It took me a while, [ he admits. ] But I had to find a way. This place can be dangerous, if you don't participate.
[ At any rate... ]
It's nice to meet you, Wei Wuxian. I'm always open to making new friends. My name is Kaveh. And... Gongzi? [ The languageβand the man's nameβsounds familiar to that used in Liyue... to that used by a friend from another world, also since departed. ] I've not heard that one before. What does it mean?
[ That's not the first time he's heard about how dangerous this place can be if you don't participate, but he's still learning too and is curious about what makes it dangerous. Still, he doesn't want to drag the conversation down so he just moves on to introductions.
At the question, he lets out an "ah!" because yes, he should have expected that. ]
Yeah, I noticed this place makes it so we understand each other even if we don't speak the same language, doesn't it? Since I doubt you're speaking my language. But some words don't translate, probably intentionally so! Anyway, gongzi is just a term of address. Something like... "sir" or "master" [ maybe not the exact words he uses to describe it, but it's what it translates to. ] and you use it with people you're... mmm, respectful of but don't really know well? That's all I meant by it.
Where I come from, we have a lot more names and a lot more ways of addressing people than I've seen here! Wei Wuxian is my courtesy name, for instance. Wei Ying is my birth name. But most people use my courtesy name, unless we're close. But I'm guessing your only name is Kaveh, huh? So, I will call you Kaveh!
[ Kaveh listens, humming to himself in thought. Okay, that's a little more of this language that he's learnedβassuming it's the same he's learned before, after all. It sounds similar, but one can never be sure. If it weren't for the somewhat sensitive nature of the phrase, he'd just ask.
Instead, he considers with a smile, nodding. ]
That makes a lot of sense. I'm able to speak a couple of languages native to my homeland's past, and some of those have words that simply don't translate, or require several words or even a whole phrase to do so. For example... [ Well, the first one that comes to mind is rather apt for this place, so... ] "ghalidan". It means to, well, roll from side to side in the way that lovers do.
[ He catches himself with a laugh. ]
Anyway, yes. Kaveh is my only name. We don't have courtesy names where I'm fromβthe closest thing we have would be nicknames or titles, but...
[ Well, he's not about to go about the resort demanding to be called the "Light of Kshahrewar", is he. ]
[ Wei Wuxian listens with rapt attention, finding himself quite entertained by this. Huh! He wishes he knew multiple languages but there's only one language where he comes from. Maybe there's a chance to learn more here? ]
Ghalidan... that's interesting. And apt! I've never heard of a word like that before.
[ He understands that bit about titles though. He'd really prefer no one here called him the Yiling Patriarch, after all. It's just not what he wants. ]
I understand, I understand. We have things like that where I come from too. My closest companion, his sobriquet is Hanguang Jun. But his courtesy name is Lan Wangji and his birth name is Lan Zhan. I call him all three, depending on my mood! Ha ha, this has been entertaining, Kaveh-gongzi! I'm learning so much.
it is a slow but sure thing. still trying to catch up on all the things ;;
[ This time it's Kaveh's turn to listen with rapt attentionβand a little disbelief, too. The man lists so many names, all sounding to him like actual names rather than nicknames or titles of any sort. It's fascinating to him for reasons he can't really explain, and he thinks he probably has a thousand more questions.
But he doesn't want to overwhelm this poor man, who unlike him might genuinely just be here to play a game and not be studied by a nosy scholar, and so instead he asks: ]
Ah, so what about you? Have you ever experienced a broken heart?
[ Oh! Back to the game! He almost forgot they were playing one. He laughs and laughs and considers the question through all that laughter before replying, good naturedly despite the downer of the question. ]
Yes, by my brother. Your family can break your heart too, not just a lover. I love my brother dearly but our relationship is... fractured, and so my heart is broken over it.
[ Said breezily, but there is a heaviness behind his words that speaks to a deeper story. ]
[ Kaveh is quiet for a moment as he listens. He knows the meaning of what the other man is saying all too well, for family has broken his heart as well. A hurt so deep he rarely visits it on his own, let alone with others.
Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, has answered him with truth and with trust, and it wouldn't be appropriate to ignore that.
So, his voice gentle, he offers: ]
I may be a stranger to you, but if it would help you to talk about it, I'm happy to listen.
[ That gets a soft laugh from him, slightly self-deprecating. He wonders if he should share it, the truth of it. It would take so much time to go into, he thinks, but he doesn't want to shut down the conversation when Kaveh has been so kind to him so far. ]
It is an old wound, something scabbed over, so you don't have to worry about me, gongzi. But let's say... I did something that saved his life but wounded his ego, and he's a very prideful man. I knew it would hurt him and kept the truth from him for a long time, but now he knows and is upset with me for it. That's the biggest fracture between us, but there's other stuff too. It just seems like the closer you are, the harder it is to detangle yourself from someone.
Kaveh is quiet for a few moments. It's not the point of the story, but he can empathize all too easily with the brother.
But... that also means he can give good words of comfort, right? Even if the other said to to worry... ]
I understand what you mean, about finding it hard to detangle yourself from someone close. But... ah, I probably have no right to say this, but I.. I've had similar relationships in my own life. And I have the feeling that someday things might get better for the two of you again, even if it's hard now.
[ Kaveh doesn't know the details of the situation, of course, but his words of comfort are sweet, kind. It makes Wei Wuxian smile on his side of the pod as he takes a sip of wine. ]
You think so? I truly hope so. He's my only family left and it would truly be a shame if we never came together again, if we treated each other like strangers. It's nothing that I want.
[ A sigh, a little melancholy, but he bolsters himself with the optimism he's trying to hold onto. Things will get better. ]
But ah β I suppose it's my turn to ask you a question again. Should I come up with something or use one of the questions in the jar?
[ He understands the quiet pain in the other's voice, but the way he changes the topic makes it clear he wants to move on, and Kaveh is more than willing to oblige. He doesn't want to push him to talk about things he doesn't want to dwell on, after all.
Of course, that leaves the onus on him to decide what he'd like to answer, and Kaveh hums in thought. ]
Hmm... I can't say I have a particular preferenceβIf you have questions you'd like to ask, I'm happy to answer those. But if it's easier, I don't mind you using the questions from the jar too.
[ Wei Wuxian thinks about it and looks over at the timer they have counting down how much time they have left. ]
Hm, looks like we only have the time for one more question so I'll come up with something! Could you tell me a bit about your life back home? I'm curious about all the different worlds people are pulled from!
[ A simple question, he hopes. Just something to get to know this man a little bit more. ]
[ Life back home... he could keep it simple, of course, but Wei Wuxian makes it clear he's interested in the worlds people are pulled from, and so Kaveh endeavors to do a proper job of storytelling, in this case. He leans back with a hum, taking a glance at the timer himself to make sure he doesn't run the time out too egregiously. ]
I'm from Sumeru, which is a region in the world of Teyvat. The world is broken into seven main regions, each of which is overseen by an archon, which are... [ Oh dear, it's harder to explain than he thought. ] They're gods, but they're also the seven gods who won the divine right to sit in those positions of power, if that makes sense. There are many other gods, but the archons hold powers above that of gods. Sumeru is the region of Dendro, or life energy, and our archon's seat is held by Lesser Lord Kusanali, the god of wisdom, which means to us, wisdom is considered important above all.
When we have more time, I could tell you more about the other regions. The land of Geo, for example, Liyue... it's the land of contracts and commerce, and from my experience with your language and that of others like you whom I've met, I think you'd find it has a lot in common with your home world. My friend, Xie Lian, he was amazed at some of the similarities.
[ Wei Wuxian listens attentively. Teyvat is a familiar enough term for him as he's learned a bit about it in talking to Neuvillette. But he didn't expect to encounter the term again so soon. Interesting! So, there's multiple people from that world here. Unless, then again, there are multiple people who refer to their world as Earth but they're not all from the same place. So, hm.
He didn't go into the Archons with Neuvillette though so this is a new concept for him. Something he'll have to ask the other man about at a later date. Sumeru... Dendro... Wisdom... this is fascinating stuff. There are gods where he comes from but nothing so tangible as what Kaveh is describing. And then Liyue, what an interesting name for a place. He wants to know more. ]
Fascinating... and you can just talk to these archons, mortal to god, no problem? Or are there rituals you have to perform to approach them or gain access to them?
I'd definitely love to learn more about Liyue if given the chance! Is Fontaine somewhere familiar to you as well? I've heard it from my friend, Neuvillette, but I wasn't sure if his Teyvat is the same as your Teyvat.
[ Kaveh's eyebrows lift in surprise as Wei Wuxian mentions not only Fontaine, but... ]
It seems you have friends in high places, then. Chief Justice Neuvillette is the Iudex of Fontaineβfor all intents and purposes, he's their head of state.
[ There's a pause as he smiles, a hint of embarrassment written into his voice as he realizes he answered the question even as he dodged it: ]
That is to say, yes, I'm aware of Fontaine. I've traveled there in the past, for my mother's wedding. She lives there now.
[ And then, a hum of thought. ]
But yes, that's right. We're able to talk to the gods without any issue save for how busy their schedule might be. That said, I believe some of the nations' archons are more secretive about their presence among their people... in the case of Lesser Lord Kusanali, though, she walks among us and is friendly with us.
[ Head ofβ Whoa! He had no idea. He just knew him as a judge, but he didn't know that the position was that important. Wow. Give him a moment. ]
... Damn. He's a really nice guy for being so powerful.
[ Awkward and unexperienced but sweet and kind and Wei Wuxian adores him, really! He makes a mental note to bother Neuvillette about this at a later date.
For now, the more interesting topic: gods that walk among their people. ]
That's truly impressive. I'm not sure how I would handle living amongst the gods myself, but then again, I'd probably just accept it after a while and live my life as my own anyway. Which I imagine is what happens to you all and your archons.
Did the archons create you? The humans of Teyvat, that is.
[ The best part of it all, perhaps, is that Kaveh genuinely has no idea just how powerful Neuvillette actually is. But as for living his own life... ]
I think it would be different from Archon to Archon. The people of Inazuma, for example, they seem to have a very formal relationship with their Archon. They call her by title, not by name, and she is head of state as well as god. But Lesser Lord Kusanali... [ There's a fond smile on his lips. ] She's a friend to us. She entrusts rulership to others and would prefer to be among us, talking with us and helping us solve problems.
[ And then comes the next question. After a moment, he shakes his head. ]
Honestly, we don't know for sure. There are some who theorize it, and others who theorize that it's the gods above them. What we do know is that those of us blessed with special powers, those come from the Archons.
[ A smile. ]
You can't see it, but I always wear a charm on my clothes. It's golden with a green gem in the middle, and shaped like a teardrop. It's called a "Vision", and because mine is a Dendro Vision, it's said to be a gift from Lesser Lord Kusanali herself, in answer to my determination. It lets me utilize Dendro energy, though it doesn't work here...
[ After a moment, Kaveh laughs. ]
Ah, I'm rambling. This can't be interesting to you.
[ He muses this aloud, considering his own approach to these things. Would he be more comfortable in an Inazuma relationship with his deity or with the one Kaveh has? Approachable or out of reach? He isn't sure. He doesn't like the idea of being defined by any deity whatsoever so maybe out of reach works best for him, in an out of sight out of mind sort of way.
But the approachability is so appealing. The questions he'd have, the things he'd want help with... So fascinating!
And then Kaveh goes into the visions and that opens a whole new line of questioning for Wei Wuxian. He wants to know. ]
Are you kidding? This is the most interesting conversation I've had since I arrived here. I want to ask you so many more questions, I had no idea Teyvat was like this.
[ He glances then, to the clock timing their conversation down. ]
But, ah, it looks like we're almost out of time. Would you mind if I reached out to you later? I want to know more about these "Visions."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
indigently) wrote2024-02-11 08:55 pm
@suibian
[ Kaveh smiles at that. ]
It took me a while, [ he admits. ] But I had to find a way. This place can be dangerous, if you don't participate.
[ At any rate... ]
It's nice to meet you, Wei Wuxian. I'm always open to making new friends. My name is Kaveh. And... Gongzi? [ The languageβand the man's nameβsounds familiar to that used in Liyue... to that used by a friend from another world, also since departed. ] I've not heard that one before. What does it mean?
no subject
At the question, he lets out an "ah!" because yes, he should have expected that. ]
Yeah, I noticed this place makes it so we understand each other even if we don't speak the same language, doesn't it? Since I doubt you're speaking my language. But some words don't translate, probably intentionally so! Anyway, gongzi is just a term of address. Something like... "sir" or "master" [ maybe not the exact words he uses to describe it, but it's what it translates to. ] and you use it with people you're... mmm, respectful of but don't really know well? That's all I meant by it.
Where I come from, we have a lot more names and a lot more ways of addressing people than I've seen here! Wei Wuxian is my courtesy name, for instance. Wei Ying is my birth name. But most people use my courtesy name, unless we're close. But I'm guessing your only name is Kaveh, huh? So, I will call you Kaveh!
sorry, I was sick and then work and BLEH
Instead, he considers with a smile, nodding. ]
That makes a lot of sense. I'm able to speak a couple of languages native to my homeland's past, and some of those have words that simply don't translate, or require several words or even a whole phrase to do so. For example... [ Well, the first one that comes to mind is rather apt for this place, so... ] "ghalidan". It means to, well, roll from side to side in the way that lovers do.
[ He catches himself with a laugh. ]
Anyway, yes. Kaveh is my only name. We don't have courtesy names where I'm fromβthe closest thing we have would be nicknames or titles, but...
[ Well, he's not about to go about the resort demanding to be called the "Light of Kshahrewar", is he. ]
They're not usually really names.
all good!! i hope you're feeling better now <33
Ghalidan... that's interesting. And apt! I've never heard of a word like that before.
[ He understands that bit about titles though. He'd really prefer no one here called him the Yiling Patriarch, after all. It's just not what he wants. ]
I understand, I understand. We have things like that where I come from too. My closest companion, his sobriquet is Hanguang Jun. But his courtesy name is Lan Wangji and his birth name is Lan Zhan. I call him all three, depending on my mood! Ha ha, this has been entertaining, Kaveh-gongzi! I'm learning so much.
it is a slow but sure thing. still trying to catch up on all the things ;;
But he doesn't want to overwhelm this poor man, who unlike him might genuinely just be here to play a game and not be studied by a nosy scholar, and so instead he asks: ]
Ah, so what about you? Have you ever experienced a broken heart?
ofc!! take your time
Yes, by my brother. Your family can break your heart too, not just a lover. I love my brother dearly but our relationship is... fractured, and so my heart is broken over it.
[ Said breezily, but there is a heaviness behind his words that speaks to a deeper story. ]
no subject
Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, has answered him with truth and with trust, and it wouldn't be appropriate to ignore that.
So, his voice gentle, he offers: ]
I may be a stranger to you, but if it would help you to talk about it, I'm happy to listen.
no subject
It is an old wound, something scabbed over, so you don't have to worry about me, gongzi. But let's say... I did something that saved his life but wounded his ego, and he's a very prideful man. I knew it would hurt him and kept the truth from him for a long time, but now he knows and is upset with me for it. That's the biggest fracture between us, but there's other stuff too. It just seems like the closer you are, the harder it is to detangle yourself from someone.
no subject
Kaveh is quiet for a few moments. It's not the point of the story, but he can empathize all too easily with the brother.
But... that also means he can give good words of comfort, right? Even if the other said to to worry... ]
I understand what you mean, about finding it hard to detangle yourself from someone close. But... ah, I probably have no right to say this, but I.. I've had similar relationships in my own life. And I have the feeling that someday things might get better for the two of you again, even if it's hard now.
no subject
You think so? I truly hope so. He's my only family left and it would truly be a shame if we never came together again, if we treated each other like strangers. It's nothing that I want.
[ A sigh, a little melancholy, but he bolsters himself with the optimism he's trying to hold onto. Things will get better. ]
But ah β I suppose it's my turn to ask you a question again. Should I come up with something or use one of the questions in the jar?
no subject
Of course, that leaves the onus on him to decide what he'd like to answer, and Kaveh hums in thought. ]
Hmm... I can't say I have a particular preferenceβIf you have questions you'd like to ask, I'm happy to answer those. But if it's easier, I don't mind you using the questions from the jar too.
no subject
Hm, looks like we only have the time for one more question so I'll come up with something! Could you tell me a bit about your life back home? I'm curious about all the different worlds people are pulled from!
[ A simple question, he hopes. Just something to get to know this man a little bit more. ]
no subject
I'm from Sumeru, which is a region in the world of Teyvat. The world is broken into seven main regions, each of which is overseen by an archon, which are... [ Oh dear, it's harder to explain than he thought. ] They're gods, but they're also the seven gods who won the divine right to sit in those positions of power, if that makes sense. There are many other gods, but the archons hold powers above that of gods. Sumeru is the region of Dendro, or life energy, and our archon's seat is held by Lesser Lord Kusanali, the god of wisdom, which means to us, wisdom is considered important above all.
When we have more time, I could tell you more about the other regions. The land of Geo, for example, Liyue... it's the land of contracts and commerce, and from my experience with your language and that of others like you whom I've met, I think you'd find it has a lot in common with your home world. My friend, Xie Lian, he was amazed at some of the similarities.
no subject
He didn't go into the Archons with Neuvillette though so this is a new concept for him. Something he'll have to ask the other man about at a later date. Sumeru... Dendro... Wisdom... this is fascinating stuff. There are gods where he comes from but nothing so tangible as what Kaveh is describing. And then Liyue, what an interesting name for a place. He wants to know more. ]
Fascinating... and you can just talk to these archons, mortal to god, no problem? Or are there rituals you have to perform to approach them or gain access to them?
I'd definitely love to learn more about Liyue if given the chance! Is Fontaine somewhere familiar to you as well? I've heard it from my friend, Neuvillette, but I wasn't sure if his Teyvat is the same as your Teyvat.
no subject
It seems you have friends in high places, then. Chief Justice Neuvillette is the Iudex of Fontaineβfor all intents and purposes, he's their head of state.
[ There's a pause as he smiles, a hint of embarrassment written into his voice as he realizes he answered the question even as he dodged it: ]
That is to say, yes, I'm aware of Fontaine. I've traveled there in the past, for my mother's wedding. She lives there now.
[ And then, a hum of thought. ]
But yes, that's right. We're able to talk to the gods without any issue save for how busy their schedule might be. That said, I believe some of the nations' archons are more secretive about their presence among their people... in the case of Lesser Lord Kusanali, though, she walks among us and is friendly with us.
no subject
... Damn. He's a really nice guy for being so powerful.
[ Awkward and unexperienced but sweet and kind and Wei Wuxian adores him, really! He makes a mental note to bother Neuvillette about this at a later date.
For now, the more interesting topic: gods that walk among their people. ]
That's truly impressive. I'm not sure how I would handle living amongst the gods myself, but then again, I'd probably just accept it after a while and live my life as my own anyway. Which I imagine is what happens to you all and your archons.
Did the archons create you? The humans of Teyvat, that is.
no subject
I think it would be different from Archon to Archon. The people of Inazuma, for example, they seem to have a very formal relationship with their Archon. They call her by title, not by name, and she is head of state as well as god. But Lesser Lord Kusanali... [ There's a fond smile on his lips. ] She's a friend to us. She entrusts rulership to others and would prefer to be among us, talking with us and helping us solve problems.
[ And then comes the next question. After a moment, he shakes his head. ]
Honestly, we don't know for sure. There are some who theorize it, and others who theorize that it's the gods above them. What we do know is that those of us blessed with special powers, those come from the Archons.
[ A smile. ]
You can't see it, but I always wear a charm on my clothes. It's golden with a green gem in the middle, and shaped like a teardrop. It's called a "Vision", and because mine is a Dendro Vision, it's said to be a gift from Lesser Lord Kusanali herself, in answer to my determination. It lets me utilize Dendro energy, though it doesn't work here...
[ After a moment, Kaveh laughs. ]
Ah, I'm rambling. This can't be interesting to you.
no subject
[ He muses this aloud, considering his own approach to these things. Would he be more comfortable in an Inazuma relationship with his deity or with the one Kaveh has? Approachable or out of reach? He isn't sure. He doesn't like the idea of being defined by any deity whatsoever so maybe out of reach works best for him, in an out of sight out of mind sort of way.
But the approachability is so appealing. The questions he'd have, the things he'd want help with... So fascinating!
And then Kaveh goes into the visions and that opens a whole new line of questioning for Wei Wuxian. He wants to know. ]
Are you kidding? This is the most interesting conversation I've had since I arrived here. I want to ask you so many more questions, I had no idea Teyvat was like this.
[ He glances then, to the clock timing their conversation down. ]
But, ah, it looks like we're almost out of time. Would you mind if I reached out to you later? I want to know more about these "Visions."