Do you think Xi’an was telling the truth about the bounty on Din’s head? who could have put it there. This chapter is quite angsty, just hang on. Don’t worry these two will have a deep conversation soon, but do you think Amara will tell Din everything right away or what about Din, will he reveal all his deep dark secrets to Amara?
Italics - Flashback
Warnings:Angst, violence (descriptive to a degree), beheading, unwanted flirting, grief, PTSD, mental distress, emotional distress, betrayal, anger, I think that’s all of it, if I miss any warnings please let me know.
Two years ago, was when Diluc Ragnvindr met Jean Gunnhildr. Crepus planned a party to welcome and introduce his adopted son Kaeya to the people. The Gunnhildr clan had been known to be rather close with the Ragnvindr family for centuries, and their relationship has been beneficial for Monstadt, and so it came to no surprise that the Gunnhilr clan would have their own representatives at the party.
It was even quite favorable that the next clan leader of the Gunnhildr so happened to be of the same age as the successor of the Ragnvindr’s Winery. The only problem was the eight-year-old Jean, who had become known to be too mature for her age, was in the corner observing the merriment with an indifferent expression. The Gunnhildr family members present were rather displeased with the child, and yet it came to no surprise, she was already known to be rather unapproachable.
What a waste of a good opportunity.
Jean was thankful that her mother could not attend the party due to prior obligations, at least now she wouldn’t worry about her mother’s direct scolding.
She had observed the red-haired boy for a few minutes now, and had gotten bored that her cold eyes started to drift to other things. Diluc seemed to be such a bright child and Jean had missed the pair of red eyes that had caught her presence or lack thereof. Diluc excused himself from the children around his age who were trying to have better relations with him and made his way to the blonde girl who was looking at the buffet table absentmindedly.
“Hello.” Diluc said, stopping a meter away from Jean who was startled by the sudden greeting. She stood properly from leaning on the wall as she stared at Diluc with wide eyes.
“Uhm, greetings, I am Jean of house Gunnhildr.” Jean placed her right fist over her hand as she bowed by bending her torso slightly. They had not formally met, and she felt that she had to introduce herself first. But she heard the boy chuckle and she looked up at him.
His eyes were bright and there was a stifling radiance that was coming from him that she couldn’t help but flinch.
“Hello, I am Diluc of Ragnvindr house, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He replied courteously and there was silence between them. Diluc noticed that Jean’s grey eyes glanced behind him, from the direction he had come. He then stood beside her, on her left and leaned on the wall as she had done prior.
“I noticed you from over there.” He glanced over at the other children who seemed to have scattered the moment he faced their direction, Jean just pressed her lips as she avoided the other kids’ gazes. “Why didn’t you go over there with everyone?”
“We don’t get along.” She replied indifferently as she tried to make herself small as she started feeling her relatives’ eyes on her. She was convinced her relatives were looking at her and thinking that she was finally being useful at this event and that she should utilize this opportunity well.
“And why not?” He glanced at her, and she was surprised.
“You’re interested in me?” She asked softly, almost rather breathless. He looked at her confused with a slight tilt with his head.
“Why?” His tone slightly raised indicating if there should be something he should worry about. “Are you sick?” She looked at him and she smiled softly and this time it was DIluc who was taken aback.
“No, nothing like that.” She said in a rueful tone as she turned her gaze at one kid. “I’m not so friendly as you can probably tell. And my interests with the other children are– it is very different.” She sighed.
“I heard, you don’t go out of your house, is what they told me.” Diluc said and he observed Jean press her lips.
“I have other things to concern myself with.” Jean replied in a clipped manner. “Congratulations on getting your vision.” She added awkwardly as she looked at her right slightly.
“Oh yes, thank you.” Diluc replied and felt bad for Jean. He heard that her mother has made sure she puts her studies first which was why the other kids did not get along with Jean because Jean herself could not find the time to interact with others unless on a function like this. To make matters even worse, her interest revolved around combat, there were only a few kids who were interested in combat that would actually attend events like this.
“I think your brother looks uncomfortable.” Jean said when the silence grew longer and Diluc stayed by her side. Diluc glanced at where his brother was, Kaeya looked nervous as he was being surrounded by other kids his age.
“It seems like that is the case.” Diluc replied standing upright, Jean sighed internally. She thought that this was probably the end of this interaction, the most she had talked to someone her age with the other party initiating the conversation.
“Why don’t we go help him out?” Diluc offered and Jean was surprised as she whirled her head to his direction. She wanted to ask him if he was sure, if he really wanted to still talk to her, but Diluc held his hand out for her and there were unexplainable emotions that enveloped her.
She placed her hand over his and inhaled sharply knowing that this was something she would normally not do. “Alright.”
Diluc smiled at her and she thought that his charisma was very magnetic. Diluc brought Jean all the way to Kaeya who looked overwhelmed.
“I will be borrowing my brother for a moment, I would like him to formally meet someone.” Diluc said, swooping in to help his brother and bringing Jean along. The way Diluc spoke made Jean feel like they have been friends for a long time, it was odd and comforting and so very foreign. She didn’t have any friends because she found that she was not given the opportunity to, unless of course it was for business, which was her purpose here at this party.
~.~.~.~.~
Three months, that was how long Diluc had not seen Jean. Today he had come again at her doorstep, but this time he would not be turned away, this time he had a purpose– a reasonable cause to see her. Perhaps not today, but he will see her soon.
Diluc knocked at the door and Jean’s butler greeted him.
“Hello, Clarence.” Diluc smiled at the elderly man whose expression was flat.
“Greetings Young Master Ragnvindr, but I am sad to inform you that Lady Jean is quite busy today too.” Hearing Clarence say the same excuse without even waiting for Diluc to say the purpose of his visit just made Diluc smile politely.
“I understand, but that is not my purpose today.” Diluc replied with a cordial tone. He couldn’t be angry at Clarence, he was likely just following the orders of Frederica. “I won’t be long, I just came to personally send the invitation for my birthday party. As our two families have been close for generations, and even more so now because Jean and I are close friends.”
Clarence blinked and a smile tugged at the edges of his face as he stared at Diluc. His eyes tell Diluc that he did well.
“I will personally send it to Lady Frederica and will respond immediately.” Clarence put his hand out and Diluc pulled the invitation from his inner jacket pocket with a smile.
“I appreciate it a lot. Have a good day, Clarence.” Diluc gave a small nod and turned on his heel when he saw Clarence nod back. Diluc then went inside his family’s carriage.
“So?” Kaeya asked Diluc who settled on the seat in front of him.
“I gave the invitation and as usual it is Clarence who opened the door with an explanation that Jean was too busy, so she could not meet me.” Diluc responded looking at the Gunnhildr mansion.
“She will surely go, Lady Frederica would never not attend a function that shows the closeness of our family.” Kaeya replied with a clipped tone and Diluc nodded.
“You are absolutely correct, let us hope that she would not do something unexpected and choose not to go.” Diluc said and their ride back home was done in silence. Kaeya was quietly observing Diluc’s serious expression and he thought that this was the first time he had seen his brother like this. Even with such an expression plastered on Diluc’s face, Kaeya felt that his brother was bound for great things.
“The party is for next week, I really hope Lady Frederica will attend.” Diluc sighed leaning back on his seat.
That evening Crepus received a letter of acceptance for the invitation sent out by Diluc from Frederica, that letter came along with a letter for Diluc from Jean.
“Diluc, I have good news.” Crepus said entering Diluc’s bedroom, Kaeya on Diluc’s bed reading while Diluc was on his desk studying. Diluc turned to the door upon hearing his father’s voice.
“Frederica accepted the invitation.” Crepus told his son with a neutral look and tone. Diluc nodded at his father as he looked back at his desk.
“That is good to hear.” He responded just as neutral as his father while Kaeya was glancing between the two silently.
“And there is a letter,” Diluc’s head quickly turned to his father upon hearing this. “From Jean.” A vague smile tugged at Crepus lips, Diluc was already at his feet and running to his father who held a simple letter.
Diluc snached it and quickly said his thanks. Crepus couldn’t help but laugh at Diluc and Kaeya tried covering his giggles.
Diluc cleared his throat standing by his chair and opened the letter and sighed before reading it.
Dear Diluc,
My closest friend, whom I have not seen for some time, my sincerest apologies. I have been very busy as of the late, but I do hope it does not change our friendship. I was glad to have been told that you sent your birthday invitation yourself. I wrote this letter to personally let you know that I will be in attendance, I hope– despite my absence our friendship is still strong.
Sincerely, Jean
Diluc knew the moment he held the letter that Jean’s mother would check her letter before sending it to the Ragnvindr residence. But at least he knew that she was alright, that their friendship was not affected with what he had done. He sighed aloud and happened to look at his father, Diluc was surprised to see his father’s serious gaze.
“Everything is alright, father.” Diluc informed and his father and Kaeya sighed loudly. Diluc pressed his lips mildly surprised that his father and brother were actually waiting for his reaction. Diluc cleared his throat again and sat down.
“Well…” Kaeya broke the silence as he placed his book face down as he neared the edge of Diluc’s bed. Diluc put out parchment from the drawer on his right.
“Jean will be attending my birthday.” Diluc replied, smiling up at his family.
“That is good news, son.” Crepus sighed again, truly happy for his son. Crepus had noticed that Diluc and Jean seemed to be very close with one another. He had even suspected that perhaps Diluc even likes Jean. It has come to a point where Crepus had already prepared himself for Diluc to tell him that he wants to propose to the young heir of the Gunnhildr’s. The day has not yet come, but he believed that it was just a matter of time.
“I will send a response to Jean’s letter and have it sent out for tomorrow morning.” Diluc said, dipping his quill in the bottle of ink and writing on the parchment.
“Son–” Crepus had begun but instantly was tackled by Kaeya.
“Father!” Kaeya glared at the older man in an endearing way, and Crepus sighed again and patted Kaeya’s head.
“Alright, you two seems so busy, this old man should get going.” Crepus said and Diluc looked at his father.
“Have a good evening then, father.” Diluc replied.
“Yes, I have a lot of paperwork to get back to.” Crepus added, patting Kaeya’s head one last time.
“Good night, father!” Kaeya happily responded and Crepus slowly retreated out of the room, looking at his two sons with proud eyes.
“I’m truly glad you two get along.” He added before stepping out the door of Diluc’s room.
“I am too.” Kaeya smiled at his adopted father, leaning on Diluc’s door. Before closing the door Kaeya gave one last wave and gently closed the door.
“Well then, are you going to be preparing your birthday party yourself?” Kaeya inquired and Diluc turned to his brother.
“If you’d like, why don’t you help me?” Diluc offered with a smile and Kaeya nodded enthusiastically.
The evening of Diluc’s birthday eventually came, Jean entered the hall with her family. Diluc was surrounded by people, happily chatting away. Her first thought when her eyes laid on him, was that this scene seemed awfully familiar. It had brought her back to the time where they had met. Diluc was very charismatic and his background would naturally incentivize people to approach him and yet he was patient and open.
Diluc catched her wandering eyes and she casually avoided his red gaze.
“Don’t do anything to ruin the Gunnhildr name.” Frederica strictly commanded when she noticed Diluc’s eyes land on her daughter.
“Of course, I would never do such a thing, mother.” Jean replied as she looked down on the floor to avoid her mother’s scrutiny. Before Frederica could add anything else, Crepus approached them with a friendly smile.
“Frederica!” He greeted the older woman first.
“Hello, Crepus.” Frederica said with a tight but polite smile.
“Where is Seamus?” Crepus inquired when he saw Jean and Barbara but not their father.
“He was a little busy with work, he said he will try his best to catch up. I hope you do not mind.” Frederica said and Crepus nodded with an understanding smile.
“Of course, that is no issue, I am a single parent, I can totally understand.” Crepus smiled at the kids by Frederica.
“Barbara seems rather shy.” Crepus commended upon seeing Barbara hiding behind her older sister. “Doesn’t matter, let us let the children go and play!” Crepus quickly added so that Frederica would not say something to keep her kids by her side.
Frederica narrowed her eyes for a moment at his suggestion, but cannot say a thing in front of all these people. She smiled tightly and lightly urged her children to go with a motherly tone.
“Jean.” Barbara mumbled as she poked her older sister on her back, Jean shifted her body a bit and held Barbara’s hand.
“Then we will be on our way.” Jean gently pulled Barbara’s hand and they walked to where the children were socializing. Jean outwardly looked indifferent but inside, she thought that going towards the other kids was something unpleasant. The other kids became friendly towards her after Diluc befriended her two years ago, but they only get to talk on functions like this. Thus her friendships with other people her age seemed shallow and superficial.
Jean had just walked a couple meters but she was still nervous. She wasn’t sure how she would talk to them, she doesn’t keep touch with other kids her age. Her training to be the next Gunnhildr Clan Leader takes precedence over anything, even building connections.
“Jean!” Kaeya’s voice came from their right and the pair of siblings stopped and looked at Kaeya’s direction. “Barbara.” Kaeya stopped near Barbara with a smile and Barbara smiled and her eyes twinkled as she stretched her hand out to Kaeya.
Jean sighed, “Alright, you two go and play.” Kaeya turned to Jean with a smile. “Take good care of my sister.” She added with a strict tone and Kaeya bowed his head seriously.
“Of course.” And Kaeya brought Barbara somewhere not towards the other kids. Since Barabara wasn’t with Jean anymore she felt that it wasn’t necessary to go to the other kids. She had just wanted to go to the other kids so Barbara would have friends, but with her gone she didn’t need to. It was Barbara’s first official party.
Jean found herself leaning against the wall looking at everyone else. This was oddly familiar, studying the crowd at the edge. Jean spotted her mom talking with the adults, making her connections stronger and Jean instantly looked down hoping her mother didn’t spot her. What would she say? She was not acting like a Gunnhildr Clan Leader, Jean has to be sociable.
She sighed as she looked at the corner. She knows she should socialize, she knows she has to have perfect form and she knows she has to be precise and accurate, nothing less than impeccable is demanded of her.
“Jean, I’m glad you made it.” Diluc’s voice came from her front and she looked up with startled eyes.
“Diluc.” She said as she looked up at Diluc. “This seems awfully familiar.” She laughed a little with pressed lips.
“Huh, actually now that you mentioned it.” Diluc teased as he stood beside her leaning against the wall too, but this time around their elbows almost touching. “Now, this really came full circle.” He added staring at the other kids, this was really like two years ago.
“Thank you.” Jean whispered and Diluc turned to look at her.
“For what?” He asked confusedly.
“I know you planned this for me.” Jean said, turning to Diluc with certain eyes and he smiled back at her.
“Now, I felt like it was my fault too.” He quietly added.
“It wasn’t.” Jean instantly replied but he looked at her with uncertainty. “If I didn’t meet you, I’d probably still be at the corner like this. So, yes there is a lot to say thank you for.”
“I don’t think you would be in the corner.” He said his eyes were clear.
“You’re right, I’d probably be socializing out of obligation. Which I should really be doing right now.” Jean said playfully with expressive expressions and Diluc smiled.
“I do rub into you.” He said bumping into her playfully and she giggled.
“Kaeya and Barbara have become really close.” Jean remarked with a contented smile. “I have to thank you for that too.”
“Hmm, I think it isn’t just just me.” Diluc replied.
“Barbara is a cheerful and innocent child, I try my best to keep it that way.” Jean sighed as she closed her eyes. She will protect her sister.
“You are a good sister, Jean.” Diluc said with pressed lips.
“You are a good brother too, Diluc.” She replied back with a smile.
Diluc and Jean became acquainted with one another at the age of ten and eight respectively. Diluc was a rather bright and happy child growing up and Jean was quiet and reserved. It came to a surprise to a lot of people how the pair got along so well.
In fact, Diluc could be considered rather rambunctious and reckless and Jean was cautious and critical. And because of that, the others who didn’t question how they got along, understood why they did. They were what they considered opposites attract, Yin and Yang.
“Diluc! Wait up for me!” A ten-year old Jean complained as she climbed up a rock with difficulty. She looked up from climbing and a hand was outstretched in front of her. It came from a boy with red hair and red eyes—Diluc Ragnvindr, heir to the Dawn Winery. Her silver eyes glittered under the sun with a hint of blue as she felt blinded and surprised by the presence of the boy in front of her as the sun right behind him.
She took his hand and he pulled her up. The wind blew her blonde hair around.
“Look, I told you that there were knights fighting some hilichurls!” The twelve-year-old Diluc said proudly. He had dragged Jean out so that they could look at some knights in action.
“I’m going to be one of them, Jean. And I will defend Mondstadt with everything I got!” His claymore faded behind him in gold dust, in her eyes it made him look like he was shining as he said those words. Her grey-blue eyes silently look at the claymore floating behind his back as it reappeared in gold dust again.
“You have been training hard.” She couldn’t help but remark, as it was after all the truth. He had been training very hard at swordsmanship at the age of eight, despite it being a skill he didn’t necessarily need. And when he got his vision at the age of ten, it was like the world was fully his, at least that was what he told Jean. But it was different for her, she had trained her posture and strikes with wooden swords since she was five and slowly changed into different kinds of swords as she grew and improved. Recently she had started using an actual sharp metal sword fitted for her. In her case, learning swordsmanship was a necessity.
Jean is known to be the more responsible one between the two, it was a fact that Diluc had set his heart out to being a Knight of Favonius. And Jean wasn’t quite sure about her future, but it was already decided for her, as a Gunnhildr it is natural to be a Knight of Favonius.
She had just recently decided to take up the sword and try to follow her mother’s desires with a passion that should compete with Diluc, but she didn’t even know what her objective was after mastering the short sword. If it was something she even wanted to do.
“Don’t worry Jean, you’re going to be a great swordsman. I know it.” Diluc said, feeling that Jean was slightly upset. She looked at him with pressed lips, he has always known what he wanted to become.
“Says the heir to the Dawn Winery.” She mumbled, and he bumped onto her shoulder playfully.
“That is my Father’s legacy. Of course, I will keep that alive, but I also need to chase my own dreams.” He replied smoothly, she felt as though it must have been something he had known for a long time.
She was envious of that certainty.
Diluc pulled her to hide behind a small bump on the ground. She quietly observed the Knights of Favonius by Diluc’s side and she was rather impressed with their fighting skills. She could only hope to be at that level soon. Jean looked at Diluc and she knew that the boy beside her would surpass the knights fighting right now.
“We should probably go.” Jean urged gently and Diluc looked at her with a slightly stern gaze.
“We just got here, Jean.” He responded quietly.
“But—” Jean said but was cut off.
“Don’t worry, if anything happens, I can protect you!” Diluc said confidently and in all honesty, Jean knew he could, he was rather capable for a twelve-year-old, but her innate nature wouldn’t allow it or perhaps it was her training.
“Diluc—” She tried again.
“They are over here!” A man called out pointing to the kids, and Diluc automatically grabbed Jean’s hand and ran away from the man.
“I can’t believe they found us.” Diluc said as he ran holding her hand firmly, Jean who was forced to follow him wanted to pull her hand away.
“Diluc, I think we should go back.” Jean tried to urge Diluc again.
“No, we just got out! Aren’t you tired of always studying?” He grabbed her and hid behind a tree as he silently observed if they were followed, and they saw no one behind them.
“C’mon, I think we can go to the Winery.” Diluc took a step forward but Jean remained planted on where she stood.
“That’s pretty far, Diluc.” Jean mumbled faintly.
“We’ve gone there many times before.” Diluc replied, keeping an eye for any movement around them.
“With permission.” She quietly added. “This time I ran away from training, you do realize that I will have to make-up for what happened today, some other day.”
“You’re just ten—they are overworking you.” He said sternly and she avoided his red eyes. Diluc was virtually perfect, he could be very good at something new and master it just as easily. And since he has a fiery passion for his claymore and combat, it was natural that he would more than just excel at it. He was at a level no one should be at—at the age of twelve, especially since he started late in training compared to her.
But the same thing could be said about Jean, she knew more than what a ten-year-old should know. But that was a result of the kind of upbringing she had. The sheer effort that she had to always display and give to please her mother, as the next heir of the Gunnhildr clan. And yet, she knew very clearly how Diluc had tried his very best to offer her a glimpse of a normal childhood.
Jean in a sense, aspired to be him in so many ways.
She was very much inspired by his capability. And his passion for justice. And his freedom.
“Alright.” She agreed quietly, even though in her head she disagreed completely. She will have to pay the price of what they are doing today, she knew it well. But looking at Diluc’s clear eyes, she couldn’t help but sigh in hushed tranquility. Diluc was always admirable.
And they carefully made their way to the Dawn Winery while Diluc kept an eye out for anyone following them. They arrived unfollowed, but they realized someone was at his villa’s front yard, Diluc’s father—Crepus was arguing with a blonde-haired woman, the same shade as Jean’s hair. Jean recognized the back of the woman before the woman’s voice could even register in Jean’s head.
Crepus’ eyes glanced behind the woman, who had seen his eyes shift and turned around to see Jean and Diluc. The moment she finished her turn, Diluc automatically stood in front of Jean with a glare directed at the older woman.
“Diluc, you have been causing trouble.” Crepus said with crossed arms, but his eyes held the smallest hint of delight at his son’s antics.
“They are overworking Jean!” Diluc argued back with a stronger glare directed at the older woman.
“That is none of your business, kid.” The woman replied.
“She is just a kid; she should be playing around!” Diluc yelled and received a cold glare from the woman. It was cold enough to make him flinch.
“She is not just a kid; she will be the future leader of the Gunnhildr clan.” She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Frederica,” Crepus called out to the woman in front of him and she tilted her head a bit to the right acknowledging him. “She should still be able to play around like a normal child.” There was a silence that passed by them.
“Jean, what do you think?” Her cold blue eyes landed on the girl behind Diluc who remained quiet in the presence of her mother.
“I do not dare to question my mother’s upbringing. I am raised to be well equipped as the future leader of our clan.” Hearing Jean’s reply, Diluc could not help but clench his fists.
It is true that when Diluc was ten he had received his vision, and worked hard to do justice to it. He chose to not play around with children his age because he wanted to master his craft and join the Knights of Favonius even more now that he had a vision. But that was not the case for Jean and he was so aware of his privilege.
“Jean.” Diluc turned to look at her but her expression was steely as she stared back at him.
“When I went out with you today, I knew this would happen. It is inevitable. I thank you for the company Diluc, but sadly I will have to go now.” Jean gently touched Diluc’s shoulder whose face showed his guilt. “Do not feel bad, I wanted to join you.” She gave a faint smile. It was the truth that she wanted to go with him when he arrived under her windowsill earlier that day, even though she knew that there would be consequences that would follow.
“Mother, I apologize for my actions.” Jean stepped out from behind Diluc and approached her mother. “I will take responsibility for my actions.”
“Good, as it should be as the future head of the family.” Frederica said the cold stare from her blue eyes made Jean think her mother’s gaze was certainly made of ice.
“Jean, I—” Jean turned to look at Diluc and the sadness in her face made him pause.
“Till next time then.” Jean feigned a smile and did not wait for a reply from Diluc as she turned to look at her mother. “I am ready, mother.”
“Crepus.” Frederica said with a pointed look towards Crepus and a raised brow. “I would advise you to correct your son’s behavior, but I doubt you would.”
Crepus did not take Frederica’s words as offensive, instead he smiled and nodded to her pretending to take it into consideration. Frederica knew that he was just nodding out of politeness.
Jean followed behind her mother as the two went their way. Diluc’s gaze followed Jean until she was out of his sight and he thought that she looked so forlorn. But she never glanced back at him before she completely disappeared from his sight.
“I hope you had fun.” Crepus couldn’t help but say and Diluc finally turned his head to look at his father who appeared sad.
“I did… but-“ He looked back at the general direction of where he had last seen the mother and daughter pair. “Will she be in big trouble?” He added quietly.
“Frederica wouldn’t give her daughter a hard time, I’m sure of it.” Crepus replied but Diluc looked at his father with pressed lips. He knew his father was lying to comfort him, but Diluc nodded and slowly walked into the mansion with unhurried steps.
“Brother!” A blue haired boy called out to Diluc from atop the staircase, Diluc smiled when his eyes met the other boy’s periwinkle eyes.
“Kaeya.” Diluc said and his distress from what happened outside was completely forgotten after seeing his brother. He quickly walked up the stairs and Kaeya’s eyes widened with delight.
“Father, I will accept any punishment you decide to give me due to my actions!” Diluc said as he ran to his younger brother halfway through the stairs.
Kaeya was a year younger than Diluc and he was adopted over a year ago due to certain circumstances. Kaeya used to be such a cold child, but with great effort, Diluc and Kaeya became close and Kaeya came to look up to his older brother Diluc with much love and respect.
When Diluc reached the top of the stairs Kaeya pulled his brother towards the library door. Diluc chuckled as he watched this playful child attempt to drag him away. He wasn’t always like this, it brought Diluc happiness seeing how joyful and playful Kaeya has become.
“Don’t think I don’t know what you two were up to!” Crepus replied as he watched his two sons with much love in his eyes.
“Kaeya, you seem way too excited.” Crepus laughed looking at his two sons, even though he is pleased in knowing how cheerful the blue haired boy has become after what has happened to him. Although he has to admit that he was very surprised to see that Kaeya developed a great respect for Diluc.
“This is for us boys only!” Kaeya yelled back to his father as he pushed Diluc into the library and shut the door behind him with a bang.
Crepus did not think that the slamming of the door was disrespectful, he knew that Kaeya was merely too excited and Crepus laughed wondering what the two boys could possibly be talking about.
“So, did you see her?” Kaeya asked instantly as he held his brother’s shoulder and Diluc laughed at his reaction.
“Yes, I did.” Diluc replied and his younger brother looked at him as he waited for more to be said. The joy in Diluc’s face slowly faded as he sighed and turned around.
“Based on your reaction, something bad happened?” Kaeya said as he followed behind Diluc who sat on a chair with another sigh.
“Her mother came here to pick her up.” Diluc said in an exasperated tone.
“Ah, that was what that was.” Kaeya mumbled as a frown formed on his lips. “So, you weren’t able to show her?” Kaeya sounded quite upset.
“Why do you sound more upset than me?” Diluc playfully retorted as he crossed his arms over his stomach.
“I went through all that trouble to distract our father.” Kaeya glared at his brother as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You weren’t even able to show her what this was all for. Jean’s mother is too much!”
Diluc stared at his brother who was obviously fuming in anger and laughed.
“It is alright, there are still more chances to see her.” Diluc looked at Kaeya, whose anger was slowly dissipating.
“Have you done your training for today?” Diluc inquired and Kaeya shook his head.
“Then, get your sword and let’s go out and train.” Diluc then stood up. “I will go and inform father.”
“Alright.” Kaeya replied as Diluc walked out. “I will follow in a bit.” Kaeya took a peek from the window and noticed the pair of blondes climbing onto a carriage with the Gunnhildr crest.
But on that day Diluc was gravely mistaken, he had thought he would see Jean again, unfortunately it would take three months to be able to see each other again. He had attempted to see her, but the security and Frederica would not let him through. He did not expect that she would go this far because he had forced Jean to ditch her lessons for a few hours.
Diluc’s mood had soured when he realized in the third week that Jean’s mother would drag this out. She might even use this opportunity to cut off ties. He was quite angry.
“Diluc,” Kaeya got no response. “Brother?” Kaeya called out a little louder in worry as he saw his brother’s expression turn dark.
“Brother!” Kaeya shook Diluc and the latter stared at his brother and sighed.
“I’m sorry I’m making you worry.” Diluc said, resting a hand on Kaeya’s shoulder.
“The Winery hasn’t hosted a party in a while. Your birthday is coming up.” Kaeya said matter-of-factly and Diluc raised a brow at Kaeya, catching on to what he was implying. “And a festival in Monstadt will soon follow, I’m sure something could be arranged.” A warm smile appeared on the red boy’s face.
“Yes. You are right.” Diluc agreed, recalling a memory from two years ago.
“A Party.” Diluc said and Kaeya couldn’t help but be charmed by his brother’s smile. One day, he too would have such charisma.
“I will say that as an actor I may experience like 5 mins. or 10 mins. of a day where I feel like, you know, it’s all been worthwhile and I’m doing the right thing with my life, but you sort of sit around waiting a lot and wondering, ‘What’s happening,’ and, ‘When’s someone gonna tell me what to do and pull me out of my box to perform?’”
“Whereas, you know, being a director, I think, [from] the moment I got up in the morning to the moment I hit the pillow in the evening, I was constantly solving problems or thinking about how to get this achieved, which is exhausting but it’s a good exhaustion. So I’ll do it again.”
– Joel Edgerton on enjoying the challenges of directing
Jason’s character has “the ability to talk his way out of anything. The teachers would have thought butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He could talk his way into a girl’s pants, and he was probably a guy who lived by his wits. That person is really dangerous because they have the ability to shape-shift.”
“I knew I needed that guy to be very likable when we first entered the movie – unthreatening, trustworthy. It’s like, ‘Who do we like? And who is going to be more interesting when he becomes a jerk when we stop to see the true nature of his character?’… [Jason has] got everything he needs to do to make this movie sing. And I just love watching him.”
– Joel Edgerton on why he cast Jason Bateman against type as Simon in “The Gift;” shown on set with Bateman
If you’ve seen “The Gift” you know that Robyn’s (Rebecca Hall) very charismatic dog Mr. Bojangles plays a pivotal role in the film, and every so often someone sends me a message asking if I know what breed he is.
Jangles was played by Bolt, a beautiful St. Bernard/Australian Shepherd mix who is trained by Gary Mui. Bolt is an incredibly appealing and intelligent dog, and has appeared in many films and television ads. When Joel was once asked who was his favourite cast member on “The Gift,” he physically melted and replied, “Oh, my God, I love that dog. I love the dog.” :-)
Joel Edgerton and Ridley Scott developed a mutual respects for one another’s talents when they worked together on “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” and when Joel later began shooting his first feature film "The Gift,“ Scott sent him an encouraging text offering his help:
"Ridley Scott sent me a message going, ‘Let me know when you need me to turn up to shoot second unit’…In the middle of the night saying, 'Don’t take any shit from anybody,’ with a martini kit [emoji].”
“At the time, I thought was a joke, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he backed it up…I was like, ‘Ha ha ha!’ Then I was like, ‘I wouldn’t imagine that was a lie. He would.’”
