A knock came at the door.
"Shyvana?"
The dragoness looked up from the pillow she had pressed her face into, the material wet to the touch as she looked up. "June?" Shyvana said, blinking several times as she wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her tunic. "Is that you?"
"Yep!" Shyvana could hear the smile on the gunny's face in her voice alone. "Vorscham and I got turned loose when the MP's came for Seymour. I just wanted to check on you. Some of the men said you looked troubled when you left the courtyard."
Were they worried about me so simply afraid that I might lash out if approached? Shyvana remained quiet as she tried to shake off the fear she felt, the icy clutch gripping her heart. She looked down at her hands and then shook her head as they started to turn a daunting blue color. The dim light cast a blue shade upon everything, and gave her pale hands a demonic cast. Shyvana tucked her hands under her pillow again and shivered. With these blue hands of man, I killed that man... that Demacian officer...
"Shyvana, are you okay?" Alicia started to open the door, sending Shyvana scampering for the bed sheets, tugging them overhead as she burrowed underneath. The lump upon the bed shivered and stirred as Alicia let herself into the room. "Shyvana, what's wrong?"
"Go away!" Shyvana shouted, attempting to add force to her voice, but it cracked, leaving her sounding pained and hurt. Alicia flipped the light switch on, the hextech lanterns in the room bursting to light, casting a warm orange glow around the room as they flickered and settled.
"What's gotten into you?" Alicia said, sitting down on the edge of the bed, looking over the blanket covered lump that slithered away from her atop the bed. "The prince is here to begin the last of your training."
"Jarvan is here?" Shyvana squeaked nervously. Shimmering magenta eyes appeared under the of the edge of the quilt, glimmering up at the gunny. A smile started to spread over her face but it died quickly as Shyvana looked down at her hands, their appearance blue in the dim light of the blanket shrouded haven she had wrapped around herself. The fear came rushing back. "I... I don't feel well! Tell him I'll see him tomorrow."
"I... what?" There was confusion in Alicia's voice as the mattress creaked and sunk as Alicia shifted on the edge of the bed. "Is everything okay, Shyvana? You know you can talk to me if something is bothering you."
"I..." Shyvana's voice died again as she shook her head beneath the shroud of blankets. "Please, June, I don't want to see him this afternoon."
"Well, I'll try and explain it to him." Alicia said, shaking her head as she got to her feet and headed for the door. "I don't think he'll like it, but I'll make him understand."
"Thanks." Shyvana said softly. Alicia stood in the doorway. She lowered the lights down to almost nothing and started to close the door. "Hey, June..."
"Hmm?" Alicia said, pushing to door in slightly as she paused, her hand over the light switch.
"Can I talk to you after that?" Shyvana asked softly, sticking her head out from under the blanket. Her hair was a mess from when she had shaken it, long tufts of hair strewn at odd angles, flipped about and frazzled.
Alicia laughed softly and nodded. "Sure love, I'll be right back."
"Thanks." Shyvana murmured. Alicia smiled and then departed, leaving the room quiet and barren. Shyvana sat up, wrapping the blankets around her shoulders as she looked around at her meager belongs. There were a few spare uniforms neatly folded next to the dresser, a new mannequin with a set of dark grey armor that had been delivered that morning from the ambassador. It was polished and glimmered with dark menace, though the Demacian Emblem upon the shoulder glimmered brightly, even in the dim light of the room. A second patch had been emblazoned upon the opposite shoulder, the bright pale blue and yellow forming three stripes, like the claw marks of a beast. A horizontal bar across the top united the scratch marks, forming the symbol of a shredded standard. There were a few other outfits that had been folded and tucked on top of the dresser, but even with the bright clothes, the room seemed barren. Shyvana smiled despite this.
I never had a room of my own before. She pressed her face into her pillow, breathing deeply. Part of her didn't want to lose any of it, but part of her feared she would. Those men had attacked her, but when she fought back, she had let something dark within her surface, something fierce and malicious. Shyvana clutched a hand to her chest. This is what hurt Jarvan. This is what nearly cost him his life. This darkness within me is dangerous to all who come near me… Shyvana opened her eyes, peering over the top of her pillow as she hugged it to her chest. Her fingers were sharp and pointed, the tone of her skin a dark blue rather than the china white it should have been. Am I losing my ability to control it? Is my anger so strong that it controls me? I'm truly becoming a monster...
Shyvana clamped her eyes shut as tears started to stream down her face, the pillow dampening as she tried to hold back the pain she felt in her chest. Jarvan... help me... I'm scared...
I'm scared of myself...
...
A knock came at the door.
"Hey Shyvana, It's June. Can I come in?"
Shyvana opened her eyes, blinking several times against even the dim light of her room. She glanced at the clock as she ran a hand over her head, her eyes still stinging. She wiped at them with the sleeve of the loose tunic she wore, struggling into a lopsided position, her knees tucked into her chest, her pillow still clutched tight. She tugged the blanket around her shoulder.
Two hours... Shyvana yawned, blinking the sleep from her eyes. "Yes, come in." Shyvana said weakly. Alicia opened the door and let herself in, pulling it closed behind her. She looked around the room as she slowly turned the lights up till she could see the room. Everything save the bed was as she had left it.
"How are you feeling?" Alicia asked.
"Not so great right now, honestly." Shyvana said weakly, offering the gunny a weak smile. Alicia offered her a sympathetic smile as the dragoness looked down at the table.
"Maybe this will help, then." Alicia said, producing a shining metal bottle. Alicia pulled two mugs from her bag and set them on the table. She opened the canister and poured two steam cups of hot chocolate for each of them before sealing the bottle. She set the bottle aside and then handed one of the cups to Shyvana.
"But..." Shyvana blushed. "This will make me..." She rubbed her eyes with a frown as she sat up on the edge of the bed, her legs crossed in front of her. She hugged a pillow to her chest, leaning heavily on it. The cloth was still damp in places, and she had bags under her eyes. She accepted the cup and held it to her face breathing in the scent. "It smells good."
"Drink, drink." Alicia urged. "It will help your nerves, if nothing else." Shyvana watched her for a brief moment before she exhaled slowly and nodded. She tipped the cup back, starting slow, but ended up downing the entire cup. Several long moments of silence followed as Alicia sipped her own cup, watching Shyvana intently.
"Those men... were they the men who attacked Jarvan before?" Shyvana asked, exhaling again, sighing softly.
"No." Alicia said softly, shaking her head. "Fury, an ass though he may be, was telling the truth. The Judgement, as they labeled themselves, were a Demacian Security Brigade Black Operations Unit that reported directly to General Geoffrey Jormander. It seems he's been having quite the quarrel with the prince, and he chose to drag you into it as a way to strike at the prince."
"Jormander?" Shyvana said, frowning slightly. "Jarvan speaks of him with disdain often, though I have never met the man."
"I don't know why you would have." Alicia said, shrugging. "He's locked in a power struggle with another general, one who has taken Jarvan under his wing. As such, Jarvan was used against him, and due to his petty nature, Jormander is trying to get back at the prince." Alicia sighed, slumping back on the bed.
"Who told you all this..." Shyvana whispered, looking up from where she had tucked her chin behind the top of her pillow.
"Jarvan did." Alicia said, matter-of-factually, "He was asking about you. He was worried about you, Shyvana."
"I know..." Shyvana said with a small voice, looking down at one hand. It was a faint blue color and Shyvana quickly made a fist, clenching it several times till the blue faded back to the pale, pinkish color of her normal skin. "I... I don't wish to see him right now."
"Now those are words I didn't think I'd ever hear from your mouth." Alicia said with another frown.
"How many of them are dead because of me?" Shyvana said softly, staring down at her pillow. "How many are in the hospital, simply because I can't control my temper?"
"Shyvana, those men were trying to kill you." Alicia said softly. "They were cruel men who did horrible things to many people, both Demacian, Noxian and everywhere in between. The atrocities they committed were in the name of Demacia, yes, but the veil they hid behind was only shielding them from their crimes for so long. They were to be shut down and tried for their war crimes, and I can only guess that Jormander used that to convince them to attack you."
"How many are dead, Alicia?" Shyvana asked softly.
Alicia looked hesitant to respond for a few moments before she looked at her hands, frowning. "Three... The man named Holtz and two others. The rest are in the hospital, several in intensive care."
"See?" Shyvana said, shaking her head and staring at the ground. She hugged the pillow tighter to her chest. "I'm no Demacian, I'm only a monster. A wolf in sheep's clothes. Shyvana looked to where her dress for the next evening hung on the wall, tears starting to well in her eyes. "I'm a dragon, trying to pretend as a princess, June... I don't belong here. I don't deserve all of this."
"Shyvana..." Alicia said softly, starting to reach out to the dragoness.
Shyvana recoiled, shaking her head again. "Don't come any closer! I might hurt you!"
"That's rubbish and you know it." June growled, glaring at Shyvana with an angry frown. She sighed and softened it with a smile, reaching out and taking Shyvana's hand in hers. The dragoness was quaking softly, but her hands were warm. Alicia spread Shyvana's hand out with her fingers, tracing the lines on the dragoness's palm with a finger. "These hands are warm and soft." Alicia mused as Shyvana giggled slightly as she traced her fingers over the dragoness's palm. Shyvana tried to put on a glum expression and tugged slightly against Alicia's hold, but the gunny didn't let go. "You may have grown up with only your father, always on the run, but you don't have to run anymore, Shyvana. This is your home. You have family here now: Jarvan, Delancey, Vorshcam and I… We all care about you, more than you know. Besides... you're getting fat!" Alicia exclaimed, lunging forward and grabbing at Shyvana's stomach. The dragoness yelped and tried to roll away, surprised as the gunny grinned mischievously, wriggling her hands excitedly. Alicia kept after her, continuing to tickle the dragoness as Shyvana squealed and squirmed. "At least it's all going straight to your boobs!" Alicia said, cupping Shyvana's chest. The dragoness squealed and rolled away, her face burning a bright red.
"June!" Shyvana panted, "I'm going to hurt you if you keep this up!" Shyvana tried to escape again as Alicia resumed her tickle assault, letting Shyvana barely escape a second time. The dragoness dropped to the ground and rolled towards the corner, glaring up at the gunny with rueful eyes. She frowned at Alicia, tears in her eyes as she clutched the pillow tight to her chest still. "What's gotten into you?"
"I should ask you the same!" Alicia said, shaking her head as she lowered herself towards the dragoness. "What's gotten into you? You used to be so happy, so excited to face each day. You looked forward to every new day, taking every chance you could get to go and see Jarvan, but now you refuse to even see him. You just took down a team of elite, trained killers. Shyvana, you were fighting for your life! Wake up and see that you're not at fault here; you were attacked and everyone can see that except you."
"But I lost control..." Shyvana said softly, looking down to her pillow and pressing her mouth into the soft, down filled casing. "My anger... it's starting to take over..."
"Then don't let it take over." Alicia said softly, cupping the dragoness's cheek. Alicia stood up straight and looked herself up and down, making a show of examining her arms and legs. "Not a scratch on me, and frankly, tickling a fire breathing half-dragon is definitely something I would chalk up to as 'ways to get hurt'." She grinned as Shyvana blushed slightly. "You don't need to be afraid of your anger, Shyvana. Aim it, direct it and control it as best you can. Jarvan, and I... both of us know that you're not going to hurt anyone who is important to you."
"But, Jar-..." Shyvana started to say, but Alicia pressed a finger to her lips. Alicia shook her head, but Shyvana wriggled her mouth free. "But if I try to hurt Jarvan again, what would happen to us?"
"But nothing, love..." Alicia said, smiling softly. "It's not something you can just choose by yourself from now on." Alicia grinned. "Besides, You and Jarvan are a thing now... you did just say 'us', didn't you? You're only one half of a greater whole, young one. If you're afraid of something, talk with Jarvan. He's got literal years under his belt when it comes to that sort of thing. You're not the only one who is afraid of something they've done. Hell, Jarvan still refuses a command of his own at this point because he's afraid to get more people hurt."
Shyvana looked up at Alicia. "Does he really?"
"Jarvan has lost more than most." Alicia said softly, nodding, a warm smile spreading over her face. "But he pushes through every day as if it were nothing. He faces his fears, his regrets and everything is dislikes without pause, not just because it is his duty, but because he knows that he doesn't need anything else to be happy. You know why?"
Shyvana shook her head.
Alicia leaned down and tapped Shyvana on the nose. "He loves you." Alicia smiled happily as she stood up, extending a hand down towards Shyvana. The dragoness looked at the hand and started to reach out, faltering after a moment.
If I hurt you or Jarvan again...
Alicia grabbed her hand and pulled her up, wrapping her arms around the dragoness.
"And so do I, Shyvana... you gigantic idiot." Alicia hugged Shyvana tightly. "Whenever you want, whenever you feel bad, just ask. We can talk about anything you want."
It feels so warm. Shyvana pressed her face into Alicia's neck, holding onto her tight. So this is what it's like to have a mother...
Alicia held the embrace, stroking Shyvna's hair gently for several long moments. Alicia suddenly grabbed Shyvana's shoulders and held her at arm's length as she looked her up and down, taking the dragoness by surprise. Color started to flood the dragoness's cheeks, but the gunny hard already swept away. "Now. We have things to do."
"What?" Shyvana said, blinking as she held the pillow against her waist, looking around. "What's there to do?"
"Well..." Alicia said, brushing some of her sleek white hair from her face as she looked over at the clock on Shyvana's dresser. "If my timing is about right then there should be a knock, right about... now."
There was a knock at the door.
A smile spread over Shyvana's face. "How did you..."
Alicia grinned, moving to the door and pulling it open. Noel smiled happily, holding up a picnic basket in one hand and keeping a bag of her own slung over her shoulder. The maid was dressed in her usual black and white uniform, and she wore a heavy wool jacket and a white scarf over top of it. "Delivery."
"Noel!" Shyvana exclaimed happily. "What are you doing here?"
"I come bringing tidings of dinner!" Noel said, grinning. "Jarvan got me to bring all your favorites for when I fit your dress."
Shyvana blushed but smiled. "That big-hearted idiot."
"That's more like the Shyvana I know." Alicia said, beckoning Noel in.
"I also come bearing a package that was delivered to the Palace by accident." Noel said, producing a long, slender package. It was wrapped in heavy brown paper and tied with twine. The packaging had been torn and retied at one end. "I opened it. I hope you don't mind."
"What? Oh!" Shyvana accepted the package and pressed it to her chest, blushing slightly. "The prince didn't see this, did he?"
Noel shook her head. "No, I kept it secret when I realized what it was. He didn't have the chance."
"I swear to god, if Delancey convinced you to get a dil-...oh." Alicia said, lamely, as Shyvana pulled the brown paper back to reveal an ornate, slender dagger. The blade was a beautiful, dark shade of silver that was shaped into a dragon's head at its base, below a black-wrapped grip. Stumpy wings formed the cross guard and an elongated body formed the main part of the sheath. "That's a beautiful knife, Shyvana."
"Remember when I wished to get the prince a gift for Snowdown, but did not know what to get him?" Shyvana said with a proud smile. "I asked Miss Poppy to forge a blade for me using part of the dragon's horn from the dragon Jarvan and I slew." She ran her hand over the grip. "It shall be my way of reminding him of what we came through, together."
"That's..." Alicia broke into a smile as she patted Shyvana's head. The dragoness ducked her head slightly, blushing, but she smiled broadly. "I'm sure he'll love it. Now, we have a dress to fit so let's get started!"
"Yes!" Shyvana exclaimed excitedly.
Jarvan fidgeted with his uniform as he stood before the mirror, grimacing at himself.
"Stop messing with it, your highness." Noel said testily, batting his hand away.
"I feel so... stiff." Jarvan grumbled, trying to shrug his shoulders.
"Well I think you fit the part rather well." Noel said, stepping back, looking him up and down and then nodding to herself proudly. "You clean up surprisingly well."
"Har, har." Jarvan said, his voice bitter. His father had gotten a new dress uniform tailored for him just for this occasion. As Jarvan looked in the mirror, he did have to admit the Demacian dress uniform was striking. A deep shade of Demacian blue dominated the uniform, accented by heavy use of silver and gold. The ceremonial armor was much lighter and more flexible than the similar set that looked almost identical but offered full protection. Heavy sabatons came up to his knees and a set of tassets and faulds fell to low on his thigh. The chest piece was similar to his personal armor, where there was a centerpiece supported by heavy metal bands to prevent slashing cuts from gouging his chest. Large pauldrons were decorated to look like stylized wings from the front, and golden aiguillettes decorated both shoulders, the braided cords falling along his shoulders. A beautifully polished crystal sat in the center of his chest, and matching sheets lined his vambraces, falling slightly low over his hands to protect and augment the gauntlets he wore.
"Here, sir." Noel said, holding a glove out for him. Jarvan slid his hand in and flexed as Noel took care to tuck the gloves into the armor. She followed suit with the second glove. "Everything fitting well enough, sire?" She stood back to inspect him up and down, a thin smile on her pale face.
"Well enough." Jarvan nodded, tightening one of the straps on the inside of his forearm to cinch the vambrace on tighter. He kicked the heels of his boots on the floor a few times, the metal clanking as he settled his foot in the right place. He shrugged his shoulders a few times, letting the armor settle back into place. It fit extremely well.
"She's never seen you as the prince before, has she?" Noel said, holding her right elbow against her torso with her left arm, resting her chin in her right hand.
"Shyvana?" Jarvan said, looking up, his face blanking. "Wait… Noel…" He took a step forward, worry befalling his expression. "Your face, there's something weird… it's on your face… what is that?" He grinned cheekily at the scornful look he received. "It's strange to see you smile."
Noel's look of surprise as she patted her cheeks down turned to scorn. "You!" She sighed. "There has been so little to be happy about for so long in Demacia." She shook her head. "Your mother and father are doing the best they can, but it's not hard to see when you walk the streets. People are worried about another war with all this talk of Kalamanda. Ever since your great-grandfather's death and the defeat he faced when he marched on Noxus… there has been little to be genuinely happy about. Nearly a century of conflict since and we're in no better position than before with the Noxians. Everyone expected the Institute of War to end all of the conflict in the world, but it's only made tensions so much higher. It didn't end open conflict, it only discouraged it."
"I remember the blanket of oppression that covered the city for so many years." Jarvan said softly as he sunk down on the edge of his bed to fiddle with a leather strap on his sabaton. "And it only got worse when my Grandfather died at the hand of an assassin. Those were bleak times. My father… looking back, I had no idea why he was so cold and I had no idea how he could be so calm at the time. I screamed and cried and demanded we attacks the Noxians for vengeance, thinking no one else could have been responsible. But he remained steadfast and he did not let it phase him, commiting so hard to the institute. To this day, I don't understand how it didn't cause him to falter even the slightest." Jarvan's voice trailed off as he stopped messing the sabaton for a moment. "I think that's why I hated him for so long. Not even a tear, a moment of grief. It was inhuman."
"I had been friends with your mother for many years when she married your father." Noel said softly as she kneeled before Jarvan and slid the sabaton off his leg, pulling the leather strap free and seating it properly. "Trey, Jarvan III, had been much like you back in those days. He was smart, smarter than anyone could possibly imagine and he knew it. He was also a prankster." She smiled softly and shook her head. "He was always suspected for everything, and he confided once that he often was, but no one could prove it. He was a bloody menace."
"Really?" Jarvan said, astonished. He blinked a few times, surprise and disbelief clear on his face. "I can't even imagine him smiling most days…"
"When you were born, Demacia was at war." Noel said reverently. "The Institute was brand new and it had failed initially to stop the conflict. The fighting dragged on for years on end, and when Noxus managed to conquer Ionia, your grandfather knew that something had to be done before Demacia was over run. He knew that he likely wouldn't be returning, and so did your father. It changed your father, having to accept that responsibility. He had been busy before, but now… now he had no time for anything. Your mother did the best she could to support him, but times were tough on both of them. Your Father hadn't been ready for the responsibility he faced. I was left to raise you as best I could."
"I didn't know about any of that." Jarvan said, shaking his head. "I mean, I knew some of the history, but my father…"
"He didn't know how to lead a nation any better than you know how to lead a nation, your highness." Noel said as she slid the sabaton back on. "He once asked me not to tell you about this, for hope that you wouldn't hate your mother for abandoning you, but now… Now I see that same frustrated young man who is simply trying to find his way through a lost world, and I don't want you to suffer the anguish that your father did for so many years."
Jarvan covered his mouth with a hand, looking at the ground. "I don't know whether to be happy or to hate him." Jarvan said softly, shaking his hand. Noel smiled as she stood.
"Just try to understand him." Noel said as she stepped away.
Jarvan nodded as he stood and checked his boot again to make sure it was seated properly. Satisfied, he looked to where Noel was removing a box from the cart that had borne Jarvan's armor. "You said it had been so long since there had been something to be happy about." Jarvan raised an eyebrow. "The current goings on in Kalamanda hardly seem like something to be happy about…"
"I wasn't referring to that, your highness." Noel said, grinning. "I was referring to this ball." She opened the box to reveal the prince's crown. Immaculately carved from silver and inlaid with deep blue stones and a brilliant gem that matched the others on his armor. She pulled it from the box. "And I was thinking of your and Miss Shyvana. There is nothing more worth celebrating than young love. "
"Is she doing well?" Jarvan said, looking back at Noel. "I haven't seen her since yesterday morning... and I heard about the disturbance in Barracks, but I haven't gotten all the details on it yet." Jarvan fell silent for several long moments. "She didn't want me to visit yesterday, either."
"She's in good hands." Noel said, nodding sagely. "The problems that arose with the garrison were taken care of by Lieutenant Vorscham and your father, so you needn't worry about it now. As for Shyvana, I spoken with Gunny Juniper, Alicia after I helped them fit her dress properly. She says that Shyvana is nervous, but excited. Alicia is taking care of her, and I went back to ensure her dress was perfect this morning."
"Wait…" Jarvan faltered for a second and he started to bend over so Noel could adorn his head with the crown. "Shyvana is wearing a dress?"
"You didn't know?" Noel looked surprised.
"I had assumed she would be wearing a dress uniform as well." Jarvan said, a look of both wonder and shock sliding over his face. He started to blush. "Oh…"
"Please do try not to drool on your dress uniform when you see her, your highness." Noel said, laughing lightly. She set the crown on his head and then stood back, making sure it was seated properly before stepping away. Jarvan nodded absentmindedly as his mind tried to imagine what Shyvana would look like in a dress.
A knock came at the door.
"That's probably the sergeant major." Noel said, glancing at the clock and frowned slightly. "He's early." She moved to the door and opened it just a crack to ensure it was just the sergeant major. He stood at attention, waiting for entrance, his helm tucked under one arm and his hand upon the saber on his opposite hip. She opened the door fully and bowed. "Good evening, sergeant major. Can I assist you?"
"I need to speak with the prince, Missus Halsington." The sergeant major said seriously.
"Can it wait a few minutes?" Noel said, looking back over her shoulder towards the clock. "I was almost finished with-…"
"It is urgent, ma'am." The sergeant major said. His eyes were deadly serious and Noel's eyes hardened into a cold, icy blue that looked as cold and as deadly as a winter blizzard.
"Is the prince in danger?" She had produced a knife from out of sight, and checked it, looking at a sliver of the gleaming blade before sheathing it again. She looked past the sergeant major and then back to the prince.
"Not at the moment." The sergeant major said, frowning. "But I do need to speak with him."
Noel looked past him and frowned for a moment before opening the door further. "This way, please."
"Thank you." The sergeant major bowed his head and swept into the room, his cloak flowing behind him. He made sure Noel closed the door firmly before exhaling heavily.
"You look like you've seen a ghost, Sergeant Major…" Jarvan said, smiling. His smile died when the sergeant major gave him a dark and foreboding look. "You didn't see a ghost... did you?" Jarvan shook his head. "Nevermind... What's wrong?" The sergeant major turned to look at Noel. "You can trust Noel, Argus." The sergeant major looked conflicted for a second but sighed softly.
"I don't wish to involve her..." The sergeant major started, but Noel stopped him with a raised hand.
"Please, I shall leave you if you wish it..." Noel said. Jarvan shook his head, and sighed.
"Continue, Argus." Jarvan said softly.
Perrywinkle frowned, but nodded."Yes, sir. Remember how Lee was actually a Demsec agent put in your unit to spy on you by Jormander?" The sergeant major waited till Jarvan nodded to continue. Noel was attaching Jarvan's cloak to his armor, underneath the armor on his shoulders and up and over his neck.
"He disappeared before anyone could confront him though, correct?" Jarvan's brow furrowed. "After the evening he supposedly saved me from the assassin, for the second time. Why?" Jarvan was tempted to ask if the sergeant major had been involved by General Lorcan, but thought better of it.
"I was looking through some of the suspended records that have been seized by Lorcan for his investigation into the court martial on the side, like you asked." The sergeant major said, frowning. "When a Demacian scientist was working through the slain assassin's possessions, he recognized the ice that was used in the bolts from your uncle's trip to the Freljord. They call it Black Ice and it only comes through the deepest depths of the far north parts of the Freljord. Your uncle specifically noted its potential uses in assassinations, but for once Lorcan and Jormander saw eye to eye on something, and they refused to introduce the weapon. The report further states that among other things, there were none among the Avarosans willing to go deep enough into the northern wastes. Among the Avarosans there was a rumor that there were a few willing within the Winter's Claw."
"The Winter's Claw has ties with the Noxians, does it not?" Noel said softly, her hands hovering over Jarvan's shoulder.
"Didn't the original Lee transfer from the Freljord?" Jarvan said, starting to piece things together. "That might explain the Excursion as well." Jarvan said thoughtfully. Several minutes passed in silence as Noel finished the last of the preparations on Jarvan's Armor. Jarvan stepped away, adjusting his vambrace again before sighing heavily. "Did you retrieve what I what I asked for?"
"Yes sir." The sergeant major nodded his head. "And I got the weapon that was used to kill the would be assassin, and I managed to secret one of the sword away from Lorcan's office as well." The sergeant major said, producing two oblong shapes wrapped in burlap. He looked somewhat pale at the prospect of having stolen away a sword from one of the leading Demacian Generals, but his voice showed no signs of hesitation or regret.. He laid both packages out on the table and unwrapped them. "Why did you need them, sir?"
"I'll show you." Jarvan said, looking back over his shoulder to ensure Noel was finished. She nodded to him as she stepped away. Jarvan stepped into his closet, the cloak billowing behind him. He returned after only a few seconds and then laid a box upon the table and opened it.
"But that…" The sergeant major whispered, looking over the three blades. Jarvan set the blade from the box next to the others. "They're all, exactly alike."
"One of these is not like the other, though." Jarvan said, running his fingers along the shortest of the bladess. "This one, the knife, the pattern is almost exactly the same as the other two blades, but it doesn't match. The other two are the exact same order of blues, silvers and purples… There is no doubt, that this knife was forged to look like the others. I need to talk to the man who forged these, but I can't do it now. Tomorrow…" Jarvan stopped, shaking his head, looking /. "Tomorrow morning, we're going to visit the man who made these blades. I need answers."
Jarvan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This seals the deal. Lorcan is holding back. Kayle said to trust no one… I need to get the answers for myself.
"What is going on sir?" The sergeant major said, looking at the blades still.
"This blade was used in an assassination attempt upon my life when I was stranded in Noxus." Jarvan said softly, his hand resting on the short blade he had produced from within the box. "This second blade was used to kill the man who tried and almost successfully assassinated me within this very room. This third blade was cast by a swordsmith by the name of Constantin Steelsword who lives not far outside the city." Jarvan sighed softly and frowned. "This same man made two prints of the same picture, one of which hangs in general Lorcan's office."
"And the other?" Perrywinkle said, standing up straighter.
"The home of Katarina Du Couteau." Jarvan spoke the name softly, watching at it rolled over the sergeant major like a tidal wave.
"Your highness, you don't mean... you're not implicating General Lorcan, are you?" There was trepidation in the sergeant major's voice.
"I don't know who I am implicating or how deep it goes, sergeant major." Jarvan said, shaking his head. He stood up straighter and set his jaw. "But I intend to find out, no matter the consequences. You game, sergeant major? I need help, and I don't want to drag Shyvana into this. Not yet if I can help it. She doesn't need any more on her mind, not after what she went through yesterday."
"She might be angry, your highness." The sergeant major said with a thin smile playing over his lips. The silver on his temples shined
"Possibility of finding out everything I've ever worked for has been a lie, alienating the man who made me what I am today, almost certain death, dismemberment and torture?" The sergeant major grinned wickedly. "Sir, if I'm walking into hell, I'd be an honor to be doing it by your side."
"Good man." Jarvan said, shaking his hand. He looked up at the clock upon the wall and frowned slightly. This isn't about me right now this, this is about Shyvana. "Alas, our little trip to hell and back with have to wait. It's time to see a dragon about a dance."