burden-and-truth​:

Same Blood, Different Light.

Garen nodded once to her suggestion, and his eyes shifted out towards the entrance of the cave, catching a glimpse of the stars that began to populate the night sky. It was a small reminder to him that even in the darkest of times… light would always shine through and make itself known.

And standing with him now was easily the most brilliant light he had ever known. She was worried, yes… but she couldn’t be hidden from the truth.

“Noxian patrols have been staying closer to the main roads to prevent supplies going to people who actually need them,” he spoke in an informative tone. “They’re being fueled by fear, and not by honor. They won’t go any further than they have to.” This next part was going to be difficult to say, but it needed to be said, anyway.

“You’re the only one I’ve found, so far,” he said while looking back over to her.

It was usually times like these when Lux would finally catch herself a break and stare up at the sky, knowing that another day of hope would come. Now that her brother was here, that hope seemed brighter than ever before.

Tonight was not the time to bask in the stars. It was time to plan their next move, after catching some well-deserved rest. 

A sigh left her lips when Garen explained the patrols’ patterns. She shook her head, pulling at the edge of one of her snow colored gloves, wondering how they had gotten here. “Of course, you’re right. At least this gives us somewhat of an advantage.” They could stay out of sight as long as they did not travel along the main roads, which could be easier said than done.

Her shoulders slumped at his last statement, her hands nervously and anxiously fumbling with each other now. “Just me?” Her voice was hardly a whisper. “In all these months, you’ve only found me?” The light of hope seemed to flicker and thin like a dying candle, but she had to keep it aflame.

“I suppose that is something then, that you found me. But... I haven’t found anyone else either.”

≾ .⋅ ✥ ⋅. ≿ ⸺ ⊰  It did not take long for those awful cries mixed with those alarming sounds within the tavern to frighten neighbouring throngs of some unusual disturbance at the commonplace. The disquieting clamouring which seemed akin to glass and fragile objects, coupled strangers furtively glancing as those somewhat conveyed some unusual gossip. Indeed, Blighttown did yield somewhat crude denizen but their moorish surroundings wholly formed of their prodigious folklore. The last man seemed to glimpse back at the door upon those acute rappings which he did gleam the youth somewhat perturbed  ❝  Aye, you look’n for someone for thee night love - you might need look not further. I’ve got a bed for two and a nice bottle-  ❞ He was somewhat usually mute, f perhaps chilled to the soul - owing to what seemed to a distinguishable leer projected from woman of usual height hat demanded his cessation.   he somewhat amused in his stupor, giving into bursts of laughter whilst his corpulent seemed barely to contain it.❝  Right this way lassy find the help your look’n for or  we’ll get you some fine help for you ❞ he commented from afar whilst observing the somewhat obliterated tavern- what drink he had left as he directed her an overflowing crowd of throngs

“Thank you.” The Angel said, closing the door behind them. “I am not one for such extravagant lifestyles, more of the simpler kinds.” She looked over at the young blonde, eyes overlooking her once more.

“Do others know of your quest in finding me?” She asked, a hint of cautiousness in her voice at this. If people knew what the young Crownguard was up to, she would have to leave the area and relocate. She disappeared out here for a reason, and she would not let some child ruin her lively hood.

As Morgana explained her choices, Lux could only tilt her head and smile. For some reason, it seemed just like her to live a simple life. One who cared for the suffering of others would not live so lavishly and recklessly. 

“No, no! I promise I kept my search for you a secret. I’m... awfully good at keeping secrets.” To a fault, perhaps. After all, if she had just been honest this whole time, maybe this entire situation could have been prevented.

Her cheeks grow a little hot at Lux’s response, leading Sona to mentally ‘hmph!’ and refocus on other things. Yes, good, be distracted by cartography… When her partner questions Sona’s chosen form of transport, Sona only offers a slightly blank, questioning expression. Lux couldn’t walk across water, could she? Of course not. So… unless she wanted to be seen publicly rowing a boat to an island… The maven’s eyes twinkle slightly with poorly disguised amusement as she turns to Lux’s choice of island.

Sona nods at the choice. It isn’t as though distance matters much, so long as it’s isolated and not infested with dangerous flora or fauna. Last she checked, it wasn’t, even if there are a few beavercrabs that get a little territorial. As for Lux’s home cooking… Sona flashes a sign of interest and excitement even as her expression remains placid - looking forward to it.

With all that settled, she flings the map back into its place with a wave of her hand, then offers her other hand to Lux before they leave towards the shoreline. Despite the firm push of her hand forward, she’s glancing away, pointedly staring at a wall.

She notes the faint blush that only grows by the second on Sona’s cheeks and offers a small smirk. Yes, she needs to see more reactions like that -- they have plenty of time on their hike for her attempts. Lux tilts her head slightly at her girlfriend, clearing her throat as she notes the look of confusion. Maybe not necessarily walk on water... but perform a cool magical feat. Maybe she is thinking too far ahead of herself though, so she flushes a bit and looks back towards the map.

She’s a bit ashamed to say she’s never left the port of Demacia, but this just makes for an interesting day at the least. Her efforts and attention have been so focused on the city and the villages in the countryside, even when her heart aches for adventure but the time is not yet right. Seeing Sona’s eyes light up at the mention of her home cooking fluster her a bit -- she isn’t amazing, if good at all. She’s tried practicing a few times as it’s difficult with her family around and her traveling keeps her from doing so. But still... she remembers the few cooking lessons she’s had fondly.

“You look cute too.” The Lady offers a wide and genuine smile, enamored by the sight of the beautiful maven and indeed, it proves a distraction from her shy thoughts. “I can help you with preparing the meal.” Even if they are now dating, that doesn’t mean anything’s really changed, for their bond has always and will be strong. Her fingers form the sign back at Sona, even daring to throw a tiny little wink in to tease the older woman.

Though it is cut short when Sona moves away to fan out a map she had collected, and the cartography pulls away Lux’s attention. She has never been to the islands before so she tilts her head, wondering why they were off-limits. Maybe too dangerous for a date.

Lux hovers her index finger over the unmarked islands, determined to see all of them at some point, before Sona’s words strike her. “Carry me across the water?” Her jaw nearly drops; she shouldn’t be so surprised, but the thought of her girlfriend carrying her across the water like a bride flusters her and makes her eyebrows furrow and lips purse slightly. A digit points towards the farthest island from the mainland. 

burden-and-truth​:

Same Blood, Different Light.

“Everything I can to reclaim Demacia,” Garen answered. “Noxian patrols are avoided unless they have someone of importance with them. Trying to gather intelligence on their routes and numbers while trying to avoid capture. I’ve also been trying to come across any allies strong enough to fight… to create a counter-attack, of some sort.” The explanation carried on long enough that he didn’t answer the first part of the question by the time they reached the cave. Garen truly didn’t wish to– it would only make Lux upset. 

He looked around the cave with a studious eye. It seemed her own training, was paying off, as well. “You’ve established quite a functioning base for yourself… father would be proud,” he complimented. “Out of the elements and secure…” A hand moved to unbuckle the belt that kept his sheathed weapon on his back, and he leaned the massive sword on the side of the cave, staying within arm’s reach of it, just in case.

“I’ve some dried rabbit in my pouch,” Garen pointed to his waist where one of his numerous leather bags hung. “I believe there’ll be enough for the both of us.”

Her eyes watered as he spoke --- for when he spoke of their allies, a thought began to stir within her mind. How did he know who he could trust? There must have been some citizens that were acting out of fear for their own lives and would obey Lord Darius’ rule. She noted that he did not answer her first question of where he had been, but she didn’t want to frustrate him. They had only just reunited after all, but her fingers fiddled with each other in slight anxiety. Was he trying to protect her by omitting the answer? A part of her ached to ask again, but she silenced the urge for now. “And so, have you found any allies? I’m sure it’s obvious you can count on me as one.”

She stood quietly, awaiting his answer. Never did she think Father’s lessons would pay off so well. Maybe a part of him knew his children would end up fending for themselves and their country someday. “Ha, I only learned from the best.” She jested, smiling at Garen. The memories of their recreational hunting and camping flooded her mind briefly, a sadness accompanying them. “I was worried that a Noxian patrol would somehow come out here. But it seems they do not really leave their stations.” 

“No…” Vayne shook her head, eyes closed. “You do not understand… the danger you are in. What if I kill you? Lux. I cannot trust anyone, not even myself. How is it that I fell for you…?” She asked tenderly.

“Thank you for your kindness, Sona.” Lux offers a grand smile, one filled with the genuine adoration she feels for her. Although she needs to get used to making some decisions for them --- she feels strange because she’s so used to accommodating others. And it doesn’t help that she doesn’t mind doing literally anything with Sona.

------

As Lux meets her in the kitchen once prepared, her cheeks turn pink upon seeing Sona’s cute outfit. Her hair is done up in a crown braid... the blonde can only turn away in embarrassment, avoiding her gaze. She’s so cute! 

Oh... she shyly accepts the peach-colored cardigan, donning it over the outfit she had borrowed. Does she look cute? Her gaze is still meagerly avoiding Sona’s, too embarrassed and flushed to even ask the question. The cardigan is a little big for her, considering how much taller her girlfriend is, but she prefers it baggy anyway.

burden-and-truth​:

Same Blood, Different Light.

Lux would see his brother… but a heavy veil of stress pulled over his features. His eyes still held the color of deep blue, but they were surrounded by dark lines and wrinkles from countless nights of restlessness. The beard that clung to his jaw was growing thick and unkempt, along with the longer hair that now grew out closer to his neck. It was clear the times had not been kind to the Demacian soldier.

They hadn’t robbed her of her smile, of her laugh. It was something that brought Garen peace… because his own was on its last thread. Smiling was a luxury he couldn’t afford– not now. Perhaps… not ever. It had been too long since someone took him by the hand, and he nearly flinched away from his sister’s pull. A conscious reminder that he was with his own blood, however, prevented him from acting out.

It’s her. Your sister is alive.

“A cave is a welcome change compared to where I’ve been having to set up camps, Lux,” he assured his sister as they delved deeper into the forest. He couldn’t help but keep his head on a swivel, making sure no one was following them.

“And I can most certainly guarantee that it will feel like a paradise knowing that you’re alive.”

@lightbcund

It was clear he did not sleep very well in weeks, maybe even months since she had last seen him. Little did she know that he had spent all this time trying to find redemption, of how he could save their homeland. Times had been kinder to them, but she was more worried about how he was faring more than his unkempt appearance.

Her hand still gripped around his wrist, steadily leading him through the grove of trees. It was clear that the light in his eyes had faded, but now an inextinguishable fire remained within. She would turn back to observe him as they walked, fretting over what should happen now that she found him.

Though his words caught her attention, and she turned her gaze back once more. “Where have you been setting up? And what have you been doing all this time?” It was not a question of anger or disappointment; she truly was just curious about how he had been holding up on his own.

Morgana listened to her words, hearing the determination in the young girls voice and seeing her exhausted yet optimistic look in her eyes. Though she had not known much about the younger Crownguard, she knew that what occurred was simply not of her doing, but of Sylas’. She had known that there was something…off, about him, during her times of seeing him when he was imprisoned. 

“I understand.” She said calmly, flashing Lux a small smile. “If you felt what you did was right, you would not have come to find me all the way out here.” She reached her hand out to the Crownguard, wishing for her to take it.

“Come inside, let us get you cleaned up and I shall make you something to eat. The travel was long and tiring, and i’m sure you can use the rest.” She could see the binds that entrapped her, the glow of the chains surrounding her heart. Not a tight bind, but one that would definitely make her feel the weight of her guilt for what she had done. 

“Rest for a bit inside, then we shall discuss the future of Demacia that you see.”

The calmness in her voice seemed to relax Lux’s tense shoulders, as Morgana took in everything she had said... and did not reprimand her any further. It seemed she was only trying to understand her motivations, or rather, why any of this had happened to begin with. A sigh of relief left her coarse throat as she looked to Morgana, eyes begging to help her make everything... better than it was before. The road was surely difficult, but she knew it would be possible with the goddess’s help.

Oh right, she said not to call her that. Lux lightly stepped forward, a small shake of her head with a chuckle. “It’s true. You’re the only one who can offer guidance... who cares about all of the people in Demacia.” Her gloved hand reaching out for the fallen angel’s, she could only offer a small smile.

“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me.” She bowed her head -- she knew better than to refuse an offer of kindness from such an ethereal being. Little did she know that Morgana could see the darkness inside of her heart, bound tightly within by her guilt.

The blush grows on her cheeks and goosebumps begin to rise on her skin when Sona invites her to stay. It is truly that simple, isn’t it? She doesn’t... have to go home. She could stay here as long as she liked, though her inner will to help people will eventually have her leave. Heck, she could live with Sona--Let’s not get too ahead of myself, she thinks.

“You’re very kind and dependable. I knew you wouldn’t... judge me or chastise me for going out there. And getting hurt like this, though I should have been more careful in hindsight.” Though she knows Sona will never find taking care of her a burden, she does not want to impose. “Maybe... maybe I’ll come back here and stay with you more often. If you don’t mind of course.” 

The only responsibility that Lux has is... well, serving the Illuminators and pretending she isn’t a mage. Finding any families that may have had a newborn with magic and were scared of the state of the world. But here, she is free to be herself. And she’s too injured to really try saving anyone today.

“Oh! Well... hmm. I’m fine with anything we do, as long as I’m with you.” A nervous chuckle leaves her lips as she looks towards the closet. To... borrow her girlfriend’s clothes? Her cheeks are burning hot now, she can feel it. “We can read if you prefer a more quiet day, or go hiking.” Cheekily she dangles her now healed leg in front of the couch.

The sudden warm kiss to her cheeks causes her to fluster again, her voice growing inaudible and eyes widening. No! She isn’t prepared -- though, revenge is sweet. She takes this moment to turn her head and have their lips meet in a tender peck.

Pulling away, Lux grins, wondering if Sona is just as flustered as she is. “You don’t do anything that bothers me.” Though this relationship is albeit new and confusing, it’s exciting and comforting. Lux turns towards the closet as Sona leaves, opening it and examining the articles of clothing. She likes dresses... but maybe should settle on pants if they are walking. She picks out a pair and a simple cotton shirt, changing out of her nightgown before appearing in the kitchen to meet.