161 » fell in love but i don't think i did it right

[ironwind]

[ I'll show you the world, Aether had promised, and then — because he'd thought it was a little funny — promptly brought Wriothesley to Dragonspine.

Okay, to his credit, it really wasn't straight to Dragonspine. After showing the Fortress administrator his Serenitea Pot, and talking briefly about the different nations of Teyvat, the traveler had let it slip that it was within his capabilities to teleport around the world with a single thought. It means a lot about his trust in Wriothesley, in truth. Aether doesn't often share the full extent of his powers and abilities with others, but he figured this one would be harmless for the Duke to know.

Through brief sojourns from the Fortress, he'd meant to show Wriothesley the sights around Teyvat. They started with Mondstadt first, largely because it had been easier for Aether to keep his wits about him when they were retracing his own journey through the seven nations. They stopped briefly at the Angel's Share for drinks and merriment (Diluc wasn't in, but Venti was, and the bard played a little ditty for Aether's new friend, one that sort of strangely settled in the bones, comforting, like the scent of dandelions on the wind).

Then Aether took Wriothesley to Dragonspine.

It was partly because the man seemed game for a dangerous challenge, particularly after their little idyllic joint through the City of Freedom, and partly because Aether himself had wanted to bully him — not in a serious way, of course, but as a kind of playful revenge for Wriothesley's having jerked his chain more than once during his time in prison. The mountain was bitterly cold, but Aether figured a Cryo wielder would be used to it, and anyway, it had all been very nostalgic. It's been a long time since Aether last walked through the halls of Sal Vindagnyr, reading ancient testaments on the deeds and misdeeds of Imunlaukr and Eberhart.

The mountain itself had seemed friendly, after everything that happened there. Outrageously beautiful, too, with the snow glittering like diamonds under the sun. When the threatening clouds overhead finally blotted out the light and burst into a spectacular blizzard, though, the traveler took swift action — he hadn't really meant to put Wriothesley at risk.

Aether tucks them into a little hideaway on the side of the mountain, the selfsame one Albedo often uses as a camp; the alchemist hasn't been using it in recent weeks, so everything is coated with a thin layer of snow, but Aether's familiar enough with the most basic uses of his equipment that he knows how to turn on some of the contraptions to keep them both warm. ]

Ah, good, he's still got everything here. There's this guy I know named Albedo, and this is his camp, but it looks like he hasn't been here in a while. He won't mind if we borrow some of the things here. Let me just...

[ In the short time that Wriothesley spent with Lynette, she might have talked about her power-saving mode — Aether, for his part, seems to have a sort of survival efficiency mode. He's busily and briskly making his way through the camp, dusting off the snow to switch on some of Albedo's little lanterns and space heaters. He seems — it's a thought from a lifetime ago — he's a little bit reminiscent of a housewife, automatically and mechanically going through the motions to make them both comfortable, and without really asking his charge if he needs the comfort.

Maybe he's thinking of Wriothesley as Paimon? Aether reaches into his little pocket of stars and produces two blankets, a large one and a small one meant for Paimon — this large one he throws around Wriothesley's shoulders, and it's still big enough to drag across the ground, but the small one... ]

There. Let's just hang tight until it stops snowing.

[ ...There's no way the small blanket is going to be of any use to Aether, though, not unless he just plans to wrap it around his exposed stomach. ]

Comments

[klbrz]

[ while Aether speaks, he wonders if humans tend to fall into the same patterns of power and corruption, where political powers rise, the "noble class" use their wealth and power to exploit those less fortunate for personal gain. it's a little grim, but Wriothesley had never been shy in avoiding the less glowing parts of history. he dove into it all he could, and he knows just as well as Aether, that this page in Fontaine history may as well mirror that of the aristocratic age of Mondstadt. ]

Thought they had some kind of immunity, so they went up against the snowy peaks of this mountain, huh? People like that seem to think that nothing can hurt them, well, until it does.

[ reckoning back to his own past. ]

So, two servants, an illegitimate son and a legitimate one, I take it.

[ though he thinks the story is kind of funny given their circumstances. it's easy for him to get comfortable with this sort of thing, though, and when Aether snuggles up, Wriothesley rests an arm just around his waist to cover his bare stomach. it's still covered in the blanket, and in the jacket, but just in case there's a touch of freezing wind that makes it through.

there's some snow getting caught in his hair, and he'll occasionally tilt his head to the side to shake it out as he listens. ]

[ironwind]

[ Aether's used to having his tummy out even in the coldest of circumstances, but Wriothesley's arm feels pleasantly warm against his belly; he squirms very slightly, like a cat that's not used to the contact, before settling comfortably against the Duke's chest again. There's no need for Wriothesley to move. Aether seems to have made his peace with being hugged like a teddy bear. ]

After losing so many of their companions, Luther wants to turn back. But he's a servant who doesn't have the authority to make that kind of decision, and Eberhart encourages them all to keep going.

As they explore, a cave-in occurs... the tunnel collapses, cutting them off from Nick, who was carrying their food and supplies. [ His lips quirk a little bit as he adds: ] Because, of course, the nobleman wouldn't have done that themselves, right? Still, Luther thinks it's odd... he specifically warned Nick to check the structural integrity of the ruins before he went off anywhere on his own.

Eberhart isn't worried, though. He encourages them to keep going. And then, at the end of the road, when he's led them into the cellar of the ruins where they've been promised treasure...

[ Aether pauses, only briefly, to allow the howling gale from outside to finish its song outside their cave. ]

Eberhart draws his lance.

[klbrz]

[ it is better if they find ways to keep warm, and Wriothesley's here, so he may as well make his body heat worth it. Aether wiggles and Wriothesley keeps himself steady, letting him make himself comfortable with the position. listening to Aether babble on about history, weaving the events into an engaging story, is charming, and he's interested in what happens next. ]

Heh – I knew he sounded suspicious. As many as there are in the noble class with good intentions, there are as many spoiled in their perception of the world, and all the other people in it.

[ he tilts his head, curious. ]

What happened next? I have a feeling this story doesn't have a happy ending.

[ironwind]

[ Aether smiles with some grim satisfaction. It's not really so much that he relishes the story's sad ending so much as that he likes to share what he has learned, and there is a certain degree of comfort in knowing exactly what happened next. ]

Eberhart's objective throughout the expedition, as it turns out, has been to kill his brothers and assert himself as the head of his family. Not for the reasons you might expect. [ He doesn't linger on that, though — he moves on. ] It was he who facilitated the cave-ins and killed their servants. He who encouraged them to continue, even as they were losing their lives. He betrayed them all.

There's nothing Luther can do about this now. Ingbert has a Vision, and he thinks that that might save them — but even with the elements at his command, he's outmatched, because Eberhart's spear has the advantage of range.

Ingbert injures Eberhart badly, but Ingbert dies. Eberhart injures Luther badly, but Luther escapes. The manservant lives long enough to write his account of the events that occurred. Even regrets that he won't come back to a woman he knows — a sister? a lover? — named Priscilla. As for Eberhart...

"The records suggest there used to be a prison here. In which case, it actually suits me well," he writes. He says that Priscilla is in on his plan. She's to light a torch for him at a watchtower if the other nobles find out about his plan, and they do. She dies waiting for him. They kill her for her participation in the plot.

Eberhart never returns to Mondstadt. There's no record of whether or not he lived or died. If he saw Priscilla's signal. If he returned, only to be killed by his fellow aristocrats.

[ This is the end of Aether's tale, for now. He pauses, wrapping his hands around Wriothesley's larger palms. ]

So, given this information: What do you think Eberhart's goal was, and do you think he survived?

[klbrz]

[ this place is much more than just a prison, and Wriothesley had felt it when he stepped foot onto the snowy paths: the mountain was like a grave, a ghost spire towering over Mondstadt. it was no surprise that the promise that this place held was death, as long as the ribs of a dragon broke through the ice like fingertips reaching toward the sky. there was death there. perhaps it was because the snow told a story to those with a Cryo Vision, or because Wriothesley had so intimately been involved with it during his lifetime.

there was something else here too that he caught the scent of, something worth investigating. ]

Going up against that many people, and one with a Vision ... Ah, death is something that crossed his mind. Then, there was the signal, so it couldn't have been purely succession.

[ his fingers loosen when Aether decides to tuck his hands in his palm, and close slightly around his for warmth. ]

That brother of his – Ingbert – he was the noble, wasn't he? He probably wasn't all that innocent, either.

[ Wriothesley tilts his head. ]

He must have wanted him dead enough to risk his own life, so it had to be worth it. Revenge, maybe. Or he wanted to destroy the family. I've seen a few of those.

[ironwind]

Mmm. You're sharp as always. I like that about you.

[ Aether laughs a little quietly as Wriothesley's larger mitts close around his delicate fingers. He wiggles like a pleased kitten, apparently quite content indeed to be on the receiving end of Wriothesley's care and concern. ]

Yeah. On the face value of the facts alone, a lot of people would take the stance that Eberhart was a cold-blooded murderer out to claim his family's power and wealth. I'm sure that would be the motive, but I don't know if it's all of it.

[ Cutely, despite the subject matter they're discussing, Aether lowers his lips until they're close to Wriothesley's fingers, and then he breathes on them to keep them warm. ]

They kept slaves and enslaved others... as the bastard son, he was in a strange position where he lacked the legitimacy of his brothers, but stood above their servants...

[ Growing more at ease despite the cold, Aether tips his head back and settles into Wriothesley's body, tension seeping out of his shoulders as he well and truly relaxes. ]

It had to be worth it. I think about that a lot. A situation in which killing your brother had to be worth it...

[klbrz]

[ it could be the secluded nature of their surroundings: snowy, chilly, and quiet. when Aether speaks, Wriothesley can see the small puff of fog that comes from between his lips, dissipating in the warmth between them. it's not often that he sees the traveler this vulnerable, mulling over moral quandaries that Wriothesley knows must be personal. they're personal to him, too, because once upon a time it was worth it to kill his "parents." it was worth it to go to Meropide; it was worth it to possibly die in the process. ]

People are far more complex than they're given credit. There are always those that want to separate themselves from the criminals, but in the end, we're all the same. Acknowledging that makes people nervous, because it means they're just one step away from someone in the Fortress.

[ Aether's smaller fingers weave through his, when the hah of warm air comes, it feels nice. he presses his thumb to Aether's lips when he's close enough, tracing to the corner. ]

You're a little cold right here ...

[ when the blond leans back, Wriothesley pulls the blanket a little tighter, easily drawing Aether closer. the traveler is smaller framed than him, and Wriothesley can use his own strength to his advantage. ]

It's my turn to warm you up.

[ all he has to do is close the gap between them, tucking himself a little lower before he can close his mouth over Aether's. it's warm, soft, not prying, but there's a sense of water pushing up against a dam.

he likes this talk of criminals and morality – this Eberhart and his bloody fratricide on the mountainside, but he likes Aether's company a little more. perhaps it's because the traveler showed a little vulnerability that Wriothesley can't help but find the small act of trust somewhat desirable. ]

[ironwind]

Oh...? Mm...

[ How nice. True crime and smooches. For a blissful moment, Aether allows himself to forget Eberhart, and the chill outside; he lets himself sink into the sweet indulgence of Wriothesley's large, warm body bundled around his own. The Duke's lips are always unexpectedly soft. A lot of things about his body are unexpectedly soft.

Aether turns his body fully, demanding more of the kiss. He's small and warm and wriggly against the cold air in the cage, but once he's reoriented himself to be snugly turned around in Wriothesley's lap, thighs over the Duke's thighs, he's as cozy as he was before.

He kisses Wriothesley again. ]

You really know how to be sensual... even in situations like this.

[ He wants more kisses; he claims Wriothesley's mouth again. For all that they're snowed into a cave, Aether seems pretty happy about it right now. He's easy to please with a few kisses and a bit of a snuggle. ]

[klbrz]

[ it's cute when Aether decides to be greedy, something that Wriothesley decides he likes to see, rather than Aether be completely selfless. when the traveler wants more, Wriothesley happily obliges, tasting like the tea that he insisted on making not that long ago. ]

What else are we supposed to do to pass the time? You have another Dragonspine story for me?

[ he certain Aether may, but if he'll tell it instead of indulging in a few more kisses is another matter entirely.

before Aether gets another kiss, Wriothesley presses his head down right by his jawline and into neck to warm up his nose. appendages do have a tendency to get icy quickly, but once he's sure Aether is warm again, he indulges him with another soft kiss.

feeling playful, he half turns and presses another next to the corner of his eye, and then a bit lower on his cheek. the second is more of a nuzzle than a kiss, but is anyone going to argue? perhaps it's because Wriothesley seems to open up more when people aren't surrounding him, but the Duke is giving his lover a rare treat. ]

[ironwind]

I might...

[ The weather is still as biting as ever, but Aether's tone is low and heated in a way that will keep them both warm. All tales of Eberhart and Luther and Priscilla are forgotten for now.

He tips his head to the side, allowing Wriothesley to nuzzle and sniff and kiss as much as he'd like. The one downside to being holed up in this cave is that Aether smells more like the cold than he normally would — his usual scent of sweet grasses and flowers is faint on his skin, replaced by ozone and snow — but it's there, if Wriothesley tries for it. ]

But I think I want Dragonspine sex more than another story.

[ Aether huffs out a soft laugh, holding still so that Wriothesley can give him still more aggressive kisses. He's so like an eager puppy sometimes. Well, they don't actually have to have sex — Aether is well aware that not all men can maintain their arousal in this sort of cold — but what else are they going to do but kiss and snuggle as the snow pours down outside?

He leans in and catches Wriothesley's soft lips, holding his warmth in place, indulging. ]

[klbrz]

[ with a little rearranging, Aether fits snug against his body, sliding down his thighs and in the crook of his arm. the heat settles between them, captured in a layer between their bodies and the blankets so much so that any small move that they would make to leave would flood them with frost. nah, Wriothesley thinks, this is nice. ]

Oh yeah?

[ not when Aether is eagerly returning all of his kisses. (he's got to hand it to himself, he's pretty smooth sometimes, huh? he's going to have to remember that little flirting technique worked, it might come in handy again.) the last one lingers in wet warmth, Wriothesley not wanting to part because they'd feel the cold nip of the air around them. an arm slips under the covers, under the jacket around Aether's shoulders, and around his bare midriff. a warm hand slides over his skin, a finger along the hem of his pants, tracing his hips. ]

You know, that's true, can't say that someone would usually take a story over sex, even in this weather. I guess as a traveler you have to be prepared, huh?

[ as someone who doesn't come up from his hole much. ]

[ironwind]

Mmhmm, always prepared, everywhere I go...

[ As Wriothesley pats himself on the back for seducing Aether (silly puppy, he's got no idea how seductive he can really be when he wants it, hm? nor how susceptible the blond really is to being seduced), Aether is trying to figure out the most heat-efficient way to get them both off. At this point, the blankets are toasty and well-layered enough that the traveler has plenty of mobility, but he's used to being able to take Wriothesley's shirt off to play with his hefty chest when the need strikes him; today, here on this gods-forsaken mountain, he might have to settle for just wiggling him out of his pants instead.

At the monent, he's doing a damnably clever little thing where he's eagerly stroking Wriothesley's cock through his pants; he starts slow at first, teasing over the hem of his trousers, then rubbing along the Duke's big body, the way his sculpted abs melt into the chiseled planes of his hips. He feels slowly more and more aroused, too, as the man feels up his curves and touches wherever he pleases. ]

I like it when it's easy to get you ready, too...

[klbrz]

[ Wriothesley can't say he normally thinks of himself as seductive, so having a plan work so perfectly with Aether snuggling up to him and touching him is something he considers a job well done. with deft fingers and what seems like photographic knowledge of his body, Aether finds his cock without a fumble. he has to admire that, and feel a little surprised at the the sudden realization of how well Aether probably knows his body. damn, he thinks, he's got me this bad, huh?

Aether touches him just right, even through the barrier of his pants, and he finds his breath catch in his throat and his head swim. there are a few times Aether has gotten to him that he found his legs unable to work after the encounter, even moreso than after a good workout. ]

Hah ... can't say I've ever had sex in a place like this, right here in the snow. Maybe someone will come up with a story about us some day.

[ a spicy story about one of the few times that the Duke came up from the Fortress to follow the traveler halfway across Teyvat. honestly, how could he deny it? he's had few experiences out in the world, and this is one for the ages.

with his fingers at Aether's chin he urges him in for a kiss again, the fog of their combined heat visible in the cold air when their lips part, breath mingling. his hands trace beneath his clothing, over his bare torso and up into his shirt, as if there were pockets of hidden warmth there for him to find. finally, he finds his way into his pants, loosening his belt and sliding eagerly within the confines to cup his erection in his hand. ]

[ironwind]

[ He'd be so, so flattered if the Duke ever told him that bit about not being able to stand after sex with him. Oh, what a feather in his cap that would be. Aether's never quite noticed it himself, though he is at least aware that he tends to leave Wriothesley a little breathless and boneless and starstruck after their coupling; Aether thinks that it's just because he might be slightly more demanding a lover than the Duke has ever had before, and also probably that Wriothesley is very, very attracted to him, which is sweet, and makes Aether happy to think about.

He feels a sudden urge to reward Wriothesley for this attention all the same, which is interrupted by Wriothesley abruptly welcoming him with a warm palm slipping into his pants to stroke his dick. Aether's breath stutters; for one rare moment, the Duke clearly has the upper hand. He urges Wriothesley in for one more kiss, full and hot and not too greedy, because he's always, always gentle and slow when it comes to his prison warden. He moves his fingers over Wriothesley's cock the way that Wriothesley moves his hand over his, pumpking and stroking and squeezing, but the difference in their sizes makes Aether shiver involuntarily when he finds himself suddenly conscious of it.

He should be the more mature one, the more experienced one, and yet, the way that those big palms feel cupping his cock — it's enough to make him jerk and buck into it — ]

Your hands feel so good...

[ It's breathed out, nearly worshipful, full of wonderment. He's glad he took Wriothesley out for this sort of thing; now, whenever he sees the snow, so impossible in rain-soaked, temperate Fontaine, he'll think of Aether. A selfish part of the traveler's heart longs to claim more of Wriothesley's firsts, more of his memories. ]

We'd make a pretty story together. The Duke and his fallen star, enjoying a night of romance on a snow-capped mountain...