insurmountable | just call my name / i'm yours to tame

[Mondstadt was a beautiful country, truly. He'd never been here before, and Tartaglia has wildly enjoyed himself even on the first day. Yes, he's here for work purposes, but that doesn't mean he can't have a little fun while he's at it. Meeting with government officials all day bored him to tears, but it was largely necessary- especially if Snezhnaya were to carry out their plans as intended. A few deals here, a few underhanded moves there, it was all part of the plan. Not something he was terribly interested in doing, and it's not really him to do those kinds of things but...his job comes first and his personal feelings second.

But being able to do all of this while exploring the city was nice. He'd enjoyed the high skyscrapers and big city feel of the nation of freedom, but there was also a part of the city that still took on the feel of olden times, cobblestone roads and houses that resembled cottages. It was quaint and if he's being honest, he loved it.

But the first day of his trip has ended, with many more to go- so it's best to take the edge off. The recommended tavern of the city seems to be Angel's Share, five stars on his travel app. Tartaglia slips his phone into his pocket as he heads there, entering the tavern and heading straight up to the bar to take a seat.

The bartender has some of the most striking red hair and eyes he's ever seen, having to blink twice before he pulls himself together.

He hails him down, waving a hand to get Diluc's attention.]

A glass of Dandelion Wine, to start, if you could.

[Because why wouldn't you try the region's specialties? He's excited for it.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You misunderstand what reincarnation is and does. [Diluc says as he picks up his goblet. The cold the blood inside gives off makes him shiver once. He still drinks.] Those who reincarnate are not shadows. If they were blades, they would be glowing white hot.

Their spirits are too powerful to be contained in one cycle of life. There's much unfinished that carries over. And the power of their spirit is folded over, hammered into an even stronger weapon. You are more than you've ever been just because you passed through death's door and refused to stay there.

It leaves a mark. To those of us who passed through the door and changed, became other. We see it. [He swirls his goblet and takes another sip.] And no one has used Foul Legacy since him. Or could. I never knew how he got it. But I know when someone has been through a crucible of survival.

[He looks on as he listens, before letting his head fall to look at the back of his hand, as if he may find a mark there that symbolizes the journey through death's grasp that Diluc has so described. But there's nothing there, it's just the same hand he's always had his entire life.]

...To be honest, I don't even know how I know how to use it.

[His voice quiets, looking at the blanket draped over his body.]

It's always been there, a pull at the soles of my feet no matter where I walk. I've always instinctively known how to use it, even when I was a kid.

[He doesn't mention how much it frightened him at first, until he'd gotten used to it, when the battle lust began to show its head within his mind.]

But there's one last thing I need to ask- you could of ended it all back there, and yet I find myself in your care, under a spell that kept me from trying to escape. Why? I serve no purpose to you, and if anything I stand as a symbol of an organization that has ruined cities in the past. Tell me, why did you help me after defeating me?

[There's a moment of silence as Diluc drinks the blood. The answer comes immediately like a spark of flame heating the air.] It is true it would have been easier to end you. That was true back when we were both mortals.

And it is not the fondness of the past that stayed my hand. [He sets the goblet down. He can easily recall the worried glint in Kaeya's eye. The set of his jaw when he told him this would only bring pain. And continues.]

Despite who you work for, I sense no evil in you. You carry the stain of the Abyss and yet it merely saps at your life. You do not twist. One day if you face me as a true enemy on the battlefield. I will kill you and drink to your memory.

But, as it stands I want to see what you do. How the threads of the future spin while you walk the land. What will you grow into?

[His eyes flash and for a moment it is like looking into the sun. Too bright, and vicious.] Should you fall to the Abyss or become evil, I will hunt you. For if you become evil, you will become a threat to all you love. I will step in and lay your body in the snow and ice of your home, so your beloved Archon and the land itself can cleanse your soul as you pass.

[The words are like a binding contract. He relaxes, eyes closed as the pressure vanishes.] This I promise.

[Tartaglia stares back at Diluc, unable to find the words to respond for a moment or two. The challenge issued if he were to fall is a delicious one indeed, willing to meet Diluc on the battlefield and face him once again. But it seems the vampire is much more interested in what he chooses to do with this life...the second one he's been given.]

You better keep your promise to me, now. In Snezhnaya, it doesn't bode well for one to break their promises.

[Though not even he knows what lies for him in the future. As a Harbinger, he's done evil things in the name of the Tsaritsa, but only because of the practical manner of which he needs to do them, not because he agreed with it.]

Though, I'm surprised. I wasn't going to bring this up, but a few of your words have stirred something in me that I noticed upon meeting you. You caught my eye immediately, and I wasn't sure why. Guess that's all part of that fond past you just spoke of, huh?

[But now he wonders if it's either a blessing or just cruel that he still seems to shoulder some of his past life.]

It could be. Or it could be you noticed another vision user even if I'm technically among the unliving. [Diluc says as he opens his eyes. He rests his cheek against his fist.]

I saw the look in your eyes when we fought. You are always looking for another warrior to test your blades against. If it hadn't been me you saw, you'd have spotted the Calvary Captain.

[Kaeya is a flashy bastard who could quickly fly under the notice of the unwary or those who bought his act. But anyone with a brain would know he's ruthless and a warrior few messed with. Perfect for the Tartaglia.] Or one of the other warriors in Mond.

Believe it or not, that isn't quite what I meant.

[It's natural to assume that Tartaglia is always looking for a challenge and that's all he's ever thinking about. He hardly blames Diluc for thinking that way, as it's the objective truth about him, always wanting to get into a fight to further test his strength, or just have a little fun. It's who he is.

But this time, there was something else that stirred within him, and it's not something he can easily put into words. He's learned so much so quickly about himself, and about his past...this is just another icing on the cake.]

Never mind. I'm sure once my head straightens itself out, everything will become more clear.

[What he means by that, he doesn't elaborate. Tartaglia finally finishes off the food given to him, setting the tray on a nightstand next to the bed before swinging his legs over to the side to sit on the edge of the bed, covers thrown to the side. The Harbinger stands, testing his own body a little, stretching his arms and legs. Everything seems to be in order, so as far as he's concerned, it's time to go.]

Thank you again for your kindness. I should return back to the Snezhnayan envoy, before they start to become suspicious and the cover story you've set into place begins to unravel.

[He wants to turn to go, but something nags at him that doesn't allow him to leave just yet. Tartaglia hesitates, not knowing what exactly it is he wants to say.]

Next time, I'll win, [is what he says instead, before turning his back to go.]

just call my name / i'm yours to tame

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