faith, should i take a leap-

mutuals are free to add me on discord: morgan.#9002

“Aether, Hmmmm… Aether.” He sang before laughing, “It sounds pretty good, would be hard to rhyme though.” He took a bite leaning back. He lifted a leg looking at his shoes thoughtfully.  “Inazuma? I haven’t been there in ages! Though I can think of one aching reason why.” He muttered annoyed thinking of the Electro Archon.  “Well, if you are going there, you really should bring Old Zhongli.” Venti laid down in the lifting his legs to stretch out. “I know he’s long winded, which amazes me. Though I think I wouldn’t be the archon I am if I hadn’t met him.” He hummed bouncing his leg. “He knows alot about tradition and all that nonsense. Unmovable Morax and his traditions.” He smiled fondly, “So you’ll want to take him with you! He can do all those manners and diplomatic stuff. Plus I think you and Paimon can break him of his spending habits.”  Still one set of unsaid words weighed on the archons mind. “You know, it is unwise to ask the Archon of Freedom if you can or can not do something. I will encourage you to pursue what you wish, provided nothing befalls Mondstadt. I will back what ever freedom you seek.” 

Hard to rhyme. Aether laughed a little at the thought. Venti’s ability as a bard was admirable, even if Paimon called him tone deaf (Aether didn’t think so, but maybe it was just because he wasn’t from Teyvat). Again, the mention of the electro archon was said with annoyance, exasperation, distaste. He’d been noticing a trend when it came to that one, and it didn’t bode well. The whole point of his journey was to get the archons’ blessings, so that he could restore his powers and find his sister. (And one day, maybe, leave again, though he felt less and less interested in leaving, as time went on). 

“Oh, you don’t wanna join me?” He teased lightly. Aether had intended to ask Zhongli to join him, of course, Though Zhongli wasn’t the only companion he sought- if this Electro Archon was really so problematic, then having extra back up was a good idea- .... or, maybe, it would just put his friends in trouble. Hm. That made him think twice- if he were to go on with just Paimon and himself, it would pose less danger for those he had come to care about. Auric gaze shifted to his knees, though he didn’t actually see them. He weighed possibilities, coming to the conclusion that it was best to go by himself. 

fingers press to their chin, taking a moment to think as gold eyes look past aether. there isn’t much, if anything, that zhongli can forget so most places are bound to have some story- it may not all be exciitng but. “for the most part. liyue has been around for several millenia & has cultivated so much history. you’re alwyas bound to learn something.”

Kaeya catches sight of the blush & does little to hide his satisfied smirk. While he’s quick to tease, hiding his true feelings behind other means, he can admit that Aether is easy on the eyes. There’s a certain charm to him that draws Kaeya close like a moth to a flame. The only difference is that the outlander isn’t hot enough to burn his wings. It’s a comfortable warmth. He really does enjoy the company.

“Why don’t you name it after me?” He waggles his eyebrow. The seelie squeaks in disagreement as if yelling at the captain, earning a chuckle. “Kidding, kidding.”

He takes a second to pause, star-shaped eye looking up towards the horizon. There’s a few ideas that cross his mind as he takes the time to be serious. Yet, one seems to stick out the most. “What about Casper? It means ‘bringer of treasure’.”

Suggesting to name it after him-- Kaeya is cheeky. Aether snorts a little, though he finds himself more amused by the seelie’s reaction. He snuggles the creature against his cheek, trying to think of names and only drawing a blank. The captain’s attention turns skyward, but Aether’s is on him- he feels melancholy, a memory floating to the surface- 

They had once watched the stars together, not unlike how Kaeya does as he considers. And similar to that time, Aether’s attention is on his companion, not on the above. Never above. The stars, while alluring and inviting, were no place to be. As someone who traveled amongst them for over two centuries... No, Aether found his attention was better suited to the people around him. To the people he cared about. 

Kaeya’s eye turned upwards, and Aether’s free hand gently moved forward, hooking his pinky through the captain’s. Such a small, tiny thing- and he didn’t let go, when the focus falls back to their conversation. Casper. Auric hues turn then to the seelie, considering. 

She’s trying so hard to hold back the laugh. How these two were related was a miracle, but she sees what he’s doing. Playfully, she tugs on the blanket, turning away from him. “I can’t hear you. The warmth calls for me.” As she’s turning, she’s grabbing her pillow very carefully. As soon as she’s on her side, she whips around, gently hitting his arm and face with the fluff. There’s a large grin on her face now.

“I don’t think that’s... quite how it’s supposed to smell,” Aether remarked- he was sure he had followed the recipe to the letter, but then again... maybe he misread, or misunderstood... Common wasn’t his first language, hell it wasn’t even his second... and the Liyuan tongue more or less eluded him. He thought briefly before offering the bowl of what was supposed to be some sort of noodle soup to Paimon. 

auric gaze drifted over to Venti, contemplating for a moment before he wrapped his arms tightly around the bard. “good,” his voice was soft, barely there, but then again, who needed volume when they stood so close? If Aether were to speak more, he would admit to the comfort such closeness brought him. (Although the memories were hazy, he could recall long nights, clutching to his twin like a lifeline-- without her here beside him, he felt like he was drowning,  and yet--)