“Once you’ve reached the end of your journey as I did, you will see for yourself the true nature of this world.” Such words have haunted Aether’s thoughts since his first ‘reunion’ with Lumine, their intent becoming an accent laced throughout his interactions with Teyvat as a whole. With every conversation weaved and every victory another notch under his belt, more questions than answers pile up on the outlander’s plate. The puzzle pieces known as Teyvat form an intricate picture with giant patches scattered among the scenery, and Aether traverses the patterns in search of the answers that evade him every waking moment.
Each passing day adds another weight to the Traveler’s shoulders, yet he marches on with a steady pace and a bright smile to mask the tension in his muscles. To break the facade would hinder his relationship with the world, but some days are heavier than others –
And today was no exception, if not worse altogether. Two weeks have passed since his last encounter with Lumine, the fresh wounds on his soul barely turning into scabs before he resumed facing the world once again. Of course, trouble was quick to find its way to him in the form of another Abyssal encounter, but a new ally-ship with the mysterious Skirk was a solid prize at the end. Yet the consequences of intense training only served to hasten the cracks in his armor, and mending was much needed.
And well. . . what was a trip to Liyue without a pit-stop at the Wangshu Inn? While not every visit resulted in a meet-up with a certain adeptus, the overall atmosphere eased the tautness of his wires, the gentle breeze amongst the giant branches a comforting sensation that was sorely needed these days. The vast expanse of stars stretched above the scenic view of the Bishui Plains, the soft songs of crickets and avians float in the wind, and peace finally sinks into the recesses of his mind.
As Aether basks in the muted ambience, a passing thought flashes through: perhaps he could call for Xiao? While the solitude was nice, a familiar face such as the yaksha’s was secretly a comfort for the Traveler – while the social mask was still erect, the genuineness behind it was hardly faked in the other’s company. Between Xiao’s quiet nature and strong competence, it was so easy to be sincere in their interactions.
Yet. . . there’s always the hesitation that lingered on his tongue when the urge compels him; these moments lacked the danger needed for the adeptus’s protection that was offered in the initial promise, and Aether never wants to bother Xiao for anything deemed nonsensical. Though he never follows through with the call without prompting from a third-party in other situations to begin with. . . such a complicated matter indeed.
A quiet sigh is released instead as the Traveler puts forth more weight against the balcony’s railing, a soft smile gracing his lips as his golden gaze remains fixated on the sprawling landscape below, a quiet whisper –
“I wonder if you would come if I speak your name like this, Xiao. . .”
@caenogeneticism requested a starter from Aether!
