Guided into the palace, Eniah was greeted by luxury he'd never seen before. The most gold he'd seen up to that point was in a Shurima nomadic warlord's tent, but even the treasures looted from the ancient tombs of Icathia could not compare to what he saw. Jarvan and the two guards just strolled nonchalantly ahead, all the fine porcelain and gilded shields failing to catch their eyes for even a moment. So this is what the prince gave up... Eniah thought, filled with a newfound respect for the man he'd considered an older brother. Following behind, he could sense a distinct aura of discomfort coming from Shyvana and knowing he was not alone in his awkwardness made him feel a bit less inadequate. As they walked, the Vanguard and his sister formally introduced themselves as Garen and Luxanna Crownguard, son and daughter of the highest ranking noble in Demacia and the prince's childhood friends.

As soon as they were away from the public eye, Luxanna immediately rushed to Shyvana and grasped her horns and hair-like tailpiece. "Oooooooh are those things real? How do you shower with them? Do you need an extra-long bed to sleep? Do your horns prop your head up like a pillow?" she said, barely pausing to stop for breath. "Wait, do you even sleep face up?" She narrowed her eyes and held her hand to her chin as if that was the most valuable question to date. Garen sighed and ducked his head in shame as Jarvan laughed at the half-dragon's distress. "Oh, by the way, tell me about J4's travels." Catching Shyvana's questioning gaze, she quickly added, "J4 is Jarvan because he's technically Jarvan the Fourth. His dad, grandpa, and great grandpa were all named Jarvan. Anyway, has he gotten a girlfriend in the last two years? Are you her?"

This time, it was Jarvan's turn to turn red as Garen snorted in amusement. "E-enough, Luxanna!" Jarvan said. "I haven't been back for ten minutes and you're on about this already. Shyvana is definitely not my girlfriend."

"Psh, fine, J4. But you know your parents are wondering too." She finally turned to Eniah like she just noticed him. "Umm, you're Enya or something... right?"

"... En-i-ah Te-gas, Miss Crownguard," he replied slowly, unsure of how to handle the talkative blonde. "It's a pleasure..."

Thankfully, they came to a stop before two massive cedar doors as they waited for a page to announce them into the king's throne room. Unlike the hallway, the throne room was bare, void of all decorations except the giant, white marble pillars and train of red carpet that lead up to the throne and king. The king himself was an older, grayer version of Jarvan, his hair as much silver as it was dark brown. Eniah was surprised to find that the king wore no jewelry except a small golden circlet encrusted with just three sapphires. Seeing the wonder on the two newcomers' faces, Lux whispered, "the crown, the people, and the nation." This was a stark contrast to the various warlords of the Shurima nomads Eniah had met. They preferred to wear great headdresses made of gold and stacked as high as possible without breaking the wearer's neck to signify their status. "Those with power know that it is not the absolute good. Power without purpose and humility can only sow despair." The words of his old master echoed. Finally, the king spoke.

"Welcome back, my sons," he said, making no distinction between Jarvan and the two soldiers. The two involuntarily swelled with pride. This is how to lead, thought Eniah. "And you two, Dragonborn and Serigala, do not be alarmed that I know your kind. You are not the first child of dragon and man and I have been down to the southern ridge of the Sablestone Mountains and met your tribe. Are you here as guests of my son? Or do you stand to seek permanent residence in my realm?" His voice carried well in the emptiness of the throne room, its vacancy granting the tone greater weight and dignity.

Jarvan motioned for the two to speak so Shyvana raised her voice. "Sire, I do not speak for Eniah. He is my companion, but he is obliged to no one, not even the prince. As for me, you are correct. I am one of the Dragonborn. My kind is hated by both dragons and humans alike. We are hunted because our existence is an abomination. My father, a dragon, was hunted and killed by his kind for siring me and I sought revenge. I met your son's party and Eniah along the way and we killed the dragon together. His fangs adorn your son's lance now. I owe both of them and If you are willing, I would call Demacia my home."

"And you, Serigala? I presume that is your tribe?"

"Yes, sire. As you say, Serigal is a tribe at the southern end of the Sablestone Mountains, at the crossroads between the Plague and Kumungu Jungles, Shurima Desert, and Bandle City."

"You've come far then. What brings you here?"

"I was born a Serigala but decided to travel for reasons I wish to keep private. I met your son and his soldiers wandering through the Shurima and decided to work together when we became lost in Icathia. Since then, I've followed him across the Great Barrier and met Shyvana."

"I see. And do you wish to become a Demacian?"

"As of now, no, your highness. I do not believe I can maintain such strict moral scrutiny, nor do I entirely agree with your ideals. But as I have no one to return to, I wish to remain here and make myself useful. As long as I stay within your walls, even if I am not Demacian, I will act as you command."

"Very well, thank you both for your trust in me. I do hope that you will find your stay pleasant. I will leave you two to my son's hospitality. For now, leave me so that I might l talk fully with him." The two soldiers left to reunite with their families and Garen left to check on his men, leaving his sister to mind the two visitors and show them to empty rooms in the palace.


A/N: This chapter was basically filler, a part of what I imagined Demacia to be like. I tried to place a few background notes into Eniah and Shyvana's past. Hope you like it.