While the fear of death does not denote a lack of strength, merit must be credited where it is due. Those who can peer into the ghostly blue fire with neutrality and glimpse the endless void beyond possess robust will, indeed. Eternity and freedom - both lie outside where this realm may reach.

// i don't mean to alarm anyone, but i am considering deactivating permanently on here. just wanting to give a heads up in the case i decide to do it, i'm not disappearing without warning

Hmm.

Do I need to offer you another glass of water, Young Master, or will you tell me about whatever it is that has soured your day?

When @dawnbearer.bsky.social wakes up, there will be a piping hot cup of coffee waiting for him, alongside a decent breakfast spread plucked from the Lightkeepers' mead hall. Flins is sitting idly at his bedside, reading through an old fairytale he found lying around the house.

// last thoughts before i properly knock out but i'm just thinking of how flins called columbina out on not using her eyes during moon prayer night festival... they both have the ability to sense things with kuuvahki... i think he was curious about her reasons for not looking w/ human eyes

(Oh. What an unexpected turn of events. Flins is awoken from his meditation by Young Master Illuga's cherished presence. Without his human eyes, he can only sense, and he picks up on Illuga's warm, golden aura. Yes, it seems the sun can shine even at night. Curiosity getting the better of him, +

(Hiding in his lantern for the foreseeable future. If one stumbles upon a strange, floating lantern with azure flames licking the glass walls idly, please do not be alarmed. Its owner is fully aware of its whereabouts.)

// i don't think i'm brave enough to post the thing tbh i will watch from the sidelines

// WAS THE ENTIRE POINT OF THIS JUST TO SHIP BAIT? HELLO?

Where can one acquire such a fine specimen?

"If you are providing the ingredients, I can hardly refuse the offer." The supernatural was, evidently, born to tease back. Flins smirked with his arms crossed. "Is there any particular flavor you're in the mood for? If I am not mistaken... you do not seem to be keen on 'vanilla.' Is that right?"

"Hm?" Flins walked out of the shadows, lantern raised high, to face all of the folk from Sumeru regarding him warily. "... Ah, I see. Is this your first time meeting a Ratnik? Then, allow me to introduce myself - Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins." He bowed.

Well... since you've asked so kindly.

(Hugs @dawnbearer.bsky.social from behind.)

... The moon in the sky need not dictate when your day ends, Young Master... (Translation: there is an urge to make his day longer. Perhaps he should avert his gaze, but he chooses not to.)

// i lied i'm killing him

// bed. i hope i can sleep for once in my life pls

... What did I tell you? My palate for spirits pales in comparison to yours, Sir Varka.

// a simpler word to summarize all the relatable fae stuff is neurodivergency

// Flins is one of those muses like Albedo and Venti that is some insane combination of everything I want to be/am attracted to/already related to - A bit personal, but I relate to his past pretty hard - He's a fae and I have always identified w/ the fae, Genshin's worldbuilding for them +

"Please keep your voice down, Sir Varka, as to not disturb my friendly neighbors." Flins replied - but from where? Right behind the Grandmaster, of course, apparating out of thin air. He raised his lantern up to chest-level, blue flames illuminating their corner of the island shadowed by overcast.

Only that it is most admirable to have so many unique personalities amidst your ranks.

Mondstadt truly is the land of freedom, hm?

I do.

(Raises his mug to meet the toast, eyes closing contentedly.) To the moon, to the sun, and to the billowing wind that connects us all.

(Flicks his gaze over to Varka. Sharply. The smile never leaves his face.) Yes. (Play along, and there will be a reward in it for you.)

(Glances his way with a knowing smile.) Shall we also raise a toast to the sun, Grandmaster?

// wow they actually went on a date i have rarely heard flins so happy... wow wow wow wow they made up for the incident with dottore... wowowowowow varflins is so back sorry for the spam i am very happy with these anecdotes

// weirdo what does alcohol even do for you wtf LIKE I HAVE HAD THIS HEADCANON THAT HE CAN'T GET DRUNK BUT IT DOESN'T EVEN INTERACT WITH HIS FLAME???

// i swear to god the seiyuu choice is incredible for these two i can hear the "you're a fucking idiot" in the "varka-san..." ANJKXSNVKJDFNBJKFDNKJn

// doing varka's witch's homework and he's a fucking idiot

I would take this as an opportunity to learn how to ask better questions, Young Master. You asked, and I have provided an answer.

I don't believe it was unnecessary.

Hmmm...?

Illuga's lips were soft against his own. It had admittedly been a while since he had allowed himself so much as a shred of intimacy with another. Flins was not resistant to the casual fling, but he did not experience the passage of time as humans did, and the couple of decades he'd been awake +

There was nowhere to run. His precious colleague played right into his trap. Securely in his arms, Illuga's eyes shot up to meet his, confusion and wonder written all over his expression. It was simply adorable - and sealed the deal for Flins' next move. He cut him off with a kiss.

// i... am actually curious i do not know how my flins is perceived

"..." His persistence was nothing short of endearing. Unfortunately for the both of them, Flins was beginning to accept the fact he was smitten. Illuga enjoyed being caught and carried and teased, surely he would enjoy the next distraction the fae had to offer... +

"Mm, my reports, yes." Flins conveniently decided to ignore Illuga's half-hearted request to stop, as did he avoid answering the question of how he knew the young master was barreling towards him with no restraint. "Then, I must report to you that I have discovered a light which rivals the sun. +

In an effortless, concerted movement, Flins turned around at the last second to not only catch Illuga with ease, but lift him into his arms bridal-style. ... And he didn't stop there. He dipped Illuga down and brought their foreheads together, golden eyes shining splendidly with mirth.

I will catch you as you leap, and never allow you to fall.

// i really want to write illuga... wah

// in other words, because flins doesn't sleep: goodnight

The sun rises over the horizon, beginning the cycle of day anew...

"Distress? Hmm..." He lets out a light chuckle, hiding his smile behind a gloved hand. "Perhaps you are correct. It is not every day that a good friend of mine, in excellent health, becomes lost in the Ley Lines, with the need for an entire city's worth of souls to summon him back home."

(Flins hesitates, debating how much of the truth he wishes to reveal, and how forthright he should be about it. He settles on an answer that feels natural between them, given in the form of a teasing question.) Are you the only one who is permitted to read another's true nature, Sir Varka?

"Is it even possible for you to provide a proper 'farewell' to Nod-Krai, Sir Varka?" His golden eyes glimmer with quiet joy as he glances between the dragon soaring up above, and the valiant Knight standing before him. The presence of Boreas... it has never felt stronger. Flins is starstruck. +