Legends Converging: A Prince in Peril (Chapter 1)
Hello everyone! Most of you probably don't know me but I'm a small-time lore theorist on boards. Ever since I joined League, the lore was a large part of my love for the game. There are a lot of conflicts in league that could be ended, but any canon ending to them would result in someone being unhappy. Instead, I decided to write a story, connecting the lore of all 138 current champions. The story will follow the champions in one massive interconnecting story. Each part will focus on a couple factions. Part 1 will focus on Demacia and Noxus. Without further ado, I present chapter 1: Eagle-Eyed.
_This is so...boring, _ Quinn thought, staring at the petricite forest. The Ranger-Knights had sent Val and herself to form a report on the area’s safety. The petricite forests of Demacia were an important resource to the city-state, and the one she had been sent to was Albruin; a forest close to the southern border. Even though Demacia attempted to ensure keep each of the forests heavily guarded, the multiple skirmishes with Noxus had slowly whittled away at their small army. Ranger-Knights were often sent to do reconnaissance missions along the borders, in order to keep Demacia updated on the situation. Noxians are always raiding these mill towns. Perhaps the townsfolk are afraid that the forces we had stationed here weren’t enough. Quinn grimaced.
“What’re you doing up there, lady?” Quinn looked down from the tree she was sitting in, and saw a little girl about ten years old looking up at her.
Quinn smiled slightly and replied,“Enjoying the view.” The girl giggled, her bright red hair bouncing slightly.
“What do you see?” She asked, squinting, as the sun glared back at her.
“I see trees, more trees, and a bird who loves to show off.” Quinn replied, jumping down and extending her arm. She watched, half hiding a smile, as Valor dropped from the sky and landed perfectly onto it. The girl’s mouth opened in wonder as she saw the Demacian Eagle in its full glory. _Val is pretty stunning._ Valor had vibrant purple-blue plumage and fierce golden eyes. He watched the girl intently.
“Wow, your bird is so pretty. I’ve never seen one that big before. Can I pet him?” She asked. _Are you serious?_ Valor seemed to be asking.
Quinn gave a small smirk at him and said, “You can pet him, but be careful, Valor is very proud.” Valor gave Quinn a hard look as the girl stroked his head, but eventually he succumbed to enjoying the attention.
“You came to Albruin because of Palclyff didn’t you?” The girl said, “I know because the last knight came here for the same reason.” She smiled smugly at Quinn, “If you knew more about Albruin, you’d know you wouldn’t have to go all the way. You could just talk to the messenger.”
“The messenger?” Quinn had been amusedly listening to the girl until this moment. “Who’s the messenger?”
“The messenger comes from Palclyff to tell us that Palclyff is safe. He comes everyday. His name is Jacquen, and he’s really nice. I’m Miri by the way.” She said, looking pointedly at Quinn.
“Where are my manners? I’m Quinn, and this is Valor. You’re a smart girl so you probably already know, but We are Ranger-Knights from Demacia.” Quinn smiled at Miri and Miri blushed at the praise.
“Ok Ms. Quinn, do you want me to take you to Jacquen? He should be coming here soon.” Miri asked.
“Alright Miri, lead the way, We’re counting on you.” Quinn said, and she followed the girl as she led her to the village, Valor taking flight above them. The village of Albruin was a medium-sized mill town that sat atop a hill in the forest. Like many towns with access to petricite, it was protected by a fortified wall.
“Halt, traveler, what is your business in Albruin?” The gatekeeper asked, his pike at the ready. Valor screeched indignantly and swooped down to prevent what he believed to be an attack.
“Valor, he’s just doing his job!” Quinn cried, shielding the gatekeeper from Valor, who pulled up at the last second by flaring his wings and landed delicately on Quinn’s arm.
“It’s ok! this is Ms. Quinn and her partner Valor. They’re from Demacia! She’s here for Palclyff, like the other ones! She’s really nice!” Miri yelled, her arms flailing. The guard looked down, as if surprised to see her there.
“Hello little Miri, have you been playing the woods again? You know how dangerous it is outside of the walls. You could be caught by an evil mage. Then there is nothing that we could do.” He said, looking at her with concern.
Quinn thought Miri would accept the rebuke, but instead she stuck her chin out and said, “I know as well as you do that no mage can use their magic near petricite, and I made sure to stay in the forest.”
The guard looked at her and barely suppressed a chuckle, “You’re really too clever for your age, Miri. That cleverness is going to get you in trouble someday. But that day is not today.” He turned his attention to Quinn again, “You may enter, Quinn of Demacia, may fortune smile upon you.” Quinn inclined her head in thanks, but Valor screeched indignantly. The guard struggled to hide a smile and corrected himself, “You may both enter, Quinn and Valor of Demacia.” and the guard signalled to open the heavy petricite gate. Miri quickly dashed inside and waved for Quinn to follow.
“Over here Ms. Quinn, we need to go up the hill to the Town Hall! Jacquen always comes there.” She pointed, at the top of the hill, Quinn could see a larger stone building, and behind the building, a gigantic tree of Petricite.
As Quinn followed Miri down the dirt road to the hall, she asked, “That tree, did your town not cut it down for a reason?”
“That tree is called The God’s Arm, it was already far larger than any tree in the area when the first townsfolk came here. Because it was so different than any other tree in the area, they decided to keep it, and it is now a symbol of the town: a tree that won’t fall.” Quinn marveled at the size of the tree; the trees in the forest had been straight and tall, but the God’s Arm was incredibly thick as well. Its curving trunk and large, alabaster, branches cast a huge portion of the hill in its shade.
“That’s a pretty big tree isn’t it, Val?” She asked, looking at Valor, who seemed equally mesmerized. Valor nodded his approval. Miri, Quinn, and Valor entered the Hall, and Quinn took in the stone steps, velvet tapestries and many candles. _This looks more like a small castle than a Town Hall. _ Miri ran ahead to an aged, silver-haired man, who Quinn assumed was the elder of the town.
“Hi grandpa Aren! Did Jacquen arrive yet? Ms. Quinn wants to meet him.” She said, while pointing at Quinn. The man turned to the pair. He was a thin elderly man, and wore the standard navy blue mantle of a Steward-a leader of a town.
“Hello, I am Aren Edelion, Albruin’s Steward, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our humble town. I assume you must be the Ranger-Knight sent from Demacia? Many of you have passed through our town on their way to Palclyff over the years, so it’s fairly easy to tell.” He chuckled, his brown eyes twinkling with mirth.
Quinn knelt out of respect and answered, “My name is Quinn, and this is Valor, we are Ranger-Knights of Demacia. We have come to report on the status of Palclyff, We are pleased to make your acquaintance, Steward Edelion. We have been informed, by a rather cheeky citizen, that you know of someone who can help us?” Upon hearing this, the tips of Miri’s ears turned as red as her hair and she looked down, unwilling to meet Steward Eldelion’s amused gaze.
“Yes indeed, for you see, Palclyff and Albruin share a very close relationship. We grow the honeyfruit which Palclyff then exports to other city-states such as Piltover. Palclyff, on the other hand, provides us with fish and many other necessities. When Palclyff agreed to be a buffer city for Demacia, and prohibit Noxus from approaching its shores, they decided to send a messenger, everyday to ensure we would know that they were safe. If they ever failed to send a messenger, we would know to call for help. The current messenger’s name is Jacquen Elros, and has been serving this post for twenty years now. The village knows him well. He should be arriving any minute.”
As if on cue, the doors swung open, and a man rode into the hall. He was short, young and slightly scruffy looking, his leather armor stained with dirt. Immediately, Valor started fidgeting with his feathers, his talons digging into Quinn’s armguard harder than normal.
“Who are you? Where is Jacquen?” Steward Edelion asked, his expression confirming Quinn’s impression that this man was not Jacquen Elros.
“Jacquen has...fallen ill, and wished for me to inform you that Palclyff is safe as always. My name is Lacon, and I will be assuming Jacquen’s post until he recovers.” The man said, his face solemn, and his tone serious. Quinn felt as though she heard something familiar about the way he spoke, but she couldn’t place it.
“Hi Mr. Lacon, isn’t Palclyff really busy right now with the lobster harvest? It’s about that time of year isn’t it?” Miri asked, smiling brightly at the man.
“Yes, the lobster harvest is proceeding as we speak, and Palclyff will need every hand it has. Which is why I must leave as quickly as I can, to help. Farewell, Steward Edelion.” Lacon answered, as he turned the horse around and waved goodbye. He rode out of hall, the hoof beats fading as he left them.
When Quinn turned to look at Steward Edelion, she was surprised to see he looked nervous. When she asked him about it, he answered gravely, “He seemed to be earnest, but, I never told him my name, nor did he ever ask. I fear that something is not quite right with this...Lacon.”
Quinn felt a slight tug on her leg as Miri leaned her head in.
“Palclyff doesn’t harvest lobsters at this time, it doesn’t harvest lobsters at all.” She said, her face slightly pale.
Quinn was shocked, she looked at Valor. “You noticed there was something off about Lacon too, didn’t you?” she asked, and Valor nodded, his eyes staring intently at Quinn as if to ask her what their plan was. “Steward Edelion, under normal circumstances you would contact Demacia immediately. I suggest you do so. Inform the Guard that Palclyff has been invaded by an unknown enemy, and ask that they send reinforcements immediately. We will follow this Lacon, as is our duty as Ranger-Knights!” Quinn declared, her decision made.
“I will do as you ask, Quinn, but I fear that it is quite a dangerous idea to follow Lacon into an unknown situation. If there are more as we suspect, you will be behind enemy lines.” Steward Edelion said, his face betraying his obvious concern.
Quinn began running for the doors to the hall, but looked behind her smiled, and called, “I wouldn’t be concerned if I were you, I live behind enemy lines. Valor and I that is.” She saw Miri waving goodbye and steeled her resolve to protect people like her. “Now!” She shouted and Valor grabbed hold of her shoulders and she took to the skies.
The tag team soared through the air, and Quinn asked Valor, “See if you can spot this Lacon, he should be headed South, towards Palclyff, along the main road.” Valor screeched in agreement and oriented himself accordingly. Quinn caught sight of a lone rider, making his way towards what Quinn assumed was Palclyff. Quinn signalled and Valor veered off to the side, and dropped altitude. They had found who they were looking for, now they only needed to follow him to his friends.
It had been several hours, but the city of Palclyff came into view. Valor had been lazily riding the thermal updrafts to keep up with Lacon’s horse and suddenly became alert, lowering his altitude until he dropped Quinn off atop a tree. Valor then soared over the city, leaving Quinn to watch Lacon as he entered. Given the limitations of her vantage point, she soon lost sight of him, and instead waited for Valor, keeping her crossbow loaded and her mind alert. Several minutes later she spotted Valor returning, carrying something in his talons.
“What did you see up there, Val?” She asked, and Valor deposited the object in her hands. Quinn turned pale. In her hands, no doubt taken from a body, was a Noxian emblem. Immediately, Quinn thought back to how she felt Lacon’s way of speaking sounded familiar, it had been a dialect of southern continent, more specifically, the city of Urzeris. It had been recently conquered by Noxian forces. Noxus...but why here? Why now? Are they here for Albruin’s petricite? I can’t return to Demacia without more information.
“Val, drop me off on the closest rooftop, and lead me towards the most important looking building. That should be where their commander has set up his headquarters.” Valor whistled softly in agreement. Ok, there are seven watchtowers in this city, but five are near the harbor. There are two on either side of the city otherwise. Makes sense, not much to fear from an invasion from the rear, when you’re on good terms with your neighbors. “Val, I need you to take me as quickly as you can straight towards the closest watchtower. Do it by moving close to the rooftops and in such a way that the watchtower is in the way of the second’s view of us.” From then, ascend straight up and we’ll take them out, everyone in this watchtower.” Valor nodded and grabbed hold of Quinn.
They lifted off. Valor accelerated towards the watchtower in a low straight path, obscured from the view of any ground based soldiers. “Now, Val!” Quinn whispered and they ascended straight up the side of the watchtower. When they reached the top she immediately aimed her crossbow and fired at one of the three Noxian soldiers before he even realized they were there. At that moment, Valor slashed the throat of another soldier. Quinn used that soldier’s body to block the shot of the final soldier, killing the second. Quinn reloaded her crossbow before the other watchman was able to draw another on his bow, and a final thwack sealed his fate.
Quinn loaded another bolt and signalled Valor to follow. The message was clear: Not one soldier in this tower will be left alive. Valor grabbed Quinn and they descended the tower via the open shaft left by the winding staircase. On each floor, Quinn jumped down and fired, Valor raked his talons across another neck and quietly, save for the sound of her crossbow, they dispatched every soldier on the upper floors. The ground floor had six men stationed, ready to leave for their rounds. They saw Quinn and immediately started for the door. Quinn killed two before they got three steps away. Valor crippled two more, raking his talons across their eyes and throats so they convulsed in pain. One more bolt struck another man down, but the sixth man charged Quinn with his sword. She vaulted off one of the two Valor had crippled and Valor swooped, slashing his eyes. Quinn killed the man before he could scream, his breath catching in his throat. _I wish this had not been necessary, but a soldier does what she must. Now we must infiltrate the City Hall. Thankfully I believe the captain stationed his quarters on the topmost floor, an easy target. _
Quinn and Valor dove out of the watchtower the same way they had come, along the blind side of the other tower. They landed on a rooftop. _I have a straight path to the manor. If I stay low along the rooftops, I can make it to the Hall without alerting the sentries and patrols. _
“Val, you’ve got my back, stay close, stay low, and when we reach the manor, a rapid ascension in the blind spot of the other watchtower, got it?” Valor nodded, alert and poised to move. Quinn lept forward and crouched, clawing forward on all fours with her body flat against the roof of the house. When she reached the end, she leapt across the rooftops, using the narrow streets of the harbor city to her advantage. At last the duo reached the Hall. Quinn surveyed the sentries positioned near the manor, as well as the forces patrolling the ground. She identified when there anyone were elsewhere. Valor took hold of Quinn and the two rose to the topmost window. Quinn grabbed hold of the sill and peeked inside. No one seemed to be in the room at the time. But there was evidence of someone having inhabited the room recently. _ Okay, we need some kind of evidence. No captain of such an important mission would keep orders on his person after he arrived. So they must be here somewhere. _
As Quinn opened drawers and cabinets, Valor preened his feathers, cleaning them of the blood that had matted them earlier. I think I-yes here it is. She had opened a small chest hidden underneath the bed. Inside had been a letter marked with Jericho Swain’s personal seal. Quinn blanched, _ Swain ordered this mission? This cannot be good._ Outside, Quinn heard horns blare. The bodies in the tower had been found, they had to leave now. I need a distraction. Quinn eyed the pipe-smoke set on the captain’s desk. She struck a match and set the bed aflame. The fire soon began spreading to the wooden floor. She and Valor jumped from the building along its blind spot and and the duo waited for the commotion to begin. Soon all of the soldiers in the area had gathered at the hall to rescue those inside and gather water to douse the flames.
“Now, Valor!” Quinn whispered, and the two began running atop the rooftops away from the building, as the soldier’s attentions were diverted to the burning hall. At the final rooftop, Valor grabbed hold of Quinn and the two set off at maximum speed back to Albruin to warn Steward Edelion of the danger they now faced. Quinn grabbed the letters from her pack and began reading them. With each line she read, her heart sank deeper as she realized the size of the invading force that was due to arrive...and who would be leading them.
When Quinn and Valor made it back to Albruin it was already night. They made straight for the hall; only briefly halting to let the guards know to let them pass peacefully. She entered the Town Hall and saw Steward Edelion at his desk. “Steward Edelion, I bring grave news. Noxus has invaded Palclyff, and their invading forces are due to arrive in twenty-five days. ” I need you to sound the alarms and have all your citizens evacuated from this town as soon as possible. I will be heading to Demacia immediately following this meeting, to tell them what I’ve learned.” Steward Edelion turned pale and gripped his desk so tightly, his knuckles turned white.
“Quinn, are you sure? They are coming for Albruin?” He asked, his face a vision of pure fear. It was understandable, given the Noxian reputation for open slaughter. Quinn produced the letters with Swain’s seal, and the Noxian emblem Valor had found.
“This emblem was found on the corpse of a Noxian soldier in Palclyff; and these letters, signed by none other than Jericho Swain, display an intent to conquer this town. If you intend to have your townsfolk survive this, I suggest you rouse them and begin evacuating immediately.” Quinn said, brandishing the two items at the frightened steward. He got to his feet immediately, ready to sound the alarm.
Just then, Quinn heard a small knock on the door, and Miri entered. “I saw you fly in, and I wanted to see you. I...listened to you talking, I’m sorry. But is it true? Are the Noxians coming to kill us?” She asked, her small shoulders trembling, as tears began streaming down her face. Quinn was overcome with emotion, and hugged the girl close.
“The Noxians will never come anywhere near you. I promise you, I will keep you safe. You know I would never let something bad happen to you or the people of this city,” she whispered. She stroked the girl’s crimson locks to calm her down.
“I-I’m just really afraid. I mean Noxus has such terrifying soldiers. And it uses evil magic!” Miri cried out frantically, her eyes filled with fear.
“Miri, I thought you were a smart girl, did you forget? As long as you are in the forest....”
“...The mages- sniff - can’t use magic.” Miri smiled at Quinn, “Good-bye Ms. Quinn, please come back with a big army and show the Noxians whose home it is.” Quinn smiled and squeezed Miri’s hand.
“It’s a promise,” she said, “And it’s just Quinn, Quinn and Valor.” Quinn started towards the door. Miri waved, “Good-bye Quinn.” Valor pecked her on the head, and she winced. “Sorry, good-bye Quinn and Valor .” Satisfied with this, Valor took flight and followed Quinn as the duo exited the Town Hall. Quinn turned around and took one last look at the God’s Arm. _A tree that will never fall, huh? It’s time for me to do my part in keeping it that way. _
“Valor, to me!” Quinn shouted. Valor swooped down and grabbed hold of Quinn’s shoulders, together, the two rose into the air, and sped towards Demacia. Twenty-five days was going to be a hard deadline to meet, given how far the Demacian army was, but they would have to arrive in time-They just had to. _Hold on Miri, I’ll be back soon, with a big army, and you’ll be safe. _
Thanks for reading! Please leave comments for anything you'd like to discuss. I'll upload Chapter 2 sometime in the next two weeks; It'll be from our Demacia's own lance-a-lot's point of view.
Chapter 2 can be found here: https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/skin-champion-concepts/2HY1jIKM-legends-converging-a-prince-in-peril-chapter-2