Sona
Sona is Demacia's leading virtuoso of the stringed etwahl, communicating solely through her elegant chords and lively arias. Her refined demeanor has won the favor of the nobility, though some believe her enchanting melodies may actually channel magic, a forbidden practice in Demacia. Though silent to most, she is understood by those close to her, using her harmonies not only to heal wounded allies but also to eliminate unsuspecting foes.
Opening
Welcome, lore-lovers, to another deep dive into the rich world of Runeterra! I'm Liandrug, and today we're unraveling the fascinating story of one of Demacia's most mysterious champions--Sona, the Maven of the Strings. From her origins in Ionia to her ties with House Buvelle, and her connections with other iconic characters, there's a lot to explore. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the lore
The Chronicle
Sona has no recollection of her biological parents. As a baby, she was discovered abandoned at the doorstep of an Ionian orphanage, placed atop an ancient instrument enclosed in a beautifully crafted case of unknown origin. Sona was an unusually calm child, always quiet and content. Her caretakers believed she would be adopted quickly, but they soon realized that what they thought was extraordinary tranquility was actually an inability to speak or make any sound at all. Sona remained at the orphanage into her teenage years, silently watching as potential adopters overlooked her. During this period, the caretakers sold her unique instrument to eager collectors, intending to build a trust for her. However, for a variety of strange and unforeseen reasons, the instrument was repeatedly returned or mysteriously reappeared outside the orphanage.
When a wealthy Demacian woman named Lestara Buvelle heard about the instrument, she immediately traveled to Ionia. After seeing the instrument, she wordlessly explored the orphanage, eventually stopping outside Sona's room. Without hesitation, Lestara adopted her and made a generous donation for the instrument. Under Lestara's guidance, Sona discovered a profound connection with the instrument, which Lestara referred to as an "etwahl." In Sona's hands, the etwahl produced sounds that stirred or calmed the hearts of those around her. Within months, Sona was performing with the enigmatic etwahl to sold-out audiences, playing as though she were plucking the heartstrings of her listeners, effortlessly evoking emotions without a single written note. Secretly, she discovered the etwahl's powerful and deadly potential, using its vibrations to cut objects from a distance. She practiced this skill in private, mastering it in preparation for a time when a performance might require the full range of her talents.
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In the story "One last show" we find Sona, who had always been attuned to the subtleties of the world around her, approaching the Argentine Inn, when a wave of nostalgia hit her like a familiar melody. The scent of hay, strawberries, and sturdy wood stirred memories of days long gone--days when life in Demacia was simpler, happier. But those days felt like they belonged to another world now, distant and out of reach.
As she stepped into the courtyard, she spotted an old friend, Etra, emerging from the inn's doorway. Sona's heart skipped a beat--had time changed everything? But Etra's eyes widened in recognition, and with a joyful shriek, she rushed forward to embrace Sona. Relief washed over her. Some things, it seemed, never changed.
"You got my letter!" Etra exclaimed, holding her tight.
Sona nodded, and as Etra pulled back to study her, she noticed the weariness in Sona's eyes. They had been apart for too long. Sensing Sona's unease, Etra switched to the rough sign language they had created over years of friendship. All is well? she asked, her hands moving with the grace of a long-forgotten dance.
Sona replied with a practiced ease, the comfort of being understood by someone who knew her so well. Yes, of course, she signed, even if the words weren't entirely true. I missed you terribly. She kept her movements low, out of sight, to avoid drawing attention.
How long will you stay this time? Etra asked.
As long as I can, Sona replied. You know I could never resist an empty stage. Etra grinned in response. Tonight would be special.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sona took her place at the front of the inn's makeshift stage--a simple raised platform in a converted barn. The first few spectators trickled in, familiar faces among them. They came prepared for an evening of music, with flagons of wine and cheese wrapped in cloth.
The etwahl, her instrument of choice, sat gleaming on its stand, its burnished gold polished to perfection. Sona glanced at her companions on stage--Cal, keeping beat on the goatskin drums, and Etra, whose voice would soon join Sona's melodies, smooth and clear as water. Together, they fell into a familiar rhythm, and the crowd swelled as more people gathered, drawn by the music.
But tonight, the air was heavy with tension. Demacia had recently lost its king, and the country was in turmoil, divided by a year of bloodshed and betrayal. As Sona played, her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of four hooded figures slipping into the back of the audience. Their dark blue cloaks weren't alarming by themselves, but when one of them tilted their head, Sona caught a glint of gold--a mask.
Mageseekers.
Sona's heart raced. She could feel the unease ripple through Etra, but neither of them dared to acknowledge it. They had to keep performing, maintain the facade. The next song was a solo piece. As Etra and Cal quietly retreated backstage, Sona prepared herself.
The audience shifted in their seats, ready for what was to come. They all knew this piece--it was one of Sona's own creations, a melody that had no name but was etched in the hearts of those who had heard it. Her fingers brushed the strings, and the air hung still, pregnant with anticipation.
Then, with the first note, the music began.
Her fingers moved with the grace of fireflies, the song building and fading, twisting and turning like the emotions it evoked. But soon, something more emerged in the music--notes that shouldn't have been possible, layers that added depth and complexity beyond the ordinary. The etwahl had awakened.
To the audience, it was just music. But to Sona, the air was alive with long, twisting illusions rising from the strings, visible only to her. The instrument had chosen its target--a grieving widow in the back of the room, lost in memories of her late husband. The etwahl resonated with the deep warmth of his voice, conjuring images of his weathered face, the crinkle of his smile. But as the music continued, the image shifted--a reminder of his recent passing and the hard harvest that followed.
The etwahl whispered the man's final song to Sona, and without pause, she wove it into her own melody. The widow's eyes widened in recognition, tears streaming down her cheeks. Sona poured her heart into the music, offering comfort, strength, and solace through her notes.
But as the song reached its crescendo, something went wrong. The illusions that had been her secret began to spill out, no longer contained. The Mageseekers had noticed. They rose from their seats, moving down the aisle toward her. Panic surged within Sona--she had lost control.
The crowd was still entranced, oblivious to the danger. Sona took a step back, her mind racing. She had to escape. She bolted, her skirts gathered in one hand, the etwahl following her as if alive. She burst through the back of the barn, into the dark alley beyond, only to find herself cornered by more Mageseekers.
They surrounded her, blades drawn, their intentions clear. Sona backed against the inn's wall, her fingers finding the etwahl once more. I hope Etra ran, she thought as the instrument began to glow.
With a powerful strum, she unleashed a violent burst of music. The air crackled with golden energy, and the Mageseekers were caught in its thrall. They twisted and contorted, their bodies moving like puppets on strings, forced to dance against their will. Their screams echoed in the night, but Sona couldn't stop. She had to make them hurt, to ensure they would never remember Etra, never come after her.
Finally, with one last resonant chord, the Mageseekers collapsed to the ground, unconscious and forgetful. Sona stood there, her heart pounding, before slipping away into the woods, disappearing into the silence, leaving nothing but the echoes of her music behind.
Champion's relations
Sona's connections with those around her are deeply rooted in both her past and present, with bonds that reflect her quiet strength and the care she gives to those she loves.
House Buvelle
Sona is the beloved adoptive daughter of Lord Barrett and Lady Lestara Buvelle of House Buvelle. Her adoption brought her into a family that cherishes and protects her, especially given the dangers she faces as a magical being in a land where magic is taboo. Her bond with her mother, Lestara, is particularly strong. Lestara has been a guiding force in Sona's life, helping her harness the power of the etwahl and shielding her from the Mageseekers who hunt those like her. Sona is also close to her adoptive sister, Kahina, sharing a deep familial connection that reinforces her place within House Buvelle.
Irelia
During one of her returns to Ionia, Sona crossed paths with Irelia, the famed defender of her homeland. The meeting between these two women, both shaped by the struggles and wars of their respective lands, speaks to a shared understanding of duty and the burdens carried by those who stand against oppression.
Taric
Before his exile, Sona met Taric, the Shield of Valoran. Their encounter occurred in a time when Taric was still finding his path, and though their meeting was brief, it was meaningful. Both Sona and Taric share a connection to the celestial and the mystical, even if their paths diverged afterward.
Ryze
Sona also journeyed with the archmage Ryze during the events of the Call of Power. Together, they traveled to the Hirana Monastery in the aftermath of the Noxian invasion of Ionia. Along the way, they were ambushed by the Navori Brotherhood, a confrontation that showcased Sona's resolve and willingness to fight for the safety of her homeland, alongside one of Runeterra's most powerful mages.
Closing Words
Thanks for joining me, lore-lovers, on this deep dive into Sona's story! If you enjoyed this video, make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode. And if you're hungry for even more lore discussions, join our Discord community--it's the perfect place to chat with fellow lore-lovers. Until next time, keep exploring the lore!
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