Runeterra: Alexander The Eternal

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My mother and I left our home, carrying a few belongings in modest backpacks. The place that had once felt warm and comforting now seemed small, inadequate for what lay ahead. Our house, simple and sturdy, had walls of pale stone and a wooden roof weathered by time. Sparse trees surrounded it, and a dirt path led down to the river where a boat awaited, ready to take us to the capital.

As we walked, the silence between us felt comforting. My mother always knew when to speak and when to let the quiet carry the weight of the moment.

We boarded the riverboat—a modest vessel that could hold about twenty people. Wooden benches lined the interior in neat rows, providing enough space for passengers to sit comfortably. The gentle ripples of the river's surface shimmered, reflecting the sky.

'Three hours to Demacia,' I thought as we settled in.

The boat began to move, gliding smoothly along the current. Soon, I noticed a familiar figure approaching. Emanuel, a man in his forties or fifties, with dark hair and a beard, smiled warmly as he drew closer.

"Alexander! Elara! So you're really leaving, huh?" he called, raising his hand in greeting.

"Yes, Emanuel," I replied, mirroring his gesture. "The capital awaits."

My mother, always composed, responded in her usual gentle tone.

"Hello~ I assume you're delivering supplies?"

"Exactly, miss," Emanuel nodded, placing his hands on his hips. "Ah, the capital… full of opportunities. I'm sure you'll both shine there."

I smiled politely, outwardly composed. 'Yes… Demacia will be my first step. There are many places I must go.'

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An hour into the journey, I noticed a commotion near the back of the boat.

Several men I knew well—Mageseekers—had surrounded a girl not much older than me. Their eyes were sharp, full of suspicion.

'Mageseekers,' I thought with disdain. 'Demacia's dogs, always hunting for signs of magic. Blind to anything beyond their narrow beliefs.'

As I observed, I sensed something unusual. A faint energy emanated from a few passengers nearby. Magic, undoubtedly. The girl, however, stood out. Panic radiated from her as she tried to mask her fear, but it only made her more conspicuous. The air grew heavy, and the other passengers kept their heads down, tense but unwilling to intervene.

Before I could act, my mother stepped forward. As always, she knew the perfect moment to intervene.

"Gentlemen," she began, her voice calm yet commanding. "What justifies such treatment of a young girl on a peaceful journey?"

The Mageseekers exchanged glances, caught off guard by the unexpected challenge. The oldest among them sneered.

"She was acting suspiciously. I was just asking a few questions," he said dismissively.

Elara's gaze remained steady, unyielding.

"Look around," she said, gesturing subtly. "Everyone here is tense, and she is just a child. Are all of them deserving of your suspicion?"

The conversation continued, with my mother using Demacia's cherished ideals of honor and glory to dismantle their arguments. It was clear she was winning, though the Mageseekers' pride made them reluctant to back down.

"Impressive," I whispered to myself. "I've never seen her like this."

I rose from my seat, walking toward the men with deliberate calm. Resting the king's sword on my shoulder, I allowed its unmistakable symbol of honor to speak for itself.

"Is there a problem?" I asked, my voice steady but laced with authority.

The men hesitated, their eyes flicking to the sword.

"Where did you get that, boy?"

"The king gave it to me. A gift," I replied, my expression unreadable.

I had encountered men like this countless times. Older men, clinging to status, too wary to risk everything they had built. They valued themselves far more than any cause.

'He knows this isn't something that can be stolen. Selling it is impossible too—I've looked into.'

"Ah, I see." Understanding dawned on the leader's face. They muttered forced apologies and backed away from the girl.

'Arrogant, but not stupid,' I thought, watching them retreat to the other side of the boat. 'Less than dogs.'

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As we approached the capital, the grandeur of Demacia revealed itself in full. Towering white spires gleamed in the sunlight, their majesty undeniable. The bustling port teemed with activity—boats docking and departing, merchants haggling, and soldiers patrolling with disciplined precision.

Crowds hurried along the wide roads leading into the city, while armored guards stood vigilant, their presence a constant reminder of order. The shouts of vendors and the creak of cart wheels created a chaotic symphony, even from a distance. Other boats, like ours, glided along the river, all converging on the heart of the city.

"So it's real," I murmured, barely above a whisper, a surge of excitement welling up within me. It felt… foreign. As if it belonged to another life.

'Why I am in awe?'

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