#primotm

With the opening of this new year the young man would hope that it would indeed bring forth new discoveries as well, perhaps he could even attain the answers that he's been seeking all of his life..no, he needed to take things one step at a time. So in an attempt to 'take his time' within this new year he felt that a trip was needed, somewhere within the wilderness of mondstadt would probably be just what the doctor ordered and upon leaving the Favonius' HQ his eyes took a glance at the familiar blond outlander. “Oh Traveler, what an interesting coincidence. Here on an academical purpose? Or perhaps this was nothing more than a mere coincidence for our meeting? Either way could I trouble you you for one favor now that you're here?”

So his eyes never turn after directing the menacing boundary that now challenges this warrior  as they’re settled well into a very human concept. Vulnerability. An aspect many find themselves eager to shred and cast forth, despite the countless possibility carried in such a fragile quality. Patience is held like a steadied pen, calm, questioning, all in the name to let them draw out their earnest emotion despite the newest twist upon their path. What is captured within those golden eyes are is a special strength that couldn’t be hidden or dulled through a grand show of strength.

Resistance has to be exercised in that moment to prevent the tilt of his lips, to reflect his silent approval through actions such as a smile, instead he allows the winds of change to be their spectator while his expression holds unreadable. As a single eye closes, Aether’s declaration is part of a new blooming path that the fate must not be allowed to turn, burned into his bones while he takes in a slow breath. “As it stands, neither.  Your courage that burns within this moment shall be recognized. And as such, what I offer is a clue.”

Courage even greater then what he holds now would become the key. For now, it seems there’s no point in beating out such potential.

”Your perceptions are that. Simply your own. Never release that treasure and it will be here..” For moment time stands eternal as everything seems to pause within their surroundings. Life within the forestry above, to the nightsong made by animals and people alike, from underneath his cloak lit with cosmic swaths of blue, one arm would be raised, one that seethes with a power similar to the elements as a striking convergence of blue would quickly concentrate towards the limb revealed, a sight that swims harmlessly path Aether’s body while Dainsleif’s eyes remained kept centered, concentration becoming his shield in the waves that aimed to devour his memory. “That you will one day stand.”

The strong drum of a heartbeat would reverberate through their hearing after a pregnant pause. In that moment, it’d seem as if reality itself was beginning to melt, growing wavy before an iridescent shimmer is cast over them both, drawing their bodies into a delicate caress with oblivion itself before their sights come to change. Standing in dominion above them would still be the sky, one that swims with a power heavily congealed into it’s atmosphere compared to the grounds of Teyvat. The gentle billow of clouds would stir at their feet, stretching upon seamingless infinity as their feet now settled upon a stone bridge. With a firm clench of his fist, the energy seethes and relents, breaking away from that connection it eagerly hungered for.

Even now that resolution to save her, someone dear to them both, managed to kindle life break into fog washed hell of his mind.

“Study it well. The door that is far from being witnessed yet so very close all the same.” Yet, no such physical concept stands prominent. So what exactly could he mean?

“A warning would be more fitting. Lose what you currently hold, what is found in the you now and it’ll all be for naught.”

“Hey Jean...? Can I ask you a question?” The traveler asks as she peaks her head into the grandmaster’s office. As she walks in she is carrying a rather large bag in her arms full of flowers and chocolates.

‘   my only duty is to quell the rising of vengeful gods, there is no “enjoying” lantern rite for me.   ’   bitter. voice levelled in an attempt to quell his irritation in front of aether. despite the yaksha’s disdain, they wished not to completely sully the other’s mortal amusements.   ‘   why must i attend the rest ?   ’

“Your nonsense really does know no bounds, does it, traveler?” The familiar voice echoes around the other, and mountain shaper watches his confusion from above with an amused look on his face. Once Aether finally spots him, he crosses his legs and gets comfortable on the ledge of the cliffside he was sitting on.

“Do you wish to be trapped in amber so badly that you return here? One might have helped you in battle, but one has also not forgotten your former transgression that I let slide only because there was a more important matter to attend to at the time.” It’s a warning, but also a test. Mountain shaper is more than aware he doesn’t look as he normally did - and this is the first time he had ran into the traveler since this experiment had started.

♕ - “Er, well!” It hadn’t even taken a hill of effort for the answers to be supplied on their own. From the way his eyes arched open a tick wider, from the telltale fashion his shoulders had tensed, that deer before headlights feelings crept in before an apologetic smile forms, all for her sake and not for the mysterious band haggling her prior. “Was kinda hard not doing so. They were sounding so so pushy about everything.. So I just nudged an annoyed side of me..” Sora comes to admit. Even now the sway and flow of the city’s windmills did well to occupy  the silence alongside the solemn songs made by the night life. What he believed to be a scrutinizing stare quickly brightens when it seems their feelings had aligned for a fleeting moment.

So it hadn’t just been suspicions made from his line of experience! Sadly no such answers managed to bring him relief, only that similar tap and beat of a familiar game, of figures who used the shadows within night and deceptive veils during daylight, always keeping a facade that aimed to further ambitions of some mysterious sort.  Regardless, the keybearer’s attentive nature had focused upon her eyes; a symbol of comfort and hope as she explains, drawing out what had to be personally exhaustive details. “Sheesh. So not only are they running around being pushy, but from you say, they’re even aching to pull out whatever muscle they need..“ Much of this leaves him thoughtful.

Just what were they truly after? That question gnaws within his mind, skittering that decisive distance ahead, always leaving him to come to any outrageous conclusion he dare to imagine.

”If you’re sure..” If they’re exactly how she explained, no doubt it’d be the last he’d see of them, not while he’s here. Then as if being snapped from a reverie, it’s the twist of attention, one focused upon him that caused Sora to poke up with genuine surprise. As if he wouldn’t be a sore thumb while making an introduction like that into such a colorful town! Jean’s leading introduction had offered a knowing weight of awe once reveal her position. “Whoa, grand knight..!? No wonder why you’re able to just your calm like that was nothin’!” He impulsively comments, exchanging glances to the departing figures, letting his attention fall back towards the blonde just as quick. At the question of his primary tool of the trade, the black blade settled as an intricately ornate key is gripped tighter, lifted up and over his shoulder as he gives it a small spin, displaying it to her outright.

“One of the most trustworthy ones I know. Let’s just say if there was ever a locked pickle you found yourself in, it’d get you out without even having to try. Wanted to take a closer look?” He’s carefree with the directing the ridged hilt as an open offer for her to take.

“And nice to meet’cha Jean. Name’s Sora here! Uh.. Wandering hero? That would be the most solid way for me to coin it, riding through the lands on a quest of my own.”

@primotm​  ​