#articulatedsuffering

"A bold statement. To spit on my family legacy in such a way."

An empty, sinister smile is not on his thin lips, but in his eyes. True the pavilion was a public place, although at this time, and in his presence, seeing the table taken would encourage others to not bother his personal space.

Tauntingly so, Archer looks up and down the person before him. He does not have to make it so obvious. He already assessed this man. He's just fucking with him.

A shiver immediately ran down the avian God's spine, cheeks quickly warming as he quickly turned to look toward the redhead. How long had it been since last they'd seen each other?

Quiet huff sounded from the brunet as hands reached up, pulling firmly on Agni's shirt to let lips meet his - if only briefly.

" ... Where have you been ? I couldn't find you ... "

doubting someone with equal knowledge seems to be          faintly insulting on his part though it might make sense. For being the free-spirited bard who lives among his people, there's hardly any room for believing someone that plays splendid ballads. Most tunes are hummed in the comfort of a carefree breeze blowing all throughout Mondstadt. But he expected some kind of trust...from one immortal being to another, especially one that makes the archon be at bliss. Something about the company of old friends sends Barbatos into a state of freedom or perhaps longed to join others of his kind. At times, watching the withering of flowers and people alike became quite tragic after realizing not everything lasts. Yet the growth of young spirits to later becoming the protectors of his city was another satisfying feeling that no other archon could imagine. Their feelings of freedom, their prosperous lives of being joyous, were quite intoxicating as any regular wine --- maybe working a little too well. The creation of this beverage leaves for a bittersweet taste until finally acquainting himself with another fellow archon. The Anemo archon had hoped there'd be some shattered barrier, just for arms to embrace his being. Sadly the distance continues with inquiries that are best thought out in his own time. "Hmmm I sometimes wonder about that...hehe, of course I jest! It truly is up to date from my own knowledge Kimaris."

A lyre is strum for the following lyrics to become an inspiration, also tuning into Venti's own experience by what it means to possess knowledge. The child-like nature is only used for speaking with humans because they were all pure-spirited in the archon's eyes. Someone who speaks with wisdom...the one soul who spoke with a fallen friend, belonged to Barbatos. He rather speak with both tongues because Kimaris felt like a special person in the bard's heart. Venti hoped they share a similar sentiment, especially after witnessing a certain stage in the archon's life. A finger gently pokes at the other's nose with a playful giggle to be rather teasing for doubting him. In between playing the lyre and resting upon the male's lap, green eyes gaze before him to resume wise words. "If there is doubt over my knowledge, you're welcome to chime into your experiences. If anything...I would love to hear everything you have witnessed throughout your journey whether it's to catch up or prove me wrong. After all, you are the one I adore the most my wonderful Kimaris."

a weakness towards eyes had been one thing he made          obvious, yet its current situation wasn't helping out anything. No doubt the traveler harbors some interest behind a person's eyes as they were mirrors into their souls. Sometimes the blonde could easily understand a person, no matter who they were, just by gazing into their eyes. Another trait about them were...just how beautiful they made a person which applied to the one who stands before him. Aether practically cupped those cheeks with embarrassment, knowing the other felt confused behind why amber eyes couldn't connect with one another. The impossible task was from a sudden skip of the male's heartbeat where the celestial being could melt from that stare. Maybe he felt some subtle attraction that buds into his chest, though it'd be difficult to express it without worries of being rejected. For that reason alone he figured of averting their gazes to see if there's a chance at preparing himself mentally --- he prayed to the archons of not being seen with displeasure. Yet hearing that obvious attempt by him would prove futile, cheeks still red from being flustered.

"It...pains me to admit that I really like looking at your eyes, Renzhong. But they made me feel something inside. I-I don't wish to trouble you with matters like this so I figured of looking somewhere else but your eyes. They make me feel...happy. I like staring at them too much that my heart races quickly." Embarrassment still depicts Aether's facial features though their eyes were locked to one another for the time being. The aching only came from a sudden fear for gazing at the traveler as hopeless, someone who cannot control himself over selfish desires. It was...frustrating to hold back from wanting to request things that only benefit his well-being. A celestial being must harbor some respect, as well as using his blade to assisting others among Teyvat. Even the rumors of a blonde male with a fae companion would be held to their peak with each elemental vision. He wondered what the other viewed him as, maybe as someone closer to his side --- it was uncertain. "I probably said something foolish, right? F-Forget I said anything like this, Renzhong! So can you tell me what you were saying?"

a blank gaze settles over collei's visage , normally this is when paimon would pipe up and speak for her , interrupting the traveler's words to insert herself into the conversation . lumine had long grown tired of the flying elf's interruptions , speaking as if she understood what lumine was thinking ; but that's a thought she kept to herself . paimon may prove to be of use yet . . .

" no , i'm indifferent to the thought , " she corrects the archer , gaze flitting away from collei's face to the distance , " i have been alone for much longer than you think i have , " lumine continues , she no longer remembers the age she is . . . she's lost count of the years she's spent in this world . even with a companion on her side , lumine still felt ALONE . she's grown used to it .

" perhaps , it is YOU who cannot stand being alone . . . " lumine replies , a tilt of her head . " worry not . . . it seems that you are surrounded by many who care for you , " lumine's eyes scans the campsite , full of rangers and children . it's a lively place , but it doesn't seem to fill the HOLE within the traveler .

@articulatedsuffering said :“did you do something different with your hair?”. (Agni.)