#then again i would need WAY more mora too so i’d have to farm that

[electric-plants]

the temptation i have to pivot from perfecting his artifacts to getting the last talent mats for wriothesley instead like i nearly have enough to triple crown him already…..it wouldn’t take much…….

[tinylittletv]

A Rift Between

Miraak/Blind!Reader.

I rewrote this because it’s been a few years and I don’t like the old one, and this time I plan on continuing it!

For as long as you could remember, it has always just been you and your father working on your farm. Well, for a while it was just you working on the farm. The labor wasn’t easy nor was it short but you enjoyed this life. Greeting your father with a smile whenever he comes home from his travels. He was never one to stay in one place for long, that only changed after you had been born. But, you’re an adult and very capable of taking care of yourself. It took some convincing but in your early adulthood you convinced him to return to the road while you stayed home. Happy to tend to the land and the animals.

Since the day you came into this world, you were blind. The world is a mystery to you in a way that only you will understand yet never really seek to change. You can see the world, albeit, in a different way. It doesn’t limit you or stunt your life. After all, you’ve never had sight, what on Nirn could you be missing?

The closest city being miles away had you living isolated, but you enjoyed it. No one to bother you or your animals.

And the walk to the city to sell your wares is always enjoyable.

Having enough to live comfortably and always saving up to prepare your father a fresh, large, home cooked meal for when he returns. Always with a tale on his lips to tell. Of course, he would exaggerate a few things, painting the world in a large and exciting light.

But…

His last trip...you didn’t like it.

He had come home, muttering and whispering to himself, you being but an afterthought and the food even more so. Picking at little as he flips through a book. He has come home with books and papers before. So, what is it about this one that had his attention? During the night, you’d hear him rummage for a pen and paper, scribbling away before ripping up the freshly used paper. Cursing and grinding his teeth.

This went on for days. You delayed your trip to the city to try and care for your father as you fear he is sick, or has been struck with madness.

These worries only seemed to confirm your fear of madness as this night he stormed into your room. Quickly you sat up from your bed, opening your mouth to say...something before you felt the book he had brought home being dropped on your lap. It was heavy and it smelt old and inky. You scrunched up your nose for only a second before you went to push the large, heavy book off. Only to have your muttering father grab the back of your head and force you to face the book. Being so close, you could hear what he muttered.

“Just look at the damn thing! Look at it speak! Those dark secrets that crawl through your brain. They know, they know too much! The words won’t shut up.”

He sounded mad.

He grabbed your face, forcing you to face him, letting you know that he was growing angry. At you, at the book. “Focus you stupid child! Look at the book and tell me! Tell me it’s dark, black words and promises of knowledge.” You didn’t try to get out of his tightening grasps as tears bubbled in your eyes. He was mad! Mind tossed about! You stuttered, “You know I can’t read what is written down.” You stated, placing your hands over his, hoping to bring some sanity back to him. But he pulled his hands away, scratching at his chin; Hearing his nails against the scruffiness of his beard. “I know, but maybe blind eyes can see what crawls through the pages and into the mind.” He got off your bed, mumbling about how you should stay put and read and he’ll go get something to write with. Wanting you to tell him what you’d see in the book.

Your tears fell, rolling down your cheeks as you shook with only worry.

He was mad, your poor father has gone mad!

And this book was to blame.

You face the heavy literature in your lap, the worry for your father only being matched by the quickly growing anger for this book. You may not know what is bringing him this madness, you will rip this book to shred to rid him of its burden. You tossed the book open, quick to grab a chunk of the pages before suddenly, something thick, warm and smooth wrapped around you before you felt a pull. One that was too strong for you to fight and to fast for you to fully understand what was happening.

You felt yourself falling, only given a moment to brace for impact. Hiting hard ground, nearly knocking the wind out of you.

Of course it wasn’t a normal book, of course magic had to be involved.

By the divines you will strangle whoever wrote that book and rip it to shreds once you have your hands on it. You got up, pushing yourself onto your feet, dusting off and straightening up your nightwear. Wherever you were, it smelled like an old library and fish. You could hear the faint sounds of books and paper fluttering. Taking a few careful steps forward, you had to think of a way out of here, knowing well that you were no longer in your room. But this place sounded rather vast and empty, it may take a bit to find the way out. Hopefully, magic wasn’t needed, you don’t know a thing about the arcane arts.

A few more steps before a voice boomed above you.

“Mortal”

You turned your sightless gaze upwards.

“You dare use your hands to try and rid Nirn of one of my...many black books?” The voice was masculine, deep, and slow. “I’d burn it if I must.” You stated, calmly as you spoke only truth. “Such written words have driven my father mad, if your book is the cause, I will leave only shreds of it behind. Hell be my punishment if I don’t.”  The being gave a chuckle, just as deep and as slow as his voice.

“Mortals cannot handle the pool of knowledge when they peek into my books. Madness will fall to those...who....are burdened with what they...are not meant to know” He sounded rather proud of that fact; and it made your blood boil. “Then I demand to know the owner of these books, so I can send you to an unwelcome afterlife.” here you do not stutter as you stand your ground. Ready to take on, whoever this was.

For a minute or two, there was no answer. This being thinking on if you should even know that fact, but seeing you so proud and determined, had him play with many plans and ideas into his head.

You hear him inhale, “Little mortal, I am...Hermaeus Mora.”

For a moment, you were taken off guard, not expecting to have this be the fault of a deadric prince. He seemed to catch your surprise, chuckling darkly as you shook your head and returned to just being angry at him. You don’t care who this was, he was driving your father mad, therefore, he’s going to pay. “Rid my father of your madness.” You demanded, not backing down as you kept facing him, an expression showing how you will not be intimidated. But it was all you could do, knowing that in this moment you are at a disadvantage and the prince of knowledge knew that too.

But he was more than amused by you, and there was little he could do that he normally would to any other mortal. After all, you are blind, anything written down here is useless to you and just killing you won’t be as fun. After all, not everyone makes such a...humble demand. Normally they beg or plead. For power, for knowledge. But you, you seem to be a bit of an oddity.

And Mora, he is such a collector of oddities.

Maybe he’ll keep you.

“Mind your tongue...mortal. I am the master of this realm...your life is in...my hands.” You could tell he was being smug. So very smug. “I will be loose with my tongue, you are no master of me.” Your voice echoed with challenge and determination. You will not watch what you say, nor will you be polite.

But, it seemed he plans on answering your challenge as you feel the ground under you disappear, sending you falling yet again. Landing this time, one a pile of books that you end up knocking over. That hurt. For a moment you were still, back aching from that sudden fall. Only slowly sitting up and rubbing your tailbone, moving to sit on your knees before you hear the sound of a book closing and someone getting up from their chair.

Footsteps moving closer to you before they stopped, just shy in front of you as Mora spoke again. “Keep an eye on this one...Miraak.”

[xiao-cafe]

money sense — zhongli oneshot

pairing: zhongli x gn!reader tags: fluff, established crush on zhongli and everyone knows except him, a little bit of crack, ambiguous ending but it’s not sad summary: funds are running low so aether dumps zhongli at your door one day and asks you to teach the man how to haggle. wc: 1.3k 

It was a little past three in the afternoon when Aether arrived at your door with Paimon, screeching incessantly. Startled by the sudden intrusion, you emerged from your workroom to see a familiar trio by your door. 

Your heart skips a beat when your gaze lands on Zhongli, standing beside Aether while engaging Paimon in what could only be described as a one-sided argument. You take a few seconds to calm yourself down whilst also finding amusement in the trio’s predicament.

Before you could even raise a hand in greeting, you get interrupted by Paimon.

“We have no money left!” Paimon cried, clutching dramatically at her little head. “Y/N! Please teach this guy how to haggle, you’re the only one we know who’s the best at getting discounts!” Clinging onto you, the guide points an accusatory finger at Zhongli, with an angry pout on her face.

Aether nodded along furiously, crossing his arms as he sighed heavily while looking at Zhongli who seemed to not be the least bit bothered by their lack of Mora. Certainly, being an ex-god, the man had his quirks. 

One that was simply unacceptable for a group of travellers. 

Lack of money sense.

“Please Y/N, we’ve seen you haggle at the harbour and getting nearly half off,” Aether said earnestly, admiration shining in his eyes. It took you less than a second to remember what he was talking about. No doubt, he was referring to the time you spent almost an hour at Xigu Antiques, bargaining as if your life depended on it. 

Unsure of whether you should be embarrassed or flattered you simply put both your hands up in surrender while ignoring the subtle rise of blush on your cheeks when you meet Zhongli’s strong gaze. The man nods his head at you in greeting and you hastily nod back, hoping that you didn’t look too eager when you did so. 

“I’m flattered, but are you guys sure you’d want me to teach him how to haggle?” You ask, tearing your eyes away from Zhongli’s face as you spoke directly to Aether. 

“Please.” Aether and Paimon say simultaneously, in all seriousness. It was almost comical, the way Aether and his guide were absolutely in sync for once.

“I agree, I believe haggling is part and parcel of Liyue Harbor’s culture and learning such a skill would certainly become a benefit.” Zhongli’s deep voice resonated easily in your small home.

You realised that your guests had been politely standing by the entrance, save for Paimon who was always quick to break a few rules. Heat rose to your face as you gestured for them to come in.

“P-please come right in! I’ll make some tea right now!” You stumbled across your words, embarrassed that you had forgotten your manners. As you were about to make your way to the kitchen and make tea, a warm gloved hand lands on your forearm, holding you in place.

“It’s fine, Y/N. It was our fault for intruding upon you.” Zhongli assured, his sweet half-smile causing your heart to race. 

You nod meekly, not trusting yourself to speak without stuttering. You rubbed at your skin where Zhongli had touched, feeling the goosebumps that emerged.

“Then I guess we’ll leave him to you then, Y/N!” Paimon announced gleefully. The little guide floats towards your face and leans in to whisper in your ear.

“Good luck!” Paimon whispers, winking secretively.

Rather than luck, you wished you’d have a stronger heart.

“I believe these tomatoes are of the highest quality. Fresh and grown with care, these tomatoes are suitable for Y/N’s diet. Farming is a skill honed with years of experience as such I will buy all your tomatoes.” 

You wanted nothing more than to knock yourself unconscious with the nearest pillar.

It had been an hour since you began your shopping trip with Zhongli for groceries. It was supposed to be a simple lesson, teaching him how to pick which store to buy from and how to obtain a discount from the store. 

Yet, Zhongli and his infinite knowledge were attempting to burn a hole through your wallet. 

“Stop!” You throw the vendor an apologetic smile and drag Zhongli away by the arm. 

“Zhongli... We’re supposed to be buying only what we need, and obtaining a discount.” You explained once more, hoping he’d understand. “I understand you hold great respect for excellent farmers but this,” You gesture to your wallet, “Has only 500 Mora.”

You hear a snicker behind your back and immediately lower your head, shoving your wallet back into your pockets.

Zhongli was quiet for a moment as he stared at you intensely. You were beginning to wonder if you had something on your face. 

“I see... It was my mistake. I’ve only been seeing things in the perspective of a seller’s ideal customer. Please continue to teach me how to haggle, I am certain I will do better this time around.” He said, “So, please continue the lesson... Y/N Sensei.” Chuckling to himself, you watch Zhongli head back to the store with your face bright red and your mind short-circuiting from the witnessing Zhongli’s laugh.

An inexplicable warmth bloomed in your chest as you jogged to catch up to Zhongli.

“Pardon me, but I’d like to buy 5 tomatoes,” Zhongli said, glancing over to you. You nodded and smiled back at him, encouraging him to continue. 

“That’d be 600 Mora.” 

Boring your gaze onto Zhongli’s side profile, you could only hope that he had learned from his previous mistake. 

“My partner here only has 500 Mora, would it be alright if you’d lower the price for them please?” 

You smack your face into your hands, sinking to the floor. The mention of yourself being Zhongli’s partner barely made it through your mind as the barely-contained giggles from the vendor filled your ears.

“I-I’m sure... I can make ah... ha... an exception t-today.” The vendor managed to get out. 

“Y/N, he agreed to the discount,” Zhongli stated, satisfaction practically rolling off of him in waves.

Through the gaps of your fingers, you see Zhongli turn and pause. Possibly because you were crouched on the floor and he had no idea what he had just done.

“Do you not have 500 Mora? I thought you-”

Unable to take it any longer, you stand up quickly and hand the money over, receiving your bag of tomatoes in exchange. 

“Thank you...” You mumbled to the vendor, red-faced, holding on tightly to your bag of tomatoes. 

“My pleasure! I wish both of you happiness!” The vendor grinned.

Before you could protest, Zhongli had intercepted. 

“Thank you for your kind words.” He replied, graciously accepting the handshake offered by the vendor. Shaking your head in disbelief, you chuckled to yourself as a form of comfort and took upon the chance to gaze upon Zhongli unabashedly while he was distracted.

As the hustle and bustle of Liyue Harbor reached its evening peak, the setting sun cast a warm glow against the city, illuminating everything within reach, golden. 

Yet, your focus was only on him. 

Everything about him ensnared your senses and forced you to only look at him. 

His dark hair that faded to ombre at the tips shone a bright gold in wisps and his eyes that seemed to hold an abundance of intellect and mysteries only made you fall for him more.

You let out an appreciative sigh, unaware that Zhongli’s conversation with the vendor had long since ended.

“Y/N?”

You blinked a few times, snapping out of your trance.

“I think we’ll end today’s lesson here.” You hastily respond, giving Zhongli a warm smile. “You did well.”

“Naturally. I was taught by the best.” He replied smoothly. “Though, I think I much prefer to call you partner rather than Sensei... I guess imitating Childe wasn’t for me.” He muttered, resting his chin between his pointer finger and thumb. 

You could only laugh as he fell into deep thought. 

Surely, one day you’d have the confidence to let him know about your feelings.

“Then I’ll head home first, Zhongli.”

“Of course, goodbye Y/N.”

As you waved goodbye to him, you could only think about the next time you’d see him again.

end.

This is my first genshin impact fic and it’s for geo daddy who still refuses to come home. anyways, hope you guys enjoy this one-shot and feel free to raid my inbox lol i’m looking for mutuals on here :3c

[mrpenguinpants]

I was serious when I said I was a complete Xiao Simp.

Since people have been asking about it. Here are my Xiao Guide/Stats/Build. 

First post: I was serious when I said I was going to 90 him on day one.

All Xiao Emotes and Poses: pictures

Xiao’s Name and Chinese Voicelines Translations: TBA

Sorry about my horrible quality and weird crops. Tumblr hates it when I try and upload a full screen screenshot. I keep getting an error and I’m too tired to deal with it. 

@127aliciia​ 

Lvl 90

I know it’s up to luck what drops you get but I find that when you solo the boss, more often than not, you get 3 juvenile jades instead of 2. Don’t worry about exp paper or mora since on the 02/26 there’s going to be a double leyline event. You basically get 3 opportunities to get double drops using 20 original resin. 

I’d say you should prioritize this way:

1. Artifact [just aim for a good main stat. You can artifact grind later.]

2. Mora [only if you are a struggling zhongli wallet like me. ]

3. Talent Books

4. Exp paper 

The new events will give you a ton of exp materials. You can level Xiao’s talents to 6 and you’re good. You can level up later. 

Ascension cost: 420,000 mora

Exp materials: 414 Hero's Wit, 13 Adventurer's Experience, 17 Wanderer's Advice 

Exp cost: 1,672,000 mora

Skill cost: 4,950,000 mora

Total: 7,042,000 mora

Weapon

I got his 5 star spear when I first started the game so I’ve just been using that. But the bp spear “Deathmatch” is not a bad option. My friend gifted my bp but I’ll probably stick with jade spear haha. If you’re f2p then you can use the prototype spears. I think prototype starglitter is better than crescent pike since most of your damage is going to be anemo. 

Prototype Starglitter

Deathmatch

Artifacts

Flower

Feather

Timepiece

Goblet

Circlet

I’m running 2 glad + 2 viridescent set bonus on him. To be honest, my artifacts are actually garbage besides my flower haha.

I would say:

Flower and Feather: You must have crit damage and crit rate. These are the easiest to farm since you can get glad pieces from weekly bosses. I just got unlucky. 

Timepiece: Atk% 

Goblet: Anemo bonus damage

Circuit: Crit damage 

Prioritize crit damage and crit rate for your sub stats. Atk% is fine. Use your energy recharge artifacts for support characters (but it’s not awful to have on Xiao). 

Talents

I’m a complete zhongli wallet and getting talent 9 to 10 costs 7000000 mora. I can 10 all his talents, I’m just broke. 

If you have anything under c6 xiao: Normal attack, elemental burst, elemental skill

If you have c6 xiao: Elemental burst, elemental skill, normal attack. 

C6 xiao is literally ult -> plunge attack -> eee -> plunge attack -> eee. Wash rinse and repeat. 

Stats

Team

This is the team I’m running with now. I still need to experiment a bit but Xiao is my main dps, Childe is my secondary, Zhongli is my shield, and Jean is my healer. I want to put bennet in just because bennet is stupid broken but I’m not sure. 99% why childe and zhongli are together with Xiao is for the meme. Jean is just there for the anemo bonus and to heal haha. 

I might also try Xiao, Venti, Zhongli, and Qiqi/Bennet. That seems like fun. 

Small gameplay notes

Xiao elemental burst ignores wooden shields.

I cancel my last normal attack auto with a charged attack (the spear vault). My preferred method is na -> na ->  na-> ca. I feel like that’s the fastest and easiest to do. 

E -> E then before the energy particles come back to you, use your elemental burst (q), so when they come back it fills up your bar. By the time your first burst ends, you can burst again. 

Elemental burst: plunge -> normal atk/charged to cancel -> plunge. Wash, rinse, and repeat.

Xiao takes no falling damage only if you’re plunging. 

Xiao’s feet don’t touch the ground when you sit. This doesn’t mean anything in gameplay. It’s just cute.

---

The man took all my fragile resin, time, mora, and books. And you know what? I would let him do it again. I’m a serious hoarder of materials so I had 40 fragile resin to do this. Let’s be clear. DO NOT DO THIS. IT’S NOT WORTH IT. I’M JUST AN IDIOT. 

Honestly, the biggest accomplishment of this year so far is making my pretty team. Childe, Zhongli, Diluc, and Xiao now. My team name went from “Waiting for Xiao” to “Xiao is home”.