[It's a fair concern to have, given how guarded Diluc can be. Luckily, he isn't so hard-hearted that Aether will have to start earning his trust again from nothing. Lumine has paved that path for him, and while the siblings aren't interchangeable he's certain they have a lot in common.
Trust is a given, as far as Diluc is concerned. What needs to begin anew is their friendship.
Diluc arrives not long after Aether, and is able to identify him immediately despite never having met before. Thoma's description of him helped, certainly, but even without that he would have been able to point him out based on how Lumine has described him. He approaches and takes a seat.]
It's nice to see you, Aether. I apologize that, for me at least, this is our first time meeting.
[When Diluc appears in his sight, Aether finds himself a little lost what to do, but eventually he gives a nods in greeting and gestures for the other to sit down. Then, as Diluc apologizes, the traveler shakes his head.]
There's no need for you to apologize, Master Diluc... I'm just happy to see you. Thank you for meeting me.
[He pauses the moment, noting that Diluc has a much more friendly approach to him than he anticipated. Relief washes over him and so, Aether smiles with more ease.]
The situation is quite odd, isn't it? As far as I know from Thoma, it seems Lumine's journey was very similar to mine, so I believe there may be two versions of Teyvat out there.
["Odd" is certainly one way of putting it. Diluc himself would probably use stronger language than that--even compared to the strange realities he's encountered in the past several months he's been in this dream world, the idea of two parallel Teyvats is difficult to wrap his head around. But ultimately, the words they use to describe the situation don't matter. It is what it is, and they're just going to have to navigate it together.]
From what Thoma told me, yours and Lumine's journies are near-identical. Based on that, as well as the fact that there are others here who remember you in Lumine's place, I think your conclusion is sound.
And, based on that conclusion, I believe our path forward is clear. The version of me that you know trusts and believes in you, and I plan to do the same. [A ghost of a smile crosses his features, an expression that Aether is no doubt familiar with.] So let's put that worry to bed, shall we?
[Don't think he didn't notice how you looked at him when he first approached, Aether.]
[For a few seconds Aether finds himself completely stunned, surprised by Diluc's words. But then a smile bright and warm blooms on his own lips.]
Of course...
[He breathes those words with relief, again realizing how lucky he and his sister are that they got to make such wonderful friends. Just like Thoma, Diluc too accepts him and is willing to trust him, even wishing to ease Aether's worries. The traveler is moved by the warmth he's receiving.]
I guess nothing can escape your attention... [He laughs weakly. This is their first meeting, but there's already that sense of familiarity that makes it easier to relax and let go of any lingering worries.] Thank you. Both you and Thoma are too kind to me... I'll do my best to not disappoint you.
[Diluc doesn't light up in quite the same way that Aether does - it's not in his nature to do so - but he visibly relaxes a bit now that the elephant in the room has been addressed. There's still a long way to go in getting to know Aether, but at least they can do so with minimal anxiety.]
You make it sound as if the kindness is unearned. Just be yourself, and the rest should sort itself out.
[That settled, Diluc's gaze drifts to Aether's side. Assuming Lumine and Aether's respective journeys as the Traveler are nearly identical, there's a noted absence of a certain someone providing her two Mora to the conversation.]
[It doesn't escape his attention that Diluc relaxes as well. It's a good thing. It means they are more comfortable with each other now. Yet, Aether still has to say one thing:]
I'm not Lumine... and to both of you I'm still a stranger. I haven't done anything to earn your kindness yet. [His smile is soft.] But I'll do my best make up for it.
[It must be weird for Diluc, too, to talk to someone who knows so much about you, while you know barely anything about them. Aether thinks it's fine to take it slow.
When Paimon is mentioned, Aether reflexively looks to his side, then smiles somewhat awkwardly and nods.]
Yeah... She's not here with me. I have to admit, it feels too quiet without her chiming in every moment she has the chance.
[Diluc can't really argue Aether's logic. There's a certain strangeness to the whole situation that they're both going to have to navigate around, and he's at a disadvantage for not actually knowing him. But they'll get there. Somehow, he's certain of that much.
The way in which he almost instinctively looks for Paimon makes it clear that the fairy-like companion is as much Aether's in his Teyvat as she is to Lumine in his own. It wasn't meant to be a test, exactly, but it's another bit of support to the prevailing theory that everyone seems to have settled on.]
She certainly does have a way of making herself known at all times.
[Often at the expense of letting Lumine--and Aether, he's sure--speak up.]
I'm sure she's irreplaceable to you, but if there's anything I can do for you in her absence, please let me know.
[Aether gives another smile, warm and grateful. He appreciates the offer, but there is little that can be done about Paimon's absence. He will miss her, probably more than he'll miss many other people who he's met on his journey, yet as long as his little companion is safe, Aether is sure it'll be just fine.]
She's my little guide, but it's okay. Maybe we'll see each other sooner or later. After all, this world is such a strange place.
[At this point he can expect anything in here. The dreamworld has pulled Childe, people from Inazuma, Mondstadt and Liyue... It is possible that they'll see more familiar faces in the future.]
But thank you. Actually, Venti has already offered to fill in for Paimon. [Aether laughs lightly.] But as you can see he doesn't follow me around. [Just another proof that nobody can replace Paimon!
But jokes aside.]
...I'm not sure if you've seen Venti yet. Actually, it seems like quite a few people from Teyvat arrived here at the same time I did. [His brows furrow up softly.] All of them knew me so I was unaware that someone may know Lumine instead of me until I met Thoma.
[Diluc doesn't full-on laugh, but he does give a huff of amusement.]
I see. Well, I'm sure he would be far more equipped to fill that vacancy than I would.
[Venti's personality is much more similar to Paimon's, after all. Diluc, meanwhile, is more or less her opposite. Although perhaps it's better that Venti not shadow Aether like Paimon would, given his general lack of self-control.]
So I've heard. I've had the chance to speak to a few of them, but there are several others I've yet to make contact with. I find it... curious, that so many have arrived from Teyvat all at once.
[Replace "curious" with "suspicious," and you'll have a better idea of Diluc's feelings on the issue.]
The reality is that there's much we still don't understand about this world, particularly when it comes to what its purpose is and why our dream selves are here.
[It's true that considering their positive attribute, Paimon and Venti have much more in common than Diluc. At the same time, Paimon's naivete and endless pursue of money and good food is a trait unique only to her. It would be difficult to find another person like her. Though, maybe in this world anything can happen.]
It's a strange world.
[Aether agrees with this entirely. The fact that so many of them arrived at the same time makes him suspicious, too, and maybe it shows with the way his smile dims and he looks around as if searching for something.]
Can you tell me if anything happened here during your stay? Anything... that would make you question if we're safe here, for instance?
[His gaze is back to Diluc.]
I've heard from someone that this place get get "wild". I would like to hear your opinion on it.
[It's impressive, to say the least, that Aether seems to be a rather astute sort. Diluc leans back in his chair a bit, crossing his arms as he considers his response.]
This is a land of dreams, and dreams are volatile things. The world around us changes every now and again, and those changes are equal parts whimsical and dangerous. Just last month, we were pulled into dream meant to resemble a play. And at the end of that play was an all-out war between two factions and a noctaere--a creature made of nightmares.
And that's to say nothing of this "Story Eater" creature that people have been talking about. My knowledge of it is limited, but I do know that it poses a significant threat to this world as a whole.
So, in short: my opinion is that we need to remain vigilant.
[Aether takes it all in, thinking it through, before he nods.]
It does sound like it'd be for the best to not let one's guard down.
[He sighs and again looks around. The atmosphere is so peaceful, it's hard to imagine that any danger could be luring in the shadows. But dreams can be just as pleasant as they can be terrifying.]
Even so... it's not only danger here. Many people I talked to seem to be enjoying the peaceful times.
[He looks to Diluc.]
Is there anything you're enjoying here? [He frowns slightly, concerned that the other takes no time to relax.]
You're right; there's much here that's actually quite enjoyable.
[That fact and the fact that vigilance is necessary aren't mutually exclusive ideas, after all. It's not fundamentally that different to how Diluc carries himself back in his beloved home of Mondstadt.]
While I'm the first to admit that the lack of structure here isn't necessarily to my tastes, my time here has been a nice change of pace. Mondstadt is being seen to by my waking self, so I'm able to fully commit to being a part of this dream world without worry.
The people I've met here, especially, are worth their weight in gold. Most of them, anyway.
[To have Diluc speak about people living in this dream world so highly truly brings a smile to Aether's face. It seems he had no need to worry. His companion (or should he say Lumine's companion?) is doing just fine here.]
That's good to hear. I'm looking forward to meeting more people. The ones I've talked to so far were really helpful and kind.
[Aether is again reminded that he's new around here, but that never was a problem to him. He's done this so many times, getting from one city to another, or from one world to the next, that he gets used to every new place with ease.]
If you're anything like your sister, I suspect you won't have much trouble in that regard. People always seem to take to her regardless of where she is.
[Himself included.]
Not everyone here means well, but I'm sure you're smart enough to realize that already. Still, the vast majority of them do. There are worse places one can end up.
[Aether can't help but look proud when Diluc speaks about his sister like that. Even if their experiences were similar, the twins are each their own person. Aether is sure there were things his sister handled much better than him. She's strong and kind... Or at least this is how he remembers her.]
Don't worry. I think that I'm not naive enough to consider everyone as well-meaning.
[Sometimes he just likes to keep quiet and observe before judging someone.]
Plus, I know I can trust those from Teyvat who are here.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Trust is a given, as far as Diluc is concerned. What needs to begin anew is their friendship.
Diluc arrives not long after Aether, and is able to identify him immediately despite never having met before. Thoma's description of him helped, certainly, but even without that he would have been able to point him out based on how Lumine has described him. He approaches and takes a seat.]
It's nice to see you, Aether. I apologize that, for me at least, this is our first time meeting.
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There's no need for you to apologize, Master Diluc... I'm just happy to see you. Thank you for meeting me.
[He pauses the moment, noting that Diluc has a much more friendly approach to him than he anticipated. Relief washes over him and so, Aether smiles with more ease.]
The situation is quite odd, isn't it? As far as I know from Thoma, it seems Lumine's journey was very similar to mine, so I believe there may be two versions of Teyvat out there.
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From what Thoma told me, yours and Lumine's journies are near-identical. Based on that, as well as the fact that there are others here who remember you in Lumine's place, I think your conclusion is sound.
And, based on that conclusion, I believe our path forward is clear. The version of me that you know trusts and believes in you, and I plan to do the same. [A ghost of a smile crosses his features, an expression that Aether is no doubt familiar with.] So let's put that worry to bed, shall we?
[Don't think he didn't notice how you looked at him when he first approached, Aether.]
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Of course...
[He breathes those words with relief, again realizing how lucky he and his sister are that they got to make such wonderful friends. Just like Thoma, Diluc too accepts him and is willing to trust him, even wishing to ease Aether's worries. The traveler is moved by the warmth he's receiving.]
I guess nothing can escape your attention... [He laughs weakly. This is their first meeting, but there's already that sense of familiarity that makes it easier to relax and let go of any lingering worries.] Thank you. Both you and Thoma are too kind to me... I'll do my best to not disappoint you.
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You make it sound as if the kindness is unearned. Just be yourself, and the rest should sort itself out.
[That settled, Diluc's gaze drifts to Aether's side. Assuming Lumine and Aether's respective journeys as the Traveler are nearly identical, there's a noted absence of a certain someone providing her two Mora to the conversation.]
I take it Paimon is not here with you?
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I'm not Lumine... and to both of you I'm still a stranger. I haven't done anything to earn your kindness yet. [His smile is soft.] But I'll do my best make up for it.
[It must be weird for Diluc, too, to talk to someone who knows so much about you, while you know barely anything about them. Aether thinks it's fine to take it slow.
When Paimon is mentioned, Aether reflexively looks to his side, then smiles somewhat awkwardly and nods.]
Yeah... She's not here with me. I have to admit, it feels too quiet without her chiming in every moment she has the chance.
[It feels a little lonely sometimes too.]
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[Diluc can't really argue Aether's logic. There's a certain strangeness to the whole situation that they're both going to have to navigate around, and he's at a disadvantage for not actually knowing him. But they'll get there. Somehow, he's certain of that much.
The way in which he almost instinctively looks for Paimon makes it clear that the fairy-like companion is as much Aether's in his Teyvat as she is to Lumine in his own. It wasn't meant to be a test, exactly, but it's another bit of support to the prevailing theory that everyone seems to have settled on.]
She certainly does have a way of making herself known at all times.
[Often at the expense of letting Lumine--and Aether, he's sure--speak up.]
I'm sure she's irreplaceable to you, but if there's anything I can do for you in her absence, please let me know.
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She's my little guide, but it's okay. Maybe we'll see each other sooner or later. After all, this world is such a strange place.
[At this point he can expect anything in here. The dreamworld has pulled Childe, people from Inazuma, Mondstadt and Liyue... It is possible that they'll see more familiar faces in the future.]
But thank you. Actually, Venti has already offered to fill in for Paimon. [Aether laughs lightly.] But as you can see he doesn't follow me around. [Just another proof that nobody can replace Paimon!
But jokes aside.]
...I'm not sure if you've seen Venti yet. Actually, it seems like quite a few people from Teyvat arrived here at the same time I did. [His brows furrow up softly.] All of them knew me so I was unaware that someone may know Lumine instead of me until I met Thoma.
no subject
I see. Well, I'm sure he would be far more equipped to fill that vacancy than I would.
[Venti's personality is much more similar to Paimon's, after all. Diluc, meanwhile, is more or less her opposite. Although perhaps it's better that Venti not shadow Aether like Paimon would, given his general lack of self-control.]
So I've heard. I've had the chance to speak to a few of them, but there are several others I've yet to make contact with. I find it... curious, that so many have arrived from Teyvat all at once.
[Replace "curious" with "suspicious," and you'll have a better idea of Diluc's feelings on the issue.]
The reality is that there's much we still don't understand about this world, particularly when it comes to what its purpose is and why our dream selves are here.
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It's a strange world.
[Aether agrees with this entirely. The fact that so many of them arrived at the same time makes him suspicious, too, and maybe it shows with the way his smile dims and he looks around as if searching for something.]
Can you tell me if anything happened here during your stay? Anything... that would make you question if we're safe here, for instance?
[His gaze is back to Diluc.]
I've heard from someone that this place get get "wild". I would like to hear your opinion on it.
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[It's impressive, to say the least, that Aether seems to be a rather astute sort. Diluc leans back in his chair a bit, crossing his arms as he considers his response.]
This is a land of dreams, and dreams are volatile things. The world around us changes every now and again, and those changes are equal parts whimsical and dangerous. Just last month, we were pulled into dream meant to resemble a play. And at the end of that play was an all-out war between two factions and a noctaere--a creature made of nightmares.
And that's to say nothing of this "Story Eater" creature that people have been talking about. My knowledge of it is limited, but I do know that it poses a significant threat to this world as a whole.
So, in short: my opinion is that we need to remain vigilant.
no subject
It does sound like it'd be for the best to not let one's guard down.
[He sighs and again looks around. The atmosphere is so peaceful, it's hard to imagine that any danger could be luring in the shadows. But dreams can be just as pleasant as they can be terrifying.]
Even so... it's not only danger here. Many people I talked to seem to be enjoying the peaceful times.
[He looks to Diluc.]
Is there anything you're enjoying here? [He frowns slightly, concerned that the other takes no time to relax.]
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[That fact and the fact that vigilance is necessary aren't mutually exclusive ideas, after all. It's not fundamentally that different to how Diluc carries himself back in his beloved home of Mondstadt.]
While I'm the first to admit that the lack of structure here isn't necessarily to my tastes, my time here has been a nice change of pace. Mondstadt is being seen to by my waking self, so I'm able to fully commit to being a part of this dream world without worry.
The people I've met here, especially, are worth their weight in gold. Most of them, anyway.
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That's good to hear. I'm looking forward to meeting more people. The ones I've talked to so far were really helpful and kind.
[Aether is again reminded that he's new around here, but that never was a problem to him. He's done this so many times, getting from one city to another, or from one world to the next, that he gets used to every new place with ease.]
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[Himself included.]
Not everyone here means well, but I'm sure you're smart enough to realize that already. Still, the vast majority of them do. There are worse places one can end up.
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Don't worry. I think that I'm not naive enough to consider everyone as well-meaning.
[Sometimes he just likes to keep quiet and observe before judging someone.]
Plus, I know I can trust those from Teyvat who are here.
[His smile wavers just a little.]
Well... almost everyone. [Childe is complicated.]