Chapter Text
Five years have passed since the Noxian conflict, when Zaun and Piltover joined forces. Since then, significant progress has been made in deepening the integration between the two city-states. In Zaun, extensive infrastructure developments have reshaped the city’s layout, creating more space, expanding opportunities, and greatly enhancing the overall wellbeing of its residents. These advancements have been made possible by Piltover’s decision to allocate funding more equitably across both city-states, fostering a fairer and more sustainable relationship. Much has changed since the events such as the devastating explosion and the war against Noxians that claimed lives and reshaped the two city-states. In the aftermath, some members of the council were lost, while others retired.
The current council is composed of Cassandra Kiramman, Shoola, and five other members: Thaddeus, Lucian, Sevika, Ziggs, and Zeri, with the latter three representing Zaun. Mel Medarda also lends her expertise when needed, balancing her dual roles as both the Medarda matriarch and a guest advisor to Piltover. It was Caitlyn, alongside Cassandra, who initially recommended Sevika to represent the Zaunites people on the council after the Noxian war event. At first, Sevika struggled to find her place in a space where she wasn’t fully welcomed. But through her resilience defying classist remarks, standing her ground, and maintaining her dignity she earned the respect of those around her.
The council chamber of Piltover thrummed with unease, its gilded walls and vaulted ceilings a poor match for the discord brewing within. Shoola presided at the head of the table, her composed yet commanding presence holding the room's attention. Beside her, Cassandra Kiramman sat poised, though a shadow of apprehension flickered across her features. Opposite them, Mel Medarda reclined with measured ease, her steepled fingers and calculating gaze offering no hint of her thoughts as she observed the debate.
Sevika, a representative of Zaun, sat directly across from Mel. Her bionic arm rested on the polished table, its faint hum the only audible sound in the tension-filled room. Beside her, Zeri exuded quiet determination, stealing glances at Ziggs, who seemed far more interested in tinkering with a small contraption on the table than in the discussion. Across the divide, Thaddeus and Lucian Wyndcroft—two unique perspectives, whispered to one another, their polished refinement contrasting with the raw intensity radiating from the Zaunites.