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sword-dad-fukuzawa · 3 years

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The Tsaritsa

You know, since writing a fair bit about La Signora, I was thinking a lot about the Cryo Archon and her subordinates. They're not what I expected.

We're told that the Fatui are an organization answering only to Snezhnaya's leader. They use diplomacy, but their reputation for vicious sadism and brute force precedes them--they're ruthless, leveraging any scrap of political favor thrown their way and exploiting what conflicts they can.

We know this from the Ursa the Drake incident, when Dottore's "defeat" of the beast gave them favorable diplomatic conditions in Mondstadt. We know this from the Vision Hunt Decree, promoted and maintained by Fatui intervention in order to destabilize the country from the inside.

And the Fatui value strength above anything else. Signora's death is not their tragedy and she was not a woman they mourned, because to fall in battle is a sign of weakness.

In Snezhnaya, there is no honor for the dead.

Like so many others the Traveler meets on their journey, they're also deeply devoted to their archon. To join the Fatui is to forsake one's name and one's face in the pursuit of the Tsaritsa's beautiful and terrible dream of a world without Celestia. That so many of her people have taken up her cause is no mean feat, and that she had eleven people so feverishly devoted to her that they would willingly sacrifice everything is intriguing.

But how?

The Tsaritsa is no simple tyrant. She's not Baal. And that's evident from the way she speaks to her subordinates and their opinion of her. Kujou Sara speaks of her archon with reverence and respect, and she devotes herself to Baal's eternity without a second thought--but there's nothing personal about why. It makes Sara, and by extension Baal, seem...more two-dimensional.

But the Tsaritsa, despite being the Cryo Archon, is one hell of a firebrand.

Think about it. She's advocating revolution, full on revolution against the powers that be. The Tsaritsa wants to bring the gods down from the sky and to burn the old world to the ground. And she acknowledges the enormous burden this puts upon her subordinates. She acknowledges that she is demanding their fullest loyalty, devotion beyond reason or ability.

"Sorry...to also have you shoulder the grievances of the world. Since you could endure my bitter cold, you must have the desire to burn? Then, burn away the old world for me."

What sort of archon apologizes to her subjects?

One that understands, on a visceral level, the sacrifices she asks they make.

Of all the archons, is it such a surprise that she sounds the most human? Because what could be more human than to wish to defeat the divine?

I have many thoughts on visions being a manifestation of human ambition, responding to their will, being tied inextricably to their dreams...and how gods don't simply grant humans power, but help their ambitions become realized. The Tsaritsa is not Venti, with little ambition other than to see his people happy; she is not Zhongli, tired of shouldering that responsibility; she is not Ei, forging ahead while deaf to the cries of her subjects.

The Tsaritsa tells them that the world is brutal, and so is she, but that they can tear it down if they so wished.

And this inspires such fanatic loyalty that it's astonishing to witness.

Cleverer still is how she gathered her Harbingers. They are all, in some form or another, as cruel as their leader. And from what we know, they were all outcasts.

La Signora is the first Harbinger we meet. She wandered Teyvat for centuries, burning away the corruption she saw until she was, perhaps, no longer fit to be called human. The Tsaritsa gives her a path forward--bring down the gods, destroy the Abyss.

Then we meet Childe. He's brash, arrogant, and fundamentally wrong in some way. The lore blames the Abyss for what he's become--a little too bloodthirsty, a little too ambitious, and a little too reckless for other people to tolerate--but the Tsaritsa gives him a place where he can grow in strength as much as he desires.

Scaramouche is next. What was Scaramouche if not a person without a destiny? Does a puppet even have a constellation? Before he was found, he drifted aimlessly. The Tsaritsa gave him a cause to fight for.

And though we have not met Il Dottore in game, we know enough about him to see that he was cast out of the Academia for unauthorized experimentation. The Tsaritsa recruited him with the promise that he would not be accused of heresy.

Though perhaps I give her too much credit. Scaramouche, Signora, and Dottore were recruited directly by Pierro, the first of the Harbingers. And he, too, is intriguing, and his words sum up the general attitude of the Fatui.

Then I shall become instead a fool, a Fatuus, and devote myself to Her Majesty, who understands my pain...

My name is Pierro, The Jester. Please listen to the words I have to say:

Proud Fatui comrades, I know your hearts harbor both the fires of rage and the cold of eternal winter.

Each one of us has borne witness to the absurd callousness of the foundational principles of this world.

So, let us don our masks in mockery of the world as we go forth and rewrite the rules of destiny.

What sets the Tsaritsa apart, I think, is that she understands the rage of her subjects. She seeks out Harbingers who feel the same and tells them that they are not alone, and that there is a better world--they must only build it from the ground.

And what could be more dangerous, more clever than a passionate revolutionary with a talent for recruiting bitter extremists?

Perhaps it is fair to say that only those who possess an obsession close to or even exceeding the level of delusion might be willing to join this group that so rebels against the Heavenly Principles, binding their remaining days to their Delusions and burning as brightly as stars.

Bitter, obsessive extremists. Clever indeed.

#all of the lore i cite is from the wiki #the tsaritsa #aurie character analysis #less analysis and more unstructured rambling lol #the harbingers #genshin impact #genshin fanart #childe #tartaglia #il dottore #la signora #scaramouche

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kkaeyva · 3 years

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new follower here!! i love your writings ;v; <3 !!!

for your 200 follower note event, i was wondering if i could request "an apology note" with scaramouche~? tysm!!! i hope you had a wonderful day!!!♥︎

note: oh gosh !! welcome !! i hope you enjoy your stay ♡o(≧∇≦o) i personally would also like to see an apology note from scaramouche,,, is apologizing something he would ever do? TT

get a note from a genshin character! (200 followers event, more info in the link)

scaramouche.

scaramouche thinks guilt is a weak emotion; nothing about it demands power, nor does it command respect. someone of his stature should ignore this petty feeling, he tells himself, but his duties call for the opposite.

and yet his pride will not stand down. he forces falsely-empathetic and passive-aggressive words on a sheet of paper he finds at the bottom of a drawer. it is tattered and dusty, but he knows you won’t mind. (more so, you better not mind.) and so, pen threatening to break from the pressure of his grasp in hand, he writes:

“to whom it may concern,

i am writing this letter to you because the tsaritsa has politely asked me to formally apologize for, and i quote, ‘using over-aggressive and unconventional schemes to procure a result’ which is apparently ‘unbecoming of one of the eleven harbingers that were handpicked by the tsaritsa herself.’

personally, my interests go beyond trivial matters such as these, but even i cannot go against her majesty’s orders. as such, i have found enough generosity to grant you one day of free will, meaning you are not expected to follow any of my orders for 24 hours. do with that what you will.

signed,

the balladeer”

you almost wouldn’t have believed this was written by scaramouche himself if he wasn’t the one who crumpled the sheet of paper into a ball and threw it at you...

#♡— 200 #can this be considered ooc LMAO #scaramouche ?? apologizing?? unheard of!!#sometimes i think of scaramouche as kind of a petulant child;;;#but then i bonk myself in the head n remember he's not even the youngest harbinger #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #scaramouche.txt #huataos.chatroom #new.quest

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hawksward · 3 years

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Wolves in Sheep's Clothing Ch. 2: Your Heart is an Empty Room (Childe/OC)

Since being granted a vision at the tender age of 10, Irina has owed her life to the Tsaritsa and dedicated herself to rising through the ranks of the Fatui. In becoming a top-ranking diplomat she’s received her easiest assignment yet: ensure the 11th Fatui Harbinger remains ignorant of La Signora’s plan to obtain the gnosis of Rex Lapis. A simple task for someone who’s made a career out of lying.

Unfortunately, even the simplest tasks can go awry when feelings get in the way.

Rating: E (For eventual smut)

Warnings: None that I can think of for this chapter, there will eventually be smut

Two weeks had passed since Irina first arrived in Liyue. Signora was out of the city that night, gone to some other far-off place to complete her work. As for Zhongli? Since he hadn’t made any request pursuant to the contract she hadn’t seen him either.

Her days were mundane, filled with bank paperwork and pointless meetings with the Qixing to source where they hid the gnosis. Which she already knew they didn’t have. It was impossible to say when Zhongli would be satisfied with his end of the contract and until then she would keep up the song and dance to avoid suspicion by a certain ginger harbinger.

Who once again burst through her office door without the courtesy of knocking.

“I have a new recruit orientation at the docks and I need someone to come do the paperwork.” His expression was the same as always, a charming smile that never quite reached his eyes “Put down whatever you’re doing, we need to leave in five.”

Irina sighed before returning her attention to the stack of papers on her desk “I have a mountain of paperwork here, surely you can find someone else to handle the new recruits.”

She nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of Childe’s hand slamming against the table. She looked up through her lashes to see the same fake smile at eye level.

“It’s not a request.” He walked around her desk and pulled out the chair with her still in it “With how pale you are you could use some time in the sun anyway.”

“First you give me all of your loan paperwork, now you want me to go do different paperwork down by the docks? It’s a task so simple a hillichurl could do it” Irina stood from her seat to look him in the eyes “a particularly stupid hillichurl.”

She watched as Childe’s smile only grew bigger

“Then it’s perfect for you.”

She didn’t have time to be offended before he shoved a clipboard in one of her hands and grabbed her other wrist, leading her down the staircase of the bank and out the door.

“Look at that.” Childe looked to the sky before looking back at Irina with a cocky smile “The sun’s out and you’re not even melting!”

“Ha. Hilarious.” She struggled to keep up as he continued to pull her by the wrist down to the docks “You must have women lining up for you.”

He chuckled

“Someone sounds jealous.”

“Not even slightly.”

——

The docks were bustling with midday activity, but the ship waving the Snezhnayan flag was easy enough to spot. Six Fatui skirmishers stepped off the boat, which Childe greeted enthusiastically before easing into a grand speech about serving the Tsaritsa.

Irina was left to sit on a crate and process six diplomatic visa applications for extended stays. It wasn’t lost on her how unglamorous her job was in comparison to Childe’s flaunting.

If she were more suited to combat she might have considered killing him for his position.

Unfortunately, life wasn’t fair. Although the Tsaritsa had blessed her with a cryo vision she was never really suited for combat. Over the course of her training with the Fatui it was clear that her talents were in shields and healing. She was probably one of the few Fatui vision users who didn’t end up in a combat position.

“Daydreaming on the job?” She looked up to see Childe hovering over her, a trail of new recruits behind him “We might have to consider docking your pay”

His frown was clearly fake. He was enjoying making her look incompetent in front of those who didn’t know any better.

“On the contrary, considering how long your speech took, I finished ages ago.” She shoved the stack of papers into his chest “If that’s everything Lord Tartaglia, I’ll be going back to the bank to finish my previous work.”

“Ah.” He held out an arm to stop her before turning his attention to the recruits “You there. Take these papers and file them with the milileth. They’re located in the gaudy building in the center of the city. You can’t miss it.”

Irina stared at him expectantly while the recruits followed the man holding their paperwork. She wasn’t sure why she was surprised that Childe had once again sent new arrivals off with zero directions.

“ We ” he emphasized “Aren’t going back to the bank. I have a business dinner that I want you to attend as well.”

Irina perked up. He was asking her to do a real task? Not just busywork? Surely there was a catch.

“You want me to attend?” She pointed at herself “You’re not going to make some grand statement about how you don’t need my help?”

“Not today” he laughed “I can’t tell if this particular business partner is immune to my charm or just isn’t into men. A more feminine touch might help.”

He wanted her to be a honey trap. Of course.

“It’s probably just you.”

——

Dinner was of course at one of the two nicest restaurants in town. Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk were rivals for the higher-end business in Liyue Harbor. Even in her limited time in the city, Irina already heard ravings from the bank staff about how it was worth blowing some extra paycheck money. Her mouth was already watering at the prospect of a nice meal after eating from street carts since her arrival.

The moment she stepped through the door of Liuli Pavilion it was clear that Childe was flaunting his wealth. The rich woods paired with a gold inlay made it look like it was fit for royalty.

“Master Childe,” The host greeted him with a bow “Your private room is ready and your guest has already arrived. Please, allow me to escort you to your table.”

Childe gave her a wink before following the host down the hall and to a secluded part of the restaurant.

“Apologies for the tardiness, I brought a friend.”

Irina turned the corner into the room to see a familiar face sitting at the table.

Mr. Zhongli.

For just one moment, the surprise was written all over her face. Childe knew exactly what Signora was up to. That she was just a proxy. She was going to lose her job. Her life.

She pulled herself together, a smile crossing her features

“It’s a pleasure sir, my name is Aster. I’m an associate of Childe’s at the Northland Bank.” She moved across the room to the seat next to Zhongli, who rose to meet her and pulled out her chair “And he’s a gentleman” she flashed a smile to Childe, whose expression was of course, unreadable.

“The pleasure is mine.” Zhongli returned to his seat “My name is Zhongli, I’m a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.” he directed his attention to Childe “When you mentioned you may have a guest I assumed it would be the traveler again.”

Childe took his seat next to Irina at the large, round table “I happen to associate with more than one other person.”

The conversation was mundane, but pleasant enough as the trio waited for the food to arrive. It was a common skill in the Fatui to be able to carry the conversation while still saying nothing of importance. Irina did her best to pepper in some flirtatious side glances and arm touches to Zhongli whenever it was clear Childe was watching.

Not like Zhongli looked remotely interested.

Then again she wasn’t exactly putting in the effort either.

Plate after plate of food arrived at the table. It was clearly a show of extravagance from Childe. Although she couldn’t quite tell if it was meant for Zhongli or to remind her that he was the top agent in Liyue and had the mora to prove it.

Irina didn’t hesitate before taking a bite of the first plate she could reach. Sure enough, everything on the table was delicious. She chatted with Zhongli as the two went from plate to plate, marveling at the chef’s expert use of spices. Until she noticed that Childe had eaten nothing.

She looked over to see him grossly misusing his chopsticks. Every time he managed to get them into position, one would slip through his fingers or collapse onto the other.

Irina let out a sigh, moving closer to him in her chair “Here, let me help.” she reached out her hands, gently touching his fingers before he immediately recoiled.

“What are you doing?” he demanded

“Helping. If you keep holding your chopsticks like that you’re going to starve to death.”

“I’ve got it.” he pulled his hand away from her, still fiddling with the two foreign objects in his hand.

“If you insist.” she moved back to the center of her chair, clearly ignoring the struggles of the man next to her.

The rest of the meal was painfully uncomfortable. Irina and Zhongli spent the rest of the time doing their best to ignore Childe as he frequently dropped food short of his mouth. By the time they had finished, she wanted nothing more than to go back to her hotel room and pretend the whole thing never happened.

Except maybe for a clever jab here and there.

“It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Zhongli, I hope we meet again in the future.”

“As do I, Miss Aster. Allow me to escort you back to your hotel, it’s gotten dark since we’ve arrived.” Zhongli held open the door for both Irina and the suspiciously quiet Childe to exit.

“Oh thank you, but you really-”

“I’ve got it from here. After all, she is my subordinate and I’d hate to see anything happen to her.” Childe was back to his normal, cheerful demeanor. Although that just seemed to unsettle her even more.

“Of course. Have a pleasant evening, both of you.”

Childe waved as Zhongli disappeared from view, then turned his attention to Irina. She knew this wasn’t going to end well. Zhongli wasn’t interested in her playful flirting, which was admittedly half-assed and on top of that there was the matter of her trying to help with his chopsticks.

“So are you going to tell me what that look was at the beginning of dinner?”

Irina raised an eyebrow, trying to consider every ‘look’ she gave since the moment they walked through the door of the restaurant. “What look?” She asked

“I saw your expression when you first saw my contact.” All traces of his previous smile were gone. He wasn’t hiding the fact that he was all business now

“Ah. That.” her thoughts raced as she tried to come up with an excuse. Clearly, she couldn’t say that she’d met him before “Normally when someone wants to use my services for seduction it tends to be for some old bureaucrat. Your contact is young and handsome.”

Childe shook his head, clearly disappointed in her answer. But at least he seemed to believe it. “Don’t go falling in love on the job.”

“Don’t worry. I have no heart.”

She gave away her heart the moment she signed her life away to the Tsaritsa.

The two maintained eye contact for longer than what either was comfortable with, each too stubborn to back down. It was impossible to tell how much time passed during their unspoken competition.

“Shall we head back?” Childe asked, finally averting his eyes to the road ahead.

---

The walk to the hotel was short but silent. Crowds moved for them, people stared, parents pulled their children closer as they walked by. It was the same in any country that wasn’t Snezhnaya. The Fatui were always seen as a threat, which in defense of the people, they were. Most of the time the fear in their eyes didn’t phase her, but it was nothing compared to having a harbinger by her side.

“What’s with the long face?” Childe asked

Irina snapped out of her own head to notice that they had already made it to the hotel.

“It’s nothing.”

“Don’t give me that. I’ve got sisters, I know that look.” He chuckled quietly “The ‘the weight of the world is on my shoulders and no one else could possibly understand’ look”

She laughed, “It’s really nothing. Just a long day is all.”

He looked lost in thought for a moment “The mail boat arrives at 10 tomorrow. Why don’t you take a couple hours in the morning before that for yourself.”

Irina was shocked. Sure, Ekaterina and Vlad and the others at the bank all spoke highly of him but she’d never seen it for herself. She just assumed they spoke highly of him because they had to.

“You don’t have to do that. I assure you whatever is going on in my head will never impede my ability to do my job.”

Childe let out a long sigh before rubbing the back of his head. It was a gesture that looked both human and unsure. Two things she knew he wasn’t.

“That’s not what I’m insinuating. Just...take a break. That’s an order.” He opened the door to the front of the inn, ushering her inside “If I see you at work before 10 I’m going to be pissed. Goodnight.”

Irina watched from the window as the man disappeared down the street, still confused by what just occurred. For two weeks since she arrived he either outright ignored her, berated her, or made fun of her in front of the rest of the bank employees.

Maybe his delusion had finally caused him to go insane.

#childe #genshin impact #tartagila #childe/reader #childe x reader #childe/oc #childe x oc #genshin childe #genshin #tartaglia x reader #tartaglia x oc

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kireiryuusei · 3 years

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Writing up a Genshin OC finally. Probably will have to adjust as the series goes on but I do want to put something down so I’m not just dragging my feet anymore. I have a couple things from my usual making of profiles for muses and stuff, but for this one using the questions from @genshin-impact-ocs‘ post about helping make one. So thank you for such a useful guide.

Name: Nyssa

Birth Name: Danica

Appearance:

Nyssa has an average height compared to others. She has light brown skin and there is a Lichtenberg figure around her left hand and lower arm. However she has gloves and vambraces to cover this. Her wavy hair is a blue color that she wears down most days (may or may not be dyed). Her eyes are a purple color.

Personality:

Nyssa despite being from outside the land, fits as ‘a child of freedom’ within Mondstadt. She is usually doing whatever whims catch her fancy and wandering anywhere the wind seems to take her. However she isn’t without some responsibility, usually reliable for tasks albeit never straightforward with when she might accomplish it and makes good on her word.

Nyssa tends to soak in all around her and seems to hold an appreciation for all of it. Despite picking up the 200th sweet flower, she might notice the shade of its petals or still love its scent. She genuinely likes the presence of others even if she can’t always articulate such. She takes time to remember little things like the stray comment of not liking a certain smell or a seat preference. There is a longing to be able to physically reach out to others but holds back out of habit.

There is another aspect of Nyssa that doesn’t get exposed often unless it has to do with Fatui or her background. The Fatui she can usually get away with as she would ask ‘who DOES like those guys?’ However her past causes a stormy look in her eyes and the air seems to crackle before she tells a completely innocuous tale. Which doesn’t sound like lying but also not descriptive enough to sound like it could come from anyone’s memory.

Questions:

• What's their occupation?

By technicality, Nyssa is an adventurer. She completes commissions for the guild as the main form of livelihood. Her specialty is searches so she often is charged to find lost pets and to locate where enemies gather. However she also serves as an informant although she usually uses Vile as a medium as she doesn’t want to be questioned for how she gathers information.

• Do they have any affect on the main plot of Genshin Impact? How?

Not as of now. She may when it comes to knowing more about Snezhnaya and the creation/experimentation of delusions. At most she is a lead for the protagonist to follow into that area.

• What's your character's plotline? Do they have any side quests associated with them?

Nyssa’s has to do with her background. Her helping the Traveler towards Snezhnaya, makes it clear she knows more than a normal citizen does. What is found is that Nyssa was apart of the Fatui, being an Electro Cicin Mage. It was seen as an honor and, by her admission, she thought it was for such a long time. However what changed was looking into making stronger Delusions. While any of the Harbingers would likely be willing to test them out, they were also immense assets to the Fatui. So testing with lesser members was sought first to bring down the risk to the Harbingers. There were two issues though, 1) most lower ranking members did not have constitution nor power to handle these Delusions and 2) those that did survive often didn’t come out without afflictions.

Nyssa was in the latter. She doesn’t quite understand all the mechanics as she was just a grunt in the cogs of the organization. But she knew she was afraid to die for someone that held not regard for her nor any of her coworkers and ran away before undergoing an experiment she was certain going to end her life.

Can’t think of any specific side quests other than her asking for assistance on her commissions back in Mondstadt.

• How did your character gain their Vision and/or Delusion?

Nyssa’s Vision was originally simply an inactive one. It was one from an elder that she was close to as she reminded them of their deceased child. It was a gift given to her when she joined the Fatui. And while she channeled Electro through a delusion, she never had the power herself. What activated it was her escape. She ran away. Through snow and ice. Through excruciating pain of withdrawal. Through pursuit that broke her usual Delusion. She was taunted as she was being dragged as she was a fake only granted her ability by the Tsaritsa’s grace. And Nyssa wished for her power to be real. To not be a fake. To be free of this mistake. To win this otherwise sad tale. And her Vision glowed from the present from an old friend and with it, she shook off her pursuers and ran.

I debate a different Delusion as apart of the above testing but haven’t thought on what it would do yet? I need a bit more time on that. However I did think of it being made with or powered with Mist Grass. It has a side effect where the Mist Grass essence gets into Nyssa and it works like a drug. One that makes her feel like the world is masses of equations and she can see the answers. It makes her stronger obviously but afterwards is like a nasty withdrawal and weakness. It makes her avoid and fear Mist Grass in her proximity.

Is your character in love with any of the characters? Which one and why?

Nyssa is in love with Diluc. She is aware of his vigilante antics and finds it very admirable as she wonder if that’s what one means about being a ‘child of freedom.’ But she didn’t intend to fall for Diluc as, unsurprisingly, he’s doesn’t seem like her type. But working with him, she fell for the strength of his conviction and finds how he expresses concern to be utterly adorable.

(I just want a high chance of angst and this worked out the best tbh.)

• Do they have any biological family left? If they do, what is their relationship to those family members?

Yes she does, her parents and sibling are all alive. However she has not been in contact with them since she ran away. And even if she was able to contact them, Nyssa is certain of the rejection from them due to her turning her back on the Fatui and her homeland.

• Do they enjoy Xiangling's slimy dishes?

She eats them out of politeness but hates the texture of it. She wonders why you would resort to slimes of all things. She can almost imagine their dead eyes staring back at her in the dishes, furthering her dislike of it.

• Do they enjoy Barbara's singing? Why or why not?

‘Who doesn’t?’ would be her reaction. She thinks Barbara sings very nicely. Especially within the walls of the cathedral. Although she would admit her style is still more of bards around the town and in taverns.

• What do they think of the Archons?

Archons are like humans in the sense that they can accomplish whatever they want, which can help or harm. Generally she views them favorably as it was the Tsaritsa’s grace that let her hold onto power through Delusion until she received her Vision. It was also Barbatos that aided her last leg and welcomed her to his land. However, she is also aware that the Tsaritsa’s will allowed the experiments that hurt her. Nyssa generally has a curiosity though as to why Baal granted her a Vision before Barbatos could.

Miscellaneous:

Despite originally being a mage, Nyssa uses polearms instead

Her name, appearance and weapon change was all in her pursuit to free herself from her past

She puts up with a lot of Venti’s stuff with only bitching because of her gratitude

She’s deeply fearful of Kaeya as he is the person most likely to discover her past and afraid of what he’d do to her with that information. However surface level, they seem to get along quite well to any outsider.

She has a ‘pet’ cicin, Render, usually called Ren

#genshin impact #long post #and still working out the kinks #I like have wiggle room with ongoing series #although I was desperate to keep #some idea that didn't work out #in terms of what I thought some things operated #genshin impact oc

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fraink5-writes · 3 years

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From Darkness Into the Lantern Light - Chapter 5

Another day, another chapter...? Along with the Crux Fleet, another exciting arrival!

I’d like to thank @leio13 for her editing prowess!

Summary: Once upon a time, there was a cold-hearted queen. Although the Tsaritsa, as she was called, possessed her own divinity, she coveted the powers of the other Archons. Aiming to steal the Geo Archon’s gnosis, she sent her strongest warriors to Liyue Harbor. But just when Rex Lapis was almost defeated, he escaped to another vessel, that of a powerless baby, and was swept away to a hidden tower for his protection.

Many years after the great fight, the young and ambitious Harbinger, Childe, arrives in Liyue to grant the Tsaritsa’s desire, but, on his search for the Geo Archon’s gnosis, he ends up tangled in a mysterious man’s dreams to see Liyue Harbor’s Lantern Rite.

This chapter can also be found on Ao3 here. Without further ado, please enjoy!

The door of the Crux Tavern slammed amid the loud chatter. “What’s going on here?”

“Captain!”

“Captain Beidou!”

“We have guests!”

“Guests!”

The Captain marched in, carrying a big barrel over her shoulder. “Guests?” She laughed. “I brought more beer for our entertainment tonight, but it seems like you guys found something much more interesting!” Putting down the large barrel, she strode up to the crowd, quickly eyeing Zhongli and glaring at Childe. “Juza, come explain the situation to me. You guys, open the beer and make sure our ‘guests’ have enough to drink.” Leading Juza outside, she was gone in a flash, but from her brief appearance, it was clear she was a formidable woman. Six-feet tall and with impeccably toned muscles, she wore everything from her right eyepatch to her broadsword with great confidence. As worthy an opponent as she would make, Childe could not fight her if he wanted their trip to Liyue Harbor to go swimmingly.

After another toast of beer from the crew, the Captain returned, conversed quickly with a few others then pulled Childe and Zhongli to the side. “So, you guys want to stay here? Did you come here thinking that the Crux Fleet would let you go because we have ‘so much in common?’” She stared incredulously at Childe.

“Because we all have dreams!” Childe tried to deflect her hostility with optimism.

“Huh—”

Childe sent several desperate side glances in Zhongli’s direction.

“Yes, exactly!” Beidou suddenly smiled. “If you want to go to Liyue Harbor, we won’t stop you. And we can provide you a place to stay.” She called the nearest member of the crew. “Yinxing, show this man to the ‘Guest House.’ It’s not much, but a roof’s a roof. And our crew will be standing guard. You—” She turned to Childe—“are going to have a little chat with me first.”

“I’ll catch up with you shortly.” Childe waved and smiled at Zhongli, although he didn’t feel much hope behind it.

When Zhongli was out of earshot, the Captain’s amicable face disappeared. “I know who you are, Childe, Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui. And I know what you’ve been up to recently in Liyue Harbor. But do you know who I am?”

“Captain Beidou of the Crux Fleet.”

“At least you know that much. But what you don’t seem to realize is that I am quite familiar with the Qixing, and I can hand you over at any moment.”

Childe gulped.

“Relax.” Beidou cracked a grin. “I won’t. Right now. Thanks to your friend. I just wanted to ask a few questions.” She inspected her gloves thoughtfully. “He doesn’t seem to be one of you. Where did you find such a specimen?”

“Zhongli?”

“My crew says ‘he’s almost as powerful as Captain Beidou’—almost. Are you sure he even needs you?”

“I’m beginning to doubt that myself.” Childe sighed. “But I hope that I can stay by his side.”

“Good answer!” Beidou took a swig from a mug of beer. “The crew has taken quite a liking to him, so as long as you stick by him, we will help you. Do anything else shady in Liyue, and it’s over for you. Got it?”

Childe just nodded.

“Alright, well, don’t leave him alone for too long now! But I would change your act if you want him to need you~!” Beidou called out with a chuckle.

***

The "guest house" was nothing more than a neighboring dilapidated building. The wall planks only provided 50% coverage, and the floor was simply the cold, hard ground with a carpet of overgrown grass. But a roof was a roof, so Zhongli dared not complain. This would be his first time sleeping outside of his bed, outside of his tower. He wrapped himself up in a bundle of his own hair for a little more comfort.

"Hey!" Childe popped in with the same cheeriness as usual. "Did ya miss me?"

"Welcome," Zhongli muttered as Childe plopped down onto the dirt next to him.

Childe chuckled briefly then, acting seriously again, said "Sorry that you have to stay in a place like this."

"It can't be helped. At least there's a roof."

"Are you scared?" Childe asked.

Zhongli had been thinking and rethinking about that question all day, and he finally decided upon an answer: "It's my first time away from home, so it would only be natural for me to be frightened. But you're here, and the Crux Fleet is posted outside. I've learned so many interesting things today, and most people aren't as malicious as I feared they would be. So, I predominantly feel relieved."

Childe stared thoughtfully before grinning. He stretched out on the grass. "You were quite something back there. That must be some workout regimen you have."

"It's nothing special."

Childe raised an eyebrow. Though he looked quite comfortable, his head resting on folded arms, his guard was probably up.

Zhongli inhaled. "Can I ask you a question?"

“Depends.”

“Why did you lie back there?”

“Lie?” Childe rolled on his side to face Zhongli.

“I know that you are not looking for love. So, why did you lie?”

“Ohh that. I simply thought a lie would be more agreeable than the truth.”

Zhongli’s face soured.

“You’re not a fan of lying, huh? Sorry then.”

“I want to know the truth.”

“The truth…” Per contract, Childe had the right to ignore Zhongli’s curiosity. But instead of his deflective grin, Childe’s face lacked any emotion whatsoever. Underneath all his superficial decorations, this face was the truth: an emotionless slate. Perhaps it was due to the dark room, but Childe’s eyes were more lightless than the deep ocean. “The truth is that this body of mine has no dreams of its own. I live to serve my goddess, the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya. Her wish is mine to fulfill. That’s all there is to it. That’s why I just smile and lie.” Childe’s smile was haunting.

Zhongli averted his eyes. Was it the truth or the lie which he feared? “Then, why did you decide to serve her? Surely there was a reason in that.”

“That doesn’t matter anymore.”

“What kind of person is she?”

Childe sighed. “I guess that doesn’t go against our contract, so I’ll tell you. The Tsaritsa has a bad rep in Teyvat, but she’s actually a gentle soul. She wishes to create peace, even if her methods are frowned upon. But the world is unforgiving, so she had to harden herself. That’s why, Zhongli, no matter what people say, no matter what happens, I’m going to fulfill her wishes.”

For the first time, Zhongli heard earnestness in Childe’s voice. Perhaps then she really was the only thing that remained in Childe’s heart. Zhongli had thought Childe to be completely incomprehensible, but if he shared such a devotion to one woman, then maybe he would understand, after all…

“Say, Childe. If you discovered something important to you, something which speaks to your core, but it contradicts the will of the Tsaritsa, what would you do?” Would you betray her?

“That’s a meaningless question,” Childe laughed. “That would never happen.”

“You’re right. It was a foolish question.” This time Zhongli was the one to turn away, curling up on his side. He had mistaken Childe’s character a second time. They really were completely different people.

“Zhongli.” Childe whispered gently. Zhongli shouldn’t have trusted his tone, but he wanted to believe in this warm lie at least. He couldn’t turn around, lest Childe’s lifeless eyes betray the truth to him. “I’m sorry for not having the right answer.”

“There’s no need to apologize. I shouldn’t have asked.”

Cold silence wafted into the building and settled on the hard ground between Zhongli and Childe. What kind of face was Childe making? A smile? A detached frown? Neither option reassured Zhongli, at whom curiosity and fear gnawed.

A yawn followed by a tiny grunt interrupted Zhongli’s plummeting mood. “Sorry… I’m more exhausted than I thought… g’night…” Childe’s voice trailed off into soft breaths. "Agh—" He winced again.

Zhongli remained completely still until Childe's breathing had an even rhythm. When he rolled around, he found Childe sound asleep, clutching his head. On closer inspection, he had tiny bruises all over his body. Throughout the day he had taken countless blows for Zhongli's sake, including several to the head, in which Zhongli was not entirely blameless. It wouldn't be fair for Zhongli to leave him like this. Zhongli could at least treat the head without it being obvious.

Zhongli tenderly cradled Childe's head, watching for any signs of waking. His parted lips were still, minus the occasional grimace. Underneath his long eyelashes, surely there were dreams. But what kind of dreams did the Tsaritsa's knight—No, Childe—see?

Zhongli grabbed some of his own hair and tucked it behind Childe's head. "Sweet dreams."

#Genshin Impact #Chili #Childe #Zhongli #Beidou

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malibvnghts · 3 years

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❛ look around, isn't this enough? ❜ voice comes softly, hesitant. the question lingers heavy within mind trying to swallow it back down to the depths of it's own little space. stance of discomfort, hand softly rubbing the opposite arm whilst tense shoulders are moved up and down from strained breathing hopes arise that it does not seem as disrespectful as he initially thinks; there is no intent to be precisely that and yet words have never been the pyro users strong point so in moment of weakness he can't help himself but ask such ridiculous things. he has no knowledge of the world the way an archon would, has no business meddling within the business of one, and yet ... he worries. he knows little of the tsaritsas life, knows far too little to have any right to feel like it is right of him to worry; and yet the way she has carried herself, the way she presents herself as though she were one of the icy lakes that can be found around snezhnaya. maybe it was his imagination but he liked to think that perhaps her kindness in letting him stay was enough reason to believe he could make a difference. she has been so patient with him, his incessant && childish curiousity and she has been the only one to ever care of whether or not he lived. that alone should suffice as proof that the cryo archon had a heart warmer than most of her people, even if he'd never dare say such things out loud, not with how it would seem even more rude than his already insensitive question.

❛ my apologies, it's just ... ❜ quiet apology comes out rather fast for someone as stubborn as him, and yet the way he drifts off and hesitates once again blatantly gives away that he thinks his next thought to be one of such ridiculousness that he initially does not desire to say it out loud. but he has already gotten away with other insensitive things, stuff that his curiousity had made him regret looking for. one day he was bound to overstep the line, and if this was going to be why then so be it. ❛ i wish i could grant you peace of mind. you deserve that and so much more. ❜ if he is to show such insolence he refuses to bother with honorifics, refuses to even try to think of which one to use ( he's still so confused by them, sometimes it's hard to keep up with things ) when his way of speaking is already crude and unrefined anyways. sometimes he wonders why he always had to say what he thought; one day that would end up being his downfall, surely. and yet, when he tries to look for a reaction, tries to figure out what she thinks the flicker of doubt makes him think that perhaps he'll be safe even if he ends up running his mouth like a fool. or maybe it's a dream.

❛ please forgive me my rudeness, i am still a fool at heart. ❜ ( zephyrus @ tsaritsa )

ever since she picked up the boy . . . he’s become a large part of her life . there’s not a thing she would not do for zephyrus ( short of destroying her home and country . . . but she knows he would never ask her of such ) . zephyrus has become a part of her ROUTINE , his spontaneity and curiosity has brought such joy and happiness to the her , the archon has never experienced such an emotion . he makes her feel more HUMAN , to feel that she is wanted by at least one person in snezhnaya . perhaps he is BIASED as she is the one who stopped to make sure he’s alright when she found him lying in the snow . . . treating her like his savior , feeling indebted . if that is the case , zephyrus is good quite good at not showing that . yet , the more time she spends with him , the less she thinks he will lie to her . and it’s because of that , out of all her closest subjects , zephyrus is the ONLY one privy to her honest thoughts and emotions . she’d always set aside time for zephyrus , she’d put a halt to things if he just asks for her time . this is one of those moments , in the midst between meetings , she finds zephyrus in the halls . it seems that he has been investigating , looking into things , and perhaps he had discovered something ; perhaps he witnessed something , and now he’s voicing his thoughts . or perhaps , it’s thoughts that has been brewing deeply in his mind that he just has to bring forth to her . the tsaritsa stops briefly at a window and stares into the snowy landscape , the way zephyrus hugs his own figure . . . is he cold ?? a frown , “ is it cold ?? ” the regent queries , perhaps they should move to a room with a fireplace . she senses his unease , but she finds that she should try to warm the other up quicker ( humans are so delicate ) . “ shall we move to study ?? ” the archon questions , peeling away from the window . she doesn’t feel cold , but she fears greatly for zephyrus’ well-being . guiding the boy to her study , “ we . . . ” she begins , hoping to find words to answer his query , “ ENOUGH is not something we can define . . . it is not our right , ” the archon coaxes zephyrus to the fireplace . “ even if we think THIS is enough . . . that the people are alive , that there’s food and a house , ” the tsaritsa says , “ to them . . . this is not enough , ” she says , “ we cannot say humans are greedy , not when we have seen them suffer so greatly under centuries of our reign , ” she continues , taking a seat in one of the chairs , eyes focusing on the blazing fire . she feels no warmth . “ it is our duty to ensure that those under our rule . . . can live a prosperous life , and this is surely NOT enough , ” she concludes , hands folded in her lap . gaze shifting from the fireplace to zephyrus . the apology that follows seems UNFOUNDED . “ child . . . you need not apologize for your words , ” she says , her lips forming something reminiscent of a smile . “ the care you show us is more than we can ever ask for , ” the tsaritsa says . she cannot seem to absolve his insecurities and anxiety , she has never felt such a need to do so . “ my dear zephyrus . . . ” she murmurs softly , “ these brief moments you spare us , this brings us more than enough joy , ” the tsaritsa says , “ we do not wish for anything more . this is enough for us , ” she says softly , reaching out to gently take his hand in her own .

#( tsaritsa | answered )#thanks for sending!#deathbled #i'm emo for them

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hawksward · 3 years

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Wolves in Sheep's Clothing Ch. 3: Let the Games Begin (Childe/OC)

Unfortunately, even the simplest tasks can go awry when feelings get in the way.

Rating: E (For eventual smut)

Warnings: Violence, there will eventually be smut

The next morning came too quickly. She had plans to run a few of her own errands before the boat arrived. It seemed like bad karma when she overslept and had to rush out to make it in time. Irina maneuvered through the crowds with ease, her pace quickening as she continued down the slope to the wharf.

By the time she reached the bottom the boat was nearly completely unloaded. She looked for anyone free, or even a stack of letters on a crate.

“Are you here for the letters, miss?” An older man stepped from behind her holding a large pile of envelopes wrapped in twine “Ekaterina mentioned someone different would be picking up today”

“Yes. That’s me.” She took the stack of letters and casually flipped through the recipients. There were plenty for people she was unfamiliar with, most likely those who were on assignment further away from the bank as she didn’t get out of the city much. A letter for Ekaterina, most likely from her grandmother that she spoke of often.

Then at the very bottom, there was a small stack solely for Childe. She knew he had a large family waiting for him back in Snezhnaya, courtesy of Ekaterina and her extensive knowledge of everything that had to do with his business. Including the number of zeroes attached to his bank account. She peeked at the return addresses, all of which were the same. His family must have written him one letter each.

“Did we miss one for you?” The man asked, “It looks like you didn’t find what you were looking for.”

“No, none for me. Not a big mail person. Thanks for the hard work. Safe travels back to the motherland.” Irina gave him a curt nod before making her way to the lower market by the docks.

The letters weighed heavy in her arm as she stood in line for pastries. It never mattered before that she didn’t have anyone back home. She served the Tsaritsa. if anything not having a family made her a better tool for the woman she owed everything to.

Irina left the docks with a large basket filled with almond biscuits when she was knocked out of the way by a child sprinting through the crowd. Shortly after the girl disappeared from view a millelith soldier rushed after her, pushing bystanders out of the way.

“Stop! Thief!”

It’s not your business. Take your biscuits and get to work.

She let out a loud sigh as she followed through the openings in the crowd the soldier left. When she finally reached the end of the market, the soldier had cornered the girl, who was clutching something in her hands.

“Give it here, kid” the man held out his hand to the girl, who couldn’t have been older than 10, but she continued to hold the object even tighter.

“Is there an issue here, sir?” Irina walked up next to the man, her eyes on the girl in front of her. She recognized the fear. It wasn’t of being caught, it was the fear of having whatever was in her hand ripped from her.

“Nothing we need the Fatui to deal with.” He grumbled, “When the thief gives back what she stole I’ll be on my way.”

Irina ignored the soldier as she knelt in front of the child “can you show me what’s in your hand?”

The girl released her fingers around a small pouch filled with coins, “I need it. My brother is sick and he needs food”

“Typical lying street vermin. All the same lying about some non existent sick family member.” The guard scoffed

Sure, the girl could be lying. But her clothes were ratty and her shoes looked like they were a day away from falling off her feet. Even if she didn’t have a sick brother, she desperately needed the mora.

Irina stood, pulling the pouch of coins from her pocket before shoving it at the officer “That should be more than enough to cover the small amount she took as well as compensation for the victim. We’re done here.”

“Wait just a minute- you don’t get to decide that the kid doesn’t get punished.”

“Oh but consider this. I do.” She began, a sadistic smile creeping over her features “If you push this any further I will find every skeleton in your closet and expose them for the world to see. Even if you don’t have anything too interesting, I am Fatui after all. I can be creative.”

“You can’t do that. I’m a member of the millelith. You can’t just blackmail me without consequence!”

“But who would believe you? Your only witness is a child. I’m an esteemed guest of the Qixing. Who do you think they will side with to avoid diplomatic incident?”

The air temperature dropped ten degrees around her, she could feel the itch in her hands to use her power. Her patience was wearing thin.

“Fine. I’ll pay back the victim with your blood money.” The officer spit on the ground in front of her feet before turning and walking away.

Irina turned back around to the girl, grabbing a handful of almond biscuits and placing them in her hands. “Get back to your brother. Next time you need mora come to the Northland Bank. We have plenty of letters that need to be delivered around the harbor.”

“Thank you miss.” The girl looked up at her before immediately averting her eyes again “I will.”

——

The moment Irina stepped into the bank she didn’t have time to breathe. Ekaterina was on her before she could say a word about the giant pile of biscuits in her basket.

“There you are! Master Childe has been looking for you.”

Irina placed the basket on the counter before the woman “He’s looking for me? He’s the one who told me not to come in until after I’ve gotten the mail from the boat.”

Her mind was already cycling through every possible scenario. The millelith guard had already somehow managed to report to the Qixing and now Childe had heard. He found out about the contract between Signora and Zhongli. He was pissed about her showing up 30 minutes late with biscuits.

“Well the basket is filled with almond biscuits for everyone. Also here’s this weeks mail. I’ll take Master Childe his since he’s apparently dying to see me.”

Most likely she would be the one dying after this exchange. She quietly ascended the stairs, wondering how the rest of the staff would react if their boss murdered her in his office. Childe’s office was at the very end of the curved hall. She took a deep breath before knocking loudly on the elaborate door.

“It’s open.”

Irina carefully pushed the door open, stepping into the room. Childe’s office was easily five times the size of her own, with plenty of space for meetings with large bank clients. A lot of space to make them disappear as well.

“Ekaterina mentioned that you were looking for me. I brought some almond biscuits for the staff on my way back from the boat.”

Childe looked up from his desk, a large grin spread across his face. Irina’s heart sunk further into her stomach.

“You took your time. Are those for me?” He stood from his desk and closed the distance between them with his long strides. He plucked the small pile of envelopes from her hand before flipping through them, “I can always tell by the seal they use on the back”

“Are we getting to the part where you tell me why you were looking for me?”

“So pushy.” He gently tossed the letters on the desk before turning around to face her again “I need a sparring partner and all of the other vision users are on assignment out of the city. So, I’ve cleared your calendar for the day.”

“You did what?” Irina was horrified “I had a lunch set with the Qixing, they’re not going to take a last minute cancellation lightly! I’m not even combat oriented!”

Childe let out a sigh, crossing the room again to stand in front of her “As a vision holder I know you’ve received basic Fatui combat training.” He tapped the cryo vision centered at her clavicle “Don’t worry. I’ll be gentle.”

Her body moved before she could even think, her right hand grabbing his in a vice grip. She could feel the ice tingling in her fingertips as she moved his hand away from her chest before letting go. His hand red at the sudden cold.

“I have work to do here. In Liyue Harbor. I can’t just drop all of my responsibilities at your whim.” Her hands returned to her sides as she balled them into fists. She was sure she’d pissed him off at this point.

“You can because I say so. I’m Tartaglia. This is my jurisdiction. And what I say goes.” He took a step back, looking down at her, “You also now owe me for giving me mild frostbite.”

——

The view from the mountain overseeing the city would have been beautiful if she wasn’t dreading the reason she was there. Childe dragged her up a mountain, insisting that it was the best place for a sparring match. Less collateral damage that way.

While she could appreciate Childe not destroying the city on a whim, she wished he wouldn’t have decided to destroy her as well. He was a harbinger. One of the Tsaritsa’s elite warriors. She was a diplomat and a military dropout.

Everything Signora said about him flooded back as once. He was an eye of the storm. He would rather solve problems with a sword than with words. Zero tact. A brute.

“This will work.” He took a look at the surroundings before bringing his attention to Irina “What do you say, Aster? Ready to fight me?” He pulled his bow off his back, knocking an arrow made of water.

She let out a long sigh. The short answer was no. She pulled her catalyst from her bag and allowed it to float beside her. She tossed the bag to the side, bringing her palm across her face to form a mask made of ice. Maybe if she felt like she was back in a combat role she’d fare a little better.

Doubtful.

“Let’s get this over with.”

The moment the last word left her mouth he released his arrow straight at her chest. Irina summoned a large wall of ice, causing the arrow to shatter on impact. She watched as Childe shot off more arrows only to continue to shatter on the ice.

Eventually, he grew bored of arrows and tossed his bow to the side. He manifested two short swords out of water, holding both in a reverse grip. The smile on his face grew bigger as he closed the distance between them. Slowly at first, then with a quick lunge that shattered her ice shield on impact.

Irina stumbled back before regaining her footing. She threw another shield to block the next incoming blow. Once again it shattered. She wouldn’t be able to keep this up.

With a flick of her hand, the shards from the shield flew at him. He parried every shard with ease, the smile never once leaving his face.

“Yes! Just like that!” He spun a sword in his hand “and she says she can’t fight!” his normally bright laugh put her on edge.

She suppressed a chill that wasn’t from her vision. Irina took in a deep breath before using all her air to blow a stream of cold. The water in the air before her quickly turned to ice, dropping in pellets as it continued toward her opponent.

Childe watched in amusement as his feet froze to the ground, the ice crawling up his legs to hold him in place. It was certainly impressive, but he could see its weakness with ease.

The force of his forward momentum broke the ice holding him to the ground. It happened so quickly. Irina quickly turned to see him coming with his sword at her neck. She quickly summoned ice to her hands and up her arms, hardening it as quickly as she could.

Her arm came up to block the blow from her neck. The ice covering her arm cracking beneath the pressure, but still managing to hold. Her eyes were wide. A half-second slower and he could have killed her.

She didn’t have time to process what that meant before a blow came from the other side, followed by another and another. Irina had both her arms up, desperately trying to block each blow, being forced back with each consecutive hit.

Was this the difference in strength between a normal vision user and a harbinger? He wasn’t even using his delusion. He probably wasn’t even using his full strength with his normal vision.

She felt the ice on her left arm shatter with the last blow. The force pushed her back again, but this time there was no ground underneath her foot. She was too busy trying to dodge sword strikes to notice that she’d been pushed back to the edge of the cliff.

She felt her center of gravity shift backward, followed by down. A terrible way to die really. During a sparring match because she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings.

Her momentum stopped abruptly, her arm nearly jolting out of its socket before she was pulled back from her imminent demise. Straight in the arms of something far more dangerous.

Her face smacked straight into Childe’s chest, his hand still gripped around her arm. Her heart was beating a thousand times a minute.

“You…” she gasped, struggling to catch her breath “You nearly killed me!”

“ I nearly killed you?” He laughed “You managed that all on your own.” He let go of her arm.

Irina pushed herself off him, careful to make sure that she was no longer near an edge. “I might be a diplomat but I can sense intent to kill. You took a sword to my neck. It’s lucky I managed to block in time.”

“A sword made of water. You think so little of me.” He made a show of summoning a sword into his hand, only for it to disappear into a puddle on the ground.

Irina threw her hands up in frustration and sat herself down by the cliff she nearly fell off moments prior. She refused to believe that even he had the control to disappear his sword when everything was moving so quickly.

Childe sat down beside her on the cliff, both of them staring off into the distance “Would it make you feel better if I apologized?”

“No.”

“You’re a better fighter than you give yourself credit for. There must be something you’re very good at if they let you leave combat forces”

“My specialty has always been in information” Irina began “Tugging at threads until I can find one that causes everything to unravel.”

“Is information really necessary with the amount of mora the harbingers throw around?” Childe asked

“Everyone has a price. Not all of it can be paid in mora.” She turned to look at him “Lets take you for example. There’s no sense in trying to bribe you since you already have more money than you know what to do with.”

“Alright. Let’s hear it. Work your diplomat magic.”

“The letters from this morning. I’ll start with an assumption as the simplest answer is usually the right one. Since I doubt each letter is from a different mistress back home, I’ll assume each is from a different family member.”

The two locked eyes as she spoke, Childe listening intently

“Here’s where it gets interesting. All the envelopes are the same, so clearly it’s family still living together and each one is addressed to ‘Childe’. Makes sense considering they would know better not to use your real name on any correspondence. While each envelope was marked to you in a different handwriting, there were two that had the same. One of your family members doesn’t know about your code name. They don’t know you’re a harbinger”

Irina studied his face closely as she made the accusation. Throughout her speech, his face might as well have been carved from stone. However, when she mentioned that he had a family member who didn’t know about his job, the right side of his mouth twitched slightly. Easy to miss, but a confirmation.

“How did you know?”

“I didn’t until I made the accusation. You were stone faced the entire time I was talking until I mentioned it. People are easy to read once you know what you’re looking for.”

He seemed to mull it over before standing back up “In that case let me make some observations about you. Starting with how despite claiming that you have no heart, you gave all the mora in your pocket to make sure a kid eats”

Irina let out a sigh before standing as well “That didn’t stay quiet for long. Who told you?”

“There’s a great saying in Liyue. The walls have ears.”

#genshin impact #childe #genshin childe #tartaglia #genshin #childe/reader #childe x reader #childe x oc #childe/oc

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