folkmeme | leap night tfln

[He coughs politely, ears straightening back up. His tail wags harder. A laugh from Diluc is a good thing. He reaches back and stops it.]

For now. Your traits might manifest in time or in special circumstances…it’s all individual.

[He puts his hands on his hips, one ear swiveling to catch the sounds around them. Nothing but the usual sounds.] So, show me where you found the glitter.

Hmph.

[ …is Diluc’s response to that while he pretends not to see Kaeya’s tail wagging harder suddenly, or the man’s firm grab in order to stop it. The only thing he’s noticed that’s different about himself is his eyes changing colors, but considering he can’t really track how the color changes, he hasn’t figured out how it works himself yet. No animal features yet though. Honestly, the prospect of growing them suddenly is unnerving. ]

In the kitchen.

[ He turns on his heel to lead Kaeya there. ]

[Kaeya follows in Diluc’s wake and lets himself feel a little bit of grief. Diluc doesn’t remember. Just like last time.

Forward they go. The shifts in eye color are different this time. He will have to learn the system again. Once they reach the kitchen he becomes a wolf. He is bigger than a normal wolf. And not a trace of white on him. His paws are black edging up into the dark blue of his hair. He looks up at Diluc and the eyepatch is still on. But the fur around it hints at the hidden damage.

He hums, sniffing the air. Then his speaks. His voice is a same as ever.] Trials can be more mundane or dangerous and grueling.
There is a variance but, they all run along that line. The fox supposedly is testing out potential.

[His lip curls to expose sharp teeth. He isn’t convinced of the pitch. Not at all.]

[ Diluc isn’t really sure what he was expecting but he wasn’t expecting Kaeya to shape-shift into a wolf right there in Venti’s kitchen. He was a bit busy quietly and — hopefully, at least — discreetly admiring how sleek and sophisticated Kaeya looks in this new, strangely low-profile outfit of his, so when suddenly the younger man becomes an overgrown wolf, he’s left reeling from the swift change. ]

That… is going to take some getting used to…

[ He remarks gruffly, swallowing thickly and resisting the impulse this time to touch. Keeping his hands to himself shouldn’t be so hard, but he assumes it’s the strangeness of the entire situation. His mind can’t really believe what he’s seeing and so he seeks tactile confirmation that it’s real.

He does notice that there isn’t a trace of white in the wolf’s pelt. It takes him longer to respond when he sees that Kaeya has retained his eyepatch in this form and he spots the telltale signs of scarring beneath it in a way that isn’t noticeable usually. A wolf’s skin heals differently from a human’s because of the fur covering the body and Kaeya’s eyepatch is designed to hide a human’s scar, not a wolf’s.

It makes Diluc feel a deep, painful spasm of guilt and sorrow in his heart, and his naturally crimson eyes shimmer to a dark blue-violet. ]

You don’t think that is what this is all about either.

[ He looks away from Kaeya, but his eyes remain blue, straying into stormy territory. ]

Define “dangerous”.

[The shift in eye color as well as the sudden lack of looking at him is enough to tell him a story. He leans his weight against him, rubbing the side of his face against Diluc’s leg. No words are needed. But D might not realize why he’s suddenly pretty shameless in offering a little comfort.

He whines, wagging his tail. No shame? Perfect distraction.] You’re right. I don’t think that is what their aim is. I think they’re following their whims.

[ It doesn’t register with Diluc that the wolf’s weight against his leg is meant as a comforting gesture— until he starts to whine. Then Diluc’s years of experience with canids kicks in and he reflexively puts his hand out to rub the back of the wolf’s neck and one of his ears to calm the animal, the act almost absent-minded. His stormy blue gaze is focused on the wine cabinet still. Inside it are a few bottles of lower quality than the ones taken and as described, a white tuft of fur tangled in one hinge.

His hand stills out of embarrassment in the thick winter coat of the wolf when he remembers it’s not some giant dog he’s petting here, but Kaeya. ]

…Well, of course they are, but the question is what drives those whims. Is it for their own amusement or for some other purpose? If we can figure out why they do what they do, we can formulate a plan to escape.

[He could whine again. But Diluc won’t fall for that act twice. He steps away from him, following his gaze. His claws click on the floor as he walks over and breathes in.

His ears go back. He walks closer, taking in the map of scents. He needs to be smaller but with a nose just as good. He sighs and collapses into a dark blue fox. In place of white fur like other foxes his underside is pale blue. He shakes himself once and ducks into the lower space.]

That is a bit of a chore. The fox separates themselves into different aspects. So far, the investigation is long and winding.

[Same voice just a smaller body. He stuffs his nose up against the fur.]

This fur doesn’t belong to anything I know. Local or star child. Could be spirit.

Edited 2024-03-04 23:54 (UTC)

[ Diluc’s hand draws back quick when Kaeya changes form again, startled. He recovers quicker this time from being stunned, but the speed at which Kaeya does this and how simple it seems for him is a little mind-blowing. Diluc has never met any of Liyue’s adepti, let alone witnessed them changing forms, but he imagines that Kaeya’s skill in shape-shifting rivals them. ]

I have no doubt that it is, but I would hope it still is not one that you’ve entirely abandoned.

[ He puts his hands on his hips as he watches the fox investigate, trying not to get angry at the mere hint of what sounds to him like resignation. Of course he won’t be admitting it, but the Kaeya he knows wouldn’t say something like that and it stings to hear. What if he’d never been brought here? Kaeya would just be fine with never again seeing him or Klee or anybody else from their home? ]

Which is? And you didn’t answer me before either.

[His ears go back. There is a faint sting in his chest. Diluc assuming something. That's familiar ground. He works the fur out of the hinge and trots out. He lets it drop from his mouth and catches it with his hand as he returns to normal.

He turns it in his fingers. Instead of making a remark like he would in the past he looks at him.] It's hard to put it into words. Take them seriously, Diluc. No matter how things seem, if a trial is a fight. Treat it like a fight for your life.

It usually is. But things that you don't wish to talk about. The things you lost. What you may have gained. It's like being a book and they keep showing us passages from our stories. Reminding us of things.

No, I haven't let go of the investigation. And I won't. But, you have a lot to catch up on about this place. They fact Venti got snatched speaks about the power of the Fox. Doesn't it?

[He waves the bit of fur at him. He knows who Venti is.]

[ In normal circumstances, Diluc would be questioning how Kaeya knows about Venti. But the fact that he doesn’t and that the gray-blue of his eyes shifts to a pale chartreuse is enough to prove that what he finds what Kaeya says about these trials the Fox puts them through highly disturbing. “…things that you don’t wish to talk about.”

There’s too many of those topics to choose from for Diluc. He can feel his anxiety spiking just thinking about his worst moments out on display for anyone to see. He swallows thickly, his throat suddenly going dry. ]

We have to keep trying. Mondstadt needs you back.

I never stopped trying. [There's a quiet air about him as he watches him. This is going alright in some ways. In others, it makes him miss what he doesn't have.]

...it's not all terrible. We get dropped back into our own time from where we left it. I'm working as fast as the case lets me go. But, I could use assistance, if you'll give it.

[He offers him the fur.] If we're done here for now. I can show you where I'm staying.

[ Diluc takes a deep breath. ]

That could change. We have no way of knowing for certain that will always be the case. So, yes, I will help. To protect who is here and to return home.

[ He crosses his arms, unaware of the anxiety still showing in his eye colors. His voice is quiet when he speaks again, his hesitation showing when it comes to visiting Kaeya’s living while here. He’s seriously considering saying no. It might be best to keep their interactions strictly professional, but… the way Kaeya talks about this place… it sounds like he has been here a long time and that fills Diluc with dread and concern. Kaeya won’t talk about what he’s been through, he knows that already. But even with the years and emotional distance between them, Diluc still knows how to suss out something wrong with Kaeya. The fact that they’ve been together already for almost a full twenty minutes without Kaeya sassing him means something is wrong. ]

I suppose it would be wise to know. Fine.

Now, I know it’s hard but trust me a little. [It’s a little sass and a smile as he walks back out to where he landed the first time. The wind tugs at him and he closes his eye.

Big owl? Dragon? Hawk? He considers it then climbs the railing and leaps off. He transforms into the large dragon in the air and beats his wings hard to stay just at the edge.]

Climb on. We have a flight ahead of us.

[ Diluc senses it about to happen before it does, but somehow he’s still not quick enough to stop Kaeya, only managing to get the W sound out of “wait” when the other man is again a smaller, darker version of Dvalin. Ugh… He really didn’t want Kaeya to go to these lengths… It’s a little embarrassing… ]

Can we not simply… walk?

[His wings beat the air. He laughs. His voice is deeper as a dragon but still him.] We could. We could go down to the station and take a balloon up. But we still have to go into the sky.

I live rather high up. [It’s a little funny. It isn’t quite so funny when one knows why. But he isn’t talking about why.] …I can offer you a way to be a dragon too. Would that be better?

[ This makes Diluc frown and he shakes his head quickly at the suggestion. ]

No— nevermind.

[ The idea of being something other than himself is, honestly, a little frightening. He doesn’t mind walking, but Kaeya laughing does make him feel as though he’s making a big deal out of something rather inconsequential. He sighs. ]

All right, all right… I’ll get on.

[He angles himself for the best position to get on. He idly reflects he could have made himself smaller but. What’s done is done.] Climb on.

Don’t worry I’m quite experienced. [He grins. It’s a lot of sharp teeth. Now this is cheering him up. The armor that protects vulnerable points is also good to help one climb on. There is armor at the backs of his shoulders and near his head. He flaps his wings and hums.]

Whenever you’re ready, D.

[ Diluc approaches the dragon and not unlike how he’s climbed up on the actual Dvalin in the past, he hops up on the massive beast’s leg. The armor comes in useful in helping himself up and he’s comfortable around Kaeya’s neck in no time. He’s ridden on Dvalin’s back enough times by now that this isn’t challenging; it’s just strange to know the dragon is Kaeya. He’s not even sure how to feel about the fact that Kaeya apparently does this regularly.

He’s about to go back to sulking when it happens: Kaeya uses his old nickname from their childhood rather than Diluc or the more formal Master Diluc. His brows stitch together. Aside from their letters to one another, it’s been years since Kaeya has called him that…

Strange. ]

Ready.

[He doesn’t notice his slip. He looks up at the wide open sky and launches himself into it. He climbs higher and higher until he’s over the forests and fields of Lapine. He catches an updraft and glides past the markets far below. Venti’s home drops away as he takes them over a wide stretch of desert. Pale threads of icy blue light curl out of his mouth and spiral over his limbs, controlling the temperature so the merciless desert won’t scorch them both.] One of the trials dumped us in Cruel Summer here and told us to survive.

[He rumbles as they approach an foreboding looking forest and climb upwards, towards a floating isle up above it.]

[ While they fly, Diluc tries to focus on the surrounding landscape, but he’s distracted. He can’t shake the questions bubbling up in his mind about Kaeya’s use of his nickname for him, nor the uncomfortable feelings that have been roused by it. Diluc starts doing what Diluc usually does when something nags at him like this: overthink.

“Whenever you’re ready, D…” All these years… and not once has Kaeya called him that since that awful day. That terrible night. Diluc can’t stop thinking about it. All those memories he has of Kaeya calling him that in various situations, some happy, some grim… but always there’s warmth and love in Kaeya’s voice when he says it in Diluc’s memories.

Even now, it wasn’t different.

He’s pulled roughly out of his thoughts by the sound of Kaeya’s voice booming through the air. He glances down over the side of the dragon’s flank. ]

And you live beyond this desert?

[ Why? Why? Why does Kaeya seem to live so far from everyone? And why did he— ]

Are we close yet?

We’re almost there. [He climbs higher. Water falls over the side of the floating island of Never Fade. He soars over the edge. He beats his wings to gain a little height and glides the rest of the way. A landing spot has been set up outside a small white windmill. He approaches with precision, and barely kicks up any debris when he lands.

The windmill doesn’t look that impressive. The small vineyard wrapping around it however looks well cared for. And newly replanted. Beyond the windmill the town is cozy but it is a bit of a walk to get there. Kaeya rumbles once and settles, shifting his feet to make a smooth path off his back.] Told you it was a bit of a trek.

[ The location is, in a word, gorgeous. Diluc has only seen such perfectly idyllic surroundings before in Sumeru and Fontaine. It truly does look like something out of a storybook. How fitting for that Fox to create a world like this.

Once they land though and Diluc leaps off of the dragon’s back, he takes one good look around and recognizes that Kaeya has built… well, a small monument to his homesickness. It makes his eyes gray again taking it all in, but he politely makes no comments about it or about how far and isolated this place is. He notices the vines have been recently been moved and he’s not sure what to draw from that.

Instead of trying, he looks back at Kaeya. ]

So I see.

[Kaeya is back in human form, heading for the windmill. His ears lower then right themselves. He feels uncomfortably aware of how much might be given away.

But there is more that isn’t. This is still a better start. He supposes. He stuffs his hands in his pockets and strides for the front door.] It’s not much, but it’s deceiving just like all kinds of things here.

[He opens the front door and walks inside. Inside the floor is made of plain sandstone tiles. The inside is much larger than the windmill should possibly hold. A stairwell leads up into a loft attic. The rustic interior is accented with soft blue and grey throws tossed over a fold out couch. Some boxes clutter the living room space a bit. Kaeya waves a hand at it and walks towards a ramp on the side leading down.

The inside is well lit, and the kitchen is set up. But there are signs that this move was pretty recent. Kaeya looks back at him, motioning he follow.] My office is down here. It’s past this next floor.

[The windmill should - if physics were working - not have two floors let alone three.] If the spacial oddities are driving you crazy…welcome to Folkmore.

[ The windmill seems homey enough that Diluc can visualize how it might all look once it’s all set up. The spatial differences are a bit jarring, but right now, they’re the least of his concerns. ]

There are worse things.

[ He answers honestly as he looks at all the boxes on their way through the windmill. A recent move. That’s why the vines had been moved. That doesn’t make sense to him. Kaeya has clearly been here for a while, so why does it seem like he’s just now moving into a home? Diluc is even more suspicious now that there is a lot Kaeya is opting not to tell him, but he doesn’t try to press the issue. Kaeya’s secrets are to be expected and they’re his alone to divulge as he sees fit. Diluc long ago gave up any right he had to them.

He follows him to the office in silence. ]

[The floor below is more personal. Kaeya walks past it to a staircase without looking back.

He leads Diluc past an open door to a small gym and practice room. Down to the office. The office looks a lot like his office at home. Down to the coat of the ordo on the door. His office is entirely set up and moved in.

He leads him in and moves the board near the wall away. The board has pieces of paper tacked to it. Dragons, one reads with several paragraphs of Kaeya’s handwriting. The Wild hunt, is written on another. Post it notes mark the edges of each and yarn connects some pages to others. His case file laid out in all its glory. He sits on the edge of his desk but his expression is that of Captain Alberich. The public face he shows when on duty.]

Let’s start with this. Ask me what you want to know. I’ll answer. There is a lot to cover and it’s a lot easier to tackle it from order you deem important.

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