Chapter 9: Trust

In the wake of victory, an inquiry was started, but it was a united effort between the council and most of the larger nations that recognized the League's authority. Most of it was quickly boiling down to oversight standards for dealing with mentally injured summoners and the care methods used. An entire army of champions and summoners working together to resolve the direct threat had smoothed over a great deal of ill will on its own.

It was quite late by the time Shyvana and Sylus could actually take some time for privacy. Sylus constrained his embarrassing reactions to her inviting him to her quarters in the League Hall, because it was genuinely the most private place either of them had access to.

There, in the crystal-lit room, Shyvana finally pulled her armored helmet free of her head, and rested it on the small table, taking a moment to shake loose her dark, crimson hair. Sylus didn't want to ogle her, so he tried to look around again, and realized how desperately exhausted he really was. Just sleeping sounded wonderful…

"…I'm sorry this took so long to arrange."

Sylus blinked, turning to face the dragoness again. Her tone had been surprisingly meek, and his eyes caught her anxious expression keenly. She was entering a world she didn't understand properly again, her emotions and all their confusion bubbling back up.

The summoner opted for a calming smile, and replied, "It's no matter, my lady. With so much to clean up, I wasn't presuming we'd necessarily have a chance to speak today, even. Any opportunity to share time with you is wonderful to me."

It did ease her stress, her expression relaxing into a ghost of her usual dry manner and a half-smile. "Kind, as ever," she muttered quietly.

Now that she'd had time to think clearly, the momentary urge to grab and kiss him tortured her more and more. It was so public, and so… surprisingly satisfying. She was surprising herself at every turn, and was getting uncomfortable in her own skin.

"I hope… I hope my grabbing you like that didn't offend you?" she felt compelled to ask, now that it was truly just the two of them.

Sylus had to chuckle gently, but quickly calmed it to a fond smile. "Shyvana, you can feel free to grab me like that any time you wish."

They were both blushing, but also sharing the humor.

Steadying himself, Sylus added, "And it's alright to still be confused, Shyvana."

She blinked, fear spilling over her expression at last. He'd hit the nail on the head in one shot. In that moment, the urge, it had seemed so perfectly correct, but in the lingering emotions after, it had still confused and troubled her. Controlling her fear of this emotional nonsense, she exhaled a steadying breath, and looked to the side. "I am grateful for your patience, Sylus. I… doubt any other person would be so understanding in this… absurd situation."

Sylus did come closer, but only to rest a hand on her shoulder-armor. "You're still learning to fly." They shared a smile for the common metaphor they'd started to use. "Emotional urges can be extremely powerful, as you well know from your battle-fury. This is just a new kind… well a new set of urges. You'll get used to them, too. Have patience with yourself, as always, my lady."

Shyvana gave him a more grateful smile, and then lifted a hand, smoothing back some of her own hair with a more weary exhale. His own hand relaxed down from her shoulder as she spoke, "Still, even I must confess I am being unfair to you, Sylus. Kissing you before all our associates implies certain things. I can't fault you for expectations."

Sylus chuckled. "Oh dear, poor Sylus Hale. He was kissed by a beautiful champion, fresh from her victory, before the entire League as his witness. I am a martyr, indeed, my lady."

It let them both laugh outright, though Shyvana's gray cheeks were darkening with a fresh blush.

Calming, Shyvana became troubled, but in a simpler manner, not the fearful mask that had shown before. "Your wisdom is beyond my own in these matters of… emotion. Well… soft emotion. I mean… ugh, my words even betray me."

"I follow your intended meaning, my lady. Please, continue with what you wished to say?"

It let her smooth over her own frustration, and she tipped her head in appreciation. "The point I am belaboring is that I simply don't know what I… what we are supposed to do next? I feel a strong bond with you, but I'm not even certain what it is, yet, and the implications from us being a champion and a summoner are… awkward."

Sylus nodded. "I understand. In terms of what is next… Truthfully, there doesn't have to be anything next, my lady. You can take as much time as you need to sort through your emotions, to come to terms with them in ways you are more comfortable. You will always have my respect and esteem, you needn't worry of losing them. As for our duties, I wouldn't wish to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable remaining in the League."

He tilted his head down to continue more sincerely, "When we first spoke in person, face to face, you very clearly expressed to me how much it would humiliate you to be seen as seeking some kind of dalliance or romantic fling. I have no desire to inflict that humiliation on you, Shyvana."

Shyvana squeezed her fists to manage her emotional stress as she nodded faintly, looking down. "Yet this… bond we have is not the type of foolishness I feared. Not now that I've had some chance to learn about it, study it in myself. At least," she looked up into his eyes, a quiet pain etched in her yellow pools, "I hope you agree? This is not a… simplistic thing, to be forgotten casually when inconvenient?"

Sylus nodded. "I fully agree, Shyvana. If it is a romantic bond you seek, I could think of no one else I would rather share it with. I do not enter such things lightly. I also don't wish to presume. Believe me, I sincerely understand the confusion you feel. To be clear, I don't presume we will have a romantic bond just because you kissed me in the rush of victory, my lady."

Shyvana's relief was clear as she nodded as well, glancing down and around. Duty, bond, these confusing sensations broiling through her mind. It was a proper mess. One thing was clear to her so far, however. She felt pleasure in this summoner's company. His manner gave her a sense of welcome and respect she longed for. She nodded to herself, and then looked up at him. "Sylus, I am still confused, but I know that I want to be near you. Is there a way for us to… learn more together? To sort through the confusion before choosing a path?"

"Of course, my lady. We can talk, share duties together, share ideas and goals. Learn more of each other, and learn more of our emotions. More clarity will come, and answers will arise."

"I would like to try that," Shyvana admitted, still distinctly awkward. "Though I think… I think we can't avoid others assuming we are romantic anyway."

Sylus eased closer, and actually embraced her again. It gave her a soft surprise, but she quickly eased, and put her arms around his back, sinking her head into his shoulder.

"We can't control what others see or assume, but you will know the truth, Shyvana. We will be patient, we will learn and share experiences. Then you'll see more clearly, and be able to choose your path."

Her voice was a surprisingly tender whisper at his neck, almost a rasp thanks to the nature of her voice, "I have never shared this with anyone. This… stillness. My whole life, I've laughed at the idea of peace, knowing how violent the world is, but when we share this… I think I understand why many desire peace."

"I am honored to share this with you, my lady," he whispered back, gently muffled by her shoulder armor.

"…This also frightens me," she added, this time her voice even softer, barely audible right at this ear. "I am so exposed, so vulnerable. I… I don't feel right letting my guard down, even though I know I can trust you, Sylus."

"And that is wholly natural, my lady. Would you prefer we ease apart for the moment?"

He felt her hands tremble at his back, clenching his jacket he still wore from their journey.

"Yes. No. Release me. Hold me. I want to answer both, but I know how absurd this behavior is," she whispered still, a tremble in her very voice.

Sylus eased one hand up, and actually caressed some of her hair, angling his head back to speak at her ear slightly above his lips. "Do not be afraid, my lady. I will not harm you when your shield is lowered. I will not attack you with your claw turned aside. I swear this to you, out of respect and compassion. …I love you, Shyvana. I will not harm you."

Shyvana's arms coiled around him tighter, her arms practically crossing behind his back as her frame shook against her emotions. "Forgive me, Sylus… I don't know how to answer…"

He stroked her hair again, controlling the power of his attraction to this amazing woman in his arms, holding him so fiercely. Her pain was tangible in her shaking yet indomitable frame. "No answer is necessary, my lady. Just be. Rest. You have my love no matter the path you choose. It is not a deal to exchange, or a debt to pay. I love you, and so I will not hurt you. I will not break your trust."

Shyvana moaned like an injured beast as her head tilted, her eyes squeezing shut around hot tears as she started to nuzzle his head from the side. She wasn't moving like a human in that moment. It was a dragon's heartache, trying to respond to the gentle touch she was receiving. Sylus let his head tilt with her surprisingly tender touches, stroking her hair when he could do so without obstructing her.

Her voice finally returned, hoarse and quiet from constrained tears. "I have found my home. It is in your arms. Please forgive my fear."

Tears were dripping from his own eyes as he held her close. "Nothing to forgive. You are always welcome."

She squeezed her arms a bit tighter around him, but her hands opened again, resting on his opposite shoulders with the arms still crossed at his back. "How are you not furious with me? I have seen enough humans to know how this would be seen, Sylus. A woman can't share this with a man and not have assumptions made. Anyone else would be frustrated and impatient with me, but you are only kind."

At this, Sylus eased part of his body back. He wasn't pulling away from her, he was pulling back so he could lift her face into view, and look her in the eyes, a hand at her cheek as his thumb softly brushed away some of her warm tears. She finally saw his own tears, and was gently astonished herself.

He started to shake his head. "How could I be furious with you, Shyvana? I know your strength and your power. I have seen your wisdom and your experience. I care nothing for assumptions or social expectations compared to keeping my promise to you, my lady. You truthfully and openly told me your pain, how confused you are, and how much you want to work together with me to learn more and find an answer you understand and accept. You made sure I didn't misunderstand your intentions after you kissed me, and you have never—once—lied to me. You need time, and I will give it. You need my arms, and you have them. You need my patience, and you have it. I do so, because you have already, and continue to do the same for me, Shyvana."

Shyvana's eyebrows were both up, her expression gently yet powerfully shocked at his words. She could see his sincerity and honesty in the sudden fire that lit his eyes within his tears. Words weren't forming for her, however. She relaxed her arms, and brought her hands around, gently cupping the sides of his face.

With a slow, soft gesture, the dragoness actually eased closer, and licked the tears off his cheeks. Sylus let his eyes close as she did so, completely peaceful and at ease. Then she nuzzled his cheek with the top of her head, and pulled him back into a tight hug.

"…I don't yet know how I mean it, but I feel these words are true, Sylus: I love you, also," she finally breathed out.

He held her tight. "I am most grateful, my lady."

They simply lingered there, silent and tender, for several minutes, their breathing becoming a gentle, meditative rhythm.

At length, Shyvana loosened her arms, Sylus did his, and they eased apart. Shyvana actually sniffed gently, wiping her nose with her wrist as subtly as she could, but still blushed.

"…And I've kept you awake far longer than I intended, Sylus. Pardon me… but thank you."

He smiled warmly. "Nothing to pardon, Shyvana. Do you think you'll be able to sleep yourself?"

She gave a little nod. "The room here in the Demacian hall should still be free for you. Would you like me to walk you to it?"

"I am always happy to spend more time with you, my lady."

They shared a surprisingly light, happy smile, and she gestured past him before they moved out of her room. Pleasant silence continued, and just a short distance away, they faced each other outside the room he would use.

"May we share breakfast?" Shyvana asked quietly, not wanting her meek voice to carry too far.

"I would love that," Sylus answered immediately.

She nodded, squeezed his arm gently as a silent goodnight, and then parted from him.

In their own rooms, each sank against the shut door for a moment, marveling in their own ways at the experience they had just shared. After a moment's astonishment, they each prepared for a very well-earned rest.

(That morning…)

Shyvana found herself staring at Sylus' door the next morning. Though her skin remained its more natural ashen gray, her eyes their strong yellow-gold, she was attired in completely casual clothing. A loose shirt under a leather vest, and comfortably fitted hide pants down into sturdy leather boots. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail rather than with armor.

Her hand reached up to knock, then paused, and dropped down awkwardly. Part of her was honestly excited to share breakfast with Sylus, another wanted to run and hide in her room like a small child, and the rest was infuriated that she was behaving so foolishly.

Firming, she set her shoulders, and reached up, knocking.

"Oh, coming!" Sylus' voice came from within.

It was clear she'd interrupted something, and she cringed a bit. That she couldn't possibly have known the right time to knock didn't properly register in her rational mind.

At last, the door opened, revealing Sylus. He was freshly showered, and back in his black and gray summoner's robes at last. His eyes danced down her frame before he could catch himself, and then he blushed, hiding his face in one hand. "I'm so sorry…"

Shyvana chuckled, part of her glad he liked the view. "I suppose I can forgive it, summoner. Feeling better after cleaning up?" a hand was on her hip, the other hand waving at him casually.

Sylus laughed out of his blush, and nodded. "Much! I think I had to peel that shirt off myself after spending a week in it."

Shyvana rolled her eyes, but was still smiling. "I assumed casual would be best. Does the hall refectory sound alright?"

"Of course," Sylus replied happily.

The two started off easily, though Shyvana tried not to notice the Demacian knights gawking at her so-casually attired.

"I wanted to ask," Sylus began, hoping to distract her from her social anxiety she was obviously trying to hide, "how do you usually spend your free time? Between matches and duties for Demacia, I mean."

Shyvana rubbed the back of her head with a little wince. "Little else occupies my time, Sylus. I try to keep myself busy. There's a reason I never objected to exhibition matches. It fills the time quite well when I'm not on a task for Prince Jarvan."

"Fair enough. So no specific pass-time to just relax or a creative outlet off the field?"

She glanced off, thinking. He was glad to see her actually considering it. "I suppose I do enjoy my hunts…"

Sylus grinned. "Sounds splendid. Tell me about them."

Shyvana gave him a sidelong glance, playfully incredulous. "Are you sure you want to hear about this?"

This time he nodded quite seriously. "Absolutely certain."

Now out in the main passage of the Hall, Shyvana tilted her head, considering his reaction, and then looked forward as she spoke, "I get restless at times, and going on a hunt in my true form is cathartic. I can usually find a wild pig or deer off the main hunting grounds the royal guard uses. The side benefit is that I generally don't need to eat for a few days afterward."

Sylus chuckled. "What a lovely way to give your wings a stretch."

Shyvana gave him a dry smile, and then replied, "What of you, then? Hobbies? Pass-times?"

"Ah, of course. Mostly reading or studying new summoning arcana, certainly, but I do love a spot of tea in the afternoon. A warm cup and a little game of chess is a delightful break for my mind."

The dragoness was gently amused, and raised an eyebrow. "Chess alone?"

He laughed a bit. "Odd, yes. I replicate old games, analyzing the strategies. You'd be surprised what you can move from a chess board to the Fields of Justice quite easily."

"On the contrary, when the prince had me study Demacian tactics, they often referred to chess games in metaphor and example," Shyvana replied, her tone finally relaxed and straight forward. She was herself again.

"I should've guessed," Sylus assented. "Do you ever play it yourself?"

Unable to resist the wry retort, she said, "Do you ever want to hunt?"

He shared the humor first, but then he looked at her eyes, and said, "If it's with you, absolutely."

A blush did mark her cheeks a bit, but she was still smiling. "…Then I return the same. I'll admit I've not actually played."

"Nor have I hunted, of course," Sylus returned easily. "It might be quite fun teaching each other, hm?"

Shyvana tipped her head. "It may, yes."

They reached the refectory just a few moments later, walking together to a simple buffet that was arranged for Hall staff, champions, and summoners alike. They both cringed sympathetically for a refectory attendant who was using a pole to lift a large bucket of food to Kog'Maw off in the corner before the voracious voidling tore it apart.

Shyvana convinced Sylus to give her the full details of a story he mentioned during summoner training where he got into a fist-fight with another student.

"…As I said, my more detailed emotional-management training came later. He went on repeatedly about enjoying the sensation of being a female champion in the games purely for lascivious reasons. I confronted him, declaring that was completely inappropriate for a summoner toward a champion, who is clearly demonstrating a certain amount of trust that the summoner will be proper. He insulted various female relations of my family, so I… tackled him."

Shyvana laughed lightly as they sat down with their trays of food. "Good to know you've always had that bit of fire in your belly, summoner. What happened to the other summoner? Did he go on to complete training?"

That was when Sylus tried to constrain his humor for a serious topic, but was failing. "Yes and no, actually. The first real match he had they put him with Thresh. I recognized him in Valein House when we first walked through it."

Shyvana stared, but was starting to share the morbid, guilty humor. "…I suppose that was… awful and yet appropriate."

Sylus tipped his head. "My thoughts exactly."

The pair started to talk about the games casually, each offering some of their favorite experiences. It was charming for Shyvana when Sylus started to list off several games, all of which he'd had with her save one, where he and Riven managed to out-maneuver three champions constantly the entire game.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the hero summoner and the half-dragon."

Sylus blinked to the side at the new voice, but Shyvana turned dismal and dark at once.

Ahri was striding up, her nine, frost-white fox-tails coiling and writhing gently in her wake. Her spirit-sphere was absent, but likely ready for action at a thought.

For the moment, Sylus remained quiet, looking to Shyvana with an uncertain expression. The dragoness leaned onto the table, and gave a glare up at the fox-spirit woman. "What do you want?"

Ahri recoiled with overdone affront, one slender hand making a point of clasping to her mostly exposed chest. "Such venom! And after I only intend to greet and congratulate the heroes of the League!"

"I know you too well for that," Shyvana growled.

Ahri smirked, easing as her golden eyes locked with Shyvana's. "So I see. I was just amused when I noticed you two being so cute and chatty." She actually leaned onto the table just to Sylus' left, tilting her head down to try and catch his eye. "You're a handsome little summoner, aren't you?"

Sylus closed his eyes and tilted his head down and away from her. "A kind compliment, champion, but I know how I look."

Shyvana rarely felt this level of rage off the fields or a battle. Her fists were starting to clench on the table.

Ahri giggled. "Aw, so shy!" Her hands snaked out and gripped his shoulders. "Don't be so tense!"

Sylus actually gasped, his shoulders hunching up as his eyes flared. He'd not expected her to actually touch him.

He didn't have to respond, however.

Shyvana was up, her hands slamming the table so powerfully the entire hall froze and stared in an instant.

"Ahri! Get your hands off the summoner!"

Ahri did release him, but didn't back away. She was smiling like a tiger eyeing a fresh steak. "Oh? Mighty defensive, Shyvana. I don't see your name on him, though? Or did you brand him somewhere private?"

Sylus wasn't actually embarrassed. He pinched the bridge of his nose with pained realization as the words left Ahri's lips. Now you've done it…

Shyvana leapt over the table with a snarl. This time Ahri was sincerely startled, not expecting her prodding to actually make the dragoness snap despite the laws in the hall against violence.

Shyvana had the fox-woman on the ground by the shoulders, one fist braced back, fire burning in her eyes. "I'll show you a brand, you soul-sucking slut!"

Ahri's eyes snapped from alarm to dark anger herself, and blue fire started to seep over the ground around her. "What did you call me?"

Before Shyvana could snap her furious retort, lights flashed around the pair, and Sylus was up beside them as more summoners in official uniforms appeared.

"What is going on here?" one of the enforcing summoners demanded.

Ahri and Shyvana glanced around awkwardly, unable to disentangle yet. Sylus, however, was raising his hands up and out to the sides.

"A strategy discussion. Ahri wanted to see how a particular maneuver was attempted, and Shyvana demonstrated. I'll make sure it's done on the training field next time. Nothing more to report, sir," Sylus listed off, completely calm and coldly officially.

The enforcing summoners seemed incredulous, but Shyvana and Ahri shared a little nod, and started to ease apart, rising up.

"Y-yes, just as he said," Ahri managed, dusting herself off, her tails sweeping each other. "I just wasn't expecting such a… direct demonstration."

Shyvana awkwardly glanced aside, her hands clenched at her sides. "I was over-eager…"

Sylus just raised his eyebrows to the questioning look of the enforcer who spoke, and then the enforcers finally vanished in more shimmers of light.

Sylus then twisted on Ahri, a dark set to his eyes. "Champion, I respect your role here, and your own quest that drives it," she blinked at him for this, "but you crossed the line with me. Please, do not ever touch me like that again."

Ahri firmed, frowning, but simply twisted on her heel and marched off, tails lashing indignantly.

Sylus deflated, as if deeply relieved, and turned back to Shyvana. "Sorry, my lady."

She quickly shook her head. "No, the apology is mine. I was completely out of order. That was a new kind of rage for me."

Sylus rolled his eyes at Ahri's wake. "She has never paid attention to me in any way before. Clearly she was just trying to agitate you, my lady. Still… that was quite the insult," he finished with a smirk at his companion.

Shyvana couldn't stop a dark smile as she glanced off herself. "We've all heard the stories…"

"Still, having a mighty dragoness fight for my honor was certainly the high point of my morning," Sylus went on lightly, laughing.

Shyvana laughed, too, though still embarrassed by her behavior. Ruining everything with my anger… That thought reminded her abruptly, and she stared at him.

Sylus blinked. "Shyvana?"

"Your house," she breathed, then a hand slapped to her forehead. "I never fixed your house!"

Sylus was still perplexed at her taking the issue so seriously, but then started to smile out of it. "Shyvana, we've been a bit busy. My home has safeguards to casual thieves, anyway. I was going to look into rebuilding the door some time this week."

She shook her head. "No, I swore I would fix the damage I did. Come, it will be an excuse to speak anyway," she declared, marching past him, but gripping one of his wrists to drag him along.

Sylus let her drag him, and then started to laugh softly. "As you wish, my lady." Does she realize how adorable she gets sometimes? He realized she would probably shoot fire at him for saying 'adorable' in relation to her manner, and opted to keep it quiet for the moment.

(At the house…)

"It was my doing, I am happy to fix it myself, Sylus," Shyvana explained, holding the new door in place as Sylus reached up to work on the top hinge.

The summoner, minus his outer-robe due to the warm day, chuckled softly. "I can't do much for you, my lady, but I can help replace a door. Besides, I want to spend time with you, not sit by and watch you work for me."

She smirked, utterly unaffected by the warmth of the day. Just standing and holding the door in place, she could glance out, a bit rueful for the destruction she'd wrought on his garden and the trees beyond. "I fear my skill at agriculture is sorely lacking, however. I apologize that my temper ruined the… trees."

Sylus was still smiling. "Well, considering it was rage borne of your attachment to me, I think I can see the charred remains as a token of affection."

Shyvana leaned around the door she was holding so she could give him a dry stare. He grinned impishly, and finally eased away from the hinge.

"First one is done at least. Will that hold the weight? We can pause and eat some lunch, if so."

Shyvana carefully tested it. The corner of the door technically touched the ground still, but it was only by a few centimeters. "It will hold long enough for a quick meal, I imagine."

"Excellent," Sylus replied happily, and waved for her to join him. He was undeniably cheerful.

Shyvana chuckled softly, dusting her hands for no real reason as she walked around the hanging door, and walked through the little dining room of his cottage, into the kitchen.

"I think I still have some meat, I'm just not sure if it's still stored correctly."

"Simple food is fine, summoner," she used the title as a gentle nickname. "I'm not dying of starvation."

"Fair enough. A sandwich sound alright, then?"

She tipped her head to his light look.

As the cheerful host started to work at the counter, gathering the bread and other elements, Shyvana leaned against the entryway frame, arms crossed casually. Without his outer robe, he was in a simple white tunic and cloth pants, and she thought the simple attire suited him well. His features were plain to her at first, having nothing to do with her respect or admiration for him, but after all they'd shared, he seemed quite handsome in her eyes.

It reminded her of Ahri touching him for some reason, and her jealousy anger flared even at the memory. She frowned down to the side, both angry at Ahri and herself. Such a wild response was precisely the type of childish behavior she was trying to avoid.

Calming her anger, she realized another part of the event troubled her. Sylus' original reaction to Ahri touching him. It had been a severe response for such a simple touch from the fox-woman. "…Sylus, can I ask you something about the… event in the refectory?"

He glanced over his shoulder. "Certainly. What?"

"When Ahri gripped your shoulders, you seemed very seriously affected. More so than the touch itself would imply. Did she use some kind of spell on you?"

Sylus nodded, realizing why she was asking. "Ah, that. No, no spells. I am… sensitive to touch. My body responds very abruptly and powerfully when I have physical contact, and her hands were… Well, I suppose I would just say it was clear they were experienced in touching people a certain way."

Shyvana was concerned as much as freshly angered by the other champion. "Just on the shoulders?"

She was surprised to see Sylus actually shiver a little, and then wiggled his head, clearly reacting to something irritating his shoulders.

"…Yes," he muttered more quietly. He sounded embarrassed.

Shyvana walked over to him. "Would my doing the same hurt you that way?"

Sylus froze, blinking forward as a fresh blush bloomed on his face. "W-well… N-no, I don't think so, Shyvana. Mainly because your touch is welcome, and…" He winced a bit, not sure how to phrase what he wanted to say. The way she touched him had always been strangely perfect, in truth. Even her angry grabs didn't jar his senses the way Ahri's simple (though seductive) grip had.

"And?" Shyvana pressed quietly. She was close behind him now, making no secret of it.

Sylus cleared his throat a bit. "I like the way you touch me."

It was clearly such a sensitive topic for him, she didn't let her dry humor respond first as she would have normally. She moved past that, and onto her sincere curiosity. "May I test something, then?"

He turned just enough to look into her eyes. "Test what?"

"May I grip your shoulders? You can say no, but I am curious. Part of my learning about this… set of sensations."

He looked forward, blushing more seriously, but nodded a bit. "You may, Shyvana."

Her hands lifted up, and gently sank onto his shoulders, near the base of his neck. At first, she saw him tense a bit, his breath shorter, but then he eased where he stood, his frame slackening to a surprising degree.

"This is alright?" she whispered, watching his reaction with gentle curiosity.

"Yes," he breathed without hesitation.

Shyvana looked at her hands, and gently squeezed his shoulders. He gave a little moan of relief, his head sinking further down in relaxation.

What shocked Shyvana was her own body's response. His little moan shot through her like an ice-crystal lance, a blush starting to flare powerfully on her cheeks. Not wanting to alarm him in such a sensitive situation, but privately panicking, she softly eased her hands off his body, and clenched them into fists as she brought them back down. "I am glad," she managed in something close to her normal voice.

Sylus started to simply stand straighter, but she heard him breath in, and he froze. "…Are you alright?" he whispered.

"Y-yes," she managed, glancing down to the side.

Sylus turned around, looking at her sincerely, but his face was flushed. "…I can smell it again."

Shyvana was unfamiliar with the concept of heat making her face uncomfortable. Her blush was becoming so powerful it was actually burning as she sank her face into one hand. "…Damn body," she muttered.

"Did I do anything untoward in my reaction, Shyvana?" Sylus asked, his voice soft rather than guilty.

She shook her head instantly. "No… You were fine, Sylus. I… I didn't expect…" She cringed as every articulation of the answer embarrassed her worse than the previous in her own thoughts.

Sylus reached up, touching her shoulder. "Hey, learning, remember? That was the whole point. You've no need to be ashamed with me, my lady."

She swallowed, and met his eyes. "I didn't expect my body to react like that to your behavior. Clearly my physical self has no confusion about what it wants from you," she rather dryly muttered, glaring off to the side in self-frustration.

Sylus had to constrain his desire to be elated at the simple fact that she was obviously physically attracted to him. It wasn't the time or place to press that selfish desire. "Considering all the stresses you're under, and all we've been through together specifically, that's not surprising, my lady. I certainly understand why you'd blush about it, but be at peace."

Shyvana did ease with a wan smile, and he turned back to finish their sandwiches.

(Author's Note)

Cliff hanger! Dun, dun, DUN! Sorry for the later update (but still Friday!)

With Stalk resolved, we can now see the resolution arc for my interactions between Sylus and Shyvana. I hope the emotional content and dialogue is still working for you, readers, as I'm quite fond of this chapter (and the ones to come…).

Last chapter seemed to get less feedback than usual, so I'm sorry if it didn't quite hit the mark. Feedback is always appreciated, folks! Thanks to all who are following/reviewing!