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After the war, Vi’s life was calm, with no more battles and no more pain. It was like serene waters, except it was too peaceful. Vi wasn’t used to this. She was used to fights and pain—with non-stop suffering. Now, these waters…were just too serene. Vi needed something to do, something to occupy her newfound life, so she sat in front of the fireplace in the small Kiramman lounge, humming a short tune as her eyes gazed into the fire.
“Lost in thought huh?”
Vi’s gaze snapped up, watching the woman of her dreams sit next to her on the small table. She did not bother to reply, the softness in her eyes was enough of an answer. Caitlyn’s good eye gazed into the fire, then back to Vi.
“You’ve been sitting here a lot lately, may I ask why?” Caitlyn scooted an inch closer to Vi.
Vi took a second to think, her eyes still focused on the warm fire. “It’s the only thing that keeps me busy.”
Caitlyn let out a small hum. “You know…there are plenty of things you find around here.” Caitlyn gave a small gesture trying to signify her home. “Maybe take a look, you may find something interesting.”
Vi looked at Caitlyn and gave a small nod, then returned to the fire.
Caitlyn’s hand went to Vi’s, intertwining with the ex-brawlers fingers. Caitlyn leaned in and pressed a kiss to Vi’s cheek.
“Try it Violet…it may help you,” Caitlyn whispered into Vi’s ear before standing up, her lone eye still focused on Vi. “I’ll be working in the study if you need me.” Caitlyn’s gaze lingered on Vi before slowly walking back to where her study was. Vi still sat and looked into the fire, her gaze embedded in the embers. With a big sigh, she stood up, walking away with heavy steps out of the lounge.
Maybe taking a look wouldn't do much harm.
Vi doesn't know how long she’s been digging, she hasn't found much, only some old pictures, or just some random trinkets that have no interest in Vi. Nothing sparked her interest as she dug through worn boxes in the Kiramman’s massive attic. She dug through box after box. Lost in thought, she’d rather be staring into the deep red of the fire. She sighed and stood up, the attic was spacious enough so she wouldn't bang her head on anything.
“Hello, Violet.”
Vi jumped up by the startle and somehow ended up banging her head on the roof of the attic. She winced as she gritted her teeth and rubbed the sore spot on her head.
“Oh dear, I apologize for the startle.” Tobias winced as he fully climbed up the ladder into the attic and walked towards Vi.
“It’s fine.” Vi winced. “What are you doing here?”
Tobias shrugged. “Well, I heard some noise, I couldn't help but check it out.” He bent down and picked up one of the trinkets from the floor, a small wooden train. “I see you’ve finally decided to back away from the fireplace and do some scavenging. This wooden toy was one of my favorites when I was a young boy.” He messed with the small gears on the wheel.
Vi nodded her head, she turned away back to the boxes, kneeling as she went through them.
“May I ask why you are rummaging through all these boxes?” Tobias still messed with his little wooden train as he asked.
Vi let out a small hum before answering. “Cait told me I might find something that will keep me busy. Thought it wouldn't hurt to look.”
“Ah, I’m not sure you’d find much in all this junk.” Tobias kicked a wooden box as he spoke. “All of this is just rubbish.”
“Is that train rubbish too? It looks like you are having the time of your life.” Vi gave a small, smile.
“Well, I tried giving it to Caitlyn when she was a baby, but Caitlyn’s mother thought it was too…outdated. I just put it up here…I didnt expect to see it again.” He let out a soft chuckle, hiding the pain at the mention of his wife.
“I see,” Vi spoke as she went through a smaller box.
“So, is there anything in particular you are looking for?” Tobias asked.
“No, I just want something to pass the time,” Vi mumbled. Tobias let out a slow nod in agreement, he stared at his train, then back at Vi. Tobias slowly traced the cracked paint on the train. He suddenly perked up again, staring at Vi with a smile.
“I may have something that may help you,” Tobias spoke to Vi with a soft tone. Vi’s head perked up and her neck turned as she looked at Tobias from over her shoulder.
“You do?”
“Yep, follow me.”
Vi followed Tobias down the halls of the mansion, Vi was starting to think Tobias was about to take her into a room and then spill her guts out. Vi and Tobias didnt have the same viewpoint of everything, their main thing in common was Caitlyn pretty much. Tobias stood in front of a small room he looked at the door and then back to Vi.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in here- but I hope this may help you.” He smiled at Vi then his hand reached to the doorknob. Tobias twisted the doorknob and it opened with a soft click and he walked inside, with Vi following behind. Tobias reached for the lever that would switch on the light in the room and pulled it down. The light was still bright, even after a long time of no use. Vi covered the light with her hand, giving herself a moment to adjust to the light.
“Here we go.” Tobias rubbed his hands together. Vi uncovered the light and took a look around. It was a painting studio, many paintings were covered by white cloth though. Vi watched Tobias take off one of the white clothes on the nearest painting that was still on the easel. Vi let out a soft gasp as she walked towards the painting. It was a painting of Caitlyn, probably when she was about eighteen. Vi’s fingers subconsciously reached out to brush her fingers on the painting, feeling every brushstroke on her fingertips. In the picture, Caitlyn was sitting, smiling. The cherry blossoms of Ionia are in the background, along with an immense amount of flowers.
“You painted this?” Vi asked, surprised. “I didnt take you as the painting type.”
Tobias nodded. “It’s been a couple of years but yes, I did paint quite frequently.”
“Why’d you stop?” Vi questioned.
“I…” Tobias took his time to think. “I don't know actually, over time- I just lost that feeling to create.” He spoke as he traced his fingers on the painting, then walked over to another and uncovered it. It was a painting of Cassandra, way younger in the day. Vi walked to it and looked at it.
“She looks just like Cait.” Vi pointed out.
“Caitlyn got her mother's looks.” Tobias sighed. “But her personality- not as much. There was always tension…something to argue about. I did what I could to try and appease it but…I guess I wasn't quick enough.” He quickly recovered the painting, he didnt want to look at it anymore. Vi’s gaze deepened, she was trying to formulate what words to say. Tobias then took a deep breath, then straightened his posture.
“Anyways, moving on- I’m sure I have a lot of unused oil paint somewhere around here.” Tobias perked up and walked to a specific corner where all the paints were.
“You’re giving me paint?” Vi asked.
“Yes, dear Violet. Why else would I show you this gallery, just for show? Nope! I’m giving you the room all to yourself, you can create all you’d like!” He spoke as he dug through a couple of cabinets.
Vi stammered. “Mr. Kiramman- I…I can't accept this, this is your gallery!”
“Oh please, Tobias is fine, we're pretty much family now, and well- I don't use this space anymore, so I’m letting you take care of it.” Tobias pulled out several boxes and placed them in front of Vi. There were about five boxes of unused oil paints.
“Here are all the paints you need, I’ll go find you some paintbrushes and canvases. I promise you, painting is much more fun than spending your time staring at the fireplace.” Tobias whistled as he went to another part of the room and started digging through it as well. Vi just stared at the paintings like it was the fire. Tobias moved the painting of Caitlyn off of the easel and set it aside as he placed a fresh blank canvas on it, that was made for oil paints. Tobias also grabbed a whole container full of brushes and two paint pallets, placed them next to the easel, and then rolled the nearest stool so it was in front of the easel.
“Now Vi, you don't have to paint immediately…or you don't even have to paint, but…you know, just take a feel for it and possibly give it a try. I’m just giving you an opportunity- but you don't have to do anything with it if you don't want to.” he placed his hand on Vi’s broad shoulder. Vi looked at Caitlyn’s father and nodded.
“Okay.” Vi curtly responded.
“Okay then, I’m going to go see how Caitlyn is doing, enjoy your time. There are also drawing utensils in the cupboard over there just in case.” Tobias gestured to the small cupboard in the corner. “I hope you can find this helpful, but remember- the fireplace may pass the time. But it won't satisfy you.”
Tobias then left the painting room, Vi’s back was turned away from the door, her fingers messing with the ends of her tank top. She turned to the easel and the boxes of paints, and one by one carried them over to the easel and set them down around her. She sat on the stool, staring at a blank white canvas. Her posture slouched, she just stared at it- with no intention. She could just paint a somewhat fire and just stare at that.
Suddenly, Vi’s hand reached for a random paintbrush, picked it up, and grabbed some paint that looked the closest to grey. It was new and surprisingly hasn't gone bad after years of no use. She grabbed a palette and put a small amount of grey on there. Vi didnt think she was a good painter, there was no harm in trying to find something new. She slowly brought the paintbrush to the canvas, her hand stopping the paintbrush an inch before the canvas.
Vi stared at the canvas, then back at the brush. Back and forth she looked, with a heavy breath she finally pressed the brush to the canvas, moving her hand and arm in small gestures for the paint to spread across the canvas. Creating a circle in the middle of the canvas- VI switched to white and a darker grey, adding some detail- making it look like it had something good about it.
Vi doesn't know how much time has passed, that grey circle started to take shape, fur, little horns, a pink tongue sticking out with some beady little eyes. Overall, Vi seemed proud of it. She set the palette and brushed down, staring at what she painted- she didnt even hear Caitlyn step in either.
“Is that a poro you painted?” Caitlyn smiled as she walked towards the canvas, her hands going to Vi’s shoulders. “It looks adorable!”
Vi’s head turned back, Caitlyn's smile was wide, and Vi even smiled too- a big grin…something Caitlyn hadn't seen in a while since the war ended.
“I didnt think it would look nice,” Vi admitted. “But- it’s pretty good.”
“It looks better than good, it’s adorable. I love how you painted the white fur, I’d rather watch you paint poros than anything.”
“You’re just messing with me, it’s just a damn poro.”
“It’s better than you moping in front of a fireplace.” Caitlyn countered. “Anyways…I came to ask if you’d come with me to Jayce’s lab, Shoola’s asking us to clean it out so it can be renovated into another office room.”
“Why pretty boys lab out of everything.” Vi crossed her arms.
“She’s asking us both specifically to clean it out, we don't have much of a choice, she’s been putting it off for a while.”
“Fine, but if I find anything nice, I’m taking it with me.”
“Go right ahead dear, I’m pretty sure Jayce would want that.” She pressed a kiss to Vi’s cheek.
Jayce’s lab was a slight mess- it always was. Little gadgets were everywhere, except they were no longer useful since the disappearance of Hextech. Vi took a look around, and so did Caitlyn. They brought boxes and bags with them, so would know what to throw, donate, or possibly even keep. Vi even found her old red jacket shoved away in the mansion- so she decided to wear that again.
“So, where should we get started?” Caitlyn nudged Vi.
“Not sure Cupcake, you choose.” Vi shrugged.
“Hmm…” Caitlyn thought. “I’ll start at that pile.” She motioned to the corner, where tomes of Jayce’s work were stacked up. “You go start wherever you’d like.”
Vi nodded as she watched Caitlyn walk off to where she planned on starting. Vi walked to the other corner, maintaining some distance. Vi overall didn’t want to get rid of Jayce’s things, even though they weren't that close. Vi did have a soft spot for Jayce, but since his disappearance, proclaimed dead. People only cared for him as the creator of Hextech and nothing else and nothing more. Vi went through tome after tome, setting them aside to be given to the academy for later. She went through old blueprints that would have no use for now, neatly sorting them out so they could be thrown away.
Vi glanced at Caitlyn, she was in her own world as she diligently went through everything she could find so Vi turned away to focus on her work. Vi went deeper into the lab, heading to another table with a stool with it. It was curved with two rounded handles on both sides. It was with no doubt the table where the original hexcore was kept before it became corrupted. It looks like Jayce just stacked things on the table since it was no use when Viktor left. Vi messed with the little gears that were shoved in a small box. While doing so she accidentally knocked down a small stack of notebooks.
“Ah, shit,” Vi muttered, kneeling to pick them up. They weren't tomes, just journals that Jayce wrote in. Vi skimmed through them, the plethora of pages were just doodles and notes…and why did Jayce sign every single page like his ego is bigger than the goddamn solar system. She picked up the last book, it was brown- slightly dusted and she brushed the dust off with her hand. House Talis’ insignia was embedded on the cover and Vi opened the journal.
It was a book on hammerwork, his notes on how to create and make in his forge. All the basics, it looks like he was writing this and was planning to get it published or something in the future, or it was to be given to someone who would take over his work in that forge, and well- it never happened. Vi sat on the stool, and read the first couple of pages to his work. Vi was curious, curious enough that she decided to keep it. She placed it into the keep box, which was filled with stuff that Caitlyn put in there. Vi shoved it into the bottom and walked away to continue sorting out Jayce’s junk.
Maybe Vi was being dumb as she walked to Jayce’s forge, she’s been there before…under different circumstances. She didnt know why she picked up the hammer workbook, but now here she was standing in front of that giant furnace in the center of the room, book in hand as she opened it, Turning to the page where Jayce wrote about how to get it started doing so she shrugged her red jacket off.
Vi would slowly follow the instructions, prepping the tools, and making sure the space was tidy. Now she could turn on the furnace, it wasn't that hard, a couple of twists of knobs on the backside and the fire would ignite.
Fire.
Vi stared at it, burning bright- maybe this is why she came here, fire? Vi’s eyes were locked onto it. Fire ignites Vi’s memory, the memory of that old cannery. Memory of the commune. The memory of it all, fire destroys, and it destroyed all Vi had wanted. Her hand somewhat reached, out wanting to touch the embers of the fire like it was her little sister who went plummeting down the Hexgates.
No.
Vi shook her head, retracting her hand, returning her focus to the book, reading the next part.
If the fire ever needs to be stoked, pull the lever on the left opening of the furnace, then pull the pulley lever to ignite the fire more until needed.
Vi looked to the left side of the fire, noticing the lever, setting the book down on the giant anvil in the center, and walking towards the lever, it wouldn't budge. This would be slightly easier if Jayce was here for real, but Vi’s attention to detail did make this easier. It needed to be hit with a hammer until it was fit enough to be moved by hand, grabbing the first hammer she could find. She raised it high, hesitation was heavy in her hand. Her motions were stuttered, she took another deep breath and brought the hammer down on the lever. The heat of the fire caused Vi to sweat as it dripped down her forehead, Vi hit it until it snapped into place. She placed the hammer down and pulled the lever. It made a noise, and she looked up to see it worked, the Talis symbol would light up with red when she did.
The pulley was the next, and quickly waking towards the pulley lever- her hands gripped it tightly and she pulled it down, it worked- the fire got bigger. That pulley did have an immense amount of resistance, it’s a wonder how Jayce pulled it- but Vi did too. Vi grunted as she pulled it down, again- and again, and again.
Vi made progress the next hour she was there, but she wasn't able to officially make anything, since it was her first day Vi didnt expect it either. But after a couple of hours, Vi shut off the fire and returned home to the Kiramman manor, but she did plan on coming back and continuing one day.
Vi would alternate between painting and working on her hammer work skills, one day she would be painting- random things by that matter, abstract, floral…anything that set her heart ablaze. Today was different in terms of painting, she was painting her first human subject. Of course, it was Caitlyn, Vi loved Caitlyn, and it only felt right to do so- and turns out…Vi was a damn good painter. It wasn't anything fancy, she just wanted Caitlyn to sit down on this fancy settee that Tobias decided to bring in.
Caitlyn was used to modeling, she had to do it for her father and other painters when she was younger. Vi did not force her to sit completely still either, Vi did have detail in their paintings, but it wasn't as much detail as the other paintings in the mansion, it had both abstract and detailed elements- and Caitlyn really found that captivating, Caitlyn wore one of her more regal outfits on the settee, her eyepatch still over her left eye.
At the moment, Vi was brushing some paint onto the canvas, she took her time, humming the same tune her mother used to hum as she worked on the colors.
“May I ask where you’ve been disappearing these past few days?” Caitlyn asked, still maintaining her pose.
“Huh?” Vi replied, too focused on the painting.
“You know, one day you're here, the next you’re gone for hours, not that I’m complaining or anything- but I am just curious,” Caitlyn stated.
Vi stopped moving the paintbrush- oh yeah. Did she ever tell Caitlyn about the whole ‘ Oh yeah, I spend time at Jayce’s forge now, making random hammers or stuff to pass the time?’
“Oh yeah.” Vi set down the paintbrush and palette. “I guess I forgot to tell you.”
“Keeping secrets from me now aren't we, Violet-” Caitlyn smirked. Vi smiled, she could tell Caitlyn was just teasing with her.
“You don't have to tell me Vi if you don't want to-” Caitlyn spoke. “But- I’m happy that you’re finding stuff to do now, I was getting worried for you- ever since…the war, you have been different.”
Vi averted her gaze from Caitlyn, instead, she stared at her paint-stained hands.
“I know that I’ve been different, ever since the war I don't know what to do with my life anymore. My sister is dead, Loris is dead, my father almost killed me-” Vi’s voice cracked as she stood up from the painting stool walking towards the settee, sitting down on it.
Caitlyn scooted closer to Vi, and Vi rested her head on Caitlyn’s shoulder. “It’s just…I don't know what to fight for anymore.”
“I understand,” Caitlyn murmured. “It’s hard not doing something you’ve been stuck doing all your life. But you don't have to live in the past anymore Vi. You’re free.”
“I don't know how to be free Cait. I’ve spent all my life fighting..” Vi muttered.
“You’ll learn Vi,” Caitlyn replied, pressing a kiss to her hair. “You just need time.”
Vi’s gotten pretty used to how Jayce’s forge works the past couple of weeks. She still needs the book every once in a while. But overall- she’s getting damn good. At the moment she’s pulling down the pulley that stokes the fire, she’s covered in soot, sweat is dripping down her forehead causing strand hairs to stick to her, and her tanktop was getting damp with the sweat- but Vi ignored it. She then was pounding down a small slab of hot metal with a hammer.
She had a project in mind, something that she thought there was no harm in trying. It would mostly fail, but either or- Vi wanted to try. After a while the flames of the furnace would die down, causing her to return to the pulley to ignite them again. Vi’s calloused hands gripped onto the handle and pulled down, her muscles flexing with every pull. She pulled on it, again and again- her teeth gritted as she pulled. What she didnt notice was a big nut from the furnace base was starting to shake. Vi pulled on the lever one more time, and she didnt expect the bolt to shoot out onto the ground. It hit the ground with a clank as it rolled in a circle before finally stilling. Vi let go of the pulley after hearing the clang. Along with that, footsteps as well. Vi squinted, but after a moment she finally realized who it was.
“I’m guessing this is where you’ve been vanishing all this time?” Caitlyn smirked, she wore her usual turtleneck, and her hair tied up as usual. Vi watched her kneel picking up the nut in her hand and twisting it around. “I remember when Jayce would bring me down here every once in a while. Every time this same bolt would pop off. I must say, since when was hammerwork your thing?”
Vi pondered the thought in her head before shrugging her shoulders. “Well, when we were cleaning out Jayce’s lab I found this old notebook.” She walked over to the workbench and picked it up. “It had all the instructions and everything to this place- and you can tell what happened next.” She gave a soft laugh.
Caitlyn smiled, her lone eye softening. “I’m happy for you.” She walked closer to Vi, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You look like you know what you're doing.”
“Well…if I do end up causing an explosion or something in here, blame it on Jayce for not writing about safety precautions in his notebook,” Vi smirked, crossing her arms. “I’m not kidding there are no safety instructions in here.” She pointed to the book.
Caitlyn giggled softly. “You’ll be fine, but also- what are you making? Hammers, because I’ve watched Jayce make hammers before. The process is boring really.”
“It is boring, trust me Cupcake I’ve tried.” Vi pointed to one of the workbenches across from them, where a couple of hammers lay. “I’ve been working on something else.”
“What is it?” Caitlyn asked, still twisting the cog in her hand.
“Well…Its kinda stupid-” Vi replied.
“Nothing you do is stupid my love.” Caitlyn cut her off. “Show me.”
Vi stared at the only eye Caitlyn had before letting out a deep sigh- she pointed behind her on another workbench. Caitlyn looked past Vi’s shoulder looking at what she was trying to do. She walked past Vi to the workbench, looking straight at it.
Vi’s broken gauntlet sat on the table, it was pretty wrecked, the fingers were somewhat intact, it was scratched and cracked from impact, and the black and gold design was dull- specifically it was the one that fell down the Hexgates. Vi took it when they searched the building and found it, and now it lay on a workbench surrounded by tools.
“You’re trying to rebuild your gauntlet?” Caitlyn spoke as her hand went forward and grazed the pointer finger of it.
“Yes…in a way- It doesn't have to turn on, I don't expect it to but I at least want to fix the exterior of it- make it look…not like a shitshow.”
“Ah, I get it now.” Caitlyn turned back to Vi. “It’s a nice thought actually, that reminds me where is the other gauntlet?”
“I don't know actually- I think it was taken to be dismantled. That's why I want to try to fix this one. So I can at least have one of them.” Vi walked to it, picked up a screwdriver, and poked the gauntlet with it.
“I see.” Caitlyn nodded her head in understanding. “It’s a good idea though, and you’ve been doing a good job with it so far. Where do you even plan on putting it when it’s fixed.”
“I’ll either keep it here or take it back to the mansion and place it in the lounge, so I can be with it when I’m at home.” Vi messed with the gauntlet more.
“You know what Vi?”
“Yeah?”
“Sounds like a plan…and you do know how to fix this bolt right?” Caitlyn held up the nut from the furnace.
“If it’s not in the book, it ain't important- like safety instructions.”
A couple of months passed by in the blink of an eye, after trial and error and cursing out Jayce’s ghost. Vi did manage to fix the exterior of her gauntlet. She took out the inside of it that was no longer needed, making it lightweight enough that Vi could pick it up in her hands without it being powered on. She can still move her fingers, she uses the hollow gauntlet to mess with Caitlyn. She kept it beside one of the chairs in the lounge. Vi started to tinker with mechanics as well if something wasn't working- Vi would dabble with it and try to fix the problem. Vi’s smile was returning, her eyes would gleam more, and- she stopped staring at the fireplace whenever it was on. Tobias was right- the fireplace was a pass-time, but it never truly satisfied her.
Vi brushed the final details on another painting she started a couple of weeks prior. Tobias liked Vi’s talent, it even sparked him to start to join the arts again- they would spend time chatting and sharing viewpoints, and Vi loved it.
About twice a week she would go down to Jayce’s forge and spend time there either building stuff or just messing around. Caitlyn would even stop by, and she would stop spending all her time in the study when she could. It was a big change, Vi started to feel…free, and that was something Vi never thought she’d ever feel. Her worries of the past started to ebb away giving way to the bright future. The memories she had would come back to haunt her at times, but no matter how they tried to break her, it wouldn't. Vi felt happy, safe, and alive.
It was winter season in Piltover, and later on during the day Vi sat in the Kiramman lounge, wearing her usual tank top. She sat on one of the lounge chairs messing with some little gadget she created, it didnt serve a purpose- other than to be twisted around at the moment. Maybe later she would turn it into something else. The hollow gauntlet was leaned against the chair, every once in a while Vi would fidget with the articulated fingers on the gauntlet. Snow did blow outside, but Vi was in her world. The door to the study opened and she watched Caitlyn step inside with two cups of tea, placing them on the small table.
Caitlyn sat in the seat next to Vi’s and slowly but surely sipped her tea. She watched as Vi messed with the little trinket. She smiled as she watched Vi focus so much on it. After a second, Vi set down the gadget to drink tea instead, giving Caitlyn a big smile. Caitlyn’s gaze went from Vi to the fireplace. There was no fire in there, either, or the room was still bright. Tobias added some lamps and candles a while back.
Out of the blue Caitlyn asked. “Would you like me to turn on the fireplace? Give you something to look at?”
Vi stopped mid-sip of her tea, staring at the fireplace- after a second she answered.
“No, it’s fine as it is.”