Lux arrives exactly five minutes early to the tea party. Annie greets her with a wave and grin. Tibbers is also present, dressed in a neat little tux. Holds out her hand to Annie, a small wrapped chocolate on her palm. This tiny chocolate is the antidote to the tea they'll be drinking. Oh, it is more or less a harmless liquid they'll be drinking. If you're not immune to the effects, then random body parts will transform into animal body parts. Lux already took her antidote. The two of them exchange smiles. Annie's mother had helped prepare the tea in advance. The list of women Draven's pissed off is huge.
In the center of the room is a small table set for a child's height. Pale blue lace covers the top of the table. Delicate hand painted tea cups rest on matching plates. Tiny sandwiches, completely safe for consumption, rest next to each cup of tea. Also attending the tea party is a variety of stuffed animals. Lux chooses the seat furthest from the exit, Annie chooses to sit on her right side. Talon is exactly on time, dressed in a suit.
"Hello Talon," Lux calls out, waving him in.
"Hi Lux. Hi Annie...umm…" Talon stammers as he looks for a place to sit where he will won't be at an odd angle.
"You get to sit by Miss Honey Doodle the Brave. She fought with me against some very nasty garden gnomes last summer," Annie explains, pointing to a doll propped up in a chair. The poor doll is missing most of her hair, and what is left is burnt. One its glass eyes is missing, the other eye badly chipped. Despite these war wounds Miss Honey Doodle the Brave is dressed in a small purple dress, ready for battle again.
"Ah-ha-ha…" Talon laughs taking a seat. The moment he sits down all the stuffed animals, dolls, and a few wall decorations turn their heads to look at him. To his credit, he doesn't bolt yet both hands are now armed with blades.
"Talon, you've seen Tibbers! Surely you aren't surprised that Annie has animated other toys?" Lux admonishes, hiding back her shock as well. She was not expecting this either!
"..." Talon is silent sweat forming on his head. His eyes flick towards the exit, then back to Lux.
"Have some tea!" Annie says while pouring all guests at the table a cup of tea.
Once more all the toys present come alive. They all start to drink the tea in front of them. Despite being made of various materials, the tea disappears like it being consumed by live people. Lux makes note of that; she didn't know such magic existed on that tiny scale. Still, best to keep up the act! Draven will learn his lesson. With a deep inhale, Lux admires the scent of the tea. It smells sweet and savory. As it slides down her tongue, it leaves behind a pleasant aftertaste. Tiny pricks of magic run down her spine, reminding her that the tea is very much enchanted.
Talon quickly gulps down all the tea. Annie and Lux just stare at him. He wasn't supposed to drink it that fast! Tea is meant to be sipped, how will the magic work on him in such a concentrated state?! They soon find out as Talon's noises starts changing. It grows longer, and longer turning grey and wrinkly. He yelps and jumps to his feet. Then promptly falls over backwards because his legs are transforming into the legs similar on a stork. Somehow he recovers enough balance to run out the door screaming. If either of them could understand mouse, they would blush from the words he was yelling at them.
"That was interesting," Lux remarks as she ponders just what Annie's mother used in the tea she's drinking.
"Sandwich?" Annie asks a devilish grin on her face.
"Of course! The tea is divine, please give your mother my compliments. And perhaps I could have the recipe?" Lux inquires with a polite smile.
"Okay." Annie replies handing Lux a sandwich.
The remainder of the tea party is uneventful. Lux returns to the Institute of War. There are some books she needs to pick up before returning home. To her dismay, Darius is behind her and her belongings. Again he greets her with that lazy smile. Tiny butterflies erupt in her stomach. She's alone right now. Any trouble from him would be bad news for her! Why is he here? Doesn't he have business to do in Noxus? Important things to do anywhere but near her?
"Hello Darius," Lux says trying to edge around the large man.
"Hello Lux! Has anyone ever complimented on you how delightfully devious you are? Because that trick on Talon is amazingly devious. I'm impressed how you pulled that off so smoothly." Darius tells her, as he moves out of her way.
"Being called devious is not a compliment to a Demacian, Darius." Lux explains as she reaches for her books. His cloak brushes against her bare arms, it feels warm to the touch. A blush crosses her face. Darius is very close to her. Heat radiates off his body and warms up her skin as she tries to grab her book. Thankfully Darius moves further away, giving her more room. Darius smells like cedar and soap, a surprising combination on the large warrior. Lux continues to fight her unwanted blush.
"Hmmmm. Good night Lux. Take care." Darius mumbles in exchange.
"Farewell, Darius." Lux says quickly as she makes her exit, heart beating quickly. In dim lighting Lux would almost think Darius is blushing at her just as hard as she blushing back. But, no, that is impossible! There is no way Darius could blush. Such a cute reaction is not possible on that man!