Both sides had suffered horrific casualties in the battle. Most of the Ionian forces had lost their will to fight, and Swain had halted his advance.
He proposed that the two sides hold talks. To show his sincerity, he let the Ionian side choose the location.
After some discussion, the Ionian coalition agreed. The talks would be held at Kinkou Monastery, not far away, with each side selecting a dozen or so representatives to attend.
Syndra hadn't been heard from since she'd gone back to deal with the monsters. Worried for her safety, Irelia didn't plan to take part in the talks, but as a leader, she couldn't be absent. In the end, Miyue decided to go to North Spring Temple in her place.
Akali came out to greet us from a distance. Kennen had strictly forbidden her from joining the battle this time, since their opponents were a dangerous army of monsters.
Irelia stared at Akali as soon as she saw her. There was no doubt she'd recognized her. Just as she was about to ask me about it, I stopped her with a gesture.
Everyone was puzzled and had no idea what was going on. Riven even asked me about it quietly, but I didn't tell her.
I still hadn't figured out how to face Akali. Suddenly having a daughter was just too strange!
The main courtyard of Kinkou Monastery was packed with people. Two figures stood at the front: Swain and Irelia. Everyone else was behind them.
Swain restated his position. He wouldn't rule Ionia; the two sides would deal with each other as equals. He believed that would benefit them both.
Aside from a few of us, including Irelia and me, most of the Ionians remained suspicious. They didn't believe Noxus was acting out of goodwill.