[The problem with the people of Piltover was their ongoing mistaken sense of superiority. He couldn't fault Caitlyn entirely, not if what he had heard about her had even three kernels of truth to them. She didn't yet have the benefit of a lifetime of experience avoiding being betrayed and having to distrust everyone around them no matter how many battles had been fought together.
He suspected something was amiss with her sudden willingness to travel to Rumpitur in a hurry rather than wait for his business to conclude. He didn't know her well enough to guess exactly her motivate, but it remained suspect enough that he knew he would have to be smart about her arrival.
He paid a Rumpiturian to discreetly watch for travelers. The description of her matched close to the timing of her text confirming her arrival. She also wasn't traveling alone and the vague description of hair colour and style was enough for him. He expected no less; Jinx's sister had an inkling of what he was capable of far more than the enforcer did.
And just like an arrogant Piltover elite, she gave him ample time to explore the place of their meeting ahead. Out of town with still a view of town in case things didn't go to plan, was it? Two against one, would it be? No, he didn't agree to those odds no matter the information she held and felt so important to provide to him. She didn't enjoy his company or his methods enough to need a meeting quite like that.
Silco covered his tracks by disrupting where his footfalls had been as he returned to town, finding a building that gave him a view of the meeting location. There he waited until the appointed time and sure enough, he confirmed the dynamic duo. It was a shame the war child hadn't agreed to be hired by him; he'd have had both women shot where they stood... starting with Kiramann, of course. Let Vander's prodigy rush the location only to join the same fate.
Too bad. Hiring was proving to be more difficult; people just weren't desperate enough for opportunities. He'd change that with enough time.
For now, he enjoyed his vantage point. He let them wait to five minutes after their appointed time. Exactly five minutes so it was clearly intentional.]
I've heard testimony of your skills with a rifle. Open ground with clear sight lines seems like poor choice for a meeting, Kiramann. Assure me you aren't so naïve to the Undercity to think any one of us would walk out to open ground like that.
[A pause as he watched the pair for a moment. Then he added:]
Correction, one of us is stupid enough to, and she happens to be standing next to you.
[abso-fucking-lutely Vi was coming, whether or not Caitlyn knew. it just made more sense for her to know, because better to bicker about it now than to get into a fight about it later. there was no way that she was going to let Caitlyn meet up with Silco on her own...
so here she was. even though she was pissy that Caitlyn even wanted to go along with what Jerry wanted to do... but if it's to make Silco's life harder, it might be okay.
after about the five minute mark, she starts tapping her feet and rolling her eyes.]
Motherfucker isn't going to show and we'll have to drag him out of his rat hole, or he's in a little rat hole watching us and giggling about how we're just standing here.
[she starts to squint into the area around her... where would he be hiding, if she were Silco?]
[Caitlyn is trying to think positively about this. She was trying to go about it in the most calm and professional way. That's why she approached Silco the way she did. Why she came to him, why she chose this spot to meet. It was all attempts to prove she wasn't an enemy. Bringing Vi hadn't been a part of the original plan, but when Vi found out what she was doing, there was no arguing with her.
But before she could even finish her words, her tablet buzzed. She pulled it out, eyes scanning over the message before she holds it out for Vi to see. As Vi reads, Caitlyn does a quick scan of their surroundings, making note of buildings and areas that could be used to watch this spot, before taking the tablet back and starting to type out a reply.]
I was only trying to pick a place that would be convenient for the both of us. If you didn't like it, you could have told me sooner. Where would you rather us meet, or are you going to make me come look for you?
[It was a shame that he wasn't a skilled marksman. Firearms had never been a comfortable weapon in his hand, though thanks to Jinx, he had given in and learned more about them. He didn't carry one, least of all the type with the kind of range to achieve what should have been done today. It's too bad less scrupulous individuals in his employ these days.
If history was any indication, he couldn't stay in one place long. This smelled just a touch too close to a trap, though if she actually had information about the Council, he was curious.]
I expected we would be meeting one-on-one. If you had been bringing a bodyguard, I would have brought my own.
[Meaning, he was alone, and he had no intention of walking into a situation that wasn't in his favour or at least one where he had a strong suspicion that the sister would take a swing at him regardless of the pleasantries.]
[Vi's eyes roll up into her head when she reads the message from Silco, and she kicks the ground.]
Did he really think I'm going to let you go see him by yourself??? He's a fucking snake!
[oh my god she's so mad. she could punch him right now, but she inhales sharply... and then exhales slowly. she has to be smart about this. any sort of misstep might interfere with her relationship with Jinx...
but maybe she could give him a black eye for the trouble.]
No wonder he likes it in Rumpitur. [A snake in the city of snakes. But no, she knows it's because he's up to something. Jinx's reaction to everyone talking about how the Chosen should respond to the Rumpturians was proof enough.
She sighs, shaking her head, before she continues typing away.]
The roads between Aldrip and here are dangerous. And did you forget I was nearly kidnapped the last time in Rumpitur? There was no way she'd let me come back here by myself. But if you insist we meet face to face alone, I won't argue.
[Though Caitlyn knows Vi would stay close, either way. She would probably need her, if talking to Silco went south. Or when, really.]
[Silco was withdrawing from watching them from his current vantage point. He wasn't about to risk staying in one place too long; that was a good way to end up in the wrong hands when it wasn't part of his stronghold. So he moved away, down the stairs and out to another building that he had explored previously.]
You understand that people are kidnapped or disappear all the time in the Undercity, but I understand if that's shocking to you as one living in the ivory city.
I will meet with you one-on-one. Leave the brute somewhere visible though so I can keep an eye on her.
[He'd just wait for that news to be dropped and expected a temper tantrum. After all, he clearly wasn't going to be trusted with these two and for good reason. He trusted them just as much.]
[don't mind Vi, she's found some way to look at what's happening on Caitlyn's tablet now.]
What the hell? Fucking coward. He really thinks I trust him that much to let you go talk to him? How do I know he doesn't have a crony around to hurt you??
[Caitlyn rolls her eyes. Unsurprising that Silco continues to act like there's zero crime in the upper levels of Piltover. Shit still happened, but whatever. That's not the point. Vi's getting heated, so that's going to take priority.]
We don't. But this won't work unless he lowers his guard, even just a little.
[She was still hoping she could talk to him sensibly about this. She didn't want to be here, doing this either.]
That's fine. Time and place, and I'll meet you there alone.
[From his research, Piltover had far more refined tastes when it came to crime and criminal activities. It was very unhanded and behind closed doors, which he personally did find rather fascinating. Everyone could learn a lot from each other if given the opportunity, but those were few and far between.]
You can come to the edge of the buildings and your lesser half can remain right were she is. Once I see you there, I will come to you.
[He remained on the lower level of the current building in a place where he could watch and be mostly hidden to know if his orders were taken. Once Caitlyn seemed to be where he wanted her, he would come out of hiding himself. Alone, as agreed upon in his mind.]
Neither do I, but what choice do we have? [Caitlyn sighs, shaking her head.]
He's more likely to listen to reason. And I doubt he knows about my new magic, or the extent of it anyway. If it comes to a fight, he can't win. He knows that.
[She's been pretty careful with it, she thinks, but she knows Silco's been watching her, as much as she's been watching him.]
Alright. I'm coming.
Just, trust me, okay? I can handle him, Vi. [she gives Vi's hand a squeeze, and a peck to the cheek for good luck, before setting off to building as Silco requested.]
[Silco wasn't looking for a fight, but he was prepared for one in his own limited way. He had been scrappier in his youth, but even then, he had not been blessed with the kind of physicality or interest to want to punch people. However, he has his knife, and he was always prepared to use it.
So he watched as Caitlyn moved away from the sister and head as instructed. He kept an eye on the pair of them as the distance grew. A rifle was at certain disadvantages up close and personal after all, but the sister was someone best to avoid in such circumstances.
Only once he was assured that the sister would keep a distance for now did he ease from his hiding spot and travel back to the street, moving to meet with Caitlyn as previously agreed upon. He emerged from the shadow of the building, his hands tucked into his pockets as he kept himself at the corner of the building. It was easier to duck back behind it should he need to.]
This had to be important to bring you down here in such haste. What is it you mean to tell me?
[Caitlyn lets out the breath she was holding when she finally spots Silco. There was a part of her now worried she was walking into a trap herself. She doesn't doubt that he's armed, and while she does have her rifle, it's safely across her back. If it turned to a fight, she wouldn't be able to access it immediately.
Fortunately, she had a few knives hidden away and a way to control those, but she didn't want him to know about that yet.]
Like I said when I messaged you, there's been some important developments. I've been inside City Hall.
[Which is...a very blurry memory. She knows she saw the Council, too, but it's nothing she can quite pinpoint or describe. But Silco doesn't need to know that. She's starting off simply to draw him in. Hopefully he'll stay and listen.]
[Her nervousness was obvious, but the reason for it had him mulling it over. They had been one-on-one on numerous occasions, but there was something off about her type of nerves here. It made him suspicious. His mismatched eyes skated from Caitlyn to where the sister was standing out in the open and back again.]
So you were sentenced. [The hairs on the back of his neck rose.] How is your account different from those previously sentenced?
[The nervousness isn't entirely because of Silco, either. Ever since she faced the Council, every day has led her to feeling more anxious and on edge, and she knew it wasn't just because she had to bring in Silco. She had been trying to do just that back home, and didn't feel like this. It had to be something the Council did to her.]
All reports from the last time seem to fit what I experienced. I questioned Jerry for a while, though it wasn't anything different from what we already knew. He's just as tight lipped as the rest of them. I remember walking through City Hall, but as soon as I entered the Council's chambers, everything is a blur until after I was done and released.
[The nervousness was still palpable, and it made him less willing to move from his spot where he could make a 'quick' get away. This was already not feeling like a meeting he wanted to be apart of after he had this supposed information that required her to come all the way down to meet with him.]
So your experience appears to be the same as the others. What information drew you down here then if you have nothing more to add?
I promised I would update you with new developments. [Which is true. It was a new development, and possibly the start of a pattern. The second time sentencing occurred, with a month skipped in the middle. Was this going to be the new routine? To her, it's actually very valuable information.
But if it was just that, it could easily have been discussed in a message. It didn't have to be in person, and he has every right to be suspicious of this.]
This could have made for a missive, which leads me to believe you're up to something unrelated to your trip to City Hall. [From what he had come to understand and with the interactions that he had had with her, she gave more away bluntly if it was truly of importance. Her directness was something he usually enjoyed.
Now, he suspicious she was here for something else. Business in Rumpitur? No, she had come to see him specifically. Had the Council sent her for him then? Plausible.]
I have other matters to attend to, so out with your information or I'm leaving.
It's not unrelated. [Caitlyn can tell how suspicious he's getting. She's normally more direct, it's true. She was trying to lure him in and at least keep him talking first, before she came out and told him the rest of the truth. At least that way, he'd maybe listen to her. Maybe he'd hear her out and come willingly, the way Marianne did.
But that would be too easy. And she knows better than expect Silco to come quietly. She really hopes Vi is paying attention and ready if he tries to make a run for it.]
My sentencing requirement is to bring in two others for their own sentencing, and I'm afraid the Council has chosen you as well. I'm to bring you to Jerry, myself.
[He knew it. Silco's suspicions were verified the moment she talked of her sentencing, and his expression closed immediately. Peace was never truly an option was it, and the uneasy truce seemed to be a waste of time.
He shook his head then a snort of amusement left his lips.] Always the enforcer dragging down the people of Zaun, aren't you? Here to put a boot on my throat which is typical.
[He didn't run. There was no point, but he had no intention of going anywhere willingly.]
Tell Jerry to come and retrieve me himself. I have no interest dealing with you any longer.
[He turned his back on her and began to simply walk away.]
Wait-- [Caitlyn is not about to let him just walk away, and she's quick to get in his way. She doesn't put her hands on him, not yet, but she's prepared to if she has to.]
That's not-- it doesn't have to be like that. But don't you think it will be worse if Jerry comes himself? Now that I've been inside, we can think of another way to try to get information from this. A wire, recording with a charm-- something. Use this to get information.
[She may not trust him, or honestly want to work together, but she'd rather that than actually be enemies with each other here. That's why she tried to come at this in a friendly manner. She could have easily come and picked him up without question, but she didn't want that.]
[Silco stopped walking when she moved in front of his direct path, causing his blue eye to narrow dangerously.]
Oh no, Jerry and I have history, so he can come do his own dirty work. [He slipped his hands into his coat pockets.] And the idea of watching you fail does bring me an iota of pleasure.
[He knew her idea wouldn't work. There were plenty that would have tried, and if people couldn't remember, then he had no doubt there were means to shut down recordings. It was just like the Council to drive wedges, and in this case, he was perfectly fine with it coming into play.]
Get out of the way, girl. I have business to attend to.
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He suspected something was amiss with her sudden willingness to travel to Rumpitur in a hurry rather than wait for his business to conclude. He didn't know her well enough to guess exactly her motivate, but it remained suspect enough that he knew he would have to be smart about her arrival.
He paid a Rumpiturian to discreetly watch for travelers. The description of her matched close to the timing of her text confirming her arrival. She also wasn't traveling alone and the vague description of hair colour and style was enough for him. He expected no less; Jinx's sister had an inkling of what he was capable of far more than the enforcer did.
And just like an arrogant Piltover elite, she gave him ample time to explore the place of their meeting ahead. Out of town with still a view of town in case things didn't go to plan, was it? Two against one, would it be? No, he didn't agree to those odds no matter the information she held and felt so important to provide to him. She didn't enjoy his company or his methods enough to need a meeting quite like that.
Silco covered his tracks by disrupting where his footfalls had been as he returned to town, finding a building that gave him a view of the meeting location. There he waited until the appointed time and sure enough, he confirmed the dynamic duo. It was a shame the war child hadn't agreed to be hired by him; he'd have had both women shot where they stood... starting with Kiramann, of course. Let Vander's prodigy rush the location only to join the same fate.
Too bad. Hiring was proving to be more difficult; people just weren't desperate enough for opportunities. He'd change that with enough time.
For now, he enjoyed his vantage point. He let them wait to five minutes after their appointed time. Exactly five minutes so it was clearly intentional.]
I've heard testimony of your skills with a rifle. Open ground with clear sight lines seems like poor choice for a meeting, Kiramann. Assure me you aren't so naïve to the Undercity to think any one of us would walk out to open ground like that.
[A pause as he watched the pair for a moment. Then he added:]
Correction, one of us is stupid enough to, and she happens to be standing next to you.
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so here she was. even though she was pissy that Caitlyn even wanted to go along with what Jerry wanted to do... but if it's to make Silco's life harder, it might be okay.
after about the five minute mark, she starts tapping her feet and rolling her eyes.]
Motherfucker isn't going to show and we'll have to drag him out of his rat hole, or he's in a little rat hole watching us and giggling about how we're just standing here.
[she starts to squint into the area around her... where would he be hiding, if she were Silco?]
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[Caitlyn is trying to think positively about this. She was trying to go about it in the most calm and professional way. That's why she approached Silco the way she did. Why she came to him, why she chose this spot to meet. It was all attempts to prove she wasn't an enemy. Bringing Vi hadn't been a part of the original plan, but when Vi found out what she was doing, there was no arguing with her.
But before she could even finish her words, her tablet buzzed. She pulled it out, eyes scanning over the message before she holds it out for Vi to see. As Vi reads, Caitlyn does a quick scan of their surroundings, making note of buildings and areas that could be used to watch this spot, before taking the tablet back and starting to type out a reply.]
I was only trying to pick a place that would be convenient for the both of us. If you didn't like it, you could have told me sooner. Where would you rather us meet, or are you going to make me come look for you?
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If history was any indication, he couldn't stay in one place long. This smelled just a touch too close to a trap, though if she actually had information about the Council, he was curious.]
I expected we would be meeting one-on-one. If you had been bringing a bodyguard, I would have brought my own.
[Meaning, he was alone, and he had no intention of walking into a situation that wasn't in his favour or at least one where he had a strong suspicion that the sister would take a swing at him regardless of the pleasantries.]
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Did he really think I'm going to let you go see him by yourself??? He's a fucking snake!
[oh my god she's so mad. she could punch him right now, but she inhales sharply... and then exhales slowly. she has to be smart about this. any sort of misstep might interfere with her relationship with Jinx...
but maybe she could give him a black eye for the trouble.]
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She sighs, shaking her head, before she continues typing away.]
The roads between Aldrip and here are dangerous. And did you forget I was nearly kidnapped the last time in Rumpitur? There was no way she'd let me come back here by myself. But if you insist we meet face to face alone, I won't argue.
[Though Caitlyn knows Vi would stay close, either way. She would probably need her, if talking to Silco went south. Or when, really.]
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You understand that people are kidnapped or disappear all the time in the Undercity, but I understand if that's shocking to you as one living in the ivory city.
I will meet with you one-on-one. Leave the brute somewhere visible though so I can keep an eye on her.
[He'd just wait for that news to be dropped and expected a temper tantrum. After all, he clearly wasn't going to be trusted with these two and for good reason. He trusted them just as much.]
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What the hell? Fucking coward. He really thinks I trust him that much to let you go talk to him? How do I know he doesn't have a crony around to hurt you??
[she hates this bitch so much]
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We don't. But this won't work unless he lowers his guard, even just a little.
[She was still hoping she could talk to him sensibly about this. She didn't want to be here, doing this either.]
That's fine. Time and place, and I'll meet you there alone.
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You can come to the edge of the buildings and your lesser half can remain right were she is. Once I see you there, I will come to you.
[He remained on the lower level of the current building in a place where he could watch and be mostly hidden to know if his orders were taken. Once Caitlyn seemed to be where he wanted her, he would come out of hiding himself. Alone, as agreed upon in his mind.]
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I don't like this at all.
[after she reads his last message, that is.]
I bet we could find where he is no problem, and we can get his little rat ass in no time. It's stupid!
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He's more likely to listen to reason. And I doubt he knows about my new magic, or the extent of it anyway. If it comes to a fight, he can't win. He knows that.
[She's been pretty careful with it, she thinks, but she knows Silco's been watching her, as much as she's been watching him.]
Alright. I'm coming.
Just, trust me, okay? I can handle him, Vi. [she gives Vi's hand a squeeze, and a peck to the cheek for good luck, before setting off to building as Silco requested.]
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So he watched as Caitlyn moved away from the sister and head as instructed. He kept an eye on the pair of them as the distance grew. A rifle was at certain disadvantages up close and personal after all, but the sister was someone best to avoid in such circumstances.
Only once he was assured that the sister would keep a distance for now did he ease from his hiding spot and travel back to the street, moving to meet with Caitlyn as previously agreed upon. He emerged from the shadow of the building, his hands tucked into his pockets as he kept himself at the corner of the building. It was easier to duck back behind it should he need to.]
This had to be important to bring you down here in such haste. What is it you mean to tell me?
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Fortunately, she had a few knives hidden away and a way to control those, but she didn't want him to know about that yet.]
Like I said when I messaged you, there's been some important developments. I've been inside City Hall.
[Which is...a very blurry memory. She knows she saw the Council, too, but it's nothing she can quite pinpoint or describe. But Silco doesn't need to know that. She's starting off simply to draw him in. Hopefully he'll stay and listen.]
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So you were sentenced. [The hairs on the back of his neck rose.] How is your account different from those previously sentenced?
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All reports from the last time seem to fit what I experienced. I questioned Jerry for a while, though it wasn't anything different from what we already knew. He's just as tight lipped as the rest of them. I remember walking through City Hall, but as soon as I entered the Council's chambers, everything is a blur until after I was done and released.
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So your experience appears to be the same as the others. What information drew you down here then if you have nothing more to add?
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But if it was just that, it could easily have been discussed in a message. It didn't have to be in person, and he has every right to be suspicious of this.]
But that's not all that happened. There's more.
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Now, he suspicious she was here for something else. Business in Rumpitur? No, she had come to see him specifically. Had the Council sent her for him then? Plausible.]
I have other matters to attend to, so out with your information or I'm leaving.
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But that would be too easy. And she knows better than expect Silco to come quietly. She really hopes Vi is paying attention and ready if he tries to make a run for it.]
My sentencing requirement is to bring in two others for their own sentencing, and I'm afraid the Council has chosen you as well. I'm to bring you to Jerry, myself.
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He shook his head then a snort of amusement left his lips.] Always the enforcer dragging down the people of Zaun, aren't you? Here to put a boot on my throat which is typical.
[He didn't run. There was no point, but he had no intention of going anywhere willingly.]
Tell Jerry to come and retrieve me himself. I have no interest dealing with you any longer.
[He turned his back on her and began to simply walk away.]
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That's not-- it doesn't have to be like that. But don't you think it will be worse if Jerry comes himself? Now that I've been inside, we can think of another way to try to get information from this. A wire, recording with a charm-- something. Use this to get information.
[She may not trust him, or honestly want to work together, but she'd rather that than actually be enemies with each other here. That's why she tried to come at this in a friendly manner. She could have easily come and picked him up without question, but she didn't want that.]
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Oh no, Jerry and I have history, so he can come do his own dirty work. [He slipped his hands into his coat pockets.] And the idea of watching you fail does bring me an iota of pleasure.
[He knew her idea wouldn't work. There were plenty that would have tried, and if people couldn't remember, then he had no doubt there were means to shut down recordings. It was just like the Council to drive wedges, and in this case, he was perfectly fine with it coming into play.]
Get out of the way, girl. I have business to attend to.