thousandsands

Imagine laying on his chest, dozing off because the book is so boring and he finishes a tiny braid. And then you're melting like a purring cat as his fingers scritch your scalp while he's smiling.

♡ He's not half as hesitant as his brother, he's rather sly and puts up a flirty front. Though, his true charm comes when he's showering you in his love. He loves buying gifts for you - gems and hair pieces, clothes, shoes, hobby materials, just say it and he'll do his best to get it for you.

♡ He's cunning. Remember when he lied about treasure? Yeah, that wasn't a once-off case. If anything, he utilises deceit a lot. But not in a harmful way. He tells little white lies. "Oh? You can't remember where you put your shoes...? Mm... Me neither." He watches, suppressing his grin as you tear down the entire house for that perfect pair of shoes, mumbling about being late again when he's staring right at them.

"Come now, am I not allowed to show my beloved some affection?" Kaeya smiles, nuzzling your neck as he steals a piece of fruit from the cutting board when you look away.

♡ Despite being close with him, I don't think he'll reveal what's under his eyepatch. Don't get him wrong, it's... Uh... A Khaenri'ah style... In all truthfulness, he's a man with a lot secrets. Maybe one day the truth will come out but until then, please be patient.

♡ He probably blames himself a lot. When he's really down in the dumps he has the tendency to blame himself for everything even when he had no part to play in it. Jean was upset today? He somehow messed up. Diluc was extra frisky? He is to blame. The Knights being grumpy? He isn't worthy being a captain. Poor thing :( Give him a lot of reassurance.

♡ I see him as someone that still gets happy being around Diluc. It's a sibling thing. Depsite just having a fight, the younger sibling is still happy being in the older's presence even when they're upset. It's a safe space. Well, was anyway.

♡ Kaeya is an absolute know-it-all when it comes to fashion. Look me in my face and tell me this man doesn't have impeccable taste. He'd ask you nicely to try on outfits the entire day and reward you with snuggles and dinner.

♡ Talking about dinner. He can only cook to keep himself alive. He isn't terrible per say... He's just... Kind of terrible. Having a maid like Adelinde (that is an amazing cook) didn't help at all. Never learned how to cook until he moved out. The result is okay, it's just the method is questionable.

♡ His alcoholism is his coping mechanism, a way to associate with Mondstadt and a way to see Diluc.

♡ Kaeya, despite his front, I think is an emotional man. He feels deeply and desperately craves validation. Drinking is one way to numb that over eagerness.

♡ But it's also a way to blend in with the folk of Mondstadt. Think about it, he's Khaenri'an. What do you do when you want to assimilate properly? You partake in the dominant culture, which is drinking. It's clear he appreciates wine but I don't think he likes it nearly as much as he might let on.

♡ Also hopes each night when he walks into the tavern that Diluc has a shift there. Kaeya can easily switch to the other taverns and bars in the area but chooses not to. I also see this as a way of Kaeya supporting the Ragnvindr wine legacy.

♡ But he's sweet, truly he is. He might glaze over a boundary but when he sees you're upset, he doesn't hesitate to cup you face and give a sincere apology. He might overcompromise but he wants to make sure he doesn't hurt you like he hurt other people in his past.

♡ Despite his self deprivation tendencies, I see him as someone that also struggles to move on. He carries guilt still and just desperately wants to fix them. You find him silently crying a few times in his sleep. No sobs or anything, just tears streaming down his cheeks and his lips twitch into a frown.

♡ Somewhat despises his vision. After all, he wouldn't have gotten one if he didn't have to fight to survive Diluc.

♡ Moving onto something more light - he loves tickling you. Poking your ribs or squeezing your calf, your sudden laughter brings a smile to him.

♡ Can of course be flirty and make some bold suggestions mid-conversation with someone else. Unlike his shy brother, Kaeya is the one that likes to fluster you. He'd tease you for it, of course.

♡ He's also patient. If you happen to be a knight, expect to receive personal training.

"Yes... Just like that." Kaeya nods, brows furrowed as his eyes focus. "Remember to take a breath and then lunge." He gently nudges the side of your boot and uses a single finger to lift your wrist to the correct height.

"Perfect. You don't want to gasp when you're in the middle of the stroke, it'll knock you off balance. Especially when you're interrupted."

♡ There's nothing that makes him happier than when he gets to show you off. You'd be the centre of most conversations at events so as he says, "Remember to flush so cutely. What?" He gives a chuckle, wrapping his arm around your waist. "You are!"

♡ Overall he's a great pick. Not too mischievous but can improve on his cooking skills. Please eat his semi-burnt pizza. He tried his best.

Special:

When he buys jewellery for you, specifically rings, he loves putting them on your fingers secretly. So when you reach out for something, a beautiful ring catches your eye that wasn't there before. "You like it?" He whispers, eyes soft when you make eye contact. "Love it."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Thought about it the entire day. Requests are still open. :P

~ These nights always end in sleepless ones. Because even if you do manage to calm him down, he can't go back to sleep after that. He'll spent the night staring silently at the ceiling. His triggers are likely related to his trauma. That fight with Rerir? Trigger. That time where he couldn't fight back against the Wild Hunt for hours on end? Trigger. Basically, whenever he gets the sinking feeling of not having power like when he was younger can possibly lead to a trigger. The nightmares just rouse that panick when he's sleeping.

~ Despite having not having a lot of interests other than fighting, I think he occasionally likes to do wood carving or cooking. His knives has to be of some use outside battle, no?

~ Not the type to give flowers but the type to murder someone that pissed you off.

~ Hates putting on armour. He'll tolerate it because it's part of the Knight's dress code but if he's off the clock? He's stripping that hard exterior to feel the battle head on without the potential restrictions of the armour.

~ I can see him as someone that might enjoy reading on the odd occasion. Not a hobby but something to pass the time when he's left with nothing else.

~ Whiny. He's like a dog that constantly wants to go outside. Then when he's outside, scratches at the door for you to come out with him or let him back inside. He likes having you at his side, after all, he wouldn't know what to do with himself if you'd get hurt.

~ If he wants to win an argument. He will. Whether it be through threats or bribery. Whichever works. He's not picky.

~ His parents became overprotective after Lohen was rescued so whatever you do, do not try to control him. He wants to be free and in control of himself thank you very much.

~ His annoying habits include: chewing bubblegum loudly, humming in dead silence, shoulder bumping to get your attention, poking your ribs until he has your attention, drugging, smuggling goods, deceit, unauthorised assassination and sprinkling pepper or pollen on your collar just to see you sneeze :)

~He occasionally throws his shoes across the room when he struggles to get them on. Have you seen those boots?

~ Once destroyed all the dummies meant for the new recruits because he got bored.

~ I see him as very interested in your hands or neck. Loves intertwining your fingers with his and just generally holding hands. Same with your neck. Loves squeezing and caressing it.

Special:

~ If he feels you skills need sharpening, make sure to keep an eye out for him. He's shooting from his mini crossbow just to keep you on your toes. "What? You have to be prepared at all times sweet thing. Can't have you dying on me before I have some fun."

One thing I've seen a lot of people bring up - is her dripmarketing. While yes, you can argue that she is being marketed as "waifubait" or even sexualised, that's not what I'm here to fully discuss. I will be discussing her behaviour rather than her boobs pressed against her pillow. This is because a lot of people see sexualisation as different things or boundaries. The same way a lot of people say Mualani isn't sexualised even with a bikini because:

1. Makes sense for her character (environment wise and personality wise)

2. Showing skin doesn't inherently mean sexy.

Now if we apply this to Citlali and her dripmarketing, a lot of people were particularly upset about her pouting. So let's take a look.

1. Does it fit her personality wise? (not environmentally because it's not about the clothes rather the action of pouting)

2. Does it strengthen or weaken her charcter?

Pouting is usually seen as something childish. Something a child does when they can't get what they want or when they're upset. But for someone like Citlali, this becomes a very very messy and deep argument so I'll break up my points as cleanly as I can.

Yes it is childish. Yes it does fit her character.

I think a lot of people bring up her title of being a great shaman in her tribe as the main point of argument. This isn't incorrect - she is very well-known in her tribe as being something akin to a hermit. She's seen as blunt. Maybe downright aggressive. Yet with all things, this is a front she puts up.

1. Appearances are deceiving.

As we get to know her better both in the AQ and in the tribal chronicles, we see that because of her immortal life span, she's afraid of opening up and making friends. She uses a beautiful metaphor; describing the friends she makes as flowers that eventually wither and she's left with that pain.

In psychology, this can be called classic conditioning where if a subject eventually learns the outcome of a certain situation, they start to expect the consequences of that situation without it happening. Basically, Citlali expects loss because she's already learnt that making friends always equals to losing them.

2. Social connection.

Now, with this perspective in mind, it's also clear that she's a loner for what it's worth. She likes locking herself up in her house away from the tribe and keeping to herself. This leads to her being labelled as a hermit, even if it's mainly the Traveller calling her that.

Humans are a social species and as such we yearn for social connection. Things like praise, status and being liked and needed is very much normal. Even for someone like Citlali. While not entirely connected to my main argument, a lot of people criticise her character for favouring the Traveller, when in reality it does make sense.

The Traveller is the flower that won't wilt. That won't leave her.

3. Reputation/appearance does not mean everything.

And with Citlali's reputation of being aggressive and terrifying, it's no wonder that for the one person that can live alongside or even outlive her, she wants to make a good impression.

*An argument can be made that because of the way she secludes and isolates herself can cause a lack social skills. This could potentially make her awkward in conversations and unable to fluently read nonverbal cues. This could lead to her acting more childish even when she's supposed to be mature. Just a thought.

I've already made my point that everybody knows and respects if not somewhat fears her so I'll move on to my next point.

There's a character in the game that is canonically very tall and scary. He has a very striking appearance and walks around with his muscles and abs on display with confidence. He has vibrant red horns and he lead a gang.

And is also the most childish and child-like character in the game. If you don't know who I'm talking about, it's Itto.

This ties to my point that appearances can be deceiving. Even a supposed oni gang leader can be childish, why not the somewhat social (self) outcast Citlali?

If you still aren't convinced of this point, I'll give a small motivation. Itto is based on the Japanese folklore creature Oni. They are usually depicted as fearsome violent beings that carry clubs, horns and teeth and are typically associated with cannibalism and strong violent behaviour. Whereas Citlali is a great (200 year-old is my geuss) Shaman. She still portrays her status in her words and behaviour as she does not "care" about her reputation. (She likely does but doesn't mind putting distance for the sake of not getting hurt later.) She doesn't mind being blunt or threatening others below her, she doesn't care when offending the tribal chief. Yet her pouting is her acting too immature and too ooc when someone like Itto gets a free pass.

While yes, the two have VASTLY different personalities, but when the argument applies purely to - "She's a 200 year old shaman, she shouldn't pout", then the point is refuted. If characters cannot act outside their job/occupation/appearance to society then quite frankly, a lot of characters like Rosaria shouldn't exist either.

Does it strengthen or weaken her character?

While we can all agree pouting isn't a grave offense but rather the expression of a human emotion, it seems like a lot of people skim over her character depth.

I do believe I've rambled quite a bit on the first question. My answer isn't that it weakens her character but it doesn't "strengthen" her character in the traditional sense of giving lore or anything. I will say, that it is not ooc.

Characters are allowed be childish and whether or not this becomes a bigger argument over female character's portrayal in the gaming industry well... That's another argument for another time.

Like I said you're free to disagree or leave a comment, just remain respectful. This is, after all, just pixels on a screen.

A/N: Also, I'd love to write another post about her coping mechanisms I've noticed. She's a really interesting character imo, a shame a lot of people get stuck on one issue.

Wanderer was at the market buying spices when a scene between a mother and her child happened. The child was crying, pointing to a little doll on the shopkeeper's table and the mother was pulling him away, desperate to stop his tantrum. Wanderer didn't know what possessed him but he found himself kneeling to the child, pulling out the doll he always carried with him.

The doll itself wasn't remarkable, a small copy of himself. Dark indigo blue hair and white clothes with a single tear at his eyes.

Wanderer gently pushed the doll in the child's hands and the crying stopped. The child had looked up at him, eyes shimmering with tears before a bright smile took his place.

Wanderer didn't know why he gave it away. It wasn't like him to be impulsive. Maybe it was because of the same shade of hair, the same face and eyes as... The child that once promised him that they could be family. The child that died and broke his promise.

He scoffs at himself, feeling hollow without the doll in his possession. It was a physical tear to his heart and he couldn't understand why. Maybe this was why he was thrown away. Maybe he was, after all that has happened, still too emotional. Still too stupid to understand himself.

He nearly chokes as he feels arms wrapping around him from the back. Wanderer stays absolutely still for a moment before looking back at you.

He had specifically chosen this place because it was nearly inaccessible to anyone normal. He had flown so high and searched for a secluded place in the forest and yet...

"You know you don't have to be alone."

His lips began to twitch as if he was about to cry just like the child in the market, but he holds himself back. He couldn't cry now, especially with you here.

"How did you..." His voice is gruff but shaky.

You simply press him tighter to your chest, laying your head on his shoulder. "Nahida told me you dissappeared. I went looking for you."

He swallows and nods slowly. He hates this. Hates how Buer had noticed his absence and cared enough to warn you, and how you cared enough to come searching. You shouldn't care. Not about a worthless being such as himself.

But you slowly turn him around and cup his cheeks. He can't find the strength to look you in your eyes. You were never meant to see someone with the potential of a god crying.

You coo softly, wiping his tears away and leaning closer, trying to tilt your head so your eyes can meet.

"She told me about your doll." You whisper, your eyes falling onto where his hand is still gripping the golden feather. The symbol of an archon's favour, of their proof that he was made by a god.

"You were very kind."

He doesn't need this! He doesn't need you telling him anything! He doesn't want to hear your worthless praise!

And yet, he shudders, eyes closing as another tear slips down his cheek. "What... Does it matter."

"It mattered to you." You continue holding his cheeks, warming the moistness of his face.

"Listen, I don't know everything about you. You're harsh. You're blunt." You start, comfortably settling down on your knees. "But you have the purest heart I've ever seen. I won't pretend to know your agony."

You lean your head forward, rubbing your forehead against his. You breathe in his scent - a unique blend of wind and rain and subtle smell of the forest clinging to him.

"But I want you to know that truly, I love you. Like the sun loves the moon and how the wind kisses the earth. Truly my dearest. I hope you know it."

As you slowly pull back, three more tears have been conjured up and he's breathlessly staring up at you.

Bonus:

"So, you think that hiding in that room of yours will help anything?"

You sigh, a slow throbbing headache coming along. Despite him saying he doesn't care what you do, it's a blatant lie of course.

"In case you forgot, you actually need sleep. You need rest - I can practically see your brain pouring over from here." Wanderer crosses his arms, now leaning back with an unimpressed face.

He's always been fussy about your human limits but it doesn't help when you truly just want to be done with this thesis. You've dedicated a year to it already and doubt has been creeping up slowly but surely.

And for archon's sake, he's a star student. Hat Guy. He's a walking celebrity with students kissing the ground he walks. You're maybe a bit dramatic but it certainly feels like it.

Maybe envy and doubt caused you to lose your temper with him more than once. Maybe-

He snaps his fingers in front of your face. "You see what I mean? Can't even focus on the conversation." He scoffs, pausing as someone brings the drinks.

"I'm not here to scold you like some motherbird but-" He watches, face mildly taken aback as the waiter returns and places a small tart next to you. The crust is firm and glowing with sweet honey as its filled with cream and then blueberry jam on top. But that's not the problem - no.

The jam was in the shape of a very obvious heart.

Wanderer grows quiet, eyes scanning the waiters intent. You're just as taken aback, blinking at the treat before awkwardly smiling. "Oh... Sorry, I didn't order anything."

"Oh that's fine. It's on the house." The waiter winks, cheeks flushed but eyes full of interest. You grow stiff as you feel Wanderers eyes dart from between you and the waiter. You already know what he's going to say.

You clear your throat before nodding. "Ah, I see thank you." You try to wave the waiter off but they linger for a moment before awkwardly walking off.

His face is unimpressed. His eyebrow raised and you swear you saw his tongue dragging against the inside of his cheek. "So?"

"... So?" You answer back, holding a back a grin. He was honestly being cute, not that he was likely trying. But you know of his past.

And you know, laughing at him might hurt him more than he'd admit. You reach out to gently grasp at his hands. "My eyes are only for you."

He scoffs again, rolling his eyes and looking away. "Whatever you say."

Your head tilts and you stare at him for a moment longer. The sudden sunlight and fresh air had done your brain some good and before you know it, you're lifting his hand to place a kiss on his knuckles.

"Thank you... For looking after me. Thank you for caring."

Oh, he looks back at you and he melts. His eyes catch more light than before and his cold finger twitch in your palm. His mouth opens and closes slowly before he stares down at his tea. "Whatever."

He clears his throat and almost hesitantly pulls away. And you smile. Because you know, behind that big hat he's hiding behind, he's flustered.

♡ That being said, he definitely does have a darker side. I can see him becoming much more yandere when he's pushed to the absolute limits. He wouldn't care where you go as long as you go with someone from the Winery but that rule would be scraped. Now, you're not allowed to step an inch further away than the farthest of his vines.

♡ But other than that extreme, he's truly a sweet boy. He gets flustered easily. And you oh so love teasing him in front of others. Maybe a slightly too suggestive comment and his ears and cheeks flush a deep red as he closes his eyes to remain composed.

♡ You're his sweetheart and as such, consider his wallet yours. While he doesn't enjoy needless spending in any aspect of his life, he'll look the other way when you find a pretty necklace you like. In fact, I bet he's willing to buy you a home in the city just so that he knows 100% you're safe and cared for.

♡ The yearning is hard with this one. He's not publicly affectionate, hell, he'll be as red as his hair if the two of you walk down the street holding hands. But in private... Oh boy. He adores your thighs. It's just the shape of them that makes him stare. Squishy or skinny, he doesn't care. He peppers them with kisses every night while looking up at you.

♡ He definitely likes tradition. Not so much as his partner having to submit to him or anything - but I can see him definitely taking the traditional route. He'll open doors for you, push out your chair, pays for everything and will definitely get down on his knee when he's sure you're the one. (You are)

♡ Diluc is the type to lean in and gently wipe away food on your chin with his thumb. Likes when you dress up just for him. He most certainly loves it when you wear his clothes. So please don't push him away when he offers his coat for you and it so cold :(

♡ Let's you do his hair and nails, even if it looks ridiculous. And should anyone criticise it, he's either giving them a hard retort or threatening to kick them out of the tavern.

♡ On nights he is at the tavern, he's very bored dealing with the same old drunkards. He likely wouldn't show it externally, but he'd melt if you come to keep him company. Not that he'd let you stay out for too long. So you often find yourself being carried to your room or walking alongside him to the Winery.

♡ Adelinde knows you by heart. Your room is always spotless and ready should you want to sleep at his place.

♡ Despite being so sweet, I think getting to know him is difficult. He wouldn't be mean per say, but you don't want to know how many women try to wriggle their way into his lap. He's wealthy and handsome and strong and... Erm.

♡ You'd have to coax him to get to know you. Be consistent. Be considerate. He's the type to enjoy silent company first . It'll start with him offering to walk you home. Then, your orders are on the house. And before he knows it, he's smitten.

♡ Him taking breaks are rare. There's always something to do in Mondstadt but don't think for a second he wouldn't make his way to you when he's free. That being said, please make sure he takes breaks. He's very stubborn in that regard but since it's you, he'll sigh and settle into your lap for just a few more minutes.

♡ Bonus points if his bird likes you.

♡ More Bonus points if you don't like alcohol. Or at least, not as insistently as everyone else.

Special:

♡ ADORES chin scratches and head pats when he's laying in your lap.

𓌱 If he's your direct superior... Oh good luck. I think we all know what shenanigans he gets up to. One I like to think of, is if he has an interest in you, he's dragging you off to a special field mission. (That's what he says it is, anyway.) And then proceed to demand a sparring match - winner gets to sprinkle salt in the other's wound.

𓌱 Despite being a little shit, I do think he has a softer side to him. When he sees the day has worn you down, I like to think he'd add a little more pepper or spice to your food to give you a boost. That or he'd lovingly embrace you from behind. He's trying his best :(

𓌱 Ironically, a really good healer if you ask me. You have to pick up one or a few things if you're always looking to fight. He'd take special care with you, of course. If he knows you can handle the pain, he'd tighten the bandages uncomfortably just to watch you squirm.

𓌱 Would absolutely struggle to open up about his past. Good luck wringing it out of him when he's used to getting info out of others. Pushing him might do more harm than good so just keep him company, even if it stretches into comfortable silence.

𓌱 I low-key see him as either a very active sleeper as in, punching the mattress and strangling the pillow or just being completely dead to the world. No in between. Maybe both, depends on the day.

𓌱 Has too much energy. Too many ideas. Quick. Keep him entertained before he starts lining drugs into his envelopes to Varka.

𓌱 I see him as being finicky over his hair. Likes to keep it short and easy to cut/manage. He'll allow you playing with the tips of his hair, maybe even braiding it but good luck with trying to have him sit still for long enough without complaining.

𓌱 Hates boring schedules. Can't stand it. So of course, be ready for surprise visits anytime anywhere. Doesn't matter if you're in the middle of a mission - he'll sneak up behind you, breathing down your neck and when you turn to gasp... His hands are already on your mouth. "Didn't think I'd find you, did you?"

𓌱 Only let's you win an argument if there's something in it for him.

𓌱 Quite touchy, lingering touches, loves sneaking up on you of course.

𓌱 Despite liking spice, I do think he'd like Chai but if he's honest with himself, he is just as much a sucker as everyone else for a nice mug of hot chocolate. Especially on those cold Nod-Krai nights.

𓌱 Quite touchy, lingering touches are his speciality. Adores sneaking up on you and scaring you. Finds it both hilarious and adorable.

𓌱 Would scold you for not working out as you said you would. Be careful, you might find more than one mandatory exercise now on your daily schedule.

𓌱 Hates others being late but for you? He doesn't mind waiting a few more minutes. Anything with you is bound to be much more exciting than being alone.

𓌱 Has blatant favouritism. The Knights thought nobody was his favourite until you joined. Now they have to sit with the fact that you get excused early from missions to rest and always get the best night shifts, if at all.

𓌱 I feel like if you confessed, he'd be more unimpressed it took you so long than surprised. "What sugar plum? You thought I didn't notice? I..." He leans closer, noses almost touching. "Notice everything." He'd give a sickly sweet grin and walk off.

Special :

𓌱 If you were to squish his cheeks, he'd totally kiss you right on the spot. I mean, holding your head and leaning in so quickly you're gasping. Loves it when you're yourself, even if it means finding him adorable when he pouts.

You found yourself circling the city, trying to take in the sights of the supposed nation of freedom. You found it strange that for a city of freedom - they had a particularly large restricting stone wall surrounding the said city.

Nevertheless, you take a stroll through the cobbled streets, pausing to buy a few groceries. You had heard of the great wine industry here and while you weren't the biggest alcohol lover, a drink or two surely wouldn't hurt.

You head back to the small hotel and drop off your shopping of souvenirs and groceries before heading down. The wind was a soft breeze, tickling at your neck as you find The Cat's Tail.

You climb the small set of stairs and push the door open and you're greeted with the sight of cats their respective beds sprawled everywhere. It takes you a moment to gather your thoughts as you stare at the cat sitting on the counter. Surely that was a health and safety breech.

You inch towards an open table and order a small plate of fries and a drink that looks interesting enough. You know well enough that drinking on an empty stomach was a bad idea.

The drink arrives and as you take a sip, you have to blink to fully realise the flavour. It had the most berry tasting sweetness on the tongue but once you swallow it down, it leaves your throat dry. Your fingers grasp at the glass as you take another shy gulp.

You don't realise just how much you've enjoyed it until your ears are burning and your glass is empty. As your vision blurs at the edges, you order another tempting glass and by the time it's done, you're smiling senselessly at the open window.

The moonlight is overpowered by the lights of lamps nearby but your eyes remain dizzily focused on the clouds and stars. You slowly sit back, closing your eyes as you finally hear a bard taking the stage.

You listen with half a heart. "Eh eh Erm," He clears his throat and you find his voice particularly juvenile-sounding. "Ladies and Gentlemen-A choo!"

There's a bark of laughter and swearing from the men at the tables. You vaguely register a song coming along until you suddenly open your eyes and stare at the bard.

"The wind it weeps with sorrow

For the innocent love lost tomorrow.

Hearts filled with mirth and pleasure

Can twist and turn but never measured."

You frown, slowly turning your entire body as if you'll understand better in your tipsy state.

"A name once lost can be found again

And a broken soul be mended and sent

Home straight."

You stare at him, narrowing your eyes and for a second, the bard dressed in an odd green looks up and meets your eyes. His eyes were full of the same divinity that you saw in Lesser Lord Kusanali when there was a parade. But then it was gone.

He smiles and continues on, suddenly breaking into a song after sneezing. You don't feel yourself getting tired but you know you should move. Should head back and collapse on your bed and mourn your savings. You were on a tight budget after all.

You stumble out the door, gripping the side of the building before making your way to the hotel. Except, when you slowly find your sense returning for just a moment, you're hanging over the stone railing near the statue in front of the church.

The wind is harsher now, not enough to whip your hair around but enough for you to take notice of it.

"A choo!" A familiar voice echoes through the clearing and you turn around to briefly glance at the bard. You stare at him puzzled, unable to find anything to say.

He catches your eyes and smile before wiping his nose again. "Hello there. I don't think we've met before. I'm Venti - a famous bard in-"

"Cats... Allergic?" You mumble, frowning and straightening slowly. He blinks before giving a way-too-happy laugh. "Ah... I am yes. It's not the best thing for me to be around cats." He suddenly looks at you with a bit more focus.

"May I assume you're not from here?" Though he asks, it doesn't quite sound like a question. But you nod either way. He slowly walks closer, standing beside you to stare down. There's a respectable distance between you two.

The silence stretches somewhat awkwardly before you take a close look at him too. "Aren't... You too young... To drink?" You try to form a coherent sentence as you feel the alcohol hitting your system again.

Venti gives another crooked smile. "I'm much much older than you."

You stare at him again with the most unimpressed look you can muster. "Somehow... I highly doubt... *hic* that..."

Venti simply holds his smile before turning his gaze to the moon. "Mm, well, I better get going. See you again, lovely maiden."

You flush at his sudden words before stuttering out a goodbye in equal. You watch him leave and it's not long before you too head to bed.

The next morning, there's a faint headache coming along and yet - as you sit up. You don't entirely remember how you got into your room. All you do remember however, was loud sneezing and the that wind felt closer than ever before.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-