Diluc Ragnvindr (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
darknighted) wrote2022-07-13 10:50 pm
darknighted) wrote2022-07-13 10:50 pm
IC Inbox - Folkmore
This is Diluc.
This is Diluc.
[The familiar sizzle of bacon drags him out of his slumber. Kaeya lays in bed for a moment, then reaches for a pair of pants laid out the night before. It's as presentable as he plans to be. Diluc hasn't complained (he stared the first time). He fits his eyepatch on and walks barefoot from the hall into the living room.
He stretches his arms over his head, then walks into the kitchen was a lazy greeting. He slips into a chair at the breakfast bar and finally uses his hair brush to get out the tangles in his hair from last night.]
He stretches his arms over his head, then walks into the kitchen was a lazy greeting. He slips into a chair at the breakfast bar and finally uses his hair brush to get out the tangles in his hair from last night.]
[It's become a comforting sort of routine, since they first moved into this strange cozy little house. Diluc has learned that breakfast is by far the best way to draw Kaeya out of bed at a decent hour, and he's mostly gotten used to the fact that the other man feels that mealtime does not necessarily warrant wearing a shirt.
Diluc is dressed casually himself, hair pulled high in a ponytail, clad in only his pants and a short-sleeved shirt.]
Good morning. [Diluc offers, finishing up with the bacon. Kaeya is right on time. Bacon, freshly warmed bread (bought from the bakery, but warmed in the oven) and jam, eggs, fruit. He plates the eggs and meat for each of them, setting one before Kaeya and one at his own usual seat. The bread, butter and jam are already on the breakfast bar. He turns off the stove, sets the pan into the sink to wash with the rest of the dishes once they're done, and brings a still-steeping pot of tea over to the trivet waiting for it.]
Diluc is dressed casually himself, hair pulled high in a ponytail, clad in only his pants and a short-sleeved shirt.]
Good morning. [Diluc offers, finishing up with the bacon. Kaeya is right on time. Bacon, freshly warmed bread (bought from the bakery, but warmed in the oven) and jam, eggs, fruit. He plates the eggs and meat for each of them, setting one before Kaeya and one at his own usual seat. The bread, butter and jam are already on the breakfast bar. He turns off the stove, sets the pan into the sink to wash with the rest of the dishes once they're done, and brings a still-steeping pot of tea over to the trivet waiting for it.]
[While Diluc shuts off the stove. Kaeya cuts the bread. He doctors the slices according to their individual tastes. He sets Diluc’s on his plate and takes a bite out of his own.
It’s as good as last time they got bread from the bakery. His tail wags behind him and thumps against the back of his chair. He doesn’t mind showing Diluc he enjoys the food. The bacon is quickly devoured. Since this change he needs more meat than he used to.]
It’s as good as last time they got bread from the bakery. His tail wags behind him and thumps against the back of his chair. He doesn’t mind showing Diluc he enjoys the food. The bacon is quickly devoured. Since this change he needs more meat than he used to.]
[Diluc takes his seat and starts in on his breakfast as well. It's nice, really, starting mornings with Kaeya like this -- quiet, unhurried. Domestic even. It's reminiscent of days so far gone by they sometimes feel like they happened to someone else.]
What do you have planned today?
[Casual conversation, still not entirely his strong suit, but he is getting better at it.]
What do you have planned today?
[Casual conversation, still not entirely his strong suit, but he is getting better at it.]
[He swallows his eggs. Starting the days with Diluc has been a dream come true. They are not the same. He can hear a much more cheery voice in his memory.
Some days he doesn’t have an answer for him. Today he does. He checks the tea and it smells right. He pours it for both of them.] I’m going to go for a run this morning. Then I thought I’d get a look at their library again.
Family ties and legends or myths can form bonds. I’m curious what that means.
Some days he doesn’t have an answer for him. Today he does. He checks the tea and it smells right. He pours it for both of them.] I’m going to go for a run this morning. Then I thought I’d get a look at their library again.
Family ties and legends or myths can form bonds. I’m curious what that means.
I've heard people speaking of the bonds as well. I don't know what it entails exactly either. I'd like to know.
[So, good fieldtrip, Kaeya. Diluc certainly approves of it.] I'm still curious what being assigned each of these roles really means.
[He knows the vague explanations that have been given, but with his role, he's not sure he buys it entirely.]
[So, good fieldtrip, Kaeya. Diluc certainly approves of it.] I'm still curious what being assigned each of these roles really means.
[He knows the vague explanations that have been given, but with his role, he's not sure he buys it entirely.]
Supposedly legends are do-gooders who are on the side of what they feel is right. Zealots and paladins of justice. I am a bit surprised you don't have wings made of fire. But not all good things are flashy, are they? [He waves a hand and smiles into his tea. If he were his mother's son, he would be a legend. But he can't. His ear twitches.] Familiars are the between. The shadows, the greys.
It is quite fitting for me. [A royal who won't rule. Who instead is an authority in the country he's supposed to be spying on? Yes, there are so many reasons for it. He sips his tea.] Good tea.
I can tell you let it steep a little longer to make it as strong as we both like. The hint of bitterness to mix with the floral aspects is nice.
It is quite fitting for me. [A royal who won't rule. Who instead is an authority in the country he's supposed to be spying on? Yes, there are so many reasons for it. He sips his tea.] Good tea.
I can tell you let it steep a little longer to make it as strong as we both like. The hint of bitterness to mix with the floral aspects is nice.
Supposedly.
[Diluc agrees. And though he certainly does believe in the ideals that he fights for, he also fully recognizes that he has gotten his hands dirty in a way so that others may live in the light. Legend and all its trapping don't seem particularly apt.
Though Kaeya does have a point that Familiar fits him like a glove.]
It's better stepped stronger, yes. [Diluc agrees, thoughtful a moment as he considers]
There is a fighting school in this place. I've wanted to look into it.
[Diluc agrees. And though he certainly does believe in the ideals that he fights for, he also fully recognizes that he has gotten his hands dirty in a way so that others may live in the light. Legend and all its trapping don't seem particularly apt.
Though Kaeya does have a point that Familiar fits him like a glove.]
It's better stepped stronger, yes. [Diluc agrees, thoughtful a moment as he considers]
There is a fighting school in this place. I've wanted to look into it.
Oh? Are you thinking to teach there? [Kaeya asks as one ear flicks. He works through the rest of his breakfast. Then he says,] Let me know what you find about it.
I’m quite looking forward to looking into the library.
I’m quite looking forward to looking into the library.
I'd considered it.
[He's been mostly on his own for years now, but he remembers his days in the knights, training with the others. He remembers training his own men as captain.] I'll be sure to share, of course.
[Diluc has put his money where his mouth is in trying to be open and work together with Kaeya. It's actually nice.]
I'd be interested to hear what you learn as well.
[He's been mostly on his own for years now, but he remembers his days in the knights, training with the others. He remembers training his own men as captain.] I'll be sure to share, of course.
[Diluc has put his money where his mouth is in trying to be open and work together with Kaeya. It's actually nice.]
I'd be interested to hear what you learn as well.
Of course. I’ll be sure to share all the information I get my hands on. [Thump, thump. There goes his tail wagging without his permission again. He has started to pretend it is happening to someone else and he’s just a bystander.]
If you start teaching there, let me know. I can plan out lessons with you.
If you start teaching there, let me know. I can plan out lessons with you.
[Diluc has definitely not forgotten the tail, but he at least doesn't comment on it.]
If I do, I'd appreciate that. We always made a good team, years ago.
[Better than a good team. And even now, his sword skills and Kaeya's are very different.
And tentatively, he offers a smile across the way. More and more those have been appearing when Kaeya is around.]
If I do, I'd appreciate that. We always made a good team, years ago.
[Better than a good team. And even now, his sword skills and Kaeya's are very different.
And tentatively, he offers a smile across the way. More and more those have been appearing when Kaeya is around.]
[Each time Diluc smiles Kaeya becomes more animated. He leans towards him, tea in hand. He smiles right back at him and it is a softer smile.]
We’ve made a good team these days too. You do tap me when things are going strange around Mondstadt. We just lack our networks. A shame but, they can be rebuilt.
We’ve made a good team these days too. You do tap me when things are going strange around Mondstadt. We just lack our networks. A shame but, they can be rebuilt.
[And if his smiles are rewarded like this, it's only natural Diluc might do it more. It's a positive feedback loop.]
You're right, we have.
[Diluc agrees, his own expression softening.] And you're right about that as well. Networks can be rebuilt, and they need to be. This place lacks any defensive structure. I'm sure you've realized.
You're right, we have.
[Diluc agrees, his own expression softening.] And you're right about that as well. Networks can be rebuilt, and they need to be. This place lacks any defensive structure. I'm sure you've realized.
[ sophie had spoken to diluc and they'd found a mutually available time to meet on the practice grounds. it was an interesting place, she had to admit, with its mix of militaristic and free rein. the sparring pits were mostly empty, and she'd chosen one that was away from the others. the ground was sand, firm enough as a foothold but easy to clean and re-rake smooth. the walls would keep any stray weapons or magic from flying wild.
she'd come early, to get a feel for the place and prepare herself. it's been a long time since she'd done any fighting that wasn't intended to harm, and this would be something of a test of her own restraint as much as an opportunity to practice. she's dressed appropriately for the occasion, having finally managed to brave the clothing shops enough to obtain a few simple outfits. the one she's chosen today is a close-fitting top paired with pants that are loose enough not to hamper movement but also not so billowing as to potentially snag. her hair is loosely braided and coiled above the nape of her neck to keep it out of the way.
satisfied that she's adequately prepared, she hops up onto the side of the wall, making it easy for diluc to spot her. ]
she'd come early, to get a feel for the place and prepare herself. it's been a long time since she'd done any fighting that wasn't intended to harm, and this would be something of a test of her own restraint as much as an opportunity to practice. she's dressed appropriately for the occasion, having finally managed to brave the clothing shops enough to obtain a few simple outfits. the one she's chosen today is a close-fitting top paired with pants that are loose enough not to hamper movement but also not so billowing as to potentially snag. her hair is loosely braided and coiled above the nape of her neck to keep it out of the way.
satisfied that she's adequately prepared, she hops up onto the side of the wall, making it easy for diluc to spot her. ]
[Diluc arrives shortly before their agreed upon time, punctual as ever. His bright red hair is secured in a ponytail as usual. He's branched out just slightly from his usual attire since he's gotten comfortable here, but there is still a sense of formality to his attire, though it affords him the movement that he'll need for sparring.
He catches sight of Sophie and raises a hand to wave in greeting, angling his steps over towards her. He looks unarmed for the moment, though the crystal at his hip is still present.]
You've found a good spot. We should be able to spar freely here.
He catches sight of Sophie and raises a hand to wave in greeting, angling his steps over towards her. He looks unarmed for the moment, though the crystal at his hip is still present.]
You've found a good spot. We should be able to spar freely here.
Thank you. I thought it suitable.
[ she hops down from the wall into the sparring pit itself, landing lightly. she's small, but it's clear from the way she lands and then the way she walks toward the far wall, poised but relaxed, that this is indeed someone who knows very well how to control her body. ]
Did you have anything in particular in mind for today? I can likely match you in whatever you prefer. Or we can start by taking measure of each other.
[ she hops down from the wall into the sparring pit itself, landing lightly. she's small, but it's clear from the way she lands and then the way she walks toward the far wall, poised but relaxed, that this is indeed someone who knows very well how to control her body. ]
Did you have anything in particular in mind for today? I can likely match you in whatever you prefer. Or we can start by taking measure of each other.
Yes, I've noticed. And there are quite a few protective types around that could prove useful. There is a knight commandant who would be most useful in some organizing them.
And a huntress who has a way with words. [Vex and Flynn respectively have caught Kaeya's eye. Others have as well but not as much as his playful debates with Flynn. He sips his tea again and breathes in.]
...Ah, I forgot. It seems I can blend man and wolf. It's an odd shape but might prove useful in the future.
And a huntress who has a way with words. [Vex and Flynn respectively have caught Kaeya's eye. Others have as well but not as much as his playful debates with Flynn. He sips his tea again and breathes in.]
...Ah, I forgot. It seems I can blend man and wolf. It's an odd shape but might prove useful in the future.
Is this knight commandant blond and named Flynn?
[Because Diluc has also met the man, and he seemed very interested in the lack of organized defense. And very capable on top of it. Also he totally gets Diluc's preference for non-alcoholic drinks.]
And I think I may have met this huntress too.
[If he had to guess it'd be Vex. She's clearly met Kaeya given their introduction.]
More than you're currently blended? [He eyes the tail, amused.]
[Because Diluc has also met the man, and he seemed very interested in the lack of organized defense. And very capable on top of it. Also he totally gets Diluc's preference for non-alcoholic drinks.]
And I think I may have met this huntress too.
[If he had to guess it'd be Vex. She's clearly met Kaeya given their introduction.]
More than you're currently blended? [He eyes the tail, amused.]
[She's quite small, but Diluc has seen enough battles that he knows better than to underestimate anyone for their size. There's something in her posture, the way she holds herself that reads to him like a warrior.]
Let's take each other's measure, shall we? Shall we start with hand to hand or weapons?
[His best is swords, but he'll work with anything.]
Let's take each other's measure, shall we? Shall we start with hand to hand or weapons?
[His best is swords, but he'll work with anything.]
Much more. [Kaeya says with a grin. He sips his tea and reminds himself to try the wine he found at the market tonight. It could be a wonderful brew.
He waves a hand.]
And yes, that Flynn. He seems to share the same workaholic view as Jean. I’m sure you noticed.
He waves a hand.]
And yes, that Flynn. He seems to share the same workaholic view as Jean. I’m sure you noticed.
He does yes, and the same general optimism.
[Flynn seems a lot like a male version of Jean -- which is a very high compliment, really. Diluc has always had a great deal of respect for Jean. It's sort of hard not to.]
If a proper defense structure could be set up, it would be safer for people.
[Flynn seems a lot like a male version of Jean -- which is a very high compliment, really. Diluc has always had a great deal of respect for Jean. It's sort of hard not to.]
If a proper defense structure could be set up, it would be safer for people.
It certainly would be. I am at your disposal for it. [He takes the chance to reach for the strange shape and shift to it. A wolf man with dark blue fur patterned with the stars sits in his place. His chest is covered in pale white fur. He grins and his wolf fangs catch the light.]
After all, I have as much experience with constructing patrol routes.
After all, I have as much experience with constructing patrol routes.
Is that so? Good.
[Kaeya will get recruited for this. Diluc is well aware of how good Kaeya is at his job. He's already considering the options of how they can collaborate when Kaeya changes.
Diluc finds himself staring at this new form of Kaeya.]
Oh. Well, that is certainly more than the tail.
[It's kind of fascinating.] You're full of tricks.
[Kaeya will get recruited for this. Diluc is well aware of how good Kaeya is at his job. He's already considering the options of how they can collaborate when Kaeya changes.
Diluc finds himself staring at this new form of Kaeya.]
Oh. Well, that is certainly more than the tail.
[It's kind of fascinating.] You're full of tricks.
Taking each other's measure seems a good idea. We can start with swords. I'll limit my speed to match yours and absorb blows as I need to, so don't worry about hitting me.
[ instead of picking up or finding a weapon, a sword of bone simply grows from sophie's hand and her fingers wrap around it. the edge doesn't look honed, because this is practice to her. she settles into a guard stance and waits for him to show his weapon and come for her. ]
[ instead of picking up or finding a weapon, a sword of bone simply grows from sophie's hand and her fingers wrap around it. the edge doesn't look honed, because this is practice to her. she settles into a guard stance and waits for him to show his weapon and come for her. ]
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