[The cold is the most familiar thing that Trench could give the Harbinger, and with the cold comes ice. And with the ice, comes ice fishing. No matter how many days in a row he fights Lumine, going out at the first chance of ice fishing dashes away any tiredness he had. He hasn't been able to go in almost a year, and now he's ready and he wants to bring a friend.
So why not do some more rapport building with the twin that isn't from his timeline? Aether gets a text from Childe around 9 PM.]
Hey, meet me at The Waystation at 11. You can use a lamp to get there. Make sure you bundle up too, it's quite cold out tonight, but I think that's for the best. There's something I thought would be fun to do tonight, and no, it's not sparring, believe it or not.
[ what... seriously? Did he mean to text Lumine? Aether almost asks, but decides it can't be that, and Lumine is currently already passed out early from all her running around today.
Aether doesn't know if he wants to go out personally, but he feels obligated to do so being invited, even though he can't imagine why Childe wants him to come along.
Instead of making a big deal about it, though, he types a quick response before going to get ready... since he's currently ready to sleep not go outside. ]
[He's arrived a few minutes early to The Waystation, bundled up himself and sports a larger backpack, filled up with who knows what. A few ice fishing rods are strapped to the sides of it, shorter rods that look fragile but are far from it. Strapped on the other side is a hand cranked ice auger, a wonderful tool that he discovered in Deerington but never had the chance to use.
He waves at Aether when he finally appears, looking excited. His paranoia still affects him, and he's glad that it really was just paranoia that was bothering him since he'd sent his text.]
Glad to see you made it! For a minute I was starting to worry you wouldn't show, but I can attest that feeling to the moon this time.
Ah, you mean like... from my sister's behavior, if I stood you up? Or how the moon is affecting you and making you worried about such a thing happening?
[ he guesses it's better that he did show up if it's the latter case. Aether would actually feel bad about his actions then. He's not the most open and welcoming towards Childe here, but back home they had a good relationship (at least, on the surface, it's hard to really expect anything when being friends with the enemy) so he's not out to shun the other, either. He just knows they had a unique bond, and he assumes his sister has the same thing with him here. ]
...Why are we doing this at night, though? [ it looks like they are going to go fishing, and Aether tilts his head with interest. Are they trying to catch something special? Either way, it's definitely an activity he really loves, so he can't complain too much even if the timing is a little extreme with the cold temperature to boot. ]
[He winks back at Aether. He'd tell him, but he doesn't want to ruin the surprise. Not that he's entirely sure if the surprise was actually going to work, but a lot of the musings and rumors that run amok around Trench have truth to them. And if it's true, like he thinks it is- that's not something he'd want to ruin.]
You'll see why. For now, why don't we head out? Where we're going isn't too far, but make sure you don't wander too far away from me. Go in the wrong direction, and you'll find something that will haunt your nightmares for weeks to come.
[He turns, heading out of the building, waving for Aether to follow.]
[ pretend this is backdated to the 25th, god. aether will find a pretty huge box at the foot of their bed with his name scribbled on a card by familiar handwriting. lumine's obviously left early for the day because it's christmas and she doesn't want to start her brother's day as a grump. ]
[ when he opens it, he'll find a large chunky knit blanket in his colour. no, she didn't make it (no patience this month, remember) and they're not going to talk about how she managed to hide it from him, but she knows he likes warm things, so. ]
You wouldn't happen to mind if I were to impose upon your time, would you? I don't believe we've met quite yet, after all.
[ is he playing pretend, acting like he is unfamiliar with this particular twin? it's not like albedo is lying though: they haven't met... up in person now that they're here in trench, and it has been awhile. time to remedy that now that he has breezed through a decent portion of the archives at this point. ]
[ Aether perks when he listens to the message, and he knows that voice as extremely familiar. He's happy to hear from him (he doesn't exactly want him in this world but at the same time... true jamjar-style conflicting feelings)
If it's Albedo's intention to fool Aether into thinking he is from his sister's timeline it works very well. It is always a sad feeling, but he's at least less concerned than before. If they don't remember him, he'll just have to make friends with them again! ]
Albedo, you're here! Of course, let's meet as soon as you like. I am always available for you, even if we haven't met.
[ good thing this is an audio transmission; the smile that surfaces is a blend of harmless mischief and — joy in hearing the voice of a friend again. ]
'Always'? Now that's a tall order. I may have to hold you to that.
[ he's only kidding; with the knowledge of aether's once missing sibling now residing here alongside him, albedo wouldn't purposefully inconvenience them. he may not be actively searching for his own master, but he can empathize to a certain extent. carrying on though: ]
My current location isn't apt for casual conversation, otherwise I'd gladly inform you of it. So if you had a place in mind for our rendezvous, I'll oblige with the time and place.
[ it's usually the other way around: aether seeks him out. but trench still has its novelties, and albedo wonders, himself, whether or not aether has developed a penchant for visiting a certain establishment or two now that he has been here for a few months now. ]
Edited (in which i should not be allowed to tag before yeeting to work omg) 2022-01-26 19:12 (UTC)
We can go to Master Diluc's tavern here in Trench or you can come to where I live with Lumine and Mr. Zhongli. You aren't much for crowds, I know, but if you wanted to explore that area of Trench, we can go there.
Ah, speaking of, you've settled in here, right? You're not... wandering around without place to stay, are you?
Let's define it as 'exploration' if you will. I've made use of the more neglected buildings that have yet to see some human activity in quite some time for moments of respite.
[ the life of a vagabond alchemist has its rewarding moments. his soon-to-be place of semi-permanent residence, if all things went well, will be out in trenchwood somewhere... but those are details no one has to be aware of for the time being, so albedo doesn't elaborate any further than that.
anyway: ]
All things considered, if you would please provide the address to your current place of residence, I'll ensure that my arrival will be a prompt one.
[ so diluc's tavern is currently out of the question. albedo found little need to visit angel's share back in teyvat; he isn't about to start now lest there is something of value waiting for him there. ]
[ getting used to a male body is somehow a little easier than she expected—except maybe for, well, a handful of things that she simply refuses to openly and outwardly acknowledge. all she needs to do is be as objective as she can when she goes about her day, and that somehow works.
lumine, however, can't say the same for her twin, who seems to have gotten the shorter end of the stick between the two of them. being a girl just isn't for everyone, she supposes ... even if aether has become even cuter than usual, which admittedly is a nightmare for her. not because she's jealous (aether has always been the cuter twin between the two of them), but because she's wary of everyone else seeing him.
stupid world, stupid pthumerians—making their lives even more complicated than usual. ]
You don't have to go out if you don't want to, [ she hums as she braids a section of his hair, deftly tying the end of it with a ribbon. ] I can just do the errands as per usual.
[ Aether would absolute rather hide in a hole and die than go out, but it's unfair to have Lumine have to go out as a boy and do errands. She's in just as weird a situation as he is. He needs to pull his own weight and not make his sister take care of him like a small child because he wants to be a baby about their predicaments.
That doesn't mean he isn't nervous and in despair about how cute and unintimidating he looks. Girls will probably be easier to keep away from a boy!Lumine than guys with her normally (little does he know the truth), but admittedly Lumine can get rid of all them without batting an eye all on her own, anyway. Why is he not cool like Lumine as a girl? She holds herself with such confidence and an aura that tells people she is pretty and awesome and friendly but not to be messed with. So long as you have only good intentions you'll be fine.
All Aether sees is a really cute long-haired version of "Lumine" in the mirror that would be unable to scare off an early startled rabbit.
He huffs in frustration. ] How come I didn't get your badass expression and body language out of this mess, huh? [ ... Then again, Lumine as a boy looks way more cool and badass than he ever has. He's going to get a bit of a complex from this! He already knew she was the badass and tough one between them but way to rub it in, Trench. ]
[ lumine laughs, resting her chin on top of his head. this is perhaps the one good thing that's come out of this mess: her brother being short enough that she can easily fold him against her like this. ]
That's because you were never "that", Ae.
[ at least, in terms of expression and body language. he indicates it in other ways, of course, but physically, well ... he only has his baby face to hold accountable for his lack of intimidating looks—which is, sadly, only exacerbated by their current circumstances. she supposes she can't blame him if he's even more miffed at that than usual.
time to shift to a different topic, her hands fussing with the other section of his hair. ]
[ Aether puffs his cheeks dramatically, only to exacerbate that baby face that's already exacerbated by their changes. Still, he seems okay with snuggling right into Lumine's embrace as always and not minding her height advantage in the least. ]
It's better, I'm pretty sure. I don't feel like lying down or hunching over so much. [ this while chest thing is something else totally unexpected. ] My chest isn't even that big, how can it cause such discomfort!
[ lumine pokes his cheeks before she soothingly rubs his shoulders, very much appeased that it's no longer bothering him. she does have her own annoyances with this body, but they're not as inconvenient or as seemingly uncomfortable as what aether is experiencing. mortifying, maybe, but after a few times, she's learned to pointedly ignore it. ]
We can get you better fitting clothes, if you want ...
[ besides, they have no idea how long this will last. might as well be at least comfortable in what they're wearing, and she's quite sure aether isn't always going to deal with wearing her dresses all the time. ]
Which reminds me, [ she starts slowly, finishing off his second braid with another ribbon. ] ... There's something I want to tell you, Ae.
[Much like the fight he'd had with Zhongli, he's chosen somewhere far away from the city so both he and Aether could go all out in their battle. Though this time, it wasn't over the Gnosis; Childe wasn't filled with rage this time at the prospect of being tricked by the Traveler, but he wasn't holding back either. After all, it was such a fight that made him recognize the strength of his sister, and he has no doubt that Aether will prove just as entertaining and challenging.
And he was right. The battle rages on, and he throws himself into it with fervor. He spares nothing, using every technique up to the pinnacle of his own strength. Elements rage between the two men as they fight, and at the end of the day, Childe finds himself once again with his back in the snow, breathing heavily as his Foul Legacy Transformation flicks off his body. Blood covers the white snow, and he lays defeated, more than satisfied with that fight. Everything hurts, and he can barely move as he tries to pick himself up off the ground.]
I knew you wouldn't disappoint, [he barely manages, voice strained.]
[ Aether lets his sword lower to his side only once Childe admits defeat. His expression is chilly and apathetic, something that seemed to overcome the twin the moment he drew his own blood to use blood magic. There is no malice, but there's not much of anything else, either, beyond him breathing heavy from their fight.
He sighs finally, dropping his weapon and reaching for a piece of gauze that he has in one of his pockets to wrap tightly around his hand where he initiated the blood magic. Stopping the flow of blood there (and not caring much for any other injury of his) seems to cause the apathy to give way to more familiar emotion. The hollowness in Aether's eyes floods full and by the time he comes to kneel down next to Childe, his eyes are back to their normal brightness. ]
Stay still, dummy. [ Aether will begin to look over the Harbinger, pulling out more gauze from his side pouch to start wrapping some of the other's wounds. He'll use clean snow if the wound looks particularly dirty before bandaging it up. ]
I guess Childe from every timeline can't help but love to fight.
Hahahaha...I wouldn't be myself if that weren't the case...ngh...! Wouldn't you say?
[He grimaces as Aether wraps one of his wounds, letting the other tend to whatever he deems necessary. Childe's hand hovers over a wound that seems to be bleeding a little too much, his hand glowing red as he repairs part of it underneath with blood manipulation. There, that could probably be wrapped now as well, until he got to a proper doctor.]
[ did he think he'll get away with leaving her a gift on vday and not expecting something in return!!
anyway, she'll leave him a small black box containing this ring with a chain carefully tucked underneath the cushion since she knows it'll bother him while fighting if he wears it on his finger. he'll find it right next to his pillow when he finally wakes up. oh, and he's also free to notice his constellation engraved on it, along with the words: ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text UN: childe | December, during the full moon
So why not do some more rapport building with the twin that isn't from his timeline? Aether gets a text from Childe around 9 PM.]
Hey, meet me at The Waystation at 11. You can use a lamp to get there. Make sure you bundle up too, it's quite cold out tonight, but I think that's for the best. There's something I thought would be fun to do tonight, and no, it's not sparring, believe it or not.
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Aether doesn't know if he wants to go out personally, but he feels obligated to do so being invited, even though he can't imagine why Childe wants him to come along.
Instead of making a big deal about it, though, he types a quick response before going to get ready... since he's currently ready to sleep not go outside. ]
Okay. I believe you. See you then.
text - action
He waves at Aether when he finally appears, looking excited. His paranoia still affects him, and he's glad that it really was just paranoia that was bothering him since he'd sent his text.]
Glad to see you made it! For a minute I was starting to worry you wouldn't show, but I can attest that feeling to the moon this time.
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[ he guesses it's better that he did show up if it's the latter case. Aether would actually feel bad about his actions then. He's not the most open and welcoming towards Childe here, but back home they had a good relationship (at least, on the surface, it's hard to really expect anything when being friends with the enemy) so he's not out to shun the other, either. He just knows they had a unique bond, and he assumes his sister has the same thing with him here. ]
...Why are we doing this at night, though? [ it looks like they are going to go fishing, and Aether tilts his head with interest. Are they trying to catch something special? Either way, it's definitely an activity he really loves, so he can't complain too much even if the timing is a little extreme with the cold temperature to boot. ]
Are you too busy during the day, or...?
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You'll see why. For now, why don't we head out? Where we're going isn't too far, but make sure you don't wander too far away from me. Go in the wrong direction, and you'll find something that will haunt your nightmares for weeks to come.
[He turns, heading out of the building, waving for Aether to follow.]
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𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑤𝑒'𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜? 𝑆𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ. 𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢.
[ when he opens it, he'll find a large chunky knit blanket in his colour. no, she didn't make it (no patience this month, remember) and they're not going to talk about how she managed to hide it from him, but she knows he likes warm things, so. ]
audio.
[ is he playing pretend, acting like he is unfamiliar with this particular twin? it's not like albedo is lying though: they haven't met... up in person now that they're here in trench, and it has been awhile. time to remedy that now that he has breezed through a decent portion of the archives at this point. ]
audio.
true jamjar-style conflicting feelings)If it's Albedo's intention to fool Aether into thinking he is from his sister's timeline it works very well. It is always a sad feeling, but he's at least less concerned than before. If they don't remember him, he'll just have to make friends with them again! ]
Albedo, you're here! Of course, let's meet as soon as you like. I am always available for you, even if we haven't met.
audio.
'Always'? Now that's a tall order. I may have to hold you to that.
[ he's only kidding; with the knowledge of aether's once missing sibling now residing here alongside him, albedo wouldn't purposefully inconvenience them. he may not be actively searching for his own master, but he can empathize to a certain extent. carrying on though: ]
My current location isn't apt for casual conversation, otherwise I'd gladly inform you of it. So if you had a place in mind for our rendezvous, I'll oblige with the time and place.
[ it's usually the other way around: aether seeks him out. but trench still has its novelties, and albedo wonders, himself, whether or not aether has developed a penchant for visiting a certain establishment or two now that he has been here for a few months now. ]
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We can go to Master Diluc's tavern here in Trench or you can come to where I live with Lumine and Mr. Zhongli. You aren't much for crowds, I know, but if you wanted to explore that area of Trench, we can go there.
Ah, speaking of, you've settled in here, right? You're not... wandering around without place to stay, are you?
[ like... Zhongli was... ]
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[ the life of a vagabond alchemist has its rewarding moments. his soon-to-be place of semi-permanent residence, if all things went well, will be out in trenchwood somewhere... but those are details no one has to be aware of for the time being, so albedo doesn't elaborate any further than that.
anyway: ]
All things considered, if you would please provide the address to your current place of residence, I'll ensure that my arrival will be a prompt one.
[ so diluc's tavern is currently out of the question. albedo found little need to visit angel's share back in teyvat; he isn't about to start now lest there is something of value waiting for him there. ]
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action.
lumine, however, can't say the same for her twin, who seems to have gotten the shorter end of the stick between the two of them. being a girl just isn't for everyone, she supposes ... even if aether has become even cuter than usual, which admittedly is a nightmare for her. not because she's jealous (aether has always been the cuter twin between the two of them), but because she's wary of everyone else seeing him.
stupid world, stupid pthumerians—making their lives even more complicated than usual. ]
You don't have to go out if you don't want to, [ she hums as she braids a section of his hair, deftly tying the end of it with a ribbon. ] I can just do the errands as per usual.
Re: action.
That doesn't mean he isn't nervous and in despair about how cute and unintimidating he looks. Girls will probably be easier to keep away from a boy!Lumine than guys with her normally (little does he know the truth), but admittedly Lumine can get rid of all them without batting an eye all on her own, anyway. Why is he not cool like Lumine as a girl? She holds herself with such confidence and an aura that tells people she is pretty and awesome and friendly but not to be messed with. So long as you have only good intentions you'll be fine.
All Aether sees is a really cute long-haired version of "Lumine" in the mirror that would be unable to scare off an early startled rabbit.
He huffs in frustration. ] How come I didn't get your badass expression and body language out of this mess, huh? [ ... Then again, Lumine as a boy looks way more cool and badass than he ever has. He's going to get a bit of a complex from this! He already knew she was the badass and tough one between them but way to rub it in, Trench. ]
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That's because you were never "that", Ae.
[ at least, in terms of expression and body language. he indicates it in other ways, of course, but physically, well ... he only has his baby face to hold accountable for his lack of intimidating looks—which is, sadly, only exacerbated by their current circumstances. she supposes she can't blame him if he's even more miffed at that than usual.
time to shift to a different topic, her hands fussing with the other section of his hair. ]
How's your back, though? Still feeling sore?
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It's better, I'm pretty sure. I don't feel like lying down or hunching over so much. [ this while chest thing is something else totally unexpected. ] My chest isn't even that big, how can it cause such discomfort!
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We can get you better fitting clothes, if you want ...
[ besides, they have no idea how long this will last. might as well be at least comfortable in what they're wearing, and she's quite sure aether isn't always going to deal with wearing her dresses all the time. ]
Which reminds me, [ she starts slowly, finishing off his second braid with another ribbon. ] ... There's something I want to tell you, Ae.
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action
And he was right. The battle rages on, and he throws himself into it with fervor. He spares nothing, using every technique up to the pinnacle of his own strength. Elements rage between the two men as they fight, and at the end of the day, Childe finds himself once again with his back in the snow, breathing heavily as his Foul Legacy Transformation flicks off his body. Blood covers the white snow, and he lays defeated, more than satisfied with that fight. Everything hurts, and he can barely move as he tries to pick himself up off the ground.]
I knew you wouldn't disappoint, [he barely manages, voice strained.]
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He sighs finally, dropping his weapon and reaching for a piece of gauze that he has in one of his pockets to wrap tightly around his hand where he initiated the blood magic. Stopping the flow of blood there (and not caring much for any other injury of his) seems to cause the apathy to give way to more familiar emotion. The hollowness in Aether's eyes floods full and by the time he comes to kneel down next to Childe, his eyes are back to their normal brightness. ]
Stay still, dummy. [ Aether will begin to look over the Harbinger, pulling out more gauze from his side pouch to start wrapping some of the other's wounds. He'll use clean snow if the wound looks particularly dirty before bandaging it up. ]
I guess Childe from every timeline can't help but love to fight.
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[He grimaces as Aether wraps one of his wounds, letting the other tend to whatever he deems necessary. Childe's hand hovers over a wound that seems to be bleeding a little too much, his hand glowing red as he repairs part of it underneath with blood manipulation. There, that could probably be wrapped now as well, until he got to a proper doctor.]
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[ he'll wrap the bigger wound as well. Despite everything, he definitely doesn't want Childe in pain for long or in danger of bleeding out. ]
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anyway, she'll leave him a small black box containing this ring with a chain carefully tucked underneath the cushion since she knows it'll bother him while fighting if he wears it on his finger. he'll find it right next to his pillow when he finally wakes up. oh, and he's also free to notice his constellation engraved on it, along with the words: ]
𝐴𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟.
[ just in case he still has, you know, doubts. ]
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yes and yes.
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[ oh no ... ]
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