Chapter Text
Viktor pinned the piece of winter heath to his lapel, the winter flower preserved from the recent passing of his twenty-fifth birthday. The smooth dark green and black suit was made with the colours of Zaun in mind, while subtle enough to be passable amongst Piltover’s gentry. His short hair had been styled that morning and yet wayward locks stuck from places as he looked himself over in the mirror.
“This is absurd.” Viktor muttered to himself. He’d shooed away his siblings much earlier under the pretense of readying himself, and while there was a small bundle of nerves at the thought of any social engagement - this one actually mattered.
Piltover’s social season began in the spring with the Debutante Ball, a custom of debuting omegas eligible for marriage from as early as twenty-one. Viktor knew he would be one of the eldest of this season, but it was largely in part to how recent Zaun and Piltover’s alliance had settled.
A sharp knock at his door and Viktor knew it was his sister before he even opened it, revealing her in her own pantsuit, tugging at her collar.
“Vi, loose clothes are unbefitting for an Alpha in high society.” Viktor deadpanned before they both snickered.
“Your impression of Ms. Naphaline could nearly get us out of this whole deal I’d say,” Vi had worked on her posture but still walked with an amble similar to their father. There was no determination in her voice, which Viktor shared.
“No matter what happens, as long as we don’t cause a scandal, it’ll make things easier for the others.” Viktor walked over, steadying his steps with his cane until he faced his sister and adjusted her own pin of heath, two coloured as opposed to his. Who knew December had so many days dedicated to this particular flower? Perhaps it was a sign to come, that both he and his sister wore a mark of solitude as they entered high society.
They weren’t alone together though, as they walked out and took the stairs to the foyer. Viktor had mastered an elegance to his stride, the cane he used was an aid to both his leg and style. Their younger siblings and father were waiting for them alongside their staff. Ms Naphaline cast a piercing eye over them before giving a curt nod of approval. Neither Viktor nor Vi let the relief of that approval show yet it was worth it from the nearly whole year of tutelage they’d gone through preparing for Piltover’s social season. As a beta, Vander encapsulated a balance of many things, even with his large stature he had a steady warmth to him that even the soft touch of his palms - one on either of their shoulders - felt like an embrace.
“Your mother would be proud.” He said simply yet it still cut deep, no matter how many years it had been since Felicia Lane had passed.
With a steadying breath, they all boarded the carriage. Powder had chosen a bright pink dress that accented her blue hair, and Mylo kept to a plain black suit indicative of a guest rather than a debutant. He was twenty, a year out from debuting while Powder still had another two years. Whatever Viktor and Vi went through now, would help them in their seasons. Just as long as no scandals occur to cast a looming shadow of their family or the image of Zaun itself.
The soft cushioned seats of the carriage were a welcome comfort, even as Powder pulled out a leaflet that looked like a brochure.
“I found this when in the kitchens, seems to be all the latest gossip in Piltover - maybe something could help?”
Her eyes sparkled, ever wanting to help. Viktor smiled at her as Vi nodded in thanks and took the paper. She tsked.
“‘Major House Debuts Bring Tension’, ‘Playboy Talis Returns’, and ‘Zaunite attendance - an assimilation or infiltration?’” Vi scoffed. “This writer has no qualms over being subtle it seems.”
“Refreshing.” Viktor commented as he glanced over, even gossip was still some kind of information.
Jayce rubbed his wrist in frustration. “Must I, ma?”
His mother tsked as she added his pin to the label, an uncomfortable sense of weight settled upon his chest where it rested.
“Have courage son, I’m sure you’ll meet someone who catches your eye.”
Said eyes rolled even as his mother glanced at him with reprimand. “Do you really intend to be a bachelor forever? That’s not on the cards.”
“Nor would I try betting against you, mother.” Jayce learnt from experience that his mother and most of the ladies she kept court with were notoriously good at cards.
She smoothed her hands over his tie after adjusting it for him, the soft gaze that even with this being now the third social season he’d attend, his mother Ximena Talis still offered him his father’s tie. He wore it every time.
“I would rather you find love, Jayce. I don’t want to give in to the pressures of an arranged marriage.”
“It sounds a bit easier, give you a list of qualities I like and see who ticks all of the boxes.” He mumbled near petulantly.
Ximena raised an eyebrow. “It’s not a science, as much as you may try and force it to be. Love is… organic, you’ll know it.”
“If I can know something then surely I can quantify it.” He scrunched his nose but smoothed his features quickly.
“Well, perhaps you can figure it out so then your brother will feel less anxious next year, hm?” She knew how to make him cave.
Jayce took a deep breath to settle his nerves, reminding himself that it wasn’t just to placate his mother by attending this season. It was to both help ease his brother Claggor’s nervous disposition and keep an eye out on Caitlyn Kiramman. Both Houses Talis and Kiramman were close, and before even reaching puberty, there was a discussion about an arranged marriage between either himself or his brother and Caitlyn. The prospect of which they rebelled against with such fervor that the paintball incident shan’t ever be repeated within the halls of Kiramman manor again. There was no further argument that the Talis boys were brothers to Caitlyn, and she their sister.
Of course after presenting as an alpha and Claggor as an omega, their trio of siblings ironically felt complete when Caitlyn presented as a beta yet the pressures of being the heir of a house weighed on them both. Supporting his siblings was something he could do, even if he’d rather skip the numerous dances and stick to the late parties he preferred attending. After meeting Claggor in the foyer, his own snowdrop flower pinned neatly in place. His mother pulled him aside once more, a folded piece of paper in her hand.
“At least try to squash the rumours of your exploits this year.” It would be easier if her tone was laced with anger, even disappointment, instead there was a resignation that had Jayce eyeing the leaflet and reading the headlines.
“They’ll focus on whoever the next one is, I’m surprised my time overseas was such a popular discussion point.” He shook his head as his eyes caught on various words mentioning his tour of Shurima.
“Please Jayce, if not for me or the reputation of this house, do it for your siblings.”
Jayce gave her a soft embrace. “I will, ma.” He was a lot more physically affectionate than perhaps was expected, but no matter how old he got, he’d always have a hug for his mother. Whoever he ended up stuck with would have to be okay with that.
Major House Debuts Bring Tension
Houses Kiramman and Tariost will be debuting this season with much anticipation amongst the Piltovan gentry. Miss Caitlyn Kiramman (beta) and Miss Aurelie (Omega) are both strong contenders for the council’s prize diamond title.
Playboy Talis Returns
After a year-long tour in Shurima, notorious rake Jayce Talis has returned and rumours have been confirmed that he will be attending his third social season this year. Further rumours about his exploits have been up for debate on their legitimacy but some sources say that the details are accurate to the inch!
Zaunite attendance - an assimilation or infiltration?
After a well fought alliance built between Piltover’s council and Zaun’s barony, many of our sister city’s eligible youth will be in attendance this social season which may provide ample opportunity for alliances or scandal. Baron Silco Glasc has been seen in attendance of pre-season events with evidence of a strong professional relationship with Counselor Medarda.