#muse ∆ DAINSLEIF [ Answered Asks ]

[tenebriism]

«... How much do you remember?» To invoke a dead nation's glorious past in broad daylight may not seem like the wisest approach. At first. In Kaeya's defense, this man had been the one to confront him with what had long haunted him. It was only fair that he helped to satiate his thirst for knowledge, for something... more. 

«Tell me a story... From back then». His voice is quiet as he eyes his drink, playing with the glass's rim. Not a shy request, but a cautious one.

[ surprise, here's one for Dain too! www ]

The Boughkeeper supposes it was... expected. Eventually, this one would begin to inquire as to his OWN identity and backstory, their fates and stories intertwined more than, mayhap, even Dainsleif understood. " My memories are... selective, " he begins, CAUTIOUS as he speaks to the man with matching irises. 'Tis not that he does not TRUST Kaeya; if anything, Kaeya should not trust HIM, with how secretive he's been, and how OFT he has kept, mayhap wrongfully, to the shadows.

" One, in particular, that remains ever constant in my mind... is the day Khaenri'ah fell. I remember where I was. What I was wearing... who I was with, how my hair was styled. I remember how the sweat burned as it trickled into my eyes... how raw my throat felt as I yelled out for citizens and compatriots alike... "

Is this what Kaeya is seeking? A REMINDER of their fallen nation and a tragic recount of it? Mayhap not, but it is one of FEW memories that Dainsleif has that he can vividly recall, and retell, with confidence. Another one, more pleasant, comes to mind... just before the fall, of a life long lost to tragedy and time. A life where he knew how it felt to be human, and not the husk of the man he once was.

" I had a home... " He begins, voice quieting even more, if such was possible. He's never been particularly loud spoken, but vulnerability has seized what little volume he normally manages, " ... one with a garden. Friends who would bring me seeds to plant. A kitten who would bat and bite at the leaves... a man who would warm my bed from time to time. He would weave the blossoms into the strands of my hair, and amidst sweet bliss, I would forget they were there... only to show up to training that very next day looking like a flower myself. The laughter that would ensue... it is quiet, distant, but I do... remember it. "

All of it, gone... all of THEM... g o n e. The alcohol clutched betwixt his own fingers won't do anything--- nay, he shan't be found stumbling over himself from a couple glasses of liquid poison, but oft does he wish it would. These knights are able to forget their own hardships, however briefly, with the very thing Dainsleif currently swirls around in the glass he clutches a tad too tightly--- but that, too, is merely something else that makes THIS ailing knight less human, and more a shell of his former self.

@frozenambiguity ;;

[fragmented-tales]

Dainsleif Valorn

Name: Dainsleif Valorn

Age: 538

Race: Khaenri'ahn

Gender Identity: cisgender man (he/him)

Sexuality: biromantic demisexual

Detailed information coming soon.

[scara-meow-che]

Dainsleif's dick being infused with abyss energy(?) like his arm-

Like yea Tartaglia's last form's dick, yeah Ito's oni dick, yeah zhongli's dragoon dick,but what of Dain???? That shit must be magical 😩

⦿ 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 ┃ eyes up here princess with dainsleif

CW. NSFW (MDNI), big dick! dain, fem! reader, use of words (princess), established relationship, teasing, first-time sex, implied oral, sex w/out penetration (thigh job and dick job? is that even a thing? idk, just read it to find out), dirty talk, magical dick (i am NOT sorry), mention of abyss princess lumine

AN. the new archon quest 🧍🏻‍♀️ it felt like a fever dream and it's a whole ass year again before we get to see this man so i am making it my mission to let him and his abyss-energy-fused dick live in my mind rent-free. also, if the anon that sent me this is still here to witness me posting this, hello :D this took me by surprise bcs i planned it to be short but here we are ig

it wasn't every day that you get dain's attention all to yourself.

you would often see him somewhere, busy, as always. sometimes, you would find yourself conversing with a few locals when dain tries to do things on his own as he would reason out that it's for your own safety. or you'd be up and about some part of the region searching for the abyss princess as to what he currently puts as his top priority.

these repeating turn of events would, most of the time, make you question whether you really matter to him seeing as he's always invested in things unrelated to you or what interests you. you don't ask too much from him but sometimes, a little attention would be nice, or have him answer all the questions that run inside your head.

yet, when dain would see that familiar expression painting your face as you make your bed for the night, he would put everything on hold and indulge more in what you'd request. he does make up for you, well, you have no complaints when he does because he'd always be there in a heartbeat for every beck and call.

hence why you're laid out on your bed, legs spread out with him toying with your already sore clit.

the idea of having sex had never once danced in between each conversation you'd have with dain. you'd rather spend the time to catch up on each other's day and sort out a route to where you both want to go next. it never fazed you when some people asked how your relationship with dain is going, not even bothered when some old women from liyue dramatically gasped as you've never been that intimate with your lover.

as the tension builds up throughout the months of overhearing people gossiping about their partners or be the victim of a drunk local telling you the tale of their sexual escapades, it draws out some images in your head. would dain be like the same as those oni's you've heard about? or have an impressive length similar to this one tale about a dragon lord? heck, would he have a dick that grows unrealistically big just like with the harbinger that you've heard about?

but who fucking cares anyway? you're about to get the real deal right now.

"what a curious mind you have there, princess." dain mindlessly mused as he press soft kisses along your thighs, leaving you breathless as he presses himself closer to your aching core. you can feel the heat from the big hard tent on his pants as he rubs himself to the dampness of your cunt. "i thought that eating you out could already satiate your pretty little head but you still want... what? what is it that you want from me again?"

he taunts, amused when he hears a cry from your disheveled form. "ah, didn't i say to tell me if you want something?"

"but it's embarrassing to say it!" you can't even fully reason out how humiliating it is for you to casually ask him that you want to see his dick as you let out another moan when he lightly thrusts his clothed cock on your core. he doesn't even let up, continuing his cruel pace in rubbing his aching dick on your already sensitive clit.

"p-please! i just, a-ah, want to see your d-dick!"

"say what again, princess?"

having enough of his teasing, you went to give your best in bending your body just to reach the big tent on his pants. "i want to see your dick dain and... i want you to fuck me, please."

you can feel a rush of heat all over your skin, your eyes quickly darting to the side to avoid dain's amused pair. a chuckle was all you heard before you felt his hands gently laying you down back to bed. in response to his pleased titter, you scoffed and gave him a quick glare.

"i'm sorry but you're just irresistible when you're so honest with me." he paused as he takes a sharp intake of air when he pulls out his leaking cock from the confines of his pants.

your eyes widen at the sight. no, it's not because he's as big as what you heard like the one of an oni or he has that delicious curve like that of the dragon cock but it's because the hue is unlike any other, the dark blue pulses as beads of white litters on the tip. fuck, when dain gave his dick a quick stroke, you can see how it grew a bit larger in his palm.

you drool just by imagining how it would feel inside of you.

"eyes up here, princess." he gave your thighs a light smack, pulling your attention back up before you felt the cockhead rubbing so gingerly on your little nub, smearing your cum on your lower lips.

"you're so eager for me, huh?" he can feel you trembling the more he pays attention to your aching core, gliding the head back and forth your lower lips, enough to push the head inside your hole but easy for him to just pull right back out. he's testing out the waters, waiting for more of your reactions and he could only see you enjoying yourself being please with the tip of his dick.

"just look at you, so wet and ready for me." and you are, feeling your arousal pool and spill right out of your needy hole while dain keeps making a mess out of it. your hips desperately buck right up, chasing for the head but he kept you pinned down on the soft mattress as he continues teasing you.

"dain, please, want to feel more of you." your hand went to grab his arms, giving it a light squeeze that you knew would get him to listen to you.

but it did the complete opposite.

"didn't you say that you want to see my dick?"

before you could argue back, dain had gently straightened both your legs upward, his strong arms locking you in place before pushing the dark blue cockhead in between your thighs. "been wanting to do this for so long," he uttered with a low groan, his body shivering when he thrusts his cock in the middle of your soft flesh, the rushed and hasty movements of the head prods at your clit. "you look so pretty like this, just letting me use you."

you gasped for air when he purposely prods at your puckering hole, angling his abyss-energy-fused cock to dive in and out of your thighs. your eyes caught a glimpse of how each streak of white glow, the nerves pulsing as he ruts himself so needily on you.

"so keep your pretty eyes on me and maybe, if you managed to do so, i might just give you what you want."

and you did, you desperately tried your best to keep looking at dain and just watching how he use your thighs to get off. it was a rare sight to see dain lose himself, tottering over the warmth and softness that covers his dick.

at first, he was scared that he might scare you off, thinking how unusual his cock looks. compared to what he thought you'd prefer to see in between your legs, about to rail the innocence out of you, his was far off the scales.

but when he saw your eyes almost sparkled when he pulled out his dick, hands so damn eager to touch him, and both your lips spilling out how much you want more of him just sends him over the edge. his pace quickened the more he stares at your needy form, enjoying the way your eyes fluttered close whenever he brushed against your hole before proceeding in sliding his cock back on your thighs.

"i'm so close, fuck, you feel so good 'round me like this, princess." and fuck, yes, you can feel more of his pre-cum ooze around the head and coats more of your already slick skin. it felt so dirty, so filthy to watch him fuck himself with your thighs and you felt dirtier when you were enjoying how his large dick, fused with the same abyss energy as his arm, slides back and forth your thighs.

"cum for me please," you whispered, urging your lover to release his load on your skin. within seconds, dain stopped his thrusts as he buried his cock between your legs, pressing it tighter as he shoots his load on your flesh, slowly having the thick globs of his cum drip down on your core.

while dain goes to steady his breathing, you went to open up your legs to see how much cum had covered your body, the scent of sex causing your head to fizzle out that you had nothing in your mind but the need to see his dick filling you up.

dainsleif was shocked when you went to reach out for his cock, the keenness in your eyes captivating as you focused on his dick.

"wanna see how it looks as you fuck me." your request came like a cry, a whimper of desperation. and you can feel the way dain's dick twitched on your hand.

you're going to be the death of him.

⠀⠀scara-meow-che © 2023 ┃ do not copy, modify, or repost ANY of my content

[ventismacchiato]

22 just playing the part — twenty one questions !

scaramouche x g!n reader

“My wrists are still sore from earlier today,” you complain, popping the can of beer open that Scaramouche had offered that was in the cooler of his car.

He’d driven you both to a park to practice lines, sitting in the trunk and using the stars above as your light source. It would be romantic if it wasn’t Scaramouche who did it and if he wasn’t constantly correcting you when you messed up.

Scaramouche doesn’t reply, looking over to your wrist that held a mark remnant from the handcuffs. He reaches over, grabbing ahold of your left wrist and rubbing his thumb against it.

“You should ice it,” he mutters, grabbing an unopened can of beer and pressing it against your wrist, the coldness of the metal soothing your bruise.

“Have you been icing your wrist?”

“Yeah, because I’m not stupid.”

You send him a glare and pull your wrist back, icing it with your own beer instead. His warmth on your hands gave you an odd feeling.

“I think that’s enough for tonight,” you sigh, growing sick of the script that stared back at you from your lap.

“Do you want me to drive you back?”

“Not yet, being outside is nice,” you answer, “Your company is decent.”

“Just admit you enjoy my company.”

“Not a chance.”

It grows silent again, apart from the low vibrations of the car’s engine and the occasional snap of another can being opened. You were afraid of it getting awkward so you let out the first thing that came to mind.

“Wanna play twenty-one questions?”

He lets out a low chuckle, “Are you trying to find out something dirty?”

“No,” you scoff, “It’s not like you have anything juicy anyway, your first kiss was with me.”

“No need to remind me, but fine,” he answers, crushing an empty can and opening another one.

“Okay,” you hum, racking your brain for a question, “Most embarrassing thing you’ve done while drunk?”

“Other than willingly hanging out with you? Letting Childe give me a stick-and-poke tattoo.”

“Of what?”

“That’s two questions, not one,” he grins, “My turn. Most embarrassing thing you’ve done when drunk?”

“I threw up on Aether and Lumine’s father in highschool,” you answer, wincing at the look on Dainsleif’s shocked face that was still ingrained into your mind.

“I probably shouldn’t have given you beer then, no?” he teases.

“I’m good with alcohol now,” you huff, “Sort of.”

He sends you an eye roll, but for once it lacks any malice.

“Are we friends?” you question, looking down into your now empty can of cheap beer, immediately regretting the question. Maybe you weren’t that good with alcohol.

“You tell me.”

“You’re supposed to answer the question,” you point out.

“I don’t think think I’d sit at night playing a dumb game with someone who wasn’t my friend,” Scaramouche shrugs.

“So that’s a yes?” you smile, ignoring how elated that made you feel. Weird.

“It’s my turn to ask,” he counters, “Biggest fear?”

You muse at the thought, “Probably that I’m wasting my time trying to pursue my interest in acting and it won’t go anywhere.”

He lets out a snort, “Really? That’s stupid.”

You’re about to defend yourself but he continues.

“It’s stupid because you’re a good actor,” he says.

“Are you trying to comfort me?” you smile, nudging him on the shoulder.

“Trying? Did I not?”

“You did,” you reassure, holding back a laugh at how distraught he sounded.

“Whatever, you go,” he mumbles, already on his fourth can.

“Toughest pill you had to swallow?” you question, eyeing him as he drains half the can.

“That I’ll never experience a mother’s unconditional love,” he deadpans, throwing the can he was drinking behind him into the backseat.

“Oh,” you let out, not quite expecting that, “I’m sorry to hear that,” you slowly say, not expecting him to be open during the silly game you came up with.

He shrugs.

“Does she not support you?”

“That’s your fourth question,” he says, “And no, she doesn’t.”

“She’ll see what she missed out on when you prove her wrong,” you say, “When you make it big.”

He gives you a fleeting glance, “Are you trying to comfort me?”

“Trying?” you smile, “Did I not?”

“Maybe you did,” he slyly says, averting his eyes from you.

“I guess the world sucks, huh?”

“Yeah,” he agrees, dragging a long sip of what was now lukewarm beer, “But I think I’ll forgive it because at least it has you in it.”

You pause, the can of alcohol hovering in place at his words, “What?”

“Just realized I’m too drunk to drive right now,” Scaramouche mumbles instead of acknowledging your question.

“Should we call an Uber?” you ask, realizing he wasn’t sober enough for making conversation, yet alone finishing the game.

“Soon,” he mumbles, leaning his head against the side of the trunk, letting his eyes fall shut, “I need a minute.”

“Alright,” you comply, feeling your eyelids feel heavy as well, “I’ll wake you up.”

…

Spoiler, you did not wake him up.

just playing the part !

masterlist — prev | next

scaramouche secretly keeps the sticky note for safe keeping

synopsis: you and scaramouche are both drama majors and have been at each other’s throats vying for the same lead roles since high school. but when you’re both cast as each other’s love interest in your second year you’re forced to be civil with your academic rival and see him in a new light. are his feelings for you true or is he just playing the part?

comment or send an ask to be added or removed ⤵️ closing soon

taglist-OPEN: @monochromaticelliot @kaedear @stxrgxzxr @shirmxie @elakari @lacy-lady @linn-a-a @one-offmind @kithewanderingme @quepasoash @leathernourishingshoepolish @mangobee @lxry-chxn @dameofthorns @scarasaver @kythe1a @elysiasbae @hikaru-exe @tokkishouse @raiihoshii @cherrybeomgyu @kunikuzushiit @thenightsflower @lilneps @goodthingimsam @lovelyiez @euhla @beriiov @abvolat @kittycasie @b0bafl0wer @bubblyclouds @atlatcaheart @artssleepy @baelloraa @tartagli-yuh @satowaluverr @hangesextra @scaranaris-lil-niko @caffinatedcoma @wheneverthesunrise @hajimeseyo @itsyourgirlria @hyunrei @redactedhimbo @caliginous-skies @vinskyspuff @miissfortune @criminalinthemaking @scaramouches-girlfriend [1/3]

author’s note: sad that i cudnt give this title to chapter 21 😔 and yes drunk confessions 😍 cliché shit that i will always eat up! anyway sorry for the angst but pain 🥰

[yaeggravate]

hiii i have news 😌 remember the waste land by t.s. eliot, which is an influential poem that incorporates the legend of the fisher king, aka our beloved anfortas, man with three staves?

turns out, other than anfortas, there are several characters from the game who are found in the poem.

the most recent one is sybilla, the seelie-like bee who weaved remuria a new symphony. she is based on the sibyl of cumae, who is mentioned in the epigraph of the poem.

I saw with my own eyes the Sibyl at Cumae hanging in a cage, and when the boys said to her: “Sibyl, what do you want?” she answered: “I want to die.”

the sibyl of cumae was granted immortality but forgor to ask for eternal youth. now she is doomed to live forever and waste away into nothing. when asked what she wants, she asks for death. this is a harrowing parallel to the suffering of the fisher king.

in the veluriyam mirage event, there's a quest where we meet three brothers together with kaeya. if you recall, two of these brothers argue in front of klee, who becomes upset. their names are ferdinand and jeroney. believe it or not, these names are referenced in the poem.

(the third brother, the sickly younger one, is named haddo, who i wasn't able to find in the poem... haddo may be a nod to the dark magician oliver haddo, a caricature of the occultist aleister crowley, who also used it as his pen name.)

ferdinand calls himself the brawns of the trio, while jeroney is the brains and haddo the designer.

in the waste land, the fisher king (anfortas) quotes the character ferdinand from shakespeare's the tempest, the prince of naples who got shipwrecked in a storm... similarly, the veluriyam brothers were caught up in a sandstorm and ended up in idyia's bottleland, so i do think our ferdinand refers to shakespeare's ferdinand specifically.

The Waste Land, Lines 190-192 (Fisher King): On a winter evening round behind the gashouse Musing upon the king my brother's wreck And on the king my father's death before him.

The Tempest Ferdinand: Where should this music be? i' the air or the earth? It sounds no more: and sure, it waits upon Some god o' the island. Sitting on a bank, Weeping again the king my father's wreck, This music crept by me upon the waters,

we are meant to connect the two together; anfortas and ferdinand. ...also, isn't it interesting that our ferdinand is the "brawn"? anfortas was a knight marshal, leader of a warriorband, so he must have been pretty powerful, too. (if he was the alberich mentioned in the book perinheri, he might have even been one of the mightiest figures in khaenri'ah).

next is jeroney, which is an alternate spelling of the name hieronymous. in the poem, there is a line referring to the character hieronymo, from thomas kyd's the spanish tragedy, alternatively named hieronimo is mad again.

The Waste Land, Line 431 Why then Ile fit you. Hieronymo's mad againe.

Early in Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy, Hieronymo's son Horatio is murdered by a rival. The murder unhinges Hieronymo, driving him mad even as he plots revenge against his son's killers.

hieronimo, (the knight marshal of spain), falls into madness after the murder of his son and plots revenge; coincidence or not, an obvious parallel to chlothar. our jeroney is the "brains", and while chlothar did go mad in the end, dainsleif acknowledged he went on to "do a great many things".

this is just a crack thought since we still don't know how anfortas is related to kaeya, but if those three brothers are supposed to reflect the alberich clan, it casts their interactions in a different light and could foreshadow kaeya's backstory. they showed us two brothers, who each chose a different path, arguing carelessly in front of a child... while their younger brother lies sick and forgotten...

... 👀

[acefaun]

Kaeya~ The Curse

Synopsis: God!MC brings back a container of cleansing water from the pool they came across on their adventure with Dainsleif in the Chasm. They hoped to give it to Kaeya… But it seems as though they were a little too late to help. Hopefully they can make up for lost time.

⚔️Masterlist⚔️ Gender-neutral, God MC! ~Spoilers for Chasm Interlude Archon Quest after Liyue A/n: Popping into the Genshin fandom with a self-indulgent serving of my favorite Ragbros! 💕 I read a few fanfics about how Kaeya might have had a similar reaction to Dainsleif during the Archon Quest, so I decided to add my own bit to it with a little bit of the SAGAU aspect of MC being their ‘god’.

–Word Count: 2,800–

I had been gone from Mondstadt for too long, I mused as I took in the fresh air around me. Being in the Chasm for weeks on end made me cherish the feeling of the open air in Mondstadt. The free wind was so much less stifling than suppressive rocks.

Still, however grateful I was, one person remained on my mind on my trip home. The cool container that rested within a pouch against my leg reminded me that my mission wasn't over. On my recent adventure into the Chasm with Dainsleif, we found the ruins of an ancient civilization that the Abyss was using for another of their schemes. Their goal was to bring Khaenri’ah back, but we put a stop to their nefarious plot. 

While it would have been nice to see the ancient citizens of Khaenri’ah freed from their curse, it would have caused much more suffering and loss than done any actual good. There wasn't a chance that their plans would meet with surefire success, after all. In fact, I—along with Dainsleif—was certain their plan would fail spectacularly. I had Khaenrian friends to protect, and I would never take a chance playing with their lives. 

My fingers brushed against the cork of the bottle I carried. I wasn't that powerful, but even I could feel something comforting from the bottle. I couldn't imagine the discomfort and suffering that those cursed had to go through without a hint of relief. By having this water nearby, I hoped that Kaeya might feel some reprieve. 

Kaeya never divulged anything about himself to me, out of fear that I was the god from Celestia that sent his nation to ruin. So, I wasn’t entirely sure how Kaeya’s lineage really affected him, but it was better to be safe rather than sorry. Fortunately, each adventure I went on seemed to lead me to more answers that he probably didn't even know himself.

Still, I might have been overthinking things… After all, Kaeya was only a descendant of Khaenri’ah, he wasn’t there when it was destroyed. But that Abyssal scheme was terribly effective—even Dainsleif had to rely on me to resolve the situation. I had to prepare for the worst and hope for the best with Kaeya’s unknown situation.

It was early in the night when I walked through the gates of Mondstadt. Luckily, if all was as well as I hoped, I knew exactly where my friends would be gathered. 

I was grateful that, as soon as Dainsleif and I finished our quest, he understood the urgency with which I had to return home and check on my found family.

Opening the door to the Angel’s Share, it was unusually quiet, and my apprehension only grew. My eyebrows furrowed as I noted a few regulars, but there was no bard. There was no exasperated Diluc or rambunctious Kaeya. “Charles,” I asked, walking up to the bar. “What's the lull? Isn't it usually more lively here at night?”

“Your Excellency,” he addressed me formally. “Sorry. You must be looking for Master Diluc. He's visiting Master Jean tonight. You might be able to find him in her office.”

My eyebrows furrowed further. Something was wrong for the alcoholics to be missing and Diluc to be in the Knight's headquarters. I prayed I was jumping to the wrong conclusions… I couldn’t wait for an explanation. “Tell me what happened.”

He let out a brief sigh, his empathetic eyes landing on me. “I heard that Captain Kaeya fell ill. I wish I had more to tell you, but the Knights have been keeping things quiet since. No one really knows what happened yesterday-”

“Yesterday?” Then my suspicions were unfortunately correct. Kaeya was affected by the Abyss’s device, and no one was there with Kaeya to help or understand why he was suffering. Before Charles could give another word, I was flying out of the door. I was thankful the foot traffic was light as I raced up the stairs to get to HQ. 

The knights were quick to fling the doors open for me as soon as they recognized my intended path. Nearly crashing into Jean's office door, I flung it open, startling those inside. Jean immediately stood from her chair. “Your Excellency, you're here. There's been a problem-”

“With Kaeya,” I finished for her, my eyes flickering across the faces in the room. There was Jean, Diluc, Barbara, and Amber. They were no doubt all gathered there for the same reasons. But I needed them to cut to the chase. “I heard. Tell me everything.”

Jean gestured for Amber to tell the story from the beginning. Taking her cue without hesitation, Amber walked me through her version of what happened, “I was just returning from my patrol yesterday afternoon when I ran into Captain Kaeya. He looked… bothered; but I didn’t think he was feeling unwell or anything. I was about to ask him about it when he just… Well, I don’t know what really happened. He just looked like he was in so much pain; it was so bad, he looked like he couldn’t breathe and then couldn’t even stand on his feet.”

“We were thrown completely off guard,” Jean commented. Apparently it wasn't the most subtle thing. Many citizens panicked at the sight of the Captain in such agony and went straight to the Knights of Favonius to report the emergency. 

Barbara then added anxiously, “We tried our best to help and make it bearable, but nothing we did worked. We spent all night trying everything, well into the morning. Even with my hydro vision, I couldn’t seem to ease his symptoms. Eventually, we had to send for Master Diluc… We thought they might be at odds, but we were sure he might know something to help. I mean, something like that wouldn't just randomly happen, right?” 

Of course, she assumed it was some natural affliction. It wasn't poison, and it wasn't something they could heal with their church medicines. They had Kaeya’s situation all wrong, and Diluc didn't seem like he told them a word. 

Guilt weighed heavily on my shoulders. I tried to stop the Abyss Order as quickly as I could, but there were too many abyss mages for me to work swiftly and efficiently. Not to mention, Dainsleif was in agony and his friend was dying in front of him. Stopping the Abyss took far too long and drew too much attention to Kaeya. I could only imagine how long of a night it must have been for Kaeya to endure.

But what could Diluc have possibly done to help, anyway? This situation never happened before—and I would be sure it never happened again. None of what happened was precedented. With my gaze flickering to the apparently frustrated red-head, I paused, taking in his appearance. I knew he didn't enjoy working with the Knights of Favonius, but this particular agitation was new. It was time I got his side of the story. “Diluc… What did you-”

“I came to see him as soon as I was informed, and when I got here, they refused to let me in his room,” Diluc hissed, withholding so much wrath that it left me surprised.

Jean sighed, all of them looking awkwardly away from the angered man. She supplied me with an explanation, “At first we thought getting Diluc would be the best response. But… As soon as we had Kaeya inside of headquarters, he started shouting that he was burning. It wasn’t a fever, and he seemed like he wasn’t in his right mind. Knowing vaguely what happened between them, I made the last minute call to keep Diluc out. Your excellency, you have to understand… I did what I thought was best for Kaeya given the circumstances.”

“He could have been dying, and it was ‘for the best’ that I couldn't see him,” Diluc retorted. He didn't need the weak excuses of the Knights of Favonius, he wanted to make sure his brother was okay. He couldn't do that if they restricted him from going as far as the first floor.

“I disapprove of how you made the decision to keep Diluc out after so quickly inviting him to this mess.” I snapped at the group of knights in defense of Diluc. “What happened between them is in the past and had nothing to do with what happened to Kaeya. Diluc,” my steely gaze softened as I met Diluc’s eyes of adoration. Of course, he knew I would understand everything. I would take his side. I offered to him, “Come with me. We're going to go check on Kaeya. I came to help.”

“Thank you.” He didn’t hesitate to follow me out of the quiet room. Everyone else meekly remained where they were for just getting scolded by me. Still, I had trouble waiting for Diluc as I practically rushed to leave Jean’s office. 

“Captain! Captain Kaeya, please go back to your room! You're not-” The knight that was chasing Kaeya down the stairs, faltered at seeing me. “You're Excellency! I'm sorry! Captain Kaeya shouldn't have slipped past us! Ah!” The Knight panicked as Kaeya immediately flung his arms around me, his larger frame almost overtaking me. “C- Captain, please, that's their Excellency you just-”

“(Name)!” My eyes widened at hearing Kaeya call my name. Hardly anyone ever used my name. Everyone respected me, feared me, cherished me, adored me. Using my name was disrespectful, something frowned upon. But I loved hearing it from them. I loved when they used my name and not some impersonal title.

“Kaeya,” I replied with his name, in turn, my hands resting on his back.

“It feels nice…” Kaeya muttered, his arms tightened around me, holding me closer. “I felt when you got to Mondstadt. You felt different from usual, but I needed to find you. Please, let me hold you. It doesn't hurt anymore.”

“We're going home, Kaeya,” I hushed, trying to soothe him as best I could. I knew the water I had with me was really what was drawing him to me like this. But for now, I wanted to make up for not being faster. Just like Dainsleif, even Kaeya would need time to recover from the strain his body was put through. “Diluc’s going to take us back to the manor, and we'll take care of you.” Similarly to how his grip tightened around me, I pulled him closer, my fingers sinking into his unkempt hair. “I'm sorry… I'm so sorry.” 

He hummed, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything more as he basked in the presence of the cleansing water. Though the effects of what happened lingered in his system, he was feeling better just by being with me. He knew I was his god.

Diluc hesitantly pressed closer, despite the eyes of onlookers that were judging us. “If the manor is where you want to go, I suggest we depart. Kaeya, can you walk?” 

Kaeya could—he just bounded down the stairs for me—but he'd never make it as far as Dawn Winery. Awkwardly, I mentioned, “I'm agile, but I'm a bit of a limp noodle when it comes to weights. I'm afraid you'll have to carry him, Diluc. He’s been through a lot.” Reaching for the pouch at my side, I untied the strings and held the bag out to Diluc. “You can hold on to this for now. I have one for you when we get home. It'll help him feel better.” 

I didn't explain much just yet as Kaeya was carefully lifted, and he relaxed into Diluc’s arms. No one dared to question or stop me as I left with the two brothers accompanying me. I wasn't necessarily leaving because of the way Diluc had been treated. I was leaving purely because of the confidential matter that only involved the three of us.

Taking us to the teleport point, the journey home was short, and we took our time to get relaxed in Kaeya’s room, where he passed out almost immediately. It was the first time he was almost entirely free of pain since the incident. 

“If I may ask,” Diluc started slowly, his hands grazing over the pouch you gave him with the concealed bottle inside. “What exactly is this?”

Diluc knew mostly everything about Kaeya—who he was, where he was from, why he was in Mondstadt. He also knew Kaeya as a brother, which was where we were now. He wanted his brother to be okay and as annoying as usual, not bedridden.

As promised, they deserved answers. So, I began my summarized explanation of events, “I went on a mission recently against the Abyss Order. They… tried to revive Khaenri'ah against my warnings of what would happen. They were determined to cleanse the Khaenrians of their curse. However, all that resulted was suffering. Every living soul with that curse was in unbearable agony. It could have been devastating if I hadn’t gotten there in time.” My downcast eyes landed on the gentle rise and fall of Kaeya’s chest. “Even a nation away, he probably thought he was dying. I could only do my best to fix it as quickly as possible—but I wasn't strong enough to take care of them as fast as I wanted to. Who knows how long Kaeya was suffering because of me…”

“But you took care of them,” Diluc reminded me, knowing I would no sooner fall into self-loathing. “You did good against a powerful enemy. You should be proud. Whatever this water is… you managed to bring it here to help him. Don't think what you did wasn't adequate.”

Pursing my lips together, I knew better than to argue. He would only try to make me take it back. Diluc cared much more than he let on. He wouldn't let me shoulder the guilt. So, rather than dwelling on that, I changed the subject back to the pouch. “I forgot, I brought a bottle for you as well. However, I mean to go back and collect more for you to store in the Winery in case of emergencies like that one.” Taking the pouch back, I opened it, pulling out the glass bottle of cleansing water. “This was in an ancient city. Apparently, it acts as a cleansing water, soothing the effects of the curse. It won't cure him, so it does no good to drink it. But having it near will help.” 

“Cleansing water,” Diluc repeated, observing the seemingly normal water that I held. It was strange that Kaeya couldn't even tell what he was attracted to when he found me in HQ. From what Diluc could tell, Kaeya could simply sense the water from that far away. “It's fascinating. I'm sure we'll have to keep a greater supply. I… feel like I should ask how you came to know that this water would help him when it looks and feels like normal water to those without the curse.”

“Because that fountain was where the cursed went to meet a peaceful end,” I replied quietly, avoiding mentioning my travel partner. In truth, I probably wouldn’t have suspected what the effects of this water truly were if not for Dainsleif’s explanation. “It seems sad, but this water is truly the only thing that seems to be able to give some respite.”

Diluc hummed, his eyes now searching Kaeya and wondering when his sad end would come. Luckily, he wouldn't have to suffer so much anymore thanks to my efforts. Diluc watched how I delicately traced Kaeya’s still hands, my eyes overflowing with guilt. “You did your best. I wish you'd be kinder to yourself.”

I hummed, but I didn't agree or disagree with him. “I'm not finished with my mission against the Abyss… but… I'm not leaving Kaeya right now. You can stay too. Mondstadt can do without their Darknight Hero for a while. Kaeya needs us more than they do.” Kaeya deserved to be coddled after his horrible experience. I'd do my damned best to ensure it never happened again.

[dawnbrst]

SHIPPING INFO. Answer the following for your muse(s) so people know how shipping works on your blog.

What’s your OTP for your Muse(s)?

zhongluc . the dragon & phoenix motifs , especially in chinese culture . warrior archon x archon of war . zhongli & his dragon scales vs diluc & his battlescars . yapper x listener . there's just so much with them .

What are you willing to RP when it comes to shipping?

i have some limits , like the usual stuff . i'm also not interested in : cheating plots , unrequited , break - up / back - together plots . but everything else , i'm generally pretty open . honestly , just ask me .

How large does the age gap have to be to make it uncomfortable?

no one under 18 , obviously . diluc's 22 so age gaps aren't a big issue . as long as they're both adults , the age gap doesn't really matter to me .

Are you selective when shipping?

with female muses / characters , yes . diluc is very picky . right now , lumine is his only exception . this may change in the future depending on chemistry .

How far do steamy moments have to go before they’re considered NSFW?

the second it goes below the belt sdlfjs

Who are other muses you ship your muse with?

zhongli , wriothesley , neuvillette , childe , venti , albedo , dainsleif , traveler , alhaitham , cyno , kaveh , capitano , ayato , thoma , wanderer ( anti dottore club )

Does one have to ask to ship with you?

yes please ! as much as i love pre - established , just ask me first so i'm not blindsided , but that's all i really require .

How often do you like to ship?

i love exploring dynamics , so i do love shipping . i love seeing how diluc changes with certain people

Are you multiship?

yes ! heavily . i can't do single - ship honestly .

Are you ship obsessed or ship more-or-less?

i dunno if i'm obsessed , but ships are fun to explore and write .

What is your favorite ship in your current fandom?

zhongluc and dainkae right now . i'm writing a dual fic for them !

Finally, how does one ship with you?

chemistry , ic and ooc , and just sending prompts . i like going with the flow and seeing where our muses go

stole this from everyone <3

[zorkaya-moved]

GI: HEADCANON — LUNA GELIDA STORY QUEST TIMELINE.

This meta is created to give people an understanding of when Zarina’s Story Quest happens in the story to give all muses included in those story quests to know when and how certain events may change their opinion of Zarina. I always stage first interactions with Zarina WAY BEFORE Traveler appears in the game with characters who are NOT Traveler. She’s someone who’s quite (in)famous within the lands of Teyvat. This is something people can use for our interactions without asking as long as you give me a timeline. Certain events would greatly change perception of Zarina by some of the parties included in her story quests. Especially Traveler’s and Nahida’s. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Any discovery regarding Zarina’s involvement, her true nature, and everything else is NOT known to the general public of Sumeru or Teyvat (aside from those who can know based on her involvement, like Fatui and Abyss Order). Nahida keeps everything that happened hush-hush due to how negatively it will affect the public, especially after 3 Sages have betrayed the region of Sumeru. Due to how big Zarina’s name is and how much she contributed to the lives of 'common folk,' it’s expected that a massive backlash and distrust will start to cause chaos within Sumeru or other parts of Teyvat; thus, only a select number of people know about Zarina’s true nature past Intro Quest and Acts I/II. 

ARCHON QUEST / INTRO QUEST TO LUNA GELIDA STORY QUEST LINE → SERPENTINE DANCE OF EPICUREANISM happens AFTER Nahida’s and Alhaitham’s quests.

Zarina herself appears AFTER the main Sumeru Archon quest finishes, which gives time for the Traveler, Nahida, and Paimon to meet with her and speak with her, get to know her, etc. Well, the ‘Zarina Sokolova’ that’s seen as a hero, as a helpful presence, as a person who is known for her help around Akademiya and as someone who’s the strongest contender to become the Amurta Darshan’s next Sage after Azar’s downfall. 

Active characters who take part in this quest: Traveler, Paimon, Alhaitham, Kaveh, Tighnari, Nahida (appears at the end). NPCs who make appearances: Current Sage of Amurta Darshan - Naphis, Abyssal Serpent.

LUNA GELIDA: ACT I → THE DREAMSCAPE OF THE ABYSSAL DECADENCE happens right after the Intro Quest and is available ONLY after the Archon Quest is done. It starts immediately after the introduction quest but a certain amount of time passes between the intro quest and this act. 

Active characters who took part in this quest: Traveler, Paimon, Alhaitham, Kaveh, Nahida, Cyno. NPCs who make appearances: Humanity, Entertainment, Love, Abyssal Serpent, Victor Sokolov, Aleksey Sokolov. 

BETWEEN ACT I AND ACT II, Zarina remains in jail and is interrogated by Matra… without much success. No one in Sumeru knows that Sokolova is even in jail with how hush-hush it is. Only Cyno (as General Mahamatra), Nahida (as the Archon), and Alhaitham (as Active Grand Sage) are aware where exactly Zarina is held. Some of the characters who have taken part in Intro and Act I are able to visit Zarina by asking either of the three above.

Characters who can visit Zarina in jail: Traveler, Paimon, Nahida, Alhaitham, Kaveh, Tighnari, Cyno, Naphis. Several characters may be given new knowledge about Zarina’s whereabouts and her involvement due to how close they are to Traveler: Dehya. 

LUNA GELIDA: ACT II → THE TRIAL OF META THINKING MALICE AND SUBJECTIVE RIGHTEOUSNESS happens AFTER Caribert Archon Quest, the Traveler will seek out Zarina’s answers as someone who’s now the closest person (aside from Dainsleif and now seemingly Kaeya) who they can make speak about the Abyss. Well, or so they thought. Act II also includes the [TRIAL] that is done in a very small mumber of participants who are written below.

Active characters who took part in this quest: Traveler, Paimon, Alhaitham, Kaveh, Tighnari, Cyno, Nahida. NPCs who make appearances: Naphis, Several Matras (as guards), ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE ENDING OF ACT II: Based on plotting, Act II can have 2 endings. Either Zarina is forced to take on the mantle as the Amurta Darshan’s Sage to be ‘under the supervision’ of Nahida and others or… she will [disappear] after the end of the Act II. 

Zarina is only able to become the Amurta Sage as a ‘punishment’ because Sages are the closest ones to Nahida as the Archon and they do not have as much freedom as researchers. Basically, Nahida makes the public happy that Zarina became the Sage since they love her and she keeps Zarina close to not let her escape and do more of her experiments or to extract more information her during her 'observation.'

[viatrixtravels-a]

Be honest... What is better? To be born good? Or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?”

send me "be honest..." with a question your muse has been dying to ask mine and they'll answer truthfully.

"I think it's important to define what is 'good' and what is 'evil' first...Because there are times where I am honestly not sure about it."

While most people would describe her as 'good' due to the many ways in which she had helped or saved the people of Teyvat - but this has not gone without bloodshed.

For example, many Hilichurls have met their end at her hands and while they are often seen as nuisance by the citizens due to their unpredictable and wild nature, if what she discovered on her journey to the Chasm with Dainsleif is true, they were once human too - they can feel pain and emotion just like any other individual can.

"What do you think? You are probably more experienced in dealing with justice than I am, so I'm curious to hear your opinion."

[tjscollection]

SEND [ 📣 + a topic ] FOR A VOICE LINE MY MUSE WOULD HAVE ABOUT THAT TOPIC.

@ceciliaprince​ asked:

📣 + Gold (for Dain)

“If you have come to me seeking her current location. Unfortunately I can’t give you an answer that you would like. I have not seen Rhinedottir in a very long time. Or... perhaps you have something else on your mind?”

[rivashi]

flufftember 2022

DAY THREE ; confession

pairings: my faves x gn!reader

genre(s): FLUFF, romance, confession | headcanons

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Diluc Ragnvindr

“I do hope my invitation wasn’t too sudden?”

“About that…” He hesitates. “I wanted to tell you something for some time now. May I?”

“I… I have caught feelings for you. Although I do not want to admit it, he has a point. So, will you allow me the honors of becoming yours?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Razor

“Friend. Razor thanks you… being here.” He says as you take in the beautiful scenery behind him.

“You smell nice, sweet. Always been.”

“Here.” He offers you a wolfhook. “You… I… Together?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Bennett

“Oh hey!” He beams. “I didn’t think you’d come! Knowing my bad luck, I’m probably the last person who willingly gets others involved.”

“Anyway, let’s not talk about that! I called you here because! Because… I… I really like you! I’m sorry but,”

“I would really like to be yours! If you’ll have me?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Albedo

“Ah, you came.” He faces you with a warm smile. “If I may be so bold to say…”

“I never really understood what draws people to me, yet you… are an exception.” He holds your hands.

“For you, I am willing to have human connections. Will you let me experience it with you?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Xiao

“Why are you here again?” He grumbles before letting out a sigh. “Suit yourself.”

“Hey.” Xiao looks out the balcony. “Does what you said still hold? You said you want me to share my burdens with you.”

“Is that so.” He hums. “Then, are you prepared for it? Because, you are choosing a life with me. Speak now, or leave me be.”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Chongyun

“Great work back there. You always help me with my exorcism and make extra popsicles for me so I appreciate it.” He smiles at you.

Chongyun looks up at the sky. “Listen, I know this may be out of line for me to ask but… if you’re willing and interested, would you continue to work with me?”

He turns back to you. “Not just partners. More than that… I would like to purge all evil with you, if that’s okay?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Baizhu

“My my. Welcome back, little customer. How have you been? It’s been a while since I’ve managed Bubu Pharmacy.” He perks up.

“Gui? He’s out, taking a break for the day and Qiqi’s out gathering herbs so I’m keeping an eye on the store.” Baizhu explains. “But enough about them, what can I get you?”

“Oh well, this is unexpected.” He chuckles. “If that’s all you came here for, then… I suppose you don’t mind keeping me company now, do you?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Kaedahara Kazuha

“Oh hey. I see you’ve figured it out?” He asks.

“I knew if anyone could decode and cipher my letters, it would be you.” Kazuha breaths as if in relief. “Hm? Oh yes. That’s right. What I wrote in those letters were and are still true.”

“So, what do you say? Will you travel around Teyvat with me?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Arataki Itto

“Heyyy. Yo, my man, my dude, my partner! I’ve been looking all over for you!” He runs up to you.

“Well, the one and oni Arataki Itto of Arataki Gang has something to confess to you!” Itto says proudly while bringing a fist to his chest.

“Now, listen well because I will only say this once!” He clears his throat. “I, Arataki Itto, have fallen madly in love with you! And I – at least I do hope so – know that you want to be with me too! Well, what do you have to say for yourself?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Takuya (Blue Oni)

“Tsk. I told you to not come here again.” He sighs. “Why are you humans so insistently stubborn? Ugh, never mind. What is it this time?”

“What? Let me see that.” Takuya snatched the letter from your hands. “Damn that red goof, always so pushy.”

“Well, since you’re here anyway. Might as well, spit it out. I like you, ok? There, I said it. I’m not expecting an answer right away— I know, it’s sudden but let me know when you do, alright?”

˗ˏ♡*ೃ˚:; Dainsleif

“Oh. It seems we’ve crossed paths again.” He muses with a slight chuckle. “This has become a regular occurrence with how often we meet like this.”

“I never believe in gods but I don’t think this is a mere coincidence either.” Dainsleif informs you. “I feel as though – without me noticing – that the seeds of the past have plans for us, it seems.”

“If that is the case, I will make an exception for you and would like you to occupy me on my travels. As I will be at your side during yours.” He meets your eyes. “Remember, it is your choice. I am only presenting your opinions. So, choose wisely.”

[tenebriism]

Another season sparks another letter; the idle but warm hearted chatter of a delicate cerulean scrawl once again having found its way into the Khaenri’ahn’s presence. There’s far less purpose to it this time beyond an open stream of consciousness tinged with endearing eccentricity - but Jean feels better for having sent it, all the same. A note to let him know she is thinking of him. A note to remind him that someone still cares. 

Dear nameless breath stealer, 

Can you believe it’s been another three months already? The seasons seem to be passing more and more quickly this year, with Autumn already bringing changes in on the breeze. I always thought Mondstadt was very much a city for Springtime, but as the leaves change to shades of orange and brown I can’t help but think perhaps I was mistaken. Perhaps next time you get a chance to steal away from your adventures, you’ll be able to walk with me and see it? I can’t promise I won’t be fully embracing my long forgotten youth and kicking my feet through piles of leaves, but I think you’d enjoy it. It’s peaceful and perhaps even homely. 

Not that I would dare to presume you need consider it a home of course! I know your roots lie in other places, but should you have need of a haven, at least for a little while, I like to think as a nation we might carry just enough charm to make it a pleasant stay. (And yes, dear knight, I am aware that every letter I send you sounds more and more like a tourist brochure for singing Mondstadt’s praises.)

I think I just want to show you so many things and share with you the snippets of mundanity that make me smile, it’s become a second nature now. The amount of times I’ll have walked past a shop window or seen a particularly nice flower and thought, ‘I know who would love this…’ is almost embarrassing to admit. Although these days, particularly now the nights are drawing in, it’s often more after dark that I find you once again in my thoughts. 

It’s definitely one of the perks of the Autumn season; knowing that the sky will drawn in a little bit earlier and the stars will once again twinkle to life. I still wholly stand by my belief you may well have fallen from those stars, but should the moon ever come looking for you, I’ll gladly throw hands to defend your honour, my starlight friend. 

And yes, alright, perhaps I am talking nonsense now. It’s been a long day, but sharing these odd little thoughts with you makes the distance that bit more tolerable. Although on the bright side, at least as the season changes lantern rite creeps ever closer. 

In another few months, we’ll be back in each other’s company and keeping our time honoured tradition alive. But until then, know that I…miss you. And I hope above all else, that you are happy, healthy and safe. 

Stay out of trouble, starshine, 

- J. x

The letter is somewhat STAINED, this time, and the handwriting quite MESSY in comparison to its writer's usual pretty cursive. Her letter finds him amidst a time he needs it MOST, and whether or not SHE knew that, or the gods are playing the game of MERCY with him again, he shan't take a blessing for granted. Perhaps he could have waited until he isn't struggling with himself so the letter could be completely legible, but reading her letter, and swiftly sitting down to RESPOND to it, means he may bask in the feelings and emotions she grants him with ease even longer.

The happiness may be shortlived, but he will cling to it, as he always does.

[ su nshine in dark ti mes ,

im sorry if this letter is a strug gle to deciph er. i fair les s th an well at p resent. do n o t worry , this wil l not kee p me fr om seein g you at the lant ern r i te. of that, iam cert ai n and pr omis e you.

The love and admiration you house for your nation is a pleasant comfort; in that regard, we are very similar. The times I have found myself in or around Mondstadt, I have always felt a sense of home and belonging. Perhaps it is because I know you are there, working tirelessly to ensure it continues to feel that way for both myself and the others who both live and travel there. Regardless, I can say for sure that, of all the nations I have visited, Mondstadt is the one that seems to care for its people the most.

Were I to ever settle down, unlikely though it may be, I am confident Mondstadt would be in my favored choices to do so.

My travels have taken me far from your wind-embraced home, but there is beauty in knowing we are gazing up at the same sky every night. It makes me feel like the distance betwixt us is not so heartbreakingly massive, even if the sun may banish the feeling come morning time.

That you would compare me to starlight is strange, but not unwelcomed. I have certainly fallen, yes, but not from the stars. I have fallen in a great many ways. If I am, indeed, some sort of fallen star, however, then it is befitting that you are the sun. The stars are always out, and whilst we cannot see them during the day, they are there. I like to think they find peace and respite when the sun comes up. A chance to have a break, to bask in the beauties and purities of the sun.

Then, nighttime falls and the sun retreats, bringing darkness and loneliness as the moon then rises to take its place. There, the stars shine again. I used to think I preferred the latter hours of the night, when all is quiet and I may exist undisturbed, though I am starting to enjoy the sun, too. It is blinding and powerful, but beneath it, I find peace. I can merely . . . be. ]

There is a tear beneath this section, where the force of his unsteady hand has ripped the paper. With how ABRUPTLY the letter then proceeds to end, 'tis evident he'd been afraid of tearing it entirely. He needed SOMETHING to send back to her. Something intact, something to let her know she hadn't been forgotten, and that she, too, was missed.

[ i mi ss y ou too. re m em ber to tak e car e of you rsel f, s unsh ine.

~ D . ]

@gunnhildred ;;

[vilithshaven]

THE PRINCESS (2)

This was written a while ago already, but due to the shadowban and other asks I haven't gotten around yet to post it.

The second part of @nicebonescomrade request. :)

- Lilith

Warnings: none, this is pure fluff

Mondstadt was a pleasant change after leaving behind Sumeru. Although the knowledge the Sumerians held was impressive, the heat made quick work of (Name) and Dainsleif. Instead of attending classes, for which they'd been given a special permission, they confined themselves to their apartment. Higher-ranked scholars visited them occasionally to try and gain information about Khaenri'ah's alchemists and scientists, but she'd been taught enough by her own teachers to give them just enough information to satisfy them without saying too much.

Not that she knew about the experiments anyhow. She knew that their alchemists were working on something special, other than their automatons. That was as far as her knowledge went.

And this time around she didn't have to have a conversation with the Dendro Archon either. (Name) enjoyed the reprieve, still frightened by the Geo Archon's interest in her. Dainsleif, too, seemed to be glad about that. He'd been on edge ever since his princess met Rex Lapis.

(Name) shook her head and smiled at the sight in front of them. The City of Mondstadt was beautiful in its simplicity, compared to Liyue and Sumeru at least. Both nations favored intricate designs, whereas Mondstadt prefered wood to be the main eyecatcher of its buildings.

Dainsleif put a hand on her head to secure the hat as the wind picked up, circling around them until it disappeared into the direction of the windmills. She grinned and stretched her arms out in front, readying herself for the remaining trek.

"The City of Freedom, the one closest to our home...are you excited, Dainsleif?", (Name) mused, starting to walk down the path.

The knight let out a non-committal grunt. "They still pray to their Archon. It doesn't matter that he hasn't been seen in years."

(Name) chuckled. "What a typically you answer. But yes, you're right. They may come close, but they aren't nearly close to being like us. Perhaps one day, they'll be."

"Don't think to much on it. It won't happen."

"Yes, yes."

They passed through a small village and saw a massive tree in the distance, in the opposite direction of the city. As they moved across the bridge, (Name) checked her pockets and took out the letter that would prove her permission to enter the city.

Two guards were posted at the gate, solemn expressions lighting up at the sight of them. It seemed that guarding was a boring task these days.

"Halt! Strangers, who goes there?"

(Name) handed them the letter, aware of the curious eyes trained on them from inside the walls. No surprise there. As tensions rose in each nation, travellers were rare.

The guards held a whispered conversation, then one nodded and bowed to her. "Follow me, Lady (Name). I'll bring you to the Headquarters of the Knights of Favonius."

"No need for formalities! Please, just call me (Name). I'm just another traveller with my dearest friend Dainsleif", she said, a smile on her face.

The male blushed and coughed into his fist, swiftly turning around and walking off. The two Khaenri'ahns had no trouble following, by now used to the amount of stairs each city appeared to have. That's one thing she'd always prefer about her home; the fact that it was on even ground, the only stairs being those leading up or down into extra floors.

It sure made life a lot easier for her and the citizens.

"What's your name, sir?", (Name) asked while following the man up the stairs. "And would you mind telling me who we'll meet? Unfortunately we don't know a lot about Mondstadt and I just like to be prepared."

The guard sent them a glance. "My name is Rostam, miss. And about the second question...our current Grand Master is Arundolyn. He's the one leading the Knights. I'm sure he won't mind giving you book about us and other topics from our library."

"Thank you, Sir Rostam. I appreciate the kindness."

"No need to thank me! You're our honored guest, it's a given that we'll provide you with entertainment; if you can call studying that."

The two shared a hearty chuckle, Dainsleif just grumbling in discontent. He never liked when she got close with their 'enemies'. His attitude had always been the same.

Thankfully Arundolyn was as amicable as Rostam, and she soon found out that the two were childhood friends, having always dreamt of joining the Knights and protecting their city. An admirable dream, one she saw herself in.

As Rostam had said, she was given free access to any books in the library as long as she stayed away from the Forbidden Books, and (Name) accepted that. All she was here to do was learn their traditions and ways of living, and maybe gain some friends.

The weeks after that were mostly uneventful. Half a day was spent over books, studying their ways. The other she walked around the city, talking to one citizen or another. As it had been with the other nations, people grew fond of the foreign girl and her shadow, gushing about her always lending a helping hand to those in need.

People loved her and Dainsleif felt proud. Those people only saw the surface of her nature. If they knew just what she'd accomplished at her age already, they'd love her even more. But they didn't know, and thus she was just a traveler, soon to leave their nation again and be forgotten by its people.

Except for one.

"(Name)!", a cheery voice called out to her as she walked along a path by the stone walls, lost in thoughts.

(Name) looked up and grinned at the bard, whom she'd met a week after arriving in Mondstadt. "Venti. How may I help you today?"

Venti was one of the most intersting people she'd met during her journey so far. He was carefree, innocent, yet mischievous and an dumb alcoholic at the same time. Often enough he'd be seen stumbling around the city, a drunken blush on his face while senseless words spewed from his mouth.

People still flocked to him like moths to a flame. With his sweet voice he sang about tales of old, long forgotten by most and a great insight for the princess and her guard, who knew the bare minimum about Mondstadt's history.

There was something deep about him, something she wasn't quite able to pinpoint.

It didn't matter.

He was a good friend.

"I heard that you were leaving in two days...already? Can't you stay for another week? Or maybe a month!" The pout on his face was adorable.

(Name) chuckled and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling him along to sit down on a bench. "Sorry, Venti. You know that I can't do that. I have to keep up a neutral appearance to the nations. And my parents."

The bard perked up at her words, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face. "Oh? That sounds as if you like it here more than in Sumeru and Liyue."

"I do", she hummed, glancing at her guard. "Both nations are beautiful and I liked seeing how autonomous they worked. The Liyue Qixing are handling things with honed skills, making sure everyone abided by the laws placed on the market by Rex Lapis. Sumeru has a vast amount of knowledge, incomparable to any other nations. It was interesting, but..."

"But?"

(Name) hesitated. "May I be honest with you?"

"Of course!" Venti slung his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Both people opted to ignore Dainsleif's growl. "You know you can always speak your mind to me. This is the City of Freedom after all."

She rested her head on his shoulder, a sigh escaping her lips. "Mondstadt reminds me of my home. Here, I don't feel pressured unlike in the other nations, where adepti and Gods roam free...Oh, this is a bad thing to say, right? I'm sorry, please forget what I said."

Venti looked at her, a fond smile on his face. "No need to fret. It's okay to think like that, you know? You've grown up in a nation without an Archon, watched in jealousy and hatred. It's okay for you to feel this way."

(Name) pecked his cheek, a warmth spreading through her chest at his words. She was truly glad she'd met the bard. He always knew what to say and never judged her for her naivety to Mondstadt's customs and her different way of thinking. He even seemed to glower in pride whenever she complimented anything about the nation.

"Thank you, Venti. For being my friend and accepting me."

"Well of course!" He laughed, a bashful smile on his face and his cheeks glowing red. "Hey, why don't we go to the tree and Windrise tonight? I want to show you something. Dainsleif can come, too."

Although the guard had his reservations towards the bard, Venti kept making sure to invite him, even if it wasn't needed. He'd come anyhow as it was his job. But even Dainsleif fell for his charm. He just wouldn't admit it out loud.

"If you're sure it's safe, why not."

"Perfect! Meet me at 8 by the gate. And don't be late!" Venti got up and ran off with a last cheery wave, leaving them to get ready.

The night was cold (Name) shivered. She'd opted to wear a long, flowing coat, not used yet to the colder temperature of the Anemo Nation. Dainsleif wrapped both arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close to his body that always was warm, no matter where they were.

"Thanks, Dainsleif."

"I'm only doing this so you don't catch a cold", he responded.

"Of course you are."

A loud holler made them aware of the bard's presence before he turned a corner, a bottle of wine in his hand. His eyes narrowed a bit at the sight of the two Khaenri'ahns close together, but he quickly masked that with a jovial grin.

"Let's go, my friends! I don't want to keep you awake too long."

Venti had no problem filling the walk to the tree with easy, mindless chatter. He went on and on about the rest of the day and people he met, how he'd 'borrowed' a bottle from the winery that just started business. Then he'd switch to asking her questions of Khaenri'ah again even though she'd answered the same ones countless times already.

His pure interested in her home made her heart beat faster. It had always been (Name) asking the other nations questions. They never cared to know about her home.

Understandable.

It didn't stop the sadness that she'd skillfully hidden in the depth of her chest.

They went to a spot between the tree's big roots, away from the statue's prying eyes. Venti pulled out a blanket and covered the ground with it, ushering the two of them to lay down.

"I like to come here at night, because...well, you'll see! You, too, Dainsleif. No standing of to the side. Lie down, now!"

Dainslief complied. His frown said it all.

Venti plopped down on the other side of the blanket, leaving an open space for the princess to lie down between them. Their arms brushed as they got comfortable.

"And now we wait."

Half an eternity passed until the first blue light appeared far up high in the tree's branches. Soon others followed, all in different variations of the colour blue. They danced along the bark, twirled around in the air, and sent soft breezes and sparks down to the three people hiding beneath the roots.

(Name) watched them, eyes wide open and reflecting the blue lights. Sometime during the spectacle, Venti's hand had found hers and he'd intertwined their fingers. She squeezed back subconsciously. "What are they?", she whispered, careful not to disturb them.

Venti smiled at her, then let his gaze wander back to the lights. "Some call them elfs, others wisps", he responded in the same quiet tone. "To me...they are so much more."

He didn't go into the detail, and (Name) didn't press him for more.

They stayed their half the night, watching the wisps dance and sway. Their songs reached their ears as sighs in the wind.

(Name) fell asleep to Venti humming a sweet lullaby in her ear, his arms wrapped around her pulling her close.

If she had been anyone else, she wouldn't have minded to stay like that forever. It was a dream she didn't allow herself to think of too much, for it was sure to rip her apart.

"Sleep well, my dear friend."

Oh, if she just knew what was to come in a few years.

[yostresswritinggirl]

Seers' Miscellany

Prologue: Origins of the first bloom

A circular fic for the Dainsleif mini-series I'll be working on. This will be the introduction; of the evanescent bough keeper of the new world. "Observers of the North do not usually wind up in personal business, but when they do, in their wake comes great shifting of the plates of the timelines." Logs of the stag and the delicate flower.

Pairings -> Dainsleif x Reader; Reader is NOT Traveler

Word Count -> 1579

Themes -> Pretty sad, but also fluffy

Chapters -> 1

Warnings -> Story progression takes a while, oh dear why am I doing this now, I'm so busy

"500 mora; and three answered questions."

He's not really sure what lead him to indulge the requests of a simple adventurer when he made his rounds around the city of freedom. Was it the simple need for currency? It couldn't be, he was better off with other commissions that Katheryne could offer.

Was it the desperation in your voice and eyes? You looked at him like a prophet, your only salvation, and perhaps in this context that may be true. You were but a lone adventurer and the way your weight leans heavier on one foot shows your struggle to those who have keen eyes like him, no other person wished to indulge your needs and you were getting desperate.

Or was it the three questions? Dainsleif have yet to hear such contractual obligations before, but it felt as tho it was the most important part of the agreement he took the moment you pleaded with that soft voice. Humble yet resolved, not letting him walk away without at least considering it once.

And so he found himself traversing the land of the wolves through a dangerous path, where you skip ahead with a gait of happiness, bubbly and energetic enough to surpass even his long legs. You hummed without consideration at the glee of finally having a companion, and he did not mind it at the slightest despite the attention it may bring upon your little party.

"First question," Dainsleif fleeted his gaze away from the horizon to turn to you whom slowed your pace to match his, head looking over your shoulder with a wide grin. "How are you?" So innocent.

He huffs in amusement, the most emotion you've seen of him. "You don't need to waste a contract question for such a simple question, you know," he stands behind you as you crouch down on a shrubbery filled with Wolfhooks. Your main objective for visiting Wolvendom in the first place.

You assured him that you meant your question in every way possible as your hands carefully pick at the herbs, wary of the thorns and the intrusive prickly leaves. Despite your attention turned away from him he knows you await his answer. Dainsleif hums to himself and stops—

How is he? What does he truly feel in this moment of his time?

A simple question yet risked for one of the three inquiries agreed upon definitely holds a deeper meaning. His train of spiraling thoughts halts upon the sound of otherwordly grunts and chants as he turns away from your still busy form (you seem very focused on your foraging) to find three Hilichurls approaching with ill intent.

Dainsleif squints at the impending threat before shooting a final glance to make sure you weren't looking. His arm glows blue as he raises it, power in the form of blue swirling mist surges around him - how are you? The feeling brings him back to vague memories of his past, of the energy rising through him at his expeditions with an old companion, of the thrill spent upon encountering the unexpected. Such thoughts are not vivid but the familiarity of what he is experiencing right now was enough for him.

Though he was sure that there were no camps before they went through this route.

"You asked me how I am," he spoke when you finally turned from the bush with an armful of Wolfhooks on your arsenal, confusion on your face at the sight of downed Hilichurls and the side profile of the bough keeper.

His cerulean eyes were fixated at his left hand that he repeatedly closes and opens for a few seconds, before he fully turns to you (your eyes did not miss the blue glow from underneath his cape, where his right arm should be) with a wisp of a smile, "I feel alive right now."

You reciprocated the gesture with a wide grin, "I'm glad to hear that!"

A majority of the wolfhooks gathered where given to the little Botanist Chloris, the seller of flowers, who looked relieved and ecstatic upon your arrival. Something Dainsleif took great notice of. Carefully handing over the berries and some which you had to pluck singularly from your companion's flowy cape, the little girl gave you her Valberries in exchange.

It was sweet and familiar, something Dainsleif took note as he accepted your offer of the fruit despite his none need for sustenance.

Your little chewing sounded through as you two settled on the humble camp you managed to setup with your supply for a single individual. There was a little hole in the middle for a campfire Dainsleif had made the effort to prepare knowing the coldness the night will bring soon enough, and your fragile form is not something he wishes to bargain now. Is that really the reason? Perhaps in the back of his mind, he was really just working on forgotten routines.

"Second question," his footstep at the edge of the camp halts as he turns once again, where you sat on the mat as tonight's bedding, hands flicking to remove the stray juices of the berries. He stood still in wait before he goes back to his mini mission of getting fire wood.

"Go on," he urged when you stood a minute longer in silence.

"Do you like traveling, Dain?" Easy enough, he simply said yes and left when you ended the conversation with a nod.

When he came back with the wood and tinder bundle for easy spreading, out of the corner of his eye he watched your hands work on the mortal and pestle as you grinded the remaining wolfhooks on your person. The fire started the moment he was done setting up the kindling and your face filled with admiration at the sudden and immediate spark, praising him for his quick work.

Dainsleif is both talkative and not, and at times he finds himself rambling to the wind. The moments of the night passed without much details until he found himself talking about his past adventures with his old companion, of the world they've seen together and the now estranged relationship between them.

His responses were sometimes cryptic unintentionally, and he apologizes when there are things about it that he couldn't answer simply because he could not remember. When silence struck after he finished his tales and meal, the beautiful spike in his eyes found yours gleaming despite the drowsiness pulling at your whole feature.

"I'm glad you're very fond of traveling. If not, I wouldn't have met you," and he wouldn't have taken the commission. Dainsleif's eyes flashed in recognition, finally understanding the meaning behind your second question. Somehow this little commission deal turned into a silent back and forth quip of him understanding past your simple inquiries.

Like a little game he muses on with his curious mind.

That night you rested with the extra comfort of his eccentric cape, something you needed more than him as he gazes over the clear night sky. His eyes silently traced the galaxy of stars while the sound of your whispered breathing accompanies his sleepless night.

The last question and that last of your very quick expedition came the next day at the cliffside overlooking the lair sealed by winds.

Your fingers were dusted by the violet paste of grinded wolfhooks long consumed the night prior, stained fingers gripping the thin and fragile stem of the yellow dandelion in its grasp. It was his great observation that let him realize the disaster that happened now but even his foresight could not prepare him for what has to come.

"Third question," his head snapped down to watch your ethereal face don a calm smile, the sun's setting light kissing your cheeks in the right angle that matched that of the clean clouds above. Your eyes silently questioned his unfocused gaze but he only shook his head.

Don't worry about it. "I know this last question would end the commission with you," your voice trembled in both fear and fatigue but Dainsleif didn't force you to preserve your strength like he should. "But I wanted to ask, maybe tomorrow again,

do you want to be my traveling companion?"

The hand that clutched the Dandelion found it way to the side of his mask, the petals brushing against his eyelids as he looks down at you with an eye. A ghost of a smile lingers on his lips as he leans on your hand.

"It would be my pleasure."

Life momentarily flashed over your orbs before you let out a sharp exhale and a breathless, joyous laughter. Relief overtook the tension that laid on your shoulders, and your hand would have dropped to the ground immediately if he had not gripped it on the last second.

"That sounds good. I've always wanted to travel the world," he pulls the cape closer around your form as your eyelids droop to a close. And he witness another breathe, "It was supposed to be today, but I feel really tired today, I'll rest early too if that's okay."

He rose from the ground with you in his arms, "I'll be here."

"Mmm thank you... good... night."

"Good night, little dandelion."

And perhaps that distant memory from faraway had urged him to invite and indulge, when he saw the same spark of intrigue and desperation, of the warmth of carefree days in front of him.

"But I will require advance payment,

500 Mora, and three answered questions."

Dainsleif SUPREMACY MWAHAHAHAHAH

@genshin-idiot : here's your Dainsleif content

@moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre @traveler-lumine @nonniechan

[jayisabells]

More Genshin Theory Time!

This episode: Dainsleif and "her"

This is based on the Teyvat Chapter Storyline Trial thingy on the official genshin youtube channel. Dainsleif narrates it.

In the last chapter, Chapter ???: The Sea of Flowers at the End, Dainsleif has a whole dialogue saying:

Defeat me, command me to step aside, show me that you are worthier than I to rescue her.

And what I am questioning is who is "her"

The most probable and likely answer is the Abyss Royal sibling, given the fact that Aether is the traveler in all marketing and other relevant things. So "her" is Lumine, Abyss Princess.

However, I would like to discuss other potential options on who "her" is.

Khaneri'ah is "her." In his dialogues during quests Dainsleif refers to the nation as her. Which is common to refer to a nation in English as "her." Ex: Khaneri'ah and her people. Not much to add to that, but as much as I think this could be likely there are other factors to consider. Such as how I am refering to the English translation. For all I know that him refering to Khaneri'ah as "her" is only in the Eng translation.

The Unknown God/Sustainer is "her." This is mainly in reference to the theory that the BP intro story thing is not in reference to the traveler twins, but other characters in Teyvat. Mainly Dainsleif. Although I do find this theory easily disproved, I can see it as the BP story alluding that the traveler's journey has paralells to another journey that happened in Teyvat. Mainly because the BP story implies that the twins are from Teyvat (imagery of Celestia, etc)[1]. Why the Sustainer? Well somethings clearly fucked up in Celestia and she's there, as well as from what we know, her motivations are opposite to Dainsleif.

The God of Time is "her." Same situation as the Sustainer. Could also be the BP story as well, could even be the Sustainer. Not much else to say here. Although there is an interesting connection between Dain and time.

I suggest if you really wanna go deep into Dain lore (for you Dainsleif Lovers out there), I highly suggest you read this (long) post for the Genshin Lore subreddit.

The main point in relation to my current musings is that Dainsleif can use time. He has a "time" vision. Dain wants to know is the traveler is worthy and strong enough to save the God of Time, who could have possibly been struck down by Celestia.

Gold is "her." I find this highly unlikely. I doubt she will ever truly appear in the game in anything other than flashbacks. She is the one I believe that committed the last "crime" that pushed Celestia to damn Khaneri'ah and her people. I feel Dain probably hates her and wouldn't ask the traveler to prove they are "worthy," maybe strong enough, but not worthy.

I think we will end up fighting Dainsleif at the end, and our sibling as well. But I feel Dain, and his Dain-ness, might lead to him being extremely more powerful than we believe. Such as, why was he specifically cursed. What was so special about him in comparison to someone, lets say, the King of Khaneri'ah, than Gold, then whoever else. Why Dain? I do believe Dain might have survived with his mortality due to a possible connection to the Iriminsul [2]. And given how that has connections to the ley lines, maybe somehow the Irisumul saved him or he saved himself through it. Ley lines preserve memories, etc. (He was the Bough Keeper, bough=main branch of tree, main Iriminsul?)

[1]

I feel that there is quite a bit of merit to the theory that the traveler twins are originally from Teyvat. I plan to do a post in the future about this. Mainly that they were on Teyvat pre-Celestia/current Celestia. Possibly when Teyvat wasn't called Teyvat and the 7 nations didn't exist or elemental powers (traveler is seelie confirmed)

[2]

The Iriminsul are the trees inside domains. The tree in Dragonspine is a deas one. Its possible that the tree on Tsurumi Island is a dead one too. They are connected to the ley lines, their roots. And a lot of things are cuased by the ley lines, including preserving memories of people. Such as the ghosts in the island.

(In case embedded link didn't work)

[starglitterz]

super starglitterz survey ☆ !! results

— thank u all for helping me & filling up the survey ! here's a summarised ver of the results in case you were curious :) also i'll be responding to the messages for the open-ended qs in the rbs of this post ^^

1. which series should i publish first? (all fem!reader)

incandescent - actor au, various charas x reader, mystery = 19

irresistible - spy au, scaramouche x reader = 17

serendipity - cynosure spinoff, coffeeshop au = 14

sugar baby - childe x reader, socialite au = 10

incandescent will be published first! >:) (also it deals w some topics that [i think] are slightly darker than normal since it is a mystery, but the specifics will be mentioned in the masterlist post.)

2. which fic should i publish first? (all gn!reader [so far])

you know you love me - diluc + scara + childe, suggestive = 22

the perfect valentines date (gets ruined?!) - ayato fluff = 12

忘れないで / don't forget me - xiao angst = 10

what is love? a weakness. - xiao angst = 8

my muse - kazuha fluff = 6

you know you love me will be published first! yall are down bad,,, caught in 4k 📸 HAHAHA also which one of u put the option that i specifically said not to choose 🤬 /lh

3. who would you like to see me write more for?

xiao = 9

ayato = 9

kazuha = 8

genshin women (specifically ayaka, ei, eula, ningguang, shinobu, sucrose, xinyan, yelan) = 8

albedo = 7

scaramouche = 7

thoma = 7

diluc = 6

other (dainsleif, gorou, venti, zhongli) = 5

genshin women (general) = 4

kaeya = 4

beidou = 3

childe = 3

i'll take note of this :D !! btw for characters which only got one or two votes each i combined them here so it's easier to see. also @ the person who put 'my husband' i'm so sorry but this is an anonymous survey HAHAHA idk who you are 😭 and for everyone who said they're ald satisfied i'm very happy to hear that :] !! <3

4. which tropes would you like to see me write? (au = alternate universe)

actor au = 2

angst = 2

childhood friends to lovers = 3

enemies to lovers = 5

fake dating au = 4

fluff = 3

historical au = 2

idol au = 3

modern au = 5

mutual pining = 2

reincarnation au = 3

roommates au = 3

royal au = 4

soulmate au = 2

other (confident mcs, death game au, domestic fluff, exes to lovers, forbidden love, hero/villain, hurt/comfort, mafia au, major character death, meet cute, neighbour au, smau, spy au, streamer au) = 14

yooo these are all so cute!! i do have a lot of ideas for these hehe >:) also thank you so much to everyone who said they don't mind bc they like my writing alrdy 😭💗 that's so sweet of u omfg i WILL literally cry /pos

5. should we hang out?

YESSSS WHENS THE DATE = 48

isnt this form about your fics wtf = 9

NO WAY id rather spontaneously combust = 1

HELPWAKJDSKJ yes let's all meet up at hoyoverse headquarters and storm them with pitchforks and torches to forcefully get every 5 star we want,,, we can go to a cafe after 🥰 ALSO yes this form was meant to be abt my fics but i thought it would be funny to ask something like this

6. confess your undying love or hatred to me <333 !! (aka pls talk to me im lonely)

i'll be posting the replies to this in rbs of this post with an ss of the messages and then my answers ^_^ because your replies were so cute ueueue i couldn't not reply AHAHA <3333

thank you for taking part in the first ever blog survey ! i appreciate it tons & it def helped me decide what to write more of in future :) <3