[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.]
... What? Hey, wait, what do you mean by that sort of thing...?!
[ Aether's eyes go wide for a second at the warning, but he doesn't need an answer to already be right behind Childe. He's not exactly easily spooked, but this place is pretty grotesque and he isn't interested in finding out how serious the other is about his statement.
At some point he's going to reach out and lightly grab onto the back of Childe's coat... you know, just in case. Or something. ]
[Once they're outside of the Waypoint, he signals to stop for a moment. He points to the southwest, quieting his breathing and listening. The noise is faint, but there's a strange crunching sound far off in the distance.]
That's what I mean. If you can hear it of course. I haven't been out there myself, but the locals don't seem too keen on heading out that way.
[He feels Aether grab onto his coat, chuckling quietly.]
Hahaha, I didn't mean to frighten you.
Edited (fixed my spelling mistake lol) 2021-12-17 02:01 (UTC)
[ if Aether was a cat, he would be arched up and hair standing on all ends at hearing that crunching... ???? noise?
What? What the heck is that? Child apologizes, sure, but Aether responds by only tightening his grip on the other. In fact, he grabs onto the other's coat with his other hand, too, peering ever so slightly from around the Harbinger as if they're close enough to actually encounter and visually see whatever is making that noise. If he has to deal with unpleasant stuff, he does his best to steel himself and stomach it. However, they don't have to deal with that at all, which means he has no interest or need to be putting on a brave face. Aether doesn't look frightened or anything, but he definitely is tense as that noise is uncomfortably unfamiliar. ]
Ugh, creepy... You don't know what it is? Seems like your style would be to run exactly right on over there to check it out.
Uhm, so... whatever it is will actually stay over there, though, right?
As far as I know. I've been meaning to head out there myself, but I really haven't had the time. Nor am I in any shape right now to be dealing with some kind of ancient horror, as fun as that sounds.
[Lumine has beaten him up enough and he fought a titan, so that's definitely not happening. He starts walking again, heading toward the forest beyond. The wood is thick, but he's confident that they'll be able to handle anything that might lurk within, and find the lake he's looking for.]
Honestly, I'm very much looking forward to our trip out into the wilderness tonight. It's the only relaxing thing I've tried to do all month. Thanks for agreeing to come with, by the way.
The only relaxing thing? Isn't that by your own design? [ this place isn't exactly a vacation but Childe's general chaotic nature kind of makes for very little relaxing, especially in a place like this.
At the thank you, though, Aether huffs. ] I don't even get why—
[ Aether stops midsentence, mentally chastising himself. It's not Childe's fault he knows his sister and not him, he doesn't have to keep pushing everything back to his sister. Besides, if Childe really is doing it just because he's Lumine's brother and to make Lumine happy, well, whatever. Aether doesn't have to throw it back in his face even if he really rather would.
Taking a deep breath, he exhales slowly into a sigh before finally speaking up again. ]
...You're welcome, but it's not really much of a big deal to be thanking me over. I may treat you distantly because of the situation, but in truth we're not.
[ aka he really did it because he usually enjoys histime with childe, so it's a mutual benefit. ]
[He glances over to Aether. That last sentence said a lot, even if it was said with so little words. Childe hadn't planned on attempting a heart-to-heart with him or anything, but it piques his natural curiosity all the same.]
You should tell me more about that. How you and I aren't so distant, despite the fact that I've never met you until you arrived here.
[The moonlight lights the hidden path as they enter the forest, empty limbs arcing over them as their feet crunch in the snow. Dead leaves come up with Childe's boots, leaving behind a visible trail that they'd be able to use when they left.]
I can't quite explain it, but you have a familiar presence about you. I have my own theories for that, but there's no telling if my intuition is correct.
Should I? What do you want to know? [ There's plenty to tell, technically, but also maybe very little considering things. Aether considers the familiarity comment before dismissing it. ] I have the same face as Lumine. That's probably all there is to it on your end. Unless I'm familiar from your past before you met Lumine, then maybe it's something else, but I wouldn't know anything about it.
[ Aether glances around, attempting to make some sense of being able to identify where they are so he isn't completely oblivious if they ever come back here. It's unfortunately difficult in the dark, but the moonlight also does wonders for bathing things in bleached light, especially with the snow reflecting it. ]
I guess I was just asking because you mentioned it.
[It's no more complicated than that. He's willing to listen if Aether is willing to share, but he imagines Aether might be just as guarded as Lumine.]
Though I don't have any reason from my past to know you, so it may very well be because the two of you are twins that I feel that way. But...
[He remembers what he was told, back in that dark dream that was shattering around him.]
I also know that realities can exist simultaneously, and even intersect due to the power of a certain Pthumerian. And I've always wondered if in another reality of mine, I knew you instead. Since it seems we're not so unfamiliar with each other.
[ Aether hums thoughtfully. ] Master Diluc spoke of something similar. I could be crazy and they did something to me like give me Lumine's memories, but the reality I come from I'm the Traveler and my sister is missing. I haven't met anyone here that remembers it like I do, though... So maybe it's really not the case. Granted I've only met you, Matter Diluc, Captain Kaeya, and my sister so far, but still...
[ he makes a rather defeated groan at the thought. ] Anyway, I really don't want them to have been messing with my head in that way. I would rather remember nothing.
[He hasn't mentioned Klee, Venti, Zhongli, Her Excellency, and now Xiao...quite a few more from Teyvat that might know him. Childe pulls his Omni out of his pocket, types something into it, then puts it away. He'd reveal the contents of it later.]
I have my doubts that your memories were tampered with. But, I have no evidence to the contrary right now. I'd take more credence with the explanation that Master Diluc gave you. Believe me, I was there as well...it's all true.
[ Aether blinks now, forgetting his complaining in favor of this new topic. Master Diluc hadn't mentioned anything about being somewhere, and Aether just assumed it was information they speculated on based on speaking with other Sleepers. ]
In the dream, where we learned of the horrifying power of the Pthumerians.
[He's not sure if he's mentioned this to Aether, but he knows now. What happened that day...it's a memory that if he isn't careful, will make him tear up a little. Crying really isn't in his wheelhouse, but that particular day left a scar.]
It's why Master Diluc and I made the decision to come to the Waking World instead of going back home. There's a lot more to discover here, and we've only seen the tip of the iceberg.
[ Aether doesn't bother pressing for details. Not because he isn't curious, but he knows that, back home, Childe only ever gave information when he felt like it and not from being pushed. He isn't aware of the trauma this particular situation put Childe through, but the same rule applies regardless and is how he is ultimately handles it. ]
Makes sense. I don't need anyone else but Lumine, but ... truthfully, it's kinda a little lonely here. I see friends... but they are just as far away as if they were all back home.
...Still, I'm glad you guys are taking care and watching out for each other and my sister, and that's what's most important to me.
I can see why you and Lumine are so close. I can't say I wouldn't feel the same as you if our situations were reversed.
[He understands, if they were taking care of Teucer, that's all that would matter to him as well. It's what a good brother would do, and it warms him to hear that Aether has the same values that he also cherishes.
Childe's Omni rings again, and he takes it out to tap a message into it again before putting it back in his pocket. He smiles, seemingly satisfied with what he'd seen on the device.]
For those of us who may not be from your timeline, there is a bright side to all of this. Even though we may not have memories of you, we've been given an opportunity to make new ones together as we push forward. Like right now.
[The treeline opens up, and a dead, dark, black lake sits before them.]
Lumine... is my only family left. [ he nods in regards to Childe's claim to understanding. Seeing how the other loved his siblings so much and that side of him was what had made it possible for the two of them to become close in the first place.
Aether blinks at Childe's comments, though, but before he can say anything, the place they've been heading to comes into view and Aether looks around curiously and with a healthy bit of interest. A black... lake? ] ...In time for... what?
[Childe only looks back to Aether and smiles, taking his Omni out of his pocket one more time. Another message is sent, but he doesn't put it away this time. He only stands silently, watching the time on his Omni until it's about one minute away from the time forecasted for this little show.]
In time for this, of course.
[It would be incredibly bad if he said that and nothing happened. He wasn't sure if it was going to happen or not.
But no less than ten seconds later, without warning, the lake lights up as if someone had flipped a switch. Light shines out from the pink water, the ice only serving to act as a prism that creates a flowing pink ribbon of light above the lake. The previously dead fish come back to life, and Childe looks on in wonder at the sight. It was beautiful- well worth coming out here. He's left breathless, eyes wide. Wow...]
[ Aether's eyes light up at the sight, awe struck, especially considering how gloomy Trench is. This vivid burst of color is so alien to him that it's almost blinding.
Nevertheless, it's a beautiful sight and Aether is disappointed he wasn't able to find the Kamera he carried back in Teyvat once here. Maybe their Omni will still take an okay picture, though?]
Wow! It is! Can we take a picture with our omni, you think?
Sure, I'd love to take a selfie with you. But honestly, I haven't even bothered to try to see if our Omnis can take photographs. It's not like the Fluid that I had, but it does function the sa-
[He gets cut off by one last text, his Omni playing the little text message jingle. It's important, so he reads it, messages back and smiles.]
Before we do so though, there's something I wanted to show you. Here. Read this.
[ Aether peers at the phone screen curiously, noticing a message and reading through it. He blinks before his eyes clearly light up with some joy but also some relief? His general aura feels a little less tense suddenly and more inviting, as if he's been holding himself back for some unknown reason.
The thing that really makes it hit home is the fact that Childe asked the right question. If he hadn't been so specific, Aether would have been a little more afraid of how Venti might know him. Afterall, he's been slowly suspicious that the archons would know both him and his sister from either timeline, it just depends which role one sits in versus the other.
He glances up to Childe now, big eyes bright even in the subdued light and offers him a very sincere smile. ] . . .Thanks, Childe.
Didn't I say I doubted your memories were tampered with?
[He sets his hand on his hip, giving Aether that same confident smile he flashes so often. All in a days work, really.]
I knew it would only be a matter of time before we found the answer. I just didn't think it would be so soon.
[He takes his Omni back, before going through the functions to find the camera. It wasn't exactly the same as his Fluid, but he's become technologically proficient enough now to figure it out. Selfies were another thing he'd learned from the dream too.]
Come here, we have to be pretty close together to both fit in the frame. Let's take that selfie you wanted.
[ Aether nods, going to move closer but ultimately jumps up to wrap his arms around the other's neck from his side to cling like a koala. His legs are dangling but he's good and careful to balance his weight by Childe's shoulders so he doesn't end up accidentally trying to choke him in this side-version of jumping on someone for a piggyback (which he would have done but equipment makes such things h a r d . ) ]
[He laughs as he's taken by surprise when Aether jumps up on him. There's something warm about it, something he'd never gotten to experience in his own world. He doesn't know Aether that well, but it doesn't feel like it's the same for his partner here.
Aether said that his friends felt far away sometimes...perhaps, he too, was one of those friends, having joyous moments together just like this one.
His eyes dart down to the traveler, smiling softly, before he focuses his attention back on the Omni that's he's holding out as far as he can to get a good shot of the both of them. Grinning, he winks at the camera as he snaps the picture, showing it to Aether once they're done.]
Say, how does that look? Think it got my good side?
[ Childe's will always be that person that Aether doesn't know if he's really friend or foe, but he likes to pretend while he can that they can be besties before what lies down the road pits them against one another. It feels inevitable in Teyvat with how fierce Childe's loyalty is to the Tsaritsa and Aether's clashes with the Fatui. Aether doesn't like to think about it, even though he should be preparing for it, but it's probably okay here in this place since they aren't on opposite sides.
Anyway, that's probably what he'll tell himself is the reason he is being so cozy all of a sudden with the other. Tomorrow he'll probably wake up and regret it considering it's only a one-sided level of friendship and probably is really really unsettling for the other.
For now, though, he's happy enough to know things with his memories are sound that letting his guard down a bit is okay.
Once the picture is taken, Aether drops down from clinging to him, leaning in to get a look at the picture on the camera. He grins, glancing up at the other. ] Yeah, I think you got it.
We can frame it and give it to Lumine. I'm sure she'll love staring at your face. For once it'll be not her doing so because she's trying to flatten you into the ground in a fight.
[He quickly sends Aether the picture to his Omni, so he can have it as well. Aether's comment is amusing to him, and there's no way he can't ask a question about that, even if it is a throwaway comment or a joke.]
Yeah? I had a feeling that I'd made that kind of impression on her, somehow.
[Is he kidding though? Who knows. Right now all Lumine is doing is fighting him every day to let all that unreleased steam out that she manages to build up every single day. Whatever, he's having fun with it, so that's all that matters.]
That's a pretty good idea though. I don't really have pictures of anyone. I'd like to get more to frame them and put them in my home.
[He goes to set his backpack down on the ice now, the pink glow from the lake easily letting him see to fish out a few foldable stools for them to use. They get set out so they could sit now, and Childe invites Aether to sit with him.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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[ Aether's eyes go wide for a second at the warning, but he doesn't need an answer to already be right behind Childe. He's not exactly easily spooked, but this place is pretty grotesque and he isn't interested in finding out how serious the other is about his statement.
At some point he's going to reach out and lightly grab onto the back of Childe's coat... you know, just in case. Or something. ]
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That's what I mean. If you can hear it of course. I haven't been out there myself, but the locals don't seem too keen on heading out that way.
[He feels Aether grab onto his coat, chuckling quietly.]
Hahaha, I didn't mean to frighten you.
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What? What the heck is that? Child apologizes, sure, but Aether responds by only tightening his grip on the other. In fact, he grabs onto the other's coat with his other hand, too, peering ever so slightly from around the Harbinger as if they're close enough to actually encounter and visually see whatever is making that noise. If he has to deal with unpleasant stuff, he does his best to steel himself and stomach it. However, they don't have to deal with that at all, which means he has no interest or need to be putting on a brave face. Aether doesn't look frightened or anything, but he definitely is tense as that noise is uncomfortably unfamiliar. ]
Ugh, creepy... You don't know what it is? Seems like your style would be to run exactly right on over there to check it out.
Uhm, so... whatever it is will actually stay over there, though, right?
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[Lumine has beaten him up enough and he fought a titan, so that's definitely not happening. He starts walking again, heading toward the forest beyond. The wood is thick, but he's confident that they'll be able to handle anything that might lurk within, and find the lake he's looking for.]
Honestly, I'm very much looking forward to our trip out into the wilderness tonight. It's the only relaxing thing I've tried to do all month. Thanks for agreeing to come with, by the way.
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At the thank you, though, Aether huffs. ] I don't even get why—
[ Aether stops midsentence, mentally chastising himself. It's not Childe's fault he knows his sister and not him, he doesn't have to keep pushing everything back to his sister. Besides, if Childe really is doing it just because he's Lumine's brother and to make Lumine happy, well, whatever. Aether doesn't have to throw it back in his face even if he really rather would.
Taking a deep breath, he exhales slowly into a sigh before finally speaking up again. ]
...You're welcome, but it's not really much of a big deal to be thanking me over. I may treat you distantly because of the situation, but in truth we're not.
[ aka he really did it because he usually enjoys histime with childe, so it's a mutual benefit. ]
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You should tell me more about that. How you and I aren't so distant, despite the fact that I've never met you until you arrived here.
[The moonlight lights the hidden path as they enter the forest, empty limbs arcing over them as their feet crunch in the snow. Dead leaves come up with Childe's boots, leaving behind a visible trail that they'd be able to use when they left.]
I can't quite explain it, but you have a familiar presence about you. I have my own theories for that, but there's no telling if my intuition is correct.
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[ Aether glances around, attempting to make some sense of being able to identify where they are so he isn't completely oblivious if they ever come back here. It's unfortunately difficult in the dark, but the moonlight also does wonders for bathing things in bleached light, especially with the snow reflecting it. ]
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[It's no more complicated than that. He's willing to listen if Aether is willing to share, but he imagines Aether might be just as guarded as Lumine.]
Though I don't have any reason from my past to know you, so it may very well be because the two of you are twins that I feel that way. But...
[He remembers what he was told, back in that dark dream that was shattering around him.]
I also know that realities can exist simultaneously, and even intersect due to the power of a certain Pthumerian. And I've always wondered if in another reality of mine, I knew you instead. Since it seems we're not so unfamiliar with each other.
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[ he makes a rather defeated groan at the thought. ] Anyway, I really don't want them to have been messing with my head in that way. I would rather remember nothing.
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[He hasn't mentioned Klee, Venti, Zhongli, Her Excellency, and now Xiao...quite a few more from Teyvat that might know him. Childe pulls his Omni out of his pocket, types something into it, then puts it away. He'd reveal the contents of it later.]
I have my doubts that your memories were tampered with. But, I have no evidence to the contrary right now. I'd take more credence with the explanation that Master Diluc gave you. Believe me, I was there as well...it's all true.
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[ Aether blinks now, forgetting his complaining in favor of this new topic. Master Diluc hadn't mentioned anything about being somewhere, and Aether just assumed it was information they speculated on based on speaking with other Sleepers. ]
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[He's not sure if he's mentioned this to Aether, but he knows now. What happened that day...it's a memory that if he isn't careful, will make him tear up a little. Crying really isn't in his wheelhouse, but that particular day left a scar.]
It's why Master Diluc and I made the decision to come to the Waking World instead of going back home. There's a lot more to discover here, and we've only seen the tip of the iceberg.
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[ Aether doesn't bother pressing for details. Not because he isn't curious, but he knows that, back home, Childe only ever gave information when he felt like it and not from being pushed. He isn't aware of the trauma this particular situation put Childe through, but the same rule applies regardless and is how he is ultimately handles it. ]
Makes sense. I don't need anyone else but Lumine, but ... truthfully, it's kinda a little lonely here. I see friends... but they are just as far away as if they were all back home.
...Still, I'm glad you guys are taking care and watching out for each other and my sister, and that's what's most important to me.
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[He understands, if they were taking care of Teucer, that's all that would matter to him as well. It's what a good brother would do, and it warms him to hear that Aether has the same values that he also cherishes.
Childe's Omni rings again, and he takes it out to tap a message into it again before putting it back in his pocket. He smiles, seemingly satisfied with what he'd seen on the device.]
For those of us who may not be from your timeline, there is a bright side to all of this. Even though we may not have memories of you, we've been given an opportunity to make new ones together as we push forward. Like right now.
[The treeline opens up, and a dead, dark, black lake sits before them.]
I think we've made it just in time.
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Aether blinks at Childe's comments, though, but before he can say anything, the place they've been heading to comes into view and Aether looks around curiously and with a healthy bit of interest. A black... lake? ] ...In time for... what?
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In time for this, of course.
[It would be incredibly bad if he said that and nothing happened. He wasn't sure if it was going to happen or not.
But no less than ten seconds later, without warning, the lake lights up as if someone had flipped a switch. Light shines out from the pink water, the ice only serving to act as a prism that creates a flowing pink ribbon of light above the lake. The previously dead fish come back to life, and Childe looks on in wonder at the sight. It was beautiful- well worth coming out here. He's left breathless, eyes wide. Wow...]
What a gorgeous sight...incredible.
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Nevertheless, it's a beautiful sight and Aether is disappointed he wasn't able to find the Kamera he carried back in Teyvat once here. Maybe their Omni will still take an okay picture, though?]
Wow! It is! Can we take a picture with our omni, you think?
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[He gets cut off by one last text, his Omni playing the little text message jingle. It's important, so he reads it, messages back and smiles.]
Before we do so though, there's something I wanted to show you. Here. Read this.
[He hands Aether his Omni, to show him who and what he's been texting about this entire time.]
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The thing that really makes it hit home is the fact that Childe asked the right question. If he hadn't been so specific, Aether would have been a little more afraid of how Venti might know him. Afterall, he's been slowly suspicious that the archons would know both him and his sister from either timeline, it just depends which role one sits in versus the other.
He glances up to Childe now, big eyes bright even in the subdued light and offers him a very sincere smile. ] . . .Thanks, Childe.
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[He sets his hand on his hip, giving Aether that same confident smile he flashes so often. All in a days work, really.]
I knew it would only be a matter of time before we found the answer. I just didn't think it would be so soon.
[He takes his Omni back, before going through the functions to find the camera. It wasn't exactly the same as his Fluid, but he's become technologically proficient enough now to figure it out. Selfies were another thing he'd learned from the dream too.]
Come here, we have to be pretty close together to both fit in the frame. Let's take that selfie you wanted.
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Okay, ready!! Smile!
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[He laughs as he's taken by surprise when Aether jumps up on him. There's something warm about it, something he'd never gotten to experience in his own world. He doesn't know Aether that well, but it doesn't feel like it's the same for his partner here.
Aether said that his friends felt far away sometimes...perhaps, he too, was one of those friends, having joyous moments together just like this one.
His eyes dart down to the traveler, smiling softly, before he focuses his attention back on the Omni that's he's holding out as far as he can to get a good shot of the both of them. Grinning, he winks at the camera as he snaps the picture, showing it to Aether once they're done.]
Say, how does that look? Think it got my good side?
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Anyway, that's probably what he'll tell himself is the reason he is being so cozy all of a sudden with the other. Tomorrow he'll probably wake up and regret it considering it's only a one-sided level of friendship and probably is really really unsettling for the other.
For now, though, he's happy enough to know things with his memories are sound that letting his guard down a bit is okay.
Once the picture is taken, Aether drops down from clinging to him, leaning in to get a look at the picture on the camera. He grins, glancing up at the other. ] Yeah, I think you got it.
We can frame it and give it to Lumine. I'm sure she'll love staring at your face. For once it'll be not her doing so because she's trying to flatten you into the ground in a fight.
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Yeah? I had a feeling that I'd made that kind of impression on her, somehow.
[Is he kidding though? Who knows. Right now all Lumine is doing is fighting him every day to let all that unreleased steam out that she manages to build up every single day. Whatever, he's having fun with it, so that's all that matters.]
That's a pretty good idea though. I don't really have pictures of anyone. I'd like to get more to frame them and put them in my home.
[He goes to set his backpack down on the ice now, the pink glow from the lake easily letting him see to fish out a few foldable stools for them to use. They get set out so they could sit now, and Childe invites Aether to sit with him.]
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