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( before overflow! )
It might be possible to buy them off-season...
[ from... enterprising merchants, of course. he knows full well that moon cakes don't actually come from the moon, but after seeing how sad qiqi looked after finding out that coconut milk doesn't come from cocogoats, he's not about to break her little heart again... ]
Maybe we can ask Baizhu to get you some.
It might be possible to buy them off-season...
[ from... enterprising merchants, of course. he knows full well that moon cakes don't actually come from the moon, but after seeing how sad qiqi looked after finding out that coconut milk doesn't come from cocogoats, he's not about to break her little heart again... ]
Maybe we can ask Baizhu to get you some.
( before overflow! )
Some fool I am.
You would be pretty dependable if you didn't lie about things that don't need lying about, though.
Some fool I am.
You would be pretty dependable if you didn't lie about things that don't need lying about, though.
( before overflow! )
I've already broken a few laws. What's one more?
[...Curiously, that's a bit of a non-answer — sure, it implies that he is underage, but it's not quite yes, not quite no. It's not a number, that's for sure. Still, if the traveler is going to be cagey about it, that's his right.
He leans back in his chair, casually weary.]
I stole the bottle because one of the adepti requested that I take it back to him. Apparently it's a sacred relic of some sort. The funny thing is, he only wants the bottle, and doesn't care about the wine... whereas the officials working with the Qixing think that the relic is the wine.
I've already broken a few laws. What's one more?
[...Curiously, that's a bit of a non-answer — sure, it implies that he is underage, but it's not quite yes, not quite no. It's not a number, that's for sure. Still, if the traveler is going to be cagey about it, that's his right.
He leans back in his chair, casually weary.]
I stole the bottle because one of the adepti requested that I take it back to him. Apparently it's a sacred relic of some sort. The funny thing is, he only wants the bottle, and doesn't care about the wine... whereas the officials working with the Qixing think that the relic is the wine.
Edited 2020-11-29 20:22 (UTC)
I won't stop you.
[Aether is a special case, in Childe's opinion... He's powerful enough to have certain rights in his mind. And laws about drinking have never been Childe's main concern in the first place.
He looks at the bottle curiously for a second, then back at Aether.]
If you want to try it, I'll have someone bring in a glass for you. But are you sure the adepti won't mind?
I can have someone bring in a different bottle of wine as well.
[Aether is a special case, in Childe's opinion... He's powerful enough to have certain rights in his mind. And laws about drinking have never been Childe's main concern in the first place.
He looks at the bottle curiously for a second, then back at Aether.]
If you want to try it, I'll have someone bring in a glass for you. But are you sure the adepti won't mind?
I can have someone bring in a different bottle of wine as well.
( before overflow! )
[ oh.
phew.
that's... a bit of a relief... ]
Of course we can share a bed, Razor.
I'm probably not as fluffy as a wolf, but I can pet you before we sleep, if that's something you'd enjoy?
[ oh.
phew.
that's... a bit of a relief... ]
Of course we can share a bed, Razor.
I'm probably not as fluffy as a wolf, but I can pet you before we sleep, if that's something you'd enjoy?
Edited 2020-12-05 22:48 (UTC)
( before overflow! )
What in this world makes you think I want to see the internal organs of sea creatures you've slain on a weekly basis?
What in this world makes you think I want to see the internal organs of sea creatures you've slain on a weekly basis?
( before overflow! )
Not... exactly.
I once spent five weeks in a village that only allowed women past the gates, if that helps.
[ ...it didn't involve much of a disguise. ]
Not... exactly.
I once spent five weeks in a village that only allowed women past the gates, if that helps.
[ ...it didn't involve much of a disguise. ]
( before overflow! )
Are you saying you actually want me to punch you in the face?
Because that can be arranged very easily.
Are you saying you actually want me to punch you in the face?
Because that can be arranged very easily.
Is that what it would take for you to stop being upset with me?
( before overflow! )
[The suspense is actually the worst part of this. Like... is Xiao actually getting himself ready right now? Is Xiao actually masturbating right now? To get himself to full hardness for the photo...?
A man like Childe — and it was Childe who sent Aether that first dick pic, sorry Childe — probably just has a slew of suggestive photos for every erotic occasion; Aether hadn't thought much of it. (He did like the view... He just hadn't thought much of it.) This suspense, though, it's something different.]
take your time
[What else is one supposed to say in a situation like this...?]
[The suspense is actually the worst part of this. Like... is Xiao actually getting himself ready right now? Is Xiao actually masturbating right now? To get himself to full hardness for the photo...?
A man like Childe — and it was Childe who sent Aether that first dick pic, sorry Childe — probably just has a slew of suggestive photos for every erotic occasion; Aether hadn't thought much of it. (He did like the view... He just hadn't thought much of it.) This suspense, though, it's something different.]
take your time
[What else is one supposed to say in a situation like this...?]
Edited 2021-01-22 01:43 (UTC)
[Is it bad to say that Xiao was finding mild amusement in this? This act of sharing intimate photos was still odd to him, but he was trying to put forth more effort to branch out with the human ways. And of the few humans he allows himself to acquaint with, Aether is high on the list.
Doing the deed on the other hand was... interesting. He has held no need or interest to arouse himself in such a way, especially in this form, but eventually he got around to it. Enough that he could send a picture that was close to resemblance of the last one.]
Alright, incoming.
Doing the deed on the other hand was... interesting. He has held no need or interest to arouse himself in such a way, especially in this form, but eventually he got around to it. Enough that he could send a picture that was close to resemblance of the last one.]
Alright, incoming.
( before overflow! )
[Going off Childe's little tip about not being far from the bar where he got himself into this state to begin with, Aether finds the Harbinger quickly enough. Liyue Harbor is a big place, with ocean water almost everywhere one cares to look, but he could only be one place in the end: down by the pier.]
There you are.
[Sighing, the traveler approaches Childe the way one might approach an injured animal — both arms out in cautious supplication.]
You big fool. How much have you had to drink?
[Going off Childe's little tip about not being far from the bar where he got himself into this state to begin with, Aether finds the Harbinger quickly enough. Liyue Harbor is a big place, with ocean water almost everywhere one cares to look, but he could only be one place in the end: down by the pier.]
There you are.
[Sighing, the traveler approaches Childe the way one might approach an injured animal — both arms out in cautious supplication.]
You big fool. How much have you had to drink?
[Childe is sitting with his back against a giant anchor, looking out across the ocean. He's absently picking up tiny rocks and other bits of dirt and debris that have gathered on the pier, tossing them out over the edge, though he's not paying much attention to where they land. It's just something to do while he waits
He's clearly restless. If the alcohol wasn't also making him tired, he would have wandered off by now.]
Heyyyyy.
[But when Aether arrives, he turns his head, smiling brightly at him. His left cheek seems to be one giant bruise, but that's not really bothering him.]
I had a lot.
He's clearly restless. If the alcohol wasn't also making him tired, he would have wandered off by now.]
Heyyyyy.
[But when Aether arrives, he turns his head, smiling brightly at him. His left cheek seems to be one giant bruise, but that's not really bothering him.]
I had a lot.
( x )
I know you care, Aether. I'll even be the first to admit that Childe is...
[ shamelessly bloodthirsty? indifferent to sacrificing countless lives? ] Irresponsible
But it's just breakfast. And he has his redeeming qualities, too, you know. Like how I don't have to read his mind or wonder if he's hiding something from me - I know for a fact that he is.
In a way, doesn't that make him a little more reliable than your Captain Kaeya?
I know you care, Aether. I'll even be the first to admit that Childe is...
[ shamelessly bloodthirsty? indifferent to sacrificing countless lives? ] Irresponsible
But it's just breakfast. And he has his redeeming qualities, too, you know. Like how I don't have to read his mind or wonder if he's hiding something from me - I know for a fact that he is.
In a way, doesn't that make him a little more reliable than your Captain Kaeya?
( before overflow! )
Okay. I'll be there in a minute.
[It takes less than a minute, on account of the traveler's predilection for teleport waypoints and the fact that one is rather conveniently located atop the Favonius building itself. From there, it's an easy drop down to the front entrance, where the guardsmen seem pleased to see him — then it's easy enough for the Honorary Knight to make some excuses to get into the basement, where the Cavalry Captain is probably waiting to lead him into the catacombs.
Whether Kaeya lied about the result or genuinely flipped a coin for it is quite irrelevant to Aether; either way, they've agreed to spend time together, and what's a lie or two between friends, really? In any case, when Aether saunters up with a faint smile, absent his usual pixie companion, he seems to be in a good mood, and this seems like it will be a fun evening.]
Hi, Kaeya. Is your depth perception going to be alright in the dark?
[Really, what a question to lead with...]
Okay. I'll be there in a minute.
[It takes less than a minute, on account of the traveler's predilection for teleport waypoints and the fact that one is rather conveniently located atop the Favonius building itself. From there, it's an easy drop down to the front entrance, where the guardsmen seem pleased to see him — then it's easy enough for the Honorary Knight to make some excuses to get into the basement, where the Cavalry Captain is probably waiting to lead him into the catacombs.
Whether Kaeya lied about the result or genuinely flipped a coin for it is quite irrelevant to Aether; either way, they've agreed to spend time together, and what's a lie or two between friends, really? In any case, when Aether saunters up with a faint smile, absent his usual pixie companion, he seems to be in a good mood, and this seems like it will be a fun evening.]
Hi, Kaeya. Is your depth perception going to be alright in the dark?
[Really, what a question to lead with...]
Edited 2021-02-27 21:33 (UTC)
I LITERALLY COULDN'T SAY NO TO MORE THREADS W THEM, SO... ♥
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ceremonialblade
2021-02-28 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
( the absolute threat that Venti posed to Kaeya this evening could still be a sore topic, if the Calvary Captain was a broodier sort. perhaps, however, the shifting sounds of the basement door and the stepping of light feet telling him that the talk of the town Traveler has arrived to be with him is plenty to ice that point of prior-ire. at it is, he can't find anything but mirth growing back over his scorched patience when Aether comments on it; even if it could be a signal of that pesky little pest called curiosity settling in, Kaeya doesn't even feel the instinct to shy away from him. he's always wondered just how much Aether bought of his original eye patch story...and if he ever questions it since discovering everything about such buried treasure had been a ruse. hopefully not, because that's still a secret that Kaeya will lie for, no matter how cute the angelic face that shines back at him.
fortunately, Kaeya does a lot more than pull deceptions; he likes to think he's pretty good at distractions, too. his smile, at least, doesn't lie when it bends his features in the dim of the basement, standing deeply at the other end of this rarely-regarded supply room, filled unremarkably with wooden crates, primarily. the door itself is almost suspiciously bland, unlike the many well-crafted ones Aether has had to pass through to reach this point, but made of hardwood for sturdiness nonetheless. the latch securing the door shut into the stonework of the walls, however, appears...oddly battered, designed to hold a lock, which seems to be missing. or, just out of immediate view. there might still be just a smidge of stubborn frost on the metal plate on the door. don't worry about it. )
Gosh, I sure hope so. I would hate to shame myself in front of you by bumping into walls and tripping over my own two feet tonight. ( he's supposed to be the valiant one between them tonight, isn't he? (supposedly; he sees the roles for what they are, sees Aether's caricaturized mimicry for what he's chosen to go for, and he's already putty in his hands for it.)
Kaeya reaches behind his back for something, and procures a single lamp grass bloom, blue and glowing as a pensive little bulb in his hand. ) This should help us along the way, however, not indefinitely. Once picked, their light will gradually and eventually go out. ( in both hue and vibrancy, it will be delightfully enchanting as much as it will possibly prove challenging to navigate with in the dark. it should be useful for long enough to find something interesting...or get themselves helplessly lost. both are great options! )
fortunately, Kaeya does a lot more than pull deceptions; he likes to think he's pretty good at distractions, too. his smile, at least, doesn't lie when it bends his features in the dim of the basement, standing deeply at the other end of this rarely-regarded supply room, filled unremarkably with wooden crates, primarily. the door itself is almost suspiciously bland, unlike the many well-crafted ones Aether has had to pass through to reach this point, but made of hardwood for sturdiness nonetheless. the latch securing the door shut into the stonework of the walls, however, appears...oddly battered, designed to hold a lock, which seems to be missing. or, just out of immediate view. there might still be just a smidge of stubborn frost on the metal plate on the door. don't worry about it. )
Gosh, I sure hope so. I would hate to shame myself in front of you by bumping into walls and tripping over my own two feet tonight. ( he's supposed to be the valiant one between them tonight, isn't he? (supposedly; he sees the roles for what they are, sees Aether's caricaturized mimicry for what he's chosen to go for, and he's already putty in his hands for it.)
Kaeya reaches behind his back for something, and procures a single lamp grass bloom, blue and glowing as a pensive little bulb in his hand. ) This should help us along the way, however, not indefinitely. Once picked, their light will gradually and eventually go out. ( in both hue and vibrancy, it will be delightfully enchanting as much as it will possibly prove challenging to navigate with in the dark. it should be useful for long enough to find something interesting...or get themselves helplessly lost. both are great options! )
( before overflow! )
[Once the confetti and ridiculous paper ghosts have been brushed off the surface of his desk, and things are at least somewhat closer to how he usually arranges them, Zhongli will find that the inside of his drawer contains a box that most certainly wasn't there the night before.
It's a sturdy thing. Not particularly ornamental. Brown leather with clean, decorative stitching along its borders. The size of it implies that it must be for jewelry, so he may not be all that surprised when he opens it and finds that it contains a ring.
Not an engagement ring, of course. That would be silly. It is the kind of ring that is meant for the finger of a wealthy and powerful man: a band of silver and black onyx, all fine metalwork, set with a piece of Cor Lapis that dazzles like fire even in the dim light.
Very pretty. Also, not the kind of thing that the traveler would be able to afford, unless he's taken on some very lucrative commissions, or recently visited a certain Fatui Bank. (Though one can easily imagine that he might have climbed the highest peaks of Liyue and traversed the canyons low to find this particular piece of Cor Lapis himself...) Which suggests that something else is afoot, but Aether —
Well, Aether doesn't respond...]
[Once the confetti and ridiculous paper ghosts have been brushed off the surface of his desk, and things are at least somewhat closer to how he usually arranges them, Zhongli will find that the inside of his drawer contains a box that most certainly wasn't there the night before.
It's a sturdy thing. Not particularly ornamental. Brown leather with clean, decorative stitching along its borders. The size of it implies that it must be for jewelry, so he may not be all that surprised when he opens it and finds that it contains a ring.
Not an engagement ring, of course. That would be silly. It is the kind of ring that is meant for the finger of a wealthy and powerful man: a band of silver and black onyx, all fine metalwork, set with a piece of Cor Lapis that dazzles like fire even in the dim light.
Very pretty. Also, not the kind of thing that the traveler would be able to afford, unless he's taken on some very lucrative commissions, or recently visited a certain Fatui Bank. (Though one can easily imagine that he might have climbed the highest peaks of Liyue and traversed the canyons low to find this particular piece of Cor Lapis himself...) Which suggests that something else is afoot, but Aether —
Well, Aether doesn't respond...]
[ Zhongli is slow in his unveiling of it not just because he is putting his desk to rights as he goes, but because he is trying to give Aether time to respond - and time is a thing that is sometimes difficult to grasp the way humans do. It certainly seems as though it's been long enough by the time Zhongli is opening up the plain but well-crafted box, and then Zhongli has a new puzzle to consider.
And a new item to wonder at, of course. He recognizes the stones and metals with the eye of someone who has grown up knowing these things and yet still keeps inside himself the story of each revelation. They mean something, individually and also together, and Aether has now also implied this was hidden here as part of a secret...
Aether still has not responded but Zhongli, troubled by his lack of commentary but also enraptured by this item, does what he does best - shares his immediate impressions and knowledge in the most intimate way he can. ]
Onyx. A secretive stone, often associated with old memories and the cause and effect of life itself. Silver has had many meanings across the centuries, but most recently as it continues to be used as a backing in mirrors, is intriguingly considered a symbol and reminder to try to see ourselves the way others see us. And Cor Lapis...
Perhaps I do not need to remind you of what that one means. [ Or perhaps even Zhongli can occasionally tell when he might ramble for too long with such personal prompting. ]
But Aether... May I ask who you were hiding this from, in order to presumably give them later?
And a new item to wonder at, of course. He recognizes the stones and metals with the eye of someone who has grown up knowing these things and yet still keeps inside himself the story of each revelation. They mean something, individually and also together, and Aether has now also implied this was hidden here as part of a secret...
Aether still has not responded but Zhongli, troubled by his lack of commentary but also enraptured by this item, does what he does best - shares his immediate impressions and knowledge in the most intimate way he can. ]
Onyx. A secretive stone, often associated with old memories and the cause and effect of life itself. Silver has had many meanings across the centuries, but most recently as it continues to be used as a backing in mirrors, is intriguingly considered a symbol and reminder to try to see ourselves the way others see us. And Cor Lapis...
Perhaps I do not need to remind you of what that one means. [ Or perhaps even Zhongli can occasionally tell when he might ramble for too long with such personal prompting. ]
But Aether... May I ask who you were hiding this from, in order to presumably give them later?
continuously wiping sweat off my forehead @ this thread's twists and turns
qiquan
- 2021-04-09 00:46 (UTC) - Expand( before overflow! )
Well, I could. But I don't think my chest is my best asset, if I'm being honest.
You, on the other hand... I bet you'd sweep the competition easily!
[Is this all just a ploy to get Zhongli in a wet T-shirt...? Maybe.]
Well, I could. But I don't think my chest is my best asset, if I'm being honest.
You, on the other hand... I bet you'd sweep the competition easily!
[Is this all just a ploy to get Zhongli in a wet T-shirt...? Maybe.]
And here I was wondering if you would refuse because that would require you to wear more clothes on your torso than usual. [ The old man's got jokes, today. ]
I'm flattered, [ no really, he is, it's almost a problem how well this sort of tactic might eventually wear him down ] but I have other ways I was planning on spending my time tonight.
I'm flattered, [ no really, he is, it's almost a problem how well this sort of tactic might eventually wear him down ] but I have other ways I was planning on spending my time tonight.
( before overflow! )
[He tells himself that he's going to be angry, and also, hypocritically, that there's no point in being angry, as he makes his way down to the Favonius headquarters with the bottle in hand. It's not like this is the first time, he thinks — but that's the galling part, that it's the third or the fourth or the fifth time that Kaeya's used him so blatantly. It's not, exactly, as though Aether minds being used. It's not that he minds being manipulated or treated like an errand boy. He doesn't even care about being lied to; he's told plenty of lies in his own way.
But it's the fact that it isn't necessary. Hiding things as banal and unimportant as a surprise party for Jean or a moment's yowling and hissing from Diona isn't necessary. He would take these burdens upon himself if Kaeya only asked, if the knight was just upfront about making use of the traveler's services, which are open to everybody anyway. It isn't even a game when the stakes are so low, and Aether knows he's being used every step of the way.
He tells himself that he's going to be angry — up until he steps into the Cavalry Captain's office, and meets the man's wide blue eye with his own golden gaze, and then he can't bring it in himself to stay heated.
He lets out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He's already lost.
Sighing, Aether steps into the room and then places the re-sealed bottle atop Kaeya's desk, his gaze demurely lowered, affecting a manservant's air of servitude. This sort of thing might have been familiar to Kaeya, years ago, but Aether isn't really thinking about that in particular; like the pointless errand itself, he would do this for anyone, really.]
...Your drink, sir.
[He mock-bows. There's an odd sense of practice to it.]
Do you require anything else?
[He tells himself that he's going to be angry, and also, hypocritically, that there's no point in being angry, as he makes his way down to the Favonius headquarters with the bottle in hand. It's not like this is the first time, he thinks — but that's the galling part, that it's the third or the fourth or the fifth time that Kaeya's used him so blatantly. It's not, exactly, as though Aether minds being used. It's not that he minds being manipulated or treated like an errand boy. He doesn't even care about being lied to; he's told plenty of lies in his own way.
But it's the fact that it isn't necessary. Hiding things as banal and unimportant as a surprise party for Jean or a moment's yowling and hissing from Diona isn't necessary. He would take these burdens upon himself if Kaeya only asked, if the knight was just upfront about making use of the traveler's services, which are open to everybody anyway. It isn't even a game when the stakes are so low, and Aether knows he's being used every step of the way.
He tells himself that he's going to be angry — up until he steps into the Cavalry Captain's office, and meets the man's wide blue eye with his own golden gaze, and then he can't bring it in himself to stay heated.
He lets out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He's already lost.
Sighing, Aether steps into the room and then places the re-sealed bottle atop Kaeya's desk, his gaze demurely lowered, affecting a manservant's air of servitude. This sort of thing might have been familiar to Kaeya, years ago, but Aether isn't really thinking about that in particular; like the pointless errand itself, he would do this for anyone, really.]
...Your drink, sir.
[He mock-bows. There's an odd sense of practice to it.]
Do you require anything else?
Edited 2021-04-10 05:12 (UTC)
[ perhaps, he does take it too far sometime.
it wouldn't be the first time his antics have made someone mad at him. in fact, it happens more frequently than not. he pleads it a nasty vice of his, one he can't (or, rather, won't) get rid of. it's certainly roundabout and unpleasant for the other party, but...
at least it's harmless — most of the time. that should count for something, even if it turns out to be unnecessary.
it also cements his image as a carefree and mischievous figure in everyone's minds. he quite enjoys the reputation, even though he would readily disagree with anyone who touches upon his more sadistic side. he just likes to have fun and spread the joy with the people around him, is that really so bad?
kaeya expects aether to be upset with him, yet each time something like this happens, paimon is the only one who expresses her frustration and disapproval. the blond seems to deflate like a balloon whenever he comes face-to-face with him, which he finds particularly noteworthy.
leaning forward in his seat, he rests his chin atop clasped hands on the desk while his gaze lowers to the bottle aether sets down and then back up at him. purposefully acting subservient, is he? it certainly dredges up memories of his childhood with the ragnvindrs. if he didn't look amused before, he certainly does now. ] No, you did a job well done. Here, [ he pulls open the bottom drawer of his desk, retrieving the promised reward. ] for your hard work. [ he extends it out to him. ]
it wouldn't be the first time his antics have made someone mad at him. in fact, it happens more frequently than not. he pleads it a nasty vice of his, one he can't (or, rather, won't) get rid of. it's certainly roundabout and unpleasant for the other party, but...
at least it's harmless — most of the time. that should count for something, even if it turns out to be unnecessary.
it also cements his image as a carefree and mischievous figure in everyone's minds. he quite enjoys the reputation, even though he would readily disagree with anyone who touches upon his more sadistic side. he just likes to have fun and spread the joy with the people around him, is that really so bad?
kaeya expects aether to be upset with him, yet each time something like this happens, paimon is the only one who expresses her frustration and disapproval. the blond seems to deflate like a balloon whenever he comes face-to-face with him, which he finds particularly noteworthy.
leaning forward in his seat, he rests his chin atop clasped hands on the desk while his gaze lowers to the bottle aether sets down and then back up at him. purposefully acting subservient, is he? it certainly dredges up memories of his childhood with the ragnvindrs. if he didn't look amused before, he certainly does now. ] No, you did a job well done. Here, [ he pulls open the bottom drawer of his desk, retrieving the promised reward. ] for your hard work. [ he extends it out to him. ]
I think you were more subtle about asking for compliments while drunk. Did you know that about yourself?~
But alright. Of course not, and I bet you still smell as fresh as last night, too.
But alright. Of course not, and I bet you still smell as fresh as last night, too.
And very bored.
[ clearly the important part. ]
[ clearly the important part. ]
( before overflow! )
No, it's okay. I don't need to be waited on.
And I probably shouldn't spoil you... but feeding you a few apples shouldn't make you too indolent.
No, it's okay. I don't need to be waited on.
And I probably shouldn't spoil you... but feeding you a few apples shouldn't make you too indolent.
Edited 2021-06-15 02:20 (UTC)
Not necessarily. You did say she is your best friend. And there are plenty of creatures in Teyvat hungry for an adventurer or two.
But if you are inclined to think so, carrying some slime concentrates wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Just in case.
But if you are inclined to think so, carrying some slime concentrates wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Just in case.
( before overflow! )
I always feel safer when you're around.
[ he does, in fact, enjoy having his friend with the shields by his side. and it's not as though he would refuse that friend if he chose to invite himself along on aether's next expedition. the problem is this: what happens when you get too used to having your friends around?then you never take zhongli out of your team even though you're really sick of hearing that osmanthus wine quip... ]
I worry that I'll grow too accustomed to having you with me.
I always feel safer when you're around.
[ he does, in fact, enjoy having his friend with the shields by his side. and it's not as though he would refuse that friend if he chose to invite himself along on aether's next expedition. the problem is this: what happens when you get too used to having your friends around?
I worry that I'll grow too accustomed to having you with me.
Edited 2021-06-15 23:47 (UTC)
[ Now that sentence causes some mixture of preening and contentment - isn't that what Zhongli has always been? A protector, something for humans (and possibly inhuman aliens visiting from other worlds) to take comfort in the presence of? It's like a warm breeze.
By contrast, the rest of what Aether says is...not cold, but understandably morbid. ] I know that loss can be hard to anticipate. [ Zhongli assumes, without asking, that Aether is thinking about how he'll leave once he finds his sister. Hm. ]
And while I of course cannot tell you how best to handle that, for myself, I have found not limiting my engagements with things that are fleeting has netted more joy to outweigh each eventual sorrow. [ Hardships always happen, but you know what the real magic is?? Friendship. Or something like that. Look he's 6000 years old he gets to be sappy now.
It's also entirely possible Aether just literally meant in a strategic, battle-oriented sense, but hey Zhongli didn't ask so that's his fault. ]
By contrast, the rest of what Aether says is...not cold, but understandably morbid. ] I know that loss can be hard to anticipate. [ Zhongli assumes, without asking, that Aether is thinking about how he'll leave once he finds his sister. Hm. ]
And while I of course cannot tell you how best to handle that, for myself, I have found not limiting my engagements with things that are fleeting has netted more joy to outweigh each eventual sorrow. [ Hardships always happen, but you know what the real magic is?? Friendship. Or something like that. Look he's 6000 years old he gets to be sappy now.
It's also entirely possible Aether just literally meant in a strategic, battle-oriented sense, but hey Zhongli didn't ask so that's his fault. ]
( before overflow! )
They were Whopperflowers, okay? Maybe they just didn't like my taste in music.
You do have a really beautiful voice, though. I'd accept any guidance you might have to give.
They were Whopperflowers, okay? Maybe they just didn't like my taste in music.
You do have a really beautiful voice, though. I'd accept any guidance you might have to give.
Well, I know there's one thing that everyone should remind themselves at all times!
Never be anyone but yourself.
Even a bard like myself has to remember that once in a while.
And your voice is... I like it. A little rough around the edges, but I wouldn't mind hearing you all the time.
Never be anyone but yourself.
Even a bard like myself has to remember that once in a while.
And your voice is... I like it. A little rough around the edges, but I wouldn't mind hearing you all the time.
( before overflow! )
That doesn't sound like such a shame. Don't you like fighting?
[ and for all that aether may poke fun at childe for being such a consummate battlehound... he really does like — doesn't mind making the harbinger happy. on occasion. ]
The weather's good today, so I was thinking about having a picnic just north of Liyue Harbor. Want to join?
It's hardly dinner at the Liuli Pavilion, I know, and it'll just be my cooking...
That doesn't sound like such a shame. Don't you like fighting?
[ and for all that aether may poke fun at childe for being such a consummate battlehound... he really does like — doesn't mind making the harbinger happy. on occasion. ]
The weather's good today, so I was thinking about having a picnic just north of Liyue Harbor. Want to join?
It's hardly dinner at the Liuli Pavilion, I know, and it'll just be my cooking...
[ you know, sometimes battle is the only thing that makes you feel alive. sometimes you're just that type of person. ]
ah, you caught me.
[ it's almost sheepish, even in text, if he wasn't a sea creature with sharp teeth. ]
why not?
your cooking is all i need, comrade. the nourishment will fuel me for future battles.
[ even if he was bougie, he could appreciate meals that were more practical. ]
ah, you caught me.
[ it's almost sheepish, even in text, if he wasn't a sea creature with sharp teeth. ]
why not?
your cooking is all i need, comrade. the nourishment will fuel me for future battles.
[ even if he was bougie, he could appreciate meals that were more practical. ]
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