( Of Autumn Breezes )

( @artificeheart since this is from the old blog )

UNWANTED TRUTHS ALWAYS SEEMED TO LEAVE A BITTERNESS IN HIS MOUTH- or perhaps that was due to the commissioner's new experimental brew he had been too polite to decline. Whatever the reasoning, his words rang true in a way Kazuha wasn't sure how to process.

After he had snatched his friend's dying vision, he hadn't just fled the place Tomo took his final breath, but the problems that had ensued after. Even whilst he fought in the resistance, the persistent swirl of complicated emotions toward his homeland remained unchecked. Leaving Inazuma had been his last option, after all, a choice he didn't make lightly.

❝A wanderer's life is about not feeling imprisoned, my lord. There's no future for those who linger in the past, and travelling on the Alcor allows me to move on.❞

He may live with regrets, but as far as Kazuha is concerned, what is in the past is gone, and the only thing left to do is live with the choices made. It's a pity that despite this mentality, he still feels aching in his heart whenever he returns home. He may choose to move forward, but the past will never leave him.

Kazuha lets out a long sigh, taking another sip of tea. He refrains from expressing his distaste as he places the cup down.

❝My lord… I've been meaning to ask you something.❞ There's a lilt of hesitation in his voice, unsure if he wanted the answers to his questions. After taking a moment to fidget with his gloves, he continues.

❝Why is it you helped fund my escape? Was I really so incompetent that you couldn't have asked for my help? Our clan history goes way back. I would have, and do, stand by you. I understand my being a fugitive put you in a difficult position, but surely there was something I could have done?❞

It had been weighing him down for months, brewing a frustration that hindered his ability to write poems without difficulty, and even without his answers, the weight had lessened the moment the words tumbled from his mouth.

❝Whilst I wish there had been more I could have done, I must still thank you for your assistance. Joining the Crux… I found a home. I appreciate that I have been absent for a long while, but I am no longer fleeing my past. I do not wish to keep Inazuma out of mind, per se.❞ ( Even if deep down, a part of him did. He wanted nothing more than to look forward and take each day as it comes, making new friends and travelling on the Alcor- to live a simple life. One could hope that it wasn't too much to ask for, yet a part of him feels guilty for feeling this way about his home. )

He rises, brushing himself down. ❝These days, I see life as a long journey. That is why I must travel far and wide. To see the world and to live freely, with the beauty of nature as my companion. I may have painful history here, but it is just that. History. I am not looking to dwell on it.❞

(  a  mix  of  angst,  fluff,  and  plot  focused  dialogue  prompts  in  the  form  of  questions.  feel  free  to  change  how  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ what are you listening to? ❜

❛ can’t sleep? ❜

❛ did it hurt? ❜

❛ are you sure this is a good idea? ❜

❛ do you mind if i sleep here tonight? ❜

❛ what are you doing out here by yourself? ❜

❛ are you wearing my shirt? ❜

❛ don’t you know what you mean to me? ❜

❛ will i see you again? ❜

❛ are you comfortable? ❜

❛ are you trying to get us in trouble? ❜

❛ do you enjoy playing with people’s hearts? ❜

❛ don’t we deserve to be happy? ❜

❛ why can’t i come with you? ❜

❛ are you here to kill me? ❜

❛ you think i’m jealous? ❜

❛ do you want to share this? ❜

❛ is that blood? is it yours? ❜

❛ how do you know my name? ❜

❛ you’re an asshole, you know that? ❜

❛ like what you see? ❜

❛ was that your first kiss? ❜

❛ are you happy here with me? ❜

❛ sorry, did you want to be alone? ❜

❛ do you want my jacket? ❜

❛ how are you still alive? ❜

❛ you’re beautiful, you know that? ❜

❛ what are you so afraid of? ❜

❛ today isn’t your day, is it? ❜

❛ how does it feel to be in love? ❜

❛ you’ve been crying, what’s wrong? ❜

❛ do you remember when we first met? ❜

❛ isn’t this amazing? ❜

❛ did you miss me? ❜

❛ alright, who am i beating up? ❜

❛ that was a close call, wasn’t it? ❜

❛ am i worth so little to you? ❜

❛ how is it you’re never scared? ❜

❛ do you ever think about the future? ❜

❛ can you look at me? please? ❜

❛ you got me flowers? ❜

❛ well, how do i look? ❜

❛ what aren’t you telling me? ❜

❛ how about a kiss before i go? ❜

❛ you don’t know who i am, do you? ❜

❛ may i have this dance? ❜

❛ who’s going to stop us, huh? ❜

❛ wait, you’re leaving already? ❜

❛ it’s my fault, isn’t it? ❜

❛ have you ever lost someone? ❜

❛ do you think i’m a good person? ❜

❛ what are you thinking about? ❜

❛ is it really you? ❜

❛ what if i hurt you? ❜

❛ if you won’t take care of yourself, then who will? ❜

❛ have you come to laugh at me? ❜

Multimuse, Multifandom RP/Ask Blog, Featuring Cyno from Genshin Impact~ 

Independent & Selective. Written by Saru-mun (age 25+), 17+ years RP experience.

unprompted asks // always accepting. @acernusarbor // "I've seen you around recently, my name is Kaedehara Kazuha. Mind if i join you?" -- (Kuniyuki during the resistance)

A MIRROR OF THE PAST REMAINS BEFORE THEM — a reminder of better times, of days long gone ( shards of glass strewn throughout time, so many that they would never be able to put them all back together & create something whole once more ) & perhaps Kuniyuki should not be so surprised, for Kaedehara Kazuha is someone they have caught glimpses of in the midst of crouds, who they had been asked to hunt down & refused to harm ( partially out of their duty to the citizens of Inazuma & partially out of the haunting similarities between Kaedehara & Niwa his ancestor, the one they had known long ago ) yet they had not expected him to seek them out.

( them: the shogun's shadow, witness of death, enforcer of tragedy. they had been the one to watch kazuha run with a dying vision. they had been the one to fall victim to fear time & time again, ultimately all too aware that they could be struck down any moment if they dared interfere in the shogun's precious eternity. )

❝I know who you are.❞ Kuniyuki's voice is sharp as they speak, albeit it holds a softness to it, the syllables rolling off their tongue with no harshness; it is also quiet, barely audible above the sounds of nature surrounding the two of them. ❝& I'm not so foolish as to believe you haven't a clue who I am, either. If you're seeking to keep an eye on me, then you may as well be straightforward about it, Kaedehara.❞ Even if whatever intentions the other held were more kind than that, or so he would likely claim, they would rather not deal with others.

( especially not him, almost copy of the person they had cared for & who had walked away from them. time & time again, others had turned their backs on kuniyuki, & there was no use in pretending kaedehara would not do the same should they allow themself a curiosity, an attachment. )

HE FALTERS FOR A MOMENT, second-guessing himself at the sharpness of their voice. He contemplates his next decision, ultimately letting his curiosity about them win.

❝You misunderstand my intentions, it seems,❞ Kazuha replies, a lilt of hesitation evident in his voice. ( He can't help but wonder what he could have done for them to be so distrusting of his intentions. ) ❝I do know who you are, yes. But I never claimed not to. I do not wish to 'keep an eye on you', and I'm not sure why you think I would. Are we not fighting for the same cause, Kuniyuki?❞

He moves over to sit on the wall with them, turning to face them. ( It wasn't often you could get this close to the Shogun's shadow, which he thought was a pity. It must be a lonely life, one he could relate to, in a sense. ) His eyes meet the brilliant indigo of their own, and he gazes into them momentarily- as if the action itself could give him the answers he was searching for.

❝Forgive me if I am wrong, but I do not recall us having met directly like this before. Have I, perchance, offended you? If so, I must offer my sincerest apologies.❞

Peeling his eyes away from them, he watches his fellow soldiers bustle around the camp, some setting up a fire nearby, ready to tell the next bout of battle stories over roasted lavender melon and smuggled dandelion wine.

❝I like to surround myself with frank people- so we may speak our minds freely with one another. I believe you to be someone of such character. Have I misinterpreted you?❞ He pauses his train of thought, offering a polite wave to some friends of his. ❝I have no ulterior motive here. I was looking for some company- and I thought you might, perhaps, like some too.❞

( It was the truth, more or less. There was a void that Kazuha needed to fill, even if temporarily. He wondered if maybe striking up a new friendship could help fill it, no matter how challenging it may prove to be. )

❝You could ignore my questions if you wish, but I hear the voices of all things in nature, that includes yours.❞ He hums, ❝Besides, I heard you're supposed to join me tomorrow as we clear the nearby area. Is it not a good idea to learn what you can about a partner you're fighting with? Just as you would with a blade?❞

❝Anything you say can & will be held against you; so only say my name.❞

Curious honey-coloured eyes contemplate the discarded leaves (music, huh? with these?), a little nod offered with each and every one of Kazuha's list of requirements to find the Chosen One. Gee, who would have thought being a musical of nature would be so complicated?? "I see, I see. It's like finding the right balance of powder and ore for a firework - if the composition is even slightly off, the result won't be up to par with the intended colours!" Yes, exactly the same thing. See! Even poets and fireworks makers can communicate, when they put their mind to it.

Anyway. More important than considerations of fireworks, is the chance at a little chat with an old acquaintance she has not seen in a very long time (and for good reason); thus, Kazuha's proposal for a little walk comes as a very welcome offer. "I'd love that! Maybe you can tell me more about leaf playing! I remember trying to do that when I was a kid - only sound I got out of them was that of a dying Anemo slime..."

"Oh, yeah, pops and I are doing great! You know the Summer Festival is right around the corner, right? Well, not quite, but it'll be here soon enough, so I'm hunting for ideas for this year's designs!" With a beaming smile, Yoimiya waves the sketchbook she holds in her hand, as she and the ronin begin their walk under the canopy of sakura trees.

THE COMPANY OF AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE WAS WELCOME, particularly after being away from his homeland for so long. He listened attentively to everything she had to say, chuckling at her comparison of a dying Anemo slime. A heartfelt smile settled on his face as the crisp evening wind blew against his skin. ( He hadn't realised how much he missed the simplicities of being home. )

❝Once we acquire better-quality leaves, I could teach you how to play sounds that aren't of the dying capacity- If you'd like.❞

They continue to converse as their stroll takes them through a billowy pink and white canopy of Sakura trees. Kazuha stopped briefly to pluck a sprig of the cherry blossoms from the ground, twirling it in his hands as he spoke.

❝It is a great relief to hear you have both been doing well.❞ He inspected the petals that had since fallen into his hands, contemplating her words as he did.

❝Is it already that time of year? It seems I have been away longer than I thought for the summer festival to be approaching us. How have you been getting on with your designs? I do love your fireworks.❞

It was never a pleasant feeling to get reminded of the events that transpired during the Sakoku Decree. The memories of such times are a source of inner turmoil for Kazuha, one he had attempted to leave in the winds as he followed his desire to travel.

❝I have been well. The Shogunate has indeed cleared the charges against my name. I have been much more at ease since, and it has been nice returning home no longer a fugitive.❞ He returns the blossoms to the ground, turning to face his friend directly.

❝You did so much for everyone during the resistance, and I feel compelled to thank you again for your efforts. It is an honour to call you a friend, and I shall be delighted to attend the festival this year to see your work. Celebrating a new beginning is just what everyone needs, don't you think?❞

( His words are sincere- perhaps the festival will be precisely the thing to lift everyone's spirits after everything they've been through recently. )

headcanon prompts with questions based on plants   &   what they represent in flower language .  happy roleplaying !!  ♡

abatina :   is there anything in life your muse has changed their mind about over time   (   due to becoming more educated on the topic ,   certain experiences  ,   etc .   ) ,    or that they   would   change their mind about under certain circumstances ?  

acanthus :   is your muse deceptive ,   or willing to lie or deceive to achieve certain means ?   why or why not ?   

aloe :   how does your muse handle grief ?

amaryllis :   what is something or someone that your muse takes pride in ?   how do they express that pride ?   

anemone :   how does your muse view the world ;   as a cruel   &   unforgiving place ,   a land full of wonders ,   or something in - between ?  where does that world view come from   (   what experiences ,   life lessons ,   etc .   ) ?  

angelica :   where does your muse draw inspiration in life ?   what motivates them ?

apple blossom :   how does your muse go about expressing or not expressing their sexuality ?  

bachelor’s button :   does your muse actively seek romantic companionship ,   or cherish the liberties of being single ? 

basil :   does your muse have a love - hate relationship with anyone or anything ?

bay tree :   does your muse seek glory   &   accolades ,   or do they favour a simpler ,   more personal life ?  

begonia :   how cautious is your muse ?   are they prone to noticing red flags ,   or paranoid to the point of untrusting most everyone ?   why or why not ?  

belladonna :   how does your muse respond to silence ?   do they take comfort in soundlessness ,   or seek to fill the void with noise ?   

bluebell :   does your muse learn from their past ,   or are they prone to repeating the same mistakes ?  

carnation :   what is your muse’s relationship with their gender ?   how do they express or not express this relationship ?  

chamomile :   what is your muse likely to take away from a painful experience ?   are they one to be haunted by adversity ,   or to use what they’ve gone through to become stronger ?  

chrysanthemum :   how does your muse express romantic love ?  how do they feel about love as a concept ?  

daffodil :   is your muse one to be loyal in relationships ,   or are they likely to quickly move from one bond to another ?

daisy :   did your muse ever feel as though their innocence had been lost ?   what moment in their life could be described as the end of their innocence ?  

edelweiss :   what was the bravest moment in your muse’s life ?  are they known to be courageous from then on ?  

fern :   does your muse believe in magic or cosmic forces ,   or are they more likely to think their life is ultimately a matter of their own control ?  

forget - me - not :   has your muse ever forgotten something that is or was important to them ?   are they afraid of forgetting things like that ?  

gardenia :   is your muse one to confess romantic feelings early on ,   or to conceal them for long periods of time ?  

gladiolus :   describe a moment from your muse’s life that they will never forget .

goldenrod :   does your muse believe in luck or fortune ?  why or why not ?   where do they believe these things come from ?  

heliotrope :   does your muse believe in soulmates ?

hibiscus :   how does your muse view the gentler ,   daintier things in life ?   as things worth preserving   &   caring for ,   or things only bound to wither   &   disappear ?  

holly :   how strong is your muse’s sense of intuition ?  are they aware of it ?   do they ever fear that it is only paranoia ?  

hollyhock :   how strong is your muse’s sense of ambition ?  what’s something they strive for in life ?  

hyacinth :   is your muse athletic ?   does it come naturally to them ,   or have they had to work for their physique and/or skill ?  

hydrangea :   how much does your muse value communication in their relationships with others ?  are they prone to being misunderstood ?

iris :   if your muse could convey one last message to someone they have lost or left behind ,   what would it be ?  

ivy :   what are your muse’s views on marriage ?   do they believe it is something strictly for love ,   or an institution rooted in business   &   social benefits ?   do they desire or have they desired to be married ?

lavender :   how easy is it to gain your muse’s trust ?  once their trust is broken ,   how might one go about mending it ?  

lilac :   what was your muse’s childhood like ?   how has their upbringing affected them as they’ve aged ? 

lily :   how does your muse view their mother ?  

lotus :   has your muse ever felt as though they’ve been reborn ?  have they ever desired the feeling of a fresh start ,   or a better understanding of themself and/or the world around them ?  

magnolia :   describe your muse’s relationship with nature   &   the natural world .  

marigold :   is your muse prone to jealousy ?  how might they handle envious feelings ?  

mint :   does your muse view themself as virtuous   &   moral ?  what do these words mean to them ?

nasturtium :   describe your muse’s relationship with their birthplace ,   or homeland .  

oak :   who would your muse consider the strongest person they know ?  

pansy :   does your muse often reflect on their own actions ?   do they ever think a lot about the past ,   and what they could have done differently ?

parsley :   describe a holiday your muse enjoys ,   and why they enjoy it .

peony :   what would a   ‘  happy life  ’   look like in your muse’s eyes ?

poppy :   what comforts your muse ?

rhododendron :   is your muse receptive to warnings   &   advice given by others ?

rose :   how much does your muse value other people ?   do they wish to have many friends ,   lovers ,   and/or associates ?   are they an easy person to love ?

sage :   what is your muse’s legacy ?   what do they want to be remembered for   &   what might they actually be remembered for ?  

salvia :   is your muse possessive over people or things that matter a lot to them ?  how do they express that possessiveness ,   or lack thereof ? 

snapdragon :   is your muse merciful ?  why or why not ?

southernwood :   how seriously does your muse take themself ?   do they prefer a solemn   &   intellectual atmosphere or do they delight in jokes   &   banter ?  

sunflower :   what brings your muse the most joy in life ?  

tulip :   how does your muse view people in general ?  

violet :   how does your muse respond to betrayal ?

willow :   how does your muse handle sadness   &   depression ?

INAZUMA'S TURMOIL HAD KNOWN NO BOUNDS — the shakiness of people's faith in their archon ( their own trust in the shogun, fellow puppet & perfect creation, shaken just as their faith in Ei, mother who left & never returned, had been so many years ago that they have lost count ) yet to be restored, despite her return from a half millenia retreat into her mind.

It is unsurprising, to Kuniyuki, that the citizens of Inazuma would display their lack of trust in her ( a lack of trust in them, creature thrice-betrayed, shadow pledged to their protection ) in the way they did, whispers behind her back that express horror at her actions, word of praise by the serpent-tongued intertwined with venomous remarks of the decrees that had almost caused their country to fall. They do not put a stop to it, for it is no business of theirs if her name is dredged through the mud ( they find entertainment in it, at times, despite the disgust that crawls under their skin at such joy being given at the expense of their mother ) alongside their own.

( it is not their place to protect the electro archon's name, only her people. )

There is only one variable that leads them to confusion, a curiosity that lingers within their soul — why does Kazuha say nothing of her, aside from expressing his visible discomfort? It had eluded them for long enough & it was only while observing the test of courage ( inane as it was, they would not leave humans to fend for themselves against yokai, even harmless creatures could cause trouble inadvertently ) that they had taken notice of it beyond a simple truth they had come to know. It is, in the end, this puzzlement that has caused them to seek him out today.

It has been a long time since their silhouette has haunted the docks of Ritou, an attire of dark blues against the backdrop of night; & so, to be there in the middle of the day, sat upon crates watching ships sail into the harbour, was rather new & they were sure an earful would be given to them later by one of the commissioners ( patient as others may be with them ) for worrying others, for rarely has Kuniyuki existed within this world without purpose, never gracing others with their presence for they had more important business to attend to.

( & was this not important, to answer the questions within their soul? to speak to someone they had known in passing? )

❝You look like you've seen better days, Kaedehara.❞ They call out, voice holding a lilt of amusement as they finally spot him ( red streak in hair forever calling to them, reminder of a lost friend who would never be recovered ) & they hop down from where they had taken their perch, guided by the gentle breeze of the sea, anemo at their beck & call — it had not always been so, an addition that has come from recent years, when resistance was chosen over submission; freedom over eternity.

❝I've been waiting for you for a while, you know?❞ Feet touch the ground & Kuniyuki walks, strides elegant as ever, until they are in front of them, blueish-purple staring into crimson red ( the shade of rubies, the colour of blood ) with a quizzical stare, hands firmly by their side. ❝I've been wanting to meet with you, but you're difficult to get hold of. If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought you were avoiding me. That aside, would you be so kind as to join me for lunch today?❞

( there is no use in asking their questions right away. they had all day to do that, but humans were so fragile & thus, was it not better to make sure he was taken care of before their interrogation were to take place? )

A FAMILIAR EARTHY AROMA PERMEATED HIS SENSES - the mild floral undertones reminded him of steeped black tea. It had been a favourite amongst some members of the resistance, and he had grown all too accustomed to the lingering sweet smell. Consequently, it had given away his companion's identity long before the wind carried their voice over the bustling docks.

Kazuha had arrived in Ritou after a wearing voyage amongst the Crux ( one that allegedly had taken a visible toll, according to the amused observation of Kuniyuki ). It wasn't too long ago now that he had last noticed their presence, yet it came as a surprise when they approached him this time. There was very little reason he could comprehend as to why Kuniyuki was actively seeking him out - and it had admittedly piqued his interest. He supposed that he could enjoy the scenic sights of the matured maples another day and take up their offer for lunch.

( What was the catch of this offer? Why had the Shogun's shadow bothered with such trouble? )

Quizzical indigo eyes bore into his own, and he put aside the nagging doubts about his friend's sincerity. Kazuha was not confident regarding the reasoning for the sudden directness of their approach, having only really interacted in passing before ( he had an inkling there was something on the other's mind - or perhaps they wanted to reminisce over their time in the resistance? ) whatever their reasoning may be, he was content with the company.

❝I apologise for the trouble I have caused you, Kuniyuki.❞ He pauses for a moment, considering. A slight smirk graces his lips, ❝Although, you must understand your difficulty stems from your search for me on land. I travel with the Crux Fleet, and we do not remain idle in one place for long. I was not avoiding you, I assure you.❞

Kazuha moves along the dock, momentarily glancing back toward the blue-clad figure. ❝It would be a pleasure to accompany you to lunch. Might I suggest something inside? I do not feel like dining under lightning today, do you?❞

There was no reason to believe a storm was brewing for those unattuned to nature. To the trained ears, the wind could carry the sound of a storm strike far and distant. It was only a whisper, light and faint - an almost imperceptible shift in humidity confirming the direction the storm was travelling.

( The unforeseen adjustments in his plans left him wondering, what will the rest of the day bring his way? )

❛  i know we only just met but i already feel like i’ve known you my whole life.  ❜ ❛  umm, is this seat taken ?  ❜ ❛  don’t be alarmed now but there’s someone following you. pretend you know me and come with me. i’ll get you somewhere safe.  ❜ ❛  my friends ditched me here and now i could really use a ride home.  ❜ ❛  i don’t think we’ve met yet but you looked like you needed someone to talk to.  ❜ ❛  can you please pretend to be my boyfriend / girlfriend for a moment so my ex will leave me alone ?   ❜ ❛  are you always this straightforward with strangers ?  ❜ ❛  here, i noticed you lost this earlier.  ❜ ❛  i’m sorry, i must’ve mistaken you for somebody else.  ❜ ❛  so, what brings you here today ?  ❜ ❛  hi, my name is [name]. it’s nice meeting you.  ❜ ❛  you’re cute. how about i buy you a drink ?  ❜ ❛  can’t you watch where you are going ?!  ❜ ❛  i just moved into the apartment next to you, so i guess we’re gonna be neighbors now.  ❜ ❛  oh god, you’re [name], aren’t you ?  ❜ ❛  here, let me help you.  ❜ ❛  is there a reasons you’re here on your own ?  ❜ ❛  apparently we’re going to be working on this together now.  ❜ ❛  you look like you could use a hand with that.  ❜ ❛  what do people around here do to have some fun ?  ❜ ❛  looks like this will take a while, huh ?  ❜ ❛  oh god. please tell me you haven’t just heard me talk to myself.  ❜ ❛  excuse me, i think i’m lost.  ❜ ❛  i just wanted to say that i really like your outfit.  ❜ ❛  do you come here often ?  ❜ ❛  do you mind if i join you for a bit ?  ❜ ❛  you looked lonely so i got you a drink.  ❜ ❛  i don’t think we’ve met, i’m [name].  ❜ ❛  what the hell just happened there ?  ❜ ❛  have you seen this anywhere ? i must’ve lost it.  ❜ ❛  can i please use your phone ? i have to call someone to get me out of here.  ❜ ❛  seems like we’re gonna be spending a lot of time together.  ❜ ❛  come with me, and don’t ask any questions. it’s urgent.  ❜ ❛  i heard strange noises coming from your apartment and just wanted to make sure everything is alright.  ❜ ❛  i have a spare ticket, you wanna come in with me ?  ❜ ❛  you don’t know me but will you be my date for tonight ?  ❜ ❛  we’ve got some time to kill so why don’t you tell me a little about yourself ?  ❜ ❛  i don’t usually just walk up to strangers but my friends set me up to it.  ❜ ❛  i think our orders may have gotten mixed up.  ❜ ❛  do i have something on my face or why do you keep looking at me like that ?  ❜