FFXIVwrite2025-7 23. Alms
NPCs: Vrtra|Varshahn, Azdaja Original Characters: Fuyu'li cen Zwahn, Ahi'a Expansion: Dawntrail(Irrelevant) Rating: General Summary: Fuyu'li finds his place in Radz-at-Han.
Fuyu'li wandered through the streets of Radz-at Han, Azdaja drifting behind him while Ahi'a stayed perched upon his shoulder. Vrtra was busy, meeting with a Garlean envoy and he was still not ready to meet with those of his beloved homeland…Though, Radz-at-Han had taken that title now, granted there were some things he missed. The snow. His family. His sense of duty.
Despite the lack of snow, he did have the other two now. He'd gained a lover, a sister, a son, and well, everyone in Radz-at-Han had unflinchingly welcomed as their Satrap's beloved without raising a single objection to his nationality. And in that vein, he loved them all and wished to serve the country that took him in when he had nothing. Yet that was hard to do on his own. Vrtra was in tune with the needs of his people. A natural leader. Fuyu'li was better at taking orders.
He of course offered his expertise in The High Crucible of Al-Kimiya, confident enough in his knowledge of alchemy to be of use. Still, it wasn't enough. It could never be enough. And these thoughts persisted.
As he wandered along with the little dragons, he felt eyes on them. Ears perking, he turned and saw a figures move behind some crates. Swooping ahead, Azdaja floated along then snorted light, tickling flames to chase out their little stalkers.
Two children hurried out, a boy and girl, letting out little startled screams as they hurried over to Fuyu'li. The boy being the eldest looked up at him then tugged at his shirt. "Mr. Fuyu'li, when is Varshahn going to come play with us?"
Fuyu'li knelt down, smiling softly. "The Satrap is very busy today, but, I think tomorrow will be good. He does get so restless when he doesn't make time to visit his friends," he assured the boy as Azdaja perched on his free shoulder, nearly toppling him over.
"Oh…I thought we would get to see him today. He hasn't played with us since he got back from his trip across the sea," the boy sighed, hanging his head.
"Well, I will make sure he finds time soon," Fuyu'li said, standing upright, balancing the two dragonlings on his shoulders the best he could.
The children nodded, turning to go before two little growls echoed from them. Fuyu'li's ears perked, knowing the pangs of hunger well. Azdaja letting out a scree, the children stopped and turned around, making sure she wasn't going to flare at them again.
"Ah. You know, I think Azdaja is hungry. Why don't we all go find something to eat," Fuyu'li suggested, wincing as Azdaja screed in agreement in his ear. "We can go up to the Windweft and get some fruit."
"We don't have any money," the boy said, turning out his pockets.
"Don't worry. I will make sure it is taken care of and that you can get as much as you want," Fuyu'li assured him, watching both children light up.
He led them along the paths to Windweft, only getting lost once. Arriving at the orchard, he found the nearest attendant and asked for any fruit they had handy. Receiving a small box, he brought it to the children and let them help themselves while he peeled two and broke them apart for Azdaja and Ahi'a to peck at.
Watching the children ravenously tear into the food, he flit his tail upward. "Children! Don't eat the rind. And slow down! There's plenty for you," he assured them.
"Sorry," the two echoed, sitting down to carefully peel at their fruit.
Sensing something was amiss, he tilted his head. "Why are you not with the other children today? Is it not the schooling hour?" he asked.
The boy furrowed his brow before eating a slice of his fruit. After whiping his mouth, he shook his head. "We can't go. We've got to help our parents," he said.
"Is that why you were looking for the Satrap? Do you need help?" Fuyu'li asked, tail thrashing.
"Our parents our fishers. The rainy season is really good for us normally, but the air made them sick. They haven't been able to go to their boats. They just lay in bed and we bring them water and do errands while they try to get better," the boy admitted. "I would go fishing myself, but I'm not big enough to go in the boat in myself and my sister is too little to be much help at all…"
The little girl stuck out her tongue at her brother, but didn't object. Fuyu'li frowned, handing the boy another fruit as he finished his first. "And so you have been waiting on Varshahn to be home because he would be able to help. Is that it?"
The boy and girl nodded. Fuyu'li closed his eyes, thinking for a moment. "Alright then. I think I can help. If you go to the Crucible, you may ask for medicine and say that Fuyu'li sent you. They will charge my accounts for it. Meanwhile, if you give me your address I will ensure some food is sent for you all until your parents are well enough to return to work."
"Really? You'd do that for us Mr. Fuyu'li?" the boy asked before finishing his second fruit.
"Of course. I might not have an official position, but, as the Satrap's betrothed I should make sure that his family is being taken care of in the way he would," he said with a little nod, getting a scree of approval from Azdaja. "Please, take these fruits to your family, the citrus will help them. I will go make arrangements. Though, I will need your address. Do you know your letters?"
"Of course I do," the boy said with a nod.
Fuyu'li smiled then walked with the children until they found someone with parchment and a pen. Getting their address, he pocketed it and looked two the two. "Okay. Off you go. Give your parents their share of the fruit first before going to the crucible. I will take care of the rest and ensure Varshahn comes to see you tomorrow."
The two nodded then hurried off with their box of fruit before stopping to turn and run back to hug him about the waist. "Thank you Mr. Fuyu'li "
Fuyu'li blinked then pat both of the children in the head before they hurried back on their way. Ahi'a let out a yawn after, making Fuyu'li 's ears perk. "Is it your nap time already? I will return you to your father and-
"I am here now," Varshahn's voice sounded out.
Fuyu'li turned, finding the elder siraculum of Varshahn staring down at him, offering him a smile. "What terrible timing. There were two children here that wanted to see you badly."
"I caught the end of it in my way down to you. I shall endeavour to visit them first thing tomorrow; though, it sounds like they didn't need me at all," Varshahn said, letting his sister flutter over to sit on his shoulder.
"Well. I only did what I thought you would do in this situation. Forgive me if I over promised -"
"You have no cause for apology," Varshahn interrupted before titling Fuyu'li's chin up. "You have made my family yours."
"Yes, well…of course. If it were not for your kindness that of the city's people I would have been dead and lost. There is no greater honour than service to your country and it's people and I wish to live by your example," Fuyu'li said before pushing his glasses up his nose. "They are, as you say, family."
Varshahn smiled. "I ask that you live by my side, not my example. Equals in love…for each other and for the people of Radz-at-Han."
Fuyu'li nodded. "Right then. Of course," he said before folding his ears back timidly as Varshahn leaned in to kiss him.
Both Ahi'a and Azdaja shirked, flapping their wings then taking to the air. Sighing, Varshahn looked up. "We are mates. There is nothing wrong with us displaying our affection as is customary for mortals," he said before watching as the two dragons soared away to join his true form. "Family is also sometimes difficult."
Fuyu'li laughed the took Varshahn's hand. "Let them go rest with you. For now, we should go arrange meals for that family. We can deliver them ourselves, that way the children can see you too."
"Very well," Varshahn said squeezing Fuyu'li's hand to wander forward toward the markets.
Fuyu'li smiled, tail swaying as they walked together, proud to be of help.