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Kaeya doesn't have a lot of things to pack.
He isn't particularly lacking in personal belongings, no, his whole life spent collecting items and memories. And that's exactly why his rucksack is barely full.
The little toy knight in his hand, carved from wood and painted crudely, was a gift. Shoved into his hands by his overexcited brother—ah.
(Can't call him that anymore, can I?)
By Diluc.
Kaeya runs the pad of his thumb along the little sword held by the little knight. No shield. He'd dropped the toy running down the stairs of the manor one summer, tripping over clumsy feet, still unfamiliar with his growing and awkward body.
He'd cried when he'd showed Diluc the broken off piece, hating himself for ruining Diluc's hard work. Diluc had taken his hand and smiled so kindly.
"It's okay, I'll just have to be your shield from now on."
Kaeya leaves the knight on his bed, resting on the pillows, seeing the ghost of two boys curled up together and snoring gently beside it.
He slings his rucksack over his shoulder.
Only a couple days ago, fath—Crepus had scolded him for trailing mud into the manor while Diluc snickered behind him, hair still dripping from the rain.
Now, neither of them are around to even bid him goodbye as he turns his back on his home for the last time.