guilt only gnawed at her further when she sensed the emotions rolling off keqing. nesta hated it. it was a reminder of why she had kept those walls of solid iron around her for all those years, it wasn’t just to protect herself from feeling, but to also protect herself from feeling the emotions of others. she could resurrect them right now, but she willed herself not to. allowing herself to feel is punishment for herself for what she had done to keqing. besides, she’s a high lady now, even if it’s a position she does not want, she cannot cower and hide from her mistakes or her responsibilities.
   her eyes never left keqing as she held her chin up and kept her back straight. it was all too similar to herself. how many times has nesta done the same? especially in times of hardship when she wanted to appear strong, when she didn’t want anyone to see how affected she was. was keqing doing the same for those reasons as well? her eyes remain on the woman’s as she sits down, nesta follows soon after, taking up a seat across from her with the presumption this conversation will be a long one. her first question came as no surprise, it was quite obvious that nesta was otherworldly. her arched ears were on display, she never bothered dulling her immortal glow, she walked with a gratefulness no mortal could achieve, and no imperfections plagued her features.
   “it’s not rude. i’m a high fae who was once mortal. though, if you were to go to illyria they would tell you i’m a witch. older fae and creatures around here would tell you i’m the goddess of death.” she leaned over slightly, cocking her head to the side, curious about her as well. “and you? are you human or something else entirely? something about you is different from others i’ve seen. you look human, yet i can sense a strangeness radiating off of you. maybe because you’re from a different world..”
   her stare remained fixated on keqing, assessing her, trying to understand what it is she feels coming off this woman. the feeling is different than the one she used to get from amren. it’s then she remembers how amren was unable to return back to her world and can’t help but wonder if the same will happen to keqing. knowing the harp and it’s refusal to open another portal, it has no intention of returning the woman to her dimension.Â
  high fae... she’s never heard of anything like that back in teyvat. it doesn’t take her by surprise, however. keqing has encountered many things back home that someone from another world would deem strange.  “ despite my appearance, i’m considered a mortal. ”  she gives a wave, gesturing to her feline ears.  “ i come from a line of humans that have animalistic genetics. ”
   there’s a pause. despite the other woman’s willingness to be so open to a stranger, she isn’t quite sure she could trust nesta enough to tell her about her vision. even back in teyvat, visions are something to be cherished. they’re gifts from gods and a responsibility on vision owners. if the vision hunt decree in inazuma was possible, there’s no telling how valuable her own vision would be in a world like this.
   keqing leans back in the chair, keeping the vision between her shoulder blades tucked between her skin and the fabric of the chair. she’ll tell her, she decides. since coming to this world, she’s learned that nesta seemed to be some sort of ruler to this dusk court she spoke of. it may be beneficial to be open to someone of her high status in this world if she wants any sort of protection. if nesta wanted to cause her any harm, surely she would have done so by now instead of dragging it out.
   “ the strangeness you sense may be due to my vision, ”  legs cross as she finds a more comfortable position as she begins her explanation.  “ i’m what’s considered an allogene, a mere human who was gifted with a power from the gods. though, some immortal creatures also get lucky enough to be given as well. ”  keqing can’t help but think of those back in liyue now. ganyu, her dear half-adeptus friend and coworker must be worried sick. she wonders if word has traveled to xiao, the vision-wielding, boy-adeptus sworn to protect those of liyue.
   her train of thought is broken by another sudden thought. if her vision is still working, then surely she still has her sword with her. holding her hand out, she wills her sword to materialize in her hand. gripping the handle of her jade cutter, she allows her vision to infuse with the sword and the static swirls around the blade.  “ mine is electro. ”  the smile she gives as her gaze is locked on the sword is one of pride and relief. she releases her grip, letting the sword disappear before her.  “ there’s seven different visions, all are elemental-based. ”
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