Shyvana felt out of place as she stood at the front door of the barracks.
"June, are you sure about this?" Shyvana tugged on the cloak, pulling it closer around her. "I feel so... exposed. These clothes are so thin, and the thing you gave me for my chest hurts." Shyvana went to tug at the brassiere again, but Alicia swatted her hand aside and made a fuss about making sure Shyvana's blouse was on correctly and how the cloak wasn't going to mess up the ribbon that Alicia had tied Shyvana's thigh-long braid off with. She rearranged Shyvana's scarf for the umpteenth time, adjusting the end of the tassels so it fell over her chest, letting the deep blue accent Shyvana's hair.
"You're going to dinner, not battle!" June said in a mischievous manner. "If you want to make a good impression, wearing a military uniform isn't really the right way to go about it. Besides, if it is Jarvan, you might as well wear something cute, just in case!" Alicia patted her on the back and gave her a brave smile, but Shyvana simply blushed, looking at the ground.
"I don't like it, regardless." Shyvana muttered.
"Oh, I don't want to hear any of that nonsense." Alicia said, trying to brush a lock of hair from Shyvana's face. It didn't want to cooperate though, the single lock of red hair bouncing down just over her nose. "Your hair, it doesn't like to cooperate does it?"
Shyvana tried to shake her hair out, but it didn't move much. "It usually does just what I want, but you stuck so many pins in it, my head just feels heavy." Shyvana protested. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid on the back of her head, her bangs practically plastered to her head by bobby pins and hair clips. "Can't I take some of them out?"
"Why?" Alicia said, taking Shyvana in her arms and giving her a hug. "You look so cute!"
Shyvana blushed furiously. "I guess, but..."
"Don't sweat it, Shyvana." Alicia said, smiling. "Just be yourself, be true to yourself and don't let it worry you. I'm sure you'll do just fine."
"I don't even know who I'm meeting though." Shyvana said with a frown, her voice slightly distressed.
"Good evening." Noel approached the massive wooden doors of the barracks with a polite smile on her face and a cloak wrapped around her shoulders against the afternoon chill. The day was dreary and overcast and the sky had just begun to darken. There was the scent of a fresh snowfall coming, but Noel looked as calm and happy as ever.
"Hi there!" Alicia said, smiling infectiously. Shyvana barely mumbled a greeting, still staring at the ground.
"Ready?" Noel asked, looking Shyvana over. The dragoness nodded nervously. "Very good! Shall we go then?" She started off, gesturing for Shyvana to follow.
"Alright." Shyvana responded, falling into step with the maid.
"Take care and have fun." Alicia said, waving. Shyvana pulled the cloak around her tighter, the gusts of wind bouncing up under her cloak and sweeping up the skirt. She shivered and pushed the skirt down, trying to fight the wind but try as she might, she was uncomfortable in this new form of dress.
"You look pretty today, ma'am." Noel said, smiling politely as she slowed her pace to match Shyvana.
"Oh." Shyvana said blushing as she tried to stop fidgeting with the skirt for a few moments, trying to process the comment coming from Noel. "Thank you?"
"Of course." Noel said, nodding and smiling, dimpling prettily. "I wasn't aware that you owned any clothes of your own yet."
"These were loaned to be by June—Gunnery Sergeant Juniper." Shyvana said, shaking her head and blushing a bit again. "I feel really out of place honestly, Miss Noel. I have no idea what I should say. I don't even know who I'm meeting!"
"Not to worry, my master is very excited to meet you. She has expressed rising concerns of the state of Jarvan's mental health, and her concern has led her to you." Noel let slip a small frown. "The confrontation between Jarvan and his father the other day has left her curious about you needless to say. The queen is a very understanding and kind woman though, I'm sure you'll get along just fine with her."
"The queen?" Shyvana squeaked, her eyes growing wide. "B-but... What can I do?" Shyvana stammered, blinking and stumbling over a cobblestone as she struggled to catch up with Noel as she picked up the pace a bit. "I can hardly find my way around the barracks! I'm not in any position to help someone else right now."
"Au contraire, Miss Shyvana." Noel said with a smile. "Mental stability, company, drive, protection, comfort," Noel winked and Shyvana blushed a bit. "...are all ways that you can help the prince. You'll do just fine this evening."
"Everyone keeps telling me I'll do well, but I really don't know what I'm doing." Shyvana said blushing again as she slowed to a stop, staring at the ground. Noel paused a few steps ahead, looking back at Shyvana with a bit of a frown marring her face.
"Worry not, Miss Shyvana, the queen is very gracious and kind." Noel said reassuringly. "Imagine you are speaking to your mother. It's as simple as that."
"I..." Shyvana hesitated. "I never knew my mother." Shyvana tugged on the cloak, her hands working to try and hide her nerves, but all they did was betray her. Noel froze for a long period of time, simply looking down at Shyvana, blinking.
"Oh. Well." Noel said, now the hesitant one. "Please excuse me, I didn't mean to offend you, or say anything inappropriate."
"It's fine." Shyvana said with a heavy sigh, pulling the scarf up over her mouth and tucking her face into the soft woolen fabric. "There is no way you could have known."
"I'm truly sorry." Noel said, bowing. She stood up straight and looked around for a moment, and then smiled, her eyes widening a bit as is she had an epiphany. "The way Gunny Juniper was worrying over you, that's motherly. Think of the queen similar to how you would think of Gunny Juniper."
"That's how a mother acts?" Shyvana said, smiling to herself, hiding it behind her scarf again. "I guess that makes sense." Shyvana paused for a moment, her face flushed just a bit as she remembered what Alicia had done in her quest to try and cheer Shyvana up the night before. I hope the Queen isn't that... wild.
"It will explain itself when you meet her." Noel said, smiling, gesturing for Shyvana to follow her again.
"But..." Shyvana started to protest as she jogged to catch up with the maid's strides.
"My master will explain everything in due time, Miss. Until then..." Noel said, forestalling any comments as she stopped at an intersection of two city streets. The maid turned back and smiled, gesturing towards the street. "Welcome to Merchant's Street, heart of the Mercantile District." Noel's black bangs bounced as her braid swished from side to side behind her as she turned and led Shyvana down the street.
"This is amazing, Miss Noel." Shyvana's mouth hung open as she watched the packed thoroughfare. Men and women walked arm in arm as they strode up and down the street. Brightly lit shoppe windows glowed with all sorts of nicknacks and gifts displayed in the window. They passed a store with glowing motes of light dancing an intricate pattern in the window, a mage casting beautiful patterns of light as small children and their parents crowded around to watch. Shyvana stopped and stared in awe, wonder glittering in her eyes as the light blossomed and swirled. It was like watching fireflies and stars dance a ballet; something Shyvana had never seen before.
"Wow..." Shyvana mouthed as a small dragon, made of orange flames and golden swirls, danced around the children's heads. A smile spread across the children and Shyvana's face as the dragon roared, and sprayed a small cloud of sparkling flames into the air.
"That's nothing." Noel said with a grin. "Child's play." Shyvana blinked a few times as looked at Noel with a disbelieving grin. "When Mistress Luxanna Crownguard returns from the Institute of War, you must ask her to show you some real illusion magic. You won't believe the things she can show you."
"I'll try to remember that." Shyvana said, falling in besides Noel as her eyes danced around the street. "Miss Noel?"
"Please." She said, turning towards the dragoness. "It's just Noel at this point, young lady."
"Alright." Shyvana said, an excited smile upon her face. She stuck her hand out. "Call me Shyvana, then." Noel look surprised but accepted the her hand and shook it. She smiled as she continued to lead the way down the crowded street. "I meant to ask earlier, but what is with all of the decoration. I don't remember them from when I first entered the city. Even yesterday I didn't see any of this... what happened? It's all so beautiful but I don't know what it's for..."
Lights twinkled around the street and candles danced in the windows, casting an eerie glow along the cobbles when the many shadows danced past. Lanterns sparkled to life, the motes of fire flaring and growing brighter, giving the street a warm, golden-orange color. Sprigs of green leaves with white berries hung from the top of archways and above doors. Boughs of holly and fir were dressed around the street, long chains hanging from walls and the street lamps. Blue and gold ribbons decorated rings of dark green holly and pine branches, all of it smelling fresh and crisp like it had just been cut. Gold and blue badging decorated all of the bows as well, the Demacian crest shimmering on each and every ribbon. Shyvana rubbed her eyes, unable to believe what she saw before her as she approached the next intersection, Noel following behind her with a small smile. A tall fir tree now stood in the main intersection of Merchant's Street, small motes of light dancing across its branches. It was decorated with shinning glass balls of white, blue and gold, icy white frosting decorating each with a delicate pattern. Shyvana pranced up and stared into her reflection in one of the white balls of glass, surprised by the odd shape of her face that it shown in the reflection. She giggled at the silly expression, waggling her tongue and crossing her eyes as she continued to giggle and make faces at herself.
"Having fun?" Noel said, smiling as she watched Shyvana. "These are traditional Snowdown decorations."
"Snowdown?" Shyvana said, wrinkling up her nose, a frown upon her face.
"Surely you've heard of the Time of Snowdown." Noel said, an astonished look upon her face. While Noel had observed that Shyvana had slowly been acclimating herself with the Demacian lifestyle, mostly thanks to Gunny Juniper, there were often still things that seemed to allude her.
"I have, though I've never actually celebrated it." She tried to shrug but couldn't manage the gesture properly, breaking into a nervous smile.
"That's a pity..." Noel said, a soft expression upon her face. Shyvana could see a glimmer of excitement in Noel's eyes, but there was also one of disappointment as well. Shyvana was surprised by the two emotions swirling around in her eyes, but turned her attention back to the decorations.
"And is this all normal?" Shyvana said, pointing to the holly and pine that decorated everything around the street. All of the windows and bare walls were covered in festive decoration and lights, and even the lamp posts had been given a green fir makeover.
"For the Palace, and the Mercantile district, yes, it's quite the tradition." Noel said with a proud smile. "Demacia is famous for going all out with Snowdown decorations. Almost the entire city looks like this. It's gorgeous." She beamed, turning to look over the top of Shyvana's head at a shoppe window. "And with the snow that should be coming... oh, it's unlike anything you've ever seen." Her voice was reverent and quiet with awe, a broad smile upon her face.
"It sounds lovely." Shyvana said with a smile. She continued looking around as they walked, but soon a thoughtful expression crossed onto her face. "Are there any other traditions I should know about?"
"Well..." Noel said, slowing up and glancing around the street. "Let's see, there's mistletoe." Noel pointed to the green leaves and white berries above a doorway, where a couple was exchanging a passionate kiss. Shyvana blushed slightly, but Noel smiled. "Something that Jarvan will undoubtedly share with you. There are also a few traditions that have held over from what Snowdown used to be, a time to commemorate the pass of the previous year. Demacia's events used to be dominated with a strong sense of reverence, hosting grand ceremonies and commemorations of the year's passed heroes, but with the recent peace, we've move to more happy celebrations or life and achievement. The tradition used to be gifts of sorrow to those who had lost family, but now it has lost much of that meaning. Parents often give their children presents, wrapped up in bows and colorful paper beneath the tree because they're thankful they get to share another year together." Noel gestured towards a tree in a toy shoppe window where boxes wrapped with colorful paper and ribbon had been piled high. "Lovers often exchanged gifts as well, as you never know at what point your loved one might have to march off to war. Though that doesn't happen nearly as much anymore, thanks to the Institute of War."
"I see..." Shyvana said, lost in thought as they continued up the street. What if Jarvan ever had to march off to war? All the talk has pointed to the possibility recently... Shyvana shook her head, and tried not to think about losing Jarvan to something unfortunate like that. If Jarvan is ever called to war, I shall be right there beside him.
As they walked along the street, Shyvana tried to turn her thoughts back to the colorful sights and smells, rather than how much she missed Jarvan. As she tried to take in all the different things, she began to realized that she was woefully unprepared for the multitude of amazing things that assaulted her senses. On top of the new sights, smells, tastes and sounds, the people were crushing in around her. Unlike Noxus, where everyone had been too busy to notice her, everyone they passed seemed to offer them a cheerful holiday greeting. It was... different. Noel returned many of them with her seemingly normal, cheerful response of 'Happy Snowdown to you, too!' Shyvana was content with merely nodding her greetings to the families, women, men and everyone else they passed on the street.
When Shyvana wasn't lost amid the general good cheer and festive greetings of the crowd, her eyes were plastered upon the massive store fronts that were all vying for business and attention. She saw shoppes that sold every sort of thing imaginable, from toys and small nicknacks for young boys and girls, to arms and weapons and everything in between. Smithies turned out small, beautiful pieces of silver and gold jewelry, their fine craft garnering impressive attention from women, often hanging onto the arm of dashing young men in military uniforms who were intent on impressing their female companions. It wasn't long before Noel gestured towards a shoppe front amid the many others, standing on the corner of an intersection.
"We've arrived, Shyvana." Noel said, stepping towards it and motioning for Shyvana to follow. Shyvana simply nodded and followed her into the restaurant, the scent of food and baked goods suddenly reminding Shyvana how hungry she was. Shyvana sniffed the air, the distinct scent of chocolate chip cookies wafting through the entrance way of the restaurant. A hostess approached, dressed in a pretty tartan skirt and a simple white blouse, an apron hanging loosely upon her hips.
"Welcome to the Stone Hearth Cafe." The hostess said, smiling at both of them. "How can I help you?"
"We have a friend here already, she's waiting for us." Noel said, smiling. "The party name should be 'Catherine'."
"Let me just check the registrar here, ma'am..." The hostess said as she looked over a sheet of paper on the podium that was just inside the door. Her eyes grew wide when she same across it. "OH! W-welcome, ma'am! This way, please!" The hostess lead them excitedly through the crowded dining room to the back of the dining area, where a set of stairs were roped off. The hostess moved the rope out of the way, gesturing up the stairs. Noel nodded her thanks and started up the steps, Shyvana following behind her all the way up, ending on large platform that stretched along the side of the high ceiling. It was a bit darker than the lower floors, but it was also warmer. There were a few tables here and there but they were all empty. "Your table is right over here, ladies."
Shyvana paused as she looked towards the furthest table back, tucked away in the far corner, over looking a large window that gave a wide view of the street below. Standing at the window a tall, elegant woman, looking out over the street with a surprisingly soft smile upon her face, a dark cloak pulled over her shoulders. She turned at the sound of footsteps and looked back, almost surprised to see Shyvana and Noel standing there. The surprise melted and was replaced with a warm smile, as she ran her hand along the back of the chair, taking several steps forward. She paused, a few steps beyond the table, but she took one step further into the light, revealing brown hair and eyes that were the exactly same shade of gray-blue as Jarvan's eyes.
"Well, aren't you charming." The soft voice mused. "Greetings, Shyvana." Shyvana blinked a few times and then blushed, suddenly bowing deep.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am!" Shyvana nearly barked. She realized she was way too loud and then bowed again, staying down as her eyes drilled into the floor. Damnit! I'm already making an ass of myself! Catherine Lightshield moved with an the ease and grace that billowed around her as she seemed to float over the wooden boards of the cafe. She touched Shyvana on the shoulder and gently gestured for her to stand. "Oh, uh, your highness..." Shyvana said nervously, her already windswept cheeks burning an even brighter shade of pink. She envied the grace and wisdom of the Queen of Demacia, her soft voice and even demeanor already serving to calm Shyvana's nerves.
"Please, I asked you here to learn more about you, not to drill you on basic military protocol." Catherine offered the dragoness a warm smile, hoping to melt a bit of the ice of the first meeting. "I'd like this to be a casual as possible. I really don't care for the rigor and pomp of military proceedings in times as intimate as these. Snowdown is a time for cheer, reflection and family. My family..." She sighed heavily as she lowered herself to the chair. "My family is starting to tear itself apart, and I need your help."
"M-my help?" Shyvana stammered, standing up infinitely straighter, blushing slightly. "I mean—of course. How can I help you, ma'am?"
"Please." Lady Catherine said, shaking her head just a bit as she chuckled softly, hiding her mouth with a hand. "Just call me Catherine."
"Sure—I mean yes ma'am—I mean of course your majesty—I mean..." Shyvana said, nervously her voice turning to mumbles as she blushed. "I don't know what I mean..." Her voice trailed off with an embarrassed whimper.
"Please, please, it's simply Catherine." The queen said, chuckling softly again. "Just treat me like you would treat your own mother." The queen offered her a warm smile, but Shyvana's face fell and the queen realized she had said something that caused Shyvana to feel sad.
"Yes, ma'am." Shyvana said, with a soft voice, her tone slightly subdued. Lady Catherine started to reprimand her but the look on Shyvana's face silenced her.
"Please, have a seat." Lady Catherine gestured to one of the chairs around the table, trying to offer an encouraging smile. "And you as well, Noel. Please, sit down with us."
"Ma'am, I couldn't..." Noel began to say, but Lady Catherine simply looked at the maid once and Noel nodded quickly. She made sure both Shyvana and Lady Catherine were seated first before she took her own seat.
The waitress who had been standing off to the side approached a few steps and bowed her head almost reverently. "So, what can I get for you ladies before we get dinner served?" She said politely, smiling.
"Three mugs of Cocoa will be fine for now." Lady Catherine said, smiling at the waitress. "Would you like anything else to accompany that? We may not eat for a little while..." She directed the question towards Shyvana, watching the excitement play over her face. Lady Catherine sighed a breath of relief that Shyvana was cheering up.
"A chocolate chip cookie please." Shyvana said meekly, blushing, embarrassed at her own excitement.
"Better make it three." Catherine said with a smile. The waitress nodded and disappeared to get their cookies and drinks. She took a deep breath and the laced her hands in front of her upon the table. "While we wait, I hope you don't mind if I ask some questions about you?" Lady Catherine said hesitantly. "They may be a bit personal."
"I'll answer them as best I can." Shyvana said nodding bravely as she took a deep breath. She pulled the cloak from her shoulders and hung it on the back on her chair. She tried not to fiddle with the hair clips, but she couldn't help but fiddle with her braid. She caught herself and tried to sit up a bit straighter. "Before we start, can I ask you a question, ma'am?"
"Only if you call me Catherine." The queen said almost scornfully. "Or at least Lady Catherine if you are that uncomfortable with just Catherine."
"Lady Catherine, please." Shyvana said meekly, grinning and slightly embarrassed.
"Go ahead then, young lady." Lady Catherine said with a smile meant to calm her. Shyvana looked hesitant but nodded a bit and sobered up trying to put on a brave face.
"Why did you want to meet me, ma'am?" Shyvana asked bluntly. Lady Catherine set her hands on the table before her and sighed a breath of relief as if she was relieved.
"Dragons have always been a bit of a fascination of mine." Catherine said with a girlish smile, crossing her arms over her chest as she sat back just a bit. "My father used to talk of a time when dragons freely roamed Valoran. They worked with humans hand in hand, training and teaching them how to balance the flow of life and magic. But eventually... dragons kind left the eye of civilization. Why did that happen?"
"Well..." Shyvana frowned. "That was millennia ago. Dragon-kind likes to blame humanity and their abuse of magic for causing the deterioration of the world, but my father was never convinced that the dragons were completely absolved in responsibility. Dragon magic is just as violent and barbaric as human magic." Shyvana shrugged. "My father told me some stories about the dragon's of old, but he never spoke of his past much, mostly the history he observed."
"He was a scholar then?" Lady Catherine proposed.
"Yes." Shyvana said, nodding. "He was a historian of sorts, watching the world and trying to theorize about the world he had lived through to try and help the new world."
"He would have done well to serve the Institute of War." Catherine said sympathetically. "His knowledge would have been a boon, and he could have possibly found protection there for you."
"Humanity was not kind to my father and I." Shyvana said hesitantly. "We were chased from more towns than I can remember, and seldom did humans want to listen to a dragon, regardless of how wise he may have been. I don't know if he tried to approach the Institute, but I don't know If he would have ever been able." Shyvana stared at the table, wiping away tears that she hadn't realized had formed in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." Lady Catherine said, patting Shyvana's hand gently.
Shyvana shook her head. "It's fine. I miss him a lot, but I can't think that he'd be anything but happy for me now."
"I would imagine so." Lady Catherine said smiling. "That being said though, just who are you?" Lady Catherine looked towards the dragoness with a bit of a smile playing over her face. "I had thought dragons hated humans?"
"I'm actually only half-dragon." Shyvana said, looking down at her hands. "My father was a celestial dragon and my mother was human. I can hardly remember her from when I was just a baby and my father didn't speak of her much. She was from Demacia, well, at least I think she was. The only memento of her that I have is this hair." Shyvana tugged on her braid, running her hands over the soft red hair.
"A live celestial dragon?" Catherine said, her mouth hanging open slightly. "I had read about them in my history books. I thought they had gone extinct long ago..."
"Well, my father actually died several months ago." Shyvana said, looking at the ground and tucking her hands under her thighs, against the wooden chair. "I don't know if there are any others left out there honestly."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Catherine said softly. A few moments of silenced followed, and the queen finally sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening her eyes and meeting Shyvana's gaze intently. She opened her mouth to say something but she shut it when steps approached them from behind. The hair on the back of Shyvana's neck stood on in and she flexed her knuckles on top of her knees, readying for an attack.
"Here you go, ladies." The waitress said, smiling, dimpling prettily as she swept up towards the table. Shyvana exhaled, trying to calm herself, running her hands over her the skirt to dry her palms. The waitress set a steaming mug before Shyvana, Lady Catherine, and Noel, and set a plate with three large chocolate chip cookies between them. Shyvana licked her lips as Noel said her thanks. "I'll hold off on a main course for you ladies, yes?" The queen nodded a conformation and her thanks. "Very well. Please let us know when you're ready." The waitress nodded and left them to their drinks and their odd choice of appetizer. Noel wrapped her hands around the barrel of her mug, letting the steam caress her face. Shyvana did the same, pulling it close to her, ducking her head to sniff the murky brown contents of the mug.
"What is this 'cocoa'?" Shyvana said, glancing from the thick, muddy looking liquid up to the queen. "It smells like chocolate..." Lady Catherine laughed with a broad smile spread over her face.
"It is, indeed. Go ahead and try it, this cafe has the best cocoa in the entire kingdom." Lady Catherine said, sipping her mug gingerly. Shyvana watched a smile grow on both Lady Catherine and Noel's faces and then slowly did the same, her eyes growing as wide as the saucer beneath her mug when she finally tasted the contents. She took a long pull from the mug, closing her eyes and moaning softly as the warmth spread through her body. She felt warmth begin to spread through her extremities against the day's chill.
"That's amazing." Shyvana said, taking a deep breath and sighing contently. Noel giggled softly.
"You really like chocolate, don't you?" Noel said, grinning over top of her own mug of hot cocoa. Shyvana nodded vigorously, this time causing even the queen to chuckle softly as a smile spread over Shyvana's face, her cheeks blushed to a soft pink. She look another sip, sinking just a bit in her seat, sighing contently.
"That's so good..." Shyvana murmured. She sat back and took a cookie, slowly nibbling on it as she waited. Lady Catherine could see her nerves starting to mount again. She set her mug down and took a deep breath.
"We might as well address this subject now." Catherine asked, leaning forward on the table and looking directly at the dragoness. "What exactly is going on between you and my son, Prince Jarvan?"
"Well... I guess you could we're..." Shyvana began, hesitating, blushing furiously as she spoke the words with a small voice. She was obviously searching for the right way to explain how she felt about the prince. "He asked me something once." Shyvana said, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes as she pressed a hand over her heart, reciting the words from memory. "'You, who are born of both dragon and human blood have been invaluable to me in so many ways, through this immense cataclysm that marks the land and our lives. Will you serve Demacia at my side and accept her as your new home?' When he spoke those words, I think I felt my heart melt." Shyvana opened her eyes and looked over at the queen who looked surprised, but the surprise soon turned to a smile.
"He said that?" The woman said, raising an eyebrow.
"I know..." Shyvana said, smiling a little bit, but as she pressed her hands into her lap, the smile faded. "I told him that as long as I was beside him, I would be happy. But now, I have to wonder if it's really going to work out like we—I had originally hoped."
"Perhaps we should start from the beginning then." Lady Catherine said evenly. Though she didn't betray any sympathy, she didn't look angry or perturbed. "When he lost his company so many years ago, something changed in him. Jarvan was no longer the outgoing, energetic and ambitious young officer he had been before, the spitting image of the perfect Demacian soldier. He was a shell, both here and not here at the same time. Two years ago, he up and left Demacia, setting out with twelve men in his service, the last remnants of his Exemplar Company."
Shyvana nodded. "When I first met Jarvan, he had been empty and distant, but only seven of the twelve men were in his service still. I was afraid and in the late stages of shock when we had first encountered each other, angry at the world for the pain I had suffered. I didn't think it was fair and I was willing to lash out at anyone who approached." Shyvana said, wringing her hands. "I... uh... may or may not have tried to kill him when he first approached."
Catherine inhaled sharply, sitting up. "Jarvan definitely left that part out of his report."
"I don't blame him..." Shyvana said, grimacing. "It wasn't my finest moment." Catherine sighed heavily as Noel patted her hand sympathetically.
"I'm glad to see that the two of you managed to work it out." Noel said with a smile. Shyvana laughed and she could hear Catherine laugh as well. Shyvana sighed contently and she paused to wonder if this is what it was like to have a mother; she had never known her own. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside, not all too different from when she and Jarvan managed to share one of their few quiet moments.
"It was difficult." Shyvana said, shaking her head. "I don't think I've ever faced anything more difficult, and I don't think I'll ever face anything harder that what we went through back then." She looked to the ground and took a sip of the cocoa to try and calm her nerves. "This may be hard to deal with, the training and separation, but it's child's play to what we faced before."
"I can't begin to imagine what you went though." Lady Catherine said softly, sympathy on her face.
"It was hell." Shyvana said, glancing away with a look of pain and disgust on her face. "But, it was not something I wasn't used to."
"You make it sound like you went through it for all of you life." Lady Catherine started to joke. The smile died when Shyvana gave her a haunted look. "Please continue." Shyvana nodded meekly.
"I was chased and tormented by a dragon all of my life, with the intent of being used to break and torture my father for betraying dragon kind, for mating with a human. My father died at the hands of that bastard, Kampf, and he left me to die, retreating to watch as I suffered and grieved."
"That's horrifying." Catherine said, her voice laced with a mix of awe and disgust. "Why would he do something like that, though?"
"Kampf viewed me as an abomination; a mark upon the honor of dragon-kind that sullied their pure bloodlines. I was a blemish and I was to be purged, but not before I suffered for my very existance. It was a few days after that when I first met Jarvan." Her voice trailed off. "While I may have tried to fight him at first, I soon realized that he merely wanted to help me, not cause me more undue pain and agony. He gave me food and water as I approached the brink of death, and he rescued me from myself."
"If you need a moment..." Noel said softly, but Shyvana shook her head, blinking away tears.
Shyvana pushed on. "All I can say is that my life, my entire being, belongs to Jarvan. I owe him more than I could ever hope to pay back, and as we journeyed together, I came to love him dearly. When he offered me to opportunity to serve him and Demacia, I accepted his offer out of a mix of gratitude and necessity: my old life had been demolished, my father dead and no home to call my own. The prospect of remaining by his side and finally having a home to call my own... these were two things I could not pass up." Shyvana glared at the table and took a deep breath. She stole a look at Lady Catherine and was stunned to see tears welling in the queen's eyes. "Ma'am?"
She cracked a massive smile and glanced away, accepting a handkerchief from Noel and dabbing at her eyes. "I'm sorry, I had heard you two had been through a lot, but I wasn't aware about just how close you two were."
"I feel as if I haven't seen him in ages and now I'm starting to wonder if that wasn't but a lie." Shyvana wore a sad smile. "I would have thought he would have come and visited at least once, or maybe sent for me, but I haven't heard anything from him." She pressed her hands into her lap, twiddling her thumbs nervously.
"No, I'm pretty sure that is quite true, young lady, and with a history like that, Jarvan was right to bring you to Demacia. You've got my respect, more than you could imagine." Catherine mused, shaking her head with an affectionate smile. "Jarvan is quite taken with you, my dear, and he's been trying to come visit you for a while now, and I can see why now." Catherine shook her head, the smile fading slightly as a mix of concern and annoyance replaced it. "The problem is he actually got in a shoving match with his father two days ago, which has resulted in his current position."
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but is Jarvan alright?" Shyvana said, looking hopeful. Catherine took a deep breath and frowned.
"I'm not quite sure if he's alright or not." She said, looking down at the table. "His father, the king, has been putting Jarvan under substantial mental stress, pushing him hard to try and keep him busy while he evaluates what is going on with my son right now."
"Did Jarvan do something wrong?" Shyvana said worriedly. "I had heard he was under house arrest, but if I've had anything to do with these problems..."
"No, no, it's a much greater problem than simply the lover of our disobedient son, to put it in layman's terms." Catherine shook her head slightly, ignoring how Shyvana blushed. "The entire world is being shaken up right now and the king is scrambling to maintain order and peace in Demacia. The Institute of War is taking a very hands-off approach to what could turn out to be a major geopolitical incident waiting to happen across the rest of Valoran, and tensions are high. Ionia and Noxus are on the verge of a war if the Institute doesn't step in soon. It may not show in Demacia right now, but both Noxus and Ionia are in turmoil over the approaching rematch for Ionia's freedom. Having Jarvan return at such a time has been both a boon and a problem, and that antagonizes the king."
"He's your son though, how could that be a problem?" Shyvana said, frowning slightly.
"It's become just one more piece of the puzzle my husband chooses to juggle." Catherine said, shaking her head and letting her shoulders slump just slightly, revealing a worried spouse, not the regal queen of a country. "He loves Jarvan more than anyone in the world, even me, but they're so much alike that they butt heads because their views on how to accomplish a goal differs. As you probably know, my son Jarvan is very headstrong and would rather fight his way through a situation, or intimidate and conquer a foe. My husband on the other hand, has his roots deeply based in the Demacian Security Brigade. He is both a thinker and a planner, with a spider's web of intrigue and plotting just out of public view at any one moment. He thrives in influencing politics from the shadows, stepping out to throw his massive political weight around when he needs to. I think he would prefer to simply return to his command over the Demacian Security Brigade rather than be commander-in-chief. He thrived and made a name for himself there among those who enjoyed playing those games."
"This is part of the reason that you and Jarvan have been quarantined from each other." Catherine said evenly. "My husband's paranoia knows no bounds, and his desire and obligation to keep the country safe has to come before his love for his kin. There are certain foes who would seek out Jarvan and try to corrupt him for their own reasons, be it to use him against Demacia, or to try and influence the balance of power. With his return, we can both ensure his safety and maneuver a bit more freely." Catherine offered Shyvana a thin smile, though there didn't seem to be any malcontent or malice hidden in it. "You however, pose a unique dilemma."
"I do?" Shyvana looked surprised. "Well I mean I am part dragon..." Shyvana said, giggling a bit much considering what was being discussed. Shyvana tipped her cookie up as if she were trying to take a swig from a flask. She blinked a few times, confused and then examined what she held in her hand. Shyvana blushed furiously, realizing what she had done and went back to nibbling on the cookie, trying to act like it had never happened. Noel chuckled softly and the queen smiled, though it didn't last long on her face.
"It's not quite that simple, unfortunately." Catherine murmured, leaning back in her chair just a bit. "You, Miss Shyvana, are in the unique position of being extremely close to Jarvan. This makes you both a target and the greatest weapon anyone could ever use against Jarvan, and thus the greatest weapon anyone could every use against the king."
"I would never hurt Jarvan or Demacia!" Shyvana said slapping her hands down on the table, the haunting memories of a set of faint scars on Jarvan neck coming to mind. She seated herself and blushed slightly. "Excuse me."
"It's quite alright." Catherine said, her smile growing just a bit, her blue eyes beginning to warm up to the dragoness. "I would have been more surprised for you react otherwise if something of the sort was suggested, but that's not precisely what I was talking about." She held up a hand to forestall a comment. "You, as Jarvan's significant other, wife, girlfriend, lover, whatever you choose to remain or become, can be used to threaten Jarvan's life and sanity." Shyvana looked terrified, but Catherine set her jaw and pushed on. "He cares so deeply about you that if you were ever put in a situation of danger or peril, he would do anything and everything with his power to rescue you. He could be forced into betraying his country, his people, his own family if you were put in danger." Shyvana's face burned. "While I have no qualm with my son falling in love on a personal level, your safety and position is one that must always be considered." Catherine took a deep breath and let her face soften a bit. Shyvana took a deep breath and nodded slowly.
"I am strong, and Jarvan knows that." Shyvana said quietly, meeting the queen's gaze. "While I may not have understood at first, I do understand the stress and responsibility that Jarvan is burdened with, and while I may not be able to offer any direct assistance, I am willing to offer and give him anything that he needs in support." She tried to maintain a firm gaze with the queen as she spoke, though color started to flood her cheeks. She glanced away and took a deep breath, trying to maintain a calm and firm demeanor.
"I admire your conviction." Lady Catherine said with a smile. "It's impressive to see how dedicated you are to my idiot son, despite the pain you've been through. It's refreshing to see such passion."
"Thank you." Shyvana said blushing a deeper shade of red. She sat back, sinking into her seat as if a large weight had been removed from her shoulders. She took a deep breath and looked down into her mug at the brown swirling contents, exhaling with a smile on her face. She finished the last of her cocoa off, licking her lips. "That was delicious." Lady Catherine and Noel chuckled together, causing Shyvana to blush again.
"You're a lot like a child in some ways." The queen said softly smiling as she leaned on her hand. "You seem so innocent and happy with the simple things in life."
"I don't need much to be happy." Shyvana said, her face now a steady pink. "I lived my entire life up till now with next to nothing. I would be lying if I didn't say how overwhelmed I've been since I arrived in Demacia. The sights, smells, food and experiences have been simply stunning and if it weren't for the fighting and training I've been doing, I think my head would have exploded by now." Noel and Shyvana laughed softly as the queen smiled.
"Living in a city like this can be quite different from the country life." Lady Catherine agreed.
"I know I may not be nobility or even Demacian yet, but I care more for Jarvan than I value my own life." Shyvana said quietly. "I... I-I love him." Her face turned a deep shade of red as she spoke the words. She tried to drop her head and hide behind her bangs, but with the hair clips and hairpins, she couldn't escape anything.
"I can see that quite clearly now." Catherine said, smiling and chuckling a bit, handing the handkerchief back to Noel. "Thank you Noel. And for you, Miss Shyvana, I'll have a talk with my husband about rescinding his quarantine. You've convinced me with your passion and intensity that this is love in its truest and purest form." She shook her head, smiling. "I don't know if I can sway him to your side, but I can try to do at least this much for returning my son to me safely." She looked saddened for a moment but then gave Shyvana a brave smile. "Hopefully you can help Jarvan through these stressful times. I know he probably needs it right now."
"Thank you." Shyvana said, blushing deeply again, but smiling happily.
"I think I should be thanking you for bringing my son back." Lady Catherine said, smiling happily now. She chuckled softly.
"It's the least I could do for what I owe Jarvan." Shyvana said with a blushy grin. "I have a question though."
"Please, ask away." The queen said, nodding.
"What would make a good Snowdown gift for Jarvan?" The queen looked surprised but laughed and nodded. "I wasn't aware of many of the traditions, but Noel had started to explain of them to me and though it would be a good idea to get him a gift of some sort."
"He's my son... and I wish I knew." Lady Catherine said, a small smile fading from her lips. She sighed heavily, the weariness appearing on her face, wrinkles and lines appearing as she sunk back a few inches into her seat. She lost her regal appearance, the royalty that surrounded her, reverting to that of a worried parent.
"You could always polish his lance for him." Noel said bluntly. Shyvana glared at Noel and blushed deeply as Noel realized what she had just implied. "No, no, no! I mean you can have his armor and lance cleaned and refurbished by a smithy! I didn't mean... I..." Noel blushed and glared at the table. Lady Catherine laughed aloud, having to cover her mouth with her hand to stifle the sound. Shyvana stared at the table, her cheeks nearly the same shade of red as her hair.
"Well... let's see if we can't think of a proper gift while we wait for dinner then." Lady Catherine grinned. As they did their best to compose themselves, Shyvana nodded happily and Noel chuckled a bit, smiling.
"That would be wonderful." Shyvana beamed.