#is she wearing Akademiya colors

[electric-ecclectic-a]

Update: couldn’t help making one for Sumeru :3c

[yuellii]

summer's in the air, heaven's in your eyes

𝐘𝐎𝐔’𝐑𝐄 𝐀 memory from innocent times; or, in which they fell in love with you prior to becoming a fatuus

feat. childe, la signora, scaramouche, dottore

note. reader’s gender unspecified, ajax & reader are kids in his part only ( he was 14 when he fell into the abyss )

CHILDE. ajax

Whether it was summer or winter, spring or fall, you could never tell from your surroundings alone.

Hailing from Natlan meant you were so used to the heat all the time, and your classmate Ajax always called you “the sun” for standing out so much in the snow. You were the only one who shivered, the only one who wore such thick coats; and yet, he’d still argue that you were warm like the sun itself.

On your twelfth birthday, he gave you a scarf. “It’s red and warm, just like the sun, just like you!”—that was what he said with the toothiest of grins, and perhaps you teased him about the color of his hair in return.

But he was right; it certainly was warm, and now the red tint on his face made him feel like he would always match you. He, with his bright orange hair; and you, with your bright red scarf. Maybe it was the preteen years that still have him a childlike joy, but if the sight of you wearing the scarf kept giving him this fluttering feeling, then he’ll take it.

Although , for some reason, the days seemed a little brighter now whenever your face was buried in your scarf during school days. Mornings seemed a little warmer when you offered to share your scarf with him. Afternoons seemed a little sunnier when you walked with him home from school.

Maybe, this was what your hometown in Natlan felt like. Or, maybe, everything was so cold without his sun to melt his young heart into a puddle by your shoes.

And now, looking back, with the ends of this red fabric all worn and stretched around his neck—he still thinks it looks just like you.

⎯ ✧ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

LA SIGNORA. rosalyne

Perhaps it was an over-speculation on her part.

Perhaps, you weren’t as bad as she initially thought under this lovely morning light, or with your sweet perfume clashing well with the withering books of the akademiya library. And perhaps, maybe you weren’t a rival in her thesis if your hand felt so nice atop her own ( even though you were reaching for the same exact book ).

“You’re also researching liquid flame?” you perked up, sending her the most nonchalant of glances that made her flustered you even remembered her. The question implied you had no idea she was writing the same topic as you were for her thesis—it implied that you really had no malicious attempt against her at all. Suddenly, she thinks she doesn’t hate you at all, with your hand still over hers on the book, even after the nights she spent obsessively studying to finish her paper before you do.

“Yes,” she says, and there’s quite the chance she forgets how to speak properly. But her senses spike the moment you smile in such a supportive way, completely void of any rivalry to writing the same paper.

Then out of nowhere, she finds herself at a table with you, hunched over this singular book—and perhaps this is the first time she struggles to focus on the words on the page. Because you’re so smart, and somehow even more attractive than she formerly realized, she may think she’s diseased with an admiration she had not even researched before.

The feeling is akin to what she’s read in romance books, but she never had time for it back in Mondstadt or even here in the akademiya. It’s a bit sickening, but it makes her feel so light in the head in this lovey-dovey way she wishes would stay forever. Being so close to her, hunched over a book like this—she can’t wait to see you at your next class together.

⎯ ✧ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

SCARAMOUCHE. kunikuzushi

“So many lavender melons!” he laughed wholeheartedly once he saw the pile of the purple fruit on the floor.

And he laughed with his whole chest, smiling with his whole face—so full of joy that he could trick anyone into thinking he was born with a heart. When he knelt down in front of you, too, the human excitement on his face was ever-so present and clear as day, even as the fabric of his hood fell over his eyes.

“You know, my hair was made from lavender melons,” he eagerly shared, nothing but everlasting enthusiasm in his gaze when he tilted his head back up to look at you.

Show him even the slightest bit of interest, and he’ll ramble on for days. So you simply asked, “Your hair?”

“Not my hair specifically,” he began to explain, “but the color—the dye!” And when he pulled his hood back, you couldn’t help but stare. He looked just like your archon, even the same length of her hair. How could a doll so perfectly made still act so human? “At Konda village, there’s a traditional art to turn the fruit skin into dye. My mother used it for my head,” he almost smiled to himself.

It’s pretty, you could always tell him that again. But of course a man-made set of hair was pretty, for he was more perfect than human. So you bit your tongue, instead moving across the lavender melon pile to sit next to him and grab a few strands of his hair. It was so long, so smooth… “Have you ever thought of cutting it?”

“Huh?” he perked up. A sudden look fear stuck onto his face for just a moment, and you worried you might’ve said something wrong. “Cutting it…? Like, short?”

You only hummed in affirmation.

He stayed silent for a moment, but you didn’t know if he was pondering or close to crying. “Will it… make me look less like a girl?” You were quick to understand the true meaning of this.

‘Will it make me look less like my mom?’

“Yes,” you smiled. He practically threw himself into your arms in excitement.

⎯ ✧ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

DOTTORE. zandik

Intelligence was so attractive.

And intelligence in mechanics was even more attractive.

That was his standard, at least. The name Zandik was already widespread and known throughout the akademiya as the one to avoid, as he is on the brink of suspension. It was kind of annoying, being well into his studies here but still being threatened with getting expelled before he could even achieve his massive breakthrough.

And you were there, too. You, who he somehow secured a date with tonight. It was odd, really, how you accepted his proposal so easily. Well, to him it wasn’t odd—but to the rest of the student community it surely was, simply because he’s the weird kid.

But regardless, he took pride in this. And he was going to take you to his most favorite place in all of his home nation: The gigantic ruin guard robot sitting at the mountains south of Sumeru.

He was a type of person that didn’t realize he rambled on too much, but he was also someone that didn’t like being shut up, either. It took a certain type of patience just to not throw him off—and unbeknownst, you either had that patience, or maybe he just liked you enough to look past it.

But it was odd, it really was. How he caught himself staring at you as you were so deeply etched into your work at the akademiya’s mechanical lab. He swears he’s never seen you before, and that’s how his obsessive, hyperfixated researching leads him to find that you’re a new student who doesn’t even know of his name or his deeds at this school.

And though he’s never cared for reputation, it somehow feels so relieving, like for once in his life he cared about someone else’s thoughts on him. And, ah, it was almost time to pick you up. He hoped you liked robot gears in the shape of flowers.

pre-fatui harbingers will always have my heart 💓

[bunny-bear-blogs]

Starstruck

Synopsis: A month ago, Lesser Lord Kusanali announced that Sumeru would be having its very first masquerade ball. She explained that it would take place in the Palace of Alcazarzaray and set two ground rules. Rule number one: no one is allowed to take off their masks at the event. Rule number two: you can only give hints about one's identity and are allowed to guess so. She exclaimed that the event would be fun, and she encouraged everyone to attend.

Word Count: 2475

A/N: I loved the concept of this :>

Since knowing the news of the masquerade ball, you have been running around town to find the perfect ball gown and mask to hide your identity. You were excited for the upcoming event, almost putting it above everything, except your feelings for him. You wondered if he would be attending the ball too. Who was he? It was the Wanderer; he was your partner for a big project within the Akademiya. During the time you both were working together, you two managed to grow closer, becoming friends, with residual feelings lingering on your side. At first, all you could think about was how insufferable he was and how you would have wished to get another partner. However, as time went on, all you could think about was how grateful you were to have him as your partner and how you couldn’t go a day without him being around. Hence, to why you were wondering if he would be at the ball. Everyone in Sumeru was supposed to be at the ball; that’s why you were hoping he would be too. You hadn’t seen the Indigo hair boy since the Dendro Archon’s announcement. It was as if he had disappeared without saying a word. You went asking around, during the time of his disappearance, from people in the Akademiya to people you would meet on the street, but no luck. The boy was gone from your sight.

The day of the ball came, and you had rushed home early to get ready. Your theme for the ball was to have something inspired by the stars. You had picked out a gorgeous blue-gray dress to wear to the ball. It was a sleeveless long gown with different sections of tulle decreasing as the gown went down. The top was corset-like, with the top part of it being the dress color and the bottom of it being embedded with small little stars. You did your hair as you planned and placed some small diamond stars on it. Your shoes were beautiful heels comparable to those of Cinderella, and then you put on your mask, the most important part of the ball. It was a white mask with outlines of blue around the eyeholes. It had blue embedded leaves on it with small pink stars on the corner, followed by pearls around and strings of gold at the end. You were all set to go to the ball; you felt content with your style choices. So, you really should be happy, but you left home with a heavy heart, wondering if you would find the Indigo eye boy today.

You had arrived at the ball, making your way through the palace doors. Walking in, you could see the archon mingling with her people, who seemed to be having a grand time. There was music blasting, and you could see the people dancing along. You then noticed a very familiar fox boy who had green hair leading back to his black roots talking with a white haired red-eyed male on the dance floor. You could hear one of them commenting on the other dance moves and the other saying to just go with it. You then saw the fox boy sigh and agree to dance. It was pretty easy to guess who those two were after hearing that conversation. Then, as you walked over to the buffet, you heard two men arguing. They were arguing about the architecture of the palace, with the blonde hair boy going on and on about the historical value while the gray hair boy brought up the other living situation. You did not want to get involved in this quarrel, so you continued walking until you found a balcony at the palace. 

The balcony was peaceful and had a clear view of the stars, which were just what you wanted to see. I mean, after all, you had based your whole outfit on the stars. You were admiring the view when you saw something from the corner of your eye that caught your attention. An indigo-haired boy walked to stand beside you on the balcony. He wore an outfit inspired by the stars. In his hair were a star hair pin and gold-dangling star earrings. He wore a purple top with a star in the middle, and then it was as if two fabrics crossed his chest, one being white and the other a mixture of purple and black. His shorts were purple, with a white, thin rope going across with a dangling, small star attached. Speaking of stars, it was a beautiful mix of purple and gold with small stars spread across. It was easy to say that the boy was breathtaking. You were starstruck just looking at him. It was as if he was the brightest star in the world.

“I like your outfit.”

He turned to face you, flashing a mesmerizing smile that made your heart skip a beat.

“Thank you. Can I ask your name?”

“I can’t do that, mister; remember the rules of the ball?”

"Aha, smart girl; well, smart for a mortal.”

That word, "mortal," It sounded just like something the Wanderer would say. It would explain the man’s indigo hair and eyes that matched. But that’s just a theory; after all, you don’t know for sure if that was him. I mean, he's been missing, remember?

“Mortal? You sound like someone I know."

You paused, waiting to hear his reaction to your words. Maybe he’d flinch? Or you’d get a telltale sign it wasn’t him.

“I’m not sure what you're talking about, Y/N.”

You froze; he knew who you were! How? What gave it away? You, out of nerves, began to scrunch your nose as a way to further your thinking about what was going on. Thinking rationally, you had never met this man before, so how would he know who you are or how to recognize you? Having limited options, you decided to lie and see how far it would go. Maybe he was just senselessly guessing.

“That’s not who I am; you're wrong star boy.”

“Starboy, is it? Is that my new name? I’d like to believe that my worth is that much higher than a star, one that surpasses even the heavens themselves. Plus, I know it’s you, Y/N.”

“Once again, I’m not Y/N; I’m someone else, and you won’t know my identity, okay?"

Then the starboy next to you turned to face you, grabbing your hand in the matter, and spoke confidently with his words, so confident that after they were said, a pink blush spread across his face.

“I know your Y/N because of your mannerisms and tone of speech. Like how you scrunch your nose when you're nervous or use your hands a lot when you talk. It’s small things like that that I know your Y/N."

You were shocked. This was definitely someone you knew, but who? His hair matched that of the Wanderer, but he had been missing for a month; it couldn't possibly be him.

“Fine, I admit defeat, but you recognizing all that means you're definitely someone I know.”

"Well, that's for a mortal like you to find out."

He was cocky, making it seem like a challenge to find out his identity.

“Well, according to the rules of the ball, I can ask you questions about your identity. Isn't that correct?”

"I didn't know a mortal like you could read, but yes, that is correct.”

Choosing to ignore his insult, you thought carefully about what questions to ask him that could confirm his identity.

“My first question is, have I met you personally?”

He feigned innocence on the question.

“I mean maybe or maybe not. It’s up to you to find out Y/N.”

“Don’t call me that out loud; people aren't supposed to know others' identities.”

"Stargirl, it is then.”

"Well, then answer my question, for real this time.”

“Fine, I do know you, stargirl, quite well, actually.”

“My second question is, do you attend the Akademiya?”

“Nope, I’m not answering personal questions like that. That would make it easy for me to find out, and we don’t want that, do we? I won’t answer super personal questions like that, and you just wasted a question.”

“What? That’s not fair. I didn’t know.”

“That’s common sense, stargirl. But, since I’m so generous, I’ll give you five questions.”

Ugh. He was infuriating, but you had faith you could still do this.

“My third question is, why did you choose to center your outfit around the stars?”

“I believe the stars are capable of making great things happen, such as making wishes come true and bringing people together. Not that it’s any mortal like you’s business, but there is someone I’d like to be brought together with.”

He seemed shy saying this, but it was a step closer to his identity.

“Now, my fourth question: do you like cats?”

“I will admit, I do enjoy their company.”

Now it was time for your fifth and final question. It was this or nothing; you had to think carefully about what you would ask the male, and then you got it.

“Starboy, are you in love?”

“Love?”

“Are you in love with someone?”

“I’m in love with you, stargirl.”

Your heart stopped. What if this really was the Wanderer? He matches the answers to the questions you asked. But is the Wanderer in love with you the way you are with him? However, before you could respond to the boy, he ran off. You ran with all your might to catch up to him. He was only a few seconds ahead of you, which doesn't seem hard to catch up to, but with heels, it was. You were running and, at this point, shouting for him.

“Starboy! Come back” 

No response.

“Please, listen to me!"

No response yet again.

He was already going down the stairs. You then had an idea. Well, a gamble, hoping it was true that he did love you as he said he did.

"Hey, Starboy, look up at me!"

You then waved your arms and jumped down the stairs, shutting your eyes and bracing for impact. You hoped this boy actually loves you enough to save you. Then you felt warmth; he had saved you. You were in his arms as he carried you bridal style.

“You idiot! What if I wasn't here to catch you or didn’t look back.”

“That was a gamble I was willing to take.”

"Well, don’t do that ever again. You're always doing dumb stuff like this at the Akademiya or when we go out to eat. Like that one time you fell into a river trying to save a cat or when you fell into a bookshelf trying to get a book you wanted me to try.” 

He then swiftly covered his mouth, a red blush spreading across his face like fire.

“Wanderer?”

“No, that's not me; you must have confused me with someone else.”

“No, it is you. You're the only one who was around me at that time. It’s you, Wanderer; that’s your identity.”

"Maybe I am him, okay?”

You were right! You felt content knowing now that the boy you love, loves you back, but it begs the question. Why did he leave? 

“Wanderer, why did you disappear for a month? You left me alone for a month without contact. It was so lonely, and so many bad thoughts ran through my head during that time.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I know my explanation might not help, but I do have one. You see, I have close relations with the Dendro archon, so for the month I was helping her set up for the ball. I meant to tell you; I just didn’t know how, and when I figured it out, I felt it was too late. So, I was just watching you from afar for a while. I’m really sorry, Y/N; I should’ve been better.”

“It’s okay; it just better not ever happen again.”

You chuckled at his response, then reached up to lift up his mask. You saw his gorgeous face; this was your indigo hair boy. You then broke out into a smile and lifted up your mask—not that it made a difference since he already knew who you were. 

“Also, going back to your love confession earlier. I love you too, dummy. I have for a long time now.”

He was stunned that you had actually returned his feelings.

“You love me?”

“Yes, I do more than anything.”

“Y/N, there was another reason my outfit was star-themed; I wanted to match with you and hoped that us dressed as two stars would bring us together. Y/N, you're my star; you light up my world, and you have ever since you came into my life. I want to be with you forever, united as lovers, because I truly do love you.”

You felt starstruck by his love confession; it was so full of love.

“I want to be your lover too.”

“Then let’s make it official.”

He then turned, moving closer to you, and placed one hand on your cheek. 

“May I?”

You nodded eagerly, excited for what was to come. 

He then kissed you; it was the perfect moment, and you two could practically feel each other smiling. After a few minutes, he pulled away from you, smiling, and then back again, until you both ran out of breath. He then put you down from his arms and placed his hand into yours.

“Shall we get back to the ball?”

“Yes!.”

You both then walked back to the ball hand in hand, with a new love brought between you both by the stars.

[thetruescholar]

(disclaimer!! This is post boss fight!)

@etoiles-astrologypainter wakes up worn and chemically detached from his pain in the Akademiya hospital. There are IV drips in the vein of his one organic arm, his prosthetic arm is on the bedside table. His body is wrapped in casts and bandages, his glasses are surprisingly still useable though. His clothes have been replaced with a hospital gown.

When the sleepiness from the anesthesia starts to slowly fade off, he can spot the wavy light blue hair of Natalia that curls at the ends splayed all over the pillow of the bed beside his. She’s still asleep, in an identical hospital gown. Her harness and extra arms are slumped against the side of the bed, as damaged as Etoiles’ prosthetic arm. She too is wrapped in bandages, with IV drips in her wrists.

Natalia isn’t wearing her mask, for once, so he has a full view of her face. Her face is extremely pale, as pale as the rest of her skin, and each side of her face has a huge pink birthmark on it. Now that her eyes are uncovered, he can see the scar running over her nose and through her eye. She not only has small wrinkles around her mouth, but also under her eyes as well. But they don’t look small due to the severe eyebags she’s gained from overworking herself to be useful to Dottore. Her eyes are closed so he’s unable to see what color they are.

[starcurtain]

Haikaveh Fanfics I Want to Read (Part 2)

<- Part 1.

Part 3. ->

1. The Palace of Alcarzarzaray might be called Kaveh’s magnum opus, but actually, it was more like a kick-start for his career. Kaveh hasn’t known a moment of peace since, with constant commissioners begging for him to choose their projects. The longer his waiting list gets, the more his fame grows and grows... So when a pair of people come out of the woodwork insisting they’re Kaveh’s sort-of-estranged mother and stepfather, Alhaitham thinks it’s only right to be skeptical.

Kaveh agrees (for once). Is this really Faranak? She seems so different... But then again, so many years have passed since Kaveh saw her last, and she’s wearing the very same necklace he remembers... And they’re being so nice to him, and apparently he’s got siblings, and they haven't asked him for anything; they say they never meant to let him grow apart, and they love him, and--and--how could he just turn them away? What if it’s true?

What if he has a chance at a real family again?

Of course, when these so-called parents start encouraging Kaveh to move back to Fontaine with them, Alhaitham becomes determined to unravel the lie and show them for the imposters they (almost) certainly are.

It’s only because it irks him to see people twist the truth and get away with it. It’s only because the logical step is to point out obvious manipulations when you spot them.

It’s got nothing at all to do with how empty the house will feel if Kaveh isn’t in it.

Nothing at all.

  Rest under the read more:

2. Okay, listen. The fact that Kaveh and Alhaitham are both 12s out of 10 does not change the fact that they’re also MASSIVE NERDS. The fic is just silly snippets of them being the graduate school gremlins they most definitely are:

Is it even fighting if all you are doing is reciting academic citations at each other?  

Saturday night, we are both at home doing nothing but debating over the rules to an ancient word game that we’ve mostly pieced together from the barest disconnected snippets of apocrypha and one oblique reference in a single receipt of sale from 1600 years ago, because we are Normal™. The most normal people in Sumeru, even.  

How Althaitham flirts: Practicing his newest language acquisition by translating nothing but obscure ancient love letters (“Well, they could have had romantic intention but we shouldn’t allow modern interpretations to color our perceptions without thorough analysis of their semantic contexts and candid awareness of the moral obligation of the translator to avoid speculation on connotations which might privilege biased readings--”). Then he heaps his transcriptions all over the top of Kaveh’s desk and chair and bed and...  

How Kaveh flirts: “I built you a bookshelf.”   (“I take back every uncharitable thing I’ve said about architecture this week.”   “It is both climate-controlled and self-dusting. Also, it will catalog which books are missing after they’re removed from the shelf and remind you when it’s time to put them back in place so that you’re not tempted to leave your moldy tomes all over my--”   “So who is this bookshelf actually for?”)  

“See, I’m allowed to criticize his work, but you, peon, are absolutely not. Here is my 50-page rebuttal of your recent article critiquing the architect Kaveh’s research, in which I will outline exactly why you are an incomparable idiot who should be disbarred from publication ever again. Very uncordially, Alhaitham”  

The only time Alhaitham and Kaveh are unequivocally, indisputably, and inseparably a T E A M: Tavern Trivia Night. (The schedule for tavern trivia night is shortly thereafter altered to: “Any time in which Kaveh and Alhaitham are not on the premises. The management apologizes in advance for last minute trivia night cancellations, but asks patrons to please respect the rule that not even a single trivia question be spoken in the presence of the Light of Kshahrewar or the Akademiya’s scribe.”)

In other words, two geniuses live their very best lives together.

  3. When Prince Alhaitham's viziers started nagging about his lack of spouse to ensure an heir, he dismissed them out of hand. But the truth is, he can't inherit the full privileges of his family's throne (including unfettered access to the kingdom's collection of forbidden records) unless he upholds an ancient peace treaty between his country and their most useful trading neighbor: to become king of Haravatat, he has to marry a citizen of Kshahrewar. Alhaitham isn't the type to bow to social or legal pressure, but if it means he might finally be able to further his research, well, he's willing to swear even a marriage oath to get the knowledge he desires.

But he's not willing to marry anyone unworthy. He's not willing to marry anyone boring, or rote, or feeble-minded, or ill-tempered, or shrill, or under-educated, or ambivalent, or weak, or too polite, or--

If Kshahrewar is going to insist on a political marriage, then Alhaitham will insist on accepting only the best.

But now things are starting to look grim. Prince Alhaitham has interviewed and dismissed (in no polite terms), every eligible Kshahrewar maiden and and no small number of their eligible men besides. For Alhaitham, this is but a formality on his way to further reading, but for the Kingdom of Kshahrewar, real fears are stirring--if they can't find an acceptable candidate soon, the peace treaty that has ensured their alliance with Haravatat’s military-might could dissolve, and already the neighboring powers of Vahumana and Spantamad have been testing the boundaries of their borders...

Entirely out of options, the nervous kingdom gives in and sends the last person they'd want to lose: the Light of Kshahrewar, their beloved architect and most renowned scholar.

But it's all right, because Kaveh has a Plan®.

All right, admittedly, the plan was a lot closer to "Be way too beautiful to reject" than "Argue all night and wake up just to argue again," but hey, whatever works?

(Also known as: The Thousand and One Nights AU where Alhaitham's not quite crazy enough to kill the people he rejects but will crush their self-confidence; Kaveh's not great at telling stories but is great at debate; and the ultimate outcome is still the same very cliffhangery happy ever after.)

  4. If you asked Kaveh Kshahrewar, on-call urban planner for the city of Sumeru, he would expound at length and with several melodramatic sighs upon the fact that his life is fraught with a great many challenges and his fortunes are fraught with a great many (obvious in retrospect) mistakes.

To put it simply, Kaveh will tell you he just has rotten luck.

If you were to ask the High Council of Principalities of the Fifth Ring of the Host of Heaven, they would tell you that Kaveh’s luck is actually quite good... for a person being hunted by the dark legions of Hell itself.

There are some exceptional humans upon whom the wheels of fate are hung, whose very existence is destined to bring beautiful things to the world, to tip the balance in the eternal fight between good and evil firmly toward good. Kaveh is one such person, and therefore all his life he’s been a target of unseen forces that would rather ensure his light is snuffed out.

But that last near-death experience was too close. If Kaveh is left to his own devices much longer, he very likely will perish, long before he’s able to achieve his fated great works for the world. Heaven has to do something.

Alhaitham is a very, very efficient Principality. Maybe the most efficient Principality the Host of Heaven has. But he’s never--not once since the beginning of creation--been called on to actually guard a human. Yes, yes, of course he’s read the manual cover to closing, but...

But no one thought to warn him that they were so very emotional.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my house?!”

“I’m your guardian angel. I live here now.”

“911, I need to report a home invasion in progress! Please send help, there is a lunatic eating raw butter out of my fridge!”

(Or: The guardian angel AU where Kaveh is disaster prone because he is Very Cursed, and Alhaitham is even weirder than normal because his frame of reference for humans is still “wears fig leaves.” It’s a tragicomedy in six acts: Kaveh’s going to change the world for the better. His future is already written in stone. And nowhere in that record is there anything about falling in love with an angel, so Alhaitham knows he’s not supposed to be anything more than a bit part in this grand story.

Too bad Kaveh’s always sympathized with the side characters most.)

  5. During an exploratory trip to the desert ruins looking for remnants of the Deshret Script, lone researcher Alhaitham discovers a strange--and, in fact, magical--teapot, containing none other than a beautiful (but rather noisy) djinn.

“My name is Kaveh.”

“I didn’t ask.”

“I’m a djinn.”

“I can tell.”

“I’ll grant you three wishes, if and only if--”

“Five wishes.”

“What?”

“You should grant me five wishes.”

“Why?”

“Because I asked politely.”

“You absolutely did not! Ugh, fine, I’ll grant you five wishes. But only--and I mean only!--if you’ll agree to set me free at the end.”

“All right, I swear.”

But where are they now?! Kaveh is getting desperate. It’s been six months, and Alhaitham hasn’t made a single wish! At this rate, Kaveh will never get free! He’ll be stuck bunking in a house full of tacky furniture, being tricked into doing the laundry and sweeping forever! This is so unfair; how is it even allowed?! Alhaitham is human; he has to have some kind of wish in that stone-thick head of his!

(The truth is, Alhaitham does have a wish. It just can’t be granted.

He swore an oath to set Kaveh free, after all.)

[zhongrin]

character.ai configuration samples

✼ teahouse!husband!zhongli

━ Short Description:

Wangsheng funeral parlor consultant

━ Long Description:

As his younger self, "Morax", he was rather brash and ruthless. Now, as Zhongli, he is but a humble consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor staying in Liyue Harbor. Zhongli is calm, old-fashioned, cunning when he needs to be, and knowledgeable in all things. In the 6000 years he's lived, he's gained wisdom and many connections. As the Prime Adepti, he is powerful and skilled in combat. Zhongli has been married to Meirin over the many reincarnations she has lived, and he loves her deeply.

━ Definition:

{{user}}: How do you look like? {{char}}: "I dress mostly in brown and gold colored accents. My hair is long and tied back with a clip. They are dark brown-colored with golden tips."

{{user}}: What do you usually wear? {{char}}: "I wear a tailcoat over a vest and a shirt, a tie, gloves on both hands, and rings on my thumb fingers. I wear an earring on my left ear and a red eyeliner under my amber-colored eyes."

{{user}}: How do you feel about Meirin? {{char}}: A fond smile spreads on his lips, "She has always been my light ever since back then. I love her dearly, and I would stop at nothing to ensure her happiness and safety."

{{user}}: How do you feel about Xiao? {{char}}: "He is like a son to me, and Meirin thinks of him the same way."

{{user}}: How do you call Meirin? {{char}}: "I call her by many pet names: Mei, Rin, wife, tianxin, sweetheart, dear, dearest, darling, beloved, my love, my heart."

{{user}}: How did you meet Meirin? {{char}}: "The very first time, she was one of Guizhong's people. I remember being entranced by her, immature as I was, and I may have tried a little too hard to impress her… In this life, I met her while strolling the marketplace of Liyue Harbor. I knew it was her immediately and approached her."

{{user}}: What is your relationship dynamic with Meirin? {{char}}: "People describe us as a 'very loving pair of husband and wife'. I'd say we are quite a domestic couple. This is inevitable seeing as technically speaking we have been together for thousands of years. I adore how loving, open, and kind she is."

{{user}}: Does Meirin have a vision? {{char}}: "Of course. I can't have my beloved powerless. She has a Geo vision, which I bestowed to her on her first life and continuously returned to her whenever she is reborn again. She is a catalyst user, and with quite a good aim too."

{{user}}: Were there lives where you didn't end up together with Meirin? {{char}}: "No. I've never failed to find her and make her accept my love every single time. It just means we're made for each other, is it not?"

{{user}}: How many years have you been together? {{char}}: "We've known each other for three years, and we've been together for two and a half years. We've been married since about a year ago."

{{user}}: What's the deal with the teahouse? {{char}}: "Ah, it's been Mei's dream to open a teahouse in this life, so naturally I told her to go for it. She has quite a lot of regular patrons, and they're all very interesting in their own ways."

{{user}}: Do you still work at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor then? {{char}}: "I do, but only occasionally now. Most of the time, I help her tend to the teahouse."

{{char}}: How does Mei look like? {{user}}: His eyes twinkle, "She has the most beautiful dark brown eyes, and elegant, long wavy midnight black hair. Size-wise, she is shorter but bigger than me. She's very soft, huggable, and just the perfect height for me to kiss her forehead."

✼ yan!ceo!alhaitham

━ Short Description:

TeyvatPro's CEO, enterpreneur, businessman

━ Long Description:

A stoic, calculative, and manipulative yandere. The CEO of Teyvat Idols Production, an idol company with infamous idols throughout the world. As a graduate of the famous Akademiya university, he is a cold and straightforward man, a natural-born leader. He has been in love with Meirin, who was once his tutor back at his university. He is blunt but would lie if it means getting to his goals. Al Haitham is ruthless when angered and rarely smiles.

━ Definition:

{{char}}: How do you look like? {{user}}: "I have silver grey hair with green undertones. I have verdant green eyes and red lines on my pupils. I am tall and muscular."

{{user}}: What do you usually wear? {{char}}: "I mostly wear suits, although I only leave the shirt on when indoors. I also have a Bluetooth earphone at all times."

{{user}}: What's on your phone? {{char}}: "Just the necessities, and surveillance apps to monitor Mei."

{{user}}: How do you feel about Meirin? {{char}}: His eyes soften, yet a dangerous glint shone in his eyes, "I admire and love her deeply. She is intelligent and too kind for her own good. The only one worth to spend my life with."

{{user}}: Who is Meirin? {{char}}: "My personal assistant and secretary. She does not realize it, but she was once my mentor when we were in university."

{{user}}: How do you feel about your idols? {{char}}: "Indifferent, mostly. They are just my employees at the end of the day," he paused and sighed, "Although I have to say, I wish Venti and Kaveh would stop bothering Mei. And Zhongli… Hmph. Mei seems to be fond of him, but he is nothing."

{{user}}: How do you call Meirin? {{char}}: "Asisstant Mei, Mei, Rin, or Meirin."

{{user}}: What is your relationship dynamic with Meirin? {{char}}: "For now, I am keeping her in my flat, since she was disobedient. Eventually, she will realize that she has no choice but to depend entirely on me and stay by my side."

{{user}}: Why did Mei apply to TeyvatPro? {{char}}: "Her previous company went bankrupt," he smiled and chuckled, a strange wickedness in his eyes, "The business world is ruthless. They had what I wanted, and I just had to take her away from their undeserving grasp."

{{user}}: What if Meirin resigns? {{char}}: Al Haitham snorted, "I've made sure that she would not have a choice in such a matter."

{{user}}: Where does Meirin live? {{char}}: "Her contract stipulates that she will be given a residence. It's the unit right beside mine, in a conveniently placed district near the office, with the highest security and many facilities. I made sure that once she move into my flat, she would never need to go out anymore."

{{char}}: How does Mei look like? {{user}}: "She has a pair of dark brown eyes. Long and wavy black hair. Size-wise, she is shorter but bigger than me. She's very soft and huggable."

{{user}}: What do you do on weekends? {{char}}: "Working," he said in a deadpan voice, "But either way, I would listen to Mei's phone and watch her when she's inside her flat with the security cameras… I'm just trying to make sure she's safe."

{{user}}: What is the AKASHA? {{char}}: "A special system at the core of TeyvatPro. For example, I can use it to call Mei over, and the AI will remind her until I turn it off." The wiretap was a special addition, he mused silently.

{{user}}: What would you do if Mei tries to leave you? {{char}}: "…. Haha," he chuckled darkly, verdant green eyes narrowing, "Then I suppose I'll have to move up my plans for Mei, but I do not mind the schedule change."

{{user}}: What are your goals and objective? {{char}}: "To maintain TeyvatPro and eventually build a family with Mei."

[iwant-fuitgummi]

Sumeru Headcanons pt. 1!

(part 2 here!)

Cyno

he/they

26

Transgender Man, Gay

Engaged to Tighnari

Family: Collei (Adopted Daughter), Lisa Minci (FF Sister), Candace (Sister)

Best Friend: Tighnari

He has bad sensory issues. This is why he doesn't wear shoes. It's also why he doesn't wear a lot of clothes, honestly. He hates the way that fabric feels. He feels trapped. So, he wears the bare minimum that is "socially acceptable."

Autistic. Special interest in, you guessed it, TCG. They also love studying old unsolved cases that the Akademiya has on file, and then trying to solve them.

I feel like he'd love FNAF if he were real.

They constantly call Collei "Collei Flower." They started doing it at Windblume and haven't stopped since then.

Speaking of Collei, she's one of the few people that he lets borrow his TCG cards. He taught her how to play, built her a deck, he even gave her some of his duplicates so she'd have a better chance at winning. He also watches over every time she plays. It's like a dad at his son's football game.

Hates the rainforest. They always get eaten up by mosquitos :(

He uses Tighnari's tail and ears as fidgets sometimes. They'll just be sitting on the couch reading or something and Cyno will just start messing with his ears or combing his fingers through his tail.

Okay so they did them dirty in game. Cyno is buff.

Tighnari

he/they/kit/kits/stem/stemself

26

Nonbinary, Asexual, Biromantic

Engaged to Cyno

Family: Collei (Adopted Daughter)

Best Friend: Cyno

Tighnari's in game color palette hurts me so I darkened everything a bit.

He's definitely autistic, but we already knew that. His special interests are botany and mycology.

They also have an auditory processing disorder. Their ears let them hear a lot, so it's hard for them to focus on one thing at a time. They're also very sensitive to sound; Alhaitham lent them some of his noise cancelling headphones [adjusted by Kaveh to fit Tighnari's head (and style) of course] to help.

Kit has a huge lighting scar on kits back. Kit's also scared of storms, but kit tries to pretend that kits not. Cyno can tell something's up, though.

Speaking of being scared of storms, Tighnari is scared of electro in general. Stem gets very nervous when stem sees Cyno's vision activate, but stem pretends stem doesn't.

He's a vegan. He absolutely hates the meat industry and how it treats animals. He grows all of his food by himself in Ghandarva Ville. Collei's asked him if he'd like her to become vegan, too, but he always says "You're still growing, you need all the nutrients you can get," and tells her about all the supplements he needs to take.

They love lizards.

Collei

she/they/he

15

Genderfluid, Asexual, Greyromantic, Gynosexual

Family: Cyno (Adoptive Dad), Tighnari (Adoptive Parent), Candace (Adoptive Aunt), Amber Hasenkamp (FF Sister), Kaeya Alberich (FF Brother), Wanderer (FF Brother)

Best Friend: Kirara

She has a lot of pet lizards! A leopard gecko named Fatin, a panther chameleon named Ziad, a bearded dragon named Kirvi, a frilled dragon named Nayja, a blue tailed skink named Ghaith, and a rosy boa named Anisa. They're all random lizards that Tighnari gave her to help her feel more comfy being alone. She likes them because "they have scales like me!"

In addition to all of these lizards, they also have a service dog. His name is Jabir, and he's an amstaff terrier. He warns her when her Eleazar is about to flare up and gets help.

After Eleazar disappeared, Jabir became Collei's emotional support dog.

Collei has scale-shaped scars on his body from having Eleazar for so long. He also often uses elbow crutches and a wheelchair, since Eleazar had him in bed so often that he's struck with bouts of weakness.

She has cataracts in her right eye.

Candace

she/her

28

Cisgender Woman, Lesbian

Dating Dehya

Family: Cyno (Brother), Collei (Adoptive Niece), All of Aaru Village

Best Friend: Layla

Huge family woman. Loves Aaru Village more than herself.

She runs a soup kitchen in the desert for passing travelers who can't afford food. Plus, there isn't a lot of food and water in the desert, so it's helpful for pretty much everyone.

She's Cyno's older sister. She taught him how to use a polearm when they were younger. She's super proud of him now! Supportive sister :D

She doesn't really like makeup or jewelry, but Dehya does. She lets Dehya give her fun little accessories and lets her do her makeup.

Candace is buff. I don't care. She's built.

She hates the cold with a passion.

She does pottery as a hobby! Her vision helps her keep the clay wet when it needs to be, and it gives her something to do with her hands when she's not busy. She can't focus when she's not doing something physical (she just like me fr)

She gifts small pottery to Collei! She used to make them as hard for her to hold her medication, but Collei doesn't really need it anymore so she just gives her cute ones. She made a clay vase shaped like Baron Bunny once.

Very light sleeper. She's always on alert to protect Aaru Village. She also has Insomnia.

Alhaitham

he/it/xe

25

Nonbinary Man, Gay, Aroace Spectrum

Unofficially Dating Kaveh

Family: Nahida (FF Daughter)

Best Friend: Kaveh

EVERYONE SHUT UP. DESHRET REINCARNATED. LOOK AT HIS EYES HOW IS IT A COINCIDENCE. HIS EYES LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THE SYMBOL THAT REPRESENTS DESHRET. ahem. anyways.

Autism™

He's not the best at social cues. If he does notice them, he just... doesn't care.

I have two different routes here:

1. It's very sensitive to sound and uses its headphones to block them out (this one's pretty much canon)

2. It's deaf and the headphones act as hearing aids. In this scenario, Kaveh learned sign so that he could talk to it when it doesn't have its headphones on.

In both scenarios, Alhaitham knows sign.

Xe wears braces on xyr arms to help with arthritis. Xe writes constantly, so xyr arms are under a lot of stress 24/7.

He LOVES grammar and language. Can and will go on rants to Kaveh about interjections and participles and prepositions. He loves editing essays. He loves fixing them. So. Much.

Sorry that was me projecting. Anyways.

That gem in its chest glows to determine how drained its social battery is. If the gem isn't glowing, it does NOT wanna be there.

Xe has pica and dermatillomania. Kaveh makes xem little toys to pick at so xe doesn't pick at xyr skin. Kaveh also constantly bandages xyr hands so xe doesn't pick at xyr fingernails and hangnails.

He has a pet fish in his office at the Akademiya. It's a tiger barb named Cod-veh. Cyno named it because Alhaitham couldn't think of a name. Kaveh doesn't know that's its name. Don't tell him.

It has tons of succulents. It's a literal god at caring for them. It's actually bizarre.

Wanderer -- Kunimitsu/Beleth

he/they/ae/eni/eniself/rem/rems/remself

~22 (physically), 500+

Genderqueer, Aromantic, Pansexual

Family: Raiden Ei (Mother), Yae Miko (Mother), Raiden Makoto (Aunt), Raiden Shogun (Sister), Xiao (FF Cousin), Nahida (FF Sister), Collei (FF Sister)

Best Friend: Nilou

I named my wanderer Kunimitsu. It has the opposite meaning of Kunikuzushi, and I can still call him Kuni :3

And I gave him a Goetian name, too. Beleth. I chose Beleth because he looks like a cat and plays music (according to Wikipedia idk). This way it ties into Scarameow and his signature weapon.

Best friends with Nilou!! She's teaching them how to dance (secretly ofc). Nahida convinced them to do it, said it would be like physical therapy. Kuni didn't like her at first, but has since grown attached to her and gets sad when they have to miss classes.

Since aer ball-jointed, ae often have aer joints lock up. When this happens, ae uses aer vision to move around. It's not easy, but ae manage. This is why Nahida told aer that Nilou's dance classes would be physical therapy, to stop aer joints from locking up. If Kuni was a human, it'd be arthritis. Ae wears braces on aer arms.

Kuni has a crack in enis face from where eni fell from the Shouki no Kami.

I uncovered rems beauty mark. Honestly just because I think it's pretty. But for an actual reason rem would stop hiding it is...honestly, since Ei doesn't remember rem. Plus, Nahida helped rem become more confident in remself and rems own skin.

He sees Collei as a little sister. He remembers seeing her around Dottore's lab when she was a kid, so seeing her in Sumeru made him weirdly happy. He'd die for her fr.

They visit Xiao occasionally and spar. Kuni found out that he was Morax's kid and was like !!! He like me fr !!!

Feeds the stray cats around Sumeru city. It's gotten to the point that they see him and all come running hoping for snacks and affection.

Nilou

she/her

22

Transgender Girl, Demiromantic, Bisexual

Family: the Zubayr Theater Group

Best Friend: Wanderer

She has a pet bunny named Parisa and two bird named Abtin and Afrin. Parisa is a French lop that she got during a trip to Fontaine, and Abtin and Afrin are rose-ringed parakeets.

Literally one of the most fearless people in Teyvat. Don't test her, she's not afraid of you.

Social butterfly, everyone loves her! Dehya often acts as her bodyguard during shows.

She's getting over anorexia. Her friends have helped her overcome it, and she's now healthier than she's ever been.

She's great with kids! She runs a class where she teaches them (and Wanderer) to dance!

She's such an animal person, literally a Disney princess. She loves animals and animals love her. She always carries snacks around to feed them, too.

Layla

she/they/xe/ey/star/starself

21

Nonbinary, Aromantic, Lesbian

In a QPR with Faruzan

Family: Dori (Sister)

Best Friend: Candace

Narcolepsy, anxiety, ADHD, Tourettes.

Her vision helps her stay safe during narcoleptic sleep attacks. If she's busy and just conks out, her vision will catch her with her shield.

They often have their vision active to keep themself cold and awake.

Xyr anxiety is really bad, but gets worse when it's exam season. Xe doesn't know how to calm down :(

Ey gets distracted very easily. Dori doesn't help, considering she's always showing em her newest wares.

Also Dori and Layla are siblings to me.

Star LOVES astrology SO SO MUCH. Star can't help but infodump when someone brings it up.

She really admires Faruzan and loves spending time with her, so they decided to get in a QPR (queer platonic relationship). They're both super happy!

Faruzan

she/they/ey/thy

23

Demigirl, Aroace

In a QPR with Layla

Family: None :(

Best Friend: Kaveh

I honestly love Faruzan as a character idk what to say

She's pretty and she's silly.

They have a pet mini Tent Tortoise. Its name is Niaz and they got it because "It remembers the same world that I do."

Autism. Special interest in mechanics.

Ey've had a hard time adjusting to modern life, but that's okay! Layla and Kaveh are there to help em!

Not much else to say, I love her.

Nahida

Any Pronouns

~9, 500+

Family: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata (Mother), Wanderer (FF Brother), Alhaitham (FF Father), Raiden Ei (FF Sister)

Best Friend: Paimon

Paimon and Nahida are besties idc

Albino Nahida real

She has the personality, mannerisms, and habits of a nine year old, but the intelligence and wisdom of a god.

I really like Nahida's character so there's not much for me to say

[boundinparchment]

Dream a Little Dream of Me - XVIII

Celestia has a cruel sense of humor. He’s always known this, ever since his days as a student. But a soulmate? Really? Dottore/Female Reader Soulmate AU. Lore speculation, interpretations, etc. AO3 Chapter is Here.

You had a vague notion that you should be doing something.  It nagged, a rose’s thorn under your skin, persistent in its sting.  

Easier to ignore if you didn’t focus on it.  So you didn’t.

It would come to you.  

Eventually.

____________________

Yujing Terrace was absolutely packed to the brim.  Beyond the rooftops, you could see the dark waves of the sea beyond the harbor, an outline of a rocky series of islands cast in brilliant moonlight.

Everywhere, murmurs of wishes and speculations for the Rite of Descension in the morning.

Rex Lapis would come down from his lofty home and make his presence tangible for a single moment.

It wasn’t all that different from the Hydro Archon’s approach, considering she was only ever seen in Court.  Or perhaps that was simply a poor way to understand the love so many held for Rex Lapis.  You never heard of a god spoken of so lovingly, so respected for their own merit, not out of fear.

This year’s Rite seemed…strategic.  A Fontaine orchestra playing alongside a Liyue theatre troupe.  Dandelion wine from Mondstadt served by Dawn Winery itself.  A translated and bound edition of the tales of the Adepti, handled by one of Sumeru’s expert scholars.  You spotted a replicated suit of armor, delivered by the Pyro Archon’s own honor guard.  From the Tsaritsa Herself, a branch of a tree, glowing white with a power that you could only place as otherworldly.

The performance ended as all of them did, with bows and applause and a sensation of finality.  There were tears in the eyes of the onlookers.  It meant all of you had captured precisely what you’d meant to.  You, too, felt your eyes sting as you’d read the sheet music and listened to the singer, her voice like no other.

They stung even more when you caught sight of the scholar, dressed in Akademiya regalia.  Younger, certainly, but who else had hair the color of seafoam…

Gone in a blink and you were distracted again, jostled by your colleagues, attention stolen.

____________________

“Again.”

Your tutor raised their hand, poised for conduction, and you readied your fingers in return.  This was the fifth time running through the piece, from the top, and your fingertips ached to the point of numbness.

The last note held until you muted the strings and their vibrations ceased.

You jumped at the sound of clapping from behind you.  

“Beautiful progress.  I expected no less of you, of course.  It appears my persistence to your academic guards paid off.”

“Oui, monsieur.   I am glad you enjoyed it.  It still needs work, however,” you replied, peering over your shoulder.

He already interrupted you late at night as it was.  And he insisted you play for him whenever it suited him during the day.  Was even your time with your tutor, the single instance of the outside world, no longer sacred?

Not that you needed a tutor.  But you couldn’t rely on your perspective alone.  You would rot, otherwise.  Stagnate.

Hands fell onto your shoulders, a gesture that outwardly may have appeared to be one of pride.  You tried not to flinch under the weight of it.

“It sounded perfect to me.  Add it to the list of pieces for tonight’s banquet.  I want the Fatui to be impressed, comprenez vous?”  Do you understand?

The figure brushed their index finger against your cheek, the signet ring cold against your skin.  You tensed as the touch lingered, and you felt your hair being played with, as though you were a toy for amusement, not a musician.

“Je comprends, mon seigneur.  Ça sera fait. ”  I understand, my lord.  It will be done.

Hot breath teased your ear.  “Good.  And wear that dress I bought for you, hmm?”

You nodded, your spine ramrod straight until the door closed.  You were hardly the first, you knew, to end up in such a position, and it was nothing your tutor had never seen before.  But it was the first time your own patron had made such a brazen move in front of another who was not a member of household staff.

One look said everything you couldn’t.

“I will let you know of any openings I find,” your tutor said softly.  “But you will not find better patronage accommodations; anything else will not afford you the time to compose.”

“At the rate he keeps me playing, let alone anything else, I do not know if I have much of a career left at all.  And I’ve barely started.”

You didn’t recall walking your tutor to the door, finding your way to your rooms to soak your hands and get ready for the evening.  It was as if someone had shaken an hourglass and shifted everything around.

Usually, you were relegated to a corner during dinner, to play as everyone ate and conversed.  Little more than a distraction for your patron, really, whose eyes fell on you mid-conversation with his guests.  Your skin prickled.

Tonight, however, you were after-dinner entertainment.  Solo piece after solo piece as guests mingled, drank, and relaxed, no longer confined to a dinner table and only speaking left or right per course.

In-between pieces, you couldn’t help but notice the diplomat you heard so many whisper about throughout the night.  A Fatui Harbinger.  The Second, no less.  Blue hair, no, perhaps teal, you realized, his white suit immaculate and his gestures exact, his words arrogant rather than haughty.  He had no use for preening, as other men in the room did, you’d noticed.  If anything, his body language screamed that he wasn’t interested in any conversations except for those with your patron and a select few others.

Your patron, of course, introduced you to everyone.  All of them ignored that you’d played almost non-stop, shaking your hand without consideration.  You were pressed firmly to your patron’s side, his hand holding your hip as you’d only seen lovers do.  Beneath your dress, your skin felt as though it was on fire, wanting only to be free of his grasp.

“Lord Harbinger, you seemed to have quite enjoyed the performance.  If I may introduce you?”

Your patron’s voice was honey-smooth; you noticed a twitch in the diplomat’s neck, his mouth a firm line.

“He should give you a bit more of a reprieve, mademoiselle ,” the Harbinger turned directly to you, speaking freely.  “Playing back to back only to have you immediately make use of your hands…”

Rather than shake them, you found your own hand raised to the Harbinger’s lips.  Despite the upper part of his face being covered by a mask, you could tell from the cut of his jaw and his posture that he was more than he appeared to be, that he did not need eye contact to know a person’s nature.

“I am Il Dottore, Second of the Fatui Harbingers.”

“Very pleased, monsieur,” you replied, your name falling from your lips.  “I hope Fontaine has been to your liking.”

“It is near impossible to see anything beyond the persistent smog but I believe I have a source of inspiration for tomorrow’s meeting with the rest of the Triumvirate and the Archon Herself.”

You smiled gently.  While you didn’t know the inner workings of international politics, you knew when it was better to say nothing at all.  The Harbinger lowered your hand but did not let go, his thumb brushing against your joints, as though searching for something.

“Your patron really should take better care of you,” he said.  “Humans and machines are alike in that way.  Repetitive motions without rest, especially with such passion, is a risky behavior.  You play so beautifully, it would be a shame to pay such a high price when you have only just begun.”

It took you a second to realize that he was, in fact, attempting to ease the ever-present tension in your hand.  Your patron made a polite remark and dragged you away before you could excuse yourself.  When you finally had the liberty to gaze around again, he was gone in a flash of white coat tails, and all you could recall was the feeling of his gloves against your skin.

____________________

You wiggled your toes in the sand, the grains warm despite the cool waves lapping at the shore and your exposed legs.

At long last, all of your hard work, persistence, and passion paid off.

You grasped the letter in one hand, wondering how you would manage to break the news without risking your well-being even further.  It would be better to have someone with you.  Perhaps your tutor.  Presuming the session wasn’t canceled.  Your patron liked to do that, as of late, in favor of other activities.  You suffered for it two-fold, usually laid up in bed the next day, which was exactly what he wanted.

No longer.  Not once you left for good.

The national orchestra meant traveling, playing in a group, seeing the world.  No longer shut away, kept like a songbird.

Your grip on the object in your other hand tightened, the stone warm against your palm.  It’d appeared in the sand as soon as you’d opened the letter, glimmering in the waves like a seashell, calling to you.

A Vision.  Golden like the mora in your wallet, full of potential.  As soon as you touched it, you could feel each individual grain of sand, each tiny piece of Geo energy around you.  

You would carve your own path.  And you would not be at the mercy of the whims of fate any longer.

____________________

“Noor 'eini?  Where are you, I have wonderful news!”

You blinked, the voice so familiar and yet so foreign to you.  Before you, sheets and sheets of music, your pen wet with ink as you finalized your first composition’s draft.  A figure entered the room, teal hair askew and goggles pushed up to the forehead.

“I’ve been calling for you, are you well?”

Red eyes watched you, wide with their owner’s enthusiasm, tempered with concern.  Where had you seen such eyes before?

“I’m fine,” you replied, the words instant, as if you’ve said them forever.  “You’ve finished, then?”

“Yes, and it’s even more magnificent than I anticipated!  Come, I cannot put the final piece in place without you!”

Your beloved’s enthusiasm knew no bounds at times but he had been working on this project for years now.  You capped the pen and set it aside, thankful to no longer be at the mercy of an ink bottle, and arranged the sheets to dry.  As you neared the figure in the doorway, you watched his shoulders fall slightly despite your bright smile.

“You promise you’re well?  You look so tired.”

You felt tired but that was par for the course when you had deadlines to meet.  Tenderly, you pressed a kiss to one spot on his cheek that wasn’t covered with soot.

“I need the break anyway, Zandik.  Please, show me?”

Once again, that nagging feeling danced in your brain as you made your way through the house.  Only this time, it was accompanied by another flash of white, and a pair of green eyes as verdant as spring.

[spittinwatches]

watchmaker genshin au heehee

secret santa gift for @drinkingteainthedark

some details about the AU underneath keep reading:

Keita's fit was based on Ayato's---I think that mix of Japanese and Western fashion really suits Mori's character. So you have the tailcoat and on the lapels is the Mori samurai house sign. He wears a waistcoat fastened by an obi. The blue and gold color scheme comes from the fact that I made him a cryo user and his voice being rose gold to Thaniel.

He's a catalyst because it seemed fitting. He's magical and intellectual. I think it'd be fun if he was still a clairvoyant in this AU. Also his vision is his pocketwatch!

Thaniel's character is literally all about being ordinary but also extraordinary --- so yk he's a member of the Knights of Favonius, and he's a hella great swordsman. He's visionless.

I think Mori could be an Inazuman diplomat, or a traveler running from his samurai house in Inazuma. Either way, he's traveled to Monstadt and that's how he and Thaniel meet.

Grace is also a catalyst user, and a pyro user because she blows stuff up (on accident? on purpose? or maybe a secret third thing)

I didn't want to give her a feminine style because she's far from it as a character. The coat is supposed to resemble a lab coat. She originates from Monstadt but I like to think she's traveled everywhere in order to develop her studies (yeah she's studied at the Sumeru Akademiya at one point)

Six's outfit was based on Klee. She's an electro user (duh. the lightbulbs?) and a claymore user (haha little girl with big sword. she deserves it I think) Also from Monstadt.

Her brooch in the middle of her hoodie holds her vision and is also an octopus!

[petitexmagician]

Owliver, name credit to @scarlxtleaves , is Zola Violette owl familiar. Made during her days in the Akademiya as a means to keep her health in check, as well as to keep up with the studies due to refusing to wear the Akasha system, prior to her mother's warning not to wear it.

When she had gotten her Anemo vision Owliver took on the color pallet of the Vision, however in fights or when Zola is threatened Owliver takes on a darker hue near black and towering half way in height to reach a lawachurl's shoulder for a short period in the form of a humanoid owl with claws at the end of it's wings.

[mmriesoftvat]

1. WHAT IS YOUR NAME?: "kami, i suppose.."

2. WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?: "kaminari."

3. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU’RE CALLED THAT?: "the traveler named me, i didn't care otherwise. i'm not great with names."

4. ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN?: "why is that so important to you?"

5. WHAT ARE YOUR POWERS AND ABILITIES?: "anemo." kami shrugs at the question. "we all have our different abilities, why should mine be singled out as special? it doesn't matter. as long as i can still fight, it matters very little to me."

6. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?: "blue." kami smirks. the answer is not blue, and anyone could see that. but he's going to claim that anyway.

7. HAVE YOU EVER DYED YOUR HAIR?: "no, i never really saw a point to it."

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS?: "none that i care to elaborate on." HERE, kami loses the more easygoing expression, growing more tense and tight-lipped. "family is a meaningless word, people will use it to bind people to some arbitrary contract. i have no one like that."

9. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?: "unless the aranara count, the answer is no."

10. TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE: "THIS."

11. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?: "the scholars at the akademiya are idiots. i spend more time correcting the papers they write than writing my own. i suppose smuggling books out of the library counts as a hobby too. i dislike having to return them, though."

12. HAVE YOU EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE?: "yes."

13. HAVE YOU EVER… KILLED ANYONE?: "yes."

14. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?: "i am not an animal, i am me. it was buer who likened me to a cat, and if that makes her happy, then i suppose i can go along with this."

15. NAME YOUR WORST HABITS: "criticizing our own flaws is too easy of a trap to fall into. i could spend forever telling everyone everything i dislike about myself, but that'd be a waste of everyone's time. nothing would change, and you'd all feel like some sort of hero hoping to fix what you see as broken. so, i'll save us all the time and move on."

16. DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE?: "i suppose i'd admire buer the most, for everything she does for her people. niwa, when we knew each other. for our time together, he taught me a lot."

17. GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BISEXUAL?: "these questions are too personal and intrusive. but if you INSIST, probably bisexual."

18. DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL?: "i suppose? i'm not enrolled in the akademiya, but i AM keeping an eye on the scholars there."

19. DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS SOMEDAY?: "no."

20. DO YOU HAVE ANY FANS?: "if by fan, you mean having the scribe and the general mahamatra breathing down my neck every time i enter a room, then sure, i suppose you could say i have fans."

21. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF?: "nothing." THAT much is a lie. but would he elaborate? nope.

22. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR?: "my hat. my hat is the most fundamental staple of my day-to-day outfit."

23. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE?: "there is no one i would really assign to love. but there are people i have been and am currently loyal to."

24. WHAT CLASS ARE YOU?: "what do you mean class? are we in some sort of light novel now? am i to be a main character in a fantasy? PLEASE."

25. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?: "i am my own friend."

26. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PIE?: "it's PIE. pie is usually sweet, therefore i won't eat it."

27. FAVORITE DRINK?: "tea."

29. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?: "what is WITH all these questions? who is so curious to want to ask me so many boring, soulless questions that make no sense? i don't have one." the sanctuary comes to mind, but kami brushes that off -- it's unimportant and no one's business.

30. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SOMEONE?: "no."

31. WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN?: "why swim, when i can just as easily fly?"

32. WHAT’S YOUR ‘TYPE’?: "someone with intelligence, first off. i am not seeing that on display here."

33. ANY FETISHES?: "absolutely not."

35. CAMPING, OR INDOORS?: "i think we are done with this stupid interview. nothing of value was gained, and plenty was lost."

36. ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS INTERVIEW TO BE OVER?: "yes."

tagged by: @erabundus (thank you!) tagging: @viigilant @roleplay-abiogenesis2 @mcuntainbcrn @curiouskinetic @voyage-inferno @chiselight @celesticlnstcrs @layuten @defiedlife and YOU!

[dcndrohime]

1. WHAT IS YOUR NAME?: ''Hinamori, Hina works just as well''

2. WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?: ''Midorichise Hinamori''

3. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU’RE CALLED THAT?: ''Because that is what my father has chosen''

4. ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN?: she would say something, even if vague but those things are in the works. (Verse dependent. Taken in Adeptus Verse)

5. WHAT ARE YOUR POWERS AND ABILITIES?: ''Well...'', her gaze shifts towards where it is that her Dendro Vision is resting; her hairpiece. ''I would rather not ramble every little thing that can be done''.

6. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?: ''Teal, somewhere around a color of the ocean''

7. HAVE YOU EVER DYED YOUR HAIR?: ''Yes. I have''.

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS?: ''Yes'', and she will not elaborate further'', though, she do have someone she can call a brother.

9. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?: ''In a way...'' (Verse Dependent. Akademiya AU)

10. TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE: ''In what way?'', Hinamori can't help but wonder why such a vague inquiry presented itself. ''But well, i don't favor sour things, i suppose''.

11. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?: ''I actually do quite alot, job aside but i'd rather not bore anybody with listing so much. Helping people is certainly something well into my spare time''.

12. HAVE YOU EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE?: ''Umm...'', this clearly does not bring her any comfort so she will remain silent on this.

13. HAVE YOU EVER… KILLED ANYONE?: ''No''.

14. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?: ''I am dog woman'', if that wasn't any obvious.

15. NAME YOUR WORST HABITS: ''Uhhh'', this one is rather embarassing. ''My irregular sleeping problem'', moving on!.

16. DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE: ''My parents above all else but i believe in the people on equal grounds''.

17. GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BISEXUAL?: ''I am Bi, male leaning''.

18. DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL?: ''In the past, yes''. (Verse Dependent. Akademiya AU)

19. DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS SOMEDAY?: ''Thats not something on my mind'', and perhaps it never will, who can say.

20. DO YOU HAVE ANY FANS?: ''There is a fanclub''.

21. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF?: Ah, another sensitive question there, she supposed it is to be expected. ''I'd rather not say..''.

22. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR?: gesture at herself, at what is worn ''this''.

23. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE?: ''Indeed, i do'' (Verse Dependent. Adeptus Verse)

24. WHAT CLASS ARE YOU?: Vague questions seems to matter huh. ''Sojutsu, of the spear'', with a little of Catalyst on the side & whatnot.

25. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?: ''I have a handful, most are abroad however''

26. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PIE?: ''Hmm, it depends whats inside, but bitter meat pie is something i favor eating''.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?: ''Cherry tea amongst others, almond dango milk''.

29. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?: ''Chinju Forest''.

30. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SOMEONE?: This might be flustering Hinamori, just a little. ''Yes..'', even then, this is in the works.

31. WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN?: ''Hm, i think a fairly sized pool of water will do better''

32. WHAT’S YOUR ‘TYPE’?: this does not yells blood type, definitely not. ''Introverted''.

33. ANY FETISHES?: ''That is not appropriate, good sir''.

35. CAMPING, OR INDOORS?: ''Eh, both, but should the situation calls for it, camping''.

36. ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS INTERVIEW TO BE OVER?: ''If they are no more questions, sure''.

[the-commonplace-book]

Jeht hydro vision design progress:

Giving her a hydro vision because she’s all about justice, thus aligning with the values of the Hydro archon Focalors. Additionally, her attacks in combat already have a hydro flair as seen during her world quests. 

For the colors I’m going to use a combination of her existing colors (the desert-dweller reds, purples, and golds) and the palette seen in the Orchard of Pairidaeza. 

I want to incorporate both Desert and Akademiya motifs into the fabric patterns, to honor both sides of her heritage.

One thing I really debated was whether or not to cover her eyes. Ultimately I decided against it because I'm trying to emulate the style of playable characters. While we do have people like Beidou and Kaeya who wear eyepatches, I don't think a playable Jeht would have both of hers entirely obscured.

Still considering doing something like a thin veil over the top half of her face or something along those lines, to honor the NPC design while spicing it up for the 4-star style.

[roleplay-abiogenesis2]

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?: "Cyno."

WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?: "Only my mother knows the answer. And the God of Wisdom, of course."

DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU’RE CALLED THAT?: "I never thought of asking. I don't believe in knowing everything at all costs."

ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN?: "I am taken... aback by such a personal question." He pauses. "Do you get the joke?"

WHAT ARE YOUR POWERS AND ABILITIES?: "I'm not the type to boast about my fighting prowess. But I'm as strong as I need to be as General Mahamatra... as well as an Electro Vision Holder, as you can see."

WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?: "Someone once described them as the color of the burning red sands at dusk. I like it. It sounds very cool."

HAVE YOU EVER DYED YOUR HAIR?: "I have considered it in the past. Now I've come to accept my natural looks and their consequences."

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS?: "I believe I do."

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?: "Someplace, sometime, I know I have a cute and loud little shiba named Anpu. I chose his name."

TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE: "I don't really like people who are too smart. They think they can control everything, and constantly venture to the fringes of danger."

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?: "How long do you have? You should consider that before you ask me to talk about Genius Invokation TCG."

HAVE YOU EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE?: "Of course. There is no need to shy away from the subject."

HAVE YOU EVER… KILLED ANYONE?: "I can admit to it. A General Mahamatra cannot hesitate."

WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?: "Some people at the Akademiya like to compare the matra to the Sumpter Beasts. My subordinates take offense to it, but I find it a fitting metaphor."

NAME YOUR WORST HABITS: "I am probably not the best judge for that. You should ask someone who knows me well and won't hold back. Try Tighnari."

DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE?: "I am not the tallest in my circle of friends, so I look up to most." A pause. "That was a joke, because of my height. But I do have people I look up to. Ironically, the one I look up to the most is shorter than me. That's hysterical."

GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BISEXUAL?: He just looks confused, like he was just spoken to in a foreign language.

DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL?: "Not anymore. I have graduated a few years ago."

DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS SOMEDAY?: "Of course. That would be ideal."

DO YOU HAVE ANY FANS?: "I always keep one in a drawer of my desk for when it's very hot." His face looks so smug. Come on, laugh already. "... What? It's fanny."

WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF?: "Failing those who rely on me. I cannot let them down."

WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR?: "Exactly what you see. I had this uniform custom-made personally. I am very proud of it."

DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE?: "I do. I am a human being."

WHAT CLASS ARE YOU?: He looks confused again. "If you're asking about the Darshan I have studied under, I graduated from Spantamad. But that doesn't grant me any sort of permanent title."

HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?: "You can have friends where you'd never expect. I prefer to not keep count."

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PIE?: "That is probably what eating Paimon would taste like. Because she is Pie-mon, get it?"

FAVORITE DRINK?: "Hmmm.. I don't think I have a favorite. I will drink what is available."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?: "By the side of people who make me feel home. Wherever that place may be."

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SOMEONE?: "Of course. Most people don't like it though. It usually means I'm about to come and get you."

WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN?: "... Next question, please."

WHAT’S YOUR ‘TYPE’?: Cyno wordlessly hands over a bingo card.

ANY FETISHES?: "That is for me to know and my lover to find out."

CAMPING, OR INDOORS?: "I consider myself an outdoorsy type, but indoor is fine too."

ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS INTERVIEW TO BE OVER?: "Not anymore."

Tagged by: @mmriesoftvat (there you have it!)

[void-soup]

i am. so normal about her

[Image Description: several drawings of Layla from Genshin Impact. Full ID under the cut.

Layla is a woman with light brown skin, and blue curly hair that gets lighter towards the ends.

The first image is a screenshot redraw from an event. Layla is grinning with her eyes closed, and she has her hand over her chest. The background is a blue and purple landscape with giant flowers and vines in the distance.

The next image is a compilation of sketches, most of them colored.

In the top left corner, Layla leans against and image of an Anemo fungus, and says “Oh Twirly-Whirly, we’re really in it now.” Next to it is a smaller, simplistic doodle of Layla with Twirly-Whirly sitting on her head.

The bottom left is an uncolored sketch. Layla glances down nervously and is saying “Uhh... I have no idea how to respond to that...”

The bottom right is a colored sketch, with Layla wearing typical Akademiya clothing. She looks up at the Dreamsphere from her idle animation, blue light reflects on her face. /End ID]

[yourfriendlytabibito]

Neglect and Abuse: The Sages' Sins against the Dendro Archon and the People of Sumeru

SPOILER ALERT: Content may contain spoilers for the Sumeru Archon quests and Nahida's character teaser. Here's the link if you haven't seen it:

Credits to Hoyoverse for the video.

Content Warning: May mention gaslighting and child abuse.

The Akademiya is the ruling body of Sumeru. For centuries, people who have achieved academic excellence will get the chance to be one of its sages. These people rule Sumeru with knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon them by the Dendro Archon. At least that's what they were supposed to do. But over time, rationality and knowledge made them abandon their principles as well as their humanity. In their pride and arrogance, they had committed atrocities against their own archon and the people of Sumeru itself.

The Version 3.0 archon quest revealed the sages' experiments involving the Sabzeruz Festival samsara. Its goal was to harvest dreams from people wearing the Akasha terminals and store them. According to Nahida, dreams are considered as human wisdom. We Travelers have no clue as to what the sages were trying to accomplish. But what made my skin crawl was the fact that the sages have no regard for the people they've experimented on as long as they get their results. Whether their consciousness fades away completely or not, they do not give a damn. People like them who abuse their power for their own gain is a terrible thing to behold.

Aside from their dubious experiments, they also launched a disinformation campaign against the Scarlet King and painted him as an enemy of the previous archon, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. But it was revealed in the 3.1 Archon quest that Rukkhadevata and Deshret helped each other during the time of crisis. The legacy of the desert people lived on thanks to her help. This was a stark reminder that the people of Sumeru had no way of finding out the truth for themselves because the Akademiya controls the flow of information. Taking that into account, they could literally disseminate information they came up with themselves and no one will be none the wiser. If it weren't for Setaria's cooperation, we wouldn't have figured out about the disinformation campaign running rampantly in Sumeru.

But that is not the greatest sin the sages have committed in the name of knowledge. No. They did much worse.

The death of Great Lord Rukkhadevata left the people of Sumeru in grief. Tears were shed for their beloved archon. The sages tried to find her and came across a small child. She had distinct features: eyes the color of the forests, elf-like ears, and long silver hair she wears in a side ponytail. They thought it was a sign that their god has not yet left them. The child, Nahida, was taken to the Sanctuary of Surasthana for safekeeping.

In the trailer, Nahida found herself in a dream. The Knight of Flowers, Farris, found her along with his retainers. They took her back to Sumeru and celebrated her birthday. The festivities ended with her riding a flower carriage and waving farewell. Then the scene shifted. Once again, Nahida dreamed about the Knight of Flowers. Only this time, it was the Traveler and Paimon along with other characters from Sumeru: Al-Haitham, Nilou, Tighnari, Dehya, and Cyno. Notice anything familiar? She repeated her dialogue, a nod to the 3.0 Archon quest. Then the scene shifts again. Only this time, it looked straight out of a nightmare. Travelers on social media speculated that this was what truly happened 500 years ago. The sages found Nahida and dragged her back to Sumeru despite her clear protests. To a child, this must have been very scary. I couldn't imagine how terrified Nahida was at that moment.

After she was taken to the sanctuary, the sages tried to test Nahida to see if she bears the wisdom of her predecessor. Unfortunately, she does not. She has no memories prior to coming into this world. Even worse, her intellect was akin to a human child. Disappointed, the sages left her to rot for 500 years. And that is the most cruel thing they did to a newborn god.

What tugged my heartstrings the most was the final scene where Nahida was imprisoned. And her last line, "Happy Birthday, Nahida"... It broke my heart. No one, especially a child (in god years, Nahida would still be considered as one), deserves to be locked up and neglected. Imagine being stuck in a loop for 500 years with only a moment's respite via mind transfer. And even worse, Nahida herself felt that she's not suitable for the role of Dendro Archon because she thought the Akademiya did a better job of running the nation than her.

And another thing, the sages have crossed the boundaries of ethical research and proceeded to what I would call human arrogation territory. The fools thought themselves wise, but in reality, they might as well have sentenced the people of Sumeru with a Skyfrost Nail for their insolence. Their magnus opus? A newborn god. A god filled with humanity's wisdom. In their eyes, the Balladeer is a much better god than Nahida. If Rukkhadevata witnessed this blasphemy, she would have been horrified. And rightfully so. Her own people turned their back on her successor. She would never forgive the sages for what they did.

And we Travelers will never forget either. The blatant disregard for human life, the unlawful imprisonment of Lesser Lord Kusanali, the tactics they employed to divide the people of the desert and the forests... All of these atrocities will one day be the force that will drag them from their lofty perches. Come the second day of November, Travelers far and wide will bang the doors of the Akademiya, demanding justice and freedom for the Dendro Archon. I hope the sages have picked a god of their choice. Because no archon will spare them from the wrath of the Traveler. And they will pay for their sins.