Oath [BL]

Forty-Four

The realm was extraordinary. The design had been changed, the lay and settings with it. It once resembled the tranquil scenery of Inazuma with its iconic cherry blossom trees, now blanketed in green. The realm had been newly discovered to be a Sumeru themed area in which many of Aether's friends largely enjoyed.

Xiao found himself standing atop a rather lovely piece where a brightly colored tree glowed at night. In the early morning of the realm, it served as a beacon to others the time of the realm. There was even a lovely vine growing a seat for two and some Inazuman styled flowers that gently gave off a blue light.

The clear sky above soon turned to morning and the day would grow busy there. "It has been some time." Xiao thought quietly to himself enjoying the false winds yet they felt so real and comfortable. He closed his eyes then sighed touching his head as he continued thinking, "Aether is currently exploring a new region Paimon mapped for him. Should I have assisted them? Would he even allow me to?" He wondered and then frowned crossing his arms, "How often.. have I seen him shed a tear? Has he been so open with others? Perhaps I could ask, but I should not simply ask anyone..." he hated not knowing who he could place trust into, and just as he was to give up on the thought a familiar face came walking up the stem of the large flower that held the mansion.

"Oh?" Hearing the astounded tone he looked, to his surprise it was a curiously happy Yelan with a surprised Chongyun and politely smiling Xinqiu behind her. "A pleasure to see you here, Xiao." She called him so casually, Chongyun seemed a bit reluctant to do so as well.

Keeping to his formality he greeted him too, "Good morning, Conquerer of Demons." A bow of the head to show respect after.

"Good morning, always a pleasure." Xingqiu bowed his head too.

"Good morning." Xiao returned the bow then turned his eyes to Yelan, "Strange how this world seems to work." He turned to her, "Do you have a moment? There is something I would like to discuss with you."

"Hm, but of course. We finished our mission-" she looked at the two behind her who were eager to know the business Xiao wanted to discuss, but she dismissed them, "go on ahead. I'll catch up later."

"Ah, yes..." Chongyun was discouraged but went along with Xinqiu after.

"Do rest well, Xiao" He smiled leaving.

"We look forward to working with you again, uh-um.. Xiao." Xiao could tell he felt a little more comfortable now that his close friend called him casually.

"I as well." Xiao agreed lifting his spirits. He watched them go into the mansion then looked at Yelan who walked to the vine and sat on the swing.

"Well then, is there a disturbance you'd like to discuss?"

"Hmm.." he wanted to phrase it correctly so she wouldn't misunderstand. Yet there was no right way to go about it. So he tried being direct. "There is no disturbances. I can handle any myself."

"As confident in your skill as I, but there's nothing wrong with leaning for support."

"Ah-" he realized she had gotten the better of the conversation already, so he brushed that off getting back on track, "I wanted to ask you about the Traveler."

"Aether? Has something happened?" Her teasing stopped near immediate. "Where is he?"

"Worry not, he ventured to the nation of Dendro to explore a new area Paimon recently mapped for him."

"Ah, I see. That's relieving. So then, what concerns you?"

".... I only had a simple thought." Xiao said, "Have you ever seen Traveler shed a tear?"