starwardsword

[starwardsword]

Romantic, incandescent, and fleeting—all words accurately depict her affair with her former flame. Ultimately, though, the most characteristic one is fleeting.

"That relationship is long in the past, Director," Keqing replies with a toss of her lavender curls. "And I certainly don't wish to be buried in a plot together with him. Surely, he's moved on with his life by now."

He'd been handsome and effortlessly charming, after all. People of all sorts had gravitated to him during his short stay in Liyue Harbor, and she didn't doubt the same would happen in whatever other regions he ended up traveling to next.

"And I don't think fear of attachment is an issue with me. I don't actively try to keep people at bay, though I'm well aware my directness does a good job of that. It's a matter of our wishes for the future not aligning. He didn't wish to stay in one place, and I was not willing to follow him. I guess my love for my home and my sense of duty won out in the end."

"But that's enough about me and the past." She folds her arms over her chest. "Are you going to share the name of your dearly beloved? If you do or do not, it makes no difference to me. I am sure to see you both around the harbor eventually, right?"

"I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about," Hu Tao feigned with a straight faced expression. Though she had just switched to it mere moments ago. Surely Keqing didn't catch this. "Could it be your own conscious poking inwardly at you about something?~"

Nevertheless, an eyebrow was quirked. How could she not act excited? Intrigued even. Oh how the tables were turned in this very instance.

"I see, so someone from a far off region had gallantly showed up to sweep the Yuheng off her feet? Romantic seems putting it lightly," she teased toward her friend. It was oddly relieving to learn this bit of information. Hu Tao could relate. No one really had expected her to be on the receiving end of another's admiration.

The general public just saw them as being too busy to dabble in 'trivial matters'. A soft sigh escaped from the director. "It's that fear of attachment, isn't it?" she asked. For once she was a bit more serious. Though that didn't last too long.

"I got to say I am rather curious on who this was you share your first kiss with. But, no worries. There is no pressure to rely such information. Still if you wish to be buried in a plot together I would need both your names~" she bemused adding a bit of funeral 'humor' to the mix.

[starwardsword]

"I see that look, Director." Either the two of them have become more blatantly expressive around each other, or they've simply gotten better at reading each other. One way or another, it's a testament to their ever-growing friendship.

"And yes, I speak from experience." A gloved hand comes to rest on her hip. "This might surprise you, as it does many, but I've been in a relationship in the past. Before you get excited, though, it's likely not someone you know, nor are they in Liyue Harbor any longer."

It was the reason why their summer romance had abruptly ended; the man she thought she'd fallen in love with simply loved adventure more, and that she could respect. Her place will always be in Liyue.

"The first time we kissed, though, I was convinced it had been a lapse of judgment. As a matter of fact, I played a phenomenal game of avoidance with him for over a week. I'm glad to see things have played out better for you and your mysterious secret lover."

Neither of them aware of the identity of the other's lover… doesn’t that just level the playing field between them?

Oh? Had her inquiry about the Yuheng's infrequent visits to the funeral parlor struck a bit of a nerve? That strangled expression was far too telling. Then again Hu Tao was just as guilty in her own mannerisms. Especially when it came to her own recent romantic developments.

"Aiyaa. That's a shame, my dear Keqing. After all, you don't -need- to visit a friend. The parlor always appreciates your arrivals even if you don't have an appointment ~"

The director gave a shrug. What could her consultant be possibly longing for? Her face scrunched up a bit. In truth, she had been so focused on herself, and by extent Gaming, for the last week or so. But more so, on the plaguing dilemma that Liyue had serious problem on their hands that only someone for her lineage could address.

"I'm afraid I'm rather guilty that I haven't asked as of late," she admitted.

"Usually he speaks in long winded and rather vague lectures about the history of our nation and its connection with commerce. Contracts this and contracts that. Though I cannot complain. Its true he always has something on his mind, but this time. Well, I cannot quite put my finger on it, something is ...different"

With that she turned her attention back to Keqing. Something within her made her think back to earlier in the conversation. That's right, she hadn't quite revealed who her admirer was. Then again, she did want to test out the Yuheng's own deduction skills. Perhaps for just a bit of curious fun ~.

"You mentioned you didn't want to assume? Tell me, then. Could you perhaps be speaking from your own experience?"

[starwardsword]

characters who have an unwavering sense of duty my beloved

[starwardsword]

"Of course, I didn't want to assume." In her experience, 'first' kisses don't necessarily have to blossom into a relationship, especially if some sort of internal conflict exists. However, it seems like Hu Tao deems this person worthy of her working through her own fears. Now, as to who this person is? Keqing has no doubt they will reveal themselves in time, especially considering she's bound to see them near the Director at some point.

The conversation unexpectedly shifts to a funeral parlor consultant that she's been missing lately, as well as her own noted absence from the vicinity of said establishment, and the Yuheng has to bite back a strangled noise.

"I've had no need to be on your side of town much lately." Neither had she beforehand, but that's a secret she will take to the grave. An unhelpful little voice in her head reminds her that, were that the case, it might be especially easy for Hu Tao to unearth her secrets. The irony...

Surely, the Director can't be hinting that Keqing's absence is the root of Mr. Zhongli's brooding and wistful demeanor, can she?

"I cannot imagine what Mr. Zhongli could be longing for." The man appears to have everything a well-off Liyuen could possibly desire: knowledge, poise, respected status... "You're his employer. Have you tried asking him what's wrong?"

@starwardsword / Keqing

As straightforward as the Yuheng was, Keqing truly had a way of steering an unwanted conversation into a different direction for her own benefit. Not to say the director was the same. Both women had their own special ways. ~

In this case, Hu Tao's own love life shenanigans were brought up..again. An 'ahem' sound escaped passed her lips. Just play it off as something casual she told herself. Both her hands were placed on each adjacent hip. "Of course my suspicions were correct ~. My deduction skill have always been top notch."

The light flustered color that spread across the bridge of her nose was betraying Hu Tao. It was true. She did kiss him. Oh no, don't give her that look, Keqing. Especially followed by -that- question.

"T....Together?" Of course they would be! Right? "Well it would be uncustomary if that wasn't the case. Especially after a first kiss" she remarked with a soft smirk.

The mortician then leaned in closer to the lavender haired woman. "I haven't seen you around the funeral parlor, and I can't help but notice a certain consultant has been moping just a teensy a bit these days. As if he just stares out into space and longs for ...something"

[starwardsword]

Not Diluc becoming my first c6 5-star character because he simply can't resist stealing my 50/50s...

[starwardsword]

Ganyu's initial statement receives an approving nod from Keqing. Although she has some reservations about the possible involvement of the adepti, the Yuheng still feels a surge of pride as she reflects on this and their past achievements. Rex Lapis, with all his wisdom and strength, must surely take pride in the unwavering spirit that characterizes their bustling harbor city.

What follows appears to be an invitation to spend time together, and Keqing has to consciously suppress her excitement. It’s well-known that she struggles to make friends, but it feels as though she and Ganyu have been making progress in that area. Who would have thought, given their initial (drastic) differences, that they would become close?

"I would love that! How about we work out the details when we return to the office? If nothing too pressing pops up last minute, maybe we can go this coming weekend?"

Ganyu joins Keqing looking out at the harbor below from their vantage point outside of Bubu Pharmacy, placing her hands on the railing. They were unable to participate in the festivities this time around, but for the sake of saving the people of Liyue, it was a necessary sacrifice they were both willing to make. Upon hearing of what transpired with the Traveler and Hu Tao, she accompanied the Yuheng to check on the former’s condition. The crisis was averted, but at a cost — one that was less severe in part to the Traveler’s timely intervention.

Ganyu nods in agreement with a smile, “It was thanks to the efforts of everyone that we were able to avoid another calamity.” It feels as through they have been experiencing numerous incidents ever since Rex Lapis retired, but their unity and preparations have made it possible to confront and defeat these dangers head on with few casualties. It brings relief to the half-qilin that they are capable of protecting their home and people, and she’s sure it prides Rex Lapis to know how much everyone is flourishing without his guidance.

“If you would like… once things have calmed more and we both have time, I can show you other beautiful sights that you may not have seen before. It may require some hiking, but with your experience in surveying the land, I’m sure it wouldn’t be a problem for you.”

[starwardsword]

It's truly not Keqing's fault that the electric activity in her body won't let her rest. However, her question manages to derail the Director's classic lecture on the merits of sleep. It's a small mercy.

The Yuheng's eyebrows all but meet her hairline at the rushed explanation that spills forth from Hu Tao's lips. "Oh?"

Well, that's certainly an interesting development. While Keqing isn't one for gossip, curiosity manages to get the best of her.

"So your suspicions were correct all along." And you kissed him, her mind repeats helpfully, but she doesn't mention it, instead allowing her friend a brief reprieve. "Are you together, then?"

At least someone's love life is going somewhere...

@papilio-anima / continued from here

[starwardsword]

“She was beautiful - stunning - the way a storm is when you wake up and see lightning streak across the sky.. and probably just as dangerous.”

— Melissa Marr

[starwardsword]

"What did you end up doing after our talk the other day?" Not Keqing attempting to be a good friend, following up on Hu Tao's romantic troubles.

@starwardsword / Keqing

A shame. It seemed as if Keqing had been keeping her own word about not showing up around the funeral parlor. No matter. The director could just simply visit her at the Yuehai Pavilion. Business as usual anyways~

The conversation did start off with Hu Tao once again educating the Yuheng about her lack of sleep. All the while trying to justify her own excuses on how she herself stayed out late each and every night. She could have dug in more, until Keqing finally turned those tables on her.

"I'm telling you my dear client you I rather not have you be permanently put to bed in one of my cof..."

Her voice cut off with a softly abrupt 'oh' . Her own hand reached up to just scratch at the back of her neck.

"Well, I met them back at the funeral parlor My suspicions were right. They confessed. Admitted to writing the note and the gifts... Ikissedhim...andhere you and i are having-a-chat in this lovely pavilion~ " she exclaimed, though the last few words were quickly slurred together.

[starwardsword]

@talesforged's Kaeya smirks as he whispers Keqing’s name, testing her reaction.

There’s something hauntingly intimate about how the Cavalry Captain pronounces her name, his voice dropping to a low, velvety timbre that sends shivers cascading down her arms. Keqing… just two simple syllables that linger in the quiet nighttime air, stirring a mix of emotions within her���beneath the undeniable thrill lies a flicker of frustration, ignited by the smug smirk dancing on his lips.

It feels as if he’s playing with her, enjoying this game of cat and mouse they are caught in. After all, this is just a game to him, isn’t it?

“Yes, Captain Kaeya,” she replies airily, her voice smooth as silk as she deliberately enunciates each syllable with a playful cadence. Her gemstone eyes glimmer as she leans slightly forward, inviting him to reveal his true intentions.  “That’s my name. Now, what is it that you want from me?”

[starwardsword]

FOR THE “YOU CAN KILL ME BUT DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH THEM” DYNAMICS 

❝  i only want you.  ❞

❝  i don’t need anyone else.  i just…you.  you’re all i need.  ❞

❝  listen,  i’ve lost a lot of people in my life.  i learned how to deal with it but…you’re different.  i can’t take it if it’s you.  ❞

❝  i think about anything happening to you and i— i just.  i fucking lose it.  ❞

❝  you don’t understand.  i need you safe.  not because i don’t think you can handle yourself but because i can’t focus on anything else if there’s even the smallest possibility you’re in danger.  ❞

❝  no one is ever gonna get near you again,  you hear me?  ❞

❝  i won’t let you get hurt.  i promise.  and i don’t make empty promises.  ❞

❝  turn around.  you don’t need to see this part.  ❞

❝  just give the word and i’ll kill every one of them.  ❞

❝  you can’t get all worked up every time something happens to me.  that’s just life.  you’re not always gonna be able to protect me from it.  ❞

❝  no one else understands me.  but you do.  you always do.  ❞

❝  i don’t think i’m the best person for you,  i don’t.  but i do know i’m the one that can keep you safe  ❞

❝  hey—  look at me.  it’s over.  it’s done.  we’re okay.  ❞

❝  who the fuck made you cry i’ll fucking rip their head off.  ❞ 

❝  i know you’ve always got my back.  ❞

❝  please,  let me take care of you this time.  you’re always protecting me but it tears me up inside every time you get hurt because of it.  ❞

❝  can you make everyone else just go away?  i know they mean well but i just want to be alone—  alone with you i mean.  ❞

❝  i know when you’re here,  the real monsters can’t touch me.  ❞

❝   oh,  i am one of the monsters.  but that just means i can keep all the other monsters from ever hurting you again. ❞ 

❝  if you’re gonna keep risking your life for me than you’re also gonna let me patch you up without a single complaint.  ❞

❝  we keep each other safe.  it’s my turn to protect you.  ❞

❝  i killed them for you.  i know you could’ve done it yourself,  but you shouldn’t have to.  ❞

❝   i love you because i know how capable you are.  and i show that love by making sure you don’t have to be the one to always do the hard things.  ❞

❝   i’m gonna make them regret ever even thinking about laying a hand on you.  ❞

❝  tell me what you want me to do.  i’ll do it.  whatever you want.  ❞

❝  i love you just like this.  i love you when you touch me gently like no one else ever has.  and i love you when your hands are bloody and your knuckles are bruised. ❞

❝  please,  just let me protect you.  ❞

❝  are you hurt?  did they hurt you?  ❞

❝  wait,  stop you’re bleeding.  ❞

❝  did you just wince?  where are you hurt?  ❞

❝  i need you in my life.  i’m not used to that—  needing people.  but i do need you.  ❞

❝  you make me feel things i’m not used to feeling.  ❞

❝  why do you let me close when you’re always driving everyone else away?  ❞

❝   you’re mine.  and i protect what’s mine.  ❞

❝  thank you for always being here for me.  ❞

❝  you see things in me that i didn’t even know where there.  ❞

❝  that’s enough.  let’s go home.  ❞

❝  i’m okay now.  i’m safe.  you don’t have to be angry anymore.  ❞

❝  please stop—  this is scaring me. ❞

❝  you don’t have to do this for me.  ❞

❝   hey stop— stop!  look at me.  they’re dead now.  you can stop.  ❞

❝  i have to make an example outta them so no one else tries to hurt you again.  ❞

❝  killing for you is easy.  it’s right.  it feels natural.  ❞

❝  let me do this for you.  ❞

SCENARIOS

[ ONE ]  for sender to take a bullet for receiver. 

[ TWO ]  for receiver to take a bullet for sender. 

[ THREE ]  for sender to protect receiver and then carry them to safety. 

[ FOUR ]  for receiver to protect sender and then carry them to safety. 

[ FIVE ]  for sender to witness receiver get hurt which sends them into a violent rage.

[ SIX ]  for receiver to witness sender get hurt which sends them into a violent rage. 

[ SEVEN ]  for sender to be hurt trying to protect receiver which makes them bloodthirsty for revenge.

[ EIGHT ]   for receiver to be hurt trying to protect sender which makes them bloodthirsty for revenge.

[ NINE ]  for sender to have violently protected receiver,  so receiver kisses them to calm them down. 

[ TEN ]  for receiver to have violently protected sender,  so sender kisses them to calm them down. 

[ ELEVEN ]  for sender to carefully approach receiver in the aftermath,  gently touching them to try and bring them back to themselves. 

[ TWELVE ]  for receiver to carefully approach sender in the aftermath,  gently touching them to try and bring them back to themselves. 

[ THIRTEEN ]  sender was kidnapped,  receiver shows up to save them.  

[ FOURTEEN ]  receiver was kidnapped,  sender shows up to save them.  

[ FIFTEEN ]  sender executes a third party in front of receiver because that person hurt them. 

[ SIXTEEN ]  receiver executes a third party in front of sender because that person hurt them. 

[ SEVENTEEN ]  sender thinks they’re alone but receiver comes out of nowhere to rescue them from someone who intends to do harm/making them uncomfortable. 

[ EIGHTEEN ]   receiver thinks they’re alone but sender comes out of nowhere to rescue them from someone who intends to do harm/making them uncomfortable. 

[ NINETEEN ]  sender has been devastated by something.  receiver holds them until they calm down so they don’t do anything drastic. 

[ TWENTY ]  receiver has been devastated by something.  sender holds them until they calm down so they don’t do anything drastic. 

[ TWENTY-ONE ]  sender thought receiver died so they set out to get revenge.  receiver shows up in time to stand in front of them before they go too far.  

[ TWENTY-TWO ]  receiver thought sender died so they set out to get revenge.  sender shows up in time to stand in front of them before they go too far. 

[ TWENTY-THREE ]  sender is in a vengeful rage because of something that happened to receiver.  receiver gently approaches to calm them down saying this isn’t what they want. 

[ TWENTY-FOUR ]  receiver is in a vengeful rage because of something that happened to sender.  sender gently approaches to calm them down saying this isn’t what they want. 

[ TWENTY-FIVE ]  for sender to have receiver stand by somewhere safe where they can watch sender kill on their behalf. 

[ TWENTY-SIX ]  for receiver to have sender stand by somewhere safe where they can watch receiver kill on their behalf. 

[starwardsword]

Deep down inside I wish I could slow down time.

[starwardsword]

i am not immune to the "character's eyes glow when they use their powers" trope

[starwardsword]

re: electro visions' effects on their users

For a while now, I’ve thought of the effects visions can have on their users and how all that astounding power surely must have a downside (as there tends to be with everything) so I wanted to focus on some of the harmful effects and disadvantages that electro users might experience with their visions, as well as how Keqing is particularly affected.

While all elements place strain on their users in their own unique way, electro is considered to be one of the more dangerous ones due to the physical and neurological strain that it places on the human body. Pyro users are known to run hot, while cryo users are known to run cold, and so forth; likewise, electro vision holders run a similar level of warmth in their bodies. They also have to sometimes deal with random twitches or spams in their muscles, especially after using their abilities, though these grow more infrequent with the vision holder’s experience. Seasoned vision holders like Keqing tend to not experience those spasms at all unless hydro is thrown into the mix. 

Inexperienced electro vision holders that can’t handle the electricity that comes with their new power might sometimes lose their handle on the current they’re attempting to manipulate, which can lead to minor problems like pain and numbness or weakness in their limbs, or major damage like burns and injuries resulting in Lichtenberg scars.

Most electro vision holders of all levels of experience also often struggle with getting proper rest. All that electrical activity affecting their bodies and brains tends to keep them awake, sometimes for days at a time. Keqing in particular suffers from this, which contributes to her efficiency and superhuman work ethic; when she can’t sleep, she just works well into the early hours of the morning. She’s tried everything to assist with sleep, between herbs and medical remedies from Bubu Pharmacy, meditation, teas, and everything in between. To this day, she hasn’t found a single thing that works beyond the deep relaxation that comes from being in the arms of a lover but details... 

As expected, there’s eventually only so much the body can handle before it becomes completely worn out, at which point most electro users tend to crash. This can lead to napping or even very sound sleeping in the most unlikely of places; in Keqing’s case, she just tends to sleep like the dead for upward of 12 hours, which is why her days off are usually scheduled around the days she expects to be hit by that crash.

More seriously, vision holders that overexert an already weakened body while wielding immense amounts of electro risk their heart or nervous system going into overload, which can lead to internal damage to their organs, neurological damage, and even cardiac arrest. Urban legends speak of bodies becoming vaporized due to overwhelming amounts of electro coursing through their bodies but, to this day, those rumors remain disproven. In an attempt to mitigate the potential for such devastating effects on their bodies, most electro users channel their powers externally. Keqing herself tends to be at a higher risk due to the nature of her abilities, where she is so in tune with the electro coursing through her that she can become electrostatic discharge herself (which is how she teleports) and create electro-charged afterimages of herself. However, to this date, she has not experienced any overly detrimental reactions to her electro-wielding, likely due to her intense training regimen and physical stamina.

The conjunction of all these effects leads to electro users having, on average, some of the shortest life spans among all vision holders. It also explains why there are so few electro users among humans, as the gods may understand the additional dangers that electro visions present to their kind.

[starwardsword]

man Keqing needs a hotspring vacation

[starwardsword]

when the lover takes the beloved’s hand and presses it against their chest where their heart is. or when the beloved takes the lover’s hand and presses it against their cheek.. i was going somewhere with this

[starwardsword]

Vanilla Sunday Meme

For muns who aren’t into explicit sexual content, but don’t mind approaching the topic. Feel free to cross out any questions you aren’t comfortable with!

Is your muse a romantic? Do they dream of love and marriage?

Is your muse a deviant? Are they overly flirtatious or forward?

Is your muse good at kissing? Are they experienced?

Does your muse initiate a lot of physical contact?

Is your muse comfortable with public displays of affection? 

Does your muse steal clothing from their partner?

Is your muse the big spoon or the little spoon?

Is your muse comfortable with, or proud of their body? Are they insecure?

Is your muse attracted to any features in particular?

Have their crushes been mostly male, mostly female, or evenly split?

Have their partners been mostly male, mostly female, or evenly split? 

Is your muse easily flustered? Do they blush, swear, etc.?

Where is your muse most sensitive? 

Is your muse more submissive or dominant in a relationship? 

Would your muse ever tempt their partner, e.g. flirting, wearing tight/sexy clothing?

Does your muse initiate heated/sexual contact, or do they wait for their partner?

Does your muse leave hickies? Do they ask for them?

Does your muse like to be pinned down, or to pin their partner? 

Has your muse reached first/second/third base? Home run? 

Would your muse be interested in engaging with multiple partners?

Would your muse ever send a sexual text message? Would they send pictures?

Does your muse read smut, own magazines, or watch p-rn?

Is your muse the type to discuss their sex life or sexual prowess with others?

Is your muse a top, a bottom, or a switch? Do they have a lean?

How interested is your muse in sex and sexual activity?

Do they have sex frequently, occasionally, or rarely?