He'd considered leaving, but now the thought of staying with Aether sounds like a good idea. Maybe it's the way Aether sounded a little sad, but Xiao doesn't like disappointing anyone. The traveler's always been a good friend, and it wouldn't sit right with Xiao if he just ate then left.
"I can stay for you," Xiao says, letting himself relax again. He's never...really had any leisure time before. How is one supposed to be entertaining, or to entertain someone else? What do humans usually do to have fun?
Xiao should probably actually ask Aether these questions, rather than stewing over them in his mind, because he's not going to give himself any answers.
"Do you want me to go?" He has the feeling that a lot of people would be happy to see him there. The thought of going is slightly unnerving, and Xiao would love nothing more than to sit on a hill overlooking the harbor and watching from a distance. But ...
"I'll go if you wish." He tilts his head to the side to watch for Aether's reaction. "I just don't know what we'd do there."
"Ah - really? I mean, as much as I would love for you to come along, I'd hate to make you feel like you were forced to go somewhere you don't want to be. I know you dislike crowded places, and being around mortals for too long makes you uncomfortable. You're always worried about the people around you, more than you take time to enjoy yourself.."
Aether hummed, pausing for a moment to think before turning to look back at Xiao with a bright smile.
"I was thinking of treating you to some really good food. A certain someone you know would very well would be there too, along with some close friends. It would be a safe, and enjoyable private celebration.. After all, a part of the Lantern Rite does involve showing our gratitude for the Adepti, isn't it? What better way to show that then to treat the one who has been working the hardest all the time to protect his home?" In a safe environment, around those he knew Xiao could trust, though those souls came few and far in-between.
"In the end, it's entirely up to you."













