Shyvana moved to the crystal lamp and loosed a tongue of fire, infusing the glow crystal with mana and brightening the room. "I meant to ask about that. As I understand it, there hasn't been a major war between Demacia and Noxus for almost twenty years."
"I wouldn't say there's been no conflict," Jarvan chuckled. "Border skirmishes and assassination attempts aren't that uncommon. If anything, both states are holding their ground, building up their forces for when the League finally fails to contain them."
"The League is basically an interstate organization that settles conflicts via gladiatorial matches on something called the Summoner's Rift, right? Why would you want us to join?"
"One, because you're both strong enough to face the greatest champions Valoran has to offer. And two, because having two champions of your caliber allied to Demacia will increase our influence in the League. Three, because you two are battle hungry and having you cooped up here will just ruin our own forces. I heard about what happened to Emmel," he said, giving Shyvana a pointed look as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
"Fighting someone strong does sound nice for a change," Eniah said. "How many champions are there?"
"Around a hundred. Some are sponsored by states like Demacia and Noxus while others work for their own ends or for different realms like the Shadow Isles or the Void. Champions can fight for anything from honor and personal wealth and power to material gains for their city state. It's ultimately up to you, but I hope to see you on the Rift."
"You're a champion?"
He nodded as he stood and moved to his wardrobe. "So are Garen and Lux, and a handful of other elite Demacians. If you don't mind, I need to go to sleep. I have a meeting with my father and his councilors tomorrow morning and no one brushes off my father. I'll have someone introduce you to the League tomorrow," he said, yawning.
Eniah woke up to a knock at his door just as the sun's first rays peaked over the horizon. Groggily shuffling to his bathroom, he quickly washed his face and greeted his visitor. "Why the hell are you up, Lux?"
Opening the door, he saw no one and turned to bed in irritation. A sharp "Bwap!" made him turn down. Facing him was the largest eagle he'd ever seen. It was as tall as the middle of his thigh and bore a striking blue plumage that would act as a natural cloak against the sky. He immediately noticed the wickedly curved beak and giant talons and took a step back. That thing's a hunter... and it... has an owner? Surprised at the silver breastplate, he leaned forward to read the bird's name: "Valor."
Valor turned his head to the side with an asserted "Bwap," motioning him to follow with a raised wing. Either I'm dreaming or I'm taking orders from a damn turkey. With a sigh, he knelt down and tried to pick up the bird, only to receive a sharp peck and a hefty slap of the wing that sent him on his butt. With an angry squawk, he lifted himself into the air, flying around a corner.
"Valor! Didn't I tell you not to bite the guests?" came the scolding voice of a girl. She turned the corner and looked down at Eniah. "So I assume you tried to pick him up then." Holding out a hand, she tried her best to stifle her laughter, with poor results. Eniah hopped to his feet, staring at the girl who was half a head shorter. She wore a faded, grey leather armor, better for fading into shadows. Her pants faded into thigh length boots of blue fabric and iron shin guards. Her lithe figure and cat like stance betrayed her profession.
"Wouldn't a blue and gold helmet stand out like a sore thumb, ranger?" he grunted, still sour over Valor's antics.
"It does, but let's just say it's my way of giving people a head start." She motioned for him to follow and turned the corner. "Sorry about Valor, by the way. He does whatever he wants and when the prince asked me to show his guests to the League yesterday he got a bit excited. He just flew off to your dorm at first light."
"Apology accepted."
After meeting up with Shyvana, they walked to the warp statue outside just outside of the palace. "The prince asked me to guide you two because Lady Luxanna is busy and Lady Fiora is frankly a cocky bitch."
"Lady who?"
"Lady Fiora Laurent, fellow champion of the League and the one who holds the title as the Grand Duelist. I'm Quinn, by the way. I don't think I've introduced myself. I also have business at the League as a champion so we'll be going together." She handed them black orbs inscribed with silver runes that otherwise looked identical to the ones they used previously. "This will take you to the Institute of War if you use it from any city. However, coming back is a bit more difficult. For the security of each city state, there is a key bearer who prevents teleporting into the city. Of course, the prince is our key bearer."
"Fair enough, let's go."
Holy fuck, that's a lot of purple, Eniah thought as he stepped through the initial dizziness of warping.
They stood before an amethyst monument just outside of a giant building Quinn introduced as the Institute of War. The Institute was set atop a hill overlooking a makeshift town that had risen up around it to provide for the various needs of the champions and summoners. The 400 flights of stairs were woven with amethyst crystals that floated above and would illuminate the path at night while the marble of the entire structure seemed to have a faded purple hue to it. "That's a really big gate. Is that necessary?" Eniah said, looking above the stairs. The gate was easily four stories tall, made of hextech enhanced steel and magical runes that would help movement and durability. Mostly durability.
Quinn just laughed and stepped up to the watchmen, handing in her champions' badge. "When you meet Cho'Gath, you might want thicker gates." Stepping inside, she turned her guests. "This is where I leave you. I have some business on the Treeline. A minor match, but the prince 'asked' me to take part," she grumbled. "Stick around and someone should welcome you."
They weren't kept waiting long as a boy, no more than twelve, ran through the halls and stopped, panting before them. He introduced himself as Caleb, proudly showing off the faded purple robes of and medallion of an apprentice summoner. Throughout the child's excited introductions, the two just rolled their eyes and followed to the Chamber of Judgment. The doors of the chamber were made of pitch black ebony, a stark contrast to the mystical violet that filled the halls. Barring their way through the door, Caleb turned and spoke, all excitement and jovial charm gone from his voice.
"Ahem, I realize you've both ignored everything I've told you, and that's fine, I don't care. But don't ignore what I am about to tell you, future champions. This is what was truly required of me. The doors you see before you open to the Chamber of Judgment. A League Judgment is an examination of the mind and soul. Your combat abilities are not being tested; the fact that you are here at all is proof enough. Here, you will make known to the world what, or whom, you are truly fighting for. Your goals, ambitions, hopes, and dreams are laid before you. and before the Council This may deepen your convictions or break your mind. Do you wish to continue?"
The two nodded and stepped forward as the ebony doors swung inward, beckoning them into the abyss.
AN: Relatively little going on here, a bit busy working on Judgments and other things in life.
