[it could be said that kaeya's specialty is to take care of everything that's out of the light. whether it be the dastardly plots that happen in the alleys of their fair city or the less glamorous aspects of intelligence gathering and information wrangling, it's with a glint in his eye and a silver tongue that he seeks out oddities with a dexterity that most straightforward knights don't quite to manage.
so when someone arrives with clothes that aren't typical of mondstadt, when kaeya likes to think that he's fairly aware of the comings and goings of merchants, that he can't help but take notice. even from the corner of his eye, he notes the stranger and - well, it's a slow afternoon. why not follow a lead just for fun for once?
and here he was just asking for an updated report from the front guards. it's like the gods themselves were listening when he was hoping for a little something that'd break up the monotony.
so it's just as shi qingxuan is walking past the guards, on their way into the city, that kaeya times his farewell to his comrades.]
Then be at ease, Swan, I'll get out of your hair—
[taking one step back, just enough to bump lightly into shi qingxuan - though he turns quickly on his heel to try to steady the other before the lady loses her balance.]
Oh! Excuse me, where is my head at today? Are you alright?
[ it's funny; qingxuan has visited any number of different cities and places in all of the three realms, from heavenly to ghostly, and it seems that even in different worlds, things are the same. there are cities and guards and people, as far as the eye can see - and kind strangers, too.
while she's supposed to be having a meeting with an 'archon', seemingly this place's version of a heavenly official, no one can fault her for wanting to get to know the place first... especially when someone bumps into her, and that someone is quite handsome. a roguish eyepatch like crimson rain sought flower, but clearly more polite, if helping her is any indication! one of the best things about these sort of missions is getting to know the people of these cities and playing pretend at still being a mortal herself.
shi qingxuan smiles, bright and cheerful, as she places her hand on kaeya's on her arm once she's steadied. ] No, no, I was the one in your path! I should have been watching where I was going, but I just couldn't help myself in looking around at all the sights [ like cute boys.
[sure, kind strangers, and not calculating, bored knights with a penchant for honey-laced words to obscure other curious intentions.
still, the hand on his own manages to make him laugh, a soft and amused noise, before he rotates his wrist just enough to gently catch her fingers with his own in a loose, curling hold.]
Well, we could exchange apologies all day, or I could show you a few more noteworthy sights.
If I'm not mistaken, you seem like a bit of a traveler? In which case it's my responsibility to welcome you to Mondstadt, the city of freedom.
[ - and free-wheeling is certainly a way to describe the cobble-stoned city that waits beyond the outer walls. three windmills carry the gentle breeze as a large statue rests further in the city, overseeing all the people who come and go, chattering about their day as a few dogs and cats roam the streets. what an easy-going place.]
anyway. shi qingxuan doesn't seem to mind the handhold; that smile grows a little, pleased. the wind that seems to dance through this city naturally picks up her dark hair, flutters through her silks, seemingly drawn to her presence, though qingxuan pays it no mind. ]
Is it that obvious? [ she says, touching her other hand to heart, as if absolutely shocked by this information! it's not shocking, of course, and that fades into a more playful smile a moment later. ] Mond...stadt. Did I say that right? You are very correct, sir, I am a traveler, and I have been traveling a long, long, long, long way!
[ with a wide gesture, she emphasizes her words, then reaches to her sleeve to pull out a fan. it opens with a snap, near her face, and qingxuan fans herself, that playful mannerism easy with every motion, every word. ]
And I must say, after such a journey, I'm feeling awfully parched... Perhaps the gentleman would be willing to show this lady a place for a drink and some sights alike? [ the grin sharpens a bit, though not at all menacing; just a little mischievous. ] I can certainly pay for it, if it would be necessary.
with the way that the wind picked up.... an anemo user? interesting. though at the mention of 'is that obvious' - kaeya does one gaze up and down at her form, as if indicating to her robes. loose, flowing, and certainly not the same dress as mondstadt. rather, they're more like liyue.... but it sounds like the distance is even further than that? inazuma?
- though what kaeya doesn't mention is that he's looking for a trinket called a 'vision'. a small glowing orb that notes that someone has received a gift from the gods themselves in order to be able to harness elemental energy. his own rests at his waist, hanging off his belt and giving off a gentle, icy glow.
finding none - his expression doesn't so much as twitch, just smiling a bit as he pulls his hand back instead to let it rest over his chest, bowing at the waist like he's heard they do in other lands]
Why, it'd be this gentleman's honor to serve at the side of a lovely lady. And it just so happens that I was about to stop for a drink myself - I know just the place.
[he straightens then, offering his arm out so as to help lead her]
Even if you'd be willing to open your wallet... let's see if I can get us a few discounts, to sweeten the deal and ease the burden just a bit.
[ if qingxuan is doing any sizing up in exchange, it's certainly not very noticeable. her cheerfulness is as honest as honest can be, and when he bows, qingxuan returns the favor, pressing her fist to her hand respectfully as she does so. she wasn't raised in a barn. ]
Well! [ puff!!! ] My coin is foreign, but I have plenty of it. So long as good gold or silver suffices for currency, I think we'll simply have to drink in style. [ with that, she chirps, pleased, and takes this nice young man's arm. how better to get to know this new land than with a cute guide and a drink in hand? and her brother thought he would be better for this job. ha! ] You seem like quite the charmer, so I'm sure discounts must be easy...~
[ qingxuan tilts her head to smile up at him, fanning herself one more; the breeze lilts gently around them, seemingly responding to the playful mood. ] Though, I hope I don't have to ask for a discount for this gentleman's name, too? I am called Shi Qingxuan - it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm in your care!
[and the mysteries continue to build - coin foreign enough that it's not mora? interesting. the only place that wouldn't use mora would be outside of teyvat, and yet the only place that could be nearby would be khaenri'ah, and kaeya of all people would know that place is....]
You think I'm charming? Why, I suppose it would take one to know one. [cease, sir.] Call me Kaeya - and I assure you that the pleasure is all mine.
[but he won't hesitate to lead them then, bringing them into the interior of the city. children run about, playing their games, and the marketplace seems to lead down the center path - but kaeya guides them just a bit off to the right. a few more buildings line the way.]
If you're in Mondstadt, I do insist that you'll have to try the dandelion wine - it's the local specialty. Where did you say that you were hailing from again?
[ shi qingxuan looks around, smiling to the closest group of kids and otherwise just taking in their surroundings and her company, every bit the rubbernecking tourist. as kaeya asks her where she's from, shi qingxuan just answers with a chirped: ] Oh, the capitol. [ and waves her hand, as if brushing the question off. it's not wrong, exactly.... but she's not going to say "the heavenly capitol" to a stranger, no matter how handsome he may be.... or "from a different world", either.
instead, qingxuan just moves right along, keeping the conversation flowing and her arm looped around his, not even a beat to let any other answer be considered. ]
Now - Dandelion wine, you said? That's a new one for me, and I've ever considered myself something of a connoisseur. It is one of my many talents, knowing a fine sip of wine when I see one. [ wink wink. it comes with a little wiggle, though it seems she's not taking the flirty nature of the commentary too seriously. ] Fufu, I'm looking forward to the new experience.
[ - so a capitol in a country very, very far away then, given that the nature of teyvat makes that separate capitols to be a bit difficult. each part of the country is under the rule of a different archon, and mondstadt is that of the wind archon.
what an interesting visitor he's found today. his own turn of phrase tugs at the edges of his memory - are you a new ally... or a new storm?
still, kaeya just smiles and lets himself be led away from the topic. the flirtation manages to pull a quirk of his brow, the upward curve of his mouth - amused and interested]
Then new experiences you'll surely find. After all, in the city of freedom, the only things that we've inherited from our archon are flight, dandelions, and wine. I'd say that the best days and nights manage to combine all three - and then some.
[though as they get closer to a tavern - some patrons already beginning to gather outside, waves and whistles in kaeya's direction as they approach - he just laughs in return briefly before moving to open the door and hold it for shi qingxuan to enter first]
[ flight, flowers, freedom and booze, huh? goodness, but that makes the heavenly realm even sound boring in comparison. it's clearly better that she came instead of her stingy big brother!
qingxuan breezes into the tavern itself, offering a dazzling smile to the people who greet kaeya and tossing one a wink before she takes a look at the surroundings, closing her fan to set it back into her sleeve. taverns are taverns - though for wealthy young lord, it's a bit novel. it seems like she wasn't paying attention to what he was saying, but... ]
You'll have to forgive me for being ignorant. [ shi qingxuan tilts her head. ] An archon? [ maybe she was, after all. ]
there is one beat that stretches for just a moment too long - an odd, uncomfortable second - before kaeya just offers a smile, easy as anything. so easygoing that it could be easy to disregard the moment of tension just before it.]
Let me get our drinks first, and then I'll be happy to answer.
[he'll guide her to a table further in, pulling out a chair for her in a gentlemanly way before striding off to the counter and ordering two drinks. it doesn't take him long to return - not when the bartender is familiar enough with kaeya, both his preferences and his tendency to treat company.
eventually, as he places a drink in front of her:]
The land of Teyvat possesses seven archons that founded seven lands, each of them a god who managed to win the Archon War. Mondstadt's archon, Barbatos, actually liberated the city from its previous rulers and then left us to our own wiles - that is why we are known for our freedom.
Barbatos himself was the Anemo Archon with dominion over the wind that blows over the land.
[and he smiles, canting his head to the side]
You must've traveled from very far indeed, to not be familiar with the archons. It's enough to make a man such as myself very curious.
[ shi qingxuan watches kaeya's back when he goes off to the counter, fanning herself. that reaction didn't go unnoticed, and her own smile only fades a little when he's gone. jeez, how is she going to explain herself out of not knowing that one? alright, alright, maybe she should've sent someone a bit more subtle, but - all is not lost, qingxuan! you are cute, charming, and can wheedle through this!
when kaeya returns, he'll find qingxuan sitting with two fingers near her forehead. (ling wen, ling wen, knows it all; heeeyyyy, I might've made a little oopsie? it's probably fine, though. just letting you know not to let ge freak out about me, and... that I'm learning plenty about this world after all, so, if you know anything about 'archons', that'd be great! thankyouuugottagobyebye!)
and! once the drink is set before her, she smiles, shutting the fan and tucking it into her sleeve as they start to talk. the explanation works; an archon is a god. that makes sense - and the story of this barbatos seems to fall nicely in line with the lore of godhood in her own realm. you do something amazing - often like winning a great battle - and you ascend. she probably should've gone to meet with this archon first.
oh well! ]
Like I said - a very long way. [ qingxuan settles, resting her chin in her hand, drink in the other, and offers kaeya a wink, tone buoyant and warm. ] Curiosity kills a cat, but satisfaction brings it back, right? Ask your questions, if you'd so like, though a lady can always refuse to answer ones she deems rude.
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no subject
so when someone arrives with clothes that aren't typical of mondstadt, when kaeya likes to think that he's fairly aware of the comings and goings of merchants, that he can't help but take notice. even from the corner of his eye, he notes the stranger and - well, it's a slow afternoon. why not follow a lead just for fun for once?
and here he was just asking for an updated report from the front guards. it's like the gods themselves were listening when he was hoping for a little something that'd break up the monotony.
so it's just as shi qingxuan is walking past the guards, on their way into the city, that kaeya times his farewell to his comrades.]
Then be at ease, Swan, I'll get out of your hair—
[taking one step back, just enough to bump lightly into shi qingxuan - though he turns quickly on his heel to try to steady the other before the lady loses her balance.]
Oh! Excuse me, where is my head at today? Are you alright?
no subject
while she's supposed to be having a meeting with an 'archon', seemingly this place's version of a heavenly official, no one can fault her for wanting to get to know the place first... especially when someone bumps into her, and that someone is quite handsome. a roguish eyepatch like crimson rain sought flower, but clearly more polite, if helping her is any indication! one of the best things about these sort of missions is getting to know the people of these cities and playing pretend at still being a mortal herself.
shi qingxuan smiles, bright and cheerful, as she places her hand on kaeya's on her arm once she's steadied. ] No, no, I was the one in your path! I should have been watching where I was going, but I just couldn't help myself in looking around at all the sights [ like cute boys.
anyway ] .... my apologies.
[ she is just but a simple tourist, ]
no subject
still, the hand on his own manages to make him laugh, a soft and amused noise, before he rotates his wrist just enough to gently catch her fingers with his own in a loose, curling hold.]
Well, we could exchange apologies all day, or I could show you a few more noteworthy sights.
If I'm not mistaken, you seem like a bit of a traveler? In which case it's my responsibility to welcome you to Mondstadt, the city of freedom.
[ - and free-wheeling is certainly a way to describe the cobble-stoned city that waits beyond the outer walls. three windmills carry the gentle breeze as a large statue rests further in the city, overseeing all the people who come and go, chattering about their day as a few dogs and cats roam the streets. what an easy-going place.]
no subject
anyway. shi qingxuan doesn't seem to mind the handhold; that smile grows a little, pleased. the wind that seems to dance through this city naturally picks up her dark hair, flutters through her silks, seemingly drawn to her presence, though qingxuan pays it no mind. ]
Is it that obvious? [ she says, touching her other hand to heart, as if absolutely shocked by this information! it's not shocking, of course, and that fades into a more playful smile a moment later. ] Mond...stadt. Did I say that right? You are very correct, sir, I am a traveler, and I have been traveling a long, long, long, long way!
[ with a wide gesture, she emphasizes her words, then reaches to her sleeve to pull out a fan. it opens with a snap, near her face, and qingxuan fans herself, that playful mannerism easy with every motion, every word. ]
And I must say, after such a journey, I'm feeling awfully parched... Perhaps the gentleman would be willing to show this lady a place for a drink and some sights alike? [ the grin sharpens a bit, though not at all menacing; just a little mischievous. ] I can certainly pay for it, if it would be necessary.
no subject
with the way that the wind picked up.... an anemo user? interesting. though at the mention of 'is that obvious' - kaeya does one gaze up and down at her form, as if indicating to her robes. loose, flowing, and certainly not the same dress as mondstadt. rather, they're more like liyue.... but it sounds like the distance is even further than that? inazuma?
- though what kaeya doesn't mention is that he's looking for a trinket called a 'vision'. a small glowing orb that notes that someone has received a gift from the gods themselves in order to be able to harness elemental energy. his own rests at his waist, hanging off his belt and giving off a gentle, icy glow.
finding none - his expression doesn't so much as twitch, just smiling a bit as he pulls his hand back instead to let it rest over his chest, bowing at the waist like he's heard they do in other lands]
Why, it'd be this gentleman's honor to serve at the side of a lovely lady. And it just so happens that I was about to stop for a drink myself - I know just the place.
[he straightens then, offering his arm out so as to help lead her]
Even if you'd be willing to open your wallet... let's see if I can get us a few discounts, to sweeten the deal and ease the burden just a bit.
no subject
Well! [ puff!!! ] My coin is foreign, but I have plenty of it. So long as good gold or silver suffices for currency, I think we'll simply have to drink in style. [ with that, she chirps, pleased, and takes this nice young man's arm. how better to get to know this new land than with a cute guide and a drink in hand? and her brother thought he would be better for this job. ha! ] You seem like quite the charmer, so I'm sure discounts must be easy...~
[ qingxuan tilts her head to smile up at him, fanning herself one more; the breeze lilts gently around them, seemingly responding to the playful mood. ] Though, I hope I don't have to ask for a discount for this gentleman's name, too? I am called Shi Qingxuan - it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm in your care!
no subject
You think I'm charming? Why, I suppose it would take one to know one. [cease, sir.] Call me Kaeya - and I assure you that the pleasure is all mine.
[but he won't hesitate to lead them then, bringing them into the interior of the city. children run about, playing their games, and the marketplace seems to lead down the center path - but kaeya guides them just a bit off to the right. a few more buildings line the way.]
If you're in Mondstadt, I do insist that you'll have to try the dandelion wine - it's the local specialty. Where did you say that you were hailing from again?
no subject
instead, qingxuan just moves right along, keeping the conversation flowing and her arm looped around his, not even a beat to let any other answer be considered. ]
Now - Dandelion wine, you said? That's a new one for me, and I've ever considered myself something of a connoisseur. It is one of my many talents, knowing a fine sip of wine when I see one. [ wink wink. it comes with a little wiggle, though it seems she's not taking the flirty nature of the commentary too seriously. ] Fufu, I'm looking forward to the new experience.
no subject
what an interesting visitor he's found today. his own turn of phrase tugs at the edges of his memory - are you a new ally... or a new storm?
still, kaeya just smiles and lets himself be led away from the topic. the flirtation manages to pull a quirk of his brow, the upward curve of his mouth - amused and interested]
Then new experiences you'll surely find. After all, in the city of freedom, the only things that we've inherited from our archon are flight, dandelions, and wine. I'd say that the best days and nights manage to combine all three - and then some.
[though as they get closer to a tavern - some patrons already beginning to gather outside, waves and whistles in kaeya's direction as they approach - he just laughs in return briefly before moving to open the door and hold it for shi qingxuan to enter first]
After you.
no subject
[ flight, flowers, freedom and booze, huh? goodness, but that makes the heavenly realm even sound boring in comparison. it's clearly better that she came instead of her stingy big brother!
qingxuan breezes into the tavern itself, offering a dazzling smile to the people who greet kaeya and tossing one a wink before she takes a look at the surroundings, closing her fan to set it back into her sleeve. taverns are taverns - though for wealthy young lord, it's a bit novel. it seems like she wasn't paying attention to what he was saying, but... ]
You'll have to forgive me for being ignorant. [ shi qingxuan tilts her head. ] An archon? [ maybe she was, after all. ]
no subject
there is one beat that stretches for just a moment too long - an odd, uncomfortable second - before kaeya just offers a smile, easy as anything. so easygoing that it could be easy to disregard the moment of tension just before it.]
Let me get our drinks first, and then I'll be happy to answer.
[he'll guide her to a table further in, pulling out a chair for her in a gentlemanly way before striding off to the counter and ordering two drinks. it doesn't take him long to return - not when the bartender is familiar enough with kaeya, both his preferences and his tendency to treat company.
eventually, as he places a drink in front of her:]
The land of Teyvat possesses seven archons that founded seven lands, each of them a god who managed to win the Archon War. Mondstadt's archon, Barbatos, actually liberated the city from its previous rulers and then left us to our own wiles - that is why we are known for our freedom.
Barbatos himself was the Anemo Archon with dominion over the wind that blows over the land.
[and he smiles, canting his head to the side]
You must've traveled from very far indeed, to not be familiar with the archons. It's enough to make a man such as myself very curious.
no subject
when kaeya returns, he'll find qingxuan sitting with two fingers near her forehead. (ling wen, ling wen, knows it all; heeeyyyy, I might've made a little oopsie? it's probably fine, though. just letting you know not to let ge freak out about me, and... that I'm learning plenty about this world after all, so, if you know anything about 'archons', that'd be great! thankyouuugottagobyebye!)
and! once the drink is set before her, she smiles, shutting the fan and tucking it into her sleeve as they start to talk. the explanation works; an archon is a god. that makes sense - and the story of this barbatos seems to fall nicely in line with the lore of godhood in her own realm. you do something amazing - often like winning a great battle - and you ascend. she probably should've gone to meet with this archon first.
oh well! ]
Like I said - a very long way. [ qingxuan settles, resting her chin in her hand, drink in the other, and offers kaeya a wink, tone buoyant and warm. ] Curiosity kills a cat, but satisfaction brings it back, right? Ask your questions, if you'd so like, though a lady can always refuse to answer ones she deems rude.