"We have gotten a distress letter from the Freljord." Garen said with a pout. He stood at the table next to his sister Lux. Quinn and Valor assembled across from the siblings. Garen looked at Lux, face grim. "It sounds like they have a potential invasion on their hands."
Quinn sat up straighter. The Freljord had always been isolated from the rest of the city states. It was odd that they were asking Demacia for help. Whatever is happening northward, it must be bad to ask Demacia for assistance. Quinn hoped they could trust the authenticity of the letter. "When did you receive word?" she asked. Valor chirped in agreement.
Garen shook his head, "We received the letter this morning, but who knows how long ago to was sent."
Lux agreed, blonde hair swishing along her shoulders. Quinn exchanged a glance with Valor. He looked nervous. "We want to send assistance as soon as possible." Garen said, nervousness flashing in his eyes. "I want you and Val to take fifteen men up there."
Quinn was surprised, Garen definitely thought the request was tangible. She was also astonished that he was choosing her for such a task. The last time she had led mission, he forbade her. Maybe he was realizing that she was not weak, and neither was Valor.
She felt honored to be nominated.
"Of course." She said to Garen. "Who would you like me to take?"
"You may pick, just make sure you keep it even. I don't want all of our best soldiers gone, but also want to be of use if they need assistance."
Quinn nodded, "I will round the men up shortly. We will leave at dawn."
Garen smiled, Lux nodded. "Marvelous." He said, "I will get you a map and start getting supplies from the stockpile."
Lux only smiled weakly, leaping off of the table. Quinn stood, the chair skidding on the floor below. Valor chirped as he nodded to Garen. Quinn watched as Lux threw her bouncy blonde hair over her shoulder and walked from the room.
Garen turned to leave as well, but stopped in his tracks. He looked over his shoulder at Quinn and Valor. The woman held her breath, wondering what he was going to say, but he did nothing. Garen quickly returned his gaze forward and left the room.
Quinn looked at Valor, he looked equally confused. Quinn frowned slightly and shrugged. She let the bird climb to her shoulder as she left the room as well. Closing the door behind her she paced towards the training grounds. Most of the soldiers would be there at this hour.
As she came upon the green field she saw soldiers all around, throwing spears and fighting in melee courts. One young soldier by the name of Jaden looked up from his shield as she and Valor approached. He stood up and saluted.
Quinn put out a hand for him to stop. She hated when they did that. The other men did not see her as she strode into the courtyard.
Turning around, Valor screeched. The soldiers stopped in their tracks. Soon they all gathered in front of their superior.
Quinn ran a hand through her violet hair, readying a speech. She had always hated that part of her job.
She made it quick, explaining the situation. All of the soldiers nodded when she finished, listening intently. Quinn decided to let them volunteer, hoping they would avoid conflict that way. About eight of them volunteered.
Quinn wanted to accept them, but they were all so young and inexperienced. She held back a sigh as she nodded to five of them. The ones she rejected looked hurt. She wanted to apologize, but held it back. "Anyone else?" she asked looking around.
All of them looked at each other. One of the more experience soldiers stepped forward, dipping her head. Three other more experienced soldiers stepped forward. Quinn was glad they all were skilled in melee.
Two other intermediate defensive soldiers volunteered. Quinn felt relief as she only had to pick a few more. As graciously as she could, Quinn picked the last three members of her entourage. They looked stressed as they joined the lineup.
She dismissed the rest of the soldiers, then turned to the chosen group. Nodding she spoke. "Remember, we leave at dawn. Gather your things and meet me at the gates of the city in the morning. Just as the dew is lifting from the grass."
They all agreed and dispersed, away to gather their things.
Quinn waited for them all to be out of sight. She had to tell Jarvan. She looked at Valor who knew what she was about to do. He blinked in agreement.
The young woman raced away, thinking she knew where the prince would be. It was just after sun high, he was usually on the outpost. She raced towards the castle and up the numerous steps that led to the enormous platform overlooking the city.
As she and Valor flew up the steps, Quinn spotted the silhouette of the prince. He was facing the kingdom, sun falling on his back. Crown glistening as it always did.
"Jarvan!" Quinn called, Valor flying off her shoulder. The man heard her call, looking over his shoulder. Once he saw who it was he smiled. Turning around he opened his arms.
Quinn stumbled up the final step, catching herself before she fell. Jarvan chuckled as he walked towards her. Quinn laughed as well, blushing as she approached him.
"What brings you up here?" Jarvan asked, talking Quinn by the arm.
She looked up at him as Valor perched on the railing. They walked towards the edge, Jarvan placed his hands firmly on the beam.
"I have news." She said, breath quivering. This was a big mission, she hoped Jarvan would share her enthusiasm and worry.
The prince smiled widely..
Quinn chuckled before she spoke. Quickly she looked over at Valor. The bird returned her gaze. "Valor and I have been assigned to a mission."
"That's wonderful." She heard Jarvan say. Quinn looked back at the prince. His gaze was warm.
"The Freljord mission."
All of a sudden his smile faded and his face grew confused. Quinn was surprised. Standing up straight he turned and walked away.
Quinn was astonished. She looked at Valor again, he rusted his feathers in confusion. She flew around after Jarvan.
"What's wrong?" she asked, reaching out an arm to pull him around.
"Nothing," he grumbled, stopping in his tracks.
"Jarvan, what is it?" she persisted.
Slowly he turned around, distress strewn across his gaze.
"Do you know how long a mission like that will take?" he asked. "And when were you going to tell me?"
Quinn stuttered, "I-I don't know. And I was just told myself!" she was baffled.
Jarvan rubbed a temple as he stood in place. "The Freljord is weeks away, you will be gone forever!" he said.
"You don't know that," Quinn chuckled. "And what does it matter?"
Jarvan took a deep breath and returned his gaze to Quinn. "It matters a lot." He said, walking up to embrace her.
She tried to push him away, as they were in public.
He let out a gruff sound as she repelled him. "This is what I mean!"
"What?" she asked, thoroughly confused. She looked at him with worry. "I will be back in no time."
"Even so!" Jarvan exasperated. "I can't tell anyone that I miss you."
Quinn shook her head, trying to calm him down.
"I want to yell from the rooftops!" he screamed, voice echoing off the stone walls "I want to tell every person in Demacia that I love you." He reached out to grab Quinn with two hands.
Quinn held her breath, finally understanding what he meant. She backed away.
He threw his hands up, "But I can't! Because you want to sneak around."
"Jarvan." She breathed. "You know why."
The prince let out a frustrated breath. "I don't care. We have been together for over a year! I could care less what people think."
The words struck Quinn. She felt extremely happy, but yet extremely terrified.
The prince began to pace around the outlook, feet clomping along the floor. Taking off his crown he ran his hands through his hair. Quinn did not know what to do.
Suddenly he stopped. "Please don't go." He breathed.
Quinn held her breath, "I'm sorry Jarvan. I have to." She could not bear to look at him.
She could tell he was restraining a yell. "Fine. But when you come back, don't expect me to be here for you."
The words made Quinn's heart drop, terror bubbled in her stomach. "What?" she said, whipping around.
Jarvan shook his head. "I can't be with a woman who won't say she's in love with me."
"Jarvan please!" she called, grabbing at his arm as he walked away. "You can't be serious!"
The prince looked at her angrily, "Will you tell everyone you love me?"
Quinn felt her voice catch in her throat. She hesitated.
Jarvan sighed.
Turning away for good, Jarvan wrenched his arm from her grip. "I hope you are successful on your trip." Was all he said.
Quinn felt herself drop to her knees as he walked away. Valor flew to her but she hardly noticed. She wanted to call out for him, but it was no use. She was weak. Even though she wanted it more than anything, she could not publicly sate her love for him.
Jarvan's head soon disappeared down the stairs. Quinn swallowed. "Goodbye." She whispered, tearing her gaze from the spot.