Prologue
“Oil and Water” - Ep 8, S1
8:00 PM, Gentle Rainfall
—•••—
Maddie dried her hair with the damp, baby-blue towel she had already used for the rest of her body. She folded it carefully and returned it to its rightful spot beneath the sink. A glance at the cat-shaped clock hanging above her bathtub made her mutter, "8:00 PM," her voice tinged with weariness. As she left the bathroom, she threw on the pajamas that had been lying folded on her bed. Her friends had insisted she join them for the evening, given the unexpectedly warm weather.
At first, Maddie had regretted turning them down, but when the rain started pouring an hour later, she knew she’d made the right choice. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason she had stayed home. She already had plans.
Just as she was straightening up the living area, the doorbell rang, breaking the stillness. Maddie quickly slipped on her satin slippers and hurried downstairs. She opened the door to find General Ambessa Medarda standing on the threshold, holding a dark red umbrella.
Without hesitation, Maddie ushered her inside, locking the door behind her. "General," she greeted, her voice laced with a nervous energy, and she gave a soft Noxian salute.
Ambessa chuckled, shaking the rain off her umbrella before closing it. “No need for such formality, Ms. Nolen,” she said with an easy smile, her voice warm despite the storm outside. "I'm the guest, aren't I?"
Maddie felt a flush creep up her neck. She stepped aside her apartment, holding the door open wider. "Of course, General. I’ve just... never seen you so close—or in person, for that matter."
Ambessa paused as her eyes roamed the interior of the suite, her gaze lingering on the eclectic mix of antiques. Maddie suddenly felt self-conscious, the walls closing in on her. "I’m not a hoarder, if that’s what you’re thinking," she blurted, immediately regretting the words as Ambessa’s attention sharpened.
“I collect antiques,” Maddie added quickly, hoping that would explain the mismatched furniture and curios that lined the shelves.
Ambessa raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly. "I find it quite... endearingly welcoming." she said, settling herself onto Maddie’s loveseat.
Maddie absorbed the compliment for a moment, then shifted on her feet. "Would you like some tea? Or coffee?" she asked, already walking toward the stove to boil some water.
"Tea would be nice, thank you."
Maddie set the kettle on the stovetop, then returned to sit beside the general, her nerves buzzing with the strange weight of Ambessa’s presence.
"I didn’t expect you to arrive to Piltover so early," Maddie remarked, her tone light. "Usually, generals wait for their war masons to report back before visiting their areas of interest." She glanced at Ambessa, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Unless you’re here for some other reason I don’t know about."
Ambessa smirked, her sharp eyes flickering with amusement. "You catch on quickly, Ms. Nolen," she said, her voice carrying a note of approval. "Though I’m not surprised. Your record in Noxus was... promising."
Maddie felt a smile tug at the corner of her lips, but she fought it back. "I appreciate the compliment, General, but may I ask why you're here?"
Ambessa’s expression shifted, becoming more focused, more intent. "This HexTech," she began, her voice steady, "I’ve heard whispers of its potential. Is it as innovative as the rumors say?"
Maddie’s eyes widened ever so slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Innovative is an understatement," she replied, her confidence seeping into her voice. "It’s revolutionary, ma’am. Nothing like I’ve ever seen. It’s magic."
Ambessa nodded slowly, her gaze now unwavering as she looked Maddie over with a certain weight. "I plan on making an alliance with Piltover," she said, her tone shifting to something more serious. "With HexTech in Noxus’s hands, we would be an unmovable force."
She held Maddie's gaze a moment longer, the gravity of her words settling between them. "If it weren't for your reports on the technology, Ms. Nolen, my interest might never have been piqued."
Maddie’s face flushed, but she masked her giddiness with a subtle stoicism.
“If there’s one thing I’m good at, ma’am," she said, her voice steady, "it’s my job.”
Maddie’s apartment
9:00 PM, Sparse Rainfall
—•••—
Maddie sipped on the lemony tea she had served for her and her guest, making sure to bring out her more prestigious teacups to match the presence of the powerful woman who was now sharing her couch. “You’ve surely made a life for yourself here, Madison.” Ambessa mentioned casually as she drunk her tea. “Do you plan on staying here?”
Maddie was took aback, mostly by how Ambessa addressed her by her first name, but also by how she noticed her rather settled down nature.
“I’ve been…thinking of it,” Maddie told, subverting her gaze to not look directly into Ambessa’s earthy brown eyes. “I miss Noxus, I do. It’ll always be my true home—but I’ve found myself feeling freer behind these boarders than anywhere else.”
Ambessa hummed in understanding, drinking the rest of her tea and sitting it down on the coffee table. “You’ve served this nation greatly, Maddie. Once this treaty is ratified, I promise to put in a good word for your commissioned officers in order for you to be honorably discharged.” Ambessa confidently declared, putting a firm hand on Maddie’s shoulder.
Maddie briefly let her guard completely down, and placed a timid hand on top of Ambessa’s. She quickly removed it after realizing what that kind of contact implied, but Ambessa only grinned at her mildly embarrassed reaction. “It’s getting awfully late, General,” Maddie started, grabbing Ambessa’s now empty cup and making her way to the kitchen’s sink. “I’m sure you have more significant events to intend to in the morning.”
The general rose from the couch and walked towards the apartments entrance to leave. “We’ll see each other again, right general?” Maddie hesitantly asked, turning back to face Ambessa while she was opening the door. “Of course we will—and please, call me Ambessa.” Ambessa answered.
Maddie grinned gently. “Of course,” she breathed. “Good night, Ambessa.”
Ambessa nodded, “Good night, Madison.”