Over the past few days, I'd often seen Irelia wandering around, looking troubled. I'd rarely seen her like this since we'd met. The pressure of the decisive battle must have been weighing heavily on her, and she had no one to share it with.
Now the allied forces were down to about half their original numbers. Even if those who remained were all steadfast, they were still no match for an enemy several times their size. Even victory would come at an appalling cost, and if they lost, Irelia would become a sinner in the eyes of Ionia.
She was their leader, and her name had already spread to every corner of the continent.
On the eve of battle, Riven and I were still studying the Wind Riding Technique, enjoying the unnatural calm before the storm.
Though I'd resolved to defend Ionia, and Riven had resolved to follow me, we both knew that when it came to facing former friends, no matter how much we shouted, we still wouldn't be able to strike them when it mattered.
I couldn't sleep that night, so I went for a walk outside the tent. I remembered being the same way back when I was with the Dauntless Vanguard Legion. No matter what, I couldn't sleep on the night before a battle. Last time, I'd been filled with uncertainty; this time, I felt more conflicted.
Riven was awake too, and she joined me for a walk. We talked about the war, and I wondered what she was thinking.
"Tomorrow, when we face the Noxian army, will you be able to strike them? It's not easy to attack enemies you don't hate."
"I can adjust my state of mind to suit my needs. The question of whether I can bring myself to do it doesn't