In the early afternoon, Lyra and Jayce had meandered towards the Kiramman estate, a grandiose house located on the other side of the river, facing the University district on the mainland. Since the day was unusually nice, the two settled on walking instead of hiring a coach.

They could have saved themselves a lot of time by taking the steamboat, as Lyra did not fail to incessantly remind, but Jayce insisted otherwise, much to her utter dismay. Deep down, she agreed it was the smartest option, given her urgency to promptly walk off the lingering effects of her hangover. But while the idea was logical, Lyra was not too ecstatic at its prospect. Mainly due to the fact that she was not a fan of sunny weather as a whole.

Her Zaunite origins came into play with this exponentially. Growing up with little Sun, her skin was more prone to burns than an average Piltovian's, a quality that had not infringed on her life in the Fissures, but did inconvenience her greatly now.

While Jayce strolled casually forward, sleeves rolled up to his forearms and a contented smile plastered on his face that knew not a care in the world, a sweating Lyra dragged herself behind him with the long jacket draped over her shoulders, long puffed sleeves and a high collar vest hiding all possible bits of sensitive ashen skin.

Despite the black round sunglasses she was sporting, she still couldn't help but grimace in aversion at the intrusive rays of sunshine that managed to sneak past the dark lenses. Overall, making it openly clear to Jayce that she was, in fact, far from happy with his chosen endeavour.

Both students had changed for the lunch, opting for personal clothes instead of their customary Academy uniforms. Lyra's attire held a harmonious balance between whites and yellows, suitable for the weather even though much thicker than needed. Meanwhile, Jayce settled for a combination of whites and greens.

The two looked nothing short of regal, two wealthy Piltovians taking a leisurely afternoon stroll.

However, when at last they stood before the tall doors of the monumental household, and Jayce rang the bell, he could not resist dropping his high-etiquette attitude to throw her one of his signature moral-boosting comments.

"You look like a depressed bee."

She glanced at him over the rim of her round sunglasses, unimpressed. "You look like an angry lizard."

They levelled each other with distaste.

Then burst into a silent snicker, shoulders rattling with the struggle to keep the chuckle that threatened to spill at bay.

The door flew open a moment later and the duo shot straight, bouncing back into their elegant and charming disposition.

"At last, you two! Finally deciding to join us!" Cassandra Kiramman exclaimed, eyes twinkling at the sight before her. They smiled politely, regarding her with a jud of their heads, and the matriarch's smile brightened. "So good of you to come! Come in, come in!"

She ushered them inside with excitement, not before giving each an amicable kiss on the cheek.

Jayce and Lyra were pulled into the richly decorated waiting hall, stumbling in with collected grace as the door was shut behind them. Despite herself, Lyra could not help but run her eyes over the shimmering blues and golds of the place. Handmade metals and marbles, glimmering, squeaky clean, in the light emanating from the tall, mosaicked windows. Richly decorated carpets, blown glass sculptures and crystal chandeliers. It was all truly a sight to behold, a show of the wealth and prosperity of the Kiramman household.

Without truly realising, Lyra found herself smiling, a fondness spreading in her chest at the feeling of familiarity the place now left her with. She remembered the force at which her heart pumped the first time she had set foot inside. Both fascinated yet anxious, a young teenager feeling largely out of her depth. Now, six years later, standing tall in her rich clothes, she might have as well been part of the furniture.

Lazily, Lyra reached to tug the material of her white gloves off her fingertips, when suddenly a voice echoed in the spacious hall, ricocheting off the marbles with the force of a bullet.

"Lyra! Jayce!"

Her head whipped around at the sound of her name, and her smile tripled in size.

A blue-haired girl was rushing down the gargantuan staircase of the parlour, smile stretching from ear to ear, blue eyes burning at them with glee.

"Happy birthday, Caitlyn!" Her voice rang out soft and sincere, and she dropped to the floor to meet the little girl in a tight hug. Caitlyn Kiramman squeezed the silver-haired woman tightly, burying her delighted smile in the the soft material of Lyra's coated shoulder.

"We've brought presents!" Jayce's voice sung from behind them, and Caitlyn positively catapulted towards him to give him a soul-crushing hug.

"Oh, really, you two, you'll spoil her rotten." The mother chastised, but an amused and endeared smile played on her lips as she watched the sweet reunion.

Jayce scoffed theatrically, placing the small girl back on the floor. "Nonsense! A dame of her calibre needs to be treated appropriately."

Caitlyn threw Lyra an unimpressed look. "Is he using long words to sound competent?"

Lyra erupted in a wholehearted laugh, her gloved hand reaching to wipe a singular tear. Meanwhile, Jayce's jaw slacked in indignation.

"Rude!" He grumbled, with insincere offence, at which Caitlyn and Lyra exchanged amused glances. "But for all its worth, you're looking absolutely lovely today!" Jayce bowed to her dramatically, knowing how much the little girl hated being addressed with the etiquette befitting her circles.

Instead of giving into the display of anger he was expecting, Caitlyn's eyes flickered over him with little interest. "You look like a lizard."

"That's what I said!"

Jayce flinched and glared when the back of Lyra's hand darted to deliver a slap to his chest.

As the silver-haired woman shared a few silent giggles with the Kiramman heir, Jayce groaned, eyeing his attire. "Honestly, what? Is it the collar?"

"That's why you're my favourite." Lyra gave her a wink, at last slipping her sunglasses off and into the chest pocket of her vest.

Caitlyn beamed at them, eyes wide, innocence sparkling brighter than the morning Sun. "What was that about presents?"

Jayce couldn't help but laugh at the sight, while Lyra perked up, before she grinned mirthfully and subtly slipped past the girl, making sure her attention was focused on the other student.

"Calm down, you insatiable rascal!" He shook his head, and Lyra took it as her cue to sneak a hat onto Caitlyn's head.

The girl jumped, hands fumbling to tear the item off her head before her eyes widened and her mouth fell agape. It was the official headwear of an enforcer, all blue with whites and blacks. But a golden lace lined it, a specific medal sitting at the centre of the material which made the blue-haired girl's heart skip a beat.

"Shut. Up. Is this—?"

Lyra chuckled, watching as the girl whipped around towards her with excitement, all but bouncing up and down in elation.

"I may have borrowed it from Grayson." The student shrugged, innocently, a mischievous smile pulling at the corner of her lips. "She won't miss it."

"And one from me." Jayce spoke, draping a small enforcer cloak over the young girl's shoulders.

Caitlyn's smile put all to shame and the two watched her with soft eyes, chests brimming with endearment.

"Oh! You guys!" She screeched, before diving at them both, a hug which they welcomed and reciprocated in kind.

"Happy birthday, kiddo." Jayce muttered happily, and Lyra grasped her tighter against them.

She had always had a soft spot for the young Kiramman, who grew to be almost like a sister to her. And Caitlyn seemed to think the same since the day they'd met so many years ago.

Just then Cassandra Kiramman's voice echoed from the doorway of the dining hall. "Jayce, Lyra, lunch is ready! Come join us, won't you? Caitlyn, dear, wash your hands."

The girl pulled away, shooting them an excited, "Be right back!", as she all but bolted away, hands cradling the two gifts with unparalleled joy.

The two Academy students couldn't help but chuckle with affection at her retreating form, sharing an amused glance.

"You two shouldn't be encouraging that absurdity of hers." Cassandra approached, scolding them in a hushed tone, her eyes giving a roll.

Lyra's heart clenched uncomfortably in her chest at the mother's comment, but both her and Jayce kept their polite smiles on show.

"She's a difficult girl to buy presents for." He justified, offhandedly, on behalf of both of them, and Lyra was grateful for it.

Cassandra sighed then, smile faltering and an apprehensive emotion passing behind her eyes as she watched the spot where her daughter had disappeared to. "An even more difficult one to raise." She shook her head. Then she grabbed the two by their arms, charming smile pulling back over to veil her moment of honesty. "Come now, no further dilly-dallying!"

The two followed the Councilwoman into the extravagant dining hall, where a large table had been set for the whole family. Lyra's eyes could not help but linger on the great family portrait hanging over the intricately decorated fireplace. It was a beautiful piece of work, though her eyes could not help but loose a bit of their sparkle at Caitlyn's unnaturally stoic face.

She shook her head, forcing her attention away.

"And how are you, Cassandra?" She addressed instead, cordial and calculated, worthy of the aristocratic society she was now part of. "All in good health, I trust?"

"Oh, you're sweet for asking, Lyra, all is just marvellous." The woman regarded, as she elegantly descended into her designated monumental chair at the top of the table. "Though, I am quite exhausted from all the preparations for the party next weekend. Your honourable patron will be making an appearance, along with other relevant members of our city. It's shaping up to be a truly auspicious event. You'll both come, won't you?"

"We wouldn't miss it." Lyra nodded, smiling, taking a seat at her left.

"You know how much we love your family." Jayce supplied, sincerely, seating at her right.

"You're both such dears!" The woman's eyes shone with pride and delight. "Come now, let's eat!"

As the two settled into the comfort of their clothed chairs, Caitlyn came dashing through the hall, socked feet almost making her whirlwind past the entrance of the dining area. She caught herself just in time on the sliding wooden doors and beamed at the surprised people inside, blue hair spiking in disarray, but eyes bright and thrilled. "I'm back! What did I miss?"

"Look at you! Just one year off your fifteenth now!" Jayce rose a humorous brow at her, gaze following the young girl as she skidded over to Lyra's side and slipped into her adjacent seat. "You're becoming an old lady."

Lyra shot him a look, posture impeccably upright, a calculated smile pulling at the corner of her lips. "Don't be crass, Jayce, it's never polite to point out a woman's age."

"Exactly that!" Tobias Kiramman's voice echoed behind her and everyone turned to see him striding in through the side door behind the two young girls. He smiled happily when his eyes met Lyra's and bent to kiss both her cheeks. "Hello, dear."

Lyra grinned back, nodding her head in polite greeting. But her eyes betrayed her unrestrained delight at the sight of the doctor.

As much as Heimerdinger played an important role in her upbringing, she would be doing a disservice to the two older Kirammans if she were not to acknowledge just how much they had done for her growing up. Where Heimerdinger was wise with years of experience, the two were kind and affectionate, young parents ready to extend their love to both her and Jayce equally. She would be lying, in fact, if she said that, despite herself, she had not come to see the duo as parental figures.

Over the years, she had formed a tighter bond with the doctor, not being as keen on political matters as Cassandra. She had not enough fingers to count the amount of times the two had found themselves invested in heated discussions about medical progress and inventions at the many family gatherings and dinners. They both never failed to get reprimanded by the matriarch after they were over, of course, but that only added to her fondness when thinking back to it all.

Lyra found both intense interest and pleasure in their conversations. Medicine was a field she found fascinating, and would have pursued had she not been as predisposed towards engineering. Human anatomy and biology were subjects she particularly enjoyed to this day, a lingering side effect of her father's influences during her childhood, but one she was glad for in this particular instance.

Tobias Kiramman, whilst greatly overlooked by some, was a genius in his field, and undoubtedly one of the most brilliant traditional doctors Lyra had the pleasure of meeting in her brief life span.

Which is why it was so strange to see him, a figure of importance and authority, casting such a comical reprimanding glare towards Jayce.

"Jayce, why is it you're being rude to my daughter?" He chastised, eyes glimmering mirthfully at the boy.

"Never rude, Tobias!" Jayce chuckled, shrugging casually, at which the doctor raised an entertained eyebrow. "I was only pointing it out, since now she may just be old enough to tag along with me to my workshop. But oh, well, silly me."

"Wait really?" Caitlyn's eyes had lit up and she jumped in her seat, head snapping towards Cassandra. "Oh, mother, could I, please?"

"Quiet down now, Caitlyn, only if you behave." The ever strict matriarch gave her daughter a pointed look, at which Tobias and Lyra exchanged amused glances.

The father shook his head in silent resignation, and moved to make his way around the table and towards the seat at Jayce's right. Not before giving a light peck to his wife's cheek, earning himself a scolding, though endeared, look.

Caitlyn had frowned at her mother's words, but that disappeared quickly when she wheeled to face Lyra in the seat next to her. "Can I come visit your lab too?" The young girl begged, eagerly.

"I'm afraid it's a tad more boring than Jayce's little toy shop." Lyra chuckled, casting the boy a self-satisfied glance out of the corner of her eye.

Jayce's eyes sparked with the challenge, and he leaned forward to give her one of his looks. "What's the matter? Can't stuff one of your blimps into the lab?"

"Airships, Jayce." Lyra replied evenly, unbothered, eyes fixed downwards where she made a show of smoothing the invisible creases on her white trousers. "An airship has a rigid metal hull. Not a blimp."

Caitlyn laughed triumphantly, casting Jayce a satisfied look. She could not help but watch Lyra with delighted awe, making a note to store the new information in her mind for eventual use.

The boy scoffed, humorously.

"Know it all."

Lyra shot him a look, a smirk though playing on her lips.

She turned towards Caitlin then and regarded her with a genuine smile. "But yes, of course you can. As long as your mother allows it."

The excitement in Caitlyn's eyes was unparalleled and the girl couldn't help but smile wider at her display of unrestrained joy. It warmed her heart that the young Kiramman held her in such high regard, and she knew she'd do anything to keep it so.

When several house staff entered the dining hall, expertly manoeuvring ceramic plates in their hands, Cassandra turned her piercing eyes towards the silver-haired student.

"Lyra, dear, I heard you've recently been delivering on a project for Councillor Haskell?"

The matriarch's voice brought her attention away from Caitlyn, and she could not resist sighing, in veiled dismay. "Don't remind me." She muttered, her voice staying light and sophisticated, her accent rolling in the same cadences as the one she shared with Cassandra. "It is one of my most trying projects yet. And I'm not talking about the designs."

The woman hummed. "Yes, I gathered as much." She spoke, and they shared a covertly amused glance. After all, everyone knew the Councilman was an oaf.

"And how is your research, Jayce?" Cassandra turned to regard the boy, who was too busy ogling the fish tartare that had just been placed before him. He jumped at the sudden attention, wide eyes darting to the matriarch. "All in good shape, I trust?" She pressed.

"Never better!" He chuckled, but his nervousness was palpable, his quickly averted gaze being a tell-tell sign of his sheepishness.

Cassandra's look did not release its hold, not even when she moved to place the cloth napkin over her knees as the waiter presented her with her dish.

"I noticed you've made quite the purchase recently." She commented offhandedly, and Lyra stilled minutely.

Shit.

Her eyes darted to Jayce, worry threatening to etch on her features. If the matriarch were to ask more questions, Jayce's research, hell, Jayce himself, could be put in an extremely compromising position. Magic was not treated lightly in the Piltovian circles, and somehow she doubted that Cassandra of all people would keep an open mind.

Lyra's eyes met Jayce's briefly, but the boy made sure to tear his own away with haste. Last thing he wanted was to spark any suspicion of Lyra being involved in any way. She did not need to suffer the consequences if things were to go South.

He sighed, before he straightened and regarded the woman with his usual eyes, firm with conviction and ambition. "Some of the parts were more costly than usual." He explained, evenly. "But it will all be worth it once I'm finished. I guarantee it."

Cassandra gave him a prolonged look.

A silence stretched between them, during which both students' breaths couldn't help but hitch in anticipation.

Then, her lips and expression melted into a soft smile, which she offered the boy along with a trusting nod. "I have no doubt." She finally said.

Jayce instantly relaxed, giving her with a grateful look, and Lyra's shoulders lost their tension, a relieved smile curving her lips. This went better than she had thought, and she thanked all sorts of gods for it.

Then, a clap echoed in the room, and everyone turned to see Tobias Kiramman beaming a smile their way.

Just as Lyra couldn't help but feel her amusement rising at how similar Caitlyn looked to her father then, Tobias spoke. "Now stop with your business chattering, will you? Let's eat!"

Cassandra's eyes sparked with excitement, a smile stretching her own features. "Yes!"

They settled into an amicable conversation, a pleasant atmosphere washing over the room. They went through their appetisers with little effort, sipping on a light white wine which Lyra had politely refused. Last thing she needed today was more alcohol.

By the time they got to their starter, the conversation had somehow managed to weave its way back into politics and Lyra busied herself with discussing Caitlyn's weekly reading list rather than engaging in that. While she knew it to be a field found fascinating by many, Lyra could not help but feel uneasy whenever political discussions took place. Perhaps it was due to her origins, the inevitable Piltovian comments regarding her home being the main hot topic of such debates. Or maybe she just liked keeping up an unaware facade. It was easier to ignore her past when it was not constantly being slapped in her face.

So, much like they usually did, the two girls busied themselves with light and comfortable topics, sharing occasional giggles at their own quips.

It was when they came about to talking of Caitlyn's new favorite novella and the starters had been placed before them, that things took a turn for the worst.

"Overall, Council business is steady." Cassandra spoke, lightly, eying the seabass on her plate with decorous assessment before she began cutting into it. "I have recently put out a proposal. A five-year plan, so to say. If all goes well, our beloved city may just take a turn for an even brighter future ahead."

Jayce smiled, polite as ever. "Sounds delightful."

"Oh, it will be." Cassandra agreed. "Frankly, a lot of it could have been done much sooner, were those pesky creatures not involved."

Jayce quirked an eyebrow at this, "Pesky creatures?"

"The people of Undercity, of course!"

An ugly screech slashed through the hall and everyone flinched, surprised attentions snapping to the source of the sound.

Lyra, whose knife had suddenly slipped right through a roast potato, flushed red. "Pardon me." She muttered, hurriedly, forcing a smile to her lips. "You were saying?"

Thinking nothing of the intrusion, Cassandra's attention pivoted back to Jayce. "Yes, well, the amounts we spend yearly to supply infrastructure costs and material goods. You wouldn't believe it!" She scoffed. "And for what, I ask? Bleeding money for those ungrateful insatiables for no reason at all. It's never enough with them! Give them a hand and they'll take arm, leg and head!"

Jayce took a mouthful of his dish, polite and relaxed. "By material goods, you mean—"

"Usually nothing more than a few rags and junk supplies." She waved him off with ease. "But they've just spent a considerable sum sponsoring a filtration system. For the spring water, that is. A project by one of the Academy's alumni, apparently, but a favorite of Heimerdinger's, so obviously most of them were on board."

Lyra, whose head was now forcefully lowered, rose her eyebrows in surprise.

She had not heard of this. How had she not heard of this? And why was a Piltovian, an ex-student of the Academy no less, taking a sudden interest in the Fissures? Another rich boy fancying himself a martyr? She couldn't help her own cynicism at the thought.

But her ears were suddenly more tuned into the conversation than ever before, the way her heart sat in her chest becoming uncomfortable.

"However, now that it went successfully, what's next?" Cassandra continued mindlessly, cutting into the fish. "There's talks about building air purifiers, too. Can you imagine! That will simply cost the Council a fortune!"

"I do believe it is our duty to help the less abled." Tobias interjected, but Lyra did not dare look at him.

"At the expense of our city's suffering?" The matriarch regarded him with wide eyes. "Balderdash! They've got all sorts of rubbish and metal down there. Why not use it, build one themselves? Surely, if they're oh so proud and independent, they can put their brains together for this one." She sneered as she brought the forkful to her lips. "If they really do need it at all, that is."

"I think that could be a luxury they would not be able to afford." Caitlyn spoke up then, a hidden anger and annoyance at her mother's opinions shining through her words.

Lyra had not realised she was biting her cheek until the taste of metal mixed with that of the seabass.

"And why should we have to? Spend our good people's tax money, for what? Charity? No." Cassandra shook her head, returning her attention to her dish. "The plain fact of the matter is, they choose to be miserable. If no one in that squalid place actually wants to make a change for themselves, why should it be our problem? Those flea-ridden brutes waste their entire existence never having to work hard for anything in their life, not with the Council spoon feeding them resources the way they do. It is simply ridiculous, a laughing matter, really. Something which will finally be put an end to if the Council decides to take my strategy on board. No more nannying of those good for nothing degenerates, and more focus on our hardworking community. Fair and square."

The soft movement of Lyra's chair did little to disturb anyone, but it did draw Jayce's attention to her.

Jayce blinked, surprised at the sight that greeted him.

His friend suddenly seemed paler. Or redder? Nauseated? He couldn't quite tell, not with the light from the mosaicked windows casting different coloured shades on her features the way they did. Perhaps it was the hangover? They were eating a lot of fish...

She stood up and smiled, but the effort it took her to do so seemed to visibly pain her. "Excuse me just a moment." The student muttered softly, her voice palpably strained. "I need to use the restroom."

"Of course, dear." The matriarch waved her off lightheartedly without a single glance, enjoying her meal.

Lyra bowed her head politely, before she rounded on her heels and left the table. Jayce watched after her in confusion and worry, just as his eyes caught Caitlyn doing exactly the same.

They shared a glance.

Then, returned silently to their meals.

||

Lyra stumbled onto the balcony.

Her clothes suddenly seemed tighter around her, the collar of her vest choking her. She fumbled to get the jacket off her shoulders, before tossing it aside onto the brick banister. Her eyes and fists shut firmly on themselves, and she leaned forward onto the railing, head dropping low.

This shouldn't affect her anymore. This was maybe the least offensive things she'd heard about the place.

Still, Cassandra's words played in her mind on a loop, plaguing her thoughts with its snidely tones.

Lyra could feel it then.

That familiar anger, rising to the surface.

She could feel it starting to burn again with the same heat and passion from her youth.

"Flea-ridden brutes."

"Good for nothing degenerates."

"They choose to be miserable."

Lyra took a shaky breath, forcing her unseeing eyes open.

Get a grip, her own voice echoed in her head.

Strands of hair, previously meticulously styled, had fallen out of her ponytail, her palms feeling clammy, her whole body cold.

Get a grip, you stupid—

"You okay?"

"Shit!" Lyra shrieked, wheeling on herself with such speed she almost lost her balance.

Heart pumping loudly in her ears, Lyra forced her eyes to focus. In the doorway, stood a meek-looking Caitlyn, her expression etched with concern.

Lyra composed herself, straightening. "Sorry, you scared me." She chucked offhandedly, dismissively, running her fingers through her uncombed strands. But her voice shook lightly and she mentally slapped herself for it.

The student straightened and willed a large, though clearly uneasy, smile to her features. But it did little to convince Caitlyn.

The Kiramman heir pressed her lips together in a moment of deliberation.

Then, she took a tentative step forward. "I'm sorry about what she said." Caitlyn spoke sincerely, voice small and gentle. "She doesn't know any better."

The honesty and concern in her voice made Lyra's eyes soften, her shoulders loosing their tension and dropping tiredly.

She knew that despite her better wishes, she was quite easy to read. Especially to people who knew her as well as Caitlyn and Jayce. But she had to give the girl credit where it was due — Caitlyn was growing up to be quite the insightful type, both a blessing and a curse in itself.

Despite her ongoing internal turmoil, Lyra could not help but offer the little girl a genuine smile. "You don't have to apologise." She told her, motioning her closer at last.

Caitlyn smiled gratefully, skipping over to the spot next to the student before the duo leaned casually over the balcony to watch the calm waters ahead.

Covertly, the blue-haired girl snuck a glance at Lyra. Her expression had luckily relaxed, the gentle breeze blowing from the sea seemingly calming her.

The Kiramman heir couldn't help then but feel a sense of monumental respect for the older student. Just as she always did. Though she did not know Lyra to openly discuss her political opinions, it was clear that she seemed to view the Undercity as equal to Piltover, thinking of its citizens as humans instead of merely lowlifes. It was a good change from her mother's stance, or that of any Council member. Her idealism was compelling and Caitlyn had long decided she strived to be as fair when she grew up to be Lyra's age.

Of course, while thinking that, she was completely unaware of the true reasons for Lyra's state.

Just then, Lyra sighed, bringing Caitlyn's full attention into focus. "It's just..." her mutter trailed off.

"Shitty?"

Lyra's eyes blew wide and they could not have snapped faster towards the young girl. "Caitlyn Kiramman, mind your language!"

"I'm fourteen now." The blue-haired heir rolled her eyes. "I'm not a little girl anymore."

Lyra rose a brow, her expression stern. But Caitlyn knew her too well, so the amusement playing in her eyes was clear as day. The student shook her head, stifling a light-hearted chuckle. "Fair enough."

They both returned their gazes forward, settling into a contented silence. Somewhere far away on the horizon, a stock boat was lazily drifting along the sea. It's grey sails caught in the light of the blazing Sun, a steady tremor of heat destabilising and blurring its outlines. Distant calls of seabirds echoed in the background, adding to the serenity of the scene.

It was a beautiful day, sunlight giving all sorts of saturations to the landscape.

But even then, Caitlyn's heart could not help but beat with sad unrest. She glanced down at her hands, leant on the stoney balcony. They were fiddling with the fabric of her new gift, the enforcer cape still hanging loosely around her form. Her lips pressed together, calculating blue eyes trailing the creases of her palms.

Then she spoke, quietly, a statement rather than a question of any sort.

"She doesn't think I'll be able to do it."

Lyra glanced down at the girl in surprise. Her eyes spotted the object of the Kiramman heir's attention and she sighed.

"I know." She agreed, sadly.

Caitlyn's shoulders relaxed, dropping lightly. She was glad of Lyra's honesty, instead of the encouraging lies.

It saddened her that was not allowed to speak of these matters with her parents. They did not understand her dream. It confused them, scared them even.

But she could talk about it with Lyra freely, and she was grateful for it even in her sadness.

Caitlyn knew that her mother didn't approve. She knew her father didn't either, despite his silence whenever the matter was brought up. She knew that both of them would have rather she followed them into a career more befitting her station. A politician, to follow her mother's footsteps, a doctor or a scholar. They had even specifically instructed her on never divulging her 'deluded' fantasies to those outside the household, when all the girl wanted to do was get advice from her shooting mentor.

That was how it had always been, a mentality which had not changed even with Caitlyn making an effort to show them just how desperate she was at achieving her dream. They insisted on appearances, just as they insisted on standards, and it hurt the little girl to see how divided she was becoming from her family simply due to her aspirations.

The matter saddened her, every time the topic floated to the surface of her mind. And she sighed, expression a little sadder, as she let go of the material between her fingers and let it drop behind her.

"Doesn't mean you need to give up on it, though."

Caitlyn glanced up at the words.

Lyra was watching the scene before them, a blank look veiling her features. On first glance she might have appeared calm, serene even. But Caitlyn knew her well enough to know that the look she was currently sporting was completely disconnected. It worried the little girl and she frowned, but Lyra beat her to voicing her questions.

"You want to make a difference?" She asked, glancing at the Kiramman heir out of the corner of her eye.

Caitlyn hesitated.

Then, nodded.

The student shrugged, "So keep pushing. People will always have their opinions. You'll always be too good, or not good enough. But, as long as you stay true to yourself, you'll always be doing the right thing." Lyra smiled at the girl softly. Caitlyn returned it minutely, but Lyra could see the sadness still lingering in her features. So she snickered. "Unless, you become a mass murderer. Or a politician."

Caitlyn huffed, lowly. "Thin line there."

"Woah, bold statement!" Lyra laughed, giving the girl a playful nudge and finally making her giggle. They settled, both leaning on the balcony in a now comfortable silence. "You excited for the party?"

Caitlyn grimaced. "Not really. It's a party for her, not for me."

Lyra nodded, thoughtfully. "I know what you mean. But, I'll be there." She grinned down at the younger girl. "Jayce will probably be popping off doing whatever it is he does—"

"—sleazing his way into female company."

Lyra chuckled. "Exactly. But I'm coming for you. You know I wouldn't be caught dead at one of those galas unless I had a very good reason to be there."

"Yeah, I know." Caitlyn gave her a look then, smiling gratefully. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Lyra returned it.

Slowly, the student reached towards her bundled up coat, stuffing her hand into the myriad of folds with a look of concentration, before her eyes lit up.

"Ah!"

Caitlyn frowned in confusion when she spotted her retreating a package, wrapped in shimmering blue paper.

"Here." Lyra offered and the little girl took it in her hands, curiously. "This is the actual present."

As the silver-haired student returned to watching the landscape with a soft smile playing on her lips, the little girl busied herself with carefully peeling the wrapping off with her fingers.

When she at last managed to pull it away completely, her eyes widened.

In her palms, sat a dusty old book, slightly worn but in good condition. Brown and green, the tome housed heavily in her palms, looking beautiful even in its age.

It was the title that made the little girl gasp, her blue eyes widening in revelation.

'The truths of Zaun: a biological landmass.'

"You got it." The little girl breathed in astonishment, eyes trailing the cover with care, almost afraid it would disappear if she took her gaze off it for even a second. The present she had longed for for years, now sitting within reach, in her personal care. It was a book difficult to come by in Piltover, all materials relating to Zaun being often under-published and reserved only for private collectors. So Caitlyn could not even begin to fathom what summersaults the student had to go through to get it. All she could do was look up at Lyra, eyes wide and incredulous, filled with honest emotion. "Thank you." She spoke sincerely, looking earnestly at the woman, finding herself unable to fully express how grateful she truly was.

Lyra chuckled, nodding, a contagious smile playing on her lips. "Just make sure your mother doesn't catch you with it, or I doubt I'll be invited to any more of the fancy parties."

"Don't worry." Caitlyn spoke, stuffing the book into one of pockets stitched into the cloak. "You're not that lucky."

Lyra laughed then, a genuine and heartfelt sound, and Caitlyn could not help but grin brighter. They returned to watching the scenery ahead, as the chuckles died down.

The stock boat had disappeared over the horizon, and the Sun was now starting to slowly begin its descend. And they stayed put, watching it with hearts that now felt a little lighter.

"Happy birthday, Cate."

||

This took sooo long to write, holy hell. I hope you enjoyed it! I can see a few of you lurking here and there, and I do hope you're having a good time reading the chapters. I would honestly appreciate any feedback or comment, I just want to know if the things in the story are working as well as I'd wanted them to.

I'm a tad rusty with writing, so I'll honestly take any constructive criticism I can get!

Also, a few little Easter eggs here from the actual canon. Like the airship quip.

Plus, the book Lyra gives Caitlyn has a full map of the Undercity on its first pages, which is what Caitlyn will mainly base her mind mapping on later on in life. Just a funny little thought, that.

No Viktor in this chapter, but more coming ahead. :)

Anyways, I hope you all have a lovely day and stay safe!