[ He noticed the change in Aether's voice. Of course, he noticed. Without his special headphones on, all the sounds of the house were louder and clearer to him. Aether's tenor softened, and Alhaitham's gaze lifted to find those golden eyes. That courtesy and flexibility is part of why he was important to so many people. It wasn't lost on him that Aether chose to be here with just him instead of anyone else.

His gaze only leaves him to look at the lyre, silently contemplating everything in his mind. Didn't he just say that was a gift from the aranara? It was something that would give most other's pause to consider the weight of it. Alhaitham reaches his hand out toward him with little hesitation.]

You don't have to quiet yourself. I took them off because it's just the two of us.

[Aether wasn't like Kaveh. He didn't expect yelling or complaining in loud voices. The Traveler would leave again at morning light, and part of him wanted to listen and remember.

The lyre was held and pulled close to him, turning it into its proper position with this attention down to correct his posture.]

I don't see the need to call you. We've had things under control since the restructuring. It's just nice to see you when you do decide to come around. Even Lord Kusanali enjoyed your appearance on her birthday.

[He plucks out easy cords first, testing his own ability to translate word to action and also how it sounds with his headphone off. The sound and vibration was clearer, but his fingers felt clumsy trying to find the right notes naturally. After being sufficiently disappointed in himself, he hands it back carefully, offering it with two hands.]

I'll leave the artistic stuff to you and Kaveh.