⋆˚⋆୨Kaeya❄️Brainrot୧⋆˚⋆

Plus, Kaeya is famously popular with the elderly. So I think he also learned some old-school etiquette from the Ragnvindrs. I also like to imagine that Kaeya genuinely and consistently makes people feel cared for and listened to, despite how he may brush it off with casual deflection.

While he projects the image of an easygoing Cavalry Captain, I like to think the Ragnvindr upbringing shows itself in many ways. Like the way he holds a wine glass precisely by the stem with the exact finger placement taught to him by his childhood tutors. Or when he adjusts his posture and speech to match his company, whether he is speaking to a diplomat or a local merchant. Or when he takes the street-side of the pavement when escorting a lady, and kissing the back of her hand with just the right amount of distance to remain respectful.

Kaeya probably knows exactly how to flatter someone and stroke their ego in the most polite way possible, which he learned through hours of etiquette classes and navigating high-society balls. Most citizens of Mondstadt simply chalk it up to his usual charisma, completely missing the fact that they are catching fleeting glimpses of a perfectly raised young master.

And perhaps the saddest part is that those lessons may have become even more important after Diluc left Mondstadt. With Diluc suddenly leaving Mondstadt and the city still reeling from Crepus' death, Kaeya was suddenly one of the few familiar figures from the Ragnvindr clan people could rely on, despite not being an "official" Ragnvindr family member.

I can imagine him consciously making the effort to stand all straight and poised, speaking a little more carefully, and offering reassurance with the same confidence his tutors instilled in him, despite him being a rather shy kid. Maybe there were moments when Kaeya thought, if I behave like a true gentleman, then people will trust me just like they trust the Ragnvindr clan. And they won’t think that I will also abandon Mondstadt in its darkest hour.

Guilt for lying to the people that took care of him.

Guilt for telling the truth in the wrong time.

Guilt for serving a nation that he shouldn't be recognizing as his, and guilt for still wanting to know more of his birth nation- one that could someday ruin the peace and safety of the home that took him in.

Guilty for the jealousy in his heart when faced with the youth and innocence he sees in Klee.

Guilty for his incapability to be truthful to those he loves, and how easy it is for him to lie to their faces.

Tw religous themes

- He has a golden eye, which he hides beneath the patch. Around it, there's a burn scar, but his vision recovered itself through the use of khemia. His tears are golden, too.

- When he first arrived in Mondstadt, he had a strong, "strange" accent which faded over time. His way of speaking was also odd; it resembled the vocabulary of ancient Mond. This also faded away.

- Being near Statues of the Seven triggers chronic pains in his joints and weighs down his body. Looking at them results in eye-pain, especially the golden one. This pain lessens when he lowers his head in respect.

- The Statues terrified him as a child. Even as an adult, there is a primal, creeping anxiety blossoming anytime he gets close.

- Additionally, the Wind has been a suspiciously reactive element; near Statues, it wraps around him, both as comfort and silent warning. It becomes icy and sharp on days he bitterly thinks of home, warm and soothing on restless nights he spends patrolling.

- He does not pray. However, he isn't blind to signs either.

- He's forgotten some of the spoken language and runes of khaenriah. They still manage to haunt his dreams almost each night, follow him in Domains.

- speaking of; He hears echoed cries in ancient domains. Begs to save them, to free them of their agony, to stay. He does his best to ignore them.

- His own vision hurts. Wearing it at all weighs his body down, though using it not only creates joint pain, but lines of corruption zapping up his skin as well. They fade quickly, yet leave a hollow agony behind.

- He always knew Venti was Barbatos; what else would make him freeze in terror like that but a God? ... Over time he's come to relax in his presence, the alcohol certainly helps.

- He's had nightmares about That Night with Diluc so many times he can't remember what really happened anymore

- Speaking of; he dreams of Mondstadt burning down a lot. Of having to choose one day. Of the kids he grew up with back home, of them screaming for help. Of the faces of the elders, calling out for him. Their golden boy, their hope, their future.

- Klee reminds him of young Diluc. Maybe that's why he's so lenient and protective of her.

- He has written over a dozen letters to Diluc but never sent any.

- Helping out elderly in Mondstadt makes him feel more genuine and fake all the same; and too often, their faces merge with one's of the past.

- He knows Diluc visits Crepus' grave at least three times a year. His father's birthday, deathday, and Dilucs own birthday. Kaeya watches from the cathedral, legs itching to man up and join him. He's never managed to build up the courage to do so.

- The cold of Dragonspine is surprisingly soothing to his pains. He guesses that's also the case for Albedo, and why the Researcher stays there majority of the year.

(Finally got tumblr on my phone again WOO)