Riven felt like she was being magnetically pulled against her will, even though Ahri wasn't holding her that tightly and pulling her all that hard. It seemed like the foxwoman merely wanted Fiora for something and for whatever strange reason, wanted Riven to be involved. The swordswoman can only assume this is another one of Ahri's usual 'schemes.' The Nine-tailed foxwoman was infamously known for her cunning tricks, usually in a seductive manner. Come to think of it, both Riven and Fiora were swordswomen. It was something Riven suddenly remembered just about they got to Fiora. Does it mean anything?
"Hold it," said Riven finally, freeing her arm from Ahri's clutches. She was suspecting this was also another trick in some shape or form.
"What?" Ahri asked almost innocently.
"What are you planning?" asked Riven calmly.
Ahri giggled slightly. "Nothing bad or anything... this time. I thought I had something fun planed."
Riven rolled her eyes. "I thought I told you before, I don't like your ideas of "fun." Now tell me what's going on."
Ahri's usual smile was drifting. "Do you ever have fun at all, Riven?"
Riven was silent for a moment. She didn't know how to answer that or know if she was even expected to. "Fun" wasn't always in Riven's vocabulary, if at all. She usually felt as though it wasn't important or irrelevant, but then again, she didn't feel as though she had the time of "fun." Just as Riven was straggling to find the answer, Fiora had suddenly approached the two, almost as if she had caught wind of Ahri's "plan."
"Ladies," greeted the Grand Dualist.
"Oh hi, Fiora!" said Ahri.
"Hey," said Riven, clearly expressing less enthusiasm.
"What brings you to these parts?" Fiora asked.
Ahri walked closer to the Demacion woman. "Is it true that you're directing some kind of play?" she asked.
Fiora grinned slightly. "As a matter of fact, I am. It is called, "The Empress and her Butler," an old Demacion love story about a woman and her loyal servant. Why do you ask?"
"Leblanc said you're still in need for the two protagonists. We were wondering if we could possibly fill in that gap."
"Hmm. Interesting. If you think either of you have what it takes, then come this way," said Fiora.
Riven pulled Ahri gently. She knew she wasn't going to approve as easily. "Wait, who's "we?" Are you suggesting that we should audition for a play?"
"Come on," Ahri argued. "it'll be fun! Oh right, apparently, you hate fun. I guess it's a common trait for you Noxians. Or maybe..."
"What?" Riven asked.
Ahri spoke softer. "You're scared, aren't you?"
The white-haired woman raised a brow. It almost felt like she was mocking her. "What are you talking about? I never even acted before."
"You're scared to even try," said Ahri. "You're worried that you might get rejected."
"Well... I know I won't get accepted because I never acted in my life. It would only be a waste of time."
"You're scared," Ahri simply countered.
Riven was slowly getting irritated. "I am not scared."
"Prove it then..."
To Riven's despair, she knew Ahri was going to say that. She really didn't want to participate in this so-called "play." Riven was never interested in them. She could never get into them. Their wasn't as much play in Noxus, but some of them were quite offensive, one of which made fun of Ionia, and the one about Demacia was even worst.
The one Fiora was taking about was apparently about romance, from Riven's speculation. The genre in particular did not interest her. She didn't find those type of stories entertaining. Riven was not the "lovey-dovey" type. The fact that it was a Demacian play was even worst. Even though Noxus and Demacia were natural enemies, unlike most Noxians, Riven had no grudge against them personally. She even felt that the whole conflict is pointless. What worried her though was that by working with the Demacians, she would be labeled as even more of a traitor than she always was.
Despite all of this though, Riven caved in. To her, being labeled as a coward was much worst. She normally wasn't one to back out of a 'challenge' either, which was another weakness she was just discovering.
"Alright. I'll accept the challenge, but I still think this is pointless," said Riven. It almost felt like she had no choice in the matter.
Fiora merely stood there in the background. It seemed like she was barely listening to there agreement. "Are you coming, ladies?" she asked.
"Yeah, we're coming," replied Ahri, pulling on her roommate's arm once more. Much to Riven's displeasure, she follows.
Fiora lead the two girls into a seemingly empty, dark blue theater. It was fairly dark, but not too dark to a point were they couldn't see. The seats looked fairly comfortable enough from the audience to sit and the theater was big enough to fill in half the institute. Riven didn't actually came here often though, so the environment was a little new to her. When she did however, it was usually for business. She was never really a theater person so to speak. The swordswoman never had the time nor the interest.
"Truth is," said Fiora." "I've already had quite a few auditions for this play and I'm quite satisfied with my choices. If you think you can out-shine all the others before you, I will give you one chance."
"Is that so?" asked Ahri.
"Yes. I will give you each one line and one action based on the character you wish to assume the role. From there, Karma and I will judge you based on your performance."
"All it takes is one line and action?" asked Riven.
"Well, it depends on how important your role is, really. That is how we judged those before you. Sometimes though, I might end up providing a different role for you if I do accept you."
As the three woman were walking towards the stage, Karma was approaching them. "Greetings, ladies," she said with a respectful bow.
"Hello, Karma," replied Fiora. "We have two more potential actress here for auditioning."
"Ahri and Riven? I never would of guess you two had an interest for acting."
"Neither did I, but let us give them a chance. I am interested to see what they have to offer."
"Very well then. Which of you would like to go first?"
Before Riven could react, Ahri almost immediately forced her left hand up in the air, waving it around as if she was raising her hand to volunteer. "I think Riven wants to go!"
Ahri was wrong and she knew it. Riven doesn't even want to participate, let alone go first. The only reason she was even here is because Ahri used the fear card on Riven, and it worked. But she soon regretted her decision and realized that proving her bravery was no longer worth the trouble.
Riven snatched her hand away from Ahri and said, "Would you excuse us for a moment?" She then pulled Ahri by the arm and took her several feet away from Fiora and Karma.
The white-haired woman looked at her roommate beyond annoyed. This was getting out of hand at this point. "Okay. What's the deal with you?"
Ahri shrugged. "I just thought it would be fun for us."
Riven rolled her eyes. "Maybe for you, but I personally don't even want to do this. And you know what? I don't care if you call me a coward. This whole thing is way beneath me."
"You think everything is beneath you, don't you?"
"Well... I..." Riven didn't know how to answer that properly. It was common for Noxians to have that sort of mindset, but Riven did not. Not anymore at least.
The foxwoman then formed a smile, as if they'd stop arguing. "Tell you what, Riv. If you do well on this, I will grant you one favor."
"One favor?" Riven wanted to be sure if Ahri was was making the same suggesting she was thinking. "As in, I can ask you to do something for me, and you'll do it?"
"Yep. Almost anything I should say! I'm not that crazy, you know."
Riven can already tell that Ahri would not do a good amount of "favors" for her that she might suggest unless she accepts this sort of offer. It wasn't in Riven's nature to accept this sort of offer though. If there was something that Riven really didn't want to do, which includes this play, she won't do it, even for a trade-off. On the other hand, Riven can really make use of this favor Ahri spook of. There was already a number of things Ahri can do for her, save for a few exceptions obviously. And if Riven was going to live with Ahri, it would be a good option to have.
After a little moment of thought, Riven said, "Alright. I'll give it a shot."
"Awesome! Knock 'em dead, tiger."
"Yeah, sure..." Riven was unenthusiastic, but she was willing to at least try now.
She walked back to the two other women with Ahri close behind her, then finally said, "I'll go first."
"Alright then," said Karma, smiling. "If you would just follow me on stage..."
Riven followed the Enlighten one on the center of the stage. From there, is was almost as if she was on top of a building, because she can see the whole auditorium from here, and it felt higher than usual. Not only that, but everyone who would be part of the audience can see her, which made Riven uneasy. She was already discovering the feeling of 'stage fright.' Riven never understood it until now. People would be watching her every move, and she hated being watched, especially by hundreds of people. Again, the Exiled regretted her choice, to a greater extent. But it seems like her chances of backing out this time had come and gone.
Karma asked, "Are you prepared, Ms. Riven?"
Riven sighed, scratching her head. "Not ready..."
"It's quite alright. I know the feeling. Just relax and keep calm. There's no real danger here..."
"Alright, Riven," Fiora yelled from one of the many seats of the theater. "What role do you wish to partake? I assume the Empress, correct?"
Riven didn't really care what she played at that part. She just wanted this whole thing over with. "Yeah..."
"Pardon?" asked Fiora. "You need to speak louder so that everyone can hear you, honey."
"Yeah!" repeated Riven more loudly. Her uneasiness combined with her natural, soft voice hindered her speaking.
"Good, good. Karma will then start giving you instructions to follow."
Riven sighed. She wasn't in the mood to raise her voice, nor does she like it. Apparently though, it seems like it was a requirement as well in regards to the play itself. It was slowly becoming much for the Exile. She wonders what else actors had to go through.
"Alright," said Karma. "I want you to pretend that I am an older, but handsome man dressed up in a suit. We are at a ball hosted by your wealthy father. First, we will begin dancing..."
"Dancing?" asked Riven. "I should warn you, I can't remember the last time I 'danced.'"
"It's fine, dear." Karma grinned. "As long as you're not flip flopping around, you should be okay."
"What else?"
"As we go along, I will say a few lines that the butler, the character you're dancing with mind you, would say. Try to respond that only the Empress would."
Now Riven was a little worried. Was she expected to be somewhat familiar with the play even when auditioning? She knew nothing about the character she was suppose to potray.
"Oh... I should also point out that I'm unfamiliar with Demacian plays in general, let alone this one."
"The Empress, Sora, is generally a kindhearted, elegant noblewoman who merely wishes to peruse a life of happiness in her already fortunate life. Despite living a life of luxury, She had been depressed for quite some time, and felts that something is missing..."
"And that is...?"
"Someone to share it with. In her case, it is the love of one of her own servants."
This just gets worst and worst. Apparently, Riven, or the character she was playing rather, is without a doubt, suppose to be in love with some guy, most likely an aged man even. The whole thing was already crossing Riven's boundaries. She was even tempted to just walk away, but the feeling of cowardliness that Ahri tried to brag to her was returning.
Riven sighed lightly again, but remained calm and said, "Alright... I think I understand now..."
"Are you sure?" Karma asked. "I'm willing to full you in as much as possible."
"Yes, thank you, Karma. Let's just get this over with."
"Very will then. Let us begin." With that, Karma formed a respective bow in front of her partner, more-or-less typical of a nobleman. Riven rolled her eyes and formed a pretend curtsy, something she doesn't do often, but she figured it was her queue to get into character. This was already embarrassing.
"May I have this dance, my lady?" asked Karma, who is now assuming the role as the butler.
"Oh-of course," said 'Empress' Riven, or Sora rather.
Riven then took Karma by the hand and waist and started an elegant and smooth dance, slowly moving each other around on stage. Riven made sure her steps were precised and not on Karma's feet while maintaining the appropriate posture. Riven wasn't an experienced dancer so she was extra careful not to screw up, though Karma was taking the lead and was doing a pretty good job at it, so it wasn't entirely that hard.
"You dance will, my lady," said Karma in character.
"Thank you," said Riven. "You're quite talented yourself."
"And you look extra exquisite in this particular evening." Karma formed a pleasant smile. "Then again, you are exquisite each day, Lady Sora."
"You are a handsome man yourself," said Riven, trying her absolute best to maintain a straight face. "but flattery will get you nowhere."
Karma grinned, or was that in character? It was hard to tell anymore. "I suppose you're right, Ms. Sora. Forgive me if it seems like I'm flirting."
"It's quite alright," said Riven in character. "I seem to get that a lot anyway. But I appreciate the compliment."
"And I appreciate yours," said Karma. "I do hope this doesn't seem strange seeing as how I am your butler."
"Again, it's alright. I'm glad you of all people are working for me, and it is nice dancing with you."
"And it is an honor working for you, my Lady."
Fiora then stood up from her seat. "Annnd, cut!" she shout suddenly, then slowly started clapping. "Bravo, Riven. That was good."
The two women stopped dancing and grow out of character with Fiora's signal. "Well, that was quick," Riven thought, though she didn't complain. She was fairly glad it was over before she knew it, though it wasn't quite as unbearable as she originally thought.
"Thanks," said Riven. "Is that really it or..."
"Yes, that was it, thank you. Now it's Ahri's turn."
"Okay then!" said Ahri eagerly.
It was clear that both Ahri and Fiora had been watching them this whole time. Though it was only two people, the fact that people were watching her preform like that wasn't entirely easy. Riven wondered what her two viewers really thought of her performance. There was no way of telling. For all she know, they probably thought it was lackluster. Laughably even. Though it wasn't a pleasant thought, Riven eventually stopped caring all together. Who cares what they think of it? She wasn't an actress nor does she planned to be.
Riven then seat down, close to where Fiora was and watched as Ahri prepares for her audition with Karma. The female dictator then said, "I assume you are trying out as the Empress as well, yes?"
"Mhm," Ahri nodded.
"Alright. You will play out a different scene entirely. Remember. You are the Empress and Karma is the butler? Understood?"
"Understood," confirmed Ahri.
"Good. Do as Karma tells you and try your hardest. Oh! One other thing:" Fiora's voice became more stern at that moment." don't even think about using your charm spell. That would be beyond cheating."
Ahri groaned. "I won't..."
Karma gave out the instructions to Ahri just as she did with Riven before. The two had a brief discussing, out of character of course, before they actually started. Much like Riven's audition, Karma explained to her what to do and Ahri asked a few questions, though none of that really mattered. Only Ahri's performance compared to Riven's.
"My lady," said Karma, assuming the role as the butler once again. "My I... have a word with you?"
Ahri was facing away from Karma, seemingly striking some kind of pose as she stand from the ways up. It wasn't anywhere near over-the-top, but it was noticeable. "Yes, my loyal servant?" she asked almost seductively, as Empress Sora.
"It-it is a little uneasy for me to say this... In fact, I have trouble just by thinking about it alone. I have been keeping this secret for quite some time." Riven was just noticing the sense of emotion in Karma's lines. They seemed almost real. She can tell that the butler was fairly more nervous than he was previously. Karma seemed good at this acting thing. Riven was a little impressed.
"Oh, do tell," said 'Empress' Ahri in the same tone.
"Well... I would like to point out that it has been an honor serving you. Truly. In all my years, there has been no one I would rather work for. In fact, I would not stop serving you even if I'd stopped getting paid. This privilege means so much to me..."
"How touching," said Ahri, casually.
"Even if you'll think less of me, I will continue to serve you, if you so desire, that is..."
"Please get to the point already."
"Well... what I'm trying to say is..." Karma paused for a few seconds. "You are desire to me... I love you."
"Oh... I love you too!" said Ahri as she hugged Karma the 'butler,' clearly acting.
"Cut," shouted Fiora once again. This time, clapping more slowly. "Thank you Ahri. You may step down now.
"Okay. How'd I do? Did I made the cut?" asked Ahri as she left the stage.
"You'll find out shortly, dear," answered Fiora.
Riven can't help but to ask, "How'd she really do?"
Fiora leaned close to the Exile for a whisper. "Honestly, not as good as you."
Not as good as her. She can't be serious. Riven didn't even think she did that good herself, and according to Fiora, Ahri did even worst. Was her performance really that bad? Riven wasn't certain. It was difficult for her how well someone acts, and she didn't think she would ever get the idea. She wasn't interested in the sightless.
Ahri and Karma walked at the side of the theater with Riven and Fiora there. "Alright, ladies," said Fiora. "come back here tomorrow to see if you've made the cut. We truly appreciate your effects. You are both dismissed."
"I hope the rest of your day is pleasant," said Karma. "If you'll excuse us, we have work to do. Any additional questions before we part?"
"No," said Riven.
"Same," said Ahri. "It was fun. See ya later."
"Bye, bye," replied Karma.
The two roommates then head back to their dorm, still with the evening ahead of them. Riven thought about want Fiora had said to her some more. She couldn't help but to feel a little bad. Unlike her, Ahri seemed more interested in this play, yet to Fiora, her performance was... sub-par at best. Riven still couldn't tell entirely what Ahri did wrong, but couldn't tell what she herself did right either, if at all. The swordswoman wasn't trying to look too deep into it, but what concerned her was telling Ahri herself. She didn't know how the foxwoman would feel. Jealous? Offended? Worried? Those were just speculations. Either way, Riven was quite sure Ahri wouldn't be happy, but in the end, she might want to know, and Riven figured that she should tell her.
"Hey Ahri?"
"What is it, Riv?"
"It's about the auditions..."
"Huh? Oh, you did fine, Riven."
"Well, thanks, but that's not what I meant."
"Hmm? Oh that favor. Right..."
"We-we'll talk about that later. What I'm trying to say is... you might not... Wait, I'm being summoned, aren't I?"
"Good luck," Ahri said, waving.
Withing an instant, Riven was transported to the Summoners' Rift.
The match went smoothly for Riven this time. The final score was 15-3 in her team's favor. The enemy blue team ended up surrendering in a little over 23 minutes. Riven had four kills, three of which towards her enemy laner and one for the jungler. She didn't die once, though she was thankful she had a decent summoner this time. She couldn't say the same for Master Yi though, who was generally less fortunate. All and all, she was grateful to have such flawless victory, even after the day she had.
Riven stretched her arms and legs and then got herself something to eat at the diner. She then headed back to her dorm. The swordswoman was just about ready to call it a day, especially after the events that had happened. She hoped Ahri was there. Riven had the means of talking to her about some ground rules.
Just as the white-haired one was getting close to her room, Master Yi was close behind. "Riven. May I have a quick word?" he asked.
Riven turned around to the Wuju Master. What could be possibly want? It wasn't often for the two to speak casually. Last time she checked, the man did not care for her unlike Ireila, mainly because of what the Noxians did in Ionia and Riven's involvement. She'd usually tried to avoid him if she could help it because of this, but if Master Yi of all people wanted her for something, it must be important.
"What is it?"
"Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you on your victory back at the Summoners' Rift, though I might admit, my partner was somewhat inexperienced."
"It's not like you to 'congratulate' me of anything, Yi."
"Well, true, but I am in a fair mood. Tell me, is the Nine-tailed Fox your roommate?"
"Yeah, what of it?"
"Well, according to Ireila, there has been some form of collusion going on..."
"Yeah, she told me that too. What about it?"
"Has the foxwoman done or said anything suspicious to you yet?"
Riven was remembering the conversation she had with Ahri about it. From what she remembered between now and her room migration, she could not recall anything in the matter, and when Ahri denied any sort of involvement, she took her word for it. "No, she hasn't."
"Ah. Then I should ask you, keep a close eye on her. I believe you know as well as I do about her tricks. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if she really was involved."
"She said she doesn't even know a thing about it," claimed Riven.
"That is what she might want you to believe," said Yi "If you truly don't want anything bad to happen, I suggest you do something about it should she try anything."
"I'm guessing you're suspicious about her then..."
"I am. I'm merely telling you this for the sake of the league. Behind that seemingly charming exterior lays a deceitful animal."
"I'll keep that it mind, thank you."
Master Yi then walked away silently. Could Ahri really be up to something? Riven wasn't entirely sure anymore. She was not ready to confront her roommate about it again just yet. Riven wanted to be absolutely sure first. Ahri was innocent until proven guilty.
AN: I'm sorry for the sudden gap between chapters. I didn't mean to make you guys wait for too long.
First, I decided to take a huge break from LoL, save for the release of Lucian. Reason being, I dislike the community. This may not apply to you, but let's just say all people do is talk shit and complain. Plus, I simply just got tired of playing it. It doesn't affect my motivation in writing this though. The game just pissed me off, that's all.
Second, I had just a little bit to do irl. It doesn't help that Final Fantasy XIV was around the cover. You know I had to play the open beta and early access while I still can, but since both were a bust, I worked on this story instead.
I'm still looking for a decent beta-reader by the way. If you're good with grammar and continuity and also have the time, hit me up. I don't know who to turn to.
