10 days. It had been at least 10 days, she assumed, that she had festering in this small jail cell for doing something that was labeled as her jailers put it, treasonous and a "threat to the peace". One would expect to be told what these treasonous crimes she committed were and to be given a fair trial. Unfortunately for Riven she was hurried from her home one morning with a warrant for her arrest and a sword threatening to enter her head if she failed to comply.
It had shocked many when they saw Riven being dragged from her home by the Noxian police. Riven was what many had considered as a poster child, a hero. She was a great warrior who went from poverty to riches and a young woman who was talented on the battlefield. Most parents expressed to her in fan letters how they wanted their children to be like her when they were older, so it didn't come as a shock to her when people cried her name in the streets and begged for her autograph on a daily basis. Funny enough though, these same people now laughed at the thought of her being put in jail. Who in their right mind would be so careless enough to damage such a good reputation?
What had she done, exactly, that caused her fall? Rumors were abundant. Some say she spoke against the invasion of Ionia to the higher ups, the same invasion that is promised to expand Noxus' power and influence among all of Valoran. Others say that she turned out to be a Demacian spy and must be put to death for her betrayal. The truth that she accepted was that she had been framed for something that she didn't do.
When the guard checked on her the morning of the 10th day she was laying in the fetal position, somewhat awake.
"Wake up, ye stupid whore." He spat. She groaned and tried to stand up, failing. She was weak from the lack of food she was given and tired from the endless screams of the naughty prisoners around her who received daily beatings for their bad behavior. Again and again she tried to get up, trembling more in every attempt. Feeling empathy from the sight of the once great warrior who had fallen so low, the guard opened the cell and helped her get up.
"Ay, I'll give ye a piece of bread if you stop moping. I got some news today, Riven. One of the General's daughter wants to see you. Something about yer case." He took note of how her once proud face was now covered in dirt, her pale hair covered in grime and gave her his handkerchief in pity. "Try to make yerself look nice."
Look nice? For one of the General's daughters? She was taken aback. She didn't give a shit what those harlots thought of her. Her social life was over anyways, if not her entire life itself.
Riven didn't even attempt to clean her face or make herself look presentable. The guard grew impatient from her insolence and dragged her out of the cell. He showed her down the hall to where he was ordered to take her and went on his way, not wanting to see the girl that evoked both pity and disgust in him any longer.
Riven hesitated. She tried to brainstorm how she could escape, if there were anyway she could….
The door before her opened and guards surrounded her. Kneel on the ground, they told her. Katarina would arrive shortly. She did what she was told and pressed her cheek cold to the ground.
"Rise." The red haired beauty ordered, and again, Riven complied.
"Commander Riven, What a surprise to see you here! Or should I just call you Riven the Traitor, since your crimes have stripped you of all your titles?" Katarina laughed. The torture and pain of others never seemed to faze her. Riven formed a fist in her hand at the insult and was about to retort when Kat continued, her tone now less joyful and more somber, "Have you heard that my father has gone on vacation? Ah, surely he will come back soon. He's never gone too long. He left a note stating that I'm in charge. It's my first time wielding so much power."
Riven remained silent. She didn't care and would've made a point in letting Katarina know, but it was punishable by death to insult the great General or any of the DuCoteaus.
"Such quietness is odd from you Riven. Your attitude was always shameful." Katarina paused and then continued, "You weren't so quiet at that gathering a few weeks back where you were drooling all over my sister's fiance."
Riven blushed as memories of that night flooded back in her head. Whenever she was around Talon, the fiance in question, she lost her persona of a strong, independant warrior and acted like a nervous schoolgirl.
"Anyways I have a favor to ask you. The invasion of Ionia will be happening in a few months, as you have heard." Katarina grimaced and started to pace around the room like a dictator, "We have many destinations and targets. One of them is a temple in Ionia that contains a powerful beast that could wipe out thousands. We must capture it and use it to our advantage."
"What does this have to do with me?" Riven piqued. She never thought they'd let a "traitor" they so called her on a mission.
"Your job is simple. What you need to do is slay the warden of the temple and take control of it. I've heard many rumors of him and his strength and I feel that you will be able to match him from your stats. If you do happen to succeed in slaying the warden, I will give you back your honor and titles."
"And if I refuse?" Riven looked into Katarina's eyes and noticed the fire burning within them at her insolence. She wasn't exactly in the position to consider refusing her.
"I trust that you will accept my offer without any difficulties, traitor, or you can expect your head to roll."