Work Text:
"Hey, good evening." Riven greets Irelia as she enters the woman's workspace. Documents, legal papers. Lots of them sitting on top of Irelia's desk. No reply.
"I brought you some tea." Riven continues, setting down the hot drink on a small table far away from the important writings. "You sure are busy, huh?" She says as she picks up one document to read. The peace treaty with Noxus was going well, mainly because of the Ruination and the 2nd war won by Irelia and herself. 'All that just to make them consider.' Riven thought bitterly. She glances at Irelia, who paid her no mind.
Riven takes a moment to observe Irelia. Still recovering from her injuries. 'She jumped in front of me to take an axe.' Riven sighed.
'Continued to fight despite the cut of her shoulder. The blood loss.'
'Broken ribs, arms, wrist.'
'I couldn't fight as well as her. If only I-"
"Riven."
'Her head shouldn't have-'
"Riven." Irelia's voice cuts through her thoughts.
"Irelia." Riven clears her throat. She didn't notice her own laboured breathing. Irelia just stares at her for what seemed like forever and stands up to leave. Riven gets the signal to follow her.
Irelia stops when they reach the courtyard and signals Riven to stay while she goes to stand on the elevated platform. Riven is confused but she watches as Irelia begins to dance.
"It's not your fault." Irelia says as she continues her fluid movement, blades floating as she commands. Riven's breath hitches as she holds back tears. "Listen, I-"
"You fought for Ionia and that's all I could ask for, my love." Irelia interrupts. "No, Irelia,-"
Irelia doesn't spare Riven a glace as she dances away. "Though I cannot hear anymore, I can still feel your heart. The spirit connects us both and I can sense your sadness." Riven runs up the platform to hug Irelia. She pulls her so that they're both kneeling on the ground as she clings to Irelia, one arm pulling the blade dancer close and the other hand tangled in her hair, carefully pushing her head closer. "I'm sorry, Irelia, I'm so sorry." Riven whimpers, voice cracking as her tears finally fell.
"It's okay, my love. Your heart is pounding in your chest and that's enough." Irelia says as she pulls away to look at Riven. "When the day comes that I can no longer speak, I hope my heartbeat will still convey my love." She gives a gentle smile and Riven can't help but hold Irelia closer as she cries into the rising moon. "I love you."