"Sejuani!"
Ashe called out, a hint of doubt in her eyes as she looked at Sejuani.
What's going on?
Sejuani actually threatened her for the sake of an Outlander?
Although Winter's Claw and Avarosa have always been hostile, Winter's Claw has never actually launched a large-scale invasion of Avarosa; they usually just raid Avarosa territory.
They raided Avarosa 'Avarosa allies' territory before winter arrived, but the two sides never actually engaged in a full-scale war. This was, in a way, an unspoken understanding between Ashe and Sejuani.
The Winter's Claw tribe blocks the northern border of Freljord, serving as a barrier preventing the Frostguard Frostguard descending south. In other words, would Ashe's action resemble offering tribute to the Winter's Claw?
Winter's Claw helped Avarosa hold off the Frostguard, and in return, Avarosa offered a portion of their food each winter.
But how did her relationship with Sejuani develop into what it is today?
Ashe doesn't remember because it's really not important, but she firmly believes in one thing: just as there will always be a place for Sejuani in her heart, there is also a place for her in Sejuani's heart, even if Sejuani just won't admit it.
The reason she and Sejuani have fallen out like this is not because of personal grudges, but most likely because of their differing ideologies. Sejuani believes that sacrifice is a necessary part, that force can filter out the truly weak, and that compromise will only weaken Freljord's ability to survive.
Ashe, on the other hand, inherited Avarosa's peaceful legacy, advocating that all tribes unite in alliances and share diplomacy and resources so that Freljord could truly rise to power. She believed that unity was more powerful than division.
Sejuani then mocked Ashe, feeling that Ashe's ideas were too naive and that Ashe's use of legends to gain power by claiming to be the reincarnation of Avarosa was not the right way.
However, these are all ideological differences, a clash between idealistic unity and realistic conquest, not personal grudges between Ashe and Sejuani.
Ashe remembers one thing, she remembers it very clearly--
That is, she had drifted on the icy sea for several years. When she finally returned to Ornnkaal Mountain, she saw Sejuani. At that time, Ashe had become Iceborn, and her yellow hair had turned white. Five years of separation prevented her from recognizing Sejuani at first glance, but Sejuani recognized her immediately with her white hair.
Sejuani hugged her and said worriedly, "For five summers, my biggest fear has been that I would never see you again."
Therefore, even though Winter's Claw and Avarosa were rival clans, Ashe never considered Sejuani her enemy; she always saw her as her sister.
And what just happened proves my suspicions: Sejuani still has feelings for him; she just gave in, didn't she?
But now, Sejuani's sudden change in attitude has left Ashe somewhat puzzled.
Sejuani shook off Ashe's hand from her arm and withdrew it. Looking at the ashen-faced Avarosa, she said in a cold, deep voice, "This isn't Avarosa. Remember where you are, understand?"
"Don't make me say it a second time. I don't think your head is as hard as my chain hammer, or do you want to try?" Sejuani ignored Ashe and spoke, disregarding the man.
"You—" The short, muscular woman was furious at Sejuani's retort. She pointed at Sejuani, but before she could finish the word "you," a voice rudely interrupted her.
"Enough!" Ashe growled, then looked up at Sejuani and asked seriously, "Who is he?"
Li Ke originally intended to get revenge himself, what a joke. Li Ke does like to play the good guy, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a temper, okay?
Li Ke wouldn't do something like being bullied for being kind. Avarosa was indeed an important part of his plan. If he could perfectly unite Freljord and then get Freljord to join the Twin Cities Federation, that would be the best thing. But if Avarosa didn't join, Li Ke could simply support Sejuani and help Sejuani annex Avarosa.
After all, Lissandra is now vaguely siding with Li Ke. She has placed the task of dealing with the Frost Watchers on Li Ke and has expectations for Li Ke. When it comes to important matters, Lissandra is not the kind of person who would care about the life or death of her "sisters". She is that kind of selfish and ruthless person.
But Sejuani stepped in to help Li Ke get revenge.
"Didn't I just say? He's my guest, Winter's Claw." Sejuani turned, looking down at Ashe, who was slightly shorter than her. Her expression calmed, a flicker of unspoken emotion crossing her eyes. After taking a deep breath, she said, "And what exactly did you come here to see me for?"
"If you're here to talk about feelings, then you can leave now, Ashe. There's nothing between us to say," Sejuani said calmly.
Ashe was taken aback by Sejuani's words, but then, without hesitation, her expression changed, and she exuded a leader's aura. Looking at Sejuani with authority, Ashe said, "Put aside your hatred, unite Avarosa and the Winter's Claw. We must fight together against the demons of the North."
"The Demon God of the North? Unite? You and I unite?" Sejuani scoffed, glancing at Tryndamere behind Ashe. She said with amusement, "Is this the Demon God he speaks of?"
"I'm not joking with you," Ashe said, and she continued, "Tryndamere's tribe used to be very powerful. Although poor and backward, every member of the tribe was a powerful warrior. They were called the Mountain Clan. You must know that name."
Sejuani raised an eyebrow upon hearing the name, somewhat surprised.
As Ashe said, the Mountain Clan was indeed quite famous. Although the clan was small, poor, and backward, its overall fighting strength was not low. They were tough and warlike, and were known as the most resilient clans in the north. However, not long ago, the clan suddenly disappeared overnight.
Now, Ashe says that the dirty man is a survivor of the Mountain Clan.
"So, what does this have to do with me?"
"I've gathered information that two more tribes were wiped out in this area recently, and that demon is heading south." Ashe took a deep breath, feeling a bit annoyed by Sejuani's nonchalance, but she patiently continued to explain, "That demon is incredibly powerful; it's not human at all. Winter's Claw or Avarosa alone cannot defeat it."
"I have already prepared my allies to search for its trail and kill it before the Winter Solstice."
"To hell with being unable to fight." Sejuani raised her chin, coldly declaring, "The Winter's Claw fears no challenge. Ashe, you can take your people and get out of here."
"Um, can I say something?" Just as Sejuani was making her threat, a discordant voice rang out.
It was a pleasant male voice. Ashe frowned, wondering what this southerner wanted. Besides, what man dared to interrupt Sejuani?
Is he out of his mind?
But what happened next took Ashe by surprise.
Sejuani rolled her eyes and then looked at the outsider.
What are you trying to say?
"I think you should listen to her, and Sejuani, have you forgotten what you and I agreed on?" Li Ke said, looking at Sejuani.
One of the clauses in the alliance agreement between Twin Cities and Winter's Claw was that Sejuani would act as a matchmaker to bring Li Ke and Ashe together. Now that Ashe has come in person, Sejuani is telling her to get rid of Ashe.
"Tsk." Sejuani clicked her tongue and turned her head away.
This action made Ashe blink.
Sejuani... she's backed down again?!
And he even resembles a man from the South!
OMG!
Ashe stared, mouth agape, utterly unable to believe what she was seeing.
However, if Sejuani knew what Ashe was thinking at this moment, Sejuani would probably say—if Avarosa could also bring thousands of pieces of food to Winter's Claw, then Winter's Claw might as well be on good terms with Avarosa.
Well, after enduring several harsh winters, Sejuani has changed somewhat; food is now more important than anything else.
Sejuani turned and sat down.
Ashe's gaze was no longer solely fixed on Sejuani; she looked at Li Ke, scrutinized Li Ke, and after a moment, an idea formed in her mind.
This guy is really good-looking. Although, like most southern men, he's rather thin and weak, he's still very pleasing to the eye.
Could it be that Sejuani fell in love with this man because of his face?
No way?!
"Let me introduce myself, Ashe. My name is Li Ke, I'm from Zaun, and I'm currently Sejuani's ally. Tell me more about the demon god you mentioned," Li Ke said, looking at Ashe with a smile.
Ashe was taken aback.
Seeing this, Li Ke added, "Instead of talking to Sejuani, you should talk to me. She'll listen to me."
Ashe secretly glanced at Sejuani, only to see Sejuani shrug at the word "ha" but say nothing.
This made Ashe take a deep breath. Really? Sejuani actually followed in Kalkia's footsteps!
Aunt Kalkia once fell in love with a man. After giving birth to Sejuani, she, as the Warmother, actually left her tribe to find the man who stole her heart. And now, Sejuani is doing the same!
Do you think they truly are a mother and daughter?
"Ashe?"
"Oh oh!"
Ashe snapped out of her reverie, looked at Li Ke, and said apologetically, "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."
"First, according to my intelligence, that evil..."
"Let's call him Aatrox," Li Ke suddenly said.
Tryndamere instantly raised his head, his crimson eyes fixed on Li Ke, and stepped forward, asking Li Ke, "You know him?"
"I wouldn't say I know him, but I know him," Li Ke answered Tryndamere's question.
Tryndamere reached out to grab Li Ke, Ashe, seeing this, knew something was wrong and quickly stepped forward to stop him.
Tryndamere is a powerful warrior. Despite his disheveled appearance, his strength ranks at least among the top three in Avarosa. This skinny southerner is no different from Tryndamere capturing a chick.
But Ashe slowly withdrew her outstretched hand, staring in horror at Li Ke and Tryndamere.
"Shake hands?" Li Ke grasped Tryndamere's hand, applying slight pressure.
Tryndamere's face instantly turned red, and his expression turned pained.
"Release, open!" he roared, his dirty hair standing on end, and a dark red energy field erupting from his body.
"Calm down, Tryndamere." Li Ke increased his strength again. When it came to strength, Li Ke had never lost. He smiled and held Tryndamere's hand tightly.
As Li Ke and Tryndamere struggled, the wool felt on the floor inside the house was torn into pieces, and cracks appeared in the floorboards.
"If you want to fight, go outside and fight," Sejuani's disgruntled voice rang out.
Li Ke chuckled and released his grip.
Tryndamere instantly took a few steps back, and when he looked up at Li Ke, a hint of fighting spirit appeared in his eyes.
Li Ke flicked his fingers twice, looked at Tryndamere, and said, "I do know what this so-called demon god you're talking about is, but don't be so hostile towards me, Tryndamere. I'm not on his side."
Li Ke continued, "If there are no surprises, the demon god you're talking about is the Darkin, that guy's name is Aatrox. Just Avarosa and Winter's Claw alone aren't enough." As Li Ke spoke, he suddenly looked at Udyr.
Udyr was also looking at him. When Li Ke looked over, Udyr nodded calmly.
"In short, Sejuani, I approve of an alliance between Winter's Claw and Avarosa."
Upon hearing this, Ashe was delighted and said, "That would be perfect. If possible, I hope that after defeating that demon, Aatrox, Winter's Claw and Avarosa can maintain their alliance for a while."
"A while? No, Ashe, I hope Avarosa can maintain its alliance with Winter's Claw." Li Ke shook his head, his words startling Ashe.
"Freljord is too small. You are trapped in Freljord, unaware of what the outside world has become. You all think of each other as enemies, but in reality, neither you nor I are enemies. Our true enemy is in the future."
"Therefore, the Winter's Claw will maintain an alliance with Avarosa, and Freljord will enter a period of unification," Li Ke said earnestly.
"Impossible." That wasn't Sejuani's voice, it was Hild's.
The warrior stepped out from behind Ashe, looked at Li Ke, and said in a deep voice, "The alliance between the Winter's Claw and Avarosa, the alliance between the second and first largest tribes, will indeed bring unity to Freljord, but what about unification?"
Hild took a deep breath. "Because the Frostguard will not allow it. Every few hundred years, the Frostguard appear and kill all the followers of Avarosa and Serylda. No one knows just how powerful they are."
"Ah, it's alright." Li Ke smiled slightly.
"I forgot to mention, not only Avarosa and the Winter's Claw, but also the Frostguard will join the Twin Cities Federation."
"What?"
Are you telling the truth?
The first line is Sejuani's voice, and the second line is Ashe's voice.
The two Warmother looked at Li Ke with their own thoughts, and Li Ke nodded with a smile.
"You probably haven't met her yet, have you? I'll introduce her to you."
"So, if there are no objections,"
Let's team up and take down the boss together!