Riven had gotten up a little before 9 AM, around one hour earlier than Ahri did. Her wasn't quite as pleasant, but that is to be expected when sleeping on the hard floor. It was also harder for the swordswoman to fall asleep. Not only did it take her longer, but she wake up mid-night at some point before driven back to slumber moments after. It wasn't just because of the discomfort either, but the fact that she was sleeping with someone else in the room, and it was Ahri nonetheless. Riven debated if she can even afford to let her guard down with her around, but she managed to get herself though the night. She also just tends to sleep better alone.
She slowly got up with a slight back-ache. Riven kept herself from complaining too much. She was used to discomfort at this point. It had been that way throughout her Noxian and exiled life. When she was a solider of Noxus, it was difficult to find comfort at all. Compared to what she had to go through, this was almost luxury to her.
Riven did little to gloom herself. She merely put her waist and shoulder guard back on and brushed her hair, then tied the back of it up like she usually does. She noticed Ahri was still sound asleep at the time so she grabbed her broken sword and walked out as quietly as she can. She was getting ready to start her morning routine.
As she was on her way to the training grounds, she eventually ran into Lucian and Graves and ended up walking together. They just so happened to walk the same direction as her.
"Hey… aren't you that swordswoman from the other day?" asked Lucian.
"…Yeah," said Riven, trying to be respectful to the new champion. "You fought against me as team blue, right."
"I believe so. Your skills were quite impressive in that team fight."
"Thank you." Riven smiled faintly. It was always nice to be recognized by her skill. "Yours were too, though I don't typically favor guns, or ranged combat in general."
Graves had his arms crossed causally. "Yeah, he wasn't as bad as I thought," he said finally.
"It was also quite noble of you to sacrifice yourself to save your fox friend," said Lucian.
"She did?" asked Graves. "Ahri wasn't even worth much. You practically gave him free gold."
"I guess I wasn't thinking," replied Riven. She really didn't know for sure why she did what she did. It wasn't like Ahri would be gone forever had Riven not save her. She knew that she was on a streak and if someone were to end it, that person would be rewarded significantly. However, Riven wasn't one to simply let her comrades die just like that. Not anymore. That much was certain.
"Well, it don't matter now," said Graves.
Lucian looked at her sword at head barely. "What kind of blade is that anyway?" he asked.
"It used to be a large bastard-sword," said Riven. "It's broken now."
"Really?" he said. "Interesting…"
"Yeah, Noxians are weird like that," said Graves.
They finally arrived at the training grounds. There were several rooms, specifically for each combat style. One was built for melee combat, which was Riven's desired location. There was also a shooting gallery for ranged and magic users, more likely were Lucian and Graves were headed, to Riven's speculation.
"It was nice seeing you, I suppose," said Lucian.
"Likewise. I hope the league is to your liking."
With that, Riven headed to the opposite room. From what she has seen, the Purifier doesn't seem to be all that bad, certainly someone Riven can tolerate, and she hoped that it would stay that way. The last thing she needed was another enemy. Then again, there was only a hand full of people she disliked personally, and Riven had little friends as well. Comradely wasn't something that Riven desperately needed or at least that's what she thought, but she generally wasn't a hateful person either, nor does she want to be.
So far, the place was seemingly empty. To Riven, it was a little welcoming, since she'll be having the place to herself for the time being. There was a bit of things Riven can do for her morning training, but for now, she decided to practice her skills on one of the training dummies.
She aimed her broken, but still lethal sword at the lifeless, humanoid dummy, which had be clearly used and in need of replacement eventually. She then made sure here blows were quick and accurate. Riven wanted to make sure she was well prepared for any future battles that may come, or at the very least, maintain her skill and health. Riven always had the desire to improve her strength, even after leaving Noxus. She hoped to use that strength in service of the greater good, and perhaps, if everything changes to her liking that she may one day return to Noxus reborn. If she is still welcomed there that is.
Her solitude was cut short however, when Darius, the Head of Noxus arrived moments later. Riven once respected him as her superior, but because of his growing ruthlessness and lack of respect for the Exile herself, she no longer cares for him at all. Riven would normally do her best to avoid him if she can help it, but this time, she didn't even bother. Riven figured that if he or anyone saw her simply walking away from him, she would only show fear of him, and Riven wouldn't want that.
Riven noticed Darius looking at her for a few seconds before he started practicing on the dummy next to hers. "Darius," she said, greeting him by name.
"Hmph. Traitor," replied Darius as he slashed at his dummy more brutally with his large axe.
The word, "traitor" was new. Usually, Darius would call her "the Deserter."
"Traitor, huh?"
"Those who are no longer with us, are against us," said Darius. "What you call "self-imposed" exile is nothing more than an excuse."
Perhaps Darius did have a point. No one excused her from Noxus by any means, so in a way, she was a deserter, but although Riven kept herself from being offended, she didn't want to be labeled as a traitor. It just wasn't the right word for her. Not to Riven at least. She just doesn't approve of what Noxus currently stands for anymore.
"I have my reasons, you know," Riven countered.
"What? Sympathy for the Ionians? War is not based on sympathy."
The swordswoman remained silent. Riven did want she did in the name of Noxus back then, but in turn, she later realized that she was commit acts of murder, terrorizing a nation that did nothing to her. She had been carrying that guilt ever since.
"You don't actually think the Ionians would respect you after what happened, do you?" asked Darius, expressing no signs for consideration for the people whatsoever.
Riven sighed faintly. It was as if he was trying to make her feel guilty all over again. "I'm... just trying to make up for my actions." It was slowly getting harder for her to find the right words. She suspected that Darius was doing this on purpose.
"What is there to make up?" he asked.
She choose not to answer. She had just about enough of Darius as it is. The sooner he goes away, the better.
As Darius was finishing, he performed his infamous "Noxian Guillotine" on the lifeless dummy with a powerful, downward slash, sliced the thing in half. Those who are unfortunate enough to actually be on the receiving end would normally be dead right then and there. It was difficult for Riven to watch even on an inanimate object. It was needlessly brutal.
The man stretched his arms a little as if nothing happened, then picked up his stuck axe from the floor. "One day, you will regret the decision you've made, Exile. I promise you that."
Darius then walked away, just passing Irelia like she didn't even exist. The Will of the Blades had already arrived as the two were talking. Riven barely noticed her until Darius finally left.
"Hello, Riven," said Irelia as she walked towards her. Her floating blades were following her closely.
"Hey," said Riven as she resumed her training. She was still a little bit irritated from her discussion with Darius.
"Forgive me. I overheard a little bit of your discussion as I walked in. Was Darius giving you a hard time?"
Riven shook her head gently. "I'm fine. Darius is like that all the time."
"Oh. That's good, I suppose." Irelia smiled faintly. "If it's not too much trouble, would you care to spar with me? I need to brush up on my martial arts."
Riven stopped attacking the lifeless dummy and nodded. She could use the opportunity to brush up on her martial arts as well. "Sure. That sounds like a good idea."
The two set their blades down next to each other and then step into an empty square shaped arena that was reasonably sized. Interestedly enough, Irelia was not only Ionian, but her county's proud protector, yet Riven had a good deal of respect for her as her rival. The two had a well establish relationship despite what Riven has done to her people, which was surprising. Irelia was one of the very few people that were considered a 'friend' to her.
Both woman formed up a fighting stance and began striking at each other left and right. Riven was careful not to hurt the other woman too much and Irelia did the same. The two were mainly parrying each other's attacks while occasionally evading one another. Irelia was slightly more skilled however, but only because of the culture she grew up in. Riven mainly focused on her swordsmanship back in the day.
As the two were sparring, Irelia said, "You've improved."
Riven smiled as she was breathing. "Thanks. I've been practicing a little."
"So I've heard you're rooming with Ahri now, is that correct?"
"Yeah," she sighed. "Wasn't she originally an actual fox?"
"I believe so," confirmed Irelia. "I don't think she fully understands what it means to be human though."
"What do you mean?" asked Riven as she barely dodged one of her kicks.
Irelia stopped for a brief moment. "You see, because Ahri is so beautiful, she had taking full advantage of men over the years, especially with her powers. From what I've seen, Ahri has been, for the most part, carefree, so to speak. I honestly don't know if she even discovered the feeling of lost, sympathy, or even emotion pain yet."
"That wouldn't surprise me," said Riven.
Irelia resumed her sparring. "Even though Ahri may have done… bad things, I don't think she is truly evil. Most people might look down upon her for her constant tricks, but I merely believe she's in search of something…"
"What do you think it is?" asked Riven.
"I can't be certain," said Irelia. "I would just keep an open mind, but still remain cautious. There's no telling what the Nine-tailed foxwoman has in store."
As Riven collected her thoughts, she was suddenly stroke by a fist in her face by her opponent. The careless swordswoman stumbled backwards dazedly from the blow. Nothing was damaged, but it hurt like hell.
"Gah!"
"Riven! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to harm you. I figured you would block it or something."
The white-haired woman had her face covered, but she recovered shortly after. "It's… it's alright. I'm fine. I had it coming anyway."
Irelia leaned closely to her to examine her face briefly. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I wasn't focused. If anything, it merely did some justice."
"What are you…? Oh." Irelia then sighed heavily. "Riven, I told you once before. I don't blame you for what happened in Ionia anymore. What's done is done."
Riven remained silent. It wasn't the way that she saw it.
"Don't let Darius or anyone else get to you," she continued. "The path of redemption is a long, but worth-while journey."
The Exiled scratched her head. "It's amazing how you can easily forgive."
"I'm not one to hold grudges," said Irelia. "Especially to those who are trying to improve. We all make mistakes."
Riven had catch her breath and picked up her sword. "Thank you, Irelia. Your kindness knows no bounds."
"Anything for a friend," she smiled. "Oh! One other thing I should mention before I go…"
"Hmm?"
"Caityn had told me that she has reason to believe that there may have been some form of collusion."
"Collusion?" Riven asked cautiously.
"Yes. There may be a conspiracy going on."
A conspiracy? This was both intriguing and displeasing to the Exile. "Really? Should I be worried?"
"I don't think so," said Irelia. "I asked the same question and apparently, Caityn said she and Vi got it covered. If "the off chance" that they need help from us, they'll ask."
"Still, a possible conspiracy is very serious."
"I know, but Caityn always preferred to take matters into her own hands. She seemed to be concerned that we might only get in the way."
"Makes sense. I guess..." Riven can't help but still be a little concerned. For all she knew, lives could be at stake. Just what in the world is going on?
"Well... I have to get going," Irelia said. "I'm due to get summoned any moment now. Thanks for the spar." Her magical flouting blades returned to her on their own.
"No problem. I hope you win," smiled Riven.
Irelia grinned faintly. "It all depends on my summoners, and their team, you know. I just hope they're at least experienced."
With that, the Will of the Blades had left the training grounds, followed by Riven herself. She had learn a little bit more about Ahri. At first, Riven had very mixed feeling on rooming with the foxwoman. She was well aware that Ahri was known for her mischievous trick and attitude, and may have even committed crimes of her own. But according to Irelia, it may be possible that Ahri was also misunderstood. That she was merely trying to understand what it means to be human. And in a way, so was Riven, as strange as it may sounds.
Riven decided to end her training early and find Ahri, who perhaps may still be in their room. Riven felt the need to tell her new roommate about the conspiracy, as warning if anything. There may be a possibility that Ahri might get hurt, and Riven doesn't want that. As a roommate, Riven felt it was her duty to look after her. To inform and protect her from any possible dangers. Otherwise, what kind of person would she be?
Then the white-haired woman started to wonder, if Ahri would do the same...
As Riven was on her way back to her room, she suddenly noticed Ahri and Katarina on the opposite direction. They seem to be hanging around for a bit, perhaps gossiping, Riven assumes. She wondered briefly what they may have been talking about, but it doesn't seem as important.
"Oh, hi, Riven," she the Nine-tailed fox.
"Hey," said Riven.
"Nice to see you, Exile," greeted Katarina.
Riven merely nodded at her. Because of the red-haired woman's sinister actions, Riven did not care for her as much either, but to her, she wasn't as bad as Darius, but only slightly.
"If you don't mind, can I talk to you for a bit?" asked Riven to Ahri, hoping to get away from the Sinister Blade. She was in no mood to deal with her either. Not after Darius.
"Sure," said Ahri.
Riven lead her roommate to someplace they wouldn't get as much attention. She didn't want any interruptions. She wants to make sure they were both safe, and for Ahri to feel safe. This sort of information may come to a shock to her.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Riven, approaching a more pleasant start. "Feels different having another person in your room, huh?"
"I... slept fine," said Ahri. "I honestly forgot we're roommates now."
"I see. But we are now, so..."
"Did you sleep well?"
"B-barely," replied Riven half honestly.
"Well, you were on the floor and all. I figured it was a little uncomfortable. You're still welcome to share the bed with me," Ahri smiled.
The foxwoman seemingly said that almost sadistically. Somehow, Riven felt a nervous chill when Ahri made the offer. "N-No," said Riven, shaking her head. "I'm fine for now. I'm used to it."
It wasn't like Riven actually preferred the floor over a bed, but something was keeping her from accepting the offer. There could be a number of reasons, but Riven couldn't pinpoint which ones for some reason. To her though, in mainly felt weird.
"Okay then," Ahri said.
"Oh, I thought you should know," said Riven finally. "I've been informed that there has been suspicion of some sort of collusion."
"Collusion?" asked Ahri.
"An act of conspiracy of some kind," she said. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you?"
"No, Riven," Ahri said quickly. "You don't actually think I would stoop that low, would you?"
Knowing Ahri, that would making a little bit of sense. But Riven wasn't quick to actually accuse her of anything. It wouldn't be fair, even to Ahri.
"I'm not trying to point figures or anything," Riven admits. "I was just wondering if you've seen any clues of the like."
Ahri rolled her eyes. "You should left all that stuff to Caityn," she said.
Riven began to question in Caityn could even solve this.
"I'm not all that concerned," she lied. "I've just been told to keep a look out."
"Was that it?" Ahri asked.
"Yes, I believe. Oh, I also wanted to talk to you about our room accommodations, but we can save that for later," said Riven. That was her other big concern since she moved in. She was thinking about setting some ground rules, and wondered if Ahri had any of her own, besides scratching the walls with her sword of course.
"Alright then. Oh yeah, you won't be seeing me as much in the fields anymore," said Ahri. "At least for the time being."
"Why?" asked Riven.
"I just needed a break, that's all."
"Oh, okay then. I can understand that," said Riven. "I could probably use a mini-vacation myself," she smiled faintly. In a way, the swordswoman can relate.
"Cool... Come on, let's go see Fiora!"
Riven raised an eyebrow. What does Fiora have to do with anything? "For what?" she asked suspiciously.
"You'll see!" said Ahri. Riven can suddenly feel herself being pulled by the foxwoman. Just what was she planning this time?
The swordswoman then asked, "Why do I had a bad feeling about this?" It was as if she knew she wasn't going to like it.
AN: I've decided to alternate POVs between Riv and Ahri however I see fit. There won't be a specific pattern, but I will try to keep it as consistent as possible. I do hope it turns out well.
I'm going do do something crazy and let you guys vote on which viewpoint I should do next, since the next chapter can go either way. I just thought it might be interesting for you guys. I won't likely do this again for at least a while though, lol.
If I can get at least five or so votes by say... August 8 or something, I'll start deciding. If not, I may do it on my own.
