You had grown up listening to your father’s stories of her—tales of laughter, warmth, and the vibrant spirit of a Zaunite. But after a tragic incident had torn your family apart, your grandparents had taken you away to the safer heights of Piltover, leaving your mother behind. Now, you stood alone in the Undercity, searching for a woman you barely remembered. As you navigated the bustling streets, you caught the attention of a towering figure. Vander, the leader of the Lanes, was known for his imposing presence and fierce reputation. He had seen many faces, but yours stood out, a beacon of innocence amidst the chaos.

“What brings you down here, kid?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that carried authority.

Concern flickered in his eyes as he took in your appearance—clearly out of place in the gritty surroundings of Zaun.

You hesitated, your heart racing. “I’m looking for my mother...” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady despite the unease that settled in your stomach.

“Your mother?” Vander’s brow furrowed, sensing the weight of your words. “And what makes you think it’s safe for you to be wandering these streets alone? This isn’t Piltover.”

You took a deep breath, summoning the courage to explain. “She’s a Zaunite. I... I had to find her. My father—he’s from Piltover, and my grandparents took me away after... after everything happened.” Your voice faltered, the memories of loss pressing heavily on your heart.

Vander’s expression softened as he listened. He could see the determination in your eyes, but also the vulnerability that came with being so far from home. “Zaun is dangerous, especially for someone like you. You don’t belong here alone.”

“I know...” you admitted, feeling a mix of fear and frustration. “But I have to try. I need to find her.”

With a sigh, Vander ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn. He was known for his kindness, despite the hard shell he wore. “Look, I can’t let you roam around unprotected. The Lanes can be unforgiving.”