#the Crux

[luthienne]

Rosanna Warren, from Go Forth: Poems; "The Crux"

[Text ID: An end will come. But in a different plot.]

[mixing-bowl-of-stories]

Selcouthian World Building: The Agrona Councils and Kingdoms

In the kingdom of Agrona Morgana there are 9 kingdoms within the main kingdom.

Each kingdom has a council, these councils range from 5-11 people per council.

Overall, the hierarchy of councils goes as follows:

Grandmasters Council:

The council responsible for overseeing all action done by the government. However, they rarely ever meet as this is not necessary all the time.

Usually used for: plans of war, crisis that have inflicted the citizens, among other large scale issues.

(Pandora is on this Council later on)

Grand Judicial Council:

Self explanatory, responsible for ruling over federal laws and the highest profile cases.

(Noah is on this Council later on)

Grand Executive Council:

Used for enforcing laws and dealing in foreign affairs.

(Pandora is also on this one later on)

Grand Legislative Council:

Makes all other laws, regulates commerce, and controls taxing and spending policies.

Ruling Council(s):

The councils that rule over the individual kingdoms (have their own Executive, Judicial, and Legislative councils)

Local Council(s):

Similar to the Ruling Councils, just local to cities and small territories inside the kingdoms.

The Grandmasters are:

Morgana - Diana De La Dáinn (Female) (Later Pandora De La Dáinn (Female))

Edelweiss - Arya Adair (Female)

Bronwen - Bastian Warblaze (Male)

Noel - Aerith Windward (Non Binary)

Bylur - Samuel Verlice (Male)

Albina - Lucien Huxley (Male)

Fintan - Marius Bozzelli (Female)

Wynn - Serian Wix (Non Binary)

Dwight - Lysandra Odessa (Female)

Fun fact: Noah does NOT get put on the grandmasters council when he becomes grand judge

He IS however considered an advisor to Pandora and does occasionally sit in on meetings and give his two cents as the grand judge

So while he’s up high, he’s not on top

Noah is fine doing his thing and letting his wife do the big stuff, he’s just here to oversee cases and make sure the wrong people aren’t put in prison.

Each Kingdom is responsible for a different aspect of trade, communications, and/or resources. Some of these do overlap.

Morgana - Foreign Affairs, Weaponry, Arts

Edelweiss - Farming (Fields)

Bronwen - Fishing, Sea Trade

Noel - Music, Arts, Processing Food and other materials

Bylur - Land Trade, Farming (Mountains)

Albina - Foraging, Farming (Underground)

Fintan - Mining, Rare Resources

Wynn - Mining, Construction Materials

Dwight - Exploration, Weaponry

[dxstopiaa]

Wardrobe Malfunction..

Request: The anemo boys attempting to cool you down on a hot day with their visions, but something goes embarrassingly wrong. How do they react?

I tried making this as gender neutral as i could, but this may be leaning towards afab reader. Also some suggestive parts.

Characters: Xiao, Kazuha, Heizou and Wanderer (i want to try guess his potentially new personality, do note he will be called kunikuzushi, or kuni for short)

Xiao

• It was well over 30 degrees celsius, Liyue was in its annual heatwave. What was a better way to spend it rather than with your lover?

•The both of you were situated on the top balcony of wangshu inn, as Xiao usually requests to due to the peace and quiet found up there. It was pretty much his sanctuary, if he wasn’t in Jueyun Karst or Mt Hulao, you’d find him here, admiring the scenery in perfect serenity.

•It was becoming unbearable now, desperately fanning yourself with the paperwork you needed to complete in a failed attempt to cool yourself. Wait..why should i bother doing so when my boyfriend can do it for me effortlessly? And with that, a mischievous smirk graced your features, walking over to Xiao, who was currently leaning on the balcony leisurely with his eyes shut, and doing the same yourself.

• ‘Xiao… Can i ask you something?’ You hesitantly asked, prolonging his name intentionally. His eyelids fluttered open, the beauty of his rarely relaxed eyes revealing themselves, glancing over to your form with a raised eyebrow, gesturing you to continue in mild curiosity. You traced your fingers over his gloved hands before tapping his vision lightly, watching it gleam. ‘Could you use Anemo to create a small breeze? Pleasee it’s too hot’ You practically begged him, clinging onto his arm and lying your head on his shoulder.

•He emitted a small huff, explaining how he didn’t want to harm you. ‘I wouldn’t forgive myself if you got hurt, i will not.’ You argued back to him suggesting that what if you got heatstroke? That’s a possible danger too, there’s a risk to everything. Xiao sighed deeply, suggesting how you were troublesome, you both know he didn’t mean it though, pressing the backside of his hand to your forehead, then pinching your cheek, to which you covered in feigned offence.

• A small wind current was summoned, it’s gentle breeze similar to that of a cooling fan. A sigh of relief left you, kissing the temple of your lover gently and then returning to your original position on the balcony, you both indulged yourself in tranquil silence, with the occasional conversation between you.

•You would say this was composure was lost when Xiao turned his head towards you to ask you something when he noticed a error in your clothing choice, you hadn’t realised yet. The zip on your shirt had become undone on the front, exposing your chest to him. His choked back a gasp in the form of a cough, furious blush dispersed across his face as he tried to look down, avoiding your confused scrutiny.

•‘Xiao? What’s wrong?’ You questioned him, fingers brushing the downcast hair from his face, looking down at him suspiciously. He abruptly stood straight, regaining what was left of his equanimity. He made you face him by clasping your shoulders, then tilting your chin down to bring light into the situation. Oh, that’s why he’s acting so.

•You hastily pulled the zip up, embarrassment filling your features. A small chuckle sounded from Xiao. ‘You have no respect for the adepti, dear.’ Before he vanished, assumingly back to your shared room. Guess he was right, ‘Harm’ was done.

Kazuha

•Being aboard The Alcor on a blistering hot day should of meant catching the breeze of the oceans as the clouds provided you shelter from the sun’s rays. However this was not the case, instead, merciless beams of sunlight and radiation accompanied with the painfully still waters and air was a pirate’s nightmare come true. Agitated curses escaped a certain captain’s mouth, understandably.

• You and kazuha decided to take shelter in the small accommodations within the lower region of the ship, merely protected by planks of wood. Nothing could soothe the heat though, lying on the double bed restlessly whilst your lover sat at the desk engaging in conversation with you. Fans obviously were not doing much, just circulating the same air resulting in no change. At that moment, you had an idea.

•’Kazu, do you think you could use anemo to generate a wind current?’ You asked, facing him expectedly, he hummed lightly in consideration, his hands holding his chin in thought. ‘I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try?’ Kazuha replied at last, although it seemed more of a rhetorical question than a response. He stood up from the desk he was seated at, where he previously scribbled new haikus he’d secretly send to you, although he’d never let you know that prior to giving it in a stamped envelope.

•Lying down on the bed, next to you, he held his palm out, generating some sort of wind cyclone, except it was spiralling outwards rather than inwards, much to your gratitude. The refreshing change of climate was much more relaxing thankfully, finally being able to rest your head upon your arms, hair blowing various different directions. Kazuha quietly snickered at your current alleviation, you looked so peaceful it was almost uncharacteristic.

• Unbeknownst to you both however, without constant maintenance, this cyclone would gradually become stronger, like a typhoon upon warm waters, and so did its suction. Loose fitting shirts were not appreciated in this scenario, which you quickly learnt as you were practically ridden of your own, dissipating into the abyss as the cyclone decided it was satisfied with its catch and vanished.

•If you weren’t overheating before, you certainly were now, heat rushing to your face as Kazuha gasped loudly. His mouth spewed a string of rather panicked and shameful apologies at the change of situation, abruptly standing up, with his innovative idea to ask Beidou for an extra shirt, talk about naive? He locked the door behind him, hearing hushed giggles from behind the door. So much for being sorry.

•Shortly after, a knock resonated throughout the room, to which you answered with a curt ‘come in’. The captain seemed very amused, half-smirk covering her features. ‘Jeez, to think i thought of him as gentle, Next time tell Mr. Kaedahara to be more careful okay?’ She sniggered sarcastically as she watched you bury your face in your hands.

Heizou

•Does the police station not favour the comfort of their employees and clients? Because it was intolerably warm today yet no cooling system was, or has ever, been implemented. Heizou quickly grew exhausted from the conditions despite his burning determination, like the weather. Rubbing his temples with his index fingers for some sort of relief to the blistering headache.

•By the Archon’s blessing, you came into the station to check up on your dearest, containers of chilled noodles and refreshing drinks within a bag, which was resting upon your shoulder. A loud sigh sounded from you, slumping into the nearby chair after placing the somewhat heavy luggage on Heizou’s desk. The way his eyes lit up in such a childlike manner made you chuckle to yourself, squeezing his face with the tips of your fingers.

‘Thank the shogun you graced me with your presence, don’t think i would of lasted in this office any longer!’ Heizou exclaimed, resting his elbows on the desk as he leaned forward to reciprocate your affectionate action. ‘I can see that much, detective.’ You replied, unpacking the food you brought, rightfully helping yourself alongside your boyfriend, twirling the noodles with the chopsticks.

• The effects of the heatwave were quite unpleasant, slurring the thoughts from your brain. Pacing over to open the windows and doors slightly, leaving the blinds closed as to not stream in extra heat. Upon glancing down at his seated form, the turquoise glow of his vision gave you an idea..

•’Love..Why don’t you use your vision to get some air circulating in here?’ He stared at you like a thief caught in broad daylight. He lightly hit his forehead with his palm, seemingly disappointed in himself. ‘How did i not think of that earlier? Weather is really taking a toll on me, huh?’ He sighed in disbelief, spinning his chopsticks in this fingers, placing them onto the plate.

• He raised his fist, conjuring a current of gales shortly after, remaining in its position as an creative attempt at an air conditioner, which became even more functional when you removed an ice cube from your drink and balanced on the stool to have the miniature cyclone engulf it for a cooling effect. You shot Heizou a mischevious grin, only in a teasing way of course.

•Though your triumph was only temporary as you unfortunately stood on your floor-length dress, tearing it when you returned to your initial position. You could of sworn that was an intentional gimmick performed by a cheeky man but doubting him was not going to give you a solution. ‘Or that could work to cool you down too, although not as ethical in a working atmosphere.’ Heizou declared, deliberately taking the piss, obviously back to his regular self.

•You had to restrain yourself with the force of a dozen soldiers to not lovingly strangle him at that moment, cowering in your own embarrassment. Although you couldn’t deny this was sort of amusing. ‘It wasn’t me, i swear!’

•Yes, Heizou did do that on purpose, how dare his significant other try and outsmart him rather than patronise him for his rather annoying tricks.

Wanderer

•Botanical studies? Since when was Kuni interested in such subjects? Well Recently.

•You both traversed the luscious forests of Sumeru, collecting samples of foliage, flora and potentially even insects if you could. Though you reprimanded his poor choice of scheduling. Why would somebody subject themselves to exploration on such a sultry day? That was a question you would never know the answer to from your lover, who dismissed your complaints with phrases such as..

•’Hurry up, It’s getting late.’ Kunikuzushi chided, rebalancing his headwear, quite amused, as he watched you lean under the secure shelter of a tree tiredly. To which you shot a glare at, mumbling incoherent words out of lighthearted irritation. Or..

• ‘As much as i love you, i don’t appreciate the slacking.’ He teased, watching your fascination drop when his words were processed, deadpanning as you sighed and jogged after him, revelling in the shade of his kasa hat. Whenever he’d get too snarky, you pinched him on his arm, exerting a agitated disapproval.

•’Fine, i suppose a rest is due, come with me.’ He sarcastically stated, gesturing you to a local tree, it’s leaves draping down like a circular curtain, swaying and rustling gently. Archons, about time.

•You leaned into his shoulder, one of his arms draped around your neck, caressing your biceps, the other resting upon his knee. Despite your apparent bickering, you both loved each other dearly, demonstrating your infatuation in different ways.

•Although unexpected, acts of services was how he demonstrated his. He observed the sweat beading on your forehead and your rather distressed features, what would be a better time to display it other than now? Kuni summoned a draught of flowing air, directing it towards you in a way which looked most comfortable. A small smile decorated your face, one which made even the most heartless of puppets warm.

•This comforting scene however was not kept like this for as long as you had liked, as your distasteful choice of a frontal-exposing garment spurred on quite the consequences, more so your own shame. Kunikuzushi was the first to take note, trying to hide his flustered state with that of a slightly ridiculing demeanour.

•’ I didn’t know you opted for this type of intimacy with me in public, are you sure?’ He snickered, tilting your head down with his fingers before any perplexed questions could leave your lips. Once you noticed, the gasp you omitted was compared to that of a reaction to a complete felony.

•’Kuni!’ You shrieked, hitting him firmly with the folding fan you were holding in the sheer feeling of dishonour and embarrassment. Burying your face into the sleeves of his kimono while he ludicrously cackled in utter amusement.

•’The offer still stands, love.’ He added amidst fits of laughter.

[cupidddd-d]

i love you, tenderly, tragically

in which you loved him tenderly and tragically until the very end

ও you loved kaedehara kazuha, and you knew that complete certainty

ও but you also knew that he didn't, and would never, love you back

ও which is why it came as no surprise to you when you were suddenly hit with a series of sputtering coughs and petals

ও you were happy that kazuha was out on the crux, travelling the seas

ও you didn't want him to ever know how you felt

ও you didn't want to see the disappointment in his eyes at your feelings

ও and selfishly, you prayed that he wouldn't come back until you had long since passed on

ও you couldn't bare to see him and carry the feeble hope that maybe, just maybe, he might be able to love you back and save you

ও so in each of your letters to him, you acted normal

ও in each of your letters, you were as tender and kind and loving as you always had been

ও you ensured that he would never find out about your disease

ও and he never did find out.

ও he never found out that whenever he called you an amazing friend, the petals would get a little more choked up in your throat than usual

ও he never found out that when he addressed you as his best friend in each of his letters, the coughs would viciously tear through your throat, each even more violent than the last

ও you ensured that he would never realize what you were suffering through and why. because if you couldn't be loved and happy, at least he could be

[bl00dblight]

The Crux has been revamped! Silly little problem of a critter!

(My askbox is always open for questions about them!)

[bowl-of-shortness]

2023 Summary of Art!

Wow look at all that

You can tell I didn’t draw anything in December or July

Anyways. Will I draw more next year? That’s if I can get my CFS to chill the fuck out

[j1rouz]

au u where ningguang is a pirate that takes place pre-canon and her and beidou grow up together, they get their visions, and fall in love with each other and adventure

[giya-goates]

Dear genshin Impact fans and beidou lovers, I have a proposal for the animators.....

SOMEONE NEEDS TO ANIMATE BEIDOU AND THE CRUX TO ONE OF THEIR SONGS

[sinkthoseshipspoll]

Ship Poll: Round One

Alcor[The Crux] from Genshin Impact VS. B'rel class Bird-of-Prey[Klingon Bird-of-Prey] from Star Trek

[raffaellopalandri]

Book of the Day - The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists

Today’s book of the day is The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists, written by Richard P. Rumelt in 2022 and published by PublicAffairs. Richard P. Rumelt is an internationally known writer, speaker, and consultant on strategy. He is also Emeritus Professor at UCLA Anderson. He received his MSEE from UC Berkeley and his doctorate in business from Harvard Business School. The Crux, by Richard…

[qxiao]

◈Troublesome Work◈

Summary: Beidou is the boss of the most popular tattoo parlour in all of Liyue, just a quick look into what a normal day could look like.

Mentions of Zhongli, Kazuha, Xiao, Xiao x traveller (just a lil tho), mentions of Itto and Razor (they’re brothers). Tattoo artist au, slight gang au, more modern au.

A/N: Ok so i saw a fan art of a tattoo artist au of beidou and zhongli and got inspired to write this, THIS IS NOT PROOFREAD, so sorry for the mistakes. I rlly didn’t know how to end it so-

ˏ 𓏧 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓋒 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏧 ˎ

Walking through the door, slowly inhaling the bitter smell of smoke, Beidou strutted through past the long line of costumers. Slipping through the back door before throwing her bag into her locker as she took a long puff out of the cig between her fingers.

Grabbing her gloves, she stubbed the cig out and threw it in the trash before swinging the door right open, coming face to face with a line of needy costumers. Making her way to the front, clipboard in hand, greeting the people before her with a smile.

“Welcome to The Crux everyone! Sorry for the wait, walk in’s please keep to the right, people who had an appointment to the left.”

As the sounds of shuffling feet and displeased grunts slowly started to fade, Beidou called out name after name, sending people to their rightful tattoo artists before assisting the walk-in’s, handing them over to which ever artist was free.

That’s how most days went by, before they even knew it, lunch hour had came around and the parlour emptied out as the other employees made their way to the break room.

Upon closing up for the next hour, a hefty sigh made Beidou chuckled as she turned around to face their best artist. Zhongli.

“I do not understand why so many people are getting glaze lilies these days. If I hear one more person ask for one I’ll send them off for Kazuha to handle.”

Bursting out in laughter, the ex-captain was amused about how frustrated the old archon was, after all, you’d think a 6000 year old god wouldn’t be ruffled up over a bunch of silly flower tats.

Beidou loved days like these, annoying the hell out of Zhongli before retiring to check up on Kazuha’s new designs. She was about to head to the lunch room before the front door busted open. With the sound of heavy feet running towards her, Beidou let out a groan before she opened up the janitors closet, threw the two hooligans who busted through inside and made her way to the front. Just as an officer walks up.

“Good evening there ma’am, have u happened to see two males, both with silver hair, go around these parts? We have reason to believe that they are part of the Arataki gang.”

Putting up her best face, and most striking grin, “Ah actually, i did see two people run by the shop, i believe they went down that alley.” She lied, pointing down the block.

“Thank you ma’am, have a wonderful evening.”

“You too officer” you too.

After insuring the officer left, Zhongli sighed as he unlocked the closet, only to have two monstrous boys fall out, face flat on the ground.

“Hah… You two have got to keep out of trouble! The Qixing AND the Kujou Clan are after you!”

Slow grunts escaped from the taller one’s mouth. Before standing up and putting on the most shit eating grin.

“Exactly! And we haven’t been caught no?”

Beidou made dead eye contact with him, scowling. “Listen here Itto, you better be more careful ya here me? And you cant keep dragging your poor brother into this.”

The Oni rolled his eyes, before placing a firm hand on his sidekick’s shoulder, “Razor’s fineeee, plus he wants to be here, don’t you?” He asked, looking intensively at the younger.

“Yup! Razor likes being with Itto!” He replied with a toothy smile. Itto chuckling as he patted his head.

“See? we’re fine, no need to worry, i’m always 2 steps ahead of that Sara chick.” 

Zhongli shook his head before letting the door open to the break room. Cheers and greetings were shouted as their captain stepped through.

Beidou laughed as she grabbed a beer, scanning her eyes through the crowd before laying falling on a short stub of white hair, making her way through, she slung an arm around kazuha’s neck as she peered over his shoulder, looking at his latest sketches.

“Hello there captain, there seems to have been quite a crowd today.” Seeming displeased with the bunch of fangirls that stood outside his workstation, before being shooed out of the store.

Beidou rolled her eyes, already all to familiar with the multiple fanclubs created for her most popular tattooists. Both Zhongli and Kazuha was already used to the attention, however Xiao, Zhongli’s new assistant, wasn’t all that prepared for the unrequited love. Who happened to be on his phone, he always was. No one’s actually seen him eat anything, speaking of which neither has Zhongli… Oh whatever it was none of her business what they did with their break time. Xiao did however pique her interests when his face suddenly burst bright red, his eyes looked stunned, and his mouth hung open.

“My my, what’s got the brilliantly tough Xiao so riled up?”, the adeptus happened to be going through all the gifts he received throughout the day. Piles on piles of pretty boxes filled with chocolate or any sort of other trinkets. Usually Xiao would just go through them and throw them out or give them away, so it’s quite a surprise to see him stare at one for more then a minute, none the less blush at a letter.

“Oooh who’s it from? Is it a girl you’re interested in?” Beidou teased.

“N-no.”, he stuttered, still somewhat flustered, “I just wasn’t expecting a gift from a certain someone is all.”

ah

it immediately clicked 

“So… You and Traveller huh?” She raised an eyebrow, already knowing the answer. I mean cmon, the traveller is the only person ( besides Zhongli ) that could just drop by his work station and NOT receive a scowl.

Xiao turning even redder than before, could hardly even force out coherent sentences.

“I..N-no…We’re not..”

“Yea sure you’re not but i can sure as hell see you want to be.” Beidou spat out quite bluntly, not even letting Xiao a second to protest before getting up and going to the bar to get a bottle. Leaving Xiao in the dust, left with his conflicting feelings.

Although today was almost like any other day, Beidou still treasured these moments. The chants to chug being encouraged to Razor. Xiao quietly sipping some tea with Zhongli, who was telling ancient stories to anyone that’ll listen. Kazuha mindlessly looking out the window to the sea. The bustling sounds, warm lighting, bittersweet aroma, and familiar faces made Beidou remember why she loved the crux, why she loved her work and the people she worked with.

A/N: I’m really only posting becuz i haven’t posted in 6 months and this has been sitting in the drafts for almost a year 😭

[aphel1on]

i have such a love for characters who descend into madness or villainy out of deep, deep empathy. characters who fundamentally cannot cope with the cruel realities they find themselves in and blow up about it in spectacular fashion. fallen angel type characters with tears of outrage in their eyes. characters who break before they bend, and break so badly they splatter blood all over their noble ideals. every variation on it gets me so good

[mixing-bowl-of-stories]

Did this trend with Pandora De La Dáinn

[dxstopiaa]

Celestial Blessing..

Request: How would the liyue characters react to their s/o receiving a vision! Vision type and why.. very plot heavy.

This is quite a long fic, hence why it took me long to write it! Please i would love feedback if you want to give some, re-blogs appreciated!

Characters: Zhongli, Xiao, Beidou ( I will release another part with Yelan and Ningguang within!)

Warnings: Injuries, may be a little graphic. Mentions of forced marriage and parental issues (Beidou’s). This is from my interpretation of how visions are received and may not be canon, will vary on the vision!

Terms you may not of heard of… Kwoon- A training hall for chinese martial arts, liyue is quite obviously inspired by china!

Zhongli

Geo- Immovable will and determination, hardworking and fixated.

•Being a lead martial artist and founder of your rather large kwoon meant that you required not only strength but incredible knowledge of the arts and weaponry. Which you thought you fulfilled, if your lover’s opinion did not seem convincing enough. You continued with your family’s legacy and you wore your last name with utmost pride.

•Zhongli and yourself have been a couple for just nearly two years. The opening of your training hall was a joint effort between the both of you, zhongli often printing and scripting the agreement and safety contracts, terms and conditions along with all other formalities whilst you planned the architecture of your kwoon, along with the uniform you required your students to wear, ensuring their comfort was your utmost priority. About a month before the event, Zhongli suggested the idea of opening your training hall on your anniversary.

•‘My love, how do you like the idea of celebrating two ceremonies at once?’ Of course, his cryptic wording left you confused, however the more he explained his point, the more you liked it, clasping your arms around his waist and cherishing his warm loving embrace as he hugged you back, caressing your hair and peppering gentle kisses upon your forehead and cheeks.

•When the day arrived, you found yourself in a rather restless state of perfectionism, darting from place to place at the location and ensuring everything was errorless. Speech stand? Zhongli’s handling it. Refreshments? Upon the banquet table to the right. Decorations and banners? Prepared previously, am i forgetting something?

• The only person who could inflict serenity upon you was your husband himself, lightheartedly reprimanding you to remain tranquil and to take better care of yourself whilst fondling your temporarily calloused hands, guiding you to the stage provided by Yun-Han Opera Troupe.

• Delivering your speech was far from difficult with the support Zhongli gave you, constant reassurance allowed you to deliver it to a flawless standard. Many from the crowd cheered and encouraged you on, strings of melodic praises derived from their kind admiration-driven hearts. Your dearest’s sincere wistful smile accompanied by your gleaming irises was a sight to behold.

• Zhongli may be perceived as forgetful, yet he would never omit to anything related to you, his primary priority. Lightly latching onto your wrist, he whisked you away into a nearby stairwell, to which he deemed would provide all the privacy he wanted. You stared up at him in mild mystification, about to part your lips to question his bizzare actions yet you were stopped with one of his fingers gently upon your mouth, gesturing you to wait.

• From behind his lean form, he presented to you an intricate puzzle, a catalyst of sorts, complex rings of jade orbiting the main section of it, while it rotated and spun slowly in the breeze. Saying you were awestruck was a severe understatement, your eyes sparkled with infatuation at both the weapon and the handsome expression on your husband’s face.

• ‘My dearest, put your palms out before me.’ He requested. You obeyed his instructions, gradually opening your hands from the tight clasp they were in formerly. Zhongli placed the treasure in your hands, and watched how it’s spinning motion significantly increased until it was a blur, glowing in its glory just as cor lapis would do in the moonlight. ‘I knew you were the one the moment i laid my eyes on you, love.’ A burning sensation coursed through your palms, a surreal type of feeling you could not explain in words. There before you, was a golden vision.

• A geo vision. Shining and enlightening the dim alleyway, exactly matching the resplendent hue of Rex Lapis’ pupils, which now was reflected in you. The puzzle levitating to your side, metaphorically representing a promise of protection from the Lord of Geo himself, a faithful weapon. The largest of smirks plastered on your darling’s face, which you couldn’t help but cry delighted sobs into the nape of his neck.

Xiao

Pyro- A burning, scalding passion, a fierce debate between the arts and fitting within society.

• Xiao first met you a year ago, battling and training against two ruin guards and a ruin hunter, casting an abundance of seals and spells at your disposal, trapping the entities and healing the damaged ley line attracting all of them. For a mortal, he was incredibly impressed, who gave you these adepti spells and casts? Xiao questioned himself, continuing to watch you, who was occupied with aiming arrows at numerous weak points, from a distance.

• He instantaneously materialised infront of the adeptus’ abode, unequipping his luminescent polearm before approaching the edge of the cliff, glancing around for a specific white crane, whom he found in the distance and began to approach.

•’General Alatus, is there something you may need? Why am i graced with your presence?’ Cloud retainer spoke, her formal, transcendent voice awaiting for an answer, azure sky-like wings glowing and rustling against her pure bodice of feathers. ‘Not particularly important, but i’ve noticed a young mortal utilising the arts of the adepti.’

•Cloud retainer followed his query with curt nod, elaborating on how you were her newest follower, a protector of the history of liyue and needed means to protect yourself with such valuable knowledge. Xiao’s misjudgement of you lead to him believing you were a human, when in fact, you were the preserver of Juyeun Karst. Blood of the Adepti coursed through your veins, a valuable life form not to be undervalued.

•From then on, you began to notice a omnipresent individual beside your master, who was willing to aid you with combat training when not protecting Liyue and continuing the legacy of the yakshas. You valued his help, expressing how you felt honoured and how this would boost your progress. What you may not have took note of was the short-lived smile which was present upon his lips, heart warming at the sincere praise.

• As your andragogy continued, so did your contact with your now lover. His unexpected gentleness and calmness brought you both closer and let him alleviate the state painstaking loneliness. He assisted you with combat while you educated him on humane emotions and social ques, which compelled him to focus on his own, the one fluttering in his heart.

•Months later, with your established relationship still flourishing, you found your skills with the bow has dramatically increased, utilising other weapons was a suggestion of Xiao’s, one which you felt uncomfortable to at first, yet decided it would be preferable to increase mastery. According to cloud retainer, you have reached peak performance, the ability to destroy large mechanical anomalies in less than minutes, and to seal ancient threats found spiralling in instability underground.

• The time for your final test has arrived. Careful planning and consideration lead you outside the once sealed domain of Morax’s Creation, Azhdaha. A fierce dragon with ruby bloodlusted vision, a entity with such a reputation that the most seasoned fighters shivered at the mere mention of. Why put you up against such an opponent, surely it would be dangerous? Well, risk is the only lead to development.

•Xiao’s calamitous aura was sensed by the reptilian creature from the moment he entered. The adeptus with such a disastrous, protective nature followed by a determined and ambitious one, gently grasping onto your wrist as if he was afraid regarding your safety, to which he was.

•’Such a powerful, dreading emanation, who dares enters my domain?’ Azhdaha thundered, remaining in his spot, demanding an immediate answer. Xiao knew already that this was one of the leviathan’s tactics, the use of threats to force one’s opponent into submission, even before the duel commenced.

•‘Your intimidation will not work on me, i have already previously discussed the conditions of this spar. If any terms shall be broken, you would wish a fate decided by Morax, rather than with me.’ Alatus retaliated, before turning to you and placing his hand onto your shoulder and the other below your chin, caressing your skin and though he did not speak, his message was clear. ‘If anything goes wrong, do not restrain from calling for me.’

• ‘Begin.’ He declared, and with that, Azhdaha spent no time at all breaking his temporary seals, and emitting a outcry of war and destruction. You swiftly reached for your bow, analysing the dragon’s every move, determining when to use which seals and where.

•A thunderous wave of energy oscillated across the ground, followed by a large leap into the air from you, aiming precisely for the geo insignia upon its chest. The arrows fired at incredible speed, piercing through the tough flesh of the creature, forcing a strained howl of anger from Azhdaha. It seemed it’s fury was released in outbursts of explosive icicles derived from its cryo infusion, targeted directly at you. Whilst you managed to avoid the first wave, the second batch took you by surprise.

•The biting, glacial blades stunned your movement, sending you plummeting into the soil beneath yourself, a cry of affliction pulled from your throat, leaving you immobile and wounded momentarily as the dragon approached you. Your admirer clenched so tightly onto his jaded spear that it was struggling to remain intact in one piece, you had previously assured him that if you really required his assistance, you would ask, which compelled him to stay put.

• Strings of vulgar curses left your mouth, summoning a catalyst to speed up your recovery before the entity reached you, prompting you to mount yourself upright. Once again, unsheathing your weapon. From what you could tell, Azhdaha seemed too consumed with his foul move and revenge that he ignored his unprotected limbs, revealing a chance almost too well timed to be real.

•Fuelled by the years of practice and sparring, you chanted a incantation before charging towards him at full agility. Behind your form was a grand seal, expeditiously approaching Azhdaha. A final gesture of your hand set the domain up into chaos.

• A monumental vermillion fulmination descended to the ground and emitted a force so great you lost your footing, stabbing an arrow to the ground to prevent being blown away. A harsh blood-curdling roar sounded, signifying the downfall of your opponent.

•Fog occupied the atmosphere, a maze of unpredictability and mystery. A minuscule faint glow guided you to the centre like a lighthouse to a boat lost at sea. The closer you got, the more luminous the crimson glow became. Kneeling down, You clutched the embellishment tightly within your hands. A blessing from the gods, an achievement so noticeable, your heart swelling with pride.

•A radiating pyro vision was cradled in your arms. Your form now could be seen by Xiao, who rapidly crouched beside you, he held your jaw, ensuring you looked up at him. Your lover had the warmest grin you had ever seen grace his face, to which you immediately hugged him. A soft gasp was heard from him, yet no complaints..

Beidou

Anemo- The loss of those dearest to you for personal freedom and progression, individuality.

• Many who walked this land of liyue gazed at you, hearts dropping in sheer jealously. A rich socialite was what you were to these people, nothing else. A heartless mortal with a mind set on business and riches. In fact, you were quite the opposite, but why does it matter? Everything happens behind closed shutters and shadowy doors.

•Authoritative and superior were your parents, admired by all, associates with each end of Liyue’s exquisite corporations, right and left. Unbeknownst to citizenry, cynical and inconsiderate were their true faces. Many would consider you privileged, you’d call yourself unfaithful and hopeless, projections of your parent’s language inculcated into your brain.

• ‘We will not stand for such behaviour, do not dare tarnish our reputation with such problematic requests.’ They scolded, persuading you to do what they asked of you. Hopping from ‘buisness meetings’ when infact, they were arranged proposals.

•It just so happened that today was one of those events. Donning exquisite attire and elegance, much to your disliking. Gracefully seated within the outside quarter of Xinyue Kiosk, timorously searching the pedestrians below you for your 3rd proposal.

•An older man appeared, a crooked grin plastered on his faintly wrinkled profile, eyebrows furrowed in interest before situating right next to you. The sudden approach and confidence of this man made your ailing stomach churn even more, a nauseous feeling emerging from your throat. ‘So, I assume your parents have already introduced me as your..suitor?’ There was that feeling again, utter disgust, your windpipe seemed as if a pair of hands constricted your breathing, scrambling for an answer.

•Choking out a meek ‘excuse me, sir’ was enough of an excuse to hurry down the steps and through the back alley, avoiding the gaze of citizens from possibly questioning you. Gaining momentum, you sped down the harbour behind stalls as cautiously as one could in such regal clothing.

•One occurrence you initially thought was a mistake turned out to be your saviour. You collided straight into another person, gasping as you hit their perceived chest, spewing apologies profusely. Just as you were to begin escaping into the opposite direction, a hand grasped onto your wrist, pulling you back towards whoever gently yet firmly. You focused onto her appearance.

• ‘Hey! Where are you going? I haven’t…’ Her deep voice and rich accent trailing off. A brunette woman with concerned, fuchsia eyes, the other covered with a scarlet eyepatch. Her eyebrow raised with realisation, gazing down at you closely, watching the way your own pupils dilated in horror, frantically scattering and searching the surroundings but why? Oh…

•Her expression immediately softened, mouth slightly ajar, attempting to recollect her thoughts. Weren’t you the reputable, prestigious child of Liyue’s most affluent buisness partners? What were you doing in a place like this, even more so with such a petrified expression?

•’Calm down sweetheart, come with me for a bit..You seem too uneasy.’ Her soft, amiable tone soothing your racing heart, a gradual calming effect induced onto you. She surveyed the harbour, deciding where you take you as she held your quivering hand and drew circles onto them, her long nails pleasantly tracing patterns which pacified you.

•She sheltered and handled you as if you were a treasure to a pirate, precious and careful. Ultimately choosing to take you aboard the Crux, which was currently empty due to her crew being occupied with business affairs. Every small considerate smile she gave you made your heart flutter, faint shades of blush dusting your complexion.

•Removing you from publicity, she guided you to her deck and to her cabin. Within it laid a medium sized bed, adorned with soft bedsheets and pillows, a desk with an abundance of organised stamped papers in stacks, with a few clothing racks and luscious carpet. She gestured you to rest upon the bed, putting a pillow under your head, as you laid down, ignoring your polite protests. She momentarily left the room.

•What was this feeling? Such warmth and peace, contrasted with the flittering of your pulse. A quiet squeak of the door and sound of rushed heels against the wooden deck alerted you and pulled you from your thoughts. You knew her as Captain Beidou, partly from associations she had with your parents and others from her appearance, fitting the strong figure of a mighty woman with a carefree benevolent heart.

•’ Believe it or not, dear, i do know who you may be and i have deduced what kind of situation you are caught up in.. yeah, not a pleasant one yet i still hope you can open up to me? Please?’ Beidou comforted, placing her palm on your forehead, sweeping the strands of stray hair to the side. You emitted a small sigh, gradually giving such details, you could trust her. Who wouldn’t?

•’I do not want to cause additional issues, plus your parents know me quite well, why don’t i drop you off to your estate, hmm?’ The captain suggested, awaiting a response. Regardless of how you arrived, you would be in dire trouble. You uttered a small agreement, lifting yourself from the bed. ‘I’ll deal with him, don’t worry.’

•A arm latched onto your own, encasing you in a protective stance, she walked you back, stopping occasionally to check up on you. You may not of known so, but your exhaustion worried her deeply. Once you reached your estate, the guards situated outside, looking rather exhausted and latching onto their polearms for support, swiftly corrected their posture and bombarded you with questions. Beidou intercepted their questions with a answer of her own. ‘She was not feeling well, I am here to bring her back to her parents.’ She resonated, rubbing her index finger along your cheek affectionately, a curt nod to the guards before spinning on her heel and retreating back to the harbour.

•Days of lying in complete rest at home told you that Beidou’s lie deceived your parents perfectly, for once they treated you with adequate care as a person, not a utility. You missed her dearly, yearning for her comfort the longer you stayed at home.

•You were interrupted one morning by a guard briskly walking into your room to leave a letter in your hands. ‘I’m doing you a huge favour, please don’t mess this opportunity up.’ was all he said, shutting the door behind him. Sliding your fingers underneath the envelope to reveal the letter. The handwriting was gorgeous, professionally cursive and legible.

•’ The Crux will depart at midnight, i hope to see you aboard it, with me. This situation you are in clearly is not what you desire, i can help you build a new life elsewhere.’ Stunned was what you felt now. A new life? This could solve all your issues, you could be away from your parents, away from your troubles and finally be free.

• Dusk had fallen upon Liyue, luminescent lanterns and burning stars lit up the night, guiding and coaxing those to admire its beauty. You wore your combat uniform, the golden trimmed sleeves that flared matched the torso and bottom half. You sneaked out of the room, heading directly to the unarmed museum of your estate. Inching the door open and peering in, the coast was empty of guards, you slipped in through the doors and glanced around.

•Assortments of family heirlooms, categorised in a organised order. You knew exactly where to go, straight towards the weapons, which you took your time admiring, elegant catalysts, worn yet precious swords and the sharpest polearms. Weapons were essential, especially these, they could have multiple uses, if you were short on mora you could even sell them. You latched your fingers around the smooth lapis polearm, tracing the intricate patterns around it, lifting it from the wooden stand and ultimately deciding this would be what you took. Lightweight yet deadly, a perfect combination.

•You swiftly escaped through the window to your right, dropping down onto the street, bolting towards the docks with the night concealing any traces you left. You reached the familiar ship, using the ladder to hoist yourself up into it, catching your breath and looking around for Beidou. A few calls of her name and she noticed your presence, quickly pacing towards you, swinging her arm around your neck.

• A glad smirk occupying her features, grasping your hand and bringing you up onto the higher level of the deck. She gestured you to sit on the floor with her under the makeshift canopy, brushing your hair with her fingers and fluttering a gentle kiss on your nose.

•The grand cruise abruptly lifted its anchors, leaving the docks and sailing further away. You turned back to her, eyes tearful and wrapping your arms around her neck. You allowed your tears to flow, cascading your face and when you left Beidou’s hold, onto your hands as you bowed your head with a solemn smile.

• Your final tear dropped into the palm of your hands, followed by an intense gust of wind, glancing up you saw a firefly, it’s verdant trail descending to engulf it’s surroundings with blinding light. It circled your hands and eventually took its own concluding flicker, a blazing teal luminosity burning up, inducing a shock of ignition through your nerves, eyes glowing a deep turquoise. When you gained your sight back, you turned to your lap.

•There was a Vision, placed into your hands by the God of Freedom, in all its glory. Caressing the smooth glass-like orb, bringing it up to your ear, rushing gales heard within the distance, laughs of your lover and quiet sobs belonging to you. A pair of hands encased your face, drying away the remnants of teardrops.

[total-derangement-of-the-senses]

Song of the Day

4 Dec., ‘23

[bl00dblight]

Anyone here like uhhh...weird Slugcats? :)