noted, "But admittedly most of those caretakers are only taking that job out of necessity. I can only think of a handful of us at the hideout who've never fought."
"You're not planning on having them put Falconclaw to siege?" Sylas questioned, "That'd be suicidal, and I won't stand for it."
"Of course I'm not thinking that. You don't take me for a fool, do you?" Xander shook his head, "Admittedly, combat is a part of this, though. I'm just wondering what the selection for possible assistants are. If they're mostly rookies, then, well, the Sona Op will probably be just us four, Cyrus, and my Noxian men. If we've got more experienced infiltrators and fighters, though..."
"Easier to develop a plan?" Larissa nodded, "Sorry to disappoint, then. Most of the men at the hideout are rookies; the veterans there are recovering from mission wounds, and are training said rookies. The rest are out either spying or carrying out raids."
"Raiding who?" Aislynn expressed both concern and confusion, "Most nobles have increased their escort parties to absurd levels, assuming they leave their keeps at all."
"We're not going after nobles, not for lack of interest though," Larissa rolled her eyes, seemingly familiar with Aislynn's concerns, "We've been harassing military convoys, though; carriages filled with gear and food... It's not perfect, but we haven't lost a lot of casualties."
Aislynn shrugged, "... well, no complaints there, then."
Xander wished he could agree, "Mostly rookies... well, this can be a first mission for the best of them-"
"And what makes you think you'll be asking that choice?" Sylas interjected, arms crossed, "You're only offering assistance, Noxian. Even then, who's to say my men will accept your suggestion?"
"... huh. Thanks for the wake up call, I guess," Xander shrugged, "Now, no need to get all defensive, I'm not trying to usurp anything. I'm just thinking aloud."
Sylas crossed his arms with a frown at that response, but Xander gave it little mind. A frown spread on his face as he pondered.
Even with sharing my aid, even with my complete honesty, nothing can really remove from people's minds the fact that I'm a Noxian. And because Noxians lie, they have every reason not to trust me...
But these people aren't quite the rebels at Meltridge. Compared to the true rebels, Aislynn's rebellious spirit is steeped steeped in... a higher morality. If we're being completely scathing, they're so far up their own ass they can't see eschewing violence will lead them back where they started, at best. Sylas' people, though...
The Left Hand smirked.
That was always part of the plan. They'd never normally trust me, but these are far from ordinary times.
This isn't impossible. I can succeed here.
The Left Hand of Noxus shrugged again, "Ah well, I'll be helping you guys regardless of what happens. It's only natural, since we have the same enemy... that said, if you really want to make the most of my help, if you want to make the crown pay as quickly and effectively as possible, I'd think you should help me figure out an answer for your question."
Sylas blinked, incredulous, "I should help you earn my men's trust? Why?"
"We've been through this before, Sylas," Xander reminded, "It's basically everything to gain, nothing to lose. I want an alliance. I want to help. Regardless of whether it was for Noxus, or as a mage, or even as the old Demacian I was born as, I was always going to - I will - help this revolution. But that needs trust, and your doubt's in the way of 100% effectiveness.."
Larissa hummed in thought before noting, "Hmm... I mean, if this all turns out to be some cruel lie, we can just turn on him later, Sylas. I think he's got a point. And he did get you here in the first place. At the very least, I'll give my endorsement for this."
"I'd give mine if I didn't think it would hurt your case," Aislynn offered, "But... well, Xander, all of what I said about my people applies with Sylas too. This may end up just like your talk at Meltridge."
Larissa raised an eyebrow, "What happened there?"
"The term I used was 'moral bitch-fit,' I believe," Xander recalled, "And I am aware of that. That said, I think I'll be more successful here. Your crew at Meltridge was pretty content to unanimously throw me out before I explained myself, and even after that they barely changed their opinion. Larissa, meanwhile, was willing to hear me out after she realised I wasn't a Mageseeker. Of course she's not every revolutionary, but I think we can base an estimate on her..."
The Left Hand waved off the digression and turned his attention back to Sylas, "In any case... Sylas. I don't ask for much. All I want is to help. I get that I'm Noxian, and that makes it hard to trust me, but as Larissa says, it's not as much of a risk as you think. On the flip side, well, you've heard what I can bring to the table ad nauseam, so I won't repeat it. I can be a boon to this revolution, make real, decisive change in the current state of the kingdom. But, to do it, I need you to help me. So I implore you: let me help you change Demacia for the better."
Sylas maintained his frown, glanced past Xander to the two mage women in their shared dream, then chuckled.
"I don't need my ass kissed, unlike the king we fight. You have been useful thus far, and you act very unlike what I'd expect a Noxian to be like. I imagine it's your Demacian side... I'll admit this much, " the Unshackled relented, "Fine then. What would you like me to do?"
"Well, telling me not to kiss your ass was good enough," Xander jested with a chuckle, then replied seriously, "But actually... If you'd like, embellish on how I helped you on your return trip, but all I really need is an introduction. Just my name and a stage in front of your people. That's it."
"That's it?" Aislynn seemed incredulous, "That's what I gave you, and that didn't work-"
"Moral bitchfit, remember? And we have a concrete mission ahead. This will be fine," the Left Hand smirked, glancing to Sylas, "I don't ask much. Let me make my own case before your rebels for why they should accept my help, and we'll be able to continue. So, do I have your support?"
Author's Note: By my calculations, if I want to reach my goal, I need get a pace of two chapters a month. So, see you in two weeks... hopefully.
[Edit 20/03/22] - Textual errors corrected.