Chapter 7 – Vectors
Alone in her room, Riven packed some clothes and basic necessities. She didn't actually have much to pack, so it wouldn't have taken long if she wasn't lost in her thoughts. Her conversation with Irelia was stuck on her mind, and keeping her preoccupied.
"What do you mean I'm going with you?" Riven asked tensely.
"It's exactly that. You will accompany me and I shall show you to Ionia, and Ionia to you. You asked me for guidance, and I will give it to you."
Riven recalled her moment of weakness grudgingly. This wasn't what she meant. She was just confused back then.
"I can't go back," She muttered, "There's no way they'll have me there."
Irelia regarded her for a short moment, "I won't say you won't find some conflict there. I'm actually hoping you will. But you do not understand us, Riven. We are not meant to hold grudges, and many of us hold true to that."
"So," Riven considered, "You want me to be an example for Ionia? A test to see if they are true to their beliefs?"
Irelia frowned, then smirked. "You're sharper than I expected, but that's not the entire plan. I do wish to help you, after all."
At that moment, Riven regretted opening up to the Ionian at all. She couldn't see why this would be beneficial to her. At the very best, she'd be accepted by the very people she'd wronged, but she didn't expect that to have any positive effect on her feelings. And at the very worst, well, she'd rather not think about it. She didn't want any more bloodshed with the Ionians in this lifetime.
"I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your offer." Riven concluded. She made to get up and leave but was stopped by Irelia. She put her hands on Riven's shoulders.
"We can help you with your goal." She stated, staring Riven in the eyes.
Riven furrowed her brow. What was she referring to?
"I know you wish to rebuild Noxus."
Riven's eyes widened. She hadn't told a soul. Unless Nigel-
"You told me, Riven. Or rather, your sword did."
Irelia let go of Riven's shoulders.
"My gift allows me to feel the intentions of a sword's bearer the moment I touch it."
"But…" Riven though out loud, "You never touched my sword."
Irelia smiled and turned to her floating blade, stroking the edge calmly.
"This is who I am, now, Riven. It's not just me anymore. We are Irelia."
The realization dawned on Riven. It wasn't just a simple connection Irelia felt with her sword. It wasn't magic either. They were literally joined at a deeper level. She suddenly felt a little concerned for Irelia's well-being.
"… Does it hurt to fight?" She asked inquisitively.
Irelia looked surprised for a moment, but then laughed. "Haha, no, it doesn't hurt. Not physically at least." She knocked on the side of the blade. "My sword doesn't have a nervous system, but we do share what Soraka calls a 'metaphysical' mind. To be honest, it's beyond my comprehension. It's akin to trying to imagine your own brain."
Riven nodded slowly. She understood, for the most part. She decided to get back on topic.
"Why would you help me? After what Noxus did to Ionia?"
Irelia's smile faded. "That is a question I want you to be able to answer yourself."
Riven frowned. She couldn't understand why people rarely gave a straight answer. Irelia laughed again.
"I know, I know. I can't just tell you everything now, can I? You wouldn't come with me otherwise."
Riven sighed. Of course it was like this. Everyone played word games to get what they wanted. But she still wasn't convinced.
"Irelia-"
"Ah. That's the first time you've called me by name." Irelia noted.
Riven looked blankly at the girl. She herself wasn't one to put value in names. She thought it was odd to pay attention to that sort of thing.
"I don't think this is a good idea." She continued.
Irelia gave her a contemplative look, trying to come up with a way to convince her.
"Alright. How about this? If you come with me, I'll teach you the secrets of your sword."
Riven cocked her head, her mind instantly reacting to the information. "Secrets?"
Irelia nodded. "In our battle, your summoner used his magic to bring back your sword, correct? What if I were to tell you your sword has the capability to do so on its own. Or, to be more accurate, you have that power, Riven."
Irelia could tell by Riven's captivated look that she'd won her over, and continued without waiting for a response.
"Well then, I'll see you at eight o'clock sharp tomorrow morning."
Riven picked up a pair of beige pants, and something slipped out of the pocket. She looked down, surprised, and knelt to pick it up. It was the bracelet Lux had bought for her at the market. She angled it against the lamplight, causing it to flash brightly.
Lux… Riven had already told Nigel, but she wouldn't have a chance to say goodbye to Lux. Was it really alright to just leave without letting her know? Not that she even knew where she was right now. She could be back in Demacia already. Still, the thought of it made Riven anxious. She had made a connection here at the League. She couldn't leave without leaving something behind now.
"Then… Do you love me?"
She felt her chest tighten. It couldn't be that. She'd never felt anything close to that for anyone, let alone another woman. But… this was still more than what she felt for an average person. Wasn't there something in between? Couldn't this just be what they call 'the difference between a friend and a good friend'?
She let the charm dangle from its chain, experimenting with the light.
"Oooo, shiny." Said a feminine voice behind her.
Riven bolted into action, rolling across the bed and grabbing her sword off the wall. She pointed it at the intruder.
"What do you want, Katarina?"
Katarina smirked, "Now, is that how you treat a superior? No salute? No honorific?"
"You're no longer my superior." Riven growled.
Katarina laughed lightly. "Perhaps not in the military sense, but in every other way, I still am."
Riven glowered at the woman. They had only met twice in the past. Once at her sword's presentation ceremony, and the other in a joint military exercise between their units. Neither had convinced her that Katarina was someone she'd get along with. She held her sword steady, not knowing what to expect.
Katarina frowned darkly. "Keep that sword pointed at me and I'll make sure you never use that arm again."
Riven's arm quivered as she fought against her pride to lower her weapon. She hated the idea of submitting to this woman, but in this situation she was at a disadvantage. There were too many obstacles in the small room, and Katarina's hands were on her throwing knives, ready and waiting. Riven forced her arm down.
"That's better." Kat said as she relaxed. She still held a knife in hand, though it seemed she was playing with it whimsically, rather than threatening Riven.
"How long has it been? Seven years?" Kat asked unenthusiastically, her attention on the knife as she flipped it back and forth between her hands.
"Eight years, 3 months, 19 days." Riven replied in monotone.
Kat looked at her in surprise before grinning. "Did I really make that much of an impact on you? I guess I should be flattered."
Riven would have rolled her eyes if she wasn't concerned about looking away.
Kat, on the other hand, took a seat on the bed and unwound. "I've been watching you for a while, Exile," She declared, "And though I've found it humourous seeing you blush like a schoolgirl every time that Shinny opens her mouth, I have yet to figure out your intentions here.
Riven bristled at Kat's tone. She tried to release some stress by clenching her fist on her sword's hilt. The sword glowed slightly brighter, and Kat noticed the change.
"Oh, did I upset you with just that? You're no fun at all," She said with an exaggerated sigh, "Well, if it's like that, I'll just get this out of the way."
The dagger she was toying with was immediately lodged in the wall beside Riven. The only signal Riven had gotten that it had been thrown was the short whistle as it flew past her ear. She hadn't had time to react at all.
"Whatever it is you're doing, it had better not involve Noxus." Katarina said with a dark glare. "Things are fine as they are."
Riven was caught off guard. As much as she hadn't expected any sympathy from Katarina, she still hadn't expected hostility. The idea that Kat was content with the way things were actually angered her.
"You'd disrespect Darkwill, disrespect your father this way?" She asked, her spite slipping into her voice.
"Oh please," Kat rolled her eyes, "Who do you think was in charge of the war you ran from? Your precious idols are just as dirty as the rest of the High Command."
"Besides," She added in afterthought, "My father was obviously bested. His cockiness finally got the better of him. He lost his chance, and likely his life."
Riven clenched her teeth. She knew there was little to no love in the Du Couteau family, but she found it irritating that Katarina spoke of her father so indifferently. She wondered if her own respect for the man outmatched his daughter's.
Katarina inspected her reaction. "You've changed since we last met, Riven. You're emotional."
"I've adapted." Riven responded flatly.
"Adpated?" Katarina asked within a laugh, rocking back on the bed, "To what? Weakness? Despair? Please tell me."
Riven hesitated. She felt the other woman wouldn't even begin to accept her given response, but she felt like she wanted to make a stand.
"To life."
Surprisingly, Katarina stopped laughing. Her face softened, just a bit. "Well well, it would seem Noxus' little soldier has grown up."
She grinned in her usual sadistic way. "The military life is just one of many. And here I thought you just came for revenge. I misjudged you."
She crawled slowly across the bed towards Riven. "Though," She continued, "It might be fun to break you back into that sort of life given your newfound conscience."
Riven swung at the woman. She disappeared in a flash and reappeared at the doorway, laughing and holding the dagger again.
"I'll see you again, Exile."
And with that she was gone. Riven's arm fell to her side, weighed down by her sword. She suddenly felt drained of energy. It had been another tiring day, and she imagined tomorrow would be the same.
She replaced her sword on the wall, and remembered the object in her other hand. She looked at the charm again. It glimmered back at her. She smiled faintly, reassured for a short moment, before frowning again. She sighed, shaking her head. She could live without Lux for a few days.
Riven slipped on the bracelet, examining it on her forearm. It didn't look bad. And no one would know why she wore it.
She double-checked everything in her travel bag, and lay down on the bed. She was tired and exhausted, and – with a quick glance at the clock – she needed to be up and at the Grand Hall in six hours. She closed her eyes, trying to force the previous tension out of her mind.
As per her continued self-training, she dreamt of nothing.
She woke with a start. Checking the time, she felt relieved to see it was only seven. Schedules had a stressful effect on her. She was constantly worried about being late.
She got out of bed and took a long shower. As she was getting dressed back in her room, she gazed at her sword. With the newfound knowledge that she might be able to reforge it herself, she felt a longing for the ability to do so. It gave her hope that maybe it could lead to greater things. To be a foretelling metaphor for Noxus. A prophecy, in a way.
She stretched widely. She didn't have time for her morning training, so she decided to simply go over it in her mind. She felt it was important to ingrain it into her thoughts, as well as her body. With that preoccupying her mind, she grabbed her bag and sword and headed to the Grand Hall.
There was already some activity in the hall this early in the morning. Summoners and aides walked briskly past Riven as she ambled through, looking for Irelia. She climbed the main staircase in front of the entrance and surveyed the room from above. There was no sign of her.
"Miss Riven, I presume?" Said an unfamiliar voice from behind her. She turned to face it. A short male summoner stood before her.
"I'm here to deliver a message from Miss Irelia. Something has come up very abruptly. Business matters, of course, nothing serious." He added, noticing Riven's confused stare.
"She asks you to make the journey yourself, as she's had to return to Ionia immediately via summoning." He explained further.
Riven took a moment to absorb the information. She wasn't exactly happy to hear the news, but she wouldn't be burdened by the idea of travelling herself. She was just a little hesitant. She wasn't sure about going to Ionia in the first place. Now, she'd have to find her way there without her escort.
"Can't you summon me there as well?" She asked hopefully.
The summoner shook his head. "League regulations indicate that we cannot use summoning magic to transport champions unless it is for League business. The only exception is for incidents interrupted by League matches, in which champions must return immediately. It was one of these times for Irelia."
"But," He added, pulling out a coinpurse, "We can give you some funds for travel expenses."
Riven took the bag and closed her eyes in thought for a moment. The fastest – and safest – way to get to Ionia would probably be through Piltover. She'd been there before, and she had enjoyed it. She decided it wouldn't be such a bad idea to visit it again.
She began walking off, only barely remembering to thank the summoner. But she didn't get far before a voice in her head stopped her.
'Riven! Wait up!' Nigel's voice chimed in. Riven looked around confusedly. She heard someone running up the stairs loudly, and waited as instructed. Finally, Nigel appeared at the top, completely out of breath. He held up a hand while Riven patiently waited. He was holding something in his other hand, which he presented as he stood up straight again.
"This is for you," He said, "As an apology for yesterday."
Riven took it and examined it. It was a belt, or a sash, of some sort. Before she could ask, Nigel explained.
"It's a belt and clasp for you sword. You can wear it around your waist or shoulder and clip your sword onto it while you travel."
Riven looked at it again. It was difficult to figure out, with metal pieces attached to it in a strange fashion. Nigel noticed her confusion.
"May I?" He asked, gesturing to the clasp.
Riven frowned. She glanced around nervously as people shuffled by. This area was far too crowded to be seen being assisted in such a way.
Nigel caught on, and grinned. "Never mind that. I'll do it this way." He took a deep breath, and reached his hands out just in front of him. He concentrated on the belt, and it began glowing a faint blue. It rose out of Riven's hand as she watched curiously, and wrapped slowly around her waist. The belt clasped itself snugly before returning to its normal state. Nigel let his hands drop and sighed heavily.
"That was far more difficult than I thought it would be." He said with a small laugh.
Riven smiled. As odd as that experience just was, she appreciated the effort he expended to help her out. She looked again at the clasp on her waist. On her side were two V-shaped pieces of metal, open ends facing each other. Noticing that one of the pieces seemed to be on a hinge, she tried pulling on it. With a click, it opened outwards.
Riven understood instantly, and hooked one end of her sword into the unmoving piece. With a small push inwards, the hinged piece clicked back into place, holding the sword securely. Clever.
Nigel seemed impressed by her ability to figure it out so quickly. He beamed again. "Do you like it? I made it myself. There's another clip on the back, in case you want to wear it over your shoulder. And even if the clip gets stuck somehow, you should still be able to draw the blade normally. Or… Well, at least in its current state."
Riven smirked. The boy seemed so excited about the item that he was able to talk smoothly, albeit a bit too quickly. She held out a hand.
"Thank you, Nigel. It's wonderful. I'll use it well."
Nigel shook her hand enthusiastically, happy to be praised. Riven glanced at the doorway. It was almost a two-day journey to Ionia, even with the carriage routes between the cities.
"I should go." She said distantly, her mind already busy planning her route.
Nigel nodded, "Safe travels. If you run into trouble, give me a shout."
Riven smiled wistfully. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that. With a nod, she started off.
Nigel stood a while there afterwards. He was worried that this was just going to be more suffering for Riven, and she wouldn't have anyone there to help her. He suddenly felt irritated at the League's restrictions. He and Riven were designated partners, yet he wasn't allowed to leave the Institute to be there when she'd need it most.
The short journey to the carriage house in Toir proved uneventful, up until the point where she went to board the carriage headed to Piltover. There she was met with a recently-familiar face.
"Well if it isn't Riven!" Exclaimed a joyous Ezreal, already seated inside.
Riven stopped in her tracks. She looked back, wondering if it was too late to switch carriages.
"Come on in! We don't bite. Not like those pesky Crag Mountain cave spiders."
Riven hesitantly entered, noticing Caitlyn was present as well, seated beside Ezreal. The sheriff smiled politely at Riven as she sat down across from her.
"I don't believe we've met. I'm Caitlyn, Sheriff of Piltover." She said, extending a hand.
"Riven." Riven replied, not bothering with the formalities. Caitlyn retracted her hand, not visibly upset with the non-reaction.
"Lux not with you today?" Ezreal asked, a hint of over-eagerness slipping into his voice.
Riven silently recalled their parting the previous day. It was unlikely they'd be together any time soon. She shook her head solemnly.
There was a brief silence, and Riven looked up to see the two of them eyeing her sword.
"Is that Noxian?" Ezreal asked, earning him a sharp elbow from Caitlyn. "What? I was just asking."
Riven gazed out the window. This was going to be a long journey. "Yes," She answered blankly.
"Cool! Where did you get it? It looks pretty unique." Ezreal leaned in to take a closer look.
"Noxus." Riven stated, putting a hand protectively over the blade.
Ezreal looked blankly at her for a moment before responding. "Makes sense. Sooo, that would make you a Noxian yourself, correct?"
Riven didn't respond. She turned back to the window. They had left Toir now, and were crossing the plains between the League and Noxus. She wished she could catch a glimpse of it, but it was well beyond the horizon. She wondered for the millionth time how much had changed since she'd been there last. Sure, she had sought out any and all information regarding it in her travels, but nothing compared to actually being there.
"You're not much of a talker, huh?" Ezreal interrupted her thoughts. Caitlyn elbowed him again, spurring an exaggerated "Ow!" and a glare this time.
"I think you just might talk too much." Caitlyn said irritably. She turned to Riven, "Don't mind him. He loses all tact when he's in this sort of mood. We won our match, you see." She finished with a smile.
Riven nodded slowly. She felt she might be able to get along with Caitlyn. She seemed like the more understanding type, which she felt was much more common in women. Most men she'd met were self-centered, egotistical, and over-bearing. Of course, growing up in the military surrounded by the type didn't help.
"Was it difficult?" She asked.
Caitlyn laughed, "Do you know how hard it is to shoot a speeding yordle? I'm lucky Kennen wasn't there, though Teemo is difficult enough. Luckily, my snap traps are the perfect tool for those cases." She boasted.
She continued to recount the major events of the match, and Ezreal joined in excitedly. From the sounds of it, Janna was the star of the show, though neither side had taken it entirely seriously, and put on more of a show than was necessary. Riven felt a little put off by the idea. Was the League not taken that seriously after all? She had expected real battles, not shows. She silently hoped it would not be the case.
Eventually the conversation died down, and Riven turned back to the window. She still wasn't very interested in small talk. She'd had that feeling for as long as she could remember. She thought she might develop a talent for it eventually with the amount of people she met on her journeys, but it was still as nonsensical and tiring as ever.
In the past, this viewpoint had developed a sort of resentment from her peers in the military. Even in a country where individual strength was celebrated, they expected a trust among comrades-in-arms, and her continued silence and distance was looked down upon.
But once Fury Company was founded, she was finally placed with like-minded individuals. Everyone there was focused on their objective, and worked together not as a combined unit, but as one individual power. In their off-time, they enjoyed each other's company, and respected those who wished for solitude. Even if Riven was the only female in the group, she could relax among them. But… She didn't have that luxury anymore.
She hoped that they had managed to find each other in the next life, and were enjoying themselves as they used to. She smiled faintly as she recalled their occasional misadventures and frequent successes. She was never more happy than she was with them.
That day, she had vowed revenge. Not for herself, but for Fury Company. Over time, that vow had changed. It extended towards the other people wronged by Noxus' newfound taint, and changed in its nature. She didn't want blood for blood. She wanted resolution. And as much as she hated the word, she wanted justice.
As she experienced more of the world, she learned all too much of the plague that was ruining her home, and the only way it could be fixed. Up until now, though, she hadn't dreamt of accomplishing it herself.
"May I ask you a question, Riven?" Caitlyn asked politely.
Riven looked at her in surprise. She was so lost in her thoughts she'd forgotten where she was. Caitlyn must have taken the stare as a 'yes', since she continued.
"Why is a Noxian such as yourself headed to Piltover?"
Riven's mood dropped. She resisted the urge to say 'None of your business', for she knew from experience that it just made matters worse. She received this treatment wherever she went. She hated the fact that people judged Noxus so vehemently, and there was nothing she could do or say to stop it. Its reputation was ruined, and its citizens' by association.
"I'm headed to Ionia." She answered honestly, hoping it would be easiest that way.
Caitlyn sat up straight, "Ionia? But… Surely you realize…?"
"Yes." Riven stated, meeting her eyes for a brief moment, and turning back to the window. They'd reached the elevated lands that separated Piltover and the League, and the sea was in view now.
"I do realize," She continued, "This is probably a bad idea. But I was given an offer that I cannot pass up, so I will go."
"Oh! Hey, isn't the harvest festival starting now?" Ezreal interrupted, apparently missing the mood.
Riven gave him a short glance. "Mm. She did mention that."
"She?"
"Irelia."
"Irelia? You spoke to her?" Ezreal asked, amazed.
Riven nodded. "Fought her. Twice."
"That's surprising." Caitlyn added her input.
Riven raised an eyebrow.
"You mean you don't know about her?" Ezreal asked, surprised.
"...I know of her." She offered.
Ezreal shook his head. "She is one of the most antisocial people in the League. She doesn't talk to anyone, aside from the few Ionians there."
"I heard she used to be better before the… war." Caitlyn said, glancing at Riven carefully. "But she changed at the Battle of the Placidium."
Riven didn't say anything. She could assume what had happened. Irelia became what she needed to be then and there. She needed to be a sword. Just as Riven had always been. She entertained the thought that perhaps she and Irelia had switched destinies during the invasion. She smirked slightly. If only it were so easy to change your fate.
"So," Ezreal wondered, "What does Irelia want with you there? A rematch or something?"
Riven frowned, then shrugged. "She didn't tell me everything. She just offered something that I want."
Ezreal squinted in disbelief. "So let me get this straight. You, a Noxian, are going to Ionia because the leader of the Ionian military gave you a vague promise?"
Riven nodded.
"And did it not occur to you that this might be a trap?"
Riven stared at him as he looked back at her like she was an idiot. She had considered the idea, even though she didn't believe it in the first place. She knew she was protected under the League, and if someone were to try anything, not only would they face her sword's wrath, but that of the League as well. If Irelia were to attack her, she would likely get herself kicked out of the League. And where would that leave Ionia?
She shook her head, "Nothing will happen."
Ezreal looked like he wanted to protest, but Caitlyn put a hand on his arm to stop him. She smiled politely again. "Riven, as a fellow champion, I will respect your choices and privacy. Though, I must admit, as a detective I'm curious as to how you've befriended not just one, but two former enemies so quickly and easily. But, most importantly, as Sheriff of Piltover, I must respectfully ask you to pass through our city-state quietly and as soon as possible. I'm sure you understand."
Riven nodded, looking her in the eye calmly. She suppressed her frustration at being judged by her ties. While some would respond to it, Riven just tried to use it as one more reason to get to her destination efficiently. In easily, and out easily.
As the conversation died down again, Riven returned to her window viewing, lost in her thoughts. The sun was high in the sky now. It wouldn't be long before they reached Piltover.
The rest of the trip was fairly quiet. Ezreal and Caitlyn chatted occasionally, while Riven half-listened. They didn't bother her further, which she was thankful for.
Eventually Riven started finding the landscapes familiar, and realized they were close. She'd been here in the springtime the year before last, when the fields were filled with the wild Lilt flowers. Their shimmering yellow hue blanketed the hills, as if the land itself were made of gold. It was then that Riven decided it was her favourite flower.
They began passing by sleek white buildings that dotted the outskirts of the city. Aside from the central plaza, the buildings got less eye-catching the further into the city one progressed. The city's scientific progress was expanding faster than the city itself, so as it grew, its outer borders became more and more impressive.
Piltover was bustling as usual, and Riven spotted a few motorized vehicles on the roads. She found it intriguing that horses might not be needed in the future, but felt a little distraught by the artificial feel of it all. It seemed like the people of this city were all too interested in making their lives easier, up to the point where even the most basic tasks were automated.
'The pursuit of laziness.' She thought offhand.
The cart came to a stop at an old-fashioned stablehouse downtown. Riven heard the driver jump down. He opened the door, placing a movable staircase at the bottom.
"We've arrived! Watch your step." He announced with a big smile.
Ezreal was the first to step out. With a final look towards Riven, he said "If you see Lux, tell her I said 'Hi'."
Caitlyn rolled her eyes behind his back, but also moved to exit. She gave Riven another courteous smile. "Good luck on your travels."
Riven inwardly frowned at the phrase, but tried not to show it. Instead, she smiled back and thanked her. As Caitlyn disappeared outside, Riven took a deep breath to quell some sudden stress. She had given up on believing in luck a long time ago. She refused to think that she was here today by chance. It just wouldn't be fair that way…
She picked up her travel bag, the same she'd carried for years, and exited the carriage, reminding herself to thank the driver. She immediately began walking to the north-east, towards the port.
Within an hour, she had reached it and found a ferry that was preparing for its voyage. As she sat waiting on the dock, she observed the people in the surrounding area. Many were working sailors, either loading or unloading ships, sharing stories, or discussing weather patterns and routes. She noticed several families around, enjoying an afternoon walk and admiring the tallships that decorated the port. Most ships here were foreign. Piltover didn't have much of a naval presence, despite being a seaside state like most others. But she imagined that if they wanted one, they could churn out a fleet in a week. Their building speed and efficiency was second to none.
A motorcar passed by along the harbor road, and the kids' attention turned to it instead. They waved down the driver, and he honked the horn as he stopped to talk to them. The kids seemed overjoyed just to see it up close.
Riven sighed. So many generations before this one had used ships as the best form of transport, even with magic running rampant during the Rune Wars. But it seemed they weren't enough for this city. She wondered when they'd adapt the machines to power ships, or even discarded them entirely. She felt like Piltover was forgetting the past by focusing on the future. It was a dangerous concept, to proceed blindly, guided only by one's desires.
The ferry's bell started ringing, telling its passengers it was time to board. Riven quickly grabbed her bag and made her way on, avoiding most of the line forming on the dock.
She found a seating area on the bow and claimed a spot for herself, dropping her bag beside her. She suddenly felt exhausted. Whether it was travel fatigue or just spending too much time surrounded by people, she didn't know. Either way, though, she needed rest. She leaned her head against the back of the seat and let the waves rock her to sleep.
A knock on the door broke the silence.
"Come." Answered the voice inside.
The junior summoner took a deep breath and opened the door. The man Falnic sat in his usual place in his armchair, looking at him with a genuinely bored expression.
"Yes?"
"Master, it seems that she has left."
"Left?"
"For Ionia, sir."
Falnic's complexion darkened ever so slightly as he thought a moment.
"This could make things difficult… Or it could make them easier."
"Shall I take care of it sir? I'm ready for anything."
The man held up his hand to stop him. "No, I don't want that. Not yet." He stood up and walked over to his lamp-lit desk. The junior heard him mumbling, and stayed vigilantly at the door. Five minutes passed before the man turned back.
"You may leave."
"Sir?"
"Go. I'll deal with this matter."
The junior bowed and exited the room. The man sat back down and pondered further before finally coming to a decision.
"Yes," He said to no one in particular, "I was right to watch you. Shame it needs to be this way."
"Miss?"
Riven stirred and woke at the voice. She looked around, remembering she was on the ferry. They appeared to still be docked, though the sun was much lower in the sky. A shipworker was standing before her.
He smiled politely, "Sorry for the delay, miss. We're checking tickets in the meantime."
Still half-asleep, Riven fished her ticket out from her pocket, handing it to the young man. "Why haven't we left yet?" She asked groggily.
The man punched a hole in her ticket, answering "We're waiting on our final passenger. It was last-minute, so there was some confusion in the process." He handed back her ticket.
"The whole ferry is waiting on one person?"
"It's an important passenger," He answered, "I'm sure you'll understand when…"
He was drowned out by a sudden cheer coming from the other side of the ferry.
"It seems she's arrived." He continued over the noise as he made his way over as well.
Riven curiously peered and saw a crowd gathered on the port side, where she had boarded the ferry earlier. Not only did this person have the ferry delayed, but the passengers were actually cheering for her? This created a whole new meaning to 'fashionably late.'
The cheering continued as the crowd parted to let this 'important' passenger through. Riven thought she heard them shouting a familiar name, but disregarded it as coincidence. It was only when the passenger cleared the crowd and walked straight towards her that she realized her mistake. She uttered the name as well, though more in shock, and barely audible amongst the noise.
"Lux."
The blonde smiled back at her. "Hello, Riven."
Author's Note: You may have noticed that I made up a couple League regulations.
First, I decided that the League likely wouldn't help champions travel for two reasons. One being that they exist to limit the use of magic, and I imagine summoning takes quite a bit to pull off, and two being that it might inhibit the economy if they just teleported everyone everywhere. So I figured it might be more fun if we got a taste of Riven's travels and her thought process within. I hope I managed to pull that off.
The other is that summoners, or at least junior summoners, must stay at the League. They're still in training, so they must be observed to make sure they're practicing and learning, and not pulling a Lee Sin (sorry Lee). Thus, poor Nigel will be in the background for a bit.
One last thing, if you'd like to see a picture of the clasp Nigel made for Riven, I'll be drawing up a sketch of it and posting it on the forums along with my spoiler summary (which, if you haven't seen yet, I encourage you to check out. They're rather humourous, if I do say so myself) later today/tomorrow.
