After wandering through the market and purchasing supplies for the next leg of their journey, Jill, Excella, Abigail, and Sarah returned to the docks where Raviel was supposed to be waiting. However, they didn't see her anywhere.
"Where did Raviel go? Is she going to be long?" Excella asked, glancing around the quiet pier.
"I don't know," Jill replied casually, still enjoying the fruit she had just bought. She took another bite, clearly savoring the taste. Lately, she had found herself eating more than usual—perhaps because of the baby growing inside her. The sweetness and freshness of Ionian produce felt soothing, almost comforting, as if the land itself was nurturing her.
They waited a little longer, the gentle sound of flowing water and rustling leaves filling the air. Then, not long after, Raviel finally appeared—this time riding in a wooden carriage adorned with subtle carvings of leaves and flowing patterns typical of Ionian craftsmanship. The carriage was pulled by a white creature resembling a donkey, but far larger and more graceful, with a body closer to a horse's and two small curved horns atop its head. Its eyes shimmered with a calm, spiritual glow, as if it were a creature born from the land's harmony.
"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting," Raviel said cheerfully, hopping down from the carriage.
The others shook their heads.
"It's fine, not long at all—maybe fifteen minutes," Excella replied with a smile.
Jill, however, was completely captivated by the animal. She stepped closer and gently reached out, stroking its neck. The creature responded calmly, letting out a soft, low sound as if acknowledging her presence.
"It's so gentle…" Jill murmured, her expression softening.
"This is a kind of Ionian pack-beast," Raviel explained proudly. "They're used to travel through forests and mountain paths. Quiet, sturdy."
Raviel then gestured toward the carriage. "Come on, let's get moving. Evening will arrive soon, and we really don't want to be caught outside after nightfall. Sleeping in the open here isn't dangerous—but it's better to find proper shelter."
"Alright," they all replied in unison.
One by one, they climbed onto the carriage. As it began to move, the wheels rolled softly along the earth, almost soundless. The path ahead was lined with towering trees whose leaves shimmered in hues of pink, violet, blue, and emerald, glowing faintly as if infused with magic.
As they traveled through the villages, they were greeted by a variety of striking sights. Many of the locals possessed unique physical traits—most notably animal-like ears and tails—marking them clearly as Vastaya. These half-human, half-beast folk moved freely through the markets and roads, blending naturally into daily life as if such diversity was the most ordinary thing in the world.
However, not everyone they saw belonged to Ionia. Among the crowds were several individuals from Noxus, their presence standing out sharply. Their heavy armor, rough fabrics, and harsh designs clashed with the softer, more natural attire of the Ionian people. They looked less like travelers and more like soldiers trying to pass as observers. It was obvious they were studying the land—watching how the people lived, how the villages were structured, and how the locals interacted with one another.
These Noxians moved openly, without much effort to hide themselves, as if confident that no one would challenge them. Their sharp gazes scanned the surroundings, taking mental notes of customs, patrol routes, and daily routines—clearly seeking weaknesses rather than appreciation. It felt less like curiosity and more like preparation, the kind that comes before an invasion.
For now, Raviel paid them little attention. Whatever plans Noxus might be weaving were not her concern. She had come to Ionia for her own reasons, and the fate of this land—at least for the moment—was not something she intended to interfere with.
Along their journey, a black raven with golden eyes circled high above the sky, silently watching them, following their path wherever they went. Raviel, of course, was aware that something was observing them from afar, but she paid it no mind. In this world, there was nothing that could truly touch her—let alone harm her—so she simply let it be.
As the carriage continued forward, the scenery slowly changed. The road grew quieter, surrounded by tall grass and trees swaying gently in the wind. In the middle of their journey, they noticed an elderly woman walking unsteadily along the roadside. Her clothes were torn and stained, and there was a visible wound on her back. She carried a bundle of dry branches in her arms, likely gathered from the forest to use for her home.
Her steps were slow and uneven, as if every movement caused her pain.
"Raviel, can you stop for a moment?" Jill said softly, concern clear in her voice. "It looks like someone needs help."
"Hmmm sure" she said.
The carriage began to slow down as their attention shifted fully to the wounded old woman.
Jill stepped down from the carriage and approached the elderly woman.
"Hey, do you need some help?" Jill asked gently.
The old woman looked up at her, her face lined with exhaustion. "Yes… I think I really do," she said quietly. "Could you take me to the nearest village? It's not far from the river ahead." She raised her hand, pointing toward a settlement near the Placidium of Navori.
Jill glanced back at Raviel.
"Of course," Raviel replied calmly. "Our destination is in the same direction anyway."
"Here, let me help you with that," Jill said as she picked up the bundle of firewood and carefully placed it onto the carriage. Sarah and Abigail quickly joined in, supporting the old woman as they helped her climb up and sit comfortably.
"Thank you, young travelers," the elderly woman said softly, her voice filled with relief.
"Don't worry about it," they replied.
With that, their journey continued. The carriage rolled forward once more, its wooden wheels creaking softly as it followed the quiet Ionian road. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and distant blossoms, brushing past them like a calm whisper from the land itself.
"You look injured. Let me help clean the wound so it doesn't get infected," Excella said as she leaned closer to the elderly woman.
"Oh my… thank you, but I'm sorry to trouble a young lady like you with an old woman like me," the grandmother replied, her voice shaky but sincere.
Excella simply smiled. "It's no trouble at all. Here, show me where it hurts."
She opened a small pouch at her side and took out a compact first-aid spray she had brought along. The old woman watched with clear confusion—this was the first time she had ever seen such a tool. Carefully, Excella rinsed the wound with water before spraying it. Almost immediately, the bleeding slowed, and the torn skin began to dry and close.
The grandmother's eyes widened in surprise. "In all my years… I've never seen medicine like that."
"It's nothing special," Excella replied calmly.
"By the way, may I know where you all come from?" the old woman asked softly. Her gaze lingered on their clothes—dark robes that shimmered faintly, as if tiny stars were woven into the fabric, casting a subtle glow of their own. They were beautiful, yet clearly foreign. Their faces and features, too, were unlike those of Ionian natives she had known all her life.
"Well, we're newcomers from Bilgewater," Raviel replied calmly.
Jill and Excella remained silent, choosing not to add anything. For now, keeping their true origins vague felt like the safest choice. Abigail gave a small nod and smoothly followed up, helping reinforce the story. "Yes, we're from a small island not far from Bilgewater. Unfortunately, our home was destroyed by pirates, so we decided to leave and look for a new place to live."
Meanwhile, Sarah had already leaned back, resting her head on Abigail's thigh. She looked exhausted, her eyes half-closed as the gentle sway of the carriage lulled her into a brief rest.
"Oh, I see… so you're from that place," the old woman said, nodding in understanding. Her tone softened with sympathy. "Bilgewater is a harsh land. It's not surprising you'd want to leave after something like that."
The carriage continued along the winding Ionian road, the scenery slowly changing as they drew closer to the river near the Placidium. Tall grasses swayed gently, and distant chimes—perhaps from wind bells hung on trees or homes—echoed faintly in the air. The old woman glanced at them again, this time with a hint of gratitude in her eyes.
"Then I hope the spirit of Ionia treats you kindly," she said. "This land has its troubles, but it still knows how to welcome those who come in peace."
"Oh, let me introduce myself. My name is Yulinda," the old woman said with a gentle smile. "If you don't mind, may I know your names as well?"
"Of course. I'm Jill," she replied, introducing herself politely.
"My name is Excella."
"I'm Abigail, and this is my daughter, Sarah," she added softly, as Sarah had already fallen completely asleep.
The old woman then turned her gaze toward Raviel.
"I'm Raviel," she answered calmly.
"Hmmm… your names truly suit your beauty," the old woman said, nodding in approval.
Not long after, they arrived at a small village near a narrow river, just as the old woman had described. The carriage slowed to a stop in front of an old wooden house. Though small and weathered, it looked warm and well cared for.
"This is it. Please stop here—this is my home," the old woman said.
She then looked at them kindly. "Would you like to come inside and rest for a while? Night will fall soon."
The women instinctively turned their attention to Raviel, waiting for her decision.
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," Raviel replied gently while shaking her head. "We'll continue our journey. Our destination isn't far from here."
The old woman nodded in understanding. "Very well, then. Thank you for your kindness. May the Spirit of Ionia guide your path."
She stepped down from the carriage and gathered her belongings. The women smiled and nodded in response as the carriage began moving once more, rolling past the quiet village and into the forest path beyond. The old woman waved to them until they disappeared among the trees.
Once they were gone, she entered her small house, placing the firewood down and lighting the hearth to prepare a simple meal.
"Hmmm… hmm," she hummed softly, tasting her cooking.
"It's a shame they didn't stay," she murmured. "Did that woman named Raviel realize who I was, perhaps?"
She chuckled faintly. "Well, no matter. There will be another chance."
In the next instant, the old woman's frail body shifted and dissolved like smoke. In her place stood a young woman with sharp features and golden eyes.
The old woman had never truly been Yulinda.
She was LeBlanc, disguised from the very beginning.
Her intention had been simple—approach them quietly, observe from close range, and gather information about who they really were and why they had come to Ionia. She had no intention of acting openly yet; this was merely reconnaissance, a test of distance and reaction.
However, it seemed Raviel had already realized the truth from the start. The answers she gave were carefully chosen—half-truths mixed with misdirection, enough to satisfy curiosity without revealing anything that truly mattered.
LeBlanc, of course, noticed this as well.
That alone was enough to confirm one thing in her mind:
these women were not ordinary travelers—and Raviel, in particular, was far more dangerous than she appeared.
For now, LeBlanc chose to withdraw.
There would be other chances.
A faint, knowing smile crossed her lips before she vanished completely into thin air.
Meanwhile, the carriage carrying Raviel and the four other women continued its journey deeper into the forest as dusk slowly gave way to night.
"Raviel, are we still far from the place you're heading to?" Jill asked softly. She glanced at the sky, watching the sun sink beyond the treetops as shadows stretched across the road. Once night fully fell, the path would surely become difficult to see.
"Well, you could say that," Raviel replied casually, her tone relaxed. "About two more hours. But you don't need to worry—our destination is actually far more beautiful at night."
"Hmmm…"
Abigail, Jill, and Excella exchanged confused looks. None of them quite understood what Raviel meant, but they chose not to press her further.
Not long after, night fully embraced the forest.
And that was when they finally understood.
The road that had once been swallowed by darkness now glowed softly, as if the land itself had awakened. Leaves shimmered with gentle hues of blue and violet, veins of light pulsing faintly through them like living starlight. The trees stood tall and silent, their branches adorned with luminous petals that drifted slowly through the air. Even the stream that flowed alongside the path reflected the glow, its surface sparkling as though infused with magic.
"…This is…" Jill whispered, her breath catching.
"…beautiful," Excella finished, her eyes wide in awe.
Abigail silently held Sarah closer, a small smile forming on her lips as she watched the child sleep peacefully, untouched by the strange wonder surrounding them.
"This is Ionia," Raviel said calmly, her gaze fixed forward. "Not the one written in stories—but the one that breathes, listens, and remembers. At night, the land shows its true colors."
The forest seemed alive, not hostile, but aware—guiding them forward as if acknowledging their presence. Firefly-like spirits drifted between the trees, and distant chimes echoed softly with every turn of the carriage wheels.
For the first time, they felt welcomed by the beauty of this place.
******
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