My throat burns as I wake up. Everything burns, actually... Mostly because I can feel the petricite attempting to take my magic for itself. While I was resting, it could. Now that I'm awake... My magic burns in my body. The room around me whines as it's overwhelmed with magic. Eventually, it cracks under the pressure. There's an audible noise nearby, causing me to squeak in a panic at the noise.
Easy, Leilah... Don't break the Palace please. The king is not always going to tolerate your silliness. Starshadow yawns tiredly.
I want it, though. A small whine escapes me. It takes me a moment before I shake my head. I sluggishly get to my feet before going to the noise. My hand is tracing along a crack in the petricite. For a moment, I dig my nails into the wall. My hand is going to pry the wall apart to have a piece... I forgot how possessive I am when I'm near the stupid rock. When I remember, I yank my hand away.
And now we're going to be leaving the palace... No petricite there so you aren't trying to break them or they break you. Are you sure you should be up? My bonded lifts his head up. I force my vision back. It's dimmer than I'm used too, though I suppose that I'll have to remain mostly blind as long as I'm in the Palace...
"I feel fine, Starshadow. Maybe getting away from all the Petricite will help." I reach down next to my bed, where Starshadow and my scarf are intertwined on a nightstand. I have to pick him up in order to wrap my scarf around my neck.
Do you want me to be your sight? Starshadow asks.
No. I'm all set. I promise him as I call my vision. My headache is almost non existent. Resting has really helped me... that, and also using it constantly for three weeks in order to survive has conditioned my head to seeing through my light. I've also been getting better at mastering magic tricks.
Really? What the Isles happened to you down there... Starshadow trails off. My steps slow down as I remember what happened. My hands stop moving as I recall exactly who had to die...
"Mieke had the chance to survive." I whisper. Starshadow, having shuffled a bit to find comfort, stills.
How long?
"I don't know. I couldn't keep track of days... but Mieke gave up a while before I could find you." I rub my temples.
It's not out of pain, but remembering that place. The darkness... the hunger... I swear I can still feel it... As it creeps onto my skin. The sharp bite of the voidling materializes in my mind. I wince at the memory. I reach up to my neck to rub the spot... Only for my hand to touch raised skin... A scar.
In a panic, I grab Starshadow's head. He yelps as I force my vision to look through his. When I pull my hair away, there's puckered skin. It's a deep red as my body attempts to heal it. There's several deep puckered marks in the shape of the voidling's mouth... When my other hand touches a raised spot, I wince. It's painful.
Dad? What's happening? Shouldn't it have healed by now? And what do we do about the void? I panic a little bit.
Give it a week. Our magic is fast, but Void magic counters ours. With Arrie's magic, you should make a full recovery. You're lucky that you have Aspect magic, or those would be permanent scars. And with someone on the inside signaling if things get too much, everything is fine. Dad assures me.
But... should we warn everyone? The void... it's terrifying.
Why? All you would do is cause panic. Unless you know someone that can easily overpower the void... do you really want to disturb their way of life? Dad seems confused.
But.. there's an entire world that would swallow them whole!
That's true. But Runeterra has been fighting the Void for centuries. From my age. If it's still alive, then we're fine. Trust in Humanity. The void will not be able to swallow us whole. They haven't so far.
...Ok, but-
Leilah, the Aspects are watching. Besides, the world is already doing what they can. The Ice Witch defends the lands in the North, the Marai from the seas. Shurima borders Icathia. In fact, Aurelion is forced to defend the world. If anything ever changes, the Aspects themselves will reach out to you. You are my chosen champion, and Zoe is fond of you. Mom reassures me.
...Ok... I relent, continuing my small journey to the door.
...Do you have scars? Starshadow asks in interest, distracting me from my worry.
I did. All the scars are left on the body that died. Dad starts to talk about all the different scars he bore on his body as I open the door. As interesting as it is to listen how Dad got a scar on his thigh from narrowly dodging Aatrox's sword to a certain part of his anatomy, I want to get out of here.
Two men stand outside my room. Both seem to have relaxed for the most part. They are startled into getting up. Both point their weapons at me. I raise my hands as a show that I'm not carrying a weapon.
"...The Seneschal wishes to speak with you." One of the guards growls under his breathe.
I can't help myself as I look at their weapons... They look like they can defend others... Maybe I can gather some for defense... To save anyone who needs it... Starshadow's tail smacks me in the back of my head, reminding me that Petricite's qualities are still pressing against my mind.
"...Could you perhaps escort me outside and we meet there?" I ask politely as I shake my head clear of the effect. There's still a nagging feeling in my head, to grab and store the weapons to prepare for a siege. To protect others. It's more manageable now that I'm aware of it, but I can still feel the urge.
"And let you use your magic against us?" A younger, hot headed guard snaps.
You are speaking to the Royal Mage of Demacia, Lady Leilah Starshadow. She's been placed in a high-ranking guest quarters for a reason. Show your higher ups your respect. Starshadow hisses, uncoiling himself from my neck. My arms instinctively rise up to hold him up as he gains weight. His tail and body wrap several times over my arms. His head and hood are displayed high behind my head, much like how Darha's dragons circle behind her head...
"Stand down, men." A more matured Prince interrupts. The guards immediately do as they are told, bowing to him before returning to their post.
Jarvan IV has definitely matured from when I last saw him. His jawline is more defined, while also being a little taller. His muscles are more developed as well. He still has some growing to do, but he's definitely more of a man than he was before... Especially when he takes one of my hands and brings it up to his lips in a respectful greeting.
"My Lady..." He greets me.
Now THIS is proper treatment. Starshadow preens as he shrinks back down.
He also decides to change my attire. My boots become a more stylized pair, a strap of shimmering black across my foot. My leggings become softer, adding in sparkles to look like stars in the sky. My tunic becomes that long back short front skirt as the bodice is tight around my stomach and chest. The sleeves down to my elbows become very open. light green sparkles dance up from my left hip to my right shoulder. Even my hair is changed, a simple crown braided around my forehead. It's thin, wrapping around my head twice before the leftover locks trail down the back of my hair...
Really, Starshadow? I sigh in my mind as Prince Jarvan guides my hand to his elbow. Since he's going to escort me, I do not need to use my vision. It actually helps my newfound kleptomania. I can't see any weapons we walk... though from the constant inhales, no one was expecting me to be here. Still, with Jarvan guiding me, I don't have many issues.
The only time I have difficulty is stairs... The first stairs we come across, I almost trip. Starshadow hisses in my ear that there's a step a literal second before I take it. Unfortunately, the warning does not come soon enough. I let out a small squeak. My magic conjures a shadow step in desperation. Prince Jarvan stops moving. I'm worried that he spotted my blindness.
"Uncle! Father! I wasn't expecting you to be here!" The Prince seems rather happy. I perk up with interest. The king is here?
"I believe I stated that the mage should have been brought to me when she woke up..." Another man, one that sounds a little cold, along with an odd accent... one that is extremely familiar to me. I have been hearing it for years and even from my lover, after all. I should know it well.
"I am telling you, old friend, Leilah and Starshadow will never mean any harm to another." The king remarks. Jarvan guides me down the stairs in front of the king and his friend... Who is it?
"Perhaps, but I must personally examine the new royal you unexpectedly created. Especially for one so young." The man states. I get the sense that Starshadow is watching the new comer closely, so I look through his eyes.
I almost take a step back. The man wears colors of white with blue accents. They are clean, rich clothes... in a tunic and trousers in an Ionian. Even his face, with his long ponytail tied behind his head with a lock of hair floating in front, is reminiscent of Ionia.
The man seems to notice my sudden surprise. He steps even closer, getting right in my face. For once, my magic is instinctive as I peer through my magic. My head ache is small compared to what I'm used to, though I'm scared of this man... Something about him is... not Ionian or Demacian.
His hand grabs onto my face. Starshadow growls with a loud hiss. He lunges forward, forcing the man to back off. The Ionian jerks away before he clears his throat.
"...You are the Master Healer spoken about from Ionia..." He states, getting back his composure.
"I am..." I trail off... I can't help but back away from him. He's dangerous... His desire to get in someone's face, to determine the strength... it's uncomfortable. It reminds me of Noxian dedication to be powerful. To be the strongest, or at least know how to dominate another.
"Prove it. My king broke his wrist from a spar earlier today. According to stories, healing it will take less than a minute." The man challenges.
"Xin Zhao!" The king protests.
"Father!" The prince is alarmed.
Starshadow and I remain silent as I step past the healthy men. The king sighs and offers his right wrist. There's a slight bump where there shouldn't be, with a lot of swelling. My hands wrap around his injured limb. Despite the Petricite surrounding us, the wrist practically pops into place. There's no more swelling as my hand pull away a few seconds later.
"...that should not be possible..." The stranger remarks.
"This petricite is old. Too much magic is held in here to really stop magic. It's like you're refilling a bucket of water with more water." I explain as I reach a hand behind me to play with my hair. Starshadow immediately tangles himself into my hand, preventing me from messing up my hair.
Touch it... and I will make you wear something more extravagant than what you are already wearing. Starshadow threatens. A snort almost escapes me, but I don't let it. Instead, I just hold Starshadow in my hands. My nervous fingers scratch his chin instead. Oh... oh, yes... I can forgive you for your insolence...
You're a cat. I fight the urge to roll my eyes... but at least I have earned something with Xin Zhao.
Those inelegant things? That spit up fur? Gross! No!
You purr and you consider your shedding to be good...
I choose when to shed, thank you! Only when I'm getting a bath, thank you very much.
"Guards! Summon the architect!" Xin Zhao barks, walking away. The Jarvans and I can only watch him leave.
"...When my seneschal gets the idea that my safety is at risk, he does tend to go overboard." The king seems amused.
"I'm just glad that you managed to get our message." The prince seems relieved.
"I'm honored that you would consider me at your ceremony." I dip my head politely.
"Son, why don't you go oversee your own celebrations. I must have a word with the Lady." The king dismisses his son. The young prince agrees, racing off while meeting with a servant. The lesser ranked person has a piece of paper. The prince looks it over and discusses something with him as they disappear around a corner.
"Your highness?" I ask.
"You're blind, aren't you?" He states bluntly.
Apparently, your ability to act blind sucks. Starshadow grumbles under his breath as I nod sadly.
"I am, your majesty."
"Tell me how. I want to hear what exactly the Noxians are capable of these days." He asks as he walks with me. It's clear that he expects me to walk alongside him. So, I do.
I tell him of my life in Ionia during the war. The tale takes far more than just a small walk to the gardens. In fact, he leads me to a carriage with horses. I pause at the top of the steps, only having finished speaking of the events of Bard Mountain. He doesn't know of Starshadow's past. That is for Starshadow alone to share.
The king insists that I ride with him somewhere. He even requests that I remained blind, a sort of surprise for me. I'm not entirely certain as to why I'm supposed to be blind, but I allow it. In order to distract myself, I keep talking about the Noxian invasion. He snorts when I speak of my small adventure in Piltover. Apparently, Sebestian told him exactly what happened at the time. He's proud of my determination. I'm surprised when he tells me that he actually wrote a letter and sent over Demacian supplies to Ionia. The shipment should be arriving shortly.
"...Why do you spend so much effort trying to appease and support me?" I finally ask him. Starshadow perks up from around my neck, interested in this questions as well.
"It may come to surprise you, but one of protectors, the one that made Demacia a safe haven from mages, came from Mount Targon. That is the reason why we have the Crown of Stone. If our legend, Kayle, could come from such a place, then others that complete the same challenge should be worth our time and respect. Besides, you saved my son and I from assassins. Not once, but twice. There's a mage settlement just outside our borders. They provide some of the best trades, though no one is informed of it. You've shown that mages can be kind and help this fair country protect ourselves. Only you are the only one capable of leading it, so I will do everything in my power to ensure that you will not think too poorly of us." King Jarvan III explains his reasons.
"You... are willing to allow magic into Demacia?" I ask, with hope rising in my chest.
"Piltover is showing great strides in controlling and using magic for themselves. I see no reason why we can not implicate the same... however, the people's beliefs are entrenched with hate. Mages are the enemy for centuries. It will take more than a single day to change the minds of the people. But we can start with change. And that change can start with you, a healer that can not harm another. No one is suitable for this rank." He reaches out to pat my hands.
While my chest bursts with pride and happiness... then the fact that all of Demacia is going to look to me for what potential a mage can be is... overwhelming to say the least. The pride and happiness burst into fear and worry. My chest feels extremely tight with anxiety.
Now that... that is what we are going to be worth! HISTORY WILL REMEMBER MY GLORIOUS SELF! Starshadow crows, opening his hood and making himself as shiny as he can. He even makes his scales sparkle. I only know because I'm looking through his eyes and see him preen over himself. I can't help but shake my head in affection at his antics.
Only you would make this about you...
Um, hello? They address us Lady Starshadow. You're the lady part. It sounds close enough to Leilah that it works. And then there's Starshadow, where no substitute can be made.
They use your name as my last name...
What? I DEMAND A RENAME!
"You seem... stressed. Are you alright, Leilah?" The king asks, interrupting our private conversation.
"...I'm pretty sure anyone would be tense after being in a war for years on end." I sigh as I lean back. Starshadow grumbles as my hair gets pressed, but he says nothing.
"That's true... But I know that you will be able to get through it. You may not believe it, but Demacia has had it's own share of war." He attempts to comfort me.
"Noxus?" I can't stop the question if I wanted to. Despite everything, my tone is calm, as well we my posture.
"They are an expansionist country. Their resources come from oil and ore. Food from there tends to be more focused on nutrition than taste. The people are much the same. They need to expand in order to sustain themselves, but sometimes they push too far. I'm surprised at you, Leilah. That you are able to stay calm at the thought of a country that is capable of such violence." He observes.
"I've met different Noxians. Leaders tend to exhibit a more... demonstrative way of power. And yet, I've met a group of children from Noxus. When they are given the chance to be outside of where they were raised, they were like people from any other country. Respectful, helpful, and kind. They could learn and adapt. Even a captain showed me kindness, giving me company and conversation when I was in isolation. And I've met Ionians that are cruel and violent. Any region is capable of creating any sort of person. Sometimes... Sometimes, it's hard to remember Noxians are people too... but that's what my job is, isn't it? I'm the one that has to inspire people to hope. I have to be impartial." I rub my temples as I try to voice what I'm saying.
Oh, you're never going to be impartial. That's not what you stand for. Dad interrupts my rambles a little bit.
You're meant to do what you think is right. To follow your heart. That's what you represent. The strength and hope for the future. Mom chimes in.
"It sounds like quite the burden, one that not even our protector Kayle could bear. I think... it's more accurate that you show a future where everyone can accept each other. To be content with each other. Of course, that will never happen, but as long as one person stands for it, then there's a chance to show acceptance. You don't even have to try to be that. That's just who you are." The king agrees with my parents. His hands are gentle as he grabs mine and rubs the back of them.
I can't help but smile softly at their kindness. Somehow, they makes my worries seem like nothing but a worry. I don't mind. It's nice to have reassurance at times.
I open my mouth to speak when the carriage stops. I fall forward slightly, not expecting the stop. The King... Jarvan III holds me to my seat. The door creaks open. The king gently pulls me with him, guiding me down the carriage's steps. When my feet touch the ground, he places my hand in his elbow.
Oh... Oh, not here. No, no, no. Ugh. Stupid boy. I'm going to kick his ass if he tries anything! Starshadow hisses. That tempts me into looking through my magic.
We're outside the prison for mages. Where Sylas is being kept... And, to my eternal surprise... Sylas himself is being brought out from inside the prison. Sure, he has shackles around his wrists and he's being treated like a threat... but he's here. And he's most certainly grown. Stubble is appearing on his face, with his hair looking long and greasy... He doesn't appear to be completely taken care of, skin and bones and pale... but he's alive.
"Sylas!" I can't stop my happy cry. The King lets me go as I run to him. Starshadow, in a huff, slips onto the king. Jarvan III is surprised at the sudden appearance, though it seems that Starshadow is talking with him about something important. It distracts the king enough that he doesn't pay attention.
"...My lady?" He gasps a little bit. His guards attempt to step between us. My hands darken for a second, forcing the two out of my way. Sylas barely has enough time to put his hands behind his back and protect me from his shackles... Though he really doesn't need to worry. The petricite shackles let out a small whine the closer my body gets to it. I have to let go of him quickly before they shatter... My magic has definitely grown from the first time I met the stone.
"It's just Leilah. It's always just Leilah." I correct him gently.
"...You still haven't aged... Like a goddess..." Sylas practically chants breathlessly.
You tell him that Yone is in the picture! Starshadow growls lowly in my mind.
"Thank you for the compliment, Sylas, but I-" I begin to gently let him down when Sylas cuts me off.
"I am not worthy of your presence... not yet. Please, let me work on myself so that I may be worthy of breathing the same air as you." Sylas drops onto one knee.
At least he recognizes that he doesn't have a chance with you...
"How have you been since I last saw you?" I change the topic so that I don't hear Starshadow's grumbling about my love life.
"...I am glad that you are protected by the crown, my lady." Sylas informs me cryptically. I frown a bit as the guards start to really tense. Something's not right.
"It's Leilah, and what's the matter?" I try to ask when the king stalks forward. There's a bitterness in his gaze that makes me very, very wary.
"I am sorry, Leilah, but as Sylas is considered to be a dangerous prisoner. I could give you this short time to see him... Head Adept Eldred Crownguard is the leader of the mageseekers. Since Sylas is considered to be a traitor, Eldrid has explicitly stated that he only be given a few privileges. Seeing you took a direct order from me... and I can only allow this short time." Jarvan apologizes.
"But you're the-" I start to protest.
"I am the king, Lady Starshadow, but I am not above the law. Head Adept Crownguard is. And he will be at the Prince's ceremony. You can take it up with him then... though I do ask that you don't make a huge scene of it. The purpose of this ceremony is to celebrate my son's accomplishments, not start another fight." The king gently pulls me away.
Starshadow lets me looks through his eyes. Sylas doesn't even try to fight as he is pulled back to his feet and dragged back into the prison. The doors close menacingly behind him.
It seems that I will have to have a discussion with Head Adept Eldred Crownguard.
Sorry if this one is a little choppy... The anxiety of Kin is getting to me. Though, I wanted to mention Sylas again... And I have my own theory as to what is happening in the mageseeker corps. Last time Leilah was there, there was progress. And now... Now the fun begins. At least, for once, Leilah's not in danger. And here's a valid reason why she doesn't cry out that the void is coming. It was always here, and it was not going to make hell for anyone. And hey, next chapter's going to be a coronation. Shouldn't be too much trouble, am I right? XD
Champ of the chapter is Viktor, the machine herald! Now, I'm gonna go off of the arcane version because HOLY COW, I LOVE THAT MAN ALMOST AS MUCH AS I LOVE YONE! May you have continue to fight to be better like the man from the undercity, and I hope you guys realize just how extraordinary you are.