LRP: The Sorrowful Battlefield

Part 1, The Fall of Reykavi: http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/fancreations/GWE73nMf-lrp-the-fall-of-reykavi

The Sorrowful Battlefield

Sorrowful Battlefield

Elysia awoke to find arms around her. The angel pulled away, rising from the bed. Her emerald hair was a bit tangled with some golden locks, so she brushed her hair free carefully, lest she yanked her bedmate awake. The sun was far from rising, but the brief tryst had driven her forward. It also had given her conflict. Her heart was in turmoil, unsure of whether or not the path she had chosen would be the correct one. She would find out soon enough. The angel looked at the sleeping woman she had left behind, and gave a parting kiss to the forehead before leaving. Elysia cleaned herself up and donned her armor, before she slowly made her way to the highest balcony. Icarios was sprawled before her, a city of hope. Many came here to find a new life, a new path they could follow. While it's architecture was not as sweeping nor as flowing as Reykavi's, Icarios had a skyline would still would admire. The rising spires reminiced of castle and kings, the walls only missing moats and drawbridges. Elysia had grown up in Icarios, and herself had joined Kayle's army of Lightsworn. But even she was growing disillusioned with the concept of justice; the General himself spoke of it strongly - he spoke of Justice, but Elysia felt it was not in fact justice at all. Her loyalty to Kayle kept her placated, and willing to fight. Change could come from within, but not while a war was raging. Morgana preached about the tyranny of Kayle, but not once had Elysia seen Kayle give judgement wrongly; she believed in justice, but even so, justice was to be tempered and weighed, applied like a rapier - elegantly, with finesse and precision. It was not a blunt tool as a warhammer, smashing down upon all. But not all viewed as such. And while Kayle herself used Justice like a rapier, patiently and with much precision and thought, the likes of the General were blunt hammers, smashing down with impunity. "Elysia!" The angel's reverie broken, she turned to face a few boys - all of which were her escorts to Arrenhold. "Drayel. Ymir. Herren." They each saluted in turn, helmets gleaming in the glow of the lights. The sun would rise soon, and as it reflected, they truly would look magnificent. "We are here to escort you to Arrenhold ma'am. Kayle's orders." "Kayle has awoken?" She frowned. "No ma'am, uh...she passed it on yesterday, about an escort." Ymir pipped up. "Before you accosted her, it was said." Blast. Elysia scowled. "Get in the air before I cut you all down for spying on her." The boys laughed and took off, followed soon by Elysia. She held no ill will to these boys, that was for sure. What she did was her own secrets, and from how she held her sword in attack position, the boys figured out that they probably should not say a single word. And so they flew in silence, the ever present threat of Elysia's blade, and her rapier tongue, held behind them.

Arrenhold was pure military. Huge walls surrounded the fortress, with towers and patrols at all hours. The sun was just halfway over the horizon as the group approached unapposed, their armor signifying their allegiance. The patrols parted to let them through, heading to the central spire. For Arrenhold, though, the spire was far more. Not as tall as Icarios' own, it had multiple buildings attached to it, a fortress all it's own. At the top was Kayle's chambers, and there...wait. Elysia squinted, frowning. A shadow was in the uppermost part of the tower...Kayle's rooms. So she broke off without pause, and landed on the balcony. Wings folded in to keep her mobile inside, her blade came alive with golden fire...and she stopped. There, polishing a set of silver armor, was Kayle. Her own armor waiting in the corner, the Judicator looked up. "You fly slow." "I had to fly with a bunch of kids." Kayle smiled. And the moment that happened, Elysia felt as if the world was about to end. One breath. Two breath. Three breath. Still alive. World hadn't ended. Kayle...smiled?" "Elysia. This armor was made by a race of craftsmen long extinct. They made my armor, but they also made this armor as well. It has sat here for centuries, armor meant to be worn but laying unused. And so I give it to you. Like mine it never wavers; like mine it never cracks. Time will not touch it, and no one will touch you, either." Elysia's fingers traced the trim of of the breastplate, unsure of what to say. "I don't deserve such a gift." "I need someone to be my second. Beyond my aides...beyond my friends. I need someone who I can always trust to watch my back, can always trust to be there when I am in need. I trust you, Elysia. And this is my gift." The angel looked up. Tears welled. "Okay."

The two were airborne minutes later. Elysia was returned on her wing, the two quickly flying to Arrenhold's barrack district. Many of the best that Kayle had were currently training and resting in this small area of Arrenhold. As Kayle herelf landed, many of the soldeirs stopped whatever they were doing and saluted. She walked through the throng, then mounted the central statue. "I need the best of you. Today we go through the Icerise pass. Today, we retake Voelkerius." The surrounding warriors were silent. Audacity...it was a plan of such audacity. "Kayle." One warrior stepped forward. "I volunteer for this mission." From there, there were only volunteers. Elysia felt offput, to be honest. It was as if everyone would sacrifice themselves for Kayle. That...that was for her. She was the one who'd...

She broke off the thought as finally the small force was set. Thirty strong, the best warriors Kayle and her Lightsworn had to offer. She inspected each of them, questioning glances coming her way. Silver armor like Kayle's. It made her stand out...and Elysia was proud. But...was it going to be something she forever was proud of? Being this close to Kayle? Was it really what she wanted? She'd find out. And soon. The small army was airborne and flying, formation set. Elysia was on Kayle's right wing, a position Tyriel usually took. That fact, that she trusted her that much...nearly made Elysia cry. Icerise Pass was not a day away, and in a day everything would change. How it would change, was to be seen. For some, it would be salvation. And for others, it would be damnation. Which came to who might be a surprise. Elysia closed her eyes briefly. Was this the right choice?

It was nightfall by the time they arrived at Snowfire. The mountain was half snowcapped and the rest barren desert. At the base was a grove of trees, where Kayle's warriors set down. The Nightsade avoided Snowfire due the problems with avalanches and the Icerise Pass's high walls, overhanging with icicles. The treacherous terrain was avoided by both sides, lightly patrol just in case either decided to have the balls to charge in. Her party made a temporary camp, to wait for the cover of nightfall. The cold night air would ensure the overhanging icicles would be frozen and not fall if anyone fired up their sword to light the way. Elysia sat by Kayle, who was looking across the pass with a deadpan expression. But Elysia knew that the expression was cover. She was in a turmoil of emotions, and her armored hand rested on Kayle's, a silent exchange was present. "We fly in one hour."

It was exactly and hour later that Kayle was leading her force through the pass. Her sword alone blazed with fire, a shining beacon in the darkness. Alone she took the lead, guiding her forces through the pass. it was treacherous and every moment they were there was another moment where they were at risk of being eviscerated by falling icicles. Of course...they were almost through when, all around them, the burning green fire of the rebels' swords exploded across the top of the pass, followed by the hail of dark magic spheres. "BREAK!" Kayle shouted, twenty nine swords blazing to life. Golden flames marked her forces, but she saw the oncoming threat. "Take to the skies! Fly above the pass or we are done for!" The skies above were clear. But always guarded. That was the reason for the pass, but that reason was now their doom. To the skies took her force, but as Kayle looked back she found her lights blinking out. Twenty angels emerged from hell, the moonlight now illuminated their battlefield. Swords clashed, and Kayle parried two different fallen before Elysia came in, striking a third. The two began their dance of death, swords clanging as they danced. Kayle herself twisted in midair and kicked one's face, using the momentum to bisect them like a fish. Elysia had fallen two more, but so far they had lost five more. But she had chosen these warriors for a reason. Dark magic was returned by light, the fallen now literally falling along with the rest. The battle even, but the worst was always yet to come. Another wave...and as the weary warriors turned to face the next wave, Kayle felt a cool blade against her neck. "It's over Kayle." Elysia. the Emerald Blaze. Her Elysia. The woman she had given everything to. And the moment the cool bade pressed the back of her armor, hard enough to be felt, Kayle knew what else Elysia was. A traitor. "How long." "I always have been with Morgana. The tyranny of the generals will be ended Kayle. And my only regret is that I am hurting someone I care about." "And Tyriel?" "He knows nothing. Now hand me your sword Kayle...no one else needs to die."

The two landed. Each of her strike team was captured or killed, a grand total of five still alive now. They were surrounded, and now were captured. Elysia held her blade loosely, her face obscured by the silver mask that Kayle had handed her not a day ago. "I laid with you. I gave you everything." "But freedom beckons. The tyranny propagated by your father...it must end." "But not through bloodshed!" Kayle roared, held back by two fallen. "Not through betrayal and deceit!" "Bloodshed is all we have." Elysia handed the sword to a Fallen. "Take this to Morgana." She looked back at Kayle. "Your sister wants you to herself. I'm sorry." Her voice cracked briefly. A briefness that the Fallen notice. "Is something wrong, Elysia?" "No." The angel inwardly frowned. "Nothing is." "Good." The sword handled, the blade came alive with sickly green fire. "Because Morgana will not have the honor. We cannot risk her escaping in transit." The blade was raised. "Kayle dies tonight." "No! Morgana demanded her!" "Morgana needs to learn...that tyranny cannot be given stay!" The sword descended...but Elysia blocked it. "Morgana told me that she would not kill her! She would torture her, make her scream! She swore Kayle would live, as long as I had brought her!" "Morgana suffers from the same thing as you - the inability to let go." The fallen kicked Elysia away, but Kayle had seized the moment - breaking free, she threw her Reckoning into one of the Fallen, punching the other one so hard he back-flipped. She whirled around, her gauntlets deflecting the Fallen's first sword, but the uppercut with her own's hilt knocked her back. She retreated a bit to regain her bearings, but the Fallen charged. Kayle was open. She wasn't able to block with her senses shot. This split second of assault marked the death of Arrenhold's lord. Or...as it always goes, it would have. Instead, Kayle heard sickening shunk, then managed to focus...and screamed as her golden blade pierced the chest of Elysia, blood splattering her armor as the silver armor cracked. Her eyes welled as the sword was ripped back out...and as Elysia fell back, Kayle caught her. She pulled the helmet off, those emerald eyes shining with fear. "Please...Please I...I don't want...want to die." She reached for Kayle's face. "Not...not..." Kayle gripped Elysia's hand. She removed her own helmet, staring Elysia in the eyes. "You never wished my dead." She didn't let go. "Elysia..." Kayle...Kayle began to tear up. "Don't go." Elysia merely smiled. "You're crying. The Judicator is crying." She laughed. "I never thought I could get you to smile. Never thought you'd cry. I...I guess you truly can feel." Her grip only got weaker. "Promise...promise me...that you'll bring peace. T...true peace. Not...not a hollow peace." Elysia's grip slackened. "I lo...ve..."

Elysia never finished her final words. But Kayle knew. And as she laid Elysia down, asthe Fallen raised his blade, she looked up. it was as if her very eyes were ablaze with the golden fire of the Lightsworn. The Fallen was only able to let gravity bring the sword down...but then her gauntlet caught the blade. It held fast, and as his eyes widened, her Reckonning blasted a hole in his chest. She ripped her sword back and removed his head, turning. The remaining fallen were frozen in fear, the fiery halo on Kayle's head making her a fearsome sight. She took one step, and they began to run. But her Lightsworn cut them down. Light blasts downed them, fiery swords felled them. Not a single Fallen escaped their retribution. Kayle only watched, and as her remaining five returned, she handed the silver helmet to the leader. "Take her body back. Tell them she died a hero. Let her betrayal die with her." The man inclined his head. "On my honor. We will let her name be remembered for the good, and not the bad." He sounded unsure, but no one was about to argue with her. Especially after seeing her cry. Each inclined their head and echoed the man. Kayle then took up the fallen emerald blade. Her helmet laid on the ground...and she looked at it. "Ma'am?" Kayle replaced it before taking up her swords. "Go." "Wh -" "Justice comes on swift wings." Kayle took flight, leaving her men behind. She alone flew towards Voelkerius, but she felt no rage. No...no anger or hate. All she felt was a deep, unending sorrow. As her helmet masked her tears, obscured her eyes shining with sorrow, and quieted her sobs, the dawn ever approached. She would reach the city before sunrise. A New dawn. A new tomorrow.