#inblazes

repost, don’t reblog!

animal - arctic fox

colour(s) - shades of purple and blue

month - december

song - writing on the wall (blackmore's night)

number - five

time of day - night

plant - purple heather

scent - old books

crystal - white opal

season - winter

place -  a forgotten library

astrological sign - capricorn

astrological house - tenth

astrological planet - saturn

element - water

musical genre - classical

Tink, tink, tink.

With every step Kaeya made into the otherwise peaceful night within the city of Mondstadt, the little spheres that decorated his anklets clinked against the metal. It wasn’t a loud sound by any means, as Kaeya was generally light-footed, but any trained ear would still be able to hear him as he silently walked the paved paths of the city that led out the gates.

Restless—he was terribly restless. Ever since Kaeya’s return from his getaway with Ajax in Sumeru, things felt…off. Initially, he was content to be home, all his worries having been left behind in the Nation of Wisdom all thanks to that darling man with ginger hair. He and Ajax have gotten closer ever more as they spent weeks together, away from their duties and away from everything that had been haunting them. It was just the two of them, salvaging their relationship and coming out stronger than they had ever been. Together. It was well-needed, no matter how much Kaeya had believed he didn’t deserve any of it.

It was evident in the way he had been smiling so brilliantly once he returned to Mondstadt. It was so apparent that he was able to see the expressions of relief many folks wore when they welcomed him home. He did notice some…apprehension, lining some of their faces, and honestly it should have set off alarms in his head the moment he felt something was off. However, he paid it no mind, as he was instead reveling in the feeling of practically walking on air compared to the previous months.

Ever since his most recent fight with his br—…

... With Master Diluc.

Recalling it sent a sharp pang through the Alberich man’s chest, yet he recovered quickly and pressed on as he headed towards the Angel’s Share to indulge in a few drinks and catch up with the usual barflies, as well as Charles—and that’s where those feelings of restlessness began.

Stepping upon the worn, dirt roads towards Starfell Valley, Kaeya winced as he remembered the day of his return.

He remembers swinging the door of the Angel’s Share wide open, gleefully calling out to Charles and announcing his return—only to suddenly freeze in his spot as his eye didn’t catch familiar brunet locks, but instead a mane of flames. His jovial expression fell immediately and instead gave way to something else entirely.

Shame.

It was as though a bucket of frigid, glacial waters was dumped right over his head, the air surrounding him shifting and becoming absolutely chilling towards anyone nearby.

Kaeya felt like he had been glued to his spot for ages, yet in reality, it was only a few seconds. However, it was a few too many. He had been caught off-guard and failed to slip on his mask quick enough, fumbling with it before finally donning it with a cordial smile towards the Ragnivindr man.

It seems his time in Sumeru made him lax.

He had approached the bar and ordered a bottle of Dandelion Wine to take back home, even offering his greetings to Diluc, before leaving the Tavern altogether to return home.

The guilt of that interaction, though, was not the only thing that made him restless. There was something stirring, something that he couldn’t quite put a finger on—but it made whatever had been docile up until now start howling within him. He was frustrated, feeling as though his every instinct had dulled since his vacation. It all became clear, though, once he thought back on Ajax and realized that what he sensed during their very first encounter is what he's sensing now. The Abyss.

It’s not the Chasm, no. It’s not as though something had been unearthed—but rather, it felt as though something had been…

Completed.

Even the Ordo caught onto some strange movements regarding the Abyss Order, and while normally they would be more cautious on how to tackle this situation, Kaeya was more than willing to investigate it for them. It was, admittedly, a little suspicious of him to take up such a job on his own so quickly, but he needed to know. He needed to put some of these tumultuous feelings within him to rest, and the only way to do that was by understanding what was going on. Thus, the reason for his late-night trek towards the Thousand Winds Temple, in search of someone that may have the answers.

The Cavalry Captain spent wasted no time as he came up to the door of the study, opening it without knocking or announcing. If there was someone in here that wasn’t Diluc, he refused to let his presence be known. They were going to be in for a rude awakening. Although, what greeted him wasn’t the sight of any foolish delegates thinking they could sneak in, but instead what was almost a damn crime scene. Papers were scattered all atop the long-taken care of desk, some documents even littering the floors as though there was some sort of frantic, haphazard search for something.

For what, though?

However, seeing Diluc slumped atop the desk initially sent a spike of panic through Kaeya, rushing over towards his brother and hovering his hands over him. He was afraid to jostle him, worried that he may hurt the man if he had somehow gotten knocked out by something—but no. He saw his frame breathing, saw the dark circles under his eyes.

He was out cold.

Furrowing his brows, his gaze shifted towards his right hand and noted the vice grip he had on his vision, before noting the lamps were still on. He’s been here like this for hours, it seems. A slow sigh of relief escaped him, before his attention was caught by all the papers on his desk.

… Oh.

Suddenly his mouth felt all too dry, his eye falling towards the Ragnivindr who was passed out. Taking in deep, leveled breaths, he shifted to shut the door to the study, before finding a seat within and planting himself onto it.

He was going to wait as long as it took for his brother to rise.

( 🔥 ) ITS A QUIET afternoon and it isn't hard to note that a particular red - head was in the city on a day where she knew his shift at the tavern wasn't on. she made it a hobby to take note of comings and goings so that she may report it to her superior . . to keep him out of trouble. or rather from trouble that seemed to befall him often without meaning.

SHE CLICKS TWO fingers to gain the attention of a fatuus lower than her and pushes off her foot to go tail him. the agent blinks , confused but takes the spot that lilya had been holding moments ago. hands shove into pockets as she follows behind the red - head til both of them were mostly out of earshot of most around.

❛ богоман оф Снежная.  ❜ she calls out , making no move to attack or . . do anything as she towered a few paces behind the shorter man ; merely calling out the moniker he'd earned in her homeland.

After receiving the second letter from the young master, Wriothesley decided to look a bit more into the Ragnivindr. He admittedly does not know a lot about people, not unless they’ve been admitted into the Fortress or there’s criminal background to them. Considering the Mondstadtian wanted to establish a possible business endeavor, though, it would be wise to investigate his family name some more. It simply wouldn’t do if he didn’t know a thing about a future business partner.

He learned much and more about the Ragnivindr clan of Mondstadt, and how they’ve been around for…quite a while, really. They are an influential and affluent noble house within Mond, and are very well known for the Dawn Winery. Ah… So they are the manufacturers of the famed dandelion wine. It did pique Wriothesley’s curiosity that a wine tycoon wanted to establish something with the Fortress, wondering just what it is that the young master could offer, and hope to get in return. Alcohol just wouldn’t do in the Fortress, after all. People were trying to break out of alcoholism there and reform themselves, so to see wine suddenly pop up for purchase…

The Duke sighed aloud at the thought of it. However, he is still interested in learning more about this young master and his goals, so there was no harm in hearing him out. He has lots of time to kill, anyway.

Wriothesley is not terribly well-versed when it comes to speaking to aristocrats and nobles, or at least how they are expected to be treated. Normally, he just treats them as he would any other. Though, considering a potential partner is a noble, he decided to take a small crash course in etiquette through some books. Maybe it’s a little over-the-top, but considering the young master sent him a headshot, perhaps this is what he expects out of the Duke anyway?

Regardless, the day to meet the young master eventually came, so he set off early to make sure he wouldn’t be late. Time is money.

It didn’t take long for him to get to the city and to Hotel Debord, leaving himself ample time to wait if need be. However, he didn’t need to, as it seems that the young master was already waiting. It certainly wasn’t hard to pick out who the Ragnivindr was in the swathe of people that stood in the hotel’s lobby, and so he approached him calmly. He recognizes the younger man’s face from the headshot, but he certainly didn’t think he would be rather…lithe. Dainty?

He certainly looks like a noble who has never lifted a finger in his life. Though, Wriothesley wasn’t one to judge based on looks, so it wasn’t important to him whether the young master has or not. However, he can admit that the young master was certainly easy on the eyes. Now, would he admit that freely? No, not unless asked.

The Duke briefly paused and looked at the hand that was extended out to him. His automatic response was to try and grab it for a handshake, but then his brain lovingly reminded him (yelled at him) about the etiquette rules he read about. Ah. Right.

Taking Diluc’s hand, he lifted it up to his lips and met it halfway, before pressing a gentle kiss to his knuckles. His other hand tucked itself behind his back, while his eyes closed during the gesture. Lowering it from his lips after a moment or two, he straightened himself out once more before noting how the younger man’s face almost became the color of his hair. He didn’t think that was possible, yet it was somehow…endearing? Something like that, he’s not really sure.

“The old-fashioned sort? Ah. Perhaps the etiquette books I’ve read were outdated. Do forgive me if I’ve overstepped,” he replied, offering a simple smile before letting go of the redhead’s hand.

“Duke Wriothesley, however you may stick to calling me ‘Your Grace.’ It’s what I’m used to. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Ragnivindr.”

He is ... understandably hesitant to ask at all.

The fellow before him looked nothing short of absorbed in his thoughts, and yet still do brilliant, vermillion irises persist in trying to meet his, hopeful for some much-needed help in finding his way.

It's clear that he's not from around these parts, given his pale complexion and obvious struggles with the climate, skin damp and strands of fiery hair stuck to his face.

He can be seen clutching onto a leather-bound sketchbook like it's a lifeline, taking a step closer to better explain the intrusion.

"I understand if you don't, but... You wouldn't happen to know where a person with a keen interest in ornithology would be able to learn about Sumeru's bird population, would you?"

( for mister haitham 👉👈🥺 he just wants to draw/geek out over birbs )

The forest felt no mercy for those traveling the many, sinuous paths that without warning would become precipitous. As the branches converged, verdant leaves fluttering over-heard, the scent of the forest was all but palpable. Alhaitham’s concentration was almost as much so. The scribe’s visage had a proclivity for settling into reticence, or, as some might perceive it, arrogance, but surrounded by a myriad of colorful, peculiar plants with a book splayed open on one knee he was a vision of scholarly intrigue. It didn’t mean he invited interruption. His eyes, once engrossed in the act of mapping out delicate, spinose branches on the crisp paper, flit up and narrow accordingly. It wasn’t so much a deterrent as it was curiosity, not many ventured out here on flights of fancy and if they did - they ended up enduring the tirade of one very disgruntled forest ranger. He snaps the book close and rises in one, fluid motion. ❝ you’re interested in Sumeru’s bird population ? ❞ he recites, appraising him from the tousled, vermillion hair that was plastered to his brow with a sheen of sweat to the leather bound book he grasped rather desperately. ❝ The akademiya would be the answer but if you’re looking for someone who’s familiar with those native to the forest you’ll find the forest rangers far better suited. I wouldn’t recommend unnecessarily bothering him though, he’s not always cordial with strangers.❞ He regards him again for a moment before continuing.

Nobody really likes to have their age pointed out to them, but the redhead promises that he's pointing it out with good intentions at heart. His eyes are alight with a rare sort of curiosity, and Diluc slides over a fresh Dandelion Wine in order to sweeten the exchange.

"Does that mean you've met others from my clan?"

Venti nearly chokes on his drink as he tries not to laugh at the sudden, out of the blue observation. To his credit, he manages to avoid it, but gives what could only be called a shit eating grin. "Depends on if you classify multiple millennia as old, Mister Diluc~!" Really, the question wasn't so surprising- it wasn't the first time he'd been asked such after his identity was revealed to someone.

Still, his grin faltered, and he finished off his glass to accept the newly gifted one. One he could better hide behind, even as he threw his grin back up.

“Where’s ‘Luc? Where’s Diluc—L-Lulu—please, Addie, Elzer, I-I need my brother,” he wailed into their clothes as he nearly collapsed onto the floor from how much he began to slacken in their hold. He was heavy, exhausted, drunk, and downright depressed. He was feeling cold, much too cold to his liking, and was desperate to feel that familiar warmth that comforted him since he was a child.

He was almost touching the floor, with Adelinde and Elzer struggling so hard to keep him up together, before Kaeya was summarily lifted as though he weighed as much as a feather. Though, being brought into the embrace he’s known so well, another sob escapes him, but one of relief as his arms encircled and clung to his big brother.

It was a relief to Addie and Elzer to have the weight off them, certainly, but they still hovered nearby worriedly, their eyes flicking frequently between the two young masters. Upon Diluc’s request, however, the two were quick to nod and leave Diluc and Kaeya in order to prepare a meal for the both of them. Although, not without sparing them some more glances before the doors to the kitchen closed behind them.

Hearing Diluc’s assurances would have Kaeya’s crying reinvigorated, now knowing that he was safe and taken care of in his brother’s hold. He pressed himself further into Diluc’s embrace, knowing very well that he wasn’t going to let him slip and fall, even as he became complete and total dead weight against him.

He blubbered and hiccupped, stammered and floundered as he tried to formulate any coherent sentence, but he just couldn’t. Kaeya sincerely thought all his crying and screaming was done and over with (at least SOMEWHAT), until Zhongli showed his face again.

It was going so, so well in the beginning when they reunited.

Until…

Recalling that look on the older man’s face made Kaeya seize and stop his cries so suddenly, before he simply just whimpered woefully and shut his eye tight. He tried to will that picture from his mind’s eye, or at least squeeze his eye tighter and tighter so all he saw were blinding lights behind his lids. Surely, that will help.

With a shaky sigh, he carefully used his own weight for support again, standing back on his own feet properly as he continued to hold onto his brother, gazing past his shoulder while he rested his chin on it.

“… Lulu, can you knock me over my head, maybe? Preferably hard enough that I don’t remember a thing that happened tonight.”

Melodramatic, as always. However, this time it was sincere, rather than theatrical as it normally would be.