❝ be warned. if you go, i cannot guarantee you will survive. ❞ vanilla ver<3
the days are getting shorter. it’s the first thing aether takes notice of once the gravest of his injuries have healed and he feels well-enough to venture outside. he estimates it’s mid-afternoon, but when he looks on into the distance, searching the horizon, the feathers of rose-pink amidst the blue are unmistakable. the air feels crisper, the breeze stronger than before, and he watches the still-blooming silk flowers tremble from his vantage point on the inn’s terrace, idly wondering how long till they’re to be harvested— the last batch of the season. he’s so, so tired, weak and aching in this plaguing almost-mortality, but the shoulder he could always turn to and rest his head on in his lowest moments is gone.
the passage of time onsets as it is due—
autumn approaches, a reminder in and of itself
—and it’s a frighteningly heavy burden to have to bear alone.
“ that’s a grim forecast, ” he laughs. his tone betrays none of the apprehension he should feel, and neither do his eyes when he meets xiao’s steadfast gaze across the several steps of distance separating their respective spots, aether sat on the ground, his legs dangling freely from the terrace edge and xiao stood to the side, arms crossed. it was kind of him to visit; even kinder to caution him, despite. it’s a kindness aether won’t soon forget. “ beidou says the alcor’s due to set sail in seven days. i did hope to have a bit more time before we had to leave, but… ” he rests his arms on the perch of the balustrade, body canting to the fore. he’s growing listless again. it’s been harder to stay awake— regardless of the rest he gets, these days it never feels enough.
“ still, ” he begins anew, “ i’ll keep your warning in mind. thanks, for coming to check on me, ” he smiles, “ and for the company. ”