songerein | [CLOSED] Guess we can rest a bit.

(( continued from here, backdated to late March ))

[For his part, Diluc heads straight to the tavern and gets a table for himself and Venti. He doesn't expect the other to tarry too long--not with food and drink and company all on offer for free. It helps, of course, that he's actually looking forward to seeing the bard. For all of Venti's tendency to pester and outstay his welcome, he's someone that Diluc has found himself missing over these past several months.

Given that Venti is Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, it's kind of a given that he's been missed. And maybe he misses Venti on his own merits, too.

Diluc orders himself some juice and a bottle of wine for Venti, and he waits.]

[It has been a flourish of activity for his first month in this strange sleepy world. And honestly, he's looking forward to a moment of respite and wine. Despite still having his own concerns about how many from Teyvat seem to be here a night of talking could do him well. And knowing that Diluc is here is both one of those concerns and comfort. If it were anyone he would like to see as his companions in this world it most likely would be Diluc or Jean.

He isn't late for the gathering. Especially not when the wine is calling. So, when he enters the establishment it's with a hum on his lips and his eyes sharp for that flourish of red hair.]

Ehe! There you are, Master Diluc!

[He pats a hand on the man's shoulder and sweeps into his chair across from the other with his chin in his hands.]

It's good to see you in person!

It's good to see you, too. Things have been too quiet here without the likes of you around to make trouble.

[There's a lightness to his tone despite the words, and there's a hint of a smile on his face. He opens the bottle of wine and pours Venti a glass.]

It's nice to see familiar faces among all the Teyvat arrivals, although I have to admit that the fact that you've been brought here surprises me a bit. I might have thought you immune.

[Because of that whole "Archon" thing.]

Although I suppose it's not as if we've been wholly kidnapped, at least. Otherwise, I'd be less surprised and more alarmed.

[He'll be more than happy to take up the glass and give the wine a nice little swirl and a sniff.]

Oh, Master Diluc! I wouldn't want to be the one to cause trouble for people in a world I'm new to! But I'm glad you've been thinking of me! Ehe!

[... Even if he's been doing just that. Don't look at him. He's caused so my trouble over the journals already and he's thriving.]

But I am curious how you think that we haven't been wholly kidnapped? None of us have picked to dream of this world, have we?

[Siiiiiiiiiip.]

[He knows how you are, Venti. And he saw that journal entry. Don't pretend that you aren't Like This.

That latter part, however, gives him pause. He can't say the thought hasn't crossed his mind before, but he's always been able to conveniently ignore it for the sake of his own sanity. Having someone else voice the concern causes that to more or less go out the window.]

No one chooses what they dream. [That's just a statement of fact, regardless of additional implications.] As far as the rest... I admit I'm operating on limited intelligence. The tapirs stated as much upon our arrival, and I've yet to see an example of later arrivals reacting as if people from their world who came here earlier as having been missing.

[Still, if the way he crosses his arms and picks at the fabric of his sleeve is any indication, this is something that's going to keep him up at night.]

I'd ask you to help me confirm or deny that theory, but we seemingly come from different Teyvats. It's invalid data.

[Venti listens carefully although there is a little smile on his lips as the young master goes on. It's nice to hear what another person from Teyvat is thinking. And if there is anyone he trusts to help him perhaps ascertain some of this, it's Diluc.]

Now, I've heard of the theories that we might be from, as you say, different Teyvats but I have to wonder about that one! Different timelines between our precious Travellers as well, is that right?

[Venti takes another sip of his wine.]

If we're from differing times or not there is one thing I am certain of! Wine tastes just as sweet sitting here with you as it would back home.

[Venti doesn't care to differentiate that.]

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask for your help in finding more answers. With time, of course.

You're correct. Best that I can tell, the Traveler is the only difference between what I remember and what you do.

[Honestly? Diluc expected nothing less from Venti than this sentiment. Technically, they come from different Teyvats. But they have the same memories of what's happened and of each other with only one (admittedly large) differing variable. There's no reason for their relationship to be any different than it's always been.

For better or for worse. But for now, Diluc has to admit he's grateful for Venti's presence.]

You flatter me. Just make sure not to overdo it--the last thing I want is for us to be thrown out. I don't own this establishment and can't protect you.

[He's teasing. Mostly. Although the levity quickly fades as the conversation moves on.]

My intelligence and assistance is yours, Venti. All you need to do is ask.

Oh, what's a few glasses right now, it's nothing at all!

[Venti lets out a giggle and helps himself to yet another happy sip. And just as he says the wine is just as sweet with Diluc here. Truth be told it's a very big comfort for Venti to have Diluc near as well. A sort of relief that the others from Mondstadt (and from Teyvat) would be safe with Diluc nearby.

And as Diluc agrees to assist him as well Venti smiles as he looks down at the swish of red in his glass. This world is beautiful, charming and bright. But he just needs to know what is laying under the surface... So long as he has someone he can trust to keep an eye open...]

Thank you, Master Diluc! I know I can always count on you! [He starts giggling.] But! Until then, I hear you've been up to quite a many things in this world! Besides building your namesake, what else have you been up to?

[Tell him everything.]

Edited 2022-04-22 01:19 (UTC)

[It's good that they're on the same page in that, at least. And Venti's dismissive attitude toward his warnings to behave himself are about the response he expected. If not for the different surroundings, it would be easy to mistake this for any other evening they've spent together.

Which is how Diluc realizes the trouble he's in for with what, to most, would seem like an innocent question.]

Why are you looking at me like that?

[It's not like he's found himself a boyfriend and a girlfriend or anything.]

Mostly, I've been keeping an eye on things to make sure things don't get too out of hand. Not that it's good for much other than being able to react to changes quickly, but it's better than doing nothing at all.

[Why is he looking at Diluc like that, indeed.]

Oh? I'm sure you've been doing more than nothing at all, yes. I know you always like to keep busy. Ehe!

[Don't play him like that, Diluc. He already knows! And he wants to give the man a chance to say it himself, look how nice he's being about it???]

[Diluc leans back in his chair and crosses his arms, studying Venti carefully. He clearly knows something, and is fishing for Diluc to say it, but what would catch his interest so intently...?

Oh. Of course. Honestly, the answer should have been obvious from the moment Venti asked, especially given that it's more or less Windblume season.

For some reason, he can't quite look Venti in the eyes as he speaks.]

I've... started seeing someone. Two people, actually. Despite my best efforts to remain unattached, given the ephemeral nature of our time here. [And also his own bullshit. But he's working on that, slowly but surely.]

Thoma and Ori. Have you met them yet?

[With the warming temperatures and the allure of the upcoming Flower Festival, Diluc finds himself coming up with excuses to be outside. It all reminds him of Windblume, a thought that makes him simultaneous happy and homesick. He knows he's not the only one who is thinking about it; Venti had posted in the journals about the festival back around the spring equinox.

There's also the matter of the entire town dreamshifting rather than a dreamshift pulling them away from it. It's curious and demands further attention--and since the epicenter of the change seems to be this Tree of Memories, it's a win-win situation in that he can be productive while enjoying the outside air.

A young girl is standing nearby as he inspects the tree, but he pays her no mind for the moment.]

[ Sana would be perfectly content if he paid her no mind. She's not someone she thinks is worth attracting attention, not when she's never sure if she wants the attention in the first place. What if this mysterious redheaded individual disapproved of her general presence? Her gaze darts to him, a tad nervously, and she decides not to risk it. Best to just move on.

... Except she forgets that she's been having a hard time with the enthusiastic growth attributed to springtime, and it's meant to be a quiet sneeze, a minor irritation.

Sana does not expect the ball of fire to go flying towards the stranger right on the heels of a sneeze that should not have done that?! ]

[Diluc has enough experience with fire to act out of instinct, getting out of the way of the fireball before it makes contact. The flames land onto the cobblestone at their feet, flaring out without doing any damage beyond scorching the rock beneath it.

He whirls toward the source of the attack, blade suddenly in hand, and is ready to strike... until he realizes he's drawn steel toward a girl with water eyes and an uneasy expression. Slowly, he lowers the weapon--although he doesn't send it away entirely. Better safe than sorry.]

Was that your doing just now?

[ Oh. Oh, no.

He's gone and pulled out a sword and he's actually going to stab her or is going to consider stabbing her, and Sana forgets that this person has red hair and red eyes and could in all actuality be the man dating two people she thinks are very nice, because this is how she dies. ]

I-- I'm so sorry, my allergies have been really bad, but that's no excuse f-for almost engulfing you in flames--

[Oh.

As soon as she opens her mouth to speak, Diluc does away with the weapon and allows it to disappear with a scattering of lights. This girl isn't a threat--on the contrary, she clearly believes him to be a threat to her.

Which, given how he reacted, is a fair conclusion to come to.]

I've heard about the effects that seasonal allergies are having on some people. You can relax.

[And then, after several awkward moments of silence, he adds:]

I'm sorry for drawing my sword. I thought for a moment I was under attack.

[ Sana remains where she is, shoulders defensively hunched. Not quite relaxed, but she's not screaming or running away, so--! Progress?? ]

No, it was my fault... I really could have hurt you. You were just defending yourself...

[ Alarmingly quick. ]

[Diluc is a walking bundle of paranoia; alarmingly quick is just how he operates when under a perceived threat.]

You could have, but it was hardly intentional. No hard feelings, I promise.

[How can he hold this against her?]

How about we start over. [He holds out a hand to her.] Diluc Ragnvindr. And you are?

... Diluc... Diluc??

[ She pauses in the act of tentatively taking his hand, eyes widening as realization slowly dawns. ]

A-ah, you're-- you're Thoma-san's and Ori-san's--! I-I mean, my name is Sana--

[ HE'S THE BOYFRIEND???? ]

[Diluc honestly has no idea if the girl's reaction should concern him or not. She clearly recognizes the name - it's strange to have that happen to him again for the first time in months - but he doens't know if it's for good or ill reasons. Even when she squeaks out Thoma and Ori's names, he's not entirely convinced that she's not going to run off screaming.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Sana.

[Awkward pause.]

You know Thoma and Oriphi?

[ She might still run off screaming. It's a valid concern. Sana is easily spooked. ]

I... yes. [ Nervously twisting her fingers together-- ] They both helped me in different ways when I came here and they've been helping me ever since... I'm really grateful to both of them. Thoma-san... also told me about you.

[Diluc can't say he'd blame her for being spooked off. Not like they started on a great note.]

That sounds like them. They're two of the kindest, most helpful people I know.

[The fondness in his voice is unmistakable.]

I hope Thoma told you nice things, at least?

H-he did! He said you were intimidating, but very kind deep down...

[ Which. Seems to be exactly as Thoma stated. Very intimidating, but he'd apologized almost immediately and it's clear enough from his tone that he deeply cares about the other two. ]

[That sounds about right for how Thoma talks about him]

I see. I'm sorry that you had to see the intimidating part so... er, suddenly.

[The more she talks, the more bad he feels about drawing steel against her.]

If you'll allow it, I can make up for it. Do you like tea?

I... I do, but you don't have to make up for anything!

[ Indeed, she seems dismayed that he thinks he has to take responsibility at all, especially when-- ]

I-I'm the one who almost set you on fire!

[Originally, Diluc hadn't planned to tell Thoma and Ori about his birthday. It's a complicated day for him, coupled as it is with the anniversary of his father's death and the fight that fractured his relationship with Kaeya. In years past, he has found it easier to ignore his grief entirely and simply carry on like any other day (albeit one that inevitably ends at his father's gravesite). He once had every intention of doing the same here.

Recent events, however, have him second-guessing that plan. Ultimately, he chooses to abandon it, sitting his two beloved partners down a few days before the 30th. He stumbles through his words as he explains the significance of the date and how he has no idea how to handle it now that he's trying not to close himself off quite so much. Ori isn't quite able to hold back tears, which is about what Diluc expects, and both she and Thoma suggest something small to celebrate while also commemorating his father.

He leaves the planning to them, trusting them with the details more than he trusts himself given how emotionally charged the whole thing is for him. And, of course, he tells them both how much he loves and appreciates them and their help.

The morning of his birthday arrives, and Diluc is awoken by a certain kestrel that has more or less imprinted on him and refuses to go back into the wild. He swats gently to stop him from continuing to tug on his hair.]

Good morning, Vespera.

[Diluc resisted giving him a name for awhile, but after it became clear the bird was here to stay it seemed rude to keep calling him "kestrel."

Vespera squawks a bit in protest and flies out of reach, giving Diluc the clearance to sit up in the bed. He's the last one to awaken, and he can hear the sounds of Ori and Thoma working together in the kitchen. After a few deep breaths to steady himself for the emotional rollercoaster that today is likely to be, he gets out of bed and goes out to join them.]

[ Ori had just been out and about, having had a few errands to run ahead of the day that she and Thoma have planned for celebrating Diluc's birthday and for commemorating his father's passing. She has seen Vespera fly in overhead as she reaches home (it still makes her heart soar to think of it as home, their home) and she knows upon seeing the kestrel that it's only going to be a matter of time before Diluc would be awake. Once she's made her way into the kitchen where Thoma is preparing breakfast, she presses a soft kiss to his cheek in greeting before she gives him an amused, knowing look while the bird of prey's squawking reaches their ears from their bedroom.

Quietly, she tels him, ]

I'm sorry, love. It took a little longer than I thought to get everything...

[ She sets a basket onto the kitchen table. Bundled up inside the basket are fresh fruits that she's gathered from the community gardens and freshly foraged from the forest for them to enjoy with breakfast - and a bountiful bouquet of fresh flowers. In the arrangement are lily of the valley and amaryllis flowers, the closest approximations - that Ori can manage to grow here - to the small lamp grass flowers and windwheel asters of Mondstadt that she learned about from a certain bard.

She holds the bouquet up to Thoma, her expression a bit unsure but curious. ]

It's not quite small lamp grass or windwheel asters, but... do you think Diluc will like these? I thought maybe we could bring these with us for later, too...

[ Thoma had also spotted the kestrel flying in through the window and making straight for the bedroom. He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself, knowing that the bird would be fussing with Diluc’s hair in due time, coaxing him awake. He can’t think of a better way for him to be woken up on this day of all days, something gentle and sweet.

It’s going to be a hard day, he knows, but it’s their job to soften the blow somewhat. Diluc doesn’t need to be alone on this journey towards healing, and he and Ori will remind him of that at every turn if they need to.

There are already a few motes of light floating around as Thoma works on breakfast – pancakes along with the fresh fruit are on offer this morning – but a few more spring into being as Ori appears and kisses him sweetly. ]

Hm. Let me see.

[ He steps away from his mixing bowl to give the flowers an appraising glance. Ori may not be from Mondstadt, but she certainly has a good grasp of its flora already. Once she mentions what she was aiming for, Thoma can see it instantly. It makes a bit of homesickness rise up in his chest, but it’s quickly overshadowed by the love and adoration he has for this woman who does so much to make this world away from Teyvat feel like home. ]

They’re wonderful, starlight. I think he’ll love them.

[ Speaking of, it’s about at this moment that Diluc emerges from the bedroom, Vespera flitting after him. Thoma turns, smiling warmly. ]

Hey, you. Good morning.

[Vespera swoops in and immediately takes up a perch near the room's ceiling, which is pretty normal behavior for him. Once Diluc actually gets going with his day, he'll fly back out to hunt and do whatever it is that kestrels do until he decides it's time to check on Diluc again.

The room is full of warmth and light, which is something of a salve as he's hit with several conficting emotions at once. Love, seeing these two beloved persons in their element like this. Guilt, for daring to have something resembling a nice feeling on this of all days. Grief, which is likely to be ever-present throughout the day. And relief, knowing that he doesn't have to deal with this tangle of feelings alone.

The biggest struggle, he's realizing, is going to be getting out of his own head and being mentally and emotionally present throughout the day. He very nearly misses Thoma's greeting because of all the navel gazing.]

Good morning, both of you.

[He closes the distance between them, kissing Ori and Thoma lightly in turn. The expression he wears isn't quite a smile, but it's soft and fond.]

You should have woken me up. I could have helped with breakfast.

[ Thoma's approval of her efforts brings a smile to her face, one that only grows warmer and brighter when their precious moonlight joins them. Though even so, her gaze is fixed on Diluc’s face; she can’t pretend to know how he’s feeling, only that she can only imagine what kind of storm of emotions must be brewing in his heart for all the weight and meaning that this day carries for him. She hopes that she and Thoma can bear at least some of that weight alongside him. ]

Good morning...

[ The kiss she receives from Diluc is returned in kind, of course, and her worry eases at the slightest when she finds that soft and fond look on his face.

What he says, though, has her shaking her head at him with a quiet laugh. ]

No way. You were working late last night. We would’ve let you sleep longer, but...

[ She glances momentarily up at the ceiling where Vespera is perched before she looks back at her loves and winks. ]

[ Thoma likewise returns the kiss he’s given, though he does also lightly jab Diluc with his elbow. ]

This is a celebration for you. We’re not going to make you cook.

[ Says the guy who made like a three course meal for his own birthday. This is different, and this day is going to be as much about helping Diluc heal as it is about celebrating him. If he wants to cook for them later, he can.

He chuckles a bit, glancing up at Vespera as well. The kestrel is, of course, unrepentant over having woken Diluc, and Thoma shakes his head, meandering back over to the kitchen. ]

Take a seat. I was just about to make the pancakes.

All right, all right. I'll get out of your way.

[The concession is giving in good humor, and honestly? Diluc more or less expected that response from his two loves. They both show their love by doing--really, all three of them do--so the idea of him assisting on his own birthday is a non-starter. The only creature in this room that's not going to give him special treatment today is Vespera, who couldn't care less about things like birthdays and grim anniversaries.

There's a strange comfort in that, just as there's comfort in the fact that Thoma and Ori are leaning into the occasion.

The choice of breakfast is a very Mondstadt dish, and it caters to the sweet tooth that Diluc refuses to verbally acknowledge but both Thoma and Ori know that he has. Leaving the details to them was the right call.

As he moves to take a seat, he finally takes the time to look at the bouquet of flowers sticking out of the basket that's on the table.]

I can only assume that these flowers are your doing, starlight? They're lovely.

[ With Thoma moving to start on the pancakes and Diluc taking a seat, Ori likewise moves to retrieve a vase - from an assortment which she's certainly amassed by now - to fill it with water. She makes her way back to the table and is setting it onto the center as Diluc asks his question; she beams and tilts her head at him in response. ]

Mmhmm. I'm glad you think so.

[ Light on her feet, she circles around the table to stand behind where Diluc sits, leaning over to wrap her arms around him and press a soft kiss on top of his head before she rests her chin there. Gazing at the flowers, she adds, ]

I tried to get close to what your flowers from Mondstadt are like, but I'm sure Thoma's pancakes will take us the rest of the way there.

[ That was the plan, after all...! ]

[ Thoma is, as per usual, right at home in the kitchen, humming away as he pours batter into his skillet, merrily beginning the business of making a very Mondstadt breakfast. It’s something he’d cook for himself on occasion back in Inazuma when he was feeling particularly homesick, and so there’s something joyous in being able to share it with the people he loves instead of being alone with his wistful thoughts.

Soon enough, he’s amassed a small mountain of pancakes for them to share. They’re light and fluffy, with just a hint of dreamotion baked in to imbue their breakfast with Thoma’s trademark warmth and a sense of home.

He slides over to the table with the stack of pancakes on a plate and a pitcher of syrup in his other hand. The table is already set and ready, so he beams and offers, ]

Help yourselves. I… might have overdone it, so don’t be afraid to grab seconds! Or thirds!

[Diluc takes a moment to re-examine the flowers now that he has that additional bit of context, and he can definitely see what Ori is going for. There's a tightening in his chest, and he's unsure if it's because he's happy and touched or because he's grieving and homesick. Probably a bit of both.]

That's... very considerate, Ori. Thank you.

[He reaches up with one hand and gently holds onto the arms that Ori has wrapped around him. They remain that way until Thoma comes over with pancakes and the bright warmth that seems to follow him wherever he goes.]

They look wonderful.

[Diluc grabs exactly one (1) pancake and covers it with syrup to start with, unsure how much appetite he's going to have given all the feelings he's already gone through in the little while he's been awake. He wasn't lying when he said that they look great--and they smell even better. But he needs to pace himself today.

After a few bites, he quickly realizes that he's being overly cautious and adds a couple more pancakes to his plate. Part of it is the dreamotion imbued into the dish, but more than that it's the fact that this is sweet, familiar, and made with love. There's something to be said about that, today of all days.]

[ Ori tightens her arms around Diluc in response to his thanks before she lets go, moving to settle into her place at the table when Thoma finishes the pancakes. She reaches for her basket to add the fruits she’d gathered this morning into their spread of breakfast items on the table when she sees Diluc take exactly one (1) pancake; she has half a mind to nag him to take more when she decides to let him go about breakfast as he pleases. It’s his birthday, after all, and Ori surely can’t begin to imagine how he must be feeling on such a day.

… But she’ll be taking at least three (3) pancakes, garnishing her stack with syrup and some fruits. She’s been up and about in the woods since the early morning, after all, and that calls for a hearty breakfast. She hums approvingly when she takes her first bite, flowers unfurling in her hair - the usual affair whenever she’s blessed with Thoma’s cooking, especially so when each bite is laced with that homey feeling, that warmth and safety. ]

Oh, delicious as always, Thoma. Mmm…

[ And it’s then that she sees Diluc add a few more pancakes to his plate, and she can’t help but smile at him as she gently pushes the bowl of foraged fruits towards him. ]

You’ll both need lots of fuel for our walk in the woods later. We’re not taking any teleportation shortcuts today, okay? It’ll be nice to take it slow.

[ Diluc is cautious about a lot of things, and his own feelings are by far where he’s the most guarded. Ori and Thoma have slipped their way through the cracks in his defenses, sure, but that doesn’t mean Diluc will stop treating himself with kid gloves – especially today. That single – sorry, one (1) pancake is a sign of caution, so Thoma doesn’t bring any attention to it.

Their sweet sun works through it on his own anyway, and a few more motes of light bob into the air when Thoma watches him pile a bit more food on his plate. ]

I’m glad you like it! I always love getting positive reviews from you guys.

[ So saying, he plops down in his own chair and loads up his plate. He waves his fork at Ori playfully. ]

Sounds like Ori plans to run us ragged.

[CLOSED] Guess we can rest a bit.

Venti

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Sana

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Thoma & Oriphi | forward-dated to April 30th

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