Chapter Text
Getting Advices
There are very few books and records about the actual observation of Draconians in Gaea. Legends. Hunting and morbid trophies, rumors of sightings, some oral tales passed on through generations and travelers, these were numerous. But actual genuine observation? Testimonies from the very people described? They were near impossible to find.
A species who was hunted to near extinction due to bigotry and shroud in mysteries was bound to know such a fate of being lost to time without mercy. Yet such manuscripts do exist, and most of them were part of the very private collection of one particular asturian merchant who almost became king of said kingdom.
He studied these ancient and rare texts and testimonies whenever he had the time for it, but ever since the war, and his encounter with a living Draconian, his precious collection wasn’t holding the same value anymore.
Not when he could observe their veracity by himself by just conversing with the King of Fanelia, who just so happened to need help to rebuild his kingdom. Honestly, Dryden was having a lot of fun observing the young king, even before he learned of his feathery heritage.
Brash, loud, headstrong, proud, which was pretty normal for any noble of his age, but he was not just that, he was also traumatized of course, and kind, honest to a fault, and utterly in love. In love and completely lost in how to even approach the young lady who holds his heart.
For the merchant, Van was a treasure trove of possibilities. They could discuss for hours, and shared similar tastes in things. Sure the teenage king was more used to acting with his sword, but Dryden wasn’t blind, he could see how Van’s heart was not in it. Battle was not his calling, he was forced to pick up the sword, but his reign would probably be the most peaceful of his kingdom's history.
The fact they shared a kind of similar distaste for a certain flirt of a knight was just a coincidence and a welcome bonus.
To go back to the subject, Van’s paramour was also someone fascinating for Dryden. A young lady with a rather exotic look, and of even more exotic origins. A real, in the flesh inhabitant of the Mystic Moon, and a seer at that! Just the amount of knowledge she possessed and could share with them was making Dryden’s head spin. Obviously he wanted to be in her good graces. His collection was depressingly lacking in regard to the Mystic Moon knowledge; that girl was a blessing in every way for him, the kingdom of Fanelia and the whole of Gaea.
It was also very obvious that Van was completely taken with the girl, the way he was overly protective of her, always looking for her when entering a room, and the smoldering gazes he sent her way. It was adorable in a way, and extremely embarrassing to witness his failing to communicate his affection. Even more tragic when you can clearly see that the girl in question was receptive to his feelings, but was left confused with his clumsy attempts to communicate them.
Here is where his books could come in handy for the king. Because it was criminal to let them fumble around like that any longer, and a helping hand for the young man who had only ever been taught by brutish warriors was necessary. He saw how some of Allen’s men's advice had led the poor king to receive a rather flamboyant slap, much to their hilarity, and the frustration of the king. Getting any help from Allen would be an insult, and was probably the last thing Van wanted to do considering their shared history.
Instead, Dryden decided to become a sort of romantic mentor for Van, both using his own knowledge of the fair sex, and also the knowledge he got from his collection of books on draconians. More precisely, their mating habits recorded the very heritage Van was deprived of knowing after losing both his mother and elder brother at an early age.
Plus it was a chance for Dryden to check their veracity.
First he reread all of them, there was no need to share useless stuff, select the right ones, add in a few more handy books for later, once Van and Hitomi were at a more… physical stage of their courting. The girl was obviously literate, and it would occupy some alone time between the pair. Then he casually approached his friend, mentioning some things he would like to have him check himself concerning the rebuilding of the capital, and let him go through the documents.
Left him space to breathe.
And observe.
It took a moment for the ever serious king to go through the official papers he had been called for, then his curiosity was picked by the seemingly misplaced book. He started reading it out of curiosity, knowing Dryden wouldn’t have left the book without any reason. After a few pages his eyes grew, he suddenly lifted his head, searching for the older man with his eyes. Dryden was lounging on a sofa on the other side of the room.
“Your country is not the only thing that needs to be built from the ground up, your highness. I’m merely handing you more knowledge to do so.” Was his answer to the questioning eyes of the young king. With any luck the books would help the poor boy to build a family in the long run.
“How did you come into possession of these?” Ah distrust, he had expected this.
“I’m a merchant with a lot of interest in rare things, you should know that by now. I just thought it would be more beneficial for you right now. Unless of course you’ve changed your mind regarding courting Miss Hitomi?” A bit of teasing and the brewing anger of the king turn into a blush and sputtering. He was better at dealing with politics, but daily human relations and interaction was his weakness. The girl was going to eat him alive.
It was with this friendly banter, that Dryden and Van started an unusual friendship. Devising plans to rebuild the city, strengthen the kingdom, and capture the heart of an elusive young seer.
The success of their endeavor was to be seen.
I wanted to write some bird related things with Van x Hitomi fluff while I was at it. I hope you will be entertained with what I have in store.
Just to be precise something, the chapters won’t be related, they are independents.
Enjoy !