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[He smiles softly at the response, reaching from his spot at the table to gingerly slip his fingers underneath hers, letting them curl upwards in a sweet gesture. He feels exactly the same way she does, for as long as it's Yoimiya at his side, he'll always be happy. Maybe they can't slay monsters at their wedding, but they can do it when they go out for expeditions, traveling to the most dangerous places in the world. There would be no end to their slaughter, and he can't think of a better way to spend it than with her.

Including killing all of the monsters of the Abyss.]

Those were some of the more powerful monsters of the Abyss Order's army,[he explains, growing more serious now that they're discussing this.] The one you fought was called an Abyss Herald; the one I fought is described as an Abyss Lector.

I'm unsure if you've ever run into denizens of the Abyss before. They can be found all over Teyvat, though they seem have a fondness for attacking Mondstadt outright for some reason, rather than anywhere else. They're the enemy of humanity, lead by their Prince in their quest to wipe out as much as The Seven's domain as they can. I fear that even if they managed to achieve their goals, it still wouldn't satisfy them. It's the one thing the whole world can unite on, whether it be the Knights of Favonius or the Fatui- they must be stopped.

[It's a lot to take in, he knows it. He just hopes that it doesn't affect her too much- knowing that your home could be attacked by abyss monsters usually doesn't sit well with people.]

Edited 2024-02-15 02:26 (UTC)

[ It's certainly a lot of information to take in but thanks to the tender touch of Tartaglia's fingers sliding underneath the table to link with hers, she feels at ease as she responds to the sweet gesture, lacing their fingers together. From the otherwordly vibe they gave off, she had a hunch those creatures were not your run-of-the-mill monsters. Members of the Abyss Order's army... that bit of information was not in the realm of Yoimiya's imagination.

She appreciates that Ajax is taking the time to explain this to her because oh boy, she would have no idea where to begin. Needing a moment to gather her thoughts together, Yoimiya soaks in everything he has to say. Who would have thought that there's a treat so dangerous that even the Fatui and the famous Knights of Favonius could unite? ]

I... [ In a bid for comfort, she seeks the warmth of Ajax, gently squeezing his hand. ] goodness I've ran into those smaller mage creatures a few times and I never really thought too much of it.

[ She shakes her head in disbelief, her view of the world just got blown wide open, that's for sure. ]

I had no idea out there in this world, there exists a legion who wishes to destroy humanity. Is... this part of the Fatui's goals? To put a stop to the Abyss Order?

[It probably goes without saying that Childe is incredibly proud of her for taking on an Abyss Herald all by herself and with ease. Sure, it was a dream, but he has no doubt that those same skills would be on display in the real world as it was in their dream. She's come a long way, and he hopes he gets to see her dance and fight like that more often in the future.

Shifting in his seat to better face her, his other hand wraps around hers to better provide the comfort she's seeking, looking down at them for a moment as he listens to her. He's surprised to hear that she's run into Abyss Mages. They're nothing to sneeze at at all, and the fact that she's alive and well after finding them is telling of her skill. He's just glad that she's okay and safe.]

Well, sort of. Where it's always the goal to fight off the Abyss Order where we can, it's a little hard to scale an offensive against an army based in a land that twists the minds of those unprotected. The Abyss is no place for anyone- perhaps only those who wield Visions might be able to enter, but you know as well as I do how little of these people exist. In the vast scale of things, the Abyss Order would repel us, in the end. It's not conventional to do so. Even the Archons don't waste their time treading in that dark place.

[He doesn't mean to scare her, but he won't lie to her about it. It's a serious problem she may have to face sooner or later back at home, and if they can figure out a way to retain their memories upon returning, it'll all be worth it.]

[ Kindness and love seep from the grasp of his hand. She sighs in appreciation, scooting her seat closer to rest her head on top of his shoulder. So long as Ajax is by her side, there's nothing to fear, not even the terrifying depths of the Abyss can shake her faith in her beloved. She has hope that someday in the distant future, the two of them will be strong enough to take on even the most powerful denizens of that lightless space. ]

A space that not even the Fatui or Archons dare to enter. It's amazing that a place so terrifying exists right under our noses. But, I do think it's quite commendable that you guys try to repel the Abyss Order wherever you can.

[ A place that not even an Archon dares to tread, a space that corrupts the mind of anyone caught off guard. All of those facts are a huge testament to Ajax's strength. For someone as young as him to enter the Abyss and come out alive, his willpower is truly out of this world. But in the end, she's just happy he made it out alive to tell the tale and that they had the chance to meet. ]

That space we were transported to when we were fighting that god. Was that what the Abyss looked like?

Edited 2024-02-16 00:03 (UTC)

[He'll take the compliment, it's not often that when someone speaks of the Fatui, it's positive. To him, it's necessary to fight off the Abyss Order in order to protect Snezhnaya, so it doesn't feel like any kind of praise is necessary. It's just expected. But it's still nice, so he won't sneeze at it.]

Yes, it's something like that. There's far more to it...an entire ancient civilization exists there. Architecture, remnants of some sort of infrastructure...but I'm afraid most beings have been turned and twisted into monsters. There's nothing left there for any civilized society.

Honestly, I'm surprised we fought that god there...perhaps the setting was like that because of my memories of the past. That is where I learned to fight after all, but I always imagined that battle would take place upon the throne of the gods itself.

[It reminds him of what that god said, asking about the gnoses, angry at him for taking away their authority in some fashion...he hopes Yoimiya doesn't remember, it'll make his life a lot easier. But if she does, then there's no point in hiding it anymore.]

[ She tries to imagine the scene in her head. A destroyed civilization crawling with unknown creatures underneath a dark sky where the light doesn't shine. It paints an eerie picture, one that she wishes child Ajax didn't have to witness at such a young age. It's honestly no wonder he grew up with a strong lust for battle coursing through his veins, he had to fight for his life down there. ]

That thought crossed my mind as well. Since it's our shared dream, it makes sense that it would reflect the memories of your past. It will never be like your actual experience but seeing it in a dream sent shivers down my spine. And you experienced it as a kid...

[ A cold, lonely place that no child should have the misfortune to fall into. ]

Was that god familiar to you at all?

[ Regrettably for Ajax, the mention of the gnosis has stuck with her since they woke up. She wishes to ask questions in regards to it but for the time being, she figures treading carefully is a good way to start off. ]

[Though his expression doesn't change, he feels his stomach fall a little bit to make her worry even the slightest about what had happened to him in the past. There's a lot of details of it that he isn't saying, things he might never tell anyone about. It's enough that he's shared that it happened at all. He'd find it cute of her to worry if it had been a situation that he was completely fine in, but the truth of the matter is that he wasn't fine and it would weigh on him to make his loved ones worry.

Ajax moves on to address her question, shaking his head.]

No...

[He gives her an apologetic look, for not being of much help on the god.]

I knew what it was, but I've never seen a god like that before. All I knew is how much I wanted to defeat it, to see how I measure up to divinity itself...I think we both did a pretty good job.

[Ajax's face brightens, squeezing her hand proudly.]

It probably won't be that easy in real life, though. As we are currently, we'd be at a huge disadvantage, even if there's still a chance to win.

[ She nods her head in tender understanding, returning his affection with a gentle squeeze of her fingers. The appearance of the god in their dream feels somewhat foreboding but for the time being, she'll chalk it up to Ajax's imagination conjuring up his dream opponent. After all, fighting a god would be the ultimate challenge for his battle-hungry heart. ]

That's right. Even if it was just a dream, I'm really proud of what we accomplished, our teamwork is on a whole new level. It'll take a lot to actually defeat a god in real life but I have faith that as long as we work hard and have each other's backs, we can accomplish anything together.

[ A bit of a hopeful wish on her part but that's how much Yoimiya faithfully believes in Tartaglia's ever-growing strength. She truly believes that one day, he'll harness enough power to take down a god.

This time, it's her turn to look apologetic, recognizing this might not be an easy topic to talk about. ]

Hey... if I recall correctly, the god in our dream said something about returning the gnoses back to her.

[She's right, he knows she's right. Maybe a god would be near impossible for someone normally, but the two of them together would conquer the world and no god would stand in their way. He returns that comment with a confident, reassuring smile, excited now to see Yoimiya in action against a real opponent with her archery skills and her new abyssal weapon at her disposal.

All that hype gets dampened by her next question though. He sighs and looks down for a moment. She did remember, it was the one thing he was hoping she'd forgotten, but there's really no use in hiding it now that she knows. He thinks for a second, trying to figure out exactly how much to say and how to say it. Knowing about the gnoses doesn't put her in any danger, but...]

Yes...the gnoses are tools and symbols of an archon's power, granted to them from Celestia to help rule their designated nation. You remember that fiasco in Liyue? The whole reason it happened was in exchange for the Geo Lord's gnosis- we the Fatui would follow through and reassure him that he was safe to step down from his role of the Geo Archon. Thus, the plan and set up to push to me summon Osial, Overlord of the Vortex.

[There's still a little bite to his tone, but it's dulled so much from back then when everything happened.]

There may have been more to that agreement, but its contents are unknown to me; only Morax and Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa know the details of their contract.

[He's absolutely trying to drive the conversation away from why the Fatui want them >.>;;;;;]

[ The sudden shift of expressions is telling. From a confident smile to letting out a dejected sigh, Yoimiya figures that he was probably hoping she wouldn't have asked what she did. She pauses for a moment, debating whether or not to press on with this line of questioning. The last thing she wants is to get him in trouble for something he isn't allowed to share.

And then he speaks up before she even gets the chance to tell him it's okay. Yoimiya falls silent, listening in rapt attention to every word he's telling her. When he explains what he's able to, it really sheds new light in regards to his actions in Liyue. It's faint but she can hear a little bit of heat in his tone as he recounts his story, no doubt that the subject of Liyue will always be a sore spot for him. With what happened, she truly doesn't blame him. ]

So that's why you had to go through with such a drastic plan. To obtain a symbol of the Archon's power...

[ Up till now, she had no idea that something like a gnosis even existed. Ajax has informed her of so much that she never thought possible. It's a lot to take in, so much so, that a chatter box like Yoimiya is at a loss for words. ]

[It's noticeable how quiet she's gotten. He can imagine for someone who's lived a nice, quiet life for the most part would never of fathomed things like this were ever happening behind the scenes. It's not something she'd ever need to know. Isn't it enough to pledge loyalty to one's archon, and not have to worry about the oppressive divine will that looms over the land?]

Now you know the whole story behind my actions in Liyue, [he begins, his expression softening from the mild irritation of the memory of Liyue.]

I can't really tell you why, not yet. Just trust me when I say that Her Majesty has a vision for peace, and it's my duty to help bring her one step closer to that goal. We all believe in her, and one day, the world will know true freedom.

[Tartaglia gives her hand one last squeeze before he lets go, to let Yoimiya take that in and give it a moment. He knows it doesn't make sense now, but he hopes one day she'll understand why they do what they do.]

[ From the bottom of her heart, Yoimiya always knew that there was more to the Liyue story than what was said through the grapevines. Although the reason why the Tsaritsa needs the other gnoses is unknown to her, she does have faith that it's for a good cause even if she doesn't agree with his actions.

They are like-minded in a lot of ways, Yoimiya has never felt such a strong connection with anyone in her entire life. However, there is one aspect they do differentiate on. ]

It's not that I don't trust you or the Tsaritsa. It's just that... I've seen how an Archon's vision can take a toll on its people.

[ Unlike Tartaglia's fealty to his god, Yoimiya and the nation of Inazuma have shown that they are willing to stand up to their Archon if people are suffering. She clasps her hands together in her lap to gather her thoughts, the Sakoku Decree is not something she can simply forget. ]

I understand you can't tell me everything, especially Fatui-related matters. But, the Sakoku Decree is still fresh on my mind and I wouldn't wish anything like that upon any nation.

I understand.

[He responds quietly, not sure how to respond to that. He can't promise her that everything would be okay, and that the people of Snezhnaya would be safe in their war against the divine. But he truly does believe in her vision for peace, even if it comes at great, evil costs.]

I can't say for certain that things won't become difficult. All of us, in the end, in the final battle, will face the same enemy and the inescapable long night. The people of Snezhnaya know this and are prepared for it.

[He gives her an apologetic look; it's not really an explanation at all nor is he giving any reassurances, but it's all he can say.]

I'm sorry if this is upsetting. This wasn't a conversation I imagined myself having with you so soon...I'd hoped that we could talk about this when we returned to Teyvat.

[ Glancing down at her hands, Yoimiya bites her bottom lip, not knowing what to say either. If the people of Snezhnaya are all truly on board with the Tsaritsa's vision then she has no reason to interject. But... the lack of explanation and uncertainty of it all doesn't sit well with her.

She breathes a sigh through her nose. Ajax isn't at fault at all. While this isn't an upsetting conversation, it doesn't leave her with a good feeling. Silence fills the space for a few short moments until Yoimiya finally shakes her head. ]

It's okay, you didn't do anything wrong. This conversation was bound to happen at some point.

[ It's not like her to be melancholy and she feels guilty about it. She wishes so badly to tell him she firmly believes in his Archon's vision for peace all the way but as it stands... ]

From the bottom of my heart, I've always believed in you. I know you have your reasons for doing the things you do and that feeling will never change. I'm sorry, I wish I could say I stand behind the Tsaritsa's plan but... I don't know what to think with all of this uncertainty.

[Being in the Fatui had always taught him that those outside of it would look at them with disdain, and is why a lot of Fatui agents are so hostile towards others. They can't care what the rest of the world thinks, they can only march toward the end, the place where all the preparations they've made will serve to help them seize authority from the divine. If not them, then who?

But Yoimiya doesn't come from a place like that, and for the first time in his life he doesn't have to respond with aloofness or hostility. Ajax knows she cares, cares about him and cares about his homeland as a consequence of being his girlfriend. So he nods back to her, accepting her feelings about it.]

It's alright. Perhaps one day, I'll be able to share everything with you, and you can judge for yourself whether or not to stand alongside the Tsaritsa. But until then, it's not something to fret about. I can't take any steps towards her goals here anyway, so it's best not to think too much on it until we return home.

[He imagines it's only going to be an even harder conversation when he does share the details.]

Let's focus on what we have here for now, and enjoying our lives as much as we can before we have to return home to face the reality of what lies ahead. We've got to save this world first before we can save Teyvat, too.

[At that, he offers a small smile, hoping that something even that small might cheer her up a little bit.]

[ Even with all of this uncertainty plaguing her heart, if there's one thing Yoimiya will always be sure about is her stalwart faith in Ajax. There's more to Tartaglia than his allegiance, she knows he cares a great deal for his family, his country, and of course, her. Whatever plan the Tsaritsa is concocting, she trusts he has good intentions behind his cryptic words.

When the day he's finally able to share the truth comes, she'll be prepared to accept anything he has to say. No matter the obstacle, she's already sworn to stand by his side. ]

You're right, we have a lot to tackle here before thinking about what awaits us back home. If we can save this world, I have no doubts we'll be able to save Teyvat as well.

[ This time, it's Yoimiya's turn to reach over for his hands, giving him a gentle squeeze just before brushing over his knuckles with her thumb. She knows this conversation must be difficult enough as it is and it's only going to get more heavy once she's privy to the full details. ]

I can't exactly remember the vows I told you in the dream but I want you to know that I meant every word of it. No matter the challenge, I promise to always be by your side.

[ She hopes that her words and affection will provide him reassurance. ]

[Tartaglia's eyes fall to her hands taking his own, noting how small they were against his, and how much he'd give to keep them right here with him, safe and sound. He remembers holding them in their dream, how they'd pledged themselves to one another. A soft sigh comes from his nose, wishing he could have remembered all the vows he said to her. It's a fuzzy part of the dream, but he remembers how he felt while saying them.

His hands move to cup her own, bringing them up to press a soft kiss to her fingers.]

Thank you.

[Really, he's asking the world of her to stand next to him on this journey. And he's all the more glad that she's willing to do so. His response is earnest, grateful for her and how dedicated she is to him despite his allegiances to the Fatui.]

I couldn't of asked for a better partner than you. I too, promise that I'll always stand beside you, through any woe and any challenge.

[He looks up from behind her hand, his dulled eyes seeming to shine when he gazes at her, the smile on his face determined and affectionate all in the same stroke. A hint of madness swirls in those same eyes, one that's completely devoted to her, and which seeks the same in return- his Yoimiya, his one and only, the one that he loves so deeply and won't allow anyone else to have.]

[ In her kitchen away from the prying eyes of the world, it feels as though time has frozen in place. Her heart skips several beats at the delightful press of his lips to her fingers, eliciting a soft hum out of her, his kiss like a touch of heaven to her skin. From their first meeting, he's been nothing but kind and beyond wonderful to her. His duties as the infamous Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui will never change how she feels about him.

This is the man she wishes to spend the rest of her life with. Ajax will always be the love of her life. ]

Thank you as well, Ajax. You are the most amazing partner anyone could ever have. There's nothing to fear with you right here next to me.

[ She looks up at him, utterly taken by that lovely stare of his. For a split second, Yoimiya swears that she saw a lustrous shine in the depths of those brilliant blue eyes as if he's regained a little bit of that innocence that was taken away from his time in the Abyss. ]

I love you, Ajax. When the time comes when you are ready to talk more, I'll be here to listen and support you in any way I can.

[ And she means it, Yoimiya swears to support Ajax in any way she can, by any means necessary. Behind her affectionate gaze is a maddening love swirling in her golden eyes. Her dear, sweet, precious Ajax... the man who has her heart in his grips, the man she promises to always love, the man she's sworn her unyielding devotion to, the man who belongs to her and her alone. She'll do whatever it takes to ensure his happiness and protect their bond with her dying breath. ]

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