Chapter Text
Dainsleif is in Mondstadt.
He's always been an observer of Teyvat. Hiding in the shadows, knowing almost everything about everyone. In other words, simply watching. He is definitely not used to being out in the open like this, a sitting duck for obnoxious people whose intention is getting every last bit of information out of him. He'll definitely become a victim since he's wearing mysterious clothing and a peculiar mask. Amidst the curious glances and loud whispers of the locals, Dainsleif grimaced, regretting his decision.
He had just helped the Traveller and their floating companion, otherwise known as Paimon, with their quest. Aether, Dainsleif has come to know, wanted to treat him to food as a small token of gratitude. He originally turned down the offer, but Paimon did not relent, unleashing the trick up her short sleeves -- her loud and squeaky voice. Dainsleif changed his mind.
But deep down, he knows the real reason why he agreed. Though he may not admit it, there has always been a tinge of underlying hope that Mondstadt would be in possession of the person he swore loyalty to.
Dainsleif was slightly behind the two, giving himself space for his mind to start wandering. His eyes searched the baby blue sky above, long black lashes shining in the sun. Bitterly, he muses,
Would he ever see his prince again?
—-
"Captain Kaeya has been slacking off again.. "
"..."
A knight of Favonius, who guards Mondstadt walls, muttered to the other knight across.
Dainsleif perked up at the sound of a familiar name, careful as not to overreact and alert the Traveller. When coast was clear, he walked slowly but swiftly towards said knight. His face remains stoic, but if you look into his eyes, you might see a hint of desperation in it. His piercing gaze bore into the knight's eyes.
Voice steady and demanding.
"I have an appointed meeting with Captain Kaeya, do you where he is right now?"
Intimidated, the knight sighed and gave in. Upon receiving his answer, Dainsleif quickly spun around and left the knight's sight without a word, disappearing into the shadows.
To say Dainsleif was hopeful is an understatement. Dainsleif was impatient, desperate, yearning, longing. His heartbeat thumping in his chest, threatening to burst out, so, so eager to discover whether he'll find the Captain there. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, opening his eyes again just to stare at a brick wall. Determination written all over his face.
Next destination: Angel's Share
—-
Aether is unsure why Dainsleif would want to go visit Angel's Share, he never seemed to be the type to request something, let alone drinking. Everything about him screams secrets, and Aether is sure he won't be able to crack him open at all. Confused, the Traveller silently wonders as the three leisurely stroll along Mondstadt, enjoying the peace and quiet the City of Freedom brings, if they do not count the levitating being who can't keep its mouth shut.
Aether may be reckless, naive, an airhead, and anything along those lines. But one thing is for certain, he is not blind.
He quietly lifts up his head and took a glance at Dainsleif, whether Dainsleif noticed his gaze or not, he didn't show it. Aether narrowed his eyes slightly, closely studying his companion's face. He can clearly tell that his friend, if he even considers them as friends, is restless and excited.
But for what? Aether's mind is full of questions as he continues to study him, slowly moving his gaze along Dainsleif's features, ultimately landing on his sharp, blue eyes. Familiarity surged within Aether, eyebrows creasing, he tries his best to remember where exactly he'd seen them.
Those star pupils, ones that you don't see often, looks eerily similar to that of the Cavalry Captain.
While they head to Angel's Share, Dainsleif is unaware of Aether's growing curiosity. Luckily for him, Aether does not pry, keeping his questions to himself. Upon arriving the front door of Angel's Share, Dainsleif halts and Aether pretends not to see his hesitation.
The Traveller took this as a sign to be the one to move, lightly pushing the door to the tavern open. The shopkeeper's bell made a resounding noise and they were greeted by a warm, jolly atmosphere. It's in the middle of day, yet the bar was packed with locals. Singing and laughter can be heard from thousands of miles away, and the smell of alcohol lingers in the air. The bartender was tending to his customers with poise. Dainsleif labelled him as calm and collected, seemingly the only person who doesn't fit the atmosphere, minus Dainsleif himself, of course.
Inquisitive eyes turned towards the newcomers while the others were too busy drowning in their own paradise. Dainsleif could distantly see the bartender was on guard, fiery red eyes carefully studying the tall figure before him. Dainsleif paid no mind to it, instead opting to sit at a very dark corner where he won't be standing in the spotlight.
Aether, once he got his freshly made apple juice and snacks, followed suit and curtly sat down next to Dainsleif. His fellow companion floating right next to him, eyes glossing over the snacks he bought.
"Thanks for helping me again, here's a little something for you." Smiling, like the sunshine he is, he hands Dainsleif the snacks, most of them are junk but Dainsleif doesn't really mind. He could faintly hear the Traveller scolding Paimon, telling her something about not stealing the food. Dainsleif's mind was too occupied so he's not too sure what that was about.
Before he got to thank the Traveller, he watches as Aether gets dragged away by adventurers who requires his help. He thinks the Traveller's life must be tough, always being forced to help others, but the kind soul could never refuse anyway.
His eyes scanned across the whole tavern, returning to his observer role. But was it really observing if his true purpose was to search? Dainsleif was searching, yes, searching for a person in Angel's Share. Hoping to see a pair of eyes that shares the same pupils as himself, hoping to see his long lost prince.
Dainsleif is getting nostalgic. Before he knows it, he's looking back to the fond memories of the past.
Kaeya, Khaenri'ah's crowned prince, was who Dainsleif swore loyalty to.
What was once loyalty to the royals of Khaenri'ah bloomed into something much more precious and sweet. From sparring with each other, to smiling at each other, to laughing with each other, to hand holding, to soft kisses in the middle of the night.
Dainsleif could never forget them, not now, not ever.
His heart was torn apart during the fall. It was a curse. A reminder of what was once a love song that turned into a tragedy. He lived in agony all these years, heartbroken and always longing. His heart may have hardened, but he never truly gave up.
Not knowing he was in a trance, Dainsleif was brought back to reality when a certain knight went up to the counter, asking the red-headed bartender for a drink. His voice smooth like wine, his mouth carrying a smirk. The bartender was not impressed, eyes narrow, looking annoyed. But it's not the red head Dainsleif was focused on, it was the tan-skinned knight that looks just like the one in Dainsleif's memories, albeit older and looked more refined, Dainsleif could never not recognise him.
Dainsleif has found him at last. His beloved prince.