"who would you say is the best swordsman of these lands, milord?" the reasoning behind such question is easy to imagine: zelgius yearns for a good challenge, one that only a proper rival could offer. the prospect of the unknown aspects of bladework around these lands also fascinates him. "i want a challenge."
“That would be Fiora Laurent, of House Laurent.”
The answer comes naturally and without much thought; Vladimir does not even look up from his reading, nor does he lose his place in the dense lines of 2nd century AN philosophy. The bladework of the Laurent family is envied all over Valoran— even in Noxus (though certainly not by Vladimir himself; he isn’t impressed by steel and hasn’t been for quite some time).
“From what I hear,” Vladimir continues, “she too searches for a worthy opponent... though I’m afraid she’s surrounded by Demacian walls, and they do not take too kindly to people like you and I.”
His eyes— lacking their lively red glow and seeming dark, studious— peer over the pages. Zelgius has requested very little during his time in Noxus. It surprised Vladimir at first. All who come to Count Savatier want to leave with a little something of his: knowledge, power, riches. But Zelgius has not wanted much, even if Vladimir has offered— and so this single request, this single inquiry, piques at Vladimir’s interest.
He finds he is not surprised. If Vladimir knows anything, it is the thirst for blood. If he knows anything, it is the hunger for a heart-pumping battle. He shifts, closing his book as to offer Zelgius his full attention, straightening his posture to that of formality.
“However, as far as I know, Lady Laurent is more versed in noble dueling. The kind to please a court, rather than turn the tides of war,” Vladimir says. “Have you been to Ionia? Oh, they like their swords there. You can’t go a mile without meeting the most skilled warrior in all the land. And I imagine they’d let you in with open arms. Perhaps not me, though.” And Vladimir chuckles, making a dismissive gesture with his clawed hand.
“Should you want passage to Ionia, I can make the arrangements. You only need to ask.”
