It's been a week since Pieter sent his message to the capital. A day after he sent his message he received a reply, stating that Sylas of Dregbourne was brought into mageseeker custody and would be on trial the next week due to there being 'extenuating circumstances'. Those circumstances being that I was there and I survived to tell the tale. The entire week we were waiting, Augatha insisted on having me learn how to be a 'high class lady of Demacia'. Today, we'll be heading back to the capital. It should be a rather short four hour ride. I was tempted to offer transportation, but then I remembered that Demacia really did not like mages. It's one thing to be a magic user if I'm not a mage, it's another to openly display it. So, by carriage we'll go. Well, two carriages actually. Tianna will be sitting with me, while Garen and his parents will be in another carriage.
"Now remember, you are silent unless spoken too. Unless a Lady is the head of her house, she will follow the request of the man of the house. Right now, you are our guest, so you would defer to Pieter." Augatha rambles a little bit, fussing over me. Personally, I find the expectations of women here, of being beautiful and gentle is silly. I have my own thoughts and opinions. Part of why Sylas is getting a trial is because I'm speaking up. Besides, women are just as capable as men. Father taught me that. But, learning how to interact with 'high class' people in their customs probably won't hurt me that much.
Lux begged to come along, but since she is unaware of her mage talents, Augatha and Pieter felt safer leaving her at home. She was consoled a bit by being told how much of a big girl she's being by watching over the house by herself, even if everyone knew that the servants won't let things get too out of hand. I haven't been here long, but it's pretty obvious how much accidental trouble Lux can get into. It's a good thing that her tutors will be watching over her while we're gone.
"Are you ready?" Augatha asks me as Tianna helps me into a carriage. I catch a glimpse of four men going to accompany us by riding the back of the carriage as I almost trip over the weight on my feet. Starshadow, in all of his wisdom, insisted that I wear a cleaner, finer version of my usual clothes. I'm still wearing my light blue dress, though it's much softer. There's also a bit of gold armor on my shoulders and wrapped around my waist and wrists. My boots have also changed into the same gold metal as the decoration on my dress, which is what caused me to trip. Starshadow ties my hair back in a braid.
"Remind me again why I'm wearing this?" I ask.
"Because you are a declared protector of the king and you have to be seen like one, not to mention this is our way of publicly declaring you are under our protection." Tianna answers me crisply.
"I'm not trying to conform to a specific image. Besides, I don't just help the king, I help everyone." I try to point out.
"How about this, you have to be seen as a higher ranking person so the people who are conducting the trial will see you as a reliable and trustworthy source instead of a fellow mage attempting to get him free?" Starshadow deadpans. Tianna gestures to Starshadow in agreement.
"...Fine I relent as I take a seat. The door closes. She takes a seat right as the carriage starts to move. I still haven't gotten used to it and yelp when I'm almost thrown off my seat. Tianna watches me as I recover. I sigh. " I guess you still don't like me?"
"Bridget's results are awaiting our arrival. I'm withholding judgement until then." Tianna sniffs. It's silent in the carriage with only the occasional bump. I fidget with my hands a little bit, unsure of what I can talk about with her. What can you say to a well-respectable person?
"Um, you must be proud of your nephew." I mumble out. Tianna raises an eyebrow, keeping her hands stiffly in her lap.
"It is what was expected of him." She attempts to dismiss the topic.
"That doesn't stop you from being proud. I was expected to learn how to farm, but my parents still told me how proud they were of me when I help." I point out. She blinks before relaxing a bit.
"Yes, I am proud of my nephew. Much like when he was a small child. Pieter has always given him the training he asks for. Personally, I think he's a bit spoiled." Tianna allows a small smile to crack on her face.
"How so?" Seeing that this is a conversation that Tianna's comfortable with, I jump on it.
"Well, Pieter would always play spar with Garen or tell stories of his accomplishments like they are fanciful stories. He'd act them out, making himself the villain and Garen the hero. With each story, he'd always proclaim Garen to be the hero Demacia needs." Tianna sighs.
"That's not exactly a bad thing. Garen grows up to fight for Demacia. It's an honor for him."
"It could be. The crown of stones, did you not hear stories about that?" Tianna changes the subject. Sort of. "Did that not change your perception of the world?"
It takes me a moment to think about it. Starshadow's cold nose gently taps my neck. In some ways, I was a sheltered child. I never heard a bad story in my life. But when Pantheon told me his story, the world didn't change that much. If anything, it made me more curious to learn more stories. Then I was chosen as an Aspect and suddenly, I'm living so many different stories. I learn different cultures and what they prioritize and their tales. I'm living a tale. And the world hasn't changed. I've changed from a shy, sick farmer girl to a healer and guide. Well, still working on the healing and guiding part, but I'm changing. It hasn't changed a single goal of mine. If anything, I'm more determined now. And I have the means to protect others where I couldn't before.
"I did hear stories of it. Some of them have… discoloured my perception of some stories I grew up with, but my hopes and dreams, who I am, isn't that much different. I'm sure once Garen has seen his first battle, he'll have a choice to make. To continue to fight for Demacia or find a different thing for Demacia. Either way, he'll be loyal to his home." I try to make her feel better. It works as Tianna's hands unfold.
"...Perhaps you would make a good ally for them." Tianna comments. The silence in the carriage is much more relaxed now. I look out the window to see us travelling along a dirt road with high hills next to us. Starshadow's head emerges from my scarf and looks out the window. A quick flash of light in my eye makes me frown.
Did you see that? I ask my bonded.
See what?
I guess it's my imagination. Especially since the rest of the trip, no one interrupts us. Tianna and I ride the carriage in silence. Still, I'm a little uneasy. There are assassins in Demacia after all, those that use magic. And right now, I'm the only one who could have survived it. It's concerning to say the least.
It will take hours before we reach the city. Tianna senses my unease and engages me with a little talk about her nephew, as it's obvious that I have a fondness for young children. She regales me with silly stories of Garen getting in trouble or how sweet of a baby Luxanna was. It makes the ride more relaxing, though every time I look out the window, I swear I see someone there. Eventually, I can't take it anymore. I cast my illusions, making an illusion of myself and Starshadow. I make sure she and the other men around the carriage do not notice that I hop out. I can easily catch up to them with my magic anyway, though I don't want to over do it.
Where the hell are we going? Starshadow perks up when he notices that we're running away from our ride.
I'm going to just scout around.
You have fully recovered from being poisoned, but we haven't worked on any endurance magic training, not to mention that all this is completely new to your wild core. Especially with illusions as complex as the ones you are making! You're going to completely exhaust yourself! Starshadow immediately protests.
Yeah, I know. I can feel it. I snark back. I'm not lying. My face is covered in sweat from the effort, and my legs are feeling like grass in the wind, but if I really did see something, I don't want to wait. Garen and Augatha are no warriors, they would be in trouble. I need to stop it before it reaches them. Just five minutes. If I can last being in the middle of True Ice for a week, I'm pretty sure I can handle five minutes of actually using magic.
I hope you know that you are going to be in so much trouble when you get back. I'm going to be ranting all about it later. Starshadow promises angrily. I am about to nod when I dash over a hill and crash into a human. We both yelp as we fall over each other. I feel a pulse of poison sink into my body before it's immediately erased. Still, it's enough to set me on edge. Starshadow as well, as he enlarges himself and lashes out with an open mouth and bared fangs. The mage yelps and backs away.
"Who are you and what do you want with me!" I yelp as I scramble to my feet. Being poisoned again brings back some bad memories. Two more appear before us. The spear and the dagger. All three point their weapons at my bonded, though the one with the dagger, the earth mage I believe, easily recognises me.
"Stand down, my brothers." He orders. The spear and bowmen both lower their weapons. He also drops his dagger and shows his hands. "You are a mage, are you not?"
"Kind of? I wasn't born with magic if that's what you're asking." I try to be stong, though my hands are shaking. Tears start to fall from my eyes. The poison mage terrifies me. I almost died from him. What if he tries something again? Starshadow's head turns slightly. He notices my face and lunges forward towards the most dangerous one.
"BACK OFF!" Her hisses furiously.
"I accidently put poison into her. Please, let me help her!" The bowman pleads.
"Oh, that tiny thing? Already taken care of. You've done enough!" Starshadow hisses. All three mages freeze.
"That's… that's not possible. I've practiced making that poison for… ages… how are you alive?" The poison mage asks. Starshadow snorts and backs up to me protectively.
"All poisons have a counter if given enough time. We bought enough time." Starshadow explains shortly. My head is hurting from keeping all my magic going. One is an illusion. One is sustaining Starshadow, and one was curing myself of the poison again. I need to have enough magic to get back. Maybe five minutes really is going to be too much for me…
"May we speak, miss?" The stone mage asks. Starshadow's body sways, doing his best to keep himself between them and I.
I don't like this.
Neither do I. but… maybe we should hear them out. They haven't attacked. Why?
… I really hate that about you. Starshadow sighs, but lets down his guard. He shrinks faster than what I expected. Though, perhaps he's aware of my magic limits as well.
"What do you want?" I ask. Everyone else lets out a sigh of relief and completely relaxes. They take down their hoods. I can understand why they are so persistent. Every single one of them looks pale and thin, haggard. They're exhausted. It's apparent that all this time of attacking those in charge is leaving them exhausted. I don't know if they've had a proper meal in days. I can't help but reach out to them, calling my magic to my palm.
ARE YOU NUTS? Starshadow screams in my mind as I touch the man in charge. He has white hair on his head. His grey eyes are haggard and tired. I can feel all his aches and pains wash away with my magic. His face fills out a little more. I struggle to breath once my magic has completely restored his body. You need magic for yourself!
Can you take control then?
And here I thought you would have practice. I'm going to drop the illusions instead. Your core can't take much more. Take your time. I'll explain to Tianna that we've found something of interest and we're protecting her family. Starshadow acquiesces. He's really not happy about it, but he's trusting me.
Tell her everything. But let her know that I am handling the situation. I tell him. He nods before resting his head against my neck.
Consider it done. And you are in so much trouble when we get back.
"Thank you." The stone mage whispers. I wipe the small amount of sweat off my brow before turning to the other two. These ones look to be a little younger than him, with black and white hair or dirty blonde just starting to change. The black and white haired one is the one that can cast poison. I reach out to the blonde haired, invisible mage and heal his injuries first. He's got a few cuts on his torso that have to restore themselves. Pieter must have gotten a few good strikes in before they retreated as there are some old injuries that need to be healed. Once the man's torso is healed. I look at the poison mage. It makes me a little uneasy to reach out to him, but when I try to pull away, my stomach burns. I gasp in shock. The poison mage, he didn't want to be the type he is. No wonder why he's so good at ensuring the poison will kill others. He's trying to kill himself.
Instead of touching his hand, I wrap him in a hug. I'm not afraid of him, but rather afraid for him. That he would go so far to try to kill himself with his own magic… but can't… It's heartbreaking. Funny how fast an opinion can change. I guess it's a testament to myself as well. It's hard for me to stay afraid anymore. My magic courses through his body, taking the hatred and pain away. I grit my teeth as I pull it into myself. Looking over his shoulder, I swear I see a flash of black and red. The hatred to all those that would kill his family, enslave them, is so strong I'm almost blinded by it. Still, it's not my hatred. I gasp, feeling like I'm drowning. I can't break myself free, but I have to. It's like when I was helping Daamien. The feeling of being so angry I can't help but lash out at whoever wants to help is overwhelming. The only reason why he's afloat and capable of thinking are the people he wishes to protect. The men standing besides him and other mages that need help, that's how he keeps himself in check.
"Please, no, let go, I'll… hurt… you." The man tries his best to push me off.
"I don't care. You need help." I mumble into his chest. With all my effort, I call my magic out. A bright borealis appears around us. Stars sparkle into view. The man relaxes in my grip. With that, I force my magic to summon the hatred inside him. It colors my yellow orange, the color of anger staining mine. The calm and worry I have for him, as well as Starshadow's own feelings bleeding into me, keeps me grounded.
I don't know how long I was holding onto him, nor do I know how long I can keep my magic up and make it back to the Crownguards. All I know is that my borealis returns to the shimmering yellow before switching to the bright blue of my dress and disappearing. The man gasps and calls his magic to his hands. They glow a dark, kind blue. He starts to cry. He falls onto his knees. He calls the magic forward into his hands. The rest the mages all gasp in shock that his magic is no longer capable of poison.
"...Lady Starshadow… but why? How?" The man I just healed asks. I'm panting on the ground, my arms so shaky I'm barely able to keep myself upright. Starshadow even chooses to get even smaller to wrap around my wrist instead. He's concentrating on getting my magic to restore faster.
"Everyone… deserves… compassion." I gasp. The mage that I helped restore rests his hands on my shoulder. All the magic that I just lost comes back quickly. I blink in shock as everything in the world rights itself. The man retreats a little bit.
"Thank you, but you just made our mission much harder." The stone mage growls lowly. "We needed that poison to help us.
"Why? Why not just let it go? Why are you trying to kill the king?" I ask, feeling a little naive. I can hear Starshadow scoff in my head, letting me know that I am being very naive.
"This monarchy is what is killing us. Why should we let them continue?" The stone mage demands.
"Why would you fight them? All you are proving is that you are dangerous. You are proving their beliefs to be true." I protest.
"This is our home. We were born Demacians. We should be respected as people like that!"
"You are assassins. You tried to kill the king. No one would accept your claims now that you've attacked them."
"Then we succeed. And we let a mage take the throne. Then all the normal people can know what it's like to be hunted down!" The stone mage snarls.
"Then what good will that do? All that will happen is that you will fight each other constantly. Hatred and fear will keep growing, and another Demacia will happen. Please."
"We will not abandon our brothers and sisters to their fates!" The spearman proclaims.
"Then don't!" I cry out. The men all blink at me, shocked that I have spoken so loudly. "You don't have to live in Demacia's city to be a Demacian. From what I was told, Demacia was brought into being to protect those that can't defend themselves. Right now, mages can not defend themselves. They are being hunted, tortured, and imprisoned. Find a place to call your own. You have a mage that can make things disappear, one that can restore, and one that can move the rocks themselves. Make a place where no one but the mages can get to. Fulfill the Demacia promise. Protect your people."
The men are silent. It seems like my words are impacting them more than I imagined it would. I'm also panting slightly at the end of my speech. I didn't think that it would exhaust me as much as it did, though the constant depletion and restoration of magic might do that to me. That and I've happened to have some very passionate… moments, so that might have also made me breathless.
"...I think that's a better idea." The bowman speaks up. The other men look to him. "She's right. We attacked the king. No non magical person will ever trust us to keep them safe, and the mages will think we've failed. We need to show them a safe haven."
"...I agree." The invisible one states.
"You can't be serious." The stone mage protests.
"We can't do anything in the city anymore. I'm getting old too. I don't want to fight anymore." The blonde spearman speaks up. "I want to see something good come out of my life before I can't do anything anymore."
It seems like only the man with the dagger wants to fight. But even he looks like he's melting under the pressure of his fellow mages.
"I'll tell the mages in the city that you'll have a safe home for them to live. Just please… Stop fighting." I plead one last time as I stand up. Starshadow coils tightly around my wrist, much like he did when we were first bonded. I smile at him before turning my back.
"Where are you going?" The man I healed asks.
"There's a mage in Demacia I need to help. Please, create that home for him. Once I've sent him free, I'll send him there." I promise and call my magic under my feet. With that, I race back in the direction of the Crownguards. A small beam of white light guides me back. Only a few minutes pass before I almost race by them. Well, more accurately, I accidently crash into Pieter. He was standing guard on the road right where I happen to be racing back. The initial impact hurt quite a bit as I felt Pieter's impact as well. Thankfully my shadows manage to catch us. I pant a little bit. That's the first time I've used my magic to enhance myself. I've used my magic to create steps and hold people still and protect others, but I've never actually used it on myself. It's actually kind of thrilling. Maybe I'll use that when I can control my magic better. As it is, I'm already feeling an urge to pass out...
"Lady Leilah!" Garen cries out. I gasp for air while Pieter groans.
"All… set…" That's all the time I get to mutter before my lack of magic gets to me.
"Leilah?" Tianna's voice is fuzzy in my ears. I come to with a groan. Ok, maybe using all that magic in one go… after I've just recovered from poison… Maybe I should listen to Starshadow more.
About time you realized that. But, knowing you, you're just going to keep heading into dangerous scenarios and you're going to struggle to keep up. And I'm going to watch your back. Starshadow sighs.
"I'm alright." I whisper. I wake up sharply from a slap across my face.
"What were you thinking? You are a prime witness for your friend, and you run off to go talk with the assassins from when you were poisoned and you somehow managed to convince them to leave the royal bloodline alone?" Tianna rants. I rub my hand against the phantom pain in my cheek. "You also left us in the dark! You might have needed assistance if that was the case! That was the most irresponsible thing that you could have done!"
...Well, apparently she puts it better than I would have. Is it actually going to stick in that stubborn mind of yours?
Probably not. I joke, though it's not entirely wrong.
Figures.
"I'm sorry. I just saw someone in the distance and I really didn't want anything bad to happen to Garen or Augatha and I thought I had recovered enough to be able to handle it without worrying but I guess I couldn't and-"
"One sentence at a time. A lady of the court does not speak so quickly. Besides, the court needs to be able to understand you." Tianna scolds me. We spend the rest of our journey with Tianna and Starshadow taking turns scolding me. Starshadow also is fixing my appearance to look as pristine as possible. Sweat and ragged hair is apparently not a good look for any representable lady.
It seems like the entire day goes by. I'm still listening to them cold me. It's rather dull, so I ignore them at this point. I look out a window and gasp at the sight of a massive statue. I'm not sure how I never saw it… actually, I think I do. I never was in the front of the palace. The carriage that first took me to the Crownguards was also covered to prevent anyone from seeing a mage being treated well. This time, I see a giant, white statue with golden wings on his back. Three clawed hands are planted at it's thin waist. I barely manage to see the golden helmet on its head, but I can sense it looking at me.
"What is that?" I gasp, interrupting their tirade.
"That's Galio. He's said to be our greatest protector in times of need." Tianna remarks fondly. I can't help but let my mouth hang open. I feel a tug at my core and gasp when the statue's head moves.
"DID YOU SEE THAT?" I scream and back away from the window. Tianna glances at the statue and shrugs.
"Nothing different."
Oh, don't worry. He protects the city. I was there. He won't hurt you.
What?
Yeah. Big project. One of the few things that got my attention. Quite impressive.
...I don't even want to know right now. At least, we'll be safe.
I'd advise you to put on your momentary disguise. We're going into the walls of Demacia. Starshadow touches his nose to my cheek. I feel the tingle of an illusion appearing over my eyes and hair. He's right too. We're passing by a checkpoint. The guard takes a quick look inside, sees Tianna, and immediately waves us through. She must have quite the reputation if they look at her and barely notice me.
"Now, remember. You have to remain composed, calm, and strong in your statements." Tianna once again instructs me. I frown. For a city, it's streets are remarkably clear. There must be something of interest for the streets to be clear.
"Is there a holiday today?" I interrupt her. She's quiet for a moment. I keep looking out, trying to see where everyone is. Something here is giving me a bad feeling.
"Not one that I would know." Tianna answers me. I narrow my eyes at a passing flyer. It says today's date… and a picture of Sylas behind bars.
"The trial… We need to get going." I declare and look wide eyed at Tianna. She realizes what I'm implying and knocks on the roof. A soldier behind us looks in.
"Hurry to the mageseeker's compound." She orders. The guard nods and yells forward. The coach picks up a little bit of speed. Still, it's too slow for me.
Sylas is in trouble.
Leilah's off to a great start, getting three people to change their minds, but she's got a whole city to change, and it's gonna start with Sylas' Trial. That's coming up in the next two chapters. Then this arc will be done and it's off to one of my favorite arcs to write.
I don't really have much to say this time, since I desperately want to spoil, so I'm just gonna end like I always do. Thy day, let it bless thee with adventures and joy. Let thy day be... extraordinary. (Yes, I'm dramatic. That why you guys are still reading afterall. XD)
