The Blades and The Gauntlets [Vi x fem!oc]

Chapter XI: The Friends

Mila had never been one for ceremonies. The idea of sitting through hours of speeches, stiff uniforms, and polite applause made her skin crawl. But today, she stood outside the towering Kiramman estate, shifting her weight uneasily as she glanced down at the neatly printed invitation in her hand.

Caitlyn's graduation from the Enforcer Academy.

Mila hadn't seen much of her in the past year. The try-outs had come and gone, and while her friend had gone full force into the Academy, Mila had gone the opposite way. She kept her distance, training on her own, keeping to herself. There had been the occasional sparring session, but nothing regular. She had made her stance clear from the start - she wasn't joining.

Yet, here she was, at Caitlyn's request, standing outside the graduation ceremony, wondering why she'd even bothered to show up. Maybe it was the challenge in Caitlyn's eyes when she handed her the invitation. Maybe it was the memory of their old sparring matches, or maybe it was a friendship that she didn't want to admit.

The Kiramman estate was immaculate, grander than Mila had ever seen. The gardens, towering marble columns, and the hum of polite conversation in the distance reminded her just how far she was from Zaun. But for some reason, Caitlyn had invited her. And despite everything, Mila had come.

She adjusted the delicate strand of pearls around her neck, feeling their cool weight against her skin. They were understated yet elegant, a touch of refinement that Evelyn had insisted upon when helping her choose her outfit. Instead of a dress, she wore a tailored black outfit - silk trousers that flared slightly at the ankle, paired with a form-fitting blouse with intricate embroidery at the cuffs and neckline. It was undeniably formal, but it allowed her to move freely, something she'd demanded in compromise. The jacket she wore over it was made of rich fabric, bearing the silver Ravencroft crest on the shoulder, a symbol that made her stand out even among Piltover's elite.

To her own surprise, Mila had found herself considering the outfit with more care than she expected. Maybe it was the challenge of balancing Evelyn's expectations with her own sense of self. Maybe it was the notion of walking into a Piltover ceremony looking exactly how she wanted to - a blend of the Undercity's edge and Piltover's refinement. Or maybe, it was the only thing she had complete control over in that house. She hadn't fully enjoyed the process, but there had been a certain satisfaction in knowing she could command attention while staying true to herself.

As she stood outside the Kiramman estate, adjusting the collar of her jacket, a voice cut through her thoughts. "I'd say the rumors of the Ravencroft heir were understated." a man remarked, stepping into her line of sight. He was tall, his brown hair neatly styled, and he wore a confident, almost smug smile. "You've managed to make pearls look dangerous."

The girl raised an eyebrow, a half-smirk playing on her lips. "Charming." she said, the word laced with equal parts amusement and dismissal. "Is that what passes for flattery in Piltover?"

His eyes roamed over her, lingering on the pearls at her neck, the curve of her shoulders beneath the tailored black jacket, and the silk trousers that hugged her frame. He stepped closer, too close for Mila's liking, and there was a smug, unspoken entitlement in the way he looked at her. Like he already thought he'd won.

His smile didn't falter. In fact, it seemed to deepen as he took another step forward, as if encouraged by her response. "Only for those who deserve it," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "And I'd say you more than qualify."

Mila tilted her head, considering him with a glint of amusement that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Qualify?" she echoed, her voice light but laced with steel. "For what, exactly?"

The man leaned in, his gaze predatory. "For more... private conversations." he murmured, as if the words alone would draw her in. "You seem like someone who'd appreciate that kind of attention."