Even with foreknowledge, the Mageseekers' arrival put an anxious tick in Yin's mind.

It was hardly snivelling panic, but the hemomancer was aware. However slow and concealed, Yin found herself reacting to every noise she picked up, always at the very least glancing to the source before moving on. Every other step prompted an evaluation of escape routes and corners, every shade of dark blue or faded silver garnered a tensing of tendons, ready to bolt. It reminded Yin of her first interactions with the Crimson Circle, then the Black Rose, and later on her meetings with each secret society's leaders. The reminder of a potential misstep lay in her head, and if not for her experience in Noxus, Yin imagined she'd have painted a target on herself in panic.

Kahina Buvelle, on the other hand, was only saved by her lack of observers. She paced around the room with crossed arms and a confused frown, marching to a beat consistent only in its inability to reduce stress. The Illuminator's lunch, a fish sandwich bought from a stall at market, was ignored. As the sun poured in through a crack in the curtains, Yin could swear it was starting to stink.

All in all, it was getting rather grating.

"I think the Mageseekers would suspect you more if you fell through the ceiling," Yin grumbled, "And with how you're wearing down the floor..."

"I'm sorry," Kahina spat out her reply, restraining a more volatile response, "I'm just..."

"I know," Yin assured, "The seeker's presence is... quite the issue."

"I just... " Kahina paused with a grimace before continuing, "How could they have known?"

"Well, they don't," the hemomancer shrugged, "They're just investigating the region-"

"They're investigating us, Yin. Us," Kahina deflated and sighed, finally taking a seat on a desk-side chair, "There's no other reason for them to come here of all places. The demon attacked Aron's Defiance and hasn't been since, so he's probably still up north. Then there's the Iceborn pushing to the west, and the Mage rebels south-east are still at large. All those places they could be, yet they're here at Falconclaw, and not just passing by. They're here for us."

Yin nodded slowly, then hesitantly raised a point, "They haven't prosecuted us yet. If they're here for us, surely they would've acted by now."

Kahina chuckled bitterly, "The power of the Buvelle name, I suppose. Claiming someone to be a mage without evidence? Tall order, especially for someone like my sister or I. It wouldn't pass."

Power of the aristocracy, Yin mused internally, Some things never change.

Kahina sighed, "Yet they're still here, meaning they know something's up... They're just looking for proof."

"Then let's dissuade them from it," Yin offered, "Just relax. We've got nothing to be worried about; they're just wasting their time."

"Right, of course," the Illuminator took a breath before sending a glance Yin's way, "... how do you do it?"

"Pardon?"

"I mean, you were born a mage!" Kahina remarked, "The people outside are looking for your kind, they want you locked away..."

"I'm aware," Yin admitted with a sigh - a shakier one than she intended, "But if I dwell on that, well, in all likelihood I'll end up where I don't want to be. Even having gone sober all this time I imagine they'd want me out of sight regardless."

Or six feet under, but well, not the time. The floorboards might actually disintegrate if I bring that up.

"You gotta keep calm," the hemomancer continued, "At the very least, you'll look less suspicious. More than that, well, you're the soldier. I imagine panic's one of the first things they beat out of you in training."

"Of course. You have to keep a cool head, trust your brothers and sisters in arms," Kahina's eyes seemed to soften with familiarity, perhaps remembering an old instructor, "Fight along side them, and you can weather anything. Have their back, they'll have yours."

"That's right... no need to worry," Yin assured, "We'll have your back. We're in this with you."

"Right, right..."

Kahina nodded slowly, gazing to the floor with glazed eyes as she turned inwards. As silence settled in, Yin mirrored her new ally, pondering possibilities whilst keeping her gaze to the door.

Well, part one of Xander's plan is here. The Mageseekers are in play, and predictably their presence is putting stress on Kahina. But, that also puts stresses on us. Every second they're here is another second the local Rebel cell could be discovered. And if Sona doesn't even show up, then... well, what a waste of it all.

Well, I here's hoping Quinn brings home some good news.

If she's out there, it'd probably be through the rivers. There was that secret grove the mages talked about... but alas, Quinn's too busy checking with her forest buddies. As if a local hunter would fess up. They're all under the Crownguards and their lesser houses out here; they'd probably make the situation worse, call on more Mageseekers.

Or would they?

As Yin's gaze wandered to the windows, her mind wandered to the previous afternoon.

All those smiles... The loyal citizens of Demacian were all to glad to cheer on their defenders as they paraded the square... until they came later to delay dinner for an hour. Never mind barging into your local business, demanding an investigation Heh, if not for those drunkards they probably would've actually found something at the Perch. Don't get in between people and alcohol, after all. Only leads to disaster...

"And what would you do..."

Kahina's musing snapped Yin out of her thoughts, and the hemomancer sent a careful glance her way. It solidified to a neutral gaze quickly; Yin detected a look of suspicion in the Illuminator Knight, and she didn't want to be caught.

"You said you had my back. But just as easily as protecting it, why not shove a knife in it?" the Illuminator mused, "How could I trust you?"

Ah shit, Yin hoped her gulp wasn't visible, Here who go...

"Kahina, milady, I'm in the same boat as you. Protector's sake, we all are," the hemomancer noted, "If we get caught, either you or Sona, we're complicit. We have nothing to gain, everything to lose."

"Is that so?" Kahina stood up with fire in her eyes, "Do you have nothing to gain?"

Yin raised a hand, "Kahina-"

The Radiant Knight took her wrist and glared down at Yin, "What did they promise? Amnesty? Protection?"

"No, they promised nothing," Yin told truly, then lied with pleading eyes, "I wouldn't want anything of theirs anyway."

Well, anything they'd offer. I would like them dead, and I would like to ste-

"Is that so?" Through Kahina's narrowed eyes, Yin saw the Illuminator's rage be tempered; cold steel yet remained, "Maybe you don't. Or maybe you want something else. Maybe you'll take my family's lands - my father's lands - as well as his daughters. You and your lady. Is that what they promised?"

... focusing on materials, eh? Rather un-Demacian. But fine, let's play.

Yin set her own gaze to steel before she responded, "You want to know what the Mageseekers promise me? Hah! You mean it isn't obvious? You've already listed them. I could stop using my powers from now on, drink a gallon of petricite potions for the rest of my days, and cover my body with petricite to the point they people would mistake me for one of their number... But I'm not. No matter what, all the Mageseekers see in me is a mage, and they'd put an armory's worth of knives in my back before they gave me any land at all."

Yin fought the urge to smirk when Kahina blinked. Though concern and deliberation remained in the Illuminator's eyes, the raging fire that accompanied it looked like it was doused by a flood.

Yin sat back down with a sigh, softening her tone before she spoke, "Kahina, save for Lady Elia, you and Quinn are the only ones who haven't looked at my mage history and judged me for it. Maybe it's for a selfish reason and you're just looking out for your sister, but that means something."

The hemomancer offered a hand, "If this is to be my last act as a mage, it'll be worth it. Let me help you."

Yin fought the urge to gulp again as Kahina stood silently. After a pause, the Radiant Knight slowly nodded and sat back down on her seat.

"Of course..." the Radiant Knight sighed, for once looking dull as she pinched the bridge of her nose, "Apologies, I..."

"I get it. Can't really trust me; not exactly your sister-in-arms..." Yin chuckled, "Well, not yet. Though honestly, I hope that won't happen soon."

Kahina cracked a small smile, "Right. Well, if it comes down to it... I'd probably agree. I imagine you don't know your way around a sword."

Wouldn't you like to know? Yin shook her head, Wolf be damned... that was close.

As silence set itself down again, a pungent smell stabbed at Yin's nose again.

"You gonna eat that?" the hemomancer pointed at the desk.

Kahina didn't reply, instead standing up and downing the sandwich in three quick bites... or rather, one quick bite, a slow, disturbed second mouthful and a swift swallowing of the third, with no chewing to note.

"Of course the Mageseekers don't shut down the shitty food stall," Kahina grimaced then swigged from the waterskin at her desk, "Bastards. Ruin everything."

"No kidding," Yin sighed, "Such a damn shame. I have to imagine if not for Sylas they'd be out of a job."

Kahina silently nodded, then returned to her desk with a frown that shifted from disgust to a familiar concern.

"They've just arrived, but the seekers will be searching the area soon," the Radiant Knight muttered, "We can't let them get to Sona first."

"Well, I'm certain if anyone will find her, it won't be some idiot wearing a mask that blocks half their vision," Yin jested, "Quinn will find her, I'm sure."

"Of course, of course..."

"But...?"

"... nothing for you to worry about. We'll find Sona and get her out of Falconclaw..." After a tightening of her frown, Kahina stood up, "Actually, never mind what I said earlier. When you teach my men, keep an eye out. I think... someone had to have ratted us out. There's no other way the seekers would be here."

Well, never mind the fact that the head of the Ranger Knights and a key official of the Illuminators randomly decided to go for vacation in a random trading town... or whatever excuse you used...

"O... of course," Yin decided not to press further, "Where are you going?"

Kahina shrugged as she opened the door, "Maybe I can find the rat sooner. Doubt it, but... wish me luck."

Yin closed her eyes and nodded, a smirk spreading across her face when Kahina closed the door behind her. She counted three breaths before letting out a chuckle. Disbelief and joy made the hemomancer giddy, and Yin couldn't help but laugh in the wake of her accomplishment.

"Well played," rasped a dark voice.

The laughter died as she opened her eyes. Pale cold light glanced expectedly at Yin, and the hemomancer realised her fortune might not have been by chance after all.

"You're welcome," Nocturne said, "Now, what do you have to report?"

"... well, I can see how you kept winning the recruitment contests."

After just two days in Edelfelt's Grove, it was a bit embarrassing to Aislynn that her remark was all she could come up with. Since arriving, she could've sworn seeing only a handful of faces multiple times. Such was the surprisingly busy environment of the secret port; at midday, it seemed as though boats were leaving port every ten minutes, only to be replaced just as quickly. Still, it made sense to Aislynn that the Grove it wasn't a popular destination. If not for Clyde's magic, she doubted they'd have ever gotten through the turbulent currents outside the grove; the dense forests surrounding the grove, whilst surely less insurmountable, were just as intimidating.

Cyrus snorted at the remark, "No kidding. I'm surprised this place has remained a secret. Though I suppose those brutal currents we passed by are as good a deterrent as any."

"The route we took was the fastest, and honestly I've only seen four crews use it consistently," Clyde noted, "The rest just have to be in the know to get in. The safer routes are only usable in their high tides, when the rocks can be traversed over. Knowing when each river's high tide is the deal..."

Recognition sparked in Cyrus' eyes, "Ah. And it's fall. I take it the high tides are more common now compared to rest of the year?"

Clyde nodded, "You're right on the mark. Though, I have to say, this is the busiest I've seen the grove. Guess the revolution's good for more than mage rights."

"Well, this is one of the few places in the kingdom where mage rights actually exist," Aislynn noted.

Her mind travelled to their arrival and brought a smile. Aislynn hadn't bothered asking Clyde about his origins when the revolution first began, but then again unlike of the rest of them, there wasn't nearly as much trauma to it. Rather than the usual shocked and fearful looks of recognition townsfolk often gave to their old mage friends, Clyde's return to Edelfelt's Grove brought jovial greetings and handshakes. He wasn't just their reclusive friend who disappeared one day; he was a part of the community who was sorely missed in his entirely.

I doubt the kingdom should be following the grove's example completely, what with its shady dealings... but at least that far, one would hope they do...

Due in part to the busy nature of the Grove, Aislynn hadn't acquainted herself with many faces; most of them she'd likely never see again. But, one of those few familiar faces flashing by snapped her out of her stupor. Clyde stood up next to her with a smile.

"Ah, just the man I was looking for," the hydromancer remarked, "Busy morning, Lewis?"

Lewis was a big, hearty man who spoke with a French accent - or rather, old Demacian accent - befitting of a slimy politician. The contrast only carried over to his career; Clyde had regaled Aislynn with the smuggler's old exploits on his ship, the Centaur, when they first met. For such a fearsome name and sturdy ship - according to Lewis, anyway - it had only seen combat once, and its captain, for all his shady exterior, seemed a peace-loving man.

"I've only sailed back from the capital, with an hour less sleep than what I'm used to. But, I suppose I am getting older; don't feel too bad about it," Lewis grinned, "So, what are you and your friends doing out?"

"Just keeping eyes on the dock. Our business isn't concluded yet," Clyde frowned, "Any updates on that?"

Lewis frowned as he shook his head, "Non. It's probably for the best; if it wasn't before, the capital's mageseeker territory now. But..."

The smuggler pulled a scroll from his coat, "Your friends are making it work. Their dedication is why I stayed up all night. I hope it's worth it."

Clyde took the scroll with a grateful smile, "You didn't have to. Thanks."

"Don't mention it. Really, don't: I wasn't involved."

"Of course, I know the drill."

"Good. Well, I will take my leave now. Good luck with your mission."

With that, the smuggler left the mages. As they walked back to their lodgings, making the wet wood beneath their feet creak with each stepdad,the feeling of disappointment was rich in the air. Cyrus vocalised it with a sigh.

"Guess that makes day three," the pyromancer muttered, "Unless anything comes up near Falconclaw, anyway."

"Looks that way," Aislynn sighed, "Guess we should head back. I'll make my report to Nocturne, then have third watch."

"I'll take second... but let's get dinner first," Clyde insisted, "We still might have a chance."

"If she arrived, we'd have heard about it," Cyrus noted, "Beautiful famous musician, remember?"

"Well, it's not like there's a risk to anything," Aislynn mused, "We're only screwed if, Protector forbid, the Mageseekers spontaneously show up here. Clyde, you know what we like. We'll go on ahead; you can fish for more info.

"Hopefully I won't disappoint," the water mage took three steps away before turning back, "Wait, firstly, you should have this."

The water mage carefully put his newly acquired scroll in Aislynn's hand before backstepping on his way.

"Secondly, was it the spicy one or the original?"

"Both; I like the spicy one," Cyrus called back.

"Yeah, I know that," Clyde rolled his eyes, "But Lynn, which one did you want?"

"Both are fine; it's better than prison food, after all," Aislynn chuckled as she folded the scroll and fit it in her pocket, "Get back to the house soon; it's lights out ASAP if you're taking second watch."

"Of course, I know the drill," Clyde shrugged, already turning back on his track and continuing.

The Meltridge mages did as well. Over wet wooden paths and onto beaten dirt, the mages continued to their humble abode. Though it was smaller, the house at the Grove outskirts was far less neglected than the house at Meltridge, at least before their renovations. The wooden panels weren't as worn or as covered in moss, and much of the stone support was still solid,undiminished by time. Yet, more than the house's age, that it remained standing on its lonesome was odd, given the rest of the grove developing away from it. Perhaps it was too small to be a town center, but then why keep it standing at all?

Well, all the better for us. Better a house than clearing out some bear's den or something.

A tired sigh left Cyrus' lips as he fell onto the house's comfiest seat; situated at the living room's center was a worn leather couch that, against all odds, only had hints of dirt and duston it. At least, that was how the couch was before they'd arrived; Cyrus' insistence on not taking off his boots, just in case quick action was needed, added to thin film of brown forming below the right armrest.

"Guess you win the bet," the pyromancer mused.

"For all her riches, Sona ain't military. No road priority for her, never mind the slow pace from stealth," As she took her seat on a cushioned chair of pillow on worn velvet, Aislynn chuckled, "Still, no faith in Clyde's informants?"

"I believe them plenty," Cyrus replied, "But, if they haven't spoken up, then Sona's not here."

"That is the likeliest result, so if you're that keen on giving away your gold..." Aislynn paused with a wry grin, "Actually, that's getting ahead of myself. There's still a few hours till tomorrow."

"Yeah. Dark hours. No sailor's going to be coming into harbour that late," Cyrus noted, "Anyway, what does that scroll say?"

"Lemme see…" the dream mage slowly unfurled the parchment and hummed as she read, "Hmmm… well, I see they kept your idea of noting who's in the city and not…"

"That's good," Cyrus' smile was audible, "Who does it say?"

"Apparently, Jarvan's Seneschal is going to head the army sent to deal with the Iceborn. With him is a Spiritmight scion, and some other officers. Maybe you'd recognise them? You can check later;" Aislynn paused, evaluating the later half of the letter before reading aloud, "As for who's at the capital… no changes, so we'll have to ask Clyde later. Though, interestingly, the letter notes that they sent a squad of new recruit spies to Meltridge."

The sound of leather shifting told Aislynn that Cyrus had sat up at the mention of their home.

"You think our guys found them?" He asked.

"If they got there, without a doubt," Aislynn sighed, "Whether that's a boon or a headache will be hard to tell, though."

"With how long we've been gone…" Cyrus began; then audibly grimace, "Ah… shit. Well, no matter how well the others did we'll be having trouble when we get back regardless."

"Just our misfortune," Aislynn muttered, "Bur hey, maybe that's just the price we'll pay for Sona to arrive here sooner. Lucky now, unlucky later?"

"Were it so easy. River won't let that fly," Cyrus' sigh was cut off by a single light scoff from the pyromancer, "Heh… But I suppose our bet only did mention the time Sona arrived... location, though?"

"You getting lessons from Xander with that line of reasoning?" Aislynn's grin maintained as she closed her eyes.

"Heh. Maybe he's rubbing of on me if I'm looking for loopholes like this. Protector preserve..." a disturbed amusement was audible in Cyrus' voice, "How about you? You seemed excited to meet him again before he revealed his demon buddy."

A sigh left Aislynn's lips, "Then I was looking to it for a different reason..."

"Quite a descent," Cyrus noted, "Still, before hand? Only time I recall you seeing so chipper was when S-"

"Don't remind me," Aislynn couldn't help but send an icy glare Cyrus' way, "Why're you interested in what I think about Xander anyway?"

"Despite his claim that he'd respect our people's choice, it seems our Noxian friend's going to be imposing himself into our lives for the foreseeable future," Cyrus' shrug was audible, "Given our track record, I think it only natural that I worry what my fellow leader thinks of him."

Aislynn hummed as she slowly nodded, her mind turning inwards and making her gaze to the ceiling blur out of focus.

And what do I think of Xander?

... Well, he's obviously dangerous. He might be a better fighter than Sylas, even, and that's just him on his own. His friends supposedly are killers straight out of some hellish process in Noxus, he's unabashedly, uncomfortably Noxian, and, oh, he has a friggin' demon as a best friend. If he weren't on our side, I'd have escaped the country already... hopefully.

But... he won't kill me, if only on account of our shared heritage. Heritage... he does seem to care about Earth more than I, if his dreaming and concern of my dream form is anything to go by. Though that only complicates things; I mean, how the hell could you go from the vaguely democratic 21st century to serving a military dictatorship? Well, I suppose there isn't exactly a democracy anywhere on this world. I think... at least not in Valoran. Right?

And there is the good he's done. He did try dissuade me from killing, and he stood up to Heron's stupid plan. He saved me, and seems to be trying to mellow Sylas out. Good luck with that, but... he's trying to do good, right?

Aislynn grimaced, remembering the roots of the issue, He's still Noxian, and he wants soldiers for this revolution. Protector forbid this is all an act, but...

"I don't know," Aislynn admitted aloud, "I don't know what to think of him. Every time I think he's a Noxian monster or something, he tries to shut down Sylas' or his goons' warmongering. Every time I think he's genuinely on our side, he loudly reminds everyone of his current allegiances. And of course, he definitely wants our cooperation with the revolution..."

"Well, at least you're aware of all the flaws from the get-go," Cyrus chuckled, "That's an improvement, right?"

Aislynn snorted and shut her eyes, "I suppose. Still, there's still things I don't know... But just wondering aloud won't get me shit. I'll talk later. For now, gotta nap. See you around."

"Maybe that demon'll give you a clue," Cyrus mused, "But yeah, see you around..."

If Cyrus had anything left to say, Aislynn didn't head it. The dream mage's world turned dark as her right leg felt the urge to shake in hyperactivity; a result of the charged petricite in her pocket syncing with her magic. The feeling of vertigo followed, and Aislynn landed right leg first onto a floor of black marble. The white veins of the stone glowed indigo around Aislynn's feet, but otherwise the landscape was desolate.

Guess nobody's home?

… nope, there he is.

Though the void didn't give way to crimson and a Noxian noble's home, an ever so slightly darker cloud formed from the floor and rose like steam. Smoke turned to oily musculature then turned to surprisingly dense musculature overlaid with smooth skin, then two orbs of light sparked into being. The end result was... oddly less frightening then previous attempts. Perhaps it was from increased exposure, but Aislynn didn't find herself fearful in the slightest.

Nocturne didn't seem to notice the apathy his form garnered, or at least didn't care.

"Not a change since midday?" The demon assumed.

"None, sadly," Aislynn replied, "That said, Clyde got a message from Sylas' spies in the capital. Might be the last one from there due to mageseeker control hardening. That said, the army's moving out; the Seneschal's leading one north."

"The Seneschal? Xin Zhao?" Nocturne's brow furrowed, "Hm. Xander won't like that… Continue."

He won't like that, eh? Why? Aislynn stowed away the question before continuing.

"Not much to say after that. Lord Eldred and the High Marshall are staying at the capital, same as the King... at least for now. Perhaps as the revolution progresses they'll be forced to act."

"They will, or we will come for them," Nocturne paused, glancing to his blades with longing before focusing again to Aislynn, "This report was earlier than the last. You are certain Sona hasn't arrived?"

"As close to 100% as can be. Not many ships come at night," Aislynn shrugged, "In all likelihood, this'll be it. But, if anything does pop up, I should be able to bring it up for the usual meeting. Might be late for that though; need to finish dinner, and all. Anyways, how're things on your end?

"Neither Xander or the others have found anything," Nocturne answered, "But, here in Falconclaw... Xander's seekers have arrived."

"The Mageseekers are here?" Aislynn's voice raised with concern, "How many? Are they coming here?"

"If they know of the grove, I imagine they will send men in time. My message detailed a betrayal by the Buvelles that must be exposed for all to see. They will be searching for evidence before confronting Lady Kahina, but the grove's secrecy will grant you some time. As for the force sent... a shield's worth went through the front gate, but I detected at least three more coming through the port and side gates," Nocturne grumbled, "Hard to tell with the... ornaments."

"Petricite interferes with soul locating?" Aislynn assumed.

"With the ones wearing them..." the demon made a sound between a chuckle, choking, and growling, "Cowards. I will be released again soon, and I'll be sure wring their flesh dry..."

Aislynn grimaced at the graphic description but quickly brushed it off when a question rose to her mind, "Xander was born in the capital... a city made mostly of petricite. How did you get to him, then?"

Nocturne sent an amused glance Aislynn's way, "All the petricite in the world couldn't have hidden his grief... no, the petricite helped; the non-mages' souls were hidden from me, and Xander's suffering was all too clear. To bear witness to an apocalypse... only in times long past have I tasted such fear and anguish before..."

As Aislynn's disgust grew, Nocturne glanced to her and replaced the nausea with fear.

"Hmm... I thought I felt the presence of two then..." Nocturne chuckled, "If only I went for you over Xander... would've been a simpler affair."

"Right... well, lucky for me it wasn't. And I suppose it wasn't too bad if Xander made it out alive," Aislynn sighed, her disgust to continue, "Anyways... so the Mageseekers are at Falconclaw... How is Buvelle's party taking it?"

"If not for me... reaping what I've sown, mania would have consumed them," Aislynn could've sworn she saw the hint of Xander's smirk on Nocturne's featureless visage, "As it is, Lady Kahina simply suspects one of her own has betrayed her."

"In a sense, she's right," Aislynn noted, "Is that why Lady Noradi's not here?"

"She has to keep the facade of teaching the men petricite application. That, and she's consuming petricite herself to keep maintain her disguise."

"Forced to drink her own supply," Aislynn couldn't help but shudder, the memories of a bitter, ash-like taste mixed with a burning yet sapping sensation briefly rising to her mind, If she can't join in on a dream with magic, how will she know what to do?"

"I can appear physically before her in times of solitude... assuming the walls are thick enough, and the local corridors are empty enough," Nocturne mused, "Ultimately, the issue isn't the mageseekers or Yin. The trap we've set is flexible… but the bait has yet to arrive."

"Afraid I can't do anything to help there," Aislynn sighed, "Do we have any clues as to where Sona's even coming from? Rumors, hearsay?"

"None. But, more bodies have been traveling the roads. I suspect the Maven of the Strings will seek to avoid that attention."

"So the rivers, meaning Falconclaw or the grove."

"Or the close official ports, but if the Maven seeks land travel from any of those, the scouts are ready," Nocturne grumbled, "Not that anything has changed on that front."

Aislynn nodded with a sigh, "So we just have to hope and pray Sona actually shows up before anything happens?"

"In essence," Nocturne nodded, "… you can return to your flesh now. I will remain here."

"As I said, nothing to do up there," Aislynn focused momentarily on recreating the chair she slept on, only cleaner and even softer, then fell onto it with a shrug, "If you don't mind, I'll stay here too."

Nocturne's eyes narrowed before his disturbing chuckle echoed again, "I heard your thoughts, you know."

Aislynn felt her heart seize up as the black mist seemed to grow denser. A cold crawling sensation climbed her spine, the chill intensifying with each vertebrae. The world took a slightly indigo hue, and the dream mage realised her magic was flaring up. Yet as quickly as it took over, Aislynn's fear faded. The glow of dream magic flew from Aislynn's body to Nocturne's outstretched hand in slow pulses, and the dream mage slumped in her seat ever so slightly.

Nocturne retracted his arm, and the shadow of Xander's smirk seemed even more present, "You won't find any clues of my summoner's character here. This is my domain, not his."

"I see..." Aislynn couldn't help but gulp, "But... I can stay?"

Nocturne's pale eyes, despite being a monotone white, seemed to roll back, "You're not a problem or a threat. You can remain."

"Alright..." The dream mage let out a breath she only barely realised she was holding, then stumbled onto another realisation, "Wait, there's a difference between a problem and a threat?"

"A threat is someone like Xander, who can match me here," Nocturne turned away as he mused, his eyes watching the darkness, "A problem is someone who might defile my domain. You are neither."

Aislynn brushed aside Nocturne's grading for Xander's abilities compared to hers and pressed on, "Defile your domain... what is this place, anyway?"

"According to Xander's sources, it is a part of the Spirit World... a part closer to your world than most."

"... this world has a Spirit Realm?"

Nocturne's eyes narrowed, "You were unaware?"

"I didn't have Xander's sources, neither here or on Earth. Not that I imagine Xander had much either; this is a country where magic of all kinds is discouraged," Aislynn shot back a deadpan look, "Not exactly a place conducive for learning about the arcane secrets of the world."

"Hmph... if only I'd found you over Xander all those years ago," Nocturne's voice rasped with an echoing sigh before he elaborated, "Indeed, there is a Spirit Realm to this world. In the lands of Ionia, where both my summoner and the Maven trace their descent, it is commonly interacted with and honoured. Those impish creatures called Yordles call it home, and demonkind's origin lies therein..."

"So that's Ionia. What about Demacia? Maybe the Illuminators do something with it?"

Nocturne shook his head, "Only their hope for the Winged Protector's return distinguishes them from their peers... that and their being assigned to defend Demacia from my kin and other similar threats. The yearly Harrowings in the east, I understand, are their problem. And, an Illuminator did once defeat me..."

Aislynn raised an eyebrow, "An Illuminator? Who?"

After a pause, Nocturne answered, "Fossian Crownguard."

Aislynn did a double take, shaking off her surprise as she sat up straighter, "Crownguard? A Crownguard beat you? When? How?"

"Generations ago, now," The shade of Xander's smirk returned to Nocturne's face, "A common fear I've found in many is that the Illuminators were secretly mage sympathisers. Perhaps with Fossian's case, those fears were correct."

Aislynn could barely believe it, "He was a mage?"

"A mere spear couldn't kill me," Nocturne crossed his arms, "Not even one of runesteel. No, after meeting his descendant, I am certain. Fossian Crownguard was a light mage, like Luxanna Crownguard is now. Heh, if not for prior experience I suspect I would've been broken down further, perhaps permanently slain. Luxanna is a stronger mage than her ancestor..."

"Luxanna's stronger?" Aislynn blinked, "But... how? Are all the Crownguards secret mages?"

"Perhaps... Xander told me Luxanna's mother once sent for a Mageseeker to purge Luxanna of her abilities. The request was cancelled at Luxanna's request, but that her mother knew what to do may imply prior experience," Nocturne scowled, "How was this hidden from me? I should've looked into this sooner..."

Aislynn slumped in her chair as a disbelieving chuckle seeped out of her lips.

"The Crownguards are all mages? Fucking bastards... How the hell could they support the Mageseekers if-"

"They aren't all mages, if any," Nocturne noted, "Garen and Tianna are definetely not; they would have already discovered their abilities or been discovered if they were. Pieter Crownguard has a long, unremarkable career as well, not to mention experience in the Demacian political arena... There was also an uncle for Garen; a ranger-knight slain by a mage. No, only the mother can be questioned here... and even then I doubt her magical inclination."

"But how else would Lux be a more powerful mage than her ancestor?"

Nocturne sent a deadpan gaze Aislynn's way, shutting up the dream mage before shifting to an amused tone.

"If magic were simply a matter of breeding, your kind would've mastered it long ago, along with the dogs and cattle," Nocturne's voice turned demeaning quickly as he explained, "No, the arcane is a matter of the soul as well. I am of magic, after all, and my physical form is but an adaptation."

"Then what is the soul?" Aislynn questioned.

Nocturne remained silent, then shrugged, "Nobody could tell you such things, least of all a demon only recently conscious and aware. Could you know the very essence of the grain you eat?"

Well, l know life's comprised carbon and oxygen, among other things, and that also makes up the atoms of grain... cooking alters its composition over so slightly, and-

"How fortunate your life on Earth was, to have such mysteries answered," Nocturne grumbled, "And Xander said you were the type to complain about it! How audacious."

"Audacious?" Something ticked in the back of Aislynn's head, and she stood up with a growl, "That bastard's killed how many people since being reborn, manipulated everyone, and he says I'm audacious? Fucker, I'm going to-"

"Probably be humiliated if you try to combat him," Nocturne again somehow rolled his glowing, monotone eyes, "And if you want to threaten me..."

Aislynn paused, growled, then deflated back onto her seat with a sigh.

"Well, if it makes you feel better, the nature of the soul was a mystery on Earth as well."

"Hmph... Heh. You're both audacious fools, you and Xander. And yet, here I am feeding from your scraps, me and my kin," Nocturne's poor mood returned swiftly, "Damn Xander for stripping away the hunt from me."

"... how did he do that?"

"Do you want to threaten me?"

"... fine, I'll ask him later."

"Hmph... You're lucky he wants you alive."

"So all your threats from earlier were moot?"

Nocturne growled and turned away, flaring up smoke from his body as he floated into the dark sky. From the void's floor, Aislynn relaxed, content with the short verbal spare. The dream mage watched the demon gaze to the sky and squinted.

What... what are those?

As it turned out, the sky above wasn't a pitch black void. Like stars in a foggy night, barely perceptible in the darkness were pinpricks of light. Though most were pale and faded, the occasional star twinkled in brilliant, vibrant hues.

The pale ones are likely non-mages, meaning those pinpricks are the rebels... big shining blue over there might be Clyde... one of those orange one's has to be Cyrus, maybe Heron... assuming colour connects with what type of magic I think it does. And assuming Nocturne can also see souls that aren't unconscious .. Only he could say though, I suppose. But bigger and brighter probably does mean more powerful...

Aislynn's eyes wandered over to a distant corner, and beheld two iridescent giants in the sky. The first and largest was shifted between a glowing purple and a dark red, whilst the smaller of the two was a shining white, alight with the flickers of a rainbow on its rim.

Or perhaps type defines size? That purple/red one has to be Xander, but Sylas over there's smaller, despite him being a more powerful mage... I think, anyway... but how about the shine? Looks like Sylas is brighter, but why?

Aislynn couldn't help but glare at Nocturne's back as another question rose to her mind, Is it size or shine that that monster looks for? Or is it darkness...

"Pain doesn't cause darkening of the soul," Nocturne answered, reminding Aislynn of his seeming omniscience, "I don't imagine you would understand. My kind can feel your emotions more precisely than you could ever hope to... it is our nature."

"That... makes sense," Aislynn conceded, "If not color or darkening, what are you looking for?"

Nocturne remained silent before glancing down to Aislynn and muttering the reply, "I don't know. I've never met the Maven of the Strings. All I have to work on is her powerful magic... magic that may not even be her own."

Aislynn blinked, "Excuse me?"

"It would explain how she's escaped all this while. Moreover, Xander's notes mention her instrument; the etwahl. The maven rarely is seen without it... perhaps it is the magical artefact, and not Sona herself... But more likely, they are two parts of a puzzle; two magic parts. The Mageseekers will not care for the difference..."

Aislynn sat up, "Maybe they don't, but we do. If they're two magic parts, maybe you could identify them. Not one shining body, but two stars shining together."

"It is... unknown," Nocturne shrugged off the suggestion, "I imagine if such an obvious pair existed, I would've noticed... but perhaps they've been separated. Perhaps one half is not enough to shine... Either way, I have no trace of which of these souls, if any, is the Maven."

Nocturne was silent for a moment after, before he raised his right arm and snapped his fingers. That was the only clue Aislynn had to the situation before her chair caught her and lifted her up. The demon still floated above her, but needing to only glance up rather than turn her neck helped.

"Still, that was a good suggestion. With none of Xander's back talk," an amused tone raised the demon's voice, "Perhaps you could be of help after all."

"I'd be glad to, but what happened to not having your precision?"

"Precision didn't teach me to not rely on a diet of fear... a human perspective expanded my capabilities. Perhaps it can help me... what's Xander's quote, find a needle in a bush?"

"Haystack, would be the correct answer," Aislynn whistled lowly, "And even with two pairs of eyes..."

Well, no, this is more a puzzle than a sight-seeing event. I think, anyway. That makes two minds, but... still, how do we find Sona in this array? Excluding our guesswork, and we barely have a clue! We where she'd be, how she looks... we don't even know if she's here!

Aislynn grumbled... then raised an eyebrow.

... but maybe someone else does?

The dream mage posed a question, "Nocturne, can you identify Kahina Buvelle's soul in all this?"

Nocturne glanced back, "Kahina Buvelle? Why?"

"You can look into other people's memories, right?" Aislynn reconfirmed, "Then maybe-"

"I can look through her memories, see through her eyes and find a trace of Sona's soul?" Nocturne hummed in thought, "It... would not suffice. Kahina Buvelle may love her sister deeply, but she knows nothing of magic. Her eyes will not suffice for this."

Aislynn deflated, "Damn it. I thought-"

"You thought well, though. Kahina Buvelle's eyes will not meet our needs, but another pair of eyes might suffice," Nocturne's forearms coursed with magic as he summoned the purple/red sun to him. It impossibly maintained its size as it descended, not expanding as it grew closer. The demon touched it with an indigo claw, paused, then traced a familiar glyph in the air.

"Xander," Aislynn recognised, "Xander knew Sona Buvelle?"

"However different their parentage was, both of them are of Ionian blood and were raised amongst nobility," Nocturne mused, "Even discounting his father's guidance, Xander would have met Sona eventually."

"And Xander's a dream mage... but he was young then. Wouldn't his eyes-"

"Magic is not a matter of flesh," Nocturne reminded, "His eyes aren't the key here... this may be a false hope, but given what I know of my summoner, I find it unlikely he didn't try to spy on Sona's dreams."

The glyph traced in air left a thin line of light that burst into violet fire, then buckled inwards and shifted into a portal.

Nocturne chuckled, then glanced to Aislynn, "Perhaps I was wrong about my assumptions on Xander's superiority. That was a clever ploy. At least, I believe it so... Shall we discover the extent of your abilities together?"

When his nerves froze with fire and his dream-eyes faded between and black, Xander knew better than to restart the level.

Sylas, you fucker! the dreamer growled, his body reforming in the dream void, I was there! He said the "Come on!" line! So close... Gods damn it all...

With a growl of annoyance, Xander flipped in the void, willing stone floors to appear and for gravity to affect him again. The walls of his Noxus apartment built themselves around him, and Xander turned to the front door to welcome the only one who could interrupt his dream in such a way.

Despite having a extra nights to practice lucid dreaming, Sylas clearly wasn't acclimated to the bizarre scenes possible within. Of course, Xander had plotted him to enter his dream a mile in the air, and with the stone roofs of Noxus Prime climbing to meet him, of course he was going to be a mess. The Left Hand would give him credit, though; he was coherent enough to know why his current predicament was so terrible.

"Xandaaaaarrrr!-"

Being dropped from such a height in reality would've turned Sylas to a red smear. In the dream however, Sylas' yell was swallowed by flexible, shock-absorbing stone brick. When Sylas bounced from the ground and fell through the front door and into Xander's couch, he was still spitting out the taste of pavement.

That'll have to do do...

With a clearing of his throat, Xander put away his dissatisfaction and traded it for his shit-eating grin, "Good afternoon, Sylas. What can I do for you?"

Sylas got up from the couch with a a growl, "You're..."

"An asshole? Piece of shit? Just plain petty? I'm very much aware, and I mean, so were you. Or did you forget overnight?"

Sylas twisted to lie on his back and decompress, grimacing with eyes shut tight. He was ultimately only slightly successful in banishing his irritation, "I thought you were going to be useful. The fuck are you doing here getting shut-eye?"

"Being more useful," Xander's grin widened, "Having me asleep means if any updates come from the scouts or the grove, I can pick it up immediately."

"And the training?" Sylas sat up taller to try look imposing, "You said you sent Nocturne to fetch the seekers because you'd be of better service helping train my men."

"And I have been for the past two days. You've seen it, right?" The Left Hand shrugged, "The Legionnaire routine's a challenge, especially for new recruits. Whilst you can rush the process, only the best of the best come out of that stronger. The rest get tired, burnt out minds and sore, pulled muscles. And considering we may need those minds and muscles for an actual op soon, well, better not risk that."

"Well, fair, but then train those without risk. The best-of-the-best types."

"Why'd you think Erret's not here? Surely you saw him whacking some fool sideways with the flat of his sword, or something," Xander sighed, stowing away his smirk, "Even tough bastards like us need breaks. And you just interrupted mine... but I'll let that slide. So, what can I do for you?"

"... I suppose everyone else in camp today's been laying about," Sylas frowned, then relaxed into his seat, "Nothing. I was just concerned my newest recruit was... indulging himself, instead of doing something productive for the cause."

"Sometimes doing nothing can be productive," Xander's gaze went deadpan when he caught the prior reference, "... And I'm not using my dreams for debauchery.

"Then what were you doing? I somehow doubt those assistant women you have at the meetings enjoy messing up those fancy dresses."

"First point: for what you think I'm doing, those dresses would be messed up. Moot point. Second: who said anything about those women being involved? For dumb fun, you don't need another perspective."

"Heh. 'Don't need another perspective'. You must be popular."

Xander blinked, then sighed as he recalled, "Despite my efforts, I am popular, actually. Because I, again despite my best efforts, give a shit... Also because I'm a damn good fighter and that's really all you need in Noxus, but the other stuff helps."

"Does it?" Sylas glanced around the room, grinning wryly at the Noxian livery, "I imagine in a place like that, kindness would get you killed."

"If you don't have that good old Noxian strength to temper it, absolutely, to the wolves with you. But smart rulers know better than to rely solely on iron fists, and there's power in numbers. Even the strongest men and women need allies; that's true even in Noxus. Perhaps especially in Noxus," the Left Hand mused before snapping his fingers and conjuring a bottle of wine and a floating pair of glasses, "A drink?"

Sylas glanced back to Xander, "I suppose it couldn't hurt... unless this is a possession?"

"If I wanted to, I would've done it already," Xander noted, "And no, it isn't hypnosis, and even if it was I doubt someone of your willpower would be influenced by it."

Sylas feigned distrust for a short moment, reaching slowly for the bottle. The Unshackled smirked, then snapped his fingers in the same fashion Xander did, only this time suspended in air was a barrel of beer and two wooden mugs.

"Thanks for offering, but I came having had."

"So I noticed," Xander chuckled, dismissing his drinks and taking the mug meant for him, "Got to say, I was wondering if I'd feel anything if you stole my magic in sleep. Spoiler alert: I did."

"Hope it wasn't too disturbing," Sylas smirked, likely knowing otherwise.

"Stung like a bitch," Xander responded, "But, I've had worse."

Sylas' response came with a look half-filled with amusement, "My Demacian heart pales to imagine what those monsters to the East put you through."

The Left Hand nodded begrudgingly, but shot back, "You went through, what was it, fifteen years of solitary? You'd have made it out fine were you in my position. Easy. Me in yours, though? Well, you've heard me ramble.

After a brief smirk at the light jest, the emotional half of Sylas' look took more ground, "Hm, right. Fifteen years in the dark. You probably wouldn't have made it. Those years should've been enough to kill me... I suppose they did. The foolish boy that tried to appease his oppressors died in that cell many times over."

"And when Lux came, she let loose a killer," Xander finished, "Mmm, if anything would do it, those years would turn anyone mad... though admittedly you're not as mad as would've thought."

Sylas glanced to Xander with suspicion, "What were you expecting?"

"Well, what I saw when I first met you fit the bill," Xander shrugged, "Out to kill any nobleman who shows his or her face, giddy at new ways to do so... With that in mind I honestly expected you to shoot down my idea in favour of Heron's, at least at first."

"Burning down a local stronghold would send quite the message, but yours was the safer plan," Sylas shrugged, "We still get to rough up the Mageseekers and spit in a noble family's face. And if your plan does get us more recruits beyond that then, well, all the better."

Xander's gaze narrowed.

Sylas backed away slightly, "What is it?"

"Spitting in a noble family's face... you're content with just that?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Usually when it comes down to you and nobility, the liquids involved are of a darker hue."

"And I suspect it'll come down to it," Sylas smirked before taking a sip from his mug, "It's not like Lady Kahina will just let us kill those who keep her in power. There'll be a fight, I'm sure."

"And when it breaks out, will I see the face I met up north, or the one who welcomed me here, I wonder," the Left Hand chuckled into his drink, sipped, then elaborated, "This operation's goal is to bring Sona to our side... I doubt she'd take kindly to that offer if we're drenched in her sister's blood."

Sylas frowned, pensively looking into his drink, "... Then she'll just be another Luxanna, I suppose."

"You suppose? You do realise not getting Lux on board was a major misstep for the revolution, right?" Xander's mouth remained open, but the Left Hand was able to stop and center himself before he continued, "Heh. Well, if that's the case, then I guess I'll be seeing the monster born in the Mageseeker's dungeons."

Sylas' frown deepened, "As opposed to?"

"How about the revolutionary who simply wants a better life for his people?" Xander chuckled, "A far more palatable picture, however unrealistic... reparations would be needed. But they needn't have been paid with blood. Persuasion could've been enough if it reached the right people, and given who Luxanna rubs elbows with, well..."

The Unshackled chuckled, "As if the king would've accepted my terms. I wouldn't have expected for a Noxian of all people to share Luxanna's naïveté."

"Eh, you'd be surprised," Xander shrugged, "I mean, hell, I can confirm that our current king did have a... how did you put it, mage friend? And it wasn't Luxanna..."

The Left Hand sighed, turning away with a shrug, "Alas, I suppose we'll never know. Because at the end of the day, the tragic, oppressed mage never showed himself when he was called for execution. As you say, he died in that cell, and the Mageseeker's monster came ou-"

An iron grip wrapped itself around Xander's throat, and his feet felt air below them. Beneath Xander's gaze, ice-like eyes glared daggers into the Left Hand's soul. Despite that, Xander's nonchalant demeanour didn't fade.

"You really do have a loose tongue, huh?" Sylas growled as he stood up, "I am not the Mageseeker's monster. I never have been, never will be. Say anything of the sort again, and that tongue's getting pulled off.

Xander smiled and attempted to nod. Sylas dropped him soon after, but not because of the attempt. As the Left Hand landed on his feet and leaned onto the nearby wall for support, coughing all the while, he dismissed an array of conjured golden portals, as well as the sharpened variety of projectiles within.

The Left Hand cleared his throat of stresses before continuing, "Heh. Duly noted. I'll try avoid your fucked up past from now on... but let's not deny the future. If we repeat what you pulled in that prison and lose another noble mage in hiding, the cause will suffer for it."

"We survived the last time I failed. We'll do so again if necessary."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. The Mageseekers haven't exactly been painting themselves a better picture, anyway," after a nonchalant shrug, Xander's gaze hardened with cold focus, "But I assure you: if we reveal a beloved aristocrat's identity as a mage? And have them join us? That will do more damage to the crown's than any number of dead Mageseekers. And the only way to achieve that is if your softer side shows up."

The Left Hand shrugged, "Or who knows, maybe Sona actually despises Lady Kahina, and will join us regardless of whether the Illuminator's head is still attached to her neck. I suppose you have until the Maven of the Strings actually shows up to run those odds."

As Sylas stood silently in thought, Xander finished his mug and refilled it. With a smirk, Xander saluted to the revolutionary, snapping Sylas out of his stupor as he took his seat again. The Unshackled's frown, though not as deep as before, remained even as he matched Xander's actions and took a long swig from his drink.

Xander sighed internally, hiding his face with a sip of his own mug, Well, we just got here. Be glad with how far you've gotten thus far, but keep it up. We'll get him there in time.

When Sylas put down his mug, a wry grin spread his mouth wide.

"So, the princeling wasn't lying when he said he had a mage friend?"

Who knows, maybe that time still will be sooner than I predicted.

"Oh, it is so much juicier than that..." Xander grinned, "This just might be the most unbelievable thing you'll hear me say, but if there's a secret of Jarvan's you should engrave in your memory, this is it. Now, let me tell you about our king's infatuatio..."

A hissing sound caught the Left Hand's attention, and he trailed off.

Sylas didn't catch on immediately, "... Well? Spill the beans... wait, what's that noise?"

The hissing reached a fever pitch, growing louder at the door. Sylas stood slowly, caution evident in his gait as he watched the source of the disturbance. Xander for his part just sighed, standing up and putting his hands behind his back. The Left Hand's eyes glowed as a pillar of plush pillow manifested behind him.

"Just can't get a break today," Xander half chuckled, half grumbled, then opened the door.

Compared to her old ally in Sylas, Aislynn didn't scream even as she fell at terminal velocity. The only payment she suffered for her interruption was a short trip following her detaching herself from the crater she made in the pillow pillar. But where her punishment was a slap at the wrist at most, Nocturne didn't even bother; the demon merely floated in and closed the door behind him.

From the floor, Aislynn sighed, "Why the fall?"

"I'm supposed to be on break," Xander shrugged, "But it was a dream break intending for reports... so what have thee?"

The Left Hand glanced to Nocturne, "Any updates on the Seekers?"

"They haven't left Falconclaw yet, but they are moving to the ports. I suspect they'll be taking rides down the river soon..." Nocturne's answer didn't leave in its usual rasp, "As for the Illuminators, they have reached the conclusion that there is a traitor is in their midst. Though Yin's been able to convince Kahina that she is innocence, the Illuminators' self purging may interfere with their attempts to locate the Maven."

"Then we best find her first," Xander nodded then turned to Aislynn, "I suppose that's why you're here? Any updates on the Grove?"

"Sadly, no. As far as we know she hasn't arrived, and given the lack of boats coming in over night, well, we shouldn't expect anything else," Aislynn admitted, "But that's not why we're here. We think you can help us locate Sona from the dream world."

Xander blinked, "... well, I'm all ears, but Nocturne's the expert there."

"I need to know what Sona's soul looks like," Nocturne floated forward, "And I know you've met her before."

"If you've delved into a dreamscape with her, we need you to remember," Aislynn continued, "If you did, Nocturne might be able to reverse-engineer an image of her."

"Which he can use to locate our Maven," Xander concluded with a frown, glancing to the two newcomers, then to Sylas.

... ah well fuck it. I was going to show them anyway...

The Left Hand snapped his fingers, conjuring an open steel gate.

As the gate rose, Xander spoke, "We'll take the earlier years. For you, check my teens."

After a single nod of understanding, Nocturne got to work, blazing through the gates with such speed as to send stray papers in Xander's Noxian living room flying. The mages quickly followed, crouching under the steel gate to continue. Behind Xander, both Aislynn and Sylas gasped at the grand sight; he could understand why. The library where Xander imagined he kept his memories wasn't built like anything in Runeterra, or even on Earth. Instead, aged metals forged in rough angles and illuminated by weak golds and twinkling teals comprised the library...

If it could even be called that: no book remained there, instead holding abstract shapes of glowing teal or gold or green or...

"What the hell is all this?" Sylas wondered aloud.

"The Library," Xander answered, "Thing about being able to map your subconscious; you can go all out. And given how many memories any person goes through naturally, I figured giving my archives a grand aesthetic would suffice. Of course, I rarely ever visit this place anyway. I know what memories I want to relive: I'll just imagine that before heading to the dream. Only person who ever uses this now is Nocturne... not that he often does, what with being accustomed to me after all these years. Better learning about other people's experiences."

Aislynn stepped forward, then sent a pondering gaze, "If I, say wanted, to go back-"

"To then? Not the time," Xander smirked, "Nocturne's good, but let's help him out. I'll search five and six years old, you guide Sylas through seven to ten."

"But how?" Sylas was incredulous, "There isn't a proper record to look at all here!"

"Then make one," Xander winked, cluing Aislynn in on a clue, "Good luck, you two!"

With that, the Left Hand bolted down the archives. The other two mages kept some pace as they ran past the black-iron shelves of his Noxian career, then through the dirty bronze of his exile years. Silver highlighted the folders of his Demacian childhood, and at a point Aislynn noticed the year numbers at each shelf's top corner, and stopped where ordered. Xander left them, not stopping until a filter of steel cracked with angry scars was at the horizon.

Xander turned on a dime, conjured a couch and a laptop, and got to work. As the screen booted up, a pair of headphones formed around Xander's ears and began to blare out melodies and chords. The music put the Left Hand in the zone as he recalled details of his second childhood, passively using each clue as a filter.

Well, never mind, it wasn't five years old. Five was when my nose grew in and I started dreaming... but six was when Sona first showed up at court. From there, its plotting out when the Buvelles showed up that year... the king's birthday? Well, that's a safe guess, but Jarvan Three was good pals with Barett Buvelle; probably much earlier...

"Sylas ditched Aislynn, you know."

Xander chuckled at the familiar, graceful, yet ultimately manufactured voice breaking through his thoughts.

"I'm aware, Ava," the Left Hand mused, "Well, now. But still, I suppose I gotta give him props for figuring it out so quickly. Which year is he checking out?"

"First year in Noxus," Ava replied. Despite not seeing her, Xander knew she bared a frown, "... Are you sure it was necessary?"

"You'll have to be more specific there," Xander barely forced out, focusing on his screen.

Never mind again. Eighth month, twenty second day. Right, Sona for my old Earthen birthday, how could I forget? Well, I didn't know sign language at the time, so it was less interesting than I'd hoped-

"You'll be splitting a family in two," Ava muttered, "And this betrayal... I don't imagine they'll take it likely.."

"No need to imagine. They won't take it nicely. Which is why I won't be there; I'll be splitting Mageseeker skulls and making off with the petricite Yin brought in."

"You have no regrets? None at all?"

"... ask me again that if we fail," Xander banished Ava from his thoughts as the night of the 08/22/980 After Noxus came to his laptop's desktop, "Bingo."

A tap of the spacebar brought a preview, and a click of the touchpad's lower corner brought the 'memory file' to the nightly hours. Dark blue and his father's snores echoed for an irksome ten minutes before fading to pitch black silence... then came the void, and Xander knew he'd found it. As he watched, he traced a familiar glyph on his laptop's touchpad.

Shadows consumed Xander's vision after before the foreign floors of an Ionian temple formed, accompanied by a short girl with azure twin-tails, somber, shining eyes and a dress of sky blue.

"Well, that's the image of her at age six," Xander muttered, "Will that suffice?"

"Were it so easy," Nocturne grumbled, voice deep save for his growl of effort, "Keep it playing."

"Of course, of course."

A slow series of chord echoed through the temple grounds as the dream continued. Despite the beautiful melody, Xander couldn't help but sigh. It might've been nostalgia that made Xander remember the tune more fondly than it played, but more likely Xander assumed the combination of the memory being of someone else's dream and of it being so old... well, of course quality would suffer for it.

The song faded to its final strums, and soon came short claps. Xander smiled, but the urge to facepalm accompanied it when his tiny self, clad in a hoody from his Earthen childhood, walked on with a smile. If not for Sona being a child herself in the dream, Xander had to assume he'd have been caught... alas, that never happened, and the echoes of conversation rang through the dream.

"That was beautiful," his younger self complimented with... Xander couldn't withhold a chuckle as he saw a slight blush on his young self. Even after an apocalypse, he was still an awkward asocial fool.

Well, a sea of blood later and I still haven't gotten laid. Not exactly a shining extrovert.

The young Sona nodded thankfully and bashfully shuddered as her voice, mute to the world but audible in the dreamscape, shakily responded, "Th-thank... oh, how do I sign thank you again?"

The young Xander played dumb; the Left Hand recalled it was to keep the image of the dream secure.

"Where words fail, music speaks," The young dream mage quoted, "I'm... not as good as you, but maybe as thanks for this performance, I can give one of my own?"

Thankfully, young Sona didn't ask where the guitar the young Xander pulled out came from. Soon, a familiar tune echoed through the temple. Though Xander could see his younger self make missteps with some notes, the sound didn't change: it seemed the memory of the old Earthen track covered for him in the dream.

Well, still made it out alive, Xander grinned as his younger self started walking to the beat, then smiled wider as Sona accompanied him in playing, adding background chords to the piece.

Despite himself, Xander began to hum as the queues came from his younger counterpart; soon came lyrics as well, "Cum histo-ria..."

"Enjoying yourself?"

With a blink, Xander conjured a blade to his side, barely stopping himself from decapitating the Unshackled. Sylas grinned knowingly, and Xander put away his blade with a sigh.

"Second time from you this afternoon, you ass," Xander grumbled, "I would've thought you'd be in the Noxian shelves."

"I would've, if not for Nocturne making a beeline for your position on my way there," Sylas said.

So you only stole stuff from my exile days, Xander assumed, Well, hope you enjoy that, shit head.

The two mages stood silently, enjoying the music before Xander addressed the fourth member in the dreamscape, "I see you followed, Lynn."

The dream mage nodded but didn't take her eyes off the performance of the dream's two young mages.

"Best musician in the kingdom..." Aislynn mused, "Well, melody wise, no argument there."

Sylas grunted in agreement as the performance came to a close. The young Xander put down his guitar, Sona smiled brightly but otherwise remained still and silent.

"That was ...nice," Sona's voice echoed, despite her closed lips. She then signed her next thoughts, "I didn't know you were a good... player of music, Ren."

Both the dream Xander and the Left Hand chuckled at the mistranslation. The latter tensed, however, recalling the direction of the conversation. Sylas likely wouldn't take kindly to it.

"I'm not as good as you," the young Xander admitted, "But I've been learning this past year. A small hobby."

After a pause to recall hand signs, Sona answered, "... I would've thought your hobbies would be..."

"Like my father's? Well, I'm pretty good with a spear, too," the young Xander's bravado quickly faded, "Well, at least, for someone only with a month of training. I have already won twice against Prince Jarvan, though. That's something, right?"

Xander was vaguely aware of Sylas' gaze falling on him, but thankfully the Unshackled was slow to speak up. Shadows covered the heartwarming scene as a darker voice interrupted the dream's conversation.

"I've done it," Nocturne's tone was satisfied, even without having finished his mission, "This should be enough to find the Maven."

"Well then," the Left Hand smiled, both content and relieved, "Don't wait around on my account."

Nocturne pulsed for a moment before covering Xander's vision in darkness. The dark didn't fade, however; instead, lights slowly sparked in the void, their illumination showing the dark shape of Nocturne's body. The demon floated above the mages, raising a hand and wading it in the sky of souls. After a pause, Nocturne plucked a diamond blue orb with two sparks of light at their center; it looked as though a binary system was trapped in a pearl.

After a final pause of rumination, Nocturne sucked himself into the pearl, blighting it black before returning and descending to meet the mages. The demon placed the pearl in Xander's hands before glancing to Aislynn. The Demacian dream mage met Nocturne's pale gaze with wide eyes.

"You don't mean..." the dream mage started.

"She's at the grove," Nocturne confirmed, clasping Aislynn's wrist, "I will cover and guide you. Now, it's time to wake."

"We'll get the camp ready," Xander spoke up, "Nocturne, don't show yourself."

"If it can be afforded," the demon countered, "The Maven is troubled."

"By what?" Sylas questioned, "The Mageseekers just arrived at Falconclaw! Unless they sent..."

"They didn't, but that may change," Nocturne answered, "The Maven sought transport to Falconclaw... her escort thought to bring her to the Mageseekers. I imagine the escort planned to bring her to the capital... but with Seekers closer nearby..."

"Then there's no time to lose," Sylas cut in, "Go. Free Sona if you can. Ensure she's freed by any means necessary."

The slightest spark of hesitation in Aislynn's eyes was doused in an instant, and the dream mage nodded, "We'll get her free."

"And we'll be supporting you soon," Xander nodded, "Good luck. Stay safe."

With that final exchange, Nocturne's shadow again covered the mages' vision. The sound of rushing air and the feeling of a fall kicked in, and soon, the Left Hand was reacquainted with the stone ceiling of the rebellion's cave-basin hideout. Soon after that, Sylas' appeared in the Xander's vision, offering a helping hand and sporting a smirk on his face.

A vile, knowing smirk.

"So, Ren, shall we get back to work?"

Despite the curses ringing in his mind, Xander took the hand with a smile.

"Sure, brother. Back to work."

And so I still win, Xander smirked as Sylas growled, Well, here anyway. Still can't catch a break...

Author's Note: Sheesh. Almost didn't make it. Sidenote, Arcane's amazing. So amazing it took out two days of my work between rewatching and looking at reactions. Next week's Act 3 might be even worse. Hopefully not, but we'll see.