The Aftermath
After two days of recuperation, Vi was finally able to walk again. Her strength had returned, and she felt steady to go to Piltover. Together, Jayce, Caitlyn, and Vi began their journey back to Piltover.
As they approached the outskirts of Piltover, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of devastating. The once-majestic kingdom now lay in ruins, a shadow of its former glory. Some buildings that had stood tall and proud were now reduced to smoldering heaps of rubble, their structures charred and blackened by the flames that had ravaged them. Smoke hung heavily in the air, a grim reminder of the destruction that had swept through the city.
The group continued forward, their steps heavy with the weight of the scene before them. The battlefield stretched out before them, a grim tableau of chaos and loss. Bodies lay scattered across the ground, their lifeless forms a testament to the brutal conflict that had taken place. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and the lingering echoes of battle.
Caitlyn's eyes widened in horror as she took in the scene. The sheer scale of the destruction was overwhelming, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She brought a hand to her mouth, fighting the urge to be sick. Jayce placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his expression somber.
"We need to keep moving," Jayce said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Vi nodded in agreement, her resolve hardening as she surveyed the devastation around them. She knew that they couldn't let the tragedy they witnessed paralyze them. They had to find a way to rebuild, to restore hope to a city that had been so cruelly torn apart.
As they made their way deeper into the city, the extent of the damage became even more apparent. Streets that had once been bustling with life were now eerily silent, littered with debris and the remnants of shattered lives. The few survivors they encountered wore expressions of shock and despair, their eyes haunted by the memories of the violence they had witnessed.
Once inside the castle, Caitlyn headed to her parent's chambers to check on her father. There he was, lying on his bed asleep. Caitlyn sat down beside him, holding his hand. "Father?" she called softly. Tobias woke up, his eyes slowly opening. “Hello sweetheart, I’m glad you’re okay,” he smiled weakly. "Father, how are you feeling?" she asked, concern evident in her voice. “I’m alright. I’ll get better, I promise,” Tobias reassured her, squeezing her hand gently. “Where’s your appointed knight? I want to talk to her.”
Caitlyn looked around the room, spotting Vi standing silently by the door. She gestured for her to come closer. The knight approached, bowing slightly. Tobias looked up at her with a mixture of gratitude and determination. “Thank you for protecting my daughter,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I have a favor to ask. Please continue to watch over her and help her rebuild our city.” The knight nodded solemnly, vowing to fulfill her duty. Caitlyn felt a surge of hope and determination, knowing they would face the challenges ahead together.
After many weeks of repairing and rebuilding the city, the day finally arrived when Tobias felt it was time to talk to Vi about something important. He headed toward Vi, who was sitting on a stone, watching Caitlyn as she meticulously brushed her horse. The rhythmic strokes of the brush seemed to calm both Caitlyn and her stallion, creating a peaceful scene amidst the ruins of Piltover.
Tobias approached Vi and sat down beside her, the weight of his decision evident in his eyes. “Vi, I want to invite your family to Caitlyn’s coronation,” he began, his voice filled with resolve.
Vi looked at him in surprise, “Wait, coronation?”
“Yes, Vi. I’m tired,” Tobias admitted, the exhaustion of the past weeks etched into his eyes. “I want to go back to Ionia. The battles, the rebuilding—it’s taken its toll on me. But I know that Caitlyn will be safe with you, and about what you asked me, I do give you my blessing.”
Vi was taken aback by his words, her heart swelling with a mix of responsibility and pride. “You highness” “Tobias call me Tobias” he interrupted her, “Umm Tobias... I don’t know what to say. I’ll do my best to protect her and guide her.”
Tobias placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I have faith in you, Vi. You've proven yourself time and time again. Piltover needs strong leaders, and I know that together, you and Caitlyn can bring hope and prosperity back to our people.”
Caitlyn, having overheard the last part of the conversation, turned toward them with a mixture of determination and gratitude in her eyes. “We’ll make you proud, Father. Together, we’ll ensure Piltover’s future.”
The day of the coronation had finally arrived. The grand hall was filled with the dazzling splendor of Piltover's finest. Vi’s family attended the ceremony, their presence a testament to the bonds of friendship and loyalty that had been forged through the trials and tribulations they had faced together. The ceremony went smoothly, every detail meticulously planned to celebrate the new queen.
Caitlyn stood before the assembled crowd, her regal bearing and composed demeanor reflecting the strength and grace of a true leader. As the crown was placed upon her head, the room erupted into cheers, officially proclaiming Caitlyn as the Queen of Piltover.
As the formalities of the coronation concluded, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration. Music filled the air, and the grand hall was transformed into a ballroom. It was now time to dance, and the guests eagerly took to the dance floor. Caitlyn moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and receiving heartfelt congratulations from all sides.
It wasn't until then that she finally caught sight of Vi, standing at the edge of the dance floor. Vi was watching her with a look of admiration and pride, a silent acknowledgment of the journey they had undertaken together. Caitlyn's heart swelled with emotion as she made her way over to Vi.
Vi was wearing a dark green cape draped over the shoulders and extending to the feet. Decorative shoulder armor with the royal family crest. A dark green tunic with gold buttons down the center. The waist had a wide, dark brown leather belt with a large circular buckle. The long, fitted sleeves were paired with black leather gloves. Light green pants, contrasting with the darker upper body tones, tucked into tall black leather boots that reach the knees. While Caitlyn wore an elegant ensemble with a midnight blue gown as the centerpiece. The gown had a high collar and long sleeves that transition into a dramatic, floor-length cape adorned with wide black trim intricately embroidered with gold patterns. The fitted bodice showcases a V-shaped neckline and it was cinched at the waist with a wide, ornate gold belt, adding a regal touch. Structured, pointed details on the shoulders accentuate the gown.
“Where were you during the coronation?” Vi didn’t say anything and just grabbed Caitlyn’s hand and lead her to the balcony. “What are you doing?” Vi closed the doors and kneeled down. “Vi?” She took out a small box and opened it revealing ring with a central, dark blue, diamond-shaped gemstone that sparkles beautifully. The gemstone was set in a silver band with leaf and vine designs. The band also had smaller, dark blue, marquise-shaped stones and clear stones embedded within it. “Caitlyn “cupcake” Kiramman, would you marry me, your appointed knight?” Caitlyn covered her mouth in shook. “Yes, yes yes, I do” Vi got up and grabbed Caitlyn’s hand putting the ring on her finger. “I love you” Vi cupped Caitlyn’s face and gave her a small kiss. “I love you too, but we need to head back now.”
Once inside everyone was enjoying the party, dancing and drinking. “Would you dance with me?” Vi smiled “but you don’t dance” “for you, I will.”