Finished Beacon Pines today!
A short and sweet game, I really got into the characters and the twists were generally surprising and fun!
I know some other people who played this game weren’t a huge fan of the ending but honestly I didn’t mind.
10/10
Him. I remember the first time I had met him. I’m not counting the times I saw him around; I’m talking about the first time I actually talked to him. At that time, I hated him. He would always make me mad. Calling me a bitch and pointing out everything I did. From something I had said or simply walking.
Overtime as me and him got to talk more without anyone else around.... I found out we had tons of things in common. (Which was surprising since we were total opposites. Me being the one that got A’s and B’s and him always getting into fights.) He had made me feel like I didn’t need to try so hard. That if those around me really did care about me then they would accept me and all of my faults.
Thinking back, I remember the time when he had saved me and the time he bought me a drink. We would always walk together after school but one day I had to walk by myself since he had detention. He was really upset that he couldn’t walk with me but I kept telling it was fine. While I was walking by myself there were these two guys that were walking not far behind me. I didn’t really pay attention to them until they had started throwing rocks. At first, they weren’t directed towards me but then some of them started to get larger and near my head.
I turned around and I saw him. He came running as fast as he could. By the time he came up to me the guys were already gone but he was still worried about me. He had asked me if I was okay and then got mad, saying that he should’ve just came with me. By then I had realized that he got out of detention early. I asked him how he did it and he replied by simply saying he couldn’t go that day, giving me a mischievous smirk as he finished his reply.
Now, when I said he bought me a drink. I don’t mean alcohol. He bought me tea from a gas station we would walk by every day after school... and every time we would pass the gas station he would always try to buy me something. It would usually end with me buying my own drink or having a water for our walk but... that time was different. I really really wanted something to drink and by the time I was grabbing out my money he paid for my tea right in front of me. I tried paying him back but he just gave it back to me....
I had seen his smile nearly every day for as long as I could remember every time I saw him, but I never realized how different it made me feel. He was a good friend, but I had always looked for something new and something exciting. I wanted something... something more than what this small town could offer. But I was starting to think that just maybe he was one of the things I’d be willing to keep from all the humdrum monotony.
But.... I realized this too late when I found out that I could never see him again...
Special thanks to @promptsforthestrugglingauthor for this cool prompt!
I had seen his smile nearly every day for as long as I could remember, but I never realized how different it made me feel. He was a good friend, but I had always looked for something new and something exciting. I wanted something something more than what this small town could offer. But I was starting to think that just maybe he was one of the things I’d be willing to keep from all the humdrum monotony.
Wait . . . What did he say ? That second word threw her off , but Taliyah pieced it together in her mind . Probably something that means not . . . With a small smile , Taliyah's hands fell in her lap .
" I'm sorry to hear that . But I guess I can use this as an excuse to brush up on my skills ! My name is Taliyah . " Her hazel eyes studied him for a moment before speaking again . " What's yours ? "
Continuation from x ☆ @moonguided
Taliyah's eyes glistened in curiosity while watching him respond . It took a second for her to realize what the man was saying , or rather , signing .
Back in her tribe , Taliyah was taught sign language . A young boy was born mute , and nobody was to be left behind . Truth be told , that was eight years ago — so Taliyah is definitely a bit rusty .
" Really ? I didn't know that there were berries like that there - ! " The Shuriman paused for a second , voice softer and words just a tad bit slower . " Are you mute or deaf ? Or is talking just not in style . "
Continuation from x ☆ @moonguided
Taliyah's eyes glistened in curiosity while watching him respond . It took a second for her to realize what the man was saying , or rather , signing .
Back in her tribe , Taliyah was taught sign language . A young boy was born mute , and nobody was to be left behind . Truth be told , that was eight years ago — so Taliyah is definitely a bit rusty .
" Really ? I didn't know that there were berries like that there - ! " The Shuriman paused for a second , voice softer and words just a tad bit slower . " Are you mute or deaf ? Or is talking just not in style . "
Continuation from x ♤ @shattcrcdtimc
Taliyah couldn't help herself , reddish orange eyes glancing at Ekko . Her large smile never once faltered .
" Doesn't that tree look suspicious to you ? " Her ginormous paw pointed at a nearby tree . " Come on - ! Let's investigate ! "
half-beast-bastard:
“Arak, eh?” He asked. He made a loud, but brief, whistle, and a man in fine attire rushed over, looking up at Sett with wide eyes, only to meet Sett’s specialty grin, showing off his devastatingly sharp fangs.
“Get the girl a glass of Arak, halved.” He ordered, “And get me a Bilgewater Blood Rum.”
The man nodded and rushed off, and he turned his attention to Taliyah once again.
“Now, tell me… Why Ionia? Why come so far from your homeland?” He wouldn’t lie.. even he got curious about the few people who proved themselves to be exceptionally different.
Taliyah stayed unwavering through the loud whistle , more interested on what this guy was up to . Most hardly give her a second glance if she was in Ionian fashion , which she is , so what’s his deal ? Is Sett as curious as her ?
As the man walked off , Taliyah gave him a quick “ Thank you ” before responding to The Boss .
“ Simple . My master is here . I traveled quite a bit to find someone to teach me when I was sixteen , and I finally found a man who could do it . Yes , he may be a drunk , but he was the best I had . Shurima’s needs separated us , and I left to fight the corrupted ascended , Xerath . However , I’m still not all that stable . ”
Her hazel eyes glanced from side to side before standing on her tip toes , a mischievous glint in her eyes . “ Keep it between you and me , but the emperor Azir looks more like a glorified chicken than a leader . ” She whispered playfully .
@heart-of-stone from ▶
It wasn’t like this was the safest place in the world--In fact, quite the opposite, unless someone had Sett’s heavy hand resting upon their shoulder, and he wanted to make sure they were safe. Then even Jarvan Lightshield the Fourth, with his closest confidant and bodyguard beside him wouldn’t be half as safe as the one beside the infamous Half-beast.
And as he set his hand on her shoulder, a heavy weight, but not crushing, she was put right on that list. Until he decided otherwise, at least.
“Eh, it’s not an Ionian thing. And don’t worry too much, doll. It’s more of an... acquired taste.” He grinned, leaning forward a bit, hunching to lessen the size difference, at least somewhat.
“Don’t worry ‘bout that. What’s a little scrap of a thing like you doing here? Get caught by the wrong person, and you’ll end up in the cart. Unless you have a trick up your sleeve...”
Continuation from x ♡ @iixesha
Taliyah blinked at the man before her , thoughts whirring . Wait . . . How come ? Biting the inside of her cheek , Taliyah took ahold of Ekko's arm .
After all , what's the use of personal space ?
" Why ? I mean , if you bite me , I'd turn into a vampire . So why isn't it the other way around ? " The girl's blue eyes shimmered with wonder , fingers tracing up one of his cold veins . " PG did it once , so why can't I do it again ? "
" Bitch , that's a nickname . And no , our future son's nickname will NOT be Ludacris . "
"Baby... Baby, I love you, but you CANNOT name the child."
" I let you name the first one, you PROMISED you'd let me name the second one, dammit. "
" But you want to name him Ludacris . . . Baby , there are some boundaries . "
"Baby... Baby, I love you, but you CANNOT name the child."
" I let you name the first one, you PROMISED you'd let me name the second one, dammit. "
Clinging onto something else ? What was Sett afraid of — a drunk gremlin hugging his leg ? The thought of that made Taliyah giggle quietly , a hand reaching up to rest an index finger on her lip . No , she won't do that . Sett looks scary .
" Little Pebble ? " She questioned with a grin . He definitely didn't look like someone who uses nicknames . . . Oh , wait . He goes by The Boss .
" Erm . . . I usually stick to wine or watered-down arak . I'm a light weight . . . But that shouldn't be a shock , given my size . " Her eyes then shot up to meet his own . What was his intentions ?
@heart-of-stone from ▶
Well , that wasn't expected . Taliyah blinked a bit before she responded .
" Well , I haven't had a drink for a while . Last time I did was with . . . General Swain ? " Ah , yes , drinks in Noxus . That was a long night , let me tell you that . The young adult smiled nervously , hands falling in her lap .
" The only problem is I get clingy . If you don't mind me holding your arm , then I see no issue . "
@heart-of-stone from ▶
Taliyah couldn't help but let the smile turn mischievous . Oh , it was always hilarious , being thought as nothing but a little girl . In reality , she fought a rogue ascended one at the age of 16 , with little proper training .
Defending herself was always fun , but Taliyah doesn't want to boast .
" Sett ? Hm . . . Reminds me of Seth . My name is Taliyah ! You're big . And fluffy . " Once again , the Shuriman eyed him . Not for the heck of it , but to study him . A moment or two later , Taliyah smiled , offering her hand . He got her trust . For now .
" It's nice to meet you . "
@heart-of-stone from ▶
Taliyah was always amazed by tall people . More specifically , their hands . Call it whatever you want , but it’s just so interesting . Hell , his palm could probably cover her whole face ! Yeah , her attention was split as he spoke .
Taliyah looked up suddenly , Sett’s face WAY closer than it just was . Wow , okay , personal space . Her hazel eyes studied him , silent for a moment or two . Was this a person she should trust ? After all , he did do a LOT of damage earlier . . . Oh , whatever . She can fend for herself .
To answer Sett’s question , Taliyah just smiled innocently . “ The arena is made of stone , by the look of it . I can protect myself . “ Taking a look around , the Shuriman just hummed . “ I wanted to know what people were talking about . You’re the Boss , no ? “
@heart-of-stone from ▶
Keep reading
Continuation from x ◇ @corvoimperiale
If that was supposed to be an insult , Taliyah didn't quite catch it . Her hands felt around her bag for a moment or two before pulling out a petoskey stone .
" Rocks are really neat . " With that said , she offered the stone to the general , shining a smile . Oh , to be a fool .
" B-But . . . That was a perfectly good banana . Are you okay ? "
Concerned Taliyah noises .
Kayn seductively eats a banana, maintaining eye contact before he takes a big chunk out of it and then throws the rest of it away.
" I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't get a taste . "
((Ily too bby.)) Nom. "Finally, some good fucking food"
" Oh nooo. Please don't eat me, your highness. "
heredis-sanguinis:
Sire... Now that was a term seldom used to address him, or anyone in this day and age of the Empire. How pleasantly polite.
“I’m afraid the juice is more of a ‘healthy’ choice. From your previous question regarding to ‘what I am’, I would at least assume you to know even remotely about me, child. As a hemomancer, healthy blood is of the utmost importance. My entire dietary tendencies and preferences are in relation to that.”
He made some motions with his hands and arms, as he explained. Obviously in a proud tone of voice, both towards his craft and decision to take nutrition in consideration and act accordingly.
“Now allow me a question, child. Care to tell me more about yourself? You obviously have some notion of knowledge of me, but I have none of you.” For a moment, his pale eyes flashed a glint of crimson, before soon being almost completely absent of colour again.
Hemomancy . . . Yeah , okay , that makes more sense than a vampire . Vladimire was also a bit scary , in her opinion . What ? His eyes literally just changed color ! Don’t tell her that isn’t just a bit creepy . Taliyah had tensed slightly while noticing this , the stone under her heels cracking .
Don’t scare a stone mage .
“ Oh ! U-Uhm , well , I’m just using my free time for something that would be worth while . My name’s Taliyah- ! I’m also a mage , but . . . unpredictable . Is that the right way to put it . . ? “
Taliyah rambled off near the end , awkwardly rubbing her wrists . She isn’t exactly the best at speaking to people that could easily kill her . Should she fix that ? After all , now she’s a citizen of Noxus .
The young adult chewed the inside of her cheek in thought . There is no way to save this , is there ? “ U-Uhm . . . Basically , rocks really like me . “ Way to go . She smiled gently , a soft blush dusting her freckled cheeks . That . . . Was embarrassing .
Gosh , even his words were elegant . It's fine to feel intimidated , right ? Doesn't matter . Either way , Taliyah is staring at him with amazement . The gaze was short lived , though , glancing away for courtesy(and whatever image she had left) .
" The only thing I've tried was Ionian green tea . What makes fine Noxian wine different from fine Ionian wine ? "
If Taliyah was a cat , curiosity would have killed her years ago .
Taliyah stared at Ekko for a moment or two before snatching his red glasses . The Shuriman put them on then ran onto the stage .
A big fuck you .
"Ekko, stop messing with my hair. We're about to go on stage!" *embarrassed bass player noises*
" And what if I don't want to ? "
Acidic taste . . . And aesthetics . Was that all it took to win him over ? It made the young woman smile a bit at how ridiculous it was . Was that the same reason he likes pomegranate juice ?
" Really ? It sounds interesting . . . Is that the same reason you like pomegranate juice , sire ? "
Of course , she asked . It was a good thing to learn about those above you , correct ? At least he was kind enough to not suck her blood . Wait , no , he's not a vampire —
Gosh , even his words were elegant . It's fine to feel intimidated , right ? Doesn't matter . Either way , Taliyah is staring at him with amazement . The gaze was short lived , though , glancing away for courtesy(and whatever image she had left) .
" The only thing I've tried was Ionian green tea . What makes fine Noxian wine different from fine Ionian wine ? "
If Taliyah was a cat , curiosity would have killed her years ago .
Gosh , even his words were elegant . It's fine to feel intimidated , right ? Doesn't matter . Either way , Taliyah is staring at him with amazement . The gaze was short lived , though , glancing away for courtesy(and whatever image she had left) .
" The only thing I've tried was Ionian green tea . What makes fine Noxian wine different from fine Ionian wine ? "
If Taliyah was a cat , curiosity would have killed her years ago .
@sire-crownguard :
He couldn’t help but sigh a little, smiling at her own stuttering and stumbling over her own words. She was truly doing her best, he knew this much, but many foreigners were wise enough to not go to Demacia when magic flowed through their veins.
Or, at least, they had the guts to risk it. For a moment, he idly wondered which it could’ve been, but seeing her face… how could he doubt? Her expression was so… innocent. Something he has not seen in a long, long time…
“Well, then let’s not worry about that for now.” He reassured, that same, gentle smile keeping itself upon his face. “You needn’t fuss too much, I’ll ensure you’re in a good state before I’ll leave your company. I can only imagine your… confusion, a harsh welcome like that in a new land is going to leave you a little frazzled.”
He gently pushed her hand back down. “Don’t worry about that for now. As for the time being, I’ll pay for your current expenses. It is… the least i can do, to apologize for your treatment.” He reassured. “… I, uh… yes. We are quite differently sized, after all.”
… Awkward was an understatement. Why would she point out such a trivial thing?
“Instead of dealing with that… how about we go get something to eat? I’m off duty by now, regardless… It’ll be my treat.”
Taliyah couldn’t help but let out a sigh . Her hazel eyes examined his face for a moment . He looked kind . Very kind . Does she deserve this ? There wasn’t a reason she should turn down his offer , so . . .
“ Thank you , Garen . Say , what are some foods you eat here ? Shuriman meals are different - even the cities Noxus controls in Shurima are unique to both countries . Kinda like a blend of both countries ! “
Ah , there she goes , ranting about whatever her mind thought about . Innocence . That’s what Garen calls it , right ? It’s more like ignorance . If ignorance is bliss , she’s on a dangerous level of bliss . The amount good in the world she sees is but a figment of her imagination . To be like this comes with a price .
Hers just happen to be ptsd .
Was Taliyah too trusting ? Was this too soon ? Her smile slowly fell , thoughts running wild . Last time she trusted people this quickly . . . That wasn’t fun .
“ A-Are you sure you don’t want me to help pay ? I have a decent amount in my bag , “ The freckled girl mumbled . She forced a nervous smile , hand reaching up to tuck a lock of hair behind her pierced ear . “ I’m sorry for acting weird , “ She apologized quickly .
" Who should we step on ? Swain ? He'd kill us - ! "
Taliyah really wants those plates .
Taliyah let a grin cross her cheeks as he explained . Was this just an excuse to speak to the pretty guy with a mullet ? Probably . But that eyeliner could KILL !
" Really ? " She asked , recognizing the brand right away . What ? Names like that always got her attention ! Taliyah had wondered if the eyeliner was good or not . . . Guess she has her answer . " Woah . . . It looks better than I expected ! Do you use any other brands ? "
sire-crownguard:
For a moment, his gaze darkened as he looked upon the woman, as though she had revealed something dark, a betrayal in her so few words. How often was he able to feel safe, to be reassured by others? to feel… like he must not be so afraid? Too long. Far too long. His hands trembled, twitching by his sides, motionless for a moment… but then the realization came to him, enough to almost dust his cheeks with red by his own assumption, by his own embarrassment that felt very hot beneath his skin.
No one would be that blunt unless they wished to be ripped to shreds.
And before he could question it, she answered him with her words. So she holds a grudge? He couldn’t blame her–while he held no true hatred for Darius, the two nothing more than the same man on different sides of the table, one a decade older, another a decade more foolish.
“Taliyah,” He grabbed one of her hands with both of his own, being far gentlerthan he needed to, but his expression unsteady as he tried to find the proper words to speak, mouth feeling dry as he struggled, “There are many things I’d like to say, but this is… not the place.” He let go, and instead stood up properly, spine rigid and hands moved behind his back. The more they spoke, and the longer they stayed, the more attention it’d bring, and the sooner she’d say something that would put her, and himself, in a position where he couldn’t feign not knowing, with that charming smile and those kind eyes to draw the burning stared of hatred and turn them to himself, and to gazes of envy and trust.
“You appear to be worse for wear as well. Do you have a place you are staying while in Demacia? I could also have a temporary living arrangement put in place as a…. apology for our less-hospitable people.”
“I’d prefer to be able to speak somewhere without prying eyes and ears.”
Taliyah was a thicc girl with a thicc skull , if you understand . However , her emotions were always hyper sensitive . One wrong word could leave her thinking for a while . One laugh at the wrong time could break her dam . Any tone of voice could make her utterly embarrassed - which is how she earned the nickname ‘cherry girl’ . And a cherry girl she was .
The shuriman’s face turned a bright red as she glanced back up . Okay . . . So he doesn’t hate her . Yet . That’s good , right ? Right . Taliyah sent him a nervous smile .
“ Well . . . Food is more important than shelter . I had a room last night , but that is a couple cities over . My master told me where I could stay and . . . Train without him . “ Taliyah explained this as best as she could , trying not to sound like an absolute idiot . Wait , does Garen know how fast she can travel ? Probably not .
Her free hand reached into her purse . It was full of her accessories , being warned that having floating stones around you wouldn’t look too friendly in Demacia , and a leather pouch full of coins .
“ How much Silver Serpents would it be ? Demacia uses those , right ? Or was it Valors . . . “ Her voice trailed off , inspecting the hand that held hers . “ Your hands are pretty . And big . You could probably grab my face . “
Taliyah let out a hum in response , her bright golden eyes inspecting him . Her lover — a man of wisdom . If only he understood . . . The cosmic goddess tilted her head , small smile crossing her star covered cheeks .
" Ekko , how would they even figure out without getting a little dirty ? The Queen would never soil her hands . " Yet again , how would Taliyah know ? A being of curiosity couldn't possibly know as much as her teacher .
" The generals Darius and Swain , " Taliyah responded quickly . Two of the most feared men in Runeterra . . . Two of the three leaders of Noxus .
Taliyah's face showed no sign of a lie . Blunt was the best she could be sometimes . . . However , her serious expression quickly turned to shock then embarrassment at the realization of how it was phrased .
" W-What I mean is , General Darius refuses to fight me until I am able to bend this one stone . Apparently Demacia is famous for it — not that I like Noxus . " Taliyah was quick to explain what she had meant . Going around Demacia saying the two generals of Noxus sent you is basically a suicide mission !
" He ruined my life , so I wish to show him how . . . Displeased I am . However long that will take . " Once again , the mage grew nervous . Taliyah looked away from Garen , quite displeased with herself , before noticing how busy the street started to get . People of all ages , rushing to who knows where .
" You . . . Said you used to guard the prince ? At least one of my guesses were right . " Taliyah refused to look back up at the other . Those shackles might just go right back on her wrists . . . At that thought , she started to rub her injury once more .
heart-ofstones
Taliyah was always a fan of tall people . Big , strong , able to kill her … The fear was always replaced by curiosity . Even after meeting Sett , a 7′8 beast , she was interested . And Garen definitely got on her good side .
When he had grabbed her small , cold hands , she knew what he could do . He could easily break her fragile bones , yet he did something better . He crushed the binds .
Taliyah let out a surprised gasp when he had . No matter how hard the shuriman had struggled , they refused to move to a better position , yet Garen … He just …
The short woman stared up at him , eyes wide with shock and excitement . “ Thank you , sire ! That - how did you - hm … “ A soldier perhaps ? Maybe a guard for the royal or royal himself . Probably why he’s referred to as Sire . And that build …
“ If you don’t mind me asking , do you fight with your fists or a sword ? Strength like that means you fight , no doubt . You look too young to be the general , but if … No … “ Taliyah rambled . If one couldn’t tell , she enjoys guessing and speaking . People in general was something she’s good at . Maybe that’s why Swain had spoken to her .
Taliyah gently rubbed her wrists as she thought . They were red , probably redder than her cheeks whenever complimented . The stone felt rough … Was it supposed to eventually dig into her skin and cause blood ? Maybe she should’ve heeded the warnings …
Wait , did Garen say something ? Taliyah looked back up at him , smiling widely . “ Please , call me Taliyah ! Or Tali ! “
For a moment, he simply looked at her, perhaps she was thinking? She was not quite doing anything, but he didn’t really expect her to. For a moment, he pondered if she would simply run off in terror due to that, or now that she is no longer being held captive, would not wish to push her luck with remaining with the Crownguard himself. But he was patient, and a small smile rested upon his lips.
After all… Few could do that. What he did was, effectively, crush stone. While petricite was not quite simple, as it was often poorly crafted when it was smaller items, they were sturdy enough that it took a decent amount of force, such as a hard strike of a hammer, to break it. He simply knew his limits and his capabilities… And he pushed them very, very precisely.
“I fight with a claymore most of the time, but I am capable of hand-to-hand combat if my weapon is not available.” He explain briefly–It was not exactly classified information, so there was no reason to withhold it. Even the people of Demacia would speak of him and his capabilities, while most of the time they exaggerated rather severely, it did not mean some of the gossip held at least a nugget of truth to it.
“And, well, you’d be incorrect. My initial duty was to protect Jarvan Lightshield the Fourth as his personal guardian and protector, but as things have… Changed, I no longer reserve my talents simply for my Prince, but for military combat and many other warfare needs. It certainly made me a more… Ideal candidate due to my family’s ties to the Lightshields. First General Garen Crownguard, at your service.” He offered a small, polite bow towards her.
“Taliyah, then…? You may call me Garen, then.” He cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood–if she was not stressed, there would be no reason for her trailing sentences, right? “Why would a Shuriman woman such as yourself visit Demacia?”
Well , that was a little rude , but Taliyah still took the opportunity to touch what looked like GALAXIES !
" I'm not a little girl . I'm twenty four , " The freckled woman said mindlessly . It was so . . . PRETTY ! She likes it . " Is it real ? "
sire-crownguard:
While he was not surprised that she already showed him such a display of respect, it brought a small pang of a prick to his chest. It was not that she was truly respected him, it was out of necessity… and perhaps… fear… Again, he did not blame the woman for such reactions, they were natural, but it did not stop the panging in his chest, and the guilt that went unseen atop his shoulders.
A soft mutter to himself, a quiet curse of annoyance. Most pertricite shackles were unstable, but of course… they were not meant to be taken off. Their intention was to bind, and then… most would wear them to their grave, which was likely nothing more than a large hole away from the innocent and evil eyes of the world.
He grabbed Taliyah’s hand with a delicate touch, unfitting of one which seemed as threatening as him. But, rather than the plain gesture, he turned her hand gently, so her palm faced down, and his other hand reached towards the shackle. Pinching a part of it between two fingers, he stared blankly, like he was considering something…
And then, as though it was only as sturdy as a dried twig, it cracked from the pressure. Like when a single thread was ripped from a web, the rest seemed to crack, and it fell off of her wrist. He hesitated, not letting go quite yet, using the hand that broke it to gently dust off any of the remaining, small shards of petricite, that would be like burning embers upon a mage’s skin, should they remain too long…
Without another delay, he did the same with the other shackle, and the pathetic remains simply clattered to the ground, forgotten, abandoned… and at this point, useless. A small triumph in his mind–a single less weapon against the innocent who are unfortunate to be… vulnerable.
“I apologize for not doing that sooner.” His voice was low, strong and steady. A small smile found its way onto his expression, followed with a minute tilt of his head to the side. “But it matters not if they overreacted… That is not a topic I wish to delve in any further, however.” Likely, it would be best for both of them to not dwell on the things that happen here.
How innocent must a girl like this be? He envied her, to a degree. Ignorancewas bliss, but too much bliss was toxin. Garen cleared his throat, and the next words he spoke were slow, but at least clear, and spoken in the native tongue of the unfortunate visitor.
“It is a pleasure to meet someone like you, Taliyah Levy.”
Taliyah was always a fan of tall people . Big , strong , able to kill her . . . The fear was always replaced by curiosity . Even after meeting Sett , a 7′8 beast , she was interested . And Garen definitely got on her good side .
When he had grabbed her small , cold hands , she knew what he could do . He could easily break her fragile bones , yet he did something better . He crushed the binds .
Taliyah let out a surprised gasp when he had . No matter how hard the shuriman had struggled , they refused to move to a better position , yet Garen . . . He just . . .
The short woman stared up at him , eyes wide with shock and excitement . “ Thank you , sire ! That - how did you - hm . . . “ A soldier perhaps ? Maybe a guard for the royal or royal himself . Probably why he’s referred to as Sire . And that build . . .
“ If you don’t mind me asking , do you fight with your fists or a sword ? Strength like that means you fight , no doubt . You look too young to be the general , but if . . . No . . . “ Taliyah rambled . If one couldn’t tell , she enjoys guessing and speaking . People in general was something she’s good at . Maybe that’s why Swain had spoken to her .
Taliyah gently rubbed her wrists as she thought . They were red , probably redder than her cheeks whenever complimented . The stone felt rough . . . Was it supposed to eventually dig into her skin and cause blood ? Maybe she should’ve heeded the warnings . . .
Wait , did Garen say something ? Taliyah looked back up at him , smiling widely . “ Please , call me Taliyah ! Or Tali ! “
" Exactly ! Ekko , you didn't have to . . . If you wanted to celebrate my birthday , then just give me more attention . "
This . Was . Bad . Here Taliyah is , cake on her face and clothes , boyfriend about to cry . This isn't what she wanted ! The shuriman let out a soft sigh , swiping some of the dessert from her cheek , licking it up .
" Well , now how are we gonna share ? "
Fear . That was the main thing that overcame Taliyah . Fear and curiosity . Then , it all happened as she stood idly by . She felt like a mere object at that moment , a simple toy getting taken away .
But the frighteningly tall man the soldiers had called Sire . . . He was arguing for her . That's all she wanted . Well , that and to get these tiresome cuffs of white stone off her wrists . They drained her energy . . . And when Taliyah tried to will it off , it did nothing . The strangest thing ?
Taliyah can't hear it speak . Stones always spoke to her , but here . . . Demacia was a weird place .
Tali's thoughts were cut short when the strong , steady hands released her . The freckled woman was quick to stare up at her savior , him in his relaxed state and all . She blinked slowly before realization hit her , giving this man — Garen — a quick bow.
" E-Er , thank you . . . Sire . I truly think they were just over reacting . I go by Taliyah . Taliyah . . . Levy . " Demacia . It spoke such a complicated language . . . Her heavy accent was forcing her to have a LOT of difficulty speaking .
But Taliyah can manage .
" A meeting is a meeting , and you gave off a nice impression , " Taliyah reassured . Her head tilted to the side , dark brown locks revealing her other eye . A smile tugged at the corner of her plump , pink lips as she awkwardly stuck out both hands for a shake .
What ? It's a hard thing to do when you're cuffed !
This … Was not the situation Taliyah had imagined she’d get herself in .
It had all started so innocent ! It’s really hard for her to believe that saving one clumsy kid from falling onto the hard ground would get her cuffed , yet here we are . A mage , clothes bright enough for everyone to know she was a foreigner , being grabbed at and shoved down the dull-looking streets of Demacia . Taliyah doesn’t understand what she did to deserve such treatment ! Maybe the Noxians on the ship were right … Maybe she should’ve avoided Demacia at all costs .
The young woman thought deeply , her chocolate eyes glancing towards the parting crowd . Looks of fear and hatred was all Taliyah saw . Fear , hatred , and … Sadness . Now THAT was a huge red flag . “ What are you doing - ? ! What’d I even do ? ! You - You can’t be serious ! ” “ Silence , woman , ” was the only response she had gotten from the questions . Well , that and a dirty glare .
The guards around her came to a halt , Taliyah tearing her attention to whatever had stopped the now saluting guards . Or … Whoever . A tall , masculine man stood there infront of the three . Maybe even Taliyah’s savior ! A glimmer of hope filled her mind . Maybe … Maybe HE would understand how ridiculous this is ? Whoever this man was , he had power . That must mean he’s reasonable and smart ! Right ?