#strdstd / dainsleif.

[dutybcrne]

|| @strdstd // Rethel for Dain! ||

Adjusting to the land of gods had been a nightmare. Bad enough that accursed place had left her mind in a blur, but it was perhaps bathed in sunlight and open air where centuries worth of fear at last made themselves known. Still, she would push past it all.

Mustering strength took time, but damned she’ll be if she didn’t do her damndest to. After all, there was a reason she’d chosen to brave the unknown beyond the darkness that had become such a comfort to her grieving soul.

Dainsleif. Her dearest friend, her brother in arms, might as well have been her own flesh and blood. The last of their brethren, bearer of a hopeless fight she’d thought long ended with the Cataclysm that damned them all.

It was his presence after that surge of agony that had flooded through the Chasm that had her unconsciously latching on. Latching onto what her still-muddled mind found safe and familiar, only realizing just why once they’d found themselves away from that place. From the odd corruption that tainted it, and here.

And now, at dusk, when she felt herself strongest…

Rethel braced herself, pulling together enough composure and strength to let her form solidify. Just enough to be seen, ideally to be heard—

“Litla stjarna…litla stjarna, can you hear me?”

[stxrsfxte]

"What if they kissed?" {For Dain & Farah? 👀}

Sunlight filtered through leaves, dappled patterns dancing across the ground and armor that caught the light just enough to reflect it back towards the sky. Helmet no longer present, replaced instead by a mask of gold filigree and rose petals of metal, Farah watches the birds flutter with an unusual sense of peace. Perhaps it had to do with the man beside them, their captain and fellow survivor. With clarity of the mind came the knowledge of the tangled emotions that often overwhelmed the knight in the dark and the moments of lost control.

A nest of the Abyss Order now cleared out, the calm after was not the cause of their smile, though it certainly helped. Knocking their head against Dainsleifs' gently, they mimicked the call of the bluecrown finch softly. Just as gently, they curled their fingers around his wrist in a loose hold. "A moment here, if you'll allow me, before we go on to the next encampment." Their low voice was smoother now, as they finally had more of a reason to speak.

Birdsong filled the air around them. Resting their forehead against the side of his head, they brushed their lips against the corner of his. Soft, lingering - hesitation and longing entangled in something too tightly woven together to be undone easily. But the first knot was loosened.

Gauntleted fingers tangled together as Farah cupped his cheek with their other hand, allowing themself the chance for a more proper kiss - soft and slow, fragile in the ways those capable of a great magnitude of violence could understand. Leaning back just enough to nuzzle their nose against his cheek, when they pulled back fully, letting their hand fall from his cheek (though their other still held his hand, if looser now) they offered him a true smile. "Onto the next, or shall we stay here a while longer?"

[mielmoto]

{From Dain. owo}

mmhm, mmhmmm, mmhm. ❝a very impressive spread, Mr. Dainsleif; of course❞ can't say she's shocked, given that... well, she has eyes and she's met the man more than once. the lack of a penchant for sweets is acceptable, she's plenty capable of making savory treats instead...

B-3, however, is a welcome confirmation. (makes her role as his self-designated hype girl all the more satisfying).

[dutybcrne]

         ・⊱ "Oh, I don't doubt it, hjartað mitt. Though most people wouldn't usually pick the 'aggravate and make them more of a threat' option on meeting one," Halfdan chuckled, before reaching out to lightly clap his shoulder. Content his little suggestion was being humored, although- "Y'know, I've yet to have a Death Afternoon of my own. S'it good?"

"Hmph, I say they deserve the snark I give them," he said, arms folding over his chest, head tilted to the side slightly. A blonde brow then raised at his suggestions, arms returning to his sides. "Hm, drinks do sound tempting, even if there's a lack of a true effect. But sparring is always beneficial... However, I could use a Death Afternoon after the day I've had. So, drinks it is."

[sungracd]

━━━━━━     @strdstd   ✷  *     The stars blanket the skies by the time Adrian sets off for home.  The path is remote, like much of Mondstadt outside the city, but the silence a welcome reprieve after a long day.

Months have passed but their thoughts still drift back every now and again to that fateful encounter at Angel's Share, coming face to face with a ghost from the past.  Although the same couldn't be said for the ghost in question.  The years have been many and the curse an unbearably heavy toll on his body.  It's a miracle he's managed to survive for as long as he has, let alone the fragments of himself that remain in tact.

Being unable to recognize Adrian is but a small price to pay in the end but that doesn't make it any less painful, pretending as though they're nothing more than strangers.  Although a part of them thinks it might just be better off that way.

As their home comes into view so does a silhouette standing beside it.  This wouldn't be the first time someone's come knocking in the middle of the night for a medical emergency so they're not particularly caught off guard.  Not at first.  But they can feel him before they see him — the corrupted energy.

"Dainsleif? I didn't think I'd see you back in Mondstadt so soon. Couldn't stay away from the dandelion wine, could you?"  Adrian approaches, any trace of a smile vanishing once they catch sight of the grave expression on his face.  "Is… everything alright? You haven't been waiting here long, have you?"

[howthesleeplesswander]

❛  life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone.  ❜ {From Dain for Kaeya!}

Songs from the 80s Sentence Starters | Accepting! | @strdstd

((now that poor Dain has been subjected to Kaeya's nonsense he will never know rest again asjfdf X'D))

"And why is that?" The question was light but immediate, the lilt of his tone veiling the hypocrisy it carried. In truth, Kaeya agreed with Dainsleif's statement, but it'd be a shame to waste the opportunity for some fun by pushing back.

"'Must' is such a strong word. Perhaps you should take a page out of the Knights of Favonius' book." A hand resting atop his heart, his shoulders squared in a caricature of pride. "We Knights stand together in the face of mystery and adversity. Should one man not be strong enough on his own, he can always fall back on his company."

It took a conscious effort to resist rolling his eyes as he let his posture relax. "I'm often reminded that being alone is a choice. Although..." he trailed off on a chuckle, glancing sidelong at Dainsleif with his eye dancing. "Admittedly, there can be times when that choice is taken away from us: like right now, for instance. I'd wager you wish you were alone and that you weren't saddled with my company."

[dutybcrne]

           ・⊱ "Aha, force of habit." A slight laugh would leave his lips, as he'd sheepishly rub the back of his neck. "Though it wouldn't do to address you as darling while you're on duty, now would it?" Although, given the hour...he supposed that wasn't all that pressing a worry anymore.

           A pause, then he shook his head.

           Right, no, the only one who had anything to worry about here was Dainsleif, really.

           A hint of guilt would worm its way through his heart at the thought, his hold on the cloak tightening a slight.

           Dain hadn't panicked when he'd discovered their home empty, had he? He hoped he wouldn't have been too much so, but it was as vain as expecting Dainsleif's love for him to have faded over the centuries. In times like this, with the Abyss's threat weighing heavily over many, Dainsleif himself of course would bear that the most. He was doing his part to ease the burdens of the Acting Grand Master ( especially since her usual right hand man had gone missing ). At the same time, Dainsleif was taking every precaution he could to prepare for the inevitable battle ahead, more so than he already had been the past five hundred years.

           Halfdan would bet everything he had Dainsleif yet feared nothing more than the destruction of their home repeating all over again, driving him to such extents. Of having to bear witness to the losses of comrade after comrade, and being hopelessly unable to stop it. No amount of reassurances would ever change that, something marked so deep into his bones he'd doubt even the likes of Erosion could hope to relieve him of it. And, sure, while this time they would at the very least have some gods on their side...well, it didn't mean the burden of it all and the dread that came with the survivor's guilt Dainsleif carried wouldn't leave him just as restless. Against the Abyss, of all things, there was still no guarantee anything they did would be enough. No matter the allies nor manpower...

           Ahh, he better dash the thought. Dwelling on such things now, when Dainsleif must have have enough of it to spare throughout his day would do them no good.

           "Sharp as ever, huh? Heh, glad I didn't disappoint." Though he supposed there was always room for improvement. Especially since what he was capable of before his...affliction was still aways from where he was at now. Slowly recuperating that level of skill, coordination, and having to balance a Vision of all things thrown into the mix...

           Halfdan pursed his lips, then his expression brightened up a slight.

           "Say...shall I steal you away for a spell? For old times' sake?" Of course, he knew there were no inteyvat fields for them to linger in, nor caverns full of lovely glowing berries to admire him. He knew this, knew things would never be the same as before, things they'd never get back now. And he knew damn well Dainsleif knew the scape of the land better than he did, too. Nothing he could possibly show him would in any way be a novelty to him. Still-

           "I'm sure we can spare a little time before we ought to get you off to bed."

[ @dutybcrne ⸻ ★ ]

"Oh, so now you use formalities and titles for me? I thought we were past that by now." A playful lilt to his voice, despite his near-stoic expression. Still, there was the slightest hint of a smile as he turned to face the city. "And... I'm well-aware of your little escape. I'd likely do the same, so there's no wrongdoing here."

How could he not notice it? As much as Dainsleif would've liked to remain near, keeping a (perhaps too) vigilant watch over Halfdan while he recovered, his duty wound up taking priority. Much to his chagrin. Hours stretching on irritatingly too long, thoughts always elsewhere other than furthering the knights' training or while out on patrols. Evening already setting in by the time he was able to take his leave, and make the long awaited walk home. Really, he shouldn't have expected otherwise, upon noticing the whole house was vacant...

Gaze then turned to the night sky above, a sigh escaping him. Quieter, calmer moments like these were becoming more and more scarce. The Abyss encroaching ever nearer, striking almost opportunistically these days. Whenever the moment was right, it seemed. Not to mention the Ley Lines growing more distressed. It was... a lot for him to bear. Yet he'd bear it nonetheless, without complaint. No matter how much agony it put him through. it'd all be worth it in the end. He could only hope so.

Still, even out here, no visible threats, his body remained tightly wound. Shoulders tense, hand never once leaving the hilt of his own sword. He knew how it must look, especially to Halfdan. The man who knew him about a thousand times better than every last person in Mondstadt.

"Apologies for catching you off guard. But still good to see your reflexes are still sharp as ever."

[evervita]

Incorrect Quote Generator | Accepting!

@strdstd asked: ✏️ {From Dain!}

Dainsleif: Surgery is basically just stabbing someone back to life.

Magnolia: ... please never become a surgeon.

[dutybcrne]

『 @strdstd​ // Plotted Starter for Dainsleif!  』

          ・⊱ It was easy to get caught up in the thrill of battle again. To MOVE and fight with his all, and in service to such a kind innkeeper too! Mr. Zhu was truly a blessing to allow him to stay there and even a small salary in exchange for little favors. Which served Halfdan just as well, he could train up his skills again against those pesky bandits causing trouble nearby. And...train up that shiny new gem of his. That definitely was a stark change...how ironic-

            “Hoo, boy am I glad no one saw any of that...!” Out of practice as he was, Halfdan was quite proud to find his skills sound enough to put up a decent fight, dull blade in hand or not. Once he felt himself ready, maybe he ought to take Mr. Zhu’s advice and apply to that Adventurer's Guild in the harbor. And...see if he would be allowed to forge himself a new weapon while he was in the area, too. That would certainly be nice.

           Halfdan wiped the grime off his face as he hefted his sword ( not a claymore, Stars, how he missed wielding a decent claymore, but this was all Zhu could spare him ). That was the last of them. That big one with the shovel had been especially troublesome while he’d fought the man’s comrades...but he’d taken worse than getting clocked with some digging tool and having dirt thrown in his face. The potion burns, now those were going to be a pain...

         He huffed and turned, starting back to the inn. Or...maybe he should take a detour and clean up first. Yeah, that was a good idea-

          Along the way, he caught sight of a lone figure. In spite of his weariness, a grin spread on his lips briefly, a hand scarcely moved in greeting, before the Vision at his collar pulsed. His breath caught, that very hand closing over the teal gem as his gaze locked onto them. No, that...that couldn’t be-

         He stumbled forwards, one step, another, then broke into a run, no matter how his muscles protested. To hell with that. To hell with it all, the person there...that person was,

         “D...Dainsleif...!”

[dutybcrne]

siidera / @strdstd :

Twilight Sword. A title once the highest regarded thing to Dainsleif, yet he was never boastful about it, merely grateful he was given such a position. And he was going to continue to prove he was worthy of receiving it. Even with the stress it piled on his shoulders as — unwittingly to him at the time — the fall of Khaenri'ah neared. He’d long accepted there was very little, if anything, he could’ve done to change the outcome. Perhaps it was foolish to believe such a nation could even dream of defeating gods, yet he had back then, bolstered by the strong belief the fellow knights harbored for him. That hadn’t been enough. Defeat and grief were overwhelmingly acrid tastes in his mouth, equally unpleasant feelings of regret and failure soon followed, only for fury to overtake them all. Avenging. That was all he could do for his dear, lost Khaenri'ah now.

Head moved back in response, the glare unwavering. “There is nothing that can be done for them now! The curse is embedded too deep in them. Nothing can undo their curse, I know that well,” he stated, releasing his grip and stepping backward a few steps. “If there was a way, the Abyss or I would’ve surely found it by now. But five-hundred years have passed, and no progress has been made.”

Eyes widened before narrowing. “Everything I’ve done is to avenge those lost. To make their sacrifices not be in vain. Does that truly equal me not caring to you?”

          ・⊱ Kaeya slumped forward a slight, no longer held by the other. If his back felt a little sore from the impact, he gave no indication. He’d felt so much worse time and again before, after all–

          “If you did 'truly care', you would do whatever it took to save those who remain,” Kaeya answered coolly. Teeth bared a slight as he scoffed a laugh. “When you care for something, you never give up on it. Or them. No matter four measly years or five-hundred, any and every dedicated effort can count for something. Your revenge little quest means nothing when your people who yet remain live and breathe agony each and every hellish, passing day. All while their beloved–ah, former–captain thinks them not worth saving.”

         Stilling, he took a breath then shook his head. “Then again, I shouldn’t have been surprised you gave up so easily. You did start losing your mind and memory to that curse of yours over the years, didn’t you? Tell me, how much more did you lose? Your dedication? Your true duty? Thoughts of your old comrades? Halfdan?”

          He was kicking a wasps’ nest here–he knew it well. It's what he did best, after all. But what could Dainsleif do to him now? Now that he knew what brute strength to expect of him, thought of ways to counter his should he dare try again-

        “But it would be a vain hope to assume that was also the reason you kept everything from me, hm?" The grin shifted a hint, almost warped into the beginnings of a snarl as frost spread along the wall behind him- “Everything of my fucking right to know? All save just enough to keep me satisfied, like a damn child...is that right?”

[stxrsfxte]

“I’m fine. This just happens sometimes. It’s normal for me.” {Dain for Farah!}

@strdstd

A worried sound caught in their throat. Farah knew signs of the Abyss, bore it upon their own skin. And yet…never had they seen it act quite like this. Uncertainty did not keep them from gently resting their hand on his lower back, offering support and ready to carry him if his legs gave out. “Just because it is normal, does mean I will stray from my worry. You are…too important to me, for me to brush this aside.” Sometimes, when the Abyss was present, and the past a little too close behind, they would slip into a more formal form of speech, yet they were more likely to say such vulnerable truths more openly. Of course, they also had less to worry about now, as rank and social standings and their duties were not under scrutiny anymore, except for by ghosts.

“Is there…anything I can do? Would being….” No, the fountain was also a bit too dangerous to trust. Perhaps the only reason it hadn’t taken their own mind fully was because of their vision. Such a strange thing to protect them, considering the archons punishment of their home. Shaking the thoughts from their mind, Farah held their other hand out, in case he felt inclined to hold it, for whatever sort of support he was in need of the most. “Please, Dainslef, I am here. I am happy to…able to be of use.”

[mielmoto]

TUMBLR TEXT POST SENTENCE STARTERS | accepting

@strdstd said {From Dainsleif. Hi! ^^}:

“I think my dark under eye circles are adding to the aesthetic, actually.”

...oh! oh? hey now! that was a joke! and even a wane smile from the man, to boot. when she'd made the little comment off-hand, ('ooh, rough day?' or something like it; almost nothing at all), she'd expected anywhere from no response to, at most, a sharper exhale through his nose before they presumably went on to enjoy their drinks in separate peace.

it was far from the first time she'd seen him taking up at the tavern: usually alone, and always quiet; incorrigible as she may be, Honey'd mostly had the good sense not to try and bother him.

But, hell, when opportunity knocks, she won't make it knock twice.

"Mmm, the 'tall, dark, mysterious & brooding' look, you mean? because, like, sure; absolutely. it completes the 'darkness never sleeps, neither shall I' vibe." her voice drops to mimic the grizzled heroes in storyteller's tales, for a moment, before a couple bell-like chuckles bring her lightness back. "Enigmatic charm notwithstanding: I'm sure you'd still be just as handsome without; so, like, don't go denying yourself a little R&R purely for the style points, yeah?"

[strlstd-m]

a notsfw sideblog for strdstd ★ do not follow or interact if under 18 ★ multi-verse & multi-ship ★ oc & crossover friendly ★ low/sporadic activity ★ written by kit (24 & they/them)

𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒅 - 𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 - 𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 - 𝒑𝒔𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒔

available muses below cut

Argenti - Honiai: Star Rail

Kamisato Ayato - Genshin Impact

Boothill - Honkai: Star Rail

Blade - Honkai: Star Rail

Childe - Genshin Impact

Cyno - Genshin Impact

Dan Heng - Honkai Star Rail

Dainsleif - Genshin Impact

Diluc Ragnvindr - Genshin Impact

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd - Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Gallagher - Honkai: Star Rail

Gepard Landau - Honkai: Star Rail

Gorou - Genshin Impact

Jing Yuan - Honkai: Star Rail

Kevin Kaslana - Honkai Impact 3rd

Luka - Honkai: Star Rail

Luocha - Honkai: Star Rail

Percival De Rolo - The Legend of Vox Machina

Tenko Shimura - My Hero Academia

Teppei - Genshin Impact

Tighnari - Genshin Impact

Thoma - Genshin Impact

Wriothesley - Genshin Impact

Yingxing - Honkai: Star Rail

[mielmoto]

It's good, she thinks, that he bristles at the accusation— defending his own self-assurance in the same breath as he acknowledges the gravity of whatever it was he faced; it meant he still had pride and, more importantly: will. If he truly believed the task impossible, his curse wholly unbreakable, he'd have resigned to it by now; let apathy make its home in weary bones, (where it so loved to settle). No, indeed: his burden will not be "easily lifted," but from his tone to his bearing and the look in his diamond-cut eyes, he doesn't seem the sort to only fight the easy fights... even if he is going to go on being broody and dour about it all.

'Hope' alone cannot be the answer– but it remains a worthy weapon to wield in the battle. and though he scoffs, (not fazing her in the slightest), it's clear he hasn't given it up, just yet.

❝ Good. ❞ she pipes cheerfully, ❝ –like, not the whole 'wretched curse and relentless evil' bit, of course, that's all terrible to hear— but good that you're still giving them hell right back, no matter what. knowing that makes my job even easier! ❞

❝ – not that I need any help or luck, on that front— I'm a professional when it comes to believing in other people, Mr. Dainsleif. ❞ a claim she dramatizes with the lift of her chin and a proud shift of the shoulders, before the display breaks with her giggle; and a nod.

❝ –Honey; your now-and-future faithful supporter... who, for one, is glad you found a little time to 'waste' here tonight– because she's happy to meet you... sounds like neither of us are exactly locals, so I think that makes it an extra lucky occasion. ❞

Such optimism with which she regarded him was... foolish and strange. Something he found himself raising an eyebrow at as he turned to look at her again. Some offense, however, was taken upon her making her claim, eyes narrowing. "I can assure you, it's not a matter of self-belief. But the evil I'm trying to eradicate. They're relentless, so much so that I shouldn't be wasting my time here." Yet, his body was still (more or less) human, and humans did need at least some rest in between activity. Much to his chagrin. Mind always swarmed by how many moves the Abyss could've made in he time he spent resting, if he forced himself to, that is.

How preposterous. He couldn't help the scoff that left him. Rude? Yes. Justified? To him, at least. To think just simple hope would get rid of that horrid curse. Five-hundred years spent with it proved otherwise. No amount of positive thinking could erase it.

"I've accepted that it's now something I have to live with. It is a curse, after all. No curse can be easily lifted. Especially one of this magnitude." However, he did find himself ever so briefly caught off guard by her so surely stating that she'd... believe in him. A wry smile eventually formed. "Well, I wish you luck in trying to get me to come around. It'll be a while. Dainsleif, that's who I am. And you?"

[sungracd]

@strdstd asked : " REST. " {From Dain!} | for the sender to sit beside the receiver and rest their head in the receiver's lap without explanation.

even those with wanderlust find comfort in the warmth of home once in a while. but dainsleif is a traveler out of duty than free will , destined to follow wherever the abyss goes , rarely allowed a moment's rest let alone the luxury of the mundane. he is the weariest of travelers. and so adrian offers their home , a temporary refuge , the taste of a life he cannot return to.

in the spare room of his choice , they move to settle down beside him on the mattress. it's meant to be a quick check-in , to make sure he's as comfortable as he can be and isn't in need of any accommodations. “ well , if that's all then i won't keep you. you must be tired. there's still plenty of food left over so if you ever feel— ”

suddenly dainsleif is leaning close , and as his head settles onto their lap in favor of the pillows on the opposite end , adrian feels their face warm and body still. but once initial surprise wanes , a hand reaches out , gentle and affectionate as it smooths along the soft strands of his hair.

“ . . . if you ever feel hungry in the middle of the night , you're more than welcome to it , ” they finish softly , seemingly content to stay like this for as long as he needs.

[howthesleeplesswander]

starter for @strdstd || ((lets go lets goooo 👀👀))

"Why, look who it is." Kaeya's sing-song voice drifted from a narrow alley before he stepped into the glow of a nearby streetlamp. Sunset was falling on the city of Mondstadt, and he'd taken it as his cue to finally approach the familiar figure he'd spotted in the street a few hours prior.

A smile adorned a pleasant, open expression. But his single, starlit eye was far sharper—watchful and alert. He wondered if Dainsleif could say the same, or if he hadn't noticed the Captain tailing him.

"Ever since our encounter in Sumeru, I've been wondering when I would see you here again. Welcome back to Mondstadt," he said with a grand flourish of his arm. "Are you here to take me up on my offer to buy you a drink? You're in luck; I've just finished my evening patrol, and was thinking that a glass of wine at the Cat's Tail would be a perfect way to end the day. Why don't you join me?"