Childe "I Can Make Her Worse" Tartaglia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
monoceroscaeli) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
insurmountable2022-11-26 09:40 pm
monoceroscaeli) wrote in insurmountable2022-11-26 09:40 pm
Entry tags:
you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies
[It had been a few days since the hunt for the Great Mujina Youkai had come to an end, having to say goodbye to the kids and to Yoimiya too. The ship that was to take him back to Snezhnaya would be arriving a bit later in the day, and Childe sighs as he sits back in his chair in the tent he's occupying in one such hidden Fatui camp. He had a great time in Inazuma. The country was beautiful, rich with a new culture to learn and all sorts of places to explore and fight new and more exciting enemies. All his things were in order- the gifts that he'd bought to bring back to his family, Teucer's Onikabuto in a little bug box with some food to keep it alive during the trip back- all he'd have to do is wait for the ship and he'd be on his way.
He tells himself that he'd return to the country one day, once tensions between the Fatui and the Shogunate calm down. It was a miracle that he was able to stay as long as he has, evading the Tenryou Commission. He has some people to thank for that, and he won't forget what they did for him while he's been here. Some gifts would be in order for them upon his return.
The Harbinger idly plays with a writing utensil between his fingers. He'd like to bring something from Snezhnaya for Yoimiya, too.
There's a sharp rap at his door, and Childe sighs. He doesn't really want to deal with work right now, perfectly happy reminiscing on the time he's spent in Inazuma before he leaves, but answers with a bored tone to his voice:]
Come in.
[An agent enters, bowing and standing at attention.]
Sir, we've captured a Tenryou Commission spy that was found sneaking around. We've taken her into custody and are awaiting your orders on how to deal with her.
[Childe's eyebrow raises. It should have been hard to find this camp, even by the Shuumatsuban. Somehow, doubt creeps into his mind, but stands from his chair.]
Alright, I'll deal with it myself. At least I can have one last bit of fun before I depart.
[The agent only bows once more, to lead Childe towards the prisoner. He knows better than to argue with the Harbinger, but feels sorry for the spy. The two cross the camp to another tent, the agent stopping him right before lifting the flap for his senior commander.]
She claims to be from the fireworks shop, but we've seen Tenryou soldiers stop frequently at it.
[Before he can answer, the flap is lifted to reveal a certain girl that he'd met not but a few days ago...]
He tells himself that he'd return to the country one day, once tensions between the Fatui and the Shogunate calm down. It was a miracle that he was able to stay as long as he has, evading the Tenryou Commission. He has some people to thank for that, and he won't forget what they did for him while he's been here. Some gifts would be in order for them upon his return.
The Harbinger idly plays with a writing utensil between his fingers. He'd like to bring something from Snezhnaya for Yoimiya, too.
There's a sharp rap at his door, and Childe sighs. He doesn't really want to deal with work right now, perfectly happy reminiscing on the time he's spent in Inazuma before he leaves, but answers with a bored tone to his voice:]
Come in.
[An agent enters, bowing and standing at attention.]
Sir, we've captured a Tenryou Commission spy that was found sneaking around. We've taken her into custody and are awaiting your orders on how to deal with her.
[Childe's eyebrow raises. It should have been hard to find this camp, even by the Shuumatsuban. Somehow, doubt creeps into his mind, but stands from his chair.]
Alright, I'll deal with it myself. At least I can have one last bit of fun before I depart.
[The agent only bows once more, to lead Childe towards the prisoner. He knows better than to argue with the Harbinger, but feels sorry for the spy. The two cross the camp to another tent, the agent stopping him right before lifting the flap for his senior commander.]
She claims to be from the fireworks shop, but we've seen Tenryou soldiers stop frequently at it.
[Before he can answer, the flap is lifted to reveal a certain girl that he'd met not but a few days ago...]
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But as she catches a glimpse at the moon, something strange begins to happen. A blinding white light distorts her vision, spreading across her body and encapsulating her sight. It feels like she's somewhere else, and that she's become someone else but before she's even able to process what's happening, the next thing she sees is the vivid scene of a large bath filled to the brim with water that looks like the night sky above them.
The scenery around them is simply stunning, a beautiful galaxy with stars twinkling and twirling past them. She's not even sure where they're at or if they are even still in Teyvat but everything about this just feels... right. Upon instinct, she cuddles up to her lover as if they've done this countless times. ]
Time and time again. Your love is like the galaxy itself, vast, wide, and endless.
[ The mysterious woman's smile is like a flower blooming from the affections of her beloved. She nuzzles into the crook of his shoulder, leaving a soft trial of kisses from his neck to his jawline, stopping just short of his lips. ]
I love you so much, Alnair. I truly wish we could spend every waking second together...
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Hahaha, if only we were so lucky. But then who would raise the sun to warm the earth beneath us? And who would bring forth the night that allows all creatures their essential rest?
[He returns those kisses with ones of his own, turning her head just so with the tips of his fingers to place a loving, slow, and grateful kiss to her lips.]
I'll always be thankful that we're afforded this time even in the wake of our duties. I pledge that I will never squander it, lest there comes a day where we will no longer be able to meet again.
[Alnair takes her in for another kiss, bearing his very soul to her, strengthening the bond between them that's lasted for as long as the world has existed. When he breaks, fondness fills his eyes and love radiates from him- this woman in front of him that he loves deeper than the universe has galaxies.]
It's almost time. Promise me you'll get some rest before having to resume your position in the sky.
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But even if it's only a few hours, she still appreciates the little bit of respite they're allowed. Once the gap is finally closed, the mysterious blonde woman returns the kiss in full, pouring all of her love and adoration for him in this blissful kiss. Every pass of her lips swears an eternal oath to him, a promise that she'll love him until the end of time.
Once they break, she stares at him with pure love and adoration shimmering behind her eyes, ]
I promise. Don't forget to do the same, okay? You might be powerful but even the all-mighty Alnair needs his rest.
[ She says with a fond giggle. As much as she doesn't wish to part, she knows it's time. She leans in to give him one last luscious kiss before pulling away. After giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she slowly and reluctantly removes herself from him, stepping out of the celestial pool with her long, golden hair flowing behind her. ]
Same time tomorrow, my love?
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As always. I'll be waiting for you here, and maybe I'll have a little surprise for you when you arrive.
[His rest can wait until she takes over when the sun sets, giving him time to figure out something nice for her- something he likes to do from time to time to show his appreciation for her.]
Don't try to go around figuring it out, either. It'll ruin the surprise.
[Giving her a quick kiss to her cheek, Alnair rises from the water, looking up to the night sky as he prepares for his own watch. The sun begins to peek over the horizon, signaling the time for him to start his duties, until the moon rose again and the cycle continues.]
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You're going to make me wait a whole day for your surprise? How cruel. You know my heart will be racing with excitement all day as I ponder the possibilities. I might have to sneak in early to figure it out for myself...
[ She shoots him a teasing grin as she fastens the last knot on her robe. Though she doesn't wish to leave, the sunlight shining down on the water indicates that it's time for her to go. ]
Until tomorrow, my love. I'll be thinking about you all day.
[ With that, she gives him one last kiss on the lips before departing from the castle to return to her duties. ]
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As will I. Your dazzling eyes never cease to glow in my memories even in the brightest sunlight.
[The last, saccharine kiss to his lips will sit there like a ghost until his watch finally ends, watching her go so he can take the day and rule over it as his domain until her watch begins. Turning, he strides forward, and won't see his love until the next night, as it has been for all time...]
---
[The scene slowly fades away back into the night sky of Teyvat, the moon still hanging over the two of them in the artificially heated water by Yoimiya's goldfish familiars. Tartaglia's eyes are wide with shock, not knowing exactly what it was that he just experienced, but no doubt he was living that vision as Alnair, his past life.
Turning to Yoimiya, he's curious if it was just him that saw that...]
Yoimiya...did you...?
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That's the last thing Yoimiya hears before they're back under the leafy tress of Sumeru and the starry night sky they're familiar with. Almost immediately, she gasps for air, needing a second to catch her breath. It's hard to put into words, she wants to say she feels like she's woken up from a dream and yet...
It didn't have the same feeling as walking out of Vanarana. It felt more like a memory that's been locked away for so long. Yoimiya shakes her head, trying to gather her thoughts together. ]
Yeah... yeah, I definitely saw that.
[ And oh Archons, she's both at a loss for words and has so many things to say all at the same time. Poor Ajax looks just as baffled as she is. ]
There's no doubt about it, that was Alnair we saw.
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Yes, there was no mistake. He even looked like me, with very few exceptions.
[That was going to drive him a little crazy too. So reincarnations might tend to sway towards the person still looking exactly the same. But he couldn't make out the woman in the bath with him. As much as Tartaglia tries to recall it, the vision won't unblur for him, like a memory that he's almost nearly forgotten.]
Did you recognize the woman with him? The sense of familiarity I get from her is overwhelming, but I couldn't ever put a finger on it. It's definitely not Seraphina.
[Makes sense- Alnair is him, so he should feel that emotion.]
It's almost as if she reminds me of someone, but I couldn't say who.
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There's a momentary pause on her end as she tries to put the pieces together. Try as she might, nothing seems to click, she saw Alnair's face clear as day, he looked like the spitting image of Ajax. But as for the mysterious woman... she's drawing nothing but blanks. Despite that, they just saw her face, neither one of them can recall, almost as if her face was blurred out. ]
No, I didn't recognize the woman either. She does feel crazy familiar, though. It's like... we should know who she is but I keep drawing blanks. The only thing I distinctly remember about her is her long golden hair.
[ Long golden hair... Ajax already said it but they can definitely rule out Seraphina. The woman they saw couldn't be any more opposite from the dark-headed menace who keeps coming after them. ]
I know I was joking earlier but... it's hard to believe Alnair really was involved with another woman. Here I assumed he was devoted to Seraphina.
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As did I. No doubt his spirit still longs for her, and she has a remarkable power over him. Unnaturally so, I'd say. Columbina is a figure with enough strength to take the third seat of the Harbingers...it makes me wonder now how he went from loving this golden haired woman so deeply to Seraphina. Unless...
[He thinks farther, trying to consider all options, and ends up frowning when he thinks of something else...]
He couldn't of had two lovers, could he? No, he couldn't of.
[Tartaglia just doesn't want to believe that. He couldn't be a womanizer in his past life!]
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Unless...? Yoimiya looks up at him from her chest, quizzically tilting her head until he throws out an answer so shocking that it takes her aback. ]
Wait, are you saying that Alnair really might have been a floozy?!
[ SHE SWEARS HER JAB FROM EARLIER WAS JUST A JOKE. HONEST!!!!!
And yet... out of all the explanations, that one makes the most sense even if she doesn't like it either. ]
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Ajax winces at Yoimiya's exclamation, then sighing with a level of regret that he'd even gave it a thought.]
I'd like to think otherwise! Sure, he could have...
[Tartaglia definitely sounds like he does not like the idea of this possibility.]
But if it were me, I certainly wouldn't engage in such behavior. Utterly disgraceful.
[If Yoimiya weren't in his lap, he'd fold his arms for extra emphasis.]
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Ajax, don't forget you two aren't one and the same. You're you and Alnair is Alnair. His actions don't reflect on you and I know you would never play with anyone's heart.
[ In a bid to comfort him, she raises her hand to the side of his face, her thumb gently brushes his cheek. She stares at him, eyes filled with reassurance to let him know she believes in him. ]
Besides, that was just a quick memory we witnessed. There might be something we're missing...
[ Though she's trying to remain positive, it's hard to refute the evidence. ]
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He's not Alnair, and he never will be. They lived different lives, so no matter what happened back then, it has nothing to do with him now. And there probably is something they're missing.]
You're right. It's impossible to say, and the gap between then and when Seraphina came into the picture might be large. Given ancient Teyvat's history, anything could have happened.
[He nuzzles into her, soaking in her presence, letting her ground him right here in the moment. Ajax shamelessly uses her to shake off the implications of that vision, choosing instead to live for the woman in his arms rather than worry about a time thousands of years ago.]
The woman we couldn't identify...she might be the one still around, that Lesser Lord Kusanali warned you of. Guess we'll have to be weary of anyone with long, golden hair.
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Mmhmm, I was thinking the same thing. It's no coincidence that we saw a vision of Alnair with another woman shortly after Nahida warned us about the mysterious third person.
[ She's happy to let Ajax use her body to his heart's content, if he's comfort he seeks, she'll allow him to soak into her warmth and then some. She'll make no moves to pull herself away from his grip, delighted to keep their bodies pressed together while her hand moves away from his face to card his hair. ]
Not that I'm trying to defend Seraphina's horrendous actions but after watching that vision, I kind of can't help but wonder if maybe she lost all sense of reality upon finding out that Alnair was also seeing another person?
[ a.k.a she became a crazy jealous bitch and now they're suffering the consequences. ]
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Mmmmmm, it could be. I get the feeling that Alnair and that woman might of been elevated to a station higher than any mortal could imagine. Calling them gods doesn't seem like it's out of the question, given the duty they were describing.
[He doesn't know a thing about how gods dealt with things in ancient times, including their intimate relationships.]
I'm not sure if gods care for monogamy or not, but it seems like Seraphina does. As far as I know, Columbina isn't a god. Not in the way we know them as, at least.
[But there's something else that's bothering him. Something that doesn't quite add up. He's trying to think on it, but he can't quite put his finger on it just yet.]
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As if on cue, the sounds of Ajax's heavy breathing stir her from pondering. ]
Right! Considering that Columbina keeps coming after me because of our relationship, it definitely seems like she wants Alnair all to herself. And... well, it's really hard to picture her being on board with him being involved with another woman. So, either there's been a terrible misunderstanding between the two of them or Alnair is...
[ A jerk, sits on the tip of her tongue but for the sake of Ajax's sanity, she opts to not finish it. If her assumption is correct, then she knows her darling would never go down the same path as some polygamist. ]
... This is such a mess. I feel like I shouldn't be writing Alnair off just yet. But geez, it'd sure be nice if we could figure out a way to trigger more of these memories to get to the bottom of this.
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Tartaglia doesn't want to write Alnair off either, especially not after the experience of becoming him. He could feel a deep, devoted love in the man's heart, one they both share- so it's hard to believe that their initial assumptions are true. Yoimiya makes a good point though, and it touches on the thing that's really bothering him.]
What I'd like to know is why we both shared the same vision?
[That is something they don't have an answer to.]
Maybe the power of dreams from Vanaranara make it capable of viewing events like these. I can't see any other reason why we both got caught in it, especially since it seems to be a vision from my past life.
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She truly hadn't questioned it up till this point but now that it's been said, she's more confused than ever. Why is it they both saw the same vision? Logically speaking, if Ajax truly is the reincarnation of Alnair, it makes sense that only he would be privy to the vision, not her.
Why was an ordinary person like her able to witness that memory...? ]
I don't understand either. While your theory makes sense, we stepped out of the dream world to come to this lake. Unless there's just something about being in the vicinity of Vanaranara that makes it to where anyone can see a vision.
[ But somehow, that still doesn't sound right to her. Yoimiya sighs, resigning to the fact there are simply not enough answers to make a solid conclusion. ]
Ugh, my head hurts from all this thinking. Why does everything have to be so gosh darn complicated?
wanna fade to black here and we can talk about what to do next imo?
[It's honestly too much thinking on a night where they've already had so much happen to them. The great loss of Aralauka and Avin, Yoimiya gaining a new sword and star power, this strange vision. It's too much for his tired brain to wrap around right now, and all he really wants to do is relax in the water with Yoimiya, and have a nice rest of their night.]
Let's just enjoy this time, and sleep on it tonight. Maybe something will come to us in the morning. I haven't made love to the most beautiful woman on the continent for some time, so I was hoping we could also use this time for a little indulgence...
[Setting the issue aside, Tartaglia moves to steer their attention more towards intimate actions, going right for her ear. Shameless strokes of his tongue go across the top of the shell of her ear, ending with a little nibble of her earlobe as he pulls her in a little closer.]
What do you say? With this small pond all to ourselves, no one will hear you moaning my name.
sure!
And it seems like they're on the same wavelength. They are naked and in true fashion, he doesn't hesitate to voice his desires and show her exactly what he wants by going straight for her ear. A long, throaty gasp spills out of her the moment she feels his wet lips nipping at her skin. Those gasps soon turn into whines at the hot, wet feel of his tongue dragging all the way to the shell of her ear. It's so unfair how easily he can get her into the mood... except not really, Yoimiya is just as greedy as he is. ]
Indulging in a night with you is the best way to end this evening. If it's moaning you want, it shouldn't be a problem that I moan your name real loud, right?
[ Eager to reciprocate, Yoimiya hungrily crashes their lips against each other, full of need and greed. Once they break, she stays true to her word, not hesitating to cry out his name, over and over again, each moan is filled with love and a desire to stake her claim on the man who has her heart. Seraphina be damned. After everything they've been through, she too wants to monopolize Ajax all to herself. Whatever he wants, Yoimiya is happy to return it in full, allowing him to drown in her body for a night of passion underneath the moonlight. ]