#|| svnsworn ; dehya

[inhumanheresy]

Liyue is so vastly different than Sumeru in so many broad ways that it's overwhelming to try and take it all in with just one awed stare at the sheer enormity of differences. But Dehya wears that look for a long minute, trying to decide what to focus on first, before deciding that it would be much easier to just go into the city, start small, get some food and drink, walk the streets, look at the vendor stalls and shops. She's ready to be done walking, as most of her trip from Sumeru was done on foot, but resting can wait for later, after she's had a look around and sound her way to an inn.

And so she does, spending the day meandering without purpose, buying some snacks (and promising herself to go back for more later, because damn that's good), finding her way to the harbor and watching the sea, the ships, taking in the scent of the salty air. It's so different than the dry desert she hails from, and she can feel that same awe from esrlier beginning to fill her mind again. It's incredible.

As the sun sinks towards the horizon and paints the sky with pinks and yellows, she tears her eyes away and glances around. She still has yet to find an inn, but food and drink feels more important. She could go for some wine - or something harder, but she'll save that for when she isn't brand fucking new to the city. A man catches her eye, a mask affixed to the side of his head, the silhouette of what reminds her of a Fatui. Not unusual, there's Fatui everywhere, but he looks far more relaxed than most she's seen. With a smile, she moves towards him.

"Hey there," she says with an air to match what he exudes: casual, friendly, but still with an edge of alertness disguised behind a grin. "You know of any good places here to eat? Preferably with a decent wine to go with it."

Childe heads out of work just before the sky and clouds start turning colours, the sun not yet all the way behind Mount Tianheng. Instead of heading straight back to Baiju Guesthouse, he slips his hands into his pockets and ambles his way southward through the throngs of people on the main street, debating the pros and cons of picking up groceries versus finding a place to eat for dinner against the murmuring backdrop of the crowd.

He has yet to make a decision when a call in a distinctly non-Liyuen accent catches his attention, almost as striking as the visage that accompanies it — a lilting woman’s voice, probably a low alto, he thinks, whose consonants terminate in an unfamiliar manner. Her hair is… wow. That mane alone is extremely eye-catching with its luxurious volume and streaks of gold. The woman wears dusty travel clothes, ones mostly well suited for the heat and humidity of Liyue, but not of any style even remotely close to those worn by people in the harbor.

That leather will be miserable to get out of.

“Depends; do you know how to use chopsticks? My usual dining company is very insistent that,” he folds his hands behind his back as he draws himself up perfectly straight — thanks owed to his old foot-soldier training — and affects a deep, Liyuen-accented voice, “‘Liyuen cuisine can be properly appreciated only when one dines with the appropriate utensils, as the chef and tradition intended’. Restaurants up on Feiyun Slope share that idea, and while you can forego chopsticks there, they’ll give you judgy looks.”

Childe chuckles, his posture relaxing back into his usual lanky ease, and thumbs over his shoulder towards the less-upscale district of Chihu Rock. “But I happen to know that Wanmin Restaurant keeps forks on hand for foreigners; there’s good food there too, and they’re not far from a little hole-in-the-wall place that serves good baijiu and beer both. Chef Mao at Wanmin lets customers bring their own alcohol to the tables so long as nobody gets rowdy.”

The mysterious woman doesn’t look like she’s from Mondstadt or Fontaine, despite the immaculate eye-shade and lines of kohl that would meet the approval of even the strictest salonnière, so he doesn’t extend his hand for an introduction. Instead, he gives her a friendly little two-fingered wave. “Call me ‘Childe’.”

[scarletooyoroi]

🕯️ I am having A Day, pls tell me Thoma's thoughts about Dehya, thank u <3

'There really is an aura about her that just knows how to enjoy life. In truth, its a quality I find pretty rare when the glories of humanity are seen as a sign of praise.'

'It leads to that very intuition of her's make her wisdom in kind. Not even I can match a way of just instinctively knowing how to de-escalate situations in a way that resonates to the individual in question. My methods always needed a touch of work to meet that middle ground, so I hold nothing but respect for those efforts. No wonder her group within Sumeru has reached such prestige.'

'That said. I can't help but wonder more about her, either how she's embracing Inazuma, what keeps that smile on her lips going so strong, I certainly want to add my part to the many reasons why it maintains itself.'

'..Hopefully she doesn't notice me sneaking a glance too much. I can't help but get in a better mood myself whenever her eyes showcase that particular shine. Maybe once he nail out this training session, I'll take her out for a dinner I can make firsthand. Much as I've shown the skill many culinary artist have exercised, I certainly have to throw my efforts into the pile as well.'

[scarletooyoroi]

Dehya vc: First of all, how dare you.

"Is there a problem that we need to rectify here, Dehya?"

Don't mind the fact there's mischief sparkling within that emerald gaze. A single hand elevated underneath her chin, carefully cupping it in a loving grip, all while that smile is rich with his touch of confidence.

"I'm all ears if I've been overstepping any position of mine."

@svnsworn

[scarletooyoroi]

Not accepting that it's time to start the day, and pinning them onto the mattress with either your whole body, a leg, or more risque touches. (from Dehya!)

A den such as theirs was the definition of temptation. A heat that intend to rival the sun on it's coziest eves.

Neither of them wanted to get up, as duty bound and determined as they were.

It certainly didn't mean that Dehya wasn't well versed in the most convincing of arguments of their relationship.

@svnsworn

The sort that found itself entirely made of action. Morning playfulness wedged between laughter and the roaming grace of heated palms and calloused fingers led to the beginning, how that laughter gained a sultry tint somewhere in the midst.

Where the banter of their arguments demanded pause through the passions of the kisses they'd dole each other.

Thoma couldn't resist the sweet, base enriched noise that escaped from him the moment the Flame Mane's lips made their claim. The sweetness found itself refreshed upon his senses, a testament to how much passion they've thrust upon each other the night prior. While the security of her lush, sturdy frame found itself adjusted on top, there he was within a particularly agreement pin. That excitement felt itself drawing bolts of pure wonderful underneath his flushed skin all the same.

"Dehya--" And with their lips meshed together, the entirety of his effort found itself devoted to the task at hand. Any other ideas were gradually being erased, given the most teasing feel at the bare sensation of her breast grating against his chest only added to the infernal heat brewing in the depth of his mind. Within an instant she'd find those hands of the Fixer adjusted upon her figure, one netting itself with a sense of adoration through that well kept hair, gliding across those raven stresses as he'd work a careful grip upon the back of her head.

Even then, there's so little time to contemplate, only feel as the telltale wiggle of those hips, skillfully driven upon that erection long since stirred led to their grind. The way he'd hike those hips up, eager to draw her voice free by having that shaft's top end grazing between those slicked lower lips, leading to a hiking rush of pleasure as he'd throb with a potent hunger against her. As the share of their tongues would briefly clash with open mouths, it was a compromise of focus to keep up this momentum.

Thoma couldn't deny how gods damned aroused she could make him so easily.

Lavishing praise upon her curves and set muscle with his touch, burning it to memory, it was making those ideas that swirled in the pleasant white haze of his mind get more daring in kind. A certain thought that drives him to greedily palm and grip that sweet ass of her's. Clenching those fingers down, ensuring she'd feel the hunger within that very clutch as those hot palms continued to knead at that tender yet firm flesh. It'd be a perfect contrast to the impassioned looks they share, those striking sets of cerulean searing their affection into those jade irises.

"Been thinkin'.." The words are managed, husky, heavier as one of those fingers would swipe at a portion of her slick from that heated slit, ensuring that finger finds itself well lubricated before allowing it to hike upwards. Delving with a daring advance between the darkness of her crack, letting it swipe up against the majesty of that hot little pucker once more. A few teases have been given here and there, always conscious of watching for her care. Yet this time, Dehya would find there's better purchase against her asshole while he leaned up, intentionally whispering in her ear. "How much I want to fill you up proper back here too, all that winkin its been doing."

The thoughts were daring before that gradual pressure escalated. Enough to ensure what was to follow, yet, the increased pressure involves friction as he begins to advance the penetration of that finger, plowing it carefully through that tight ring of muscle in a steadied set of strokes. Would she feel it? The way his cock was pulsing so feverishly just from teasing her there? It left the blonde marveling as just how serenely hot she was with that clutch.

[scarletooyoroi]

"Does it snow in Inazuma?" The thought isn't a new one, nor is it sudden; it's something that's been on her mind since the seasons started to turn and the winds grew colder than even nighttime in the desert. A part of her feigned to feel embarrassed when she needed to son her cloak well before anyone else in Inazuma had done more than switch to longer sleeves, and soon she knows she'll be looking for a jacket of some kind.

Her cloak is pulled closed around her, the hood over her head, thoughts of new clothing better suited to climates outside of the desert crossing her mind. She'd brought a few changes of clothes with her, but certainly not with enough coverage to make it through even this kind of cold. She's lucky, perhaps, that she tends to run warm.

"I've never seen snow before. Never went far enough north, or to the dragonspine mountains." when next she speaks, her voice is muffled slightly due to her pulling the fastened edge of her cloak up over her nose and mouth to warm them. "Isn't this snow weather?"

(Today on Dehya hasn't experienced a proper autumn before and is very cold. Also I'm sleeping now, shhh I wrote this in my sleep.)

What she poses is a fair question for the adventurous souls intending to see the world. By now a decent selection of stories have been plucked from their experiences, either a share of exploits, fantastical instances, even to the tougher burdens that their natural energy handles in stride. So imagine Thoma when he captures the way her stalwart demeanor handles the demand to better prepare for the season inevitably arriving.

Autumn's end wasn't too far upon the horizon. The idea in itself makes him thoughtful of how an ailment may try to sneak up on her. A touch of quick thinking led to his hand arching upon the air in command, willing his share of authority over Pyro, and in kind, leading heat to stir closer within their vicinity. Hardly enough visuals to be noticeable, yet, give a few seconds and the surrounding temperature would find itself being willed to a different tune.

Keeping a vigil ear as a bit more of her life is painted, considering how the blazing coals of desert heat, to biting, chilly nights that didn't have any extra such as the ivory cousin was kept clear in mind. A low hum of confirmation begins as they cross another corner in town. "Right on the Mora. Again, that intuition of yours has the sharpness of being spot on."

"Snowfall within this region has been happening for as long as I can remember, add in a fair share of centuries too from the history I've studied. Normally this is when a more avid hunt for flaming flower stamen is popularized. Appropriately adjust them in the home and you'll have a heater of sorts. Naturally, just can't let any electro get close to it."

While the original idea had been to introduce Dehya to the lower mountain range of Mt.Yougou, thoughtfulness triumphs instead. The route they were taking did have a few shops lined up with some deals ripe for the picking.

"Dehya, if I may? Proper preparation is a verse I have no doubt we've practically lived by many suns and moons. How about we take a branching path for a shopping trip? We can even fashion the idea as your first approach to Inazuman fashion."

"..And, even I can't deny that I'm also a lil curious as to how it'd look upon you."

@svnsworn

[scarletooyoroi]

Ooh, are we ass smacking today? Dehya's gonna get in on that, thank you very much <3

It certainly wasn't a planned holiday! Situations where swift adjustment were always a popular point of contention. Case and point? The crafty hand of one of Sumeru's strongest striking true.

In Thoma's professional opinion, he's had this coming from Dehya for outright eons.

There's a moment of tension generated, making his body momentarily freeze as a haze of scarlet dashes his face. Somehow, even the Fixer had the raw nerve to cast a brief but amused look of disbelief directly towards her. "And since when did I get a particular sign set for this activity?" Try as he might to sound 'stern', the paltry facade quickly falters as he breaks into an instant of laughter.

Settled upon that 'cheek' was a pleasant enough sting that served it's purpose. Despite the moment of fluster, there was little hesitation in shooting a wink towards the Flame Mane.

"Found another worthy target for your attention? I will have to warn ya, there's some resilience to be found in that area. It won't be goin' down in any modest number of strikes."

@svnsworn

[scarletooyoroi]

Dehya is sleepy and cozy and wants kisses, thank u for ur service 🙏💙

Could it be a shift with the winter season? How the cold always had a secret song to try lulling one away with a source of comfort? Before Thoma's eyes would be his firsthand account of the Flame Mane. Seeing how ease found itself keeping her form lax against him, the tug of those well manicured nails ensured he held steady right in her clutches. Now if fate of all things wanted this to be his 'sentence?' It would be a matter he'd happily experience a thousand, nay, millions of times over.

The way her bronze skin made a complimenting contrast with his own, dark hair meshed with gold, Thoma's own arms would take a brand of armor well suited for her intimacy. Nothing but the shallow veil of their sheets draped upon their figure, the warm emitting from their spirits easily transforming into a more viable heat for them to nest in. "So, about this 'special service', what was it again? A host of kisses being your fiery garden to bask in?"

Thoma had to repress a gentle swath of laughter in the way it made her eyes peek at him, letting those cobalt hints drive forth demand and fondness alike. For the many ways she enjoys how he uses his mouth, this gesture of affection was now at the forefront of need.

Thoma proudly listens.

"C'mere." Simpler, more concrete. That would be the course of action that draws such lovely sounds from her. The soft hums, the way vocals stretch between a light moan that edges to a gentle sight, he'd bask in the sounds that made the rhythm of his heart dance in delight. Each firm mesh across her cheeks, the defined corners of her jaw, to her forehead while caring very little that her bangs got in the way, this was his form of supplication for her.

Greedily does those arms pull her close as one of the next and longer lasting kisses would be directed to her lips. Thoma's eyes would briefly close as the pleasurable shock tingles within his mouth, across the soul as he'd press those palms against her toned back to draw her closer.

@svnsworn

[inhumanheresy]

The gesture isn’t one he’s used to as a greeting — a wave, handshake, or clasp of forearms are his standard repertoire outside of Liyue and Inazuma — but he’s been around both soldiers and drunk people for long enough to judge the intent. Raise. Pause. Hand closed.

He lifts his fist to bump their forearms together not far below the wrist. Though his pale, freckle-spotted skin has picked up the tiniest hint of a tan during his time outside of Snezhnaya, he looks like a ghost in comparison to this woman, who beats out even Beidou’s sun-worn complexion.

“‘Dehya.’” He sounds out the name, frowning when part of the first syllable doesn’t quite sound to his ear like it did when she said it, and repeats her name with the vocalization shaped further back in his mouth and throat. His smile returns easily once he’s sure that he’s gotten the pronunciation right.

“Well, nice to meet you, Dehya. Sure, I’ll lead the way. The temptation of Wanmin’s cooking is as good an excuse as any to put off grocery shopping til tomorrow.” He turns and waves her forward from over his shoulder, expecting her to step up beside him as he walks. His other hand slips half into his pocket as he strolls towards the bridge that separates the affluent buildings of Feiyun Slope from the more densely-packed and less grandiose area of Chihu Rock and the commercial docks.

The light around them fades only a little as they cross the bridge, the lanterns here less numerous and not as exquisite in quality as those in the upper tier, but there is more sound — conversation between people on the street or flowing out from taverns and teahouses, faint drum and flute music from buskers further towards the docks, the simple noise of life being lived all around them.

Childe points toward the cobbled road smushed tight with restaurants, food carts, and gambling parlors along the sides. “This way. It’s the road where heavier cargo comes up from the docks, and the way home for sailors who have homes in the city, and not down near the docks themselves.” And therefore, the ones with any extra mora to spend.

She's grateful the man is friendly, if only because her wanderlust still carries an intrinsic anxiety that she'll inadvertently offend someone by crossing an unknown cultural boundary. His greeting is warm, his smile genuine, though she suspects that there's a part of him that remains ever on alert. He looks the part of a fighter, and even if he isn't, it doesn't hurt to be wary of someone who very much looks like an outsider. (I truth, so does he, but whether that means they should be more wary or not, she doesn't know, and doesn't really care to think long on the thought.)

"I've never used chopsticks before-" Never even heard of them, but she leaves that little tidbit out for now, "-but I'm always open to learning. Why travel the world if you're going to stay tucked within your own comfort?" She laughs a single, good-natured laugh, though she is very serious. She's wanted out of the desert for so long now, to experience the world, other cultures and customs, meet new people and lesrned new things. Before starting her trek, she decided to leave most of her comfort bubble in the desert. Sure, she'll indulge in some things, but she wants to find new comforts to add onto her journey as a person.

She notices that he greets her with a simple wave, which she returns, but then offers the side of her fist and a raised forearm, the tradition of greeting between mercs: bump forearms or fists. Whether he returns the gesture or not, she lowers her hand to rest casually against her hip.

"Dehya. If you're not busy, would you be willing to show me one of these places? I'll even leave the decision up to you. Let's say I have no preferences, though if there's something hot or spicy on the menu, I wouldn't turn it down." Even in the Sumeru desert, she's heard talk of the jueyun chili, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't want to try some. But, if her company doesn't want something of the sort, she won't press him for it.