Lailah

Lailah, also known as the Lunar Soveign or the God of Dreams, is the current Archon of the Seleno in Malisacia in Genshin Impact. His domain is the moon and dreams, and he presides over the region of Malisacia with a tranquil and serene demeanor. He is known to guide his people through dreams, providing comfort, insights, and wisdom during the silent hours of the night. The title of the Lunar Sovereign, conferred upon him by the people, reflects his dominion over the moon and its many phases. This profound wisdom he offers is sought by countless individuals who seek clarity, understanding, and the quiet reassurance that the night's embrace provides.

Contrary to the common perception of deities as distant and detached entities, Lailah shares an intimate connection with the mortal realm. He walks among his people under the guise of a mortal named Jaci. This deliberate choice signifies his deep understanding of the human condition and embodies his commitment to guide and protect his people not only from a divine distance but also from within their ranks. His close bond with the citizens of Malisacia and his deep understanding of their dreams and fears make him a beloved and respected figure, leading his people with a combination of divine wisdom and human empathy.

Lailah's role as the Seleno Archon involves more than just governance over the physical aspects of the moon and dreams. His influence extends to the spiritual realm, influencing the subconscious minds of the people and guiding them towards truth and wisdom. He has the unique ability to traverse the realms of dreams, exploring the deep recesses of the subconscious, and revealing truths that might otherwise remain hidden. He uses this ability not to manipulate or control, but to guide and enlighten, thereby earning the unwavering trust of his people.

Lailah's ascension to the position of Seleno Archon marked a pivotal moment in the history of Malisacia. His rule brought about significant changes in the way the Malisacians perceived their relationship with their dreams and with the celestial bodies. With his guidance, the people came to understand their dreams not just as mere figments of their imagination, but as profound messages and insights from the divine realm. His influence led to the development of a unique culture where dreams were revered as divine messages, and the moon was seen as a symbol of wisdom, guidance, and tranquility.

Personality
Lailah is a quiet, introspective figure, often lost in his own thoughts or the dreams of others. As the Seleno Archon, he possesses a serene and calming presence that emanates wisdom beyond his youthful appearance. Though an immortal god, he has a humble demeanor, always ready to lend an ear or a guiding word to those who seek his counsel. Despite the heavy responsibility of his role, Lailah enjoys a good laugh, finding joy in the small things in life. His approachability and genuine care for his people have made him a beloved figure in Malisacia.

Being the archon of dreams, Lailah has a deep understanding of the subconscious mind, often interpreting the dreams of his people to guide them. He believes that dreams are the gateway to understanding one's deepest desires and fears. This insightful nature extends to his interactions with others, allowing him to read people's intentions and emotions accurately. Yet, he never uses this ability to manipulate others, only to understand and help them better.

In his free time, Lailah enjoys solitude and peaceful environments, often found stargazing or writing poetry under the moonlit sky. He dislikes chaos and unnecessary conflict, always promoting harmony and cooperation among his people. Despite his peaceful nature, when his people or his values are threatened, Lailah displays a steadfast resolve and doesn't hesitate to take decisive action.

Appearance
Lailah, when manifesting as the Seleno Archon, is a figure of awe-inspiring elegance, embodying the ethereal beauty of the moon in his appearance. He stands tall and poised, his posture reflecting the serene confidence of a divine being. His hair, as dark as a moonless night, cascades down to his shoulders, maintaining its color from his human guise as Jaci. His eyes retain their deep, tranquil glow, now gleaming with a silver sheen that seems to hold an entire cosmos within them.

Lailah's attire as the Seleno Archon is a transcendental version of his earthly clothing. He dons a tunic made of radiant, otherworldly materials, glowing a pure white. The tunic is adorned with intricate silver embroidery, an homage to the moon and dreams he represents. Over this, he wears a cloak, gleaming with various shades of white and silver, reminiscent of a moonlit night, and decorated with celestial symbols, telling tales of dreams and moonlit nights.

The Seleno Archon's outfit is completed with an ornate silver belt, engraved with ancient celestial symbols, and a pair of sturdy, well-made boots, now glowing with a subtle moonlight hue. Around his neck, he wears an amulet holding his Gnosis, its silver glow adding to his divine aura. His sword, always by his side, is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, its hilt engraved with lunar symbols, and the blade reflecting the silvery glow of the moon. Despite his divine appearance, there's an air of approachability about Lailah, reflecting his close connection with his people. His attire, while ethereal, is functional and humble, a testament to his role as both an Archon and a guardian of dreams.

History
The history of Lailah as the Seleno Archon is deeply intertwined with the culture, traditions, and spiritual practices of the Malisacians. The moment of his ascension to godhood marked a significant turning point in the region's history, bringing about profound changes in how the people perceived their dreams, their spirituality, and their relationship with the moon.

Rediscovery and Ascension to Seleno Archon
In the years following Aglibol's tragic demise, the people of Malisacia found themselves lost and leaderless. The fall of the Mene Palace was a stark reminder of the defeat they had suffered, a painful memory that reverberated through every heart. As the nation waded through this time of vulnerability, they were desperate for a beacon of hope to guide them from the shadows of their sorrow.

This beacon of hope arrived in the most unexpected form. As the ruins of the palace were being excavated, the workers unearthed something miraculous in the heart of the wreckage. Nestled amidst the ruins, they found a figure curled up in the fetal position. It was an unusual sight that echoed their burial traditions, where the dead were laid to rest in a similar manner, symbolizing a return to the womb in preparation for rebirth.

The figure was not a relic of the past, but a divine newborn who was alive and radiating an ethereal energy. The people named this celestial being Lailah, a name rooted in theology and associated with the moon and dreams.

As news of Lailah's discovery spread throughout Malisacia, it sparked a wave of speculation and wonder. Given his divine essence and the timing of his discovery, some theorized that Lailah was the reincarnation of Aglibol. However, Lailah did not make such a claim himself. Instead, he viewed Aglibol with respect and reverence, as one might an elder sibling.

Lailah's humility and respect for Aglibol, despite the tragic circumstances of his predecessor's end, won him the hearts of the Malisacian people. As the newborn Seleno Archon, he took a solemn vow to protect his people from the Night Terrors that had claimed Aglibol's life, and to continue his predecessor's legacy of protection.

Under Lailah's reign, a new tradition was born - the Harvest of Dreams festival. It was a grand celebration of hard work and the land's abundance, but more than that, it was an embodiment of Jaci's teachings about dreams and aspirations. His involvement in the festival and his blessings for their dreams further strengthened his bond with the people.

Reign as the Seleno Archon
Upon taking the mantle of the Seleno Archon, Lailah set about rebuilding Malisacia, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The first step was to restore the Mene Palace, which had been left in ruins after the attack of the Night Terrors. With his divine power, he reconstructed the palace into an even grander edifice, its luminous stones reflecting the ethereal light of the moon. This new palace, christened as the Seleno Palace, became a symbol of hope and resilience for the Malisacian people.

With the palace restored, Lailah turned his attention to the people. He introduced the concept of dream interpretation, an ancient practice that was quickly embraced by the Malisacians. Lailah taught that dreams were messages from the subconscious, a link between the mortal world and the divine. This teaching added a new layer of depth to the Malisacian culture, as people began to view their dreams as guides for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

In his human guise as Jaci, Lailah walked among the people, experiencing their day-to-day lives, understanding their dreams, and sharing in their joys and sorrows. His humble demeanor and genuine empathy endeared him to the citizens. To them, Jaci was a compassionate neighbor and a wise counselor, his advice always enriched by his deep understanding of dreams.

Under Lailah's rule, Malisacia flourished. The people, once plagued by fear and uncertainty, now lived in peace and harmony. They had a leader who not only protected them from external threats but also guided them towards personal growth and fulfillment. The Harvest of Dreams festival, in particular, became a cultural cornerstone. It was a time of celebration, reflection, and the expression of gratitude for the blessings of the land and the dreams that continued to guide them.

Despite the prosperity and peace that marked his reign, Lailah never forgot the legacy of Aglibol. He preserved the memory of the fallen Archon with the establishment of the Twilight Observance, a solemn ceremony that served as a poignant reminder of the past. This event allowed the people to pay their respects to Aglibol and honor his sacrifice, while also reinforcing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, at 312 years old, Lailah continues his tireless work as the Seleno Archon. His journey from his discovery amidst the ruins of the Mene Palace to his current position as a respected leader is a testament to his character and his unwavering dedication to his people. His teachings about dreams have become a cornerstone of Malisacian culture, and his actions as the Seleno Archon have ensured a peaceful and prosperous future for his people.

Trivia

 * Lailah, as the Seleno Archon, was the youngest of the Archons in Teyvat until the ascension of the Helio Archon.
 * Despite his relative youth, Lailah has achieved much during his reign, including the establishment of the Harvest of Dreams festival and the Twilight Observance ceremony.
 * Lailah's favorite food is called Luna Cakes, a traditional Malisacian dish that is shaped like the moon.
 * Despite being an Archon, Lailah has a human guise named Jaci, through which he interacts with the people of Malisacia. His demeanor and compassion in this form have endeared him to the citizens, who see him as a wise and empathetic neighbor.
 * Lailah's divine symbol is the moon, which represents his role as the Seleno Archon and his divine ideal of dreams.

Etymology

 * "Lailah" is a name of Semitic origin, meaning "night" or "dark beauty". This is fitting for the Seleno Archon, as he is a deity associated with the moon and night.
 * "Jaci" is a name of Native American origin, specifically from the Tupi language, which means "moon". It is an apt name for his human guise, subtly reflecting his divine identity.
 * "Seleno" comes from "Selene", the Greek goddess of the moon, underlining his role as the moon deity of Malisacia.