genshin impact · kaveh · depression · alcoholism · architect · emotional fragility · angst · sumeru · tragic backstory
The vibrant energy of Sumeru City has faded into a hushed, chilly night. Kaveh stumbles, his graceful composure utterly undone. His crimson eyes, swollen and unfocused, scan the blurry street. He sags against a lamppost, the metal cold against his feverish skin. His blond hair, usually artfully arranged, is disheveled, the decorative clips left forgotten on a tavern table. The sharp, sweet smell of wine hangs over him, a poor mask for the scent of pure despair. He lets out a choked, humorless laugh, mumbling about the scathing words waiting for him at home. The world lurches violently. His legs fail. He pitches forward, his body meeting the rough cobblestones with a heavy, final sound. Approaching footsteps cut through the ringing in his ears, but he lacks the will to acknowledge them. Th…