My Heart, Your Light CH 5

Garen arrived to the Institute of War by the middle of the afternoon and was summoned by Jarvan as soon as he crossed the front door.  He knew exactly what he other wanted to talk about so he sighed deeply and got mentally prepared for being scolded once more over Lux's actions. "I'm seriously getting tired of this…". Once he reached Jarvan's door, he knocked twice and was ordered to enter; he walked inside and closed the door behind him, only to find the prince sat on his couch with a very upset expression on his face.

Jarvan: Garen… I was informed you arrived alone. Where's lady Luxanna?

Garen: *Sighs* She decided to travel on her own this time. I couldn't do anything to stop her.

Jarvan: *Gets up, even more upset than before* So you're telling me you let your younger sister do such a trip on her own?! Are you insane?!

Garen: *Starts to get upset as well* What was I supposed to do? She just jumped down the window after telling me she had someone waiting by the gates… Our parents sent some guards to the city gates but she was sneaky enough to use one of her light illusions and got away.

Jarvan: *Can't believe what he just been told* Luxanna… jumped down the window…?

Garen: *Nods*

Jarvan: What's wrong with that girl? I really wonder… She changed so much in the last couple months.

Garen: Yeah… She started to sneak out a lot and even started to disobey our parent's orders. She never did such thing before.

Jarvan: *Rubs his chin* I think she may be secretly seeing someone. That may explain her change of behavior. At least that's the only logic explanation I can find for… this.

Garen: Now that you mention that… It may be possible. I'm aware she have been receiving and sending letters both inside and outside the League. Unfortunately I never managed to discover with whom… *Crosses arms above his chest* My sister is really sneaky and secretive in that matter.

Jarvan: *Raises an eyebrow* … Sneaky?

Garen: Yes. *Takes a seat near Jarvan* She applies some of her magic illusions on those letters. It's a simple process: She hides her writing under a tin cover of light, then folds the letter and seals the envelope with some sort of… lock, also made of light. To open the envelope, the person have to possess a key that my sister made; and also have to know the code words to make the cover of light disappear and make the letter readable.

Jarvan: *Lost in his own thoughts* So she may be seeing someone after all… That's really the only explanation to make those letters so… secret. *Rubs his chin again* Knowing Luxanna as we both know, I doubt she will tell us something if we ask directly. So we should try and… gather some information around. I'll ask Galio and Xin to keep a close eye in her friends, especially Sarah Fortune. I recall Luxanna once telling me she was her best friend.

Garen: *Nods in agreement* Sounds like a good plan. I'll be alert as well.

Little did Garen and Jarvan know that Shyvana was already out to take care of certain… business.

~_~_~_~_~

Caitlyn sat under a tree, in one of the edges of the Institute's garden. Her head was a mess and her heart was beating loud in her chest. She hated to admit, but she was nervous like she never been before. "Focus Caitlyn, focus. You look like a teenager. You're a grown up woman for god's sakes!", she told herself. She took a few deep breathes, attempting to calm herself down, and unfolded the letter that now rested on her lap once more. The calligraphy was neat and the words clear. Yes, the Sheriff had a secret lover. Yes, she had no clue who was it. Yes, she have been exchanging letters with a stranger. Sivir was the only connection between them and Cait believed her when she said the guy was actually a really nice man. She thought about telling the man to back off several times; even now she was thinking it would be the best to just leave a note and go away. But that letter… that letter made her stay. She sighed and read it again for the… 50th time that day:

"Dear Caitlyn,
All this time we have been talking, I've been feeling a bond growing between us. A very special one. Between all our common interests and all the good things we have taught each other already, I feel like something is missing. Something for you. I've been thinking a lot and I believe is unfair for me to know who you are but you have no idea who's the man who sits down every single day after his tiring matches to write you a letter. So I'm willing to finally reveal my identity to you. Just please, don't be disappointed and if I don't apply to you… Just let me know. You're very dear to me, Cait, and that will never change. Even if you reject me.

Yours truly, G.

She folded the letter carefully and placed it on her lap once more. She was anxious and, for the first time in her life, scared. Not scared to take a bullet, to die or to fail doing her job, things she should probably be scared of in her profession. No, this was even scarier for her than anything else: for the first time in her life, Caitlyn was scared to hurt someone else feelings. Placing her left hand above her unstable heart, she closed her eyes, seeking some peace in the surroundings. That part of the garden was particularly calm at that hour of the day, since everyone was in the other edge, where Sona was playing one of her melodies. She didn't know how many minutes or even hours had passed, but she was dragged back to reality when a hand touched gently her shoulder. She jumped slightly surprised, but not as surprised as she became when she turned her face and finally saw who was her mystery man. She couldn't help it but to give him one of her rare and beautiful smiles.

~_~_~_~_~

Morgana was humming happily while she was giving her trade mark cookies some final touches for tea time. Shyvana had sent her a note with a request to convoke Cassiopeia and Katarina, since they would never have agreed to come if it was herself to request their presence. Since apparently it was an important matter, she didn't even question the half-dragon when she made the request. She placed the plate of cookies and the tea gently on the table and glanced at the clock. Was almost time.

~_~_~_~_~

Meanwhile, Ezreal and Lux were already on their way to the Institute. They had managed to get another carriage earlier, right after they had breakfast. But while Lux was being her cheerful self, Ezreal was silent. Many things were passing through his head, especially all the consequences both he and Lux would have to endure for their own acts. Well, he wasn't worried about himself that much, "I've been through worse things", he said in his mind. "But her… She shouldn't be forced to endure all this because of me. I mean, I was the one who asked her out in the first place, I was the one who dragged her out into the mess that is my life. And yet, she never said no to me, not even last night. Am I asking too much from her? Am I-" He returned to reality when he felt her hand touch his face gently, rubbing his cheek. He lean his face into her palm even so slightly, enjoying her touch.

Lux: *speaks quietly* By now you should know already you can share all your worry with me Ez. We are in this together right? We are a team. What concerns you, concerns me as well. And I know that… bad things are coming and that it will shake our relationship more than ever...

Ezreal: *Looks at her in the eyes* Lux, I –

Lux: *Interrupting him* Ezreal, we share something. Something really strong that will endure all that storms and hurricanes that will be thrown at us from every direction and… even when we are about to break, I know it will help us putting ourselves together again. We just have to stay together and think positive. *takes his hand on her own and squeezes it slightly* Every teardrop, every drop of sweat, every fight, every ache, every victory, every defeat... It will only make us strong. You just have to believe and hold on what we have. Things will get better, you'll see. *Smiles warmly*

Ezreal: *Smiles back at her* You really are something Lux. You can see the positive side of everything. And even when things look really bad, you never cross your arms nor run; you just fight it with every weapon you have. You surprise me every day. I promise I'll never back down, not even when things look really dark… I will never ever give up on you, Lux. Don't forget that. You're my guiding light.

Lux: *Leans in towards his face* And you're my heart.

A warm kiss was shared that moment, sealing Ezreal's promise to Lux.

~_~_~_~_~

Back to the Institute's garden, Caitlyn couldn't feel more content than she was that moment. Herself and the not-so-mysterious man now were having a pleasant conversation about back then, when he started to feel something for her and how they first started to exchange letters.

Caitlyn: *Chuckles* I remember that match so well. I was in bot lane against Ashe and I have to admit… I hated it. She is my friend, you know? And her summoner was so clumsy… He couldn't hit a Volley for anything. She spend the entire game cussing so hard she scared her support, Sona. *Laughs at the memory*

Graves: I never thought of Ashe as someone who would… cuss. She seems so polite and straight. Kinda like you. *smiles* I remember that match when you told Garen to stick his sword up his ass. His face was priceless. And I have to admit I never expected something like that to come out of your mouth. But you know, that was when I thought to myself, "That's my woman." *Grins*

Caitlyn: *Blushes and elbows him playfully* Oh please, you're making me embarrassed.

Graves: *Scratches the back of his head and grins again* Just tellin' the truth here. But you know… Are you really happy? I mean… Its okay if you're disappointed it's just me, you were probably expecting someone more… err… You know, more like Jayce for example.

Caitlyn: *Chuckles to herself* You know Graves, for a guy with a big gun, you sure can be so silly.

Graves: *Confused* Eh?

Caitlyn: You should know by now I'm a straight person when it comes to tell the truth. You think if I wasn't pleased I would be here, at this moment, talking with you?

Graves: *Feels silly* Uh, yeah. You're right, I'm sorry. I just… Wanted to be sure, ya know?

Caitlyn nodded and smiled. Moving her eyes into the horizon, she watched the clear blue sky, enjoying that nice summer breeze and the calm of her surroundings. Graves watched her and couldn't believe how lucky he was at that moment. Wasn't everyone who could have the privilege of seating next to the sheriff without taking a bullet the next second. Or worse, having one of her traps snapping right on the butt…

After what felt like an eternity, he decided to awkwardly let his arm fall down around her shoulders. And to his surprise, she didn't shoo him away; she turned to face him and leaned in for a kiss.

~_~_~_~_~

Katarina: *taps her foot impatiently on the floor* Can you just tell us quick what you want so we can leave? We have better things to do than hearing your crap, demacian prostitute.

Shyvana: *Chuckles loud* So much poison kitty kat. Thought that was your sister's department. And… *Glares at her* I do not appreciate when you address me like that, especially when I have a proposal that will please both sides.

Katarina: I don't work for you and I never will. Nothing that you could say would make me change my-

Shyvana: Not even the death of a well-known demacian? Think again…

Katarina: *Raises an eyebrow with interest* Do tell more…

Shyvana: Glad I caught your attention on this. I need your assistance to kill a fellow champion from Demacia. She's been a rock on my shoe for too long now and I bet on yours as well. Especially to you Kat.

Katarina: *Takes a seat next to her sister* A she? You mean...

Shyvana: Yes, Luxanna Crownguard.

Katarina couldn't help but to feel amused as both Cassiopeia and Morgana exchanged a surprised look among themselves. The half dragon explained then her well designed plan that, to her own pleasure and satisfaction, everyone agreed to follow.