NILOU

𝓼𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 ⠀ 𝓵𝓸𝓽𝓾𝓼 ⠀ 𓆸

[lotosomno]

#LOTOSOMNO⠀ ༄⠀ independent⠀ , ⠀ mutually inclusive⠀ , ⠀ multi-ship exclusive⠀ , ⠀ selective⠀ , ⠀ multi-verse friendship⠀ , ⠀ oc friendly⠀ ,⠀ UNDER EIGHTEEN DO NOT INTERACT⠀ , ⠀ HEADCANON⠀ && ⠀ SLIGHT THEORIES⠀ included⠀ ; ⠀ interpretation by kass⠀ (⠀ she⠀ /⠀ he⠀ )⠀ .

[lotosomno]

change of plans haha! so ive decided to make a lyney acc.. soon i'll make it since little to stuff to edit and do :")

[fatedevour]

𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐲.

independent IL DOTTORE of GENSHIN IMPACT.  Duplicate, crossover, OC, and multimuse friendly. PLEASE READ BLOG WARNINGS. This blog does contain DARK content, keep this in mind. Experiment led by Irene.

[lotosomno]

heya! i hope everybody is having a swell day! I’ve been feeling in the mood to dump hcs, rambles, and brainrots!

but… I’ll post them later and it goes for drafts too so bear with me :”)

[lotosomno]

PHEW! I’ve finish clearing my drafts which isn’t a lot but hey the work is done 🤌

[shameofice]

starter for @lotosomno

"and once there is a heaven, there will be a hell within the valley of the great celeste; oceans of misery and fire.....weird book."

subject one, with his nose buried in a book as he sits on top of a crate in grand bazaar, doesn't take much notice of the area around him. the fatui escort that one of his papas issued for him had told him to sit there and stay put while they explored the bazaar (in disguise, of course, people don't really like the fatui there). so, the boy had found a crate near a corner near a big, elegant stage to sit on while reading one of the books a different one of his papa's gave him. it's a philosophical book, of some kind, written by a woman from fontaine with a name that subject one has trouble pronouncing.

he swings his legs, lightly kicking the crate with his booted feet, balancing his heavy sling back on his lap while resting his elbows atop it. nipping the lower part of his lip, he turns the page, admiring the illustration of an angel casting judgement upon some deserving mortal. it's...a graphic illustration, to say the least, but some of the anatomy isn't right. some of those organs wouldn't be in the right places.

"the small intestine doesn't look like that," subject one mumbles partially to himself again, tracing a finger over the illustration carefully. "it's more...what's that thing papa said.....organically sound?" blue hair swings over his face and his mask as he ducks his head down slightly to get a better look at it.

so engrossed in his book is he, that he doesn't hear the sound of someone approaching him. his papa told him that he should be more aware of his surroundings.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ On most days, Zubayr Theater’s atmosphere is described full of life and joy. Due from the fact that anybody who associates with the theater are considered to be part of the “family” in the Zubayr Theater, like everybody else ⠀ —⠀ From the way everybody celebrates with a fest after a long day from running errands⠀ && ⠀ preparing scripts for upcoming performances.

⠀ Unfortunately, today wasn’t those usual days for the Zubayr Theater. Meanwhile, a Fatuus by the name of The Doctor is lingering within the theater by the company of his subordinates⠀ . . . ⠀ To avoid the public’s eye, yet there wasn’t a reason of why the harbinger is here. Perhaps it was a “unknown reason” for everyone else, except for him.

⠀ ❛ Huh— Why— What is going on? ❜ Nilou’s facial expression ranged from confusion to surprise to see one of the crates spotted in middle of the Grand Bazaar, though nobody haven’t answered her question to return back from what they’re suppose to do in a hurried manner. The dancer decided to take matters in her hands to approach the crate to spot⠀ . . . ⠀ A kid?! No, no, there wasn’t no way that somebody could of forgotten their kid.

⠀ ❛ Excuse me, ❜ she cleared her throat and tapped the kid’a shoulder, while hoping that she wouldn’t give them the signal that they’re in trouble to which they’re certainly not in trouble, but she didn’t expect a kid out of all people without a guardian by their side.

[shameofice]

not having expected nilou to appear, subject one squeaks in surprise, nearly dropping his book but fumbling it so that it remains firmly in his hands (with black-painted nails, he'd painted them himself while his papa tutted to him about how he shouldn't waste time doing such frivolous things, but didn't actually stop him from doing it). when the book is back in his hands, he looks up at nilou, grey eyes with one behind a mask staring up at her.

his first thought when he sees nilou is wow, she's really pretty, and his second thought is she might be that dancer nilou that i heard people talking about. her outfit resembles one of a dancer, and her footsteps are light like one. maybe that's why she was so easily able to sneak up on him like that; the pretty dancer lady with the innocent eyes and hair even redder than tartaglia's.

"hi," subject one says, blinking up at her. "you're, um...nilou, right? i heard people talking about you." fingers grip the edges of the book (a heavy and elaborate tome, the stated author being ségolène dubois inscribed in an elegant fashion on the cover) nervously, as subject one isn't one for talking to people. sure, he likes talking to people, but he's not very good at it.

maybe she wanted him to move off of the crate, because she needed something in it. but she hasn't said anything with it, so he's going to remain where he is while he talks to nilou for now.

"i'm waiting here for my papa's friends, i got told to sit and wait here, so..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ On a few occasions⠀ —⠀ Which happens to be on most days, that Nilou had happen to witness a couple of kids here and there running or wandering around the Grand Bazaar. Though she’ll admit that it’s an endearing sight to behold, but does leave her a bit concern a couple of times.

⠀ Standing beside a kid whose appearance is⠀ . . . ⠀ Rather interesting as she hasn’t seen a kid appearing like that and not that she would judge of course, but got taken back by it.

⠀ ❛ Mhm! My name is Nilou, ❜ a mixture of relief⠀ && ⠀ surprise⠀ —⠀ Relief because she is recognized by the kid, but then surprise of how he knows that it’s her. But she doesn’t question think of more questions. ❛ …Is that so? Hmm, I’m relief that you aren’t wandering around by yourself without a parental supervision. And your papa? How long have you been waiting? ❜ Nilou decided to stick around for the sake of the kid’s safety and she wanted too, of course, who would leave a kid by themselves?

[shameofice]

subject one has only been to the bazaar once before, but nilou wasn't there during that time (he was tailing along behind some fatui members as they wre doing some surveying--for what, he wasn't sure, but he wanted to tag along anyways). instead of seeing the dancer, he saw several children gathered around the stage as a man juggled and a woman off to the wide appeared to be sewing something. the children looked so happy, so carefree while witnessing something so simple, he wanted to go and join them. but, the fatuus he was walking with tugged his arm, so he had to go.

"not too long, miss nilou, don't worry," he reassures her, crossing his ankles and blinking curiously at her. behind the half-mask, he has another functional eye, but the mask is meant to hide the deformities around that area. the mask itself is simple, roughly hewn in appearance yet evidently well-constructed and sturdy. "they said that had some stuff to do around here, so i decided to sit here and read my book."

even in his home country, subject one is quite an odd sight, with his mask and long blue hair and clothes that seemed to be more flowy than the more structured garments that were common to help against the cold. stares and whispers about him are something that, while he doesn't like as they make him feel uncomfortable, he's used to.

he's a polite and well-spoken boy, the way he carefully chose his words reminiscent of that of a scholar's. "i wanted to go to the library in the akademiya, as papa is there now, but i wasn't able to. some of the books in there are supposed to be amazing..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ On rare days, Nilou’s presence doesn’t seem to be seen on stage or around the Zubayr Theater, on those days that Jugglers appear to be the ones to entertain or Toy Sellers to show and receive profit from their wonderful gadgets⠀ && ⠀ toys, anything falling into that category.

⠀ On Nilou’s case to end up with a wave of crowds surrounding her, which results in difficulties to know each individual among the crowd. Of course, she could of met the kid another day to make this conversation more casual and smooth, though she’ve already done that to which she seems relief about it.

⠀ ❛ I know that I shouldn’t worry and all, but it’s been a while since you sat around here, right? What do you think of me taking you around the Zubayr Theater? Think of it as a treat and a tour! ❜ Nilou’s eyes shimmer full of excitement at the thought to take the kid around from getting to know everybody in the Grand Bazaar to sit down and enjoy some delicious snacks. Eventually it caught to her if the kid has eaten or drank anything.

[shameofice]

once before, in his home country, subject one had been to a performing act (the reason for, he doesn't remember why, but he had to get dressed up all fancy before going). it was an interesting act, with knife-throwing in one part and elegant dancing in the other, and he found that it was hard for him to follow the story that was being told without words being spoken. still, even though he couldn't understand it, he was very entertained.

"um, i'm not supposed to leave the bazaar, but i think that it would be okay for us to look around the theatre a little..." there's a pause, and he glances at a pocketwatch that dangles from his bag, before reaching inside said bag before pulling what appeared to be a small medicine bottle, taking a small sip before putting the bottle back carefully. on closer inspection, the bag seems to be full of these medicine bottles, as well as some carefully-wrapped snacks, a small mora pouch, and a doodle-covered notebook. there wouldn't be any space in the bag for the large book, so he must have been carrying it in his arms this whole time.

a lot of strange things for a younger teenager to be carrying around, but it goes with his overall strange appearance.

"what's your favorite part of the theatre, miss nilou? is it the stage?" subject one questions, leaning up slightly and admiring the headdress she had on her head. part of it reminded him of the ones he saw at the theatre, but there was also something different about it (well, the horns are one that's glaringly obvious).

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ ⠀ Ever since Nilou became part of the Zubayr Theater⠀ —⠀ Specifically, the star of Zubayr Theater, without a doubt became a dream of hers to pursue this path⠀ . . . ⠀ As she will continue on and on to full everybody’s heart full of joy, including hers too.

⠀ ⠀ ❛ Is that so? That shouldn’t prevent me from showing you around, it’s a joy for everybody to experience the joy to be around the Grand Bazaar! ❜ Nilou’s excitement is similar of an adult who haven’t experience little to no exciting adventurers or activities for that matter, a satisfied hum escaped her close lips as she looked around the Grand Bazaar with a happy smile written on her face, before hearing the kid spoken as she, once again, hummed in acknowledgement.

⠀ ❛ My favorite place in the theater? Hmm… that’s a tough question because I love everything here! But I’ll say to stand on top of the stage and perform to spread the joy from ear to ear to express how a joy a performance can bring a smile on a person’s face, and… what’s your name? I haven’t gotten a chance to know about your nam— Oh! ❜ in middle of answering the kid’s question to notice how her headpiece captured his attention to which she giggled before kneeling down, ❛ You want to touch it and wear it? ❜ Nilou’s head tilt slightly with the smile that still remained on her face.

[shameofice]

in terms of the arts, subject one was never really good at them. sure, suni tried to teach him to dance, and the elegant yet somehow terrifying columbiana taught him how to sing old hymns, he never really got it. he could sing some hymns, quietly, but he could never get the rhythm of dance right, always trampling over someone's feet. when questioning his papa on this, his papa said he was more 'book-smart' than 'art-smart' in mind, which, now and at the time, makes excellent sense to him. some people are just better at the arts.

"i'd like to see the rest of the bazaar--i can't leave the area, though, because then papa's friends wouldn't be able to find me," he says with a bright smile, happy to see the woman smiling brightly as well. for some reason, smiles always felt that much more contagious with him, like if someone else was smiling that the feeling of joy would be transferred directly onto him.

now, the question of his name makes him pause. he's only had one name, really (that of subject one, which everyone calls him), but he doesn't think that'd fly with nilou too well. it's not really a name, and more of a title, like columbiana or capitano or even tartaglia. but, he's heard a name before mentioned by his papa, and it sounded like it would be suitable for this situation, something that felt as if it would fit the area. his mama's name sounded more feminine, in his mind, so papa's mentioned name would work better

"zandik, my name is zandik," subject one replies to her question after the pause. "and i've never seen a headpiece like yours--where does the design come from?" when she kneels down, he hesitantly reaches out to brush his hands across the horns, finding them to be quite sturdy. "did you make this yourself? it's really pretty."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ ⠀ Ever since Nilou’s teacher taught Nilou the basic to professional necessities, at the time that Nilou’s teacher observe their youthful and full of life dance student, Nilou, to lift her hand at the sky and grasp of turn the impossible to possible⠀ —⠀ At the time, her teacher considered what their eyes observed is full of determination with a hint of admiration, there wasn’t no doubt that Nilou wasn’t hesitate to be chosen and became who she is, all gratitude⠀ && ⠀ admiration towards her teacher.

⠀ ❛ I understood and I’ll guarantee that you’ll enjoy it around here, after all I can promise that your dad will be satisfied to see his kid in a happy mood! ❜ unfortunately, Nilou’s naive of being unaware of his biological father⠀ . . . ⠀ The father in question to drive everybody around his presence away after the knowledge grasp underneath his fingertips.

⠀ ❛ Zandik, huh? What a neat name that suits you, and I’m more than positive that we’ll get along! Oh, like we can walk around and I’ll tell you about everybody— Oh, but also… I can tell you about a few tips of dancing, it doesn’t hurt everybod— Oh, but wait! ❜ Nilou tend to bounce around the conversation due to her rambling on and on, an awkward chuckle before shaking her head in a nod at Zandik.

⠀ ❛ Indeed, I’ve sew all of this by hand! It was a difficult progress but it pays off pretty well, and.. ❜ she decided to remove her headpiece and place it on top of his head, placed both of her hands on her waist, before a nod and then a confident smile, ❛ Ta-da~! ❜

[shameofice]

one of the few harbingers with talents in the arts is columbiana, the third harbinger, rumored to be as strong as an archon yet holds herself with this strange sort of grace that many often find themselves entranced by. sometimes, when he'd get bored and wander around the halls of the grand palace, he'd hear her singing, always erie despite the sometimes sweet words that she lets slip from her lips. when the boy had questioned her on her singing, the woman only smiled mystically, and when he had asked if she could teach him, the harbinger held him gently in her arms while teaching him the notes and lyrics of some of their country's most popular hymns. thankfully, subject one could carry a tune better than he could carry himself in dance, and continued to take singing lessons with the harbinger whenever he had the chance.

many fatui believed that subject one was simply just another one of dottore's clones, but with different eyes due to tampering. that worked well with both dottore and his boy, as it allowed him to slip around relatively unnoticed (as many clones were often seen wandering around the palace and surrounding area), but sometimes it had its downsides. best not to dwell on it for now.

"thank you, miss nilou! my papa said the name was from sumeru, and i think he's from sumeru himself, but he never really talks about that kind of stuff with me," he chirps, unbothered by nilou's rambling. in fact, it kind of reminds him of his own excited chatter when he learns about something new, so the two are equally matched in this matter. "i wouldn't mind meeting everybody, i don't have a lot of friends."

as soon as the headpiece is placed upon his head, subject one reaches up to steady it, not wanting it to fall and get damaged. it's quite heavy, but not too heavy, and he's able to balance it carefully. "wow...you're a really talented lady, miss nilou!"

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Nilou lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment⠀ —⠀ In better words, her naive of knowing about The Harbingers. Less aware or notice individuals to work for the Tsaritsa to express their undying devotion⠀ && ⠀ dedication for the Cryo Archon, without a doubt that it’s visible for anyone to be aware of that.

⠀ A part of Nilou had hope for the day to arrive that she’ll meet another individual who shares the same ambition of hers or interest, overall anybody who is more than willingly to sit down and hear Nilou blabber continuously as she wore a smile full of joy, while doing so. Unfortunately, she’ll have to wait for that day to arrive to then decide to prepare herself for that day too.

⠀ ❛ Is that so? I have a feeling that he named you for a reason, after all parents name their children a name for a given purpose or reason! ❜ Nilou’s demeanor begin to quickly unfold into a sort of light⠀ —⠀ welcoming anybody near her presence with open arms, more than happy to welcome Subject One near her presence as she already begin to enjoy the kids’ aura.

⠀ A giggle escaped her lips as she observed the way Subject One attempted his best not to break, tear, or destroy it by accident to which she has no problem to fix it. After all it’s a small accident and coming in clutch to use her hands full of craftsmen skills too, ❛ You think so? It brings a smile on my face to hear it and I know for sure that you’ll grow up to be an extremely talented big kid with full of ideas and a dream! ❜

[shameofice]

nilou's kind of naivety is something that subject one has seen before (well, not in nilou specifically, but with those similar). fatui that have come across subject one without knowing who he was would treat him like a child, and offer to help lead him to where he needed to go within the palace, even though he knew the place like the back of his hand. he didn't mind it, as it was almost refreshing to be around people different than him or those he spends more time around, and he'd enjoy those interactions with a polite and happy smile on his face.

sumeru seems to be quite a nation of wisdom, but they don't seem to have much appreciation for the arts, as his papa had told him. with a sneer on his face, the harbinger had talked about how the sages would try and ban public performances every so often, and would discourage children from pursuing things that were not academic or shopkeeping in a sense. honestly, he found that all to be really silly, and told his papa such a thing.

all his papa did was laugh and tell him that yes, he wasn't wrong. then he got patted on the head.

his name, subject one, was a shortened version of his full title. he himself can't normally remember his full title off the top of his head, so 'subject one' remains the shortened version that most people can remember. it was a name given to him without much care, and he didn't mind, but he couldn't exactly tell nilou that his name was, you know, that. so, zandik it is, a simple name that he had overheard often from his papa.

"thank you, miss nilou! i have a lot of things i want to do when i get older--i want to go to fontaine and mondstat, mainly mondstat, because i've always wanted to see windwheel asters in the wild," he says brightly, hands still carefully hovering near the headdress in case it decides to fall off of his head.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Out of everybody, Nilou’s naivety is considered “one-of-a-kind” due to the fact, in front of her appears a path to step forward and encourage for everybody to use their voice⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Such naïve has different reactions⠀ && ⠀ responses, who could of knew that her naivety seems⠀ . . . ⠀ way too contagious? In a good way.

⠀ Of course, she wasn’t no fool to be aware of what is awaiting for her in a caution and a signal to embrace of what is going to be thrown at her, once again, she wasn’t no fool yet her ambitions filled with courageous acts. From the way she got threatened by a group of sages that if she decided to continue Sabzeruz Festival then it’ll be shut down to do a performance in front of my citizens⠀ . . . ⠀ That part of took courage on her part, she knew what to do and didn’t hesitate.

⠀ ❛ There is no need to thank me, I’m there for you every step of the way for you to support that dream of yours! ❜ a giggle escaped Nilou’s lips as she found the conversation enjoyable than ever, she’ll admit out too.

⠀ The dancer kneeled down and gave Subject One a hand to the headdress can manage on, to which she forgot about how she hid her horns⠀ . . . ⠀ Well, she put herself out there, ❛ Although I’m not the type to travel and all, don’t hesitate to visit me so I can hear all about it! ❜

[shameofice]

nilou's naivety is kind of sweet, in a manner of speaking--a strange kind of sweet that subject one had a bit of trouble wrapping his head around. such an innocent view of the world, where everything was separated into neat categories, wasn't how the son of the second harbinger saw the world anymore. instead, the more he learned, the more muddled the world around him became, and yet clearer all the same.

his papa called those types of things 'paradoxical,' a word that subject one always had a hard time wrapping his tongue around in order to properly say it. the way that sumeru worked felt that way to him as well; how could people so knowledgeable be so blind to the fact that there were different kinds of knowledge? but his papa said he'd so something about it, so it made him feel all warm inside.

"my papa said he would take me to go to mondstat, but he also said that he wasn't allowed to go back to mondstat, and that he had some very important business here to do," subject one tells his new friend with a curious little hum, looking down at his feet momentarily before looking into nilou's bright eyes.

the little fellow is springing up all kinds of red flags right now that if nilou was a more perceptive person, she would be picking those up as easily as children would pick up yalda candies. but, this was nilou, not one of the matra or even general mahamatra or even the grand scribe, so it didn't seem like she was picking up on those.

well, subject one also didn't know they were red flags, either, so...fair trade.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ There was no obstacle to the continued innocence of her ambitions and view towards the world, and there wasn’t no doubt about that⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Such innocence to consider everybody and everything in the whole world as a “good person” despite their flaws⠀ . . . ⠀ A massive step to hop over and agreeing without a second thought.

⠀ The way the dancer’s innocence has been mentioned a couple of times, not to mention described as one-of-a-kind, due to the fact crossing paths with Nilou show a different point. But what is the point? by expressing her charisma of innocence to convince anybody to find comfort in it⠀ . . . ⠀ From the way to look for this type of comfort, when it comes to her innocence to stand out than an ordinary type of innocent, the way Nilou’s positive innocence is exceptionally trusting of others to lean towards her.

⠀ ❛ Is there a chance that you’ll be able to go to Mondstadt with somebody that he trust? ❜ Nilou’s eyes shimmer with curiosity and held so much light, she wasn’t aware of the amount of red flag in front of her eyes. Any parent’s children could notice obvious red flags arising after their parent taught them just for the sake of their safety⠀ . . . ⠀ But this is Nilou, whose haven’t had or notice all of this already unfolding in front of her eyes.

⠀ The dancer was kneeled down on one her knees beside Subject One before patting his shoulder, ❛ But hey! It’ll be alright and I know that he’ll take you to visit Mondstadt…someday! ❜ before she rose to her feet to glance around to then focus back on the kid, she signal to nearby stands as if he is prepared to spend the rest of the day with her around the Grand Bazaar.

[shameofice]

-

subject one supposes that he, too, has a rather idealistic view of the world (at least, that's how his papa put it), good and bad clearly laid out like a set of cards before one would build a card house. but, some people fall into the grey area, such as the renowned fatui hunter (who, despite being a terror to the fatui, was considered a hero amongst those he had saved) or even lady columbina--a lot of people were scared of her, but all subject one saw her as was his singing teacher and friend.

he also supposes that he hasn't had much of an ordinary childhood, to say the least--his first memory was of him on his hand and knees, covered in a viscous fluid with shattered glass around him from a fallen contraption, with the sound of shouting filling the air. then, a hand on his cheek, and he was helped up before being wrapped in a blanket. later, he learned that a segment knocked over the massive tube that he was being born in too early, causing it to shatter and for him to wake up early. but it doesn't really matter much to him anymore.

"well....papa's not allowed to go to mondstat anymore, and papa's friends aren't very well liked in mondstat, so i can't really go anytime soon..." he says somewhat morosely, looking down at his feet before back at nilou again, looking a bit more cheery. "but once i'm older and more healthy, i'll ask papa if i could go, and he would probably say yes because then i'd be okay enough to not be near him for a while."

"maybe suni would want to come with me, but she's always too busy and she doesn't like crowds--and mondstat seems super crowded, at least, from what of the other papa's told me--he's the reason that papa can't go back to mondstat." the amount of red flags this boy is throwing up is getting to be an exorbitant amount.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Of course, innocence wasn’t always a good trait to carry on your shoulders, as you lift your chin up and high, then a huff of your chest⠀ ⸻ ⠀ No, no⠀ . . . ⠀ Innocence is a invitation to be taken advantage of, as a way to interpret a couple of strings tugged on and on, until one of the strings are snapped in half.

⠀ Nilou’s innocence and naive of a heart has been a quest to hear about innocent people’s eyes losing its light after their innocence has been stolen or taken advantage of, as if she can make a visual image of the light pulled away from them⠀ . . . ⠀ The “light” that is their innocence never gone and wouldn’t appear any time soon, how unfortunate a world can be! But, Nilou refuse to give up to consider the world’s true potential to have in store such innocence to prevent advantage to stain many innocent pupils. Without a second or thought to step in and change a person’s view to grab them by their wrist to take them into the bright light.

⠀ ❛ Hey, don’t give up! ❜ Nilou’s hand placed on his shoulder before a couple of pats in encouragement, ❛ Hmm.. how about we make a deal, once you grow up big and strong, including strong then I’ll take you and Suni to Mondstadt? ❜

⠀ The moment those words spilled out of her mouth to go anywhere that wasn’t Sumeru, has got to be the most unconfirmed information coming from her. But, the way Subject One’s eyes brightened up and went on a ramble that she⠀ . . . ⠀ Sort of saw the spirit she and him shared together, there wasn’t a dull day where she refuses to a child to be left in shattered dreams or hopes.

⠀ There wasn’t no going back after what she said to Subject one, knowing her anxiety attack but she cared a lot about children’s dreams and hopes, to which she held dearly to her heart.

[shameofice]

there aren't a lot of people in the fatui that have this certain air of innocence around them, except for the most naive recruits that would soon have their worldview shattered by the sight of death and decay. subject one's seen that happen multiple times, and every time, he feels bad about it, even if it wasn't directly his fault. the only recruit he had seen that didn't have that air of innocence when they first joined (although most recruits had already been through bad stuff, they still had that air) was the man that came to be known as the eleventh harbinger, childe.

childe, when subject one first saw him, had the deadest eyes on a person that he has ever seen in a person that wasn't already dead. a big part of him wondered why he was like that, and when he asked his papa about it, his papa sat him down and told him that childe fell into something called the 'abyss,' a scary place that he shouldn't ever go to willingly.

while both childe and nilou have pretty blue eyes like the ocean, nilou's are full of life--brilliant and shining and full of joy, like the waves lapping against the shore in the summer. childe's eyes are more like the deep blue depths of the ocean, dull and lifeless while the oceans were said to be teeming with life. maybe if the two met, they'd get along--while different, subject one thinks that their differences would meld well together, and they'd be fast friends.

"i think suni would like you a lot, even though you kind of remind me of tartaglia," subject one says in a more bright manner, swinging his feet a bit more and giving nilou a friendly smile. "suni thinks tartaglia is annoying, but she wouldn't think you would be annoying. she likes to dance, too!"

it's obvious that subject one likes suni a lot, from the few words he's spoken about her. maybe nilou could tell, maybe she couldn't--she didn't seem to pick up on the information that subject one spilled by accident (that he noticed a bit too late, hopefully he wouldn't get in trouble.)

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The Fatui wasn’t a familiar encounter for Nilou, for now⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Though the idea of the dancer stumbling upon a Fatuus wouldn’t be a pleasant one. From the fact Harbingers weren’t⠀ . . . ⠀ The type to maintain a laid-back atmosphere without a slip of their fingertips to leave their enemy underneath them in a mess of pleading for mercy. A scenario of Nilou crossing path with a Harbinger wouldn’t end in a positive note, at all.

⠀ There has been a couple of moments when Aether and Paimon mention a person by the name of Childe, recalling “the old days” when the two of them went toe-to-toe which results in a more bloodied mess through their sparring combats, even if it’s just training. The similarities between Nilou and Childe are the smallest details, such as sharing ginger hair and a Hydro vision. A bunch of similarities, but a huge difference is one, Nilou, has light shimmering in both of her eyes, while with Childe, as his eyes are dead as a dead animal, to add it simply and no room for light to reflect too.

⠀ ❛ Is that so? Then I’ll be more than happy to see the day to meet Suni! ❜ Nilou’s joy begin to sparkle as she had a soft spot for children, without hesitation to invite Suni with open arms and the thought of holding both the kids’ hands while walking around Mondstadt is an endearing feeling that she’ll make it come true. ❛ Hehe, you’re all exciting to talk about Suni, you have a kid crush? ❜ a tilt of her head as the question she asked sounds harmless, once again, it’s endearing to see a kid having a crush on another kid, wholesome is what she’ll say.

[shameofice]

being what is essentially the son of the second harbinger, subject one has been involved with the fatui his entire life. while not being an official member, he was always there, always helping or running about or making sure that some recruits wouldn't tamper with dottore's equipment when the man himself was out. it took the other harbingers some time to get used to the boy running about, but in due time, some of them grew fond of him.

one of those that were the most fond of him was pantalone, or, xiyang, as he had been told by the wealthy banker one day. such as pantalone's real name, subject one knew a lot about the harbingers that many other fatui weren't privy too, such as how the knave always had sweets in her pockets to snack on or to give to other people, that tartaglia had a family that he adored, and lastly, that dottore's name was actually zandik and he always longed for a family of his own with a wife and children, which lead to subject one's initial creation.

"tartaglia mainly goes by childe, you maybe have heard of him by that moniker--he really likes to fight! but i think he would like to dance, with you, or with other people. i think he tried to teach suni how to dance without knowing suni already knew how to dance, and it was funny," subject one starts to say, but is cut off when nilou starts speaking. he got a bit excited...oh well.

when nilou mentions that he had a crush on suni, the boy's visible cheek pinks in a brilliant manner that's visible in the dim lights of the bazaar. it's obviously a bit of an embarrassing subject for him, but not too embarrassing. "we're actually dating...well, kind of, it's complicated."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ As if it was yesterday, inside Lambad’s Tavern is where Nilou and Traveler are located and spend the afternoon with endless conversations here and there. The conversation shared between were about catching up on what they’ve been up to lately and busy schedules⠀ . . . ⠀ Though the Traveler’s busy-of-a-schedule of carrying a few errands back and fourth to be interrupted⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Most likely to catch the Harbinger’s attention rather than to interrupt.

⠀ Nilou’s knowledge of hearing about Childe came from the Traveler, aside from associating with the Fatui, she gain curiosity and eagerness after hearing about that he knows about to dance⠀ . . . ⠀ Perhaps she’ll gain more knowledge about more traditional Russian dances than what she knows and taught herself, after all the dancer is into folk dance of all kind across Teyvat.

⠀ It’s a rare sight to see young love, in Nilou’s opinion, it’s the upmost endearing and wholesome to ever occur. The dancer’s eyes blank once then twice, to form a smile before patting his shoulder, ❛ You two are dating? Aw, I hope the two are you continue being happy and al— complicated? …How come? If you don’t mind me asking and it’s alright if you don’t want to answer! ❜

[shameofice]

compared to some of the other harbingers, it seemed that those outside of the fatui knew who childe was the most. even though subject one hardly gets out, he's heard many stories--of childe defeating scores of treasure hoarders at once, of childe summoning a god in liyue to put it through a test of some kind, of childe and rex lapis--so many stories that he couldn't count them on his fingers. but, subject one also knows childe as ajax, of a man who loves his family and treated subject one like a little sibling of a sort.

it's easy to notice that nilou recognizes the moniker of childe, and subject one suddenly realizes that he ought to be more careful with his words, lest nilou alert the matra or anyone else. he's heard a lot of stories of the general mahamatra, and honestly, he thinks he's a little scary. so, he's gotta be careful, and he can be careful.....most of the time.

"well, it's complicated because we don't get to spend a lot of time together...she's always doing work, and i'm always helping papa, and she doesn't like papa, so...a lot of stuff. but, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and held my hand the last time we spent time around each other!" his eyes brighten again, and he clasps his hands together, nearly dropping the book in his lap before fumbling to catch it.

suni and childe would like nilou a lot, and maybe childe would be happy to teach nilou some traditional folk dances. although the likelihood of him wanting to fight her too because of her vision makes him a bit weary to that introduction.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ From the way Traveler’s facial expressions and hand gestures throughout his rant about how Childe is a cautious individual⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Perhaps, too “expressive” of how the Traveler’s expressions went from an eyebrow raised to an annoyed one.

⠀ Overall, Nilou seem to signal without meaning to signal in the first place, there wasn’t no doubt that she is similar of a book⠀ . . . ⠀ An open book, specifically. As there wasn’t nobody to blame on the dancer that her figure seems to stand out in public and there is multiple reasons, but none were bad. Maybe Subject One will have to be cautious, considering that he dropped a bomb full of red flags, of course Nilou’s naïvety and obviousness wasn’t able to catch up on it, all of this confirms that she lives under a rock, which is humorous for some reason.

⠀ ❛ That’s adorable! and both of you are made for each other..! ❜ Nilou is a sucker of all kind of romance, either it’ll be young love or old love, as she wouldn’t be the one to give a side eye or to judge. “Ah, be careful!” after she notice the book slipped out of his hands, to suddenly remember that she was offered a small bag for traveling or to put anything in there, without a second thought to offer it to Subject one because the kid might need one so the book wouldn’t fall or end up in a bad condition.

⠀ Again, from the Traveler’s rants about Childe is that he thrives off combat and doesn’t matter if it’s practice or an actual fight, as long as it falls into that category then it’s already enough for him. Unfortunately, Childe fighting against Nilou would result for the Harbinger to be the victor rather than the dancer, although she would put up a decent fight⠀ . . . ⠀ Attempting to win, regardless about it that he’ll be the winner. On the other hand, Nilou already couldn’t wait to encounter Suni and befriend another child so she’ll have company to make flower crowns or teach all type of cultural folk dance across Teyvat for the kid, Suni, to have a blast.

[shameofice]

from subject one's careful observation of the eleventh harbinger, he's come to realize that he doesn't find the joy in winning a battle, so to say, but the fight itself. if anyone puts up a good fight while in battle with him, he'll be happy, whether or not he wins or loses. that's why he seemed to like suni so much, even though suni beat him to a bloody pulp one time (which wasn't a very pleasant thing to see, but it allowed subject one to get a good gauge on suni's strength--which, according to his papa's charts, is on par with the eighth harbinger).

childe's talked about the traveller, too, through conversations overheard; speaking fondly of a blond foreigner who would always put up a good fight and win whenever the two of them fought. it made him want to meet the traveller, now.

when nilou offers him a bag for the book that he had almost dropped, subject one glances down at it in confusion, but takes it anyway before putting the book carefully in the bag. it's just big enough to allow the book to fit, and he beams brightly, thankfulness showing through his actions. "thank you, miss nilou! the book doesn't fit in my bag now, so papa just told me to carry it very carefully--it's one of his favorite books! a little morbid, but i like it."

he decides to tell nilou about suni some more--no harm in that, right? "suni's really great, and she really likes minty flavors, so i want to pick her up some of that candy that i've heard people talking about if it comes in a minty flavor, so i can give to her. she's done a lot of nice stuff for me, so i feel like i should do something nice for her in turn."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The topic of combat seem to catch Nilou’s attention, by surprise. Most of the time that she found combat or battle of some sort to be completely necessary unless you’ll protect what you love, cherish, value, and care about⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Now, that is what Nilou continues to vow and swore, though there has been a couple of times that she’ll battle under one condition⠀ . . . ⠀ To improve, improve, and improve until her strength is redeemed strong to protect herself and everybody that her heart holds dear to.

⠀ Although her strength wise in swordsmanship and flexibility never fails to catch an enemy off guard, due to the fact that her appearance and aura is underestimated, most of the time. Nilou wasn’t known to be the type to jump or bounce around at any opportunity to go toe-to-toe against anyone. A part of her pulled through the strings and told herself that if she doesn’t battle daily, then there wouldn’t be no hope in improving your strength to protect what you deemed as precious⠀ . . . ⠀ Or dear.

⠀ ❛ Haha, I see! ❜ Nilou sort of expected that the bag will be able to fit the book, guess she was wrong, huh? ❛ Hmm.. what do you think of spending quality time and begin to customize the bag.. or in other words, to redo the bag by sewing it for the book to fit? But it’ll be later! ❜ there wasn’t no doubt of Subject One being right about the book’s appearance⠀ . . . ⠀ As if that book of his papa could fit as a decoration for a horror movie.

⠀ Throughout Subject One’s rambles about Suni that Nilou found herself more and more curious, no kidding that rambles from children never failed to hook up the dancer’s attention and as time passed on, both of her hands on own hip as she begin to nod and take in every word. ❛ Luckily that the stocks around here have decent and freshly mint to turn into some mint candy! Would you like to make some? As a token of gratitude for your girlfriend? I’m more than positive that she’ll love it! ❜

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀@alatusatles

⠀ Many differences laid between the Scarlet King⠀ && ⠀ the God of Heat such as their strength wise⠀ . . . ⠀ Such as Scarlet King’s aura behind those hidden eyes of his are capable of much more than the God of Heat could offer in attempt to be the victor. But everybody knew that they, the God of Heat, could only taste defeat on the tip of their tongue. Throughout history to be written down to preserve all of it, to include the presence of the God of Heat to be known through Teyvat, from the eyes of Sumeru to reach the eyes of Celestial.

⠀ Nobody had expected the God of Heat⠀ && ⠀ the Goddess of Flowers’ unbreakable relationship to be torn apart by the other, the last glimpse of those two could of been intertwining their fingers together, yet that didn’t happen. Instead the last glimpse turned out to be the God of Heat’s “betrayal” filled in a sort of corruption venom to turn their flower-like significant other into crisp by the intensity of everlasting flames. Who could of knew that tragedy of love separated the two.

⠀ ❛ The Goddess of Flowers and the God of Heat were considered to be each other’s paper and glue, that’s for sure! Though the God of Heat had multiple striking differences then the other gods, for example that I’ve heard that the desert continues to linger such intensity of warm similar of the God of Heat… I’ve heard that rumor and I love to believe! ❜ although the God of Heat is long gone and all, Nilou prefers to object and believe that their soul is… lingering somewhere or anywhere⠀ —⠀ Perhaps, lingering around a certain vessel or to linger through the waves of heat, who knows.

⠀ ❛ Correct! Although the God of Heat’s strength isn’t superior to some degree, but it’s stated that the Goddess of Flowers “gave” strength to them, I like to believe that it’s their presence next each other that they’ve manage to pull through the Archon War. ❜ Nilou is self-aware that she isn’t strong as Xiao, but that doesn’t prevent her to use hydromancy to heal his injuries from his karmic debt. No matter what that she’ll brush her fingertips to smooth all of the agony away.

[alatusatlas]

history is written by the victors, xiao has come to be aware of during his hundreds of years of living. the god of heat would have never been the victor, and neither would the goddess of flowers; their strength as much as a child's compared to that of the greater lord and the archon of the earth. but perhaps, if there was a better time for all of them, a safer and more peaceful time...they could have all ruled together. the god of heat and the scarlet king would have been in control of the deserts of sumeru, and the goddess of flowers and the greater lord would be in control of the forested regions. it would have been a perfect balance, and perhaps the unrest xiao has heard of in sumeru would not be as severe.

unbeknownst to xiao, the god of heat's mind had been manipulated by an unknown force, causing them to believe that the goddess of flowers would have betrayed them and caused ruin to their people. in their blinded rage, the god of heat had struck out, piercing the goddess of flower's chest with an arrow, and that is when they returned to themselves. as the goddess of flowers lay dying in the arms of her beloved, forgiveness spilling through her lips, the god of heat howled in pain, power only begotten by grief coursing throughout the lands. it left the archon of the earth and the greater lord no other choice but to seal their former friend away like the lord of the ocean, and lay to rest the goddess of flowers.

"i am glad that their love was remembered by the people of their nation," xiao murmurs, holding nilou a little closer against himself. he's not sure as to why he did such a thing, but he wishes for her to rest her head over his heart, to hear his heartbeat and reassure him that he wasn't simply in a wonderful dream. "my lord has told me stories about them, but he always holds a grief whenever he speaks of them. but, he holds a grief whenever he speaks about the long-gone gods he was close with, like lady guizhong and lady havira. many of the gods were close, once."

he's quiet for a couple of moments before continuing to speak, fingers playing with nilou's hair. "love is said to give strength, even in times of unrest." love for his lord, love for his fellow yakshas; those were things that gave him the strength to keep fighting on, even when his body was about to give out from pain.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Upon this point, many victors to continue repeating the past of history, such history laid across Sumeru to be written down by them. Compared to the Scarlet King⠀ && ⠀ Greater Lord Rukkhadevata’s strength and intelligence, neither the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers’ abilities are capable to surpass the two, their fist similar of a child who attempts to push an adult twice their size but to no avail. The God of Heat’s capability to change the range of heat as for the Goddess of Flowers’ ability to form petals on the tip of her fingers⠀ . . . ⠀ Yet, the two of them came to an understanding about their strength of how they’re unable to go face-to-face against others to only taste defeat.

⠀ Love can kill you, is what everyone believed with a blind eye. At some point for the unknown force to infect the God of Heat through its fog mist of manipulative lies to believe the Goddess of Flowers is behind all of this⠀ —⠀ Behind such betrayal that turned out to be false later on, unable to battle against the God of Heat as her lover to accept defeat and death. The moment the arrow pierced through her chest to manage her balance to slip to then wrap her arms around her significant other, the God of Heat as she forgiven them through those bloodied lips of hers, after a while for the presence of the Goddess of Flowers to have an effect on padisarah flowers too, dying alongside her. Later on, for the cold-hearted truth to come out that she⠀ —⠀ the Goddess of Flowers preparing for her fate as she knew all of this would eventually happen.

⠀ ❛ And I couldn’t believe it that after their death to continue being remembered, warms my heart to see people not forget about them. ❜ Nilou’s facial expression soften, as for her cheeks to be flustered to then sigh in relief before wrapping her arms around his upper waist. Of course, to rest her head against over his chest to listen to his heartbeat that smooths her earrings by each beat similar of a melody in a way, ❛ So it’s a bittersweet progress for you all right? I’m here for you, and I will promise that..! ❜ without hesitation to return the gesture as her fingertips brush against his back in a circle and square pattern, a hum escaped her lips before scooting closer than ever to share her warmth with him.

[alatusatlas]

during one of the last times that xiao was able to speak to the goddess of flowers, she seemed...resigned, in a way. it was like she knew that something was going to happen, and that she would never be able to see him again. inside his heart, xiao knew that she would die (all the weaker gods died, xiao was witness to many, but lady guizhong was strong and she still died-). xiao had sat with her, and allowed her to hold his head in her lap, and braid flowers through it in the ways she did when they spent times in peace--but this was not a time of peace. it was a time of violence, of pain, of his lord being forced to seal away those he once regarded as friends, and yet.....xiao found a peace with the goddess of flowers.

they did not speak a word until the goddess left, and when she did, she held xiao's hands in hers, giving them a squeeze that made xiao never want to let her go, to beg her to stay in liyue and stay safe. but, the goddess had simply said, "i pray that those i love do not forget the love i was able to give them, a-xiao. i will see you again, in this life or another." soon after, he learned of her death, but he did not learn that it was at the hands of the one she loved the most, and that they begged for a death--but received a mercy instead.

and it seems that her love was not forgotten, as to her wishes--her love for the god of heat was remembered, immortalized in a mural and discussed amongst the scholars of sumeru, and people like nilou spoke about her with the adoration that the goddess spoke of her followers.

"thank you, nilou," he says, voice catching in his throat. he does not know what to say, or to think, other than thankfulness for the mortal in his arms.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ For the first time, the Goddess of Flowers’ facial expression and body language seem to shift differently⠀ . . . ⠀ She took a last visit to Liyue to be meet Xiao, then decided to sit down and have a chat with him⠀ —⠀ Sharing a last conversation as a signal of a farewell too, in middle of conversations that she, the Goddess of Flowers, muttered “A-Xiao, may we meet again, alright?” Before she rose on her feet to turn around and pressed her lips against the purple gem located on his forehead as her fingertips slipped from his grasp.

⠀ Perhaps or perhaps not, the Goddess of Flowers predicted for this day to arrive or she expected it. Nonetheless, she expected rather than to predict⠀ . . . ⠀ From the way the Goddess of Flowers embrace death with open arms, a hand rose to caress the cheek of her lover, the God of Heat, a soft-spoken mutter through those bloodied lips of hers, “My love, why are you apologizing?” heavy breathing in attempt to stay a little longer⠀ —⠀ Just a little longer only to fail as the Goddess of Flowers’ eyes closed and the hand caressing the cheek of the God of Heat to drop in the puddle of blood surrounding her.

⠀ After the accident had result for the history of Sumeru to be left with a stain, similar of a page stain by ink. In present day, scholars ⠀ && ⠀ citizens continue to mention the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers in a couple of occasions, without a doubt that the love harbor towards each other continue to blossom after their passing through the land of wisdom. While, Nilou, on the other hand decided to participate to create a performance inspired by the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers to tell the love story between them, similar of a storytelling but different in many aspects⠀ . . .⠀ Rather told through performance.

⠀ ❛ Of course, Xiao! ❜ Nilou’s eyes blink once and then twice after her ears heard Xiao’s voice caught in his throat. Lifting her head off his chest to cup his face while her thumb stroke his cheek, ❛ Are you alright? ❜ it wasn’t a surprise that she’s capable to notice the slightest changes through facial expressions to body language, regardless she’s happy and safe to be in the arms of an immortal, in which she wouldn’t hesitate to be in his arms for who knows how long.

[alatusatlas]

xiao wished that he could have convinced the goddess to stay, convinced her to stay in liyue for the time being until the fighting and pain died down--but, the goddess of flowers loved her people, and loved so many that she could not be away from them for long, and xiao understood it. his lord was similar, in that regard, and he could not force a god to listen to him, even if he wanted such a thing to happen with all his heart.

the kiss she had given him felt seared onto his forehead, and he remembers closing his eyes, opening them again when the goddess was walking away from them. he wanted to call out to her, to wrap his arms around her and hold her for just a few moments longer, like the god of heat had done in the last moments they shared with their lover (but, unbeknownst to xiao, who remained in liyue with his lord, always and forever). the god of heat had cradled the dying goddess of flowers in their arms, whispering pleas to celestia to not allow this to happen, but the goddess of flowers caressed their cheek and reassured them, even in her last moments.

and lo, the stain upon sumeru's history faded into that of a smudge against a page, but a smudge that was to be remembered for a long, long time after. there were those outside of sumeru that remembered the love the gods had shared; morax would sometimes take trips out to sumeru's deserts and places offerings at the resting place before kneeling down and uttering soft prayers for them. why a god would pray, no one would know, but the lord of geo prayed softly anyways, for two of his friends that were lost due to the twisted hands of fate.

"i...my apologies, i...." before he could finish speaking, xiao has tears spilling down his face, tear-tracks that dripped down his chin and onto nilou's hands that are cupping his cheeks. when he notices the tears, he takes nilou's hands and moves them away before too many could get onto them.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The dim light of hope in her eyes has fade into submission of acceptance⠀ . . . ⠀ As if there is a visual image of a army of soldiers dropping their weapons to accept their defeat or fate in better words, a parallel to resemble side-by-side from the way the Goddess of Flowers had accepted her death, prior to all of this as the plan worked out⠀ —⠀ The plan? Neither does a soul or individual knows about it.

⠀ Before the following events, the Goddess of flowers pressed a kiss against Xiao’s gem located on his forehead to show a mark of a lotus flower for a split second to then disappear after she retreated to take a few steps back. But it didn’t excuse the lingering feeling of her lips as a pair of transparent arms wrapped around his small frame to provide a sort of comfort, while the Goddess of Flowers exchange a smile⠀ —⠀ More like a defeated smile as a way to say, “We’ve lost, haven’t we?” before her back faces Xiao as she walked away.

⠀ Little memories between the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers, who would of expected for the last memory to share together is one of them to die in the other’s arms? Nobody had expected at all, yet the Goddess of Flowers attempt to pull her significant other into those weak arms of hers, the blood of hers too had stain the clothing of the God of Heat as well. Tragedy is the one word to describe the unfortunate accident to leave a stain print behind in history of Sumeru between two immortal lovers.

⠀ ❛ …Xiao? ❜ Nilou took notice of the sudden change of atmosphere to which she took action, in the corner of her eye to catch glimpse of Xiao’s golden eyes glossed from tears building up, ❛ Hey, hey look at me.. please? ❜ one hand laid on his shoulder and the other cupping his side of face⠀ . . . ⠀ All that Nilou could do is use her thumb to wipe his tears⠀ ; ⠀ Pure silence, no words exchange, as she wiped his tears while her face had fondness written across it.

[alatusatlas]

the tragedies that the gods had experienced would be enough to make any normal mortal tremble and simply give up on everything, but rex lapis, the everlasting lord of geo, who had founded the nation of liyue, stood firm while those around him perished. when the battle was over, and when the god of heat was sealed, the lord of geo allowed the scarlet king to take the body of the flower goddess into his arms, carrying her to the greater lord, who was already creating a place where she would lay their friend to rest. it was a surprisingly tranquil affair, and the greater lord leaned against the scarlet king as she silently wept. morax didn't weep, as she did, but a single tear trailed down his cheek from his cor lapis eyes and hit the ground, lending the area around where the goddess was buried to take a faint golden sheen.

morax did not tell his yakshas the specifics what had happened, there, even the yaksha that seemed to love the goddess of flowers in a different way to the others. he had imparted them to the knowledge of her passing, and many of them wept, but xiao...xiao had stepped away, and joined the battle that the lesser yakshas were fighting, throwing himself in wholeheartedly so that he could forget the grief that was now tangling at his heart like thorny vines trailing up a fallen ruin.

her last smile was inlaid upon his memory like gems would be inlaid upon elegant settings; so full of grief yet of a faint joy for being able to have the pleasure of seeing her friend for the last time. when xiao was out of that battle, being patched up by a still-teary-eyed bonanus, he finally allowed himself to cry--but it was more of a scream, a scream to the heavens on why they allowed such a thing to happen, as tears fell down his face.

and, his tears burned his friend's hands.

"don't--don't touch my face, don't," he finds himself begging her, grabbing her hands again and holding them away from his face with a touch more force than before, but not enough to hurt her. already, there are small burns on her hands, the skin of her thumb already blistering.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The battle between the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers ended in a disastrous defeat for one of them⠀ —⠀ Only for Goddess of Flowers to taste the lingering taste of defeat⠀ . . . ⠀ Yet, she predicted it, more like she had planned this to clear the air. Throughout the battle as she attempt to dodge arrows and to use most of her strength and ability to not land a hit in the God of Heat, refuse to harm her significant other at all cost.

⠀ After the Goddess of Flowers got buried in a area where she’s able to rest at peace, similar of a realm filled with flowers so no more flowers wouldn’t be bathed in puddle of blood, to embrace the frame of her body for eternity. Everybody including the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata assumed it was the last chapter of tragedy, yet it backfired for her and everybody else, soon after the Scarlet King succumbed in a field of madness⠀ . . . ⠀ Nobody, nobody, and nobody wasn’t able to recover from the countless of loss received throughout their immortal journey.

⠀ The last shattered pieces of glass remain from the Goddess of Flowers is the sound of her smile, though smiles aren’t known to make sound but a glance of the corners of her lips seem to echo a sound⠀ ; ⠀ A sound from a group of children giggling⠀ && ⠀ bouncing around the Goddess of Flowers as she form a flower crown wrapped around their head, as she, too, giggled with the children. Unfortunately such memory stain with fog and dust, such nostalgia too.

⠀ ❛ A-Alright… I won’t touch your face, ❜ Nilou’s eyes soften from what she is seeing in front of her, a small wince coming out of her lips after she felt one of his tears burn her palm. In attempt to use hydromancy to cool down the pain away, before glancing back at Xiao while she had an idea but unsure how it’ll work out.

⠀ ❛ Xiao.. allow me to wipe away those tears, is it alright? ❜ the dancer is completely aware what she isn’t able to wipe them off through physical contact, but she put faith in her hydromacy skills.

⠀

[alatusatlas]

the entire battle, morax witnessed the goddess of flowers take a defensive role against the fight with her beloved, as she did not want to hurt them. he would have fought the god of heat, killed them with a mere flick of his fingers if it meant the flower goddess' safety, but the flower goddess would never forgive him if he did such a thing. so, all he could do was helplessly watch as the goddess was struck down, and the hysterical god of heat cradled their lover in their arms in her last moments.

whenever the lord of geo would go to sumeru to pay respects to the fallen gods that were his friends, he visits the goddess of flower's resting place as well, kneeling down before the imposing tree that grew over the spot and planting some qingxin from liyue at the roots, as if the goddess would help the flowers that would have trouble surviving in such a climate. every time, though, when the god returned, the few flowers that he would plant would still be blooming, albeit a little wilted, so he would tend to them while praying softly for his long-lost friend, tears slipping from his pure golden eyes.

the tears of some powerful illuminated beasts have the power to heal, but for those that have been corrupted by archon residue, such as the yakshas, those healing tears would turn into ones that caused pain; pure agony seeping out from their eyes and leaving faint burns on their cheeks and to whomever would try to comfort them. the first person to notice this was rex lapis, when, upon cupping a young and tearful yaksha's face to comfort them, burned the skin on the thumb of his human form.

while the burns would heal, they would be painful all the while.

"i don't want you to hurt yourself, please," xiao whispers, using his own hands to wipe away the tears, small burns appearing on his hands every so often as the salty liquid hits his calloused skin. "please don't touch my face."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The Goddess of Flowers has fought a constant battle against the love of her life, from the way she manage to keep up a defensive role from dodging countless hits to countering a couple of them⠀ —⠀ Her limited stamina brought her body to the limit and unable to continue to fight against the God of Heat without landing a hit in them⠀ . . . ⠀ She couldn’t bear the thought of her significant other in pain, already endure enough from the pain.

⠀ Unfortunately, the chapter has ended for the Goddess of Flowers⠀ && ⠀ the God of Heat, all good things must come to an end, for them it has ended. And to this day that the Goddess of Flowers’ body continue to remain located in her resting place, along the flowers framing her body continue to blossom full of radiance and full of life, as for the other flowers to wither due to the lack of energy, yet for those withered flowers to be replaced soon.

⠀ ❛ I know I’m unable to touch your face, but your face continues to pain me! ❜ Nilou’s bit on her bottom lip of the sizing pain, but that didn’t prevent her to form a droplet on the tip of her fingertips before glancing back at Xiao, ❛ You’re not alone on this and allow me to bear this with you, I cannot stand if any longer to see more of your tears to burn your face or hands.. ❜

⠀ Of course Nilou is aware that she isn’t able to touch his face to prevent more of those tears to damage his beautiful face, but she decided to grasp one of his arms and used her other hand to grasp his wrist⠀ . . . ⠀ In such a gentle manner before she glance back at Xiao, ❛ Allow me to do my best or the bare minimum, may I? ❜

[alatusatlas]

the end for the goddess of flowers, despite being painful, was also full of a devotion from the one that she loved, the god of heat cradling her in their arms until their last moments. as soon as the heartbeat of the goddess faded from existence, the god of heat turned towards both the lord of geo and the scarlet king with eyes full of tears, begging softly to be ended, begging to join their beloved in the afterlife. but, neither of the two gods could bear to hurt their friend, but instead sealed them gently with the aid of the greater lord of dendro.

and, the goddess of flower's love for her people seeped through today, with the flowers around her grave continued to bloom perpetually, albeit slightly withered. but, that is because of the death of a god causing their powers to fade.

"nilou--please, just let me handle this," the yaksha begs quietly, blinking through the painful sting of tears that continue to drip from their eyes like a faucet that has gotten a leak. "let me handle this alone...i'm sorry, please.." his begging is, honestly, rather sad; one who was used to being subservient all his life not understanding when someone wished to take care of him, still.

with a quick and gentle motion, xiao extracts himself from below nilou, heading towards the washbasin in the room to use the water there to cleanse his face of the tears. even as he appears to be ridding himself of them, they still burned him, but he did not appear to be visibly in pain.

there are tears, still, because he feels guilt for not allowing nilou to help. but he couldn't let her, he didn't want her to hurt herself because of him...

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Throughout the battle between the God of Heat⠀ && ⠀ the Goddess of Flowers, the description to describe the battle as “dozen of flowers and flames clashing against each other violently, rather than elegantly.” From the way yellow tones with purple undertones to resemble a padisarah to meet fire, the type of fire that the God of Heat is capable to melt the core of earth from such intensity.

⠀ A couple of minutes to hours had passed away in a daze, until a sudden click from the moment the Goddess of Flowers’ eyes dilated after an arrow impaled through her chest. The atmosphere filled into her screams of pain before her body hit the ground⠀ . . . ⠀ A battle that shouldn’t of happened in the first place, unfortunately the Goddess of Flowers had to carry on the afterlife without her significant other and completely unaware of the God of Heat wouldn’t be there to intertwine their hands together to move on forward, a line separating the both of them.

⠀ On present-day, Sumeru continues to move forward, everybody but the Goddess of Flowers as she awaited for the day the God of Heat will tag along, yet a bit naive to realize her significant other has been sealed away for who knows how long⠀ . . . ⠀ A couple of individuals took notice of a unbloom padisarah near her grave, possibly a signal for it to blossom upon the arrival of the God of Heat, a few people speculated that the Goddess of Flowers’ lingering presence to allow a growth of a beauty of a flower to bloom, once her significant other will arrive⠀ —⠀ Once again, the Goddess of Flowers completely unaware of when the arrival of her significant other will arrive, especially after the God of Heart, her lover, has been sealed away.

⠀ ❛ Plea— ❜ Nilou’s eyes full of adoration⠀ && ⠀ fondness towards Xiao to be washed away, to be sway to be filled with worrisome instead as she wasn’t able to finish her sentence before he took the chance to dismiss himself in such a state that tugged her heart.

⠀ ❛ Please… take your time, alright? ❜ unaware of how her vision became a bit glossy from tears forming in the corner of her eyes, pulling her knees close to her chest to then hugged her legs, if Xiao wanted to excuse himself to pull it all together then she won’t argue back, all she is concern about is his well-being and his emotions that she cherish, treasured, and cared for.

[alatusatlas]

looking back upon the battles of the archon war, xiao felt as if many did not have a reason for happening. the battle between the god of rivers and streams and the god of lightning and thunder should not have happened (as barbatos stated that the god of rivers and streams was a peaceful god, who never fought, and shouldn't have been involved in the first place-), neither should have the battle between lady guizhong and the vibrant god of crystal, where both gods lost their lives, and neither should have the battle between the goddess of flowers and her beloved god of heat.

what made them fight, anyway? was it for the love of their people, like the god of rivers and streams, his lord, the goddess of flowers alongside the god of heat, and lady guizhong? was it for a odd sort of peace, like the god of lightning and thunder? or was it for power, like the lady of fire, murata? xiao will never know an answer to this question, as many of those who could have answered it were now resting deep beneath the surface of the earth, or were not willing to answer such a question. the yaksha supposes that he will always have these questions in mind; that he will always be pondering them until karmic debt eats him down to the bone.

and, perhaps, those long dead gods would wait for him in the next life, waiting for their loved ones to finally arrive so that they could be together. alas, the god of heat would not, for a long time, trapped in a peaceful dream as they were by the greater lord of dendro. osial was sealed beneath the surface, joined by the remnants of the deceased lady havira's power and his additionally sealed wife beisht. perhaps they are all peaceful, now; resting.

"i'm sorry, nilou," xiao murmurs, loud of to be heard but also partially to himself, still wiping at his face with the water from the basin, his tears starting to slowly subside with each gentle motion of the water over his skin. "i'm sorry..."

soon, he is done, and he returns to her side, wrapping her in his arms and pulling her against his chest in apology. he would do this when he wished to apologize to his fellow yakshas; hold them in his arms as best he could and hold them against him, and often times they would laugh quietly to themselves and hug the smallest yaksha back. "i'm back, i'm sorry for worrying you..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Every battle during the Archon War has kept its records from the repeatedly pattern that seem to be continuously ingoing⠀ && ⠀ outgoing, to the point the soil underneath the gods’ feet been bathed of the blood that belonged from the fallen gods.

⠀ The aftermath after the Archon War left more than one scar or worse, an unpleasant memory to look back at⠀ —⠀ From the way a couple of Goddess and Gods had lost their lives due to becoming “weak immortals”⠀ . . . ⠀ As if there is much more left for them to do, but decided to submit defeat while attempting to pull up a fight against their own mankind that seem much, much, and much powerful than them. To this day, not a soul or individual haven’t gotten the true answers behind of a god turning against another god, perhaps could of been love, jealousy, or⠀ . . . ⠀ Corruption? Unfortunately, no answers had arise to answer such a question.

⠀ A hitch escaped her lips from the moment she sense Xiao pulled her body against his, without a second thought or even considering her actions to throw her body against his to which result for the both of them to fall off the bed. But she couldn’t less about it, instead, she pulled his body close to hers as she begin to uncontrollably hiccup yet sob while nuzzling her face against Xiao’s chest, ❛ Xiao, xiao, xiaooo! ❜ Nilou felt ashamed to express her vulnerability but could care less about it as she felt comfortable around the other.

⠀ ❛ Don’t apologize! And you shouldn’t do this to yourself, you don’t deserve to carry those tears of yours by yourself! ❜ Nilou lift her face from his chest after she soak his shirt because of her tears⠀ ; ⠀ Her appearance has changed as her hair looked like bed head, snot rolling down her nose, and as for her eyes to have tears roll down. Quickly swiping the snot on the back of her hair before cupping his face and peppering the areas where he previously cried, so she’ll replace the unpleasant⠀ && ⠀ sizing pain of those burning tears with ticklish kisses.

[alatusatlas]

the archon war left many scars upon the survivors; upon the land and the gods and the other creatures that participated in it. after the war, rex lapis lost all of his yakshas except for xiao. during the war, the god of freedom lost his gentle lover in the form of the god of rivers and streams (many had lost their loves--his lord had lost lady guizhong, beisht had osial sealed before her, and xiao....he had a lover, once, so long ago during the war, but he can only remember their face ravaged by relentless attacks as he held them in their arms as they took their last breaths with closed eyes, but they were smiling because they had loved him and he can't even remember their name-), and the greater lord had to bury so many of her beloved friends. all that burns, burns like a fire that cannot be put out, a fire that eats and eats and leaves nothing but ash in its wake.

time heals all wounds, some say, but there are some wounds that would never heal. grief and rage and mistakes made in the past would continue to consume those that were involved during the war, and the great cataclysm that happened over a thousand years after such a thing. but, the peace would be a balm to soothe the sting, and xiao is grateful for such a thing.

as soon as nilou starts to sob, xiao feels his heart crumble. he remembers sobs like this against his chest, when he cradled his lover long ago in a different time, stroking their hair and attempting to soothe them. he does this now, pressing his face into her hair for as long as she allows him before allowing her to pepper his face with kisses. her tears make him feel guilty for such a thing that he had done, and he wishes to rectify it, somehow.

"i'm sorry, nilou, i'm so sorry," he whispers softly, laying a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth, not bothered by the tears that are now soaking through his shirt (he'd have to change it later, but that is okay). "i didn't want you to get hurt, i'm sorry..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ From the beginning to the end that nobody knew the actual answers of why or how the Archon War had begun, for the remaining survivors to glance over their shoulder to see the ground bathed in fresh blood of deceased loved ones⠀ &&⠀ bodies scattered across or laid over another body, last decoration as a sort of scarred reminder for them.

⠀ It became obvious⠀ —⠀ Painfully obvious throughout the Archon War, for a few gods weren’t meant to participate due to the lack of physical strength and combat buried within them, to embrace their last breath in front of other gods’ eyes as a reality check of what they’re currently going through or up against. From Lady Guizhong’s last breath before collapsing into her own puddle of blood from the God of Freedom’s eyes to see the last sight of his significant other, as the list progressively continues to painful go on and on.

⠀ Nilou’s fit of sniffles and hiccups while she continues to cry out is similar of the way the Goddess of Flowers’ cried whenever she ran to the God of Heat to then tackle them⠀ . . .⠀ The parallels and similarities begin to click in, without a doubt. After she poured all of her heart out to retreat to then glance at Xiao’s face, to suddenly cup his face while her thumb rubbed the corner of his eye where those burning tears previously formed, ❛ I-I’m full of relief that you’re alright! And your face too… you got me so worried! ❜

⠀ A weak chuckle escaped her lips before brushing his bangs to press a kiss against the gem located on his forehead⠀ ; ⠀ Nilou’s kisses feel ticklish⠀ . . . ⠀ But full of love, such a perfect balance to describe her kisses. After she pressed a kiss and to retreat too, ❛ Gah! I’m so sorry that I ruined your shirt, but you shouldn’t apologize, my beautiful bird. All that I’m looking for is to see that you’re safe and sound, to make sure your face is intact from your tears! ❜ there goes Nilou to address Xiao in a affectionate matter while all of this happened.

[alatusatlas]

xiao has buried so many fallen former comrades and gods similar to his lord, presiding over each one with the same amount of respect as his lord instructed him to. even when karmic debt weighed heavily upon his soul, he continued to perform those last rites, sitting with his lord or his fellow yakshas (and his lover, at some point, but he attended theirs alone, kissing the small headstone he had placed, and sometimes to this day he visits with small cups of tea in his hands-).

the god of rivers and streams, the beloved of the anemo archon, was one of the foreign gods that xiao mourned alongside him. having never met nor fought alongside this particular god, he could not understand the god of freedom's intensity of grief, but he still was with him, holding him in his arms as he sobbed for a love that would be lost to time. the god of crystals, too; blinded by grief of the loss of the one she loved the most in the world, she struck down lady guizhong, before subsequently getting struck down by xiao's beloved lord.

"i'm sorry for causing you such worry, my flower," xiao whispers, softly, bowing his head to allow her to plant a soft kiss against the diamond-shaped mark on his forehead (he doesn't remember how it got there, but it was there and he liked it). if she's going to nickname him, he will give her a nickname in turn, and the nickname of 'my flower' fit her quite well. he doesn't understand why it fits her, but it does fit her well, in his opinion.

"do not worry about my clothing, i will simply have to wash it later, and it is not of any difficulty for me to do." strong yet gentle arms wrap around nilou and hold her closer, and the yaksha carefully situates himself so that the two of them would be more comfortable against the hard floor of the inn.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ In the midst of the Archon War, located northwest of Mondstadt is where the ground is bathe in dried blood, to which belonged to more than one fallen god, as fallen comrades’ blood coated over the dried blood. Such visual image continue to haunt the survivors that survived from a sort of miracle, but their clogged ears hearing the battlefield’s cries and painful moans ⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Still, the image of one of the gods’ eyes widen in horror before pierced through the chest. After that⠀ . . . ⠀ Multiple cries of plead as the enemy continue to stab⠀ ; ⠀ splatters of blood splattering here and there.

⠀ There wasn’t no doubt that after the Archon War was over, the survivors had fallen on their knees to let out the loudest cry of agony, not an ounce to release a cry of victory, people said that scars will heal⠀ . . . ⠀ Yet, none of the survivors’ scars had healed for those scars to deepened and unable to heal, perhaps a reminder? Nobody to this day doesn’t know, as if no one expressed the slight interest from a cruel of a reminder.

⠀ The moment Xiao called Nilou “my flower” is when she felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and her heart beginning for beat fast agains her ribcage, all of this rose blood to her cheeks⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Flustered, to summarize it of how she is feeling at the moment, and didn’t hesitate to confirm that she’ll do the same treatment to him, so he’ll feel all warm and safe.

⠀ There wasn’t a day for Nilou to go on without a giggle here and there, shortly after the kiss pressed against the gem on his face to cup his cheeks and brought his face a few inches close to hers, ❛ Good, good and I wouldn’t want my beautiful bird to hurt his face! ❜ once again, a giggle and then a hum, before she lifted one of her hands that cupped his face to poke the corner of his eyes⠀ . . . ⠀ Within a second for a body of water to take form a flower to tap against the places those precious burning tears harmed the delicate skin of his.

[alatusatlas]

xiao sometimes dreams of his days fought during the archon war; of violence and pain and all those awful things that no one would ever want to remember, but were something that he continued to remember to this very day. he can remember the screams of the fallen gods, he can remember watching so many of his fellow yakshas succumb, he can remember too much. and yet, even though sometimes he wishes he could take those memories and shove them in a box to bury deep below the ground, it helps keep those who have been lost alive, through those painful memories. it was a burden that xiao would always bear, and he would continue to do so until his dying days.

the few survivors of the archon war were scattered like leaves upon the wind. the god of freedom, angered by the loss of their beloved at another god's hands, seemingly cut contact with the god of thunder and eternity (that is, until a certain event five hundred years prior to now). the greater lord became more withdrawn and quiet, hardly leaving her country that she so wished to flourish like the soft petals of the flowers she so adored. and the tsaritsa, the sweet lady tsaritsa, only remained friendly with xiao's beloved lord.

xiao, in the present, is happy that nilou seems to like this nickname, and allows her to press a couple of more touches to his face, closing his eyes and bowing his head to accept them like they were holy blessings from a devoted god. the feeling of the water flower against the faint burns left from his tear tracks was soothing in a way he could not describe, but accepted nonetheless, leaning his head into the little touches.

"you're....very kind," he murmurs, sounding the slightest bit embarrassed by this, but not ashamed in the slightest. xiao has been called beautiful many times, by many people, but this time, it feels different. and it's different in a way he likes.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Denial is less painful than the harsh truth after the Archon War, the harsh truth came out that nobody stood as the victor⠀ ⸻ ⠀ No one stood full of confidence and glory, instead submitted onto their knees in defeat⠀ . . . ⠀ Total defeat and a river of tears after losing their significant others and loved ones for no reason, to then forcefully get on their feet and carry the burden all alone by embracing themselves without a pair of arms embracing them instead.

⠀ Whereas no one wouldn’t share the burden and refused to express such vulnerability in front of individuals, so the scar couldn’t deepened more than it already had⠀ . . . ⠀ A pity of the fear to express a slight emotion without being reminded of the Archon War and how it grew a pair of arms, dragging away loved ones into the battlefield.

⠀ Although Nilou wasn’t familiar with the history of the Archon War, and more familiar and knowledgeable towards gods and goddess’ legacy, but that didn’t prevent the dancer to embrace a survivor from the Archon War into her arms as she sang them a lullaby to bring their mind at ease after falling asleep, using her hydromancy to form droplet of waters to kiss the survivor’s face while they’re asleep. A signal to express her gratitude towards them after sacrificing more than they’ve already sacrifice, a token of appreciation.

⠀ ❛ And you’re brave! ❜ Nilou’s eyes shimmered and her pupil reflected as much light, as her words towards Xiao expressed affection towards him, ❛ Shall I go down the list of why you’re brave? ❜ a satisfied giggle escaped her lips at the sight in front of her, from the way he’s embarrassed to the smallest details she captured from him meant a lot to her, after she finished talking to notice her thumb brushing against his bottom lip⠀ . . . ⠀ A bold move but it didn’t felt like teasing but rather endearment towards him.

[alatusatlas]

the horrors of war were something that xiao could not deny, no matter how he wished the events didn't take place. for the longest time under his former master, xiao was in a harsh denial that his friend had betrayed him in such a way, that his dear and only friend had allowed him to be taken by a cruel god to manipulate like a puppet on a set of strings. but, he learned, one cannot deny the truth for very long, unless they were so truly deluded that they lost themselves inside of their own mind. it was a horrible thing to witness--friends and allies so within their own mind that they could not recognize those that cared about them.

xiao had visited the goddess of flowers' resting place once, with his lord, many years prior. kneeling against the cool earth and observing his lord tend to the flowers around the area with an amount of care that made xiao want to sob quietly in grief, he still felt this odd sense of peace. it was like the goddess was seated beside him, not touching him nor speaking to him, but allowing him to bask in her presence.

sometimes, if he closes his eyes and concentrates enough, he can feel the touches of long-lost friends and loved ones against his arms and cheeks, through the small brushes of the breeze against his body, or the way that a certain smell would remind him of them. nilou, he supposes, had that effect on him in a much less subtle way, with the way she reminds him of the goddess of flowers.

"i...if you wish to go down the list, i will not stop you," xiao murmurs, voice catching when her thumb brushes against his lower lip. it's such a soft gesture, such a tender one full of love, he could almost weep in joy. but, his tears hurt him, and they would hurt nilou, so he did not do such a thing, instead leaning into the touch and placing the softest of kisses against her thumb.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The Archon War is the definition of what to lose and what to gain through the horrors of blood shed⠀ && ⠀ field of screams of fallen gods and goddess. Was there something to lose? Without a doubt and was there something to gain? Unfortunately, the answer is nonexistent as if there wasn’t nothing to gain from it, ever since. All those blood, sweat, tears, and vocal chords snapping after a few survivors screamed their heart out full of agony⠀ . . . ⠀ All there was left is countless bodies of gods and goddess⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Their loved ones gone and dead, all there was left is the cold corpses left behind.

⠀ The fall of the Scarlet King continues to be remembered by his followers and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata has been wiped out of everybody’s memory, doesn’t matter if no one associated with her or not. Though, on the other hand, the Goddess of Flowers’ legacy got rewarded to be buried around her resting place, a realm, to be specific⠀ . . . ⠀ Newcomers felt a presence when they’ve visit her resting place, although with Xiao as if the Goddess of Flowers kneeled down and cupped his face to mutter, “You did a wonderful job, Xiao.” a short sentence with such meaningful reason behind it.

⠀ ❛ Hehe, good! Because you’ll never stop me from blabbering on and on about you. ❜ Nilou’s half lidded eyes and a tilt of her head, as her thumb continue to brush against his lips, ❛ I can begin from describing the way you carry on with such bravery by pushing through and through, to the way that you’re able to protect more than you know… I love that about you! ❜

⠀ Though the way Nilou described Xiao is cheesy enough, though the way she formed her words and allow them to escape her lips⠀ . . . ⠀ Sounded way, way, and way genuine to which she meant it to sound and feel that way, ❛ Beautiful and brave! Beautiful face, eyes, lips, and capturing presence that you’re unfolding in front of me, …so beautiful and brave! Did I say those two words a lot? Hehe, I did and I mea it. ❜ without hesitate to press a kiss on the corner of his lips, before retreating to giggle as she continue to cradle his face into her hands.

[alatusatlas]

many of those involved in the archon war fought for different things, so numerous that xiao could not name them all. but he, he himself, he fought for his lord, and for the safety of the people his lord cared about with all his being; the followers of lady guizhong who were beloved by the now-dead god. the aftermaths of the war, while painful as xiao mourned the loss of friends and those that cared about him, was also peaceful in a strange way--a time to rebuild, creating a new liyue tucked in the safety of the harbor south of guili plains.

war allowed people to rebuild, to recreate, and xiao supposed that it was the same for the other archons during the war. of course, he didn't know this for certain, as he spent all his time in liyue, but had inklings based on what his lord told him from his other meetings with the archons. sumeru rebuilt, and so did fontaine. it would be what those who were lost in the war would have wanted; a peace and a freedom for their people.

as nilou speaks, xiao listens to her in silence, leaning against her and tucking his face against her neck. after a moment, his eyes close comfortably, his hands going to lightly hold onto the embroidered fabric of her skirt. he could fall asleep like this, now, in a strange sense of peace. while unsure of what to call it, xiao feels the most relaxed he has in some time, the feeling of karmic debt settled into a slight weight at the bottom of his stomach.

when nilou takes his face and gives him a kiss, it startles xiao out of the previous state he was in, but not so much so that she would have taken notice. instead, xiao hums softly, leaning in and giving her a small kiss in return. "you are also beautiful and brave--i believe that i can say this with certainty, nilou."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Under what conditions can we claim victory in this war in bloodshed? No one wasn’t able to answer the question, to the point a strategist cannot determine a strategy to go around the question and seek for the answer. Through everyone’s perspective in participating in the Archon War to fight for different things⠀ && ⠀ reasons, unfortunately a few died for what they fought over, as for the unfortunate ones⠀ ⸻ ⠀ The survivors or “The Victors” is what Teyvat proclaimed them to be, to then flip a switch and snapped at anybody who⠀ . . . ⠀ Addressed them for such a undeserved title.

⠀ The survivors of the Archon War refused to carry on a title on their shoulders without reminded of unpleasant memories, none of them didn’t taste either victory or glory on the tip of their tongue. All of the endless efforts through blood, sweat, and tears throughout the war resulted in vain, to which the survivors took the blame of it and scattered across Teyvat, the amount of refusal to see disappointment written across multiple faces.

⠀ Nilou’s embrace is soothing like a feather brushing against your cheek while inviting you closer and closer into her arms, comforting to the touch too. Nobody couldn’t lay their finger on of why the dancer’s embrace felt comforting yet⠀ . . . ⠀ Eternal? As if it feel like a field of flowers, a signal that it’s the end and able to rest without disturbance while a couple of birds flew across the clear sky, who couldn’t of knew that Nilou’s embrace is the definition of safety too.

⠀ Seeing Xiao’s reaction up close brought a couple of bubble giggles out of her, all of this felt surreal. Way too surreal to witness this side of him, Xiao, after hearing from ear-to-ear about the unapproachable and uninterested adeptus that wasn’t there to have idle chitchat unless it’s about concerns evolving around Liyue’s safety, but she’s extremely lucky and content to share moments like these with him.

⠀ ❛ Then it’s settled that we’re beautiful and brave for each other! ❜ Nilou’s face begin to have a red color after Xiao gave her a small kiss in return, it’s the smallest actions that meant a lot to her to make her all flustered and giggly. ❛ A beautiful bird and a flower… I didn’t expect for a combination to represent beauty, and can I go on and on about you? ❜ the dancer’s attention all over Xiao to acknowledge that they’re still on the ground, after Nilou tackle him from what happened earlier.

[alatusatlas]

it did not take xiao much probing for zhongli (or, rex lapis, as he was once known) to admit his shame for his fearsomeness during the war. he regretted not showing his enemies more mercy (unless they were a cruel god, like xiao's former master), he regretted allowing rage to take over after guizhong's death, and he regrets that his ferocity lead to rumors about him being the one that had killed the sweet and gentle lady havira.

for the former god of war to feel such regrets about war, xiao questioned his lord as to whether or not he would fight in a war again, as a hypothetical situation that he prays would never happen. and his lord smiled sadly, bowing his head, before murmuring, "only if the people of liyue could not fight their war alone; then only will i intervene." his lord paused, taking a small sip of his wine, before continuing with, "i do not wish to ever have to fight a war again. i do not wish that for you too, xiao. you deserve peace."

the slight trancelike state that xiao had slipped into while nilou held and talked to him was one that he had only felt before, in the embrace of his lover during the war. they smelled faintly of jasmine, and xiao would always relax during their embracing, resting his head in their lap as they stroked their hair. he would drift, and he would feel as if he would float away, like he was only tethered to the ground by their touch.

xiao only becomes approachable when he wants to be, and he supposes that this time is one of them now. he wants nilou to like him, to feel comfortable and safe around him. and he supposes that it's working, since nilou feels safe enough to touch and cuddle him like he was something to be cherished.

"birds sometimes collect flowers, and other pretty things, to give to those that they like." even the birdlike adepti, while much different from normal birds, still held this habit--cloud retainer would often be found tinkering with whatever shiny object she would get her hands on, and xiao himself would sometimes gather dandelions in a bouquet to lay at pervases' shrine.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ History is written by victors, is what the saying comes and goes, right? Though an exception is God of Freedom, Barbatos and God of Contracts, Morax⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Although, the topic about Archon War result in different responses⠀ && ⠀ reactions written across the Archons’ faces after given such a question that lingers in the past.

⠀ Including perspective, as well. Due to the fact the original seven aren’t the same in the slightest, but similarities of carrying grief on their shoulders. It’s hilarious of how there wasn’t no victors during the Archon War, yet Barbatos and Morax were able to convince that not all victors will have history written, had the capability to write about it, knowingly that they’re the winners but decided to not bring up the topic⠀ . . . ⠀ Unless it has been brought up for necessary needs.

⠀ Nilou is less aware to take notice of her embrace is similar of Xiao’s lover, an embrace that resembles a couple of flowers’ petals brushing against your face like fingertips. Of course, she wouldn’t hesitate to continue the embrace to have that sort of resemblance through physical contact, if he needed it then⠀ . . . ⠀ She’ll provide and begin to sing a lullaby too.

⠀ ❛ I’ve heard about it and what will you think of the roles reversed? Offering a flower to a beautiful person like you? Oh! shall I say… my beautiful bird? ❜ Nilou’s choice of words in a affectionate yet playful in a lighthearted way is amusing to the eye.

⠀ There wasn’t a doubt that Nilou already felt comfort and a burst of enjoyment around Xiao’s presence, as she wouldn’t hesitate in a heartbeat to express it so he’ll be filled with reassurance about it, sending signals at him, ❛ Ah! I didn’t realize until now that we’re laying on the floor and in each other’s arms — Well, you in my arms, hehe… not that I mind! I actually love this. ❜

[alatusatlas]

of the original seven that remained, the ones that xiao kept in contact with were his beloved lord and barbatos, the anemo archon and the archon of freedom. freedom was something that many people wanted during the war--a freedom to not have to fight, to make their own choices, and xiao....xiao felt that. he could understand that in full, he could understand why those that were fighting would crave such a thing. in fact, he was one of those beings that craved freedom so, before he was under the command of his beloved lord.

the only people that he had spoken about his mortal lover to (that were alive, anyway) were his lord, the adeptus madame ping, and barbatos. his lord had actually met the mortal lover, once upon a time, coming across them laying together in a field during a quiet moment, upon which he went to introduce himself to them. it was slightly awkward, but...it turned out well, in the end.

in order to get the kind of tea that his lover once loved in order to bring to their shrine, the adeptus was forced to speak to madame ping about them. the old woman had listened respectfully and politely, smiling and nodding when applicable, before passing him a small sachet of the tea--enough to brew four cups. but xiao would only be brewing one, as his love could not share it with him.

and barbatos--he always kind of knew, through the whispers of the wind, of the love the two shared. when they died, barbatos was with him when he grieved, helping him to remain tethered to the ground and to his mind. once the initial grief passed, xiao spoke to the god about it, and in response, the god wrote a lovely ballad about the two of them. perhaps those in mondstat had unwillingly heard of the story of the adeptus and the doctor.

when nilou speaks, xiao has gone quiet again, his eyes closing as he nuzzles closer to her. it seems like he's going to fall asleep, like this, and perhaps he would; he has not felt so safe in so long. even though his silence and sleepy state would seem to state otherwise, he is listening to her, and in response to her words, reaches over and gives her hand a little squeeze as if to say yes, i'm here, thank you for your words.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ After the Archon War was put to an end, while Barbatos and Morax left⠀ . . . ⠀ What was left? countless bodies that belonged to countless individuals that fought for freedom and the hope of redemption for this war⠀ ⸻ ⠀ All of them used all of their strength throughout the war, which lead to sacrifices, there wasn’t no hesitation or fear at all. As only determination burst through their body, pulling through and through until there wasn’t nothing left behind.

⠀ Aside from Nilou’s embrace to be described in more ways than one, the dancer’s back faced a person to sense a presence standing behind her⠀ . . . ⠀ The way those half closed eyes of hers glance towards the person and welcomes them with open arms, a similar way that the Goddess of Flowers did. Such a nostalgia emotion to see again.

⠀ A sign of relief escaped Nilou’s lips after what she explained to Xiao of why his beauty struck and bravery, too. For a couple of minutes to look up at the ceiling to glance back down at Xiao, who is about to go to sleep peacefully, ❛ Rest my bird, you’ve did more than enough. ❜ a hum escaped her lips as she begun to stroke his hair, as well to sing a lullaby to allow Xiao to feel more at ease.

⠀ Her eyes widen a bit after the squeeze and hummed in response, she, too, squeezed his hand. As for her other hand to continue stroking his hair, to continuing on her lullaby while he’s planning to sleep in her arms⠀ . . . ⠀ or not, regardless, to press a kiss in his hair to then resume stroking his hair. The kiss? felt like a gigantic petal of lotus was laid over his body as a sort of warmth blanket.

[alatusatlas]

war was often full of sacrifices, xiao had come to quickly learn, and sacrifices meant that he had to continue on in the stead of those that had been previously lost. to continue on and endure like the mountains; that was the philosophy of his lord rex lapis. enduring, while hard, was something that xiao continued to do, for the sake of all those that had died for and around him in order for him to keep living on.

when xiao had first laid eyes upon nilou, her resemblance to the goddess of flowers would not take a clever person to notice. long red hair that shone in the sun, and blue eyes that pierced through the soul but in a gentle way; those were the two main features that xiao associated with the long-dead goddess. the goddess, of course, dressed and behaved differently to nilou, but unlike the mountains, things would change after many hundreds of years.

by the time that nilou is done talking, xiao is fast asleep on her lap, his breaths steady and even. when the yaksha sleeps, he looks peaceful and innocent; like someone who had not fought hundreds of wars for the safety of his country and the people he had made a vow to protect. he looks like he would be anyone else; such as a tea seller or a waiter at one of those fine dining restaurants or even a member of liyue's upper-class.

when he sleeps, today, he does not dream. instead, he rests in a peaceful void, floating yet not quite floating, eyes closed with the slight scent of jasmine winding carefully around his body like that of a lover's embrace. it brings him a strange comfort--a comfort he has not felt in so, so long.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Victory depends on you, the message send to everyone that participated into the Archon War. Normally, a motivational and inspirational speech could of happened⠀ . . . ⠀ But the individuals⠀ ⸻ ⠀ No, no, no there wasn’t no presence of a mere mortal labeled as an “individual” located in the bloodied battlefield.

⠀ Confidence lingering with selflessness shalln’t clash with a speech, considering the volunteers or fighters, in better words swore that the key to victory and glory is fighting alongside with your comrades. And that is what everybody believed through the Archon War, til the very end.

⠀ Such resemblance between the Goddess of Flowers and Nilou, though the parallels are visible, although their personalities stood out differently⠀ . . . ⠀ As if the moment Nilou looked over her shoulder and offered a smile, for a sudden glitch of her face to glitch into the face of the Goddess of Flowers, perhaps a majestic memory? Although that’s highly doubtful, though it’s most likely it’s true. “Majestic memory” is a signal that she, the Goddess of Flowers, arrival has arrived⠀ . . . ⠀ But in a form of a different person, reincarnation is the right word.

⠀ After Nilou sang her heart out to focus her attention on Xiao, fondness⠀ && ⠀ endearment to observe from the way his face has soften and drinking in the smallest details such as the gem located on his forehead reflect light to expose the beauty of a gem. Not to mention, his hair framing his peaceful and soft face, the dancer took this as a signal that she did a great job to allow Xiao to rest at ease in his slumber without snapping out of his sleep and whipped out his spear full on defensive mode, at the smallest sounds.

⠀ ❛ My beautiful bird, rest assured in my lap, ❜ Nilou whispered softly and sweetly before brushing a few strands of his hair that wouldn’t stir him in his sleep, to then kiss on top of his head. ❛ You’re safe in my arms and will always be safe in my arms, alright? Allow me to secure you in my embrace all safe and comfortable. ❜

⠀ Of course, she knew that⠀ . . . ⠀ She knew that she has been speaking to Xiao, who, is already asleep but that didn’t prevent her to say what she meant. After she pressed a kiss against the gem against his forehead, another trait that the Goddess of Flowers would do whenever anybody found comfort into her arms and her kiss that resembles kisses from lotus flowers.

[lotosomno]

i haven’t replied to drafts because I spend the day enjoying my bday, rewatching episodes of the wednesday series in netflix, and such!

but I’ll begin doing drafts and if anybody wants to rp then don’t hesitate to lmk !

[roleplaymemesforyou]

Daily reminder to be kind and considerate to those you follow or see on your dash!

I’d like to say once more to be kind and considerate to those you interact with on the dash! You never know what sorts of things they are going through right now. So keep in mind to tag things they ask to be tagged for their sake and do more than just be a passing by reader! Spread kindness to those that need it! If someone is having a bad day or is wanting asks or things tossed their way to help them feel better do it! Ask them about their muses and ocs! Tell them how much you love seeing them on the dash!

SPREAD THAT LOVE AND POSITIVTY!

Some may only have tumblr as their only means to escape from what’s bothering them so do what you can to make their time here better!

Be kind and courteous to those on here like you would with people in real life! After all we are all people too!

[lotosomno]

HEADCANON⠀ !

Believe it or not, Nilou has a couple of love languages, although her main four love languages are words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, and acts of service.

Words of affirmation⠀ : ⠀ verbal expression of love such as “I love you” and “you matter to me”, as the list continues on. For everyone that it’s easy to express this type of love language, although the way Nilou expresses it sounds genuine by the tone of her voice and her facial expressions too!

Physical touch⠀ : ⠀ Connection through appropriate physical touch, Nilou’s weakness is going on a day without intertwining hands with her partner or a quick peck lips! as she’ll claim it to be her “good luck” charm before beginning her performances. Not only that but she’ll do the smallest actions that causes butterflies, between her partner and herself.

Quality time⠀ : ⠀ Giving undivided attention to your partner, without a doubt that Nilou would provide a lot of her attention towards her partner, to the point she’ll spoil them rotten so they’ll be reassured that all of her attention is towards them. Although without hesitation that she’ll feel the same way when providing endless quality time with her partner, fills up her heart with endless joy.

Acts of service⠀ : ⠀ Selfless thoughtful acts that make a person’s life easier, this is one of Nilou’s favorite activities that she considers as a love language. She’ll focus on the smallest things about her partner, from remembering their childhood dish to know what brings them at ease or comfort, the sight of her partner’s face light up in shock yet with joy when Nilou remembers? She’ll be ecstatic!

[lotosomno]

each day I struggle of being a childe non haver

[lotosomno]

I’m growing a bit impatient that it’s almost a year that my computer hasn’t been repaired so I’m unable to make images for nilou’s reaction? if that is how you word it?

plus I want my computer to be repaired so I can make a carrd of verses nilou will be in… the current verses I’ll write soon once my computer is repaired is csm, bsd, enstars, soul eater, servamp, pkmn, and ons verses that nilou will be in!

plus cannot wait to explain them but it’ll be in the future sobsob

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀@alatusatles

⠀ Many differences laid between the Scarlet King⠀ && ⠀ the God of Heat such as their strength wise⠀ . . . ⠀ Such as Scarlet King’s aura behind those hidden eyes of his are capable of much more than the God of Heat could offer in attempt to be the victor. But everybody knew that they, the God of Heat, could only taste defeat on the tip of their tongue. Throughout history to be written down to preserve all of it, to include the presence of the God of Heat to be known through Teyvat, from the eyes of Sumeru to reach the eyes of Celestial.

⠀ Nobody had expected the God of Heat⠀ && ⠀ the Goddess of Flowers’ unbreakable relationship to be torn apart by the other, the last glimpse of those two could of been intertwining their fingers together, yet that didn’t happen. Instead the last glimpse turned out to be the God of Heat’s “betrayal” filled in a sort of corruption venom to turn their flower-like significant other into crisp by the intensity of everlasting flames. Who could of knew that tragedy of love separated the two.

⠀ ❛ The Goddess of Flowers and the God of Heat were considered to be each other’s paper and glue, that’s for sure! Though the God of Heat had multiple striking differences then the other gods, for example that I’ve heard that the desert continues to linger such intensity of warm similar of the God of Heat… I’ve heard that rumor and I love to believe! ❜ although the God of Heat is long gone and all, Nilou prefers to object and believe that their soul is… lingering somewhere or anywhere⠀ —⠀ Perhaps, lingering around a certain vessel or to linger through the waves of heat, who knows.

⠀ ❛ Correct! Although the God of Heat’s strength isn’t superior to some degree, but it’s stated that the Goddess of Flowers “gave” strength to them, I like to believe that it’s their presence next each other that they’ve manage to pull through the Archon War. ❜ Nilou is self-aware that she isn’t strong as Xiao, but that doesn’t prevent her to use hydromancy to heal his injuries from his karmic debt. No matter what that she’ll brush her fingertips to smooth all of the agony away.

[alatusatlas]

history is written by the victors, xiao has come to be aware of during his hundreds of years of living. the god of heat would have never been the victor, and neither would the goddess of flowers; their strength as much as a child's compared to that of the greater lord and the archon of the earth. but perhaps, if there was a better time for all of them, a safer and more peaceful time...they could have all ruled together. the god of heat and the scarlet king would have been in control of the deserts of sumeru, and the goddess of flowers and the greater lord would be in control of the forested regions. it would have been a perfect balance, and perhaps the unrest xiao has heard of in sumeru would not be as severe.

unbeknownst to xiao, the god of heat's mind had been manipulated by an unknown force, causing them to believe that the goddess of flowers would have betrayed them and caused ruin to their people. in their blinded rage, the god of heat had struck out, piercing the goddess of flower's chest with an arrow, and that is when they returned to themselves. as the goddess of flowers lay dying in the arms of her beloved, forgiveness spilling through her lips, the god of heat howled in pain, power only begotten by grief coursing throughout the lands. it left the archon of the earth and the greater lord no other choice but to seal their former friend away like the lord of the ocean, and lay to rest the goddess of flowers.

"i am glad that their love was remembered by the people of their nation," xiao murmurs, holding nilou a little closer against himself. he's not sure as to why he did such a thing, but he wishes for her to rest her head over his heart, to hear his heartbeat and reassure him that he wasn't simply in a wonderful dream. "my lord has told me stories about them, but he always holds a grief whenever he speaks of them. but, he holds a grief whenever he speaks about the long-gone gods he was close with, like lady guizhong and lady havira. many of the gods were close, once."

he's quiet for a couple of moments before continuing to speak, fingers playing with nilou's hair. "love is said to give strength, even in times of unrest." love for his lord, love for his fellow yakshas; those were things that gave him the strength to keep fighting on, even when his body was about to give out from pain.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Upon this point, many victors to continue repeating the past of history, such history laid across Sumeru to be written down by them. Compared to the Scarlet King⠀ && ⠀ Greater Lord Rukkhadevata’s strength and intelligence, neither the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers’ abilities are capable to surpass the two, their fist similar of a child who attempts to push an adult twice their size but to no avail. The God of Heat’s capability to change the range of heat as for the Goddess of Flowers’ ability to form petals on the tip of her fingers⠀ . . . ⠀ Yet, the two of them came to an understanding about their strength of how they’re unable to go face-to-face against others to only taste defeat.

⠀ Love can kill you, is what everyone believed with a blind eye. At some point for the unknown force to infect the God of Heat through its fog mist of manipulative lies to believe the Goddess of Flowers is behind all of this⠀ —⠀ Behind such betrayal that turned out to be false later on, unable to battle against the God of Heat as her lover to accept defeat and death. The moment the arrow pierced through her chest to manage her balance to slip to then wrap her arms around her significant other, the God of Heat as she forgiven them through those bloodied lips of hers, after a while for the presence of the Goddess of Flowers to have an effect on padisarah flowers too, dying alongside her. Later on, for the cold-hearted truth to come out that she⠀ —⠀ the Goddess of Flowers preparing for her fate as she knew all of this would eventually happen.

⠀ ❛ And I couldn’t believe it that after their death to continue being remembered, warms my heart to see people not forget about them. ❜ Nilou’s facial expression soften, as for her cheeks to be flustered to then sigh in relief before wrapping her arms around his upper waist. Of course, to rest her head against over his chest to listen to his heartbeat that smooths her earrings by each beat similar of a melody in a way, ❛ So it’s a bittersweet progress for you all right? I’m here for you, and I will promise that..! ❜ without hesitation to return the gesture as her fingertips brush against his back in a circle and square pattern, a hum escaped her lips before scooting closer than ever to share her warmth with him.

[alatusatlas]

during one of the last times that xiao was able to speak to the goddess of flowers, she seemed...resigned, in a way. it was like she knew that something was going to happen, and that she would never be able to see him again. inside his heart, xiao knew that she would die (all the weaker gods died, xiao was witness to many, but lady guizhong was strong and she still died-). xiao had sat with her, and allowed her to hold his head in her lap, and braid flowers through it in the ways she did when they spent times in peace--but this was not a time of peace. it was a time of violence, of pain, of his lord being forced to seal away those he once regarded as friends, and yet.....xiao found a peace with the goddess of flowers.

they did not speak a word until the goddess left, and when she did, she held xiao's hands in hers, giving them a squeeze that made xiao never want to let her go, to beg her to stay in liyue and stay safe. but, the goddess had simply said, "i pray that those i love do not forget the love i was able to give them, a-xiao. i will see you again, in this life or another." soon after, he learned of her death, but he did not learn that it was at the hands of the one she loved the most, and that they begged for a death--but received a mercy instead.

and it seems that her love was not forgotten, as to her wishes--her love for the god of heat was remembered, immortalized in a mural and discussed amongst the scholars of sumeru, and people like nilou spoke about her with the adoration that the goddess spoke of her followers.

"thank you, nilou," he says, voice catching in his throat. he does not know what to say, or to think, other than thankfulness for the mortal in his arms.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ For the first time, the Goddess of Flowers’ facial expression and body language seem to shift differently⠀ . . . ⠀ She took a last visit to Liyue to be meet Xiao, then decided to sit down and have a chat with him⠀ —⠀ Sharing a last conversation as a signal of a farewell too, in middle of conversations that she, the Goddess of Flowers, muttered “A-Xiao, may we meet again, alright?” Before she rose on her feet to turn around and pressed her lips against the purple gem located on his forehead as her fingertips slipped from his grasp.

⠀ Perhaps or perhaps not, the Goddess of Flowers predicted for this day to arrive or she expected it. Nonetheless, she expected rather than to predict⠀ . . . ⠀ From the way the Goddess of Flowers embrace death with open arms, a hand rose to caress the cheek of her lover, the God of Heat, a soft-spoken mutter through those bloodied lips of hers, “My love, why are you apologizing?” heavy breathing in attempt to stay a little longer⠀ —⠀ Just a little longer only to fail as the Goddess of Flowers’ eyes closed and the hand caressing the cheek of the God of Heat to drop in the puddle of blood surrounding her.

⠀ After the accident had result for the history of Sumeru to be left with a stain, similar of a page stain by ink. In present day, scholars ⠀ && ⠀ citizens continue to mention the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers in a couple of occasions, without a doubt that the love harbor towards each other continue to blossom after their passing through the land of wisdom. While, Nilou, on the other hand decided to participate to create a performance inspired by the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers to tell the love story between them, similar of a storytelling but different in many aspects⠀ . . .⠀ Rather told through performance.

⠀ ❛ Of course, Xiao! ❜ Nilou’s eyes blink once and then twice after her ears heard Xiao’s voice caught in his throat. Lifting her head off his chest to cup his face while her thumb stroke his cheek, ❛ Are you alright? ❜ it wasn’t a surprise that she’s capable to notice the slightest changes through facial expressions to body language, regardless she’s happy and safe to be in the arms of an immortal, in which she wouldn’t hesitate to be in his arms for who knows how long.

[alatusatlas]

xiao wished that he could have convinced the goddess to stay, convinced her to stay in liyue for the time being until the fighting and pain died down--but, the goddess of flowers loved her people, and loved so many that she could not be away from them for long, and xiao understood it. his lord was similar, in that regard, and he could not force a god to listen to him, even if he wanted such a thing to happen with all his heart.

the kiss she had given him felt seared onto his forehead, and he remembers closing his eyes, opening them again when the goddess was walking away from them. he wanted to call out to her, to wrap his arms around her and hold her for just a few moments longer, like the god of heat had done in the last moments they shared with their lover (but, unbeknownst to xiao, who remained in liyue with his lord, always and forever). the god of heat had cradled the dying goddess of flowers in their arms, whispering pleas to celestia to not allow this to happen, but the goddess of flowers caressed their cheek and reassured them, even in her last moments.

and lo, the stain upon sumeru's history faded into that of a smudge against a page, but a smudge that was to be remembered for a long, long time after. there were those outside of sumeru that remembered the love the gods had shared; morax would sometimes take trips out to sumeru's deserts and places offerings at the resting place before kneeling down and uttering soft prayers for them. why a god would pray, no one would know, but the lord of geo prayed softly anyways, for two of his friends that were lost due to the twisted hands of fate.

"i...my apologies, i...." before he could finish speaking, xiao has tears spilling down his face, tear-tracks that dripped down his chin and onto nilou's hands that are cupping his cheeks. when he notices the tears, he takes nilou's hands and moves them away before too many could get onto them.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The dim light of hope in her eyes has fade into submission of acceptance⠀ . . . ⠀ As if there is a visual image of a army of soldiers dropping their weapons to accept their defeat or fate in better words, a parallel to resemble side-by-side from the way the Goddess of Flowers had accepted her death, prior to all of this as the plan worked out⠀ —⠀ The plan? Neither does a soul or individual knows about it.

⠀ Before the following events, the Goddess of flowers pressed a kiss against Xiao’s gem located on his forehead to show a mark of a lotus flower for a split second to then disappear after she retreated to take a few steps back. But it didn’t excuse the lingering feeling of her lips as a pair of transparent arms wrapped around his small frame to provide a sort of comfort, while the Goddess of Flowers exchange a smile⠀ —⠀ More like a defeated smile as a way to say, “We’ve lost, haven’t we?” before her back faces Xiao as she walked away.

⠀ Little memories between the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers, who would of expected for the last memory to share together is one of them to die in the other’s arms? Nobody had expected at all, yet the Goddess of Flowers attempt to pull her significant other into those weak arms of hers, the blood of hers too had stain the clothing of the God of Heat as well. Tragedy is the one word to describe the unfortunate accident to leave a stain print behind in history of Sumeru between two immortal lovers.

⠀ ❛ …Xiao? ❜ Nilou took notice of the sudden change of atmosphere to which she took action, in the corner of her eye to catch glimpse of Xiao’s golden eyes glossed from tears building up, ❛ Hey, hey look at me.. please? ❜ one hand laid on his shoulder and the other cupping his side of face⠀ . . . ⠀ All that Nilou could do is use her thumb to wipe his tears⠀ ; ⠀ Pure silence, no words exchange, as she wiped his tears while her face had fondness written across it.

[alatusatlas]

the tragedies that the gods had experienced would be enough to make any normal mortal tremble and simply give up on everything, but rex lapis, the everlasting lord of geo, who had founded the nation of liyue, stood firm while those around him perished. when the battle was over, and when the god of heat was sealed, the lord of geo allowed the scarlet king to take the body of the flower goddess into his arms, carrying her to the greater lord, who was already creating a place where she would lay their friend to rest. it was a surprisingly tranquil affair, and the greater lord leaned against the scarlet king as she silently wept. morax didn't weep, as she did, but a single tear trailed down his cheek from his cor lapis eyes and hit the ground, lending the area around where the goddess was buried to take a faint golden sheen.

morax did not tell his yakshas the specifics what had happened, there, even the yaksha that seemed to love the goddess of flowers in a different way to the others. he had imparted them to the knowledge of her passing, and many of them wept, but xiao...xiao had stepped away, and joined the battle that the lesser yakshas were fighting, throwing himself in wholeheartedly so that he could forget the grief that was now tangling at his heart like thorny vines trailing up a fallen ruin.

her last smile was inlaid upon his memory like gems would be inlaid upon elegant settings; so full of grief yet of a faint joy for being able to have the pleasure of seeing her friend for the last time. when xiao was out of that battle, being patched up by a still-teary-eyed bonanus, he finally allowed himself to cry--but it was more of a scream, a scream to the heavens on why they allowed such a thing to happen, as tears fell down his face.

and, his tears burned his friend's hands.

"don't--don't touch my face, don't," he finds himself begging her, grabbing her hands again and holding them away from his face with a touch more force than before, but not enough to hurt her. already, there are small burns on her hands, the skin of her thumb already blistering.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The battle between the God of Heat and the Goddess of Flowers ended in a disastrous defeat for one of them⠀ —⠀ Only for Goddess of Flowers to taste the lingering taste of defeat⠀ . . . ⠀ Yet, she predicted it, more like she had planned this to clear the air. Throughout the battle as she attempt to dodge arrows and to use most of her strength and ability to not land a hit in the God of Heat, refuse to harm her significant other at all cost.

⠀ After the Goddess of Flowers got buried in a area where she’s able to rest at peace, similar of a realm filled with flowers so no more flowers wouldn’t be bathed in puddle of blood, to embrace the frame of her body for eternity. Everybody including the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata assumed it was the last chapter of tragedy, yet it backfired for her and everybody else, soon after the Scarlet King succumbed in a field of madness⠀ . . . ⠀ Nobody, nobody, and nobody wasn’t able to recover from the countless of loss received throughout their immortal journey.

⠀ The last shattered pieces of glass remain from the Goddess of Flowers is the sound of her smile, though smiles aren’t known to make sound but a glance of the corners of her lips seem to echo a sound⠀ ; ⠀ A sound from a group of children giggling⠀ && ⠀ bouncing around the Goddess of Flowers as she form a flower crown wrapped around their head, as she, too, giggled with the children. Unfortunately such memory stain with fog and dust, such nostalgia too.

⠀ ❛ A-Alright… I won’t touch your face, ❜ Nilou’s eyes soften from what she is seeing in front of her, a small wince coming out of her lips after she felt one of his tears burn her palm. In attempt to use hydromancy to cool down the pain away, before glancing back at Xiao while she had an idea but unsure how it’ll work out.

⠀ ❛ Xiao.. allow me to wipe away those tears, is it alright? ❜ the dancer is completely aware what she isn’t able to wipe them off through physical contact, but she put faith in her hydromacy skills.

⠀

[alatusatlas]

the entire battle, morax witnessed the goddess of flowers take a defensive role against the fight with her beloved, as she did not want to hurt them. he would have fought the god of heat, killed them with a mere flick of his fingers if it meant the flower goddess' safety, but the flower goddess would never forgive him if he did such a thing. so, all he could do was helplessly watch as the goddess was struck down, and the hysterical god of heat cradled their lover in their arms in her last moments.

whenever the lord of geo would go to sumeru to pay respects to the fallen gods that were his friends, he visits the goddess of flower's resting place as well, kneeling down before the imposing tree that grew over the spot and planting some qingxin from liyue at the roots, as if the goddess would help the flowers that would have trouble surviving in such a climate. every time, though, when the god returned, the few flowers that he would plant would still be blooming, albeit a little wilted, so he would tend to them while praying softly for his long-lost friend, tears slipping from his pure golden eyes.

the tears of some powerful illuminated beasts have the power to heal, but for those that have been corrupted by archon residue, such as the yakshas, those healing tears would turn into ones that caused pain; pure agony seeping out from their eyes and leaving faint burns on their cheeks and to whomever would try to comfort them. the first person to notice this was rex lapis, when, upon cupping a young and tearful yaksha's face to comfort them, burned the skin on the thumb of his human form.

while the burns would heal, they would be painful all the while.

"i don't want you to hurt yourself, please," xiao whispers, using his own hands to wipe away the tears, small burns appearing on his hands every so often as the salty liquid hits his calloused skin. "please don't touch my face."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The Goddess of Flowers has fought a constant battle against the love of her life, from the way she manage to keep up a defensive role from dodging countless hits to countering a couple of them⠀ —⠀ Her limited stamina brought her body to the limit and unable to continue to fight against the God of Heat without landing a hit in them⠀ . . . ⠀ She couldn’t bear the thought of her significant other in pain, already endure enough from the pain.

⠀ Unfortunately, the chapter has ended for the Goddess of Flowers⠀ && ⠀ the God of Heat, all good things must come to an end, for them it has ended. And to this day that the Goddess of Flowers’ body continue to remain located in her resting place, along the flowers framing her body continue to blossom full of radiance and full of life, as for the other flowers to wither due to the lack of energy, yet for those withered flowers to be replaced soon.

⠀ ❛ I know I’m unable to touch your face, but your face continues to pain me! ❜ Nilou’s bit on her bottom lip of the sizing pain, but that didn’t prevent her to form a droplet on the tip of her fingertips before glancing back at Xiao, ❛ You’re not alone on this and allow me to bear this with you, I cannot stand if any longer to see more of your tears to burn your face or hands.. ❜

⠀ Of course Nilou is aware that she isn’t able to touch his face to prevent more of those tears to damage his beautiful face, but she decided to grasp one of his arms and used her other hand to grasp his wrist⠀ . . . ⠀ In such a gentle manner before she glance back at Xiao, ❛ Allow me to do my best or the bare minimum, may I? ❜

[alatusatlas]

the end for the goddess of flowers, despite being painful, was also full of a devotion from the one that she loved, the god of heat cradling her in their arms until their last moments. as soon as the heartbeat of the goddess faded from existence, the god of heat turned towards both the lord of geo and the scarlet king with eyes full of tears, begging softly to be ended, begging to join their beloved in the afterlife. but, neither of the two gods could bear to hurt their friend, but instead sealed them gently with the aid of the greater lord of dendro.

and, the goddess of flower's love for her people seeped through today, with the flowers around her grave continued to bloom perpetually, albeit slightly withered. but, that is because of the death of a god causing their powers to fade.

"nilou--please, just let me handle this," the yaksha begs quietly, blinking through the painful sting of tears that continue to drip from their eyes like a faucet that has gotten a leak. "let me handle this alone...i'm sorry, please.." his begging is, honestly, rather sad; one who was used to being subservient all his life not understanding when someone wished to take care of him, still.

with a quick and gentle motion, xiao extracts himself from below nilou, heading towards the washbasin in the room to use the water there to cleanse his face of the tears. even as he appears to be ridding himself of them, they still burned him, but he did not appear to be visibly in pain.

there are tears, still, because he feels guilt for not allowing nilou to help. but he couldn't let her, he didn't want her to hurt herself because of him...

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Throughout the battle between the God of Heat⠀ && ⠀ the Goddess of Flowers, the description to describe the battle as “dozen of flowers and flames clashing against each other violently, rather than elegantly.” From the way yellow tones with purple undertones to resemble a padisarah to meet fire, the type of fire that the God of Heat is capable to melt the core of earth from such intensity.

⠀ A couple of minutes to hours had passed away in a daze, until a sudden click from the moment the Goddess of Flowers’ eyes dilated after an arrow impaled through her chest. The atmosphere filled into her screams of pain before her body hit the ground⠀ . . . ⠀ A battle that shouldn’t of happened in the first place, unfortunately the Goddess of Flowers had to carry on the afterlife without her significant other and completely unaware of the God of Heat wouldn’t be there to intertwine their hands together to move on forward, a line separating the both of them.

⠀ On present-day, Sumeru continues to move forward, everybody but the Goddess of Flowers as she awaited for the day the God of Heat will tag along, yet a bit naive to realize her significant other has been sealed away for who knows how long⠀ . . . ⠀ A couple of individuals took notice of a unbloom padisarah near her grave, possibly a signal for it to blossom upon the arrival of the God of Heat, a few people speculated that the Goddess of Flowers’ lingering presence to allow a growth of a beauty of a flower to bloom, once her significant other will arrive⠀ —⠀ Once again, the Goddess of Flowers completely unaware of when the arrival of her significant other will arrive, especially after the God of Heart, her lover, has been sealed away.

⠀ ❛ Plea— ❜ Nilou’s eyes full of adoration⠀ && ⠀ fondness towards Xiao to be washed away, to be sway to be filled with worrisome instead as she wasn’t able to finish her sentence before he took the chance to dismiss himself in such a state that tugged her heart.

⠀ ❛ Please… take your time, alright? ❜ unaware of how her vision became a bit glossy from tears forming in the corner of her eyes, pulling her knees close to her chest to then hugged her legs, if Xiao wanted to excuse himself to pull it all together then she won’t argue back, all she is concern about is his well-being and his emotions that she cherish, treasured, and cared for.

[alatusatlas]

looking back upon the battles of the archon war, xiao felt as if many did not have a reason for happening. the battle between the god of rivers and streams and the god of lightning and thunder should not have happened (as barbatos stated that the god of rivers and streams was a peaceful god, who never fought, and shouldn't have been involved in the first place-), neither should have the battle between lady guizhong and the vibrant god of crystal, where both gods lost their lives, and neither should have the battle between the goddess of flowers and her beloved god of heat.

what made them fight, anyway? was it for the love of their people, like the god of rivers and streams, his lord, the goddess of flowers alongside the god of heat, and lady guizhong? was it for a odd sort of peace, like the god of lightning and thunder? or was it for power, like the lady of fire, murata? xiao will never know an answer to this question, as many of those who could have answered it were now resting deep beneath the surface of the earth, or were not willing to answer such a question. the yaksha supposes that he will always have these questions in mind; that he will always be pondering them until karmic debt eats him down to the bone.

and, perhaps, those long dead gods would wait for him in the next life, waiting for their loved ones to finally arrive so that they could be together. alas, the god of heat would not, for a long time, trapped in a peaceful dream as they were by the greater lord of dendro. osial was sealed beneath the surface, joined by the remnants of the deceased lady havira's power and his additionally sealed wife beisht. perhaps they are all peaceful, now; resting.

"i'm sorry, nilou," xiao murmurs, loud of to be heard but also partially to himself, still wiping at his face with the water from the basin, his tears starting to slowly subside with each gentle motion of the water over his skin. "i'm sorry..."

soon, he is done, and he returns to her side, wrapping her in his arms and pulling her against his chest in apology. he would do this when he wished to apologize to his fellow yakshas; hold them in his arms as best he could and hold them against him, and often times they would laugh quietly to themselves and hug the smallest yaksha back. "i'm back, i'm sorry for worrying you..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Every battle during the Archon War has kept its records from the repeatedly pattern that seem to be continuously ingoing⠀ && ⠀ outgoing, to the point the soil underneath the gods’ feet been bathed of the blood that belonged from the fallen gods.

⠀ The aftermath after the Archon War left more than one scar or worse, an unpleasant memory to look back at⠀ —⠀ From the way a couple of Goddess and Gods had lost their lives due to becoming “weak immortals”⠀ . . . ⠀ As if there is much more left for them to do, but decided to submit defeat while attempting to pull up a fight against their own mankind that seem much, much, and much powerful than them. To this day, not a soul or individual haven’t gotten the true answers behind of a god turning against another god, perhaps could of been love, jealousy, or⠀ . . . ⠀ Corruption? Unfortunately, no answers had arise to answer such a question.

⠀ A hitch escaped her lips from the moment she sense Xiao pulled her body against his, without a second thought or even considering her actions to throw her body against his to which result for the both of them to fall off the bed. But she couldn’t less about it, instead, she pulled his body close to hers as she begin to uncontrollably hiccup yet sob while nuzzling her face against Xiao’s chest, ❛ Xiao, xiao, xiaooo! ❜ Nilou felt ashamed to express her vulnerability but could care less about it as she felt comfortable around the other.

⠀ ❛ Don’t apologize! And you shouldn’t do this to yourself, you don’t deserve to carry those tears of yours by yourself! ❜ Nilou lift her face from his chest after she soak his shirt because of her tears⠀ ; ⠀ Her appearance has changed as her hair looked like bed head, snot rolling down her nose, and as for her eyes to have tears roll down. Quickly swiping the snot on the back of her hair before cupping his face and peppering the areas where he previously cried, so she’ll replace the unpleasant⠀ && ⠀ sizing pain of those burning tears with ticklish kisses.

[alatusatlas]

the archon war left many scars upon the survivors; upon the land and the gods and the other creatures that participated in it. after the war, rex lapis lost all of his yakshas except for xiao. during the war, the god of freedom lost his gentle lover in the form of the god of rivers and streams (many had lost their loves--his lord had lost lady guizhong, beisht had osial sealed before her, and xiao....he had a lover, once, so long ago during the war, but he can only remember their face ravaged by relentless attacks as he held them in their arms as they took their last breaths with closed eyes, but they were smiling because they had loved him and he can't even remember their name-), and the greater lord had to bury so many of her beloved friends. all that burns, burns like a fire that cannot be put out, a fire that eats and eats and leaves nothing but ash in its wake.

time heals all wounds, some say, but there are some wounds that would never heal. grief and rage and mistakes made in the past would continue to consume those that were involved during the war, and the great cataclysm that happened over a thousand years after such a thing. but, the peace would be a balm to soothe the sting, and xiao is grateful for such a thing.

as soon as nilou starts to sob, xiao feels his heart crumble. he remembers sobs like this against his chest, when he cradled his lover long ago in a different time, stroking their hair and attempting to soothe them. he does this now, pressing his face into her hair for as long as she allows him before allowing her to pepper his face with kisses. her tears make him feel guilty for such a thing that he had done, and he wishes to rectify it, somehow.

"i'm sorry, nilou, i'm so sorry," he whispers softly, laying a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth, not bothered by the tears that are now soaking through his shirt (he'd have to change it later, but that is okay). "i didn't want you to get hurt, i'm sorry..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ From the beginning to the end that nobody knew the actual answers of why or how the Archon War had begun, for the remaining survivors to glance over their shoulder to see the ground bathed in fresh blood of deceased loved ones⠀ &&⠀ bodies scattered across or laid over another body, last decoration as a sort of scarred reminder for them.

⠀ It became obvious⠀ —⠀ Painfully obvious throughout the Archon War, for a few gods weren’t meant to participate due to the lack of physical strength and combat buried within them, to embrace their last breath in front of other gods’ eyes as a reality check of what they’re currently going through or up against. From Lady Guizhong’s last breath before collapsing into her own puddle of blood from the God of Freedom’s eyes to see the last sight of his significant other, as the list progressively continues to painful go on and on.

⠀ Nilou’s fit of sniffles and hiccups while she continues to cry out is similar of the way the Goddess of Flowers’ cried whenever she ran to the God of Heat to then tackle them⠀ . . .⠀ The parallels and similarities begin to click in, without a doubt. After she poured all of her heart out to retreat to then glance at Xiao’s face, to suddenly cup his face while her thumb rubbed the corner of his eye where those burning tears previously formed, ❛ I-I’m full of relief that you’re alright! And your face too… you got me so worried! ❜

⠀ A weak chuckle escaped her lips before brushing his bangs to press a kiss against the gem located on his forehead⠀ ; ⠀ Nilou’s kisses feel ticklish⠀ . . . ⠀ But full of love, such a perfect balance to describe her kisses. After she pressed a kiss and to retreat too, ❛ Gah! I’m so sorry that I ruined your shirt, but you shouldn’t apologize, my beautiful bird. All that I’m looking for is to see that you’re safe and sound, to make sure your face is intact from your tears! ❜ there goes Nilou to address Xiao in a affectionate matter while all of this happened.

[alatusatlas]

xiao has buried so many fallen former comrades and gods similar to his lord, presiding over each one with the same amount of respect as his lord instructed him to. even when karmic debt weighed heavily upon his soul, he continued to perform those last rites, sitting with his lord or his fellow yakshas (and his lover, at some point, but he attended theirs alone, kissing the small headstone he had placed, and sometimes to this day he visits with small cups of tea in his hands-).

the god of rivers and streams, the beloved of the anemo archon, was one of the foreign gods that xiao mourned alongside him. having never met nor fought alongside this particular god, he could not understand the god of freedom's intensity of grief, but he still was with him, holding him in his arms as he sobbed for a love that would be lost to time. the god of crystals, too; blinded by grief of the loss of the one she loved the most in the world, she struck down lady guizhong, before subsequently getting struck down by xiao's beloved lord.

"i'm sorry for causing you such worry, my flower," xiao whispers, softly, bowing his head to allow her to plant a soft kiss against the diamond-shaped mark on his forehead (he doesn't remember how it got there, but it was there and he liked it). if she's going to nickname him, he will give her a nickname in turn, and the nickname of 'my flower' fit her quite well. he doesn't understand why it fits her, but it does fit her well, in his opinion.

"do not worry about my clothing, i will simply have to wash it later, and it is not of any difficulty for me to do." strong yet gentle arms wrap around nilou and hold her closer, and the yaksha carefully situates himself so that the two of them would be more comfortable against the hard floor of the inn.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ In the midst of the Archon War, located northwest of Mondstadt is where the ground is bathe in dried blood, to which belonged to more than one fallen god, as fallen comrades’ blood coated over the dried blood. Such visual image continue to haunt the survivors that survived from a sort of miracle, but their clogged ears hearing the battlefield’s cries and painful moans ⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Still, the image of one of the gods’ eyes widen in horror before pierced through the chest. After that⠀ . . . ⠀ Multiple cries of plead as the enemy continue to stab⠀ ; ⠀ splatters of blood splattering here and there.

⠀ There wasn’t no doubt that after the Archon War was over, the survivors had fallen on their knees to let out the loudest cry of agony, not an ounce to release a cry of victory, people said that scars will heal⠀ . . . ⠀ Yet, none of the survivors’ scars had healed for those scars to deepened and unable to heal, perhaps a reminder? Nobody to this day doesn’t know, as if no one expressed the slight interest from a cruel of a reminder.

⠀ The moment Xiao called Nilou “my flower” is when she felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and her heart beginning for beat fast agains her ribcage, all of this rose blood to her cheeks⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Flustered, to summarize it of how she is feeling at the moment, and didn’t hesitate to confirm that she’ll do the same treatment to him, so he’ll feel all warm and safe.

⠀ There wasn’t a day for Nilou to go on without a giggle here and there, shortly after the kiss pressed against the gem on his face to cup his cheeks and brought his face a few inches close to hers, ❛ Good, good and I wouldn’t want my beautiful bird to hurt his face! ❜ once again, a giggle and then a hum, before she lifted one of her hands that cupped his face to poke the corner of his eyes⠀ . . . ⠀ Within a second for a body of water to take form a flower to tap against the places those precious burning tears harmed the delicate skin of his.

[alatusatlas]

xiao sometimes dreams of his days fought during the archon war; of violence and pain and all those awful things that no one would ever want to remember, but were something that he continued to remember to this very day. he can remember the screams of the fallen gods, he can remember watching so many of his fellow yakshas succumb, he can remember too much. and yet, even though sometimes he wishes he could take those memories and shove them in a box to bury deep below the ground, it helps keep those who have been lost alive, through those painful memories. it was a burden that xiao would always bear, and he would continue to do so until his dying days.

the few survivors of the archon war were scattered like leaves upon the wind. the god of freedom, angered by the loss of their beloved at another god's hands, seemingly cut contact with the god of thunder and eternity (that is, until a certain event five hundred years prior to now). the greater lord became more withdrawn and quiet, hardly leaving her country that she so wished to flourish like the soft petals of the flowers she so adored. and the tsaritsa, the sweet lady tsaritsa, only remained friendly with xiao's beloved lord.

xiao, in the present, is happy that nilou seems to like this nickname, and allows her to press a couple of more touches to his face, closing his eyes and bowing his head to accept them like they were holy blessings from a devoted god. the feeling of the water flower against the faint burns left from his tear tracks was soothing in a way he could not describe, but accepted nonetheless, leaning his head into the little touches.

"you're....very kind," he murmurs, sounding the slightest bit embarrassed by this, but not ashamed in the slightest. xiao has been called beautiful many times, by many people, but this time, it feels different. and it's different in a way he likes.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Denial is less painful than the harsh truth after the Archon War, the harsh truth came out that nobody stood as the victor⠀ ⸻ ⠀ No one stood full of confidence and glory, instead submitted onto their knees in defeat⠀ . . . ⠀ Total defeat and a river of tears after losing their significant others and loved ones for no reason, to then forcefully get on their feet and carry the burden all alone by embracing themselves without a pair of arms embracing them instead.

⠀ Whereas no one wouldn’t share the burden and refused to express such vulnerability in front of individuals, so the scar couldn’t deepened more than it already had⠀ . . . ⠀ A pity of the fear to express a slight emotion without being reminded of the Archon War and how it grew a pair of arms, dragging away loved ones into the battlefield.

⠀ Although Nilou wasn’t familiar with the history of the Archon War, and more familiar and knowledgeable towards gods and goddess’ legacy, but that didn’t prevent the dancer to embrace a survivor from the Archon War into her arms as she sang them a lullaby to bring their mind at ease after falling asleep, using her hydromancy to form droplet of waters to kiss the survivor’s face while they’re asleep. A signal to express her gratitude towards them after sacrificing more than they’ve already sacrifice, a token of appreciation.

⠀ ❛ And you’re brave! ❜ Nilou’s eyes shimmered and her pupil reflected as much light, as her words towards Xiao expressed affection towards him, ❛ Shall I go down the list of why you’re brave? ❜ a satisfied giggle escaped her lips at the sight in front of her, from the way he’s embarrassed to the smallest details she captured from him meant a lot to her, after she finished talking to notice her thumb brushing against his bottom lip⠀ . . . ⠀ A bold move but it didn’t felt like teasing but rather endearment towards him.

[alatusatlas]

the horrors of war were something that xiao could not deny, no matter how he wished the events didn't take place. for the longest time under his former master, xiao was in a harsh denial that his friend had betrayed him in such a way, that his dear and only friend had allowed him to be taken by a cruel god to manipulate like a puppet on a set of strings. but, he learned, one cannot deny the truth for very long, unless they were so truly deluded that they lost themselves inside of their own mind. it was a horrible thing to witness--friends and allies so within their own mind that they could not recognize those that cared about them.

xiao had visited the goddess of flowers' resting place once, with his lord, many years prior. kneeling against the cool earth and observing his lord tend to the flowers around the area with an amount of care that made xiao want to sob quietly in grief, he still felt this odd sense of peace. it was like the goddess was seated beside him, not touching him nor speaking to him, but allowing him to bask in her presence.

sometimes, if he closes his eyes and concentrates enough, he can feel the touches of long-lost friends and loved ones against his arms and cheeks, through the small brushes of the breeze against his body, or the way that a certain smell would remind him of them. nilou, he supposes, had that effect on him in a much less subtle way, with the way she reminds him of the goddess of flowers.

"i...if you wish to go down the list, i will not stop you," xiao murmurs, voice catching when her thumb brushes against his lower lip. it's such a soft gesture, such a tender one full of love, he could almost weep in joy. but, his tears hurt him, and they would hurt nilou, so he did not do such a thing, instead leaning into the touch and placing the softest of kisses against her thumb.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The Archon War is the definition of what to lose and what to gain through the horrors of blood shed⠀ && ⠀ field of screams of fallen gods and goddess. Was there something to lose? Without a doubt and was there something to gain? Unfortunately, the answer is nonexistent as if there wasn’t nothing to gain from it, ever since. All those blood, sweat, tears, and vocal chords snapping after a few survivors screamed their heart out full of agony⠀ . . . ⠀ All there was left is countless bodies of gods and goddess⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Their loved ones gone and dead, all there was left is the cold corpses left behind.

⠀ The fall of the Scarlet King continues to be remembered by his followers and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata has been wiped out of everybody’s memory, doesn’t matter if no one associated with her or not. Though, on the other hand, the Goddess of Flowers’ legacy got rewarded to be buried around her resting place, a realm, to be specific⠀ . . . ⠀ Newcomers felt a presence when they’ve visit her resting place, although with Xiao as if the Goddess of Flowers kneeled down and cupped his face to mutter, “You did a wonderful job, Xiao.” a short sentence with such meaningful reason behind it.

⠀ ❛ Hehe, good! Because you’ll never stop me from blabbering on and on about you. ❜ Nilou’s half lidded eyes and a tilt of her head, as her thumb continue to brush against his lips, ❛ I can begin from describing the way you carry on with such bravery by pushing through and through, to the way that you’re able to protect more than you know… I love that about you! ❜

⠀ Though the way Nilou described Xiao is cheesy enough, though the way she formed her words and allow them to escape her lips⠀ . . . ⠀ Sounded way, way, and way genuine to which she meant it to sound and feel that way, ❛ Beautiful and brave! Beautiful face, eyes, lips, and capturing presence that you’re unfolding in front of me, …so beautiful and brave! Did I say those two words a lot? Hehe, I did and I mea it. ❜ without hesitate to press a kiss on the corner of his lips, before retreating to giggle as she continue to cradle his face into her hands.

[alatusatlas]

many of those involved in the archon war fought for different things, so numerous that xiao could not name them all. but he, he himself, he fought for his lord, and for the safety of the people his lord cared about with all his being; the followers of lady guizhong who were beloved by the now-dead god. the aftermaths of the war, while painful as xiao mourned the loss of friends and those that cared about him, was also peaceful in a strange way--a time to rebuild, creating a new liyue tucked in the safety of the harbor south of guili plains.

war allowed people to rebuild, to recreate, and xiao supposed that it was the same for the other archons during the war. of course, he didn't know this for certain, as he spent all his time in liyue, but had inklings based on what his lord told him from his other meetings with the archons. sumeru rebuilt, and so did fontaine. it would be what those who were lost in the war would have wanted; a peace and a freedom for their people.

as nilou speaks, xiao listens to her in silence, leaning against her and tucking his face against her neck. after a moment, his eyes close comfortably, his hands going to lightly hold onto the embroidered fabric of her skirt. he could fall asleep like this, now, in a strange sense of peace. while unsure of what to call it, xiao feels the most relaxed he has in some time, the feeling of karmic debt settled into a slight weight at the bottom of his stomach.

when nilou takes his face and gives him a kiss, it startles xiao out of the previous state he was in, but not so much so that she would have taken notice. instead, xiao hums softly, leaning in and giving her a small kiss in return. "you are also beautiful and brave--i believe that i can say this with certainty, nilou."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Under what conditions can we claim victory in this war in bloodshed? No one wasn’t able to answer the question, to the point a strategist cannot determine a strategy to go around the question and seek for the answer. Through everyone’s perspective in participating in the Archon War to fight for different things⠀ && ⠀ reasons, unfortunately a few died for what they fought over, as for the unfortunate ones⠀ ⸻ ⠀ The survivors or “The Victors” is what Teyvat proclaimed them to be, to then flip a switch and snapped at anybody who⠀ . . . ⠀ Addressed them for such a undeserved title.

⠀ The survivors of the Archon War refused to carry on a title on their shoulders without reminded of unpleasant memories, none of them didn’t taste either victory or glory on the tip of their tongue. All of the endless efforts through blood, sweat, and tears throughout the war resulted in vain, to which the survivors took the blame of it and scattered across Teyvat, the amount of refusal to see disappointment written across multiple faces.

⠀ Nilou’s embrace is soothing like a feather brushing against your cheek while inviting you closer and closer into her arms, comforting to the touch too. Nobody couldn’t lay their finger on of why the dancer’s embrace felt comforting yet⠀ . . . ⠀ Eternal? As if it feel like a field of flowers, a signal that it’s the end and able to rest without disturbance while a couple of birds flew across the clear sky, who couldn’t of knew that Nilou’s embrace is the definition of safety too.

⠀ Seeing Xiao’s reaction up close brought a couple of bubble giggles out of her, all of this felt surreal. Way too surreal to witness this side of him, Xiao, after hearing from ear-to-ear about the unapproachable and uninterested adeptus that wasn’t there to have idle chitchat unless it’s about concerns evolving around Liyue’s safety, but she’s extremely lucky and content to share moments like these with him.

⠀ ❛ Then it’s settled that we’re beautiful and brave for each other! ❜ Nilou’s face begin to have a red color after Xiao gave her a small kiss in return, it’s the smallest actions that meant a lot to her to make her all flustered and giggly. ❛ A beautiful bird and a flower… I didn’t expect for a combination to represent beauty, and can I go on and on about you? ❜ the dancer’s attention all over Xiao to acknowledge that they’re still on the ground, after Nilou tackle him from what happened earlier.

[alatusatlas]

it did not take xiao much probing for zhongli (or, rex lapis, as he was once known) to admit his shame for his fearsomeness during the war. he regretted not showing his enemies more mercy (unless they were a cruel god, like xiao's former master), he regretted allowing rage to take over after guizhong's death, and he regrets that his ferocity lead to rumors about him being the one that had killed the sweet and gentle lady havira.

for the former god of war to feel such regrets about war, xiao questioned his lord as to whether or not he would fight in a war again, as a hypothetical situation that he prays would never happen. and his lord smiled sadly, bowing his head, before murmuring, "only if the people of liyue could not fight their war alone; then only will i intervene." his lord paused, taking a small sip of his wine, before continuing with, "i do not wish to ever have to fight a war again. i do not wish that for you too, xiao. you deserve peace."

the slight trancelike state that xiao had slipped into while nilou held and talked to him was one that he had only felt before, in the embrace of his lover during the war. they smelled faintly of jasmine, and xiao would always relax during their embracing, resting his head in their lap as they stroked their hair. he would drift, and he would feel as if he would float away, like he was only tethered to the ground by their touch.

xiao only becomes approachable when he wants to be, and he supposes that this time is one of them now. he wants nilou to like him, to feel comfortable and safe around him. and he supposes that it's working, since nilou feels safe enough to touch and cuddle him like he was something to be cherished.

"birds sometimes collect flowers, and other pretty things, to give to those that they like." even the birdlike adepti, while much different from normal birds, still held this habit--cloud retainer would often be found tinkering with whatever shiny object she would get her hands on, and xiao himself would sometimes gather dandelions in a bouquet to lay at pervases' shrine.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ History is written by victors, is what the saying comes and goes, right? Though an exception is God of Freedom, Barbatos and God of Contracts, Morax⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Although, the topic about Archon War result in different responses⠀ && ⠀ reactions written across the Archons’ faces after given such a question that lingers in the past.

⠀ Including perspective, as well. Due to the fact the original seven aren’t the same in the slightest, but similarities of carrying grief on their shoulders. It’s hilarious of how there wasn’t no victors during the Archon War, yet Barbatos and Morax were able to convince that not all victors will have history written, had the capability to write about it, knowingly that they’re the winners but decided to not bring up the topic⠀ . . . ⠀ Unless it has been brought up for necessary needs.

⠀ Nilou is less aware to take notice of her embrace is similar of Xiao’s lover, an embrace that resembles a couple of flowers’ petals brushing against your face like fingertips. Of course, she wouldn’t hesitate to continue the embrace to have that sort of resemblance through physical contact, if he needed it then⠀ . . . ⠀ She’ll provide and begin to sing a lullaby too.

⠀ ❛ I’ve heard about it and what will you think of the roles reversed? Offering a flower to a beautiful person like you? Oh! shall I say… my beautiful bird? ❜ Nilou’s choice of words in a affectionate yet playful in a lighthearted way is amusing to the eye.

⠀ There wasn’t a doubt that Nilou already felt comfort and a burst of enjoyment around Xiao’s presence, as she wouldn’t hesitate in a heartbeat to express it so he’ll be filled with reassurance about it, sending signals at him, ❛ Ah! I didn’t realize until now that we’re laying on the floor and in each other’s arms — Well, you in my arms, hehe… not that I mind! I actually love this. ❜

[alatusatlas]

of the original seven that remained, the ones that xiao kept in contact with were his beloved lord and barbatos, the anemo archon and the archon of freedom. freedom was something that many people wanted during the war--a freedom to not have to fight, to make their own choices, and xiao....xiao felt that. he could understand that in full, he could understand why those that were fighting would crave such a thing. in fact, he was one of those beings that craved freedom so, before he was under the command of his beloved lord.

the only people that he had spoken about his mortal lover to (that were alive, anyway) were his lord, the adeptus madame ping, and barbatos. his lord had actually met the mortal lover, once upon a time, coming across them laying together in a field during a quiet moment, upon which he went to introduce himself to them. it was slightly awkward, but...it turned out well, in the end.

in order to get the kind of tea that his lover once loved in order to bring to their shrine, the adeptus was forced to speak to madame ping about them. the old woman had listened respectfully and politely, smiling and nodding when applicable, before passing him a small sachet of the tea--enough to brew four cups. but xiao would only be brewing one, as his love could not share it with him.

and barbatos--he always kind of knew, through the whispers of the wind, of the love the two shared. when they died, barbatos was with him when he grieved, helping him to remain tethered to the ground and to his mind. once the initial grief passed, xiao spoke to the god about it, and in response, the god wrote a lovely ballad about the two of them. perhaps those in mondstat had unwillingly heard of the story of the adeptus and the doctor.

when nilou speaks, xiao has gone quiet again, his eyes closing as he nuzzles closer to her. it seems like he's going to fall asleep, like this, and perhaps he would; he has not felt so safe in so long. even though his silence and sleepy state would seem to state otherwise, he is listening to her, and in response to her words, reaches over and gives her hand a little squeeze as if to say yes, i'm here, thank you for your words.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ After the Archon War was put to an end, while Barbatos and Morax left⠀ . . . ⠀ What was left? countless bodies that belonged to countless individuals that fought for freedom and the hope of redemption for this war⠀ ⸻ ⠀ All of them used all of their strength throughout the war, which lead to sacrifices, there wasn’t no hesitation or fear at all. As only determination burst through their body, pulling through and through until there wasn’t nothing left behind.

⠀ Aside from Nilou’s embrace to be described in more ways than one, the dancer’s back faced a person to sense a presence standing behind her⠀ . . . ⠀ The way those half closed eyes of hers glance towards the person and welcomes them with open arms, a similar way that the Goddess of Flowers did. Such a nostalgia emotion to see again.

⠀ A sign of relief escaped Nilou’s lips after what she explained to Xiao of why his beauty struck and bravery, too. For a couple of minutes to look up at the ceiling to glance back down at Xiao, who is about to go to sleep peacefully, ❛ Rest my bird, you’ve did more than enough. ❜ a hum escaped her lips as she begun to stroke his hair, as well to sing a lullaby to allow Xiao to feel more at ease.

⠀ Her eyes widen a bit after the squeeze and hummed in response, she, too, squeezed his hand. As for her other hand to continue stroking his hair, to continuing on her lullaby while he’s planning to sleep in her arms⠀ . . . ⠀ or not, regardless, to press a kiss in his hair to then resume stroking his hair. The kiss? felt like a gigantic petal of lotus was laid over his body as a sort of warmth blanket.

[shameofice]

starter for @lotosomno

"and once there is a heaven, there will be a hell within the valley of the great celeste; oceans of misery and fire.....weird book."

subject one, with his nose buried in a book as he sits on top of a crate in grand bazaar, doesn't take much notice of the area around him. the fatui escort that one of his papas issued for him had told him to sit there and stay put while they explored the bazaar (in disguise, of course, people don't really like the fatui there). so, the boy had found a crate near a corner near a big, elegant stage to sit on while reading one of the books a different one of his papa's gave him. it's a philosophical book, of some kind, written by a woman from fontaine with a name that subject one has trouble pronouncing.

he swings his legs, lightly kicking the crate with his booted feet, balancing his heavy sling back on his lap while resting his elbows atop it. nipping the lower part of his lip, he turns the page, admiring the illustration of an angel casting judgement upon some deserving mortal. it's...a graphic illustration, to say the least, but some of the anatomy isn't right. some of those organs wouldn't be in the right places.

"the small intestine doesn't look like that," subject one mumbles partially to himself again, tracing a finger over the illustration carefully. "it's more...what's that thing papa said.....organically sound?" blue hair swings over his face and his mask as he ducks his head down slightly to get a better look at it.

so engrossed in his book is he, that he doesn't hear the sound of someone approaching him. his papa told him that he should be more aware of his surroundings.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ On most days, Zubayr Theater’s atmosphere is described full of life and joy. Due from the fact that anybody who associates with the theater are considered to be part of the “family” in the Zubayr Theater, like everybody else ⠀ —⠀ From the way everybody celebrates with a fest after a long day from running errands⠀ && ⠀ preparing scripts for upcoming performances.

⠀ Unfortunately, today wasn’t those usual days for the Zubayr Theater. Meanwhile, a Fatuus by the name of The Doctor is lingering within the theater by the company of his subordinates⠀ . . . ⠀ To avoid the public’s eye, yet there wasn’t a reason of why the harbinger is here. Perhaps it was a “unknown reason” for everyone else, except for him.

⠀ ❛ Huh— Why— What is going on? ❜ Nilou’s facial expression ranged from confusion to surprise to see one of the crates spotted in middle of the Grand Bazaar, though nobody haven’t answered her question to return back from what they’re suppose to do in a hurried manner. The dancer decided to take matters in her hands to approach the crate to spot⠀ . . . ⠀ A kid?! No, no, there wasn’t no way that somebody could of forgotten their kid.

⠀ ❛ Excuse me, ❜ she cleared her throat and tapped the kid’a shoulder, while hoping that she wouldn’t give them the signal that they’re in trouble to which they’re certainly not in trouble, but she didn’t expect a kid out of all people without a guardian by their side.

[shameofice]

not having expected nilou to appear, subject one squeaks in surprise, nearly dropping his book but fumbling it so that it remains firmly in his hands (with black-painted nails, he'd painted them himself while his papa tutted to him about how he shouldn't waste time doing such frivolous things, but didn't actually stop him from doing it). when the book is back in his hands, he looks up at nilou, grey eyes with one behind a mask staring up at her.

his first thought when he sees nilou is wow, she's really pretty, and his second thought is she might be that dancer nilou that i heard people talking about. her outfit resembles one of a dancer, and her footsteps are light like one. maybe that's why she was so easily able to sneak up on him like that; the pretty dancer lady with the innocent eyes and hair even redder than tartaglia's.

"hi," subject one says, blinking up at her. "you're, um...nilou, right? i heard people talking about you." fingers grip the edges of the book (a heavy and elaborate tome, the stated author being ségolène dubois inscribed in an elegant fashion on the cover) nervously, as subject one isn't one for talking to people. sure, he likes talking to people, but he's not very good at it.

maybe she wanted him to move off of the crate, because she needed something in it. but she hasn't said anything with it, so he's going to remain where he is while he talks to nilou for now.

"i'm waiting here for my papa's friends, i got told to sit and wait here, so..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ On a few occasions⠀ —⠀ Which happens to be on most days, that Nilou had happen to witness a couple of kids here and there running or wandering around the Grand Bazaar. Though she’ll admit that it’s an endearing sight to behold, but does leave her a bit concern a couple of times.

⠀ Standing beside a kid whose appearance is⠀ . . . ⠀ Rather interesting as she hasn’t seen a kid appearing like that and not that she would judge of course, but got taken back by it.

⠀ ❛ Mhm! My name is Nilou, ❜ a mixture of relief⠀ && ⠀ surprise⠀ —⠀ Relief because she is recognized by the kid, but then surprise of how he knows that it’s her. But she doesn’t question think of more questions. ❛ …Is that so? Hmm, I’m relief that you aren’t wandering around by yourself without a parental supervision. And your papa? How long have you been waiting? ❜ Nilou decided to stick around for the sake of the kid’s safety and she wanted too, of course, who would leave a kid by themselves?

[shameofice]

subject one has only been to the bazaar once before, but nilou wasn't there during that time (he was tailing along behind some fatui members as they wre doing some surveying--for what, he wasn't sure, but he wanted to tag along anyways). instead of seeing the dancer, he saw several children gathered around the stage as a man juggled and a woman off to the wide appeared to be sewing something. the children looked so happy, so carefree while witnessing something so simple, he wanted to go and join them. but, the fatuus he was walking with tugged his arm, so he had to go.

"not too long, miss nilou, don't worry," he reassures her, crossing his ankles and blinking curiously at her. behind the half-mask, he has another functional eye, but the mask is meant to hide the deformities around that area. the mask itself is simple, roughly hewn in appearance yet evidently well-constructed and sturdy. "they said that had some stuff to do around here, so i decided to sit here and read my book."

even in his home country, subject one is quite an odd sight, with his mask and long blue hair and clothes that seemed to be more flowy than the more structured garments that were common to help against the cold. stares and whispers about him are something that, while he doesn't like as they make him feel uncomfortable, he's used to.

he's a polite and well-spoken boy, the way he carefully chose his words reminiscent of that of a scholar's. "i wanted to go to the library in the akademiya, as papa is there now, but i wasn't able to. some of the books in there are supposed to be amazing..."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ On rare days, Nilou’s presence doesn’t seem to be seen on stage or around the Zubayr Theater, on those days that Jugglers appear to be the ones to entertain or Toy Sellers to show and receive profit from their wonderful gadgets⠀ && ⠀ toys, anything falling into that category.

⠀ On Nilou’s case to end up with a wave of crowds surrounding her, which results in difficulties to know each individual among the crowd. Of course, she could of met the kid another day to make this conversation more casual and smooth, though she’ve already done that to which she seems relief about it.

⠀ ❛ I know that I shouldn’t worry and all, but it’s been a while since you sat around here, right? What do you think of me taking you around the Zubayr Theater? Think of it as a treat and a tour! ❜ Nilou’s eyes shimmer full of excitement at the thought to take the kid around from getting to know everybody in the Grand Bazaar to sit down and enjoy some delicious snacks. Eventually it caught to her if the kid has eaten or drank anything.

[shameofice]

once before, in his home country, subject one had been to a performing act (the reason for, he doesn't remember why, but he had to get dressed up all fancy before going). it was an interesting act, with knife-throwing in one part and elegant dancing in the other, and he found that it was hard for him to follow the story that was being told without words being spoken. still, even though he couldn't understand it, he was very entertained.

"um, i'm not supposed to leave the bazaar, but i think that it would be okay for us to look around the theatre a little..." there's a pause, and he glances at a pocketwatch that dangles from his bag, before reaching inside said bag before pulling what appeared to be a small medicine bottle, taking a small sip before putting the bottle back carefully. on closer inspection, the bag seems to be full of these medicine bottles, as well as some carefully-wrapped snacks, a small mora pouch, and a doodle-covered notebook. there wouldn't be any space in the bag for the large book, so he must have been carrying it in his arms this whole time.

a lot of strange things for a younger teenager to be carrying around, but it goes with his overall strange appearance.

"what's your favorite part of the theatre, miss nilou? is it the stage?" subject one questions, leaning up slightly and admiring the headdress she had on her head. part of it reminded him of the ones he saw at the theatre, but there was also something different about it (well, the horns are one that's glaringly obvious).

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ ⠀ Ever since Nilou became part of the Zubayr Theater⠀ —⠀ Specifically, the star of Zubayr Theater, without a doubt became a dream of hers to pursue this path⠀ . . . ⠀ As she will continue on and on to full everybody’s heart full of joy, including hers too.

⠀ ⠀ ❛ Is that so? That shouldn’t prevent me from showing you around, it’s a joy for everybody to experience the joy to be around the Grand Bazaar! ❜ Nilou’s excitement is similar of an adult who haven’t experience little to no exciting adventurers or activities for that matter, a satisfied hum escaped her close lips as she looked around the Grand Bazaar with a happy smile written on her face, before hearing the kid spoken as she, once again, hummed in acknowledgement.

⠀ ❛ My favorite place in the theater? Hmm… that’s a tough question because I love everything here! But I’ll say to stand on top of the stage and perform to spread the joy from ear to ear to express how a joy a performance can bring a smile on a person’s face, and… what’s your name? I haven’t gotten a chance to know about your nam— Oh! ❜ in middle of answering the kid’s question to notice how her headpiece captured his attention to which she giggled before kneeling down, ❛ You want to touch it and wear it? ❜ Nilou’s head tilt slightly with the smile that still remained on her face.

[shameofice]

in terms of the arts, subject one was never really good at them. sure, suni tried to teach him to dance, and the elegant yet somehow terrifying columbiana taught him how to sing old hymns, he never really got it. he could sing some hymns, quietly, but he could never get the rhythm of dance right, always trampling over someone's feet. when questioning his papa on this, his papa said he was more 'book-smart' than 'art-smart' in mind, which, now and at the time, makes excellent sense to him. some people are just better at the arts.

"i'd like to see the rest of the bazaar--i can't leave the area, though, because then papa's friends wouldn't be able to find me," he says with a bright smile, happy to see the woman smiling brightly as well. for some reason, smiles always felt that much more contagious with him, like if someone else was smiling that the feeling of joy would be transferred directly onto him.

now, the question of his name makes him pause. he's only had one name, really (that of subject one, which everyone calls him), but he doesn't think that'd fly with nilou too well. it's not really a name, and more of a title, like columbiana or capitano or even tartaglia. but, he's heard a name before mentioned by his papa, and it sounded like it would be suitable for this situation, something that felt as if it would fit the area. his mama's name sounded more feminine, in his mind, so papa's mentioned name would work better

"zandik, my name is zandik," subject one replies to her question after the pause. "and i've never seen a headpiece like yours--where does the design come from?" when she kneels down, he hesitantly reaches out to brush his hands across the horns, finding them to be quite sturdy. "did you make this yourself? it's really pretty."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ ⠀ Ever since Nilou’s teacher taught Nilou the basic to professional necessities, at the time that Nilou’s teacher observe their youthful and full of life dance student, Nilou, to lift her hand at the sky and grasp of turn the impossible to possible⠀ —⠀ At the time, her teacher considered what their eyes observed is full of determination with a hint of admiration, there wasn’t no doubt that Nilou wasn’t hesitate to be chosen and became who she is, all gratitude⠀ && ⠀ admiration towards her teacher.

⠀ ❛ I understood and I’ll guarantee that you’ll enjoy it around here, after all I can promise that your dad will be satisfied to see his kid in a happy mood! ❜ unfortunately, Nilou’s naive of being unaware of his biological father⠀ . . . ⠀ The father in question to drive everybody around his presence away after the knowledge grasp underneath his fingertips.

⠀ ❛ Zandik, huh? What a neat name that suits you, and I’m more than positive that we’ll get along! Oh, like we can walk around and I’ll tell you about everybody— Oh, but also… I can tell you about a few tips of dancing, it doesn’t hurt everybod— Oh, but wait! ❜ Nilou tend to bounce around the conversation due to her rambling on and on, an awkward chuckle before shaking her head in a nod at Zandik.

⠀ ❛ Indeed, I’ve sew all of this by hand! It was a difficult progress but it pays off pretty well, and.. ❜ she decided to remove her headpiece and place it on top of his head, placed both of her hands on her waist, before a nod and then a confident smile, ❛ Ta-da~! ❜

[shameofice]

one of the few harbingers with talents in the arts is columbiana, the third harbinger, rumored to be as strong as an archon yet holds herself with this strange sort of grace that many often find themselves entranced by. sometimes, when he'd get bored and wander around the halls of the grand palace, he'd hear her singing, always erie despite the sometimes sweet words that she lets slip from her lips. when the boy had questioned her on her singing, the woman only smiled mystically, and when he had asked if she could teach him, the harbinger held him gently in her arms while teaching him the notes and lyrics of some of their country's most popular hymns. thankfully, subject one could carry a tune better than he could carry himself in dance, and continued to take singing lessons with the harbinger whenever he had the chance.

many fatui believed that subject one was simply just another one of dottore's clones, but with different eyes due to tampering. that worked well with both dottore and his boy, as it allowed him to slip around relatively unnoticed (as many clones were often seen wandering around the palace and surrounding area), but sometimes it had its downsides. best not to dwell on it for now.

"thank you, miss nilou! my papa said the name was from sumeru, and i think he's from sumeru himself, but he never really talks about that kind of stuff with me," he chirps, unbothered by nilou's rambling. in fact, it kind of reminds him of his own excited chatter when he learns about something new, so the two are equally matched in this matter. "i wouldn't mind meeting everybody, i don't have a lot of friends."

as soon as the headpiece is placed upon his head, subject one reaches up to steady it, not wanting it to fall and get damaged. it's quite heavy, but not too heavy, and he's able to balance it carefully. "wow...you're a really talented lady, miss nilou!"

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Nilou lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment⠀ —⠀ In better words, her naive of knowing about The Harbingers. Less aware or notice individuals to work for the Tsaritsa to express their undying devotion⠀ && ⠀ dedication for the Cryo Archon, without a doubt that it’s visible for anyone to be aware of that.

⠀ A part of Nilou had hope for the day to arrive that she’ll meet another individual who shares the same ambition of hers or interest, overall anybody who is more than willingly to sit down and hear Nilou blabber continuously as she wore a smile full of joy, while doing so. Unfortunately, she’ll have to wait for that day to arrive to then decide to prepare herself for that day too.

⠀ ❛ Is that so? I have a feeling that he named you for a reason, after all parents name their children a name for a given purpose or reason! ❜ Nilou’s demeanor begin to quickly unfold into a sort of light⠀ —⠀ welcoming anybody near her presence with open arms, more than happy to welcome Subject One near her presence as she already begin to enjoy the kids’ aura.

⠀ A giggle escaped her lips as she observed the way Subject One attempted his best not to break, tear, or destroy it by accident to which she has no problem to fix it. After all it’s a small accident and coming in clutch to use her hands full of craftsmen skills too, ❛ You think so? It brings a smile on my face to hear it and I know for sure that you’ll grow up to be an extremely talented big kid with full of ideas and a dream! ❜

[shameofice]

nilou's kind of naivety is something that subject one has seen before (well, not in nilou specifically, but with those similar). fatui that have come across subject one without knowing who he was would treat him like a child, and offer to help lead him to where he needed to go within the palace, even though he knew the place like the back of his hand. he didn't mind it, as it was almost refreshing to be around people different than him or those he spends more time around, and he'd enjoy those interactions with a polite and happy smile on his face.

sumeru seems to be quite a nation of wisdom, but they don't seem to have much appreciation for the arts, as his papa had told him. with a sneer on his face, the harbinger had talked about how the sages would try and ban public performances every so often, and would discourage children from pursuing things that were not academic or shopkeeping in a sense. honestly, he found that all to be really silly, and told his papa such a thing.

all his papa did was laugh and tell him that yes, he wasn't wrong. then he got patted on the head.

his name, subject one, was a shortened version of his full title. he himself can't normally remember his full title off the top of his head, so 'subject one' remains the shortened version that most people can remember. it was a name given to him without much care, and he didn't mind, but he couldn't exactly tell nilou that his name was, you know, that. so, zandik it is, a simple name that he had overheard often from his papa.

"thank you, miss nilou! i have a lot of things i want to do when i get older--i want to go to fontaine and mondstat, mainly mondstat, because i've always wanted to see windwheel asters in the wild," he says brightly, hands still carefully hovering near the headdress in case it decides to fall off of his head.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Out of everybody, Nilou’s naivety is considered “one-of-a-kind” due to the fact, in front of her appears a path to step forward and encourage for everybody to use their voice⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Such naïve has different reactions⠀ && ⠀ responses, who could of knew that her naivety seems⠀ . . . ⠀ way too contagious? In a good way.

⠀ Of course, she wasn’t no fool to be aware of what is awaiting for her in a caution and a signal to embrace of what is going to be thrown at her, once again, she wasn’t no fool yet her ambitions filled with courageous acts. From the way she got threatened by a group of sages that if she decided to continue Sabzeruz Festival then it’ll be shut down to do a performance in front of my citizens⠀ . . . ⠀ That part of took courage on her part, she knew what to do and didn’t hesitate.

⠀ ❛ There is no need to thank me, I’m there for you every step of the way for you to support that dream of yours! ❜ a giggle escaped Nilou’s lips as she found the conversation enjoyable than ever, she’ll admit out too.

⠀ The dancer kneeled down and gave Subject One a hand to the headdress can manage on, to which she forgot about how she hid her horns⠀ . . . ⠀ Well, she put herself out there, ❛ Although I’m not the type to travel and all, don’t hesitate to visit me so I can hear all about it! ❜

[shameofice]

nilou's naivety is kind of sweet, in a manner of speaking--a strange kind of sweet that subject one had a bit of trouble wrapping his head around. such an innocent view of the world, where everything was separated into neat categories, wasn't how the son of the second harbinger saw the world anymore. instead, the more he learned, the more muddled the world around him became, and yet clearer all the same.

his papa called those types of things 'paradoxical,' a word that subject one always had a hard time wrapping his tongue around in order to properly say it. the way that sumeru worked felt that way to him as well; how could people so knowledgeable be so blind to the fact that there were different kinds of knowledge? but his papa said he'd so something about it, so it made him feel all warm inside.

"my papa said he would take me to go to mondstat, but he also said that he wasn't allowed to go back to mondstat, and that he had some very important business here to do," subject one tells his new friend with a curious little hum, looking down at his feet momentarily before looking into nilou's bright eyes.

the little fellow is springing up all kinds of red flags right now that if nilou was a more perceptive person, she would be picking those up as easily as children would pick up yalda candies. but, this was nilou, not one of the matra or even general mahamatra or even the grand scribe, so it didn't seem like she was picking up on those.

well, subject one also didn't know they were red flags, either, so...fair trade.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ There was no obstacle to the continued innocence of her ambitions and view towards the world, and there wasn’t no doubt about that⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Such innocence to consider everybody and everything in the whole world as a “good person” despite their flaws⠀ . . . ⠀ A massive step to hop over and agreeing without a second thought.

⠀ The way the dancer’s innocence has been mentioned a couple of times, not to mention described as one-of-a-kind, due to the fact crossing paths with Nilou show a different point. But what is the point? by expressing her charisma of innocence to convince anybody to find comfort in it⠀ . . . ⠀ From the way to look for this type of comfort, when it comes to her innocence to stand out than an ordinary type of innocent, the way Nilou’s positive innocence is exceptionally trusting of others to lean towards her.

⠀ ❛ Is there a chance that you’ll be able to go to Mondstadt with somebody that he trust? ❜ Nilou’s eyes shimmer with curiosity and held so much light, she wasn’t aware of the amount of red flag in front of her eyes. Any parent’s children could notice obvious red flags arising after their parent taught them just for the sake of their safety⠀ . . . ⠀ But this is Nilou, whose haven’t had or notice all of this already unfolding in front of her eyes.

⠀ The dancer was kneeled down on one her knees beside Subject One before patting his shoulder, ❛ But hey! It’ll be alright and I know that he’ll take you to visit Mondstadt…someday! ❜ before she rose to her feet to glance around to then focus back on the kid, she signal to nearby stands as if he is prepared to spend the rest of the day with her around the Grand Bazaar.

[shameofice]

-

subject one supposes that he, too, has a rather idealistic view of the world (at least, that's how his papa put it), good and bad clearly laid out like a set of cards before one would build a card house. but, some people fall into the grey area, such as the renowned fatui hunter (who, despite being a terror to the fatui, was considered a hero amongst those he had saved) or even lady columbina--a lot of people were scared of her, but all subject one saw her as was his singing teacher and friend.

he also supposes that he hasn't had much of an ordinary childhood, to say the least--his first memory was of him on his hand and knees, covered in a viscous fluid with shattered glass around him from a fallen contraption, with the sound of shouting filling the air. then, a hand on his cheek, and he was helped up before being wrapped in a blanket. later, he learned that a segment knocked over the massive tube that he was being born in too early, causing it to shatter and for him to wake up early. but it doesn't really matter much to him anymore.

"well....papa's not allowed to go to mondstat anymore, and papa's friends aren't very well liked in mondstat, so i can't really go anytime soon..." he says somewhat morosely, looking down at his feet before back at nilou again, looking a bit more cheery. "but once i'm older and more healthy, i'll ask papa if i could go, and he would probably say yes because then i'd be okay enough to not be near him for a while."

"maybe suni would want to come with me, but she's always too busy and she doesn't like crowds--and mondstat seems super crowded, at least, from what of the other papa's told me--he's the reason that papa can't go back to mondstat." the amount of red flags this boy is throwing up is getting to be an exorbitant amount.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ Of course, innocence wasn’t always a good trait to carry on your shoulders, as you lift your chin up and high, then a huff of your chest⠀ ⸻ ⠀ No, no⠀ . . . ⠀ Innocence is a invitation to be taken advantage of, as a way to interpret a couple of strings tugged on and on, until one of the strings are snapped in half.

⠀ Nilou’s innocence and naive of a heart has been a quest to hear about innocent people’s eyes losing its light after their innocence has been stolen or taken advantage of, as if she can make a visual image of the light pulled away from them⠀ . . . ⠀ The “light” that is their innocence never gone and wouldn’t appear any time soon, how unfortunate a world can be! But, Nilou refuse to give up to consider the world’s true potential to have in store such innocence to prevent advantage to stain many innocent pupils. Without a second or thought to step in and change a person’s view to grab them by their wrist to take them into the bright light.

⠀ ❛ Hey, don’t give up! ❜ Nilou’s hand placed on his shoulder before a couple of pats in encouragement, ❛ Hmm.. how about we make a deal, once you grow up big and strong, including strong then I’ll take you and Suni to Mondstadt? ❜

⠀ The moment those words spilled out of her mouth to go anywhere that wasn’t Sumeru, has got to be the most unconfirmed information coming from her. But, the way Subject One’s eyes brightened up and went on a ramble that she⠀ . . . ⠀ Sort of saw the spirit she and him shared together, there wasn’t a dull day where she refuses to a child to be left in shattered dreams or hopes.

⠀ There wasn’t no going back after what she said to Subject one, knowing her anxiety attack but she cared a lot about children’s dreams and hopes, to which she held dearly to her heart.

[shameofice]

there aren't a lot of people in the fatui that have this certain air of innocence around them, except for the most naive recruits that would soon have their worldview shattered by the sight of death and decay. subject one's seen that happen multiple times, and every time, he feels bad about it, even if it wasn't directly his fault. the only recruit he had seen that didn't have that air of innocence when they first joined (although most recruits had already been through bad stuff, they still had that air) was the man that came to be known as the eleventh harbinger, childe.

childe, when subject one first saw him, had the deadest eyes on a person that he has ever seen in a person that wasn't already dead. a big part of him wondered why he was like that, and when he asked his papa about it, his papa sat him down and told him that childe fell into something called the 'abyss,' a scary place that he shouldn't ever go to willingly.

while both childe and nilou have pretty blue eyes like the ocean, nilou's are full of life--brilliant and shining and full of joy, like the waves lapping against the shore in the summer. childe's eyes are more like the deep blue depths of the ocean, dull and lifeless while the oceans were said to be teeming with life. maybe if the two met, they'd get along--while different, subject one thinks that their differences would meld well together, and they'd be fast friends.

"i think suni would like you a lot, even though you kind of remind me of tartaglia," subject one says in a more bright manner, swinging his feet a bit more and giving nilou a friendly smile. "suni thinks tartaglia is annoying, but she wouldn't think you would be annoying. she likes to dance, too!"

it's obvious that subject one likes suni a lot, from the few words he's spoken about her. maybe nilou could tell, maybe she couldn't--she didn't seem to pick up on the information that subject one spilled by accident (that he noticed a bit too late, hopefully he wouldn't get in trouble.)

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ The Fatui wasn’t a familiar encounter for Nilou, for now⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Though the idea of the dancer stumbling upon a Fatuus wouldn’t be a pleasant one. From the fact Harbingers weren’t⠀ . . . ⠀ The type to maintain a laid-back atmosphere without a slip of their fingertips to leave their enemy underneath them in a mess of pleading for mercy. A scenario of Nilou crossing path with a Harbinger wouldn’t end in a positive note, at all.

⠀ There has been a couple of moments when Aether and Paimon mention a person by the name of Childe, recalling “the old days” when the two of them went toe-to-toe which results in a more bloodied mess through their sparring combats, even if it’s just training. The similarities between Nilou and Childe are the smallest details, such as sharing ginger hair and a Hydro vision. A bunch of similarities, but a huge difference is one, Nilou, has light shimmering in both of her eyes, while with Childe, as his eyes are dead as a dead animal, to add it simply and no room for light to reflect too.

⠀ ❛ Is that so? Then I’ll be more than happy to see the day to meet Suni! ❜ Nilou’s joy begin to sparkle as she had a soft spot for children, without hesitation to invite Suni with open arms and the thought of holding both the kids’ hands while walking around Mondstadt is an endearing feeling that she’ll make it come true. ❛ Hehe, you’re all exciting to talk about Suni, you have a kid crush? ❜ a tilt of her head as the question she asked sounds harmless, once again, it’s endearing to see a kid having a crush on another kid, wholesome is what she’ll say.

[shameofice]

being what is essentially the son of the second harbinger, subject one has been involved with the fatui his entire life. while not being an official member, he was always there, always helping or running about or making sure that some recruits wouldn't tamper with dottore's equipment when the man himself was out. it took the other harbingers some time to get used to the boy running about, but in due time, some of them grew fond of him.

one of those that were the most fond of him was pantalone, or, xiyang, as he had been told by the wealthy banker one day. such as pantalone's real name, subject one knew a lot about the harbingers that many other fatui weren't privy too, such as how the knave always had sweets in her pockets to snack on or to give to other people, that tartaglia had a family that he adored, and lastly, that dottore's name was actually zandik and he always longed for a family of his own with a wife and children, which lead to subject one's initial creation.

"tartaglia mainly goes by childe, you maybe have heard of him by that moniker--he really likes to fight! but i think he would like to dance, with you, or with other people. i think he tried to teach suni how to dance without knowing suni already knew how to dance, and it was funny," subject one starts to say, but is cut off when nilou starts speaking. he got a bit excited...oh well.

when nilou mentions that he had a crush on suni, the boy's visible cheek pinks in a brilliant manner that's visible in the dim lights of the bazaar. it's obviously a bit of an embarrassing subject for him, but not too embarrassing. "we're actually dating...well, kind of, it's complicated."

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ As if it was yesterday, inside Lambad’s Tavern is where Nilou and Traveler are located and spend the afternoon with endless conversations here and there. The conversation shared between were about catching up on what they’ve been up to lately and busy schedules⠀ . . . ⠀ Though the Traveler’s busy-of-a-schedule of carrying a few errands back and fourth to be interrupted⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Most likely to catch the Harbinger’s attention rather than to interrupt.

⠀ Nilou’s knowledge of hearing about Childe came from the Traveler, aside from associating with the Fatui, she gain curiosity and eagerness after hearing about that he knows about to dance⠀ . . . ⠀ Perhaps she’ll gain more knowledge about more traditional Russian dances than what she knows and taught herself, after all the dancer is into folk dance of all kind across Teyvat.

⠀ It’s a rare sight to see young love, in Nilou’s opinion, it’s the upmost endearing and wholesome to ever occur. The dancer’s eyes blank once then twice, to form a smile before patting his shoulder, ❛ You two are dating? Aw, I hope the two are you continue being happy and al— complicated? …How come? If you don’t mind me asking and it’s alright if you don’t want to answer! ❜

[shameofice]

compared to some of the other harbingers, it seemed that those outside of the fatui knew who childe was the most. even though subject one hardly gets out, he's heard many stories--of childe defeating scores of treasure hoarders at once, of childe summoning a god in liyue to put it through a test of some kind, of childe and rex lapis--so many stories that he couldn't count them on his fingers. but, subject one also knows childe as ajax, of a man who loves his family and treated subject one like a little sibling of a sort.

it's easy to notice that nilou recognizes the moniker of childe, and subject one suddenly realizes that he ought to be more careful with his words, lest nilou alert the matra or anyone else. he's heard a lot of stories of the general mahamatra, and honestly, he thinks he's a little scary. so, he's gotta be careful, and he can be careful.....most of the time.

"well, it's complicated because we don't get to spend a lot of time together...she's always doing work, and i'm always helping papa, and she doesn't like papa, so...a lot of stuff. but, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and held my hand the last time we spent time around each other!" his eyes brighten again, and he clasps his hands together, nearly dropping the book in his lap before fumbling to catch it.

suni and childe would like nilou a lot, and maybe childe would be happy to teach nilou some traditional folk dances. although the likelihood of him wanting to fight her too because of her vision makes him a bit weary to that introduction.

[lotosomno]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝓡𝓔𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓝𝓢𝓔

⠀ From the way Traveler’s facial expressions and hand gestures throughout his rant about how Childe is a cautious individual⠀ ⸻ ⠀ Perhaps, too “expressive” of how the Traveler’s expressions went from an eyebrow raised to an annoyed one.

⠀ Overall, Nilou seem to signal without meaning to signal in the first place, there wasn’t no doubt that she is similar of a book⠀ . . . ⠀ An open book, specifically. As there wasn’t nobody to blame on the dancer that her figure seems to stand out in public and there is multiple reasons, but none were bad. Maybe Subject One will have to be cautious, considering that he dropped a bomb full of red flags, of course Nilou’s naïvety and obviousness wasn’t able to catch up on it, all of this confirms that she lives under a rock, which is humorous for some reason.

⠀ ❛ That’s adorable! and both of you are made for each other..! ❜ Nilou is a sucker of all kind of romance, either it’ll be young love or old love, as she wouldn’t be the one to give a side eye or to judge. “Ah, be careful!” after she notice the book slipped out of his hands, to suddenly remember that she was offered a small bag for traveling or to put anything in there, without a second thought to offer it to Subject one because the kid might need one so the book wouldn’t fall or end up in a bad condition.

⠀ Again, from the Traveler’s rants about Childe is that he thrives off combat and doesn’t matter if it’s practice or an actual fight, as long as it falls into that category then it’s already enough for him. Unfortunately, Childe fighting against Nilou would result for the Harbinger to be the victor rather than the dancer, although she would put up a decent fight⠀ . . . ⠀ Attempting to win, regardless about it that he’ll be the winner. On the other hand, Nilou already couldn’t wait to encounter Suni and befriend another child so she’ll have company to make flower crowns or teach all type of cultural folk dance across Teyvat for the kid, Suni, to have a blast.

[lotosomno]

dunno if I’m late or what but happy thanksgiving!

[lotosomno]

okay but the weapon effects on her are so pretty?! her BiS weapon and the stringless affect? is total chef kith for me

[lotosomno]

I’ve finish my drafts, updated the tier list, and now.. genshin time! haha I’ve been running around to do stuff and all

so gonna treat myself !