Chapter 12: Consequences
Shyvana came awake gently the next morning. Sunlight was peeking through the blinds of the grand windows of her room. At first, all she consciously knew was how deeply rested she felt. Then her eyes softly opened, and she looked down her snout. The gentle warmth of Sylus' hand still rested on her long nose, and she realized the soft comfort nestled against her front was her beloved summoner.
It wasn't just a wonderful dream, it was real memory. He was here, embraced in her wings, sound asleep still. Shyvana let her eyes close with a soft exhale of appreciation. Then she lifted her head, carefully letting his hand slip down to the covers, and turned her head to actually look at him.
She had never seen such a peaceful expression on his face. It only affirmed her decision, how right this all felt. It answered so many questions that had started to haunt her.
Idly, almost playful, she pondered how to wake him. Her eyes slanted with mischief, and she eased her snout to his face, her long tongue just reaching to caress his cheek.
Even in sleep, his little moan inspired a surprisingly powerful reaction in her body, and she started to blush subtly. Disciplining herself with a bit of frustration, she chose that it would not spoil her little game. She specifically gave him another miniscule lick.
This time Sylus stirred, and blinked his eyes open. Waking up to her impish smile made him glow, as groggy as he was. "Did you just lick me?" he confirmed, chuckling.
"Perhaps," she grumbled in her soft, powerful, draconic voice.
"Fine then," he replied, and instantly leaned up, licking her nose.
Shyvana jerked her head back with a laugh, just startled by his motion rather than disturbed.
Still laughing together, they eased slightly apart. They didn't leave the bed yet. Instead, Sylus simply sat up inside her wings, and she lifted enough of herself off the bed to give her neck room to move.
Gentle and happy, Sylus looked up at her face, his right hand leaning back to caress her chest with backs of his fingers. "I could never be worthy of the wonders you've already shared with me, Shyvana."
Her smile softened to tender warmth as well, and she leaned her snout in to nuzzle his cheek. "In my estimation, you are wholly deserving, my summoner."
He tilted his head to her touch appreciatively. "Entirely yours."
Shyvana used one wing to gently hug him to her front. "As I am yours."
He caressed the top of the wing holding him, savoring the heat of her inferno of a body. Her breath still rumbled through his very frame, and it was an entirely wonderful sensation.
The dragon gave him a more full hug, wrapping around him snugly with a soft moan of pleasure, and then eased apart. "Sadly, I must interrupt this dream," she confessed with a little half-smile.
Sylus still smiled. "Thankfully, it is a dream we can revisit."
The two eased off the bed, Sylus giving himself a luxuriant stretch, and smoothing down his wrinkled robes.
"Is it alright if I use the restroom first?" Shyvana asked, almost meek despite her powerful voice. "I can't actually fit through the door like this…"
Sylus blinked at her, and then realized why she was making an issue out of the matter. She needed to revert, and the poor woman was naked. "O-oh, of course, Shyvana. Forgive me." He walked over to the far side of the room. "Just let me know when you feel comfortable."
A wing gently stopped him, and she whispered, "Nothing to forgive, Sylus. Thank you." Then she smoothly flowed behind him.
The summoner focused on the fireplace, this time specifically trying not to visualize her body as he heard the sounds of her reverting. Especially after such beautiful intimacy, his desire for her had never been stronger, but it also made it even more important not to disrespect her. He remembered their bonding fondly, and looked down at his left palm. It was a deep scar, but he was glad of it. It was a beautiful symbol to him. An indelible mark.
His finger traced the scar softly, remembering how her hand had held his, the power in her eyes, and the wonderful sensation of her heartfelt kiss, her hand at his neck. Never in a thousand years would he have imagined this could actually happen.
From the first moment, he had respected her. It had practically been his first true match when he summoned her the first time. Sylus looked up and off as he recalled it. Yes, she had been blunt and firm from the first second, but the moment he showed her respect due her role, been a proper summoner to a champion, she had instantly shifted in manner. Many wouldn't have noticed it, but he did. Her tone had flipped from hard and firm, to serious and focused. She had taken him seriously, just because he did so for her.
He'd known about her nature before summoning her. All summoners were educated about the champions before truly allowed to summon for a match. He'd never thought to be disgusted by it. Instead, his simple acceptance transformed into respectful awe of her true form. Especially when able to share her sense of flight on the Fields of Justice.
And now, to be in her home, bonded to her in such a powerful and unique way, to know how she felt about him. His eyes closed and savored the beauty of that reality. Such blessings could never be earned.
"Sylus?"
His eyes focused forward. "Yes, my lady?"
"I am comfortable," she clarified with a gentle note of humor.
Sylus turned, and found his beloved dragon in her old, crimson armor, helmet already situated atop her elegant head. "As magnificent as ever, my lady."
Shyvana let her appreciation of his compliment show on her face, and then moved to him, immediately and smoothly pulling him into a soft kiss. Sylus' frame eased, and his hands found her arms to hold her in return, savoring the wonderful affection.
Breaking the kiss softly, she took the time to caress his hair back, and looked down into his eyes. "I will always welcome your affection, but may I ask a favor of you, Sylus?"
"Anything, Shyvana," he answered seriously.
"Would it make you feel unappreciated if we… reserved our affection for private moments like this? I… I would never be embarrassed of others knowing we are bonded, but the comments…"
Sylus eased into an understanding smile, and reached up, cupping her cheeks, and kissing her back softly. She reciprocated instantly, reaching up to hold his wrists.
Parting their lips, he said, "I fully understand, Shyvana. It will not distress me in the slightest. Would touching your arm be okay?" His hand slipped down to gently squeeze her upper arm. "If we happen to be in public, and either of us wishes to comfort the other?"
The dragoness tipped her head. "Certainly. As I said, I have no shame of our bond being public in any way. I just don't want to be seen as a… a…" she cringed, unsure how to phrase her concern.
"I fully understand, my love."
Her manner eased into a grateful smile for his choice of words. "…Two years suddenly seems a very long time."
"It does, doesn't it?" he agreed with a soft laugh.
Fond and becoming playful again, she reached up to tussle his hair. "And I've delayed you far too long. Go refresh, Sylus. I'll have some breakfast brought for us."
He tipped his head in thanks, and hurried off to the restroom. Shyvana smiled after him, and then went to order their breakfast from the palace kitchen.
(Later…)
Sylus was amused when the servant who brought the food was clearly controlling shock at finding a gentleman guest in Shyvana's room at such an early hour. He also thought Shyvana constrained her desire to be frustrated with the servant's obvious shock well. She simply thanked the girl for bringing the food in her normal, strong voice, letting her blush show after the girl was gone.
"Rumors," Shyvana muttered darkly, stabbing some eggs with a fork.
Sympathetic, her summoner replied, "I'm sorry to add stress to your life, Shyvana. Will it be alright for you?"
She nodded, her eyes just rolling with the aggravation of it. "I must adapt. I can't stop their foolishness, and my bond with you is far more important than their lack of comprehension."
Sylus tipped his head. "I am honored."
The dragoness gave him one of her strong, wry smiles.
The summoner went to take his first bite, and then paused, his fork over the eggs. He blinked, glanced at her as she took her first bite finally, and then back at his own. He shrugged, and started to eat.
"Is something wrong with your food?" Shyvana asked after swallowing.
He gawked. "What…? Oh! No, no, my apologies, my lady. An idle thought; foolish at that."
"What was it?" she asked in dry humor, taking another mouthful.
Sylus blushed a little, clearing his throat. "…Very foolish. I, uh… momentarily thought you might be uncomfortable… eating eggs."
It actually stopped her in mid bite as she blinked at him, sincerely perplexed. She held a hand up to avoid being completely improper with her mouth full, but had to ask, "Pardon?"
Sylus uncomfortably scratched his forehead, wincing. "A very stupid comparison between your nature and the… food."
Shyvana eased upright, more confused than upset. "I still don't follow, Sylus. What on Valoran would disturb me about eggs?"
Ironically, it was her saying the word outloud herself that cued her mind to one of their conversations as his blush got worse.
"Wait… you mean because I would LAY eggs if we had children?" she confirmed, her eyebrows up and her head tilted down. Again, she didn't seem angry (yet), just completely bewildered.
Sylus cringed again, nodding meekly.
Shyvana just shared a stare with her summoner for a moment, and he was clearly growing more wary of her potential reaction as the seconds ticked past.
Then the dragoness promptly burst out laughing, sinking her face into one hand, her fork hanging in the other on the table.
Relief instantly settled over Sylus' frame, and he managed, "I am very sorry. I realized almost immediately how stupid the assumption was."
"We're not eating dragon eggs, Sylus," Shyvana had to reply, still laughing, actually tearing up from the power of her mirth. Trying to control herself for his sake, seeing how embarrassed he was after his relief, she cleared her throat, sighing to calm her laughter, and wiped her eyes idly with a knuckle. "Pardon my humor at your expense, Sylus. It was actually a very thoughtful consideration." She let her gentler smile show. "I appreciate that you look at things from a different view for my sake."
Sylus smiled back, his blush fading finally. "Thank you, Shyvana. Nothing to pardon. It was very foolish, I fully agree."
She tipped her head, and they finally started to eat again. After a few bites, she chose to add, "In fact, eggs are very nutritious for their size. My father and I raided more than a few nests during our flights from enemies. We wouldn't eat dragon eggs, no," he affirmed with a faint smile.
"As always, completely reasonable, my lady."
They continued to eat pleasantly, and Sylus glanced out at the landscape in daylight. It did remind him of the amazing night they had shared, but it also brought new ideas to his mind. His eyes glanced to the scar on his palm with soft consideration. "Shyvana?"
"Yes?"
"You have business at the League?"
She nodded. "Indeed. I was scheduled for several matches today. One is actually of import to a border dispute between Demacia and some farmers, and Prince Jarvan requested I see to it personally."
Sylus tipped his head. "And your summoners are spoken for in each case?"
"Yes. I hope that does not trouble you?"
The summoner smiled easily. "Not in the least. I respect you as a Champion as much as I love you, my dragoness, I would never halt your duty just to monopolize your time. No, I simply asked because I would like to go down to the city today, while you work. I'll need to report to the League myself, of course, but there were some things I wanted to see down there," he explained with a little nod down to the view.
Shyvana raised her eyebrows softly. "Shall I arrange a guide for you?"
"A kind offer, but unnecessary, my lady. I rather enjoy exploring anyway."
She smiled. "Fair enough." Her desire to see him again after their mutual business made her realize they had no plans for the coming night… or days beyond. "Oh… If… should I go to your home, if I wish to see you tonight?"
Sylus adored her softer expression when she was uncertain of such matters. "I hadn't thought that far ahead, yet, my lady. I am happy to return here for you. Though… that does put a thought in my mind. Would it disturb you if we did meet at my home?"
Shyvana shook her head. "Not in the least. I'm fond of your home, if you recall?" she finished with a faint smirk.
"Wonderful. Yes, find me there after your matches today, please. I think tonight I have some things I wish to show you."
Her eyebrows rose up, and abruptly she was excited about the evening to come. "I look forward to it."
They shared a smile, and finished their meal together.
(Later…)
Sylus went with Shyvana to the crystals that would let her transport to the League Hall, and he was happily surprised by a fresh kiss before she wished him well on his own duties, and ventured off. The summoner then seemed to idly wander the city of Demacia for an hour or so, but his eyes were searching rather than simply absorbing the information around him.
Moving down one street, he glanced into the front of a jewelry shop, and paused, a smile warming his expression.
He slipped inside.
(At the League…)
High Summoner Ralhe heard her door knock, and she set her quill down from the parchment she was attending. "Enter."
Sylus Hale appeared, a bit meek as he eased around the door. "I was told to report directly to you, councilor. I would never presume to disturb you otherwise."
Ralhe nodded, and gestured to the chairs in front of her large desk. "That is correct, summoner. Sit."
He moved ahead quickly, and obeyed, attentive.
"You don't normally come into the Hall proper, yes?" Ralhe began.
Sylus nodded. "Correct. I summon from a matrix at home, councilor. I came by today to… adjust my records for personal reasons, and I was told to report to you."
"Yes. I simply gave them standing orders to direct you to me the next time you appeared." She clasped her fingers on the table. "May we be frank, Summoner Hale?"
"If you wish, councilor."
"Do you believe you will be promoted because of your actions against Stalk?"
Sylus blinked. "I… do not, my lady. I have only the skills of a mid-level summoner. I learned a great deal from Shyvana and the entire endeavor, no doubt, but I am certainly not up for review for several months yet."
"Your ability to fend Stalk off speaks otherwise."
He shook his head. "Specifically, no, my lady. He underestimated me constantly because I was mid-level and limited compared to his skill and power. He made childish mistakes around me because he knew he was so far beyond me, I wasn't worth the attention. Close, but not quite. I was able to capitalize on his errors. Nothing more, nothing less."
Ralhe eased back in her chair. "I'll admit I'm relieved to hear you say that." She glanced up, past him, at her doors. "I'm going to tell you things I shouldn't tell you, because I think you've earned enough respect for it."
Sylus slowly nodded, now wary and alarmed.
"The entire council wants you promoted immediately. Except me. I am completely outmaneuvered on this, and you will be promoted to high summoner unless one thing happens."
Sylus was openly shocked, his eyes widened. "I-I don't have the power to command the duties of a high summoner!"
Ralhe nodded. "I agree. You and I are the only two who see that. You see, I intend no insult to you Sylus. You went above and beyond… all of us, really. I also know your current skill and talents. A political reward of this kind would do more harm than good. The only thing that can stop your promotion is your declining it, specifically. I don't have the power to enforce this. At all."
He slowly shook his head. "Why would they even want this?"
"You're a hero, Sylus. You've earned more respect for our order and cause than most of us councilors combined, and with people who are VERY hard to impress. Prince Jarvan? He's actually in communication with us now, and he specifically refers to your example to his champion, Shyvana."
Sylus twitched.
"Even the Noxians are showing cause, and it is very much due to your and Shyvana's actions. The council wants to make you a hero and a figurehead, to capitalize on this momentum. I think that would kill you, nothing more."
"I agree," Sylus breathed out. Guilt was constricting around his gut like a vice. If Jarvan was finally listening to the League because of Shyvana's reports of him, but it was then public that Sylus and Shyvana were connected, Jarvan could take tremendous insult, or everyone assume it was all a Demacian plot to indebt the League.
"Will you decline, Sylus?" Ralhe directly asked, her head tilting down.
He swallowed, but started to nod. "I must… and there is more."
Her eyebrow piqued. "Go on?"
"I-I… came today… to… officially d…"
He could see it now. How much damage and danger there was in this connection to Shyvana. And not for him. For everyone else. Shyvana herself, the League, Shyvana's country, the entire delicate peace they had all struggled to hold together.
His left hand squeezed, his fingers feeling the scar. His mind surged with the memories of all he'd shared with Shyvana in the short but vital time since the first bomb went off.
Sylus' resolve steeled. Cowardice would not insult the bond Shyvana asked him to share. He cleared his throat, and Ralhe was attentive to the sudden power rising out of his frame, "I came to declare my political allegiance to Demacia… because I am personally tied to a Demacian Champion. I think any such promotion to high summoner would seem dangerously like favoritism in that light."
Ralhe's eyes widened. "Y-you… ARE involved with her?! Sylus! You know how that looks for us all!"
He stood up, his fists clenched. "Precisely why I am declaring this immediately and openly. To this morning, I was independent, in all honesty and truth. Now, I am biased. I am declaring it on record, so that no matches will be disputed for political reasons. Shyvana herself is battling for Demacia with completely unrelated summoners this day. I am not tied to any of those events."
Ralhe rose up, coming around the table, and staring down into his eyes. "Don't you see the damage this will do? To have a summoner openly involved with a champion? Everything we do will be called into question!"
"Good," Sylus retorted firmly. "We could use a little of that, if we're still being frank, councilor."
She calmed, narrowing her eyes, but leaned back. "…I can probably use this move to shut down the council from this promotion business."
"My thoughts exactly," the mid-level summoner affirmed with a slow nod.
"Strict limits will be placed on your matches in line with this, Sylus. You are certain?"
"Completely. It is my path."
Ralhe nodded, deflating a bit. "I'll have it done. You will be updated as a Demacian summoner. Your relationship with Shyvana will be logged on record."
He nodded.
Finally, the high summoner just tilted her head, eyeing him. "You're really attracted to that mad woman?"
A surprisingly violent darkness washed over Sylus' face, and Ralhe's eyes flared a little at the power of the danger in it. "That champion is not mad, summoner. Behind closed doors or not, I would expect more respect for our comrades in this great struggle of peace we wage here. That is precisely the kind of arrogance that turned a genius like Meridian Stalk into the mad dog we had to put down… thanks to the champion you just insulted. More simply put, councilor… don't ever insult my beloved again."
Ralhe eased back, both wary and offput by his manner. "You two are more alike than I'd realized."
"I'll take that as high praise, councilor. And my thanks for your assistance and… frank conversation. Shall I depart?"
She nodded.
Sylus left quickly, and Ralhe sat on the edge of her desk, eyeing the door. "You'd make a high summoner, yet, young Mr. Hale."
(Later…)
"Ah, Sylus!" Riven greeted pleasantly, waving to him across the large, central chamber of the Hall. It was almost repaired from the bomb blast.
Sylus glanced up, finding her as she waved, and waved back, diverting course to meet her as she clearly intended to speak. "Champion! An honor to see you. And you seem quite well!"
Riven smiled casually. "Thanks, Sylus. You can use my name, you know?"
He tipped his head. "Thank you, Riven. Is anything on your mind?"
"Just checking in on you. I know you hardly ever come by the Hall. How are you?"
"Very well, in fact. Though…" he winced a bit. "We… may not work together very often going forward."
Riven blinked, calm, but clearly saddened by the news. "Is something wrong? You're not getting trouble from the council are you?"
Sylus shook his head. "No, no. Rather… I am a Demacian summoner now."
Her eyebrows rose up. "You allied with Demacia officially?"
He nodded, seeming a bit guilty before her. He knew this would be a mixed bit of information at best.
Riven, however, started to smile, and her free hand reached up, gripping his shoulder. "How is she?"
A smile returned to his own expression. "Well."
Letting her hand down, Riven winked a bit. "We'll still work together, Sylus, don't worry. Not every match Demacian summoners work for is completely counter to my own choices. …I've always appreciated your honesty, and this is just further proof of it."
"I am honored by your good opinion, Riven," Sylus replied, bowing to her.
She smirked, and reached up, tussling his hair. The comparison to Shyvana's behavior made him blush more than he normally would have, but he chuckled, playfully cringing at the touch.
"I'm happy for your two," Riven said more sincerely after her hand came down.
"Thank you, Riven."
She kept her smile, and waved lightly, starting to move aside. "See you on the Fields, Sylus. Be well."
"And you, champion."
They parted, sharing one last wave further away in the large room before losing each other to the crowd.
(Author's Note)
A lovely little bridging chapter, in my own opinion. I adore Shyvana and Sylus waking up together, especially the licking, hehe. The joke over breakfast resulted from my muse (my wife) reacting to the various themes and comments in the dialogue between Shyvana and Sylus up to this point, so I couldn't resist it. It also helps keep Sylus as a real person and not some kind of perfect archetype. Any excuse to have Shyvana actually laugh is also a bonus.
Other than foreshadowing some elements for the next chapter, the real core of this chapter is the 'confrontation' between Ralhe and Sylus. It's a type of blunt conversation I really enjoy, personally, and let me show off Sylus' spark of fire in his belly, and Ralhe as a real character, not just the political villain of the plot.
And since Sylus is officially a Demacian Summoner, a direct tackle with Riven was important enough to bring her back for another cameo. The two respect each other a great deal, and I think they always will. As a side-note, the one-shot Blood and Life is actually set AFTER this story, but they don't directly contradict or step on each other's toes, so there was no real reason to reference the two sets of events in either story.
See you next week, and thank you for the reviews, follows, and PMs! Keep 'em coming!
-Cy