Author's Note: GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!

No really, for once I have nothing but good news. First things first, I'm not dead :) Surgery went well and now I have a wonderful scar on my cheek and it wasn't cancer.

2nd: Now that everything in life has kinda balanced out I will be writing and updating on a regular schedule. This will be the last time I post outside of my selected update day. I will be updating on Fridays every week. I figure something to kick off the weekends for some of you, Yeah?

Special Thanks to everyone whose been supportive and patient through these first few months of our little adventure. It was certainly a rough summer for me.

Reviews always welcome~

P.S: R.I.P Robin Williams, King of My Childhood Nostalgia.

Chapter 12: Arrival

Irelia's foot rhythmically tapped upon the floor as she quietly stood next to one of the large jade pillars at the gates of the Ionian living quarters. Though the tapping of the foot was a sign of inpatients to most, Irelia more or less used the sound as something to focus on in order to keep the creeping inpatients at bay. Two hours late… Irelia sighed deeply, rubbing her fingers against her temples. I hope Riven got everything she needed to get done, don-

"Ire!" The high-pitched female voice sang the Ionian's name gleefully, interrupting the Captain's train of thought. "Sorry we're late!" The Mage wrapped her arms around Riven's arm.

Riven stiffened as hard as a board from the action.

Irelia blinked and looked up from the floor to find Lux waving her arm while basically hanging on…Riven? Her head cocked off to the side slightly as she watched the person in question place a hand on the giggling light mage's head and push her arm straight to put some space between the two Champions. Yeah…That's Riven. Irelia stood up straight and placed her hands on her hips as Lux and Riven walked closer.

"Uh oh," Lux whispered while grabbing handfuls of the Noxian's clothing and pulling on it, "We've done the inconceivable." The Demacian leaned closer to Riven. Their cheeks almost touched while she watched Irelia, "We…"

Riven tried to lean away from Lux but the mage was practically climbing on the exile at this point. "We've," Lux said in a hushed tone, "…made her angry!" Lux suddenly yelled playfully. Riven jolted; being taken completely off guard by Lux's raised voice. "Will you stop that!?" Riven shouted and grabbed at the giggling mage hanging on her. Lux squealed as she slipped out of the exile's grabbing hands and jogged up to Irelia. Riven grumbled as Lux escaped and aggressively straightened out her clothing. "What's the commotion about?" Irelia cocked a brow while looking down at Luxanna; who was now hanging on the Captain's shoulders.

"Sorry we're late!" Lux smiled at Irelia.

The Ionian closed her eyes sighed deeply, "Two hours late." Irelia blinked in confusion as she felt the mage pull down on her shoulders. She flinched when Lux got close to her ear.

"I've gathered some very useful information that you will certainly find to come," Lux's whisper turned into an exaggerated shout as if she had been having a normal conversation as Riven approached.

"Wha-oof!" Irelia's response was cut off as Lux's hand slapped her stomach while the mage turned to face the encroaching Noxian. The Captain's fumbling hands took hold of the folded paper that Lux had pressed against her midsection.

"In handy!" Lux finished her sentence as she stepped towards Riven so she would stop walking, "You'll find that all the things Riven has will come in handy!" Lux released a nervous laugh.

Riven raised a chalk-white eye brow as she looked down at Lux. A strange silence seemed to take hold of the atmosphere.

"That is good news," Irelia broke the silence and tucked the note away while stepping up to the other two women. "I must say, Lux, you did a good job dressing Riven to meet Soraka's request," The Captain gave an intrigued smirk as her eyes scanned over the Noxian's attire.

Riven flinched lightly and diverted her attention away from Irelia's gaze.

Lux turned to look at Riven once more and nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, "What can I say? I am a genius." The mage giggled. "Oh! She's also appropriately color schemed! No more greens and purples with whites and blacks…I don't even want to get started on the BROWN sandals…" Lux shuddered. The mage dramatically put the back of her hand to her forehead and leaned back. "She was a fashion disaster," Lux emphasized the word with a woeful sigh.

"Surely it wasn't that ba-"

"It was," both Lux and Irelia said in unison, interrupting Riven, who scowled and looked away.

"As much as I hate to cut good-byes short, we are already behind schedule and people are expecting us," Irelia sighed, not wanting to think about the earful they might receive from the others affected by their tardiness.

"Yes, of course!" Lux exclaimed semi-apologetically in nature. Lux quickly gave Irelia a friendly hug. After a couple seconds Lux released the Captain and paused as she turned her attention to Riven.

Riven silently watched the Demacian closely, preparing herself for anything at this point. The exile stiffened as the mage took a step closer.

Lux noticed Riven's body language and took nothing more than one step. The mage offered only a soft smile towards the Noxian warrior.

Riven blinked, looking surprised that Lux didn't do anything but smile at her.

"Riven, no matter what happens when you arrive in Ionia, just know that there are people in this world that care about you," Lux took a couple steps away from her friends. The mage kept her back to them both as she spoke once more. "Perhaps, real strength isn't born within the experience of being completely broken," Lux turned and smiled, "but in the gallantry we need to stand within the scattered pieces."

The exile stood there quietly. Riven didn't know how to react towards Lux. All words and even actions evaded her. A simple bow of her head was all she had to offer.

The Demacian gave a genuine smile. "I'll defiantly be visiting during the Festival of Fire!" Lux cheered.

"Fantastic, I look forward to seeing you," Irelia smiled.

"Well, I guess this is good-bye for now," Lux waved her hand, "Take care you two! I'll see you in a couple weeks!" With the final good-byes exchanged, Lux turned her back to Riven and Irelia and trotted off.

"Despite her childish antics, she's a genuine and good person at heart," Irelia commented as they walked down the moonlit hall of the Institute. "By the way, you look pulchritudinous. I hardly recognized you at first glance."

Riven didn't respond. She didn't care to pay attention to the more colorful vocabulary that Luxanna, and apparently Irelia, used around her. The Noxian was far too concerned with holding back her nervous shakes as the moment of their departure drew ever closer.

Realizing that Riven was her typical unresponsive and distant self, Irelia decided to simply take a closer look at the fine detailed changes the exile experienced at the hands of the Lady of Luminosity. The clothing fit Riven well and outside of the outfit the only real difference was the lack of pale paint upon the warrior's left cheek. Instead, the scar was blended really well with the exile's complexion. If Irelia hadn't known any better, she'd think there wasn't a scar hiding beneath the concealer.

"Where, exactly, are we going?" Riven finally spoke, feeling confused.

"To the summoning platform that one would usually take to see the High Counselor," Irelia replied.

The snowy-haired Champion physically twitched at the thought of being around that corrupted summoner again. The feeling of having one more voice wandering around in her head was not something Riven wanted and to make matters worse, this one was cognitive and truly invasive. "Wait…we aren't actually traveling there?" Riven felt confused now. She never really had any reason to leave the Institute since she had arrived. Even during the holidays the exile would follow her same daily routine as if the breaks in Valoran's seemly endless political disputes never existed.

"Traveling? Gods, no; every city-state's Capital, minus the Freljord, every major tribe settlement has one there, has a platform that is used to transport League representatives and Champions," Irelia chuckled softly, finding Riven's confusion slightly entertaining. "Besides, it's far more efficient to be summoned from the Institute to Ionia and vice versa than to travel three days both directions, wouldn't you agree?"

Riven nodded quietly, feeling rather silly for thinking that they were going to have to travel like the mere common folk of Valoran. Living the life-style as a wandering exile, and being an old school foot trooper before that; it was only natural for her to assume that traveling by foot until you couldn't walk any further was the only way she'd ever gotten around. The only other form of travel she'd ever trust was a horse or a ship to cross the sea. She had over-heard others discussing various Piltoveran "vehicles" that apparently made traveling much easier, but knowing herself, she'd never trust any of those mechanical monstrosities; especially the ones that could apparently fly.

The summoner's head perked slightly, causing the enchanted chains to clink softly. The guards stood at attention as Riven and Irelia approached the platform.

"Champions, what business have you here?" one guard announced the question clearly.

"I'll take care of this," Irelia said towards Riven as she stepped forward to answer all the questions.

By the Gods, those questions get so boring, the recognizable and distorted voice echoed within Riven's mind, the amount of times I have to hear the same speech every…single…day…I swear these two are the ones that drove me mad.

Riven tried her hardest to ignore the summoner. The exile quietly watched Irelia discuss information with the platform guards to distract herself.

The summoner's hazy silver eyes narrowed, it's rude to ignore people, Exile. You wouldn't want a trigger "accidently" pull, would you?

The threat instantly grabbed her attention. What the hell do you want from me!? Riven almost physically growled as she mentally responded to the, once again, intruding summoner. Is being left alone too much to ask!?

Privacy was a luxury you gave up long ago when you signed your name away to this Institution, deal with it. Your very existence belongs to the League until you're discharged. The summoner chuckled darkly. I just simply wanted to warn you that this foolish attempt to solve your problems will only lead to further pain and disappointment. Who are you trying to fool? Cut a dog free of its leash, it's still a dog; once a murderer, always a murderer.

Dropping her blade, Riven let out a rage-filled cry and aggressively grabbed fistfuls of the summoner's robes near her collar and lifted her off the floor. Pure anger burned within the exile's eyes as she stared down the summoner. "GET OUT!" Riven roared angrily, "YOU KNOW NOTHING OF ME!"

"Riven!?" Irelia shouted as she grabbed onto the seething Noxian and put herself between Riven's arms and the summoner the exile continued to hold off the floor.

Give me a reason not break your neck and live up to the label you've attached to me!

Do it, Noxian.

It'll be easy! Like snapping a tooth pick…

Then do it, fool! Hurt the ones that "care" about you further.

I feel nothing for them!

"Riven, stop this, what's gotten into you!?" Irelia tried to pull down on the exile's arms.

Are you sure that you feel nothing for them? For her?

"Riven! Put Katherine down!" Irelia shouted, trying desperately to force Riven's arms to lower and release the summoner.

For… Riven's teeth remained bared as she kept her eyes locked onto the cloudy eyes of the Summoner.

Katherine simply stared back, un- amused.

"Riven; please!" The Captain begged for the exile's cooperation.

Riven's expression slowly began to soften as her eyes shifted down to look at Irelia, who was still trying to pull on her arms. The exile could feel the spear head from one of the guards touching her neck and could see the other spear pointed at the summoner in her hands. The platinum haired warrior lowered her head and slowly set Katherine back down onto the floor then released her grip. Riven could still feel the tight grip Irelia had on her wrists as she raised her arms to signal the guard that she was cooperating.

The guards pulled their spears away and returned to their normal posted position.

I knew you wouldn't do it. You're as readable as a children's book, a pity. Katherine's eyes narrowed slightly as they shifted between the two Champions. A slight smirk pulled at her lips as she backed away and faced the platform once more, satisfied with the results of her meddling.

Riven felt nothing short of mentally numb and defeated. The summoner didn't even have to try and she still got under the exile's skin and triggered a fit. She let her head hang low for a few moments. She could feel Irelia's disappointment and worry weigh down upon her. The Captain's trembling grip remained tight around Riven's wrists even after they had returned to their owner's sides. The Noxian couldn't blame Irelia for refusing to release her wrists; she did just lash out at a summoner, after all.

The onyx haired Champion roughly pulled her hands away and didn't say a word as her back turned to Riven. She handed the guards the paperwork that had be given to her by High Counselor Kolminye.

A strange and unfamiliar pressure seemed to build within the exile's chest as reality came rushing back. The guilt she began to feel for putting Irelia in the position she did felt heavy enough to crush her.

One of the guards held up the paper to Katherine and she nodded quietly.

"Champions, your leave has been authorized and approved by High Counselor Vessaria Kolminye. Your passage to Ionia has no listed restrictions. Please step onto platform," one guard announced. Both guards pulled their weapons tight to their sides and stood tall and straight, allowing Riven and Irelia to pass.

Riven silently picked her blade up from the floor and stepped onto the platform. The exile said nothing as she stood next to the Ionian Captain, who paid her no mind.

Irelia stood there with a serious expression and blankly stared ahead.

Have a safe trip, Katherine cooed at the exile, be sure to play nice. The summoner's laugh reverberated off the inner walls of Riven's skull as she closed her eyes and focused only on the summoning spell building in power.

"Godspeed, Champions!" Was the last thing Riven heard before the atmosphere went completely silent.

Riven's body waved slightly while her head spun dizzily. The exile felt woozy as she tried to keep her balance. She hadn't felt effected like this since the first time she experienced being summoned which confused her.

Irelia quietly stepped off the platform, paying little attention towards the off balanced Noxian.

"W-Wait," Riven mumbled as she half stumbled off the platform. "I need a moment… that spell was way stronger than I'm used to."

The Captain still didn't turn to look at her travel companion.

Riven grumbled as she stood up straight, realizing that Irelia was walking away. What the hell…? What did I do that was so wrong to deserve this? The Noxian tried to keep up with the Captain as they walked down the hall of what looked like architecture that belonged to a temple.

Riven closed her eyes, hearing the roaring of a waterfall as they got closer to the mouth of the hall. There was only one place Riven had ever been with a sound as unique as that. A soft evening breeze played at her snowy hair and carried a cool spray of watery mist. Riven opened her eyes and looked out over the softly lit streets of the Ionian capital. The Placidium…

Riven frowned, realizing that her guide was already a good distance down the large stair case. The wobble in her legs seemed to fade as she descended the stairs to catch up with Irelia.

Ionian architecture was truly artistic in nature. From the hand crafted and lightly colored shingled roof tops, to the carved pillars that held them up, everything was detailed to beautiful perfection. Even the very walk way was created from rectangular stones that yielded no signs that a single stone was out of place or flawed. The attention to detail and pride the Ionian's held in their homeland was truly admirable in the eyes of the Noxain exile. Riven couldn't help but turn her attention to Irelia, who was still walking in front of her. The way the soft golden lights from the street lamps cascaded over the Captain made her armor and blades almost glow. The exile swallowed softly, feeling that tickle flutter around in her chest again.

"Captain Lito, welcome home," a male voice interrupted Riven's train of thought as she snapped back to reality.

The exile's eyes shifted to what looked like a guard post on the street corner and noticed the man bow to the Will of the Blades.

"It is good to be home, Yu," Irelia spoke like a professional, holding little to no emotional state of attachment when speaking with the guardsman.

Spoken like a true superior, Riven thought as she quietly stood next to the Captain. Riven twitched lightly as she felt the guardsman's eyes scanning over her.

"A friend of yours I assume?" Yu asked as he looked at Riven from under his helmet.

"A guest of the Institute," Irelia responded quickly.

"I see, well, welcome friend of the Institute. May your days here yield good fortune," Yu bowed respectfully towards Riven.

"As you were," Irelia said flatly as she started to walk again.

Riven bowed slightly in return towards the guard as she tried to catch up to Irelia. The Ionian Champion's behavior all made sense now; she was simply acting upon her duty as the Captain of the Guard. This realization caused Riven to internally sigh in relief knowing Irelia wasn't upset or mad at her over what happened at the summoning platform.

The long trek from the summoning platform to Irelia's home took longer than Riven expected, however, Riven enjoyed where they ended up. Despite Irelia's status, her home was rather simple. The sound of the much smaller waterfall in comparison to the ones in the upper city gave the location a relaxing and comfortable amount of background noise. The location was also rather isolated, a result of being located within the older part of the city. Unlike the city streets, the walk way that leads to the front doors of the Captain's home was showing its age. The body of water that the waterfall fed shimmered underneath the moonlight as Riven looked out over the small lake with tall rock walls lining the far shore.

Irelia quietly slide the doors to her home open and stepped inside.

"What? No invitation?" Riven frowned, recognizing that Irelia's demeanor wasn't softening any.

The Captain turned to look at Riven. Her serious expression remained the same as she quietly waved her arm for the exile to enter.

Riven's brow scrunched as she stepped inside, not liking Irelia's behavior. "It's not a crime to speak, you know."

The Ionian turned on her heel to face Riven once again, "Do you have any idea how OUT of LINE you were tonight?" Irelia's tone was serious.

Riven flinched; feeling taken off guard and slightly attacked.

"I don't even know how I can TRUST you to behave while you're here, Riven. You've really done it this time, you could have gotten us both in serious trouble with those guards," Irelia said.

"Are you kidding me?" Riven asked, feeling rather dumbfounded by the Captain's words. "What the hell did I do!?"

"Do you have the slightest idea who that summoner is, Riven?"

"As a matter of fact, I don't," Riven grumbled, growing frustrated from Irelia's lecturing tone. "Care to, 'enlighten' me?"

"Don't mock me,"Irelia frowned, "Or my culture."

"Then don't talk to me like I'm one of your subordinates!" Riven shouted, dropping her bag and stepping up to the Will of the Blades. "I don't know the bitch that runs the summoning platform and, honestly, I could care less."

"Riven…"

"You will never understand how it feels to be constantly harassed by the ghosts of the past… or apparently the summoners now to," Riven growled low. "You of all people would know if that summoner was right about me."

Irelia raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

Riven's hands grabbed the Captain's shoulders and she looked Irelia dead in the eyes, "Do you still see a murderer? A monster? A bloodthirsty Noxian zealot?"

"If I saw any of that, you wouldn't be here," Irelia responded, her voice filled with honesty. "Who made you think that you're any of that?" the Ionian frowned.

Riven shook her head and released the Captain's shoulders, turning her back towards Irelia.

"Riven…talk to me."

Her crimson eyes shifted to the gentle and slender fingers that came to rest upon her shoulder. After a couple moments, the exile shrugged away Irelia's hand.

Irelia retracted her hand and looked down.

Riven sighed, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to put you in a tough position back at the Institute."

"Forgiveness is a choice, and I forgive you for your little outburst. I am also sorry for treating you like something less than what you are," Irelia said as she continued to look at the floor.

"It's alright," Riven replied. "I'm used to being belittled."

Irelia looked up from the floor, "No one should ever be used to that…"

Riven quietly looked around, "So…where am I sleeping?" the Noxian stretched her arms and emitted a soft yawn.

"Oh, you'll be in the West hall," Irelia pointed at room at the end of the hall.

The exile nodded and picked up her bag, "Well, I guess we should get some rest? Who knows that they have in store for me tomorrow…" Riven shuddered.

"Yes, that sounds like a good plan. If you need anything, I'll be in the East hall," Irelia smiled softly.

Riven acknowledged Irelia and walked towards the sliding door that leads to her room. The Noxian Champion turned and looked back at her host, "Good Night, Irelia."

"Good Night," Irelia waved softly at Riven as the exile slid the door shut. Once Irelia entered her room she pulled out the note Lux had so kindly given her and unfolded the paper.

Don't pressure her to speak; it only makes her shut the world out and ticks her off. Wait it out, she'll eventually talk. Spend time with her and she'll open up. Be patient, not that you need to hear that from me. Good Luck Ire!

-Lux