[It's been a long time since Rose was at Garreg Mach. When the school fell, Rose returned home, where she's spent the majority of the last five years. At first, she continued to keep in touch with everyone, most especially Dimitri, but as time went on the frequency of the letters diminished.]
[She hasn't seen or talked to anyone from her academy days for the last five years. Nor does she seek updates. Considering the situation in Faerghus, she's afraid to. She knows there's a good chance Dimitri is dead, and she doesn't want to find out.]
[Despite all this, she sets out from home, and soon finds her way to the deserted ruins of Garreg Mach. What brought her here? Was it nostalgia? Curiosity? Or perhaps, hope? It's difficult to say.]
[ Most people believe him to be dead. Regicide, they had accused him of and had his head as the price for such treason against his nation. That was the only news that the kingdom had let release but there was no public execution. There was nobody to be found. It was as if Dimitri had simply vanished; and, in some ways, the Dimitri most knew was long gone.
Though there have been rumors of a 'one-eyed demon' haunting the halls of the now ruined Garreg Mach, there's no way to associate them with the once crown prince. This monster spots a familiar head of red hair but considers her, at first, a specter too. Surely, Rose wouldn't come all this way for... what? Not him, of course not, and not any true attachment to this place. ]
How had I disappointed you, that you would haunt me now...? [ His voice is quiet, almost forlorn. The voices in his head of the ones he'd loved often expressed their disappointment. Their demands for blood were rooted in the fact that he wasn't good enough, wasn't worthy enough to hold the mantle of king. Just a wild boar, after all, driven mad and left to kill until nothing remained. ]
['The one-eyed demon? Does she know? Does she dare to hope?]
[It's hard to say. When she eventually stumbles upon Dimitri, an expression of relief washes over her face. The relief only lasts a quick second, however; it takes time for her to actually process what she's seeing in front of her. The Dimitri she knew could be a little high strung, at times, and probably a little foolish for his own good, but he was always well kept.]
[She should be happy at the reunion, but instead, anger takes over. Anger over what, exactly?]
[ Ah. So she isn't just another vision of a past he's cast aside. This wasn't the way he imagined meeting her again; honestly, he hadn't imagined meeting anyone again. He hadn't forgotten his promise to see her once he was crowned king and the church held it's anniversary celebration but it feels so foolish now. He was a fool then, wasn't he? To not see plain as day Edelgard's plan already in motion?
His gaze falls down to his feet as he considers what she says in silence. ...Worried. It strikes him strange to hear it come from her lips of all people. It was just a job back then for her, wasn't it, to worry about his safety? But she hadn't been in his employ for years and so her concern falls on deaf ears.
He doesn't believe it. Worry for a boy long since dead means nothing to him now. The man steps forward, eyes narrowed dangerously as he scrutinizes Rose. Despite her small stature, even more pronounced now with the few inches he's gained, she always held herself with such strength. Some things haven't changed, at least. ]
[It had been just a job to start with, that much was true. But, over time, she’d grown to genuinely care for the prince. Dimitri may not have always been the best with words, but even she could see he had other people’s best interest at heart.]
[The man she sees before her how worried her—gone is that clumsy awkwardness she’d grown to appreciate. But somewhere, deep down, she knows that this person is her Dimitri, too. She might have to dig deep to find what remains, but he’s here.]
Yes, yes, I’ve spent more than enough time worrying for myself, thank you.
[She isn’t backing down.]
Do you really expect me to believe you’d let harm befall me, one of your citizens? Or, even worse, that you’d harm me yourself? I highly doubt it. The Dimitri I know wouldn’t ever allow these things to pass, and I doubt you’re any different.
[ He'd sooner die than show any glimpse that the Dimitri she remembers still lives. He's as much of a ghost to the man as the others that haunt him; a weak, spineless coward who couldn't do what it took when it mattered- He grits his teeth as his head throbs. ]
I'm not the Dimitri you know, [ he bites back, almost instinctually. He closes the distance between them and crosses his arms defensively. ] You wouldn't be the first kinsman I killed and I doubt you'd be the last. Even if indirectly, I will destroy you. Perhaps even in ways more painful than death.
[ For a moment, he looks- Dumbfounded, perhaps. That might be the best way to describe the way he simply stares at her declaration. Before long, the icy grip of apathy settles in again. He doesn't care. Not about her, about his friends, about anything- ]
Tch, [ he finally hisses, averting his gaze. She wins this round. Well. 'Win' might not be the best way to describe the outcome either. ]
You'll regret the decision or end up dead, like all the rest. [ And, maybe, him trying to shut her out is his way of saving himself from that inevitable pain. ]
[She doesn’t break from his gaze. To some extent, she understands why he’s like this. He’s lost so many things in the last few years, and it doesn’t look like life is going to be kind to him any time soon.]
[Which is why she’s not giving up. She’s going to get the Dimitri she knows back if it’s the last thing she does. She’s going to protect him if it’s the last thing she does.]
You’re wrong. I’m going to save you, if it’s the last thing I do.
[ It isn't. It never was. And to survive, he had to cut out all the weakest, pitiful parts of himself. He doesn't like the way her saying she's going to save him twists inside. There's a longing that's painful and unpleasant. A pleading that some pathetic bit of his past self clings to even now. He does his best to crush it immediately. ]
It will be. [ He knows it to be true. It will be, if she sticks around- It always ends the same. ]
Now, leave me. I do not wish to speak of this anymore. There are other, more important matters to attend to.
[Even now, these are the ideals that Ei seeks. For the longest time, Ei had assumed that her eternity would be unchanging. It was after meeting the Traveler that she had second thoughts.]
[Try as she might, she couldn’t find the answer she sought in Inazuma. That left her with another option: to pursue answers in the domains of the other archons.]
[Sure, Barbatos may be incredibly unreliable and quick to drink himself into a stupor, but Mondstat has prospered regardless. It’s this curiosity that brought her to the city of freedom, and it’s this curiosity that is also sustaining her.]
[Unfortunately for the Archon, she’s not used to being out and about, especially in places where she’s not easily recognized. To the people of Mondstat, she’s an enigma. An enigma that’s currently meditating in a tree next to the Dawn Winery.]
[When his staff told him someone was on the grounds he expected numerous things but not a woman from Inazuma clearly mediating under one of the trees near the grapevines. He walks slowly and with purpose, making sure he's heard as he strides up the small rise to come to a stop.
He keeps a respectful distance as he says politely, "I don't usually get people trying to find peace with themselves here at the Winery. However, I felt it only prudent to let you know we've seen you. I only have one formal request of you. Why did you choose here? Please don't worry about being a bother, you're not."
He crosses his arms over his chest, his long red hair swaying slightly behind him. "I'm merely curious. If we can aid you, I'd like to do so."
[Ei looks at Diluc with a curious expression. It's not quite contempt, but neither is it entirely friendly. Despite any reputation she may have had in Inazuma, the Raiden Shogun has never hated humanity. Neither has Ei.]
[But to say that she knows how to interact with strangers would be an overstatement. When she responds, it's almost overly formal, despite the difference in status.]
There is no particular reason I chose here. I merely needed somewhere to gather my thoughts.
[Ei crosses her arms, mulling Diluc's words over.]
A stranger's help. It's certainly a novel concept, though I doubt you're able to help with the answers I seek.
[That is an odd way to reply. He considers his next step and gestures to the whole of the winery grounds themselves.]
It is possible I won't be able to help you, yes. But, here in Mondstadt we offer our aid in case we can be of assistance. Prehaps would should start with introductions and work our way towards your issue.
That way we're not quite strangers anymore. Is this acceptable to you?
[She takes another moment, carefully considering Diluc's offer. On the one hand, it's unlikely that a mere human would be to plan her perfect eternity. But she came to Mondstat for a reason, and perhaps something he knows could help her.]
I suppose that would be acceptable. You may call me Ei.
[She doesn't drop the formality, nor does she speak with her title. While her influence in Inazuma stretches far, it's unlikely that she's known as far as the Windbloom City. Still, if he happened to know who she was, it would defeat the purpose of this exercise entirely.]
I am Diluc Ragnvindr of Mondstadt. [He sweeps into a bow with his hand over his heart and folds enough to show the proper respect. He straightens and drops his hand back to his side.]
Now, if I may ask what is it that you’ve been thinking about? Outside perspectives can shed light where there has been only darkness.
[His own formal tone hasn’t dropped. He has clear high social standing from the way he holds himself.]
[It’s been an eventful few days to say the least. With the Scions disbanding, Rose is spending one last night in the Rising Stones. It’s the last time she’ll be able to get a drink this good for a long time, she wagers.]
[But the night is young and she doesn’t doubt she’ll have company. Indeed, when Thancred enters the lobby, she waves over to him. Perhaps it’s the alcohol, or perhaps it’s because she’s in a good mood because everything is settled. Either way, she seems to be friendly tonight.]
[In all their time together, Rose had always thought Aymeric to be the superior fighter. Sure, she may have been the Warrior of Light--and yes, she had slayed many gods--but she still wasn't good at fighting. She wasn't the natural that some people were, and Aymeric had logged many more combat hours than her.]
[It turns out, however, that combat skills and adventuring skills don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. When a set of ruins had been found on the outskirts of Camp Dragonhead, Rose and Aymeric were the first to volunteer. He always claimed that he wanted to join her, and she'd always wished it so. This seemed like a good chance.]
[At least, it did until Aymeric accidentally triggered a trap and ended up getting hit by an arrow. Here they are, in one of the side rooms, as she's working her (healing) magic.]
Stay still. I need to make sure the wound is closed.
[ Of course, he would jump at the opportunity once it presented itself. Of course, he would eagerly venture forth into a ruin of potential mystery with Rose. It's all he'd wanted for long, truly, and it needed to go perfectly-
That was what he believed, at least. In his eagerness though, he had failed to understand the difference between adventuring and strictly combat. Although true that he could cut down enemies and charge forward in battle without abandon, there weren't often as many traps on a battlefield.
A wrong step triggers a mechanism that clicks loud enough to alert him to the error. Then, in a blink, a sting of an arrow into his leg that sent him toppling with a startled cry. He knew he should have worn his usual thicker armor, but it hadn't seemed best for this excursion... Now, he's not sure what's wounded worse: his leg or his pride. Especially when he's told to stay still and sighs. ]
Thank you, Rose. I apologize for the inconvenience.
[Rose wants to rebuke him. She wants to pull out her usual personality and tell him that he shouldn't do anything else stupid, lest he get killed.]
[But it's Aymeric, and that means she can't. How long has he been stuffed in that office, with nowhere else to go? It's not his fault he's a politician and thus has little experience exploring dungeons.]
[She gives a weak smile.]
You've done nothing to apologize for, my love. Save for giving me a fright when the arrow hit you.
[Rose once again summons her healing energy, trying her best to dull the pain in the area. She's going to have to take that arrow out soon, and she wants to make it hurt as little as possible.]
[ Although not his fault, he still feels as though he should have been more mindful. Granted, the point of traps was just that: most people don't expect them. ]
Thankfully, it'd take much more than just that to cause any lasting harm. You and I both have weathered worse. [ A bit too glib to be truly funny, of course, though he means it to be more reassuring than anything. As embarrassing as this is, he was likely in no real danger. ] And truthfully, I'd rather it have been me than you since you are the healer between us.
[ For he knows that she can withstand almost anything, that doesn't mean she should have to. For as scared as she was to see him get hurt, he can't imagine his own fright should anything befall Rose. On his watch, no less. ]
True, but just because we've weathered worse, doesn't mean we need to repeat it. And I'd rather it be neither of us.
[Rose feels a little guilty. Although it goes unsaid, there's some worry on his behalf there--and she hasn't been entirely truthful with what her travels have wrought upon her. He didn't need to know about the fact that she nearly became a sineater.]
[She puts those thoughts away as she gets back to work. Time to do the hard part.]
[ As ever, she raises an insightful and valid point. Just because they've both suffered... It doesn't mean they should dismiss what else may happen nor should they expect it. He'll have to keep it in mind. Of course, less so about traps and about any other hardships that may come to pass.
(If he did know the details though of her own trials, he might never want her to face any such thing again. Selfishly, for worry of his own but- What Aymeric doesn't know won't hurt him! Nor would he truly stop Rose even if she caused him to prematurely grey from the stress alone.) ]
Aye, [ he answers, inhaling sharply and steeling himself against the impending hurt. ] Whenever you are.
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For Dimitri! Reunion Stuff.
[She hasn't seen or talked to anyone from her academy days for the last five years. Nor does she seek updates. Considering the situation in Faerghus, she's afraid to. She knows there's a good chance Dimitri is dead, and she doesn't want to find out.]
[Despite all this, she sets out from home, and soon finds her way to the deserted ruins of Garreg Mach. What brought her here? Was it nostalgia? Curiosity? Or perhaps, hope? It's difficult to say.]
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Though there have been rumors of a 'one-eyed demon' haunting the halls of the now ruined Garreg Mach, there's no way to associate them with the once crown prince. This monster spots a familiar head of red hair but considers her, at first, a specter too. Surely, Rose wouldn't come all this way for... what? Not him, of course not, and not any true attachment to this place. ]
How had I disappointed you, that you would haunt me now...? [ His voice is quiet, almost forlorn. The voices in his head of the ones he'd loved often expressed their disappointment. Their demands for blood were rooted in the fact that he wasn't good enough, wasn't worthy enough to hold the mantle of king. Just a wild boar, after all, driven mad and left to kill until nothing remained. ]
Leave. You have no place here.
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[It's hard to say. When she eventually stumbles upon Dimitri, an expression of relief washes over her face. The relief only lasts a quick second, however; it takes time for her to actually process what she's seeing in front of her. The Dimitri she knew could be a little high strung, at times, and probably a little foolish for his own good, but he was always well kept.]
[She should be happy at the reunion, but instead, anger takes over. Anger over what, exactly?]
Disappointed? We were worried, you dolt!
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His gaze falls down to his feet as he considers what she says in silence. ...Worried. It strikes him strange to hear it come from her lips of all people. It was just a job back then for her, wasn't it, to worry about his safety? But she hadn't been in his employ for years and so her concern falls on deaf ears.
He doesn't believe it. Worry for a boy long since dead means nothing to him now. The man steps forward, eyes narrowed dangerously as he scrutinizes Rose. Despite her small stature, even more pronounced now with the few inches he's gained, she always held herself with such strength. Some things haven't changed, at least. ]
Worry instead for yourself.
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[The man she sees before her how worried her—gone is that clumsy awkwardness she’d grown to appreciate. But somewhere, deep down, she knows that this person is her Dimitri, too. She might have to dig deep to find what remains, but he’s here.]
Yes, yes, I’ve spent more than enough time worrying for myself, thank you.
[She isn’t backing down.]
Do you really expect me to believe you’d let harm befall me, one of your citizens? Or, even worse, that you’d harm me yourself? I highly doubt it. The Dimitri I know wouldn’t ever allow these things to pass, and I doubt you’re any different.
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I'm not the Dimitri you know, [ he bites back, almost instinctually. He closes the distance between them and crosses his arms defensively. ] You wouldn't be the first kinsman I killed and I doubt you'd be the last. Even if indirectly, I will destroy you. Perhaps even in ways more painful than death.
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[As aggressive as Dimitri is, Rose isn’t planning on backing down. She continues to hold his gaze, refusing to look away.]
If that’s the case, so be it. You were someone important to me, and I’m making the choice to stand beside you. Come what may.
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Tch, [ he finally hisses, averting his gaze. She wins this round. Well. 'Win' might not be the best way to describe the outcome either. ]
You'll regret the decision or end up dead, like all the rest. [ And, maybe, him trying to shut her out is his way of saving himself from that inevitable pain. ]
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[She doesn’t break from his gaze. To some extent, she understands why he’s like this. He’s lost so many things in the last few years, and it doesn’t look like life is going to be kind to him any time soon.]
[Which is why she’s not giving up. She’s going to get the Dimitri she knows back if it’s the last thing she does. She’s going to protect him if it’s the last thing she does.]
You’re wrong. I’m going to save you, if it’s the last thing I do.
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It will be. [ He knows it to be true. It will be, if she sticks around- It always ends the same. ]
Now, leave me. I do not wish to speak of this anymore. There are other, more important matters to attend to.
For Diluc!
[Time without end.]
[Even now, these are the ideals that Ei seeks. For the longest time, Ei had assumed that her eternity would be unchanging. It was after meeting the Traveler that she had second thoughts.]
[Try as she might, she couldn’t find the answer she sought in Inazuma. That left her with another option: to pursue answers in the domains of the other archons.]
[Sure, Barbatos may be incredibly unreliable and quick to drink himself into a stupor, but Mondstat has prospered regardless. It’s this curiosity that brought her to the city of freedom, and it’s this curiosity that is also sustaining her.]
[Unfortunately for the Archon, she’s not used to being out and about, especially in places where she’s not easily recognized. To the people of Mondstat, she’s an enigma. An enigma that’s currently meditating in a tree next to the Dawn Winery.]
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He keeps a respectful distance as he says politely, "I don't usually get people trying to find peace with themselves here at the Winery. However, I felt it only prudent to let you know we've seen you. I only have one formal request of you. Why did you choose here? Please don't worry about being a bother, you're not."
He crosses his arms over his chest, his long red hair swaying slightly behind him. "I'm merely curious. If we can aid you, I'd like to do so."
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[But to say that she knows how to interact with strangers would be an overstatement. When she responds, it's almost overly formal, despite the difference in status.]
There is no particular reason I chose here. I merely needed somewhere to gather my thoughts.
[Ei crosses her arms, mulling Diluc's words over.]
A stranger's help. It's certainly a novel concept, though I doubt you're able to help with the answers I seek.
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It is possible I won't be able to help you, yes. But, here in Mondstadt we offer our aid in case we can be of assistance. Prehaps would should start with introductions and work our way towards your issue.
That way we're not quite strangers anymore. Is this acceptable to you?
thanks for this notif dreamwidth ;~;
I suppose that would be acceptable. You may call me Ei.
[She doesn't drop the formality, nor does she speak with her title. While her influence in Inazuma stretches far, it's unlikely that she's known as far as the Windbloom City. Still, if he happened to know who she was, it would defeat the purpose of this exercise entirely.]
Oh dw
Now, if I may ask what is it that you’ve been thinking about? Outside perspectives can shed light where there has been only darkness.
[His own formal tone hasn’t dropped. He has clear high social standing from the way he holds himself.]
For Thancred! (Be warned of possible EW spoilers)
[But the night is young and she doesn’t doubt she’ll have company. Indeed, when Thancred enters the lobby, she waves over to him. Perhaps it’s the alcohol, or perhaps it’s because she’s in a good mood because everything is settled. Either way, she seems to be friendly tonight.]
adventuring gone wrong feat. rose and aymeric
[It turns out, however, that combat skills and adventuring skills don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. When a set of ruins had been found on the outskirts of Camp Dragonhead, Rose and Aymeric were the first to volunteer. He always claimed that he wanted to join her, and she'd always wished it so. This seemed like a good chance.]
[At least, it did until Aymeric accidentally triggered a trap and ended up getting hit by an arrow. Here they are, in one of the side rooms, as she's working her (healing) magic.]
Stay still. I need to make sure the wound is closed.
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That was what he believed, at least. In his eagerness though, he had failed to understand the difference between adventuring and strictly combat. Although true that he could cut down enemies and charge forward in battle without abandon, there weren't often as many traps on a battlefield.
A wrong step triggers a mechanism that clicks loud enough to alert him to the error. Then, in a blink, a sting of an arrow into his leg that sent him toppling with a startled cry. He knew he should have worn his usual thicker armor, but it hadn't seemed best for this excursion... Now, he's not sure what's wounded worse: his leg or his pride. Especially when he's told to stay still and sighs. ]
Thank you, Rose. I apologize for the inconvenience.
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[But it's Aymeric, and that means she can't. How long has he been stuffed in that office, with nowhere else to go? It's not his fault he's a politician and thus has little experience exploring dungeons.]
[She gives a weak smile.]
You've done nothing to apologize for, my love. Save for giving me a fright when the arrow hit you.
[Rose once again summons her healing energy, trying her best to dull the pain in the area. She's going to have to take that arrow out soon, and she wants to make it hurt as little as possible.]
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Thankfully, it'd take much more than just that to cause any lasting harm. You and I both have weathered worse. [ A bit too glib to be truly funny, of course, though he means it to be more reassuring than anything. As embarrassing as this is, he was likely in no real danger. ] And truthfully, I'd rather it have been me than you since you are the healer between us.
[ For he knows that she can withstand almost anything, that doesn't mean she should have to. For as scared as she was to see him get hurt, he can't imagine his own fright should anything befall Rose. On his watch, no less. ]
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[Rose feels a little guilty. Although it goes unsaid, there's some worry on his behalf there--and she hasn't been entirely truthful with what her travels have wrought upon her. He didn't need to know about the fact that she nearly became a sineater.]
[She puts those thoughts away as she gets back to work. Time to do the hard part.]
I need to take it out. Are you ready?
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(If he did know the details though of her own trials, he might never want her to face any such thing again. Selfishly, for worry of his own but- What Aymeric doesn't know won't hurt him! Nor would he truly stop Rose even if she caused him to prematurely grey from the stress alone.) ]
Aye, [ he answers, inhaling sharply and steeling himself against the impending hurt. ] Whenever you are.