Happiest Starlight Ever Day 2: Winter Wonderrrland
Title: Snowwar and Peace
Characters: Fuyu'li cen Zhwan, Vytra, Azdaja,Nidhana, Nahbdeen, the citizens of Radz-at-Han
Rating: T
Notes: After 6.5
A long purring yawn echoed through the chambers of the Meghaduta followed by the sympathetic rumble of the Satrap’s own and low squeak of Azdaja’s. Fuyu’li hummed a bit, lazily stroking the red scales of the demure dragon as she settled over his thighs as he read through an old Garlean novel. Vytra swung his head low, cocking it to examine the cover.
“A’nna Karenia by T’olstoy cen Tia. Nostalgic for your Garlemald,” the dragon asked.
Fuyu’li let his ear twitch briefly, not answering right away as he let himself be lost description of a frozen landscape.”At times, yes. There's nothing like a long train ride in a passenger car with fine dinning. And then the deep snows of winter. When I was just the entire block’s kids would gather together in the park and have snowball wars.”
“Snowball wars?”
“Yes. Everyone would divide up and create snow barriers then hurl snowballs across the play field until we were too wet and tired to go on. It was rather fun. I don't imagine you've seen much snow have you?”
“Briefly, in my journey to recover Azdaja. And no, I do not recall a time that it has snowed in Thavnair though I'm told it does in the northern mountains.”
The dragon watched Fuyu'li read quietly. He found the Miqo'te did little else in his company. Though offered an office and his own quarters his partner seemed to prefer his little corner stacked high with times that rivaled his height and a few pillows and blankets to lounge upon.
He had not minded it much before but with his big sister returned he found himself uneasy but could not articulate what made his gut twist so. Azdaja seemed well settled in with the other, easily curling up on his lap or back. It was not something he could do himself and that seemed to make him think of the other things he could not readily do for or with Fuyu'li.
“If you miss your homeland, I can arrange safe passage for your return.”
Fuyu’li closed his book abruptly and looked up at Vytra, starling Azdaja off his lap, “You have been quite adamant on getting rid of me as of late.”
“It is not my wish to part company, I just fear that I have been unable to offer you proper attention as of late. I am often in my younger vessel to endear the local children to Azdaja. I often fear I deprive you of mortal comforts. I can not easily embrace you nor can we consummate-”
“Shh shh shh,” the Miqo’te hissed, putting his hands over Azdaja’s ear holes, the smaller dragon letting out an amused chirp, “Not in front of your sister!”
Vyrtra let out an amused chuckle, “I do not think such things would offend her.”
Azdaja chirped as Fuyu’li released her and went to stand. “There are times that I do miss my homeland, flawed as it is, but I am happiest here with you. I can read as much as I want, have passionate peers to help pursue my research, and a partner who cares for me.”
Vytra watched as the Miqo’te threw the book under his arm then wandered out of the room. Azdaja turned to him, cocking her head before letting out a small scree as she moved to sit on the top of his head. “Passionate peers…hm….”
—
Fuyu’li stumbled as he was tugged along by Varshan’s little hand, Azdaja perched upon his shoulder. He flicked his tail nervously, blindfolded and bearings long lost after winding up several staircases upward. His ears perked up as he heard the sound of the city’s children’s laughter growing in the distance. “Varshahn? What exactly is going on?”
“A moment longer. We are almost there,” the dragon said until their footsteps started to crunch about.
The Miqo’te lifted his foot curiously as he stepped on the strange substance before feeling Azdaja nip at the blind and pull it free. Fuyu’li’s eyes grew wide as he stared. The Rooftop Gardens had been covered in snow billowing out of small machines, alchemists operating each one as children and adults alike ran about, many experiencing the fabricated weather for the first time. “You did this?”
“I wanted to surprise you so I made a request. I did not mean to imply I wanted to send you away. If you feel you cannot visit home, I felt I could bring a piece of it here. The people of Radz-at-Han are special to me and so are you. Finding ways to bring both together fills me with joy.”
Fuyu’li laughed then scooped up Varshahn, giving him a spin. “It is truly amazing!”
As he set the boy down, he looked around, then blinked as Azdaja suddenly swooped from his shoulder. Blinking, he looked up in time to see Nahbdeen wind up with a ball as large as the little dragon before chucking it full force at his head. “STAY AWAY FROM MY PRECIOUS LITTLE BROTHER,” the Radiant Host member roared.
Nidhana laughed lightly as she watched the Miqo’te get knocked back into the snow covered ground as she approached, Azdaja moving to rest on her shoulder as she squatted down by the Satrap. “What a treat this has been for everyone. I should like to try.”
Varshahn nodded, watching as the alchemist rolled a large hyur-sized ball up before lifting it high over her head and throwing it back toward Nahbdeen. The Auri soldier’s face went pale as the shadow of the ball flew over him before flattening him in a pile of snow beside his brothers. The gardens soon became a playful warzone of frozen crossfire, people choosing sides between the alchemist or the hosts. Above, Azdaja would occasionally drop a ball she’d plucked off the ground on Nahbdeen’s head. Hours melted, laughter ringing out through every corner of Radz-at-Han.
