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[startraveler]

voice ✦ video ✦ text ✦ action

"Hello, Aether here. Leave a message and I will get back to you as fast as I can!"

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text / un: kamisatoayato

[acquirement]

Hello Aether,

I think I can take a break now and get back to others later, if you're still willing to go for that walk? I can be at Blossomcrown Park in around twenty minutes if that isn't too soon.

un: traveler

[startraveler]

Hey,

Sure! I'll be there.

text -> action

[acquirement]

I'll see you then.

{ since he'd been at home when he'd made the announcement, he does need to take some time to make his way to the teleporter and beyond. blossomcrown park, at least, isn't the furthest away if you know the right shortcuts.

he has pulled on an off-white jacket--one that ayaka picked out for him--on top of the black turtleneck top and plain black pull on shoes. in fact, the jacket is the only splash of colour--a stark contrast to his clothes from home. at the moment the weather seems pleasant enough that he didn't feel the need to dress more warmly.

he does, at least remember his phone.

he does not, however, remember an umbrella for how finicky the weather has been lately.

when aether arrives, he'll step away from the entrance to meet him. }

I hope you've started to settle in a little more since we last spoke?

action!

[startraveler]

[Aether is already there when Ayato arrives. He looks exactly the same as always, never quite feeling like getting a new set of clothes. He's too busy for shopping, he has so many places to explore and so many quests to check out!

But for now it's time to relax and take in the scenery of greens and cherry blossom pink. Sadly, the traveler did not think of getting the umbrella either, but hopefully the rain won't surprise them (famous last words).

Aether greets Ayato with a bright, warm smile.]

I'm settling in okay, I think! I also got to catch up with many people from Teyvat. I was surprised how many familiar faces are here.

[Not many of them remembered him, but he's slowly reconnecting with them.]

[acquirement]

{ there is plenty to keep people busy here, but given the amount of worry he's put on ayaka at home, he couldn't say no to her when she requests his time. he's rescheduled where needed, and in the end having clothes of this world rather than home feels more fitting when his name is just a name here. commissioner no longer has any standing, at least to most of the people here.

granted, his new title may have changed that, but it still doesn't change the fact he dislikes public appearances, as much as they may be necessary at times. }

That's a relief. I probably should have mentioned some of the others, though I could understand the urgency to see your sister.

{ and in all honesty, he has no idea who knows who. he could never have given aether a list to be prepared for. }

text | un: wanderer

[littlesilhouettoofaman]

Traveler,

I am not in need of any sort of company, all I need is an answer to some questions.

1. You are from a parallel universe, I take it that this means that there is also a parallel version of every person you have met, not?

2. Can you tell me what part Irminsul plays in all of this? Is it connected to the Teyvat I know and the one you know? Or are there also two Irminsul trees?

3. Are there others able to change their fate the way you have done?

We have all the time in the world. So do take yours.

[startraveler]

Are you sure you don't want to meet? We could discuss it better.

As for your questions:

1. Yes, but it appears that the events in both versions of Teyvat are exactly the same.

2. I'm not sure. I guess it is possible that each parallel world has its own Irminsul.

3. Perhaps the reason why I can change my fate is because I am not from Teyvat, thus I am not bound by its rules. There's still too much that I don't know, but if I'll learn something useful I'll make sure to let you know.

[littlesilhouettoofaman]

No. Communicating through messages is fine.

[He needs to think about those answers for a bit so the other message comes in later.]

But your role isn't.

[More thinking.]

It might mean both the Irmunsul trees are connected. Perhaps by their roots. Therefore the fates of those coming from Teyvat are predetermined and yours is not.

Isn't it odd to meet those you know from your Teyvat, and they only know your sister as their companion?

[startraveler]

Alright, if that's what you want.

Your theory may be right, but then again I don't know enough about Irminsul to really tell.

It's very odd to meet someone who you were friends with, only to find out that they remember your lost sister instead. But I suppose Lumine felt just like me. It's good that we both have people who remember us here.

[littlesilhouettoofaman]

Lesser Lord Kusanali is being vague about it as well.

[He just wants to know if there is some way. If there is some sort of universe where he would be able to bend his fate. To change it enough to make sure that those who have never deserved to die, could live long and fulfilling lives. Or where his creator would have never created him and no one had to suffer because of him at all.

Because his own fate, yes, it was unchangeable. There was lying something ahead of him, yet what it was would remain unclear.]

You don't think anything of it? You take that as it is? Lumine is not you and you are not Lumine. To humans and even to beings like you, bonds are important, not?

[To him bonds are just as important, yet he refuses to ever get into that again. There's only so much things he could ruin.]

june 2 / voice / un:kamisatoayato

[acquirement]

{ while he may call lumine first, aether isn't forgotten. perhaps it's cruel to be delivering this news by phone call, but he doesn't have it in himself to go out just yet. guilt is already overwhelming given he's all too aware of the upset he's caused now.

likely about to cause again, as the phone rings and his stomach sinks all the more as he waits for the other to pick up. when he finally does, he recites the same greeting as he has to others. }

Aether, do you have time to talk at the moment?

{ there's no greeting of hello, and can definitely be heard as something Serious from his tone. }

[startraveler]

[Aether hasn't heard from Ayato for some time now and considering Thoma's poor state, the commissioner could have gotten into some trouble. Still, Aether has too little information to make any real guesses.

The call from Ayato comes completely unexpected and despite the seriousness of the other's tone, Aether finds himself relieved to hear his voice.

Something bad must have really happened, he confirms to himself.]

Yes. Anything you need to talk about, I'm here. We could also meet up somewhere if you'd rather discuss something with me in person.

[acquirement]

{ he has no idea who has or hasn't tried to contact him while he's been gone. 'gone' seems to be putting it lightly, but it's the easiest way to process it. }

Oh. I... suppose that makes sense. { and the fact it didn't really occur to him that it may be better to deliver this news in person is probably a bit worrying in itself.

but he's struggling to think past the logic of what needs to be done about the thing. }

Could you come to us in Sunwaning?

[startraveler]

Of course I can. I'll be there soon.

[It's concerning that Ayato didn't think to talk in person earlier. He must be really out of it... but what could've happened for him to end up this way?

Aether doesn't want to waste time. He sets off right away and it won't be too long before he appears at the Kamisato's footsteps.

There's a concerned frown on his face as he knows on the door and waits.]

[acquirement]

{ he has to be careful as he moves around the house, preparing the kettle so they can have tea - anything to focus on that isn't the memories that haunt him. he hasn't slept yet. one day down, two more to go until he'll have to. he's hoping he will have some answers by then though.

the fact that he doesn't even recognise how much time has passed when the door knocks is proof he's struggling, but he'll answer the door, opening it and probably looking atrocious nonetheless. he still looks well kept, in the sense his hair is brushed and he's dressed, but his eyes likely seem a bit unfocused. }

Come in.

text; un: Aidol; misfire!

[starryaied]

Are you able to sing with me?

[startraveler]

I don't think making me sing is a good idea.

It attracts monsters.

[starryaied]

[...]

Wait, isn't this Ayaka-san?

[startraveler]

You got the wrong person, yes. I am definitely not Ayaka, but I happen to be her friend.

[starryaied]

Then who am I speaking to? If she's your friend, maybe I can know you too?

Text | un: flynnscifo

[bravestknight]

Hey there. I'm Flynn, and we met at the beach party? I just wanted to check in and make sure you were doing okay.

[startraveler]

Hello, Flynn.

I apologize but I don't remember much from our meeting. I'm doing okay now! I really didn't mean to get so drunk and if I did or said something weird, I apologize for that too.

[bravestknight]

It's okay. I figured that might be the case.

I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were doing okay. Really. I'm glad you seem to be in much better control. You didn't do or say anything much except for one thing that kind of concerned me.

[startraveler]

Thanks. That's very kind of you.

But... what did I say that was so concerning? I really can't recall much.

sept 28. special delivery!

[mistsplitter]

[ Aether will receive a nice and intricate midnight blue box with gold ribbons delivered to him by a local courier service in the morning. Inside are snacks, but prior to opening the box, Aether will find a card.

In neat and beautiful handwriting, the card reads:

To my dearest friend, Aether,

It is in this nation that I feel our bond has grown stronger. Perhaps my feelings are already known to you, but I have looked up to you since the day we met. You have a good heart, and your compassion for others is worth admiring. I don't believe that we would have had the chance to discuss topics we have here, were we in Inazuma. The circumstances just would not have given us an opportunity to do so. Is it strange to be grateful in this mystical world because of it?

Today would have been just another day, if not for certain factors. One of it was meeting you. My experiences with you has widened my horizons some, and I do not think I would be who I am today if not for you. I'm very glad to be your friend, Aether.

As such, please accept this present on this special day to commemorate our friendship. Just as you have always been there for me and my family, please know that you may always come to me if you are troubled or need company.

I pray to the Electro Archon that you will have a wonderful day.

Yours truly,
Kamisato Ayaka ]