ccaptain : abyssal prince .
when the obvious has been stated, kaeya smiles again; this time, it reaches the diamond, igniting it with a twinkle of light.
‘ in my defense, ‘ he starts, not devoid of mischievousness, ‘ you are always in liyue harbor, and i am always stationed in the city of freedom. not many chances to meet, aside from today. and i would have warned you, ‘ he sounds the littlest bit apologetical now, ‘ but i wanted our first meeting to take us both by surprise, with nothing scripted. ‘ he hopes that it worked. taking someone by surprise can reveal a lot about their character, about the stoic, cursed man sitting in front of him.
he cups hig mug of warm tea, a splash of rum inside, with both hands, letting the warmth seep into gloved digits. there’s so many things he would like to say to the man, so many actions, so many paths he could take. the diamond dulls, but lifts to meet amber anyway.
‘ i have been told about what you did – no, rather… i saw it with my own eyes, ‘ he starts, cautious but gentle. the bumbling of the tavern covers his words for other’s ears to try and eavesdrop, thankfully.
‘ there are not enough words for me to muster to both apologize and thank you. for… ‘ a sigh. ‘ among all the archons, even the most loving ones, you’re the one who stopped. they spoke of you as a savage, blood costantly tinting at your cape, but you saw us. you did, didn’t you? ‘ a pause. his tea is getting cold. ‘ you saw our misery, and helped us. and the price you paid… ‘
he wants to touch the other man, the cursed one, the gentle, kind giant who turned his back on the gods, who helped fix unjustness. the price he had to pay was immense. digits curl over palm, and he heaves a soft sigh, energy quelled and mind clear. it’s been a while since he felt so relaxed.
‘ anything that you may need from me, i will provide to the best of my abilities, ‘ he opts to say, swalowing the lump in his throat. the commotion is great for him, to meet another selfless being that sacrificed his life to their civilization.
‘ and… i promise i will be a good ruler, once the time comes. i promise. ‘
𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐎 sit & endure hearing this —— an agonizing reminder of the anguish he endured , all because he knew right from wrong & suffered for it . he leans forward slightly & takes a sip of tea , exhaling deeply & closing his eyes for a moment . a second becomes a minute , then ten , until he became self - aware & opens his eyes again . luminous , empty amber examining the prince before him as he spoke for the both of them .
“ i stay in liyue because i am still bound to protect my people , “ he states plainly , “ & the reality that my actions also had consequences on them . if the heavens launch an invasion , the city will be vulnerable without my power . “
a twitch of the eye , the only sign that the pain he was experiencing is ongoing . no relief for over 500 years , & all he could do was endure it .
“ it . . . is reassuring , nonetheless , your words . “