Authors Note: Oh my god I feel so slow with this update... SORRY! Feral Flare Irelia jungle has been consuming my soul... (that and tumblr...)
Anyways thanks to everyone giving this story a shot. My whole intention was to put Riven in a new light and I'm pleased to see in the Reviews that people are picking up on this. I'm also not trying to rush I'm really not. x.x
Reviews both kind and critical are always welcome!
Chapter 5: Confrontation
The halls of the Ionian occupied wing of the institute were nothing short of breathtaking. The decor mirrored that of classic Ionian art and architecture. Etched dragons laced with gold coiled around the jade pillars of the hallway. A large banner baring the Twin Dragons crest of Ionia hung proud in the center of the hall. There was a method to the institute's madness when it came to investing in its living quarters. A comfortable champion was a powerful champion so making them feel at home was essential.
The infirmary for the institute was located within a wing next to the Ionian living quarters. Despite the Ionian occupants being in charge of the infirmary, the institute found it in the best interest of the champions and summoners to separate it from the Ionian wing.
"I feel like I'm in Ionia itself whenever I come to visit you here," Lux smiled as she took in the setting.
Irelia continued to half drag the blonde down the hallway. "A clone could never replace the original," Irelia replied and tugged Lux along a bit faster. "What did you find out?"
"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder…" Lux spoke in a serious tone.
The once impatient and rushed Ionian stopped after Lux answered her question. Lux speaking in such a tone was almost alien due to her, sometimes overwhelming, positivity and outgoing nature. This put Irelia on edge. "What do you mean Disorder?"
The Demacian quietly opened the book Diana had kindly let her borrow earlier that day and flipped to the page she had marked. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a developed mental disease caused by an extremely traumatic or multiple traumatic events. This disease can affect anyone but is predominantly present in soldiers and war veterans," the light mage read directly from the old tome. Lux looked up at Irelia from the book. "Remember when you told me about your guardsmen who were terrorized after cleaning up? Tell me how they acted when they got back."
Irelia frowned slightly. She didn't feel comfortable disclosing information others liked to keep behind closed doors. "I'd rather not discuss the private matters of others, Lux. No disrespect intended; I know your intensions are good," Irelia replied calmly.
"Fine, then make a mental comparison. Common symptoms of PTSD include, but aren't limited to, intrusive realistic flashbacks, nightmares, restlessness, distress, hypervigilance, irritability and outbursts of anger. There are also other symptoms like self-blame and guilt. Take the stress that your guards suffered from and multiply it tenfold and that's what Riven suffers from." The blonde shook her head. "The only reason I believe Riven's case is so bad is because if someone suffers from trauma and combat stress that's left untreated it only gets worse for the person to handle. Riven's 'self-imposed' exile and separation from people may have done more harm than good."
The onyx haired champion closed her eyes and frowned. The things Lux described from the book did match some of her guard's behaviors over the years. This only troubled her further.
Lux lightly pounded her fist onto the open book she held with a look of determination taking over her features. "We must intervene, Ire. We cannot allow Riven to push us away any longer. She is not allowed to fight this battle alone anymore!" The blonde puffed out her chest trying to look tough as she spoke. "I will hold her down until she talks! Well…until she picks me up and puts me aside of coarse…" Lux sighed knowing she could never over power Riven.
Irelia couldn't help but chuckle trying to imagine the little light mage attempting to hold Riven down. The Noxian warrior could easily take Lux out unless the Demacian used her magic. "I believe in you, Lux," Irelia laughed.
"Ha!" Lux closed the book and posed heroically with her hands on her hips. "Let Operation: Confrontation commence! I'll show YOU conviction, poster-child!" Lux announced as she proudly marched down the hallway towards the infirmary.
Irelia shook her head slightly with a smile on her face as she followed the Demacian down the hall. You're such a dork Luxanna but this is why we are friends.
"Let me leave! I'm fine," the irritated Noxian exclaimed. "You can't keep me here against my will!"
"Oh, yes I can, and I will until you calm yourself down Riven," the starchild firmly replied. "I suggest you make yourself comfortable until you've been debriefed as to what happened in that match today."
"This is bullshit…" the platinum haired woman mumbled under her breath and crossed her arms.
"What was that?"
"Nothing…"
"That's what I thought," Soraka replied while she flipped through Riven's health records they kept since she was inducted into the league. Every champion had one. If they so much as suffered a scratch within a league match that didn't heal after the match ended it was recorded. It was a way to make sure that the resurrection magic was still functioning properly. Of course, with all spells come side-effects like fatigue and sometimes sore bodies, but nothing too intense or serious. "So, let's start from the beginning," Soraka sat down in a chair next to the bed where the exile sat. "Who was your summoner?"
The Noxian grumbled slightly, "Can't you just stab me with some medication or something to make the pain manageable so I can go? Please?" There weren't very many things that Riven disliked more than talking about her problems with others. It was just a burden on someone else.
"This isn't the military, Riven. We don't just stab a wounded solider with pain killers and throw them back out onto the frontline," Soraka frowned as she looked up at the ex-solider from the record.
"This problem is my own."
"Who was your summoner?"
"By the gods you Ionians are so damn persistent! Did anyone ever teach you to leave a person be if they don't want to talk?" Riven was growing annoyed and angry. She was tired of all the help that people were practically forcing upon her. Riven ran her hand through her hair to alleviate some built up frustration. "I don't need my hand held; I've been this way for a long time and I'm fine."
The starchild's eyes narrowed as she stared down the exile. Before Soraka could reply there was a knock at the door. The celestial being quietly set Riven's file down and got up to answer the door. Soraka opened the door to find both Lux and Irelia outside. The starchild stepped aside allowing the other champions access to the room.
The Noxian let out an over-exaggerated groan and threw herself back on the bed realizing who was visiting. "OY VEY IST MIR!" The solider turned her back to the visitors and let out a large sigh.
The starchild crossed her arms and shook her head slightly, "Oh woe is you indeed, Riven. You have visitors."
Lux laughed which caused Riven to twitch. That…laugh….ugh, the Noxian shuddered as the room became way more crowded then she would ever feel comfortable in. "Why are you two here?" she grumbled.
"Anger; the forefront of coping mechanisms for PTSD. It is nothing more than a defense for the illness to hide behind, that isn't going to work anymore Riven," the blonde stated.
"PTS-what?" the Noxian sat up and turned to look at the many pairs of eyes that were looking at her. This made her feel far beyond uncomfortable. Riven diverted her eyes away from the, to her what seemed like, crowd of people.
"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," the Ionian healer replied.
Lux half gasped when Soraka answered for her, "You know of it Ms. Soraka?" The blonde turned her attention to the other-worldly looking Ionian. There was a sparkle in the blue irises as she waited eagerly for the healer to reply.
"Yes, I know of it. Plenty of Ionian citizens and soldiers suffer from the condition back in Ionia after the Noxian invasion. However, I can't help but ask why you bring up such a condition now Lady Crownguard," Soraka said as she looked at the blonde Demacian.
"Yes, please do share Luxanna."
Everyone turned their attention to the new voice of the conversation. High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye stood in the doorway along with the summoner that was responsible for Riven in the match that took place earlier that day.
"High Councilor Kolminye, for what do we owe the pleasure of your presence here?" Irelia asked a little surprised to see one of the institute's leaders at the infirmary of all places.
"Well, when a league sanctioned match is almost forcibly brought to an end because a champion's wellbeing has been put in danger due to summoning issues it only seems right to become involved in such conflict, wouldn't you agree Will of the Blades?" Kolminye was straight forward and clearly was taking this situation regarding the connection issues between champion and summoner seriously. "Soraka, have you been able to figure out why this might have occurred?"
Before Soraka could speak Lux put up her hand. "All respect intended High Councilor, I don't think Soraka has spent enough time around Riven to understand why this may have happened," the Demacian explained. "I know I am no health professional and Soraka is way more qualified to speak about Riven's health over me but as I stated before I don't believe Soraka has been around Riven as much as Irelia and I have in the recent months."
Kolminye nodded slightly, acknowledging Lux's statement and gestured her to continue. "I am listening Luxanna, do explain your thoughts to us."
The light mage nodded slightly and took a deep breath as she mentally prepared her explanation for everyone to hear. "Riven was a Noxian field Commander, we all know this, but what people don't understand is the mental anguish that war can leave behind in a person's mind. Based on Irelia's direct experience with Riven's behavior and her testimony and maybe the experience Layne had today, we can come to conclusion that Riven has a mental illness that develops in returning soldiers. This could be what is effecting Riven's mental connection with a summoner."
"This is absurd. If I had a real serious problem the League would have seen it when I was inducted," Riven grumbled. "We've all faced judgment, and we all know the Institute turns away those they find un-fit to function as a champion within the League."
The room grew quiet as all the present champions and summoners thought over Riven's response to Lux's thoughts and theory. The silence was broken by the High Councilor. "This is true. If Riven was, indeed, deemed un-fit to serve as a champion of the League, she would have been turned away upon judgment day. This is also the first problem to arise between Riven and her summoner when it comes to the mental connection both summoner and champion share," Kolminye stated. Most of the present champions and summoner nodded their heads in agreement with the Noxian and the High Councilor. "There isn't enough evidence here to prove that Riven suffers a true problem."
The blonde Demacian shook her head. "You're all overlooking a problem that hides in plain sight. We can talk about judgment as the supreme determining factor of finding the fit from the frail when it comes to becoming a champion, but we all seem to forget what the judgment really does. Depending on what event the Institute chose to judge Riven upon could have been a big red-flag that was over looked by everyone because it seemed traumatic enough that it would shake the mental core of the champion therefore 'judging' the mental compatibility of the bond required between champion and summoner. If the League chose a traumatic event and forced Riven to 're-live' the event through judgment then really Riven's mind was already doing that on its own therefore the judged was numb to the actual judgment because the mind was already used to experiencing that particular event over and over again on its own terms. That's what PTSD does! It invades the mind with traumatic triggers that force the person to re-live their trauma and causes them to physically react because it feels so real!"
Silence returned to the room. Every defense that Riven could possibly think of was being picked apart by Lux. The Noxian warrior was starting to feel on edge. She did not like how this was playing out. If she was deemed mentally un-fit to serve as a champion the Institute wouldn't hesitate to discharge her from service. The Institute was her home now. If she was discharged she'd be back out wandering Valoran once more seeking atonement which she felt could be found at the League. Riven closed her eyes and sighed resting her face in her hands.
"So, what you mean to tell me Ms. Crownguard is we might have a champion that hid a mental condition from the Institute that is now possibly affecting the bridge between champion and summoner required to serve within a League match? You do understand that this is a serious matter that can lead to discharging Riven from the League of Legends. We are a political entity charged with keeping peace between city-states and protecting all of Valoran from falling apart at its core. We are not a charity. Discharging one champion from the Institute to uphold the values and purpose this establishment was created to enforce and protect will be done without hesitation. Do I make myself clear?" High Councilor Kolminye was not pleased with the outcome of her visit to the infirmary. Everyone could hear it in her tone. Deception was an unacceptable behavior when it came to the mutual respect that all champions were to share with the Institute of War.
"There is a way to solve this conflict without anyone losing their status as a champion or affecting the values of the League," Soraka spoke after she noticed how stressed out the Noxian looked. If they continued to stress the exile, her symptoms would surly show their colors and Soraka realized this.
Kolminye directed her attention to the much respected Ionian healer and un-crossed her arms.
Riven looked up from her hands when Soraka responded to Kolminye's little speech. She felt slightly guilty with the way she had talked to the starchild before the crowd showed up. The snowy-haired Noxian thought for sure Soraka wouldn't want to help her after she had been rude to the healer.
"Please, explain your proposal to bring this conflict to rest, Soraka. I, for one, respect your words," the High Councilor said as she waited for the Ionian to reply.
"I've personally worked with plenty of Ionian citizens and warriors that suffer from PTSD because of the Noxian invasion. We are a Nation that seeks enlightenment and inner peace with one's self which also can help the infected function and live with their trauma induced stress. Truth be told because of how common traumatic stress is within our own population we have developed methods for those who suffer from the mental anguish of trauma to cope with their symptoms and learn how to become mentally stronger and functional within society once more. I suggest we send Riven to Ionia and have her educated in how to properly handle her damaged mental state." Soraka smiled slightly as the High Councilor seemed to accept the proposed offer.
Riven was almost shaking with anticipation while waiting for the High Councilor's response. As much as she didn't want to return to Ionia if it meant saving her status as a champion and potentially her home she was willing to set aside her stubbornness for the time being. She would be a fool to refuse the chance to save herself from herself. Her eyes shifted to Irelia who stood next to Lux. The captain of the guard looked worried about the potential outcome of Kolminye's decision. The Noxian's snowy eye brows pulled together while she watched the dark-haired Ionian warrior. Why do you of all people look just a worried as I feel? This doesn't directly affect you at all… Riven's thoughts were interrupted when she finally heard the High Councilor speak.
"You've convinced me to overlook what has happened here, Soraka. If you believe that Riven can be helped and taught how to control and cope with her mental problem then I leave her in the capable hands of the Ionian's for now. The Exile is here by suspended from service to the League of Legends for three weeks on medical leave. However, if this problem persists after returning to service the Institute will not hesitate to discharge Riven the Exile from service to the League permanently and reprimand all repeals regarding the discharge." The High Counselor's full attention turned to Riven. "I highly suggest you take this opportunity seriously Riven, your future as a champion hangs in the balance. Do you understand my command?"
The Noxian champion nodded respectfully, "Yes, High Councilor Kolminye, I understand the terms of your command."
Kolminye smiled, "Good, I suggest you prepare yourself Riven. Your suspension is effective tomorrow." The High Councilor turned to leave the room with Layne following suit.
A great weight seemed to lift from the air within the room as the High Councilor left. Riven sighed in relief as she lay back down onto the bed. Gods be praised…
Both Lux and Irelia were glad that potential confrontation didn't go horribly wrong. The presence of Kolminye was certainly unexpected by everyone.
"Alright, now that we have established the terms of the High Councilor's orders, I will be laying down some base rules myself as well," Soraka said while she wrote notes inside Riven's medical file. "First things first, you are not permitted to take your rune sword with you to Ionia."
"Like hell I won't," Riven replied in a stern tone. "It's coming with me."
"Riven…this is the only chance you have to prove you're alright. Please just accept Soraka's terms," Irelia frowned.
The Exile grumbled as the Ionian healer continued to explain why she wasn't allowed to have her blade.
"This is also a reversal of the PTSD symptom of attachment and detachment. You're attached to your broken blade Riven. You over rely on it to function as a person. It is also a direct link to your war trauma. By detaching you from the blade, it should help your symptoms. We are also reversing your detachment from people. This will help you learn to cope with your hypervigilance as you come to realize that no one is out to get you." Soraka smiled. "You will also dress like a neutral standard citizen of Valoran. Nothing you ware will attach you to your Noxian heritage."
Lux beamed in excitement when Soraka mentioned the change required for Riven's wardrobe. "SHOPPING!" she squealed with glee.
The exile smacked a pillow down over her own face to express her dismay. Shopping with Lux sounded nothing short of awful. "Kill me now," her words were muffled from the pillow.
"Hey!" Lux whined.
Irelia laughed thinking about the Demacian dragging Riven around the various clothing stores located in town just outside the Institute. Her attention turned to Soraka when she was addressed.
"I will speak with the High Councilor about putting you on leave as well Irelia. We need to keep in mind that Riven is no stranger to the Ionian people. I believe it is in our best interest to have you accompany Riven during this trip. It will help ease the minds of our own citizens knowing that the Captain of the Guard is responsible for our Noxian guest," Soraka said while she put Riven's file away. "The Festival of Fire will be taking place within the third week of Riven's suspension. This will be a good way to test the progression of her ability to cope in a crowded and potentially stressful atmosphere."
"I cannot deny the idea of being able to go home," Irelia smiled as her attention turned to the giggling Demacian who sat on the edge of the exile's bed.
"We are going to have so much fun tomorrow!" Lux squeaked as she poked at the squirming Noxian holding the pillow over her head.
Both Ionian champions chuckled as they watched the light mage playfully torture Riven.