The Battlefield, far too close to Alfheim for comfort
The enemy's numbers had been reduced by the unorthodox tactics devised by Leda's mortal friends. Spurred on by their Queen's rousing address, and her resplendent figure astride the red dragon Ember's back, the Home Guard and reserves fought bravely and well.
But even still Corwyn's army slowly but surely pushed the defenders back towards the walls of the city. A spell from one of the more powerful Nobles even sent Ember spinning towards the ground, dispelling the illusion of her friend.
But she recovered, and even executed a last minute "save" of the Queen, who was suddenly spotted tumbling through the air after presumably being thrown from her perch.
Later, the tales would have it that the loyalist army had been all but defeated, and that all hope was lost, but in reality the outcome of the battle was far from decided, when a new dragon's roar split the air.
Eli, in the form of an Asian Dragon, appeared in the sky above the battle, something clutched in his jaws. With another roar, he spit the lifeless body of Lord Corwyn onto the ground between the two armies.
Then "Leda" leaped from Ember's back to his, and he landed by the corpse. Leda stripped the illusory armor from herself as she strode to her fallen enemy.
There was stillness in the air as she gazed down at him. Eli reverted to his natural form and joined her. Then they both looked at the shocked leaders of Corwyn's army. With her friends at her back, Leda cocked one eyebrow.
"Next?"
Karla
Karla was looking a little worse for wear (and felt much more so,) but she had it in her to straighten up a little and cast a defiant eye towards Corwyn's army.
"Traitors to your Queen!" she yelled, Craft enhancing her voice as it boomed across the field. Even that little bit made her sway, most of her remaining power was feeding into the invisible Healing webs around her. "Here lies your leader, dead and defeated. Any of you wish to join him, feel free to continue your attack!"
She turned and bowed to Leda, only her friends seeing the sardonic tilt to her smile and the slight trembling of her body. "Your Majesty, I crave a boon for bringing back the body of your enemy," she asked, still projecting. "Should these fools, now realizing the extent of their wrongdoing, decide to throw down their weapons and surrender unconditionally will you yet allow them their lives?"
Leda
Leda was actually out-Elfing the rest of the Elves with her deadpan just now. She had to because the idea of people bowing to her still made her nauseous.
"Rise my friend." she said, holding out a hand. She hoped Karla, if she noticed, would forgive the minor glamour she was casting just then, giving Karla pointed ears. Let everyone think she was Fae from a distant land. If Karla thought Leda's politics were radical, the idea of Humans actually in Faery was not something the general populace was ready to face.
Then she stared down the nobles facing her. The rank and file and the mercenaries would follow their lead. Though the Nobles might find themselves faced with angry mercenaries later.
She made eye contact with each and every one.
"The crimes you have committed in the name of your fallen Lord are grevious." she said. "But for the sake of the great boon I now owe these brave heroes," she indicated Karla, Eli, and the others, "I will grant mercy. Corwyn is dead. His hold over you all is no more. Your purpose here, is done. Don't, test me." That last was spoken only for the ears of the nobles.
Blossom
Blossom was still not happy with how this had turned out, but she wasn't showing it. Her face was set and she was floating visibly off the ground, her white light concentrated around her as she made sure that anyone who saw her knew she was ready to keep fighting if necessary.
For all that, she didn't have the words needed. Her culture had left this era behind and all she knew were the shadows left behind. She could understand and follow, but she couldn't lead.
And she was so very proud of Karla and Leda for being able to do so.
Not that she was showing it, since, you know, looking fierce over here.
James
James stood, weapon in hand with the point down. He was battered and bloody, but not beaten. He stood, a defiant look on his face, meeting the eyes of as many of Corwyn's disciples as would meet his. "It would be wise to listen to the Queen." The or else was left unsaid.
Leda
It wasn't quite as dramatic as the bards would have it in later years. There was no kneeling, or ritual suicide. One of the nobles threw down his sword, which started a cascade effect. Soon, all the officers were unarmed. And their own men at arms arrested them in the name of the Queen.
And Leda breathed a silent sigh of relief.
[And this concludes an extremely long running plot that started in canon, and became completely fanon. Thanks to Karla, James and Blossom.]