Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The stretch after stepping off the airship and onto the dock was a great relief. Gone were the days when he would be granted the most prominent and roomiest spaces onboard an airship. Now, he was one of many and crowded like all the rest.

Gaius sighed and looked over at his daughter.

While Allie was trying not to look around at everything, her eyes darted one way and the other as they walked off the dock and into the rest of the town.

Both were taken aback at the colours, sounds, and noise of Radz-At-Han.

“Ah, you must be the first of the representatives from Werlyt,” said a tall Arkosadara. “I have been sent to bring you to the Megdathuta by cart. It’s a long walk, and it will be quite hot with it being so close to noon.”

“Thank you,” said Gaius as he looked up at the young man and led Allie to the cart.

As they sat, he hoped that this was not some method to separate them from the rest of their group, but the cart driver took them straight to the palace with no other stops and without much intention of talking. But, as the day was as hot as he had warned them, Gaius supposed he was just as eager to get out of the sun and the heat.

Already, he regretted his choice of attire. He had chosen to stick to his usual traveling clothes, but the coat and layers weighed heavily, and he could feel the sweat on his brow and back beginning to run rivers. Allie also fanned herself frequently, although she was far lighter clothed with a wide-brimmed hat.

They climbed the steps, and a guard ushered them beneath the shaded entry.

Thankfully, it seemed a breeze—although that too was hot—rushed through this area. But, between the shade and the breeze, it was less uncomfortable than outside in the sun.

“Ah, I must apologize for the discomfort,” said a young voice behind them. “I had thought perhaps information had been sent about our climate, but I see it must not have reached you.”

Gaius and Allie turned, and he looked down.

Even Allie had to look down slightly as the boy, another Au Ra like Allie, stood before them.

Gaius nodded as he took the young man in. “I am Gaius Baelsar, and this is my daughter, Allie.”

The boy bowed. “Welcome to Thavnair, Master Baelsar, and Mistress Baelsar. I am Varshahn.”

“Is it normal for the Satrap to have such young people working for him?” asked Allie, and Gaius caught her glance.

Varshahn looked confused, his brows knitting, but then he inclined his head. “I assure you I am well mature enough for the tasks. But, come, I will have refreshments sent and perhaps something a bit more comfortable for Thavnair. You must be both tired and… hot… from your travels.”

Gaius let himself be led through the halls of the brightly decorated palace, following the young man as he did. There was a familiar flutter in his stomach, and after a moment, he placed it.

It was the same feeling he’d had when he’d adopted his sons and daughters all those years ago.

After a moment, and after Varshahn left, Gaius stared at the door where he’d disappeared for longer than he’d intended. Allie giggled from behind him. “I imagine his situation is greatly different than my brothers and sister.”

“Aye, it would appear so,” agreed Gaius, finally tearing his gaze from the door and looking around the room. “I think he has a point, though. I chose poorly when I chose this attire.”

“You do look ready to melt, Father.”

He snorted.

“Why don’t you take a bath and put on those robes he sent you to wear? They may help,” she said, stretching and sighing. "Perhaps a nap may be in order as well. I don’t normally do that, but this heat…”

Gaius nodded and sighed. “Very well, you have a point.”

The warm bath to better wash the soap and grime off, followed by a cool one in a pool large enough to swim in, revived him quite a bit—as did a cool but thick and creamy drink called a lassi. Refreshed and dressed in the clothes they had been sent as a relief, he sighed as the loose tunic and pants—in layers of linens—covered him like his coat and other traveling wear but breathed far better. Allie had also perked up by quite a bit when he came out.

“Better?” he asked.

“I feel much better,” she agreed. "A servant came by, and they told me many sleep during the hottest hours. Normally, airship traffic doesn’t come or go until it cools off, but ours was delayed… so we flew right into the worst of their daytime heat.”

Gaius grunted. “A moment of poor luck.”

“Yes, well… the heat is enough to kill if not prepared, and we were considered lucky to have not fainted in the heat. As it is, Varshahn expressed concern for our health and recommended we rest, so the servants have been told to bring us what we need. Just ring the bell on the table,” she said, pointing to a small silver bell. “After the sun sets, he has invited us to meet with the Satrap unless we’d prefer the morning to allow us to rest.”

Gaius shook his head. “I think I can handle a short meeting,” he said, lifting a brow. “Unless you’d prefer to wait?”

“I think we’d best play by ear,” she answered. “Rest for the afternoon, and see how we both feel.”

Gaius sighed but nodded. “Very well. ‘Tis wise.”

Chapter Text

Gaius woke again, and on waking he realized Allie had been wise to not make a commitment they wouldn’t have been able to keep. While it galled him to delay a meeting with the Satrap, the sun had made him more ill than he initially realized. The headache was enough to make him curl up in the bed for the moment and just try to make the thumping like millions of marching feet through his skull subside.

A miserable voice called in, “Father, are you awake?”

“I am,” he answered, clearing his voice. "Yes, Allie, I am.”

He groaned as his voice set them off again.

“You have a headache, don’t you?” she asked and then said. “No, don’t answer. I can tell you do. I woke up with one, too. Varshahn sent for an alchemist to bring us some relief and said we were to rest and drink the lassi they brought us. They’re both nourishing and cooling and will help.”

He sighed and said, “Thank you, Allie.”

“I’ll let you know when he returns with that alchemist.”

Gaius sighed as she closed the door again and just drifted.

He wasn’t sure how long it had been, but the door opened again, and a weight settled on the side of the bed. “The other Garleans who settled here found it just as much of a change,” said Varshahn, quietly. But it will eventually pass.”

“Thank you,” said Allie, and he realized she was sitting on the side of his bed.

“I’m awake,” he said before she tried to wake him, although he left his eyes closed.

A cool cloth met his brow, and the relief was almost immediate. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Here, drink this,” said a third voice. “It will help with the headache and any other upsets. The lassi is of ginger and some other fruits. It is very soothing and cooling. I’ll have someone make sure you take ice chips throughout the evening and keep track of you for the night. But rest and take this vial now and the other before the final bell of the evening. You may still have a mild headache in the morning, but be right as rain overmorrow.”

Gaius sighed as he drank what was in the vial. It wasn’t as bitter as he was expecting. After killing whatever taste it had, the lassi again helped him feel a bit better. He lazed in the bed, relaxing with the cool cloth on his head.
The night passed quickly or slowly. He wasn’t sure. Had he been less ill with heat illness, he would have cared more about the embarrassment or bother of needing to be cared for like a sick child by people he had come to talk to about trading with Werlyt.

When he woke in the morning, he felt far better than he had been. The alchemist handed him another vial, and he took it with a nod of thanks. “You look far better than you did last night,” she mentioned as she tilted her head.

She looked a bit like Milisandia, had his daughter lived to be in her middle ages, but this one kept her hair up and had decorated her horns with jewelled chains and gems that caught the sun when she moved her head. Her outfit was also fitting the climate, fitting loosely. It was also very colourful.

“I feel far better,” he admitted. “I apologize for the inconvenience. We were both late, and our meeting is further delayed.”

“Your daughter was more than able to negotiate with our Satrap in the meantime,” she said, motioning with one hand. “A capable and strong woman, like her father, I imagine.”
Gaius fell silent then.

Allie had grown so much, and now she was stepping into his role when he could not. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, although there was a bit of pride before all else. Perhaps even a bit of relief, plus a myriad of other emotions he would need time to process.

“I am glad she did,” he said.

He fell asleep and woke again to find the sun on the other side of the building. By now, Allie had returned and was reading a book in a chair by his bedside. She looked up as he shifted in the bed. “Are you feeling any better?” she asked.

“Aye, finally,” he answered as he looked at her. "I am so sorry I couldn't meet with the Satrap with you.”

“It went well,” she said, setting aside the bed. “He is… not what I expected at all.”

Gaius chuckled, imagining facing a dragon as giant as some airships while discussing trade deals. “No, I would expect not.”

“If you are up to it, Varshahn said he would be back with a few things to try,” said Allie, looking over at her father. “As well as samples of what could be traded. What do you think of him?”

Gaius sighed heavily. In truth, he hadn’t talked to the young man very much other than when they had first arrived and then only for a moment when the alchemists had been brought to him. “I fear you have a better sense of him than I do,” answered Gaius. What are your thoughts?”

“He seems lonely,” she answered, sipping from her cup. “A little sad as well. He misses his older sister terribly, but she was taken from him when he was younger. It was so long ago, but for him, it feels fresh. He does not remember much of his parents when I press him on it.”

Gaius sighed, and he looked at his daughter. “So, you’re telling me he’s orphaned and alone and works within this palace.”

“Yes.”

“Allie… the life I could offer him now would likely not be better than here,” he said gently.

“You don’t have to take him away… but it hurts to see him so sad,” she said. “And…”

He groaned, but it had little to do with his illness. “And?”

“I would like to see what it would be like to have a little brother.”

Chapter Text

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for Gaius to bounce back to close enough to full health to return to the duties he had set for himself as representing Werlyt. Again, the young man arrived in the early morning to retrieve Allie, but this time Gaius was up and dressed and waiting for him with her. Varshahn lifted a brow but smiled when he noticed the older Garlean up and around. “You look far better than you did when you arrived. I trust you are recovered?” he asked.

“I am, thank you for the hospitality,” said Gaius with a slight bow. “Not precisely the introduction I had wanted to make.”

“But was it not out of your control? If not for the storm, and then the late arrival, you would have been right as rain,” pointed out Varshahn, shaking that off. “I am glad we were able to facilitate your landing before your pilot also succumbed. We are indeed lucky that things were not worse.”

“He has also recovered, I trust?” asked Gaius.

“A full day before you,” answered Varshahn. “But he is also far more used to our climate… and if a man used to our climate and island was also made ill from the heat and exposure, then I would not trouble yourself over it.”

“A fair point. I shall put it out of my mind then,” said Gaius.

Varshahn led them through the halls and Gaius looked at him again. The boy, perceptive as he had been from the beginning, glanced back. “Does something trouble you still?”

“Aye, but it is not a matter of hospitality or to do with us,” said Gaius and he looked at Allie, who nodded. “Allie tells me… your family is not with you here. Not anymore. Forgive me if it is prying, but have you no one at all?”

Varshahn waved it off. “Ah, I would not trouble yourself over that, though I thank you for the concern. It is… touching. I am well taken care of here, and I take care of all others as well.”

That was a puzzling turn of phrase, and Gaius turned it over in his mind as they walked.

“But… your sister?” asked Allie, her voice quiet. Varshahn stopped, turning to face her and she looked away. “Forgive me, but as somehow who has lost siblings of her own, I could not help but notice that same sorrow in you.”

His eyebrows rose and then his eyes widened as it dawned on him. “Oh, dear… oh, how insensitive of me. Of course, I am sorry. That news reached even here and the ears of the Satrap,” and then it seemed to connect at what the both of them may have been asking. “Perhaps we should discuss this in a few moments? I think… there has been a rather large misunderstanding and I must apologize!”

They followed, and Gaius lifted a brow.

Perhaps the Satrap, this dragon of theirs, has already taken the boy under his wing, thought Gaius. If so, anyone looking to harm the boy would rue that day if they tried it.

The large double doors opened and Varshahn ushered them into a large room, replete with large divans and a table laden with fresh fruit, juices and other things that reminded him of his days as Legatus and the parties he used to attend. Varshahn walked to the curtain, undoubtedly hiding the dragon from those not ready to see him, and disappeared behind it.

The curtain lifted and Gaius looked up at a dragon with dark green hide and glimmering metallic scales. An eye of red—the same red as Varshahn’s, now that he took notice—looked down at him.

Green hide, scales… like that of Varshahn.

Red eyed… like Varshahn.

He’s the dragon, realized Gaius. The boy is the Satrap.

“I think we should start over with our introductions,” said the dragon, no, Varshahn.

“I… I… well, I suppose that settles the matter of that,” said Gaius.

“Where is Varshahn?” asked Allie.

“In front of us,” whispered Gaius, and he saw her eyes widen and her hands flew to her mouth as she made the same connection.

The dragon chuckled. “Aye, I am Varshahn though my name is actually Vtra, and I am guardian of this Isle and Satrap both.”

“I had not realized you could change forms, especially so dramatically,” said Gaius. “I admit the realization is sobering. And it appears that my overtures to take you under my wing is rather ironic.”

“I do appreciate the sentiment,” said Vtra, and Gaius had the sense that the dragon was smiling. “It is not an unusual one for that form. Until I revealed myself, there were a great many on this island who thought of me as they would a little brother. Now, when I travel the lands as Varshahn, they find it less intimidating… not to mention easier to fit into a store or building.”

Gaius nodded and then he sat on the cushions. He took a sip of the offered lassi and a few bites of the food. Allie did as well, and moments later, Varshahn—the boy—reappeared and joined them. “This form can eat?” asked Allie.

Varshahn nodded. “Aye, I can. It helps with the illusion. I am as functional in this as any other mortal, though I will not age unless I pick another form.”
“Have you ever travelled outside of Thavnair… as the boy, not the dragon?” asked Allie.

Varshahn grinned as he looked at her. “I have. I have been travelling in a more grown up version of myself with the Warriors of Light and Scions, as well as travelling to other nations for trade. I have wondered what the lands of Werlyt are like, though.”

Allie grinned as well as she ate more of the peach she had been offered. “You should come visit! We have been discussing how to return the agriculture we once had and someone of your wisdom would be welcome.”

“Then I shall have to do so,” he agreed and he looked up at Gaius. “I must say… I don’t find the idea of being taken under your wing unattractive. Much of my life I have been cloistered within these walls, watching my people and other nations from a distance. Only since the Warriors of Light came to our shores have I travelled beyond them. There are things I do not know or understand of the world of Man.”

Gaius sighed. “I may not be the best teacher, but whatever knowledge you wish from me you shall have.”

“Truly?” asked Varshahn. “I will soon travel with the Scions to… parts less secure than these. Were I to come to Werlyt in a more adult form, could you perhaps teach me a few lessons of swordplay?”

Gaius thought about it and then sighed. “I would be honoured to. I barely had the chance to teach my sons directly. It would be my honour to pass that knowledge to you.”

Chapter Text

The palace was quiet but with the undercurrent of industry, as it always had, though the heat of the day was slowly dissipating as the sun set. Estinien sighed as he returned to the apartments that Vrtra had graciously given him within the Megthathuta. Once the heavy armour, more meant for the cold of Ishgard that anything else, was shed and he had a quick bath, he went seeking his large and scaly friend.

He was surprised to find the dragon as the younger form of himself and talking to another young woman, an Au Ra, with the same pale hair as both he and Alphinaud and pale scales. She looked up, and then tilted her head sideways. Varshahn looked over and then smiled slightly. “Ah, my friend!” he greeted, and then he motioned to the younger woman. “It is always good to have the company of friends. I have made a few more, as you can see. Allie, this is Estinien Varlineau, once known as Wyrmblood and the Azure Dragoon of Ishgard. Then Scion of the Seventh Dawn, and now retired from both… but he tends to stick close to Thavnair and my courts.”

Estinien blinked as the name Allie was familiar, and then his eyes widened as he made the connection. “I am sure such as she doesn’t need to know my rough personage,” said Estinien.

“You don’t seem rough,” she said as she looked up at him. “If you are the same Estinien as accompanied my father into Garlemald, then I too must call you friend. For anyone who guarded my father’s back must be one of mine.”

“Oh, that is right,” said Varshahn. “I had heard of that… ah, then perhaps he is already familiar with you?”

“We have not yet met,” said Estinien.

“Then I have the pleasure,” said Varshahn. “Estinien, this young lady is Allie Baelsar of Terncliff and Werlyt.”

There it is, thought Estinien. She is the old wolf’s daughter.

“And Gaius’s daughter,” said Estinien as he inclined his head in a nod. “The honour is mine, young lady.”

Allie giggled. “You’re more polite than I’ve heard.”

“Your father tell you that?”

She shook her head. “No, Alphinaud and Cassandra did.”

Estinien groaned and then shook his head as he waved it off. “As if Cassandra has much say about being polite, given how I know her. How is our favourite pirate captain. Still pirating the south sea in that ship of hers?”

“I do believe that is my other daughter you speak of,” said a deep voice behind Estinien and Estinien sighed again as the old wolf managed to sneak up on him. “But, I will say that she has been… pleasant if interesting company as of late.”

Estinien turned his head and looked directly left into Gaius’s eyes, even though the older man was developing an ever so slight stoop and there was now a noticeable limp in his gait. The Ruby Weapon did quite the number on him, thought Estinien. Shame.

“’Tis good to see you, old man,” said Estinien. “Especially in better times and circumstances.”

“Old?” asked Gaius, an eyebrow rising. “I’ll have you know, I am still quite able to hold my own, if you’d like to spar in the courtyard for me to prove my point.”

“Father… you’re still recovering,” said Allie, her voice cutting through the posturing by the two warriors. “And, if I understand correctly, both of you are now listed as retired. Perhaps other pursuits for old friends is more advisable?”

The two stared at her.

“Did you hear the cheek?” asked Estinien, as his brow rose when he looked sideways at Gaius. “I hear a distinct lack of respect for experience.”

“Aye, I admit she has grown bold over the years we were separated,” said Gaius, with a chuckle and then he sighed. “Though, she does have a point, unfortunately and I can see the young Varshahn also ready to point out the same.”

“’T’would be a shame if all the work my alchemists worked on so diligently of recent needed to be repeated so soon,” said Varshahn. “Though I find myself amused by your bantering and ribbing. I had not realised you were so close as friends or I would have extended better timed invitations, and perhaps sooner. I will have to remedy that later, I suppose.”

“Then they are to visit more often?” Asked Estinien.

Varshahn nodded. “Aye, and me to Werlyt in both this form and my elder one.”

Estinien paused as he looked at the two of them. “They know?”

Varshahn nodded and chuckled. “There was a rather amusing reason to tell them. You see, Allie hear sensed sorrow for me missing Azdaja and sought to experience having a younger brother, and so brought up the the fact with Master Baelsar, who then… offered to take me under his wing.”

Estinien chortled, and then looked at Gaius before he broke out into a full belly laugh. Gaius had the grace to look one part amused but yet still slightly embarassed by the whole thing. Even Allie sighed slightly. When Estinien caught his breath. “So, you tried to adopt a whole dragon?”

Gaius sighed. “In a matter of speaking, I suppose.”

“You do know he’s a son, an actual son, of Midgardsormr, who almost ended you twenty some years ago when the Agrius went down,” pointed out Estinien.

“Aye, the fact was not lost on me.”