#mondstadt has a history of rebellion

[andersdotters]

I was just talking to a friend about this yesterday, but it's crazy how Kazuha's story just would not have happened in Mondstadt. They would not have stood to the side of they heard a friend agreed to a duel to the death. They would not have honored the duel at all. They wouldn't have have fought back, not run away if the knights started stealing visions for Barbatos. And they never would have forgiven Barbatos for killing their friend. To a lot of them, such a story would be simply unthinkable.

[carmendeiact2whenplz]

Things we don’t know about Old Mondstadt (that Hoyoverse refuses to tell us)

Aka things that haunt me (and probably many other old mondstadt fans)

(keep in mind- not all of these may be entirely unanswerable as of now, some have partial/vague canon answers, while some may have completely canon yet relatively obscure answers)

(for the sake of making things easier to write, i will refer to venti’s dead friend/the nameless bard as “nb” and the red haired warrior as “rhw”, and specifically wisp venti as “wispti”, and i will be referring to the group of wispti, nb, rhw, gunnhildr, and amos (and maybe decarabian too if he’s relevant in that context) as the “old mond gang”)

Note- lots of paragraphs ahead

1- why is nb nameless? does he just… not have a name? does he have a name that he either intentionally or unintentionally kept secret? did he have a name that he used openly and oftenly, but it was forgotten by history as time went on? if anything, did he at least have some sort of nickname people used for him (so we can stop calling him “some nameless guy or smth idk”)?

2- While nb being, well, nameless, may be a bit more justified, what about rhw? did he also have some sort of name? would calling him “ragnvindr” (or similar) be entirely un-canon? did he at the very least have some sort of code name/nickname?

3- what is the timescale of the rebellion? did it take weeks, months, years? decades? how long ago did thoughts of revolution start in old mondstadt? were the people always unhappy, or did old mond use to be a better place?

4- what is nb’s role in the rebellion? did he start it? is he just a leader in general? or is he just there for the moral support? was he on the front lines or in the distance, playing his lyre to rally the troops? is he a strategist? has he ever directly fought anyone on the opposing side?

5- actually, how old is nb anyway? pretty sure most people agree that the rest of the old mond gang are adults (not wispti but like. i’ll touch more on that later), but i’ve seen stories/theories/headcanons about how old nb was (at the time of death) ranging from around 14 to 23 years old- that is not a small range by any means. (according to a poll i made a while ago, 16 was the most common answer on what people thought their age was (my headcanon too), but there was definitely a lot of range in the answers)

6- If Amos and Decarabian’s romantic relationship is so toxic (for lack of a better word), how any why did they get together in the first place? Did amos enter the relationship aware decarabian was against some of the things she wanted most in life? did she enter the relationship purely to try to “fix” him? was he abusive towards her, or was it just a lack of attention/affection/caring about other things more than her? or was it that he never loved her/was attracted to her romantically at all? were they still in a relationship even until the very end, or did they eventually split up when they both knew they would have to fight eachother and that things wouldn’t work out between them?

7- according to the “biography of gunnhildr” book (i think that’s the name), it says they worshipped the wind spirit barbatos and treated it like a deity, while other sources say wispti was nameless and was like. just kinda there. is one of them the truth, or both, or neither?

8- does wispti have arms and/or legs of any kind? can he talk/communicate with people? if so, how does he go about doing so?

9- it’s implied in “a drunkard’s tale” (an ingame book) that the wind spirit that transformed into a fox and helped create wine is the same wind spirit as well. wispti. if that means wispti can shapeshift, to what extent can he do it? can he even become a human/humanoid (not to the same detail and/or time extent that modern venti/barbatos can do so but still)? if so, how does that impact his relationship with nb and/or the rest of the old mond gang?

10- how long did the members of the old mond gang know eachother? did most of them meet in relation to the rebellion, or did some of them know eachother before they got to that point?

11- what is the order of events between amos dying, nb dying, decarabian dying, barbatos getting the gnosis, barbatos taking nb’s form, the end of the fighting, and rhw leaving/abandoning (for lack of better words) everyone? how much time took place between all those happening?

12- what exactly are the purposes of the tower? is it just a living space/government building for decarabian and amos, or is there more to it? did other people live in the tower too? if the circular ruins/symbols seen in the tower present-day were also there back then, why and how are they there? are the light actuators in the tower related to anything involving decarabian’s power/immortality and/or the storm wall?

13- how impenetrable is the storm wall, really? is everything restricted from going in or out, or are some people able to move freely? what is the immigration/emigration rate of the city? how often are things imported and exported? does the wall have any intended purpose other than for keeping the blizzard out?

14- how did amos get her bow? why is it so (hypothetically) powerful? where did she get it and how did it “retain its power” to this day?

15- how “old” is wispti? he could theoretically be any “age” between “manifesting into existence shortly before his first interaction with nb” and 14 billion years old/as old as time itself(and you thought nb’s theoretical age range was large.) how much did wispti truly know before getting involved with the rebellion? was he technically a toddler (in terms of knowledge/mentality), or does he actually have thousands of years of knowledge?

16- to what extent did the imunlaukr (i probably spelled that wrong) and lawrence clans participate in the old mondstadt rebellion? were they involved at all? should the old mond gang be eventually expanded to include more people? (lawrence, venerare, etc)

17- HOW DID DECARABIAN LOOK LIKE? HOYOVERSE PLEASE. IF YOU WONT GIVE US HIS FULLBODY DESIGN WITH MULTIPLE POSES AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AT LEAST GIVE US SOME CRUMBS ABOUT HIS APPEARANCE (how tall he was, hair color, outfit style, special accessories he wore, weapons he used, etc)

18- what is the relationship of the old mond game to eachother? were they friends? found family? or were things far more complicated than that? (and what was their reaction to knowing amos, one of their biggest allies, was also the lover/partner of their (the old mond gang’s) enemy?

19- did some of the genshin weapons with lore relations to old mondstadt actually get used during old mondstadt? (aka did nb get to use freedom-sworn as an actual combat weapon)

I probably left out a lot of things so i may go back later to edit, but there are just. SO many things hoyoverse keeps behind the lore basement. If anyone would like to add onto this list, or provide personal headcanons and/or canon answers to the things mentioned here, i highly reccomend doing so.

@honorary-fool @amarisrosalette @gierosajie @lanternlightss @arson-n-quwubilder @littleblueberryartist @lilyandthegenshinbrainrot @elysianheresy

@goyayato @lordofthetower @nellfe-the-feral-creature @thatonenerdinyourclassroom

@yume-shirokuro

(if anyone tagged would not like to be tagged, please let me know)

[ghostofreach117]

I have been yapping about mond lore to a friend all weekend (non genshin player, both German ) and she asked if mond has a sort of division (idk the proper word) like east and west Germany because I talked about one of your posts about the southern Mondstätter, and I’ve been imagining a whole ass scenario about the Mauerfall (is there an English word? Idk, wall-fall?) only in Mondstadt lmao maybe with Venessa or maybe even later like a Crepus-ish timeline

Ohhhhhhh this is good

I have this guide thingy I made a while ago but I feel like there’s some much more interesting changes I could make

Since decabrian kept his citizens so isolated, his downfall probably constituted a Mauerfall type of event…

Maybe he made even more (physical and cultural) internal walls to keep his citizens from unionizing with one another; keeping them weak.

During the aristocratic period, the division between the newish snezhnayan immigrants probably created some cultural barriers, but the rebellion against the Lawrence clan probably brought upon a cultural Mauerfall for the people. (though of course the passage of time has brought many old feuds to the surface)

I’m sure many physical walls were constructed to separate people and delegate land, and were destroyed by Vennessa, though their ruins still remain.

I think it would be cool if reason that Mondstadts history is so turbulent is because most of their history is carried through song, and when a particular melody is forgotten, the people repeat their past mistakes. So it’s a big cycle of people isolating each other, unifying under a common purpose, and eventually falling into old habits.

The Mauerfall Are definitely important holidays, and are the very few important days in mondstadt culture that are not particularly tied to religion.

[beehiveofblorbos]

been brainrotting Venti recently and all of his lore so just gonna put it somewhere that’s not my head

Some basics on Venti: he is the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, with connections to wine and song, but with the official dominion of Wind, and his ideal is Freedom. He currently disguises himself as a carefree bard. His character story and Neuvi’s voice lines also declare him to be a god of hope.

when we first meet him he teleports away in a flash of Anemo (he can teleport!!) and we learn when we enter mond that the god Barbatos (an original member of the Seven) has been MIA for a long time. He’s not the one running the place, the Ordo Favonius are, but he does have a church and Mondstadters habitually give each other blessings from the wind. He himself has a habit of sleeping for long periods of time.

okay, cool. Venti himself helps us save Dvalin, casually revealing he’s the Anemo Archon just to get hold of the Holy Lyre. He breaks it when we’re on the quest, but returns it to Barbara magically fixed (and implies that she’ll find it broken again soon). His Gnosis is stolen (guys he can Teleport!!!) from him, but he returns to Windrise to recover.

He also gives us the basics on Teyvat’s elemental powers, and tells us a god’s power is based in how much control they exert over their nation (this is later contradicted by Nahida + Focalors,,,, so chances are that he was lying!)

then we also have Carmen Dei, the only archon story quest to not have a part 2. In “Should You Be Trapped In A Windless Land” (and we’ll explore what wind means in Teyvat), Venti uses his godly powers to help Stanley, a boastful adventurer who has taken on the face and identity of his friend in order to carry on his memory. The friend died in Mare Jivari, the ‘windless land’ likely referenced by the quest title.

Venti then sings the story of how he, “a single thread of the thousand winds” (Venti character story), became an archon. He reveals he too has taken on the face of his friend who died among the revolt against Decarabian in Old Mond that ended with Venti being seated as the god.

(Guys he has associations with death!! It doesn’t stop here, Weinlesefest and Mond legends about your spirit being guided back home by the wind, even the connections in events to Hu Tao like !!!)

He hasn’t appeared much in main story, honestly. But there are so many crumbs that lead back to Barbatos and his homeland of Mond that one HAS to wonder: what is going on with him?

His drip marketing? oh he’s the “prodigal son”. son of who???

(“she was the moment. she was every moment… every second of joy, every moment of rage, every instant of longing, every flash of delirium”)

furthermore we’ve got more from his demo: “full of mystery, born from the branches of time / a history of glory and sorrow, and witness to the divine”.

so he’s the “prodigal son”, “born from the branches of time”, who is “full of mystery”, has “a history of glory and sorrow”, and serves as a “witness to the divine”.

what do his character stories have to say? a LOT. they call him “a single thread of the thousand winds”, “without a shred of divine dignity” (pre archon war). And they claim he became a god once the rebellion succeeded (it kinda makes sense, he was the spirit most associated with them after all, and as we know - gods of Teyvat draw power from their believers)

The 5th story remarks that Venti both should and should not be given credit for Mond’s prosperity, since it’s the doing of the Four Winds (which he established lol) but also he’s the one ensuring that the tales of their deeds are passed on.

ok let’s break this down. he’s the prodigal son? the question of his parentage seems to have found it’s definitive answer. Mondstadtian sayings commonly associate the wind with the passage of time, and there are temples to time and a god of time in Mond, which have now come to ruins. They were worshipped alongside Venti for a long time, but their significance diminished and eroded.

Now, in Enka we discovered records of Istaroth, who was also known by the Enkanomiyans as their Goddess of Time, and is the premier candidate (by lore enthusiast consensus) for the god that would’ve been worshipped alongside Venti.

She is also (I’m convinced) Venti’s mom. Remember, he was said to be “born of the branches of time” and “a single thread of the thousand winds”. What was Istaroth’s epithet? She’s the Thousand Winds. We are literally told he was a part of her.

We also have evidence to support Venti having time-based powers. Remember the Weinlesefest memories brought by the wind? He also “knows all songs, past and future”. And furthermore, he might have just rewound the Holy Lyre instead of actually fixing it permanently.

The real question up for debate is whether or not Venti is part of her or a completely unique entity. Both are possible, honestly. I mean, they coexisted. It’s just that the phrasing “a branch” bothers me because it was the exact same phrase used to reference what Nahida is to Rukkha but that much could just be coincidence.

I think we’ve established by now that he’s seen a history full of glory and sorrow, and that he’s full of mystery. So what’s left?

He “knows all songs, past and future” and he is a “witness of the divine”. And his character story supports that, highlighting the importance of his role as a witness to the history of Mond and the feats of the Four Winds. In light of the Sumeru and Fontaine AQs, where we learned that info can be erased from Irminsul and can only be preserved either through the memory of a Witness from outside the world or the creation of an allegorical tale that seems just fictional enough to bypass the Irminsul censors. Also, the importance of what we see being the truth.

(Oh yeah: forgot to mention that he also tends to play this role in history, where he doesn’t interfere much himself but he picks a hero to address a task and then supports them however they need to get the job done. This traces back all the way to his time with Decarabian; he didn’t fight in the war itself, but he watched the Nameless Bard and his countrymen do it, and recorded it in song. Same for Vennessa and the Revolution against the aristocracy).

(guys he is a god of hope and of freedom)

Carmen Dei the story quest does not have a part two. I fear for the day it does, frankly, because we will learn a LOT about this silly little man.

[amarisrosalette]

I absolutely HATE how in some fics, people portray the Nameless Bard as someone passive, submissive little boy and a “sweet uwu baby boy who can’t stand up for himself”. Like. Sir????? Are we talking about the same character?

No, he would not back himself away from turning down someone’s request because he’s too timid to say “no”. No, he would not let people’s demands walk all over him. No, he would not act like he has not been taught the basic principles of setting boundaries between himself and others.

Like be for real, man’s lore STATES that he straight up came to CHALLENGE GOD, started an undoubtedly huge rebellion AGAINST HIS OWN RULER, has formed a lot of people to rebel by his side and not to mention it should take MONTHS, and if not, YEARS to form a plan so revolutionary and a rebellion so tightly-knit and strong to take down a god.

Because for some reason these people (whom I’d rather not specify,) clearly write him like they have not read his lore. If you’d seriously tried to understand him and put yourself in his shoes, we should be taking consideration to what he must’ve gone through to form a revolution this big, and how the hell he kept it secret from his ruler so discreetly.

Imagine the amount of doubt he went through when trying to convince people to aid in his cause.

Imagine the amount of remarks and praises he receive from different kinds of people with different opinions on the matter.

Imagine how many times he’s heard that he should not do it,

Imagine how many times he heard that he will be punished by Decarabian,

Imagine how many times he was told by different people that his plan will not work or it would eventually fail,

Imagine how many offended, scornful, and disgusted looks he received from loyalists.

Imagine the amount of challenge this put him through.

Imagine how many looks he received from people from all different kinds of emotions. Fear, suspicion, apprehension, disgust, anger, and uncertainty.

So basing from the story, do you think this stopped him from reaching his goal? No.

He dedicated himself to reforming the once barren world of Old Mondstadt just to see his beloved sky, and the birds would finally soar. He completed something so big with immense mental fortitude that we did not witness in-person because he is a character who died BEFORE the events of the game, and has many IMPLIED, but OFF-SCREEN details hat weren’t even explicitly mentioned about him.

Old Mondstadt’s story cutscene is a story that forces you to use your perception and details to look deep enough into the history in order to fully understand it. Just using your visual perception isn’t enough. It isn’t “oh there’s a ruined city and some guy died 🤷‍♀️” ITS NOT.

Back on topic, a single accomplishment so big and took so much time like freeing a nation and its residents from its sick, delusional ruler whilst fighting for his own dreams of seeing the sky beyond is nothing compared from simply standing up for himself when people would back him down. In case you’re blind, he isn’t who he is without a reason.

I rest my case.

Other people I want to call just because: @gierosajie @cinnabell2 @lanternlightss

[necrohiarus]

Short Note: i wanted to create an Genshin OC but i can't draw to save my life, so I decided to write this monstrosity detailing everything about him...aside from appearance, couldn't find an way to describe it here with this formatting.

Pyro / Leon Versteckt

Level 90/90

•Attributes

Max HP - 18,981

ATK - 2,101

DEF - 165

Elemental Mastery - 398

Max Stamina - 240

Friendship - 10

•An collector of antiques, Leon is the youngest of an long and prestigious family line, he makes an living by presenting artifacts in his museum dedicated to ancient history.

•Weapons

Ruler's Omen

Sword

[Base ATK] - 608

[CRIT DMG] - 66.2%

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lv. 90/90]

Refinement Rank 1

Unprecedented Knowledge

• Increases Elemental Mastery by 250, Additionally the character will obtain one stack of Omninous Omen everytime an elemental reaction is triggered, granting an ATK buff of 15%, this effect has an duration of 25 seconds and can stack up to 5 times.

An sword forged before the mondstadian rebellion that changed it's landscape, it is an ancient heritage passed down from generation to generation.

•Artifacts

Max HP: +5,079

ATK: +1,192

DEF: +0

Elemental Mastery: +148

Set Bonus

Accessories of Fated Compliance

☑️ 2-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Mastery by 80.

☑️ 4-Piece Set: Everytime an elemental skill or burst is used by anyone on the team this set will grant an buff called Fated Compliance, buffing the elemental damage of the character using the set by 20%.

This Effect Cannot Stack.

•Constellation

Royal Judgment.

Constellation Lv.1

Increases the amount of Penance stacks that can be obtained by 10, totalling 15.

Mondstadt's All Seeing Eye.

Constellation Lv.2

Increases the Duration of The Watchful Eyes of the Constellations.

Bygone Ages.

Constellation Lv.3

Increases the Level of die Strafe by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

Army of Fools.

Constellation Lv.4.

Everyone else on Leon's team benefits from his stacks of Penance, granting them their corresponding element's extra damage.

Harsh Punishment.

Constellation Lv.5

Increases the Level of Secret Art: die Strafe by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

Secret Art: die Erlösung.

Constellation Lv.6

After it's initial activation and damage die Strafe stays on field for 8 seconds, buffing ATK by 15% and Elemental Mastery by 250 for the active character.

•Talents

Combat Talent

Normal Attack: Royal Fencing

Lv.10

•Talent Info

Normal Attack:

Performs up to 5 consecutive strikes.

Charged Attack:

Consumes a certain amount of Stamina to unleash 2 rapid sword strikes.

Plunging Attack:

Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.

•Sword Techniques unique and exclusive to the Royal lineage, honed to perfection throughout the years, now in the hands of the youngest to mold and use how he sees fit.

Combat Talent

Pendant of Foresight: Unberührbar

Lv.10

Leon calls for the fates trapped within his pendant, granting him the ability to look into the future for an limited amount of time.

The Watchful Eyes of the Constellations.

•when Leon triggers his skill he cannot be hit by any kind of attack throught it's entire duration.

•While in this state any attack Leon performs will be infused by Pyro and will grant him an stack of Penance, for each stack of Penance his elemental damage will be increased by 5%, an maximum of 25% elemental damage can be obtained this way, totalling 5 stacks.

•Some might consider the ability to look into the future an curse, some might say it is an blessing; for Leon? it's simply an source of endless amusement.

Combat Talent

Secret Art: die Strafe.

Lv.10

•Leon plants his sword into the ground while mantaining a posture fit for an king, Releasing countless spears made out of pyro from the ground to impale his enemies in an large AoE.

This skills does bonus DMG depending on how many stacks of Penance Leon currently has.

•the young successor's always have to contribute in some way to the martial might of the family, this is the newest's contribution; an brutal reminder of the might of his family.

Passive Talent

Reactionary Counter.

Lv.1

Any attack that might have hit Leon while he is in The Watchful Eyes of The Constellations state grants him 1% ATK, this can stack up to 20%.

Passive Talent

Grim Future.

Lv.1

Depending on how many enemies die Strafe hits, the cooldown of Pendant of Foresight: Unberührbar will have it's time cut.

Two enemies cuts it by 2 seconds, Three by 4, Four by 6, and Five onwards completely resets the cooldown.

Passive Talent

Archaeological Knowledge.

Lv.1

Leon's Pendant shines brightly whenever you're near Treasure.

•Profile

[Voice]:

[Birthday]: 12/1

[Affiliation]: The Versteckt House.

[Vision]: Pyro.

[Constellation]: Abenteuerliche Weitsich.

•An collector of antiques, Leon is the youngest of an long and prestigious family line, he makes an living by presenting artifacts in his museum dedicated to ancient history.

°Story

[Character Details]

"Kings, Aristrocrates, Dukes, Captains....The Versteckt were always impressive figures on paper, but they always hid in the shadows of the city blessed by the wind; no civilian knew much about their family aside from the fact that they were important, and the powers that be wouldn't be where they are today without their cooperation so they tended not to mingle in their businesses.

Leon is the newest public figure from this secretive family, acting as an figurehead he mans the previously hidden power of his house with transparency; laying every piece of history out for any to see in his newly acquired museum, his ancestors might disapprove if they were still around....but sadly for the skeletons maintained in the family crypt Leon doesn't really care."

[Character Story 1]

"Leon is an fiercely stubborn, kind, extremely independent and knowledgeable person.

he commands his business and family with the most care he can conceive; paying attention to his employees and maids well being, staying up late to make sure everything is going smoothly, personally getting his hands dirty even when his so called servants implore him to take a break, going by himself in expeditions that would normally require an team because he overheard one of his servants ask for something, he devours story books like they are his favorite treat, always looking for more with an passionate and excited look in his eyes...Nevertheless, His stubbornness is slightly less charming; if he gets into his head he's going to get something done, he is going to get said think done even if it isn't the most beneficial thing to be focusing on, "it's only an matter of time before that kid get's himself into big trouble", the elders of his family would say when he was younger.

And oh how right they were."

[Character Story 2]

"When he had heard of an never before conquered domain Leon couldn't help himself but look into it more, he wanted to uncover it's history and it's mysteries; apparently the place was ridiculously big and no one ever made it out completely fine but he didn't heed the warnings; not from his elders, not from his servants, not even from his friends.

He was determined and set in his goal, he only had one problem; no adventurer or soldier would make the trip with him.

"Isn't that all the way to Sumeru?"

"No, that place scares me"

"You better give up on that one boy, it's too much for you" They would say.

But he didn't listen, he would make the trip even if he needed to make it alone.... And so he set to it, as prepared as he could be.

...and it wasn't enough.

This place was an endless descending labyrinth, the first floor by itself took so long to clear Leon lost track of time; which wasn't that hard, contrary to many other domains this one had no Sun or Moon, just an endless sky of stars and constellations, it was quite pretty he had to admit, but it lost it's luster after some hours.

Sadly the same could be said about everything else in this place; he still hasn't found any interesting artifacts or scriptures, just some broken puzzles and non-functional ruin machines.

He had begun to think coming here was a mistake, but there was this feeling in his gut that kept him from leaving just yet; perhaps it was an urge to prove the elders back home wrong, perhaps it was an unwillingness to throw the towel, perhaps it was just his usual curiosity, he couldn't tell; but this feeling was slowly proven right as he descent into the spire.

[Character Story 3]

"The ruin sentinels were not so inactive anymore.

Although he could dispatch them relatively easily the massive amount of enemies were chewing through his stamina, he couldn't keep taking every fight he bumped into, Leon needed an edge, some kind of advantage.

Luckily for him he would find it soon.

An new floor normally meant new discoveries to feed his curiosity, but not this one; he found himself in an large room with stars everywhere, the ground reflecting of the sky and propagating the beautiful patterns of the Constellations, in the center of it all an simple statue resembling the statues of the seven, but it certainly didn't represent any of them.

Approaching said statue he noticed an colar strapped around the statues neck, smiling, he reached up and yanked it without much effort...sadly the statue was less stable than he believed, beggining to crumble in it's base and tip in his direction while he examines the pendant with his back turned towards the statue, Leon's fascination enough to keep him distracted.

'left...' Leon hears, he blinks in surprise before finally noticing the statue threating to fall on him, quickly stepping to the left and avoiding being crushed.

He sighs in relief and looks around to see if he can find the source of the voice that whispered to him, not finding anything of note he redirects his attention back to the necklace and notices it's stary glow, reflecting the ambiance of the room.

He sighs and stuffs it into his bag, deciding not to think of the implications of hearing voices coming out of nowhere whispering in his ear."

[Character Story 4]

"Turns out he wasn't going completely crazy, there really was an voice speaking on his head, although it only seemed to happen when he had the Pendant he grabbed that day on his person.

Didn't work when it was on his bag, no other artifact he picked up in his descent had an similar effect on him, and when he left it into an floor it had found it's way back into his pocket the next day; weirdly similar to an Vision he noted.

He had made all the research on it he could with his currently limited resources, not finding much until he finally decided to deal with it later and continue using it for now; it is quite useful, finding food is way easier when there's an voice in your head that knows exactly where to look for the animals that had somehow made their way into this domain.

It had also helped him in fights; telegraphing the enemies attacks had become way easier, not only that, his progression basically skyrocketed, he still hadn't found an way to say the time in this place but he felt he was passing throught floors way faster, he felt like he was finally nearing the end; when he looked down the stairs the only think he could see was pure darkness.

The amount of historical discoveries recently had deminished, mainly because he couldn't even begin to understand the writings in the walls, he wrote them down anyways, but the lack of stimulation had left him to reflect.

One day, when he was cutting his beard with the assistance of his sword and an mirror relic he had recently found, he stopped to look at his eyes; he noticed the ever so slight formation of wrinkles, his hair looked untamed and wild; over-all he looked some years older than when he had last looked at an mirror....it sent him into an spiral of thoughts that he had mostly managed to dodge until now: how long have I been here for? How are my friends? Is my family fine? ....was this worth it?

[Character Story 5]

"He still remembered the day he had finally made it out, he laid in disbelief with his back against the domain's door, he could see the sun setting in the horizon, giving Sumeru's lush greenery an beautiful background painting with Orange, an slight amount of Purple and an large amount of deep blue filled with the ever so present stars.

At the time the scenery had made him cry, but nothing would compare to the overwhelming feeling he had felt when he stepped into the streets of Mondstadt once again as the moon bathed the familiar streets, the compact but slightly run-down Blacksmith and the charming houses in it's light, it took all the strength he could muster to not wake everyone within hearing range with an passionate scream; instead he contended himself with making his way to Angel's Share and placing his usual order to an completely speechless Diluc.

That probably was one of the funniest parts of coming back from the "dead": the reactions.

Leon could have sworn at least one of the maids had fainted when the present servants saw him, an apparently dead man, walk through the main entrance of his manor with an confident stride.

He continues making his way to the main office, casually waving at the odd bewildered family member before bursting through it's door, startling one of his Younger Sister's currently seated behind the desk pilled with Paperwork, looking at him like she's just seen an ghost.

"It has been an while Rebecca." He pronounces himself, extending his arms for the careful hug she envelopes him in, followed by an rather flimsy punch to the gut.

"God am i glad you are alive but i also really want to strangle you right now..."

She says, wiping her tears with her sleeve.

After an good while of sobbing and bonding Rebecca updated him on the situation, after he vanished there was an massive power struggle over who get's to be the new figurehead, an power struggle that still hasn't been settled; the main family was torn, some like her wanted to work together with their siblings to bring stability to the clan once again, while other's striked out on their own; forming tighter bonds with the other family branches in an attempt to mobilize an possible takeover.

"we don't know what to do anymore, father and mother didn't train anyone else but you on the politics of commanding this family so we are just making do with what we can, the treasury is almost empty because we had to pay some idiots out so that they didn't start rioting in the streets so we can't even pay the servants their full payments..." Rebecca sighs and drinks from her cup of wine -Leon was about to scold her over drinking alcohol when she was still underage but then he remembered she was possibly of age by now...that was going to take some getting used to- he mimicks her sigh and runs his dominant hand through his hair.

"i think i know what to do." He could see her smile widen from the corner of his eyes. "But first...i better take a bath, i probably stink of mud and grime."

[Character Story 6]

One of the Elders, Ivan, started the conversation with an bitter tone, complaining at no one in particular

"I swear, if this reunion is another of your fickle attempts uniting everyone behind you-"

"Behind US, Ivan." One of Rebecca's older sister, Ingrid interrupts him "This house has always been united, but now just because Brother is gone you and your so called allies think they can start splintering off and creating some sort of battle royale for the throne." She sends him an harsh glare, which Ivan responds with his own, before letting his annoyance drop into an sigh.

"We have all been through this before more than once, it's rather clear none of us will back down" This time one of the Brother's pronounces himself, Sven "what is the true purpose of this reunion Rebecca? You have been sitting over there looking smug before the guests even arrived."

"oh, you shall see soon" was all the answer he got.

Another one of the elders, Stefan, rolls his eyes and get's up "This is pointless, you should all be preparing for war! This maniac Ivan has made it quite clear that he intends to threaten the unity of this family and instead of taking action we are standing around like idiots talking about nothing in particular, I'm leaving-"

"Hum, you are a lot more grumpy than i recall Uncle Stefan," the new but slightly familiar voice entering the conversation makes everybody present whip their heads to the source "Has the marriage been well?" Leon, adjusting his new Musketeer hat descends the stairs to the meeting spot in the garden with an calm demeanor, observing with clear amusement as he watches the varied reaction of his family, some surprised, baffled even but overjoyed, other's double, no triple checking the sight ahead of them.

"how-" Ingrid is the first one to pronounce herself "am seeing things?"

She rubs her eyes and looks again.

Still there.

"I'm quite real Little Sis." Leon says with an rather smug smile.

"It has been five years, I mourned you!" Sven shouts as he slams his fist into the desk, trying to get some kind of explanation for this impossibility, clearly overburdened with emotions he can't quite express.

Leon finishes strapping his sword into his hip and walks down the stairs, pulling his little brother into a thigh hug as he reciprocates, while the others watch in wonder.

"i will explain later, ok? I promise." He let's go of his brother, who, while still looking at him with some Ire nods and slumps back into his chair.

Leon clears his throat "Now, i believe my dear sister hasn't yet explained the significance of this meeting," he walks around the table and supports himself in her chair "She has an penchant for the dramatic after all, but it is quite simple, i have heard of this...power struggle that has brewed over my absence, and this meeting is where it all ends."

The table erupted in complaints from the ones that finally snapped out of their shock; which was mostly the crowd that wanted this struggle to reach it's, in their minds, rightful end: with them in the throne.

"I realize my absence has made it difficult for me to simply waltz back in here and take the reins again," Leon shouts, deafening the white noise that the family chatter has become "so i propose an challenge; one no rightful heir to the Versteckt throne could refuse; i call for the Feuerprobe, the trial by fire, but with an slight modification."

Leon draws his sword, drawing amber's from it as it makes it's way out of it's sheath.

"I will face every single so called heir at the same time."

The table erupts in talk once again, but now Leon hears worried voices in it's midst; people concerned about his safety, it was good to know he hadn't completely disconnected from his family after all this time.

"Oh please, are you all really so concerned about tradition and 'oh no it has never been done before, this is madness', that you are going to ignore the perfect chance to kill your biggest political obstacle?" Leon says, huffing and moving his sword around with his eyes closed.

The chatter quiets again....Until the noise of chairs being scrapped against the ground is heard, Leon opens his eyes, noticing some of the men have moved the chairs and long table used for the meeting out of the way, making space for an rather large makeshift arena and about fifteen opponents eyeing him carefully.

He chuckles. "Alright then," his tone filled with mirth Leon fiddles with his pendant and readies his now flaming sword. "Let's Dance."

Needless to say the Clan lost some members that day, some to his sword, some surrended from the beating they received and we're promptly thrown into confinement, courtesy of an surprised but overjoyed Jean.

The Family was back into his hands and back into the right track, Leon threw what little money was left on the treasury to invest in a museum about their clan's history, there was pushback from the oldest of the still relevant members of the Clan, but the majority of the youngests supported the decision, out voting the elders by an good amount.

Luckily the museum was an success, solving their Money crises so he could focus on rebuilding connections with his family...and with the powers that be, striving to make the Versteckt family stronger than ever.

[Unberührbar]

"Isn't it's true name.

Leon doesn't know it's true name.

While he was in the tower the pendant seemed to whisper to him, giving Leon simple and short directions and instructions that helped him stay alive and sane, the only thing he knew about it is that it had an connection to the constellations because in one of it's sides it had an inscription, the only word from it he could decipher was Constellations and by that he could decipher that it had an connection to destiny.

In the domain it was an extremely useful artifact, whispering short commands on his ears that helped him stay sane and survive, shining brightly whenever it did so.

However once he exited the endless tower it seemed to stop talking to him, not even the odd whisper, he almost convinced himself that he was going mad until one day when Leon was sitting on his balcony, staring at the pendant in his hands like it would reveal a new secret if he looked hard enough, but until now? No luck.

It shines like it once did in the tower when one of the maids enters the balcony with his tea in an plate, and Leon's eyes widen; he sees the maid stumble and fall, but once he looks at her once more she's still at the door.

Although it doesn't take long for his apparent vision to become reality, as she almost falls before he catches her, preventing the accident.

He stares at the pendant again, before putting it down at the table and enjoying his tea."

[Vision]

"It was another of those robotic snakes, normally he'd wonder their historical significance and why there as so many of them, but he was too exhausted to think of much aside from the most basic of thoughts.

They just kept coming, never ending almost; he regretted stepping foot into this endless dark hallway with all of his being, but the curiosity that sparked within him when the pendant whispered him to do so had been motivation enough, and initially it had been worth it; he'd seen some of the most interesting things yet, but now he was just tired.

He sighed and slumped against the wall, dropping his weapon into the ground without an care; he wasn't ready to die yet but he needed a break, to hell with the snakes.

He took out his notebook the moment he had noticed an new scripture on the wall, the usual love for history fulling him even in his most tired state.

He kept writing until he noticed something falling off the book when he flipped a new page.

There on his lap lies an vision, Red as ruby with an golden boarder...his smile stretched and he chuckled slightly "well this will certainly make things easier" he thought to himself as he strapped it into his jacket and picked himself up, ready to make it to the end of this hallway....right after he writes the rest of scripture down of course."

°Voice-Over

[Hello]

"Ah, so you are the one I have been hearing so much about! You can call me Leon."

[Chat: Archeology]

"Recently I have been quite curious about the ruins in Inazuma, i wonder if they originate from Khaenri'ah or some other civilization that lived in those islands long before the cataclysm.

I currently have no evidence to support my theory but i would love to visit the- ...wait, am i rambling? My apologies."

[Chat: Tea]

"Few things can bring me as much simple joy as tea, it is quite a shame Mondstadt doesn't have an tea culture, i always have to import the good stuff from Inazuma or liyue."

[Chat: Shady Connections]

"What was it? You saw some Fatui plotting behind Angel's Share? Well, well that just won't do.

Would you kindly wait here? i will have it dealt with swiftly."

[Chat: Knights of Favonious]

"Sigh...patching up our relationship after years of basically no communication is an work in progress.

[Chat: Ancient Artifacts]

"This is one of the spears mass produced by one of my ancestors, it was used in the militarization of our family.

It's pretty? I agree, although the blood red handle made of marble was used because it didn't break easily when you stabbed someone; it is still charming."

[About: The Versteckt Family]

"We are ancient, our bloodline dates back to when Mondstadt was still ruled by Decarabian....our personal history varies from figurehead to figurehead but we have always stayed in the background, scheming and executing said plots for the betterment of Mondstadt."

[About Family Traditions]

"Well we have quite an few, some exclusive banquets designed to be an excuse for meet ups, friendly competitions, the occasional battle to the death over the right to lead, all that.

Not really that different from an ordinary family."

[About Family Secrets]

"Some things should be known by all, and while it hurts my inner historian dearly, i do think some others should stay in the shadows.

I wish i could have told more about our history but i shared all i could with the museum."

[About: The Fatui]

"An enigmatic organization, and one of the black spots in my network.

i've got a feeling that they are more than meets the eye but i still haven't found out their true purpose aside from sowing chaos."

[When the wind blows]

"Barbatos has decided to bless us with his presence, or maybe it was one of the 4 winds?"

[When it snows]

"Just when I was starting to enjoy the warmth..."

[When the Sun is out]

"One of the benefits of being trapped in an dungeon for years: you start to actually enjoy the sun when you get out."

[When it Rains]

"I hope the maids have taken the clothes back in on time."

[Good Morning]

"Good Morning! Hope you slept well, because we have quite the day ahead of us."

[Good Afternoon]

"Sorry about this, but i have to go; someone tried to steal one of the exhibition's artifact.

[Good Evening]

"Evening! Would you like to join me for an drink at angel's share? I don't have money on me right now but it's fine, Diluc will just put it in the tab."

[Good Night]

"Well, i have to go now, got some...business to attend to.

Have a good night."

[About Leon: Foresight]

"Sadly i cannot see the whole future; i can only see some minutes ahead of the present and it has an cooldown.

Maybe with use the pendant will get stronger to the point where it can match the divination of Astrology, but that's just wishful thinking."

[About Leon: Cheap Pranks]

"While the pendant is quite handy in a fight, i adore using it when talking to others: the look in their faces when I respond to what they were about to say is always hilarious."

[About Leon: Cats]

"Why are there so many cats in my manor you ask? I do not know, they just show up one day and never leave, i don't mind, they are quite cute."

[About Leon: Museum]

"Both an investment and an manifestation of my passion, i opened it as an way to generate passive income; our clan was in it's last leg's after i came back from my eventful trip.

Of course, bringing to light so much history didn't sit well with the majority of the family but i can be quite persuasive."

[About Leon: Royalty]

"Ha! No, no, we aren't really royalty.

Our family just likes to style itself in that way down to the most banal of rules; it may have something to do with the apparently huge ego of the founder.

Then again, it's not like it doesn't fit us; the houses are the closest things current mondstadt has to an rulling class; having our hands wrapped around the military, commerce and all that."

[About Leon: Succession]

"Our family works in an succession by bloodline system; direct successor's from the founder are the rulling class and the son's or daughter's are expected to step up and fill the role of figurehead's.

Although it has worked so far i can't in good conscience believe that simply having someone's blood running through your veins Is an effective measure to how good you will be at leading...even thought i am part of that system.

Maybe I should change it somehow...hum, an thought for later."

[About the Founder]

"Our bloodline itself is believed to date back to even before the days of Decarabian, but the rebellion is the first time in history where our family was militarized; The founder, Evan, used brutal tactics of impaling his enemies.

The founder himself was known to be quite egotistical and stubborn...you think we are a little similar? Me? Stubborn? Hmph, please."

[About Us: Other Worlds.]

"Alright, i have held this in for long enough.

I beg of you, you most tell me about the things you saw in your travels through other words.

You will? Yes! Hold on, let me get my diary."

[About Us: Requests]

"If you need anything; money, information, equipment, access to an network of spy's...anything really, don't be afraid to ask, I'll meet your request with the best I can do."

[About Us: Family]

"I have heard of your quest, i don't doubt it is an noble one but please do be careful, family can harm us in ways no other connection can."

[About The Gunnhildr Family]

"The Gunnhildr family and mine's history are extensively interconnected, to the point where you could make an case that we are essentially the same clan; the Versteckt are just the shady part of it."

[About The Lawrence Family]

"Ahh the Lawrence's, the ever infamous Lawrence's; quite an topic this one, my family at the aristocratic period was slightly more violent in it's methods and were locked into an cold war with the Lawrence's; constantly trying to wrestle control away from them.

Eventually the power struggle ended because Barbatos and an brave woman stepped in, leaving them in shembles."

[About Family Imunlaukr]

"Not much is known about this one...i would like to know more but currently all the findings about it point to an extremely bloodthirsty clan without much purpose, such an shame."

[About Family Ragnvindr]

"Ragnvindr clan...one of the families with the most inspiring histories in Mondstadt; being an major player in the dethronement of the Lawrence's."

[About Mondstadt]

"It isn't the biggest, or even the mightest of the nations, but it is my home and I adore it; as the Gunnhildr's love to say, for Mondstadt, always."

[About the Vision]

"Quite useful, starting an fire in the wild has never been easier."

[Something to Share]

"Have you seen a lot of people with physical animal traits in your travels? I sometimes get hit with the urge to headpet them but i refrain myself from asking because it's probably inappropriate...."

[Interesting Things]

"My information network spans throught the entirety of Teyvat, sometimes one of the agents will relay to me information about my friends...and yes that includes you. That's right, i know about that time you chocked on an olive and almost vomited on top of the Shirasagi Himegimi, don't worry, i won't tell anyone...maybe."

[About Noelle]

"Sometimes she volunteers to work at my manor, i have no idea how she does it but everytime she volunteers Noelle cleans the entire manor by herself....it is a bit concerning, please do keep an eye on her if you can."

[About Klee]

"Absolutely adorable, almost blew up my entire house once because she saw an spider, what's there not to love?"

[About Jean]

"I always try to talk her out of work but she never listens, it's like I'm talking to a wall; at this point I've given up and sometimes drop by to see if she didn't work herself to death yet and give her some coffee."

[About Barbara]

"Her fans are rather odd, i understand they are just very passionate about her work but god, learn how to respect someone's privacy."

[About Rosaria]

"Rosaria...her secrecy and keen eye often makes it so that we stumble upon each other in our individual operations, i suspect she knows more about us than what is publicly available in my museum but i have no reason to believe she will do anything bad with the information...of course, she's also an great drinking partner."

[About Lisa]

"She sometimes joins me for tea, incredibly intelligent and a bit frightening If you get on her bad side...be sure not to do so."

[About Kaeya]

"Ever since I got the pendant I can talk circles around him; it's hilarious to see the captain at a loss for words once in a while."

[About Diluc]

"He's like the grumpy cousin that always stays in the corner of the room and sulks whenever there's a family gathering, i do my best to try and contrast his seriousness whenever we interact.

It's like trying to make an dead man smile."

[About Albedo]

"Alchemical knowledge is intertwined in his DNA, everytime I have an question about it he responds without skipping an beat."

[About Sucrose]

"everytime we talk i can't help but focus on her ears; i think it makes her a bit self conscious so i try not to stare but they are so cute."

[About Amber]

"She sometimes comes to me for information about The Outriders History, I admire her as well, someone so passionate about what they do is always moving to see, i hope one day she can revitalize the outriders."

[About Bennett]

"I didn't have a chance to meet the boy yet but his bad luck is notorious, my maids have told me of an incident where he accidentally burned down my manor's garden, apparently he was quite apologetic and tried to help fix the issue; but eventually he got stuck in a hole he was digging to replant some flowers...quite the interesting fellow indeed."

[About Diona]

"An standoffish little lady....i don't think she's old enough to work in a bar.....Hum, maybe I should question her boss about that..."

[About Fischl]

"Whenever i am around Fischl i try to match her way of talking; the first time i did it her eyes lit up so brightly i thought I was going to go blind, it quickly turned into an conversation with sentences so long even her feathered companion struggled to keep up."

[About Eula]

"The only Lawrence I've ever met that isn't insufferable, she's nice to be around and her revenge talk isn't hard to understand...she would probably benefit from dropping it, but oh well."

[About Mona]

"We really only talked once, it was an rather engaging conversation, although I think she really wanted to hit me in the face when she realized I didn't put in any work to be able to use divination."

[About Venti]

"I always see this bard in Angel's Share, his songs are quite good, but most of the time i can't understand what he's trying to say because he's always drunk, it's like his brain simply stops being able to form cohesive sentences.

[About Leon I]

"Oh? You want to know more about me? Trying to uncover the family secrets are we? Very well, ask away."

[About Leon II]

"The process of theorizing about an new historical finding is an rush, it's almost addictive."

[About Leon III]

"When i was an child the only friends i had were Diluc and Kaeya; before you ask, i only formed an bond with Jean later on in life.

I have become quite close to each of them over the years but seeing the two brother's drift apart was and still is quite heartbreaking...at least their relationship doesn't seem as bad nowadays as it once was."

[About Leon IV]

"The fun part of being assumed dead for some years is coming back and seeing people's reactions, the not so fun part is seeing that they have moved on.

Sure, i wouldn't wish for them to morn me forever, but my chest always tighned a bit when I saw that life had moved on without me....i try not to think about it or i start questioning if I'm too selfish."

[About Leon V]

"Are you currently busy? I was thinking of making an short visit to Liyue, I've heard rumors about an man possessing great historical knowledge and would like to meet him, i also happen to know you are an friend of his; would you mind introducing us?"

[About Leon VI]

"Contrary to what my closest company might tell you my stay in the domain wasn't completely negative; i ultimately achieved what I went there to achieve and came out an stronger and wiser, over-all i wouldn't say i would like to do it again but i also can't say i regret the experience."

[Leon's Hobbies]

"Aside from the obvious?

i quite like reading fiction; Yae's Publishing house has quite the assortment, I'm glad they are expanding beyond Inazuma

experimenting different kinds of food from around the world... oh, Recently I have also become quite invested in that new card game from Sumeru, Genius Invokation TCG.

It's addictive. I can't stop playing it."

[Leon's Troubles]

"Being the head of an practically off the books organization while still trying to be moral is very stressful, sometimes you have to double check if your associates are still on board with what you are doing, other times you have to worry about getting stabbed in the back, then again I guess that's a problem all leaders have...what an dystopian statement."

[Favorite Food]

"For me any kind of meat will do; i would've gone crazy from the repetition in that tower if i didn't like it so much."

[Least Favorite Food]

"Chocolate is such an delightful desert, it's like an angel's kiss packed in every bite...then why would someone make it bitter??? I simply do not understand why would someone sully it's perfection like that. It's an tragedy."

[Receiving a Gift I]

"Oh my! Honestly the best thing I have eaten in years...don't tell the maids."

[Receiving a Gift II]

"Hm, quite delectable! thank you for this."

[Receiving a Gift III]

"Sorry but this is an insult to my taste buds, i won't be finishing it."

[Birthday]

"Happy birthday! sadly I have been busy recently so I couldn't organize an party for you, but i had the maids make an cake; please enjoy and don't let Paimon eat it all by herself, she will get sick."

[Feelings About Ascension: Intro]

"I have not felt this strong in a while."

[Feelings About Ascension: Building Up]

"Becoming sharper everyday; both in mind and body. Truly Delightful."

[Feelings About Ascension: Climax]

"Hum, ever since we have started adventuring together I feel like my movements in battle have become more fluid."

[Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion.]

"i believe I have hit the pinnacle of my martial skill, i hope the next generation can pick up what i learned in this journey with you and do something worthwhile with it."

[Elemental Skill I]

"Do forgive me for showing off."

[Elemental Skill II]

"Strike me down, i dare you."

[Elemental Skill III]

"Destiny isn't on your side."

[Elemental Burst I]

"Out of my sight."

[Elemental Burst II]

"Begone."

[Elemental Burst III]

"Fate demands your defeat."

[Opening Treasure Chest I]

"Nothing i haven't seen before, what a shame."

[Opening Treasure Chest II]

"Are these the shiny little rocks you are always looking for?"

[Opening Treasure Chest III]

"I wonder who put these here..."

[Low HP I]

"It isn't my time yet."

[Low HP II]

"Don't get your hopes up."

[Low HP III]

"You Insignificant little-!"

[Ally at low HP I]

"Watch yourself!"

[Ally at low HP II]

"Take a break, I will deal with the rest."

[Fallen I]

"How...?"

[Fallen II]

"I guess fate has finally caught up to me..."

[Fallen III]

"Why couldn't I predict this..."

[Heavy Hit Taken I]

"How dare you!"

[Heavy Hit Taken II]

"You won't live to regret this."

[Joining party I]

"Let's get going."

[Joining party 2]

"How could I ever turn away such interesting company?"

[Joining Party 3]

"I wonder what we are going to discover today."

[skorchinq]

I'm not sure what the Royal Grimoire quote has to do with anything. It says there were clans who swore an oath to protect Mondstadt. It says nothing about the Ragnvindr clan existing at that time and being one of those clans

It describes them all as "Prominent famillies in Mondstadt history" aka Ragnvindr family name is around as old as Gunnhildr and Lawerence

No? Being the descendants of a guy who played a key role in the downfall of the aristocracy and continuing to be influential in the 1000 years since then is already enough to be considered prominent, I'd say. They don't also need to have been involved in the first Mondstadt rebellion on top of that to earn that epithet

Why shouldn't he be kin with a guy who looks extremely like him and carries the same ideals?

I didn't say he wasn't. In fact I specifically said that them being related is irrelevant.

And EVEN SO. What in the world would you want us to call him? He is Nameless. So give us an alternative.

No lol. Not my job

I don't work at HoYo, I can't give him a canon name. And I'm not the CEO of Genshin fandom, I can't make everyone agree on one fanon name either. And frankly I don't think that that's a problem. Genshin has A LOT of nameless historical figures, and the vast majority of them don't have fanon names. You want a name to call him by, come up with one yourself

There is a guy called Lawerence at the gates of Mond who seemingly has no relation to the Lawerence clan, so its very possible in Mond to share names. Why can't Ragnvindr and Ragnvindr share names?

This last bit here almost made me just ignore this whole response 'cause it just seems like such an obvious bad faith argument TTOTT but y'know on the 1% chance you're actually being serious with this I'll answer in earnest:

Sure they can. Unless Ragnvindr's parents were just REALLY creative, Ragnvindr likely already existed as a name. There would have been other people named Ragnvindr before him. Perhaps it even dated back to more than 1600 years prior. We don't know the red-haired warrior's name, it could have been anything. That includes Ragnvindr. Sure. But that whole scenario of two guys coincidentally having the same name is not what the original post was about. It was specifically about the use of Ragnvindr as a clan name in an era that predates the use of Ragnvindr as a clan name. This is completely irrelevant to that

Oh my gosh STOP CALLING THE REDHEADED WARRIOR FROM THE REBELLION 2600 YEARS AGO RAGNVINDR. The Ragnvindr clan is called that after a guy named Ragnvindr from Vennessa's time. 1000 YEAR AGO. Even if the redhead warrior from the rebellion against Decarabian was an ancestor of Diluc and Crepus HIS LAST NAME WOULD STILL NOT BE RAGNVINDR, BECAUSE HE PREDATES THAT FAMILY NAME. STOP GIVING HIM THE NAME RAGNVINDR IN YOUR FICS

[ventisehe]

crying on their wedding day, or not / genshin impact / part two

this is the second part of crying on their wedding day. i didn’t add dainsleif and baizhu because i don’t have enough creative juice to squeeze them in. 

requested by: @bakuhoe-is-my-bakubro

includes: venti, kaeya, xingqiu, scaramouche, razor, albedo, chongyun, xiao, kazuha

warning: unedited, not proofread, different variation of not seeing the bride before the wedding ceremony, written before kazuha was released

part one

THOSE WHO WILL NOT CRY

     VENTI

            Although his wings that have soared through the vast open azure skies was as ancient as the winds that swept ever so delicately through the lands that made up Teyvat, although his curious viridescent hues have become quiet witnesses to numbers of renowned and untold tales of mortals across nations, no matter the countless years he devoted trying to cognize the mortals and their atypical behaviors, Barbatos – or Venti, as he refers to himself now – can never truly understand how so many human beings can stay in one place with one person.

                            Before he had even come to be the Anemo Archon, all that Venti knew was how to heed the call of the wind. To him, it was confounding how mortals do not have the similar urgency as he to follow the winds. Even when he had taken the form of his dearest friend, Himmel, and has elapsed through myriad of seasons and centuries, still he soared gently in the air, lyre in his possession as he sung melodies of his own composition and strummed symphonies for those who yearn to hear his voice, and with his braids billowing in his travel to a destination even he cannot tell yet.

            One has made an attempt - and unfortunately, a fruitless one - to make sense to him why some has gone against the heed of the wind, a very peculiar decision in the eyes of someone like him. His form nothing but a mere wisp at that time, nothing but a small creature with little understanding, and he remembered he was seated on the shoulder of his companion as they perched by the edge of a mountain, legs dangling and kicking gently back and forth. They basked in the caress of the wilting warmth as the sun bid its farewell.

                      Himmel was humming a tune with the corners of his mouth curving up and his eyes closed, and Venti's small frame thrummed with delight at the euphony he made.

                And in the serene quiet, his dear friend spoke, "Someday, you'll find yourself wanting to stay somewhere. For something, or for someone. You don't understand now, but when you come to love one thing, you'll always want to be close to their side." Himmel turned to him, a subdued smile etched across his features, and upon catching sight of the sincerity and fervor Himmel in his bright eyes, Venti cannot help but mirror his sentiments and reciprocate his smile the best he can with the body he manifested in.

     "When that day comes, you'll understand why many choose to . . . stay." Venti tilted his head to the side, and Himmel let out a small chuckle once he catches on the puzzlement that he displayed in his actions. "Don't look at me like that. I know you're curious about the whole marriage thing. Who knows, maybe someday you'll find yourself a nice fellow wisp and - "

            All it took for Himmel to cut his statement short and burst out in laughter was how Venti prodded against his neck as a feeble attempt to make him quiet down.

               And as Himmel has predicted, Venti - in time - did understood.

                        Venti was able to perceive the reasonings of mortals to turn their heads away from the beckon of the wind, to live a peaceful and quaint life, some alone, and some with their spouses. Himmel had done his absolute best to explain to him the wanders which are humans, and gleefully watched as Venti attentively listened to every word he spoke.

      However, at the end of the day, Venti was still a free spirit. He can never be tied down to one place, much more to another living being. He will always find himself favoring the whisper of the winds in Teyvat, adrift and letting himself go adrift.

            It was after he had witnessed the life in Himmel's eyes leave, heard his last breath, the whisper of the triumph of Mondstadt in achieving freedom, and his final request as he stroked Venti's quivering figure - A sad smile has been painted upon Himmel's brims as he gazed at the smaller entity weeping under his touch, "I ask only for one last favor from you, my dearest friend. Look after Mondstadt, after our people, for me, and never let everything we've sacrificed go for naught."

                          Venti was still a free spirit, but with what happened to Himmel, he longed to understand how he saw the world. It seemed he understood it differently than he did. And thus, he took the form of his beloved friend, and ventured closer than he had before to mortals.

      The day he found a place in The Seven, the fateful he became the Anemo Archon, Venti has not once missed an event with his people. He celebrated with them in festivities, cried with them in their sorrows, aided them in battles against transgressors or wars within their own mind. He laughed with them, ate with them, drank with them, and his love for his people grew everyday.

          But still, he can never stay for too long.

                      Venti tried to, he really did, for his friends, as his last gift before he lets go of the pain of losing him. But cannot force himself to remain in one place if his heart kept searching for places to explore, people to meet, discover the secrets of Teyvat.

    Hopelessness was beginning to gnaw inside him as hundred of years has passed, and he has already traveled through long distances and saw generation after generation of his people in Mondstadt, and yet nothing he has yet to fulfill his own promise to hos friend.

           Perhaps this was the way it was supposed to be. Maybe only mortals are giving the ability to be content and stay, but the Anemo Archon was forever to be appearing and disappearing - always, always stringing along with the wind.

                      And Venti believed that thought of his, and it stuck to him throughout many more years in Teyvat.

       Not even a dust of faith was left in the ruins of what he now thought of as a vanquished promise, marring Venti with a wound in his heart, and a doubt in his standing as an Archon. However, it was through this belief that took him by surprise when he met a rather strange woman at the last day of the Windblume Festival, and in Stormterror’s Lair, no less.

                    The Honorary Knight, and their odd traveling companion have long been gone after they bid him farewell and a safe travel in his return to his abode – or whatever dwelling was the closest he could denote as home – leaving Venti by himself to reminisce in the ruins of where Old Mondstadt once stood.

                                        The heavens were a color of black dotted with stars and the moon. The wind has grown softer, as though to accompany him in this lonesome hour, leaving chaste kisses against his pallid skin. From afar, the City of Mondstadt remains lit with lanterns and plethora of flowers. Even in this distance, he can oversee the joy that exuded from the people as they celebrated the remaining hours of the festival and take in the fragrance of the flowers friends and partners exchanged with one another. It was a beautiful sight to behold if one sits in such a desolate and dark place, in the very tower that he had confronted Stormterror – no, it was Dvalin now, Stormterror has perished along with the danger of the past.

                                        But a presence – curious, sorrowful – has intervened in the quiet evening Venti thought he had saved for himself. He stood up from the platform where he has previously perched upon and took off to take a gander in the Lair, and it did not take a moment longer for him to spot a figure nearby. There, standing on top of a boulder clad in a crestfallen expression was a lone woman. She was casting her gaze around Old Mondstadt, and the breeze blew her tears away,

            Venti had never seen her before. He had met every family, every person, in Old Mondstadt, and the same was to be said to the generation that followed after them. He knew them well, recalled their quirks and appearances, and this woman has no resemblance to any of them. Has she come from another nation?

                                   Venti made it his point to glide down and noiselessly land behind her, but it seems his efforts have failed him for this stranger spoke the second his feet made contact with the ground.

        "I wonder how this place used to be." You stated, and Venti was unsure whether you have felt his presence or you were speaking to yourself.

   “So, this is Old Mondstadt.” She stated in a murmur. Her voice was laced with awe, but with evidence of forlornity. “I heard rumors about what happened here, and-and the thing with Stormterror too. Archon, I wish someone would tell me the real story of the City of Freedom. Back in my home, we’re not even allowed to learn much about the Archons of other nations. It’d be foolish to just trust rumors.”

                                  There was something about her that piqued his interest. He did not know what it was. Maybe it was the way she talked about Mondstadt, her interest in the history of his city and his people, the sincere sorrow she felt for what the fallen tyrant of Mondstadt had had done to his former subjects, and how he had forced their hands to rebellion to protect their nation.

                            Venti spoke before he can stop to think. “If you’d like, I can retell the story of how Old Mondstadt came to be. I’m well versed in the history of this city, so rest assured everything you’ll hear is the truth.” He carved a smile to his lips. “And I am a Bard, so you have no need to worry about me chatting your ear off. All it takes is an audience and my lyre to get me started. Of course, a private performance will cost you, but since you’re new in the city, I suppose I can – ”

                                  His breath was taken away when the stranger turned to face him, and his words withered from his tongue. Ever seen a speechless bard? It was a sight people will scarcely see.

                Could he ever compose a song to even come close to the lovely view that was before his eyes? Gleaming curious pair of eyes, a smile so eager to listen, hair flitting with the wind as his heartbeat raced –

             Venti was used to captivating his audience with his songs and stories. However, this time, it was he who was captivated, and when he took out his lyre and played a sweet tune to sing the story of his beloved city, with this gorgeous woman listening to him with bright and shining eyes, Venti knew then that he wanted to play for her every song he knew, every story he saw and heard, to the end of time.

                            You told him your name after his song, and you came all the way from the isolated nation of Inazuma. It took him by surprise how you have confidence in him to reveal to him your identity and place of birth. Surely, not everyone will trust a stranger who has appeared out of nowhere who offered to sing them a song. But then again, Venti trusted you as quickly as you trusted him, and now it was his turn to listen as you confide in him.

  You have escaped from your home nation and survived out in the seas under the heat of the sun and threat of starvation for days until a compassionate Captain from Liyue, and her crew found you and delivered you to safety. And it was after your recovery that you fled to Mondstadt, the opposite of the nation you were born in.

                     Venti found himself sitting down in front of you as you told him your story, sight never leaving your frame as he did so. You were no Bard, and you were no storyteller, but he cannot tell the time or noticed the sun has set as you regaled him with story of Inazuma and your life after and before your escape. He was enchanted with the way you spoke, how you looked about Old Mondstadt with saddened awe, the fervidness in your voice – Have I found myself a rival? Thought Venti, eyes softening as you went on about your admiration for the affability and generosity his people have shown you.

                                                          When you left that day, you promised to come back and when you do, you shall ask him to sing to you more of his songs. At first, Venti was hesitant to believe your promise, but to his relief and happiness, when he saw you in the same place in the ruins undoubtedly waiting for him with your eyes closed and relishing in the wind that rushed past you. Venti always came to Stormterror’s Lair to oversee what remained of his old home, but for once, his sights were held torn and you have all his attention.

                   Seeing you keep your promise of return made his day, but when you whipped your head to face him with a smile, waving a hand as you asked him to sit with you, Venti knew that his heart desired yours. Was it a wise decision to fall for someone you've only just met? Certainly not, but he was an Archon who had too much time but too little for those who he holds dear. He cannot afford to be unsure when his time with you was limited.

     So, he decided – when the day is right and the wind is quiet, he shall make his feelings for you known.

            It became a routine for the two of you to meet in Stormterror’s Lair and share your stories with one another, Venti always telling his in songs, as a Bard would. There was never a dull moment between the two of you, and every story told in the ruins were to be fascinated of. And soon, it wasn't just stories. Soon, he was finding out more about you, knowing you better until he couldn't get you out of his head.

                  It became a routine for the two of you to meet in Stormterror’s Lair and share your stories with one another. Venti always told his in the form of songs, as a Bard would, you will always applaud him after, to which he would respond with a melodramatic bow. There was never a dull moment between the two of you, and every story spoke in the ruins and the silence of the night was to be fascinated of.  He was learning more about you, knowing you better, until he couldn’t get you out of his mind when his head falls against his pillow.

    Venti cherished these times he had with you. He knew it won't be long until you were gone. He knew his fate as an Archon – seeing loved ones perish and more to come, and the cycle continued.

                                           He hasn't even told you about his identity.

                          Venti was grateful for the Traveler for pushing him to tell you about his feelings and his standing in Teyvat, but he was still uncertain. What would you say if he confessed to you? What will you say if he admits to being the Anemo Archon? Will things change between the two of you? Will you leave? Venti can’t think about that.

                                                                       Venti grew worried when you didn’t come to Stormterror’s Lair one day, and then another, and his concern grew as days turned to weeks. Everyday he found himself visiting Stormterror’s Lair in hopes of seeing you waiting for him again, but he was always left disappointed. You did not mention going on an adventure or a commission, so his worry was warranted. Were you safe or were you simply sick of him?

                 When the day you finally appeared in the Lair, relief washed over Venti and he practically jumped off the broken tower he frequently resided and made haste towards you. But his footsteps faltered when he found no traces of a smile on your face. He can see the relief and joy, but the smile was absent. From that, Venti’s own beam wilted as he walked over to you with reluctant steps.

      When he came close to you, he opened his mouth to ask how you have faired for the past weeks and question your abrupt disappearance when you said something that took him by surprise.

                                    “I know who you are.”

          It felt like his entire world has stopped for a moment as he stared at you with disbelief smearing his countenance. How ever did you discover the truth? Certainly, he had similarities with his statues, but none of his people nor visitors from outside ever pieced the puzzle together.

                            He averted his gaze, ashamed. Why was he wallowing in shame? Or perhaps was this regret of not telling you sooner? Did you feel betrayed? Will you cast him away?

                      “But how . . . ”

                                            “The man at the Tavern told me, Master Diluc.” You answered. “I was telling him about you, and I guess he thought I already knew of you being the . . . Anemo Archon.”

           ���Is that why you were gone for weeks?” Venti questioned, and when you nodded in response, he winced. He can’t help but think of the worse – She’ll leave me.

                          Venti looked away. “Ah, I shouldn’t be surprised. I mean, it is hard to believe someone like me is an Archon.” He laughed out, but the humor was nonexistent in his statement. “So, how do you feel about that?”

                      Venti let out a gasp when you threw yourself to him and enveloped him in a tight hug. Venti froze at your actions and waited for you to withdraw, but when you did not, he slowly accepted your embrace with gratefulness. He didn’t know what you do this, but he was more than happy to reciprocate your actions before he lets you go.

        It won’t matter, anyway. He’ll hear the winds calling for him somewhere soon. Maybe letting you go now would hurt less in the long run.

                    “Are you not . . . angry?” Venti asked as he closed his eyes and rested his chin on your shoulder.

                                    “Oh Archons, no, Venti. I could never hate you.” You assured him in a whisper and from the brokenness on your voice, Venti knew you were crying. “Those times you told me about Barbatos . . . all the stories about his past . . . everything he had gone through . . . ” You murmured, tone lowering. “ . . . you must have been so hurt and lonely.”

                                              He didn’t know why your words shot through him. He can feel tears streaming down his cheeks as memories of his past and the continuous pain of loss and regret caught up with him. Finally, after thousands of years, his false smile was shattered.

          How pathetic. He thought. An Archon weeping in front of a mortal that he is in love with. Could things get any worse?

                  Your hand stroked his hair, comforting him as he cried against your shoulder and in your arms.

                          “I was . . . ” He breathed out, choking as he tightened his grip around you. “ . . . it never stops hurting . . . I keep seeing Himmel, and everyone, and – ”

                He couldn’t finish what he was saying and just relished in the comfort of your arms, breathing in your scent.

                                    “I don’t understand what you’ve been going through these thousands of years, and I never will, but it’s okay now, Venti.” You whispered in his ear, and he can detect the compassion and love lacing your voice. His heart hammered against his chest. “You have me. You don’t have to pretend everything is okay. I’m here for you. I want you to be Venti and Barbatos with me, I want all of you.”

             He couldn’t believe his ears. Did he hear you correctly? You want him?

                    Venti gently retracted himself from you, but his arms remained at your sides. “You still want me, even after I kept this from you?”

         “I want you, Venti.” You clasped your hands over his shoulders, firmly looking into his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere anymore. I’m staying here, with you.”

                 And so, you stayed, and so did he – it was the first time he stayed, and he will never regret it.

One would think that as a renowned Bard in Mondstadt, Venti would push for a grand wedding where all people of Mondstadt are invited to wine and dine together as bards banded together to regale everyone with their music, and as the Archon who values freedom above everything else, a big part of him wanted to. But he thought of you and what you wanted. It took some time for him to deliberate over how selfish it would be for him to make you uncomfortable in your wedding day and agree a small wedding would be a much better option considering how sacred and intimate marriage is.

However, knowing you cannot simply have the Anemo Archon go against his belief, and of course because of your love for him, you have secretly devised a plan with Jean and Kaeya to invite all the citizens of Mondstadt to your reception to celebrate this joyous occasion for the two of you. There was more than enough food and drinks to feast, courtesy of Master Diluc, and you’re sure Venti will be over the moon with this surprise. 

Venti had no family, and those he did consider as family were long gone, just a memory from the past. Even though it is unusual for a groom not to have a best man in his wedding day, Venti claimed he was fine without a best man. He had no doubts in marrying you. When he proposed to you, there was no touch of regret or doubt. Albeit reluctantly, you were in a mutual agreement in that matter, as well. Until, of course, an unexpected tribute arrived offering his services.

Venti was not the least nervous when the day of your wedding came. He did not waste time when he woke up and immediately got to work on his appearance. Jean was kind enough to have his wedding suit tailored for him, an early wedding gift, as she says.

Venti knew of the rule that a groom mustn’t see his bride in her wedding gown until the time she walks on the aisle. But he was just so thrilled for this day that he forgot all about it. And even if he did remember it, who in the world would stop him from seeing you? He has no best man to stop him anyway -

Venti almost choked to death when a hand came to grasp him by his the back of his collar, and he blubbered pathetically as he was thrown off balance and was dragged back to the altar.

“Who are - Master Diluc? What are you doing?”

Diluc let out a huff as he continued dragging Venti away from your house. “Stopping you from upsetting your bride. I’m sure you know that you shouldn’t see your bride in her gown before the wedding?”

“But Master Diluc, as much as I appreciate what you’re doing, you’re not in any position to - ”

“Actually, I am in a position where I’m allowed to stop you from making a mess of your wedding.” Said Diluc. “I’m your best man, after all.”

Venti couldn’t put to words how touched he was, and more so when you revealed to him after the wedding that Diluc has offered to be his best man by his own volition. As thanks, the next time Venti visited the tavern to drink, he paid for a single bottle of wine once. It wasn’t exactly ideal but considering how he had no original plan to pay Diluc for any of the drinks he will consume, this was as good as it gets.

When the doors opened to reveal you in your pretty white wedding dress, Venti swooned, and a large joyous smile stretched across his lips.

A gentle breeze swept in the altar and Venti felt his feet leave the ground briefly, floating in the air as he excitedly watched you walk down the aisle, and it took Diluc’s hand pulling him down by the back of his suit to stop him from floating up above the cathedral.

“My, my, if I knew any better, I would have thought the Archons have taken favor on me and blessed me with a beautiful bride.” Venti said once you join him in the altar and took your hands in his own. “You look beautiful, darling. I might just write another song about you.”

You shook your head, pink tinting your cheeks. “Haven’t you written enough songs about me?”

Venti inched his face close to you, his large smile altering to a soft smile. “There aren’t enough songs to tell you how much I adore you.”

The wedding went on, and when the two of you kissed, only one thing entered in Venti’s mind - I found my reason to stay, Himmel. I just hope you can see this.

The wind blew gently.

     KAEYA

                      Kaeya did not know what to feel when his brother has made it clear once and for all that he wanted nothing to do with him. His dismissive remarks, his heated glares, his cold and aloof treatment – he had known Diluc for so long, and his memories with him in their childhood never grew old in his mind, so it pained him to have his once bright-eyed sibling who aspired to be part of the Knight acting as though they were strangers. No, strangers would have been merciful. He acted as if the bond they had never meant anything to him, and casting him aside and seeing him under the light of contempt was the easiest decision he has ever made.

                                               Even you were not spared from the same fate. The three of you become inseparable the day you and Kaeya were introduced to each other. You’ve done everything together, and it would be a strange sight to see one missing from the group.

                When Diluc has cut ties with Kaeya, you suffered the same fate as he. You poor, poor thing – you tried your best to patch the friendship he no longer wanted to be part of, and Kaeya did not waste time running to your side and picking up the pieces Diluc shattered. It was not an easy feat for both of you to lose Diluc – he lost a brother, and you lost a good friend.

                                 But it was because of your fall out with him that you and he become closer than ever, closer than before, if that could even be possible. The two of you support one another and you go to each other when things get difficult.

             Kaeya will never admit it, and he would rather die than do, but he has loved you for many years. The moment Diluc pulled him into an unknown house, claiming that he wanted to meet someone important to him, and his eyes landed on your form with the sunrays kissing your skin, a wide smile stretching across your face, and a fake sword in your hand, his heart was taken.

                            You were one of the reasons he wanted to become a Knight. Diluc admitted his want to become a Knight, and you expressed the same sentiment, and of course, hearing his friend and brother say so, he became inclined of joining the Knights. I’ll get good training. He thought back then as stared at you, blushing as you braided Diluc’s hair. Then, I’ll be able to protect ( Your Name ).

        Now that Diluc no longer wanted to be in contact with you than more than is necessary, Kaeya grew to be more protective over you. He knew you can handle yourself as you were a Knight yourself and wields a Vision, too, but his heart clenches at the thought of you getting hurt when he could have easily had your back, like he always did.

                                                 Kaeya didn’t knowif you had feelings for him, or for anyone, for that matter. Many times he thought of confessing to you just to rip the band aid off, but he couldn’t. He’ll keep his feelings to himself and continue being the Cavalry Captain that everyone adored, and your own personal protector.

   But it was getting harder and harder to hide his feeling. Everyday he was always under the threat of falling deeper in love with you. Everyday, you always give him more reasons to love you. Waiting for him to come home after taking too long in his work, taking care of him after a nasty battle or when he’s drunk, always checking up on him even if your schedule was hectic, offering him help if you deem the responsibility given to him is too much. How much longer can he pretend that he wasn’t thinking of you everyday and every night?

                                He was pulled back from his train of thoughts when he felt a soft material doused in alcohol perch on the wound blemishing his skin. “Ah, be gentle, ( Your Name ),” Whined Kaeya, stilling himself to refrain from moving and delaying your nurse on his cuts.

                          “We wouldn’t be in this situation if you had only been careful fighting those Abyss Mages.” You reprimanded with a stern glare. “Think of this as your punishment from me. Now, hold still.”

                      “I was fighting Abyss Mages and came back with small wounds. How am I not careful?”

       “You can be more careful.” Quipped you, and finding your chance, you pressed the cotton again his skin, causing the Cavalry Captain to hiss in pain.

                      “Ow, ow, ow – I said be gentle!”

                                         “Oh, you can fight Abyss Mages but can’t handle getting your wounds treated? What a baby.”

                        Kaeya pouted while you pulled away from him. “My dearest ( Your Name ) doesn’t love me anymore.” He cooed. “Tell me, what can I do to make it up to you, hmm?”

                                      You shook your head and placed your hand over his head, beaming. His heart leaped in his chest. “Stop being reckless.” You responded. “You’re the most important person to me, Kaeya. I don’t want to lose you too.”

             Days and days he spent thinking of what you said. He never truly knew how he important he was to you. The thought of that had him sleeping and dreaming of you and your smiles, how the days will be if you loved him the same way he loved you, and the fateful day you owned his heart.

   He had to thank Diluc for introducing him to you. He couldn’t imagine being in a world where he has no one to lean on when he lost the only family he had. You became his rock, someone he could lean on and trust. His friend who he loved more than he should have, the woman he wished to see in his arms someday.

                     But it will never be. He has to protect you. He is always in danger and he doesn’t want to hurt you more if he died and you two are in a relationship. And he had seen firsthand how affected you were when Diluc no longer wanted to be friends with you. He won’t let you go through the same pain if your relationship didn’t work. He loved you too much to let you suffer again.

                                  Kaeya didn’t think he would be able to thank Diluc again after their fall out but he was mistaken.

                            He didn’t know the full story of what had happened the night he got shitfaced drunk in the tavern but woke up the next day to learn he has revealed his feelings for you in front of his brother, and the latter had casually mentioned it to you when you dropped by the tavern to escort him back home.

                      Regret and frustration welled up inside of him and he spent ten minutes walking back in you guest room, trying to explain himself and perhaps even jest about having feels for you but his preparation was all futile when you opened the door just as he was about to.

               Before he can speak, you beat him to it.

        “The next time you get drunk like that, you’re sleeping on the couch.” You chastised, shaking your head and proceeding to turn your back to him to return downstairs. “Freshen up, and head down. I already cooked you breakfast, so hurry up before it gets cold.”

                                              Kaeya stared blankly at the spot you previously stood before smiling. He rushed over to the staircase and looked down to watch you descend the steps. “I won’t keep you long, love.”

                            His smile broadened when he saw redness rush to your cheeks.

Kaeya proposed to you in a way you expected him to propose to you. A fancy dinner at a fancy restaurant where he ordered a fancy bottle of wine and placed the fancy ring he bought into your glass. It was only because you knew him well that you have no accidentally imbibed the accessory. 

Upon receiving your answer to his proposal, the first thing Kaeya did the day after is hunt down for a best man. As a popular and charming Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius, he thought it would be an easy task finding himself a best man but that notion gradually wilted as the date for your wedding approaches, he has yet to find someone to take the position.

In his pursuit for a best man, Kaeya came to realize something. His relationships with others aren’t exactly intimate. They drink and laugh together, but none of them really knew him. Kaeya couldn’t go to them with his personal problems or have their shoulders ready for him to cry on. They were good friends, but not people he would let inside his heart and vulnerability.

There were only two people who knew him behind the title of Cavalry Captain - you, and of course, his estranged brother, Diluc.

The very thought of Diluc sent a shiver down his spine. Diluc hated him and ( Your Name ). He pushed them away, treated them horridly, like they had been nothing to him but strangers with bad memories. Why would he want him to be his best man?

He remembered one day in Angel’s Share, he asked Venti if he could stand as his best man in the wedding and he swore he heard a glass dropping from behind the counter but when he turned, he saw Diluc wiping a wine glass with a blank expression. When Kaeya faced Venti once again, the excitement of being asked of such honorable position has withered and the Bard kindly declined before telling him to ask Diluc to be his best man. He did not.

Who cares about best man? The only thing important to me right now is marrying ( Your Name ).

But when the day of his wedding dawned, Kaeya was in a panic. Behind his charm was a man with a dark past, dark memories, and dark thoughts. He began doubting his ability to give you the life you deserve, began feeling insecurities he thought he had set aside.

He tried his best to remain calm, and for the most part, it worked. Everyone did not find something amiss when Kaeya was interacting with them before the wedding, but someone did, and that someone took him by his arm and dragged him a far and secluded corner after excusing him from who he was conversing with.

“Stop fidgeting with your tie, it’s beginning to bother me.”

Kaeya let out a huff. “Master Diluc, what a . . . surprise that you’re here.”

“You sent me an invitation.” The red head retaliated.

Kaeya had indeed sent him an invitation but he had no recollection of this or whatsoever. He was too wasted to remember.

“The Cavalry Captain losing his cool. Now this is a wedding just waiting to be ruined.”

It was almost like magic how the anxiety that has been eating him up vanished at his brother’s taunt. Kaeya glared at Diluc, opening his mouth to retaliate but before he can even let a single word move past his lips, Diluc turned his back to him and returned to the cathedral, leaving Kaeya in disbelief.

He let out a huff as he stared at his brother’s retreating form. “Bastard still knows me best.”

Kaeya has taken the reins over his emotions again, and he was sure he can keep his composure when you enter through the doors. But he was thoroughly mistaken as he swallowed the lump in his throat when his sight landed on you.

It felt like a dream. How can someone like you love him? In all his flaws, mistakes, and faults, how did you see him as someone you can lean on? Someone you want to spend the rest of your life with?

Surely, he must be dreaming. He’ll wake up in his bed any moment now and realize that everything had been the foolishness of his mind -

Except you continued making your way down aisle, and then you were in front of him with a veil covering your flushed face, and then he was slipping his hands in yours. This was real. You love him.

You leaned forward to him, nose brushing against his. “You look very dashing today, Kaeya.”

Kaeya chuckled. “And you look splendid today, Mrs. Alberich - oh, don’t go shy on me now.”

His smile broadened at the sight of your reddening cheeks. If it wasn’t for the priest speaking right now, he would have flipped over your veil and kiss you.

But there is plenty of time to do that. Kaeya will make sure of that.

     XINGQIU

          The youngest of the Guhua Clan will rarely be seen without a novel in hand. Everyday, Xingqiu will be seen with his friends with a book near him, always different from yesterday. He had read many novels and heard stories from storytellers, but one story he will never get tired of was his story with you.

       Although it may not seem like it, Xingqiu was a hopeless romantic, and he has always imagined seeking a woman to make his bride. However, it will always be something he can only imagine. As a heir of the Guhua Clan, he has responsibilities to keep and adhere, and he has willingly accepted this. Being given the freedom to choose his bride is something he cannot afford. When his father has informed him about offering him to a daughter of another prestigious clan, he has voiced his discontentment and disinclination to the arrangement but has nonetheless followed.

                  What a horror it would have been if he had followed through with the tiny voice inside his head saying to run away because if he did, he would have missed the chance of laying eyes on you and experiencing what many romance novels he read called – a heart skipping a beat.

           It was a tiring charade of formalities and display of pristine etiquette. All Xingqiu wanted was to retreat to a secluded area and continue immersing himself in the book he has picked up from the local library. With how often he reads, the novels in his own house he has already read, twice.

                                And so, he did. He kindly excused himself from the dinner between the families, making up a lie about feeling unwell and needing rest, and hurried over in the fields near his place. It is not exactly rude for him to skip dinner. It is not exactly ideal for his bride-to-be to be late in an important occasion like this so why shouldn’t he exhibit the same treatment as they did to him?

                    When he came to the spot be frequented, he caught sight of an unfamiliar figure from afar. A girl around his age sat on the bench under the tree, in the same spot he always occupied. She wore clothes similar to the families of the clan his family are negotiating with, so it didn’t take long for Xingqiu to learn this girl was related to them. He just didn’t know what her standing was with them.

 She was beautiful, he will admit, but it was the book in her hand that caught his attention. Thus, he approached her, adorning a friendly mask as to not scare her away. It is rather uncomfortable meeting strangers in the dark of the night and somewhere far from civilization.

           “Her hair billowed as she stood by the precipice, golden hues dimming in the dying light as she was left disappointed for yet another century. Her tears stung her skin and her throat tightened, but another century is simply common for someone like her. She will wait for his return, even if every mountain has eroded and all that was left of her was hope.” He recited a line from the novel as he took even ambles towards the girl, and he did not falter as she turned to face him. He offered her a smile and bowed with the elegance that his family taught. “Apologies for my disruption, my liege, but I can’t help but be thrilled to see someone with such incredible taste for literature. Not many are fond of historical fiction. Well, in my case, not many are into literature.”

                                        Her eyes appraised him with wonder as she perfected her posture. “That’s one of the lines in the book. My, even I haven’t memorized a single phrase from any of the books in my collections.” She remarked.

                                “I like to memorize a line or two from all the books I’ve read. It feels like a part of them will always be with me even if my memories fade in time.” Xingqiu gestured to the vacant spot beside her. “May I sit next to you?”

     She let out a laugh, to which sent shivers down Xingqiu’s spine. “You may. It’s not everyday I get to speak with someone with the same interests as me.”

                      He gladly seated himself beside her and immediately, he was greeted with the fragrance of flowers.

                    The girl extended her hand to him, smilingly softly at him. “My name is ( Your Name ),” She introduced herself. “You’re probably thinking you haven’t seen me around in Liyue, and you’re right. My family is here to meet with the Guhua Clan.”

                                                      Xingqiu took her hand and pressed a chaste kiss on the back. “Glad to make your acquaintance, my lady. My name is Xingqiu from the Guhua Clan.”

      Her eyebrows raised in acknowledgment. “Is that so?” She mused. “Then, I must show my sincerest gratitude for letting my family into – ”

               “Ah, there’s no need for that,” Dismissed Xingqiu as he shook his head. “We’re far from the dinner they’re sharing together. No need to be so formal with me.”

          Her smile brightened. “I have a feeling we’re going to get along splendidly, Xingqiu.”

                        Upon returning together to his house and finding an excuse as to why Xingqiu had been outside did he and ( Your Name ) learn that it was them who were destined to be married when they are of age. The disappointment of meeting his soon-to-be bride has dissipated at the revelation, leaving him filled with utmost joy and pride as to having you as his, and from the shy and gleeful smile that wandered to your lips, Xingqiu can tell you think the same with him.

It was to be expected that the two of you will have a luxurious and grand wedding. With the two of you coming from wealthy families, it was no surprise. If you have insisted for a small wedding consisting only of close relatives and friends, your parents will fear some other elite clans will perceive this as them losing power and money and will take advantage of them or simply cut ties with them. You and Xingqiu had no other choice but to respect their requests. Although Xingqiu was secretly relieved you agreed to a big wedding. For him, you deserved only the best of the best, and in this case, larger is better.

Both families came to an agreement that it would be for the best if the two of you are not to see each other for the week before your wedding day. You found nothing wrong with this arrangement. Xingqiu, however, was the opposite of you.

Many times he tried to sneak out of his house to visit you in secret but Chongyun has thwarted this attempts many times. When he goes to adventures with the Traveler, he find himself missing you in mere hours. How can he survive a whole week without communicating with you?

Oh, how foolish of him. He was now allowed to visit you but he can, however, write letters to you.

For the whole week, Xingqiu will be writing to you without ceasing. You’ll have a difficult time keeping up with his letters but you’ll always find time to respond to him. After all, you missed him just as much as he missed you.

Xingqiu woke up before the sun can call for him. He walked around in his room, breathing in and out as he tried to soothe his joy. Chongyun, who was tasked to look after Xingqiu for the whole week, woke up from the sound of his footsteps. When he stepped inside his best friend’s room, Xingqiu held Chongyun’s hands and twirled him around, startling the half-asleep Cryo user.

“I’m getting married to ( Your Name ) today!”

“I know, Xingqiu. I’ve been stopping you from visiting her the whole week.”

Your wedding was held in a beautiful garden where cherry blossoms flutter and the wind was gentle and cool.

Xingqiu always held his composure in any situations and circumstances he encountered. But he was going to admit that seeing you in your wedding dress with the cherry blossoms kissing your skin and tresses every now and then had him malfunctioning.

It took a worse turn when you finally stood before him, expectantly looking at him. A compliment, a playful jest, a seductive remark - but there was none of that.

Xingqiu stared at you, eyes shining with admiration and his lips parted in pleasant surprise.

“Xingqiu, earth to Xingqiu,” You whispered. “You there?”

It was only after you spoke that Xingqiu snapped out of his stupor.

“Get yourself together, Xingqiu.” Stated Chongyun beside him in a whisper.

It took him a while to find him bearings but when he did, Xingqiu smiled at you and pressed a kiss on your forehead.

“Beautiful, just like the first time I saw you.”

     SCARAMOUCHE

            Scaramouche has dedicated his entire life to seeing through what his majesty, the Tsaritsa, desired. His life shall be nothing but a pawn for her to use in her schemes and may her will be done through him and her subjects. If she must dispose of him to make success of her endeavor, Scaramouche will gladly surrender before her eyes and bare his neck for her to cut. He will do anything she commands without a second thought, and anyone who dares get in his way will face the wrath of an incensed Harbinger.                

         It was all about the Tsaritsa. His entire his existence is for his majesty. It was all he ever believed in when the honor of being the sixth Harbingers was crowned over him. With that said, Scaramouche can never bring himself to admit his resolve has been altered upon his discreet visitation to the City of Freedom to conduct a more intimate investigation over the meteorites and the impact it had on the people of Mondstadt.

                      His skull was throbbing, his thoughts scattered, and frustration was beginning to settle inside of him. Scaramouche has just dispatched his soldiers to continue their research on the meteors after his failed attempt to eliminate the traveler. He was left alone in the tranquility of the night, with the remnants of the astrologist’s escape glittering beneath his eyes, mocking him.

     “I should have acted quicker. The Traveler will continue foiling The Tsaritsa’s plans.” Mumbled Scaramouche to himself. “No matter. There will be another chance in the future to finish off the hero of Mondstadt, and I’m sure it’ll come sooner than I expect. I must prepare for that time. I can’t make this mistake again.”

                  A curious hum that echoed behind him had him stiffening in his place and drawing out his weapon from thin air. “Are you interested about the meteors too?” A voice asked.

          Scaramouche turned around, and he found a woman standing behind him a few meters away. She has a beauty that he favors, a smile so gentle that it thawed a bit of ice in his heart, but a scowl made its way to his countenance. She’s taller than me.

  She didn’t look particularly like anyone he would have any interest in knowing, and when she has introduced herself to him after he supplied her with no answer, Scaramouche predicted correctly. She was merely an ordinary folk in any ordinary city with no Vision or any skillset that could benefit him in anything.

                                                    “I must get going.” Curtly stated Scaramouche and he turned around without even bidding goodbye to the woman.

                          “So soon?” You asked. “I thought we could at least talk what’s been happening – about the meteors, the stars.”

              Scaramouche frowned at the mention of the latter and he spun back around to meet your gaze. “The stars? What about the stars?”

                                        You smiled a secret smile. “The stars . . . they’re fake.”

         Scaramouche stared at you with wonder and amusement in his dark hues. He has always believed in that notion, and only a handful came to agree with him. Now, here a lady stands before him, with nothing in particular to offer him, speaking of the truth many has rejected.

                      He examined you from head to toe, evaluating your form before beckoning you to come over to him, saying, “Perhaps I can spare some time to talk.”

                  What was supposed to be a conversation within an hour or so has extended for a day, and when you requested to accompany him back to ship docked in Liyue Harbor to continue your conversation (it surprised him but has nonetheless allowed you to tag along) about the meteors and the stars, it dragged on for weeks.

     But Scaramouche would be lying if he said that was all you discussed about. There was only so much information they can relate to the subject that has intertwined their fates that it did not take long for the two of you to stray from it to favor a more civil conversation. He learned of your mundane life back in Mondstadt where you were merely another dot in the bustle of the city and he managed to extract from you valuable material regarding the Honorary Knight (in truth, you have willingly told him everything you knew about the Hero of Mondstadt and this he was very pleased with). He learned about your family, your work, your past, and your ambition to adventure throughout the lands of Teyvat even without a Vision.

                He thought it was foolish of you to believe you can ever get out of your city without a Vision. There were too many enemies that a simple adventurer like you could easily be overwhelmed with. Not to mention the Fatuis that he and his fellow Harbingers has placed all throughout Teyvat. The thought of you getting hurt, especially by his own soldiers . . . it did not sit right with him.

                                 Arriving at Liyue Harbor, Scaramouche proposed that you come with him. It is no secret that anyone who do not possess a Vision cannot survive if they were ever to embark on a journey. Hearing your desire for an adventure, Scaramouche has come to decide that as gratitude for your pleasant company and for your compliance in giving him information about the renowned traveler, he shall take you along in his voyage, showing you the grandest landscapes, granting your every need and desires, all the while keeping you at his side where he was certain you were safe.

    It was all to thank you, nothing else. It wasn’t because Scaramouche knew he would find himself missing you and the comfort you bring when you leave, nor was it because he was fond of you. Yes, yes, all just to show his gratitude.

              As his soldiers watched as Scaramouche led you aboard in ship with his hand interlocked with yours, they thought the same thing – Scaramouche is never the one to show gratitude to anyone. You had him smitten.

How you were able to fall in love with Scaramouche in such a short period of time is fascinating. Especially with his horrid personality.

But he was different with you. He was gentle, caring, and never raised his voice. The insults remained but there was no venom behind them. It took you quite some time to get used to his belittling remarks but it didn’t evade your perception how Scaramouche begun lessening his insults, opting for a more playful jab instead.

He proposed to you over at dinner. He had just come back from an expedition and came home to a table filled with your cooking. As the two of you are exchanging your stories of what went with your lives when you two were separated, Scaramouche placed his chopsticks away, looked at you straight in the eyes and said, “Marry me.”

How can you say no to such a romantic proposal?

Actually, you made him redo his proposal before you accepted but nobody else has to know about that.

There was no best man for Scaramouche in your wedding. The man was feared by everyone, and his fellow Harbingers hated him. Childe did insist on being his best man at one point but he almost ended up being fried by a lightning bolt. Apparently, the 11th Harbinger pestered him for a whole week trying to convince him to let him be the best man so his actions were justified - just a little bit.

You have to give it to Scaramouche. Regardless of his busy schedule and the current predicament in Inazuma, he managed to find time and opportunity to plan your wedding and marry you without having to worry about the Electro Archon and her subjects.

Scaramouche scoffed at the tradition of not being able to see you on the very day of your wedding. What good would it be? You were going to be his wife, and he wanted to see his wife. He saw himself above tradition, and visited you first thing in the morning at the day of the wedding.

It was no question Scaramouche was an authoritative man but he was more so as he prepared himself for the wedding.

His maids ran about in the room, providing everything he needed and wanted. Scaramouche was not known for being compassionate, but this was the first time they’ve been on the receiving end of his wrath. Normally, he would ignore their existence and not even bother to call them by their names but today, he was different. He acted worse than when he comes home after a failed mission.

The maids knew he was beyond frustrated with the wedding. So, they called to ask for your help.

“Scaramouche, you’re scaring the maids.” You cooed as you came up behind him and placed your hands on his shoulders.

Scaramouche let out a scoff, but you felt his frame soften. He sat before a mirror, and he gazed at your reflection as he placed a hand over one of yours. “Even they weren’t so terrible with their jobs . . . ”

“You’re making things so hard for them. And for yourself too.” You stated. “Marrying me shouldn’t be hard, should it?”

That statement set Scaramouche right, and when you left to carry on with your own preparation and the maids returned to their duties, he was more civil with them. If that’s what you want, then he can endure it.

The hour has finally arrived. Scaramouche has faced many dangers in his life, but it was only now he felt restless. What is taking you so long? He thought you wanted to marry him. Then what’s warranting your late arrival?

At that thought, you finally appeared by the end of the aisle, holding a bouquet in your hands. Everyone in the venue gaped at your beauty, and Scaramouche was thankful you had everyone gazing at you. He didn’t want them to see the dumbfounded and poorly hidden lovestruck expression that crossed his mien for a moment.

But a sense of pride also touched him. 

That’s my bride.

When the ceremony begins, you and Scaramouche were seated side by side. You smiled brightly at him when you sat, but he didn’t any indication that he saw your smile and continued giving his undivided attention on the person conducting your wedding. You pouted heavily at this but said nothing and followed his actions. However, your smile returned when you felt his fingers hooking with yours. It was a small improvement, but it was intimate and loving.

Scaramouche didn’t cry in your wedding but when his arms held you tightly to his chest when evening came and two of you lied down on your shared bed, it was enough for you to know he loved you as much as you loved him.

Maybe more so.

     RAZOR

   Razor rarely experience human interaction, and if he did, it would be abrupt and depending on how the communication was being dealt by both parties, it would either be Razor who parts from them first out of wariness or lacking knowledge of being social or the other would, most of the time for the reason they find it disturbing a human could act so much like a wolf. The humans Razor constantly encounter are the hunters from Springvale and due to their bellowing voices and violence against his Lupicals, he has limited his ventures to Mondstadt unless something calls for an emergency.

        Other than the man who gave him his name, Razor only knew a handful of people – six of them being the Traveler, Traveler’s companion, Bennett, Klee, her big brother Albedo, and the woman he sees as his mentor, Lisa. He can only ever let his guard down when around them, though he was still a wee bit cautious of Albedo whenever Klee drags him to his camp.

                          He didn’t think he could meet anyone else who can consider a Lupical. That was until he met you. You were taking a peaceful stroll around Wolvendom – Archons know why you chose the most avoided place in Mondstadt to walk through – at the same time he was hunting down boars for his Lupicals.

  There was no rescuing or danger involved when he met you. It was a simple encounter, to which Razor was pleasantly surprised with. In almost all occasions, when he is meeting a fellow human being, it would be under rather unusual circumstances. He met the Traveler and her floating friend when they were being attacked by slimes. He met Lisa when she has painted the skies dark as she was singlehandedly fending herself off from a mob of Hilichurls. He met Klee when she was using her bombs to fish. He met Albedo in the middle of a chaotic experiment to which resulted in an evacuation. He met Bennett when he was hanging upside down from a tree when he tried to take an apple from a high branch, and the tree was up in flames.

                   To say, meeting you normally was a breath of fresh air.

      The two of you hit it off almost immediately, or so that is what it seems to you. Although you consider Razor a good friend even in just the few days you have met, he was still very careful of you. He had been deceived by humans before and it may be a little unfair to you since he trusted the Traveler and Bennett almost in an instant, he must first know you are trustworthy.

  And indeed, you’ve proven yourself as such. Perhaps, more so than the Traveler. You have done everything to show him you have no ill intentions against him and his Lupicals – helped him in hunting for sustenance for his family even if you have to knowledge in hunting, helping him broaden his vocabulary, helping him read and write – but it was your sacrifice to protect them that made him truly open himself up to you.

             An Abyss Mage has appeared out of nowhere and has wreaked havoc in their residence. Razor can feel his heart thundering as he raced through Wolvendom along with a few of his Lupicals who he had gone out with to hunt. Upon arriving at their home, Razor has anticipated to see the grass painted with red and wounded wolves whimpering in pain as others try to battle against the Abyss Mage. But to his relief, such image was not implemented into reality. Instead, he found his Lupicals sleeping soundly in their den, and the remains of the Abyss Mage has slowly evaporated in thin air. As the particles gradually disappeared, they made way for your presence to be revealed.

           Razor let out a gasp when he laid eyes on you. Bruised, bleeding, exhausted, but smiling as you happily waved at him with the hand clutching your weapon.

                              You happily advanced towards him, tittering. Razor reached out to take your hand, and reluctantly asked of your welfare. Now he understood why humans ask how one is fairing when they are clearly unwell – they do not know what else to say.

                      “Why would you do that?” Razor questioned as he brought you far from his den to tend to your wounds without waking his family. “You are hurt now.”

    “I can’t let an Abyss Mage hurt your Lupical.” You answered firmly, the smile you wore dissipating as you gazed into his eyes. “I might not be as strong as the Honorary Knight or Acting Grand Master Jean, but I fought well.”

               What was this odd sensation he was feeling? This strong urge to protect you, to take you in his arms and never let you go – what was this? He has never felt like this before. So light, so . . . flustered. He thought this feeling would be gone after a few days, but months has passed and since then, the feeling became more prominent, stronger. All the time he could never get enough of you and there will always be that lingering trickle of pain in his chest when you have to leave for the day. Razor knew you would come back the day after when the night has gone, but it never stopped that little ache.

                          Razor understood that he lacked understanding of feelings, so he confided to Bennett about it. Bennett was almost as clueless as Razor about feelings – almost – but he did know when someone was taking a liking of someone in a more amorous manner. He has filled Razor about exactly what he was feeling for you, and not the kind of feeling that he has for him and the Traveler, but the kind of liking he would have towards a . . . girlfriend? (Bennett had to explain to him the meaning behind girlfriend and it was no easy task).

            “Liking someone like a girlfriend . . . ” Razor muttered, scrunching his face in puzzlement. “ . . . like a mate?”

                                 Bennett flushed at the word but nodded. “Yes, like a mate.”

                                                Bennett tried his best to help Razor confess to you, and this is where disaster happened. Since Razor is mostly uneducated in terms of romantic feelings, he did not feel any anxiety crawling up to him when he decided to admit his feelings to you. The problem is that he has decided to confess in a wrong time and in a difficult situation.

       “You should confess to her after you’ve saved her from danger!” Exclaimed Bennett, beaming at Razor.

                   The latter tilted his head to the side. “Razor doesn’t . . . get it.”

    “Well, in the books I’ve read, the guys confess to the girls they like in a dangerous time. I don’t know how that’s safe, but it works. But since we don’t want to hurt ( Your Name ), you’ll save her before confessing!”

                    Bless his innocent heart, Razor trusted Bennett’s word without a smidge of doubt. His opportunity to admit his feelings came when the two of you saw Reckless Pallad being surrounded by Hilichurls getting ready to pounce on him. The thing is you too knew your way around a battlefield and have efficiently begun fighting off the Hilichurls. Razor watched as you made quick work of rescuing Reckless Pallad and he didn’t even notice himself beginning to pout in disappointment until you were right in front of him again, worriedly gazing at him.

             “Razor, what’s wrong?” You questioned, appraising him. “You’re not injured, are you?”

                                     He shook his head. “Razor not injured.” He confirmed.

        “Well, that’s good, but why aren’t you moving? We need to save that man.”

                            “Razor wanted to confess to ( Your Name ) by saving her.”

       Razor explained the plan of his confession he conspired with Bennett, how he would save you from danger and tell you his everlasting love that he didn’t notice the redness tinting your cheeks and the wide smile stretching across your face.

           Razor only took note of the phenomenon occurring on your features when he has finished elaborating his scheme. He narrowed his eyes curiously. “Your face is all . . . red. Sick?” He asked.

                                                                         Razor didn’t have a chance to further speculate just exactly was ailing you before you took hold of his face and softly placed your lips against him, catching him off guard.

                                      There was a blossom in his chest when you kissed him – this is love, right? Razor decided there and then he liked this feeling of love.

                      Needless to say, Reckless Pallad was left alone for the Traveler to save. Again.

Razor had no idea what weddings were. He has never heard of such thing before. The first time he did learn about it was when he was hanging out with you and the Traveler. The latter mentioned that you and him are invited in a wedding. Razor tilted his head in confusion but when he turned to ask you what it was, he froze. Your eyes were shimmering with joy and excitement. Razor liked seeing you like that.

So when you were preoccupied, Razor asked the Traveler what a wedding was. Perhaps a wedding was some sort of food that he can find in the wild?

After Traveler has explained what weddings are and the concept of marriage as well, Razor did not waste time trying to propose to you. Since he had no money to buy a very expensive ring, he asked Bennett for help to find materials so he can make one of his own. In the end, they had Wagner help them form a ring. It wasn’t exactly the best looking but when Razor showed it to you and asked for your hand in marriage (Traveler helped him with his proposal speech and had to explain that asking for your hand doesn’t mean literal), and he saw the pure joy on your face, he thought it was pretty enough for you.

Razor didn’t know you were happy mostly because he proposed to you but you didn’t tell him. He looked so proud with the ring.

Your wedding was small and only a very few people were invited. Klee insisted on being one of the flower girls and Razor almost agreed until she began spouting about bombs which will detonate in the air and will explode with flowers. Albedo advised Razor not to make her one of the flower girls because Klee, for sure, will bring flower bombs (it will explode with flowers, but the explosion is still there).

Razor chose Bennett as his best man. That was supposed to be a good thing but when the two of those pair up together, they can tend to cause a lot of chaos, unintentionally.

At the day of the wedding, nearly all the invitees refuse to enter the cathedral as they claim there was danger inside. When Kaeya and Jean came to inspect this danger they speak of, both wielded their weapons once seeing a pack of wolves huddled at the front, just before the altar, with Bennett and Razor telling them to behave.

You had to explain to Razor why it was dangerous and made people uncomfortable when there are wolves present in the cathedral. Although Razor was understandably disappointed by this, he conceded and brought his Lupicals back to Wolvendom. To make it up to him, you promised a private celebration will be held in Wolvendom with nobody else but you, him, Bennett, and of course, his Lupicals.

Razor didn’t know why Bennett seemed more nervous than him when the two of them were standing by the altar. 

“I’m going to ruin your wedding, Razor! Aren’t you worried?”

“ . . . but you not ruining anything . . . ?”

When you finally arrived in the cathedral, Razor felt excitement surge in his body and he can hardly stop himself from squirming on his seat. 

But he wasn’t smiling. These emotions . . . he was having a hard time comprehending them. It was good, it was nice, but it was overwhelmingly so.

He could have cried, and he almost did but when you were before him, smiling at him, he couldn’t help but smile back.

His beautiful wife, his Lupical.

Bennett was the one who cried in your wedding.

     ALBEDO

                It was always a fascinating sight to see a traveler meandering through Dragonspine without minding the sheer cold or flawlessly fending themselves off from the enemies lurking around. Even Albedo has some degree of difficult in navigating his way back to his camp without the Fatui spotting him or tailing him. But it was more fascinating to see a young woman standing in the middle of a freezing lake with nothing but her trousers and her brassiere.

                            It was a peculiar meeting, yes, but out of the ordinary people and matters has always endeared him.

    Albedo brought you to his camp as quickly as he can and asked Timaeus to hand you a cup of warm tea and a blanket. After thanking him for his kindness and consuming half of the beverage generously given to you, you introduced yourself.

             You were an adventurer who came all the way from Liyue to embark on a journey to discover the harshness and secrets that laid within Dragonspine, a mountain many do not dare set foot further in. Other than the mentioned reasons, training was a top priority of yours. You claim one cannot go further in their adventure while being comfortable in their current, and he completely agrees with your statement. When Albedo questioned why you had been in the middle of a lake in Dragonspine, you answered that being able to withstand the cold was just part of your training and seeing as he had caught you shivering to close to death, it was not going well.

                            Albedo didn’t think he would see you again after you parted from him, but he was surprised when the next day he found you waiting for him in his camp, a smile on your face as you stand proudly and wave at him.

   Something about you piqued his interest, if his interest was somehow related to how his heart accelerated whenever you come close to him to offer help with his experiment, or when his face grows hot if you offer him a compliment. He thought it was your way of showing him your gratefulness for taking care of you yesterday, so he allowed your presence in his camp, around him. Albedo didn’t expect you to visit again the next day, and the day after that, and so on and so forth. But he can’t say he disliked your frequent visitations, or your presence that always seem to be following him everywhere he went. He very much liked your company and thoroughly enjoyed listening about your adventures and everything you came across in your adventure. They were a good distraction from his experiments. Everything about you set his mind in ease.

             It wasn’t long until the two of you are spending more time together alone. No experiments, no work in mind. It just the two of you keeping one another company and sharing stories about your days, and making banters here and there – whether it be in a walk under the moon, or sharing a meal in Good Hunter, or while he paints somewhere in Dragonspine.

                 Although Albedo was not well versed in the complexity of romance and has deemed relationships to be rather tedious to uphold, but he was knowledgeable enough to know that in the process of his growing friendship with you, he has caught feelings for you.

  This has certainly brought difficulty in his relationship with you. Albedo, although never verbally admitting so, has always thought of feelings as a nuisance. In a relationship, in his own observation, disadvantages trump over advantages. He had seen the irrationality that love has caused, the stupidity. His observation led him to one conclusion – other than being friends with people, relationships is not for him.

           You have put him in a challenging situation. It would have been easy to cut ties with you if you haven’t successfully infiltrated his walls and snaked your way in his heart. The very thought of pushing you away was repulsive to him. Seeing the hurt cross your features – it will haunt him for the rest of his life.

                      The interest he had for you was not interest at all. It was the beginning of love. He should have been more alert, and this wouldn’t have happened.

                                 What if you returned his feelings and your relationship did not work? There was no way your friendship could be salvaged. Isn’t it much better to remain as friends than risk ruining any chance of keeping you in his life?

  No, no, that would be insanely idiotic. It will eat him up. Thus, he treated his feelings for you like an experiment. Dipping carefully, testing the waters – confessing to you.

        He can construct a confession that will perfectly enunciate his feelings for you while emphasizing your freedom to reject him and his desire to remain good friends with you. Surely, you didn’t reciprocate his feelings. All he needed is for you to let him down, and he will hope you can still see him the same way after.

            All his preparations, however, were thrown out of the window when you beat him to confessing.

   Albedo had no idea how struck his expression must have been with puzzlement, anxiety and flatter as he attentively listens to every word that leaves your lips. His heart pounded at everything you were saying – everything he adored about you, you adored about him. Being unable to speak his mind felt foreign to him. After you finished your confession, a beautiful red hue coloring your cheeks as you looked into his eyes with hopefully eyes, all he can do his open his mouth a smidge, and close, and then open again. He must have resembled a goldfish at that time.

                      Albedo couldn’t believe it. You loved him, and here he was expecting to be rejected and thinking relationships were a waste of time.

                                          He was in a dilemma now. Accept your feelings as his heart desired to, or gently reject you for practicality? Having a lover would complicate his life and he will risk so many things that he were used to just to be able to keep his relationship with you fruitful. Was he ready for something like that?

           This was the first time Albedo has listened to his heart. He still remembered how he cupped your face in his hands and pressed his lips against yours, muffling the gasp that tumbled out of you.

                                Albedo might be a stranger to romance but he is an Alchemist and risks are part of his job, and risking coming out of his comfort to be with you was something you deserve, and maybe something he deserved as well.

You knew Albedo was going to propose to you. He was always immersed in his experiments and research that you took the responsibility of tidying up his lab. It did not take long for you to find a small black box nestled in the back inside a drawer filled with haphazardly thrown papers and used pens.

Albedo knew that you knew he was going to propose to you. The two of you were taking a peaceful stroll around Dragonspine and after a heartfelt speech, he knelt down to one knee, he curiously watched as you malfunctioned right in front of him, trying to elect which route of surprise should you take before displaying a less then satisfactory theatrics of surprise.

Nonetheless, the two of you are still happy.

You and Albedo agreed that the two of you will have a small and private wedding. Klee, however, did not. She was less than thrilled to hear about that and went on a whole spiel of the reasons why you should have the biggest and most fun wedding ever, as she said.

“ - then where will a really, really tall wedding cake and Klee is going to make a bomb that will explode in the skies where it will burst out many pretty flower petals - ”

Jean promised the two of you that she will keep an eye on her at the day of the wedding.

Albedo is adamant on two things - a small wedding, and having no best man, and the latter had two reasons. Although he is highly respected in Mondstadt, there was no one he could ask to be best man, and the second reason is that he loves you and is certain that marrying you is something he wants. No doubts. He didn’t need a best man helping him in something he didn’t need help with.

Albedo was also not someone to conform to the ritual of not seeing the bride on the day of the wedding until the very ceremony, but for you, he begrudgingly followed.

On the day of the wedding, Albedo prepared himself without the help of anyone. He prepared his own clothes and had Klee braid his hair (it was a wee bit sloppy and Albedo fixed them when she had her back turned to him and gave her all the credit).

The man reached for the door to visit you but he let out a sigh when he realized that he cannot. He made a promise that today, the first time he’ll see you is when you walk down the aisle. He has to keep his promise. Not to mention Klee blocked his way and reminded him of that (tried to block).

Albedo was a patient man. Patience was nothing new to him. His research and experiments needed patience or they will ultimately fail. It came to the point where being impatient made him uncomfortable. That’s exactly what was happening when he was standing at the altar. Nobody, not even the observant Kaeya himself, can tell Albedo was beginning to lose his patience.

The day had been a little too long. He wanted to see you already. It didn’t matter if the ceremony would take a while before he can kiss you and call you his wife. He just wanted to see you again.

Albedo turned away the moment you stepped inside the cathedral. You were far from repulsive or ugly (and he can never think of you like that), but he had to cast his gaze somewhere but on you. He knew you’ll be beautiful in your wedding dress, but seeing you now with your adorable and shy smile, with Cecilia flowers in your hands, and your eyes fixated on him and only him - Albedo nearly lost his composure.

This time he was sure Kaeya saw it.

“Waah, big sister ( Your Name ) looks soooo pretty!” Klee cooed loudly, causing the guests to let out a few chuckles of amusement.

His impatience was beginning to pierce through him. The moment you faced him, Albedo did not waste time grabbing your hands, and once he did, you saw him visibly soften, as though a huge burden was lifted from his shoulders.

“What happened to you?” You asked, giggling.

Albedo returned your smile. “I’m just very happy to see you.”

The fervor that he exuded when he kissed you certainly supported his statement.

THOSE WHO WILL HIDE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RECEPTION TO CRY SOMEWHERE NO ONE CAN SEE THEM

     CHONGYUN

    Chongyun was known for two things – being an exorcist and having a type of condition that needed his keen observation and awareness.

       He has always disliked his condition. Whenever his Yang energy overwhelms, he must immediately consume an icy treat to be able to soothe his nerves. But it seems he can be thankful for it for this one time. If it wasn’t for his congenital positivity, he wouldn’t have stumbled across you, and your hundred homemade ice cream you smuggled out of your own home.

                      Chongyun had been hurrying to meet his friend at that day. He had just finished an exorcism somewhere in Qingce Village and was rushing to where he and Xingqiu usually meet in Liyue. He was already running late, and who knows what Xingqiu will do if he was late again. He let out a pained yelp when he crashed against your form when he made a sharp turn, and his Yang energy has never been in a more unstable state than when he saw you seated on the ground, groaning in pain, with peculiar looking containers littering the floor around you.

                   Chongyun had profusely apologized for his actions and assisted you in gathering all the belongings he had knocked off your possession. He felt the coldness in the small containers you once held and wondered what was inside. He hasn’t seen anything like this before. He knew his Yang energy was starting to ooze out of him but he underestimated its manifestation until you placed your hand over his forehead. He pulled back away instantly, startled by your actions, to which you immediately apologized.

        “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” He repeated, light blue hair bobbing with his movements as he bowed his head over to you again and again, mortification palpable on his features. “I-I didn’t mean to run – ”

                        “No, no, I should be the one apologizing! I wasn’t looking where I was going and I put my hand on you all of a sudden – ” You were about to continue spewing apologies and explanations when you froze, concern etching across his face. “ - oh, hey, you’re really, really red. Are you okay?”

                  Even when it had been years since his encounter with you, he still gets embarrassed when he remembered that, and you and Xingqiu tease him about it.

                                           He explained to you then about his condition and when you offered him a container you owned containing ice cream you made, that’s when your friendship begun. When the two of you snuck out to a secluded area in Liyue Harbor to gorge on the tons of ice cream you have once again brought out of your house despite your mother’s warnings did he know it would be a friendship that will last long. His only regret was that he introduced you to Xingqiu, and now he must endure double the teasing.

                       One thing he appreciated about you was how ready you were whenever you were with him. You made it your point to know what can cause his condition to act up and soothe him by your words, and always having ice cream with you. And the best part was that the ice cream you give him is always homemade, made by you. His popsicles could never compete to your masterpiece.

    He never really thought of you as someone he would be romantically interested in. Sure, there were instances when his Yang energy would flare up because of having you by his side, when your smile brought upon his own, when his heart raced when you held his hand as the two of you were returning from a commission, when he gazed at you with adoration when you took care of him and fed him cold noodles when he was having a fever (he refused to eat hot noodles even in his illness). Surely, all friends do that with one another, right? And feeling this odd sensation in his chest was normal, right?

                      When he confided in Xingqiu with this, the boy laughed at his cluelessness. It wasn’t surprising. Chongyun did not have a lot of friends so distinguishing friendship and romance was not easy for him. The Hydro Vision holder filled him in with everything he has to know about relationships, and he used some pretty unconventional ways like giving him a too descriptive image of how a man and woman would kiss, and other explicit doings of adults.

         But it did bring light one thing – Chongyun liked you, and of course how he handled such revelation was, simply put, disastrous.

                                      His entire body felt hot, and he was stammering to the point even the ever so eloquent Xingqiu cannot understand him. Normally, when things get like this, he’ll rush over to your place and request for some of your delicious ice cream but seeing as you were somehow part of the reason for this, he had to rely on Xingqiu to take care of him.

                      After learning about his feelings for you, Chongyun have never been more uneasy around you, which was odd, and he was sure you’ve noticed, and yet has never dropped any comment about it.

                     He was always nervous around you. Blushing whenever you come close to him, jumping when you take his hand in his, stammering whenever you praise him for anything, feeling the need to run away if you ask him about how he was fairing – he has lost count just how many popsicles he has eaten just to keep his cool. He has stopped asking ice cream from you and declined any offer from you because he thought accepting your homemade ice creams could lead him to falling deeper in love with you until he couldn’t move on anymore.

             Chongyun didn’t notice your growing impatience. He was so immersed in his own feelings that he didn’t take into consideration how you felt whenever he flinched away from your touch and rejected your treats.

   It took Xingqiu for the growing tension between the two of you to alleviate. He made an elaborate plan to get the two of you together in an isolated place (a broom closet) and has made a claim not to let any of you go until the two of you have confessed your feelings with each other.

                      “Just tell me what’s wrong with you, Chongyun! Why are you acting so weird around me?” You asked him but he refused to answer you just as he refused to look at you.

      You let out a sigh as you reached out to take his hand but when he pulled away from your touch, that was the last straw.

               “If you don’t want to be friends with me anymore, just say so.”

          Alarmed, Chongyun faced you, stuttering. “No! Of course, I want to be friends with you - I mean, I don’t want to be friends - wait, that sounded wrong, and so bad - ”

   Your brows burrowed together in question. “You want to be friends but you don’t want to be friends?”

   Chongyun groaned as he buried his face on his hands. It’s now or never.

                “I like you, ( Your Name ).”

           The silence that followed was deafening for Chongyun. He removed his hands from his face and prepared himself to apologize and beg to continue being friends when he felt hands cup his face, and your lips pressing against his. It was a good thing you had ice cream on you even after he avoided you for weeks. He almost fainted in your arms if it wasn’t for you shoving a finger in his mouth with a scoop of ice cream. 

                                   It was one of the few times Chongyun was grateful for Xingqiu’s interest in romantic tropes because if it wasn’t for him, he wouldn’t have left that room with a blushing but happy face with you.

      Xingqiu smirked as the two of you exited the room, hand in hand and redness coating your cheeks. “Well, well, well, look who - ”

                    “Shut up, Xingqiu,” You and Chongyun chorused. The two of you looked at each other out of surprise and then burst out laughing, all the while the Hydro Vision user stood by the side, sighing.

         “Now, I have to deal with these two’s teasing.”

When Chongyun realized he was ready to propose to you after years of being together, he asked Xingqiu to propose to you on his behalf.

His best friend nearly destroyed his book from whacking the Cryo user for thinking such an inane idea could work. Not only was it not romantic, it was also inappropriate. Xingqiu had to reprimand him for an entire hour proposing that idea but being a good best friend that he is despite his mischievous streak, he vowed to help the man propose to you.

It was no easy task and there were times where Chongyun held himself back and risking yet another proposal plan. He was thankful Xingqiu was well versed with romance and everything entailed with it and knew more ways to help him. After a countless of delays, Chongyun managed to get down on one knee one fine evening by the trails leading to Liyue Harbor, spew out affirmation of his love for you in stammers, and asked for your hand in marriage.

When you accepted his proposal and adorned your finger with the ring, Chongyun discreetly showed a thumbs up to a nearby bush. About three hands popped out from the leaves, offering the same action.

Xingqiu let out a sigh as Xiangling and Xinyan giggled. “Finally.” He breathed out. “Now, time for me to be his best man.”

Of course, Chongyun chose him as his best man. Who else would be a better choice than him? 

Chongyun is firm about Xingqiu being his best man but sometimes he can be a little bit . . . pushy, especially when it comes to something he believes in.

There was a tradition where he cannot see you for a whole week until the ceremony. Chongyun was mildly bothered by this arrangement but nonetheless, since you agree with it, he will respect your wishes and do the same. Xingqiu has over and over again tried to persuade him to visit you at home, and he made some interesting points why he should. He almost convinced him a few times but in the end, he refused to be lured in his trap and stopped the temptation of breaking his promise.

He missed you dearly, yes, and his patience will surely be rewarded soon.

Chongyun, as expected, was freaking out at the day of wedding. Marriage is a huge step for the both of you. You’re not going to regret marrying him, will you? What if this marriage didn’t work? He’ll lose you for you.

Xingqiu had to guide him away from the altar and to a corner for privacy. Other than you, Xingqiu was a person who had been when his condition start acting up and how it worked.

After successfully cooling him down with a popsicle, Xingqiu consoled Chongyun. “I don’t know what you’re thinking about back there but you have nothing to worry about. ( Your Name ) loves you.”

“What if it doesn’t work between us?”

“It will. I’ve seen how you two are. You’re perfect for each other. I think you already know that, and ( Your Name ) does too. Why would she accept your proposal if she didn’t think the two of you wouldn’t prosper together?”

Chongyun murmured. “Pity?”

If Xingqiu had a book with at that moment, he would have smacked Chongyun again.

Once his condition has subsided, Chongyun returned to the altar and Xingqiu stood behind him, waiting.

The moment you arrived, Chongyun can feel himself heating up and his heart pounding against his chest. It felt like his condition was acting up but he wasn’t feeling nauseous or at the edge of fainting. It was a pleasant sort of warmth, the warmth he felt when he first met you.

No. It was the same warmth that travels through his body whenever he sees you, but this time, it was stronger to the point he it almost felt like his condition.

Your smile immediately disappeared when you saw Chongyun flushed red and his eyes averting from yours.

Worry encapsulated you. “Is your condition acting up?” You asked in a whisper.

Chongyun blinked, puzzled. “What?”

Discreetly taking a gander at the audience completely unaware of your interaction, you slipped your hand under your dress and showed Chongyun was a small ice cream container.

“I brought this with me just in case.”

Chongyun decided he made the best decision of his life to marry you.

He took your hands in his and pressed a small kiss on top of one.

“Thank you, love.”

After the wedding, Chongyun immediately visited the comfort room. You tried to follow him but Xingqiu told you there was nothing to worry about, and he was right.

When he entered the comfort room, Chongyun locked the door behind him and headed straight to the sink to splash some water on his face.

One won’t be able to tell Chongyun was crying from the water streaming down his face.

He looked up at the mirror, staring at his reflection as he let out a small, and content sigh.

“I’m married. I’m married to her.” Chongyun tried to hold back his smile, but he failed. “She’s my . . . wife.”

And did it sound nice to call you his wife.

     XIAO

              It was his duties to Rex Lapis, to the thriving land of Liyue, that kept Xiao grounded and his mind temporarily fleeting away from the karmic debts that weighed on his shoulders. If it had not been for the responsibilities laid down on him, he was sure to have succumb to the consequences of his bloodshed from the past long ago. It was the reason behind his creation, to serve the people of Liyue and protect them from any transgressors or anything that could potentially lead to their destruction, and it was all he knew. His existence was all for Liyue, and to seek out the desires of Rex Lapis and accomplish them no matter how difficult and by what means.

    Day and night he oversees every part of Liyue and hears every call of his name and seeks refuge in Wangshu Inn. It was a cycle that has never changed ever since the gruesome war between gods has taken place in Teyvat, and all was same until that night when he heard a cry for help from a distant place, and rescued a strange maiden from the peril she found herself in.

                          Love at first sight disgusted him the most. He can understand, to some degree, that mortals can fall in love with people they have built a caring and trusting relationship with but falling in love with someone who one has no dust of knowledge of their identity was simply unwise and incomprehensible. And yet there he was, leaping from the precipice of a soaring mountain and securing the mortal in the middle of her fall.

               Xiao had no clue why it felt like time has stopped and they have gently floated in the air as he took a gander at the woman in his arms. Scratches littered her features, and twigs adorned her mop of hair, but she still shone brighter than the stars and moon behind her.

   He did not let her speak to him after he has placed her safely on solid ground and he quickly took his leave without even a glance back.

                          When he had painted the lands of Teyvat red with the other Yakshas, he did not blink an eye or feel a bead of sweat trail on the side of his face. But that woman has caused his chest to flutter, and he always find himself thinking back to the day he had saved her. If he had been like any other mortal which has sleep as a necessity, he would find himself thinking of you every morning and every night, longing for another chance to meet you again. What has she done to him? He already has to carry the burden of his sins, and now he must endure this painful curse she casted on him?

              But it didn’t matter now. She was already long gone, for all he knows, and he doesn’t even know her name.

    Xiao already came to accept that she was merely going to fleet away from his mind, a distant memory that his heart will ache every time he remembers her. He had many regrets in his lifetime, and this leaving her behind without knowing her name is one of them.

                                    But it seems to him that Rex Lapis has taken favor of him and has graced his undeserving existence. Xiao had just exterminated a Hilichurl camp getting increasingly close to Wangshu Inn when his ears preened and his pupils dilated – that voice, the same voice that he never thought he’d hear again, was calling out for him again. He did not find the time to dispose of the monsters in a more appropriate location where they will no longer continue their venture towards the inn, and quickly made his way to where he heard her.

           When he arrived, it did not take long for him to spot her standing perfectly still in front of him, hands behind her back. His eyes dilated as he took in her familiar form. Her tresses were no longer matted with twigs and mud, the scratches that once marred her skin no longer present, and a smile has replaced the cowering fear that adorned her visage before.

                   Xiao ignored the increasing heartbeat that drummed against his chest and surveyed the area with a flick of his spear. “There’s no danger.” He remarked after assessing the parameter, his mask dissipating into the night as he returned his gaze back at her.

       She rubbed her arm as she averted her eyes from him. “I spent months trying to find you again.” The mortal woman murmured. “When all has failed, I thought back to that night you saved me, and I called – and you came.”

                                         Xiao did not speak another word, but he was afraid that you can hear how loud his heart was racing. He needed to ignore his selfishness, he needed to leave. “If you’re not in any danger, then I’ll be leaving.”

  He turned around to do as he said, but his eyes widened when he felt your hand around his wrist.

                “Wait, please,” She pleaded, and when he looked over his shoulder, any resolve of leaving her again vanished. She was looking at him with hopeful and vibrant orbs. How can he ever let her down when she’s looking at him like that?

      Xiao let out a sigh and turned back around to meet her properly, but her hand never left him. Were you afraid he might disappear as quickly as he did like last time?

                                    “Don’t go.”

                   “Why not?” Xiao questioned. “If you know anything about an Adeptus, then you understand my duties.”

              She bit her lip as he withdrew her hold. Xiao missed the warmth she gave him already. “I know that but . . . ” She trailed off. “ . . . can I . . . at least know your name?”

                                                Xiao did not give her an answer.

            “Even if we never meet again, I want to at least know the name of man who saved me.” She mumbled softly. “But I’m afraid if I ever know your name, I’ll never get to think of any other man but you.”

                                                    Xiao appraised you, taking in her apprehensive frame. A mortal has fallen in love with an Adeptus? This was preposterous. He saved her months ago, and back then they shared little time together. Too little to gain feelings for him.

    But still, he found himself relenting to your wishes.

                                     “Xiao,” He answered. “My name is Xiao.”

            Don’t look for another man. I’m here. I’m staying.

                   That’s how he met his first and last love, ( Your Name ).

Xiao has lived in Teyvat for thousands of years and is knowledgeable of the culture of mortals, one of them being marriage. He had witnessed humans bounding themselves to another, promising to cherish them, protect them, to love them. For Xiao, marriage is something far from disgusting. Although he cannot understand the need for them to be together under an oath, it was undeniable that many great things and opportunities birthed from them.

However, no matter how beautiful it is for them, it will never stop perplexing Xiao. How is it that one can look at another and know that they’re the one? Are they not afraid to be betrayed? Are humans so willing to have themselves get hurt and offer forgiveness for the sake of love? It’s confusing for him.

Not until you came along that it made sense. Every argument, every disagreement, sleepless nights, every sincere apology, every countless forgiveness, every embrace, every kiss - is this what mortals feel? If so, he’ll endure all the hardships of love if it means staying by your side, and he knew that you feel the same.

Unfortunately, Xiao is not one for marriage.

Not that he does not love you - oh Archons, because he did, deeply so - but the consequences of your relationship always hang in front of him.

 It’s already a risk to let you in his heart and love someone as sinful as him, but the thought of you bearing his karmic debt terrified him.

What happens if the two of you are bound together, and under a contract that Rex Lapis will surely oversee? Will the demons that torment him sink their teeth on your pure and innocent soul? Will he see the life in your eyes wither as you strive to remain with him? And what if you try to break the contract to escape karma? Will the both of you suffer in karma and the wrath of the rock?

Xiao can’t do that to you. This is one way he can guarantee your safety. It hurts him to know he cannot marry you, and it hurt more when he saw the disappointment and pain in your eyes when he explained himself. But keeping you safe is his top priority. He deserved this punishment, he can’t put it over your shoulders too.

But that didn’t stop Xiao from imagining how your wedding could have been if things we’re a little different.

A small wedding in a place of your choice with only a handful of close friends and families. You’ll wear a gorgeous dress and walk up to where he is with the same smile you wore when he met you for the second time.

As you stand before him, Xiao could only imagine the happiness and contentment he would feel at that time. 

He’ll hold you close, hear you laugh, and then he’ll press his lips against yours, sealing you to a promise that everything that he is, and everything that he has, is yours.

He’ll find himself retreating somewhere private. He didn’t want you to see him vulnerable, weak, as he cried for the first time in his life, and for the greatest reason.

He could have a chance of happiness, but he can’t.

It was all a dream.

A dream he will never achieve, a dream of yours that he can never grant.

“Xiao, you’re still awake?”

The man looked away from the moon and looked over his shoulder to see you standing by the threshold leading to the terrace. You were tired, and yet you woke up to tend to him. 

“You know I don’t need sleep.”

“But you always lie next to me. What’s wrong? Something bothering you?”

Xiao did not respond, and you didn’t push any further. He adored it how you know when to prod to a subject or not. You know him so well.

After a moment of silence, you walked over to him and sat  beside him on the railing. You looked up at the moon, and Xiao slowly placed his head over your shoulder.

He felt at peace.

Xiao closed his eyes, dreaming of a day that will never come when he can marry you without anything holding him back.

     KAZUHA

                        Kazuha can no longer remember how long it has been since he was on the run from the shogunate. The Electro Archon and her subjects are on the hunt for Visions of every single person residing in the walls of Inazuma, and he was one of the few who refused to have their Visions confiscated from them. It seems exiling him from his homeland was no longer sufficient and the said Archon has ordered for every so-called transgressor that they banished to be apprehended and have their Visions forcefully taken from them. It was only his luck that Beidou, and the crew she captained, has taken him under their wing and he has been sailing the seas with them since then.

            Has it been months? Days? Or perhaps weeks? Being away from land with nothing but the ocean to take in and his mind seemingly always preoccupied with his doubts and worries has him losing track of time.

   In all honesty, he doesn’t remember the last time he stepped on dry land. Perhaps they did, but it was not a memory that has fleeted a long time ago. All he can think about was Inazuma, the threat of being having his Vision taken, and his past he buried deep within the back of his mind.

            Beidou must have taken notice of his continuous lackluster attitude and has set sail for Liyue for him to take a break from the seas. This, of course, he appreciated though he insisted Beidou that she did not have to dock just for him to clear his mind.

          Back at that time Beidou claimed she knew what is best for him and she should put his trust on him, and with the lack of reasons to refute her statement, Kazuha merely let out a sigh and agreed to land in Liyue.

                         He has never been to Liyue, or to put it more accurately, he has never stepped foot in in the few times the Crux made their return on Liyue. It wasn’t because he hated it there, but he felt more comfortable and more at home inside the ship. The furthest he has gone was on the docks to help the crew load supplies in their next sail. But now Beidou has encouraged him to leave the ship and explore, and implied being forbidden to come aboard if he refused to do as she says.

       When Beidou said she knows what is best for him, maybe she was right. He must admit, even if he was still longing to return to his homeland, Liyue had many sights and delicacies to offer. But the best and most beautiful sight he saw was up on a rooftop when he was resting from hours of mindless meandering in the streets.

                                                              He played with a green leaf that fluttered over to him after it has been carried away by the wind from its tree, and he pressed his lips against it to whistle a melody. The tune was buried under the bustle of the city night but it seems that one picked it up from the terrace just below him.

                    Kazuha saw a girl around his age walk out to the terrace, head moving left and right, as though looking for something. Kazuha did not think much of this behavior assuming she was searching for something else, and he tore his eyes away from her and nonchalantly continued to whistle against the leaf.

                                           “So, that was you who was making that beautiful sound.”

                Kazuha casted his gaze down to see the girl on the terrace looking up at him as she leaned against the railing with her arms crossed, a gleeful smile present on her brims. He pulled the leaf from his lips as he regarded her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to – ”          

          She shook her head, chuckling. “No, no, it’s fine. You can stay there.” She assured, and Kazuha eased on his spot. She stared at the leaf in his hand. “I didn’t know you can make a tune using a leaf.”

                      Kazuha flashed her a small smile. “It’s something only a few can do. It’s pretty hard to master.”

                     “And you’re one of those few.” She remarked. Silence prevailed between the two until she spoke again. “Can you play something for me?”

      Kazuha was bewildered by her request. It wasn’t common to find a foreigner sitting on the rooftop of her household. One would think that their first reaction should be an accusation of trespassing and a demand for identification, but no. This girl was different, you were different.

                    Kazuha did not question your request, just as you have not questioned him of his place on your rooftop. Instead, he granted your wish. He pressed the leaf against his lips and blew, a tune of his own composition sounding in the air.

      He watched in awe as you raised both your hands to your chest and white particles formed above your palm, creating a shape until it formed and bloomed into an elegant wooden lyre. Without saying anything else, you strum the strings along with his tune, and the people of Liyue beneath their feet are unaware of the small haven the two of them created together.

               Kazuha is more than grateful for Beidou for pushing him to go to Liyue. Ever since that night, he has made constant visits to your house. Early in the morning – that’s when Beidou would barge into the barracks and force them out of their beds – he would always be the one out of the door to finish his tasks and leave immediately to visit you, a prominent smile over his face. The crew, of course, has pestered him to tell him of the reason for his constant leaving and he could only let out a sigh of relief when Beidou shooed them away from him and asked them to return to their work. She winked at him right after and whispered, “Go and hurry to your girlfriend.” To which he denied with a shy grumble before making haste to Liyue.

                               Liyue was brighter than the isolationist Inazuma has become, and one of the reasons Kazuha thought this was you. The Crux was like a family to him, and Beidou was like an older sister to him, but you – he has never felt more soothed than in your presence. You felt like home, and it has been so long since he had felt like he was at home. Seeing you smile, hearing you laugh, seeing how you nod attentively as he talked, your arms embracing him when he opened up to you about his past, the music you played together in perfect harmony even without practice – it was all so surreal.

        Kazuha didn’t have to tell you about his growing feelings for you. He knew that you knew.

  It started with a shy kiss, and then a longer one, and the two of you found solace in each other’s arms. There was no music playing, and there were no stories shared – just him with his arms around your figure and lips connected with yours. None of you dare say it but your days together were slowly coming to an end, and it won’t be long until the day comes when he has to set sail to visit neighboring nations.

                  But Kazuha will always come back to you, that he promises.

After a few years of frequent visiting and writing letters to one another, Kazuha has finally decided that it was time for him to propose to you. Beidou - being the supportive big sister she is to him - upon hearing of his plan, gathered her crew to help Kazuha in his objective. Everything from food, drinks, location (they chose the ship), and atmosphere, they provided. As thanks for their dedication and help, they only ask an invitation to his wedding, to which Kazuha replied will surely come even if they did not help.

The crew claimed that they shall be far away as possible from the ship so that the two of you can have your privacy, but Kazuha, and definitely you, as well, heard loud cheering from a short distance followed by a shushing Beidou when you accepted his proposal.

“I thought they said they’d be at Wanmin Restaurant - ”

“To be honest, I didn’t really believe them.”

Unlike the other boys who were hesitant of not seeing the bride for a week until the wedding, Kazuha was actually the one to push this tradition. He disliked it as much as the other boys, but Kazuha loved being able to give you his all. Not being able to see you for a week is a sure way for him to crave for your presence, and once the two of you see each other again, he’ll pour out every love and care for you then.

You were dismayed by this whole arrangement but since it is important to Kazuha, you respected it.

The crew fought for the spot of best man, but in the end, all of them got to be best man. Kazuha did not have the heart to choose one from the crew, so he had to explain to you beforehand that the almost the entire male crew of The Crux are going to be standing with him at the ceremony.

It wasn’t a common occurrence in a wedding but you allowed it. The crew was like his family to him, and if it’s going to make him happy to have them as his best men, who are you to go against it?

At the day of the wedding, Beidou was the one to fret over Kazuha’s appearance. The Anemo user tried to calm her down but after she continually tried to fix his hair for the wedding, he just sighed and allowed her.

“I can’t believe you’re going to be married in just a few hours.” Beidou remarked in the quiet after a while. “To think you were just a teenager when we met you, and our little teenager is a big man now.”

“Nothing’s going to change. I’ll just be married.” Kazuha tried to ease her worries but he knew as well there are going to be major changes. One of being concerning his frequent endeavors with the crew. Once he gets married with you, he’d want to be with you always, to settle with you. But he was so used to the sea, to be living with the crew in a ship. Can he really get used to this coming change?

Beidou let out a sigh. She placed a hand over his head, patting him gently. She would have ruffled his hair but that would waste her effort on making it as presentable as she can.

“Things are going to change, Kazuha.” Stated Beidou, beaming. “And it’s not all bad. Trust me.”

Kazuha nodded, but he was still uneasy. He was ready to give himself to you, but at the same time, he wasn’t ready to leave the crew. 

This thought haunted him even in the time of the ceremony. He should be focusing on the wedding but he couldn’t. 

He needed to talk to you about this. You need to know what’s bothering him.

Was it possible to feel dread for the future while also looking forward to it?

Because it felt like a gust of wind billowed his direction when his eyes landed on you. Beautiful, you’re beautiful. What else can he say? 

Was he really going to marry you? Whatever did you see in him? He was a banished Ronin from Inazuma. There must be some other man more worthy of you.

But you loved him, nobody else.

“Stop gawking at me like that. You’re making me embarrassed.” You murmured, cheeks flushed. He didn’t even notice you standing before him until you spoke.

Kazuha closed his parted lips as he turned away from you. “I . . . uh . . . ” He swallowed. “You look beautiful, ( Your Name ).”

“At least look at me when you say that, Kazu-kun.”

 He looked at you, breathing in before speaking. “You look very, very . . . uh, pretty.”

You laughed a little. “You look very, very handsome, Kazuha.”

You took his hands in yours and gazed into his eyes, smiling. “Things are going to change once we get married.”

A pang of uneasiness struck Kazuha.

But what you said next shocked him.

“After this, I can finally be part of the crew and join you on your adventures in the sea!”

Kazuha gawked at you again, blinking.

Everyone invited to his wedding gasped when Kazuha suddenly kissed you out of nowhere in the middle of the ceremony.

Beidou, and the rest of the crew, however, cheered loudly for the two of you.

After the wedding, Kazuha snuck away from the reception for a while. He found a tree from a short distance and sat on the branch, breathing in the cool evening air.

He caught a fluttering leaf and smiled as he gazed at it and recalled how the two of you met.

Things will change, and soon, he’ll be adventuring with his wife in the vast ocean. Oh, he has so many things to show you.

[yanderes-galore]

Can you do Yandere venti sfw, where the reader is the descendent of the nameless bard

Sure!

I'm assuming HCs-

Yandere! Venti with Nameless Bard Descendant! Darling HCs

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Yandere behavior and Manipulation

- As the unnamed bard was young in the original story, we'll have to age him enough to have a child or make one of your ancestors from the same parents in this AU.

- That's the only way you would be able to be a descendant.

- Fast forward 2,600 years and here you are.

- You're a citizen of Mondstadt and do occasional research on your upbringing due to your parent's request.

- Your bloodline is heavily connected to history.

- While reading through history you may see depictions of the unnamed bard, not many but you have some sort of idea as to what he looks like.

- Venti frequents Mondstadt to check on the people.

- Funnily enough he finds you...familiar.

- There is some sort of resemblance between you and someone he held dear, he can sense it.

- He has an odd feeling that you and the Bard are similar.

- He has access to books and history so somewhere there has to be a family tree to keep track of bloodlines.

- Doing research of his own, Venti finds that you are indeed related to the dear bard he had helped in the rebellion.

- The wind spirit finds a fascination towards you, curious to know just how similar you were to the bard.

- You weren't the same, he knows that, but he still felt a feeling of happiness at the fact his friend wasn't entirely gone.

- Meeting Venti at first won't be too much of a problem.

- All you know from rumors is he's a bard that plays songs and drinks dandelion wine within Mondstadt. Nothing all that odd.

- It takes a few sessions of speaking and getting along well with Venti that you take notice of something.

- "You...kind of look like someone I've seen-" You mutter softly, Venti freezing.

- "Ah...You look similar to someone I knew, haha! Must just be a coincidence." Venti jokes and you accept it.

- "Perhaps, heh...."

- Venti may find himself falling for you the longer you speak with one another.

- Explaining why he's taken such an interest in talking to you would be difficult for him....

- He'd have to explain how he's Barbatos, How he met the nameless bard, Then found you by chance....

- He'd rather keep it a secret.

- You can learn about that when he's...closer.

- He can't bear to scare you off.

- You're now one of the most precious things to him.

- Someone he wants to hold close and protect.

- Someone his friend, the bard, had given to him as a token of friendship.

- "I'll take her as a gift from you, my dear friend...."

- Venti thinks finding you is fate.

- Expect him to make sure you don't leave Mondstadt.

- He isn't going to chain you, no that would be cruel, manipulation is much better for him.

- Then you'll stay by your own free will.

- Then you can still be within his care.

- "This place is your home, why leave now?"

[eden5380]

That would be an extremely interesting development.

Like, in Mondsdadt and in Liyue the message of human gaining independence from divine rules was quite clear. The history of Mondstadt was basically human overthrowing a god, and the Liyue arc was basically the god be like alright you guys can take care of yourselves now there’s no need for me to be a helicopter dad anymore but let me just double check.

Inazuma was weird. It’s very similar to Liyue in that the traces of old gods are still haunting the land, the history left very deep marks. In the first arc of Inazuma I honestly thought “okay so we befriended a god, helped a god retire, is this the place where we will overthrow a god?” And then Ayaka guilt tripped us into helping a rebellion, and then we went and became actual rebels, and then somehow the villain turns out to be the Fatui and Raiden was just there as the final boss. Like, the rebellion army got to the front gate of the Tenshukaku and then nothing happened. It was. So weird.

And then with the Sumeru arc, I feel like Mihoyo is changing their tune on the whole human independence thing (now it’s all corrupt and shortsighted human rulers and innocent and wise God). Also there’s the Khaenriah thing. All we know is they don’t have a god and they released monsters (?) to Teyvat and the Celestia and the Archons destroyed the nation. It is very much a in-universe teaching to submit to divine rules.

(What I really really liked about the Inazuma quests was how brilliantly the common people shine. The wishes of the common folks was the key to defeat Raiden. Absolutely loved that part. Also in Ei’s character quests, we see people without Vision still possessing the strength and courage to face the god, and the common faceless soldiers fighting for their god and their ideals to protect their homes. We have Yoimiya, who is not really that special, and her quest had the focus on the insignificant struggles and small dreams of common folks. And then in Sumeru, there’s Alhaitham who’s like whatever I don’t care about gods just don’t disrupt my life.)

To be completely fair to Raiden, she did her job as a protector of Inazuma from supernatural threats relatively well for a very long time. For all we know, Inazuma has been peaceful and people lived there happily until the Vision Hunt. She obviously doesn’t care about the day-to-day administration of the nation. If the Fatui didn’t fuck up Inazuma, and if she care a little more about her people instead of her interpretation of Eternal, things will remain fine too. The priority of a god and the priority of human will naturally be different, and even with the best intentions, the mismatched priorities will cause problems.

I’m just saying sometimes some people are just not good at being a ruler and that is okay. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Raiden can totally do what Venti did. Let the people rule themselves and just chill. And intervene if there’s actual threats that require divine intervention. But she chose to become the ruler of Inazuma. Then she gotta get her priorities straight and put the wellness of her people above else, but she didn’t. I truly have no sympathy for an incompetent ruler. Whatever. Do better or get off of the throne. Kokomi also stepped into shoes too big for her, and arguably her method of governing was a bit… hmmmmm… not the most efficient. But she cares and she tries and she sacrifices her own comfort to do her job better.

To be honest I am still waiting for the “let’s overthrow the god” arc. Next up is Fontaine. Very much French vibe. Perfect opportunity to stage another rebellion and bring out the guillotine. Let’s see if Mihoyo will dare to do that. (Probably not. The leaked Hydro Archon is way too cute. They definitely won’t make her the villain.)

when i’m saying i’m salty about raiden woobification, i don’t even mean for her own sake, i mean it’s for shit like kujou sara’s arc. like sara’s arc about realizing the corruption of the system and her own blindness in idolizing raiden was cut short and she was only allowed to confront the head of her own clan, when like clearly, it wasn’t he who led country to this! it was raiden’s neglect where she fucking knew about fatui plans and didn’t care.

kujou sara’s arc about honor should have by all narrative principles led to her renouncing raiden. but like no. we can’t have raiden facing any consequences. and we’ve pigeonholed sara into this embarrassing raiden’s fan role so now our marketing hinges on it and we can never let her grow out of it.

and every character connected to inazuma’s main story was just forced to choke on their personal arcs the same way just bc raiden is the only one who matters

and like for what?! so she sells well?? it wouldn’t fucking matter, ppl who are into her would not give a fuck if her flaws would be acknowledged by the narrative properly.  like when scara’s trailer with “first, i was betryaed by my god… my mother…” came out, her fans were like “woohooh Raiden is officialy a MILF!! :D”

[herrscheroffreedom]

Eula enemies to lovers headcanons

AN/ Reader is gender neutral to be as inclusive as possible.

Just a bit of angst to fluff because I'm in the mood lel. Thanks in advance for reading.

-You come from a family that has a long history with the Lawrence Clan. Quite a bit of your distant ancestor used to be enslaved by them until Vanessa led the rebellion.

-As generations passed, the torch of disdain too was passed down.

-Once you were old enough and received your pyro vision you followed in your ancestors footsteps and joined the Knights of Favonius.

-You found an affinity with polearms and favored a heavier style of combat.

-On your first day as a Knight of Favonius you were attracted to the blue-haired beauty... until you found out her name. Then it turned into a shouting match so bad Varka had to step in and break it up.

-You were prejudiced against her lineage and would bring up everything her ancestors did. In private she would tear up at your ruthlessness.

-Every day you would duel with her and trade insults but it was evenly matched so half of the days you won, and the other half she did.

-In your free time Eula would drink with you in the tavern because even though you hated each other, she doesn't really know anyone other than you.

-You had a high alcohol tolerance and so she ends up wasted sooner than you. She would confide her insecurities and pain to you which made you feel guilt. You would drag her home everytime you two drank.

-Eventually hate turned to admiration.

-You saw how she was hardworking and did things for Mondstadt regardless of what people thought of her.

-You softened towards her, eating meals, helping on her reconnaissance missions, dueling and drinking together.

-At times where she got into altercations, two things would happen.

A. you would chastise her and force her to apologise if she was in the wrong or

B. defend her firmly if she was in the right, the latter usually occurring more.

-Admiration turned to love.

-You would flirt with Eula which would drive her mad.

-Were you just flirting to play with her heart? Or was it genuine?

-Eventually she would demand you to tell her your true feelings, expecting that you still hated her so she could move on.

-You confessed your love which caught her off guard. She vows to exact vengeance by loving you more.

-She becomes far softer with you in private, craving your touch.

-In public though, you would display your affection just to mess with her.

-She never thought that out of everyone you would be her lover, the one who hurt her at times but she would go through it all over again just to fall in love with you.

[nyx-sagau-dreams]

Hi there I go by Voidless! (She/They, albeit I'm fine with whatever). Welcome to the SAGAU space, I hope you can find some happiness here. Probably monoamorous and would prefer guys for this ask (with the exception of Childe)

To put it bluntly: I’m a child at heart, and fairly observant. It's not a challenge to figure out what someone’s feeling or thinking, their motives ect.

● I tend to be forthright with my emotions

● ENFP

● I like sharing bits of knowledge and fun anecdotes!

● Can be overly enthusiastic when socializing

● I’ve also gotten insecure, and assumed others don't like/distrust me without basis, proceeding to form an image in mind that's not true to who they really are. At the same time though it's really hard for me to judge a person for their past or secrets, I like to think I've seen it all

● From the outside, I’ve been described as being like Zhongli (Serious, goes on tangents and socially awkward). Very much enjoy flirty folk though, they make me feel loved

●Likes: museums, cool rocks, having a good laugh, travelling, anemo and electro slimes, civilizations of antiquity, and shopping

Hobbies: Anything under the sun! I sincerely wish I could live forever to do everything. I love to sing and tell stories and invoke the imagination. Also write and enjoy astronomy!

● I'm not unique, but I really do fear death. I can't live just to die. I still have plenty I want to experience and not enough time. Isolation is also terrifying, just being alone with your thoughts forever. But the scariest thing has to be dandelion leaves. Yeah.. I really don’t know either.

As for a scenario: How about recounting eachothers life stories. It'd be a moment of trust, relying on one another letting the wind take care of our burdens

Thank you so much for asking!

I have matched you with: Venti!

Venti can also be childish yet observant. He loves music, and is also afraid of death. And, as an Archon, he is far less likely to die than almost anyone else.

You said that you enjoy flirty people, and I think, in the right situations, Venti can be a HUGE flirt.

Venti is a very reassuring person, and I feel like even if he's having to keep secrets, he'd assure you that they won't come between you.

He's very physically affectionate. Venti tells a lot of stories through songs, and I'm sure he would tell you more and more jokes just to hear your laugh.

--

"... and so that's how I ended up in Mondstadt," you finished, waving your hand dramatically at the sky. You turned your head to Venti, who was laying on the ground next to you. "And the rest is history."

Venti snorted. "Not yet, but someday it will be."

"Okay fine, someday. But what about you?"

Venti laughed a quiet, solemn laugh. "My life is a bit hard to sum up, sweet songbird. Let me see." He raised his fingers off and started counting off on them. "I was born, helped in a rebellion when I was pretty young, lost a friend..." He went on for quite some time. "And then there was that whole deal with Dvalin and the traveler. That was a rough time."

You giggled. "You sound a thousand years old," you teased, fully aware as to why.

"Hmm, I can't imagine what reason that might be for."

A peaceful silence fell between the two of you. Venti laced his fingers with yours. "Should you ever feel afraid or worried, love. I'll be here."

You squeezed his hand. "And I will be here for you," you replied, free hand brushing on the glowing teal tattoo on your occupied wrist.

-end-

(I'm sorry if the scenario is really short, I'm not used to writing for Venti 😅)

[lilyandthegenshinbrainrot]

Mondstadt History!! - The Four Clans

Imulaukr is the oldest as they descend from the sole survivor of Sal Vindagnyr. This family had an established name during Decarabian's rule up until Vennessa's time, as there is no present mention of them in modern Mond. Interestingly, when Imulaukr himself found himself in Mondstadt, he taught his family that Celestia only cared to watch the suffering of people for amusement. This developed in Decarabian's time as the belief that gods ask people to fight for fighting sake, and then again changed when Barbatos came to power, where they believed that fighting was an act of worship that honored their archon. This is hinted to be the inspiration behind the gladiators that fought to the death in Vennessa's time, as seen by the lore behind the Sacrificial and Royal greatswords. These same greatswords also imply that the Lawrence clan took these values and traditions as their own, further implying that the Imulaukr clan either died out or merged into the Lawrence. Either is possible.

Now, the Lawrence and Gunnhildr Clans were likely so highly praised in history as these two families survived OUTSIDE of Decarabian's influence before the revolution, living in the frozen land of Boreas, but this is unconfirmed.

Lawrence is the family that has no connection to Decarabian whatsoever, they were completely untouched by the storm walls and the presumably not frozen environment. Being able to survive and develop in those terrible conditions gave them the impression of being above the others as they could do what others could not. After Barbatos' ascension, that previous lifestyle influenced their actions to be protectors and providers, as they would hunt for the city and share their game with the citizens. As they were the providers, they were granted positions of power which then corrupted the original intentions. They fell from grace, now known as the terrible stain on Mondstadt's history. I personally wonder if they will ever redeem themselves given that the only descendant to try and attone for the family's sins is Eula, who actively pretends to meet the city's expectations of her behavior. Sure its a self defense mechanism, but she isn't changing her family narrative at all. This all made available from the Royal Bow, Royal Claymore, Royal Spear, the Sacrificial Bow, and Eula's story quest.

Gunnhildr is the family that purposefully left Decarabian, they originally asked for his protection from Boreas' storm, but decided that Decarabian's rules were worst than the blizzards. They fought alongside the original rebellion, and gave Barbatos a ring of laurels when he won. They enjoyed a position of nobleness during the times of the aristocracy but they were more concerned with doing what they could for the common folk than their power, which was what differentiated them from the Lawrences. They were also the first family to join the knights when Vennessa established them. On a personal thought, it seems that their family motto has led to several self-sacrificing Gunnhildrs as both Jean and Barbara refuse to set healthy work/life boundaries between themselves and the population of Mond. Was this a recurring theme in the past or the results of Frederica and Seamus? This information is found in the Biography of Gunhildr book, the Sacrificial Sword, and the Royal Sword.

Ragnvindr might be the youngest of the families ? They have significant roots in Mondstadt and in its history, but there's nothing that suggests they were prominent and recognized among the populace during Decarabian's rule. Ofc, there is the cutscene from Venti's story quest with the redheaded knight, but technically, there was no name confirmation. This particular family was held in honor during the aristocracy around 1,600 years ago but Ragnvindr cemented his position of historical significance by joining Vennessa's rebellion and taking up a name to honor the fallen Dawnlight Swordswoman of the Wanderer's Troupe. This is available from the Flute and the second volume of Ballads of the Squire.

[winter-weepingwillow]

Teyvat Nations (and more) and their meanings: a summary

So, I figured I could post here some notes I jotted down, back when I first started the game and did some research after seeing the trailer, then kept on adding studies as I went on.

Hope it'll be useful! And I hope I'm not missing anything. Enjoy!

Mondstadt (German) [Anemo; Freedom]: "City of the Moon" ;

Liyue (Chinese) [Geo; Contracts]: 璃月 Líyuè, "Glazed Moon" ;

Inazuma (Japanese) [Electro; Eternity]: 稲妻 "lightning" ;

Sumeru (Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi) [Dendro; Wisdom]: (सुमेरु) "excellent mountain"; it represents one of the "eight mountains" (parvata) as defined in the Dharma. [See "Truth Amongst the pages of Purana" in the trailer !!! The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences.] ;

Fontaine (French) [Hydro; Justice]: Fountain ;

Natlan (Nahuatl) [Pyro; War]: "place near where there is abundance of Na" (See also: this) ;

Snezhnaya (Russian) [Cryo; Love? My speculation: rebellion (against one's fate), redeem oneself]: Снежная, "Snowy" ;

EXTRA: KHAENRI'AH and CELESTIA

Celestia: a variant of Celeste, which means "heavenly" or "of the sky" in Latin and Italian. In this case, it can be translated as "Heavenly Land" ;

Khaenri'ah: Norse culture, mostly, but it was a unified nation, so maybe there are other cultures mixed in as well:

Old Norse: "little knower" (from Celestia's perspective?) About this, I found an interesting source (the same as the Old Norse meaning, mentioned just above): here is a summary; however, I wasn't able to draw a clear conclusion from it.                                              Kanna means "explore/inquire" in Old Norse, (kannaðr means "explorer").  Kenna is the common verb for "to know" (this would imply that they seek greater knowledge, which fits their advanced technology and therefore posing a threat to even Celestia. Furthermore, kanna stands more for "to find out") ; Kenna has a version with the agent suffix, kennari, which means "teacher" (note that agent nouns tend to be more specific than just an abstract [verb]+er, for instance ríðari it should mean "rider" but is mainly used to identify knights) ; maybe it was because they taught humanity how to use a "power from beyond"...?

Coptic: "to set free the (God of...?) knowledge from a cell" (source:) ;

Arabic: "Khaen", betrayer; "Ri'ah", winds; "Kha-en-ri-ah" could be the transliteration of خائن رياح ;

Persian: "Kha-en-ri-ah"  خنريه or خانه ریاض  Where ریاض means "training, practice, toil" and خانه (xâne) means "house" (I'm not too sure about this one, so please take it with a grain of salt, since my only source was a dictionary found online. I wasn't able to find out more about this).

 

KHAENRI'AH EXTRA

Art of Khemia: Inspiration from Greek and ancient Egypt culture;

Here we can find some evidence that Khaenri'ah could have been a unified nation with different cultures within, like I mentioned above.

From Genshin Impact Wiki:

Khemia is phonetically similar to several etymological origins for the modern terms alchemy and chemistry. The origin of these terms are uncertain and multiple derivations exist.

• One possible derivation is from the Arabic كيمياء kīmiyāʾ, "chemistry", which comes from Coptic term ⲕⲏⲙⲉ kēme, "Egypt". The Coptic term ultimately derives from the ancient Egyptian word 𓆎𓅓𓏏𓊖 kmt, referring to both the country Egypt and the color black.

• Other possible derivations are from the Ancient Greek χημεία khēmeía meaning "pouring" or "infusion," or the Ancient Greek metallurgical term χυμεία khumeía originally meaning "pouring together," "casting together," "weld," or "alloy."

• In Arabic, "alchemy" translates to خيمياء ḵīmiyāʾ.

So we have Arabic, Coptic, Ancient Egyptian and Greek, the latter of which can also be traced back to Enkanomiya, which, as we know, had a (commercial?) relationship with Khaenri'ah. But this is for another story and yet another (etymological) analysis.

To conclude, other bits of culture could be the Celtic and old Germanic ones, as we can see in the latest world quest in Sumeru (I am not going to spoil it though. I'm just going to say the keyword: Schwanenritter, the Swan Knight), together with the Arthurian legends, scattered EVERYWHERE in the lore regarding the destroyed nation.

And another story will also be the analysis of Dainsleif's name, together with his power, element and role as the boughkeeper.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR OMG YOU HAVE SUCH PATIENCE! HERE, HAVE A COOKIE 🍪

[gnosticreign-a]

@divitaclara asked: [ archon, venti, rex lapis, glaze lilies, and barbara! for the genshin ask meme ]

splatoon servers are down, meme time: genshin ask meme

oh this is definitely going under a cut.

archon: which nation’s known ‘ideal’ do you like the most: freedom, contracts, eternity, wisdom, justice, or war?

no love? no "destruction of the divine"? snezhnayan erasure. /j

honestly, from a pre-genshin point of view, i would've definitely said that "wisdom" would be my preferred ideal. i've always had a bias for intelligent or wise characters, and when i was younger, had a huge bias for athena.

from a post-genshin point of view, though, so far i'd have to say contracts. i guess it's because it's held such a long-lasting history, to where even those who benefit from the "death" of their archon still choose to uphold his principles.

venti: which character(s) do you think you’d actually get along with if you were to meet in person and who do you think you’d actually dislike interacting with?

liyue edition!

get along with: zhongli, xiangling, keqing, ganyu; zhongli for many reasons, xiangling because she can infodump about food and i get to eat her cooking, and keqing/ganyu because we...have similar outlooks on working.

dislike interacting with: xingqiu; my funky little sub-dps is out here larping as a wandering warrior, girl help--

would be absolutely enamored by and intimidated by: ningguang and yelan; hi i'm busy being a homosexual--

rex lapis: what’s your favorite cultural aspect of each of the released nations?

for mondstadt, i very much enjoy the fact that so many events are centered around the past and how it built the culture that mondstadt now upholds. even a game as simple as windtrace has its roots in the rebellion against the nobles.

for liyue, it's the fact that despite rex lapis's "death", divinity is still in the lifeblood of liyue. history flows through liyue, and we are merely a part of a new age.

for inazuma, it's how female-centric the nation is, despite the writing flubs that the quests had. most of the movers and shakers of the nation are women, from the archon herself to the generals fighting in the wars.

for sumeru, it's definitely the implication that sumeru has just as rich of a history as liyue does. while nahida is only 500 years old, it's clear that the legacy of rukkhadevata is long and rich.

barbara: you’re a tourist traveling teyvat, which locations in the game would you want to visit in person?

i'd want to visit windrise's tree and azhdaha's tree...both places seem like very serene places to just rest and take in the surroundings. there's something about the desire to find the biggest tree in a nation and rest beside it, dreaming of the past...

[kyogre-blue]

Reasons I think Mond lore works best (of the three regions so far): 

1. It has very distinct eras, but they also simultaneously all feel like Mond and give a sense of progression. 

You have the ancient Old Mond/Decarabian era that is the foundation of what Mondstadt is today. The story of their rebellion and the rise of a new god (Venti) works well on a character, lore and worldbuilding level. There is a deep sense of the meaning behind “freedom” that was also brought up in Windblume. 

Stormterror’s Lair still has some of the best connection between lore and location, where you can both see and feel the remains of this grand but isolated capital. The broken highways, the giant doorways, the central tower that stands over everything like Decarabian used to, but all surrounded by steep stone cliffs. There are also the roads within the stone crevices leading up to the old city, furthering the sense of isolation, all with a unique architectural style. Very good! No other location is like this!

You can imagine this era and the tense sense of mounting rejection toward their god, all while bitter cold shuts them off from the rest of the world. 

Then you have the Aristocracy era. We see parts of it in the webtoon and also in many artifacts, weapons, and books. The new city that was built after Decarabian’s fall became corrupt and drunk on power. While it was probably not too physically different from the current Mondstadt, there were clear cultural differences like the gladiatorial arenas. 

The Aristocracy era also has a buildup and a resolution, with clear follow through: the wanderers’ trouble who tried to rebel but were defeated, the seeds their rebellion sowed, and finally Vennessa’s successful insurrection, leading her to create the Knights. 

Both these eras lend fairly clear history to the current Mondstadt: the foundation of the city and the Knights that lead it. 

Finally, we also have the Cataclysm. Because of plot reasons, we lack a lot of answers about it for now, but it serves fairly well as a great catastrophe in the past. More than the previous two eras, there is a sense that this was a tragedy from which no one escaped unscathed. Rostam died, Arundolyn lost his will to fight, Rosalyne and Roland lashed out in grief and became monstrous. There is no follow through or anything created from it, only Durin’s remains in Dragonspine, still ominous and pulsing with corruption. 

Compare this with Liyue and Inazuma: Liyue’s lore, when you try to read through it, is incredibly difficult to parse by era. Was something 3000 years ago? Was it 2000? 1000? 500? When did the Chi happen? When was Osial defeated? When did Azhdaha go crazy? What about the mentions of lesser stories like the Sea God? You often just can’t tell. There is no sense of time at all. The only change to the country was Guili Assembly (which lacks any lore except its total basics) and then Liyue’s founding. There’s nothing else. 

Additionally, Inazuma is like this too. There are no eras or changes in the nation. The only past event is Orobashi being killed but we have no timeline on that except it seems to have been before the end of the Archon War. But we have no sense of “before” so there is no sense of change either. 

You could perhaps argue that this goes along with Morax being too constant and Inazuma being “eternal,” but it doesn’t make the lore interesting even so.

2. There are individuals within those eras, and their stories work together to imply an interesting “other side” in the past. 

You can basically construct a “hero party” for the major eras, giving them a sense that they were each a separate story that could be told in detail on its own merits. The Decarabian rebellion is the clearest about this, though we know least about the actual individuals. Aristocracy has the most side characters, but even so the hero of the story is clear (Vennessa) as are her main supporters (Ragnvindr, Kreuzlied). And of course the Cataclysm has Arunros, which seemed to imply they would have greater impact on present day with Rosalyne and Roland until Signora got offed just like that lol.

Compared to this, Liyue basically has no characters related to any era (or any eras to begin with). The adepti are just perpetually there in theory, but have no relevant impact, so we actually can never really tell when they joined or what they did, if anything. Humans who do exist, like Kun Wu or the Blackcliff forge, just kind of drift nebulously in there. It’s just a big smear. 

Inazuma is like that too for everything except the Cataclysm. On the other hand, that gets too involved. There’s too many people who have a web of interconnections and then they introduce other people for the next generation, but there is very little sense of history. 

Hibiki drifts from being the Saiguu’s student to helping Ako and has an entire subplot with Takamine, but all of this is just personal struggles with very little sense of cohesion. It’s just one woman’s life. We have mention of a Kujou who defends against the hordes of monster, or the Hiiragi ancestor who founded Ritou, or Iwakura whose life was changed by Chiyo’s disgrace, but none of this feels like a complete narrative. They are just disjoined pieces. 

Basically, reading Mond lore feels like putting together a puzzle and you can see things related to the pieces in the actual world of the game. And when you get the whole picture, you can see the story of the past, with its own characters and struggles that are both just as interesting and not overwhelmingly more fleshed out compared to the modern day characters. 

This is why I like it best.