#[ but then i also sit here longer and think more of the meropide. ]

[orchideae]

When I approach Yelan (or anyone else I've written), I don't just look directly at her character, but I also look at her surroundings. Both the ones that she knows by some semblance of necessity, but also those that she chooses. Like here, I talked about the Chasm, and what being 'okay' with existing down there needs to mean for a character, because it's not normal. Someone's surroundings, room, or home say a lot bout who they are and what their mindset, or specifically, their perspective is of the world. And sometimes, I think it says more about people than even the characters realize.

This brings me to the topic of the city of Fontaine. Now, I personally think it's rather obvious that a lot of the nation takes from historical France, and so when looking at it, I think it really adds to remember its monarchy, the view that the 'common folk' had of it, and its inevitable demise to non-existence today in terms of importance as a result. So my first question is, who constructed or decided on its layout? Was it Furina, Neuvillette, Egeria? Whoever it was, there's a lot that can be said about their view of the world and their placement in it when you look at locations of buildings. Look at where Palais Mermonia, its governing body, is located within the city; it sits at a rather astounding elevation in comparison to, well, everything and everyone else in the city. This frequently represents the concept of 'distance' between groups in one way or another, and seeing the consistency in other nations, this is something that is rather intriguing to me, especially keeping Fontaine's characters in mind (and considering this is the nation of 'justice'). Mondstadt has everything almost entirely uniform, with arguably the church on the highest level (but it isn't greatly elevated in comparison to all else), but it's joined with the plaza and statue which are a common gathering site for all people in the city. Liyue had the gods and adepti visibly living among the humans back in the days of the Guili Assembly for reasons of 'integration' (my apologies to numerous from our dear Guizhong!) The fact that numerous adepti now live far outside of the harbor is a different matter entirely, and the one who seems to function within a semblance of separation of sorts is Ningguang with the Jade Chamber (but I'm not one to speak on behalf of her character as I don't bear the knowledge). Inazuma also has the Tenshukaku at a higher elevation in comparison to the rest of Inazuma City. Sumeru is interesting, but ultimately Nahida was kept at the very peak of the city, far out of reach of humanity— but that's exactly the common denominator that has my interest, the distance between the 'governing body' and humanity for one reason or another.

But Fontaine really takes separation to a different level in my opinion (and again, think of this when you think of the person having designed the whole city), not only because of the above which I'll elaborate more on in a moment, but also its separation from the outside world. Now, this is interesting to think about if you keep in mind that it was perhaps done in eventual protection of the city's inhabitants in terms of the prophecy (which means that this would have been constructed anywhere during or after Egeria's reign), but then why is only Palais Mermonia far above the water's reach? If the walls surrounding the city were ever breached during said prophecy, all its inhabitants are pretty much immediately caught in the flood and would drown, which tells me nothing positive of the city's 'architect' or whoever signed off on the designs. But if not done for the prophecy, then why? Stand in the middle of the Court of Fontaine and really look around you, the only sights you really have of the outside world are the sky, and it's obstructed by a fair bit of the waterways and gardens that hang overhead, which you can only properly enjoy when you take the ages long elevator to the upper level where the palace is located (which, credit due, seems freely accessible to everyone in present-time). But if you don't venture up, how much of the outside world do you get to see? It feels very secluded, very much under lock and key. On some level (and this is one of the many reasons why I think that the Meropide is so excessively important in Fontaine and it's likely why we spent so much time there; it's all to show the ever, ever important contrast and nuance between this 'autonomous nation within Fontaine' and, well, 'Fontaine'), it almost feels like a prison, regardless of how pretty it may look or come across (and despite not 'lacking rights'). And considering how people in the Meropide speak of not always wanting to return back to the 'overworld' following their sentence, I think that there's definitely quite a bit of truth in that. But again, stand there and look around for yourself.

Now to return to the original topic, but keeping the last one in mind as well, look at one other thing that I'm unsure how many have really kept an eye on: the massive effect Palais Mermonia's level has on the rest of the area (inside and outside of its walls). Have you ever walked through the city of Fontaine at any given time of day or night, north to south, east to west, clockwise or counter-clockwise circling through it; have you ever seen how it overshadows an immense part of the streets below it either entirely on its own (which to me signifies a very domineering presence), or together with those outer walls that surround the city? I know how I've spoken thoroughly with people before about how much I enjoy Fontaine and how dark it is in its storytelling, but despite how gorgeous this region with its water- and landscapes are; its city bears quite a heavy weight to me. I don't know who designed it, or ordered it to be constructed in this way, but nothing about the city itself truly, rationally, shows a healthy perspective versus its citizens.

Me: /continues on to ramble in tags because I'm me and I'm a nuisance with always more to say than I know how to coherently put into these posts.

#[ meta. ] the chances are if i open this door; there can be no witnesses left alive. is that a sufficient reason for you? #[ i love how i'm writing a liyue-based character and here i am rambling about fontaine. ] #[ listen my little french heart just ached at this. i've been sitting on it for so long and have been wanting to talk about it. ] #[ but every time i hear 'fontaine is so pretty' -- i agree. i truly do. and the city has become my new 'hub' away from liyue harbor... ] #[ which says a ton in itself. ] #[ so trust me when i say i enjoy it and find it gorgeous. but i don't have any real kind words to spare on who designed it. ] #[ and i don't mean that in an insulting/bad kind of way but more so in the sense of-- whichever god likely designed this-- ] #[ how much worth was placed where; you know? ] #[ this is why i find the gods and all of their differing views so inherently interesting. ] #[ but then i also sit here longer and think more of the meropide. ] #[ and how THAT is supposed to be the prison. hmmmm. and yet /that/ is the place many seem to not want to leave anymore. ] #[ the place that is run and made better by the person whose tragic case was entirely missed and neglected by the authorities. ] #[ ah yes; the meropide. aka meropis-- the retelling (was it a parody? i believe so) of plato's story of atlantis. ] #[ which was sunk by the gods as punishment to its people for leading lives they deigned morally unjust and petty and /greedy/. ] #[ ah yes. the references never end. ] #[ granted we know how the meropide came to be-- so if egeria was in charge of that. chances are she likely was for fontaine as well. ] #[ well-- ] #[ well. ] #[ yep. i have more to say but i'm struggling to find my words-- so here we are for now! ]

[rin-fukuroi]

𝐀 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 [𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲]

Please do not translate or publish my works without my permission.

The originals of my works can be read here

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairings: Wriothesley x fem!reader

Warnings: none, just b-day fluff~

Note: English is not my native language, so I apologize if there are errors in the text qq

I am, as always, very punctual, so I almost made it to the birthday of this hot cryo man (o´ω`o) I'm sorry if there are typos in his name and correct me, please, because I'm posting this at five in the morning and I feel like I'm going to fall asleep at the computer, but I couldn't put it off until the morning anymore XD

You glance nervously at your watch. Another tedious working day at the Palais of Mermonia is about to end, and you are looking forward to visiting your friend. Of course, you didn't need some special day to see Wriothesley, and you didn't need an excuse to just burst into his office and share another cup of tea with him, which, by the way, you did quite often, but today… Today you just have to get him to the surface.

Although you knew perfectly well that your feelings towards the duke would probably never be reciprocated, and you knew that this man was "married to his job," the desire to see him as often as possible still never left you. You rejoiced at the fleeting moments when you could see his sincere, but slightly tired smile, rejoiced at the sound of your name flying off his tongue, rejoiced at every modest gift that Wriothesley handed you after each visit to the Fortress (often, of course, it was cosmetics that Sigewinne left for you when she couldn't give it away personally, but sometimes it was also gifts from the duke himself, who carefully supplied you with tea that you might like during your meeting), but gradually became more and more greedy, wanting to get more.

It's so selfish to think that one day Wriothesley will leave the Fortress and finally break out to Fontaine to see you more often, however, what's wrong with just dreaming about it sometimes?

When the hands of the clock finally move to the cherished eight o'clock in the evening, you happily jump up from your chair, no longer feeling the same fatigue. This happens every time you plan to visit Wriothesley, but today you feel a special surge of strength that you want to direct to ensure that this day goes perfectly. Everything has been planned in your head for a long time, down to the smallest details, although you know that it has rarely happened that your grandiose plans have been fully realized, but you are ready to make every effort to ensure that today goes exactly as you imagined it before going to bed for several weeks in a row.

You cheerfully run out of the Palais, briefly saying goodbye to the melusines who are vigorously waving after you, and go straight to the Fortress, anticipating to see the soft smile of Wriothesley, to whom you will fall in without warning.

A few nods of greeting to the guards at the entrance to Meropid, and here you are already going down in the elevator, nervously fiddling with the strap of your bag slung over your shoulder. This path leading you deep under the water seems especially long today, and you excitedly shift from foot to foot before the doors finally open in front of you, giving you a view of the floor on which the entrance to your friend's office is located.

For some reason, all your resolve melts more and more as you approach his door. Of course, your plans will hardly please the Duke, but isn't it already too late to worry about it?

You slip through the heavy doors, taking a deep breath before finally climbing up the stairs. Your curious gaze immediately catches the slightly disheveled smolny strands of hair and the gaze of a man sitting in his usual place concentrated on the papers on the table. Risley seems to be so immersed in his work that he doesn't even immediately notice that someone has snuck into his office without warning until your figure appears in his field of vision, forcing the man to look up at you with a tired look.

— You're uninvited, as always, — the duke jokes, smiling gently and turning his attention back to the pile of documents stacked on the right side of his hand sliding over the paper.

— And you, as always, are not ready to break away from work even when a friend comes to visit you!

— Y/N, you should have already remembered that you can feel like at home here. I still have to finish… — the man's words are cut off when you audaciously interrupt him, banging your palms on his weighty wooden table.

— Wrio, today we are going out for a walk on the Fontain, and I don't accept a refusal! — your eyes are full of determination when Wriothesley looks up, meeting your gaze.

The duke sighs resignedly, crossing his muscular arms over his chest, as if thinking about something before finally answering.

— As you can see, I have a lot of work to do.

— Come on. You're idle most of the time. I hardly believe that during your long rest you don't have any urgent business, — you raise an eyebrow disapprovingly, taking the same defensive pose as Wriothesley.

— I told you that I don't like to rise to the surface unless absolutely necessary. It costs me a lot of effort to dodge the interview of that journalist from the "Steam Bird", you know. If she sees us…

— She won't see it! And if she does, I'll deal with it, I promise.

Another dissatisfied sigh, and Wriothesley still gives up, reluctantly getting up from his chair.

— Well, you said it yourself, so I'll leave the role of my personal bodyguard to you for today, — the duke chuckles softly before slowly walking towards the stairs.

It's amazing how easy it was to get him to sign up for your adventure, but you're still elated, almost skipping along after Wriothesley.

— Ah, ah! How upset will all your fans be when they find out that your fists and those threatening gloves have lost to the fragile girl you entrusted to protect yourself!

Wriothesley's velvety laugh and your quiet giggle bounce off the metal walls as the two of you go downstairs, casually exchanging jokes before finally the heavy door slams shut behind you.

✧ ✧ ✧

— So… And where do you want to go? — Wriothesley asks, finally coming to the surface of Fontaine. A soft breeze blows the short strands of his hair and the jacket draped over his broad shoulders.

— Mmm … — you smile mysteriously, proudly raising your head. — I have everything planned!

— I'm already scared.

And so your little adventure began.

The first point was the cozy cafe "Lutes", where you had a snack with crepes before going for a leisurely walk through the streets of Fontaine. Wriothesley was confident and unyielding, even when every second resident of Fontaine considered it his duty to cast an alarmed and amazed look after you both. The duke, so casually strolling around the city, really excited the Fontaine people even more than any appearance of judge Neuvillette among the common people, but it didn't seem to bother you particularly, judging by the fact that you were still as relaxed as usual with your friend about everything and nothing at the same time.

Wriothesley looks at the streets and people around with interest, which he usually never had enough time for even when he had to go up to the Fontain. You catch every look of a man, not missing the opportunity to once again examine his features and every scar adorning his face and neck when he turns away to hold his blue eyes on something that attracted his attention. He looks so relaxed, even though he doesn't show that he likes it, and you can't help but feel elated at the realization that, although you had to get him to sign up for your idea, Wriothesley doesn't seem to mind at all just walking with you like this.

After a small snack at Louis's diner, you both visited the fountain, admiring the bright lights of lanterns lit up all over the Fontain when the bright moon rose over the region. The time flew by as quickly as it always did when you managed to share it with the duke. It's so unfair. This evening is really special, and how would you like it to never end, and you just feel the presence of a loved one next to you for at least a few more hours before you are left alone again.

But this is impossible, and the realization that you will soon have to part one way or another settles with bitter sadness in your chest.

— Hey, Wrio… — you suddenly stop when you both gradually complete a circle through the streets of Fontaine, inevitably approaching back to the entrance to the Fortress. The man hears your quiet voice behind his back and also stops, turning around to look at your gloomy figure. Wriothesley wanted to ask what suddenly managed to break your fighting spirit, with which you accompanied him all your walk, but you suddenly smile again, looking up at him. — I want to… go somewhere else.

✧ ✧ ✧

Waves smoothly flow to the shores of the outskirts of Fontaine, caressing the soft sand. The light sound of the water is so soothing, and you take a deep breath before plopping down on the grass under a tree standing alone near the walls of the city. Your gaze immediately clings to the majestic Moon reflected in the crystal clear water when a cool breeze touches the skin of your face. Such quiet, peaceful evenings are usually meant for lonely thoughts or romantic dates, but you are here today for none of these reasons. You hear quiet footsteps and a short sigh from the man behind, who reluctantly sits down next to you, resting his palms on the soft grass and fixing his gaze at the sky.

— It's been a while since I've seen the moon, — Wriothesley breathes in fresh air, closing his eyes for a moment, and you finally turn around, looking at the peaceful expression on his face.

The gaze unconsciously slides down his tense forearm muscles under his black shirt, his chest heaving in time with the measured breathing and his legs stretched out on the grass.

"And I haven't seen you like this for a long time…" — you would like to say out loud, but you swallow your sentimental desire, and straighten up, shifting your bag onto your lap.

— Wrio… — you mumble softly, and the man mumbles back to you, still without opening his eyes and continuing to enjoy the quiet murmur of water and the distant sounds of the Fontain getting ready for bed.

The man feels your hand touching his shoulder, and opens his eyes slightly, noticing how you look at him, awkwardly pursing your lips. Your cheeks are lightly powdered with blush, and the fingers of your other hand are nervously fiddling with the lock of the bag, and Wriothesley also straightens up, paying all his attention only to you.

— In general… here, — you hesitate, but then you hurriedly take out a small box from your bag and hand it to him.

For a moment, the duke's eyes widen while he just looks at the small gift intended for him, lying in your palm, but then he accepts it, without hesitation opening the lid. A silver tie clip, decorated with a small ruby, shimmering in the moonlight, lies neatly on a miniature gray pillow when Wriothesley carefully takes your gift out of the box.

— I'll understand if you don't wear it, but… happy birthday, Wrio, — you look away, blushing even more, while the man just looks at the little thing without saying a word.

You're ready to sink through the ground on this very spot. His silence doesn't mean that he didn't like your gift, does it? Oh, you really could have given him something more useful, but in the end you presented him with what should be on his tie, comforting your selfish desire that your gift be with him every day, glimmering somewhere in the depths of your soul.

You're almost ready to just hurriedly say goodbye and run away to your home to bury your face in the pillow and replay this awkward moment in your head an infinite number of times to drive yourself into even more despondency, but you hear a quiet click and turn back to Wriothesley, noticing that his tie is already decorated with silver jewelry, which he is looking at with a slight thoughtfulness in his gaze before looking at you.

— Mm, I think it's not bad, what do you think?

Your lips open, and the words get stuck somewhere in your throat when you just look at Wriothesley in a discouraged way.

The man grins, amused by your reaction, and lets go of his tie before leaning towards you.

If before it seemed to you that time was so inevitably slipping through your fingers like sand, now for the first time you felt it stop at the moment when you felt the touch of Wriothesley's warm soft lips on your flushed cheek. The scent of his perfume has cut into your nostrils, and you are ready to swear that you will never be able to forget him again, as well as this short kiss, which will now always burn the skin of your face whenever the image of Wriothesley will pop up in your mind.

Your face now seems more like a frightened otter, just frozen in shock when Wriothesley pulls away, barely restraining himself from laughing at your funny reaction.

— Thank you, Y/N.

#genshin impact #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #wriothesley #wriothesley x reader #headcanons #genshin x you #genshin drabbles

[delusionaid]

@apocryphis sent: ❝ i love the way you just sit in the corner and brood. ❞ (wriothesley to diluc!)

I don't brood, Diluc wants to say almost immediately, but the words don't make it past his lips. Until Wriothesley showed up, he was sitting by himself on an otherwise empty table at the cafeteria, the leftovers of his questionable lunch gone cold on his plate. Most other days there would have been looks from the other inmates, mostly for the Duke, but today the place is almost empty. Diluc doesn't eat when everybody else does, wants neither the commotion nor the company, so he works longer and gets his lunch when most others are already on their way back.

There's no point in forming relationships here - outside of the temporary ones that might help him gain the knowledge he seeks - not with his time down here being so limited. Come to think of it, perhaps there's no point in forming relationships at all, down here or on the surface; eventually they all break one way or another. This the first time anyone's ever described him as brooding but catching himself with that last thought Diluc admits there might be something to it.

He used to be different, the energy in the room, the driving force in a conversation. More than once in his youth people commented on his bright smile and his easy ability to laugh, his engaging personality (though stubborn, they called him too). It hits harder than a casual comment should, seeing the way he's become. He remembers being like that, remembers caring about it, too. He does not remember the last time he felt like smiling or feeling the need to make others in his presence comfortable. Something inside him faded away, like a light that went out, the day his father said his last words, and now all he feels is heavy, every smile a daunting task, every conversation a calculated effort.

"How do you keep your humor in this place?" The Fortress of Meropide is not as dreadful as it could be, given its reputation, but it's a prison nonetheless. It's more organized than Diluc expected; good work breeds just rewards and most people seem too afraid to bother him, which makes his life down here relatively comfortable. That said, the inability to leave sits in his neck like a set of claws digging into his flesh. He's wasting time every second of every day, letting trails run cold and names be forgotten. It hasn't been long and yet he feels anxious to leave and, admittedly, also misses the sun on his face and smell of fresh air, or the ability to choose his meals and not gamble for it every day.

He misses his freedom, a good he didn't appreciate enough before, even during the times where it felt like all he did was rush from one responsibility to another.

#apocryphis #m. apocryphis #( m: diluc. ) #( diluc: apocryphis. ) #( meme reply. ) #v. solitary sojourn