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135 » one step closer in the moment
[It isn't ideal that his sister is still sleeping, stuck in stasis inside the star that carried them both here — but at the moment, Aether is trying not to think of it as a downside. It gives him time to scope out the lay of the land, that's all — and the kingdom of Khaenri'ah has even kindly loaned him the captain of their royal guard as a companion for his journey. See the whole of Teyvat, Rhinedottir told him, and when you have seen all that there is to see, come back here and make your decision.
It's not politically expedient to tell people that they're from Khaenri'ah — people react too suspiciously to the godless nation for that — so Dainsleif and Aether decide on simple cover stories: they're outlanders, and they'll arrive in Mondstadt seeking work as adventurers. Easy enough. The Anemo Archon is supposedly in a state of slumber right now, so it will be best to briefly visit Andrius, the great wolf of the north wind; if they are lucky, they may see Dvalin flying in the skies overhead.
The land of Mondstadt is lush and beautiful; temperate weather and blue skies make the climate ideal for growing grapes. Once he's out in the verdant wilds, Aether takes a deep breath while stretching, relishing the scent of wet grass in the air. He turns toward Dainsleif, eyes bright with trust. He's eager to explore.]
Oh — Dain, it's raining!
[Maybe that's the almost-disturbing part — Dainsleif is, by all measures, a difficult man to get to know, and Aether himself, by his conduct in the throne room and in other spaces, appears to be the more measured, guarded type. And yet he's treated Dainsleif with such strange affection from the start — practically buzzing around him, excited for their journey, calling him Dain as if they've known each other forever. Aether shows no shame, no bashfulness.
Maybe it's... not unpleasant.]
We'll have to wear our rain cloaks, huh? [A sunshine smile; a flash of white teeth.] Like we're real adventurers. Haha!
It's not politically expedient to tell people that they're from Khaenri'ah — people react too suspiciously to the godless nation for that — so Dainsleif and Aether decide on simple cover stories: they're outlanders, and they'll arrive in Mondstadt seeking work as adventurers. Easy enough. The Anemo Archon is supposedly in a state of slumber right now, so it will be best to briefly visit Andrius, the great wolf of the north wind; if they are lucky, they may see Dvalin flying in the skies overhead.
The land of Mondstadt is lush and beautiful; temperate weather and blue skies make the climate ideal for growing grapes. Once he's out in the verdant wilds, Aether takes a deep breath while stretching, relishing the scent of wet grass in the air. He turns toward Dainsleif, eyes bright with trust. He's eager to explore.]
Oh — Dain, it's raining!
[Maybe that's the almost-disturbing part — Dainsleif is, by all measures, a difficult man to get to know, and Aether himself, by his conduct in the throne room and in other spaces, appears to be the more measured, guarded type. And yet he's treated Dainsleif with such strange affection from the start — practically buzzing around him, excited for their journey, calling him Dain as if they've known each other forever. Aether shows no shame, no bashfulness.
Maybe it's... not unpleasant.]
We'll have to wear our rain cloaks, huh? [A sunshine smile; a flash of white teeth.] Like we're real adventurers. Haha!
lucky of aether to have the royal guard captain as his guide 😤
not that he would ever go back and ask for someone else to be the outlander's guide. this was a task assigned to him, after all, and even though he can't fathom a reason why it specifically had to be him, it is a duty that he will perform to the best of his abilities nonetheless.
(truth be told, the reasoning is quite simple: the Twilight Sword has always served the kingdom of Khaenri'ah so dutifully that the royal family thought it would benefit him to see what else is out there beyond the walls of their godless nation. Teyvat is just as beautiful as the pride of mankind, and perhaps Dainsleif might find it worthwhile to come to this realization with someone as bright and vibrant as the outlander named Aether.) ]
Are we not adventurers already?
[ (that, and his sense of humour needs a lot of work too.)
before the very moment Aether mentions their rain cloaks, Dainsleif has already fished them out of their satchels, taking care to drape it over Aether's shoulders with its hood tugged up to shield the other from the rain. it isn't until he's satisfied that Aether isn't going to be drenched that he fixes his own cloak upon his person, sea-blue eyes casting a glance at the heavy clouds overhead to make a quick assessment. ]
It would be best to find ourselves some shelter. [ he makes a point not to look directly at Aether, wondering if he might go blind if he finds himself drawn in by the other's sunshine smile. ] The town of Springvale is not too far from where we are... unless you would prefer we set up camp once again.
[ he has a feeling he already knows which one Aether will prefer, but he presents the choice to him nonetheless. and while he waits for a decision to be made, he starts making his way further into the forest, hoping the densely woven trees will provide them refuge from the rain while they walk. ]
the luckiest traveler in the world!!!
I didn't think you'd be such a dedicated actor. Do you have theatre experience? [He's just teasing, really; he knows full well the question is ridiculous enough to warrant it being ignored, so he doesn't wait for it to be answered.] You're right, of course. We're already adventurers.
[He leans a bit closer as they walk — not enough to be a bother, but enough that it might draw a remark or two. Maybe Aether's being a bit overly familiar with Dain, whom he doesn't really know all that well; maybe he's only trying to use Dainsleif as shelter from the rain and wind. Or maybe the traveler suspects, quite rightly, that the kindly king of Khaenri'ah dismissed his personal guardsman in order to give him some time to live his own life. Who can say? The traveler's smile only raises more questions than answers, though he walks briskly ahead with all the exuberance of an adventurous cat.]
Let's make the trip to Springvale and find some proper shelter. Camping is nice and all, but it really isn't all that different between worlds.
[He's been quite glib about being a traveler from another world — why hide it, after all? At the very least, he hasn't been given a reason to hide it yet.]
Besides, I want to eat food that isn't from Khaenri'ah! [Another sunny grin.] Not that Khaenri'ahn food is bad — but we should try something different. A local specialty.
the luckiest and cutest traveler in the world...
he doesn't mind their closeness, not really. if anything, he welcomes it, preferring to have Aether close by just in case they're ambushed while they try to move away from the rain. ]
Springvale it is, then.
[ as he figured, which is why he's already charting their course towards the small town. Aether might be a few steps ahead but Dainsleif makes it a point to guide the eager traveler towards the right direction, one hand settling on his shoulder as a way to point him where they're headed. the contact lasts for a brief moment, and then his hand is back at his side. ]
As for a local specialty... Springvale is known for its hunters, so I'm sure we'll find something to your liking if you're fond of meat.
[ not that Dainsleif has had the chance to try any of Mondstadt's specialities himself, but maybe that's the whole point of this journey — to experience everything Teyvat has to offer. still, it's a thought he tucks away for another time as they continue to make their way towards Springvale.
the journey ahead is thankfully quiet, not a single soul beyond the two of them, likely because of the weather. ]
It doesn't look as though we'll be interrupted on our way. The town shouldn't be more than a half-hour away.
♥
[The weight of Dainsleif's hand is heavy in a welcome way on his shoulder; Aether is slightly disappointed when it goes away, though the travler himself hasn't quite thought on why that should be so. He does not contemplate the possibility of being ambushed — not because he isn't prepared for it, but because he figures they can deal with things as they come.
They walk in peace for a short while before something catches the outlander's eye. Breaking into sudden laughter, Aether hooks one hand into Dainsleif's elbow to tug gently on his arm.]
Oh, look — it's us!
[He points. Two yellow Electro Slimes appear to be relaxing near a formation of Thunder Crystals — a small one is sitting on top of a larger one, and both slimes appear to be at peace. It's a soothing scene, and also a somewhat rare one, given that Electro Slimes tend to gather in pairs of unlike polarity. It makes Aether grin a little impishly as they walk past.]
I'm the one carrying you, obviously. You're the little slime.
["You're the little slime," he says, hovering somewhere around Dainsleif's ribcage...]
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[ peace and quiet aren't things either of them can truly enjoy, if only because the traveler is so easily distracted by everything (at least, in Dainsleif's eyes) that comes their way. his point is proven soon enough when Aether laughs at something, tugs his arm just so he can guide the taller man to look towards what it is that was so funny.
the Twilight Sword simply raises a brow, staring at the little smile with doubt written all over his eyes. ]
I see.
[ almost deadpanned. he doesn't see the resemblance at all.
that said, he hooks his arms around the traveler's waist, lifting him off the ground with relative ease before settling him on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. he has to shift the allocation of the smaller boy's weight given how he's holding him, but Dainsleif hardly struggles. ]
Perhaps I'll let you carry me next time.
[ his sense of humour really needs some work... but at least he can walk to Springvale with little distraction now. it's not much further from where they are, and soon enough, they'll be receiving curious gazes thrown their way thanks to Dainsleif carrying Aether. ]
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[Aether yelps softly when he's scooped up and carried like a sack of potatoes — but he doesn't struggle, and maybe that's the more telling thing. He stays quite still and pliant, obediently keeping himself balanced and arched over Dainsleif's shoulder despite the fact that he could probably struggle a bit more if he wanted to get back to the ground.]
H-Hey... I'm not going to carry you like this!
[Aether, traveler, outworlder, and local sack of potatoes, doesn't seem to particularly mind being stared at as they enter Springvale followed by the bemused gazes of local hunters and their children. He even pauses to give some of the more curious kids a jaunty wave. Surely it's not every day they see one blond outlander carrying another like a bag of so much flour.
It's not all bad. Dain feels... sturdy. It's nice.
After a moment of being carried, rocked by Dainsleif's solid steps, Aether lifts his head a little and suggests:]
You know, if you carried me on your shoulders, I'd be able to see things from your perspective.
[Ever-distracted...]
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[ the lack of a struggle does make Dainsleif raise an eyebrow, but only for a split-second before he focuses on where they're headed. there should be a house or two available for travelers looking for a place to stay, and it's just a matter of figuring out which one it's supposed to be. Dainsleif is only going by what he's heard, after all, old tales of veteran travelers from home.
he would have taken a moment to ask someone else nearby but Aether's voice draws his attention right back. ]
My shoulders?
[ the gears in his head appear to be turning, if the way he's fallen silent is any indication. instead of shifting the way he's holding onto Aether, he comes to a complete stop and puts the boy down, back on his feet. ]
Is that meant to help...?
[ despite what he's asking, he does seem to be genuinely curious. he might even be considering it. ]
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Oh, it's not going to help anything right now.
[...The audacity!]
I just think it would be fun. Want to try?
[He lifts both his arms — carry me! — and it makes a matronly villager laugh. She's an older woman, one of the hunters' wives, by the look of her, and apparently she's only caught the tail end of their conversation. Hoisting the covered basket of laundry she seems to have just hauled in from the line to protect from the rain, she chortles as she passes by.
"And what are you going to do when you're too big to be carried, boy?" she scolds gently, her back already to the both of them. "You leave that nice young man alone!"]
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[ it does remind Dainsleif of a certain someone, but that's all the more reason to be cautious. he doesn't know Aether all that well yet, despite meeting each other before being sent off to experience the world of Teyvat, so he remains unaware of the boy's tendencies for innocent mischief. the hues of his eyes are coloured with wariness even with the added backup from an old lady watching them interact.
a few moments pass by, of just the two of them standing like this, with Aether's arms stretched towards him, and then Dainsleif (finally) relents.
he sighs quietly. ]
Just this once.
[ it takes a bit of maneuvering. the first thing he has to do is lift Aether up again, giving him the height and push he needs to clamber onto Dainsleif's shoulders. there's a split-second where it feels like they might lose their balance — a moment that makes the matronly villager gasp — but he trusts Aether won't tip them over once he's settled properly.
he doesn't know if this made any difference. ]
Well...?
[ Dainsleif and the older woman would like to know. ]
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[ Ah, yes. It's time for Aether to reveal his grand capacity for evil atop Dainsleif's shoulders...
...Which is to say that the traveler does, you know, basically nothing. A little bit of delighted laughter escapes him, but he's considerate (?) enough to fan out the edges of his rain cloak so that Dainsleif is effectively wearing him as a hood. On... top of the hood he already had. This makes perfect sense, clearly. ]
Hmm... The air's better up here. You're so tall, Dain. Must be nice.
[ The air isn't really any better since it's still a slightly cold, rainy day nevertheless, but it's sort of nice to have the warmth of Dainsleif's round head covering up his bare torso, and Aether can also rest his arms atop said round head. So this is clearly an improvement in every way for Aether, and a bit of a detriment for poor Dainsleif, who now has to carry him.
The older woman wrinkles her nose and huffs a little — "Boys!" — but it's not without a touch of laughter to her voice, and then she hurries along to rescue the rest of her laundry.
Smiling though Dainsleif can't see it, Aether sort of... folds his arms rather smugly atop Dain's poor head and leans, not too heavily, on the crown of his skull.]
Okay, let's continue like this until we have to enter a building.
[ Because, you know, he's not going to fit through the doorway like this... ]
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[ they look ridiculous like this, Dainsleif thinks to himself, but if Aether is delighted by their arrangement, then who is he to put a stop to it. the old lady who was humoured by their antics is now done with rescuing their laundry, and by this point, she's realized they're two travelers seeking shelter from the rain. Dainsleif makes eye contact with her once more and she explains the house up the small hill should be available for room and board.
he thanks her politely before shifting Aether's weight on his shoulders, mostly to make sure the boy doesn't fall off when he begins to walk. ]
I'm certain you'll rival my height one day when you grow. However, you'll find that there is little, if any, that changes...
[ he continues to walk as steady and as cautiously as he can with Aether riding his shoulders, heading towards the hill that was pointed out to them. they pass by children chasing after one another, and Dainsleif barely misses bumping into one of them given the way they weren't really paying attention to what's in front.
thankfully, when he gets jostled, his hands instinctively grip Aether's legs tighter, to keep him right where he is. ]
... Careful, now.
[ whether that's towards the kids or to Aether is something he doesn't clarify, continuing along the dirt path until he is face-to-face with the door. without saying much else, he crouches down to make it easier for Aether to get off him. ]
After you, Aether. This should be our shelter for the night, but I'll have to take care of the payment first.
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When he... grows...
...
Aether falls silent, uncharacteristically quiet for a long while. He doesn't even react in any particular way to the firm grip Dain is keeping on his legs. Well, he probably only has himself to blame for this sort of misunderstanding, given that he's been having maybe a little too much childish fun teasing Dain with this sort of nonsense, but hearing that really does sort of take the joy out of it, and now he has to figure out how to clear this up...]
Um, Dain... I should explain something...
[Then Dainsleif is crouching to let him down, and it doesn't quite seem like the right time to mention it. But if not now, then when?
Awkwardly, Aether "dismounts," landing on his feet just behind Dainsleif with a slightly sheepish look on his face.]
...I don't think I'm going to get any bigger than this.
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thankfully, what Aether says gives him enough of an opening to poke and prod. he straightens back to his full height, eyebrow raised. ]
Have you already turned of age?
[ perhaps the most logical, and safest, conclusion, since it's not like he knows just how old Aether is exactly. ]
I would have never realized. You look so young, after all.
[ if his assumption is incorrect, then surely Aether will say so, right? ]
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[...He's just trying to play it off cool. In reality, Aether is maybe a little bit affronted (time and a few extra hundred years will eventually make him much less inclined to care much about this either way, but at the moment, it kind of makes him sad).
Still, it's hardly Dainsleif's fault that he came to a logical conclusion based off the physical evidence presented to him. Aether has no recourse but to sigh, turn inside, and move on with his day.
At least being routinely mistaken for a teenager means this: when the innkeeper presses them for payment, she turns to Dainsleif, being the obvious "adult," and Aether lets it happen because, well, if he's going to be mistaken for a child then he might as well be a little bratty about it.
Despite the reaction, he's really not that sensitive about his height and appearance. By the time their room fee is settled and their key has been given to them, Aether's more or less finished sulking and recovered from the emotional damage.
They open the door to their room.
There's only one bed.]
Oh...
[A sigh.]
...She probably thinks we're related.
when you realize you never sent your tag, good job me
... or so he thinks, until another problem presents itself in a curious way.
the single bed in here is big enough, suitable for both of them. it's not like it would be the first time they'll be sleeping in such close quarters, but it is the first time they're going to be sharing space.
Dainsleif heads towards the dresser closest to him, slowly beginning to peel off his damp cloak. thankfully, they managed to avoid the worst of the rain so this wouldn't take that long to dry. ]
Would you like to take the bed, then? I don't mind sleeping on the floor.
[ here he is thinking Aether's comment is because he'd rather not share.
once he's removed his own cloak, he approaches the other and extends his hand. ]
Give me your cloak?
when you realize too late there was a typo. lies down in shambles
[Aether's caught a little off-guard by the way Dainsleif simply reaches for his cloak; flustered, he hands it over instinctively, allowing Dainsleif to deal with both of their wet cloaks.
In a way, he thinks, the innkeeper's assumption wasn't too far off: something about Dainsleif's stoic, dedicated demeanor reminds Aether of what having a father might be like, and it's not entirely unpleasant, all things considered.]
Honestly, I'd rather share. I mean, the bed is big enough for the both of us, right?
[He really doesn't mean anything by it: it just seems like the sensible proposal. Dainsleif is so straight-laced, he figures, that there's no way anything untoward is going to happen anyway!]
what typo... you're good 😤
If you're certain...
[ it's not like Dainsleif minds sharing the bed. after a long day of travel, he isn't going to be picky over something like that. ]
Do you have a preference on which side?
[ while he waits for an answer, he makes his way over to the kitchen area. the cupboards are stocked up with essentials but as far as protein and real food go, they'll likely need to hunt it themselves or buy something from the shops in town. ]
... Hm.
[ what would be good for dinner, he wonders... ]
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[Which — well, maybe that wasn't what Dain was actually asking. But it's sure what Aether's said out loud into the universe now! He doesn't actually go and roll around on the bed, though — instead, he hovers a little timidly around Dainsleif's elbow, keeping a safe distance while he inspects the small kitchenette for himself.]
Are you hungry? Should we make food?
[He wonders if Dainsleif is a good chef. It's hard to tell just by looking at him. Aether, at least, is flexible enough to serve as sous chef if need be...
But, in any case, the more pressing issue is that there aren't real ingredients to cook with. Then again, Springvale is a hunting city, so there's probably meat to be found in a store in the village if they just go outside and look once the rain has stopped.]
Doesn't look like they have much for us to cook with. I could scramble you an egg or something, though. Or should we go outside and buy groceries?
[Alice did make sure they had Mora before they set out...]
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he glances at Aether with a raised brow. ]
Will a scrambled egg be enough for you? [ honest question. ] Since we're in Springvale, we could go out and acquire some things for dinner. Or we can see what they have that is already prepared. You did say you wanted to eat a local specialty, didn't you?
[ he's not quite sure why he is also reminded of the way Aether asked him to carry him on his shoulders, but there it is. at least he remembered what Aether wanted to do, the main reason they chose to settle here for the night. ]
... Mora shouldn't be an issue.
[ he adds, in case Aether wants to try them all. ]
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I'll admit that I'm pretty hungry. It's not like I'd die if I didn't eat, though...
[The... extent of that statement is probably not what Dainsleif thinks it is — the fact that the traveler is quasi-immortal isn't something he needs anyone to think about right now — but Aether moves past that, breaking into an easy smile that sweeps aside all doubt.]
How about we go out on the town? There'll be plenty of time for us to try each other's cooking later, and I bet there's a good restaurant somewhere here. [Springvale is a bit of a small village, sure, but even so, there's probably someone who makes a living cooking for everybody else.] And we can just sit and talk to each other. It'll be romantic.
[He's joking, really... although as soon as the words leave his mouth, he wonders if Dainsleif won't take it seriously...]
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We could go out and see what the town has to offer, yes.
[ one glance is tossed towards the window, and it appears the rain has finally come to a stop for the time being. he was just about to say as much when those words leave Aether's mouth.
the ever-so-stoic knight looks surprised for a brief moment. ]
Romantic? Is that the mood you're trying to go for? I'm not sure if the restaurants in the area will provide the proper ambience. Perhaps if we were in Mondstadt...
[ one day Aether will realize that it's difficult for Dainsleif to take a joke. he has always been way too serious for his own good. ]
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Smiling a little wryly, Aether rests one of his hands upon his hip, using one hand to prop the door of their room open in a gallant after you type of gesture.]
That's fine. We'll go out for a casual dinner now and have a really romantic one when we're in the city. With wine and candles.
[Is that all it takes to set up a romantic atmosphere? Maybe he'll have to budget for a bard playing somewhere in the background too. But never mind that. Springvale's excellent homestyle chefs are waiting.
...Ah, wait, oops. He accidentally doubled down. Oh well. It's not a problem either for Dain to think he's being entirely serious.]
For now, I don't think I'd say no to some roast pork and eggs. If we go now, we can probably make it somewhere in the village before all the taverns close.
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You're really looking forward to that romantic dinner, aren't you?
[ perhaps the question will be lost in the midst of their conversation since the topic has now shifted to something else. maybe that's for the best. they need to hurry up if they'd like to grab something to eat, so he steps outside first since Aether has so graciously given him the honour. he does, at the very least, wait for the other to follow after him before making his way over to where they can find food. ]
... If I recall correctly, the tavern up ahead has the best roast pork available in this area. Or so I've been told.
[ he supposes he can leave Aether to be the judge of that, but he'll let Aether go inside first so that he can choose where they sit. at this time of the day, especially after the rain, there aren't many patrons left inside so they have plenty to choose from. ]
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It's delicious, in other words, and when Aether is finished, he leans back in his seat and stretches like a cat, plainly satisfied with himself and quite full. He's chatted a little bit over the meal, but all in all, he and Dain are somewhat similar in that they don't tend to talk very much over food.]
Ahhh... that was good!
[He's a dainty eater, it seems; his plate is very clean.]
I wonder if Mondstadt will have food that's even better. It's hard to imagine a city having better produce than a hunting hamlet like this, though. [But Mondstadt will be more romantic, right? Probably. He doesn't bring it up again; the joke has played itself out a little, though he's sure he'll find another time to mention it.
Romantic dinners with Dainsleif, like teasing Paimon about being emergency food.] Is that where we're headed next, by the way? Or did you want to go south towards Liyue?