Today would be a long day, Talon thought to himself as he lay there under his two sets of blankets. Today was a big day for his siblings, probably the most important and impactful day of their lives. For Talon, it involved nearly seven hours of wishing he was someplace else. He could hear Tarian pacing around the top floor, occasionally pausing just below the attic space. Talon sighed, throwing the blankets off in defeat. There was no escaping this.
When he finally dragged himself downstairs after getting washed and dressed, Tarian gave him a nod of acknowledgement. But his foster father turned back with a raised brow as Talon passed by for the kitchen. "You're not seriously going to attend dressed like that are you?"
Talon pouted. He glanced at his plain working shirt, which was clean! And jeans which again, didn't have a scuff or rip on them. "What do I have to wear then? They're just getting promotions, it's not like they're being married off," Talon scoffed.
"It's not about the clothes, boy. It's about showing respect—for them, for the Rangers, for what this day means." Tarian chided gently.
Talon grabbed a slice of bread from the counter, chewing disinterestedly as he leaned against the table. He didn't argue, but he had no idea what exactly he should wear. "I'm not exactly invited to fancy events, Dad," Talon sighed. "What should I do, just copy your get up?"
"I'm sure you've something nice thrown to the back of the wardrobe," Tarian tutted. "If all else fails, go borrow something from Caleb. You're about the same height and build now."
Talon grimaced at the idea of wearing his brother's things, he knew Caleb wouldn't be thrilled either. But it was for one miserable event then never again. At least he hoped promotions didn't get huge ceremonies either. "And Talon?" Tarian said. "You might not care about this ceremony, but it means the world to them. Don't forget that."
His brother's room turned up something Talon would've guessed Tarian deemed acceptable; A black button up shirt and dress pants in matching colour. Talon remembered Caleb wore this to some failed date a few months ago, it had taken so much willpower to not tease him over it. Given Caleb's many, many comments over the years about his own dating life, or rather, lack thereof.
Tarian approved of the look and after they both downed the last of the coffee pot, they set out for a long journey to the city.
xxx
Towering marble columns greeted them as they passed through the gates. The day was beautiful, with clear skies and a cool breeze. The wind swept through the air, ruffling Talon's hair as he closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the fleeting calm.
Footsteps fell in line either side of him, swarms of Demacians eager to get into the ceremony and see the next generation of their land's protectors. "There it is," Tarian said, gesturing toward the grand ceremony hall that loomed ahead. Its walls stretched skyward, banners emblazoned with the Demacian crest draped from every corner. Tarian glanced back at Talon. "Come on, boy," he said, nodding toward the queue.
But Talon's boots stuck to the cobbles when there was a checkpoint, manned by robed figures. He had been adamant they didn't scare him. How they were nothing compared to the monsters he'd encountered in Noxus.
Mageseekers, masked and in their distinctive blue-and-silver uniforms stood in pairs, scanning the crowd with cold, calculating gazes. One held out a talisman, it was grey and spiraled in appearance. Everyone quietly passed the check, walking through and giving smiles to the seekers.
Tarian walked by nodding at the woman donning a golden mask. They didn't give his foster father a second look. Talon forced himself to take a step forward, then another, trailing after Tarian trying to almost stick to him. He kept his head down and went to pass through unnoticed.
A golden-plated staff thrust out, barring his path. Talon froze, his breath catching in his throat. He turned slowly to see the masked woman, tall and imposing, with lilac hair cascading past one eye. Without a word, she pressed the glowing end of her staff against Talon's chest.
His heart pounded so hard he was sure she could hear it.
"I'm with him," Talon blurted, nodding toward Tarian, who had stopped a few paces ahead and was now watching with a furrowed brow.
The Mageseeker didn't respond immediately. Her hand disappeared into her cloak, retrieving one of the gray spiraled stones. Talon's pulse quickened, his mind racing.
Tarian stepped forward, his voice steady but laced with concern. "Is something wrong? He's my son. We're here for the ceremony."
The Mageseeker's gaze flicked to Tarian, then back to Talon. After a tense moment, she lowered the staff and stepped aside. "Move along," she said, her tone sharp, carrying a warning that lingered in the air.
Not needing to be told twice, Talon darted forward, nearly colliding with Tarian. His foster father placed a firm hand on his shoulder as they walked, "She singled me out," Talon whispered.
"I think you know why, Talon," Tarian said with a small sigh. "Don't dwell on it."
It was hard not too, Talon resisted spitting back. Not one person here gave him a second glance. All the times he'd been shoved, pushed down and spat on as a child by the local bullies. Told his eyes were wild and freakish, just like all Noxians. His sharp features giving his heritage away, it was all nonsense. Nobody even noticed him as they filed through for the main event. The seekers had seen something alright, but not that. He stayed close to Tarian, his footsteps practically in sync with his foster father's as they continued toward the hall.
There was a bit of confused searching, as he and Tarian went to find their allocated seats. Finally settling into two metal chairs two rows from a large petricite stage. Decorated with crystal blue and gold banners. Tarian adjusted his seat with a faint creak, folding his arms as he glanced around the assembly. Talon leaned back, his sharp eyes scanning the gathering crowd. The seats quickly filled, with families and dignitaries exchanging low murmurs, the hum of anticipation growing steadily. Children pointed excitedly at the stage while older attendees kept their expressions measured, though no less eager.
The crowd went deathly silent in an instant when the echo of a microphone boomed, followed by a slow click of boots walking onto the stage. A tall frame clad in ceremonial armor that gleamed as brilliantly as the banners walked towards the podium. A deep blue cape swayed behind her with each step, the edges trimmed with gold.
"Citizens of Demacia," She began, her voice firm carrying across rows and rows. "Today, we gather to honor the next generation of our beautiful nation's protectors. Rangers who have proven themselves through dedication, courage, and unyielding loyalty to our people and our land."
A soft ripple of applause followed her words, subsiding as she raised a gauntleted hand. "They have endured, persevered, and proven themselves worthy of the title they now hold. Let us honor them as they take their place among our nation's finest!"
Tarian clapped beside Talon, the proudest smile he had ever seen on his face. Talon clapped quietly too, his eyes fixed on the stage, waiting to spot his foster siblings. Talon could just make out a group of young Rangers waiting in the wings. Among them, he spotted Quinn and Caleb, standing straight and proud in their freshly polished armor.
One by one, each was called by name to receive a plaque and badge. Talon watched as it grew closer to announcing Quinn and Caleb.
Talon's mind wandered. If things had been different—if he had asked, if he had tried harder as a boy, if he hadn't been so difficult—maybe he could've been up there too. Quinn and Caleb had spoken so highly of their training, of the camaraderie and purpose it brought. Maybe if he'd taken a different path, Tarian would look at him with the same pride he wore now. The thought settled heavily in Talon's chest, and he let his gaze fall to his lap.
"Quinn of Urwendale!" The commander called and Talon heard Tarian clap far louder than he had before. The man left his seat to give his daughter his proudest accolades. He stayed standing for Caleb, Talon saw the mistiness in Tarian's eyes. A proud father, watching his children achieve their dreams.
Tarian finally sat down, thumbing discreetly at his left eye. Talon politely averted his eyes. "I remember the very first day I held them both," Tarian whispered softly. "Twins, I thought I was going to have a heart attack the day she told me."
Talon nodded politely as Tarian continued reminiscing. "Double trouble I used to call them growing up. Always getting into everything and wanting to go gallivanting off to who knows where. It was inevitable they'd both want to be here, soon to be protecting and travelling the wilds."
"You think they'll leave?" Talon asked softly. He hadn't thought about that much in truth. Maybe a week, or two, but there was a chance he could now go months of not seeing Quinn or Caleb again.
Tarian didn't answer, but his silence all but confirmed it. Talon looked back to the stage, the blaring of applause was overwhelming now. He could see Quinn and Caleb standing together, this was their day and their moment.
xxx
"Look at you two."
Monarri wore the same proud expression as Tarian, her gaze warm as she stood before Quinn and Caleb. The main ceremony was over, and now the air buzzed with celebration—food, light drink, and cheerful chatter filling the grand hall.
Talon had mostly kept to Tarian's side, offering only a small smile and a quiet, "You look good in your uniforms," to his siblings. He wasn't trying to be aloof or difficult, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her—the same Mageseeker with the gold mask and lilac hair. She lingered on the fringes of the crowd, her attention fixed on him.
"You've both made me so, so proud," Monarri said, her voice wavering as she cupped Quinn's face, a smile threatening to break into tears. "I'm so proud of you both." She pulled the twins into a tight hug, and Tarian was quick to join, wrapping his arms around all three. Talon stayed on the outside, pretending not to notice. But his gaze flicked involuntarily to the Mageseeker again.
She was closer now, Talon's stomach lurched. "I'm going to the bathrooms," he muttered quickly, his voice shaking, before pushing through the dense crowd. He needed to get out of her sight.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her nod to another seeker. Panic flared. They were hunting him.
Talon swiftly turned down one corridor, always checking over his shoulder to see if she still gave chase. He came to the door labeled with the gents toilets and bundled himself inside and right into a cubicle, twisting the lock shut and pressing himself into the corner. Knees pulled tight to his chest and trying to control his rapid, terrified breaths.
The bathroom door creaked and Talon bit down hard on his lower lip to stop a whimper from escaping. Boots clicked softly against the tiles, deliberate and slow, each step a cruel punctuation to the unbearable quiet. A calm voice broke the tension, too calm. "Whoever's in here," the male voice said, "I'd like you to come out, please. I have some questions. You're not in any trouble."
Talon held his breath, giving himself false hope if he just stayed quiet they'd believe the stall was empty and just go away. The seeker paused just beyond the cubicle door. "Let's not make this difficult," he added, his tone steady.
The young man looked around desperately. He was an animal trapped in a cage and the hunter was approaching, gun in hand. "Please, please I need to get out," he whispered into his sleeve, muffling his rapid breaths.
A familiar pulse radiated in his temple. His vision blurred for a split second, his way out presented despite the risk of doing it. The seeker shifted outside, his shadow visible beneath the door and he rattled the lock. Talon had no further option and he rushed for the edge of the cubicle and jumped. His fingers gripped the edge and he stayed deftly silent as he heaved himself up and dropped silently onto the other side.
Right next to the Mageseeker. Talon froze in fear, waiting for him to attack. But…He didn't. He rattled the door again. "I will count to three!" he ordered, threateningly. Talon let him start his countdown, as he slipped out of the bathroom still cloaked in his shadows.
His heart thundered in his chest as he ran, his cloak flickering dangerously as panic threatened to unravel his focus. But he didn't stop. He couldn't. He had to find somewhere to uncloak, then tell his parents he had to go- That he was unwell and he'd go home and–
Talon smashed right into somebody while in full sprint.
Shaking his head and looking up to find Caleb, staring bewildered at him, already halfway to his feet.
"Talon?" Caleb's voice was sharp, carrying a mix of irritation and confusion. He reached down and yanked Talon up by the arm. "Where in the name of Demacia did you even come from? And what are you doing sprinting around like a madman?"
Talon barely managed to steady himself, brushing off his clothes as his heart continued to race. He glanced back nervously, half-expecting the Mageseeker to come storming after him. Caleb noticed the look and crossed his arms, his newly earned Ranger badge glinting on his chest. "Alright, what have you done?" he asked accusingly.
Talon glanced away, unwilling to meet Caleb's probing gaze. "Nothing," he finally mumbled. "I just don't…Feel well. I might go home, tell Mum and Dad I had to go."
Talon glanced away, unwilling to meet Caleb's probing gaze. His foster brother's tone softened, but only slightly. "Look, I get you hate big crowds but don't be mucking about and getting under the security's nose. This isn't just some casual event. This is our day. Don't ruin it."
"I'm not trying to ruin anything," Talon snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Then stop acting suspicious," Caleb said, his expression hardening again. "I don't have time to babysit you right now, Talon. Get back to Dad and stop sneaking around like a thief."
"I'm not a thief!" Talon snarled. "You think because you got some fancy uniform today that you can talk down to me now?!"
"Go. Back. To. Dad." Caleb said slowly, his frown deepening and he pointed in the direction of the main hall.
Talon stared down at him for a moment, before shoving past him. Making a point of barging his shoulder against his brothers. Caleb made an annoyed yelp, but didn't go after Talon. Just shaking his head.
A figure came up from behind the young ranger, placing a hand on his shoulder pauldron. Caleb turned to find himself facing the female Mageseeker with a golden mask and lilac hair, flanked by another male seeker.
"Do you know that man?" She asked curiously.
Caleb sighed deeply. "I do, I'm sorry if he's been causing trouble. Talon's terrible in public spaces, he doesn't know how to behave sometimes I swear you'd think he was eight, not eighteen–"
"Walk with me, young ranger," She commanded with a wave of her hand. "I am Wisteria and I think we have something to discuss."
xxx
Talon almost collapsed through the front door and slammed it shut behind him. His hands were shaking to the point he struggled with the latch, finally locking it into place and slowly backing away from the door.
He began to pace the hallway, hoping and praying that the mageseekers hadn't taken mind of Tarian. That they wouldn't follow him home, and find him here. Talon had to lay low, very very low and pray he fell off of their radar.
How did they even– Was it the stupid grey stones they all had? He didn't notice anything happening as he'd walked by that woman. Talon fell to his knees, hands gripping his hair tightly. He'd quickly told Quinn to tell their parents he needed to go home, he'd made sure no one was around when he'd taken her aside. Now all he could do was sit and hope.
Hope he'd be forgotten about the one time he truly needed it most.