Dream -1-

[startraveler]

Sender: Aether
To: Everyone
Subject: Passive dream recording

[He's walking through an endless field of flowers. The night sky above his head is glimmering with countless stars and the world is silent, save for a gentle breeze that makes the petals dance in the air.

The traveler continues to walk, careful not to destroy the delicate flowers around him. All of them are exactly the same - white, with one blue petal. He knows he's seen them before, but for some odd reason he can't recall where. Perhaps it's not that important, so he doesn't pay it that much mind.

Suddenly, he spots a figure in the distance. His eyes widen and soon he breaks into a run, not minding the flowers any more.

Lumine!

His voice doesn't seem to reach her, but it doesn't matter. He continues to run towards her - finally, finally after such a long time he's found her. His twin sister, his only family, the person who, to him, means more than the entire universe itself.

Eventually, the distance between them is nothing more than a step and he's all to eager to close it. He wants to hug her, tell her how worried he was, how much he missed her, but he stops in his place when she finally notices him. At first she smiles, soft and bright, like a star in the sky. The traveler smiles back, relieved that his dear sister is just like he remembers her.

And then something changes. Her expression falls, almost as if disappointed.

"You're too late." she says and turns away.

Confused and scared to lose her again, he reaches out to catch her by the hand, but finds himself unable to move from his spot. All he can do is watch her leave and then, when she's no longer in his sight the flowers around turn pitch black, the stars above his head disappear and dread settles in, as if the world is about to end.

The earth beneath his feet then shatters and Aether falls into an endless darkness.]

Comments

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Exactly... Which is why he can relate. He can believe he knows some of the emotional distress that Aether must be experiencing. Though it must be harder, knowing for a fact that your twin is alive but the how and why they keep away is lost in translation. ]

I know you mean well. However, I am not here to focus upon my own turmoil.

[ But how does one show proper emotional support!? ]

[startraveler]

[Aether is silent for a moment, his hand still on the other's shoulder.]

It helps just to know that you're here with me.

[Xiao means well, he came here to help with Aether's distress...]

You don't have to do anything more.

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Only because it's Aether does Xiao allow the continued contact. Though the sound that he makes when he speaks of being comforted by the Yaksha's presence along indicates he's not sure that is sufficient.

He doesn't doubt Aether, of course. However the other has... Well he has a great way of denying himself and instead focusing on everyone else. Just like someone else ]

And should I desire to?

[startraveler]

You... would?

[Aether looks surprised to hear that, but his expression quickly shifts into a soft smile.]

But I'm really not sure what to think of... Just stay with me?

[whirlwindthrust]

As so many of you have been reminding me... This is not Liyue.

[ Okay, Xiao. What exactly does that have to do with anything? But hold on, he is getting there. ]

I have also heard people express that the land itself isn't Liyue, but the people. If there is an absence of the land for me to protect, then perhaps I should focus on the people.

[ Which includes Aether of course. It's a clever way for Xiao to free himself up a bit so that he can still feel like he is abiding by his contract while also being available to do as he pleases. ]

So I will stay.

[startraveler]

[Aether is silent for a moment, before nodding. Xiao will never stop being the protector for his people, no matter what land it is. That's a truly admirable part of him.

Smiling softly, he reaches out to gently take the yaksha's hand.]

And I'm included? Even though I'm just a traveler with no place to call my "home"?

[He's grateful for that sentiment.]

...Thank you, Xiao.

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Xiao tilts his head at the statement. Thankfully, for Aether, he doesn't pull his hand back. There's... A little flinching. But no yanking it back and away. ]

Should you not be included? You have done much for Liyue. There are no shortage of people that would give you a play to stay for as long as you would have need of it.

[ So yes. Aether is included. ]

You made it so for yourself. There's no reason to thank me.

[startraveler]

[A smile continues to brighten his face. There is no trace of loneliness or exhaustion from before, just a serene expression.]

I still feel thankful. Because you're here.

[And because Xiao accepts and trusts Aether.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ He's not sure that he had really done much. Not even here and now. Yet Aether seems to be smiling. Relaxing. So this must mean that some of the sadness and loneliness is being chased away? ]

Go rest. I will stay here and keep watch.

[ And maybe chase away bad dreams. Who knows. ]

[startraveler]

[Still smiling, Aether nods.]

I will. But you don't have to stay and watch over me too long, Xiao. Make sure you'll get some sleep too. It's good for one's health.

[He's not sure if that's true for yakshas, but surely, everybody needs some rest.]

Goodnight Xiao.

🎀

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Xiao only hums. He doesn't think he needs to tell Aether about the chances of him actually sleeping. There won't be anything for the Traveler to worry about though. Sleep will come when it intends to.

Instead he goes to his self appointed post. That is, by the window. There he will lean and stay, arms folded over his chest and eyes closed. ]

Good night.

[ And by the morning, he will be gone. ]