#* {Genshin Commentary}

[sillsif]

non-spoilery commentary on alhaitham's story quest: we went to i hate you island and everyone was there sorry

[genshin-impact-updates]

Vanquisher of Phantoms, Vigil of the Long Night

"...Word to the wise, friend. The evidence against you is irrefutable. If you want to uphold your honor, atonement is an option. You could still do much good... There's no need to resort to a duel. I mean, your opponent is Clorinde. *That* Clorinde, you hear? Oh, for the love of the Fountain of Lucine... If you go up against her, you'll wind up without even the strength to confess your crimes!"

— A sincere letter that a certain wealthy merchant who had pleaded "Not Guilty" received on the eve of a duel.

◆ Name: Clorinde

◆ Title: Candlebearer, Shadowhunter

◆ Champion Duelist

◆ Vision: Electro

◆ Constellation: Rapperia

Disputes are a Mora a dozen in Fontaine, day in and day out.

A playwright might accuse a fanatical reader of imitating their style and taking up a pen name too close to their own, to the point that even the newspapers could not distinguish the genuine article. A merchant might accuse a colleague of targeted, malicious, cutthroat competition, of not only constantly adjusting their prices, but of intentionally setting up shop directly opposite them...

Ordinary disputes can be settled by Gardes rushing onto the scene, but there are always a minority of claimants who, thinking themselves most clever in their ulterior intent, will obstinately press for court proceedings just to get their name out there — and if their duel applications were to be approved, they might be famous indeed!

However, if some well-meaning neighbor were to tell them: "I've heard that the most recently rostered Champion Duelist is Miss Clorinde..."

These same clever folk would almost instantly be deflated of all their arrogant airs, like a Violetgold Angler Gull caught by the neck, and cease such prattle altogether.

For all are well-acquainted with the name of the "mightiest" Champion Duelist.

Beneath her blade, all despicable deeds that aim to capitalize on mere fortune under the guise of decency will show their true colors — and she has never once known defeat in a duel.

"...Ahem. Oh, uh... I suppose there's no need to go that far, is there?

So does a clever person, very nearly hoisted by their own petard, flee the scene.

And thus is another such altercation, undercut by ulteriority, discreetly dissipated.

[slavhew]

rogue-class childe I play in my friend's (@nahrgles's) DnD campaign :9

[branches-of-time]

looks at images of Mondstadt and tears well up in my eyes

[dreamerinthemoonlight]

The Meaning of Soulmates

I have just enough energy to post this. Happy birthday, Kaeya!

Summary: Xiao is sitting on Wangshu inn's roof when he starts feeling things he's never felt before. It turns out his soulmate, a certain Kaeya Alberich, needs him.

CW: Angst, hurt/comfort

Pairing: Kaeya x Xiao

Word Count: 1270

Xiao reclines on the roof of the Wangshu Inn, watching puffy clouds make their way across the bright spring sky.

Below him, people talk and children laugh. Some travelers order lunches before going on their way, while others pay for rooms and a meal or two. Once again, Huai’an laments the damage caused by out-of-control guests.

It's a normal day in Liyue, something that hasn’t changed in the three thousand years since the Lord of Geo created the nation of contracts. It should be a source of peace, a reminder that he has not yet failed in his duty. But not today.

Today there is a sense of pain, a grief and conflict that seem too acute to be his. It’s too strong, too new, and doesn’t have the taint of his karmic debt. More than that, there’s a need to reach out, to ease that pain. It’s strange, strange enough to go seek the advice of the one person who has always been able to guide him.

Xiao closes his eyes and when opens them, he finds himself on one of the peaks overlooking Liyue harbor. A clean cut, dignified figure in brown stands a few feet from him, watching the hustle and bustle of the city from afar.

“Lord Morax.”

Zhongli turns to face the young adeptus. “Xiao. What can I do for you?”

Xiao frowns and takes a moment to put his thoughts together. “I feel strange.”

“How so?”

“I feel grief that isn’t mine. It can’t be mine. It has been a long time since my brothers and sisters left us and I feel no karmic taint. What is this?”

Zhongli’s eyebrows raise and his lips tilt up into a pleased smile. “Congratulations, young adeptus.”

“Lord Morax?”

“You have a soulmate.”

“A soulmate? As in a fated partner? I’ve heard some humans have them, but I didn’t know adepti did.”

Zhongli nods. “We do. Finding them is rarer, given our extended life spans, but we have them. Sometimes more than once.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Your soulmate’s pain calls out to you, Xiao, the way any strong emotion of theirs will. It’s the world telling the people who live in it that there is someone who can share in those, that they need to share in them. If you’re feeling your soulmate’s pain, they need you.”

Xiao glances to the north, feeling the tug of his heart in that direction. “If I go to them, what will happen then?”

“It’s up to the two of you.”

The adeptus nods slowly. “Can I think on it?”

Zhongli frowns at the question. “Don’t take too long, young one.”

“Thank you, Lord Morax.”

Xiao bows deeply and disappears.

Instead of returning to the Inn, where even the rooftop doesn’t truly block the chaos of humanity, Xiao teleports to Qingyun peak.

The pain continues to intensify, pulling him north, beyond the Dihua marsh, beyond Ridge watch, to the Land of the Winds.

Despite this, he remains where he is. As wise as Morax is, as much as Xiao wants to take him at his word, he’s not sure the Conqueror of Demons is the best person to ease the kind of pain he’s feeling.

Yet, when was the last time his god, the holder of his contract led him astray?

Soon the sun sets and darkness overtakes the land. Usually it would settle him, or give him cover for a hunt. Tonight, however, it brings a thousand emotions. Guilt, relief, grief, and a sense of loss akin to what he felt when each of the other yaksha died.

Each time, Zhongli was there to comfort him and the remaining Yaksha. After Bosacius disappeared, as much as he tried to bear it himself, the Geo Archon was there to share in his grief.

Even if he, the last yaksha, is the least suited to offering comfort, Xiao can’t ignore his soulmate’s suffering. Not when he gets such a strong feeling that his soulmate suffers alone. 

Once again, Xiao closes his eyes, this time focusing on the connection between him and his soulmate.

A heartbeat later he rematerializes, this time surrounded by the sweet scent of cecilia flowers.

Xiao looks around. To the southwest evening lights illuminate Mondstadt, while to the north the land seems to meet the sky.

For a second he thinks that the strange link between him and his soulmate led him astray, but then a shadow against the ground moves.

Xiao approaches, his heart skipping. His fated person sits curled up against a rock, forehead touching his knees with a cryo vision clenched in his hand.

He sits next to the man. Now what? What can a stranger say in this situation?

Fortunately, the man solves the issue by speaking first. “Who are you?”

“Xiao.”

“That’s not a Mondstadter's name.”

“No it’s not. What is your name?”

The man looks up. An eyepatch covers his right eye, while the left is devoid of emotion. The contrast between his expression and the turmoil he’s still sharing with Xiao. For the first time since sensing the bond, Xiao feels sympathy and a genuine urge to soothe the other man’s pain. “Kaeya.”

“You’ve been hurting today. Why?”

“I don’t know you.”

“That’s true. I don’t know you either, but I’ve been feeling what you are. I want to listen, if you’ll let me.”

Understanding lights Kaeya’s eye. “Soulmates. What a fucking irony.”

Xiao waits for him to continue.

“I lose my father, my brother hates me--not that he’s not right to do so--only to get a vision and a soulmate. How’s that supposed to be a fair trade?”

“Will you tell me what happened? I will be the first to admit that I don’t know how to comfort someone, but I will listen.”

Kaeya opens his mouth and hesitates. “Archons damn it, I told Diluc everything, I might as well tell you too. At least you aren’t going to try to kill me because of it.”

Kaeya tells Xiao a story of a child abandoned in a strange land, smiling when he tells of the family and happiness he found there. He continues with descriptions of inner turmoil and confusion, creating a picture of someone torn by split loyalties.

By the time Kaeya speaks of tragedy, the death of his father and fighting the brother he loves, he’s crying.

Xiao reaches out for the eyepatch. “Can I take this off? It can’t be comfortable.”

Kaeya hesitates, but in seeing the softness in gold eyes, nods.

Xiao unties the eyepatch, letting it drop to the grass, before awkwardly wiping the young man’s tears.

“I don’t have answers, Kaeya. Life is cruel and it has always been so. The only thing we can do is keep moving forward and fighting for what’s worth fighting for. But… even if I can’t replace your family, I can be there for you.”

At Xiao’s soft words, another wave of tears streams down Kaeya’s face.

Choose me, Kaeya. I know it hurts, but let me be here. In one way or another, accept me as your soulmate.

Kaeya shifts, wrapping his arms around Xiao’s shoulders. “Please. I don’t want to be alone.”

For some reason, I think that makes two of us.

“Then I will. Just lean on me.”

Several minutes later, Kaeya’s breathing slows. Xiao shifts him around so that Kaeya’s head is in his lap.

An unfamiliar warmth spreads through him.

Life isn’t fair. I might harm him one day. But I made a promise. I’ll be here when he needs me. And maybe I need this too. Maybe… not being alone won’t be so bad.

[yantao-enthusiast]

if dunyarzad isn't gonna die before the end of this archon quest why the hell did they make her an npc because why is so much gay tension happening between her and dehya rn

[keep-on-trying]

Man, I don't know what to say about Arly's SQ, like it was pretty good and interesting and all, buy also a bit predictable due to seeing the animated short. The battle was kinda tough on me shsjssk, I didn't pick my best team and tried to do it mainly on Traveller LOL. That was a mess.

But on the other hand, that made me more convinced on pulling for her and, once again, I won 50/50! At 76 pity thou lol. Her weapon is so pretty but I cannot guarantee it so, never mind for now.

One thing I started thinking about. Freminet mentioned that he joined HotH after Clervie had died, and before Arlecchino killed Crucabena. Does that mean that, technically, Arlecchino was his big sister before? :D From big sis to father, shshsjsj.

[captivemuses]

Don't mind him positively laughing his ass off at his twins pants being pulled down by Gepard of all people. @huijarii

[licndcnced]

--------~**~---------

"I'm here to help!"

🦁🔥🔥🔥🦁

Made a blog for this new guy so no promo made yet, this is a blog for 嘉明 /Ga-Ming(Gah-Ming) from Genshin Impact

*RULES* *VERSES(wip - Animal Verse Added!)*

-----------~**~-----------

[mimi-cee-genshin]

I finished Mulani's story quest and I feel like they played the journey vs destination/ results theme too much. lol. I think it should have been a "saving a person's life" vs "having a reputation to boast about" or even "wisdom and friendship" vs "getting excess Mora." Having a destination or aiming for a certain result isn't bad in itself. Like, if I'm meeting up with a cherished friend that I haven't seen for a long time, I'm not traveling through hours of traffic because I like the journey. Sure, I can practice being patient along the way, but in this case, it's the destination that makes it worth enduring. So I think a better message would've been about having rightly ordered priorities. Seeking money and a good reputation aren't necessarily bad things either. You just need to know that there are more important things and there are times where it's wiser to give those up.

[thelunaticghost]

xvn fic recs !!

i have been meaning to do this for a while : mostly because fic recs are fun to compile and also thee seems to be a BIG shortage of any fic rec posts!! so here are some fics i have enjoyed over the years!! ofc this list is non exhaustive please note the ratings of each fic and heed the tags before reading! sorry, that i am putting in the shorter summary

anyway!! feel free to put in more fic recs too!! :D

End OTW Racism | over the edge of all our knowings by merthurlin [ G, 10,146 words , 1/1 ]

Years down the line, after the whole business with Lumine and her brother has been concluded, Venti decides to go on a world tour. He sends Xiao letters.

merthurlin got me into xiaoven so ofc my list starts with her fic! this is just so so sweet and even if its not necessarily fluffy there is a warmth to the writing it is a comfort read for me! i recommend every work by her (regardless of fandom). though in xvn End OTW racism | never dreamed of nobody like you is another excellent fic!

nocturne by yanrans [ T, 34,540 words, 4/4 ]

In which Venti sells magical music boxes, Xiao is his unwitting customer, and there is absolutely, definitely nothing more to it at all.

modern au where venti is - a scammer? - i mean a music box seller and xiao is just a regular guy and and. its funny and delightful and absolutely breath taking. i wouldnt elaborate more so as not to spoil anything further but the fic has many unexpected surprises in it! yanrans is another writer i definitely recommend to check out more! their writing style is very flamboyant and poetic.

what hides in neon shadow by morii_tea [ T, 7,547 words, 1/1 ]

In which Xiao is a cyborg, Venti is a thief, and the glittering city of Teyvat hides more secrets than they’re prepared to find out.

its so rare to see morally grey venti is potrayed (even though he isnt v morally grey but still. xiao having to remembering that venti isnt as honourable as he appears is yesssss wohoo). this fic has some thrilling action and a v fun cyberpunk world!! i wish it was longer but it is v exciting nevertheless

every morning in the dark by magicites [ M, 77,124 words, 34/34 ]

Stuck in a time loop where he succumbs to his karmic debt, Xiao struggles to see the point in moving forward. Venti struggles to save him.

READ THE TAGS!!! character death and suicidal thoughts are two major warnings. but DAMN this fic it's just so. SO FULL of everything WRONG with xiao!! and venti too but such a GREAT angst fic!! it gets everything so Right. magicites also happened to have written one of my most favourite genshin fic too :] and if you havent read her other works!! you are missing out!!

the half-life of the yaksha is absolute by GStK [ G, 1,000 words, 1/1 ]

Venti digs his thumbs in to keep open the wound but it is too late His gaze snaps over to the teal essence dancing over Xiao’s fingers. Now all those words will belong to him And Venti will belong to him, only.

READ THE TAGS!! now that i have went into the time loop fic ofc i have to mention the beautiful corrupt xiao prose. the imagery is flowery and grotesque!

foreigner's god by smallghosts [ T, 3,818 words, 1/1 ]

Lord Barbatos falls asleep for a few hundred years. Xiao copes with his absence in strange ways.

a pre-canon fic where xiao becomes - in a way - a worshipper? it's SO GOOD. its about the yearning!!!!!!!!! SCREAMS i dont think i have to explain further

love me like you do by Limerancy [ T, 3,000 words, 1/1 ]

They aren’t the kind of friends that touch.

TOUCH STARVED AND TOUCH AVERSE XIAO!!!!!! this fic makes me a lil bit feral. a little unhinged. i absolutely enjoy reading about the yearning , the desire JUST!!!! AAAA. this writer also writes v fluffy modern au one shots!!! so be sure to check them out too :)

The Kissing Tree by Princeliest [ G, 7,581 words, 2/2 ]

Venti kisses Xiao, and Xiao does not understand why.

VENTI COMMITMENT ISSUES!!!!! as much as i adore reading xiao angst, venti angst is still something i love seeking out and its a tragedy that its not explored enough in this ship :c but anyway!!! such amazing characterization and exploration!! princeliest is one of fav genshin writers and this fic delivers!

wishing on dandelions all of the time by OedipusOctopus [ T, 8,270 words, 1/1 ]

When Venti first catches sight of the swords artfully hung on the wall of his new roommate's bedroom, he regrets putting up the sublease on Craigslist. Firmly believing this guy is a total weirdo, Venti is more surprised than anyone when he realizes the total weirdo is actually adorable. It's not against some invisible Roommate Code to dream about kissing your roommate, right?

ofc there is a classic roommate au fic!! this was one of my most favourite fic from last years xvn week: its hilarious and silly and just a perfect relaxing read!! the characterization and their banter is so entertaining i admit i have read this multiple times!

Where Words Fail by kavvueh [ T, 27,926 words, 11/12 ]

"You're Barbatos," Xiao repeats breathlessly. The young man in front of him nods. "Yep." "But..." Xiao cuts himself off and tries again. "You're the God of songs and poetry." The Anemo Archon nods his head sagely. "More or less." Xiao fixes Lord Barbatos with the most incredulous look he can manage. "... You're failing Music Theory."

this fic is such a delight!! it has some light background lore, some silly shenanigans, miscommunications, pinning - a truly fun mixture! the fic is v light hearted but written with a lot of tenderness. i am v excited to see its conclusion!

what queer sins stain thy soul by Anonymous [ M, 3,232 words, 1/1 ]

In which Xiao, long-established asexual, learns that identity is not as stable as he’d like to believe.

there is some explicit things in it (in non explicit way) i believe religious guilt is one of the best flavouring to xvn. it is an under-explored area in this ship imo and this fic not only has that but also!!! asexuality !!!!!! this fic so so personal and its exploration of desire that gets to me a lot

unholy virtues by morphasia [ E, 17,065 words, 6/6 ]

In exchange for his body in more ways than one, Venti summons a demon to reclaim something that has been stolen from him. It's a just contract. That's all it's supposed to be. That's all it was ever supposed to be.

READ THE TAGS!!! this fic truly went creature/creature. this au is just so fascinating and funny in a twisted way (but not bad). this fic isnt for everyone though but it is definitely worth the shot.

[moonilit]

Ei: only through eternity you are closest to the heavenly principles

Focalor: Fuck the heavenly principles

[genshin-impact-updates]

Happy Birthday, Dori!

"Mora, Mora, shiny Mora~ More Mora for the birthday girl~ Dori's going to be swimming in it~"

[hcttrick]

Lyney with his "mask" on, usual look:

Lyney without the "mask" off, serious mode:

When he's like this when his family and friends are threatened or mocked...

RUN.

[pipe-murder-furina]

*fluffs your neuvillette up so much he becomes unsinkable*

[fishareglorious]

What in the loving fuck was I writing last night