Chapter Text
Being the most popular physician in your home kingdom doesn’t come easy, despite being one of the youngest to do so. Zayne at a young age was able to watch his father work day in and out. His father made him work hands on with the patient at the young age of twelve. By fifteen he would even leave him alone with patients working on their wounds or prescribing them herbs. By eighteen his father would leave on trips to have him run the work by himself. He knew how to operate most operations people would be fearful to even try. He had once saved a little village girl after discovering she had a rare disease no one had even heard about. After that no one doubted his ability to help no matter his age and young appearance. Now years later Zayne runs the place along with the help of Greyson, as his father has retired.
Zayne’s notes are filled up with all sorts of herbs and important information he has gathered over the years. He would often take long trips leaving Greyson to take his place so that he could gather more research. Zayne would study the herbs that even he can’t get to as he would gather books that come from overseas. He even starts to learn different languages spoken so that more research could be done. Needless to say, he was good at his job and obsessed about learning more. And there was one quest he had not taken yet.
Everyone knew about the dragon in the mountains. It haunts the kingdom of Linkon’s citizens' minds daily even though rarely anyone has heard or seen it. Yet they still fear it as the dragon takes the lives of those who dare to find his den. Zayne on the other hand was not like most citizens and knew that if the dragon was truly evil it would have come to destroy the city long ago. His quest however is not for the dragon but the herbs he knows are around his den. There had been some travelers in the past who have documented this herb with great detail about its healing properties. This is how Zayne knows it is possible to go up the mountain safely and live to tell it. And much to Greyson’s dismay, Zayne refuses to let these herbs be left untouched when they could be useful.
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His remaining items were packed into his bag, which means Zayne is not officially ready for his quest. Frankly, Zayne is rather annoyed that it took him this long to finally leave, but Greyson had been trying and succeeding on keeping him busy. Zayne thinks it’s partly the fact that Greyson is worried the dragon will kill him and partly because of all the work he will have to do while he is gone.
At this point he is already about to head out the door while Greyson watches behind him like some wife seeing her husband off to battle. “And you're sure you want to go on this journey.” he asks once again, trying to give the question one more chance.
“I’m sure you will be fine,” Zayne says, clearly ignoring his own well-being in the situation. “I’ve left on trips for longer periods of time than this. This is even still within our kingdom.”
“If you're sure,” he mumbles. “Well, I’ll hold the fort here then and you stay safe out there.”
Zayne waves his hand brushing off his words and continues to walk without looking back. He delayed this quest for too long and winter would be coming soon. He was not going to wait till next year to take this journey no matter what people said about the dragon. He knows the history of the dragons. How they had once lived with humans long ago. Now dragons are rarely found and rarely ever killed. Most seem to mind their own and not bother others unless angered. He was sure picking a few plants off the mountain wasn’t going to suddenly cause the dragon to attack him. “Honestly, it should be easier than my last trip.” he says to reassure himself and continues to walk towards the mountain side.
As Zayne continues up the mountain, it is business as usual. He picks all the herbs he finds useful, takes notes in his journal, and even takes a few moments to enjoy the scenery. Well, as much as he can as Zayne feels he is being watched. It had been two days now on his journey up the mountain and he had long passed the warning signs where the path started to look older and less traveled. He swears he saw someone or thing in the corner of his sight as he was drawing water from the river. Zayne is not one to start a fight, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t strong. Zayne has always taken good care of his body and mind. He could hold his own in a fight if necessary. So he continues to walk in waiting for them to make themselves known to him.
Then it finally happens.
“Nice morning we are having today, Doctor.” The man’s voice is deep and the way he says ‘doctor’ sounds playful on his lips.
Zayne turns to face him and sees a man in an outfit most commoners have never seen before. It feels foreign in style and pattern to him. The man was dressed in lavish red and black, it only enhanced the mischievous look in his red eyes. “You're very observant.” Zayne says, poking at the fact that this man had clearly been watching him closely enough to realise he was a Doctor. “Is there something you need?” he asks, a bit curious about this stranger.
“Ah, it is nothing, dear doctor. I was only passing by. It is not often you see people on these roads anymore.” The man’s eyes do not break contact with Zayne’s as he walks closer to him. “What brings you here? Surely you know of the dragon.”
“I have my own business here that does not have to do with the dragon.” Zayne states plainly and starts to walk away hoping this man will leave him alone.
The man chuckles and Zayne hears his footsteps still following him along the path. “Doctor, are you not scared of the dragon? I hear he often kills travelers that go up the mountain.”
As if trapped, Zayne can’t help but answer the man. “Those ‘travelers’ are just people who poked a dragon and in turn got themselves killed. I’m not stupid enough to poke the dragon.” Zayne walks a bit faster. “Now I have my own way to go so if you will excuse me.” he does a quick bow without looking back at the man.
Zayne can actually hear the man laughing behind him as he walks away. Zayne cannot be bothered by some stranger in the woods. He has his own goals and doesn’t need any company. Even if he is a bit curious as to why a man like that is even in the mountains and now that Zayne thinks about it, the man had no bags or anything to indicate a journey the man took to get here. Does he live in these mountains? Zayne thought. He guessed he has never even thought of the possibility that anyone would make their home up here knowing a dragon shares the space. He shakes those thoughts away as it is none of his business and hikes up the road.
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Zayne is about halfway up the mountain before he sees the man again. Somehow the man must have passed him on the road as he is leaning up against a tree peeling what seems to be a tangerine.
Zayne sighs as he tries to press on.
“Hello again doctor. Good to see you still on your journey, whatever that may be.” The man smiles sweetly at him. “We had missed introductions last time. My name is Sylus. May I have yours as well, dear doctor.”
Zayne huffs in exasperation. “My name is Zayne, can you please tell me dear Sylus why you are following me?”
“If anything you are following me, Zayne as I am ahead of you.” he says this with a smirk that irritates Zayne to no end. “Jokes aside,” Sylus continues, “perhaps I am looking for some company today.”
Zayne finds the stranger to be very odd, but thinks maybe it is better to keep an eye on him if he just lets him join. “Sure. Though I can’t say I am the best company.”
“Doctor Zayne, you are the most interesting human that has been on the mountain in years.” He says and joins Zayne in his walk up the mountain. “Are you sure that you don’t want to kill the dragon and take all the money for yourself?” he says with a light chuckle.
Ignoring the…complement? Zayne replies “You seem very caught up on this dragon thing. I am merely a doctor, not some knight.” he pauses for a moment and realizes if this man does live on the mountain maybe he does know of the herb he is looking for. “I am actually here looking for a herb. It is said to be found high up in the mountain close to the dragon den, so if you are so curious about me maybe you can help me find this herb, Mister Sylus.”
“You continue to interest me, dear doctor.” Sylus nods to him. “Maybe I do know this plant you are speaking of. Could you describe it?”
Zayne tells him about the plant in great detail and Sylus watching him with interest and when Zayne is done speaking he says, “I do know of this herb you speak of and it is indeed very close to the dragon den.” Zayne can still feel his dark eyes on him. “Are you sure you still want to go?”
Zayne sighs in relief because he was expecting to have to wander around the mountain maybe even for a few days before even spotting the plant. On his other trips he's even gotten lost in the forest trying to find a certain type of flower and Greyson almost killed him when he showed up a few days late.
“Great then, lead the way.” he gestures in front of him towards the road.
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Much to Zayne’s surprise it was only late in the evening when he lays his eyes upon the exact herb he is looking for. The trip itself was mostly in silence though Sylus had asked a few questions here and there about the plants he uses for medicine. Sylus had led them to a small clearing between mountain tops where the grass was growing tall and other flowers and plants of all sorts were found. If Zayne wasn’t so focused on his goal he might have stopped to appreciate all the beauty of the place.
“This is perfect. Does it truly grow here in all seasons except winter?” he says, already starting to put some in his pack. Zayne looks at Sylus expectantly, waiting for a response.
Sylus once again chuckles at him and says, “You truly are just here for the herbs.” he looks around the valley. “As far as I know they have always grown here naturally. Winter can be harsh, but it doesn’t take long for them to pop back up.”
He is quiet for a moment as Zayne writes some notes in his journal.
“Would you like to stay for dinner? I live close by and couldn’t stand you sleeping alone in a tent tonight dear doctor.”
Zayne’s focus on his writing breaks as he looks up at the man. He was right. The man does live on the mountain. And perhaps it is a moment of weakness for Zayne, but after only a second of hesitation he decides that he trusts the stranger. “Sure. Give me about an hour to document the area then we can go.”
“Making me wait for dinner dear doctor? You’re lucky I have some patience.” Sylus jokes lightly.
“Well maybe if you didn’t casually throw away that tangerine earlier and actually eat it then you wouldn't be so hungry.” Zayne looks up and barely notices a hint of surprise in Sylus’ face.
“I guess I was distracted.” he smirks.
Zayne is annoyed again.
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Sylus wasn’t lying when he said he was close by. Just past the valley and back into the trees was a midsized cottage. It was unsurprising to zayne that it was just as outlandish as his clothing. Even the stone work on the outside walls was detailed. There was even a garden outfront. How in the world has no one spotted this place before, Zayne thought.
Sylus puts a hand on Zayne's shoulder and says, “Did you think I too lived in a tent, dear doctor.”
Zayne jumped a little in surprise and not just from Sylus’ voice but the warmth radiating off of Sylus. He could feel Sylus’ hand through his clothing and onto his skin like the heat you gain from sitting next to a fire.
Sylus pulls away, noticing Zayne’s expression and continues to walk forward into the cottage.
Zayne really couldn’t hide his shock this time when entering the home. Is this man a prince or something? Zayne kept thinking as he took a look around. The center of the room had a red seating area with immaculate pillows with unique embroidery on each one and a rug, also just as immaculate, that covered most of the flooring. There were red lanterns hanging from the ceiling made of iron and ending on a point with designs where the light came through. Red curtains decorated the ceiling. Zayne thinks he has seen this type of cultural design before during his travels, but cannot pinpoint them.
“Why don’t you have a seat doctor while I get us something to eat?”
Zayne sits comfortably while Sylus goes to the kitchen. At this point Zayne’s mind is reeling on who this man could be. There is one possibility that plagues his mind. If his thinking is right he is not exactly sure it was the right choice in coming here. Does this count as poking the dragon? Zayne thought. He figured it’s best to play along if that means he can come back for the herbs. He decides he will push the thoughts away and ignore them for now.
It doesn’t take Sylus long to come out with cured wine, and meat filled bread. He places it in front of Sylus on the table, which of course is beautifully designed. “Please enjoy. I’m sure you are hungry and thirsty after such a journey.” Then he turns around to light the fireplace.
They sit together in silence for a few minutes before Zayne gets too curious and asks, “How did you even manage to get this stuff up here? I recognize design work though I can’t place the origin.”
“I’m surprised you recognize it at all. It’s an old style, not found around here.”Sylus says between sips of wine. “If you come by again sometime I’ll tell you a bit more perhaps.”
Zayne glances at the books along the walls only just noticing them behind veiled curtains. He is silently happy he is welcome back again so that he can collect more herbs up here.
As if he was reading him like one of those books, Sylus says, “Don’t worry, dear doctor. You can come back to get more herbs anytime. As long as you promise to visit me as well.”
“You act as though this mountain is yours?” Zayne realizes he’s an idiot for saying such words right away. If Sylus is the dragon he does practically own the mountains. Zayne looks up from his food and sees Sylus staring at him. At the moment Zayne knows for certain Sylus is the dragon of the mountain.
Sylus sees the look on Zayne's face and doesn’t doubt that Zayne has figured it out. There is a bit of fear only for a small second in him, but it evaporates quickly as Zayne, perhaps foolishly, doesn’t believe Sylus will hurt him.
“This is very intriguing.” Sylus says noticing all Zayne’s emotions. “Well, I will be busy in the morning.” He says suddenly getting up, brushing aside the moment. “I’ll show you to the guest bedroom and in the morning you can let yourself out.”
Sylus shows Zayne to the bedroom that obviously looks like a main bedroom and not a guest room, complete with Sylus’ red and black theme. And suddenly Zayne is left alone with his thoughts, though he does not let them linger too long. However there is one that remains. It must be lonely up here even with all this luxury. The thought stays as he falls asleep.
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Zayne wakes up to find a plate of food on the table they sat at just last night. There was a note that read.
‘Hike down safely. Come and visit soon.
-Sylus’
Zayne laughs lightly. It is no surprise to Zayne that Sylus’ handwriting was impressive. He grabs a piece of bread and saves the note for himself. He starts his trip back down the mountain.
To Greyson’s shock, Zayne is back in the shop in under a week. He of course asked about the dragon and if he saw anything related to it. Zayne just replied offhandedly that it seems the dragon had no interest in eating a doctor. What he didn’t say was that the dragon seemed to be indeed interested in him in other ways.
It was not long after Zayne got back that he had heard of the famous knight Caleb having gone to fight the dragon and dying.The townspeople started putting up shrines in his name for his bravery and honor.
Zayne quickly gets back into his work and tries not to think of the dragon too much. It will be awhile till he needs to gather herbs once more. Yet as winter goes by quickly all he can think of is that man. It starts to annoy him. To the point where he starts to make up an excuse to get up the mountain again.
The first time he does go back it’s spring time. And things happen very much the same as the last time. Sylus meets him while he’s hiking up the road and Zayne wishes he could wipe the smirk off the man’s face. Once again he gathers herbs and plants and ends up at the man’s place again. This time Sylus lets him read some of his books. They are filled with stories and myths from another world Zayne has never heard of before. Some are in a language Zayne hasn’t seen.
“I could teach you, dear doctor. When you visit again.” He tells Zayne, inviting him over once more. A new excuse.
And so starts their routine.
Zayne comes to visit once a month and first Sylus helps him study the language in the books. Sylus warm is always radiating off of him as he leans in to help him study. He isn’t a bad teacher though Zayne is far from a bad student. Of course after a few trips and questing glances at Zayne’s notes from Greyson, it doesn’t take long for Zayne to understand the language. Eventually they both start to communicate in it solely.
Then Zayne starts to teach Sylus about his work. They go on walks as he explains the different parts of nature around them that can be useful. Sylus is often quiet during this and listens. Zayne is not too sure if Sylus wants to learn or if he wants the company but is too wrapped up in his passion to notice much.
It has been a little over a year since Zayne had first visited and Sylus was being very patient though everyone has their limits.
“And this plant is useful for new mothers after giving birth. “ Zayne points to the plant and is already looking it up in his notes.
“Do you have any plans to have a family or your own, dear doctor?” Sylus asks leaning down to touch the plant lightly, as if not too focused on his answer.
“I don’t have much interest in starting a family.” Zayne says flatly. “My father had a family for someone to take over the business. In my case, Greyson has been training his son already and I don’t doubt his capabilities to teach him.”
Sylus gets up and looks at Zayne. There is hesitation in his eyes that Zayne hasn’t seen before. “Do you always relate things to work, dear doctor?” He pauses. “Is there no room for romance or love as well?”
Zayne may be a bit dense, but he isn’t that dense. He knows of Sylus affection for him. Why else would he grab his waist when Zayne is pulling a book off a shelf, occasionally kiss his hand in greeting, and those hungry looks he gives as if he is a vampire in the stories he gave Zayne to read.
“Perhaps, I would be interested.” Returning Sylus’ gaze.
Sylus moves closer to Zayne and picks up his hand. He kisses Zayne’s wrist lightly. Then goes to wrap his hands around Zayne’s waist. He looks at Zayne at first with glancing at his lips then back in his emerald eyes asking for permission.
Zayne responds by putting his hands behind Sylus’ neck and pushing him forward till their lips meet in a deep kiss. Sylus lips are hot and heavy as they press into Zayne’s. Sylus starts to put his hand under Zayne’s shirt and onto his back. Zayne forgets about everything but Sylus’ lips and tongue, and his hands, his large, warm hands.
“I’m impressed, sweetheart.” Sylus murmurs, words almost lost in between kisses, and Zayne slides his hand down Sylus back and then around his hips to cup his ass, pulling them closer.
“Maybe we should take this to your place.” Zayne has a moment of clarity realizing they are still standing in the middle of the forest.
“Where is your sense of adventure, sweetheart.” Sylus laughs and kisses him again on the cheek and down his neck.
“We are not doing this in the woods. There are way too many plants that could harm your body.”
Sylus laughs even louder, “Only you, dear doctor, would bring up your knowledge of plants at a time like this. Alright let's go back ”
And a new routine starts.