Kavetham

Kavetham is the slash ship between Kaveh and Alhaitham from the Genshin Impact fandom.

Canon
"I can't deny that he's very smart. However, it's a shame that a man of such talent only pays attention to the truth itself and not to the people around him. Or perhaps this is due to an extraordinary sense of individualism, which causes a lot of problems. For example, he doesn't seem to respect his seniors... Of course, I'm not referring to myself specifically."

- Kaveh in Alhaitham's Official Introduction

Alhaitham is currently a playable character while Kaveh is currently an NPC. They are frequently mentioned throughout character voicelines and Sumeru bulletin boards. Both Kaveh and Alhaitham graduated from Sumeru Akademiya, Kaveh graduating from the Kshahrewar Darshan while Alhaitham from the Haravatat Darshan. Alhaitham is still a member of this Darshan, and is responsible for documenting their findings and drafting ordinances. Kaveh taught an architectural elective while he was at the Akademiya, but is mostly known for being the architect behind the Palace of Alcazarzaray. After he went bankrupt despite his magnum opus, Kaveh came over to live with Alhaitham which Alhaitham accepted. Alhaitham also handles Kaveh's additional fees such as for alcohol.

Alhaitham is only interested in studying whatever interests him, having forgone ownership of a supposed Divine Knowledge Capsule to simply study it. He also operates purely by rationality, which many people tend to find unacceptable, especially Kaveh, who is extremely fed up with him. In contrast, Kaveh operates by what he feels is right. He is a stark defender of the arts and believes that helping others is a natural course of action. Several playable characters and NPCs mention their arguments, and their intense disagreements are such that they even bleed into messages on bulletin boards across Sumeru City and Port Ormos. Messages between Alhaitham and Kaveh can be read in the Mahamata Bulletin Board, Puspa Café Message Board, and the Port Ormos Bulletin Board.

Alhaitham’s character trailer features Kaveh, Cyno, and Tighnari gossiping about Alhaitham in Lambad's Tavern. Kaveh starts off the video by continuing a conversation between the group about how Alhaitham called himself a "feeble scholar," stating that it was a bold-faced lie and proceeding to ask Cyno whether Alhaitham is stronger than him. Later, Kaveh pointed out how he met Alhaitham during his desert expedition, wondering why Alhaitham didn't travel with him instead when it could have halved the traveling costs. Alhaitham eventually arrived to the tavern, sitting down next to Kaveh as Kaveh finishes off the conversation by pointing out people should not mess with his roommate no matter how strong he is. Alhaitham tells him that he should have learned to think before he spoke and reveals that he came to the tavern because Kaveh had dragged him there, to which Kaveh replies defensively that the gossip about him had all been positive. When Alhaitham tried to provide an explanation to the confusion regarding how he referred himself as a "feeble scholar," Cyno and Tighnari both expressed confusion by the end of his philosophical lecture while Kaveh sighs that he should never have brought up the topic with Alhaitham. By the end of the video, Alhaitham comments on the wine being good and that he'll have a cup. However, there are only three goblets on the table for the other three people, respectively. It is speculated that Alhaitham may have drank and tasted the wine from Kaveh’s cup.

One of Alhaitham's idles features him pulling out house keys, initially surprised that Kaveh's is accidentally hooked onto his, then smiled when he put it back.

Alhaitham's Character Story 4
The following is directly copied from Alhaitham's in-game Character Story 4, which elaborates on the story behind his cushy house and relationship with Kaveh.

"To live a peaceful and comfortable life, one must meet a few requirements first: Congruous personality and logic, adequate fighting prowess, a slow-paced job, and a cushy house in the vicinity of one's office.

Alhaitham has checked all the boxes above. He would never deny that no place suits him better than the Nation of Wisdom, where social capital is linked to one's academic abilities.

His current house, which is located near the Akademiya, is one of the academic resources that he gained through promising research projects. This house's story dates back to Alhaitham's student years. If his classmates still remember him, they will recall that he was not one to mingle with the crowd. As a result, he has only participated in one joint research project. Despite its eventual success, the project resulted in a huge quarrel and a parting of ways. Little do people know about Alhaitham's part in this story, though they might be acquainted with the other protagonist: The Kshahrewar architect Kaveh.

This academic incident is not very widely-known — and in truth, the tale of two geniuses falling out due to differing perspectives is an all-too-familiar one in the Akademiya. But even though their collaboration did fall through, neither of them will deny the other party's exceptional brilliance. As for their research, the Akademiya would later transfer the relevant assets to the researchers involved as per regulation.

Although the two did not continue that research, its great success in the early stage still serves as compelling proof of Alhaitham's academic ability. Later, the Akademiya even used this project, which they had forgotten to cancel, as a reference for allocating housing resources, and as such, Alhaitham was given a very decent house befitting his participation in this ingenious project. But the other contributor, Kaveh, had never approached Alhaitham regarding that allocation. It wasn't until later that Kaveh had someone inform Alhaitham and the Akademiya that he was not in want of a house and thus had no use of this property.

When next they met, Kaveh had gone bankrupt. According to Alhaitham, this former friend of his possesses a personality and values that are not congruous with his abilities. The two differ on too many things and cannot reach a consensus even today.

Allowing Kaveh to stay in this house provides Alhaitham with an interesting research topic: Legally and socially speaking, since Kaveh has previously forfeited the right to his half of this house, he should pay the landlord during his stay. However, paying rent would, to some extent, deny his contribution to the research, which contradicts the academic spirit.

An intriguing matter to consider, but Alhaitham has no interest in the answer. Thus, he has taken his broke former colleague in, collects rent as the rightful landlord, and gives his colleague some household chores. He is well aware of the dissatisfaction Kaveh might have, but it matters not to him. As far as Alhaitham is concerned, Kaveh is a familiar face, similarly lacks familial attachments, and is the polar opposite of himself as a scholar — that is to say, an excellent mirror. Human vision is limited, but it can be perfected through the presence of another genius. Taking this opportunity, Alhaitham will be able to observe other aspects of this world and thus understand more things that may have otherwise been unfathomable."

Voicelines/Character and NPC Mentions
"I hope my roommate won't be hammering away on another one of his projects in the dead of night... Actually, I'd prefer if he wasn't home at all. I really don't want to wear my soundproof earpieces to bed."

- Alhaitham's Good Night voiceline

"Kaveh tends to be overly sensitive about everyone and everything he crosses paths with, and he's constantly making a fuss about nothing. Maybe it's because he's too emotionally fragile…"

- Alhaitham's About Kaveh: Overly Sensitive voiceline

"Someone set up a stand on the street saying that for each handmade keychain they sold, a child in poverty would be given a meal. Kaveh bought at least a dozen. ...This is Sumeru, where even healthcare is free. I needn't say more."

- Alhaitham's About Kaveh: Getting Duped voiceline

"Apparently, a lot of people think he has a bad temperament, but I don't think they're giving him a fair chance. When Kaveh built a house right over a Withering Zone and created a huge mess, it ended up being a real headache for the Forest Rangers. Even so, this Forest Ranger didn't hold it against Kaveh. He even invited Kaveh to his house for a meal. Hmm, maybe it's good people like him who allow people like Kaveh to survive."

- Alhaitham's About Tighnari voiceline

"Let's not eat here. Mind if I... take it home?"

- Alhaitham's Receiving a Gift: III voiceline

"The General Mahamatra once brought him to our place for a meal. From the moment the fruit arrived on the table, he ranted non-stop about his difficult and stubborn roommate for the entire meal. We didn't get a single word in the whole time. We just nodded along and tried to stifle our laughter. It took a lot of effort."

- Collei's voiceline about Kaveh and Alhaitham

"He has an almost-perfect grasp of what it truly means for Sumeru to be a Nation of Wisdom. Sadly, the truth as he understands it will never be accepted as the mainstream. Hmm? He's roommates with Alhaitham? Wow... the world really is full of surprises..."

- Nahida's voiceline about Kaveh and Alhaitham

"Kaveh is a famous architect in Sumeru. The Palace of Alcazarzaray is his magnum opus. During the initial planning, he even asked me to recommend suitable ornamental flora. I don't know why or how, but he ended up heavily in debt after the palace was completed. Alhaitham is helping out by letting him stay at his place, but... I don't know whether that's a blessing or a curse..."

- Tighnari's first voiceline about Alhaitham and Kaveh

"Be careful of Alhaitham. I'm not saying he's a bad guy, but he purely operates by rationality, so people often find his actions unacceptable. If you don't believe me, just ask his housemate — thanks to Alhaitham, he has more pent-up frustration than an angry Anemo Slime."

- Tighnari's second voiceline about Alhaitham and Kaveh

Shevirme, an NPC in the Grand Bazaar, mentions witnessing Alhaitham buying wine for Kaveh as apology.

Using Nahida's skill after Act V to read the mind of Panah, an NPC located in the House of Daena, would show his thoughts of how Alhaitham and Kaveh begun arguing again.

Possible Mentions
The following scenes are vague and only possibly related to Kaveh and Alhaitham.
 * Lambad, an NPC located in Lambad's Tavern, had his tableware damaged possibly in a fight between Kaveh and Alhaitham, as the new tableware in the tavern is said to be made by craftspeople commissioned by Kshahrewar researchers and patterns designed by Haravatat researchers. Given how often Kaveh and Alhaitham resides by Lambad's Tavern and how the tavern was featured in Alhaitham's demo, it is very likely the fight was between Kaveh and Alhaitham.
 * In Archon Quest Chapter III: Act II — The Morn a Thousand Roses Brings: The End of Sabzeruz Festival, the Traveler and Paimon discover a letter Dunyarzad left for them on a compilation of folk legends concerning Lesser Lord Kusanali, created from a series of interviews that she conducted in succession and wrote down. One of the stories goes: "There was this one time when I'd had a wee bit too much to drink and couldn't find my way home to save my life. Then, when I turned a corner, I could've sworn I saw Lesser Lord Kusanali. She was very tall and had the most muscular arms, and she caught me when I slipped and fell. The next morning, I found myself sleeping under a tree. I reckon that must've been her looking out for me!" The transcription is possibly from Kaveh, as he is often noted to be an alcoholic and Alhaitham is a notably muscular person.
 * In Faruzan's Character Story 2, a "certain researcher" from Kshahrewar is noted to have bluffed how Faruzan would be the reason Kshahrewar would be the only Darshan that can do research into machines and that the era of interpreting ancient texts is over. This researcher eventually wound up being chastised by an irate Faruzan for as long as it would take to sit through two entire classes; it is said that, the same evening, the researcher would be nursing some alcohol in Lambad's Tavern, consoled the whole night by a friend of his from Haravatat, who had plotted in his heart to "debate this old fogey (in this case, Faruzan) and show her what for." However, given Alhaitham's personality, the researchers in question are unlikely to be Kaveh and Alhaitham.

Akasha Pulses, the Kalpa Flame Rises
Kaveh is first indirectly mentioned in the Archon Quest when Alhaitham stated that his place was finally in peace now that he temporarily had it to himself. When Dehya questioned him on what he was speaking of, Alhaitham replied with "Oh, huh, nothing."

Their first on-screen interaction is in Act V, where they argue as Kaveh doesn't believe Alhaitham is sincere about the possibility of Kaveh becoming a sage, as Alhaitham almost was. Alhaitham retorts that if Kaveh can't stand his personality, he is welcome to move out of his house, which Kaveh considered a threat. Alhaitham asks what Kaveh was doing while away from Sumeru, irritated that he was not there in its time of need. Kaveh is confused as to what happened while he was gone, and decides to ask around to figure out what Alhaitham is referring to as he claims he's done speaking to him.

After talking to Alhaitham, Paimon, who witnessed their previous conversation along with the Traveler, asks Alhaitham if Kaveh is his friend. Alhaitham retorted that they did not look like friends and that Kaveh is his roommate, and the reason the latter seems to have so many problems is that he never listens to Alhaitham. Interacting with Alhaitham again triggers a voiceline in which he stated how he originally planned to stay in the House of Daena longer, but later decided to go somewhere else due to how Kaveh might show up again, which is a "nuisance." However, Alhaitham stayed nonetheless.

Later, in the House of Daena, the player has the option to witness another conversation between Kaveh and Alhaitham. Kaveh tells Alhaitham that the people want him to replace Azar as the Grand Sage, and Alhaitham says that has nothing to do with him. Kaveh says it's likely people without any real information were spreading rumors, and Alhaitham taunts him for not having learnt a single crucial bit of information the whole time he was out there. Alhaitham tells him all the sages have been exposed and removed as Azar's accomplices, and Kaveh wonders if that was why they sent him out on a project.

Alhaitham later finds out he brought both house keys with him when he left, but shrugged off the thought.

Alhaitham's Story Quest
The first mention of Kaveh occurred near the end of the quest, when Paimon nagged Alhaitham on answering her questions. However, as the timing then had been over Alhaitham's working schedule, Alhaitham refuses to further commit to work-related activity and turned to leave. When Paimon kept pestering him, Alhaitham snapped, "Are you done? Your behavior is reminding me of some other people." Paimon angrily remarks that he is switching the topic, and Alhaitham could be found grinning at the thought. Later, it is revealed that Alhaitham planned on continuing the conversation in his own house.

When the trio arrives in the house, Kaveh can be found in the hallway. He greeted Alhaitham and initially wanted Alhaitham to help him straighten a painting the latter had placed in the house, but he became shocked when he saw two unfamiliar faces in the house with Alhaitham. Alhaitham scoffs that the Traveler and Paimon are obviously guests and that Kaveh is making too much of a fuss. Kaveh realizes that the two are not from the Akademiya and started panicking that there are now people who knows he lives in Alhaitham's house, to which Alhaitham remarks that only now did Kaveh start feeling embarrassed about that matter. Alhaitham soon left to get the books the Traveler needed to answer his questions, leaving Kaveh to talk with the duo. Before he left, Kaveh became angry that Alhaitham had been gone so abruptly.

The first thing Kaveh asks the Traveler and Paimon as they settle down is whether they're actors hired by Alhaitham to pretend to be his friends, to which Paimon expresses confusion towards. Kaveh sighs and states that the reason he asked this is because he was surprised when Alhaitham had never invited friends to his house before, given his temperament and personality. Paimon states that she thought Kaveh is Alhaitham's friend, to which Kaveh replied with a smile that they used to be friends, then looked away when he said that it is no longer the case. He fully introduces himself to Traveler and Paimon, asking them not to give away how he lives with Alhaitham, to which Paimon responded playfully that Kaveh must pay her in order for her to keep her mouth shut about the matter. Kaveh, lightheartedly exasperated, pointed out that of course the duo would treat him in a way Alhaitham often does, given they are friends with Alhaitham. Alhaitham eventually returns, commenting on their loudness, and Kaveh leaves, upset, telling Alhaitham to entertain his own friends.

Kaveh eavesdrops the proceeding conversation between Alhaitham, Traveler, and Paimon. When Alhaitham commented on the humanity within humans, Kaveh comes out to sarcastically retort that it was ironic how Alhaitham was one to have considered humanity and emotion at all. He states that if humans aren't humans without humanity, Alhaitham might as well have evolved into another species in another decade, referencing to Alhaitham's extreme rationality. Alhaitham returns the argument by stating how Kaveh may as well have devolved into a fungus, to which Kaveh answers that he'd at least be a fungus with empathy.

Kaveh turns to the Traveler and apologizes for eavesdropping their conversation, and Paimon tells him that a strange researcher had targeted them and brought them trouble. Kaveh worriedly asks whether they are okay, and Traveler replies that it was actually Alhaitham that the researcher had it out the most on. Kaveh instantly changes his tone and scolded Alhaitham for how he could have stayed indoors that day so the whole situation could have been avoided, bringing in how Alhaitham could have helped with the housework for once and that his books are everywhere and unorganized. Alhaitham smiles and points out that Kaveh has a lack of conversational skills, to which Kaveh retorts that the pot is calling the kettle black. However, he glanced at Alhaitham again, asking whether he is okay. Alhaitham replies that he is doing quite well, much better than the painting Kaveh is trying to hang on the wall. Kaveh becomes upset and leaves again.

If the Traveler chooses to stay in Alhaitham's house by the end of the quest, they can trigger another cutscene between Alhaitham and Kaveh if they enter the two's office. In this cutscene, Alhaitham and Kaveh discuss Siraj's incident and bicker about matters related to their jobs in the Akademiya. After Alhaitham yet again called out Kaveh's embarrassing deals, Kaveh revealed that he had took time out to clean the living room for Alhaitham only to receive such treatment. Alhaitham straightforwardly replies that Kaveh should pay his rent soon, as he needed to buy furniture with that Mora. Kaveh criticizes Alhaitham's taste in decoration, and the two begin insulting each other's skill and tastes again. Later, Kaveh points out that if Alhaitham were to buy furniture, he must take Kaveh along wih him. Alhaitham retorts that Kaveh only said so because he wanted Alhaitham to buy him drinks, to which Kaveh happily confirms. Alhaitham stated that the idea was ridiculous and that Kaveh would have needed to pay him back eventually. On the other hand, given their arguments on the bulletin board, Alhaitham buys Kaveh drinks without collecting payment and previously does not collect rent from him. At the end of the conversation, Kaveh tells Alhaitham to tell the Traveler and Paimon to keep the secret in which they live together, and Alhaitham remarks that there is no need to hide the fact so carefully when Kaveh is such a lightweight that a few drinks in the tavern had him spilling out all his secrets. The scene ends with Kaveh panicking whether everyone knows that he lives with Alhaitham now.

Using Nahida to read Kaveh's mind in the second cutscene would reveal him panicking over how Alhaitham or other tavern owners may have spilled his secrets, and he wondered whether Alhaitham knows about his drunken scribbling. Using Nahida to read Alhaitham's mind would just show thoughts over tidying books.

Quotes
"Alhaitham: Don't sound too surprised now. You're the renowned Kaveh, light of the Kshahrewar. Besides, as a master builder and craftsman, chances are you'll be appointed as a sage, too. Kaveh: ...Hmph. Why do I feel like you don't really mean it? Alhaitham: Hmph, what makes you say that? Why would you question my heartfelt sincerity? Kaveh: Maybe it's because you've never said anything good about me before. Alhaitham: Yeah, well, I share a similar sentiment. And anyone who knows you as well as I do would surely do the same. Kaveh: Ugh, you...!"

- Alhaitham to Kaveh, Act V

"Kaveh: Sorry for eavesdropping, but what happened to you guys? Are you in trouble? Paimon: Sort of. We encountered a strange researcher that had it out for us... Kaveh: Are you all okay? Traveler: To be more precise, they had it out for Alhaitham. / We just happened to be there. Kaveh: Huh, so that's how things went...*sigh* Such is life. If only he'd known, Alhaitham could have stayed today, and the whole thing could have been avoided. Right? Plus, he could have helped me with the housework for once. See those books? They've been sitting there waiting for someone to sort through them for an age. If you're not gonna read them, tidy them away! They don't belong there! Paimon: Ah... Uh... Alhaitham: ...Can you feel the awkwardness in the air? I hope you're aware of your lack of conversational skills. Kaveh: Oh, so the pot's calling the kettle black, is he? Hmph, well, having said all that, are you okay?"

- Alhaitham's Story Quest

"Alhaitham: I'm not even interested in being one of the Six Great Sages. Like I said before, I don't like being a leader. Paimon: Oh, all right. So are you busy these days trying to find others to take the job? Alhaitham: That's not my job, either. I'm only responsible for handling important affairs within the Akademiya before the new sages take office. Traveler: So you're still a leader now, even if it's just temporary. Alhaitham: Hah, and the first thing I'll do is reject Kshahrewar's application for funding."

- Act V

"Kaveh: The stories Mr. Maddah tell may be old-fashioned, but he's quite skilled when it comes to controlling their pace. Kaveh: But everyone's used to getting their information from Akasha now, so they unconsciously overlook such sophistication of technique and artistic maturity. Alhaitham: You need to be more realistic. No art form is eternal. The day when all of its value has been exploited is the day it loses its reason for existence. Alhaitham: Like how overripe fruits fall to the earth and provide nourishment for new plants. Kaveh: And that is exactly why I've always despised materialists like you. Art is a precious fruit of leisure. You can't compare it to production and exploitation for commercial purposes! Alhaitham: Leisurely people are like people walking on a spherical ground — they don't exist. Why don't you use your brain and think for a moment? Can the production of anything exist without commercial exchange? Acting Manager's Reply: What a sharp clash of theories... Anyways, it's time for Mr. Kaveh to settle his bill for the month. Should it be put on your tab as usual, Mr. Alhaitham? Alhaitham: No. That spoiled guy needs to experience the brutality of the business world."

- Pupsa Café Message Board message, titled "Kaveh and Alhaitham"

"Message: This is embarrassing to say. We were workers that maintain merchant ships here, living off the maintenance skills passed down from generation to generation. Message: But some time ago, new technologies have been added to the Akasha, and our years of experience have become worthless. Young people can still learn through the Akasha, but old stuff like us have no choice but to change jobs. Message: The Scribe said we can go to sea and try our luck, but we have no money for something like that right now. If you have any gigs, please come to us. Kaveh: Don't listen to the Scribe. I happen to know a big client who needs craftsmen. I'll introduce you to her. Take the money too. Forget about going to sea. Alhaitham: I wish you could do less meaningless things. Some people will succeed and some will fall, that's how the world works. Why interfere with it just to act like a goody-two-shoes? Kaveh: Here the Scribe goes again with the mysticism. Why did I do this, you say? Because it makes me happy! Kaveh: And don't you forget that mutual assistance, fairness, and righteous anger are also what drive the world, not nonsense like 'the fittest survives'! Alhaitham: Make no mistake. I have never denied what you meant, but you don't understand what I am saying to you at all. End of conversation. Alhaitham: It's a headache to argue with the impulsive. Anyway, where's your own budget? Don't tell me you're spending all your Akademiya subsidies on such nonsense. Kaveh: 'The poor suffer from the rich's wealth. Thus the rich should give away their wealth for a good purpose.' says the sage Zolfikar. Alhaitham: He never said that. Kaveh: He did. Alhaitham: No, he never said that. And you'll pay for your drinks this month. Kaveh: I won't argue with you about this. But give me a month. I'll prove that he said it."

- Port Ormos Bulletin Board message, titled "An Argument"

"My food is reasonably priced. A popular choice for student meals, welcome parties, and team-building alike! And I even got the Mahamata among my clients, too! One bought a whole case of wine! [...] Haha, I actually have no idea what he does, but folks say he's a Mahamata. He was tall and looked like a guy who could hold his drink. But I couldn't tell if he bought the wine for himself or for someone else... I remember him murmuring something like "one case should be enough for an apology" as he carried the wine... Say, maybe he wanted to get someone drunk so that they'll forget his mistakes?"

- Shevirme, an NPC in the Grand Bazaar

"Alhaitham: Have the ten crates of wine that I ordered arrived? I came yesterday only to find out they didn't arrive. Reply: That's impossible! A blond person came in here earlier claiming to be your roommate and took it all. I even remember both of you coming in together the other day. You must have made a mistake. Alhaitham: ...Alright. I get it."

- Mahamata Bulletin Board message, titled "Lambad's Tavern Notice"

Fanon
Ever since information about Kaveh’s personality and the fact that he and Alhaitham are roomates was revealed, people started shipping the pair. Fans initially speculated that Kaveh might bear a resemblance to Kevin Kaslana from Honkai Impact, since they have similar sounding names and Alhaitham has a similar appearance to Su, who Kevin is close with. Many fans enjoy seeing the discussions between the two, and like the contrast of their personalities. Fans enjoy how they are prone to bickering, but much more like an old married couple than anything truly antagonistic.

People once speculated about their university days and what their relationship was like then, as that if they had a competitive relationship or were more friendly with each other. Many people made comics of them interacting in their younger years while others came up with potential reasons as to why Alhaitham let Kaveh live with him, as if he actually disliked him he probably would not have. It is not uncommon to see them drawn along with Cyno and/or Tighnari, as they also attended the Sumeru Akademiya. After the release of Alhaitham’s trailer, fans were delighted as Kaveh and Alhaitham turned out to be friends with Cyno and Tighnari, which matched the popular fic trope where the duos attend double dates.

Currently, the pair has roughly over 1,000+ works on Ao3, and is growing fast in popularity. It’s rivaled by Cytham, though some people like to pair the three of them together. Given that Kaveh was only just recently released, there are currently no rival ships on his end.

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Trivia

 * Both Kaveh and Alhaitham have Dendro visions.
 * They also have matching Serenitea furniture carpets — Glorious Emerald Tapestry and The Green Grove.
 * Alhaitham’s English voice actor ships Kavetham, and made a joke about it on his Twitter.