Celes' Moogle would remain a secret to everybody. At least, until it turned to life and spilled the beans to everyone. That would be the day. Caius heard a voice call out. Was he dead? No, if he was dead, he wouldn't be a shivering, exhausted wreck still. He literally wouldn't be anything, that was the whole point of being dead. No, he was alive. Barely, but alive. His tired eyes creaked open, his muddled mind trying to recognize the blurred figure before him and piece the voice together. He pulled off his gloves and shook his hands free of water best he could as he rubbed at his eyes, blinking rapidly as a more detailed form eventually came into focus. He didn't actually know for sure, but the first person to come to mind would luckily be the right one.

"Celes?" he spoke in almost a whisper. His voice was hoarse -- the man was sorely dehydrated and his throat dry, ironically enough considering the state of the rest of him. He almost managed a laugh at the sight of her. The slow realization he was home, alive. "Gods, I've never been happier to see your beautiful face."

Ok, he was definitely out of it. And that definitely should not have slipped. Not even Caius seemed to realize the slip. But at least now he knew he was alive for sure. He tried to shake the cobwebs out of his head, as he tried to remember what she was saying. Yes, alive. He was alive. The rest came out a bit garbled up until she asked if he needed help. He slowly shook his head as he addressed the poor sod that he'd likely left in a bit of shock unintentionally.

"I can..."

He had meant to say "I can handle it" but his attempt to get himself to his feet was put to an end very quickly, and the mercenary let out a long sigh. He'd begun to sober up a little bit. Celes' face was coming back into focus. Not that he'd needed his vision to know and see her face. His memory filled in every other detail long before his eyes had caught up. Either way, as much as his pride hurt from having to ask for aid, he bit his lip as he held up a hand to be helped to his feet. If she helped him, he'd grasp her hand and finally manage to pull himself up, though he at first needed a bit of help to stay steady lest he topple back over again. He'd soon lean against the closest thing, whether that was her, or the desk. But at least he was up.

"Gods, I feel like I got hit by an entire ship."

Okay, he was back. At least mostly. Caius' legs wobbled as he took a few moments more to regain his bearings and move his legs about to try and warm them enough to move himself around again. While his head still felt hazy, Caius was able to start moving at least a little. He motioned to the fireplace, muttering something to himself about needing to get warm as he began heading for the main room. If Celes chose to help him get there, he'd manage a grateful sound, otherwise he'd wobble around holding onto what he could until he eventually reached the fire. He sat down in front of it, and once he was able to warm his arms a little, he took a deep breath before pulling off the jacket. While normally it kept him warm, right now it was doing the exact opposite. He needed to get the thing off if he had any hopes of getting warm again anytime soon. He folded it up and set it down beside him near the fire, before doing the same with the undershirt, which was just as useless right now.

Caius' shirtless torso was soaked to the bone as well, but this was quite a first sight in of itself. Strong, incredibly broad shoulders were the top of a well-built torso that was clearly well taken care of, something that Caius had never spoke of, or boasted about to a soul. It remained a mystery what sort of training the mercenary did in his own time. But his body also showed signs of battle. There was a scar just under the back of his neck, and another just below his chest that looked like it had come from a sword. Ironically enough, it was in the same place Cortez had stabbed him all those years ago moments before he had found himself in Zephon. A lasting memory carved into flesh. The reason this was a detail worth mentioning? It was the first time anyone had seen it. Caius rarely took off his armored jacket unless it was to sleep, sometimes not even then if he was on the field. He had very rarely been seen outside of it period, even by Celes who had only seen him at the Masquerade in different attire, and then again for a very short period in a collared shirt when she returned from her trip. In both instances, he had been back in his armor very shortly after. But this was a first for anyone. Caius never let himself be exposed and vulnerable to attack if he could help it. Not in front of anyone, friend or foe. His time in Eos had made sure of that.

And yet, there it was. It wouldn't be for long -- Caius had undershirts packed away in the base. This wasn't the first time one had been torn apart or was otherwise unwearable. But the fact he had left himself vulnerable even for a few moments outside of a private room spoke volumes, even if perhaps Celes wouldn't realize it. Trust, it spoke of trust. The deep trust that Caius was unable to properly vocalize to Celes in their last meeting was now shown through his actions. Not even to save his own skin, would he for even a second allow himself to be vulnerable in a public place. But he trusted Celes to watch his back if things did go wrong. Perhaps it sounded primitive, animalistic even. But for Caius it was a deep show of trust that no other had been afforded. It showed he was able to completely relax around Celes, and not worry about attack from her, or anyone else. Even in his mind-muddled state, those instincts would not go away. No matter where his mind was, those instincts were everlasting, always active, always moving like a stubborn little cog... And always paranoid. If he didn't trust her completely and unconditionally, he would have stubbornly stayed in his armor until he was able to warm up, even if that would take far longer.

He swallowed saliva in hopes of trying to speak again as he stared into the fire. He could feel his cheeks heating back up again, as the flames brought him life. When he spoke, it was directed at Celes.

"Are you well?"

Caius collapsed onto the couch once they arrived at their destination, soon enough shedding his jacket and shirt as mentioned. His head had slumped over for a little bit after he had asked his question, but he slowly nodded his head when Celes answered. He was tired, it was clear as day. He didn't hear the rest, but he felt something whisper in the wind as a movement echoed near him, causing him to turn his head. He trusted Celes but if he felt something he was going to at least look. But it wasn't an attack, Celes had returned with a towel and a blanket. He opened his mouth to say thank you, but his throat had gone out. He nodded his head in thanks as he took them, setting the blanket nearby as he started work on drying himself off. After a bit, he noticed a spark from his finger. Realizing his magic had started to return, he conjured a small flame that began to float around his head, just over his reach as he dried off his hair and body. His pants as well, since he'd need them a bit longer until he could find a replacement. The flame helped with heating his hair back up so long as it didn't get too close, and the warmth along with the towel made his hair stick up and poof.

The small flame disappeared once he was satisfied. He had started getting his bearings back, as he shook the cobwebs out again. He heard Celes ask how the trip had gone, and he opened his mouth to speak but only coughed and gagged a few times. He needed water, he realized. Bad. He had for a moment asking Celes, as much as he didn't want to bother her and inconvenience her more than he already had, but then he remembered something. His magic was back! Quickly summoning his canteen he had brought along for the trip, he saw it was still cool enough to drink from. And he hadn't been able to drink much of it after the action had started, so there was plenty. It wasn't ice cold but considering where he was at now, he didn't care. Caius tipped it back and drank like he hadn't had anything to drink in days. The canteen was less than half full by the time he was done with it, though in his haste he'd spilled a fair bit on himself, which got a small laugh out of him for his carelessness. He cleaned that up with the towel quickly enough, as well as anything that might have spilled on the couch.

Once he was sorted, he got the blanket on as he cleared his throat, before looking to her, muttering a quiet apology for the delay. He began in earnest.

“It's dead, yeah" he started with, not wanting to keep her waiting on that front. The detailed report and story came after. "As you know by the plan, I took Sabin and Vordun aboard one of about three or four ships in hopes of overwhelming the Kraken. We all got separated by the storm, and only one of our ships made it to the Kraken. Emphasis on ours. I heard the others were sunk by the storm or other elements, leaving us by our lonesome. Armed with a single battered ship and a tired crew, we were set upon by the Kraken’s minions, a group of lizard men wielding tridents and magic. They cast a spell on many of our sailors, the ones holding the crystal keeping the storm at bay, turning them into frogs. With the crystal losing its power, everything descended into pure chaos.”

He took another long sip from his canteen as he let the words sink in. He’d heard most of the crews from the other parties had survived at least.

"Some kind of creature that had stowed itself aboard, I don't know who's side it was on, but it fell upon the monsters for a bit. But when the sailors were turned into frogs, it immediately tried to eat them. That... Was interesting to deal with. We were able to pacify it and turn its attention to the monsters for the time being. The waves were terrible and threatened to tear the ship apart with how bad the storm was without the crystal. Several of us were washed overboard, unfortunately. I wanted to save them, but there was nothing we could do. I couldn't even see them with how terrible the storm was and I'm not even sure of how many we lost. Once we disposed of the creatures, we had only a small window to get the crystal up and running again before the Kraken showed up. It was this big, terrifying octopus-like monster with what seemed like a hundred tentacles."

Caius paused again. He was telling it like it was an exciting action story! He always did that. Leaving room to digest, room for commentary, room to ask questions. Caius never did lose those storytelling habits of his.

He also wasn't aware that Celes may very well end up shivering himself as he described this "octopus-like monster".

"The thing tore our ship to splinters in minutes. It was a terrifying force of nature, and it took all of our combined efforts to beat it. It tried to eat the remaining sailors, and we saw its open, gaping maw as an opportunity to hit it from the inside. Our attacks on the outside were doing damage, but not fast enough. If we didn't act quickly, the ship would sink before we could beat it. Sabin tried to get inside of its mouth to kill it from the inside, while I had Vordun focus on shooting fire into its gullet on the first opening I could get that didn't involve turning Sabin into pot roast. We eventually finished it off and it began to sink. Knowing that it would just be eaten slowly by the other fish, I used its vulnerable state to end it quickly and painlessly as possible. We killed it, but we ran into two problems."

At least he was distracted from his predicament. But he was starting to warm up properly again, as there was some energy back in his voice as he continued.

"First of all, the storm didn't stop right away with its death. I don't know what exactly controlled the rains, but it was still going strong. And even worse, the Kraken had torn our ship apart and it was sinking rapidly. We weren't going anywhere except down, and the storm was too strong for us to survive for long on the lifeboats. And I'd run out of magic, while Mu, who had recharged the crystal the first time, was almost all out himself. We needed to get back to shore before the crystal ran out of power, or at least ride it out until the rains stopped."

Another pause. He was reaching the climax of this story now.

"I came up with a plan, and while I didn't like it much, I knew it was necessary for our survival as a whole. I had Sabin collect as many sailors as possible, both man and frog, in hopes Torensten's mages could return the frogs to normal. While Mu prepped the lifeboats. I tied the lifeboats to Vordun, who was about to be our hero of the day. I didn't know if he could pull it off, but he was our only chance to survive this. The only other option was either chancing the lifeboats, or having a small group of us ditch the rest and hope we might be able to get help out there in time, neither of which were likely to succeed. I explained this to Vordun, who seemed to understand the situation and didn't object to the lifeboats being tied to him."

He sighed and shook his head.

"Promised the big lizard the best steak I could find if he pulled this off. Least I could do. Once everyone was loaded onto the lifeboats, and we had the crystal in tow, I directed Vordun out. He pulled the lifeboats from the air, using the water as a current to carry the boats with as little strain as possible while he fought against the storm. Even with the crystal, the storm was still amongst the worst I had ever seen and it was getting worse with each passing second as the crystal's charge died down. I don't know how he pulled it off, but that drake saved us all. The rains began to die down as we got to shore, having saved as many people as we could. Vordun was exhausted, I was exhausted, we were all exhausted. But... The last thing I expected to meet us on shore was King Hremit himself with an armed guard behind him."

Was he pausing for tension or so he could grab another sip? Maybe both? The canteen was gone after this one and he shook it with slight annoyance. He'd look for more when he was warmed up.

"The guard wasn't exactly happy to see Vordun, and pulled weapons on him. I wasn't thinking and I used what was left of my magic to pull my weapon on them with intentions of defending Vordun. Thank the Astrals a fight wasn't necessary. Hremit had them stand down and the sailors stuck up for Vordun, which settled things pretty quickly. We mourned those we lost, and Hremit asked Mu, Sabin and I to attend a ceremony in a few days when things have calmed down. Wanted to honor us for slaying the Kraken. So... That was interesting, I guess. I was getting ready to send Vordun back to the homestead to rest -- gods know he's earned it, and he's getting a vacation after this -- when His Majesty approached me privately."

Oh boy, this should be good.

"To my surprise, he asked for Vordun to attend along with us, to be honored. King Hremit has proclaimed that Vordun is officially protected by law -- nobody can lay a hand on him without just cause. So you can imagine the emotional rollercoaster that's followed. I've sent him back home for now. He's more than earned that rest. Sabin is... Somewhere. He wandered off after I made the report to the King. So... Yeah. Kraken's dead. King Hremit knows what the Dragonblades are now. All in a day's work."

Was that cheek, coming from him? Could be. He was so dry, it was hard to tell sometimes. He gave a bit of a window for her to say anything that might be on her mind before he asked his own question.

"What about you? Knowing you, I doubt you stayed out of trouble yourself."

She asked and she received. But at least if he was able to tell it in story form, that probably meant he was healthy enough to do so. And Caius had no intentions of parading Vordun around all the time in Torensten even with the mandate. Sure, it was legal for him to and he wouldn't suffer repercussions. But Caius understood by now the issues related to dragons in Torensten, and it would take plenty more work before Vordun's presence would be a more comfortable one. This had been a great start, it got their foot in the door. But there was still work to do. Caius at least didn't have to hide Vordun under that ridiculous disguise anymore to get him to the base, so there was that. But he'd likely still keep sending Vordun back to their homestead before he headed into town, unless they were just stopping in for supplies before flying out again.

He smiled slightly when Celes said she wished she could have helped, but he didn't have to tell her that she had certainly done her part here, surely she knew that herself, right? But he was definitely interested in hearing her side of the story. As tired as he was, he'd never be too tired to hear her out. Caius rested his head back a bit, but his eyes never left hers. She had been a big part of evacuation, he was sure. It certainly sounded like it.

"I'm glad those people had you" he brought up softly, trying to smile as brightly as he could to reassure her. "I'm no general. I don't think they would have listened to me" he admitted, as a smirk began to cross his lips at what came next. "I've seen you in the training yard. I doubt it took much convincing."

Well he had some humor back at least. Though he really did doubt their stubbornness lasted long with Celes on the scene. As Celes perhaps predicted, Caius did take a moment to stare hard at her and study her features when she said she had almost drowned. Of course he was worried, why wouldn't he be? But if she was standing here telling the story, then she was probably alright. The both of them could afford to see a doctor or a dedicated Torensten healer just in case though, with how much salt water they had probably swallowed or gotten up their noses. But either way, he didn't press her for details.

"Was it anyone we know?" he inquired on the topic of someone saving her. He owed them a debt of thanks if so. He wasn't surprised that Celes had dove after the child. He'd have done the same thing himself. And while Celes didn't like to think of herself as the type, Caius thought the world of her. In his eyes? Of course she did.

Her storytelling ending needed a little work. A blunt "that's it" as if she didn't save a lad's life by diving in like that. And others by being her Celes self on top of it, even if they were too stubborn to see that she had. "You did a damn fine job. I don't think you need me to tell you that, I'm sure you know. But you should still hear it nonetheless" he teased softly. He didn't have to tell her, as noted before, but... He still wanted her to hear it. "I'll help with the relief effort best I can. You'll be of far better use than I would be with your magic, but I'll find something."

The two of them trading stories had at least distracted him from the fact he was freezing for a little while, so there was that. She may not think she'd performed any heroics, but Celes was his hero today.

"Do you drink? I think I'm going to need something strong after this trainwreck. After things settle, I mean."

Apparently it took a giant octopus for him to grow enough of a backbone to work up to offering to take her somewhere. Do Krakens even have bones?

“Nyx” Caius finished the thought. It wasn’t hard to narrow down, there was only one male kingsglaive in Zephon that knew him by name. The physical description confirmed it as well. He nodded his head in light thanks for letting him know. “I’ll thank him if I see him again.”

Celes was apologetic about not knowing for sure, which he appreciated and he managed a small smile, again trying to reassure her it was alright. “He knew me. That’s what tipped me off it was someone I met in Zephon. Nobody I’ve met here that originates from my world knew me. Not even my own king.”

Had he had a chance to mention this? He was so tired he wasn’t sure. They had been so busy… And that girl from before… He hadn’t seen her since, had it been a dream? He should verify before telling Celes. All their busy work and their previous tension had left much unsaid. Perhaps over drinks they could catch up.

Celes didn’t seem convinced on his praise. Perhaps she didn’t actually know after all? He didn’t press but he hoped things had went alright.

She didn’t drink much, but she had. “If you drank with soldiers, you’re probably better than you give yourself credit for” Caius remarked with a small smirk. “But I get you. I only drink here and there” he admitted, remembering his foolhardy and ill-fated attempt to outdo Faris in the realm of drinking. “Used to a fair bit more when I first came here, but my drinking superpowers have dulled.”

She was up for it! He had to admit (but not to her, just to himself) that he had suddenly been hit with a branch full of butterflies when it set in. But it wasn’t a big deal, right? Just two friends chatting over a few drinks. Nothing new, he’d done it before. “It sounds like you had some interesting friends. Especially if Sabin is anything to go off” he brought up with a small chuckle. “I’d love to hear about them over drinks, if you’re comfortable talking about it.”

He felt adequately warned up again, thank the gods for that. Caius steadily got to his feet, stretching out his sore limbs. “Excuse me a moment” he spoke softly as he grabbed his things and took his leave momentarily, now that he wasn’t freezing to death. He soon returned in a fresh shirt and pants. It was good they kept spares. He regarded Celes with a half-bow.

“Thank you” he brought up appreciatively, regarding everything since he’d walked in. “This has been… A day.”

That was an understatement. He needed a nap. Or three.