✧✦

AETHER ✧✦ GENSHIN IMPACT DWARF ✧✦ JOURNEY'S END ✧✦ ISOLA RADIALE

[scholarking]

HIS GUESS IS AS GOOD AS THE OTHER'S. it's hard for him to truly surmise why it is many might do something as this beyond their own curiosity, in which he couldn't truly blame them, even if he might believe common sense could work wonders for them. still, it was better than simply being handed the answer on a silver platter without so much of a thought to go with it.

❝ I suppose that's another aspect to consider. Even if there isn't anything gained, the experience could be worth their while, hence their doing so, ❞ he agrees, offering a small nod. he wouldn't consider something as this fun, but who was he to truly judge the value in it from others? well, perhaps he would judge just a smidgen, especially when it put their teeth in harms way. ❝ Mm. I agree with that. Perhaps some merely need to experience themselves to understand that sensibility, though from the looks of things... ❞ one person catches his eye, observing them as they take a bite into an item that isn't, in fact, a sweet treat, only to try again with the very next object without so much as a thought. ❝ Perhaps some will simply never learn, too. There are plenty like that even in more practical matters, unfortunately. ❞

[abyssalnova]

he listens to every word carefully, trying to make sense of what they could be thinking, but even then... it's still so strange. especially as his line of sight follows the man's. maybe some people are just beyond the typical thought process, never to be understood no matter how much a person might try.

"well, at least you're one of the sensible types here." and possibly the only one in this area at the minute, if the few both have already seen are an indication of how the rest of this visit will go. he must admit though, thinking about it is making him a little hungry. only a little. his teeth would likely protest while remembering the sight of this alone. maybe he should distract himself with conversation for now until all this passes. "how long have you been here? watching everyone, I mean. it can't be much fun for someone like you." if the man's reasonable approach were anything to base it on, he must be similar to a scholar or something like that. "unless you're just passing..."

[sendousha]

The way he spoke of his sister subtly emphasised how much he cared about her — their bond was evidently special, despite whatever hurdles they were faced with. It cast Aichi's mind to Emi — although strict at times, her fussiness was out of care for her brother. She was certainly patient with him, that was for sure. He imagined the twins had developed a similar dynamic — but with Aether taking the lead, by the sounds of it.

"Then I'll let Wingal know he'll be welcome, and she can handle herself if he gets a little overexcited — but that he should still behave.

Okay — I'll make sure to curate it so there are plenty of options but not too long so that you don't have so much work narrowing it down. It sounds like you're both open to a lot, but it might be better to start with somewhere quieter so we can spend some time together without getting drowned out".

[abyssalnova]

no use in fussing over something so small, plus it's not like she couldn't handle an animal getting excited. "she's been through rough patches, I don't think it matters much. try not to worry about it, okay? it'll be alright."

as for the list, well, it's not an issue if Aichi wants to put all his ideas on there.

"no, that's fine too, really. it's better if there's more to choose from. we work well as a team anyway, so that will be shortened in no time at all." they'd have to pick places that cater to their variety of tastes, as long as it's somewhere relaxing for all of them to unwind and push away their thoughts for a while. maybe near a park in case Wingal wanted to roam around? or even the beach.

[descensionstar]

eager as ever for an experience, he had risen to his feet earlier than Lumine anticipated. following his lead, her fists pressed to her hips, taking his remark with a playful huff. "hey — unless he's as old as us, that would make him the youngest".

how she missed this... it bothered her how Rerir was able to mimic him so accurately.

but the Aether in front of her was real — a dream she often had, a yearning that cried endlessly, a lonely ache that ate away whilst watching other families. whatever this world was... she was thankful that it let them be together again, independent of Descender, Traveler and Abyss.

they could just be brother and sister — one day, the bridge between friends and family would form and they could see her wish finally granted. until that day, she would take every second possible as a treasure never to take for granted.

"you know, I've been looking for an excuse to explore the Tundra. I don't know how well that might go on short notice, but we can grab some supplies on the way to keep everyone warm".

[abyssalnova]

the response makes him laugh, knowing well she was completely aware what he actually meant. still, that didn't stop Lumine from firing back in their typical way. it felt like so long ago since they were able to let go, be as they really wanted. free and without worries. all that is left behind in Teyvat.

"the tundra, huh..." that meant facing the cold and, well, he's hardly dressed for it. neither is she to be honest. "alright, count me in. but let's make finding warmer clothes our top priority. unless you're planning to make it an extreme survival trip with food alone." now that is something he isn't up for, but his sister does have a sensible side to her. "can't say I'm ready for that kind of trial, I'm not sure you would be either."

[descensionstar]

saddening as it were to hear, she understood. as much as she wanted to show off her brother to the friends who knew of him, Aether's position made it awkward when questions would inevitably be asked. she had been petrified of people finding out about his leadership of the Abyss Order and how they'd react. honestly it was a miracle Diluc didn't explode on the spot.

one day she hoped her friends and family could meet for real.

"sure, let him know I'm free for any time you two settle on". it was quaint, getting to simply sit down and talk after centuries apart — she could only guess Aether had dreamed of this during countless nights across his journey. she certainly did. it was that dream, even if but a dream and for just a moment, that she treasured being able to experience during the interim of hers.

"you sure? of course I'd love to. we're long overdue some family time, after all".

[abyssalnova]

he smiles and nods slightly at her agreement. it might be impossible right now for him to meet any of her friends, but there were good reasons it couldn't happen and she surely understood them. maybe when he felt ready and had the reassurance they wouldn't be angry, he might just be open to the idea of meeting a couple of them to begin with.

"of course I'm sure, I wouldn't ask if not." quick to finish the rest of his plate, he brushes his hands of crumbs and rises from the seat. "what are we waiting for? let's go right now. you can have first choice."

then he gives her a look that clearly tells he's about to make a jab, though completely harmless. "you are the youngest, after all."

[sendousha]

He nodded in agreement, believing the location was of lesser importance than simply meeting and allowing the twins chance to spend time. If he could be a vehicle to assist in that, to help Aether build bridges, then he was more than happy to play that part. As an older brother with his own troubles, he could understand well, at least on a surface level, the inner demons that the blond might be wrestling with.

"Wingal comes from an area that's quite open, so he'll be in his element — but I promise he's well-behaved and won't be too invasive of personal space. And there's plenty of options for cafes to suit certain tastes, so if you're feeling a particular way, we'll find somewhere to match. If you'd rather wait until talking it over with her, I can put together a list for brainstorming later on".

[abyssalnova]

"well, I don't think we'll need to worry about that, Lumine would enjoy his company just as much. she'll probably be busy fussing over him for the first ten minutes." it wouldn't surprise him if she'd made friends with plenty of the wildlife back in Teyvat by the current point of her journey. she seemed to have a way with gaining them along the way, human or otherwise.

he thinks on it for a minute, but it's probably best to wait. "a list will help. if you send it over text when you're finished, it'll give us the chance to look through and pick something then check with you." it's exciting, really. a day out with his sister and a friend, one he hopes could be mutual in future.

[descensionstar]

well, wasn't he full of surprises today?

first was the unexpected visit, and then his confession. when the tethers she knew which connected him to Teyvat were frayed at best, hearing that he'd been able to make friends here... it warmed her. setting down her mug, Lumine tilted toward her brother, supported by a palm upon the surface between them.

"really now? well I don't see why not — a friend of yours is someone I've got to meet". her intention was to uphold that casual tone they'd oft use when juggling banter, but the swell in her chest softened her features without thought. "I'm... really glad. I was worried you'd keep everyone at arm's length".

[abyssalnova]

"well... not everyone, just people from Teyvat. it's better that they don't know I'm here." she would understand why. he can't imagine they'd be very welcoming if they knew who he is, if he happens to pass any of them on the street in future. it may not, but he'd prefer to play it safe.

but never mind that, there are important things to discuss. "anyway, I'm happy you agree. I'll see if Aichi is free later in the week if that works for you." finishing the rest of his sandwich, he brushes any remaining crumbs from his fingers onto the plate, then takes a mouthful of his own drink. "hey, Lumine? do you wanna go to the amusements some time? we haven't done anything for fun in ages."

[sendousha]

Coincidence or a choice, either way, it would give them comfort to be so close after drifting apart. And Aether himself sounded perfectly content with that opportunity, making Aichi all the more eager to hear about how things were improving as time moved on. Meeting up together would be a start, and from there, his hopes for the siblings were high.

"Of course. I'd love to meet up and enjoy that with you. We can figure out once you've spoken if we'll meet at a café or at one of our homes. I've got a house in Cotes that's always open if either of you would ever like. Momo and Wingal would be more than happy to meet new friends".

[abyssalnova]

it sounds like the perfect setting for a gathering, but maybe another time after Lumine gets to know Aichi. in the meantime, it's best to focus on outings to begin with. "I'll hold you to that in future. for now, I think a café would be a good place to start."

they could always sit outside. that way, Aichi could bring the companions along for some air. "let's find somewhere with outdoor tables, then you can bring them with you. it might be nice for them to get out for a while." his sister is sure to fuss over them, maybe even her own companion as well.

[abyssalnova]

as promised to Aichi, he finds himself paying a visit to his sister, both now sitting together in the kitchen of her residence. "actually, I have a question to ask." he takes another quick bite of the sandwich they prepared in a team effort with her companion, making sure to finish it before he says anything further.

"there's a friend I'd like you to meet if you're up for a group outing, his name is Aichi. I said I'd let him know what you thought." leaning forward the slightest, he rests both arms on the table. "you two would get along well, I think."

@descensionstar

[sendousha]

What a warming response — he knew well how bumpy things with loved ones could get while trying to put on a brave face, and couldn't imagine the other boy found it any easier, whatever had made things tense between the siblings. "She lives close by? Seems like the Stars might have wanted to help in their own way. It makes me smile when friends or family are placed close to one another so they have a familiar face nearby. I'm looking forward to meeting her".

[abyssalnova]

his initial reply is returned in form of a slight nod and a warm smile. "yes, she does. it may just be a coincidence, but I'm grateful for it. I hope we can rebuild the bridge between us." they had never fallen out as such... being apart for so long though, it took a toll on both of them over the years. "once we can talk about it, I'll be sure to send you a message. until then, do you want to get some hot chocolate together?"

[sendousha]

It sounded like things were getting better for the other boy and his sister. He'd remained vague about whatever had gotten between them, but hearing that things were on the mend (or he believed it to be) was comforting. "I'd be so happy to, if you're both sure about it. A companion, hm? Sounds like it would be pretty lively, but not too much for the two of you to catch up".

[abyssalnova]

a small laugh leaves him, something he rarely has the opportunity for while he still has a task to complete. here, things are wildly different: no abyss order, no conflict other than the trouble the stars often stir up. everything feels calmer most days compared to Teyvat. "then I'll ask her the next time we meet up, she doesn't live far from my housing so it won't take long. I think both of you would get along." and something tells him they need more friends to lean on.

[sendousha]

"A hot drink, a cooked meal, a blanket and the lights on once the curtains are drawn. It makes for a very cosy atmosphere, and the pets love it. Momo's purrs go right through whatever she's curled up on".

[abyssalnova]

"it's something I want to share with my sister when we have time." and as long as she can forgive him for leaving her in the dark. "you could join us if you'd like, I doubt Lumine would mind. she has a companion of her own who will probably be there as well."

[abyssalnova]

"it's that time again. the days are getting a little colder as they pass, but it's the perfect weather for a hot drink."

[descensionstar]

even here, there remained a wall. being away from Teyvat didn't change whatever it was he knew, and what waited ahead for her. it wasn't simple enough for them to shrug off the truth and continue as if nothing were happening, go back to how their travels were prior.

but

that wall was only an arm's length, not space bending and twisting. it made sense, really — whatever this world is, it shared similarities with Teyvat. and that was bound to be a sore reminder.

his voice, gentle as ever, pulled her back before straying too deep into thought, golden hues upon the raft he held delicately.

just as always, nothing stopped him from being her big brother. they might only share fleeting moments, but she cherished them, yearned for them to span eons. a smile, tinged with longing, gave him the first answer. "yeah. it's been so long". a glance flickered downstream and then guided back. "Paimon did promise we'd take you to Lantern Rite".

[abyssalnova]

it has been a long time since they were able to do anything together, that won't be changing any time soon while there is unfinished business in Teyvat. here though, they could have some sort of normalcy until then. "that isn't possible, but if you'd like to, we can make our own lanterns another time and release them."

he steps closer to the shore and waits for her to follow, crouching to light the small candle before they both set it atop the water, allowing it to begin a journey of memorial. for Khaenri'ah, Caribert, Direidyth. for any who Lumine may have known. hand on chest, he spares a moment for all of them.

once the boat has drifted far enough, he stands again, eyes never straying from it. "they will never be forgotten, even those I didn't know. we'll keep them in our memories." sad as it may be to have lost so many, at least there's a way to give them something to be remembered.

[scholarking]

AH, SO HE HAD BEEN SORELY MISTAKEN, much to his relief. he had worried he'd stumbled into some shop where people simply didn't think thoroughly through on their actions. but this one... well, he seems to have a sound head on his shoulders. ❝ I'm glad to hear of it, ❞ he remarks, yet finds aether's next question an interesting one.

❝ Strange and foolish, notably. But I do suppose humanity is comprised of those two words in their moments. It's a gamble, one that many people have a thrill in taking. ❞ one particular person comes to mind, but he doubts even he would participate in this, at least he hopes. ❝ It makes you wonder what drives them to do it in some instances. I don't believe this one has a reward other than eating something sweet if you're correct. ❞

[abyssalnova]

that sounds reasonable he guesses, given how people can be and how impulsive they are at times but even this feels a bit... excessive? there must be a better way to hold an activity like this, without the potential risk to some who might be a little more reckless in their approach to testing.

"no reward?" then why? that's what he would ask. although, maybe there isn't a reason that makes sense, it could just be a simple matter of trying to prove something, either to themselves or someone else. "I don't really get it. if they have fun, then I guess it doesn't matter." except he isn't quite sure how any of this could be classed as fun, but everyone has their own definition of what they consider to be so in the end. "it does feel like some are beyond help though, watching them go through this as it happens. getting them to see the sensible side of it, I mean."

[descensionstar]

she had dreamt of this many times, finding herself feeling they fantasies drifting further out of reach at certain junctions along her journey. losing him with the backdrop of a calamity she'd only heard of in legend but he experienced first-hand, transforming back into the Natlanese wilderness in an instant.... never had they felt further apart. so it felt almost... like another dream to be here together, even if a little awkwardly.

even though an outsider, she was essentially on the other side of a battle he waged, yet he never treated her any differently. he spoke gently with her, never threatening consequences even were she to discard his warning and oppose the Abyss. those words, she couldn't shake them from her mind.

it's only ever been about us.

the feeling was mutual. no matter what adventures unfolded, in the back of her mind, Lumine wondered what Aether would feel, what it would be like if he were there.

"yeah..." she murmured. too many to count. Natlan mourned almost two-thousand lost lives from the Abyss invasion. others were more personal. "there are a lot I failed to save as well".

[abyssalnova]

she looks distracted and he can tell there's a lot on her mind, there must be many questions she wants to ask but he has no answers for her now, just as he didn't back then in that space. she can only look forward to find those for herself, no matter how much he wishes he could help. some things are only meant to be understood when seen firsthand... even if the truth isn't anything she'd like.

their silence is awkward, painfully so but this is not how it should be. they need to make the most of these moments they can find, before the next thing comes along to tear them apart once again like before.

"Lumine." he turns to face her in full, lifting the raft held within his palms in offering. "shall we light it and send it off... together?" if she declines and prefers to send her own later, he wouldn't blame her. but he wants to reassure her more than anything if she has any doubts after learning of the atlas and his plan.

[scholarking]

archimedes ward: candy camouflage

IT WAS A HUMUROUS DISPLAY TO SEE FOR SOME, though ratio can't help but feel there was some lacking sense in it all. to risk one's teeth in the chance of taking a bite of chocolate was something only the majority of people would tend to choose to entertain themselves. ❝ I wouldn't bite into that one, if you were thinking of taking that risk, ❞ he chimes, fingers holding his chin in thought as he assesses the item.

❝ It is undoubtedly real. You can tell by the sheen and precise angles of the plastic. Even hard-shelled chocolate could not replicate it with all the camouflage in the world. ❞ a pause as he glances back over. ❝ Of course, if you're not convinced, be my guest. ❞

@abyssalnova

[abyssalnova]

passing curiosity is all it was, without any real intention of joining in. in all honesty, he's more interested how they even manage to think up these kinds of ideas. so maybe it's best if he makes that clear to the man rather than allowing him to think otherwise. "I had no plans to."

it's a wonder anyone even attempts to, you could just as easily tap each item against a hard surface and see what happens. the larger objects might pose a problem unless you have a weapon or something else on hand to test them. "don't you find it strange that people are doing this? willingly too."

[descensionstar]

@abyssalnova ✧ Candle Lighting for the Lost

it had taken longer to initially send the message. her heart trembled with apprehension it might be answered with the suggestion they take more time, wait a little longer.

she had wanted to feel the lights surfing the river's gentle current might be soothing, as watching the lanterns sail Liyue's nights sky had proven to be each year. yet undeniable was the dull ache. knowing each was a loved one lost, someone in mourning. and their numbers a mere sliver of the fallen in Natlan, or the victims of the calamity.

clutching the raft to her chest, she turned swiftly upon hearing his approach, breath caught in her throat. it wasn't the elation and disbelief of seeing him for that first time since waking, but a cautious relief. knowing so well how he could easily slip through her fingers again.

"I thought we could pay respects to Caribert, Direidyth. give you some time to remember everyone in Khaenri'ah".

[abyssalnova]

at first, he did hesitate upon receiving the message, after their last crossing of paths who knows what awaited the next time they'd meet. but it seems he made the right choice in agreeing to her suggestion. it was a simple moment of remembrance for those lost, and the people he couldn't save as a result of his own actions, for choosing his sister rather than staying.

he nods when Lumine faces him, raising a hand only the slightest as if to wave, soon taking a spot next to her, watching the lights as they drift along.

"thank you. for inviting me." especially after last time. but she would of course, always, because that's how they operate. it would be nice, to have the time to stop and remember everyone. "you probably have people to pay respects to as well." their journeys were not without loss, after all. he may not know everything she has done but that much is a guarantee.