Chapter Text
Life was a lot more peaceful than in Noxus, at least in its lack of blood seen every day. It didn’t mean that it was completely relaxed and quiet but that daily life didn’t involve regular meetings with death, cheers and more fights. Usually.
Demacia still had enemies or rather was seen as the enemy of a few people. Of course Noxus clearly was the first cause of conflicts since its imperialistic urges had no end, always trying to claw at Demacian borders for yet another battle. It was never enough.
Since his arrival here Xin Zhao had learned Noxus wasn’t the only one that would clash sometimes with Demacia. Up north there were many places and people used to these cold lands that would seek fights a bit too far. Freljordians. They didn’t seem consumed by the same Noxian ideals of conquest but they seemed to share an equal taste for blood and troubles. He soon had to learn about it harshly.
Saltspike Hill was the stage of this battle, already destroyed partially by these warriors of the North. For Xin Zhao it wasn’t the first battle under Demacian flag, he had already seen quite well how it was organized and fought but this one was a little peculiar. Through the year indeed he had more than made his proofs as soldier and guard so this battle was meant to give him more recognition. At least this was the way King Jarvan had explained to him. More than a year among the elite of Demacia’s military, Xin Zhao had been deemed worthy of his rank, when at first he had feared to be unqualified for it. No fear anymore.
It was also a special occasion because beyond the usual conflict with fierce enemies trying to attack their land, there was also an aspect of revenge. They had to take back Saltspike Hill for its ties with the royal family and King Jarvan was more than sure they would make it. Xin Zhao was a little less sure, used not to underestimate any enemy that he would face, no matter was said about them.
But he trusted his king. King Jarvan was more than determined and confident about this one, he had this way to speak and convince everyone to succeed. Even to this day Xin Zhao would remember the speech given to motivate everyone. As if they needed motivation. They would take back the place and reclaim it.
That day, Xin Zhao had indeed learned that Freljordians were incredibly stubborn and powerful. The battle was so difficult, intense even for the most trained of the soldiers. These folks from the snowy lands refused to fall and admit defeat, always standing once more ready to keep going. Never believe in early victory. King Jarvan had told so well that this was going to be a long and rough battle but they wouldn’t fail, they would keep fighting too.
His own task was a bit more tricky, Xin Zhao always considered himself as royal protector even thought in battles like these he could be asked to lead troops with more responsibilities. Difficult but he would do it anyway. He couldn’t fail, not now, not when he had sworn his life to the king.
It had been that close to run to a disaster. It didn’t though. By the end there had been many casualties, a good part of it on the northerner side. None of it would have been made without a final rush that did manage to save the day and rally everyone. That day, Xin Zhao had brought back the Demacian standard taken on the initial capture of the place and he had rarely seen so much faith and courage in honor of a nation. It wasn’t a mere standard, it was a family treasure as King Jarvan had told on this last evening at the small library before the battle. More than a symbol. From this day it had been brought back home to be kept in safety, still impacted by the flames but beautiful like the first day.
So this could be a battle among many others but Xin Zhao would keep a certain memory of it, from the violence of these people of the North to the clear pride in his King’s eyes when he had given back the standard. He had made it. Surely that day had also helped him to be more accepted by the last reluctance possible. Sword-Captain Crownguard couldn’t say anything anymore, just give a few icy stare the few times he dared to exist in the presence of the King.
Too bad that he didn’t really care about her anymore. If at first he had been genuinely scared of such high-rank, especially after her ‘kind’ warning, now Xin Zhao was completely aware and accepting the constant responsibility of the King’s safety. He wouldn’t fail so there was literally nothing to fear about her. And if he did fail then her wrath would be the least of his concerns, already able to guilt himself. Good riddance, he would just be his polite self around her and pretend not to hear such vile things spat to his face. At least King Jarvan never heard of it, that was the point. Who knew, maybe one day the Sword-Captain would accept that Xin Zhao was meant to stay here until his end, always by the King’s side. But that was the point, wasn’t it ? So why ?
As long as he was allowed and required to stay at his place by his king then everything was fine. This was all Xin Zhao wished for and wanted in this world, to prove himself useful and make him proud. Let these ideals of honor live through him, just as he was given a second life. Battles like these only made him more determined to fulfill his duty to the man that mattered most in his life.
What else could he even need ? He had already been given the most important trust, there was nothing that could ever compete with that. Just getting to see his king every day.