The family of 3 approached the beautifully ornate council building, delicate weavings of stone and tree merging into one in high arches that were as alive as any person standing in or out of the building. There were two warrior priests stationed outside the council, and they bowed before the 3 of them, before opening the ornate doors. Six years ago Riven had stepped into these halls, a broken woman with an equally broken blade. Here, she had discovered purpose, and intent, and also a true sense of what justice could be.
Shava walked up first, her fiery disposition coming through even in her age. She looked rather upset, and put her hands on the table in front of the council.
"Just who do you think you are? Your intent is to punish this girl for her crimes again after so long? What are you thinking High Magister!"
The hawk-faced magistrate was as calm and collected as ever, taking only a deep breath and motioning Shava to sit.
"Please, we will explain our reasoning for the letter shortly. Now if you would, have a seat."
Shava bit her lip, but respected the authority of the magistrate and sat along with her husband.
"Now, Riven… Please come forward so the council may get a good look at you."
The white haired ex-Noxian looked around, her nerves still prickling at the back of her neck, telling her that something was not quite as it seemed. She did as she was asked though, and came forward. The judge stood up, and came around the table, her robes flowing as she moved past the other magistrates. They leaned back, taking a more relaxed position as she came around the front of the table, walking up to Riven and inspecting her a bit.
"You look well, far better then when you first came here. I see that you've gotten yourself some proper clothing. Has Shava taught you how to sew then?"
Riven glanced at her O'ma, and then back at the magister.
"Yes. Once the reparations were complete, I requested something to do with my hands. Several villagers had provided me with cloth for my service… And so Shava showed me how to make good use of it. I did not want it to go to waste."
The magister nodded, and smiled. "Good," She then motioned for the guards to open the doors
"Go ahead and bring them in."
Riven looked back, and suddenly the room was filled with the villagers she had helped over the last few years. Nearly the whole village had tried to pack itself into the, perspectively speaking, small council hall. She was amazed.
"Riven." The hawk-like magistrate smiled, and the ex-Noxian turned to face her again. The whole hall was silent then.
"This council hereby pardons your actions. Your unwavering service to Ionia has gone above and beyond what we had expected. You've not only worked to repair the homes and families Noxus has shattered, but in the process improved the lives of everybody here in this village. Your… Unwavering strength, in the face of despair is all something we can learn from. You are Ionian, from this day forward, no matter where you go or what adversities you face."
The crowd behind her slowly bowed, and the magistrate began again.
"Riven, you are free."
