#fatui harb

[madamemachikonew]

I hate that every time I hear the expression 'half a day' in casual speech, I am contractually obliged to say 'merely half a day' in the most condescending manner possible.

YouTube recipe video: Let the sponge rest for at least half a day before frosting

Me: MERELY HALF A DAY?

[avemstella]

Genshin 5.1 Archon Quest Spoiler

I must mention that I did in fact make a full colored (and color coded for different groups!) Khaenri'ah character chart entirely for this joke, for which I knew I would be blurring because there are massive spoilers on it pfft. One day I'll show it off, one day.

Okay, so originally I was going to have a ramble here about my current Natlan thoughts, but well...

uh, yeah haha. Hades 2 has once more consumed my time and brain (oh god the amount of video essays I have in my head for it, good lord). I'm not going to reveal how many hours I've played in this last week, it's embarrassing, but I have kind of burned through the new stuff, so I'll be back on the fic writing grind soon. Also because, despite the distraction and generally how slow its been, I'm quite excited to write it (teaser, there's a Skirkback with some vital lore! Also I just missed Skirk pfft)

Thank you everyone for your patience

[meiko3323]

Father in her character demo be like:

ok im not by any means a lore theorizer, my brain is much too smooth for that, but every now and then, like a bouncing DVD logo touching a corner, i have a coherent thought. and Arlecchinos demo sparked some which id like to put forth. making it as a text post cuz archons know, i get real wordsy ^^'

spoilers obv if youre not far enough in story.

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now. upon several rewatches of the original and reactions, the first non-Arle voiceline jumped out at me:

"A spark cannot shatter all shadows until it sets all ablaze or else to the other end of light lie still bleak shades"

this made me think back to was it Childes or Wanderers voiceline? where they say that given the chance, the Knave would betray the Harbingers if it suited her. so what if, hear me out, in her quest of retribution she seeks to somehow go against the Fatui/ Harbingers/ Tsaritsa? retribution that is, for the myriad suffering theyve caused to innocent ppl around teyvat. idk abt full on taking them down, as the top 3 harbs are said to have power that rivals archons, but mb put a sizeable dent in their forces, or otherwise impede their plans. she also heavily implied a wish to collaborate w us, the Traveller, in the future at several occasions during the Fontaine AQ. mb she wants to enlist our help in her goal. circling back to that line, i think the spark is obv Father, and the shadows she wishes to shatter i strongly believe are the Fatui/ Harbingers. and unlike me, the line after is confidently saying "set ALL ablaze" = complete eradication of that organization.

my next thought was actually aided by a yt comment under one of the recent vids w her (idr if teaser, demo, or short, likely short) that said sth along the lines of "shes not a wolf in sheeps clothing, shes a sheep in wolfs clothing, forced to blend in w the wolves that took her in". this comment popped into my mind as i watched the scene where she is walking in mb some type of dream or mind world, w numerous children running around, playing and singing. and she has such a soft look on her face as she gazes at them. but then she collects herself w her signature 🤫 to flip the switch to ig we can call it her wolf side, and the scene changes to her against the red eclipse moon thing (crimson moon?). where was i going w this?.. i think the fact that her "natural" or innermost state is her sheep side where she just wishes to run the orphanage in peace and be a good mother Father to the children and she has to actively suppress that and channel her wolf side in order to carry out her version of justice, and ofc keep blending in w her adoptive wolves (harbingers) until the time is right.

finally, her last voiceline of the demo struck me as very crucial:

"I hear that the children love to play by the fireplace, so let us continue to use the name, "House of the Hearth". Still... its flame is no longer needed for you have the strength to defend yourselves"

from what i can unpack, this is obv talking abt her leaving her position as orphanage director and passing that torch (heh) to Lyney. which btw goes in line w a theory proposed by ABD Illustrates on yt regarding pyro characters (and jumping off to predict plot of Natlan). ill link it btw, go give it a watch, its very insightful:

anyway. she wants the orphanage to keep its name after her retirement. she feels that the children no longer need her (its flame) as under Lyneys leadership they can fend for themselves. a sad look comes across her face as she says this. i believe shes not as unfeeling/ uncaring and is more attached to the children than she dares to admit, and is pained to leave them behind in pursuit of her greater goals.

oh and going back to the 4.6 patch trailer, the boss battle bw her and her main trio of children - despite her thinking Lyney is fit to take over, she wants to give him one final test ig to reaffirm her decision, and to give him the confidence boost to take up that post. cuz he is very unsure of himself, and is always anxious of disappointing Father and not living up to w/e expectations he believes she has for him.

omg that was a lot. this was prob a solid hour of pure stream of consciousness. hopefully theres some coherent nuggets in there. most of it isnt horribly deep, honestly prob surface level stuff that might be painfully obv to others. but i wanted to write it out nonetheless

i invite anyone that bothered to read these long-winded ramblings to respectfully share their thoughts/ theories in the comments and/ or reblogs. was there anything i missed or forgor?

thank you for your time ^^

ps: the trailer was phenomenal btw OMG - the cinematography, the music?! i cant wait for tnbee to make an epic remix of it. and ofc for real lore theorists to dig in and drop their videos on it o3o

[lostsunlight]

CHAPTER 4 - Oculus Dei Tam Bonus Quam Mei

childe x reader, wc: 5k, masterlist

cw: blood and gore, nsfw

Ludi Harpastum was well on its way, even on the 4th day you could feel the city thrumming with energy, you could hear the shouts well into the night even high up in the cathedral. As expected the infirmary filled up quicker than usual. Mostly just drunkards who needed some wolfhook to make them vomit and then some water. One green clad bard in particular seemed to come back every night. 

The work made your bones ache, you had even been excused from morning prayer to help with the endless stream of people. You adjusted your leather gloves and kept on working, allowing your thoughts to disappear. You could help but wish you were down in the city with some of the other sisters. You hadn’t celebrated Ludi for years, you loved the wild energy of the celebration, especially getting caught up in the chaotic dances that had a tendency to start rather spontaneously.  

The wild tales some of the sisters told of what happened on the streets made jealousy curl up in your chest like a cat in front of a hearth. One story in particular recounted by Marianne was one of the blacksmith's apprentices letting a boar loose leaving the lower portion of the city on a wild chase, resulting in several caskets of wine being destroyed and a few unhappy knights. The story had the sisters you ate dinner with that night in stitches. You had poked at your meat, refusing to make eye contact with Marianne. 

Barbara however had decided that the most talented healers were to stay back all Ludi. Naturally, despite her training as a healer she made no such rules for herself. It wasn’t like you were permitted to leave the cathedral anyways, not until your sins had been properly atoned for, whatever that meant. 

It had been two weeks since you had last seen Childe and you were itching to get out, even if it was alone. You crave to feel the grass and flowers against your back, to run along the cliffs again, admire the sheer beauty of the endless sea dotted with shrouded islands. 

During Ludi you had climbed to the rooftop most nights to try and find him with no success, he was effectively a ghost. You had seen more and more Fatui Agents crawling around however, accumulating at the recently acquired Goth Hotel. One agent in particular had taken to loitering around the doors of the cathedral. You had even caught a glimpse of what you thought was the so-called ‘Darknight Hero’ prowling the stairs below. Something was coming and you did not want to be here for it.

You were once again on the roof after a long day in the infirmary, looking up at the stars you could see the outline of Celestia shadowed against the sky. A living reminder of God's eyes upon you. Looking up you could see your constellation Lucens Caduceus draped among the stars. Born under Hydro, blessed by the fates above to be a healer it seemed. 

You stood on the peak of the roof, above the large circular stained glass window that gazed upon the city. Cool summer wind was blowing through your hair. Underneath you the festival-goers milled around, you could hear the cheers of the people as they basked in the orange lights of the lamps strung above. 

After sundown the crowd tended to become rowdier, you could see one person unsuccessfully attempting to climb the large statue of Barbatos, within an instant some of the knights had apprehended them ungracefully dragging them away, the crowd laughing along. 

You had seen Grandmaster Jean milling around the streets, rumours among some of the Knights say she killed the last Grandmaster Varka for the title, wanting the Knights back in the Gunnhildrs hands. You had never met The Dandelion Knight, only hearing bits and pieces about her from others around you. That was enough to know to avoid getting on her bad side. How could such a seemingly kind woman commit such a ruthless act? Was that the extent she was willing to go for power, for control?

As expected the Harbinger was nowhere to be seen, his height and red hair would be a beacon in the crowd below. You wondered if he was getting any closer to finding Barbatos, if he could find him before the 7th day, before you made your escape. 

Standing up you stalked across the green-tiled roof careful to not lose your balance and slipped back into the room under the bell tower, glad to be sheltered from the increasing windiness and noise of the city. Leaning against the wall you activated your Vision, the blue orb softly glowing against your back from the chain it hung upon.

A small bubble of water appeared before you and you concentrated on forming the blade you had seen Childe use, moonlight glinting through the water.  For the last two weeks you had been trying and unsuccessfully trying to form Hydro weapons. If The Church forbade you from owning a sword made of steel then a weapon that you could instantly dissipate without a trace would be useful. 

You still didn’t understand why Childe felt the lust he felt for battle. The weapon was more of a utility to you, a way to fend for yourself if worse came to worst. You tried to form the water into a spear, Bending and flexing your fingers, weaving the weapon. You had control over the form of the water it was keeping in that form that was hard for you. Any spear you made wouldn't hold and dripped into a puddle on the floor along with your hopes.

The polearm formed in your hands, you liked the range the weapon gave you. You held it tightly desperately trying to keep it together but to no avail the water slipped between your fingers. Weeks of trying and no progress. You slid down the wall bringing your legs to your chest and resting your head against your knees and sighed deeply. 

Only 3 more days. You thought to yourself, you could do this, you just needed to hold on for a little longer. 

-♢-

This plan of Y/N’s was insane Childe had thought to himself, and yet he had allowed himself to get swept up into it. In the week that passed he had come to a few realisations. He had missed the candour that you gave him. To be treated as just a man, not as a feared Harbinger. He knew he could be creating a liability, another weak point, his family already gave him a glaring vulnerability to anyone that knew about them. As much as he wished to mention them they had to remain a tight-lipped secret. He had faith that Pucinella would grant them his protection. 

He had thought about climbing the cathedrals walls again, he craved more conversation with you. He didn’t realise how badly he needed a connection with someone who would treat him as an equal. He had pushed all of that away in favour of mastering his skill, the connections he made as a Harbinger were superficial, nothing more than opportunities, exchanges.

This, while at its core was a deal, you were going to be working together closely for a while. This could very easily spiral into something else if Childe wasn’t careful. That was going to be hard considering how badly he craved connection. Connection was too dangerous for someone with a life like his, he had to be detached no matter how hard it hurt him.

In the month Childe had spent looking for the Anemo Archon three of those weeks had been useless. But this last week? He had finally finally made some progress. Ludi made peoples tongues looser, secrets were easier to buy off those who wouldn't even remember the previous night. All it took was a blacked out knight, a knife and some light threatening for the poor man to spill his secrets. That he has seen a local bard calling down a dragon fro the storm above. 

He was desperate to head to Liyue and begin his assignment there. Killing a god was certainly more fun than fruitlessly trying to find one that could very well have been dead for centuries. He couldn't even finish the hunt, that was Signoria’s job this time. He couldn’t understand why he had been sent to find Barbatos. 

Reaching the glowing tavern in the back corners of Mondstadt he climbed up to a window on the second floor and effortlessly slipped into the Angels Share. He may be known for his talent on the battlefield but he liked to think he could be a good spy when needed. For a weekday it was still rowdy, something that reminded him of home. Tsaritsa knew how much he missed home; it had been almost a year, letters from Tonia being his only string to sanity. He had taken to sitting on a small dock on the edge of Dragonspine just to remind him of the cold, summer was still an unfamiliar season to him despite his travels. 

There was a bard clad in green and white standing on a table near the centre of the room on the lower floor, playing his lyre while singing a Mondstadt folk song to the roaring crowd below. Blue and black braids swinging as he spun around on the table carelessly. He didn’t look old enough to even drink, let alone be a god with thousands in years behind him. This was who they were trying to steal a gnosis from? No wonder Mondstadt was crumbling, its god was nothing more than a drunken fool Childe snarked to himself.

A suppressed smirk made its way across his face, all he needed to do was confirm his godhood, The Fatui needed the correct target after all. One of the other Harbingers might have had their underlings tail him but Childe was bored, desperate to alleviate it. His only other source was locked away in the cathedral’s infirmary for 3 more days. Ludi had given him something to do, he had considered joining the festivities but being drunk on the job was a bad idea right now, he would have to save it for Liyue. 

Swiftly making his exit to the roofs above he waited. A cat stalking its prey. His eyes shifted to the cathedral towering high above him, partially obscured by the towering statue of Barbatos, a statue worshipping the glory of a tarnished god. He had wondered if he would see your figure standing on the rooftop but the green tiles remained barren. He moved his gaze back to the tavern letting the hours pass by, occasionally throwing a hydro knife at a beam of wood.

Around 3 am the bard stumbled out significantly drunker than he was a few hours ago. Childe followed his path from the rooftops, he was walking towards the main gate of the city. No mortal would leave the city at this hour, it was too dangerous with all the abyssal creatures lurking just outside, ready to strike at any unsuspecting mortal. The Abyss of course was no threat to him, he had long known how to navigate the depths with ease. 

Slinking out of the gate he followed the drunken god across the stone bridge to the deep woods just outside the city. Venti hummed a tune as he staggered along the well worn footpath until he reached a large clearing. There he saw him wait in the centre, head tilted staring into the sky he began to sing a strange tune. What was the fool doing?

Childe’s question was quickly answered when the fabled Stormterror descended next to the god. It was huge, wings shadowing over the trees. Venti approached the abyssal beast without hesitation, a faint green glow emanating from his form, glowing brighter as he got closer. He couldn’t make out the conversation, only a few words; it was spoken in what sounded almost like Mondtadan. but that would be enough to confirm Venti’s godhood to anyone. Conversing with Stormterror and making it out alive. 

Childe turned and made his way through the forest back to the walled city, content that he had finally found the target. Mondstadt’s god hadn’t abandoned his nation, rather he was hiding in plain sight like a coward. As he approached Mondstadt he heard heavy footsteps rapidly approaching. Whipping his head round he spotted a figure clad in black rapidly approaching him. Childe dodged the attack with practised ease, conjuring a polearm and striking. The man jumped back, Childe took the few seconds he had to assess his opponent. Claymore. Pyro. strength concentrated in his upper body. 

This was almost too perfect. The claymore made the eagle-masked attacker slow but strong, and he just so happened to be best at striking rapidly, all he needed to do was dodge to avoid his heavy attacks. Moving back he rushed behind the stranger, aiming to take him out by sweeping his legs. He dodged the attack and swung his claymore at Childe once again. 

Childe jumped back from the blow and then lurched back in, the polearm's deadly tip pointed towards his assailant. A bust of pyro came his way, he immediately overwhelmed it with water, causing it to vaporise into nothing more than steam. Childe swung aiming for the back, his polearm was slashed through with a heavy swing of the claymore. 

Creating dual blades without much of a second thought me moved in on the offensive, getting closer to this opponent might work better. He ran into him, slashing his blade along the man’s chest before spinning around and attacking again. The man was too slow to dodge his attacks this time.

He continued this dance for a few more minutes, relishing the feeling of a good fight. It had been too long since he had a decent spar against a skilled opponent. He felt the adrenaline rush through his body, this is what he was made for. He moved back and threw an arrow, clipping the man's shoulder and tearing through his thick black coat, blood welling up to fill the cut.

The strangers grip on his claymore tightened, bursting into flame and going in for another strike. The blade arched high above his head, slamming it down with force. Childe moved to the side and activated his delusion. Feeling the pure power of electro burst through his arteries. He was alive with pure elemental energy, power thrumming through his core. 

His blades now sparking with electro he jumped, barely teleporting as pure electricity shocked his body. He struck true, landing the centre of his opponent's chest and overloaded the man, knocking him flat on his back.

He straddled gasping the man, placing a blade at his throat. He ripped the mask off, throwing it carelessly to the side, revealing the head of Mondstadt’s wine industry. Diluc Ragnvindr. He was slightly surprised that he was still conscious, normally an overload caused someone's heart to stop completely, the rush of electricity clawing into the organ and overwhelming it. 

Childe couldn't kill him, that would cause too much of a diplomatic mess, but he could still have some fun he decided. He kept the blade pressed to the man's throat, eyes still alight with fire glaring back at Childe’s cold facade.

“Ragnvider, care to tell me why you attacked a Fatui Harbinger?” He bit out

“I saw you follow that bard, The Fatui are nothing but a stain on my land” He spit back

“Oh so you try to strike the head of the snake then? Don't care about the consequences that might cause Ragnvindr” He glared down at the helpless man

“I’m sure Il Dottore would love to see you again, perhaps I might ask him to pay a visit so he could finally finish the job” He saw Diluc’s pupils constrict and his breath quicken “A dead Harbinger might just cause him to come back. I hear he misses Mondstadt” He taunted, trying to get a rise out of him.

Diluc pressed his lips together, refusing to say anything else. Childe moved his blade away from his neck, still straddling him “We may be on opposite sides but you fight well comrade. How about we strike a deal?”

“You take me for a fool? Absolutely not” Diluc snapped back

Ignoring Dilic’s response he continued dragging a gloved finger across the sharp edge of his blade “How’s this, I don’t kill you and you stop trying to kill me. Tell me, did you think through this plan of yours? I understand you can leave The Knights to clean up your messes but did you really think my death would go unnoticed? That we wouldn't come to Mondstadt like vultures?”

A look of realisation came across Diluc’s face, this might be his only option. Childe leans in “That your crop wouldn't be burnt and your land salted, your cellars raided, your tavern destroyed. We could so easily take away everything you own”

Diluc gritted his teeth, trying to find a loophole, an exploit. 

“There's nothing you can do, Ragnvindr” He slid a finger along the edge of his blade, eyes glancing down at him a glint of amusement flashed across his usually blank eyes.

“I accept this deal,” Diluc relented, releasing there was no way out of this 

A grin spread across Childe’s face as he spun his blade around, dissipating it into droplets that scattered across Diluc’s face. He stood up leaving the other man sprawled on the dirt and walked away.

He turned his head around to look at him one last time “I’ll give you a tip Ragnvindr, think before you strike next time”

With that he strolled back to the city, sun beginning to peak over the horizon, its rays casting an ethereal golden light across the landscape. Content to enjoy the remaining days of Ludi before he had to leave. 

-♢-

Day 6 of Ludi. The last day under The Churches control. It was an effort to keep your excitement from being visible despite your exhaustion. You could hear the echo of the hymns below you echoing off the cathedral’s stone walls. You’re standing in your bedroom in the late afternoon Marianne absent for prayer. She should be gone for a few hours considering she's made a habit of going to Barbara’s office after evening prayer. You had finally gathered the confidence to escape to the city below for the night, you pulled the shawl around you and made your way to the window, and leaned out. You were only one floor up, you could climb down easily right?

Taking a breath you swing your leg out the window, tip of your boot finding purchase on a jagged piece of cobblestone. You tested its weight, once you were certain it could take your weight you swung your other leg out, turinding so your body now faced the window. You were sure your knuckles were white underneath your gloves for how tightly you were holding the window sill. You took a deep breath in, this was no different from climbing the ceilings.

Slowly you made your way down, jumping the last metre or so and landing softly on the cobblestone below. You pulled your hood and made your way around the side of the church, wanting to get away before evening prayer ended. You skirted the edge of the cathedral wanting to avoid any knights, if they caught you it would be finished before it even started. 

This was dangerous, stupid you scolded yourself internally but it was worth it, you wanted to enjoy your last few hours here. You descended the stairs and made your way into the crowd below, content to become another face. 

You grinned to yourself you had made it out. Wandering around you came to a food stall, pulling out a few mora you had nicked from the donation bowl you exchanged it for a glass of dandelion wine. Relishing the sweet taste and the slight burn of the alcohol you made your way further down the city. The people and chaos increased as you went down the stairs. 

You had missed Ludi. You missed the dances and sneaking away with a random person to the alleys just to spite The Church. 

A bright flash of ginger hair out of the corner of your eye caught your attention. You turned around, fingers at the edge of your hood ready to pull it down. Your eyes met his, and he smiled, approaching you. 

“Fancy seeing you here Y/N” he teased, head tilting down to look at you

“Likewise Harbinger” you pulled down your hood to reveal your face, still walking down the stairs to the heart of the festival, you could almost hear the music over the crowd. 

“Enjoying the festivities?” He walked with you, not bothering to question how you got out in the first place

“Might as well before I leave forever, despite my hatred of this place it is where I was raised” you shrugged weaving effortlessly around people

“Have you found him?” You questioned, Childe gave you a short nod 

“Yes, he wasn’t too hard to track down once enough alcohol was involved” he laughed a little

Your eyebrows shot up a little So he was real after all

“Then I take if you're enjoying Ludi as well” You looked him up and down, his usual red scarf and jacket were missing a slight flush was gracing his cheeks

“Is it hot here?” you eyed him, laughter tracing the edge of your voice

“Compared to Snezhnaya, yes, but the crowd and warm winds haven’t been helping. I suppose Liyue will be worse” 

“Liyue?”

“Were headed to Liyue after we leave here” 

“Nice to know where I’m following you to” you smirked. 

He gave you a look, the same look he have you when he was going to do something impulsive “Come”

Without waiting for your response he grabbed your hand and dragged you into the centre of the crowd, towards the dance.

“You know Mondstadt folk dance?” you raise an eyebrow at him 

“How could I not, my question is do you know how to dance” 

“Of course, this was my favourite part of Ludi” You grinned, light dancing in your eyes.

This time you dragged him into the dance, grabbing his hand. You let him swing you in an arc, the two of you followed the steps, you hooked arms with another young woman and danced with her momentarily, moving onto her partner. The hem on your skirt lifting with the movement as he and Childe swapped partners returning you to him. He gave a stomp along with the music along with the others.

You couldn’t help but notice how he moved, similar to how he moved in a fight, fluid and strong and sure. The band began to increase the pace of the song, you fed off the uncontrolled energy of the crowd letting it spur you and Childe on, dancing faster and faster. 

You laughed along with him, this was the first time you had felt free in so long, your hair whipped around you as he grabbed you by the waist and lifted you up. You planted your hands on his shoulders to keep your balance. He turned and placed you back on the ground in unison with everyone else. He grabbed your hand again and raised it above your head to twirl you and then braced his hands on your waist to tip you back turning your face up to feel the warm winds across your cheeks.

He was practically glowing, a large smile plastered across his freckled face red earring catching the last few remnants of sunlight. You clapped your hands along with the song laughing, feeling the strong dandelion wine begin to hit you.  You looked up at him and tilted your head, your limbs felt looser as the wine coursed through your body. 

You glazed to the horizon, and took a sharp breath in. Now that the sun had nearly set, The Sisters would be done with their prayer, preparing to leave for the festival once again. You couldn’t risk being seen, not when you were this close. 

You pulled him in the small amount of wine giving you more confidence than you normally would have, whispering in his ear and you continued to dance “I have to leave, I’ll see you on the roof”

Before he could respond you had left, disappearing into the crowd. You ran back to the cathedral, clambering up the cobblestone wall you launched yourself into the room. Panting you looked up only to see a surprised Marianne looking back at you. Her icy glare freezing you in place instantly sobering you up. 

“Where have you been Y/N” she sighed 

“I-I went out to the festival, Just for a few hours to dance”

“Why? You know you have to stay in the cathedral, The Deaconess deemed that you must stay back” She said, exasperated

“Mari please, it was only for a few hours, I’ve been worked to the bone. I just wanted to dance again” you begged her

“Y/N… You know I have to tell The Deaconess”

“Then tell her tomorrow, enjoy the festival tonight. Let me rest at least” You couldn't let her say a word, that would shatter everything. Why did you leave, why did you think that your action wouldn’t come without consequence 

“I’m worried about you, what if you never came back? What if the Fatui took you again” Her gaze shifted to reveal something more sincere, an expression that had become increasingly rare these last few weeks. 

“Mari I’m fine, Please, go enjoy your night. I’ll be here tomorrow”

“What if you weren't fine? We can’t lose another healer” Her words slammed into you

“Another healer? Is that who I am to you now?” You spat, her words piercing you harder than you thought they would.

“Y/N that's not what I meant, I still care about you” She reached her hand out to you, which was meant to be a familiar gesture. Without thinking you stepped back to avoid her touch wanting to shove any feeling you had for her far underground. 

“What happened to you Mari? What happened to being kind, how can you love The Deaconess after what she did to you”

“Things change Y/N. I still love you but I must follow my duty”

The words you had for her were caught in your throat, you wanted to tell her you loved her too but that would be a lie. You wanted to scream at her and ask her how she could see such kindness in such a cruel figure. You wanted to kiss her like you had so long ago, give into her embrace and try to return to what you were once.

“Marianne…” Her name rotted on your tongue. “Just leave, enjoy the festival. We can talk tomorrow” Against everything in you screaming not to you meet her gaze. The sympathy that had been there just moments ago was gone along with her old self.

Marianne pressed her lips in a thin line “Fine, but you know I’ll have to report you to The Deaconess tomorrow” 

You nodded and sighed “I know, enjoy your night” 

Marianne left the room, shutting the door gently behind her . You of course would be long gone by tomorrow morning. You sat down on the bed you've slept in since you were small. Trying not to cry, she wasn’t worth your tears anymore. 

That was your last conversation with Marianne, someone who had changed into someone you barely knew, someone you could barely look at without seeing the ghost of Barbara. 

You had considered telling her your plan at the start, begging her to run away with you, but now it was too risky. She would report you immediately, your grave would be dug by the end of the day. 

It was going to sting leaving her forever, if you ever saw her again perhaps one day when you were old and withered you would have to apologise for abandoning her. You doubted she would forgive you, in her eyes you were betraying everything you knew. You were turning your back on those who raised, fed and trained you all to join The Fatui, the enemy in her eyes. This was not just stabbing her in the back but slitting her throat as well. 

There was no going back however, this is what you wanted, what you had fought for, bound yourself to a Harbinger for. You sighed, ever since the day you had gotten your vision by healing Marianne’s wounds alone after her lashings. The five festering lines across her back set the hatred you had for The Order in stone.

You could still remember the day so clearly, the bright blue manifesting in front of you, your hands shaking so badly you could barely pick it up. The eye of a god encased in a silver casing, small wings protruding from the sides.  Marianne had looked at you in awe, bandages wrapped tightly around the whole of her torso. That was five years ago, yet the memory still carried the same weight as it had for years. 

Steeling your resolve you grabbed a pack from under your bed and began to pack. Shoving a few items only the essentials in and leaving anything sentimental determined to leave any trace of your life at the cathedral far behind you. You climbed to the roof to wait for Childe.  

You took in the view of the city for the last time, you would miss the place a little but the stars you had spent hours staring at would still be there wherever you were going. You were sure he would tell you his next assignment once you were out of Mondstadt and safely in Liyue. 

[lumifatuizineaccount]

Interest Check is Live!

Did you hear? Tonight our first act has fully begun! Our interest check is live, now playing if you're brave enough to look. Tell us your twisted dreams and darkest fears, we'll be sure to take note.

[silentmoths]

soooo, genshin men with an s/o who has that intense. blanked face and unblinking serial killer stare but in actuality they're actually a nice and dare i say funny person on the inside who's VERY socially awkward and quiet. the embodiment of "i want to friend but i don't know how to friend pls help".

bonus points if they're smol because that would make it even funnier. like you're afraid of this tiny ass gremlin? what's up with OH MY GOD WHY DO YOU HAVE THAT LOOK ON YOUR FACE-

bonus BONUS points if they're touch starved because the pandemic fucked us up and we all need a hug.

how dare you know me so well that I couldn't resist, because I too am a resting blank face, touch starved bitch lmao. lessgo~

Ft: Diluc, Zhongli and Childe (I would have done more but it's been a very long day)

I may have also had a fair bit to drink at the work party so forgive any horrible spelling mistakes screams

Diluc

¤ He found your lack of expression somewhat refreshing actually, it meant that when you did actually crack a smile, it was genuine, and there was always a great pride swelling in his chest whenever he manages it.

¤ He doesn't mind that you're not social, heck, neither is he, two birds of a feather, with equally terrible, sometimes dry humor.

¤ your similar sense of humor actually came as quite a shock, the first time you cracked a joke, he very nearly missed it, until he did a double take, replaying what you'd just said in your head and ends up half leaning on the counter trying not to wheeze.

¤ Not to mention, your thousand-yard stare could dissuade just about anyone, and he was always greatful that you were able to pick up on when Diluc wanted someone to leave him alone, and would activate said stare.

¤ However his favorite moments are always those in private, after a long day's work, his favorite thing was you pushing your face into his chest, whether it be when you're lying in bed together, or if he's stuck staying up late in his office looking over documents; you'd either lay beside him, or he'd shift his chair out just a little to make space for you to clamber into his lap and rest your chin on his shoulder, either way it always ended with you dozing happily with one of his arms wrapped around you.

Zhongli

¤ He won't lie to himself, at first he thought your stare was somewhat unnerving, even to his 6000 year old ass, but the longer he'd spent around you, the more endearing he found it.

¤ this dude is the smooth motherfucker who can tell your mood simply from the way you stare, the subtle crease of your brow or the faintest squint, to anyone else you're fucking horrifying sometimes, but he could take one look and discern that no, you were not angry, you were hungry and wanted a hug.

¤ In a way, he's somewhat glad for it. Being able to understand your needs likely before even you realised you needed them was a blessing, a silent communication that mean't he could be a steadfast and attentive partner, even if at times you told him it was eerie how easily he could discern your face.

¤ He would also never admit it to anyone but you, but your deadpan delivery of the occasional joke you did crack was amazing. Especially whenever you did it near Hu-Tao, the directors confused and somewhat shocked face always filled the archon with an unspeakable sense of satisfaction

¤ It came as a shock when he realised just how much affection you craved, if it wasn't for busy work schedules between you both, he's sure you'd spend the entire day clinging onto him, which he certainly wouldn't mind...especially when he got to watch your expression melt into something truly content, yes that was definitely his favorite part.

Childe

¤ This idiot LOVES the face honestly. Relishes it, in some aspects he makes it his life's damn goal to try and make you crack a smile wiht every interaction, but he feels like it's a hard won battle when he gets you to wheeze with laughter.

¤ He also likes to take you along with him on 'debt collections' because if a fatui harbinger wasnt scary enough, the bitch behind him staring at them with death in their eyes sure fuckn was.

¤ He know's it's not your favorite thing to do, but on particular collections where the bank has specified no killing, he really did appreciate having you there.

¤ and he pays back in your favorite ways; fingers running softly through your hair, a hand resting on your waist, effectionate nuzzles into your skin, all the good shit.

¤ one of his favorite passtimes is staring contests, mostly unknowing staring contests. however these almost always end with one of you breaking and snickering or wheezing. honestly you're both hopeless.

[jayeeintheclouds-inactive]

Who’s your favourite parent?

istg my friends still have no idea at all that this blog exists and i’m running it they’re gonna be so mad at me lmao

Notes: past zhongchi, reader is zhongchi’s love child, platonic! zhongchi x reader, adeptus reader, reader used to be mortal, angst, implied dead childe, reader is called princess once but generally gn reader

Summary: You love to reminisce about childhood games, all except one, one that you absolutely despise. One that takes a father away from you, no matter what option.

Baba: Father in Chinese

“(Y/NNNN), who’s your favourite parent? Me or Baba?”

You cocked your head to one side and pretended to think for a while, even though you already had an answer in mind.

“Baba, of course,” you say cheekily, and watch in amusement as your father’s face morphed into an offended expression. “Want me to list the 100 reasons why?”

Your father grumbles. “For an 8 year old kid, you sure are incredibly cheeky. Xiao must have rubbed off on you. I’ll tell Zhongli to stop letting Xiao babysit you.”

You tug on his hair. “That’s reason number one.”

“Hey!”

“I can’t believe you forgot that I’m 10. That’s reason number two,” You huff your baby cheeks and turn away. Childe snorts.

“Okaaay, I’m sorry, princess. How can I make it up to you?” He smiles, and carries you in his arms. You are way too big to be carried anymore, but he doesn’t care, and neither do you.

“Listen to my speech about why Baba is my favourite father then.”

Childe frowns immediately, and childishly throws you out of his arms. He only does so because he knows that you’ll land in his husband’s arms safely, and you do, letting out an “oomf!” as you fall in your other father’s strong but soft arms.

Zhongli sighs, and stares disappointedly at a pouting Childe - he sometimes can’t tell who is the real child between the both of you. “Please refrain from throwing our kid, Childe. (Y/N) could have gotten injured real badly.”

“Yeah! That!” You find your way and sit up in Zhongli’s arms, pointing at Childe accusingly. “You don’t take good care of me, but Baba does. That’s reason number three.”

You and Zhongli watch smugly as Childe glares at the both of you, getting more and more offended by the second. How dare his husband and his child gang up on him? Simply outrageous. Have they forgotten that he is Tartaglia, 11th of the Eleven Fatui Harbing-

You interrupt his internal monologue. “You’re doing that monologue again, aren’t you?” You deadpan. Dang it, he thinks, but he won’t admit defeat just yet.

“If I agree to let you sit on my hair while I’m in my Foul Legacy form, will you make me your favourite father?”

You perk up, almost convinced. It is Childe’s turn to look smug.

“Childe,” Zhongli warns him, but he too leans down to your ear and whispers, “If I turn into dragon form and let you ride on my back, will I remain your favourite father?”

Your eyes light up in excitement, bringing a playful smirk to Zhongli’s face - a side that you and Childe see for the first time.

“Don’t listen to him!” Childe whines, “I’ll even create my hydro whale for you to play with it!”

“You’ll get wet playing with that useless whale. I’ll let you play with my mini meteor,” Zhongli counters.

“Okay, fine! I’ll buy whatever you like. Just name it, and it’ll be in front of you in a minute!”

“I’ll buy twice of whatever you like.”

“With Dad’s money?” You ask.

“With Dad’s money,” Zhongli confirms smugly. You’ve never seen a more offended face on Childe before.

You start laughing, and Zhongli slowly joins in too, bouncing you up and down while you are still seated comfortably in his arms. Childe puts on a prideful face at first, and refuses to crack a smile, but it isn’t long before he joins in the merry laughter.

“Alright, alright,” Childe concedes defeat, “I can see why Zhongli is your favourite parent now. There is a reason why I fell for him after all.” He executes a wink after that statement, successfully bringing a blush to Zhongli’s face.

You giggle when Childe takes you from Zhongli’s arms into his own, careful not to drop you. “Don’t worry, Dad, even if Baba is number one in my heart, you’ll always be second.”

Childe pouts. “Only second? I don’t like the sound of that.”

You wish you had listened when your father said that.

It has been so many years. Your other father has made you an adeptus, as per your request, and you have taken a liking to harnessing new powers and staying with your father and adeptus friends together for a long time.

But at what cost? Your other father is dead.

You want to hate them, but you can’t. You want to hate them for falling in love even though one is a mortal and the other a powerful god, you want to hate them for making you choose between the both of them, and you want to hate them for leaving you in either choice. But you cannot find it in yourself to hate them.

If you had chosen to remain mortal with your Snezhnayan father, you and he would die eventually, leaving your other father all alone and grieving for the both of you. If you chose to become an adeptus instead, you and Zhongli would live together for eternity, but you both would have to watch your ginger-haired father die. Either way, you’d have to go through the pain of leaving one of your fathers.

It was a hard decision, but could anyone blame you?

You hated the fact that you saw understanding and love in Childe’s eyes when you chose to become immortal with Zhongli. You don’t think you deserved any of it, especially when you had just basically wished him a lonely death. You couldn’t look at your father in the eye when he stroked your hand and looked at you with the softest gaze, just moments before his soul completely left his body on the deathbed.

You wish he hadn’t taken the fact that he’d always be your second favourite person to heart. You hope he never forgives you for leaving him to die alone, even though you know he would forgive you no matter what. Because you are his child, and he loves you.

And you hate that. You wish he would just not forgive you for leaving him all alone in death, as it would make the guilt eating your heart less painful.

You wipe away a tear that is rolling down your cheek, and muster a smile in front of Childe’s grave. The stone is cracked and looks like it could crumble into pieces any moment soon. You make a mental note to change it with Zhongli.

Gently, you place a bowl of Calla Lily Seafood Soup in front of the stone, and make sure to sweep away any leaves on the ground.

Out of childish, playful spite, you snicker lightly as you place chopsticks on the rim of the bowl.

The smile that is on your face disappears quickly, and you are frowning again, despite your efforts not to.

“Dad,” You softly mutter, receiving no response, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I didn’t want you to die alone. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Come back. I’m sorry.”

The more you mutter, the more you feel yourself losing your composure. It’s not long before you break and start wailing, the salty tears dropping into the soup meant for him. You don’t notice.

“I’m sorry,” You continue to apologise tearfully.

You hear the wind picking up a bit, and a small sound is heard next to your ear.

It was my choice, the wind says, and caresses your cheek. You wail louder.

[avemstella]

I might edit the bios later, I went over them way too many times debating what to include etc and I just needed to post it or I never would lol. This was supposed to be simple, as u can tell I am not actually capable of such a task pfft

Oh yeah don't read this before chap 29

text typed out below (sorry meant to do this earlier)

Pierro the Jester #1 Cursed during the cataclysm for being Khaenri'ahian. Had ambitions to be a Sage (aka an elected politician) but was unable to achieve it for unknown reasons. Tutored Skirk at some point. In charge of the Harbs and recruited most personally. Colombina is his favorite and he is not afraid to show it. Pyro Delusion. Real name is Loge who is a Loki reference in the Wagner plays.

Capitano the Storm #2 Harbs resident Uber Driver. In charge of the Fatui Navy. Pyro Delusion that stings when he uses it, he likes the reminder. Before joining the Fatui he was from Fontaine and was part of their navy. So he's a bit of a stick in the mud for rules. However when his wife and young daughter died he became a total alcoholic drunk/suicidal. Weapon: Pistol. In his 50s

Pantalone the ??? #3 Money guy and unwilling Palace remodeler. Originally from Perežitok aka fake Siberia. Recruited covered in blood, Married to Signora to avoid gold diggers. They hate each other. Comes off emotionless and has a hard time feeling. But Scara claims under the surface he's filled with wrath. Hates Rich people

Colombina the ??? # 4 Makes the Delusions. Has uncontrollable fire powers, so has a Cryo Delusion. Gardens to calm down. Incredibly moody especially in the winter and has no filter. Burnt down the Palace and Dottore because she hates him. Not born in Snezhnaya. Names birds for dead people. B-day 4/4 because she doesn't know her real one, she doesn't understand time at all. Age Unknown, Loves pigeons.

Pulcinella the Rooster #5 Plans dude, in bureaucracy hell. Hydro Delusion though not a healer despite his desires. For some reason has a messy love life, Nika Volkov wants to marry him and is dating Sandy. Sort of adopts Childe at age 24, he joined the Fatui at age 14 himself by lying he was 16. Gets along well with Scara when Scara isn't self destructing. Grew up on a farm. Likes knives.

Scara the Balladeer #6 Only one whose backstory I mostly got right, so canon. Ignore the Dottore in said backstory lol, also he was created 400 years ago, woke up only 250 years ago. Electro Delusion that backfires on him constantly. Otherwise Catalyst healer. Likes kids so isn't the worst to Ajax, also views Bina as one too, is she one who knows? Dottore has promised to make him a god.

Dottore the Professor #7 Is not a clone, probably. Found in the Sumeru dessert under recommendation. Went to school with young Lisa. Currently 25ish. Causes problems for fun, especially for Scara. Was almost murdered by Bina for wanting to dissect her and other personal reasons. Hydro Delusion. Hand Constellation not Jesus[sidebar, what a line, without context is gibberish lol, I laughed writing this]. Travels about to avoid Bina. Involved in Crepus's death.

Signora the Fair Lady #8 Haven't really gotten into her job yet but its diplomacy/gnosis and some other spoilerly stuff. Cryo Delusion Catalyst canon. Not the Crimson Witch, maybe that will mean she'll live. Though is from Mondstadt and rich. Avoids family and married Pant. Currently has eyes, shame if something were to happen. Tbh she plays a much bigger role later in the fic so not too much to say here that's not a spoiler.

Sandrone the Strings #9 Human Resources, Adventurer's Guild, helps with graduation, takes on too much work because he's a zealot for the Tsaritsa. Also simps for Nella his bf. Born to Snezhnayan wealth and has known several harbs since he was young, not Nella though. Joined the Fatui at 18. Has messy feelings about Ajax and hates the Moth. Dendro Delusion Bow.

??? the Moth #10 The assassin and other under the table duties. Currently large betting pool for when Childe figures out her actual title, she is very dedicated to that bet. Mute and uses signs. Has a lot of snake imagery. Geo Delusion Bow. Has scars she hides. Also plays a larger role later so not much to say lol.

Skirk of the Abyss Did u think this was going to be Childe? he needs no introduction. Double Cursed Khaenri'ahian which allows her to not turn monstery, fights to protect the last city and her people. Was disowned from a high ranking family, used said family to steal the Imunlaukr King's sword before cataclysm. Terrible friends with Kaeya's parents.

Dantalion aka Tsaritsa and Hiyoko Volkov The Tsar is still grieving her dead spouse the last dendro god. She chooses the Harbs titles. Is a recluse after getting almost assassinated too many times. Hiyoko is one of the few to get her out of the Palace. Hiyoko is Kokomi's older cousin and probably killed her husband with her shiny new Cryo Vision. Wants her son Nika to marry Nella

[avemstella]

Why do the Harbingers have 2 different titles?

Ok, so this is based on a conversation I was having in a Discord, but I honestly have thoughts and felt like some people might be interested so fuck it.

So I mentioned offhandedly in my fic that I find the Harbinger canon code names kind of boring, but I didn't really go into why. So here's my rambling, I guess, critique (though don't take this too seriously) of why they are really weird to me and feel kind of pointless.

so there's a joke, that I often take part in, how several characters in genshin have too many names, but in a lot of cases the names serve different functions. For example the archons having 3 names serve a purpose: their demon 'true' name (or possibly the name gifted to them by celestia...), their title that's used as a sign of respect (ex rex lapis by the people of liyue), and their 'human' name. Each one is used in different places and reflects the relationship between the archon and the other character.

For example all the archons call each other by their demon names, while a character like Keqing calls Morax "Rex Lapis" but calls Barbatos a god not her own a distant "anemo archon." On Venti, the fact that Venti lacks a title like the other archons and everyone just calls him Barbatos tells us something about his relationship with his people etc. And even beyond the archons, characters with important last names get highlighted as their relationship with their clan (ex kazuha, a bunch of the inazuma characters tbh, or even Mond's like Jean) are very important to them.

But with the Harbingers' code names versus Commedia names, they don't tell us anything new. In most cases they are just translations of their Commedia ones (the most egregious in english being Capitano the Captain, but also Signora the fair lady etc). Or if they aren't exact translations the code names have something to do with the trope. For example Sandrone the word doesn't translate into Marionette, but the trope is literally a puppet. Similarly Pantalone with Regrater, his name means pants but the trope is a money hungry merchant so that lines up. Basically the code names don't tell us anything that the Commedia titles already don't. Also, the sort of exception to this Childe/young lord versus Tartaglia which means stutterer is just so generic (Columbina also sort of falls into this category, with the even more generic code name in the original chinese of "girl").

However, there are ways to make the code names interesting without their meanings being so. As I mentioned above, the Archons' titles were made interesting not really because of what they meant but their usage. How they tell us about the relationship between the Archon and the one who uses it. Or, as I do in my fic, the one who granted the title. In my fic the commedia names are the titles given to them by the Tsaritsa versus the code names are the names they gave themselves. It gives them distinct different purposes that each tell a story.

So what does canon do to separate the two names? Absolutely nothing. There is no consistency with their usage at all. Like maybe one can argue that one is used by outsiders and the other is used internally. And that would make a degree of sense. All of Childe's Harb voicelines use their code names (in the voiceline title not in the dialogue), Scara calls Pierro the Jester, so does Dottore. But then Scara also calls Dottore well Dottore. And Capitano used Dottore and Scaramouche during the funeral. But Columbina used the Doctor. Then during Zhongli's gnosis hand off Signora calls Childe by his code name but he calls her by her Commedia name in the same scene.

Then lets look at outsiders. Raiden Shogun calls Signora by her Commedia name at the throne room scene, but later in that quest Yae Miko calls Scaramouche only the Balladeer. The Traveler and Paimon seem to flip flop depending on who they are talking about and when. Varka calls Capitano the Captain while singing his praises.

The argument that one name signifies someone is closer to the other falls apart when outsiders also use both names. Unless the voiceline titles are lies, we have Tartaglia calling all the Harbs by their code names, despite the fact that he closer to for example Pulcinella then Signora. And we have Signora using his code name at him to be almost disrespectful while we have Dottore being respectful to Pierro while calling him the Jester... (we also have Scaramouche complaining about Pierro while calling him Jester).

Basically what I'm saying is there isn't remotely any consistency with the name usage of the Harbs names (beyond using their real ones) that tells us anything about them/world building/etc. Or if there is one the game is doing a bad job at clarifying it. And because the code names themselves are pretty generic and don't add anything that isn't already in the Commedia name, why are they even there? I hope one day more information changes my opinion on this, but for the moment they are just unnecessarily confusing.