Chapter 11: A Bond

Sylus greeted the two champions warmly the next day, outside his home. He was actually standing off to the side of the charred little area, waving over his head as they came into view. Soraka giggled as Shyvana waved back, prompting a dry look from the dragoness.

"What?"

Soraka shook her head. "Nothing!"

Once close to the cottage and burnt spot, the three gathered more closely.

"A pleasure to see you both, champions," Sylus remained bright and cheerful.

"Likewise, summoner," Soraka chose to say, keeping a smile even as she gave the burnt area a pitiful glance. "Poor things. You don't do anything halfway, do you?"

Shyvana sighed, rolling her eyes skyward as she set her hands on her hips, rattling some of her armor. She was in the same suit she'd worn while traveling with Sylus, only this time it was complete with the armor sheath for her ponytail.

When her eyes found Sylus again, she eased thanks to his happy smile. He never seemed bothered by her negative qualities, however they were approached.

Soraka crouched down, touching the ground as she let her staff relax to one side. "Hm, I see. Well, I can make it green again, but the trees are too far gone in this spot, I'm afraid. I hope that will be acceptable?"

Shyvana looked to Sylus again, hopeful. He nodded quickly.

"Certainly, Soraka. Anything you can do will be most appreciated."

The celestial nodded casually, and then stood up, walking to the center of the little wasteland, and planting her staff before her. The others hung back as she started to gather energy around herself, her eyes closing with focus.

Lost watching her work for a moment, fascinated by her magic, Sylus realized Shyvana was watching him instead of the other champion. He gently looked up at her sidelong, simply curious. It was the gentleness of her subtle smile and manner of her gaze that really caught him. She was all but glowing. It made his own smile brighten naturally.

The ritual likely took about ten minutes, in truth, but it was hard to estimate as the charred ground softened to a natural brown, and then began to grow a young carpet of grass and some wild flowers. The broken, charred trunks became little pedestals of younger plants clustered and reaching for the clear blue sky.

At last, Soraka eased, her energies fading from the air, and she relaxed her staff to the side. She took a moment to breathe slowly, and then turned around. It had clearly drained her. "Satisfactory?"

Sylus and Shyvana both bowed.

"Flawless, my lady. Thank you," the summoner said.

Shyvana added, "Indeed, my thanks."

Soraka smiled happily. "My pleasure. That's all, yes? Shall I return to the League?"

"You certainly may, Soraka, but you're also welcome to stay for lunch," Sylus replied happily.

She giggled, her horn sparkling in the sunlight. "Oh, I think you two will have a much better time together without a third wheel." They were both starting to blush again. "Still, thank you for the offer, and it was my pleasure to restore a bit of green to this lovely wood. Your home is quite charming, summoner."

Sylus tipped his head. "Thank you, again, champion."

Soraka gave a pleasant wave, and started to walk off casually.

The pair watched her depart for a time, and then Shyvana turned faintly to the summoner. "Did you have anything specific planned for our meal?"

He shrugged, shaking his head. "Not really. Why?"

"If it's not troublesome for you, could we go to the League Hall as well? I'd like to eat with you there without a commotion, and then I'd like to participate in some of the games with you as my summoner today. I… also have a request for dinner."

Sylus blinked, his eyebrows rising. It was clear she was a bit embarrassed of being so forceful with the plan for the day. At the same time, she was controlling an adorable kind of child-like excitement behind her eyes. She seemed verging on giddy. "No trouble at all, my lady," he began happily, his warm smile returning. "That sounds wonderful. I haven't participated in a proper match in too long. What about dinner, though?"

"I would like to take you to the Demacian Royal palace for dinner. As my guest."

He blushed a bit, blinking again. "I would be… honored, Shyvana. Will it still be private between us, or is this an official dinner?"

She blushed a little, but was smiling. "Still private. If our day goes well, there is something I want to show you in Demacia. It can… really only be shown at night, so I thought after a meal would be best."

Her summoner let his smile return. "That sounds wonderful, Shyvana. To the League then?"

Pleased, she tipped her head, and gestured for him to walk with her.

"Did everything go well in Demacia last night then?" Sylus asked casually as they started down the little path together.

"Yes, very well." She was sincerely happy, but she was specifically not saying more.

Sylus realized she was holding onto something, but not in pain. It was like a child with a silly secret, waiting to reveal it. So he just kept his smile, and said, "Glad to hear it."

(At the League…)

At the Hall, on the way to the refectory, the pair happened to see Riven walking through, likely departing from a meal herself. The swordswoman greeted them warmly as they approached each other. "Good day, Shyvana, Sylus. Gearing up for a few matches?" she added cordially. She slowed, but wasn't stopping. She sensed they didn't need a third member of their party, but didn't want to cut off anything they wished to say.

"After a lunch, yes," Shyvana answered with a half-smile, Sylus nodding happily.

Closer at that moment, Riven stopped short, blinking at Shyvana and starting to smile mischievously.

The dragoness blinked, finally pausing with Sylus as well. "Is something wrong?"

Riven eyed her playfully for a moment, and then said, "You look different."

"I'm not wearing my normal armor," Shyvana tried to dismiss easily.

Riven gave her a dry look, and then gave a little wink to Sylus. "Keep her happy, summoner." And she continued to walk off past them.

Neither Shyvana nor Sylus were completely certain why they had to blush so powerfully after the little interaction, and hurried to get their food.

(Later…)

Their matches were a full gamut of experiences after the simple (and thankfully uneventful) meal. The first match had Sylus shaking off his rust, and remaining apologetic for most of it. Shyvana was actually more amused by his embarrassment than frustrated with him. It wasn't a loss of a game, but it was definitely not one of their betters.

The second match saw them both in top form, but it was a nasty fight against a team of Renekton, Thresh, and Kog'Maw. Melting spit-attacks, hacking strikes, and soul-attacks in constant streams wore down both summoner and champion through a long, hard fight. Shyvana did relish one solid kill on Thresh, pinning him to his own tower as it blew up.

By the third match, Shyvana realized Sylus had learned a great deal from their short journey. When she was in her dragon form, his instincts worked much better with her, and she fought with astonishing finesse on the field. Her tail whipped and coiled, her wings slapped and cut, her jaws bit and her fire scorched. More than once, Sona and Mordekaiser just turned and ran from her to easier targets.

Sadly, the fourth match was abysmal. Their coordination was fine, but the awful attitude of the other summoners bled into their champions, and the constant in-fighting reduced their team to a slaughter house. Shyvana held the best thanks to her united instincts with Sylus, and they gave a valiant last stand right at their nexus, but blow darts from Teemo, a mace from Mordekaiser (again), and stabbing vines from Zyra cut her down all too quickly.

The pair opted for one more match after the awful experience, just to not end the long day on such a sour note. Ironically, Jarvan IV was on their team. Sylus noticed Shyvana and the prince shared a calmly meaningful glance on the summoning platform, but Shyvana was quick to keep her thoughts private. It was the same almost-giddy tension he'd seen in her at the cottage, so he dismissed his flare of jealousy much more easily than he normally would have.

Jarvan worked with Shyvana in the top lane for that match, and the pair worked beautifully together. It seemed Jarvan had a strong summoner himself. The two Demacian champions had their lane broken and dominated in minutes, and were able to divert and assist the others easily. It was a victory by a landslide of speed and kills.

(After…)

Sylus and Shyvana found each other after that match in the main hall. Both were tired from the longer matches, but equally happy to see each other in person again.

"Thank you, Sylus. It's always a pleasure to walk the Fields with you."

He smiled happily. "Very much the same, my lady."

More gently, she added, "And thank you for agreeing to my requests for this day. It was selfish of me, but I have some specific reasons for them, which I intend to make clear to you soon."

"I've enjoyed every minute of your company, Shyvana. Even in that awful match."

They both laughed and shook their heads at the memory. Then Shyvana offered her hand. "Come to Demacia with me?"

For some reason, the simple gesture and request were delivered with such a potent tenderness in her eyes that he was struck dumb for a heartbeat. With a little start, his hand reached up to grip hers eagerly. "With all my heart," he said before he thought better of it.

She only smiled, and led him on to the crystals that would send them to her country.

(In Demacia…)

Sylus had never been to the Demacian palace, and he felt a bit like a school child, gawking and turning about as he followed Shyvana. The halls were so tall and grand, the tapestries and long rugs so detailed and fine. Shyvana was charmed by his wonder at the sights, and just led him along quietly, having no need to embarrass him or stop his curious gazes around the halls they passed through.

Shyvana led him to a particular door up in the higher levels of the castle. It was a grand entry, but simpler than most of the massive structures he'd seen so far in the huge edifice. The dragoness stepped through with the door, and waved for him to enter.

He stepped through, gazing around with an instant combination of astonishment and powerful self-consciousness.

It was her room. Grand and spacious, with a cavernous fireplace off to the right, large windows looking out on a balcony, large, comfortable chairs, a huge bed, and a private washroom in the far left corner.

"I hope this won't make you too uncomfortable?"

Sylus blinked, twisting to find her eyes, which were gently worried. He was quick to smile out of his own concerns. "No, my lady. I was just caught. I assumed we would be eating in a dining hall or refectory here in the palace. You have a lovely room."

She did ease with a faint smile, and gestured toward the balcony as she started to walk toward it. "Please?"

He followed without hesitation, joining her as she opened the glass doors out onto the large, semicircular balcony overlooking most of the city and countryside beyond. A small table was there, with covered plates of food already waiting under candle light.

Sylus raised his eyebrows at the entire view, the one immediately before him, and so far beyond. "My lady… this is breathtaking."

Shyvana's smile brightened a bit, and she actually pulled a chair out for him. "Relax, Sylus. Please. You are my guest."

He chuckled softly, and moved over, slipping down into the chair she provided with a grateful nod.

As he situated himself more specifically, Shyvana sat down just across from him, lifting the lid off her plate, signaling Sylus to do the same. It was a delicious meal of juicy steak, clean vegetables, and hearty potatoes. It was like the first meal they had shared, in fact, and Sylus breathed in the warm scent happily.

"Splendid. You are very kind to me, my lady," he chose to say.

Shyvana smiled for him, her manner still unusually gentle and subdued. "Enjoy, please. I want this to be a good night."

"It already is," Sylus affirmed, and they started to eat.

After a few savored bites, Sylus had to gesture out to the view beyond. "This view is absolutely amazing. I've never appreciated the Demacian countryside properly. And at night, the lights are positively majestic. Is this what you wanted me to see?"

Shyvana actually seemed to blush a surprising amount, but was pleased. "Partially, yes."

Sylus wasn't sure why her almost-playful answer between bites ignited his attraction to her so violently. He actually had to swallow some water down to calm his system. It was such a magical night already, he didn't want his baser instincts to spoil the wonderful moment.

After a few more delicious bites, taking their mutual time with the meal, neither in any rush to move the night forward, Sylus focused on her eyes again, and sipped some water to make sure his voice would work properly. "You seem very peaceful, Shyvana. Has your storm of chaos abated with your efforts?"

She actually nodded. "It has, in fact. I think I am starting to get myself back in order. Thanks in no small part to your wisdom and patience with me, Sylus."

"I think you underestimate your own strength of will, my lady," he happily replied, taking a fresh bite.

Shyvana eyed him wryly, and answered before taking a bite as well, "And I think you underestimate yours."

He blushed a bit, but smiled, finishing his bite. "I am grateful you see me so well, Shyvana."

"And I you," Shyvana said quietly, looking at her plate.

Sylus had to glance at her more seriously for the subtle power that emanated from that phrase.

The remainder of the meal passed in calm, powerful silence. Their eyes locked regularly, but always returned to the food as a little escape while it was still hot and delicious.

When the meal was done, both plates clean, Shyvana eased up out of her chair, and came around to him, offering her hand again. "Please, join me by the fire?"

His hand was in hers without hesitation, and he walked with her back into the main room, the two only pausing so she could shut the glass doors softly.

There were two large chairs near the fireplace, with a low-set table between them. Shyvana gestured for him to take one, and she walked over to a set of drawers against the back wall, retrieving something wrapped in old cloth. She 'hid' it behind her back, and returned to him at the fire before she sat down herself.

"This is something else I wished to show you," she began, easing it out and resting it on the table. By the shape, it appeared to be some kind of small, bladed weapon, or perhaps a figurine, but she did not unwrap it yet. "Please, don't be alarmed by it?" she began with a little wince, meeting his eyes.

Sylus met her eyes sincerely, and tipped his head. "Show me."

She reached out, unfolding the cloth, and revealed a dagger of unusually ornate design. The blade was old, and would have seemed useless except for the razor-sharp, glistening edge near the top of the blade. The hilt was a coiled lattice of gold and silver, aged, that ran up behind the blade like a strange frame. It was beautiful and alien at once.

Sylus leaned a little closer, his eyebrows up. "How beautiful." His hand eased up toward it.

Shyvana's hands jerked in a halting, staying gesture, and he froze. "N-no, please… let me explain this before you touch it?"

Sylus yanked his hand back. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me."

She shook her head. "Nothing to forgive. You had no way of knowing, Sylus. I apologize. I'm not handling this well…" The dragoness looked down to the side with sad frustration.

"You are fine, my lady. Please… I would love to hear more about this," he sincerely finished, nodding to the dagger.

Clear gratitude for his patience washed over her face and eyes as they found his again, and she went on quietly at first, "This was my father's. He gave it to me not long before his death, while we fled for the last time from our enemies."

Sylus was gravely attentive to the sad story.

"When he gave it to me, he explained about some dragon traditions that he'd not previously made clear to me, and I hadn't appreciated their value. Not until now."

Shyvana eased her hands over, and lifted the dagger into them, as if it was heavier than it seemed. "This is a traditional blade passed down through my people for a particular ritual. It is a declaration of a bond," meaning shot between their eyes that instant, "and the beginning of a path of exploration. When two dragons intend to bond, they each cut themselves with this blade, mingle their blood together, and then spend at least two years discerning the nature of their connection. There are codes of behavior that must be followed during that time, and when it is concluded, the bond is either affirmed… declaring the two mates forever more, or it is ended, with full respect and honor maintained."

Tears were watering both their eyes, and Sylus looked down at the dagger with gentle regard. "What is the code of behavior? What is expected?"

Shyvana half-smiled a bit, still taxed with emotion, and answered, "The simple version is that the pair can't mate, nor seek a bond with another, during the two years."

Sylus smiled back powerfully, controlling his own emotions. "…My culture has similar codes, my lady."

He saw a bit of hope glisten in her golden eyes. "Sylus," she began with a tight voice, "I realized yesterday that I am at home with you. It is more than just the sense I've sought after. I feel renewed and affirmed when I am near you. I have sorted through my chaos, I have tried to apply your wisdom to these feelings that are still new and bewildering to me, and I have realized that I do have an answer. I… want to share this bond with you, at the very least to give us a chance to learn if we are as I think we are, or if I am simply too confused to understand myself yet."

Tears dripped down his face as he nodded. "I share that… hope, my lady," he managed through his hoarse voice. He smiled with the tears trickling down. "I would be honored to start this path with you, to whatever end."

Shyvana eased with a deep, gentle rush of relief, and her smile glowed. A bit self-conscious afterward, she looked down at the dagger in her hands. "Do you trust me to make the cuts? They would be on one palm each. We clasp the cuts together."

"Which hand do you need?" was all he asked, trying to swallow the tightness in his throat, already offering both of his limbs.

The dragoness eased forward, kneeling near him, and took his left hand softly. She showed him the dagger's position clearly, and looked into his eyes, seeking the final permission. Sylus nodded. She did one, clean slice. His body cringed a little, but he calmly watched as she traded hands, and did an almost identical cut of her own ashen palm.

Her blood distorted the air with its innate power, and was a rich red-blue color, dark and vibrant at once.

Shyvana placed the dagger on the cloth on the table.

"Take my hand," she breathed to him, their eyes locking.

Their cut hands linked together, and started to squeeze tightly. Mingled blood dripped quietly between their palms.

With a soft rush, still holding his hand, Shyvana leaned in, and kissed him, shutting her eyes as tears dripped down her face. Sylus' body surged in response, responding to her kiss almost desperately, his free hand reaching around to cup her cheek and neck.

Her other hand came around, flowing over the back of his neck, holding him to her with a perfect mixture of gentleness and almost desperate eagerness to keep him close.

After a long, wonderful moment, their lips parted, but they didn't separate. Their heads lingered next to each other, both of them breathing heavily, each almost trembling from the power of the emotions coursing through them.

Gently nuzzling his head, she breathed, "I love you, Sylus."

He angled his head to reciprocate her touch gratefully. "And I you, my dearest Shyvana."

Easing back enough to smile at each other, they both looked to their gripped hands.

"…This is surprisingly messy," Shyvana had to admit, starting to laugh.

The completely natural remark cut through the emotional tension perfectly. Sylus joined her laughter happily, and nodded. "I tend to bleed quickly, I'm sorry."

They each started to ease their hands apart, some of the blood already thickening enough to make it a bit sticky.

When they could each finally see their hands, the pair froze in mutual shock. For a heartbeat, they shared a look, confirming the other saw the same unbelievable sight, and then they pulled their own hands back, wiping the blood aside to confirm.

Their cuts were gone. Scars remained, but the wounds were completely sealed shut. Sylus gawked, wiping more of the mingled blood across his palm to stare at the healed wound. Shyvana was doing the same, actually sinking down further to the ground.

"P-perhaps your blood healed us?" Sylus tried to offer, still shocked.

Shyvana shook her head slowly. "I heal faster than a human, but not like this. Y-you… saw the cuts, yes? I didn't imagine it?"

Sylus nodded instantly. "Absolutely, my lady. I felt my own, and saw yours clearly. Even that aside, this much blood couldn't come out of nowhere, regardless of how dazed we are."

She started to nod, relieved. It was simply such an unnatural event, she needed to hear the obvious to reaffirm her sense of it. Then Shyvana looked back up into his eyes. "Perhaps it is a blessing on our path?"

Sylus smiled warmly. "I would love to think so, Shyvana."

She nodded to herself, and stood up slowly, finally letting her hand down. "I had medical supplies ready in the wash room for our cuts, but it seems we only need to wash the blood off. Come," she offered her clean hand, the happy glow brighter and clearer in her magnificent eyes.

Sylus gripped her hand, and she lifted him easily. When they were close together on their feet, they both paused, and immediately kissed again. It was fervent, but they eased apart gently after, both smiling again.

"I never realized that would feel so satisfying," Shyvana breathed. "I enjoy kissing you."

Sylus grinned. "I'm very glad of that, my dragoness."

She laughed softly, and then they finally moved to the washroom, getting their hands clean.

When they were done, and had returned to the room proper, Shyvana looked to her summoner with fresh, if subtle anxiety. "There was one last thing I wanted to show you tonight. It was… dependent on how the ritual went," she gestured to the dagger on the table, "so I didn't mention it before."

"What, Shyvana?" Sylus returned with sincere warmth.

She swallowed a bit, but forced herself to explain, "…It requires I undress. Would you turn around until I ask you to face me again?"

Sylus blushed powerfully, but also saw how sincere she was. "S-Shyvana, are you certain you wish to? I would never ask you to undress. Especially with the laws of the bond, I assumed you wouldn't want to."

She nodded, and then whispered, "Please, Sylus?"

The fact that this amazingly attractive woman was effectively pleading to remove her clothes while he stayed in the room was quite clear to Sylus, he simply couldn't get his rational mind around that fact. But her pleading spoke to his heart when his brain failed. He started to smile for her, and turned around, bowing his head and closing his eyes. "Let me know when you wish me to turn, my lady."

"Thank you. Just a moment."

He heard the sounds of her armor unlatching, and being rested in pieces on one of the chairs nearer the bed. He fought to control his reactions, not trying to visualize her, simply trying to stay aware of the situation.

Sylus immediately calmed when heard sounds he knew very well. Out of context, they actually sounded rather grotesque, but he knew them, and they charmed him.

She was transforming. Her body was clicking and popping, stretching and growing more powerful. Soon her very breath rumbled softly through the room, and he heard talons gently pressing to the carpet at their feet.

"…Please turn?" her draconic voice requested with surprising gentleness.

He did so, and made sure his eyes found hers before they danced down her magnificent form inappropriately.

Shyvana stood there in her full, draconic glory, no armor to hide her glistening scales or her powerful wings. He had also never seen her draconic eyes so tender.

"I am never truly comfortable with armor in my true form," she explained softly, her voice still rumbling from her nature. "I knew it would embarrass you, but I wanted you to see this. And… after the things we discussed yesterday, I wanted… to ask something of you?"

Sylus' smile blossomed on his face, his eyes drinking in the radiant power of her dragon face. "I am honored more than I can say, Shyvana. What is it you wanted to ask?"

Surprisingly meek, her neck ducking her head down near the ground, she whispered. "Sleep in my wings tonight?" It was adorable and surreal to see a dragon blush so violently.

Sylus eased forward, her head rising up to meet his gaze with a soft kind of fear, wary of his response. She desperately hoped she hadn't misunderstood, that he would want this, too.

His hand reached up, and gently caressed her long, powerful jaw. Her eyes shivered shut, and she groaned gently. It still trembled the ground.

He kissed the side of her snout, the hand reaching back in a constant, gentle caress to the mane of hair flowing down her neck as he started to gently nuzzle her.

"Sylus," she whispered in appreciation of his affection.

His voice whispered at her ear, thick with emotion as well. "I could think of no greater paradise for rest than your wings, my magnificent dragon."

Shyvana had never wept in her dragon form before, not from joy. She coiled around him, her larger frame all but engulfing the smaller man, embracing him. "Thank you."

His arms gently wrapped around her shoulders, and he kissed the base of her neck. "No, my lady… thank you."

(…)

Shyvana eased onto the bed first just a few moments later, and curled gently on her side, spreading one wing along the bed, and raising the other to let him in. She was still blushing, but glowing as much from appreciation.

Sylus eased onto the bed, not wanting to hurt her wing beneath him, and curled up against her powerful chest with a slow exhale of relief.

The dragoness wrapped her wings down around him, and she almost gasped from the gentle sensation of his head nuzzling against her chest at the base of her long neck.

"I never thought I would know this kind of comfort," she whispered down at him, curling her head and neck down near him. His soft warmth so close to her heart was a treasure of her life already in that moment, keeping him close and safe within her wings so deeply appealing. It felt right and perfect.

"Nor did I," he whispered, reaching a hand out to gently caress over the top of her brow. Her wings were like warm silk as they bundled him up, and her cavernous breath and powerful heart were a rhythmic lullaby that reached through him at the deepest levels, soothing and calming his entire self.

It didn't take either of them long to fall deep asleep, comforted and whole as never before.

(Author's Note)

I don't know about the rest of you, but I certainly enjoyed that. While it's safe to call this chapter the romantic climax of the story, don't worry, we're not quite done yet. I'm a big fan of denouement, and this story is no exception.

I very much enjoy the opening with Soraka and the battles the two have (not to mention Riven's cameo, which I'm particularly fond of in this chapter). The not-so-subtle shift in Shyvana's personality I hope comes as natural. It's supposed to be obvious that she's decided something, but not necessarily WHAT.

As for the bond itself, I wanted to turn a common trope on it's ear. Often, the 'alien culture' bonding ritual is an excuse to move things further, faster. I specifically decided to have it slow things down. It's effectively a blood-oath engagement that lasts for 2 years. While Shyvana and Sylus are clearly attracted to each other, their relationship is so much more than just that attraction, and this is an easy articulation of that point.

The finishing touch here, with Shyvana taking on her dragon form, is very specifically NOT intended to be sexual. Yes, it has obvious tension, which the characters themselves address, but the scene is in spite of that, not because of it. Shyvana wants to truly relax and be herself with Sylus. There is no greater show of trust than to let him in her wings, asleep, with no armor.

I hope you enjoyed as well, and thank you for reading, following, and reviewing!