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[ god she is so obvious. kaeya's expression says as much. he's not about to assume something like, you know, she and diluc are living together, but there's definitely something going on here. she's way too suspect.. ]
I see.
[ wine sip kermit style. ]
And you made extra for Master Diluc? How very kind of you.
I see.
[ wine sip kermit style. ]
And you made extra for Master Diluc? How very kind of you.
[ Yeah, he's pretty good. Good thing he's humble, or Albedo could be insufferable in his genius. ]
I'm glad you think so. If my work can help alleviate your pain, then it is all worth it.
[ He sincerely means that, too. There are few things as rewarding as seeing how his alchemy and potions helps actual people. For all his passion lies in experimentation and research, this helps him feel closer to understanding the answer to Rhinedottir's final question. ]
Now, I'm going to clean up your scrape a little bit, which might be a little ticklish, but it shouldn't hurt.
[ Reaching into his coat again, this time he pulls out a bottle of antiseptic and a rag. The worst!! ]
I'm glad you think so. If my work can help alleviate your pain, then it is all worth it.
[ He sincerely means that, too. There are few things as rewarding as seeing how his alchemy and potions helps actual people. For all his passion lies in experimentation and research, this helps him feel closer to understanding the answer to Rhinedottir's final question. ]
Now, I'm going to clean up your scrape a little bit, which might be a little ticklish, but it shouldn't hurt.
[ Reaching into his coat again, this time he pulls out a bottle of antiseptic and a rag. The worst!! ]
Mmph..
[ he's clearly not happy about this part. he doesn't trust antiseptic, even with the handy little potion that albedo gave him. antiseptic ALWAYS stings!! his little hands curl up against the barrel, and he frowns. ]
O-okay..
[ it's fine. he's a big boy. he's been through worse! ]
[ he's clearly not happy about this part. he doesn't trust antiseptic, even with the handy little potion that albedo gave him. antiseptic ALWAYS stings!! his little hands curl up against the barrel, and he frowns. ]
O-okay..
[ it's fine. he's a big boy. he's been through worse! ]
[ He's so tough! Albedo is very impressed. Again he's reminded of Klee - how many times has he patched up her scraped knees, while she puts on a brave face through watery eyes? ]
Alright, here I go. One, two-
[ He presses the now-damp cloth against Kaeya's knee, wiping gently. Just as he claimed, there is no stinging pain that comes with the application. ]
There we are. Not so bad, now, is it?
Alright, here I go. One, two-
[ He presses the now-damp cloth against Kaeya's knee, wiping gently. Just as he claimed, there is no stinging pain that comes with the application. ]
There we are. Not so bad, now, is it?
[ She is so bad at lying, and she knows it, too, and yet she can’t help but try anyway… She knows how Complicated(TM) things are for Diluc and Kaeya… ]
Y…Yes. But I’ll make some for you next time, too, like I said!
[ She clears her throat. ]
Anyway, how are you settling in, Kaeya? Oh. Should I be calling you Master Kaeya…?
[ She knows that Diluc doesn’t care much for the title, and has asked her not to call him that, but… ]
Y…Yes. But I’ll make some for you next time, too, like I said!
[ She clears her throat. ]
Anyway, how are you settling in, Kaeya? Oh. Should I be calling you Master Kaeya…?
[ She knows that Diluc doesn’t care much for the title, and has asked her not to call him that, but… ]
[ kaeya flinches instinctively when the cloth touches his knee, but.. as promised, it feels like, well, mostly nothing. he can feel the pressure of albedo's hand, and the texture and coolness of the cloth, but there's no pain, no sting. ]
Wow..
[ he really was telling the truth! kaeya's character judgment was spot on!! mr. albedo is a good guy!! ]
You should really be a doctor.
Wow..
[ he really was telling the truth! kaeya's character judgment was spot on!! mr. albedo is a good guy!! ]
You should really be a doctor.
[A basket is left outside of Kaeya's door. In it are two bottles that Kaeya would recognize: sparkling wine and dandelion wine, both from the Dawn Winery. There's also a note.]
To K:
If you bring these to At Day's End this evening, I'll make the drinks for you.
- D
[It's a birthday present, although one that pointedly does not mention the occasion.]
To K:
If you bring these to At Day's End this evening, I'll make the drinks for you.
- D
[It's a birthday present, although one that pointedly does not mention the occasion.]
[ That's right, Kaeya! Now use this same prudent judgment when deciding to tell your brother you're a traitor! Oh, wait... ]
Haha, you think so? My, ah, mother used to tell me my talents would be wasted as one, but I've nevertheless always been interested in how I might use my knowledge to alleviate the suffering of others -
[ Okay, he's blathering a bit, but soon enough Kaeya's wound is nice and clean, and he is pulling out an adhesive bandage. ]
One last thing to keep it from getting hurt again before it heals.
Haha, you think so? My, ah, mother used to tell me my talents would be wasted as one, but I've nevertheless always been interested in how I might use my knowledge to alleviate the suffering of others -
[ Okay, he's blathering a bit, but soon enough Kaeya's wound is nice and clean, and he is pulling out an adhesive bandage. ]
One last thing to keep it from getting hurt again before it heals.
[There's a package right outside Kaeya's door. If he opens it, he'll be welcomed by some home-made snacks and a small card.]
Happy birthday, Kaeya!
[The sender does not leave their signature anywhere, but it's probably easy to guess who left this small gift.]
Happy birthday, Kaeya!
[The sender does not leave their signature anywhere, but it's probably easy to guess who left this small gift.]
[ WOW??? u speak to this sweet child this way ]
Alee-bee-ate..
[ a new word! he'll have to look it up, next time he's inside. also, rude of his mom to tell him he'd be wasted as a doctor, in kaeya's esteemed opinion he would be a GREAT doctor, and baby kaeya knows what he's talking about.
he smiles, and lifts his knee a little higher for the bandaid applying. ]
Thanks, Mr. Albedo.
Alee-bee-ate..
[ a new word! he'll have to look it up, next time he's inside. also, rude of his mom to tell him he'd be wasted as a doctor, in kaeya's esteemed opinion he would be a GREAT doctor, and baby kaeya knows what he's talking about.
he smiles, and lifts his knee a little higher for the bandaid applying. ]
Thanks, Mr. Albedo.
[ is her deception in the negatives.. ]
Please, just Kaeya is fine. It's been years since anyone but Adelinde called me that.
[ sir kaeya is more likely, these days, but here? he's just kaeya. he's never been particularly finicky about titles. kaeya sips his wine, and looks oriphi up and down, taking her measure, as if to say you're being very sus, but he'll drop the subject of diluc. for now. ]
So, what's on the menu?
Please, just Kaeya is fine. It's been years since anyone but Adelinde called me that.
[ sir kaeya is more likely, these days, but here? he's just kaeya. he's never been particularly finicky about titles. kaeya sips his wine, and looks oriphi up and down, taking her measure, as if to say you're being very sus, but he'll drop the subject of diluc. for now. ]
So, what's on the menu?
[ .. ah, of course diluc would remember his birthday, when even kaeya himself strives not to, though diluc was good enough to make no mention of it. he's certainly more touched by the gift than he lets on, and kaeya hefts one of the bottles into his hand with an easy smile.
thanks, 'luc.
sure enough, he's carrying the basket into the tavern after evening sets in, his smile bright and jovial, one hand lifting toward diluc. ]
Just the man I wanted to see.
thanks, 'luc.
sure enough, he's carrying the basket into the tavern after evening sets in, his smile bright and jovial, one hand lifting toward diluc. ]
Just the man I wanted to see.
[ He's such a warm, excited child, possessing that same kind of friendliness that the present-day Kaeya shares. But there is something else, something...far more innocent, that goes beyond childhood. Perhaps he's looking too deeply into it. He doesn't know Kaeya well, after all.
But even so, he can't help but wonder if he has glimpsed something that his colleague would rather him not have.
Shaking off the thought, he presses the bandage to Kaeya's knee, securing it in place. ]
There, it's all taken care of. It should heal up nicely in a day or so with the medicine I gave you.
[ And Kaeya can go back to playing, like there were never scrapes to begin with. ]
But even so, he can't help but wonder if he has glimpsed something that his colleague would rather him not have.
Shaking off the thought, he presses the bandage to Kaeya's knee, securing it in place. ]
There, it's all taken care of. It should heal up nicely in a day or so with the medicine I gave you.
[ And Kaeya can go back to playing, like there were never scrapes to begin with. ]
[ Albedo is normally not one for social calls at others' homes...and today is no exception!! But he does stop by Kaeya's doorstep to leave a gift in a box with golden ribbon, with a note:
Dear Kaeya,
Though the flow of time here may be strange, it would be remiss not to celebrate your birthday regardless. May you have many happy returns of the day.
-Albedo
In the box, he will find, unsurprisingly, a unique bottle of white peach wine, as well as a smaller bottle of, yes, Albedo's homemade potion for hangover relief. He got quite the hang of making it during Weinlesefest...
There's also a crystalized cecilia blossom, created with alchemy. A little reminder of home. ]
Dear Kaeya,
Though the flow of time here may be strange, it would be remiss not to celebrate your birthday regardless. May you have many happy returns of the day.
-Albedo
In the box, he will find, unsurprisingly, a unique bottle of white peach wine, as well as a smaller bottle of, yes, Albedo's homemade potion for hangover relief. He got quite the hang of making it during Weinlesefest...
There's also a crystalized cecilia blossom, created with alchemy. A little reminder of home. ]
Oh, I need to take more of it?
[ he doesn't look too happy about that. the medicine was definitely not as bad as most medicines are, but still!! no kid enjoys taking their medicine. ]
Do I -
[ kaeya suddenly freezes, his eye snapping wide, staring at something over albedo's shoulder - something high on the hill that shoulders in the dawn winery. a man, wrapped fully in a dark cloak, tall and slim, holds out a brown-skinned hand. kaeya swallows dryly, and the clouds overhead thicken, growing dark and heavy, thunder rolling in the distance. ]
[ he doesn't look too happy about that. the medicine was definitely not as bad as most medicines are, but still!! no kid enjoys taking their medicine. ]
Do I -
[ kaeya suddenly freezes, his eye snapping wide, staring at something over albedo's shoulder - something high on the hill that shoulders in the dawn winery. a man, wrapped fully in a dark cloak, tall and slim, holds out a brown-skinned hand. kaeya swallows dryly, and the clouds overhead thicken, growing dark and heavy, thunder rolling in the distance. ]
[ In an instant, the atmosphere changes, and Kaeya's attention shifts away from him fully. It's like he may as well not even be there, for how immediately the young man's attention is wrested away. An ill, foreboding feeling clings around them, and though it may not be his dream, he can feel it, too. It makes his stomach churn.
He turns to follow Kaeya's gaze, even though it feels intrusive to do so.
This man...who could he be? Someone who must mean a great deal to Kaeya, for him to show up in this dream, but Albedo has never seen anyone who resembles him in Mondstadt, from what he can make out of his frame and features. ]
Let's get you inside, Kaeya.
[ He isn't sure why, but he gets the impression...that he should keep Kaeya away from this person. ]
He turns to follow Kaeya's gaze, even though it feels intrusive to do so.
This man...who could he be? Someone who must mean a great deal to Kaeya, for him to show up in this dream, but Albedo has never seen anyone who resembles him in Mondstadt, from what he can make out of his frame and features. ]
Let's get you inside, Kaeya.
[ He isn't sure why, but he gets the impression...that he should keep Kaeya away from this person. ]
I.. um..
[ he sounds uncertain, torn. kaeya knows full well who that man on the hill is, and even as he hesitates, the man's deep voice carries down to them, broken up by the rising winds.
-- only hope -- forgive -- kaeya..
his eye flickers back to albedo's face, wide and shining and uncertain, and he slides off of the barrel and onto his feet again. ]
I should.. I should go see him..
[ but he doesn't want to, as evidenced by the way he shrinks behind albedo's legs, both hands holding to his long coat. he doesn't want to go, he doesn't want to leave this place, he doesn't want to leave diluc and master crepus, he doesn't want to be anyone's last hope. thunder rumbles again, the sky splitting open above them, rain pounding brutally down. ]
[ he sounds uncertain, torn. kaeya knows full well who that man on the hill is, and even as he hesitates, the man's deep voice carries down to them, broken up by the rising winds.
-- only hope -- forgive -- kaeya..
his eye flickers back to albedo's face, wide and shining and uncertain, and he slides off of the barrel and onto his feet again. ]
I should.. I should go see him..
[ but he doesn't want to, as evidenced by the way he shrinks behind albedo's legs, both hands holding to his long coat. he doesn't want to go, he doesn't want to leave this place, he doesn't want to leave diluc and master crepus, he doesn't want to be anyone's last hope. thunder rumbles again, the sky splitting open above them, rain pounding brutally down. ]
[ He says he should go see him, and who is Albedo to say otherwise? He is a stranger here. He was not even in Mondstadt when Kaeya and Diluc were children. For all accounts and purposes, he is trespassing upon this dream.
But neither can he abandon someone so young to an uncertain fate. The way Kaeya says that, it's clear this isn't something he wants. It sounds more like a duty, a...responsibility, but how much responsibility does he bear, as young as he is?
In the back of his mind, he is reminded of his master, tasking him with something that seemed all but impossible, before vanishing with only a letter to guide him.
His mouth presses into a thin line, before he turns and abruptly scoops Kaeya into his arms. ]
No. He should be the one to come see you.
[ He starts towards the manor, resolute. ]
But neither can he abandon someone so young to an uncertain fate. The way Kaeya says that, it's clear this isn't something he wants. It sounds more like a duty, a...responsibility, but how much responsibility does he bear, as young as he is?
In the back of his mind, he is reminded of his master, tasking him with something that seemed all but impossible, before vanishing with only a letter to guide him.
His mouth presses into a thin line, before he turns and abruptly scoops Kaeya into his arms. ]
No. He should be the one to come see you.
[ He starts towards the manor, resolute. ]
[ kaeya is tense, his little knuckles white with the force with which he grasps at albedo's coat, his eye trained entirely upon the tall figure in the distance, the hand, still extended. he knew in his heart that his father would be back someday, but he didn't think it would be so soon, he isn't ready, he isn't ready to leave, he's happy here..
but mr. albedo makes the decision for him, sweeping him right up off of his feet, and kaeya doesn't fight him, though he still watches the figure as he's carried away, guilt wracking his heart. he should do what's expected of him, shouldn't he? he should do what his father wants. that's what a good son would do.
instead he squeezes his eye shut and buries his face against albedo's shoulder, hands clutching in his collar. if he ignores it, maybe it'll just go away, maybe he won't need to worry about it. though kaeya's eyes are closed, he doesn't see the figure as it melts away into the distance, though the storm continues, lightning flashing, thunder rumbling loud. he doesn't speak. ]
but mr. albedo makes the decision for him, sweeping him right up off of his feet, and kaeya doesn't fight him, though he still watches the figure as he's carried away, guilt wracking his heart. he should do what's expected of him, shouldn't he? he should do what his father wants. that's what a good son would do.
instead he squeezes his eye shut and buries his face against albedo's shoulder, hands clutching in his collar. if he ignores it, maybe it'll just go away, maybe he won't need to worry about it. though kaeya's eyes are closed, he doesn't see the figure as it melts away into the distance, though the storm continues, lightning flashing, thunder rumbling loud. he doesn't speak. ]
[ Adelinde... Oh, she remembers that name. Ori had met her - or rather, a figment of Diluc's dreamotion manifesting as her - in a dream, too. Along with Elzer, and the other maids... ]
Oh, um... Some hand pies with meat and potatoes! And some oatmeal cookies with chocolate and fruits, since he likes sweets...
[ obvious. And also: Diluc Ragnvindr, you spoiled son of a gun. ]
Oh, um... Some hand pies with meat and potatoes! And some oatmeal cookies with chocolate and fruits, since he likes sweets...
[ obvious. And also: Diluc Ragnvindr, you spoiled son of a gun. ]
Ah, no wonder it all smells so delectable! Master Diluc is certainly being spoiled. It's enough to make a man jealous!
[ he chuckles warmly, sitting back in his barstool and stretching his back; he's been sitting like those prawn memes. in all honesty, he is a little bit envious, those hand pies smell delicious.. ]
You must be a dab hand at cooking.
[ he chuckles warmly, sitting back in his barstool and stretching his back; he's been sitting like those prawn memes. in all honesty, he is a little bit envious, those hand pies smell delicious.. ]
You must be a dab hand at cooking.
[ yes she took the chef feat thank you very much!! ]
Ah... Would you like some, then, Kaeya...? I'm sure Diluc wouldn't mind sharing with you.
[ she says. very pointedly. ]
Ah... Would you like some, then, Kaeya...? I'm sure Diluc wouldn't mind sharing with you.
[ she says. very pointedly. ]
[ Perhaps it was a bit presumptuous of him, to pick Kaeya up and carry him away from that man without even a bit of context as to what he was doing here, but he simply couldn't stand by and watch someone so young stricken with such abject fear and uncertainty. Whatever that man brings to Kaeya's mind, it isn't anything good. Albedo is a Knight. He has a duty to protect Mondstadt's people.
Even in their dreams.
With his hand on Kaeya's back, he pats the boy gently as they approach the manor, until he can carry him through the front door. It shuts behind them with a definitive snap, and Albedo approaches one of the nearby sofas to lower Kaeya onto. ]
There's no storm in here. We'll keep you safe.
[ He won't need to go back out there. ]
Even in their dreams.
With his hand on Kaeya's back, he pats the boy gently as they approach the manor, until he can carry him through the front door. It shuts behind them with a definitive snap, and Albedo approaches one of the nearby sofas to lower Kaeya onto. ]
There's no storm in here. We'll keep you safe.
[ He won't need to go back out there. ]
[ and the look he gives her in return is just as pointed. ]
Oh yes, I'm sure he would just love if I tucked into his dinner before he could get to it.
[ psych!! chuckling, kaeya turns back to his drink. ]
But no, thank you. Kind of it is for you to offer, I would so hate to impose. There's always next time!
Oh yes, I'm sure he would just love if I tucked into his dinner before he could get to it.
[ psych!! chuckling, kaeya turns back to his drink. ]
But no, thank you. Kind of it is for you to offer, I would so hate to impose. There's always next time!
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