Thanks to everyone who drops a review and read this! Hope your week is going well everyone, now let's go!

Chapter 5: Formal dress codes and silver bolts.

Being a therapist is in lots of ways has it dress code. You can either dress in a relaxed fashion while keeping it professional, or you can either go full ahead and dress like one of the scholars on the universities of Demacia where knowledge was free for those who dedicated their lives to the craft of the pursuit of knowledge.

"No, I'm sorry but I can't and won't do it seriously I won't do it. No stop looking me with those eyes!" Sona had come early on the afternoon to his office before anyone else could see him, it seemed none of his appointments came in time, he didn't really saw any visit not even Riven, maybe she would appear late with the summoner?

Sona was making a face as she had given him an invitation for a formal event, lots of honor guests would be in the court of the king Jarvan III. It was simply an occasion to celebrate the negotiations between Jarvan III known to others as Jarvan Lightshield and the master tactician of Noxus, Jericho Swain.

The news was surprising for no one expected for something as negotiations to ever happen, while surely this would not bring peace, it was a step in the right direction to end the conflict in the eyes of others. For Cid, it was simply a hope that maybe things could go well, to celebrate this occasion there would be a celebration in the court of Jarvan III.

Everyone knew that Jericho Swain loved the music of Sona, so she would be there to play for the whole guests that would be in there. Of course, those selected guests of honor could take with them two invitees. And Sona decided that a way to show thanks to her therapist and hopefully for them to have a better understanding in the future would be to invite him to such grand occasion. Who would deny such an honor?

"Come on, is just a party in the end, you don't even have to speak with anyone…please? It would mean a lot if you came" Sona was hoping Cid would go, she didn't really needed company for the party, but she would feel better knowing she was also helping him. "I know you say you don't like formal dress codes but…"

Cid decided to interrupt "I didn't say I didn't like it, I hate formal dress codes…they are too tight and I'm not that much of formalities…. Plus, I'm not that well liked in the higher circles of Demacia"

Anyone on the high ranks of society, or as he called them, the high society of rumors, knew that he was the infamous soldier who retreated of the battlefield, the sole survivor of a battle that only he knew the full details. Even if time had pass, people still remembered him as the one who ran away.

"I know it can be hard…but please, give it a try, there will be free food, and maybe you can get that book with a sign from Swain" Oh…she had seen the book. He forgot to place it back in the bookshelf. "I will try, but I can't promise anything okay…I mean I don't even have a suit" he smiled, he surely wouldn't be able to enter such a regal event without proper clothing, no way Sona would…

.

"Why?" Sona was wearing her hood as she guided the way through a store looking for a suit for him. He had to admit, whatever Sona problems were she surely could send those problems away by being focused, she had a task at hand and surely wasn't taking no for an answer. "Really, I mean it there is no need to get me a suit" Sona didn't even look at him as she was still looking through the clothes on the store with determination in her eyes, she wouldn't allow him any space for an excuse to not assist.

In the end, no matter what he tried, Sona wouldn't take a no for an answer, he was a bit worried that someone would be in his office while he was being dragged into a fitting room to try a suit. "You don't need to worry mom I can dress myself…" a kick to his sheen was all the warning he had to understand he shouldn't mock her.

As he tried the suit he had to admit this one for a chance didn't felt so uncomfortable, but still he didn't really want to go, but…. "Will there be good food in there at least?" he asked behind the door forgetting her friend wouldn't be able to answer back from the other side of the door…wait, since when had he started thinking of Sona as a friend?

The only answer he received was in the form of a red tie being thrown over the door. "Oh, come on… not a tie…" in the end he had to confess something to Sona, a deep fear no one knew…well maybe everyone suspected about it, they would speak of it on the market! Now he was being paranoid "I got no idea how to use this thing…"

He couldn't see it, but he was sure Sona was laughing at his expenses. The advantages of being unable to make any sound was the she was laughing of him and he couldn't see her laughing, she had suspicions Cid wasn't formal at all if his usual clothing was anything to go by, his friend was surely being one for formalities…when did she started to call him a friend? He had a weird way to make his way through people defenses.

On the fitting room as a man was fighting a tie he had the feeling he was forgetting something… and he then remembered as he opened the door of the fitting room coming out with a mess of a tie and suit "Sona I got an appointment in the office!"

.

In Cid office Riven was waiting for the man to appear, the summoner had left her telling her that the therapist would surely be back soon. She decided to make herself comfortable in the office of his friend. She decided to take a pen that was on the desk and a blank piece of paper and kept the drill of writing the letters of her name.

She had decided since her last visit she would learn to write the same way she had mastered her sword. Constant drills and practice. So far it was still hard, but so had been her sword. She would only need to keep practicing. She was thinking that writing was fun, surely it was bothersome, but it had a weird sense of fun, on how you placed letters and suddenly the formed words.

As she kept writing her name on the paper the door behind her opened with a frantic therapist in a suit and what seemed a red snake on his neck, followed by a lady with blue hair who Riven was highly familiar with.

"Sona? You have anger issues too?" As Cid was trying to get his breath back Sona looked at Riven, she didn't know that Riven was seeing a therapist, she had heard the rumors of the issue on the match of the League, but she thought it was a rumor, not a fact. Still it was surprising she was seeing Cid. It seemed the therapist had quite the bit of fame on his shoulders, not everyone would be trusted to work with champions after all.

Sona recovered from her initial shock at seeing Riven and thought of how to speak to her, she didn't think Riven would be proficient in sign language. She her writing and decided to go with that. Riven saw Sona writing and couldn't avoid speaking her mind.

"You have a really pretty hand writing" Sona smiled at the compliment from Riven, Cid had already vanquished the demon known as a tie and saw the writing, yup she does. In her elegant hand writing she wrote to Riven "Just visiting"

"Well Riven how are you doing?" Cid decided to ask as Riven was now in the company of Sona on the couch of the office. "Doing good, I have started to read a book on the library of the league" She smiled with pride beaming out, as if she has just conquered a mighty beast. "Oh neat, what book did you start to read?" Pride went away to leave a shy mess in its place. "Is a kid book of tales"

If Riven felt shy Sona was the full opposite, she suddenly took hold of Riven hands as she smiled while her eyes were full of happiness. She suddenly left Riven hands as she started to write many titles of tales, it appeared to be that the Maven of Strings was fond of literature. Riven smiled as Sona seemed to keep writing more titles to share with her.

To Cid it was interesting to see them interacting like that, Riven really could use more friends, and he was glad that if her body language and expression was anything to go by is that she was actually happy the same as Sona who seemed to be highly interested in sharing her hobby with a new found friend.

Riven attention moved to Cid to speak when she noticed he was wearing a suit "What is with the formal clothing? You never looked like a fan of it" Riven was sure that during the visits so far he never looked nor acted really formal. "I was invited to a formal event, so it seems I have to use this if I want to assist…" Riven could see he didn't really liked to wear a suit, but more importantly didn't really seem to feel comfortable in the idea of the event…an idea popped in her head.

"Hey, want me to go? I mean that way you wouldn't be so uncomfortable with a friend, right?" This took by surprise both Sona who stopped writing and Cid who was amazed at the friendliness of Riven. "Well…sure, but Sona is the one who has to decide if…" He couldn't finish the phrase as Riven hands were being clasped by Sona again as she seemed highly excited as she left a note for Cid before running of with Riven.

"We will see you at the castle entrance in an hour, don't dare to not be there!"

So…Sona had just kidnapped his patient? Man…well better try to.

A purple flash and a summoner in the office was all the warning he had. "Greetings sir, I apologize for the tardiness, today the Exile session will have to be shorter as she must be back to the League…where is the Exile?" Quick…. Yes! A lie!

"Oh I made her go out for a while to get fresh air, I was hoping for a practice exercise, she will have to act socially with people today which will help with her anger, so I was hoping you would allow me custody over Riven for a while more, I mean in the end this would be highly beneficial, and I give you my word that I will make sure she is back in the League" Man if Im good at lying on the spot.

The body language of the summoner showed surprise, but not in a bad sense "Ah, it sounds a really good strategy…no doubt why they are thinking of hiring you to work on the League as a therapist, well just be careful, I will inform my superiors, have an enjoyable time sir." The summoner went away before Cid could ask more. What did he mean that the League was considering hiring him? Weren't they already paying him?

"Got a bad feeling of this…maybe later, got a place to go" As he made his way to the castle of Demacia he couldn't avoid feeling a bit excited, sure the party might not be a party as such and it could be boring. But he might get his copy of Advance Strategy signed by Swain. And that was rather exciting, how many Demacians could say they owned a copy of a book of Swain…not many who didn't want to be seen as possible spies…yeah might be good to tone down the excitement just a bit.

The whole black suit and the white shirt under it didn't help Cid relax seeing the invitees and the honor guest entering, he had to wait in the entrance for Sona and Riven who still didn't seem to be in the area, as he played with the neck of the shirt he saw some of the people who were entering the castle.

Garen was in the company of Luxanna and Fiora, the Crownguards and Laurent houses in their royal glory. He noticed how Fiora looked at him for a moment before totally ignoring his presence. Garen looked me in the eyes as if trying to remember where had he seen me, hopefully he wouldn't remember me, but judging by the frown that now decorated his face he did remember me.

Before I could feel more awkward I could hear what had to be the loudest of the guest of tonight. "Draven is here everyone!" Draven in the company of Darius, both behind the master tactician Jericho Swain. I was amazed at how loud Draven was, but I guess it was normal, the man only wanted to be recognized if the way he moved expressed something, it clearly showed he wanted to be seen.

Darius in the other hand looked like Garen, all formalities and no games. Even if no guest had a weapon with them he still looked like he could deal with anyone that tried to bring troubles to Swain, the man in question looked simply relaxed, but in a closer inspection it was obvious he was clearly observing everyone around him.

First rule of the tactician, observe everything, plan, then when you got the piece's ready you can act. Man, the book was great. As they entered Swain looked at my direction, but it would be more appropriate he was looking behind me. I felt a hand on my shoulder and saw Sona with her formal robes and with her etwahl in hand. She looked like the famous Maven everyone knew and respected. Behind her I could see a lady with white hair whose hair seemed to be in an up do wearing a suit…Riven?

"Riven?" The Exile couldn't look more uncomfortable if she wanted. "Hey…I didn't like the idea of a dress so…yeah, Sona insisted on my hair though" Honestly, the suit fitted her better than any dress in my opinion. "You look great so don't worry, plus hey, we match!" This seemed to make Riven laugh a bit before smiling and nodding in approval. Sona looked at us with happiness before stringing her etwahl to indicate us to enter.

As we made our way through the doors I could take on the appearance of the whole court, everyone was trying to look as regal as possible as people were making greetings, Sona made some signs for me "I should get ready to start playing, you two behave, and don't do anything I wouldn't do" She winked at us before leaving making her road to a scenario. Meanwhile me and Riven decided to visit our most common and old friend in this magnificent place. The food.

"After you my friend" I bowed to Riven to take the first plate, we could see all the people around speaking and murmuring between them, in the upper part we could see Quinn making sure there were no problems, while Jarvan III was greeting Swain we could see the seneschal of Demacia. Xin Zhao was known as the invincible defender of Jarvan III. He was obvious ready at whatever happened, and as expected, he was the only one with a weapon at the ready if his suit was hiding anything.

"You would think a party with food so good would be more fun" Riven spoke between bites, as I simply nodded "Welcome to the royalty, decent food, but not much fun in it" as we kept on eating I was surprised by a heavy hand on my shoulder "Ah! Cid! Such a pleasure to see you tonight! I'm glad to see you got my invitation, Quinn said she gave it to you this morning" Ah Jarvan the IV…wait, I was invited to this thing?

"Oh yeah, she did give me my invitation" Riven looked puzzled at me, I simply nudged her to follow the idea. "Oh yeah, he was invited, I came as an invitee of Sona, is good to see you tonight Jarvan" Riven and Jarvan knew each other from the League, maybe not so much as friends, but enough to be civil. "Good to see you too Riven, I didn't think you liked this type of events"

Jarvan was probably the easiest person to read, maybe easier than Riven, and it was easy to see he was seriously asking Riven "I don't, but as I was invited I had to come, heard the food was good and decided to make sure of it" she said resuming eating from her plate, in a practical way ending the conversation. "Well hopefully you will find it to your liking! And Cid! Is good to see you, I thought you wouldn't be one for this but I'm glad you did, I want you to speak with a good friend of mine"

Before I could formally deny myself, I was being trapped in a hug over my shoulders as Jarvan made us move through the people. I looked at Riven asking for help, she looked me in the eyes understanding…and resumed to eat, traitor! As we moved between the guests on the court many were dumbfounded on seeing Jarvan acting so friendly with someone they didn't knew about. I didn't have a last name really so it was obvious for them I wasn't a member of the famous's houses, Laurent, Buvelle, Crownguard, I belonged to none so it was surprising for them to see the prince in company of a civilian.

"Here it is! Garen this is my friend I was telling you about!" Oh goodness, the might of Demacia didn't looked happy at my direction, Garen was in company of Luxanna who was chatting with Fiora, though if I could judge it wasn't all that well.

It only took Cid a second to notice it. Garen was bothered at his presence, but he obviously was at a loss of how to act seeing as he was called a friend by Jarvan, who was the friend of Garen. Luxanna tried to make conversation with Fiora, but if Fiora language said anything was she wasn't really into talking with her, can't blame her though, Luxanna could be…intense when chatting. And that made it hard for one to speak with her for extended periods of time. Behind the bubbly personality lied a huge intellect that knew no bounds. She simply stopped to chat with Fiora who clearly relaxed at being out of the receiving end. She was the first to break the small silence that didn't had the chance to become awkward.

"Oh! You are the mind reader friend of Jarvan? Tell me, what is Fiora thinking?" So that's what I am? A mind reader? I'm a therapist that reads body language and can tell what people feel and think most of the time, the other part of time I'm simply guessing in the dark. But I shall accept the introduction. "Well she is thinking she would rather be somewhere else, she doesn't like having her sword out of range" Fiora eyes opened at my words in surprise, it was obvious she was asking herself "How?"

Luxanna eyes clearly shot open, "Amazing! But Fiora isn't a hard target, try with my brother!" Garen seemed a bit uncomfortable before speaking "There is no need for that Luxanna…" Oh revenge is best served cold, my turn to make you feel awkward. "He is uncomfortable at me being here" Garen eyes shot open too, in his defense he is harder to read sometimes but I already know what he was thinking before when he saw me in the entrance.

Jarvan could only clap in surprise, his face showed his clear amusement at the whole situation, Fiora and Garen were still surprised at how I simply was able to say what was on their minds without any trouble. Luxanna was rather surprised too, she could read his brother easily, but to see someone else being able to do it so fast was amazing, she was sure he wasn't a magician so that made it more interesting.

"Told you he was amazing Garen, you should try to chat more with him" Jarvan was doing an effective way to distract the conversation from him, that had people looking in the general direction, having a mind reader in a room full of people with secrets brought a lot of attention to him, unnecessary attention. "Indeed…I should try sometime" If Garen expression said anything was that the conversation might not be a good one. Still Luxanna seemed to playfully hit his brother arm. "Play nice Garen, this is a party. Guess is a bit late, but still better than ever, Luxanna Crownguard, a pleasure to meet you…?"

She placed her hand in front for him to shake it, which he did with a feeling that it was safe "Cid, just Cid, no last name" she shook it firmly showing she wasn't as frail as others might suspect. "Well Cid, pleasure to meet you" she smiled and he smiled back, nice to know someone wasn't against him "Pleasure is mine Luxanna" "Lux, no need to call me Luxanna" as she smiled Cid was sure this girl was highly cunning, her whole body showed she was studying him.

He was caught by surprise that she was so cunning as to notice his prosthetic leg if her eyes were any indication to go by. Before anyone could make more questions, a friendly arm made is way with his linking them. "Oh, here you are, we need to get ready, Sona is about to start playing" Riven had come just in time taking him quickly out of there as he apologized quickly to all of them waving them goodbye.

"What took you so long?" He let out the breath he was holding in as Riven was still linked with him "The food was really good, I don't have many chances to eat like that so I thought you could surely hold out, aren't you a survivor like me?" She said teasing him while also being serious. "Yeah, we are, aren't we?" He said with a solemnity as she nodded and they got ready to hear Sona play as they started to announce it.

"Thank you everyone for coming tonight, and to celebrate this joyous occasion of the chats between Noxus and Demacia, I would love to present you the entertainment of tonight, the Maven of Strings! Sona!" Everyone clapped as they saw Sona on the scenario ready with her instrument, once the claps subsided, the music of the ancients started flowing in the room.

Everyone seemed to be relaxing enjoying the melody, no one chatted as everyone was listening to the marvelous sound of the strings of the etwahl. Riven hold it tight the hand of Cid as the two of them could feel something in Sona music. The sounds of battle, roaring sounds that kept growing like a march advancing into battle, the sound of when the battle ends, leaving in silence, with the few survivors getting out, the music touched a rather emotional place for both.

Cid wasn't sure if Riven was holding his hand tight, or if he was the one looking for support. That melody brought memories they might not like, but just as the melody moved from the roar of battle to the ending, it now placed in a soft melody, one reflecting the hope of a better tomorrow… the music ended and everyone was clapping at her music.

"Geez…think she made it on purpose?" Cid said trying to joke with Riven, she was taking away a tear with her thumb. "I think maybe she did…" The found a smile on their faces as they heard a different voice behind them. "Riven? Is that you? What brought you to this event, I never thought you like this kind of events, and I see you are in company of the famous mind reader…" Jericho Swain in all his glory with his bird better now than ever. "Cid, pleasure to meet you sir, I know this is highly improper, but mind signing this?" from the suit he got out a book that Swain was highly familiar with.

"My, it seems even some Demacians have a taste for good literature" He took the pen from Cid and signed the book before giving it back to him "Didn't expected to find a Demacian with my book, how did you got it?" Before Cid could speak up they heard strings behind them as Sona made her way with them. "Lady Buvelle, you were marvelous tonight as always" Swain made a small bow to her which she did too. She started to make some signs for Cid and Riven "Feel like ditching the party?"

Cid couldn't avoid the fun he felt at Sona way of expressing and ended up laughing. "My apologies, I remembered a joke, it was a pleasure seeing you sir, but we have to go, me and Riven have something to do, we came to hear the concert mostly" As he smiled Swain nodded "I see, I don't blame you, if it wasn't for the need to speak with the Demacian court I would also go out of here" Oh, the man knew sign language too. Not surprising when one remembered they were speaking of Swain.

As they were making their way out of the place Sona motioned she would go with Riven to the League office in Demacia to go back to the institute. Cid made them company and thinking it back, the whole thing hadn't been so bad, they had fun, well Riven did. He had obtained his book signed, Sona seemed happy as she and Riven made their way to be teleported to the Institute of War.

Quite the night, when he went to his office to leave the book on place he wasn't expecting seeing the night hunter sitting in the couch. "We need to talk…therapist…" She didn't look happy at all and Cid did what a professional would do.

"Guess I won't be sleeping, whatever I was planning of staying awake longer" he closed the door behind him and got to his desk leaving the book in it. It seemed the night would be a bit longer than he expected.

CUT! Had some fun writing this one, well hopefully you will like it! See ya next time, hopefully tomorrow with Chapter 6!

Chapter 6: The horrors of the memories, and the blinding light.