"Can this thing go any faster?" I get a little jittery, my hands and feet tapping a little bit. Tianna gives me a strong glare, warning me to calm down. I struggle to do so, taking deep breaths can only go so far.
"She's not wrong. We left Sylas in a pretty bad way. We need to make sure he's ok and being treated right." Starshadow supports me.
"We're going as fast as we can." Tianna tries her best to calm me down.
"What's going to happen?" I ask, remembering that I was only taught how to be respectable, nothing of Demacian trials.
"Well, the accused will be brought before a judge. The judge will ask the defendant if he is guilty of the crime he commited. If he pleads guilty, the defendant is given a shorter and less aggressive punishment. If he pleads innocent, then both sides, both the defendant and the accusers will present their cases. After that, it is up to the judge to make a decision. In this case, Sylas will be defending himself, the accuser is the Mageseeker Corps, and the judge is the king." Tianna explains it simply. Her hands rest tightly in her lap. She's tense as well.
"Can they start a trial without all the witnesses?" I ask softly.
"...It's unethical, but if the case is extreme enough, they might." Tianna admits uneasily.
Don't, Leilah.
He needs our help!
AND THIS TIME RUSHING OFF TO WHEREVER THE HELL YOU WANT IS GOING TO MAKE THINGS WORSE! Starshadow screeches in my head. I cover my ears tightly at the noise. He takes the moment to wrap himself tightly around my legs to prevent me from running.
But-
No buts! Aspects above, children are going to be an eternal weakness for you, and that's going to be your downfall. So, this time, listen to me. They will not start the trial without you. Pieter sent a letter confirming that you are the only witness that knows what really happened. The mageseekers can push all they want, but the fact that you exist and you are coming to the trial is strong enough to ensure they won't. Attempting to rush out there is just going to incite a panic and another attack against Mages. Play by their rules. That's the only way anyone will respect you. Well, that or defend the entire country, but the second option needs a war to work.
I huff, but remain silent. Annoying enough, I can't move or argue against him. His logic makes sense, but I don't want to leave things up to small chance. This place has a hatred for magic I haven't seen anywhere else. I'm worried that they'll do something to Sylas before we can get there, but I guess he let me take charge last time. I'll listen to him this time.
"Fine." I relent.
Wait, what? You're actually going to listen to me?
"Tianna thinks it's a bad idea too." I try to make sure it's clear that I'm not listening to him, even though I really am.
Finally! You actually listen to me! Starshadow crows anyway. I smile and shake my head at my bonded affectionately. He eagerly meets my open hand for scratches. I give it to him. He's certainly dealt with my rashness enough.
"I'm surprised. You seem to be the kind of person that rushes off to do your own thing." Tianna comments. I wave my hand side to side.
"You would think after being tortured in Bilgewater, I'd be scared."
"Bilgewater?" Tianna asks quietly.
"Um, that's where I learned how quickly and completely I can restore myself. If I didn't have my magic, I would be blind. Apparently, my eyes were really rare and important ingredients." I hastily explain. Tianna's eyes are wide open.
"... one would think you would quit."
"I'll be honest, I never thought about it. Quitting." I look out the window while continuing to pet Starshadow. "I grew up in a small, nameless village. We've had some tough winters, where some of us starved. Quitting then meant death. Quitting while climbing Mount Targon, death. Quitting just isn't an option."
I guess that's right. Quitting has never been an option. I've never thought about giving up what I was given. This life, Starshadow, being the borealis and a carrier of a darkin, I've never thought of quitting. Even when things were rough, like being sick, I didn't want to quit. I wanted to do better. Be better. Help others that need it. Listen and help. There's just… I can't explain it. It's just something… I want… I need to do. The world is full of problems. In my village, I'd do anything to help everyone in that small bubble of my home because that's all I knew. Now, there's a whole world out there. I know I can't help everyone, but I have to try. It's what I was raised to do.
"Impressive. Had you been born in Demacia, you would have been a worthy addition to our military." Tianna remarks. The carriage rolls to a stop, though we don't appear to be anywhere close to a place that has good authority. Tianna frowns and gets the attention of the men taking us in. He mutters something to her, too quiet for me to hear. She sighs and shifts uneasily around in her seat.
"What's wrong?" I whisper quietly.
"There's a mob gathered outside the mageseekers. They are calling for the boy's blood." She explains. I try to escape the carriage only for Starshadow to tighten his grip around my legs.
What do you think you're doing? The Crownguards will be able to take us there. Sit down.
But-
No buts. This is Demacia rules. Follow them. Tianna will get you to where you need to go, even if she distrusts mages. Starshadow states sternly. I reluctantly follow his lead. I really don't want to though.
"How long will it take before we get to the corps?" My hands are trembling a little bit. My worry for Sylas is getting to my nerves.
"Shouldn't be long, Leilah. Just stay calm. Close your eyes and center yourself." Tianna attempts to help calm me down. Daamien did order me to meditate… I guess now is as good a time as any.
I close my eyes and start to take deep breaths. I remember all the tips Yone, Shen, and Kusho gave me. I haven't done it in a while though. When I first start to breath, everything is shaky. I'm terribly worried about what's going to happen. Will I get Sylas free? Can I find a way to help him? WIll the people of Demacia listen to me? Can I help make Demacia a safer place? Can they be helped? What if they continue down this path? What nightmares could come?
What feels like a warm hand grabs my hand. I quickly open my eyes in alarm as it's too big to be Tianna's. Even looking, I don't see anyone. I almost jump out of my seat in alarm.
Just think that Yone is here, holding your hand and guiding you to meditation. Sorry for scaring you, but you always seemed to sink into a relaxed state easier when Yone was nearby, even if you were better trained by Shen and Kusho. Starshadow offers.
Thanks Starshadow. I murmur in my mind and go back into deep breathing. The warmth on a hand presses firmly against me. I pretend it's Yone holding it. I can hear his voice guiding me into taking calm breaths. I think Starshadow does his best to mimic the feeling of someone rubbing my hand softly. It feels like when Yone would brush against my hand. And it calms me down immensely. Enough to go into a deeper state, though I don't try to enter my magic core. I simply take this time to calm down and center myself. With each thought I think of, I simply allow it to pass by. If I can free Sylas, I'll have to wait until the end of the trial to see. That's how I'll help him right now. I don't know if I can change anything or help everyone here, but all I can do is my best. That's all I can ever do.
I let my eyes flutter open. Looking out the window, there's a massive mob as our ride slowly makes their way to our destination. A few people glance inside. Their eyes widen in shock before they start beating against the door. Tianna's glare is enough to keep most people from invading the carriage, thankfully, but I do not enjoy the glares I'm receiving. Still, having done some deep breathing, I'm not as antsy as I would have been.
Feel better? Starshadow asks softly.
Much.
"LET THE CROWNGUARDS PASS!" Someone yells out loudly. The carriage moves a little bit quicker. The mob seems to suddenly stop as a wall appears. We pass into a blissfully clear area, though there are a few men in mageseeker uniforms that watch us pass. They take notice of me, but don't do anything. My hand reaches for my hair, though it's quickly swatted away.
Don't you dare ruin that braid. You are going to look your best and you are going to remain as calm as possible. I'm going to be around your neck and telling you when you need to calm down.
Fine.
Thank you. Starshadow quickly slithers into hiding on my neck. His tail gently caresses me before he completely disappears into my scarf. I take a deep breath, letting it out in time for the door to open. The man in front immediately notices me and stiffens, though he doesn't cry out mage. Instead, he stiffens, casually reaching for his sword as he backs away. Tianna gestures at me, warning me to wait. She elegantly steps outside. I start to follow when there's a soft clanking. Many Mageseekers glare at me with hands on hilts as I carefully walk down the steps. I… trip over my feet at the last step. Tianna catches and straightens me, but leaves her hands on my shoulders.
"This is Lady Leilah Starshadow. She is the witness to the boy's trial." Tianna announces. I do my best to resist waving a hand and try standing tall.
"She's a mage, Lady Crownguard!" One of the men yells loudly. I jump as he called from behind me.
"She's a champion of Mount Targon!" Tianna states firmly. There's a collective gasp from the announcement. The older men relax, letting go of their weapons completely before giving a soft bow. The younger are less inclined to follow, but they do so after a little bit of time. "What did the report from Bridget's examination reveal?"
"Lady Tianna." A doctor steps up and bows his head. "The only magic the servant girl Bridget was exposed to was healing magic, and that was over a week ago. Can you explain that?"
"The servant girl was suffering an injury to her hand. This champion took it upon herself, even in a bad state, to heal her. Would that explain the healing magic?"
"Certainly, Lady Tianna. Lady Starshadow." The doctor bows his head. Tianna relaxes immensely after the exchange. This time when she looks at me, I feel more like a friend than an acquaintance, so I gather up my courage to do what I want to do.
"If I may ask, where's Sylas?" I ask quietly. The eldest and most decorated mageseeker steps forward. He's missing a leg and has an eye patch, but each stride he makes is strong. I unconsciously take a step back as he is very, very tall compared to me. He must be at least seven feet tall, compared to my measly five foot few inches. Tianna merely stares at him. He doesn't even look perturbed, though he goes down to one knee. I resist the urge to glare at him for having to lower himself like an adult to a child, though I feel a little better when he's looking directly in my eyes instead of looking down.
"The king stated that you were allowed to see the boy. He came in thoroughly subdued. He's in our medical ward to recover from his attempts to escape-"
"What…" I struggle to keep myself from snarling at hearing that he's being treated. The mageseekers that caught him before… What did they do to him? Starshadow's tail taps against my neck and I take a deep breath, struggling to keep myself calm.
"He came in suffering from internal bleeding and broken ribs. The mageseekers that brought him here claimed that he fought him tooth and nail for the longest time and that was the only way to subdue him-" The leader sounds a little confused at my change from shy to furious. Tianna, too, reacts uneasily.
"I would love to know exactly how a bound and beaten mage would have been able to fight off six men, especially since he is only a boy. No, your mageseekers are allowing their grievances against mages to control their actions. They dislocated my arm and dragged me on the ground unconscious for a time. We were treated like animals. If I didn't escape, I have no doubt I would have come in looking like Sylas. I imagine his injuries were… extensive?" My voice takes a dark tone to it. The general nods slowly. "Take me to him, now." I raise my chin up and stare right back. He nods and gets back on his feet.
"Follow me." The man orders. I follow right on his heels. Tianna stays with me. A quick glance around the place shows the mageseekers that brought Sylas in are paling rapidly before they take our spears.
"Lady Tianna! General! You are holding the escaped mage! Please, allow us to take her in! We can see just how the boy helped her escape our grasp." The leader from our day long capture speaks up. His men surround us. Most of them look at me hungrily. Starshadow's tail taps against my back, not at all happy with how they are behaving. Tianna's eyes flash in fury.
"She is Lady Leilah Starshadow. A champion from Mount Targon. You will show the respect she deserves, instead of torturing her for trying to inform you of your grievances." Tianna barks. The men pale at hearing that.
"S-s-she was t-t-telling the truth?" The leader stammers. I raise my head as strongly as I can and look down at them. The leader squeaks and drops to one knee. His lackeys follow suit. "Forgive us, we thought she was lying and we punished her for her discretions-"
"You… attacked her? When she made a claim to a feat very few have accomplished?" General snarls. All the men who held me captive try to scramble away. The man who was in charge just quakes in his place. "If that's the case, I must review exactly why you thought it was necessary to break bones to ensure a boy no older than fifteen would not fight back."
The little man squeaks. I can smell and see him urinate. Tianna scoffs. The general glances back at us and gives a soft nod. He doesn't even bother talking to the disgraced man. Quite frankly, neither do I. I don't need to say anything to him. Instead, I turn my head away and continue to walk forward.
Impressive. I would have thought you would have reamed him. Starshadow comments calmly with a gentle loving nudge against my neck.
Sylas needs my help. Besides, you told me that I needed to stay calm. I don't need to spend energy on that idiot. I keep my head up as the general opens a door. With only a glance, I can't stop myself from racing inside.
Sylas is barely breathing. His eyelids are completely black, with a split lip and a red stain on his bandaged forehead. His neck is dark red with bruises. This shoulder looks like it's dislocated and his wrists are completely inflamed under the cuffs he's in. His chest is wrapped tightly in white bandages, but it's clear he's not healing. His breathing is short in painful gasps. I yank off the few sheets on his body. Tears fall down my cheeks as I take in his swollen and partially broken ankles. I don't know how he managed to keep walking, but I know that they would have made him. Immediately, I call my magic forward and let it spread on Sylas' body. I rest my hands on his chest first as that seems to be the most dire.
"...consider all those that were involved with your tortures fired." The general murmurs next to me. My tears continue to fall as my magic heals and repairs Sylas. The worst of his injuries are treated first. Within seconds his struggle to breath is reversed. He's able to take deep breaths. I can feel his ribs move back into place under my fingers. Any internal bleeding that he's still suffering from is immediately healed. His entire posture somehow manages to relax. I head down his legs next as I'm avoiding the petricite for the moment and his legs seem to be in worse shape. His swollen and misshapen legs snap back to healthy and slim again. His face twitches in his sleep. I understand what he feels, the discomfort of injuries returning to how they once were is definitely an… interesting experience. It's uncomfortable until your body recognizes that it's back to normal.
"Is this how you let your men behave? No wonder why the mage population is afraid of us. This is… intolerable." Tianna backs me up. Once Sylas' legs are healed, I reach up to his face. The black eye returns to pale skin. The blood dissolves as I heal his head injury and I fix his split lip. By now I'm panting and drenched in sweat. If there wasn't any Petricite nearby, my magic would have already finished its job, but since there is, I'm slowed down.
I carefully copy the feel of Petricite. It recognizes itself and lets my disguised healing pass. A quick look over my shoulder tells me that Tianna and the general are too engrossed with their discussion, so I heal his wrists, taking away the puffiness and discomfort. With that last bit of his body healed, I let go. That, apparently, isn't a good idea as I drop to the ground. My hands catch the brunt of my weight, making a slight creak and a sharp sensation of pain before it's washed away.
"Lady Starshadow!" The general cries out. A pair of hands wrap themselves around my waist and hauls me up. I shriek a little bit at the treatment and struggle a little bit.
"Don't touch me!" I scream at Goliath. I shake my head. Starshadow's head brushes against my neck... No, That's not right…
Flashback, Leilah. Sylas is here. He's alive. You've healed the worst of his injuries. You're in Demacia. Goliath is not holding you. Starshadow murmurs in my head. He presses against my ear to remind me that I'm safe. You're in Demacia. I'm here, not like last time. It takes a really long moment, but eventually I'm able to recenter myself. I want to groan in frustration. I really thought I was done with that stuff. You're a strong girl, Leilah, but these… they may never go away. We're under a little more stress and more familiar scenarios than in the Freljord, so it makes sense you are struggling here.
"I apologize, Lady Starshadow. I was only trying to help." The general quickly apologizes. I rub my eyes and blink them back into focus.
"It's not your fault. I'm sorry. It's been a while since I've had a flashback. I'm not sure why I'm getting them so often now, but I am." I try to comfort the man. Starshadow's idea has merit, but I need to focus on helping Sylas.
"Be that as it may, you've lost control of your men. No one should ever be treated like this." Tianna snorts. The general practically prostrates himself before her, bowing his head.
"You are right, Lady Crownguard. They will be dismissed from the Corps, you have my word." He promises vehemently. I don't pay much more attention as there's a soft groan coming from the bed. Sylas' eyelids struggle to open, but he manages it in the end, even if he looks tired. I wave my hand, keeping out the noise that Tianna and the man in charge are making. He lets out a strangled noise when he recognises me and tries to sit up. He's not strong enough, even if I did fully heal him. His mind still believes that he's injured.
"Lei-" He coughs harshly. I quickly turn and grab some water before offering it to him. He carefully drinks my offer, trying his best not to choke while getting it all down. With each gulp, I feel my fury rising. How anyone could have done this to a child, one that is scared and alone, is beyond me. He finishes the glass quickly before shyly asking for more. I let him hear the bickering behind me. His eyes widen when he realizes that we aren't alone. Apparently his determination is stronger than his mind as he easily stands up and places himself between them and I. Tianna and the General notice quickly and get ready for a fight.
"Wait!" I cry out. No one moves. Instead, all eyes turn on me. I cautiously move between Sylas and the ones he perceives as threats.
What are you doing? Starshadow mutters in my head.
I'm the only one everyone has a decent reputation with.
You're also unnecessarily putting yourself in jeopardy!
If it'll stop everyone from lashing out, I'm taking the chance. I face down Tianna and the general.
"Lady Starshadow, please step aside. That boy is a dangerous criminal and needs to stand trial." The general attempts to remain calm.
"I was there, general. He did nothing that merits the level of caution you are displaying." I state calmly. Sylas gingerly reaches out and holds onto my dress. Tianna and the general tighten their grip on their weapons. I simply just rest a hand on the boy's shoulder. He glances at me warily. "It's ok. You're in a medical ward. You aren't going to be hurt here."
Sylas blinks at me before nodding and relaxing. Tianna and the general relax as well. The man in charge darts out for a moment before bringing a doctor. Sylas looks very uncomfortable at the new people, shifting a little bit and tries to pull me behind him. I gently persuade him to relax, getting him to sit on the bed and letting the man examine him, though he watches the man very carefully the entire time. Only my hand in his keeps him from lashing out. I don't fault him for being so anxious. He's been hunted for being who he is for months. The only person here who could understand is me.
"Amazing. There's no sign of any injuries. I thought for sure he was going to go." The man mumbles under his breath. He eyes me closely. Almost… too closely, like I'm a specimen. It doesn't give me good feelings. "How did you do that?"
"You've done your examination. You may leave now." Tianna states firmly. The man narrows his eyes.
"But the magic of a healer mage would be great research." The doctor protests. He starts to reach for me. Sylas leaps off the bed and gets between us. He remains silent, staring harshly at the doctor. "Get out of my way, boy."
"You are out of line, sir. Now, can you please leave?" I speak up. I glance at Tianna and the general. Both nod when they see my silent plea. The general clears his throat, making the doctor cringe in annoyance. He resists leaving for a moment, but the general makes it very clear that the doctor is not welcomed anymore. He grumbles as he leaves. The general follows the doctor out, but Tianna takes a moment to look at us.
"I can give you a few minutes." The Lady Crownguard remarks.
You can't stay long, as it gives you a chance to match up your stories. Starshadow explains in my mind.
"Thank you, Lady Crownguard." I use a little magic to inform her quietly. She nods softly before leaving.
"What's happening? Last thing I remember, I passed out right as we arrived. What happened that night? They woke me up demanding how I helped you escape. I was beaten for it, and had to walk the rest of the way here… Are you going on trial?" Sylas rushes out all his words.
"I'm… actually… that's a bit of a story…" I stammer a little bit. "I, uh… actually met the king of this country and saved him from assassins and might have earned a name as a Lady of Demacia." Sylas blinks at my summary. I decide not to tell Sylas about Petricite as he is probably one of the only people who can access it, being able to see it. I can't have him looking to lash out at everyone at his trial. Starshadow snorts in my neck.
Oh, yes. That's not surprising at all.
You're rubbing off on me too much.
That's not so bad. Maybe you'll finally care about your appearance.
Not a chance.
"But… This country… hates mages?" Sylas looks very confused.
"It's a bit of chance and the king being open minded." I wave my hands a little bit. Sylas looks at me in wonder and amazement.
"How… you… I don't…" Sylas stammers.
"We don't have that much time to explain. Right now, you're going to be on trial for being the murderer of Vannis and Marcino, as well as a farmer and his daughter. You will plead not guilty and you will use Leilah as your witness, got it?" Starshadow rushes out. Sylas snaps out of his shock and looks at me like… like I'm someone special. Kind of how Yone looks at me. A blush warms up my cheeks.
Does Yone have another competitor?
Shut up, Starshadow!
"You did your best to save me once, and now you're going to do it again. I'll follow your request. I know you'll save me." The boy murmurs quietly. My face turns a fiery red.
You know I'm going to be telling Yone about this.
Don't tease him!
He really needs to stop lollygagging and actually accompany you on your adventures. How much training could he possibly need?
I need training!
You train on your adventures in small ways. Mostly why I think he needs to just go. He's never going to actually learn how to protect you until he does so. Aurora and Daamien only understand the amount of effort I put in making sure you don't die. Starshadow huffs. I sigh and return back to our conversation.
"Sylas… I… Sylas, I might not be able to get you free." I tell him honestly. I don't want to make it seem like I can save him definitely. "The king made me a part of Demacia. I can only do so much to help. If I try to do anything that isn't by Demacia rules, I'm afraid of what will happen to other mages."
"That's alright. You've already done more than enough to save me." Sylas murmurs. His head drops slightly. He looks so lost and alone. I pull him into a hug, wanting to comfort him. His body trembles and almost seems to shrink in my arms. Before I know it, he gives me a tight hug of his own. A few tears drop onto my shoulder as he clutches me tightly. I just rub his back and let him cry. He lets out all his fear on me.
Ugh. Really? All on your clothes? I spent so much magic on that to make you look pristine! Now it's gonna rust. Starshadow whines in my head.
"Lady Starshadow?" Tianna interrupts. I gently pry off the taller teen and turn around. Tianna looks a little reluctant to interrupt, but there's more soldiers behind her, wearing the gold of the king's entourage. "I'm afraid your time is over."
"Thank you, Lady Crownguard. I'll be right out." I answer her.
"The king wishes to see you now." Tianna argues. I sigh and push Sylas back onto his bed. His hands reach out to grab mine, though Starshadow is quick to put a stop to it. I can feel the tug of magic holding Sylas back. Still, I keep walking to the door. Tianna follows me out while the guards go in. I glance over my shoulder to see Sylas staring at me desperately as the men close in around him. Tianna blocks my vision and takes me away.
She continues to pull me through weaving hallways until we come back to the square, though it's different. Instead of milling mageseekers, everyone is organized and bowing their heads to the center of the courtyard. Tianna bows her head. I take her cue and bow to the king and his son.
"May the trial of Sylas of Dregbourne commence." The king calls out. I hear a bit of stumbling behind us. I can't help but look behind me. My eyes widen as Sylas stumbles from a harsh push. The kind stands magnanimously above him. Jarvan IV looks curiously at Sylas before scoffing. I can't help but narrow my eyes a little bit at that behaviour.
The other soldiers close ranks around Sylas and the king. Sylas shivers a little bit in fear. I try to get to his side, but Tianna stops me. All I can do is watch helplessly as Sylas peers at the king.
"Sylas of Dregbourne. You stand accused of betraying Demacia, being a mage, and murdering your fellow mageseekers. How do you plead?" The king asks loudly. Sylas trembles when he looks at the king. His eyes flick to me. Something about me makes him make up his mind. He looks directly at the king, not a single muscle moving.
"Guilty."
I am soooo far ahead in this story. Seriously, I think I'm like 20 chapters ahead now, and I've written some damn interesting parts, and I'm an impatient sonnova crazy person. That, and I'm having a bit of a bad start. This always cheers me up and makes me happy, so I hope you guys are happy reading this story. I'll be posting like usual on Thursday, so you don't have to worry about waiting five whole days to get to read this. Until then, I hope you guys are making yourself the most extraordinary of days. Let me know if that ending gets a little old, I can change it up a bit.
