#* / thread ( dehya. )

[immobiliter]

       Extra muscle, got it. Dehya was more than up for that task: point her in the direction of something — or someone — that needed to meet her fist or the end of her blade, and she'd gladly swing. She nodded as they kept walking, but then Captain Beidou's tone lingered on the word different, and she suddenly canted her head. Close as they were, a strong, firm arm still around her shoulder, Dehya found that she wasn't immune to whatever it was that lingered in the other woman's tone, whether it be a suggestive promise or something else entirely.

       Perhaps the panic that briefly leapt in that usually cool, assured, cat-like gaze was obvious to the other as their eyes met — enough for Beidou to clarify and make Dehya feel like a fool for letting her imagination wander, even if for a moment.

       Eremites. Suddenly the decision to seek her out and recruit her to the crew made complete sense. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly. “ I see. Well, any questions you have about desert life, I'd be happy to answer. ” It was a way of life so often alien to outsiders, full of unspoken rules and cultural nuances that made it hard for even those in the rainforest to truly understand, let alone someone from a different nation. “ And, maybe in return, you'll get to regale me with stories of your adventures at sea? ” She chuckled slightly under her breath; new experience or not, Dehya got the sense that she was going to enjoy it here.

That the merc doesn't immediately try to shake her off, or tense up beneath her overly friendly breach of personal space, registers as a good sign in the captain's mind. It is, of course, only an invitation for her to continue with such gestures in future. Well... at least until Dehya expresses any discomfort with her familiarity, of course. If she ever does.

"Well, first of all, having some extra muscle aboard is always a benefit." She can feel the strength within the shoulders beneath her arm - they are of a similar build in many ways, she notes. This is someone who can heft a pretty big sword with no trouble, and is likely just as good with her fists, too. "But it's actually some altogether different experience that I'm interested in."

Is it deliberate, the way her tone twists her words to sound almost suggestive? Yes, yes it is. The captain can't help being a natural flirt, of course - all part of her charm, naturally. Especially when she believes it's not unwelcome. "We're going to be dealing with a group of Eremites," there's a subtle gleam in her one visible eye, perhaps a small hint that perhaps this business may not be entirely above board, "and I like to keep myself informed of customs, traditions, and the like - nothing keeps business running smoothly like respect, after all. So, as well as your impressive prowess, I'd like to pick your brains about your culture, too."

[4dango-the2nd]

4Dango Comic Masterlist

These are mostly twitter links right now. I’ll slowly replace them with the tumblr posts as I upload the comics here!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BIRTHDAYS Anthology

Bennett’s Birthday (twt 2022)

Childe’s Birthday (twt 2021) (2022)

Diluc’s Birthday (twt 2021)

Eula’s Birthday (twt 2021)

Jean’s Birthday (twt 2022)

Kaeya’s Birthday (twt 2020) 

Kaveh's Birthday (2023)

Kokomi’s Birthday (2022)

Razor’s Birthday (twt 2021)

Rosaria’s Birthday (twt 2022)

Sara’s Birthday (2022)

Xiao’s Birthday (2021)

Zhongli’s Birthday (twt 2021)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CELEBRATION Anthology

Secret Santa (2020)

Father’s Day (twt 2021)

Christmas (2021)

New Year (2022)

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MONDSTADT Anthology

Albedo-centric:

Voices in Ice & Snow (Corrupted Albedo dj, Completed) [twitter] [webtoon]

Cold Tolerance & Homunculus Body (ft. Albedo, Aether)

My Sword (ft. Albedo, Aether, CW: GORE)

Ghost AU page test (ft. Albedo, Aether)

“Father” (ft. Albedo, Subject 2, Dainsleif)

Fleeting Shadow (ft. Albedo, Subject 2, Aether)

Teasing Huffman (ft. Albedo, Huffman)

.

Dawn Winery centric (Diluc, Kaeya, Adelinde):

Eye (ft. Diluc & Kaeya)

Badass Adelinde

Diluc’s Raw Strength (ft. Diluc, poor hilichurl)

Long Live The King (ft. Kaeya, Diluc, Kaeya’s father)

500 Years (ft. Kaeya, Kaeya’s father)

Rain Anthology flipbook animation

.

AUs:

LUPICAL (Modern AU) [webtoon]

Mondt Gala [twitter thread]

.

Others:

Klee’s Big Bang skill (animation)

Use Your Claws, Boy (ft. Razor, Rosaria)

If You Hurt Him (ft. Razor, Rosaria)

Shadows (ft. Diluc & Rosaria, crack ship)

Growing Up (ft. Razor, Klee) [part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4]

Ties (ft. Diluc, Razor)

Summer Event (ft. Razor, Diluc, Kaeya, Albedo, Dvalin)

Viktor & Lily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LIYUE Anthology

Ancient Liyue Collection

Burning Karmic Debt (Indarias’ death)

Farewell Havria

Xiao’s Hobby

Qiqi’s Wish (Lantern Rite comic, ft. Qiqi, Xiao)

Resonant Wave zine entry (ft. Tartali, Childe/Zhongli)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INAZUMA Anthology

Teppei’s Ambition (ft. Teppei, Aether, Scaramouche)

Familiar Fatui Recruit (ft. Aether, Childe, Chouji)

Grand Aspiration (ft. Kazuha, Kazuha’s Friend)

Orobashi & his Generals (character fandesigns)

Rui & Kanna Kapatcir (character fandesigns)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCARAMOUCHE Anthology

KAGOME [Webtoon compilation]

Kabukimono's Tales of Tatarasuna

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4]

If Niwa, Katsuragi, & Nagamasa comes back to life (ft. Wanderer)

If Niwa comes back to life (ft. Wanderer, Kazuha, Niwa)

Kabukitty

Standalones not featured in my books:

Catharsis (ft. Wanderer, Dottore)

Wanderer animation (based on Deko’s illustration)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUMERU Anthology

Bug Talks (ft. Collei, Cyno)

Following Footsteps (ft. Cyno, Collei)

Caretaker & Protector (ft. Collei, Cyno, Tighnari)

Pay Attention, Or Else (ft. Collei, Cyno, Tighnari, Aether)

Do You Remember (ft. Nahida, Aether, Lumine)

Ashes & You (ft. Kaveh, Alhaitham)

Samsara (ft. Dottore, Nahida)

Flower for my most gallant knight (ft. Dehya, Dunyarzad)

Your Turn, Milady (ft. Dehya, Dunyarzad)

.

NPC-centric:

The Gilded Sand’s Lullaby (ft. Jeht, Jebrael)

Falcon’s Sunset (ft. Aether, Tadhla)

Child of Snow & Forest (ft. Alphonso, Rana, Arana)

Waiting Forever (ft. Alphonso, Aether, Iotham)

Zandik’s Dream (ft. Zandik/Dottore, Rukkhadevata)

.

Character Fandesigns

Professor Cyrus [grandpa energy] [fandesign]

Pari [part 1 twt] [part 2 twt]

Sheikh Zubayr (doodle)

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata (before cutscene release)

Nabu Malikata, Goddess of Flower 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Others

Rhinedottir fandesign

We Promised (ft. Aether, Lumine)

“I’m Just A Feeble Scholar” (commission, ft. Alhaitham/Aether)

Albedo vs Childe rough animatic

Abyss Memories [part 1, ft. Kazuha, Kazuha’s Friend] [part 2, ft. Lumine, Enjou, Kazuha’s Friend]

Missing You (ft Aether, Lumine, Albedo)

Humble Wish (ft. Lumine, Dainsleif, Aether)

Deception (ft. Aether, Venti, Zhongli)

[erabu-san]

Hello!!I want to start off with the fact that i ABSOLUTELY LOVE your art!!The way you draw characters is amazing,you draw them nearly the same as i hc them

I was scrolling through your blog (the art is beautiful please dont ever stop) and i saw some anons complaining and insulting you for drawing some characters (mainly characters from natlan and sumeru) with different shades of skin.While i dont know much about this topic i just wanted to share my opinion.

Sumeru is based off of middle east,the majority of which has tanned skin (but its very mixed from what i know!).Natlan is based off of a lot of places (which is honestly another sign of racism in my opinion)I myself am from Turkey which can count as both middle east AND Europe (even turkish people dont know what we count as).I have a lot of middle eastern friends as well (Iran,Iraq,Sauda Arabia,Syria…) and they are brown or tanned and one of them is white!

i saw a lot of people say that “not every character needs to be black/brown” and i answer this with not every character has to be white.White,brown,black,asian,native american and every other race exists and every race deserves to be respected.No race should be insulted for wanting representation.No race should be seen as outcasts either.Wether that be white or black,no one deserves to feel like they are not fine the way they are.

I myself hc Zhongli as pale as a ghost to indicate that he is a god (as being pale is associated with being a superior being in chinese culture).I hc Xiao as tanned due to him spending all his time,day and night,fighting monsters.I hc Neuvilette has slightly blue-ish skin bc hes the hydro sovereign.I hc as black bc i like him that way.I hc Alhaitham as brown and so many more characters.Nobody would want to play a game in which there is no diversity.Diversity helpes the characters feel more real and gives them character depth.Diversity helps make Teyvat feel more real,like Earth itself.

But anyways this is just my opinion,i would love to learn more and hear everyone’s opinions.And if someone doesnt like your art they should just block you if they dont want to see it🤷‍♀️ Your art is amazing though so please dont mind those buffoons 🙏

Sorry it this got too long or complicated.English isnt my first language and im still learning

And dont even get me started on the body shapes of the characters

Hii !! Thank you so much ! 😭😭🙏

Yesss I completely agree with you !

And if I can be honest, I wasn't aware of this question of representation and diversity before Genshin Impact. Once, I saw a fanart with someone making a white character black, and in all of my ignorance, I was wondering why (a genuine question). So I asked my friend her thought (because I love hearing her opinions) and she makes me aware about representation in media, and issues they are facing to. And, wow, I learnt a lot ! Maybe it is a bit silly but, I always tend to focus on canon content, and all my HC was around interactions or their behaviour, and I never thought about their body appearance HC. And since I learnt that, my creativity developed a new skill ! So it is only recently I put HC on their physical appearance (like Sethos with dimples KKGEKDJS it ain't that much but it is fun, I guess HC on physical appearance is not my domain)

But it is thanks to Genshin, a game about exploring a whole world with diversity lore in each region, and what representation Hoyoverse used for making their game that I started to be into it. So yes, there is a lot of problem in genshin, making some rep worst. But without this, I wouldn't be able to learn more about SWANA culture with a thread I read on Dehya Nilou Tighnari Faruzan, Japan with Wanderer, Chinese with Yun Jin or recently on Hawai'i with Mualani and even on France United Kingdom with Emilie (i think I also read a thread about GaMing too...?). And what a surprise, I am close to France and UK but I never knew about Emilie's inspiration. Not only on character but also lore, and how some desert name in genshin is also part of culture (I don't remember where I read it tho !! Gosh i wish to reread it again).

I love genshin for its diversity whatever on region or lore but even on gameplay it offers us in our adventure. But I also agree on those who complain about character design ! Not only about representation, but about storytelling in character design (for example, you can't guess Xilonen is someone who forges ; her nails, accessories and hair would be on her way). And it happens that I receive some hate message (on tumblr and twitter. Mostly twitter) saying "this game is not for you, just leave" with some insults that I prefer to not share lol

I agree and also disagree. What do you mean this game is NOT for me ?? Searching our lost sibling, tragic lore, wholesome encounter, satisfying gameplay, vivid color landscape, with great characters, ALBEDO ??? Not for me ?! 🤨 My love for genshin is immense. But, I agree on the fact that.. yes. Indeed, I am not the target for genshin character design. I played a lot of gacha game, and it is mostly based on collectioning waifu with big boobs and big ass (you were a great game, Epic Seven...). When I look at hater's account on twitter, there is a pattern : throwaway account, account full of problematic opinion, or full of porn 2d woman with the basic hourglasses morphology big boobs big butt even on characters who are flat. It is undeniable that most of genshin characters are sexualised, and this, for sell them better. And, making them white is one of criteria to sell them better to those type of client 🙂‍↕️

I study sociology (i am a newbie tho, nothing deep) and I can extend this light analyse on what I learn : the success of Genshin, why there is such a contrast between Genshin players and their different profiles, the benefits Hoyoverse do and how difficult it is to satisfy all players (and so sacrifices are made, like characters design). It is all supposition tho BGKEJGJS but maybe if I do my last year of sociology and still into genshin, why not making my essay on it bahahaha

BACK TO THE TOPIC !!! (SORRY I HAD A LOT TO SAY) don't worry, since this anon hate, I tend to block everyone who try to argue or insult 😭 and just mostly shock how people are openly racist when they are behind a screen WOW lucky me I am not affected by those words ☠️ and all of this just because I draw Kinich black skin or Xilonen with a bit more textured hair...? That's so crazy ! Anywaaaay diversity is great and it works also on creativity too !! World is boring if everything looks the same, and it is also the same in Genshin ! Imagine in 4 years, genshin only released mondstadt 1, mondstadt 2, mondstadt 3.... I believe the game would be dead sooner if it was the case bahaha

And thank you again for all your compliments about my art anon !! I love drawing so much, and it is my source of fun and happinness <3 There is in some drawings I thought "wow !!! I improve !!" And i am so happy when people notice it too! 😭🙏

Don't worry abt your english, mine isn't the best neither BAHTVZJHGJZGAA

[inhumanheresy]

Childe’s eyebrows nearly hit his hairline when Dehya speaks of surviving on Dragonspine without any ‘extra protection’.

“None? Your Vision must be the reason for that, surely.” He hadn’t missed the gleam of the sleek Sumeran case of the Pyro Vision hanging from her belt when he’d sized her up on her initial approach. Pyro wielders tend to take longer to grow cold than nearly anyone else, save those with Cryo visions, but a pervasive, unending icy climate does not care — one does not win an endurance competition against prolonged low temperatures.

To withstand the cold of Dragonspine without aid, Dehya’s Pyro control — both unconscious and practiced — must be highly skilled.

The mask behind his eyes flickers thin for a brief moment, a mere hint of his thirst for a fight shining through, the thunder of his blood rising— but this is not the time.

“Whatever the case may be, I do advocate for the use of a coat. The chill is… permeating. If you freeze, well,” he shrugs, a smile both humored and dangerous crossing his face as they step up to Wanmin’s counter, “you’ve now been warned.”

He raises his arm to wave as they approach the counter, and between height and familiarity manages to catch Chef Mao’s eye, the man making eye contact and giving a quick nod before returning to the customers he’d been attending. A pot of tea will accompany him when he approaches for their order, a variety either new, appropriate for the season and weather, or both.

“I’ll take you up on your offer at some point! I’ve never been to Sumeru, though I’ve met with traveling scholars, merchants, and warriors many a time, especially when they’re traveling through the commerce hub that is Liyue.”

He laughs, then heaves an exaggerated sigh as his gaze drifts to the distance. “Alas, duty calls. It may be some time before my schedule is freed up for personal time off aside from the usual evenings. Such is the life of the terrible Fatui.” At that last part, he tilts his head towards her with a long-suffering yet conspiratorial little expression, the mask on the side of his head bright in the lanternlight.

Drawing someone into confidence, whether in a lighthearted or serious manner, is a disarming tactic that’s worked well for him in Liyue. This time, he treads the line of saying only the truth while revealing nothing with practiced ease, yet with a spark of humor that he thinks will hit well with Dehya; she seems the sort to respond well to both the lightheartedness and the honesty.

“I’d say it might give me some time to acclimate to heat beyond what Liyue summers offer, but unlike your own tolerance, I’m not sure I’ll ever adapt to the sort of temperatures that I’ve heard of in Sumeru. The forest a little better, perhaps — summer in Liyue often feels like you’re swimming through the air like it’s harbor water, and I imagine the rainforest suffers much the same — but for a Snezhnayan-born like me, I fear that I’d crisp in the desert.

“And speaking of crisp—” He points to a dish with a sheen of golden-red oil currently making its way out of the kitchen. “If you want spice, heat, and something I think is altogether Liyue, ask for ‘chef’s choice, with moderate Jueyun chili’. As for ale, they don’t serve it here, but you can wander across the street, bring back alcohol, and the owner here won’t mind. Otherwise, I’m afraid that I can’t offer any recommendations on that account. Not much of an ale connoisseur myself.”

The wistful look in his eyes, the soft smile, the nostalgic way he talks about his homeland, all serves to only make her want to go even more. Hearing the passion for a place from someone who loves it, rather than the disdain from someone who's had a terrible time, will always be a better selling point, and now she's damn determined to get there one day.

"North is fine by me," she says with a small flick of her hair back over her shoulder. "Way I figure it, since I can survive on the Dragonspine without anything extra to keep me warm, I can survive in Snezhnaya. I might still bring a jacket anyway." There's the rumor about her family that's taken up space in the back of her mind when she thinks about going back to the Dragonspine, but she always tells people she's just warm-blooded or something, and that's why she doesn't need more clothing and a torch and to stay near the lights along the way.

The desert isn't as terrible, mostly just disgustingly hot to the people that aren't accustomed to it. But its heat hasn't got the same depth as the cold on the Dragonspine. That mountain can kill any who aren't prepared for it, and Dehya had gone in prepared only to find out it didn't affect her like it did others.

"Oh, you're talking my language even more now, I can't wait to try some. Sumeru has some really vibrant kinds of pickling, usually in vinegar, so it smells a lot when doing it. Some restaurants and shops serve primarily pickled vegetables, but it isn't overly common outside of that. We have plenty of dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and meats if you're going through the desert, and the forests are full of plants and animals.

"Have you been to Sumeru before? If not, you're in for a treat. I can show you some of the best places for spice and heat, get that snowy mouth of your sizzling in a different way than the peppers here."

At Childe's gesture, Dehya moves around the sailors and follows him to the shop where a chef works in front of an open counter. The streets had already smelled good from all of the cooked food being put out in time for dinner, but, getting closer, she feels her mouth watering. "Anything meat and spicy sounds incredible. And a hearty ale, if they have it. Any recommendations? She turns her head towards Childe, eyebrows raised slightly in question. "Or should I just pick anything and see how it goes down?"

[fairykazu]

genshin impact women as beabadoobee songs masterlist ++ note: reader is implied to be feminine

perfect pair you ought to know that i think we're one and the same / i don't think we could help it, no, i don't think we could help it / we don't talk much, guess 'cause nothing has changed /. . . / if i told you, you'd know how to go and break my heart in two / 'cause I would anyways, we'd end up like always

relationships aren't perfect but when you two were young and dumb and stupidly in love, preaching that your relationship will forever exist upon eons and eons. seeing how it's starting to meet the end of it scares you, all those promises unraveling showing the loose threads that shouldve and couldve shown you the ending. but it didn't. but the both of you are a reflection of each other, a twin flame even. even if the trials become errors, you two were bound to fall into each other's arms, embracing the sparks between you two only to fall out, the relationship burnt to a crisp.

lisa, ningguang & yanfei

she plays bass hey, won't you call me back? 'cause I've been waiting for a text back / this hurts my brain / she plays bass, she plays bass / nothing matters 'cause we're both in space /how i wish we could just date

this was just friends nothing more. of course, friends hold hands but do they brush their finger over your knuckles? of course, friends assure each other but do they whisper it into your ear? after asking countless friends and the result being the same every time, you realized that the friendship you developed with her was blurred the lines and it was hard to tell if she liked you too or was it all a dream?

yelan, yae miko, lynette & beidou

dance with me if you wanna dance then / dance with me/ it's pretty fast but this is what you do at parties, right? / and i know it's hard to tell / but i think i really like you

it was weird to hang out with her, not only because you two stand at different points of social status, but because you don't understand how this ordeal or at least partying looks. but the way she smiled and gleamed made you believe that you totally asked in a good, cool way despite being awkward at it. she took your hand into hers and let you hang by her side as she danced to the tunes, slowly you mimicked her actions too.

dehya, yoimiya & ayaka

[dandelion-wings]

Now imagining that offscreen canon scene of Nilou coming over to the Homayani estate to help Dunyarzad try on dresses — with Nilou (1) having a crush on Dunyarzad she was considering acting on only to discover that (2) Dunyarzad can't stop talking about her bodyguard in the most obliviously obvious way. It's very sweet and who can blame her?

I also imagined it, and it was a fun bit of angst! But then, being me, I couldn't leave it on a sad love triangle when Dunyarzad has two hands, so I tried to fix it:

---

ETA: Now on AO3!

---

Nilou's pulse flutters with anticipation as she knocks on the door of the Homayani estate. Anticipation and some nerves; she'd made sure to arrive by the servant's entrance, not the front door, despite having Dunyarzad's invitation in her hand. Dunyarzad might be confident in it, but she's told Nilou before of her overprotective parents.

Perhaps the front door would have been better. The maid who answers this one is baffled by the letter, and Nilou hears her whispering to whoever it is she summons that a legitimate guest would come by the front door, wouldn't she? But whoever she's talking to affirms that the handwriting is Dunyarzad's, and Nilou is let in and conducted to their lady's rooms.

"You're here!" Dunyarzad exclaims, catching Nilou's hands and dragging her in.

She dismisses the servants with a wave of her hand, then closes the door and tugs Nilou over to sit beside her on the bed. Nilou's pulse flutters again, though there's a good foot between where Dunyarzad is and the spot she pats for Nilou to sit. She's afraid she may be blushing.

Dunyarzad, though, doesn't seem to notice. She's too excited about the festival. "I found out about something else we can do. Dehya was out on her day off and found an illegal bookseller. She brought me back an old novel set during a Sabzeruz Festival, which was so sweet of her. I haven't even told her about my plan yet. She got it all on her own, and told me that it mentioned Lesser Lord Kusanali, so she thought of me when she found it."

"That was nice of her," Nilou agrees. "What did you find out?"

"My favorite detail was that in the novel, they gave out special candies shaped like flowers. I thought that would be wonderful for the children."

"That would," Nilou agrees, charmed by the thought herself. "Did it say how to make them?"

"No. I was hoping you could find a confectioner who might have an idea. Or could make a new recipe, if that one was lost." Dunyarzad smiles brightly at her. "It might cost some more money, but I've figured out how to get us more funds. How much did you say you needed for the first round of orders, to start with? You can get estimates for the confectioners later."

"About five hundred thousand Mora," Nilou says, wincing as she says it. "But we can start with the venues, and that will only be two hundred thousand."

Dunyarzad only smiles even more brightly, radiant in her excitement, and leaps back to her feet. "I think I can cover that entirely, to start with. Though you'll have to help me. I know what my parents paid for most of these, but there's a difference between the commission price and what they might be worth for resale. I don't know if they'll be more valuable as a whole, or broken down for the gems and fabric."

Now and then Nilou is reminded that while Dunyarzad may be unfamiliar with the scrape-and-save economics of the Grand Bazaar, she is the daughter of a wealthy man who's known for handling his money well. She goes over to her dresser as she speaks, pulls a drawer open, and pulls out a few bundles of fabric. The first one she shakes out is a long skirt, a shade of red that doesn't suit her current pale complexion, though Nilou thinks it might have when she was healthier. It's embroidered with gold thread and amber beads.

"Mother wants me to keep these for when I'm well enough to attend events with Father again, but...." Dunyarzad's smile only dims a little. "She'll never know if a few have been sold. Dehya gave me the idea, actually. We were talking about her ornaments- you've seen them, right?"

"I've never seen them up close, but I've seen her in the Grand Bazaar before. They're very striking."

"Yes, the desert style is so beautiful. Especially on her." She smiles wistfully, her gaze going distant. Nilou's stomach starts to sink. She knows that look--she suspects she had worn that look this morning as she rushed through her chores at the Theater, given the teasing comments she had gotten. "She told me that they're mostly advertising. Everyone who knows mercenaries can see them and know they're looking at the Flame-Mane. But she also said that if she needs them to be, they're quick cash. In an emergency, if she doesn't have time to earn money, it's all nice enough to sell."

"Oh, there's people in the troupe do that. Though usually they try to just pawn them temporarily," Nilou adds. "Can I see all of them?"

"Here, let me lay them out."

"I'll help you."

Leaping up, Nilou hurries to take the skirts Dunyarzad hands her to lay out on the floor. Their hands brush as they touch, and her breath catches--thinks Dunyarzad's might, too. Some tentative hope still flutters within her as she kneels down to help lay out the selection of skirts.

"Oh," Dunyarzad exclaims, picking one back up. "Not this one, I'm sorry. Unless it's better than any of the others. The Festival does come first, but Deyha said this one looks the best on me, so if it's not especially valuable...."

It's not. Dehya is right, the silvery-blue and dusty purple colors match Dunyarzad's current complexion better than any of the bright colors otherwise on display. Besides that, though, it doesn't have the gold or silver thread of some of the others, it's beaded with pale quartz instead of anything more expensive, and the way it's pieced together would make it difficult to pick it apart in such a way that the fabric's quality would be preserved. Which means that Dehya likes it for how it looks on Dunyarzad, not because she has some sort of eye for value.

"No, that one isn't. These here, the one with the star sapphires and noctilucous jade, would be the easiest to break down without damaging anything, and the pieces would sell very well."

"Good. I've been trying to wear this more often. Dehya said there's no reason I can't wear nice things just to wear them, and she always smiles when she sees me in this one. She has a beautiful smile," she adds, earnestly, that wistful tone again. "People don't often smile around me these days... so when I see hers, it's always like seeing a brilliant sunset. Something worth treasuring, even if no one else notices how precious it is."

Nilou swallows hard, feeling that quavering hope sink down and die. She makes herself smile just as she had before, hoping Dunyarzad won't notice the difference. Even if Dunyarzad doesn't find her smile precious in the same way, she had sounded so sad when she said people don't smile around her. Nilou will never be one of those people who are mourning her early, instead of celebrating her presence.

"I understand," she says, refusing to feel sorry for herself. "If I take this one, I can afford at least the venue expenses, and we'll have a hundred to two hundred thousand Mora left over for other costs, depending on what I can sell the pieces for."

Dunyarzad's expression goes that bright and beaming again. "I'm so glad I could help!"

"We'll make the Sabzerzu Festival an event for everyone to remember," Nilou assures her, bundling up the skirt and scrambling to her feet. She could manage it on stage, but face-to-face with disappointment she can't make herself look this cheerful for long. "I should go start on taking these apart...."

"I don't want to delay you," Dunyarzad says, though she's clearly reluctant to let Nilou leave. "If you can't find the money elsewhere, come back and we'll pick out another you can use. The maids and Mother will notice if they all vanish, but they probably wouldn't notice one or two more."

"I will," Nilou assures her. Dunyarzad is so clearly lonely; Nilou doesn't mind coming back to give her some company another time. She just needs some time to mourn her crushed hopes first.

On the way out, she catches a glimpse of red and gold passing through the same courtyard she is, the Flame-Mane herself, an exuberant grin on her face as she heads for the hall to Dunyarzad's room. Nilou isn't sure if she knows about the skirt-selling plan, so she tucks the bundle closer and turns away. The jealousy she feels isn't fair. That Dunyarzad has someone in her life to smile for her, day in and day out, is what matters.

***

That Dunyarzad is *alive* is what matters, after that. It's not Nilou's fault--everyone rushes to tell her that it's not her fault, which honestly is worse than if they hadn't said anything reassuring at all, but she does know who to blame and it is the Grand Sage--but there is pain in knowing that it had been Nilou who anchored the samsara that nearly killed her.

Dunyarzad wouldn't want her to fret and fuss, though, when there's work to be done to help Lesser Lord Kusanali. Enough people are doing that. And knowing that Dehya is with her while Nilou joins in with that work makes it easier. Nilou's jealousy fades into determination, to do what Dunyarzad would wish her to, and relief, that she can do so without leaving her alone with only her parents' grief.

Whatever Lord Kusanali does to put an end to the scourge of eleazar, Nilou could hug her for it. Does, the first chance she gets, and takes her terribly by surprise--but she thinks their archon, after all her years of confinement, needed the hug.

"Thank you," she says, small and sweet, when Nilou lets go, and puts a hand on her arm. She looks deep into Nilou's eyes, her own eyes at once as bright and innocent as a newly-opened flower and as wise and deep as the forest itself. "Go to your friend! She wants to see you, too."

Nilou goes. And when she sees Dunyarzad with her arm around Dehya's waist, she can only smile, no matter how it stings, because Dunyarzad is alive to hold her and there's no place for sorrow in that joy.

***

Nilou's pulse flutters with anticipation as she knocks on the door of the Homayani estate. Anticipation, but no nerves; she's at the front door this time, confident of her welcome. The Homayanis have become open patrons of the Zubayr Theater. Dunyarzad's invitation in her hand only confirms her right to be here.

The last time she had been here had been the celebratory dinner arranged after Dunyarzad's recovery was confirmed. They had met in the Grand Bazaar a month later for the farewell dinner before Dunyarzad and Dehya left on their desert trip; Dunyarzad had insisted that she wanted to see a performance at the Theater one more time. Nilou does her best at every performance, but she'd put her all into that one, and Dunyarzad had been radiant and entranced.

She's not trying to compete with Dehya. That would be unkind to both Dunyarzad, whom she would never hurt, and Dehya, who since their first meeting has become something of a friend. But she still likes to see Dunyarzad smile so bright.

Which she does now, rising from her chair and holding her hands out to Nilou as she enters Dunyarzad's rooms. No more the enclosing curtains of a stifling sickroom; they've been pulled back, the windows flung wide, the terrace outside alive with pots of flowers.

"You're here! Come out to the terrace," she insists, dragging Nilou along. "I have so much to show you."

Dehya is waiting outside, of course, lounging on a bench beside the terrace's outdoor table. She grins and waves at Nilou, too. "Hey! Good to see you."

"How was your trip?"

"It was wonderful. We met a friend of Dehya's, Candace, in Aaru Village, and she showed us around. I never knew the desert could be so beautiful. Then Dehya took me the mausoleum of King Deshret, and to view Mount Damavand. There's supposed to be ruins at its foot, but we didn't go there this trip."

"Some of the Eremite tribes are responding better to the Akademiya's new outreach programs than others," Dehya says. "The ones around there aren't real friendly right now, and I wasn't going to take my lady into danger. We'll see how that looks in a few years."

Nilou smiles at them both, warmed by the happiness in Dunyarzad's voice. She looks happy--and healthy, her color so much better, her thin frame starting to fill out. The desert has been good for her. Getting to *go* to the desert, to escape the confines through which she lived her life, has been good for her.

"It sounds wonderful," she tells them.

"You should come the next time we visit," Dunyarzad says. "I'm sure you'd like it."

"Maybe in a few years the troupe can tour there. I'm busy with scheduled performances right now, but if we all went together, it could be a cultural exchange. I've heard a lot about the desert dances."

"They'd love you in Aaru Village."

"We can make plans later," Dunyarzad says. "For now, come see what I brought back."

She leads Nilou over to the table, where a lovely array of jewelry and ornaments have been spread out. Nilou gasps in delight. "These are gorgeous. Oh, look at this comb... and this hair clip... and oh, those ribbons.... You're going to be the talk of Sumeru City in these."

Dunyarzad smiles. "They're for you."

"Which ones?"

"All of them," Dehya says. "We had to rent a whole third sumpter beast on the way back from Caravan Ribat for everything she picked up there, and at least half of that was for you."

"That's not true," Dunyarzad says, laughing. "I bought small things! Your cosmetics took up just as much space, and most of it was the silk we brought home for Mother and the rugs for Father."

Dehya waves a hand in cheerful defeat.

"Dunyarzad, I can't take all of this," Nilou protests, her face hot. "It's very sweet of you, but this is...."

Putting aside the emotional weight of such a gift, this is worth more than the Theater makes in a *month*. If Nilou started wearing all of this, people would start looking around for her patron, and she doesn't think Dunyarzad would even think to keep quiet about that. The Homayanis are very kind people who don't need that scandal, and Nilou doesn't need more people than already do to think that her--attention--can be bought.

"You don't have to wear it all at once." Dehya gives her a sympathetic grin. "Pick a new piece every couple of weeks and rotate them out. My lady won't mind."

It occurs to her that a mercenary, someone else who sells her physical skills for her daily bread, might have run into the same sort of interest that dancers and actors often do. Especially a mercenary as attractive as Dehya inarguably is. And her strategy is a wise one.

"I don't want to completely change your aesthetic," Dunyarzad agrees, pink in the cheeks for all the wrong reasons and oblivious to Nilou's real concern.

Not that the aesthetic isn't a real concern, too, as she's established certain expectations to her audience, but--Nilou blushes harder, because that really should have been her first thought. She knows why the other had been instead. Her hopes she's long since peacefully put to bed, but the feelings that Dunyarzad's smile stir in her didn't go with them.

"If you're really sure...." She looks back at the gifts, still overwhelmed. "It's just so much."

"It cost less all together than that skirt I gave you."

"Yes, but that was for the Sabzeruz Festival, for Lord Kusanali-"

"Nilou." Dunyarzad takes her hands again, swinging her around to look directly at her. She looks so terribly, sweetly earnest. "When I was ill, and in despair, your dances always cheered me, and you were always so kind to me when we spoke after a performance. When I was locked away in this house, forbidden to leave, you sent me flowers, even though all the rest of the outside world was happy to pretend I didn't exist. When I wanted to do something for Lord Kusanali, to help celebrate the Sabzeruz Festival, you let me help- you believed I *could* help, even though I was sick and weak and useless. And every time I saw you, every time I got those flowers or read your letters, that time you came to visit... you always smiled so warmly, like a beautiful sunrise. Compared to the joy you brought me, these gifts are nothing at all."

The way Dunyarzad is looking at Nilou makes her knees want to turn to jelly. Her hands tremble in Dunyarzad's, and she can feel her blush blazing even brighter than before. If those words had come from anyone else, even if they'd come from Dunyarzad before she all but confessed her feelings about Dehya during that meeting before the Festival, Nilou would think-

"But you have Dehya," she blurts out, and wishes she could turn to water and dissolve into the terrace's stone.

"I do. And I don't mean to *ask* for anything," Dunyarzad says, her smile growing worried. "But when we went to Aaru Village.... Dehya has Candace, too, and once we'd talked about that, I thought I should at least let you know. It doesn't have to change our friendship, if you don't want it to. I will always value you as my friend before anything else. But," and there's that sweet, earnest look again, now anxious as well, "I have always thought you were beautiful."

Nilou glances frantically at Dehya, who's leaning forward and watching them with intense interest. She gives Nilou a thumbs-up.

"I don't know," Nilou says, overwhelmed. But already, hopes she'd thought crushed to silence are starting to stir again, fluttering within. She smiles shyly back at Dunyarzad. "We should talk about it, shouldn't we? But I *want* to talk about it."

Dunyarzad beams back at her, as excited as she'd been when giving her the gifts. "We should," she agrees, and then she's pulling Nilou in.

She could resist, if she wanted. Dunyarzad is stronger than she was before she left for the desert, but Nilou could easily twist away. And maybe they should talk first. But she doesn't want to. Her heart is racing with excitement, with hope reawoken into joy, and she leans in and kisses Dunyarzad as thoroughly as she possibly can.

[glazesunflower]

Hiiii Welcome back ! How have you been?

It’s been a while since i made a request lol, so you’re gonna be the 1st one since then.

Here : « Reader asks for a favor (like cuddles, sitting on her lap, a kiss…) in public but her gf refuses to do it, so instead R acts like child: pouts, silent treatment and asks the same favor to someone else in front of her girlfriend ! »

I don’t know if you do Sumeru’s girls; soo if yes : Candace, if not, maybe : Kokomi and any girls of your choice who have lot of prides :D Thank youu <3 ! Have a good day/night

Asking For Her Affection

Characters: Candace and Kokomi x GN!Reader.

Warnings: A very mild version of jealousy and possesiveness.

Notes: It's the first time I'm writing Candace, so I hope this a nice way to welcome her to my blog! I hope you enjoy this :)

The air of the dessert is a little rough on your skin as you stroll through the village. It’s not something you despise. In fact, it adds to the charm of this beautiful place that you’ve learned to love. For it’s kind and hardworking people, for the stars in the bright sky at night, but most of all, for the woman who is gracefully walking next to you now.

You turn to her, a smile dancing on your lips as you see Candace. The people around stop to wave at her, saying words of appreciation or showing her a wound that healed nicely thanks to her advice. Candace’s eyes light up as she receives their words, her own smile the most precious treasure in this side of the desert.

As you watch her thrive among the praises and warm words for her, you feel your chest tighten with affection. You love her more than you can say, the threads of your heart pulling you closer to her until you’re holding her hand in yours. Candace watches you with a light flush as you press a kiss to her hand.

“Feeling affectionate, my heart?” Her smile is radiant, glowing and so familiar.

You kiss her hand again. Then, her arm. Her shoulder. You tug at her lightly so that she’s closer to you. Closer still.

“You could say that.” Your lips caress her skin so gently, almost like the drops of sand caressing the ground below. “Everyone loves you so much, but… I kinda want you all to myself right now.”

Candace’s eyes widen, just a little. She’s usually collected, but no one can read her subtle changes in expression better than you can, after all this time. The faint blush adorning her cheeks isn’t lost to you, either.

“Oh, darling… I’m just not sure this is the appropriate place for such affection.”

You can hear the embarrassment in her voice, just a little. That fuels something within you, a playful side that only comes out when she’s looking at you with those mismatched eyes full of poorly-concealed emotions. You insist.

“Come on, it will be alright.” Your hand  travels up her arm, her shoulder, tracing the line of her clavicle, incessant. “Don’t you want everyone to know how much I adore you?”

You watch the hesitance cross her beautiful eyes, and you wait for the glimpse of her smile. Instead, she shakes her head, lowering your hand with an apologetic stare.

“You know I appreciate your affection endlessly, my heart, but I prefer keeping our love private. I hope you understand."

She says, but you’re still feeling the playful tug in your chest. You pout, hoping to bribe her with your most endearing act. It has worked more times than you thought it would, truthfully.

Candace watches your expression and her eyes soften around the corners. 

"Alright, alright, you win. No need to pout, my dear. I'll give you a kiss when we get home. No, I will give you as many as you desire. Will that suffice?"

She graces your hand with soft fingers, light like the morning breeze over the slopes of the desert, but it’s still not enough.

Just then, you spot Dehya sitting at the tavern you’re just passing by, and a mischievous thought crosses your mind. You really don’t fight the urge.

“If it isn’t Dehya in the flesh,” you begin with a grin, you approach your old friend, leaning over her with glistening eyes. “Would you mind if I sat with you for a minute? In fact, would you mind if I sat on your lap, my friend?”

Dehya’s eyes widen in surprise. You watch her cheeks grow a darker shade, her hand frozen over holding her drink. Before she can reply, you place yourself on her lap, wrapping your arms around her neck, just like you had wanted to do with Candace. Though this time, you exaggerate your movements. You know she’s watching.

Dehya swallows, her voice faint with confusion when she says, “Uh… Sure?”

From the corner of your eye, you watch Candace’s reaction. You find delight in the way her eyes seem to open further, watching you rest your weight on someone that isn’t her. Her mismatched eyes flash with emotions— Amusement, jealousy, and perhaps even a hint of possessiveness. You’re thrilled.

After a few more empty words exchanged with Dehya, you get off her lap and bid her farewell, leaving her stunned and even more flustered. You will buy her a drink later on to make up for the scene you did today.

Grinning from ear to ear, you return to Candace. The playful sigh that leaves her lips is music to your ears.

“Alright, I see what you did there.” She says, giving in and interlacing her fingers with yours. You notice her touch tightening around you, the possessiveness leaking through her perfectly-crafted expression of calmness. You really are delighted. “You win this time.”

Pulling her close, you can’t help but press a kiss on her lips, palming her face with your free hand. Your voice is nothing but sweet when you whisper, “I love you and only you, my dear. I hope you know that.”

And you watch Candace defrost in your hands, her eyes swelling with the same affection that you feel for her.

She smiles, realizing that even though she might feel shy about displaying affection in public, she really can’t resist your playful charm when you make good use of it.

From that day forward, you find a balance between private and public displays of affection, strengthening your bond and making each other feel loved in every possible way, and you adore every single second of it.

The air is salty and the ocean breeze carries the delightful laughter of Kokomi as you walk down the bustling island of Watatsumi. 

Hand in hand, you enjoy the moment sharing stories and comfortable discussions about any given topic you can think of, your mind and heart at ease with your girlfriend by your side. Part of you knows that she’s not prone to being too affectionate in public, but the other more insistent part of you is really resisting the urge to shower her gentle hands and her lovely features with your loving kisses. You’re trying very hard, honest.

But when you pass by a quaint teahouse, the surroundings less crowded, you can’t help but lean in to her. You place a strand of soft pink hair behind her ear, whispering all too close to her,

“My love… Wouldn't it be fun to steal a kiss right here?"

Kokomi chuckles softly, the beautiful sound echoing through the chambers of your rose-colored heart, and you drink in the embarrassment that blooms in her cheeks at your proximity.

"As much as I'd love to, my dear, I prefer to keep our affection private."

How delightfully disappointing. You tug on her hands, your affection pouring out of you and seeking release. Your voice is a soft thing in her ears.

“Just a little kiss, my dear? No one will notice, I promise.”

But Kokomi shakes her head gently, locks of beautiful pink hair cascading down her back as she speaks, formal and polite and righteous as ever.

"I'm sorry, my love. I'm the Sangonomiya Clan's Divine Priestess, and maintaining a certain image is essential. It's not that I don't want to, but… I do have responsibilities to uphold. You know this."

“Is that how it is…”

For a moment, you’re torn between dropping the subject and teasing her further. But just then, you see a familiar face from the corner of your eye, and you suddenly have no say in the matter.

Your lips curve into a mischievous smile.

“Oh, look! There's Ayaka!” You wave at her enthusiastically, watching her kindly wave back at you, a polite smile dancing on her lips. You wink at Kokomi. "I wonder if she would grant me a little favor."

“What are you—”

You don’t give her the chance to finish the sentence. With quick steps, you’re soon next to Ayaka, playfully taking her hands in yours. Your eyes are a dangerous thing.

“Ayaka, may I have a kiss? Just one, I wouldn’t dare take more from you.”

Ayaka’s face is bright red in an instant. From her neck to the tips of her ears, you find amusement in the deep shade of scarlet that colors her skin, more than taken aback from your unexpected request.

“I— I am— I mean, you— Um—!”

She stammers, and you can’t help the chuckle that leaves your lips. Still with her hands in yours, you raise them up to your lips. Softly, you press a kiss to her gentle skin, leaving her more than flustered.

“There.” Your smile is sweet, innocent even. You let go of her altogether. “Just one, as I promised. I won’t trouble you further, my lady.”

And, with that, you turn on your heels and leave an incredibly flustered Ayaka catching her breath, light in the head.

Going back to Kokomi with a playful grin, you can’t help but notice the protective expression in her eyes. For a moment, you’re afraid you might’ve gone too far with this.

“I was playing, Kokomi. You know I only have eyes for y—”

Kokomi grabs the hem of your shirt and presses her mouth to yours, her lips finding yours with urgency. You close your eyes and let her have her way with you for those seconds that last a lifetime, almost. Then, she pulls away from you, cheeks flustered, brow furrowed.

“Just this once.” The possessiveness in her voice delights you to no end. “But don’t do that again. Promise me.”

And you soften, wanting nothing more than giving her everything she possibly asks of you.

“I promise you, my heart.” Now it’s her hands you’re kissing. Tender, affectionate, not enough for you, just enough for her. “You’re the only one for me, Kokomi.”

You listen to her laugh softly, and your heart soars, relieved that it was all in good fun. 

"You know you're the only one for me too, my love.” She strokes your hand lightly. “I adore you, and I'm glad you understand why I can't be too affectionate in public."

And you choose to understand this time, because you love her more than words can say, and sometimes loving means compromising, too.

"Of course, my heart. Your responsibilities are important, and I respect that. Besides, I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable.” Your lips grow into a smile, genuine in the motion. “Our love is special, no matter where we are."

Just like that, you continue your walk. As you make your way home, Kokomi leans in and presses a gentle peck on your cheek, a sweet compromise between public decorum and her affection for you, too.

And you can’t help but feel that there is a loving happiness in balance.

If you enjoyed this, please consider liking or reblogging it <3!

You can check more of my writing on (this link!). Thank you!

[grislyintentions]

SHIPPING INFO. Answer the following for your muse(s) so people know how shipping works on your blog.

What’s your OTP for your Muse(s)?

Geto/Gojo (current brainrot) but tbh i have a lot frfr

What are you willing to RP when it comes to shipping?

Where shipping is concerned, I'm generally rather down to explore different ideas/plots. With the exception of: infidelity, pregnancy (breeding kinks are fine just not actual carrying of children), constant relationship angst with no reprieve and break ups.

I struggle heavily with Bipolar 2 + Cluster B comorbidity and certain themes make emotional regulation really difficult.

How large does the age gap have to be to make it uncomfortable?

Anything past 10 year age gap** And even then I'd personally prefer for the characters to be above 25 y/o if the age gap is going to be an important factor of the thread.

Are you selective when shipping?

Yes. I prefer to go off of chemistry between the characters portrayed + if I am able to have an healthy line of communication with my writing partner. It's really important to me for my writing partners to feel comfortable with discussing boundaries or if they've changed their mind/are no longer interested. Especially with the nature of what I write (Yaoshi etc)

Shipping, and by extension rping as a whole, is a collaborative experience. I would rather prioritise being able to have fun doing so.

How far do steamy moments have to go before they’re considered NSFW?

Anywhere between getting handsy to dry humping counts I think?? ^^;;

Who are other muses you ship your muse with?

I'm pretty flexible with that as long as our portrayals have chemistry together. I don't mind crackships, unlikely ships etc as well.

Does one have to ask to ship with you?

I am unfortunately pretty dense when it comes to picking up on other people's shipping interest 😭so please give me a sign. Like a "hey i think they'd be neat!" type of message is enough. Most of the time, I observe the threads until potential is made obvious before I approach to discuss bc I just...do be dropping balls left and right OTL.

How often do you like to ship?

Not as often as I'd like 💀

Are you multiship?

Yes. Verses are all kept separate unless planned otherwise.

Are you ship obsessed or ship more-or-less?

I think I'm a ship more-or-less in my own eyes? I love writing shippy stuff but honestly slice of life, comfort and goofs are what commonly appears here. Or...yknow degenerate crimes but dw about that.

What is your favorite ship in your current fandom?

Kafka/Blade, Kafka/Sunday, Wriothesley/Clorinde/Neuvillette, Candace/Dehya, Candace/Cyno, Cyno/Tighnari, Sampo/Natasha, Sampo/Gepard, Natasha/Serval, Xiao/Traveler, Wanderer/Layla, Wanderer/Traveler, many many more tbh

Finally, how does one ship with you?

Write with me! Send me stuff, tell me about your ideas and I'll do the same.

Tagged by: @soliloquics (thank u!! ^^)

Tagging: @memovia @rvinfall @reversescale @shallliveoninsong @shining-gem34 @maskednihilism @reallyrandomtj @astrclvoyages @souldanced @soulsbetrayed @sercphs @draconicfool and whomstever wants to yoink! No pressure if you don't wanna do it though. ^^

[prpfz]

eighteen+ only. 💒 i'm looking to write some smut-heavy femdom x malesub roleplays for genshin impact or honkai star rail. canon characters only. i'm hoping to take on the femdom role and am able to play rosaria, clorinde, yelan, kujou sara, arlecchino, dehya, kafka, topaz, & feixiao. i have a ton of ships in mind, most of them being rarepairs, but i'm open to hearing about your favorite pairings too!

multi-para writers only, i average around 400-800 words per post. all threads will take place on discord. please be comfortable with writing dark / dead dove content! triggers, limits, & plot-to-smut ratio can be discussed prior to plotting. i am not interested in writing pure-fluff, slice of life, pregnancy, or modern aus.

please like this post only if you're actually interested, thanks!

give a like and anon will get back to you

[reallyrandomtj]

I'm going to be here for as long as my sore body will allow me but I wanted to make this post with a few things before I forget!

Blade has been added to this blogs MUSE LIST.

Dr. Ratio and Aventurine will be moved here from my side blog ( already updated muse page about it ) but will be a slow transition - contacting muns of threads to be moved here mainly while taking time differences etc into consideration.

Dehya, Raiden Makoto, Kaveh and Crepus have been removed from the muse list.

At some point I do wish to make posts about my muses canon divergence so its easy to learn about but I do not rush it; have higher priorities like catching up on drafts.

[immobiliter]

       It was a lot to ask of him, to demand in a promise that he would have no choice but to adhere to if he wanted to keep her trust. Al-Haitham was right, after all: to those unfamiliar with the brutal, uncompromising rules of desert life, what she was asking him to do would sound an awful lot like murder. He wasn't a desert-dweller, he was a scholar — that surely made him more familiar with the Matra than with the often singular, retributive justice pursued by those raised on the sands beyond the rainforest's border. A place where the rule of law dictated by the Akademiya did not apply, where it often did not reach, and where, in many cases, it simply was not welcome.

       But, Kusayla's death was not the outcome she was actively looking for in all this. Not at all. And that was why Al-Haitham's initial, knee-jerk reaction to her plea prompted indignation to flicker in her blue irises. “ I'm not assuming. I'm preparing for the worst outcome. ” That was all this was. A fail-safe, a guarantee that should all other attempts at subduing or reasoning with her father fall apart, and should her own sword-arm be compromised by her foolish, sentimental attachment to the man, he — an unbiased third party — would act in her place.

       Dehya was about to reiterate that to him when he spoke again and, much to her continued surprise, gave her his word that he would do as she asked. As simple as that. She'd been so ready to argue her point some more that she didn't entirely know how to react to this capitulation — or indeed what to say in response. After a moment, she nodded, her voice softening to match his. “ He's my father, Al-Haitham. Our relationship may be... complicated, but I don't wish him dead. I want him to face responsibility and justice for all those people he's hurt over the years. ”

       I will not ask you to do this unless there's no other way. She held his gaze for a long, unwavering moment. And I will not put Kusayla's blood on your hands unless I am incapable of following through with it myself.

       And then, just like that, the focus once again turned to the task in hand. Dehya found herself grateful for it. She nodded. “ I have a potential lead. The last camp that Dakan Al-Ahmar attacked was stripped of everything of value with no survivors. But they have to sell on their stolen goods for a profit somehow, and my men believe they know the route of the caravan merchant responsible for taking those goods off their hands. Our best bet will be to lie in wait for them and see if they can offer up any information as to the brigade's whereabouts. ”

       It was settled, then. “ I'll make final preparations to leave and will meet you back here in an hour. ”

It is a universally known fact in Sumeru (or at least in the scribe's close circle of friends and acquaintances) that teamwork is not one of al-Haitham (otherwise numerous) talents. Fortunately, pragmatism is, and an affinity for efficiency that dictates that he must sometimes play with others in order to get the results that he wants with minimum risk and friction. Or, so he will justify his own decision to himself later on. There is no real need for him to escort Dehya on this mission - sure, she could use the help, but had he chosen to go back to the rainforest and the city and his books instead, he has no doubt that the outcome would remain unchanged. Kusayla would be brought to justice, sooner or later, one way or another, and Dehya would return triumphant.

The only variable in this equation, are how long it will take Dehya to do so by herself, and how much she will burn herself in the process. Thus Kusayla is her father, after all. Not a very great one, from what little he understands, but her father nevertheless. Even he understands very well how this fact alone may cloud her judgement at the most critical time, or how much taking her blade to her father's throat may just as well equate driving it through her own heart.

If this variable and its implications are enough to move the scribe into action and collaboration, that is his business and his alone.

Still, her request causes him pause; a rare flash of stupefaction stilling reserved features for one second too long. One second enough for him, too, to catch the fleeting distress in the striking blue and gold of her eyes. His word. His word that should she fail to do so, he will be the one to kill her father. Al-Haitham is not naive. Where in the rainforest this would be considered murder, in the desert, justice and safety has to be taken into the hands of the strongest; and the ruthlessness of the desert leaves little space to righteousness. Perhaps there is a world there, if they don't rid the world of Kusayla, Kusayla will be the one to get rid of them. Kill or be killed. It is not barbary as the old sages once would have had them believe: it is the law of the desert, and it is the reality they have to contend with. No more, no less.

"You immediately assume that killing him will be the only solution to end his reign of terror. Let's not jump to conclusions just yet." Still, there are many options to exhaust before they come anywhere near that. "Don't mistake my prudence for hesitation. I am well aware of the weight that is taking another man's life, which is why if, and I emphasise that, if it comes to that, I want it to be once we are certain there is no other way, and this is our final recourse. If it comes to that, then yes, you have my word. I will follow through and do what needs to be done. I promise." Is it a streak of sentimentality, that carries this promise? Perhaps. Perhaps a small part of him believes that no child should have to be forced to raise their blade at their father. Perhaps he had been fortunate that his own father had died too young to have the time to disappoint him. Betray him. Perhaps he had been lucky that his father had been a harmless bookworm. Perhaps it is his responsibility, then, to shoulder on this burden, and spare the child who has already been hurt by her father.

"Let's start by tracking him down and coming up with a plan. Ideally one where you get the answers you seek, and no blood needs to be spilled when it can be prevented." The scribe concludes; his voice just a touch quieter. "I assume you already scouted Caravan Ribat and your Eremite contacts for information? If you give me one hour to gather supplies and send word to Lord Kusanali, we can head out while the sun is still high."

[kavehaskblog]

Hello all! I am the light of the kshahrewar, Kaveh!

You may ask me any questions and I will do my best to answer them! Pardon spelling and grammar I’m not Haravatat :pp

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// hiii admin here! he/him prns. Admin has ocd and autism so bare with. If u send something that’s tone ambiguous please use tone tags (ex: I love you Kaveh /p)

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// tag list:

Haikaveh answers = Asks relating to Haikaveh

Haikaveh interactions = threads between Kaveh and Alhaitham

Canon: Amber 🏹 - Lisa 🔮 - Faruzan 💠 - Paimon 🪽 - Collei 🌷 - Nilou 🪷 - Candace ☂️ - Tighnari 🌿 - Alhaitham 🌱 - Kaveh 🏛️ - Sethos ⌛️ - Dehya ☀️ - Traveller ⚔️ - Nahida 🌸 - Scara 🍇 - Raiden 🗡️ - Kazuha 🍁 - Kokomi 🫧 - Layla 🌙 - Furina 🌊

OCs: Etoiles ⭐️ - Lucien 🕯️ - Papillion 🦋 - Natalia 🥼

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Keep things sfw no suggestive plz. I’ll just not reply if I’m uncomfy. Ocs are fine just give me some info so I know how to reply. Ccs are great!

//: Interactions between Alhaitham and Kaveh are assumed to be 100% platonic unless I am interacting with my own Alhaitham and Kaveh (@alhaithamaskblog + @kavehaskblog ) or I know you’re an adult

Even tho I interact with specific users more often you can still jump in! Just make sure it’s all appropriate and fair for everyone else!

I have a lot of hcs for these guys so they won’t really be canon compliant

[cyeli-no]

Fic Idea: Haino Soulmate AU 2 (pt. 1)

—in which there is a red string on everyone's hand that connects them to their soulmate.

Relationships: Al-Haitham & Cyno (romantic), Al-Haitham & Candace & Cyno & Dehya (platonic)

Triggers: Amputation

Linked Posts:

─── ⋅ ⋅ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

Cyno wasn't born with a thread to a soulmate. But, when Cyno became possessed by the spirit of Hermanubis, he connected to someone. The purple ribbons wrapped around his right arm pull him towards someone, soulmate is what his thoughts whisper.

Then, he meets Al-Haitham. He sees the purple ribbon wrapping around his ring finger. He wants to confront him right away but can't because the issue around Sumeru's archon and the sages is much more dire and he isn't the type to allow personal problems impede his ability to protect his nation.

He plans to ask after they overthrow the government, but fixing it takes much more energy that he originally though. Right before he leaves for his mandatory paid vacation, which Al-Haitham insists on, he has dinner with him, Candace, and Dehya. During that dinner, the topic of soulmates comes up and Cyno learns that Al-Haitham doesn't have one. The ribbon connects Cyno to Al-Haitham, but is it not reciprocated at all.

It isn't actually true, though. Al-Haitham sees the ribbon whenever Cyno enters the Pactsworn Pathclearer state. It isn't until a bit after the coup that he sees the divine spirit in Cyno and realizes he is the one Al-Haitham is connected to. He had assumed, even before they met, because his reputation precedes him, but he realizes it fully after. The issue is that he doesn't believe the ribbon indicates them being soulmates. It is unheard of to have anything besides a red thread and those usually appear the moment their soulmate is born.

He doesn't tell Cyno he knows. There's no point and it would just interfere with their developing friendship. It's enough that he can see the glowing purple as a guide to where part of his heart is or as a promise that the man he has grown to care about is alive.

It's enough until it isn't anymore.

Al-Haitham is in his office, checking on the purple ribbon that doesn't seem to fade no matter how much time passes. Usually, Cyno doesn't need to use the divine spirit's power for long, especially not for an hour that seemingly stretches endlessly. He is on his feet, declaring he will be taking off early, when everything comes to a stop.

The ribbon goes slack and stop glowing. It flutters slowly to the floor as it begins to dissipate, a connection severed— Al-Haitham is racing out the door to the last place Cyno may be from matra reports. He gathers the last few centimeters of the ribbon in his hands as he goes, unable to let it disappear as he clenches it in trembling hands.

He finds a bedridden Cyno in Aaru Village, alive but not well. He stares in a mix of horror, from the stump of a right arm, and relief, that Cyno is still alive. Candace has to catch him with bloody hands, staining his coat in red when his legs wobble. Dehya doesn't even manage to lift her head to placate his anxieties, hands clenching the only one Cyno has left.

His heart shatters more when Dehya's voice cracks recounting the memory of finding Cyno bleeding out from a sword to his gut, of how he insisted on continuing because of a job he could never turn away from, and then of the way he is shoved to the floor with Dehya much too far to reach him. She watched, trying to push back a man pinning her with his sword, as a blade descended down and tore through skin and cracked through bones. As terrible as the sound it is to hear the blood spill and limb rip off, it was nothing compared to the panicked sobs that left Cyno. He had screamed, a jackal wailing in pain, and he sobbed desperately for Al-Haitham.

"Will he be okay?" Al-Haitham's words wavers in a way that sounds completely unnatural with his voice. When Dehya doesn't answer, the air tenser than it was moments ago, Candace's soft voice raises in an attempt to ease their nerves (or maybe her own). "Our general is a strong man." It isn't much of a reassurance when the man's eyebrows remain knit and his sudden wheezes for air leaves the trio winded. "Physically,"—Dehya's hand reaches up instinctively—"he will probably heal." Her fingers twist around her bare skin, skin paling with how tightly she clenches, "I worry more for his mind and heart. "It is not easy losing a soulmate."

Cyno wakes up in a haze, spilling apologies for failing the Acting Grand Sage. What he is apologizing for is lost on the man, but he tries to reassure him just the same in hopes of not ripping the sutures. At one point, Cyno offers another apology for being the one fated for the man. Not long after, he passes out, exhausted and full of relief just from the sight of Al-Haitham.

It happens a few more times before he finally wakes up with enough of his mind to hold a conversation. At Candace's suggestion, partially because of the assumptions Dehya and Candace made about their relationship, Al-Haitham is left to talk to him. Cyno apologizes for forcing his beliefs of their soulmate status onto the other.

"It's nothing you need to be concerned with. I will work it out myself."

Al-Haitham reveals, uncertain whether it is the right idea, of how he could occasionally see the ribbon. He is forced to leave when Cyno's heart breaks from the realization that even fate couldn't make someone love him.

That isn't true, Al-Haitham tries to explain, but Candace is quick to drag him out when Cyno begins to hyperventilate and Dehya returns to sitting by his side. Candace, just as harsh as the other two can be, is gentle when she settles beside him in his room. "He is experiencing a lot, right now. Give him time and he will hear you out..." The disbelief on his expression is answered by a smile, certainty . "We both know of his kindness, Al-Haitham. Give him time. He is Sumeru's fair judge, after all."

It is a difficult journey of healing, aided by Dehya whose prosthetic arm is evidence of her lost connection to her soulmate. She knows, to an extent, how Cyno feels and tries to help him work through his mental turmoil. Despite Al-Haitham not wanting to be Cyno's soulmate (that isn't true), it is so hard to no longer know where Al-Haitham is or whether he is safe.

Healing journey and their relationship is strained but it does change overtime. Al-Haitham falls in love with Cyno (he was already in the process of that when the arm chopping incident happened). Cyno learns how to accept love that is freely given without requiring a promise of destiny.

They are soulmates, chosen in spite of fate.

"You're my soulmate." The word makes Cyno's shiver, curling closer to his partner to ensure he is not in a cruel dream. The taller man tugs him closer and presses a reassuring kiss against the top of his head, "I love you and I choose you every time and forever."

[stormofdefiance]

Spinning Ayaka / Dehya around in my head… Ayaka is like… playable Dunyarzad vibes. Think about it… all of her aching and longing to see the wider world, the balance of duty and obligation towards her people with her own wanderlust, her self-sacrificial and determined nature. Dehya who has seen so much, who speaks so truthfully and bluntly and so unlike those stiff courtly tongues, who also has a deep desire for connection and caring for her people. Ayato hiring Dehya as neutral protection and to keep eyes on her not realising the thread of his own undoing he’s invited in aaaahh.

[desertmerc]

Pinned post

Private RP blog for Dehya from Genshin Impact Loved by Light Affiliated with Gnostic Hymns

Personals and RP blogs not from from TOA, do not interact

Mobile links: About Dehya | Stats | About the Mun | Headcanon tag | Thread tag Thread tracker | Activity check

[therosefrontier]

Okay, so it's been *checks watch* a whole long time since this poll was made, but I meant to make a follow up reblog for it and realized I never did, so I'm doing it now! Also, thank you to everyone who voted in this!! Here's a little blurb for each of the winners...

Soar Above Yesterday

Diluc would really like to say that he didn’t have time for this, if it wasn’t for the fact that he was on leave with nothing to do, so he did, in fact, have time for this. Not that this was a problem, of course. Far be it from to shirk clan duties in any way, shape, or form. He would do his diligence no matter what the request, but… “What do you want to do now, Diluc?” Klee asked quickly and excitedly, eyes fixed on his with pure anticipation. “Are we going to go to your home here, or are we going home home? Can we see Miss Adelinde again? Can she make cookies like last time? Or are we waiting for Albedo and Mom to come back?” This wasn’t the first time Diluc had babysat Klee. With her mother being as busy as she was and with no other living family to speak of, it was kind of a given that the clan would help with taking care of the child when needed, although nowadays, the task often went to that Geowing, Albedo, whom Alice had taken under her wing. Albedo was the one to approach Diluc with the request this time, too. The alchemist had some clan duties of his own to attend to, which was understandable. However, the timing was a little remarkable. He knew from Dehya that Alice had just returned to the fort not long ago with a report, which he mentioned to Albedo, who then became curious if she was still around. Thus, he decided to go ask.

If I Ever See You Again

Erza was fine, really. She was…upset, yes. Disappointed, even. Devastated? No, that couldn’t be right. This was a lot to handle, but it had already been two whole days since the envoy from Pergrande left, and whatever it was that happened while they were here would not, by any means, be enough to break her. She still had her home and her friends, who were like family to her. She didn’t lose them, and she never will, if she had anything to say about it. So, logically speaking, she was fine. “U-Uh, Erza…?” “Hmm? Oh, Lucy, you are here. Is something wrong?” “Ah, well, not to rush you or anything! But do you want to…well…talk…?” “Talk? Talk about what?” Lucy stared at her with wide, bewildered eyes for some reason, and then she pointed at the post that Erza had been striking all this time. It was an old and sturdy wooden training post used for practicing sword strikes, and Erza had been using it for just that. Training. And also getting some energy out. It just wasn’t until now that she noticed that despite using the not-sharp training sword, the post was now barely hanging by a thread, just one or two strikes away from breaking apart. Ah. Yes, maybe she should stop right about now…

Geo Family AU

“Hey, Klee?” Noelle hesitantly stepped away from her work, to address the child as well. “You want to know what I do, if I’m missing someone?” “Hmm? What?” Klee sounded curious. “I make crafts for them,” Noelle said with just a little spark in her eyes that matched Klee’s increased interest. Zhongli found himself curious, as well. He’s known of many little tools such as this, ways to console yourself of a loved one’s absence, from singing songs to looking up at the stars, but Noelle’s seemed unique to her, another form of that human practice that someone as long-lived as Zhongli couldn’t quite understand in the same way, since not seeing someone for a few months or even a few years wasn’t all that consequential, although perhaps, it was a little different for him now, as the theoretical thought of one of the kids leaving and growing up in his absence brought a curious feeling of melancholy… “Crafts?” Klee echoed. “What kind?” “Well, that depends on who you’re giving it to. For me, I like to make roses out of paper. It’s relaxing, and it gives you a long time to think about the person, too! But then, if you ever see them again, or even if you don’t… you’ll have something to share. That’s… that’s what I think would be nice, anyways.” “So… so does mean I can do that for Mom, too!?” Klee asked quickly and eagerly, going wholly off the original subject in seconds. “Albedo, do you want to try? We can both make something for Mom! Noelle, how do you make roses out of paper? Can you show us? Please?”

Rules: Make a 24-hour poll with the names of your WIPS, let it run, then write one sentence for every vote the winner received

I have been tagged! By @pencilofawesomeness! Will anyone see this? Who knows, but it sounds like fun. My first time making a poll...

So in all I have way too many WIPs but these are some of the most current on the mind that I actually have ideas for, with the exception of my TWST fic "And You Think, 'No Escape'" since I'm actually actively writing on that one.

Also, this is my AO3! https://archiveofourown.org/users/BlossomingRosebud/works

Marking since I have a difference username there. I keep meaning to change the tumblr one, but the one time it tried it didn't work...?

Anyways, tagging @resident-normal-person! And anyone else who wants to, of course!