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Illuga did not go to Nasha Town often. Between his duties at Piramida and against the wild hunt, free time to travel all the way over was few and far between.
He did visit for Aino’s lectures or weird jobs sometimes, but that was about it. Today, however, he was there for a different reason.
—
“…Fine. I’ll be frank. You’re not human, are you?” Illuga had asked him, throwing out all anxiety.
“Hahaha… Heavens, now that’s a horrifying thought.”
“..You know what? Forget it! We’ll revisit this once it’s all over.”
“A sound plan — albeit a little ominous-sounding,” Flins had replied with a chuckle.
And as annoying as he was…
At the end of that conservation, when Illuga had asked him to come back in one piece, he’d said, ”Hah. For you, Master Illuga, how could I refuse?”
Illuga was left speechless. He hadn’t even said anything in response to Flins’ request for him to pass on a message to their fellow Lightkeepers.
How embarrassing. And Flins definitely noticed.
—
Alas.
That was not what Illuga had made the journey to Nasha Town for. “It” was all finally over. He still wasn’t quite sure what exactly “it” was, just the bits and pieces he’s heard from Flins and the general public.
A fight against a man who had gained trilunar authority, with plans that would have made all of Teyvat a dangerous place.
…Looking back on it, just how did he let Flins walk into that?
Well. There was no point dwelling on what could have happened now. Flins, his Flins, was safe. He’d heard from the Traveller — and he’d like to think if something did happen to Flins, he’d just know. Somehow.
Illuga continued and made his way towards the Flagship. Flins did seem to like the place, drinking with the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius often.
It also seemed like the only place Flins went that wasn’t his Lighthouse and patrols, or Piramida when he had to.
He was an odd guy. An idiot.
As he made his way, he tried to decide on how he’d bring up the topic again. And in all his ideas, he imagined a way for Flins to turn the conversation away.
Not good. He wanted a straight answer from the strange man, just this once. But Illuga also knew there was no way of getting one out of Flins unless he truly wanted to answer.
He couldn’t dwell on it too long though, because as soon as he entered, he spotted Flins sitting at the bar, drink in tow, surprisingly by himself.
He was also staring right at Illuga with those lifeless eyes.
Archons above. What is with this guy?
Illuga cleared his throat, looked down, and walked towards Flins, suddenly overly conscious of how he walks. The place was rather busy tonight.
As Illuga pulled a stool next to Flins, he was greeted.
“My, to what do I owe the pleasure for you to visit me here at such a time, Young Master Illuga?” There was an almost smug expression on the older man’s face.
Rolling his eyes, “Drinking alone tonight after such a big battle, Sir Flins? I’d expect the whole crew to be with you.”
“Ah, well…” he trailed off, seemingly thinking of words to say. Then, “We all had our separate plans. I believe we’ve all spent a rather adequate amount of time together, these last few weeks. It is probably for the best.”
Illuga hummed in response, taking one good look at the other Ratnik and all his pale, unbothered glory. He seems unscathed, at least to the naked eye. That is good. Very good.
It also looked like Flins had been here a while, and as he asked the bartender for another cup, it seemed like he’d been drinking for some time as well. However…
he sounded perfectly sober. Come to think of it, has Illuga ever heard Flins sound anything other than composed? He’s for certain never seen him drunk. Can he even get drunk?
Those thoughts reminded him of his purpose of being here.
Illuga also seemed to forget that he was staring at Flins rather funnily. When he looked away, slightly flustered, the other man simply shook his head in silent amusement and returned his attention to his drink.
Huh. Weird. Did he have nothing to say?
“Ahem, Sir Flins…” Illuga started. Flins immediately looked up at him and held his gaze, a small smile playing on his lips, as if saying, “Go on, I’m listening.”
The younger Ratnik sighed and started again. “Sir Flins, I said we’d revisit the topic after everything was over. Now is ‘after everything.’”
Flins raised an eyebrow, “Oh? And could you elaborate, Young Master,” teasing. Illuga had the sneaking suspicion Flins knew exactly what he was referring to.
Lowering his voice, “When we talked. Before your big fight.”
“Hmm…” was all the idiot replied with. Why does he have to be so damn difficult?!
“Sir Flins. You’re not human, are you?” Illuga finally looked at him and asked, voice still hushed, slightly annoyed, but unhesitant. He was tired of the other Lightkeeper dancing around the question.
Flins chuckled before abruptly, though gracefully as ever, standing up and pushing the stool behind him. Leaving some Mora behind for his drinks, he patted Illuga’s shoulder. “Follow me, if you will, my friend.”
Asking no questions, he got up and followed his mysterious companion. Was he finally going to get an answer?
Illuga was giddy.
After a comfortably silent walk, they made their way to an area slightly outside of Nasha Town, where there was grass and privacy, which was what Illuga assumed Flins brought him out here for.
It made sense. Given that Flins didn’t exactly seem to advertise his inhuman(?) nature, he probably would prefer not speaking of it in such a busy place as The Flagship. So they were here, sitting on the grass, facing one another.
“Well, Master Illuga,” Flins said calmly with an amused lilt in his voice, taking Illuga out of his thoughts, “Perhaps I’d like to hear what you think.”
He sighed in response. As evasive as ever…
yet he got the feeling that he definitely was going to get an answer today. So he indulged him.
“You’re not human, Sir Flins. I have no doubts.”
“Ah, very direct, my friend. Though I figured, given your insistence,” Flins said, tilting his head slightly to the side with a small smile.
Before Illuga could snap back in annoyance, Flins continued, “But, have you no ideas of what, then? I am quite curious and wish to hear what you suspect, hm.”
“Well,” Illuga started, slightly abashed. Archons, what is wrong with him? “I’m not sure exactly what. But given your extremely pale face and ever-present circles under your eyes…”
“Haha. I didn’t know you looked at my face so much, Young Master,” Flins cut him off, teasing smile on said pale face.
Idiot. Illuga simply glared at him and continued, “I’ve seen you eat on no more than three occasions,” Honestly, he thought, it may not have even been that many.
“…you rarely show up to the Lightkeeper’s events, you live alone on an island surrounded by a graveyard, and I don’t believe you sleep. Not to mention your mysterious power — surely it’s not all from your Moonwheel? Oh! And your stories, you tell them as if you were there, in a way…same with your fascination with old trinkets and such.”
Flins stared, his eyes looking slightly widened. Bingo.
“Ha, ever perceptive you are. I expect nothing less from the Young Master.” Flins said almost sincerely, making Illuga’s face heat up.
He still hasn’t answered anything though, Archon's sake. “That’s all you have to say?”
A laugh, then, “You are correct, Master Illuga,” Flins responded easily, “I am not human. Rather, I am a Snowland Fae from the time of the Belyi Tsar.”
Illuga, mouth agape, looked at him. Flins simply gave him a sweet smile, eyes closed.
After a considerable amount of time, Illuga finally worked up the steadiness to speak again.
“Oh my gods, the stories, I was right! You were there for all of them?!”
“Most of them, yes. Some are ones I have heard from other fellow fae during those times as well.” Flins nodded, shifting slightly. Almost like he was uncomfortable. “But for all of those set at the Belyi Tsar’s court, yes.”
“Wh- so how old are you then? Surely centuries if you’ve been around since the first Cryo Archon?”
Flins let out a soft laugh and looked at Illuga, mirth ever-present in his eyes. He seemed amused at Illuga’s exasperation. Idiot. “Yes, centuries would be correct. I believe between six and seven hundred, to be exact, based on human calculation of age.”
Illuga was in disbelief. The man who called him “Young Master,” and whom he scolded, was a six hundred year old not-man, but fae, who served in the Belyi Tsar’s court? Wow, yeah, he is most definitely older.
“I…looking back on everything, it actually isn’t that surprising.” Oh, but it was. Illuga’s mind was still gaping. He just feels like he definitely should’ve guessed…
Flins let out another soft chuckle, and turned to face towards the horizon. Idiot. Illuga missed the feeling of the other’s eyes on him already. Flins seemed to be in thought, though.
“And you do not entertain the idea of me simply messing with you, Young Master? What if I really am just a normal human…simply an overly eccentric one.”
“No,” Illuga shook his head with surprising vigor, “You’re telling the truth.”
“Very well,” the fae replied, a slight smile back on his face. “You are quite bold. Is there anything else you wish to ask?”
So much…are some of his questions even appropriate? But one thought in particular was bothering Illuga…
Illuga had experienced plenty of sadness and loss in his life. He was no stranger to loss, all of which Flins is well aware of. Even after all this time, it still affects Illuga greatly.
Flins, however…almost all other fae had ceased to exist. Why was Flins still here? Did he have family? Had he also experienced great loss?
Illuga just stared, opening then closing his mouth, clearly hesitant and almost shy to ask. Flins cleared his throat, “If you wish to ask about what I am doing here now, or of my kin…”
“Oh! Uh…yes, that was what I was wondering,” Illuga said, scratching the back of his neck. Freak. How did he even know that? Was it a fae thing? “Oh, but, do not feel forced to answer.”
A small laugh, “It is quite alright, Master Illuga. My kin are mostly gone. I am sure there are a few fae still roaming around, but from those that were of my kind, I do believe I am the last.” Flins said, sounding reminiscent.
“…However, as for why I am here, I will simply say that I was brought back by a few Ratniki who had stumbled upon my graveyard, one day. Since then, I have served my duty to be a Lightkeeper and protect the peace of those who died.”
Brought back? Illuga wanted to ask. What could that even mean? However, one look at Flins’ eyes that were staring off in the distance, something akin to deep thought on his face, would tell one that there was no need for pressing.
Flins finally turned back to Illuga, and they just stared at one another for a second. Illuga looked away after a while, embarrassed. Flins simply let out an amused puff of air.
Wanting to lighten the mood, “Well, whatever that means, we are all very glad to have you with us, Sir Flins.”
That seemed to surprise the other man. His mouth opened slightly, but he quickly closed it along with his eyes, a smile playing on his lips again.
“As I am very glad to have you all.”
Illuga had so much more to ask. What type of fae were you? What was your role? What things do you do now that are “fae things?” And which are Flins? Can you show me your true form? How do you sleep, eat? Do you fear death? Can you even die? What’s with your manner of speech? Your power—
However, in that moment, he felt as if everything that needed to be said was said. Flins, back at looking towards the sky with the now rising sun, also seemed to believe so.
So Illuga let it be.
And scooting closer to his companion's side, Illuga dropped his head onto Flins’ shoulder. A small “oh” left the fae’s lips. Illuga smiled.
And in the comfortable silence, they both gazed forward towards the sunrise.