[ it's true, he doesn't know, yet... a canon update may be a thing in his future. Aether gets to making some hot chocolate for Albedo's arrival, humming thoughtfully at the question when asked, but answers quickly enough that it's obviously not something he has any hesitations on. ] It's you, so I'll tell you everything I know.
[ Aether isn't sure if he should take the hot chocolate from the heat yet, so he'll head to the door to peek out out, and if Albedo is already there, his expression will light up clearly and open the door in welcome. ] I'm really so happy to see you again!
[ oh wait... he should clarify, right, since he still thinks this Albedo doesn't know him as the Traveler. ] ...Again for me, I mean. Sorry, I hope it's not awkward for me to say that. [ it probably is, though? ...okay, it absolutely is. Aether maybe sweats a little. ]
[ dun dun dunnn good thing albedo's endowed with sharp reflexes; his knuckles would have collided against aether's face rather than the door itself otherwise.
but it shows in his eyes, curiosity piqued: the twins, the differences they share, was an oddly captivating thing. aether, despite the presented fib, seems to hold little to no reluctance in rekindling a friendship that could have been lost to time and space. in comparison: lumine seemed more cagey, inclined to deflect than confront. he wonders if her behavior has anything to do with the symptoms of corruption she seems concerned over. or maybe that's just how she is.
no matter: albedo does not demolish the awful joke quite yet — ]
'Awkward'? Now what makes you say that? [ a moment of silence for ~ dramatic effect ~ ]
[ Aether had tried to be more guarded and wary of those that remember his sister, instead, but in the end it just didn't work out well with his personality. Diluc had been especially nice to and doting on him enough it was hard not see Diluc as the same from back home.
Maybe a few hundred years of bitterness would have to take him first before he was more capable of it.
Either way, Aether seems pretty trustworthy that Albedo won't do anything like accidentally smack his face because he doesn't flinch even upon catching that Albedo was pulling back his hand quite quickly. Talk about trust exercises.
Aether opens his mouth with the silence following the awkward question about awkwardness, but he doesn't quite know how to put it in words.
... Which works out in the end because Albedo finally speaks once more. For a moment, the Traveler is quite obviously surprised before those big golden eyes sparkle a bit. This isn't how he normally is when seeing his friends after a long time back in Teyvat, but Trench kind of sucks, and while he would want to be friends again, regardless, just being remembered folks him with a warmth that just sends him over the moon. It's enough that the alchemist will get pounced for a hug. Also, he knows he can see people again back in Teyvat, but this is another world all its own. The chances are small. ] Huh?! Since when did you start making such bad jokes!
[ Canon update would have helped him be more prepared for this teasing side of Albedo, in all fairness, but he's not, and he only knows the archons remember him so it's extra special joy to know he has Albedo now! So, yes, have a hug for your efforts, Albedo. ]
[ a chuckle surfaces just to wane out of — surprise.
it's easier to accept these from klee — unruly in nature, but family all the same. aether is something of a first, still, a friend he never thought he'd have considering the odds. albedo understands he can choose between reciprocation or impart silent rejection. even then, for a moment, he isn't certain what he ought to do with his hands — until his arms wrap loosely around aether, deciding wholeheartedly that perhaps even this is a fragment of a miracle. regardless of the memories his friend has been robbed of, aether is still aether; albedo can still sense the aura of the stars that continues to embody the traveler.
good thing there are no strings attached to their chests; ashes to ashes, dust to dust and all, and they both can't be having that considering who and what they are living for, but anyway — ]
Was it as bad as you say? ... Did I give you a fright?
[ light-hearted with his usual solemnity underneath that veil; he'll ensure this will be the first and last time he jests about this if it actually means something to aether, at the very least. ]
[ he's glad that Albedo accepts the hug, and help let him go not too long after to take his hand drag him inside because it's cold out! That and Albedo should be in the house, not standing outside it like he's not allowed to be a part of it. ]
Well. . . I guess it's not bad in the sense it was really believable. [ he smiles a bit despite, looking sheepish for a moment before admitting an extra little bit: ] Most of the people from Teyvat here don't know me as the Traveler. It was hard to accept at first, but I'm glad my sister has a lot of support outlets and she isn't stuck with just me.
Still, I'm a little selfish, and can't help but want to be known as I remember myself.
[ Aether rubs his head idly, feeling a bit embarrassed admitting to his selfishness, but he thinks Albedo will be the least likely to judge him for it. ] Let's just say... it means the world to me that you remember me, Albedo. —N-now, wait right here!
[ Aether practically shimmies off to the kitchen, hoping that wasn't too forward a thing to say (it totally was), but he can't help it. It's been excruciatingly lonely here, and seeing people he knows as friends look at him like a stranger has been awful when they were the people who helped him along in the absence of Lumine. He's so grateful to have Lumine here and her being herself, not as he met her with Dainsleif, but seeing the cost of such actively around him daily is a bit hard. At least if he found her in Teyvat and they left, he wouldn't be seeing the others around anymore and he would just be back to focusing on her alone. Here though, it's impossible.
It's also impossible not to worry about all of them just the same.
Nevertheless, none of them have been ... untoward him in any way. Aether gets the hot chocolate into two mugs before returning. He will encourage Albedo to sit down if he's still standing and go sit with him as well after setting the mug down in front of him. ]
[ in comparison: albedo passively accepts the circumstances, does not seek to reforge what has already been lost. the context, the stories shared so recently, remains in the tomb of the world they once resided in. as far as he, himself, is concerned: things are fine just the way they are, even with the loneliness, and the familiar routine that slotted themselves into his daily life here in trench.
so when he obliges and takes that humble seat, albedo will take the mug into his gloved hands and — ]
... I believe congratulations are in order — [ he loops back to an easier topic to address, one that hardly teetered on the precarious line of memories. ] though I suppose one can say the state of affairs can use some improvement.
[ in other words: the twins finally finding one another in a place like this? horrendous. still, he decides to ask anyway, after some thought: ]
Is it really a disagreeable thing to want to be remembered for who and what you truly are?
It's nice to have her back. Considering it seems impossible to leave this place on our own, it's a comforting feeling that she's here and not somewhere I can no longer reach.
[ Aether considers Albedo's words, taking note of the truth that rings through them. Already he's grateful for the other being here, his impartialness and clear thinking a blessing in a place such as this. ] You're right... but, is this case different at all? They are from a different version of Teyvat. Does that mean it would still be unfair to want them to know me...?
[ what a thing to discuss with someone like albedo. ]
It depends on the method and how you decide to react to the mercurial nature of the given results. What you once had with someone, for example, may take a longer or shorter duration to establish again. Even then, it may not return to you in the form it once possessed.
[ albedo takes more than just a sip of the given hot chocolate now, his face saying it all: he's wholly satisfied with it. ]
So long as you exercise patience and allow yourself and the various possibilities enough room for flexibility, no outcome should be too dissatisfying. However, if you mean to imply that you wish to be known as the traveler you've always been...
[ then again, what did he know. human relationships are an inconvenience at best. ]
[ Aether nods slowly, drinking his own hot chocolate. Albedo will never realize it, but it's wholly comforting to be able to talk to him like this. He feels like he can truly confide in the other and that he's not simply being placated with words. ] No, as much as I miss them, I don't want to take that away from my sister. She deserves to be remembered for who she is as much as I do.
[ There is a short pause, unsure if he should mention it. ] What if... in that timeline... I'm... no, nevermind. That's not important. [ —not to mention unfair to dump on Albedo. Aether forces a smile though and shakes off the negativity starting to enclose on him and his thoughts. ]
It's okay, regardless, now that you're here.
But, what did you want to ask me about Trench? I probably don't have as many fantastical tales as some other people but hopefully they'll still be useful to you.
[ albedo can let it go like he always have. maintain the comfortable distance in between and savor the rare occurrence of seeing one another again, all without having to delve deeper and fully understand who they really are as people — it was a companionship that befits someone like albedo. up until he disclosed what he held so close to his own heart.
under the pretext of an investigative pursuit than anything remotely personal: he is mildly curious of lumine's timeline, though nothing beyond what he has openly mused over with his rhetorical questioning — the dissonant memories, if there was some way for those recollections, the gaps serving as moments forgotten, to be completely restored, gradually or no — or did the gods of this world saw it fit to arbitrarily truncate whatever they wanted from their respective life experiences? never to have them returned — ]
Useful or no, your input will always be valuable to me. But I'm more than willing to postpone that discussion for the time being. After all...
[ albedo won't pry. not beyond these next set of words, at least: ] ... It seems there is something that has been troubling you.
[ Aether opens his mouth to respond, say that it's fine and Albedo can ask away. When the other mentions things troubling him, he hesitates. For a moment, he feels his heart quicken, and there's a desire to blurt it out, because it's been so frustrating to hold back and keep it away from the others.
He thinks Albedo is truly the first person to have noticed it beyond his sister (or, at least, has made aware he senses it), and his initial conflict ricochets between telling a secret he's not sure he wants to burden his friend with and indulging in the ability to finally be able to confide in someone who knows him. The conflict eases, though, upon realizing how relieved he is to finally simply have someone here like this. Someone evening taking too him, saying such a thing to begin with. Someone that can notice his behavior, can tell him when he's acting wrong or out of his usual self.
There's a soft sigh and he smiles a bit before drinking more of the hot beverage in his cup.] ... Yeah. There are a few things, but... you're here, so I think they all just have started mattering that much less. If they become too much, though, I'll come to you with them.
[ he's feeling better, if nothing else. It doesn't seem to be fleeting, either. ]
Now... you are sure you don't want to ask those questions? Would you mind if I spend the afternoon with you, anyway?
[ he almost wants to ask how so; would aether feel otherwise if albedo's memories of the traveler were readily replaced with his sister instead? but those thoughts dissolves into a different train of thought, something light-hearted, less thought-provoking; it isn't albedo's place to insist on a topic beyond alchemical discussions. so he doesn't, and will simply take aether's word for it instead. ]
While I do not mind, and you may have many more of my afternoons to come — [ his sketchbook and charcoal stick appears in his hands. with his gaze now downcast, he begins his little draft. if aether decides to take a peek, he may find a familiar pair of eyes ( aether's, specifically ). ]
I do want to ask you something in particular. Would you consent to your sister being the main subject matter of a conducted research?
[ it sounds absolutely silly; there is a tonal change that almost suggests that he's joking. deep within though, albedo seeks aether's authorization, like he's hoping for some sort of penance for having to keep a certain secret from him. if aether happens to decline, the most he'll do to ensure he wouldn't overstep that boundary is to at least watch over her, try to find remedies that would cause the least interference with her lest it somehow manages to calm whatever currently perturbs her, however slight. ]
Ah, uh—?[ Aether shows his surprise openly at the question, none or not. How unexpected a question?! ] I... uhm, if she's okay with it, I don't know if I can stop her, anyway. I guess I wouldn't be okay with it if she's not, obviously. But, otherwise, you know... she's gonna do what she wants, ah heh. [ He has no idea what Albedo may even be referring to, and his train of thought just immediately goes to along similar ideas of what he's tested with Aether. Lumine went through those same things, so it's not like he'd be protecting her from anything if he didn't give his consent, as far as he knows.
All he knows for sure is that what he says is only a formality, at best, anyway. He doesn't have any push or pull on anyone's decisions, and that's most of all true with his his sister. That's what happens when no one knows who you are. Your influence, if you ever had any to begin with, goes poof.
In the case of Lumine, though, it's all the result of just typical sibling stuff. ]
As you've said, Traveler, she will do as she wishes. Then, are you implying that I may behave similarly by dismissing what you most covet solely because I was given her hypothetical approval?
[ albedo carries on with his harmless charade. he didn't come here for this, really; the question is more of an afterthought than something predetermined. but aether's answer is unsatisfactory, strongly emphasizing on his sister's personal decisions and nothing more. ]
Aether is starting to sweat, admittedly. These are questions he isn't prepared to answer and when Albedo words then as he does, Aether is uncertain about his previous answer. At the very least, the alchemist is very good at getting Aether to agree with him that his previous answer wasn't good enough and he didn't even have to give his opinio on it. ]
T..hat...uhm, hm. [ the Traveler clears his throat gently as he thinks on this before ultimately craning his neck to look back at Albedo. ] I mean, isn't this the part where I trust you're not going to do anything that I would freak out about you doing because we're friends...? I can trust you with my sister...??
[ ... yes. yes, you can, aether. he's just kidding. don't kick him out of your life —
but his mug is splendidly empty after he reaches for it once more, belly full and warm. the ceramic itself sits by the edge of his side of the table, like a silent insistence that he'll be washing it on his own before he makes his little departure from aether's home. for now: albedo does not return to his sketch, almost halfway to completion; he decides it might be more interesting to simply observe his friend. ]
Perhaps the better question to deliver is: what will cause you to conveniently... 'freak out'?
[ that might yield a more personalized answer compared to a moment ago. hopefully?? ]
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.. a canon update may be a thing in his future. Aether gets to making some hot chocolate for Albedo's arrival, humming thoughtfully at the question when asked, but answers quickly enough that it's obviously not something he has any hesitations on. ] It's you, so I'll tell you everything I know.[ Aether isn't sure if he should take the hot chocolate from the heat yet, so he'll head to the door to peek out out, and if Albedo is already there, his expression will light up clearly and open the door in welcome. ] I'm really so happy to see you again!
[ oh wait... he should clarify, right, since he still thinks this Albedo doesn't know him as the Traveler. ] ...Again for me, I mean. Sorry, I hope it's not awkward for me to say that. [ it probably is, though? ...okay, it absolutely is. Aether maybe sweats a little. ]
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dun dun dunnngood thing albedo's endowed with sharp reflexes; his knuckles would have collided against aether's face rather than the door itself otherwise.but it shows in his eyes, curiosity piqued: the twins, the differences they share, was an oddly captivating thing. aether, despite the presented fib, seems to hold little to no reluctance in rekindling a friendship that could have been lost to time and space. in comparison: lumine seemed more cagey, inclined to deflect than confront. he wonders if her behavior has anything to do with the symptoms of corruption she seems concerned over. or maybe that's just how she is.
no matter: albedo does not demolish the awful joke quite yet — ]
'Awkward'? Now what makes you say that? [ a moment of silence for ~ dramatic effect ~ ]
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Maybe a few hundred years of bitterness would have to take him first before he was more capable of it.
Either way, Aether seems pretty trustworthy that Albedo won't do anything like accidentally smack his face because he doesn't flinch even upon catching that Albedo was pulling back his hand quite quickly. Talk about trust exercises.
Aether opens his mouth with the silence following the awkward question about awkwardness, but he doesn't quite know how to put it in words.
... Which works out in the end because Albedo finally speaks once more. For a moment, the Traveler is quite obviously surprised before those big golden eyes sparkle a bit. This isn't how he normally is when seeing his friends after a long time back in Teyvat, but Trench kind of sucks, and while he would want to be friends again, regardless, just being remembered folks him with a warmth that just sends him over the moon. It's enough that the alchemist will get pounced for a hug. Also, he knows he can see people again back in Teyvat, but this is another world all its own. The chances are small. ] Huh?! Since when did you start making such bad jokes!
[ Canon update would have helped him be more prepared for this teasing side of Albedo, in all fairness, but he's not, and he only knows the archons remember him so it's extra special joy to know he has Albedo now! So, yes, have a hug for your efforts, Albedo. ]
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it's easier to accept these from klee — unruly in nature, but family all the same. aether is something of a first, still, a friend he never thought he'd have considering the odds. albedo understands he can choose between reciprocation or impart silent rejection. even then, for a moment, he isn't certain what he ought to do with his hands — until his arms wrap loosely around aether, deciding wholeheartedly that perhaps even this is a fragment of a miracle. regardless of the memories his friend has been robbed of, aether is still aether; albedo can still sense the aura of the stars that continues to embody the traveler.
good thing there are no strings attached to their chests; ashes to ashes, dust to dust and all, and they both can't be having that considering who and what they are living for, but anyway — ]
Was it as bad as you say? ... Did I give you a fright?
[ light-hearted with his usual solemnity underneath that veil; he'll ensure this will be the first and last time he jests about this if it actually means something to aether, at the very least. ]
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Well. . . I guess it's not bad in the sense it was really believable. [ he smiles a bit despite, looking sheepish for a moment before admitting an extra little bit: ] Most of the people from Teyvat here don't know me as the Traveler. It was hard to accept at first, but I'm glad my sister has a lot of support outlets and she isn't stuck with just me.
Still, I'm a little selfish, and can't help but want to be known as I remember myself.
[ Aether rubs his head idly, feeling a bit embarrassed admitting to his selfishness, but he thinks Albedo will be the least likely to judge him for it. ] Let's just say... it means the world to me that you remember me, Albedo. —N-now, wait right here!
[ Aether practically shimmies off to the kitchen, hoping that wasn't too forward a thing to say (it totally was), but he can't help it. It's been excruciatingly lonely here, and seeing people he knows as friends look at him like a stranger has been awful when they were the people who helped him along in the absence of Lumine. He's so grateful to have Lumine here and her being herself, not as he met her with Dainsleif, but seeing the cost of such actively around him daily is a bit hard. At least if he found her in Teyvat and they left, he wouldn't be seeing the others around anymore and he would just be back to focusing on her alone. Here though, it's impossible.
It's also impossible not to worry about all of them just the same.
Nevertheless, none of them have been ... untoward him in any way. Aether gets the hot chocolate into two mugs before returning. He will encourage Albedo to sit down if he's still standing and go sit with him as well after setting the mug down in front of him. ]
Here, enjoy.
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so when he obliges and takes that humble seat, albedo will take the mug into his gloved hands and — ]
... I believe congratulations are in order — [ he loops back to an easier topic to address, one that hardly teetered on the precarious line of memories. ] though I suppose one can say the state of affairs can use some improvement.
[ in other words: the twins finally finding one another in a place like this? horrendous. still, he decides to ask anyway, after some thought: ]
Is it really a disagreeable thing to want to be remembered for who and what you truly are?
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It's nice to have her back. Considering it seems impossible to leave this place on our own, it's a comforting feeling that she's here and not somewhere I can no longer reach.
[ Aether considers Albedo's words, taking note of the truth that rings through them. Already he's grateful for the other being here, his impartialness and clear thinking a blessing in a place such as this. ] You're right... but, is this case different at all? They are from a different version of Teyvat. Does that mean it would still be unfair to want them to know me...?
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It depends on the method and how you decide to react to the mercurial nature of the given results. What you once had with someone, for example, may take a longer or shorter duration to establish again. Even then, it may not return to you in the form it once possessed.
[ albedo takes more than just a sip of the given hot chocolate now, his face saying it all: he's wholly satisfied with it. ]
So long as you exercise patience and allow yourself and the various possibilities enough room for flexibility, no outcome should be too dissatisfying. However, if you mean to imply that you wish to be known as the traveler you've always been...
[ then again, what did he know. human relationships are an inconvenience at best. ]
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[ There is a short pause, unsure if he should mention it. ] What if... in that timeline... I'm... no, nevermind. That's not important. [ —not to mention unfair to dump on Albedo. Aether forces a smile though and shakes off the negativity starting to enclose on him and his thoughts. ]
It's okay, regardless, now that you're here.
But, what did you want to ask me about Trench? I probably don't have as many fantastical tales as some other people but hopefully they'll still be useful to you.
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under the pretext of an investigative pursuit than anything remotely personal: he is mildly curious of lumine's timeline, though nothing beyond what he has openly mused over with his rhetorical questioning — the dissonant memories, if there was some way for those recollections, the gaps serving as moments forgotten, to be completely restored, gradually or no — or did the gods of this world saw it fit to arbitrarily truncate whatever they wanted from their respective life experiences? never to have them returned — ]
Useful or no, your input will always be valuable to me. But I'm more than willing to postpone that discussion for the time being. After all...
[ albedo won't pry. not beyond these next set of words, at least: ] ... It seems there is something that has been troubling you.
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He thinks Albedo is truly the first person to have noticed it beyond his sister (or, at least, has made aware he senses it), and his initial conflict ricochets between telling a secret he's not sure he wants to burden his friend with and indulging in the ability to finally be able to confide in someone who knows him. The conflict eases, though, upon realizing how relieved he is to finally simply have someone here like this. Someone evening taking too him, saying such a thing to begin with. Someone that can notice his behavior, can tell him when he's acting wrong or out of his usual self.
There's a soft sigh and he smiles a bit before drinking more of the hot beverage in his cup.] ... Yeah. There are a few things, but... you're here, so I think they all just have started mattering that much less. If they become too much, though, I'll come to you with them.
[ he's feeling better, if nothing else. It doesn't seem to be fleeting, either. ]
Now... you are sure you don't want to ask those questions? Would you mind if I spend the afternoon with you, anyway?
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While I do not mind, and you may have many more of my afternoons to come — [ his sketchbook and charcoal stick appears in his hands. with his gaze now downcast, he begins his little draft. if aether decides to take a peek, he may find a familiar pair of eyes ( aether's, specifically ). ]
I do want to ask you something in particular. Would you consent to your sister being the main subject matter of a conducted research?
[ it sounds absolutely silly; there is a tonal change that almost suggests that he's joking. deep within though, albedo seeks aether's authorization, like he's hoping for some sort of penance for having to keep a certain secret from him. if aether happens to decline, the most he'll do to ensure he wouldn't overstep that boundary is to at least watch over her, try to find remedies that would cause the least interference with her lest it somehow manages to calm whatever currently perturbs her, however slight. ]
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All he knows for sure is that what he says is only a formality, at best, anyway. He doesn't have any push or pull on anyone's decisions, and that's most of all true with his his sister. That's what happens when no one knows who you are. Your influence, if you ever had any to begin with, goes poof.
In the case of Lumine, though, it's all the result of just typical sibling stuff. ]
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[ albedo carries on with his harmless charade. he didn't come here for this, really; the question is more of an afterthought than something predetermined. but aether's answer is unsatisfactory, strongly emphasizing on his sister's personal decisions and nothing more. ]
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Aether is starting to sweat, admittedly. These are questions he isn't prepared to answer and when Albedo words then as he does, Aether is uncertain about his previous answer. At the very least, the alchemist is very good at getting Aether to agree with him that his previous answer wasn't good enough and he didn't even have to give his opinio on it. ]
T..hat...uhm, hm. [ the Traveler clears his throat gently as he thinks on this before ultimately craning his neck to look back at Albedo. ] I mean, isn't this the part where I trust you're not going to do anything that I would freak out about you doing because we're friends...? I can trust you with my sister...??
[ more than Childe anyway? Right? Probably? ]
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[ ... yes. yes, you can, aether. he's just kidding. don't kick him out of your life —
but his mug is splendidly empty after he reaches for it once more, belly full and warm. the ceramic itself sits by the edge of his side of the table, like a silent insistence that he'll be washing it on his own before he makes his little departure from aether's home. for now: albedo does not return to his sketch, almost halfway to completion; he decides it might be more interesting to simply observe his friend. ]
Perhaps the better question to deliver is: what will cause you to conveniently... 'freak out'?
[ that might yield a more personalized answer compared to a moment ago. hopefully?? ]