rozenblitz | Open Post

[ after a series of persuasive correspondences that impressed even wriothesley with aether's newfound skill in written negotiation, wriothesley had eventually agreed to join the traveler for an afternoon on one of the fortress's free days. he's already well-aware of the adventurous exploits aether often finds himself in, especially those involving their mutual friends. with his own curiosity piqued after hearing sigewinne's recounts following the face-swapping fiasco; the head nurse had also coaxed him towards 'living a little' and experience an adventure with a trustworthy friend, all while not-so-subtly glancing over their letters. and so, wriothesley surrenders himself to aether's whims and plans for the day.

meeting outside the court of fontaine is a detail wriothesley notes as he greets aether with a faint smile and wave. ]

Just the two of us for this particular outing, huh? [ wriothesley laughs airily, ahead of crossing his arms. ] I hope Miss Paimon is managing well without her companion in tow, and staying out of trouble while we're away.

[ the general itinerary he'd been given was an easygoing stroll on the surface. hopefully ending with a quick trip to lumidouce harbor to watch the ships sail in from yilong wharf and the other corners of teyvat he'd hopefully get to visit one of these days. ]

[Aether perks up when he sees Wriothesley and waves right back to his friend. It's such a rare occasion to see the Duke outside the fortress. In truth, the traveler is amazed that he managed to convince his companion to join him on this small, relaxing journey. It's definitely not only his achievement, as he has no doubt a certain head nurse was a great help to his efforts.]

You're stuck with only me, yes. [He confirms with amusement.] Paimon is staying in Navia and Clorinde's company, so I'm sure she'll be safe. I also promised I'll cook something special for her when we're back.

[He isn't quite sure what it'll be, but he'll think of something. Eventually. For now they're supposed to enjoy their little trip. Aether sets off and gestures for Wriothesley to follow. The weather is pleasant, the sky is clear with occasional white fluff of clouds here and there.]

I'm glad you're here. How have you been?

[ aether's quiet guidance is a welcome change of pace. considering every time both the traveler and paimon pay him a visit, it's always under the watchful eyes of staff and inmates. where every move and interaction of theirs is scrutinized, but up on the surface wriothesley is happy to cede a bit of control and go with the flow of things. he's always eager to hear about the sorts of shenanigans the two land themselves in, but it's another matter entirely in getting to experience a brief taste of it. despite all his years in living a life dictated by timecards and schedules, wriothesley does a good job of settling into the spontaneity that comes with being an adventurer. ]

Then it must've been quite the dish to lure Miss Paimon away for the afternoon. I'll admit to a bit of jealousy, seeing as you also convinced me to venture to the surface—hopefully, I'll get to witness the cooking prowess the 'Bombshell Bros' often rave about whenever your name comes up.

[ which is his roundabout way of asking if a bit of foraging and outdoor cooking is on the to-do list for the day. even in his vagrant days, whenever he wasn't struggling for food, there was some sense of genuine accomplishment in putting a simple meal over a fire himself. it's an old whim he hasn't entertained in a long while, and with no one around outside of any rogue hilichurls or bandits to give them some trouble, it could be a delightful way to spend lunch—he thinks.

nevertheless, wriothesley easily catches up to aether with a few strides. chuckling at being the one lead around before craning his neck upwards to savor the warm from the sun. ]

Jokes aside, I’m truly grateful for the invitation, Aether. And I’m managing quite well, despite the occasional messes you find me in whenever you decide to drop by. And yourself? I hear you'll be heading off to Natlan soon.

[He continues to smile as they walk together. It doesn't feel like Aether is leading Wriothesley towards any particular destination - which is true. For now they're just taking a stroll, basking in the warmth of the day. He knows this is something that the duke doesn't get to experience too often.]

It's my "special". [He says, amused.] Which means that for now I don't know what I'll be cooking, but I am sure I can come up with something. [He gives Wriothesley a grin.] Especially if you'll help me out.

[This is very much an invitation to some cooking together, if his companion is up to it, of course. Aether already stops by to pick some fruit from the nearby tree.]

I guess I'm getting better at convincing people.

[In a way, it does make him feel powerful, but again, the tone of his voice is betraying amusement more than anything else. When Wriothesley thanks him for the invitation, Aether turns to look at him and this time his expression is softer.]

That's good, I'm glad. [There's a short pause as the traveler's gaze drifts to some unknown point in the distance.] And that's correct. I'll be heading off in a week. I just need to finish some preparations.

[Or more like he needs to make sure he isn't leaving any unfinished matters before setting off. He wasn't planning to tell anyone when he leaves either. Goodbyes aren't his thing and... he's always coming and going anyway.]

[Aether is an experienced adventurer. He's been in this line of work ever since he was old enough to carry a sword and he's faced many powerful monsters up till now. Some of those encounters brought him fame but at the end of the day he's still just a human.

He's currently on his way to another adventure, passing through a mysterious dark forest. The mist hangs low in here and silence fill the air making ever little rustle of grass or leaves sound like a bad omen. Aether could've sworn it was early evening when he entered and sun is yet to set, but the forest seems to ignore the day. It feels like a kingdom of eternal night.

A perfect place for a vampire.

Before choosing this path, Aether has heard that the forest is very dangerous and that a blood sucking monster is lurking in the shadows. No one who set foot into this land has ever returned. Aether isn't afraid. He is confident in his skills... maybe overconfident. And he can tell there is someone watching him from the darkness. He doesn't act for now, merely waits. He's faced all kinds of monsters, it'll be fine, he reminds himself.]

[The night is cool and fresh, the moon bright and the shadows plentiful. Sunday enjoys the darkness when it is like this. It's refreshing and clean, filling his lungs full of cool, crisp air. He inhales slowly...

And smells something... sweet.

Sunday was not expecting to hunt tonight. Not when he had fed only a few days earlier, and Sunday doesn't make it a habit to overeat. But something about that scent has Sunday's amber eyes peering through the darkness. That smell... It's sweet. Like light and sunshine on a spring day.

When was the last time he tasted the sun?

He quietly stalks through the trees, silent as the dead. And only when he's behind the traveller does he softly call out,]

Lost, traveller? The night is dark. [And full of terrors.]

[Aether isn't sure how long he's been walking through the forest. It shouldn't be too long and yet it's hard to tell with how dark it is. And there's always that presence watching him.

He never realizes that someone is right behind him and the soft voice startles him, making him turn around sharply. He's eyes widen. Despite the darkness it's easy to notice that he's facing a handsome man, young, but with sharp eyes.

He seems to be all alone, too, and Aether has no doubts that it was this stranger who was observing him all this time.]

I'm just passing by. I'm not looking for trouble.

[Is this man the fabled vampire of the forest? Aether watches him carefully, preparing for anything that may come.]

Of course. I am not looking for trouble, either. I am simply a wanderer. The same as you.

[Sunday has long stopped trying to use lies and excuses in his stalking. It's much easier to tell part of the truth than make up stories like he's a "merchant" or something like that.

His smile is soft.]

I know my way around these woods very well. I know that the wolves can be testy at this time of night.

[A wanderer... Aether finds it hard to believe, but he nods anyway. The stranger knows these woods and he smiles in a soft way like a kind-hearted guide, yet Aether is aware that not a single soul returned home from here.]

I see.

[His words are spoken slowly.]

Then... perhaps you'd be willing to show me the way to the other side of the woods?

[Maybe it's dangerous, but he wants to know where the stranger would lead him.]

[Sunday can sense the slight tension in the air. But his expression remains soft and unchanged. The human can think all he wants. It won't truly matter in the end.]

It so happens that I had been travelling that way, myself. Then let's go together, Traveller.

[His wings innocently flicker slightly as if he's happy. Just a simple guide in the woods. He motions with his gloved hand for the blond to follow him.]

Is this your first time travelling so far?

[Aether hesitates, before joining the other, allowing him to guide him through the darkness.]

I've been travelling for a very long time, but this is the first time I visit this forest.

[He has no reason to hide that information and chatting with the stranger doesn't seem like a bad idea either. Maybe he'll learn something useful.]

[In other cases, Sunday may not have struck up a conversation with his dinner. But there is still that lingering smell of the sunlight that makes Sunday consider it.

Would this be considered playing with his food...? Hmm.]

Your first time? And such a long ways to travel. There isn't a town close by for miles. I'm surprised you were brave enough to come all this way.

[Aether is watching the man quietly, still wondering where they're going. Every corner of the forest seems the same, messing with his sense of direction.

And then there's the question. His guide seems to be surprisingly talkative and... Aether doesn't mind.]

I travelled through dangerous places many times. I faced all kinds of creatures, too. As an adventurer I'm not afraid to take any job.

[Then he quickly adds:]

I'm not here on any commission, though. I just wanted to pass through and head to the next town. You could say, it's for a personal reasons more than anything else.

[Sunday is still contemplating if this is him playing with his food by striking up a conversation like this. It must be a bit unbecoming of him. What would his sister say...?

But Aether's comments have Sunday surprisingly interested. He listens carefully, eyes still gentle and his smile calm.

The surrounding trees are growing thicker and darker, despite them staying on the beaten walking path.]

I see, so you're a brave traveller that is exploring without a single fear in mind. That's commendable. [...] Would you mind telling about an adventure or two of yours? Just what kinds of creatures have you faced?

[He's very interested in that part.]

[Aether can see the darkness growing thicker along with the trees. He's not sure what awaits ahead, but he remains calm.

It's curious that his guide is this interested in his adventures. Aether doesn't mind answering that question. He's confident it won't give that much away. He is just a simple human, after all.]

I'm not quite sure if it's really commendable. [He's searching, after all, for his sister, for a place they could both call a "home" eventually. Because of that, he can never give up and never turn back.]

I faced dragons and other monsters in the past. Some of those creatures were man-made, others created by powers out of this world.

been getting body slammed with work and recovery i'm sorry little one ;;

hugs! Don't worry about anything, I understand!

gotta make this the most wholesome bros day out thread ever then

yes good! Also sorry, work hit me like a truck ;;

for Sunday (vampire AU)

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