a solemn thought. think about the syllables of the traveler in twofold: one, the captivating reverie that it contains, exposing the indulgence of having a nomadic experience, their feet not tethered to the land that calls for names; and two, the silhouette indulged by the shifting lights of liyue, the day and night that turns in exchange for each other a reminder that liberty is not an option wanted, not an option asked. just an option pondered. even then, xiao knows that he is to honour his contract with rex lapis. it is not like he’s not roaming free among the lands of teyvat, but. there’s something about not having somewhere to belong like aether.
the question hanging in the air is a vile smoke, lingering. he dislikes the notion of curiosity on the basis of nothing, but there’s no harm in exposing the opinion. it is, after all, an opinion, one that cannot be classified as right or wrong. as such, he crosses his arms to tessellate the latticework, the thoughts constellated eventually. he hums, closing his eyes to fathom the image even when it’s not like aether is forgettable. aether, and paimon. there’s something amiss about the latter, but. it’s not the primary focus to this, now. “he isn’t from this world, that’s for sure,” he starts, and as he opens his eyes, he wonders if it’s wise to disclose any further information on that. the inklings that remain would be a sear; following aether’s so-called adventures, experiences, he cannot say anything that can be used against the traveler later. “carefree, no? very human.” he scoffs. “he wanders from one land to another. searching for something. someone. i’m not sure. that’s none of my business, nor should it be any of yours.”