As they approached the village, even before Faen's group was close, the villagers in the distance became visibly alert. A short whistle rang out, and soon, several young men armed with long blades galloped toward them.
"Who are you? Why have you come to—wait, Irelia?!"
The leader of the youths froze mid-sentence, his eyes widening as he saw the girl nestled in Faen's arms. A flash of joy crossed his face, but it quickly turned into a bitter, helpless grimace. "Irelia?! Why are you back? Shouldn't you be at the Placidium studying under Master Xynia?!"
Irelia blinked, then cried out happily after a closer look, "Zelos! It's me, Irelia! I heard the Noxians invaded western Navori, so I came back with my Senior Brother to see if I could help!"
The young man, Zelos, opened his mouth to speak but sighed instead. "Calm down, Irelia. This isn't something you should be involved in."
Zelos spurred his horse closer to Faen. He showed no hostility; in fact, seeing Faen up close, his eyes lit up in admiration. This Senior Brother of Irelia's was clearly a practitioner of the War Dance—his physique was balanced and powerful, yet retained a fluid grace.
His muscles and bones were perfectly proportioned, but his explosive power was almost overwhelming. Even with eyes closed, Zelos could sense the dense, violent energy radiating from him like a suppressed volcano. That power was so palpable it was no wonder the family elders said this man was already a Master in every sense but his state of mind.
Zelos extended a hand. "Greetings. I am Zelos, Irelia's eldest brother. I've heard from my sister that you've looked after her quite a bit at the Placidium. You have my gratitude."
"You're welcome. It was my duty," Faen replied, nodding before adding, "The state of the village seems strange. Is it because of the war?"
"Yes," Zelos nodded, sighing as he looked toward the horizon. "Lately, many coastal refugees have been fleeing inland. While our family has done our best to provide relief, the numbers are just too great. More arrive every day, bringing news of the Noxian forces."
He paused and added, "The elders are still debating whether to fight or negotiate. But considering the war is right on our doorstep, we've taken up arms to prevent the worst."
Zelos glanced at Irelia and sighed. "The timing is terrible. If you could, please take Irelia back to the Placidium. Here..."
He lowered his voice as he looked around. "Though some villagers and elders think there's still room for diplomacy, the refugees from the coast say the Noxians aren't easily deterred. For her safety, please take her away. When the war ends and the Noxians leave the First Lands, we will hold a grand welcome for you."
"I'm afraid I have to apologize," Faen said, shaking his head. "My destination is Fae'lor—the absolute front line. I only came here because I was traveling with Irelia. But looking at the situation, it seems we'll have to wait a while."
Faen scanned the surroundings. "The war is not far from here."
Zelos's expression shifted. After a moment of silence, he said, "In that case, please come to the Xan estate to talk."
Nodding, the group followed Zelos into the heart of the Xan household. Once the news of Irelia's return and Faen's arrival was relayed, the clan elders and seniors gathered quickly.
A moment later, an old woman sitting in the seat of honor—looking gentle and kind—studied Shen and Usan for a moment before focusing her full attention on Faen. She marveled:
"I had long heard that Faen, the disciple of Master Xynia, had carved his own path in the Way of the Dancer. Seeing you now, it is truly extraordinary. Your blood-vitality is seamless, your form perfectly balanced; every ounce of your strength resonates in harmony with your spirit... I imagine if your philosophy didn't clash with the Temple, you would have been named a Master long ago."
Though she was Irelia's grandmother and known to the villagers and dancers as Lady Xan, she didn't appear as old as one might expect. Instead, she possessed an indescribable gentleness and grace. Despite her age, one could still see the beauty of her youth reflected in her eyes.
"You praise me too much," Faen replied, shaking his head. He looked at the old woman with a hint of surprise in his gaze. "Compared to me, the aura you possess is much more... sharp."
The reactions in the room were mixed. Irelia's father and siblings looked confused, but Irelia's mother wore a look of pure shock upon hearing Faen's evaluation.
She knew that her mother had stopped sensing the spirits of the Blade Dance decades ago and switched to the Silk Dance. Since then, not even her own daughter could sense a trace of that old power. How could this Senior Brother of Irelia's...? Did Irelia tell him?
She glanced at Irelia, but then shook her head. A mother knows her daughter best; from Irelia's bewildered expression, it was clear she was hearing this for the first time as well.