Interlude: Rain (1)

As an apple tumbled out of a local fruit stand. Bending down, Lorn picked up the delectable red fruit. 

A gasp burst from the owner of the stand as she hurriedly spoke, "Oh! You mustn't do that, King Lorn. I can get it by myself."

"It is alright." He chuckled. His royal robes were soiled with dirt from crouching over a little too deep, but the man paid no attention to it.

Getting back up, the king strode through his prosperous town with elegant composure. As the woman reprimanded her son for being so careless as to drop an apple, the boy cast a shy smile at the man.

His presence naturally gathered the attention of his citizens as the bustling shops nearby paused their daily routines. Some of the people bowed respectfully, as others whispered to each other.

A small boy slowly walked up to the man, tapping lightly on his flowing golden clothes.

"Um.. mister."

Turning around, he greeted the boy like he would anyone else.

"Yes, child?"

The boy slowly pulled out a bouquet of beautiful flowers. His eyes shined with excitement and happiness, eagerly waiting for his approval.

King Lorn took the bouquet, and with a display of masterful skills, made it disappear.

The crowd cheered loudly as the child stared in awe.

With another wave of the hand, two bouquets appeared in his hands. Colorful petals fluttered through the air, drawing another round of applause from the audience. Several old men chuckled as they shared a glass of ale.

"Take this back… and give the extra to your family, won't you?"

"Of c-course!" The child bowed up and down ferociously before he was signaled to stop by a nearby guard.

"Now now, Ralph, don't be so on edge. It is alright." Lorn tapped the shoulder of his prized royal guard.

The lizardman huffed and turned away, earning a smile from the King.

Suddenly, a solider hurriedly approached Lorn, whispering something in his ears.

"Your majesty, the corruption has spread over the eastern front… we need more troops to hold back the infectees."

He frowned, drawing a magic circle in the air. As the hexagon-shaped array was completed, the three were teleported to the castle. Not before another magic trick, of course. A wave of water emerged from the magic circle shortly after, soaking the little boy.

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"Ralph, give me a full breakdown of the situation." King Lorn spoke, quickly walking through the polished stone castle.

"Another area of the Darkwood Forest has been infected. We are currently quarantining and treating the survivors." The guard replied solemnly.

"And the casualties?"

"We lost two battalions. We encountered a very powerful beast, it's a miracle that we even made it out alive." He gritted his teeth.

"I will lead my men to cover the lost soldiers," Ralph growled, bearing his fangs.

"No, you have to stay back. We can't afford to lose you, it'll lower the morale of the people." Lorn replied, deep in thought.

"Then what do you suggest, Lorn? Do we just watch-

"I'll personally take down the monster." The King interrupted, removing his lavish attire.

Instantly, the two guards protested.

"Sir, you mustn't-

"Lorn, what are you-

"Enough." The man commanded.

"As the King of Noxus, I use my authority to command both of you to guard the city."

"You, send groups of soldiers to survey areas close to the farms and rivers."

"Understood, Your Majesty.." The guard anxiously nodded.

"Ralph, while I'm gone… you will be temporarily granted the authority to command the entire army." Lorn stared at his knight; and friend.

"Where are you going?" The lizardman furrowed his eyebrows.

"I have a feeling… I might not return." 

With one last look at his castle, King Lorn summoned a set of armor.

A dainty set of white robes appeared on his body. It weightlessly drifted through the air, gaining the interest of the guard.

"I've never seen you wear that. It feels more complex than it seems, what is it?" He commented.

"Good eye, Ralph." The King grinned.

"This white robe here allows me to combat even the strongest of monsters. It takes quite a toll on the soul, though, which is why I never use it."

Lorn cracked his knuckles, grabbing a wooden staff off an armor stand.

"So long, old friend."

Shortly after, the man disappeared. Ralph stared at the approaching storm clouds with serious eyes.

For some reason, the lizardman couldn't help but feel distressed.

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"Hold it back! Carry the injured soldiers away." A knight shouted, commanding his group of soldiers.

With practiced movements, two knights took turns blocking the strike of a mutated orc. Another one rushed in and grabbed an unconscious soldier, carrying him away.

The fallen soldier had purple spots covering his body as he coughed. Black blood splurted over the other knight. 

With eyes focusing on the battlefield, the man didn't notice black spots growing on the edge of his fingers.

The massive orc let off a roar, swiping its massive arms at the two knights. Blocking the blow with a sturdy shield, a knight was blown back into a tree. The other, however, managed to pierce the orc's chest with a swift strike.

Collapsing back, the orc fell lifelessly to the ground as the other soldiers cheered.

Suddenly, a magic circle engraved itself on a nearby tree. The troops saw it and quickly bowed down as a man arrived.

""King Lorn!"" They spoke simultaneously.

Lorn gave a small wave and floated near the captain.

"How are the soldiers holding up?"

"Not bad, but the injuries keep piling up. The monsters just keep coming." The man frowned.

Then, pointing into the distance, he said, "It's just a guess, but I think the witch that devastated our men the other day is capable of summoning monsters."

"I understand. Tell our men to take a break for the day, I'll take it from here." The King ordered, already beginning to cast a spell.

Before anyone could protest, the wizard had vanished.

"We pray for your safe return, my majesty…"