[He's been thinking for a few days on how to approach Childe since what happened at the ball. After dealing with his own feelings, there remains several important things that he can't ignore that need to be discussed. It's proven they can work together (well even) but he needs at least some reassurance they share common ground here in this new world.]
Is Childe's relic? It's Aether. I wanted to talk to you about some things.
At the ball I was acting different. You don't need me to tell you that though. I almost gave away some information that could've really made a mess of things in Sumeru. If it were another Harbinger, I wouldn't have been so lucky and people I care about and more would've been hurt because of me. But it was you. You kept your word even if it could've helped the Fauti and the Tsaritsa. So thank you. I appreciate it.
Haha, you don't have to worry about it. Any information gained here about Teyvat isn't reliable, anyway, no matter who it comes from. Besides, I don't do work when I'm taking a vacation. Not to mention Sumeru isn't my responsibility, and that guy doesn't need help from me, of all people.
[ lots of valid excuses. Hopefully they'll ease Aether's overall concerns even if the only real excuse is that he has no direct order or reason to betray the other like that again, and so he won't. ]
Can you really take a vacation just like that? Won't you get reprimanded once they find out?
[He may not know how the Fatui as an organization work, but Childe isn't some low ranking member taking a few days off. It is interesting how Aether seems almost show concern for Childe's role in the Fatui all of the sudden.]
Well, let's see what we both know... I'm a Harbinger and I take orders from the Tsaritsa. The Tsaritsa isn't here, but I know her end goal is to take out Celestia. I can't work towards that, though, because Celestia doesn't exist here. As far as paperwork and reports, my subordinates, and debt collecting for the Fatui goes, can't do that either. No Northland banks here to borrow from, my subordinates don't seem to be here, and... well, my office work is back in my office, but I'm not on bank duty or ambassador status back in Teyvat, either.
Seems like I don't have a choice to do anything but take a vacation since I can't do any of that stuff, right?
[He makes an extremely convincing argument, but he's been fooled and talked into things by him before. What makes it convincing is it being all true, a totally airtight argument.]
You're right about all of that and I know you're telling me the truth. So since you're on vacation and taking time off, what do you plan to do? Have you done anything interesting so far?
We could go adventuring. There's lots of places I still haven't explored or only just saw briefly. What would you like to do while adventuring? There's hiking, looking at the wildlife, and fishing. I think I remember you once mentioning fishing when it rained in Liyue. I could cook whatever fish we catch too.
You can. I was thinking about it before but never got around to buying the supplies. I need to go into town later anyway for some errands. I can buy the supplies and you can pay me back later.
I should be free tomorrow morning. I just need to let a friend know I'll be busy with something. If that's too soon, I can do later this week.
[Aether attaches a picture of handmade map he's drawn with instructions. There's a little fish marking where they should meet in the lakes region of folkmore.]
Then we'll meet here tomorrow at ten in the morning. My map isn't exact, but it should help you get an idea of how to get there.
[ the next morning, Childe gets there early, just in case there's trouble along the way as well as to get a better feel for this place. Afterall, if they're going to fish again at some point it's best to get to know the surroundings and any animals or monsters that use this lake area. While he has full confidence in both himself and Aether to handle whatever happens, fishing is better done when uninterrupted.
Aether can find him watching over the lake bestest to the fish market on the map, sitting on a rock and enjoying the sunlight. ]
[His thoughts about meeting Childe have been going through his mind since yesterday. The thoughts aren't about if Childe is up to something here; Aether does believe him when it comes to that as of now. Things could change, but that easily could be said for himself, too. Zhongli said he's keeping an eye on Childe, but it's not that.
His first betrayal of friendship in Teyvat stems from Childe. That wound is not so easily addressed by assurance of not harming others or not partaking in anything related to the Fatui. Time has passed in Teyvat and here, but there still is a hesitance there. Then why spend time with him? Aether wants to see it for himself maybe. In a different world and a different place, things could be different. There's even that small bit of knowing they do fight and work alongside each other well.
Aether shows up just a few minutes before, carrying the supplies he discussed with Childe earlier. His arms carry the simple metal fishing poles that are almost as tall as him. He's also wearing a backpack filled with supplies they'll need for fishing and any sort of camping related thing he can think of. He's even brought some vials for research collection purposes just in case they do stumble upon anything Alebdo might find interesting.
When he sees Childe sitting on rock off in the distance, he doesn't approach him right away. He stops in his tracks, simply looking at him briefly. A pair of friends fishing... that would be a normal thing, a nice thing. After that brief thought, he finally approaches Childe and announces his presence.]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. [He should be on time. He does try with being on time and usually it's Paimon that slows him down when it comes to that. He walks towards the rock, standing next to it.] I got everything like I said.
[He offers one of the fishing poles to Childe. The one being offered has a color scheme that is reminiscent of his bow.] This ones yours. I strung the fishing line already for you.
You didn't. I just came early to check the place out. It would have been bad if they fish are sleeping and we didn't get that info beforehand, right? Haha.
[ he glances behind him and smiles at Aether as he approaches before turning fully to take the fishing pole he's given. The color scheme is noticed and he makes a small "aww" sound under his breath before going to stand up. ]
Thanks. Not sure how active these fish are, Aibou. So I can't promise you this is going to be very interesting, but you're always running around anyway. Some peace and quiet will be good for you, don't you think?
Anyway, let's find a good spot first, and we can set anything else up for lunch nearby.
You're welcome. I haven't been fishing here before, but by the looks of this place, it won't be too hard find a quiet spot.
[The surrounding area is quite serene and tranquil. It also wouldn't be Childe's fault or his if they end up empty handed. The point of going fishing together isn't simply to catch fish.
He gives a little nod at finding a spot for the two of them. He walks alongside of Childe with foot of distance apart as he holds onto his fishing pole. His eyes dart between looking ahead, to the side, and at the other man beside him. His staring is more out of curiosity and even wonderment. He recalls how easily Childe can switch between being that friendly and loving older brother and then into another for his duties regarding the Fatui. With the two of them alone, without the duties and responsibilities of Teyvat, how will their relationship change here?]
It may not be exactly the same, but I brought along the ingredients for that seafood stew you like.
[ wait. Waiiitt. agreeing is missing a perfectly good opportunity to be a little bitch and poke the other with a big stick. Like how a cat wants to be left alone and the family dog thinks it's way better to bother it for fun playtime— particularly while it's napping in the sun. ]
It's not that surprising. Besides, you're still a kid to me. A baby, even. You're just a tall and more insufferable baby now.
That Kabukimono you met was me from at least 400 years ago. I had only recently been exposed to the outside world, so I was still bright-eyed and naive like a child. Naturally, such a vast amount of time brings vast changes with it as well.
It went beyond just being nice, dumbass. The reason why the plot for that story played out so perfectly up until you rescued me is because I made the same idiotic mistakes as the original princess. Anyone with even half a brain could have gotten themselves out of that situation long before it came to that, but like her, I didn't have enough life experience to see it coming. Amrita knew what she was doing when she cast my younger self in that role.
Because we're talking about my relationship with the Traveler, which you brought up completely out of nowhere?? What did you think would happen? You basically just admitted to stalking me, too. Next time I see you, I'm killing you on sight.
It's giving you the more humiliating punishment. I've known you were fond of the Traveler even back in Teyvat, and I know you care about his opinion of you. Now that you've confessed in writing to stalking him specifically and even called him "your" Traveler, how do you think he'll feel about you when he sees it?
[ rude as hell. Gonna have to chuck scara's ds off a cliff along with him. ]
roll his eyes Punch me in the gut next spar probably He already knows I stalk him that's how I found out you definitely had left Inazuma after taking the gnosis.
Besides, it's hard not to stalk people who always stumble onto the most intriguing stuff life has to offer~! It just goes with the territory of being super interesting don't you think?
Wow, you worded that in the most embarrassing way possible. Has the Traveler even done anything interesting in this world? You could say that he's a protagonist in Teyvat, but here in Folkmore, he's been reduced to a background character just like the rest of us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text; un: traveler
Is Childe's relic?
It's Aether. I wanted to talk to you about some things.
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shoot, comrade.
what's up?
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I almost gave away some information that could've really made a mess of things in Sumeru. If it were another Harbinger, I wouldn't have been so lucky and people I care about and more would've been hurt because of me.
But it was you. You kept your word even if it could've helped the Fauti and the Tsaritsa.
So thank you. I appreciate it.
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Any information gained here about Teyvat isn't reliable, anyway, no matter who it comes from.
Besides, I don't do work when I'm taking a vacation.
Not to mention Sumeru isn't my responsibility, and that guy doesn't need help from me, of all people.
[ lots of valid excuses. Hopefully they'll ease Aether's overall concerns even if the only real excuse is that he has no direct order or reason to betray the other like that again, and so he won't. ]
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Won't you get reprimanded once they find out?
[He may not know how the Fatui as an organization work, but Childe isn't some low ranking member taking a few days off. It is interesting how Aether seems almost show concern for Childe's role in the Fatui all of the sudden.]
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Seems like I don't have a choice to do anything but take a vacation since I can't do any of that stuff, right?
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You're right about all of that and I know you're telling me the truth.
So since you're on vacation and taking time off, what do you plan to do? Have you done anything interesting so far?
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As for what I plan to do
All sorts of things!
Since you're here, I can even go adventuring around with you.
What do you think?
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What would you like to do while adventuring?
There's hiking, looking at the wildlife, and fishing.
I think I remember you once mentioning fishing when it rained in Liyue.
I could cook whatever fish we catch too.
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I should be free tomorrow morning. I just need to let a friend know I'll be busy with something. If that's too soon, I can do later this week.
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Then we'll meet here tomorrow at ten in the morning. My map isn't exact, but it should help you get an idea of how to get there.
text >> action (next day)
[ the next morning, Childe gets there early, just in case there's trouble along the way as well as to get a better feel for this place. Afterall, if they're going to fish again at some point it's best to get to know the surroundings and any animals or monsters that use this lake area. While he has full confidence in both himself and Aether to handle whatever happens, fishing is better done when uninterrupted.
Aether can find him watching over the lake bestest to the fish market on the map, sitting on a rock and enjoying the sunlight. ]
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His first betrayal of friendship in Teyvat stems from Childe. That wound is not so easily addressed by assurance of not harming others or not partaking in anything related to the Fatui. Time has passed in Teyvat and here, but there still is a hesitance there. Then why spend time with him? Aether wants to see it for himself maybe. In a different world and a different place, things could be different. There's even that small bit of knowing they do fight and work alongside each other well.
Aether shows up just a few minutes before, carrying the supplies he discussed with Childe earlier. His arms carry the simple metal fishing poles that are almost as tall as him. He's also wearing a backpack filled with supplies they'll need for fishing and any sort of camping related thing he can think of. He's even brought some vials for research collection purposes just in case they do stumble upon anything Alebdo might find interesting.
When he sees Childe sitting on rock off in the distance, he doesn't approach him right away. He stops in his tracks, simply looking at him briefly. A pair of friends fishing... that would be a normal thing, a nice thing. After that brief thought, he finally approaches Childe and announces his presence.]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. [He should be on time. He does try with being on time and usually it's Paimon that slows him down when it comes to that. He walks towards the rock, standing next to it.] I got everything like I said.
[He offers one of the fishing poles to Childe. The one being offered has a color scheme that is reminiscent of his bow.] This ones yours. I strung the fishing line already for you.
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[ he glances behind him and smiles at Aether as he approaches before turning fully to take the fishing pole he's given. The color scheme is noticed and he makes a small "aww" sound under his breath before going to stand up. ]
Thanks. Not sure how active these fish are, Aibou. So I can't promise you this is going to be very interesting, but you're always running around anyway. Some peace and quiet will be good for you, don't you think?
Anyway, let's find a good spot first, and we can set anything else up for lunch nearby.
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[The surrounding area is quite serene and tranquil. It also wouldn't be Childe's fault or his if they end up empty handed. The point of going fishing together isn't simply to catch fish.
He gives a little nod at finding a spot for the two of them. He walks alongside of Childe with foot of distance apart as he holds onto his fishing pole. His eyes dart between looking ahead, to the side, and at the other man beside him. His staring is more out of curiosity and even wonderment. He recalls how easily Childe can switch between being that friendly and loving older brother and then into another for his duties regarding the Fatui. With the two of them alone, without the duties and responsibilities of Teyvat, how will their relationship change here?]
It may not be exactly the same, but I brought along the ingredients for that seafood stew you like.
text; un: tokumei
[He never gave Childe his username, but surely he can guess who this is.]
text; un: childe 1/3
2/3
littlebitch and poke the other with a big stick. Like how a cat wants to be left alone and the family dog thinks it's way better to bother it for fun playtime— particularly while it's napping in the sun. ]text;
to think you were actually equipped with a cute side once upon a time!
Aren't those times important to look back on and recall fondly?
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I was a cute kid.
even i have to admit that
So it's okay to feel bamboozled over that kid and I being the same person.
you are definitely a worse case over changes from a 'then versus now' perspective.
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That Kabukimono you met was me from at least 400 years ago. I had only recently been exposed to the outside world, so I was still bright-eyed and naive like a child. Naturally, such a vast amount of time brings vast changes with it as well.
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Naive and nice go hand-in-hand for you, huh?
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It went beyond just being nice, dumbass. The reason why the plot for that story played out so perfectly up until you rescued me is because I made the same idiotic mistakes as the original princess. Anyone with even half a brain could have gotten themselves out of that situation long before it came to that, but like her, I didn't have enough life experience to see it coming. Amrita knew what she was doing when she cast my younger self in that role.
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[ but hey this is great as long as it is all about Scaramouche's experience. ]
you really seem to like the Traveler, though.
Even though they check all your No boxes and aren't that different from the princess in many ways.
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[Has Aether been talking to Childe about him? Or did Childe happen to see them hanging out? It better not be the former.]
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[ ...like 30 seconds later ]
you sure hang around him a lot if you don't
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[The mental image is traumatizing…..]
I have my reasons and they’re none of your business.
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It's not you I'm stalking
that's my Traveler
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how is that not liking the Traveler?
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roll his eyes
Punch me in the gut next spar
probably
He already knows I stalk him that's how I found out you definitely had left Inazuma after taking the gnosis.
Besides, it's hard not to stalk people who always stumble onto the most intriguing stuff life has to offer~! It just goes with the territory of being super interesting don't you think?
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Wow, you worded that in the most embarrassing way possible. Has the Traveler even done anything interesting in this world? You could say that he's a protagonist in Teyvat, but here in Folkmore, he's been reduced to a background character just like the rest of us.
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you were kind of like a protagonist here as a princess in that story, though!
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