#aebina

Aether:Columbina? May I ask a small favor?

Columbina: “small favors” in my experience tend to be bigger than I imagine, but yes. I’m listening.

Aether:How strong do you think you are? Physically speaking. Like…would you consider me heavy?

She said nothing, tilting her head like her familiar always does. Columbina watched an anxious smile creep up, but before Aether could retract his words, Columbina waved her hand effortlessly. A pulse of kuuvahki turned and pulled the blonde boy closer. Her dainty arms wrapped around his thin torso; brilliant large wings sprouted out and with a single flap, sent them both high into the air above Nod Krai. Columbina stopped on a dime, hovering in the air for him to take in the beautiful land she called her home bathing in moonlight.

Columbina:As long as we’re in Nod Krai, nothing is too heavy for me. I’ll simply attract it to where I want to be. I could probably let go right now and you’ll float, considering how close we are.

Aether:Let’s not test that.

Columbina:This is what you wanted, right? I didn’t see the full extent of your journey as I made my way through time, but I often saw looking towards the sky for reasons different than mine.

Aether:…I used to be able to fly. Had wings of my own and everything, but the Sustainer took them along with my strength. Gliding makes me feel a little better, but it really isn’t the same.

Columbina:You sound like Lauma, and myself as well. Until recently, looking up towards the sky felt hollow. A false moon gives little comfort to those painfully aware of the real thing. Gliders are false wings to those who have spread real ones.

Aether:Heh, couldn’t phrase it better myself.

Columbina:…I am going to let you go.

Aether:Um, I really don’t think-

Columbina:Aether, I won’t let you fall.

Despite his trembling hands, he let go of Columbina’s. Slowly her grip loosened around him and he felt himself sinking for an instant before a wave of weightlessness washed over him. He almost didn’t want to look down; Aether didn’t have to. Columbina moved directly in front of him, her left hand staying with his right.

She barely pulled on him before Aether leaned forward to move. His body turned left to circle her, then leaned backwards to pull her along. Columbina could sense his joy rising. Despite how long its been, something things are truly unforgettable. Aether reached out with his other hand and she took it. Both of them spun freely above the clouds in a dance for only the moon to witness. Just for a moment, Columbina opens one eye to catch a glimpse of person that the people of Teyvat haven’t truly seen before. She couldn’t help but wonder if her own expression was this captivating when she finally found the piece of herself she believed was out of reach.

Columbina:See? You haven’t lost a step.

Aether:Ahaha! I…I thought I’d be rusty! Columbina, thank you! This means…everything.

Columbina:Your welcome. Though I doubt I could do this so freely wherever I wanted.

Aether:Believe me, this is more enough!

Columbina:*smiles* Then…until you reclaim everything this world has taken from you, I’ll be your wings in Nod Krai.

His smile rivaled the sun itself, yet it wasn’t blinding for one moment. Columbina indulged in the sight of a little longer as they counted their moonlit waltz. Aether kept himself well within her wingspan to the point they could easily wrap around him.

Columbina:I’m beginning to think you want to be this close.

Aether:Shouldn’t I be this close to my wings?

Columbina:Zzzzz

Aether:….*turns head*

An open window

Aether:Well that is slightly unsettling. *pokes her nose*

Columbina:Mmgh. *cuddles harder* Just a little longer..,

Aether:Bina? My room is actually supposed to be off limits. Kinda like a neutral zone.

Columbina:Is that so? I’ll keep that in mind, next time. For now, I’ll stay warm.

Aether:*red*…

Columbina: “Bina” is a new one by the way.

Aether:Do you hate it as a nickname?

Columbina:No, but I can’t do the same for you. Your name is rather short.

Aether:No need to force it. I already have plenty of names.

Columbina:…You kinda remind me of Lauma with how attentive and alert you both are. “Deer” works.

Aether:Now I know you’re messing with me.

Columbina:I’d ask if it worked, but I can hear your heart beating. Almost like you want to hear it again.

Alone in the backyard of his in the teapot, Aether makes wish circle before taking a breath and grabbing his bag of primos.

Aether:She said she wasn’t a fan of crowds much, so a a calm ritual should be fine, right? 25 pity and 197 fates. This could be simple or brutal beyond compare. Oh well! No use worrying I guess.

Meanwhile, in Nasha Town…

Nefer:Make him work for it.

Lauma:You can’t keep doing this!

Nefer:Why not? If he’s truly fond on you, make him put in some effort.

Columbina:Isn’t him saving my life effort?

Nefer:He’s a hero; saving lives is a 9-5

Lauma:Columbina, I don’t think you should be listening to the person who can put a monetary value on affection.

Nefer:So are weddings free if you’re a Scion? First I’ve heard of it.

Columbina:Hmmm, I suppose it would be interesting to see him flustered.

Nefer:That’s the spirit. *sips wine*

Lauma:Siiiigh…

Columbina:I’ll sit here for a while and enjoy the atmosphere with friends.

10 pull thrown

Columbina:

Nefer:…..

Jahoda:You can never judge me again.

Lauma:You know, if you really think about it, she did set herself up to meet him.

xxxxxx

CAPTURED RADIANCE!

Aether:I’m glad Nefer wasn’t here to see this.

He held out his arms and was getting ready to run to the falling light when it suddenly disappeared, then reappeared right into them.

Aether:H-Hello. *smiles*

Columbina:Hello. Nefer is mad at you again.

Aether:If I knew my luck in Node Krai would be this good, I would’ve been more reckless with my primos.

Columbina:Reckless enough to try for my catalyst?

Ineffa:*flies in immediately* Take that offer!

Aether:Fffffiiiiiine! My luck has never been great here, but I guess the odds here are actually balanced for once. *dumps 40* But I-

Golden Meteor!

Aether:…If it’s yours Columbina, don’t tell Nefer.

The girl held out her hand to pinky promise, but then suddenly her weapon appeared in it.

Columbina:Oh…

Ineffa:Darn.

During another normal day at the Frost Moon archives, Lauma feels a slight swell in power that grows her antlers, knocking a book off the shelf. Her head immediately turns to spot the culprit sitting at a table with a smile.

Lauma:Columbina…

Columbina:Sorry. I can’t seem to help myself sometimes. Your sensitivity is a treat. Are you currently busy by any chance?

Lauma:Not for a friend, no. Do you need something?

Aether:*steps into Nodkrai* It’s nice to be b-

Lullaby starts

Columbina:*floating down gracefully* We meet again.

Aether:So you just know when I’m here?

Columbina:I am the Moon Goddess who blessed this soil and water. Also…

Luonnotar appears!

Columbina:Hello little one.

Paimon:Yeah that makes sense. Is this the part you get all the gossip?

Aether:There’s nothing gossip that happened.

Columbina:You…found hell?

Aether:Oh! Yeah, we don’t have to talk about that. By the way, can you open your eyes for a moment?

Columbina:*opens them* Is something the matter?

Aether:No. I just haven’t seen them in so long. *smiles*

Columbina:*red*…..

Paimon:As you can tell, he’s been hanging around Varka.

Columbina:Did you make the trip all the way for that?

Aether:Actually, Luonnotar was acting restless and was a bit grumpy. She kept pointing at the moon. I put the pieces together when I realized “acting out” was as straightforward as it seemed.

Columbina:*looks at her* The gossip doesn’t have to go both ways….

[Silver Moon Hall]

Aether:Hey Columbina! Keeping busy?

Columbina:Oh? You’re back? *buts book down* That’s certainly unexpected.

Aether:It is? Lantern Rite is practically over.

Columbina:Yes, but I’ve heard from Varka both of you were planning to return to Mondstadt. I thought he’d simply meet you there.

Aether:There’s still some time. Plus trips back and forth make good excuses to see people. Lantern Rite had a lot of themes and culture surrounding the moon this year. I honestly felt well versed haha.

Columbina:I see. So what you’re saying is, you’ve come back because I’ve been on your mind?

Aether:*red* Woah. Why’d you call me out like that?

He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head like he always did when embarrassed. Columbina walked over with an extended a hand like she always did, and Aether found no reason to refuse a blessing. As he placed his hand on hers, Columbina took the chance to politely kiss his cheek before casually walking back to wear she sat. She properly closed the familiar looking book with a pink kitsune on the cover, then kept her attention on Aether.

Aether:Yae publishing house?

Columbina:Yes. An Inazuman boat came by recently. I don’t understand everything about the plot, but it’s quite novel and daring. Although I fear the material isn’t suitable for the Kuuhenki.?

Aether:Yeah that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. The chief editor will come up with just about anything.

Columbina:One passage reminded me a little of you.

Aether:Did the hero get beaten by the god of thunder?

Columbina:Not that part. There’s a section where they’re really excited to see someone again, and practically rush back to their side. The precious person to them responded in earnest, asking a question. Aether, “care to spend the night and catch up?” *opens arms*

Aether:*blushes* I…don’t think those words were as straightforward as they may seem in that context as you might think.

Columbina:Hehe, are you sure? It is a light novel. What’s misunderstood in writing is made clear with illustrations. So, may I have your answer?

xxxxxx

Paimon:*eating*

Lauma:*holding a bird* Hmmm, Paimon?

Paimon:Yes?

Lauma:How would you like to stay here for a night? You can have all the boons you want.

Paimon:…..

Lauma:*red*….

Paimon:…You don’t have to say it. This song and dance isn’t new to Paimon.

Lauma:You truly are a reliable friend. To think you’re so calm while I’m flustered over the news.

Paimon:Soooo is this technically heresy on Aether’s part?

Lauma:I wouldn’t go that far. Actually, I don’t want to think about that. As long as Columbina is happy, I support her choices.

Paimon:…

Lauma:*head in hands* Does this get written into history? Do i simply say nothing. Our faith is more than her, but we should still document new events. We did so with the moon and statue!

Paimon:What’s there to document? They’re just reading together. Who can say otherwise? The animals only you can understand?

Lauma:…They’re reading together.