[Irelia's New Student] (0818)

Hymn of Valor and The Dance of Fertility seemed like two things that should have nothing in common.

The former inspired and praised Demacian warriors, while the latter expressed the hope and joy of a good harvest.

But for Irelia, who was used to turning The Dance of Fertility into a war dance, what she hoped to express through her movements went beyond the traditional meaning of a bountiful harvest. It also encompassed peace and stability.

Only when the war ended could Ionia welcome true prosperity!

And so, the bowed heads of wheat that dancers were meant to represent became unyielding backs, while the motions of swinging sickles could reap the lives of invading enemies.

This adapted dance was perfectly in keeping with the spirit of Hymn of Valor.

Hymn of Valor praised the Demacian warriors' fearlessness. It praised them for leaving their homes to defend Demacia, and for standing united on the battlefield, unafraid to make sacrifices.

With Aihua's accompaniment, Sona was practically an entire ensemble by herself. She managed to weave together two melodies of entirely different styles, and as their styles blended, the Fertility Suite took on a whole new meaning.

Driven by a firm, forceful beat, the Fertility Suite became a warrior's longing for the harvest rites of home. The performers were no longer musicians at a festival, but warriors far from home, using simple instruments in the dead of night to imitate the music of the Fertility Festival back in their homeland.

The suite became a solo piece. Hands that had taken up swords instinctively beat out the rhythm of a war drum. Beneath this subtle blend of contradiction and harmony, the music's meaning grew rich and profound, like the warriors' quiet confessions.

Even though he had taken up arms, even though he had grown