Ionian Ambivalence

Syndra held her knees to her chest, looking pointedly away as Irelia continued to talk to her. The woman had been nice enough to at least talk to her outside of the league, but she had been adamant they talk away from the Sovereign's domain. Admittedly, the view was beautiful from here, but she could hardly concentrate on that, given the tone of their conversation. "...I know you may still hold some hatred in your heart, Syndra, for what happened before. I won't tell you to let go of it, I know that is too much to ask of you. However, I need you to understand the past is the past. Ionia is different, and you are different." Pulling her knees closer, Syndra closed her eyes, unwilling to give her the answer she sought. Unwilling to let go.
Sitting beside her, Irelia put an arm around her, pulling her closer before continuing. "Ionia is not the sort of place your master made it out to be, Syndra. It's different, better I would say." Her words meeting only silence, Irelia stood up and turned away, surprised when Syndra took hold of her hand, still not looking to the woman. Smiling softly, Irelia guided the Sovereign onto her feet, brushing her hair back and removing herheadpiece, the woman only looking to her feet in response. Placing it into her hands, Irelia held the woman around her waist. "Ionia does not hate you, Syndra. I do not hate you. I hope some day, you might be able to accept that." Placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, Irelia felt the woman release her hand, and accepting her wishes she turned and walked away.

Still for only a minute, Syndra replaced her headpiece, and floated solemnly back to her home. The sun setting behind her "Perhaps some day, Irelia.