sinisterassassin:

Her eyes followed his movements carefully; a brow lifted at the sound of his laughter. It was also interesting that he would have such disgust for swine; her mind noted which of Shurima’s regions held such apprehensions but whether she would look further into that… It was unlikely the prophet would enjoy her using her own skills to look into his past.

Still, it was something she’d have to keep in mind should this sort of situation arise again. Malzahar seemed fairly set into his traditions; she would have to make a point not to blatantly offend them. “Fine by me.” Even though he had suggested it, was he not hungry?  Her curiosity might have grown, but the unexpected compliment came as an unexpected surprise.

An amused grin surfaced itself, and his attempt to dismiss grew the assassin’s interest. “Yes, well I’m sure you would know that, wouldn’t you.”  She motioned towards the tavern before heading in its direction, giving an indifferent tone as she spoke. “I’m parched. Let’s pick our poison, shall we?” Leaving him to digest her words, Katarina let herself into the tavern.

It was clean enough; the dim lights were her liking. This sort of atmosphere would allow the assassin to better blend, despite her red dress. It was a conflicting feeling, she wanted him to notice her, but wasn’t particularly fond of just any man staring her down. It would be difficult to not physically harm anyone that might try treating her like a barmaid, but it was better than standing out at a normal diner.

It took a whole moment before Malzahar caught wind of what Katarina’s response referred to. As the realization struck, he silently berated himself for such careless wording, despite the fact that his statement was a flash reaction to the Void’s sharp dissonance with his compliment earlier. Although he was tempted to correct Katarina, he found her lack of resentment for such a daring turn of conversation rather…amusing. Mirroring her grin, Malzahar gave a huff before replying, “Indeed.” He didn’t dare say anything more, not being the type to entertain such notions in such a public place.

Malzahar entered the tavern after her and quickly scanned the room for any signs of potential conflict. Situational awareness was important if anything broke out, regardless if they were involved or not. As weakened as he was in his current state, he still carried his Icathian khanjar underneath his cloak and had no qualms in deploying it at anytime. But as he observed earlier, many of the inhabitants stayed within their respective social bubbles for the most part. A relief in itself, but not one to stop him from keeping an active eye out for those who glanced at them curiously as they entered the tavern. Noticing a small unoccupied table with two chairs near the back, Malzahar suggested, “To the back, shall we? We won’t be as easy to catch to the wandering eyes of those entering and leaving this building.” 

Walking over to the chosen area and plopping himself down to a chair, Malzahar turned a steely gaze at Katarina before stating, “Despite the fact that we’re in a tavern, if there’s another thing I do not indulge in, it is alcohol. You shall have no drinking partner should you order anything of that nature here.” His tone was calm, but he was adamant on this. Not only did it send mortals into drunken states of foolishness—not that they weren’t foolhardy enough already—but it also made them susceptible to reckless behavior. And loose-lipped recklessness was not a state he wanted to be caught in at this time. This led him to wonder whether the Void infused in him would give him an extra tolerance to the effects of alcohol or lessen his self-control. However, Malzahar didn’t ponder on that train of thought for too long, as he noticed an older barmaid, who seemed to be in her early thirties, walk over in his seated direction.

(Source: shadowprincemalzahar)

sinisterassassin:

Placing her hand over his for only a moment, Katarina finally released the prophet’s arm. She stood up straight, silently making sure the dress hadn’t shifted awkwardly at all. It wasn’t that she really cared about such exposure, but wearing something like this was not the most comfortable feeling. Katarina had told herself many times on her way here, it was so that she could get used to wearing such formal attire. She even was perfectly fine with stranger’s glances eyeing her as she traveled, but when he looked at her. This was unacceptable; this feeling was completely unacceptable.

There was no way she wore it from him, obviously. It’s not like he was the type to enjoy this sort of thing. She breathed out a sigh, rubbing her chin without a particular care in her voice. “I could use a drink, at least.” It wasn’t that she was worried coming unarmed. Even if he was the prophet of the void, Katarina had confidence in her quick reactions to incapacitate him if things got dangerous… The woman took another moment to survey her location, nothing but the typical thugs. She considered making an example out of one of them, but thought it would be more interesting to see who would first test their luck.

Malzahar himself seemed calm enough, not that it was easy to tell when he wore that mask. It was best to assume a man like that always had something going on beneath the surface. A part of her wanted to trust him, admittedly. Her fingers unconsciously traced over the hidden scar on her face; it served the perfect reminder as to why she should never let her guard down around anyone.

Not waiting for his reply, Katarina started to walk forwards as if they already had a location picked. “Anything you’d be particularly repulsed by eating, Almanac? I’d hate to offend your… traditions.” Although she was sincerely looking toward not wanting to offend his beliefs, the words came out crass and almost sarcastic in tone. She thought she should work on how she talked to people, but at the same time… it suited her perfectly. A cold-hearted assassin, this is what she truly was at heart.

It was only a passing amusement that she would ever accept such a dangerous partner for the evening, right? Her thrill to dance with death? But, it wasn’t that being around him was particularly unsettling. No, in fact it was a calming feeling. He could at any moment inflict her with deadly visions, as he had on the fields so many times. There was even a time he inflicted them off the fields, now that she thought about it. But again it was upon a summoner’s desires. They were the truly dangerous types, when one really considered it.

….Clear your mind, Katarina.

She only finally stopped when she could take a better look at the restraints to see what sort of things they offered. While the tavern was -very- tempting in its own right, she’d have to be careful not to put herself into such a vulnerable position. Her wandering eyes went back to her partner for the evening. She remembered the time they shared together and the calm returned to her troubled mind. Was it wrong, to want to spend time with him? If it was… if only for tonight…

She wanted to deceive herself; she wanted to believe in what she felt.

If only it wasn’t so difficult.

Letting her emotions have a say, it was one of the more intimidating notions…

Once Katarina released her hold on him, the growing intensity of the Voices immediately decreased to their usual decibel within his mind, relieving Malzahar immensely.

The intensity had been growing over time, as he met with her more and more. And while he had always obeyed Them, he found himself acting on his own when it came to Katarina. The fact that he foresaw their meetings only added to his personal agenda towards her even with the Void’s disapproval.

However, although their physical parting was a relief in itself, he also felt a twinging sense of incompleteness. It was as if he had lost something and almost hoped she’d return. But that sentiment was quickly silenced the moment it came. Keeping his distance would be prudent at this time, as it could save her.

Malzahar returned Katarina’s gaze and took a moment to shake his head lightly while chuckling at the question she laid upon him.

“How considerate of you,” Malzahar drawled smoothly, a smidgen of humor hinging to his words, “However, considering how involved you are in international affairs, you would be most aware of cultural differences.” Turning his gaze away from her to observe the surrounding buildings, Malzahar continued with a slightly more serious voice, “I don’t indulge in anything that contains the vile flesh of the pig. But if all you wish for is a drink, then I’m sure any tavern will do, as I am not particularly hungry myself. I’d imagine there are no other places in this town worth it’s drink either.”

The probability of engaging into trouble would be higher within a tavern but Malzahar felt like taking his chances. Everything he’s done up until this point was already reckless in some aspect anyway and regardless of what they did, there was always a possibility of running into some form of trouble in a town like this.

Walking towards Katarina, Malzahar eyed a small tavern to the right, remembering it was clean and respectable enough when he inspected it earlier. Upon reaching her, he gestured towards the chosen tavern in particular and said, “It seems well enough. What do you think?”

But before he let her answer, he stated, matter-of-factly, while turning his gaze towards her, “And for what it’s worth, you look fine. It’s a shame you do not wear dresses often.”

Katarina’s nervous shuffling with her dress and her scar in the moment before did not go unnoticed, and it made the Prophet wonder if she was, perhaps, self-conscious of her exterior image. She was a woman after all. And while Malzahar was not the type to reassure anyone of anything, he felt the need to say something for any trouble she might’ve gone through in meeting him tonight. It was unlike her to wear a dress for any occasion, and if the rumors were true, she hated them as well.

/Malzahar, thou fool!/ /Heed us!/

“Of course, you look just as fine without it.” Malzahar continued, with a slight tone of dismissiveness.

(Source: shadowprincemalzahar)

sinisterassassin:

The sudden pull was unexpected, her steps traced along the floor as he guided her closer. The action was surprising, that such a man could so react so casually with her… But when she considered it, there was a strange chemistry when the two managed to get some time alone. “Almanac. It’s been a while.” Speaking that name, Katarina was finally able to relax herself around the man. That’s right… Removing the restrictions from being a doomsayer… Malzahar too was more relaxed… He was almost playful, when he took on this other self.

A sense of enjoyment… The assassin clutched his hand tightly, knowing it was a rare occasion. “I know the advantages of hiding one’s face. Though, I’ve always preferred the front lines over sneaking around the back. You’ll forgive me if I have no use for masks.” Making a point not to make eye contact, the woman locked her arm around his, holding it. “…But that isn’t important… We have a whole evening to ourselves; what a rare occasion.

Want to take a look around town? It’s been a long time since I’ve comes to this town… Is it your first time here?” Her head tilted to the side, pressing up against the arm she’d captured. How long had it been since she last saw this man she was so fond of? The familiar warmth of his skin radiated through the cloth that covered it. The warmth of a man. Not the monster he had always been made out to be, but a human being with the title of a demon.

Perhaps they were similar in that way… But together, those titles bared little meaning. They were simply… a man and a woman, enjoying each others company. It was a shame they had to hide it, but the reality of the matter was a hollow reminder of why they were such a fragile couple. Perhaps their feelings too would easily shift one day, like the changing sands they had met.

But for now… she just wanted to have his company.

Malzahar looked down at the Assassin at his side, his eyes carrying a devious yet amused glint as he watched her turn her gaze away from him stubbornly.

However, Malzahar had to refrain himself from tensing when Katarina leaned her head against her arm. Not only were They suddenly and particularly loud upon that touch, he was still unused to accepting such physical affection in return.

However, she seemed pleased so he chose not to protest.

His gesture to close their distance was less innocent than she might’ve thought. She was seemingly unarmed, wore a garb that was less than suitable for combat, and her choice of footwear was questionable at best. Katarina wouldn’t be able to defend herself properly should a crisis arise. Even from the corner of his eyesight, he could already see various men eye her form lustfully and it made him seethe inside.

Crazy woman. How she had managed to avoid the assault of another man while coming here, he did not know. But the faster those mortal fools knew that she was taken, the less chance he and Katarina would have in running into any unwanted trouble. He could not use his Void powers effectively in this form after all so it was best they acted normally amongst the mortal denizens, since their real identities laid at stake.

Malzahar gave a low chuckle before replying, “A whole evening indeed. To be honest, I have never needed to come to this town in particular. There is nothing here of importance to me.”

A half-lie. While today was his first time visiting this village, his followers traveled various places and gathered information for him when he needed it. But the way the Cult of the Void worked was none of Katarina’s business. She was a Noxian of high rank and such information would likely be used against him. Plus, considering how well she investigated the League’s hidden conspiracy, he knew better than to be loose-lipped.

Malzahar regarded Katarina’s brief mention on the rarity of their meetings in silence. It was rare indeed for them to meet like this.

But Malzahar did not hold her in the same regard he held for himself. She was simply a mortal…a companion that knew more about him than most would. And nothing more beyond that.

…If that was true, then why did he agree to this dangerous situation? He was unable to use his Void magic in this form, and Katarina could easily overtake him if he didn’t pay attention.

But she had also come, unarmed. Was that not a sign of trust on her end?

/Malzahar!!/ /Dost thou dare betrayth uss?!/ /Kill her!/

…No. He would never hold her close enough to fear her loss. He would not allow himself to.

/KILL HER!!!/

He couldn’t.

Severing his train of thought off, lest he agitate the Void more with such thinking, Malzahar concentrated on the chaos of the village clamor to stifle the Voices a little and looked ahead, leading her away to a district that smelt of food and cuisine.

“I would like to see the town better, but have you eaten yet? I’d imagine you’d crave for a meal after your journey here.”

Looking over the restaurants, taverns, and booths that he had already observed hours before, he placed his free hand over her arm to remind himself as to why he was here.

He wished to enjoy a night alone with Katarina.

Despite any voices of doubt—his or the Void’s—surely, he can last a simple evening.

(Source: shadowprincemalzahar)

sinisterassassin:

Finally, the city of Askay. The desolate town was a perfect location for two keep unnoticed. People here didn’t want their business talked about and in return no one was the type to speak about things outside their personal business. (None that lived, at least.) Pulling a translucent white shawl over her shoulders, the Assassin played idly with the golden laced trim as she walked through the town.

It was against his interests, to have a woman show too much skin… but she was still a proud Noxian woman with her own tastes. Hopefully it was a safe enough medium… She was just putting too much thought into this.

Her steps froze for a moment, recognizing the figure that as he blended so effortlessly with the crowd. He’d most likely notice her the instant she approached him, and she pulled at the slit of her red dress. It was a simple enough red dress, form fitting and sleek. A single slit over her left thigh gave her plenty of room to move freely, unlike all the tight gowns she always seen her sister enjoy. The white stockings weren’t very comfortable, but she figured it’d be better than showing her bare skin…

In comparison, his attire was well…. she didn’t expect any less from the man. The brown cloth was a sort of nostalgia, a smile snuck its way onto her lips as she noted the bandages he wore over his face… so very much like his time as Almanac…

…Enough. She was thinking too much.

With a proud stride, the assassin approached the Shuriman. “You never uncover your face, do you?” She looked at him directly, staring directly into his eyes. Katarina offered a hand as she continued with her words. “I didn’t know if you’d show up. How curious, that you would.” Even if it was her own idea, it was almost troublesome on the woman’s mind that he would actually accept. He didn’t seem like the type to associate with anyone, and she couldn’t help but wonder what motive he might have laid for her.

…Perhaps her own motives were just too simple.

Her own motives… What exactly were they, when she thought about it? She just wanted to see him…? Please… what a half-witted idea…

As soon as Malzahar laid eyes on the Noxian Assassin, the Voices perked up at the sight of her—as they always had. But he had learned and practiced self-awareness, lest the Voices drown out his own thoughts and consume him. Malzahar was not the type to value company at all, but her presence had somehow grown its own value in his life and he found it difficult to ignore her during those rare moments he was alone with her. She was…a companion he trusted. And likely, the only one he would ever grace with accepting such a precarious meeting. 

Katarina stood out amongst the common mortals in her scarlet evening dress. In fact, Malzahar had never even seen her in a dress before, and was unsurprised to find that he was right in assuming that she would look lovely in one. A sudden swell of pride rose within him at the sight and Malzahar couldn’t help but form a half-grin underneath his bandaged mask as he stood up fully from his position.

He noticed a silver of a smile cross her lips as well, as she walked towards him, and briefly wondered what crossed her mind in the flicker of that moment…

“In Shurima, masks have always been a traditional symbol of pride and chastity. However, such mortal concepts are of no concern to me. Masks, in general, are useful in their own ways. Normal vision gives us the ability to see another person’s every nuance and reaction, where we consciously and subconsciously adapt our perceptions, our thinking, and our reactions to theirs. And as we see the other expose themselves through their actions, we expose ourselves as well, exchanging information based on the connections made. I’m sure you understand the subtleties of conversations and confidentiality.”

Malzahar glanced at Katarina’s hand and continued, “You’ve seen me without my mask before. Consider it a privilege.”

A privilege of trust.

Extending his own hand to the one she offered to him, he clasped his own around hers and pulled her lightly towards him at his side.

With no eyes to recognize them, he did not need to hold back with his words and actions. Only the Voices would prove bothersome in their own ways, but he was confident in his ability to repress them.

“I assume we’ll be going by our other names…Lotus?”

(Source: shadowprincemalzahar)

Standing in a remote corner of the village square, a lone figure leaned against a wall, right next to a small lamppost. Garbed in a brown hooded cloak, a black and white patterned tunic with black sleeves, brown trousers, and black boots, Malzahar had taken to wearing a inconspicuous outfit to throw off any League spectators or enthusiasts that could cross his way. League champions were famous figures in the lands of Valoran, and despite his lower status in society, he had grown a name for himself through his participation as a Champion. And while such attention was welcomed in the face of a cult recruitment ceremony, Malzahar did not wish such recognition and lack of privacy at this time. For further inscrutability, he had chosen to suppress his own powers as well, humanizing his character by exposing his natural blue eyes. 

His hands, which donned a weathered pair of dark brown leather gloves, rested on his arms as he crossed them casually in front of him—a habit he had never been able to break. His usual mask was also replaced with bandages to retain another lifelong Shuriman tradition he has always carried.

The citizens of Askay were chattering about at the center of the square when Malzahar’s blue eyes traced the buildings and populace of the vicinity. He had arrived a half-day early to investigate the town for any suspicious activities that could prove troublesome for the night. Although the feud between Askay and Meland was settled long ago, Askay was still recovering from years of lawless conflict. Malzahar was not keen on being unprepared for any sudden strife that could disrupt a certain meeting that would occur tonight.

And while he trusted the person he was waiting for to a certain extent, he was not prone to blindly trust an offer for an outing so private. He was a prophet of the grandest cause, and pretension or not, he valued the life the Void had chosen to aide in it’s Genesis.

Besides, his visions were not always clear or as expansive as he often claimed they were as well, as could be seen from the incident with Kassadin’s daughter, so with the Void Walker prowling about to stop him, he would need to take extra care without the help of his cultists or the League’s Adjucators. And considering the conditions of the proposed meeting, he did not want either involved.

Noting the arrival of the promised time, Malzahar scanned the area for any signs of a familiar cohort, anticipating the familiar blend between the foreseen future fragments and the present.