paradoxical | genshin impact

08 : weightless.

You stifled a yawn as the Springvale Waypoint came into view—the aches in your joints protesting against all your stupid little choices in life. What made the idea of walking all the way here so appealing to you? Especially when you had to scrub off a puddle of vomit at the tavern down to the deepest niche in the floorboards the night prior? Not only were you sleep-deprived beyond reason, but you were also sweating—so much that Adelinde will definitely give you a thorough scolding before telling you to hit the showers.

But, all grievances aside, you were here—overnight bag slung over one shoulder as you breathed in the countryside air. Despite the effort, nothing could quite beat an early morning stroll in the Vale.

Tunner was just about done with tending to the newly grown sprouts once you made it to the entrance. The elderly man flashed you a kind smile when you passed him.

"Big day today, huh?"

You couldn't help but laugh as your eyes trailed across the vineyard and up at the Ragnvindr manor, a grin of your own finding its way to your face. For the past few weeks, you've dropped by more often than usual, but each time still felt like the first in months.

"It's just like any other day, Tunner."

Ernest's men greeted you just as warmly as old man Tunner did—sparing you a few words in welcome as they paused from moving crates out to the back entrance. The reunion was short-lived though, as Connor had arrived to tell them off for dawdling in the earliest hours on the job. When the advisor was out of earshot, they mumbled strings of colorful profanities in hushed tones, making you giggle into your hands.

Out in the fields, you spotted maman crouched into a squat with the other servants' children— probably teaching them about the basics of grape farming. You had half the mind to alert her of your presence, but you knew better than to interrupt these formative lessons. After all, each person residing in the Dawn Winery was mandated to know how to cultivate the Ragnvindrs' prized vineyard as soon as they could. But instead of heading right into the manor like you'd initially intended, you idled around for a few moments more—content with listening to the sound of your mother's voice.

When you finally decided to look for Adelinde (given that she's the one who informed you that the dress Diluc had customized was done), the timeless melody of the manor's grand piano resounded from inside. The Ballad of Venessa—it was Elzer's favorite piece. Nostalgia rippled deep in your chest as your fingers tightened around the straps of your bag.

Home had never felt this welcome before.

As you quietly shut the double doors upon your entry, each step you made towards the living area was silenced with caution. In the past, you had to bribe Elzer with his favorite meals just so you could convince him to play for you, and you were not going to let a golden opportunity like this slip from your fingers so easily. An impish smile crept up your face as the each thrum of the instrument grew louder in your ears. You couldn't wait to see the look on the old man's face once he realized he had an audience. But when you'd finally rounded the corner, your mischievous plan fell apart in seconds.

Instead of Elzer's graying hair, the person sitting on the bench had a head full of midnight blue tresses tied at the nape with a flimsy hair tie. And despite being in full uniform—gloves and all—Kaeya's fingers danced across the keys as seamlessly as you remembered him doing the first time you saw him play.

As he neared the coda of the hero's melody, the Captain either didn't notice your arrival or didn't wish to interrupt such a passionate piece. You didn't blame him. All you could do at that moment was gape at Kaeya in pure awe, mesmerized with both his untarnished skill and the way the sunlight embraced him with the colors of an early Springvale morning. The more you listened, the more you felt as if the floor gave beneath your feet—setting you afloat with the song that bards had tirelessly dedicated to the woman that gave Mondstadt its liberty.