etrayalogs | Before Dawn

Entry tags:

Before Dawn - Closed

WHO: Kaeya Alberich

fromfire
WHEN:Early morning
WHERE:Out in Jinglewalk
WHAT: When two wayward wanders meet up
NOTES\WARNINGS: none so far

[There is an aimlessness he can’t quite name that has chased him since he got here. Starting over is difficult. He did it once when he was ten, but he had been surrounded by love. And when he became content with his place in life it happened again. It’s hard not to feel frustrated when ripped from a place that had become home.

Frida the chocobo isn’t a horse. But her love is unconditional all the same. It’s all a Calvary knight can ask for. He lets her run while his mind is off somewhere else. He has been thinking about what to add to this place since he and Verso had a chat. At first beauty had seemed like a wonderful thing. But more and more some part of him just wants to go home. It is an ache in his chest he can’t let go of.

He and Frida sprint past the trolley car and down the side of the tracks, a flash of blue and purple. The wind pulls at him but it doesn’t smell right. He can’t drift to memory. Scenery flashes by until Frida comes to a stop in a grassy area by the sea. He lingers in the saddle for a moment. She looks back at him and he smiles.] It might not be so bad of a place for a valley. What do you think? I do value your opinion too.

[She looks out at the land around him. He guides her closer to the sea and drops off of her side with the ease of practice. He stands up and dusts himself off, glancing around once more.] Stables close to the wall of the valley. Keep you sheltered from storms. The vineyards need a good wind and the water over there, [He turns and points then he blinks, lifting his hand in a wave.] Well, letting the wind lead you?

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[She drops the bag and coos, fluttering her wings. Greetings given she leans down and has a drink.] She is wonderful. And yes, I agree. Why the water was so colorful…that seemed like Aurora trying to make things positive.

[She has been trying to get them to bond since he arrived. It hasn’t fully worked. But he has made some connections. The wind pulls at him, sending his cape fluttering in the wind.]

That’s her main response to us. I wonder if we will get seasons. [He looks around. He visibly seems to somewhere else in his head for a moment. He snaps out of it, his smile a little softer.] …some more trees here and this will be a riot of colors in autumn.

It does seem that way.

[ It seems out of place to bring up how disconcerting it was to see the water park. In the end, he decided to enjoy himself. If Aurora and Echo are able to see into worlds, perhaps, they simply wanted to bring something from his here. At least, the mood of what his world could've been. ]

You're my senior in this. Are you saying that we don't experience seasons on the regular? [ He walks around, looking out toward the landscape that surrounds them. ] But I do agree. There's something soothing about the changing colors. [ Crossing his arms, he lets out a small little sigh. ]

So, really, what brought you out here? [ He recalls what Kaeya said before: ] The wind?

Only a couple of months your senior. I haven't thought to ask a friend of mine if he has seen the seasons change. I should do that sometime. [Gorgug would know. He is stalling a little, and he knows it. He blows out a breath and walks towards the sea.]

Sort of. It's not the same. But nothing is. [He has difficulty opening up. He and his best friend are both terrible at it. In their ways. He dogs on, because he wants to tell Verso his thoughts.] I've been measuring out spaces and looking to create that bit of beauty. The only thing I can think of is asking for a valley where no one has to pretend to be anything.

That's how I'll put it, anyway. [He turns around and gestures to the whole space.] The Dawn Winery has been a home to the wayward souls that family have taken in since...mm, probably since the first of their line. It won't be the same. It doesn't have to be. It will be shaped by those who come to it—a little slice of the land of winds and freedom.

Let me know the answer. I'm curious.

[ Verso uncrosses his arms for a second, listening for what he's doing. He remembers that is the conversation that the two of them had. Of what he wanted, if he could, bring anything to this place -- what would he bring? What will you paint? It was a question not directed to him, but -- he ends the thought abruptly. ]

A valley can be something like that? [ Said more in wonder than criticism. He shifts around to stare out toward the whole area. While he doesn't recognize the name of the Dawn Winery, he does find something in what Kaeya is wanting to bring. ] No, I agree. It doesn't have to be the same of what it was so long as it's cared for by those that come to experience it.

[ A flicker of a smile. ] I think you've chosen quite well, but I don't think you needed my approval for this idea, either. [ Another small laugh. ]

All the same, I am happy to hear your input. [He smiles and puts a hand to his chest. It’s easier to talk now. He glances at Frida. She is busy inhaling the greens he packed in the bag.]

And yes, a valley can be that. Technically all of Mondstadt is that. We’re all a bit…interesting. Even those whose families lived there for generations. I do hope once the Winery is here you decide to visit. And stay a while if you want.

[He looks around with a soft light in his eyes. He can see it clearly. The trees and the vineyards. The houses.] Who knows, you might get to see some crystal flies. They really like the vineyards.

[Having finished her meal, Frida starts to wander. She won’t go far.] Hopefully we do get seasons. I wouldn’t mind making an Etraya special.

Well, thankfully for you, I have a lot of opinions. [ A little laugh follows. It clears whatever is built up in his chest. ]

I might. Although -- [ He drifts his eyes down then back up to Kaeya's face. ] -- as much as I've been living in the wilderness, I won't deny I miss civilization. [ Running his hand through his hair, he carries on: ] Hair products, bath products. I finally can really lean into my vanity.

[ His words bask and bathe themselves in a teasing tone. It isn't what happened that makes him hesitant, but his own sense of guilt and reservations. He doesn't fear being chained to others, not with how much he loves and cherishes people, but he fears chaining others down to him.

But he does drift his eyes over everything. The way that the crystal flies had been described, he wouldn't mind seeing them. ] I hope they come to enjoy the vineyard.

[ A beat. ] An Etraya special? What's that?

Wine. The soil, the weather, and even the conditions overall will change the flavor. Instead of expecting it to be anything but what it is, I’ll bank on that and see what the results are.

I learned just as much as D did. I can pull it off. [His smile is dazzling. This is a good way to pass the time. His feet have always taken him back to the winery when he is off duty. Partly because of the people. Partly because he is a fool who punishes himself with things he knows will hurt the heart.

But here. He sighs, but it is like someone who has been running for a while finding a spot to rest. He relaxes.] But if there’s enough Anemo in the soil, they will love this place like no other.

Just like home. [He runs a hand through his hair and winces. Ugh. He is a bit vain himself. A little bit.] And vanity…I can relate. I might spend some points to indulge a little. Fountaine makes wonderful shampoos and hair care products. Such a thing should be shared!

Well, you are right about that, Kaeya. [ Wine is something that Verso knows a bit about. He may not be a sommelier, but he has drunk quite a bit in his years. Which upon hearing that sequence of words in his head, he decides he should keep to himself. ] I think quite a few people could come to appreciate and enjoy a good glass of wine.

[ It won't be able to be aged, but that's fine. ] D is someone you apprenticed from? [ Soon, he also is smiling. ] I guess when you put it like that -- it'd be a shame not to come out from time to time to see how things are. [ A hesitant foot forward. It sounds less like he's going to be a fixture and more a ghost that haunts the area. He likes that descriptor more. ]

Well, you've now told me something important -- I was starting to wonder where I was going to get such products. I was going to be willing and accepting that I'll just have to live with what is here, but to think there is actually something, I'm relieved.

I’ve lived with what is here. I think getting something better is best. And all the more when I know someone else gets it. [And if he is earning a little currency of a sort. Why not.

His smile fades into something a little more real and relaxed. He has set himself on a path. Enough that he loosens up a little and says,] D is short for Diluc. Technically we were both apprentices to Father. But only the family heir had to learn anything. The ward could have not cared, but I still learned. It felt rude not to.

[He shrugs, as it isn’t a big deal. It is. He turns slightly to look around. Yes, there would have to be some slight changes to the winery to make sure the grapes and orchard got what they needed.] Anyway, I’ll glad to have you visit. Come harvest time I might ask for a hand. Don’t want anything to be missed.

[He sets his hands on his hips. Frida seems to decide they are boring and settles by the water.] Naturally, first bottle is yours.

See, that kind of talk makes me worried about what is here for wine. I think you're onto something, and I'm happy to give what little knowledge I have on the subject to help. Since I'll be benefiting from it.

[ His eyebrows lower slightly, seeing the smile shift. He tips his chin in a quick, little nod as he listens. Verso picks up on a few things -- the home Kaeya lived wasn't his own; he's not the heir but only a ward. To only learn because it felt rude; is that searching for a purpose in the family? ]

I see. [ Rather than asking more, he leaves it at that; they can talk about those things later. No need to chase every lead and statement especially when it comes with a smile that looks like his did. ] Sounds like you have fond memories of that time. Looking forward to seeing what you've learned.

[ A small laugh. ] Well, since I'm being offered the first bottle for my future work, it would be rude of me not to agree. [ He sets his hand over his chest and bows slightly. ] In fact, it would be my honor.

[He presses his hand to his heart and bows slightly as well, a practiced action.] And mine to have your help. Least I can do is offer a gift.

[He straightens. The wind tugs at his clothes and he lets himself feel it for a second. It isn’t the same. It doesn’t smell right. Oh well.] The wine here isn’t bad. It could use a personal touch that improves it but, you know how it is. Everywhere is different.

Now, the big question is will the wine aging the cellar come too? I’m most curious about that. Some of those are so old that they use the old style of labeling.

Glad that you know I deserve something for my excellent, excellent work that I've not yet done. [ Verso turns his head away as he laughs. ]

That's fair. [ He tilts his head toward Kaeya. ] But you're right. Every creation will always have its own little touch to it, even if they're trying to emulate someone else. Eventually, you almost can tell who made what. [ His chin tucks down as he chuckles to himself. ]

Wine aging cellar? Oh, now that is speaking deeply to me. [ His hand does plop lightly against his chest, feeling a warmth there. ]

Hey. [ The call sounds less like adding to his previous comment but starting something new. ] About labeling... are you going to create your own? Something Etraya-only based, perhaps?

I am. I wouldn’t dream of using the Dawn Winery name or label. Not just for personal reasons. Everything goes through the vetting process and we won’t have that.

Not an official one. [He taps his fingers against his lips, thinking it over. What does he want to use? He has been thinking it over. And-] Have you ever heard of a peacock? I think that would be a fitting center piece.

True enough. It wouldn't be quite Dawn Winery that way, yeah? Guess it'll be your own. [ He does sound serious rather than dismissive. It is something that Kaeya is considering seriously, and means a great deal to him. ]

I actually have. [ He crosses his arms and nods along with the idea of it being used as a label. ] Although, it's been awhile since I've seen one. So what I'm imagining might actually be closer to an oversized pigeon than an actual peacock.

[That gets a laugh out of him. His shoulders shake with it. Definitely not accurate. He only has to think of his trip to confirm that for himself.] I think the people of Sumeru would love it if they were. But, no they are much larger and sometimes more annoying.

Here, a visual. [He turns and twists his hand, fingers spread. His magic spirals around his arm and spills onto the ground. It twists upwards as he shapes what he is envisioning. The peacock sculpture sits on top of rock of ice, tail feathers spread but not upright. It seems caught in a moment of about to fly.

He turns to Verso and sweeps his hand out like a presenter.] Now, a Mondstadt label is required to have a few symbols to it. We like labels to have a few ways to id the maker and the vineyard. It confuses and slows down those trying to counterfeit our brews.

I do want to follow that. What a better way to clue in any Mondstadter that one of their own is around? [Once a spy master. Always one. He can’t let go of it. It is hammered into his bones despite being barely into his twenties. But then, this is how he has survived up to this point.]

And why would they love that?

[ A step forward as he sees the ice slowly be crafted into the shape of a peacock. His head tilts as he sees the artistry in it and offers a small nod. His hand reaches out but he stops before he touches the ice sculpture to look to Kaeya -- ]

Hoping to have more people come to help you at your vineyard?

Of course, of course. The more hands, the better! I can't handle such a large place by myself! [He says, but that smile has shifted to something a little more like a mask. He's lived behind masks his whole life. It is hard to break from what feels second nature. He looks to the sea as if interested in the waves.]

And it's a little upsetting to think you're the only one from your world. Seeing the familiar could be comforting. This place is very different from our less advanced city-state.

I'm sure a lot of people will com to help. Especially if they're offered their own bottle of wine to enjoy for their assistance. [ It's a beat but he gently touches the beak of the bird. He runs his finger along the shape of it, before letting his hand drop away. ]

It's odd, but I think of how I wouldn't mind if I was the only one.

[ Not that he wouldn't miss everyone; not that he doesn't feel a sense of purpose and peace in their company. It's that he doesn't think he deserves to have more time with them. It's selfish given everything that he's done to them. Yet in the case of his father, his father loves him more than the weight of his sins. But he doesn't think that's the same for the others, if they knew.

He doesn't deserve them yet he'll do everything he can for them. He'll do everything for them. Well, almost anything. Not for forgiveness, but because it's what they deserve. ]

But I understand what you mean. Hopefully, if ever any people of your world come, they'll find some comfort in knowing that they're not alone. And you comfort in knowing that a sense of belonging and familiarity is waiting for all those that will arrive lost.

[He looks at him. He smiles and it is more real, a little lighter. But strained in the way of someone used to shoving their emotions down. Or at least, masking them. He looks away again and coughs,] Mm, a little bit.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind being alone. It is easier. [He sighs and shakes his head. He steps closer to the ice peacock. He trails his fingers along one wing.]

Like you, I take some comfort from it. It’s being so idle that is getting to me. And if my figuring out a few things helps my new friends as it helps me. All the better.

[ Verso gives a small little hum in return. He thinks it's good for Kaeya to see some selfishness in the selfless acts he does. In the end, isn't he hoping for something? If all he can do is feel satisfaction from how he is for other people, then he should be selfish in what he feels -- until he can be selfish about more. ]

No, I get that for sure. [ He tips his chin down in a quick nod. ]

I did hear that we can do just about anything between missions. I can see how that lend to an idle feeling. So, I guess, while you're working on setting up your winery-- [ He flicks his finger between the two of them. ] -- we can work on having your healing not be so painful. [ For himself and others. ]

Give us something to do that is helpful to everyone involved.

[He turns to him. He nods once. A little of that strain eases. He considers something then nods.] Of course. I’ll be keeping my skills sharp and working that into the training won’t be that difficult.

But you’re correct. We can do anything we want between missions. Going from constantly busy to this didn’t help that idle feeling.

[He brings his hand to his mouth, a series of calculations going through his mind.] I how far the crystal flies will spread?

[ He inclines his head to the side as he nods along, agreeing. Sometimes, the Expeditions would fail early and he would just have the entire year to try to plan for the next.

Rolling his shoulders, he rests his hand against his neck as he feels tension rising up. ]

I wonder. [ It'd be nice to have them go everywhere, but -- ] Well, since we're just imagining things right now. Want to try to work on your healing?

I’m open to it. [He looks at the peacock statue. Mm, he’ll keep it. He gestures to the ground.] Let’s sit down.

Would you like Frida to sit with us? [Frida could be a nice support and who knows. Maybe she would bond with Verso too. So far she seems to like his vibe.]

[ A quick nod as he takes a seat close to Kaeya. ]

Sure -- I could always use a big bird to hold onto when things hurt. [ A teasing remark as he glance up to where Frida actually is. ] But no, I don't think it's a bad idea. My pain tolerance has increased considerably over the decades, but --

[ His head tilts to the side. ] -- you never know.

[He whistles, a low pitched sound that still carries. Frida gets up and settles against Verso’s side. She is a well cared for bird. She tucks herself around him with a soft coo.

Kaeya can’t help but smile. Frida isn’t a horse. But no horse could be like Frida.] Thank you, Frida.

[He never has to say it but he wants to. Selfishly he wants her to hear how much he appreciates her. All the time. He pulls off his glove and holds out his hand to Verso.] Ready?

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