Lavi

Story:

A tiger-striped Pearlcatcher with Ice eyes and a shadow pelt, but shimmery caribbean wings landed in front of their clan territory in the Focal Point. Although she was certain she had never seen him before, Moonstream felt a sense of comfort and familiarity with his presence, as though he belonged here. He looked around curiously, and smiled warmly when his eyes met hers. She was absolutely positive that she had never smelled his scent before or seen his exact eyes. And yet, this scent was nostalgic in some way and his presence made her feel happy and she didn't know why.
She'd hesitated for too long, confused and startled, but finally shook her long, elegant head and apologized, "Where are my manners?" She stood up tall, her Lightning eyes glimmering in a friendly way, "I am Moonstream, Beta of Vixen's Clan. How can I assist you?"
"Hello", his voice was deep and smooth, "I am Lavi. I reign from the Southern Icefield; son of Pendulum and Nyss." He introduced himself in the old ways. He was clearly a very aged dragon. And, after a couple seconds of processing why his name sounded familiar, Moonstream realized just how aged.
"Lavi? You are the father of Castien!" She shouted, unable to conceal her excitement, which made him chuckle. Moonstream was suddenly filled with butterflies and nostalgia. She stepped closer to him. "Castien was an Arcane Pearlcatcher that lived here long ago. My first mate. He mentioned you with admiration a couple times. I'd always hoped I'd get to meet you."
"Yes." Even his smile was similar to that of her first mate, "I laid many nests in my early days. I remember Castien. Like many, he left home when he was quite young. He had a true wanderlust spirit with an adventurous glimmer in his eyes. I always wondered where he ended up."
Moonstream looked down, almost sadly, "For a long time now, he has been in the ranks of the Arcanist. He joined our clan when it was very small and new. Unfortunately, he didn't get along with our Matriarch. She found him too boisterous and unashamed." She looked up once more, "But I loved him. He used to try and convince me to leave the clan and travel with him. It was a tantalizing idea as I have always had that dream of traveling, but both then and now I couldn't imagine leaving this clan. It has always felt like home." Lavi smiled and nodded. "Anyway, he eventually decided to serve the Arcanist. I'm sure he has led many adventures in that other realm."
"Yes, I'm sure he has", Lavi agreed. "I am happy to hear that you pleasantly embraced him during his youthful time on Sornieth. I do remember him being quite bold. It is no shock that he and your Matriarch didn't get along. She seems to be quite a tough gal."
Moonstream looked at him curiously. "Do you know our clan leader? Honestly, I'm quite curious why you're here...it can't be coincidence that you happened upon us, can it?"
"It could be, but not in this particular case. In truth, I recently sent out word that I was looking for a new clan, and your Matriarch happened upon me. She was very ecstatic and explained that I had biological family in her clan and that I would be most welcome. Her enthusiasm was so genuine that I took her offer out of curiosity. But she was right--I am very pleased to be here."
"I am very honored that you chose our clan to be your new home. It is quite the surprise."
"It seems like a very nice place to live, with many different kinds of dragons. I have been in a very stagnant clan for too long. It is time that I pursue the adventures of my children. Speaking of which...I was told I have a grandson here. I would like to meet him."
Moonstream's face lit up again, "Stormfall! Yes. He was the first son of Castien and I. He originally wanted to travel like his father but when Castien was exalted, he decided to stay within our clan. His sister, our firstborn, did join another clan and has been with them ever since and is very happy."
"That is very good to hear. What is Stormfall up to now?"
"Since a long time now, he was appointed by Vixen as the Clan Ambassador. So, like most days, he's busy busy busy, always moving, always on his feet. He loves his work though and excels at it. It's usually hard for me to stop him but I'm sure today he'd make an exception."
"Well I certainly don't want to interrupt a dragon at his work. I am alright with waiting, Moonstream. If it is no trouble, I would just like a tour of your lovely clan."
She winked at him, "It is your clan now, too."
"Ah, yes. So it is. So is there anyone that wouldn't be bothered to show me around?"
"Well, we do have an official Clan Greeter that does that generally."
"But?" He'd noticed the hesitation in her voice.
"But, in this case, I'd like to do the honor, if you don't mind."
"Not at all. I just figured as Beta, you'd have more important engagements than showing an old Pearlcatcher around."
"We have two Betas, and really, it is no bother and truly an honor." She smiled at him and quickly flew over to a nearby dragon. Lavi noticed that it was a very fluffy, jade-coated Tundra with Ice eyes.
"Moss, can you take over for a little while? I'm going to show Lavi around." She nodded back towards Lavi. He looked over her shoulder at to whom she was pointing.
"...Lavi. Why is that name vaguely familiar?"
"He's Castien's father", she said excitedly. Moss's eyes widened.
"Whoa! He's still around? What is he doing here? Does Vixen know...?"
"Vixen invited him to join us. I'm just going to show him around."
"He's joining?! That must be really exciting for you", his voice suddenly became more gentle and quiet, "I know you still think about Castien." Lavi could tell Moss and Moonstream were close friends and had known each other a long time. "This will be a big surprise for Stormfall as well. Does he know yet?"
"No, he's still out working. Tonight when we eat, I'll introduce them."
"Go ahead, Moonstream. Taverness and I can hold down the fort for today. Go have fun with your father-in-law."
Lavi chuckled at Moss's last words, and, realizing that he'd heard their conversation, Moonstream asked Lavi, "If it's not weird for you, I've always thought of you as my own father figure. Would it be alright to refer to you as such?"
"I would be delighted. I have been without my own offspring for a very long time, and have missed their companionship. You have been blessed to watch your offspring age beside you. I'd be most honored to have you as a daughter, Moonstream."

Moonstream showed him around the clan and introduced him to many dragons. There were a few that had either known Castien or had heard about him and so were seemingly more touched to meet him. Like with Moonstream, it was a nostalgic connection. At the end of the night, Moonstream and Lavi returned to the Great Den, where most of the dragons of the clan convene to eat dinner together. She was mid-conversation when she saw her son land in the distance. He looked tired, as usual, but today it looked like he had a lot to say. He wasn't the most talkative dragon, but he always told his mom about his day. Now today, he'd have another audience. She told Lavi to wait here and fluttered over to her son.
"How was your day, love?"
"Mom, you wouldn't believe how many new clans are popping up every day! I don't know what it was like in the old days, but I'm sure my job would've been so much easier then!"
"Speaking of the old days...I can't wait to hear about your day. But first, I'd like you to meet someone." He looked startled but quickly groomed himself and stood up straight, then followed her.
"This is Stormfall, my and Castien's son." There was so much pride in her voice. Lavi stood up and walked closer. He looked up and down at the Pearlcatcher who looked so similar to his son. He finally felt that rush of nostalgia too. "Stormfall, this is Lavi, your paternal grandfather."
At that, Stormfall suddenly gasped. He looked at his mother who smiled back at him, then looked again at the aged Pearlcatcher before him. He was speechless for several seconds then finally gathered back his composure.
"Uh...my...uh...", he cleared his throat, "My grandfather. You're my dad's dad?" Lavi noticed a sense of longing in his grandson's voice. Moonstream knew it well. Stormfall really looked up to his dad and missed him perhaps more than Moonstream did. Lavi nodded.
"Yes. I've come to join your clan. I've been very eager to meet you." At that, a usually well-composed and rather emotionless Stormfall suddenly had his eyes well up with tears. Lavi swiftly walked forward and pulled his grandson into an embrace--wrapping his neck around his. After a bit, Moonstream joined the hug as well.

Stormfall had lived without a father figure for so long, and strove to prove himself to Vixen as Clan Ambassador, proving that his lineage was a good one. Vixen knew that and always felt rather guilty about chasing away Castien. She knew Moonstream and Stormfall loved him and she knew they always felt a bit empty without him there. Since those who are exalted never return, she always wished she could make it up to them. So when she found Lavi seeking a new land, she jumped at the opportunity. Now their family could feel more full again.

Relationships:

As noted, Lavi is very close with Moonstream, his daughter-in-law. She was the one that most warmly welcomed him and happily engaged with him, catching him up with their histories and other important clan information. Spending time with her was most enjoyable as she did remind him a lot of his son Castien and he was glad to finally connect with her.

But he grew most close with his grandson, Stormfall. The resemblance of Stormfall to Castien was striking but their personalities were very different. Still, Lavi enjoys every moment he spends with his grandson. Stormfall had always been rather reclusive, but upon the arrival of his grandfather, he became much more personable and friendly. Their bond became so close, in fact, that Stormfall would invite Lavi with him on his work routes. Lavi found his grandson's job actually quite interesting and fun and eventually spoke with Stormfall and then Vixen about what job he'd like to have in the clan. Prior to Lavi's arrival, Stormfall would welcome new clans, maintain connection with formerly welcomed clans, keep the peace with allied clans, and would also send and receive all messages between clans. He loved his job but it was simply too much and Lavi noticed how stressed and overwhelmed he was. After discussion with his grandson and then with the Matriarch herself, he proposed an addendum. Stormfall would still be Clan Ambassador and to most of his jobs, but Lavi would become the "Lineage Connector", and would take over the job of seeking out clans that have family members of those within Vixen's Clan and trying to ally with them. Stormfall used to do this at the request of his clan members but it became too much with his other duties. Lavi loved the idea, especially since he had a personal connection to it (what with seeing how his arrival to the clan brought so much joy, and listening to stories of other dragons in the clan that made connections to family members in other clans). Vixen loved the idea and Stormfall was thankful for the help and trusted that his grandfather would do the job well.

Another interesting connection Lavi made was with the Light Imperial, Twilight. Lavi met Twilight early on after talking to Vixen one day. He learned that Twilight was on the Coli team and was an aged veteran turned soothsayer. The two have similar personalities and so got along almost immediately. Although there are a couple older dragons in the lair, Twilight was still old enough to be able to connect easily with Lavi and enjoyed another aged dragon to interact with. They also had similarities of having offspring in the clan. So many of their hangouts involve them talking about their kids and grandkids. They are both old and wise and simple dragons.