Published: 12/20/21

Of Dandelions and Dummies

Jean knew it was no easy feat.

The Traveler was a well-known name across this side of the world. His feats in Mondstadt placed him as a True Hero among knights and adventurers, his part in the battle against Osial made him a legendary figure, and his help in gaining peace in Inazuma made him a mythic hero for the small-folk.

Jean knows that he gained some new friends, and to her dismay and disappointment, more responsibilities. She knew best how it meant to burden herself, and she now realized how hard it was to watch Aether struggle like this.

Him, struggling to get up on his bed in the Cathedral, and making up excuses as he forces himself. It was hard to watch.

"It's just a little cold, Paimon. You need not worry so much- and why am I in here anyway?" Aether was trying his best to look unbothered, but the heavy breathing and sudden jerks of his muscles says otherwise.

"You know why!" Paimon yelled. Normally, it would have been adorable, having her small, little feet kick the air beneath. There were no feet kicking. It was a serious matter if the little fairy actually looked murderous. In an adorable way. "Jean! Tell him! This idiot needs to understand that his actions have big consequences."

"Like the time you ate the Shogun's tri-colored dango?" Paimon shut herself up on that. "C'mon, I just said this was just a little cold, it'll pass soon."

"Aether, you keep saying that a week ago! It still hasn't passed, as you always keep on about."

"A week?" Jean asked, bewildered by Paimon's statement. "A cold would last a day, not a week. This is something else, and that is why you are here today, Aether. Amber saw you trudging through the streets, carrying a large wooden dummy from a hilichurl camp. Why is that anyway?"

"Herman, Ellin's father, put up a commission that he requests a dummy to let his daughter use in her training," Aether wheezed out. "He was an adventurer, and knows a few things. Apparently, he retired out of responsibility for his family, and he really couldn't risk it himself."

"Yes- Ellin, I heard she was training for the try-outs." Jean couldn't really deny the dedication, but was the specific dummy necessary? "What you brought was damaged, though."

"Don't remind me," Aether groaned, nursing a small bruise on his arms. "A hilichurl caught me off-guard, that's all."

"Caught you off-guard?" Jean scoffed. "Aether, you were lucky that you were caught once, but twice? I don't really want to imagine..."

Jean had once heard one of her knights get bashed in the back of the head once, and he still feels the sting every once in a while. Hilichurls were always looked down upon, but once people encountered them, they changed their tune quite immediately. They were a threat if they moved and fought together. It doesn't matter how skilled you are, numbers still matter at the end of the day.

"Still, Herman's request is not yet met, and I really do not want to disappoint him in front of his daughter."

Her heart clenched at the broken look Aether gave to himself. Why was he so adamant in proving himself so useful? And more importantly, why does Aether feel useless? He's not! The Traveler was a brave and forward person, and Jean did not regret one bit in naming him an Honorary Knight.

But why did he seem so down lately? Since he returned to Mondstadt after his escapades on Inazuma, Jean realized that he changed so much. He still has cute remarks, but it was laced with forceful nature. Aether was never much the talkative type, at least to her, but he was more silent than the grave in some moments.

Jean rationalized that she did not know Aether well as much as she would have liked.

Of course, he was a stranger when he first came into Mondstadt. Jean believed that barriers of unfamiliarity would crumble after the event with Dvalin, but he left so suddenly to Liyue.

He comes around to visit, of course, and the time when Klee received the letter to her mother, Jean felt that he grew a little closer to her. And Barbara. And Klee.

WIth Diluc, Kaeya, and Razor.

Even Albedo, much to her surprise.

Jean tried not to blush at the thought of her wearing her "summer outfit" in front of Aether no less! She still had yet to pay Lisa for that.

"Then he'll have someone else!" Paimon seemed to have run her patience dry. "Herman's a retired adventurer, maybe he has a few friends that'll help him."

"Unlikely, don't you remember that he said that all his comrades also left like him? Or were you occupied with the food that Sara gave you that morning?"

Paimon had the decency to look embarrassed, but the silence was telling for Jean. Something was bothering Paimon, and that relates to Aether's sudden change in personality. Something had happened, something terrible that shook the Traveler's strong resolve, and Paimon's usual burst of joy.

"Why don't I take the commission for you, Aether?"

The Traveler gave Jean an appraising look, something she was not used to since she joined the knights at a young age. "Hmm, I know you're a capable fighter and all, but aren't you a bit busy? The Acting-Grandmaster shouldn't really concern herself with trivial matters like this. You got bigger worries to stew on, Jean, and a camp of hilichurls with dummies aren't really your concern."

"Big or small concerns don't matter, Traveler." Jean would not budge on this, not until Aether was fine on his own. "Hilichurls are always a threat to Mondstadt's security, and Herman's daughter might be a promising candidate and future colleague. Who am I to deny such a promising knight?"

"Yeah!" Paimon cheered. "We'll get this commission done in no time at all, especially with Jean on board."

Aether still did not look like he was ready to budge. "What about your duties, Jean? Without a proper leader..."

"Mondstadt was fine on its own when we faced Dvalin, remember Aether? The Knights were not built around the Grandmaster, and we are taught to act on our own if the situation demands it. I am confident that Mondstadt would be fine without me for a day."

Jean wouldn't budge on this matter either. Gunnhildrs were a stubborn bunch, that much was for sure.

"Fine," Aether sighed, resigned to the fact that he was stuck in bed for a while. "Just tell Herman that I apologize, alright? I couldn't even do a stupid commission, especially as simple as this."

Before Jean could intervene, Paimon grabbed hold of her, and led her out of Aether's room in the cathedral. Before she could leave, she heard one final word that caught her ear.

Useless.

Jean was still reeling on the things she saw about Aether.

Paimon was uncharacteristically silent, as the small fairy led her to where Herman was usually. She had a feeling it was something Aether said before they left. Did Paimon know? She must have, as Jean felt the fairy was in a hurry when they left the cathedral.

It was worrying.

Those thoughts halted as she reached the middle section of the city, a huge apartment complex right next to the adventurer's guild building. There, Jean saw a man that was beyond his prime.

"Paimon? Where's-" Herman was gaping like a fish in her presence. "Acting-Grandmaster Jean?! Wha- What brings you here? Was there any trouble? I hope I wasn't inconveniencing the knights in any way..."

"Nonsense, I am here on personal business." Jean wanted no official correlation with Aether's responsibilities, but rather a favor from a good friend. "Aether said that you needed a couple of hilichurl-made dummies found fresh in the wild? I can gather a few of those easily. Is there anything else that concerns this request?"

"Yeah, uh, shouldn't the Traveler be doing this?" There was no denying how confused the poor man was at Jean's sudden interruption with this old man's request for the Traveler. "Did something happen to him?" Herman asked, suddenly feeling a little guilty.

"No, of course not!" Paimon said, waving her tiny arms in distress. "He was just a little under the weather, and the Acting-Grandmaster was kind enough to lend a helping hand. Right, Jean?"

"Of course," Jean nodded. "I am more than happy to lend aid to a sick friend. It's the least I could do after the great things he achieved in his short time here."

"Are you sure? I ain't bothering with any important duties, am I?"

"You needn't worry," Jean smiled. "I know how hard it is for you to ask for aid for the sake of your daughter. Be proud, as I have the full confidence that she can prove herself worthy in the upcoming initiation tests. I will be waiting as a proud colleague soon enough."

Determination proved Jean's strong suit when she was young, and it'll help Ellin in the coming days of hardship. Jean wouldn't lie when she says that she is happy to see new faces among the order, and able-bodied talents like Ellin and Noelle are a welcome sight. Even though she isn't an actual Grandmaster of the knights, pride swells within at the thought of young talent serving the Knights. It truly wasn't the same since Diluc left the order, and her dream of a strong brotherhood will happen under her hard work.

For now, she can rest easy, as she has a commission request for a dear friend.

"Thank you," Herman said. "I am always proud of her, but as a father who worries, I need my assurance that she can handle whatever life throws at her way. As a retired adventurer, this is only what a father can do. This is my best, unfortunately. I am not as spry as I used to be, and I have a family to worry about than the thrills and rush for a careless adventure."

Jean can understand the man's frustration and worry. Her father was not exactly happy with her decision at joining the knights, but acknowledged that a young woman needs to make her own mark in the world. "As I said, worry not. Your commission will be completed, and the rewards will still go to Aether, as I am just doing the deed for him. It's what I can do, and I am happy to do it."

There were still a few details to share, as Aether needed specific instructions on how to properly do it, so would Jean. She knew that adventuring was apparently different in how to handle stuff. It was just a simple request nonetheless; find a hilichurl camp, defeat its occupants, and retrieve the dummies with any substantial damage to it.

As a vision user, it was hard to hold back your true potential, and it might have been hard on Aether. Jean on the other hand was trained meticulously in limiting the collateral damage within the operational area. If the situation calls for it, Jean will only use her Vision as a clutch.

She was a trained swordswoman after all, and those years of hard work and effort shan't be put to waste today.

"Are you a little hungry, Paimon? Perhaps we can stop by at Sara's to grab a quick meal, what do you say? It's my treat, of course."

Paimo's eyes suddenly brightened up at the notion of food. "Sure! Maybe I could use a little-" But the fairy stopped, as she realized the trap that lay before her.

Jean was playing innocent, perking a curious brow at her temporary fairy companion. "Is something wrong?"

"N-no, not at all!" Paimon nervously replied. "I- uh, was just remembering the meal Aether and I had this morning. I am not totally hungry right now, plus we just need to hurry in finishing the commission. The sooner it's done, the faster Aether wouldn't worry about anything at all."

Before Jean could ask, Paimon had already passed Sara's shop and reached Margaret's store. Her suspicions proved true, as there was something hesitant about Paimon settling down to talk with a meal. She was so sure that the little fairy would have fallen for it, but Jean clearly underestimated Paimon.

Oh well. Jean strapped her blade to her side, nodding at the two knights posted at the gates, as she saw Paimon waving over the other side of the bridge.

Opportunities lay elsewhere, but there are plenty in the wild.

That was close.

Paimon knew for sure that she might have nearly fallen for it. She was a glutton, but she wasn't as stupid! There was a hint of suspicion from Jean as she led the Acting-Grandmaster here to the normal places where Aether knows that there are a few groups of hilichurls. Jean made no complaint as the stalwart knight followed dutifully behind her.

Paimon did her best to distance herself, but the heat behind her tiny head was infuriatingly itchy.

She knew that the distance won't last, and soon, Jean might cover the distance herself when it suits her. Paimon could not stop it from happening otherwise.

Paimon knew what Jean wanted, but she didn't know it herself to tell the truth. She was just as bothered like Jean at Aether's sudden desire to do things for others.

As she had stated, Paimon wasn't stupid.

Everything changed after that stupid day with Dain. She knew he was suspicious, but his charm was too much! Both Aether and Paimon were heavily invested, and there was nothing in this world to stop that. There was just something off and right about that man, and Paimon couldn't figure out why.

It wasn't as obvious to others, but Aether slowly transitioned into someone that Paimon doesn't know anymore. Sure, he has the same kind smile, the same laugh, and the same type of jokes. Anyone that he met in his adventure wouldn't have noticed it, as it was too fast or the time spent together was too short.

But Paimon was with Aether long before he even officially stepped foot in Mondstadt.

And now, Paimon slowly witnessed a painful sight of change from Aether. He may have given the same, old and venerated excuse, that commissions was his only job to earn enough Mora for the both of them. Paimon might've accepted that, if not for the fact that they were basically rich already.

It was hard to watch, Aether doing favors and commissions, every single day. For what mad reason? Something that Aether couldn't find out for himself even. And to her horror, it must have been something he never even thought of before. Aether was slaving away his time without even knowing it!

Paimon had an inkling of suspicion on what, or specifically who, that managed to make Aether think so many terrible thoughts, that he had to bury that from busying himself with "work" and altruistic things. Paimon now knows, that Aether was afraid of something.

For the first time in her adventure with the Traveler, Paimon saw Aether scared and alone. And she doesn't know what to do.

It was a short walk, a flight for Paimon, but she saw a smoke in the distance. Perfect, the right spot for a small camp. It was always around the edge of the cliff facing Cider Lake and Mondstadt. Aether said that it was best for scouting parties and observers, small groups with enough equipment for training.

"Jean! Over here! I found a camp this way!"

Paimon had once asked Aether why not the bigger camps? He rationalized that bigger camps means a lot more hilichurls, and a lot more used equipment. With a smaller camp, Aether can count on the small group of hilicurls to not use the training dummies too much.

Unspoiled equipment means good equipment.

"I see them, Paimon." Jean nodded beside her. "So, how do we approach this? Should we distract them? Cause a commotion somewhere else and take the dummies when they are gone? Or eliminate them, one by one?"

"Nah, the Traveler just yells his frustrations and charges at them," Paimon shrugged, confused as to why Jean had to be delicate about this. "Usually, he curses at them, curses at himself, or just says nothing. I know you are not that type of person, that's just how Aether does things lately." Paimon did not want to admit it, but she was scared. She got used to that, of course, but it didn't change her worries about Aether recently.

"I see." Jean doesn't. Paimon couldn't blame her incredulousness, but she wasn't surprised at all. "I suppose it is just a simple problem to deal with," Jean continued. "I see five hilichurls, a shooter, and a samachurl. Easier done than said, no wonder why Aether had no problems rushing in."

Paimon couldn't refute that, and only nodded, as Jean did her work.

It was wholly different than Paimon had imagined. Sure, both Aether and her accompanied Jean once, but she was frustrated at her current situation back then and worried still for the protection of Mondstadt. Now, this Jean was basically on vacation for today, and was only doing this for a favor from a sick friend.

Her moves were precise and quick, wasting no energy at all, and with the lack of any Anemo energies it was like a dance. Eula was much better, but Paimon can see the semblance within her footwork. Paimon was used to watching strong warriors and gods fight, but to think that something as simple as sword techniques, Paimon should have found it dull.

Instead, Paimon was mesmerized by it.

Aether has a rough fighting style, and it works to his aggressiveness. Jean was doing a dance, not as sophisticated as Eula, but something worth watching.

"There," Jean said, not even a sweat on her forehead. "WIth the hilichurls disposed of, I suppose the question is how to bring these back to Mr. Herman?" Gesturing past the bodies of the hilichurls, the five untouched dummies sat, waiting for something.

"Hmm, normally Aether would use his anemo for that, but he could only do it one at a time." It was something that Aether did not complain for, weirdly enough. He seemed content for more work and effort.

"I suppose I could try as well," Jean nodded. Thinking of how that could be possible, Paimon looked around to see anything worthwhile.

To her luck, Paimon spotted a wagon by the road. It was empty, and seemingly abandoned. Her little legs stomp the empty air in joy, and Paimon can even see a semblance of a smile on Jean's lips.

"It seems that our luck is strong," Jean nodded, "and that wagon could carry more than one of those dummies. We could use that to our advantage then."

Paimon only silently cheered the Acting-Grandmaster, keeping a keen eye around them. She was astounded at the efficiency that Jean carried on herself, as the piles of dummies kept getting bigger. Normally, Aether would rather come back and get them one by one with his anemo powers, but with the cart, and Jean's stronger anemo connection, the commission was rather easy. They get more dummies in one run instead of several.

Still, Paimon wished to do commissions with Aether.

But with all the things that he was bothering himself with, Paimon was still not sure if he was in the right mind. Sure, she learned to ignore that a long time ago, but Paimon still worried for the Traveler. He was feeling lonely, Paimon was sure. Aether seems to grow distant from her and his friends.

Some noticed it, like Mister Zhongli and Jean.

Paimon knew what Jean had wanted then, but as Paimon got used to the way Aether was acting, there were bigger concerns than commissions. They had to move on, to other cities and such, but Aether was rather stubborn. Never had she been so frustrated with Aether before, and more to herself. Paimon was a useless guide, and what was she worth then if her companion wouldn't listen?

"Something wrong, Paimon?" Jean asked gently. Hauling the last dummy on the cart, as Jean finally unleashed the powers of the wind beneath the cart, making it float effortlessly in the air. "I know that I have no right to go between whatever is happening between you two, but I'm his friend too. I have the right to be at least informed."

"I know," Paimon nodded solemnly, "It's just I do not know what got to him recently, everything was fine as it was. Everything except-" Clamping her mouth shut, Paimon realized how close she was on revealing their secret!

Jean halted on her tracks immediately, sensing the hesitance and fear on Paimon's tone. The cart in the air above them stopped as well, making the situation more awkward.

"Except for what?" Jean pressed, giving a hard, but kind look towards the fairy. "You can trust me, Paimon. We aren't going anywhere until you tell me what is bothering you, and why Aether is the way he is."

"I don't know, okay?!"

Jean was shocked at the angry outburst, but held herself firm. Paimon realized how loud and impolite she was, horror dawning on her face, and covering her mouth in dismay. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to snap! Paimon is just- I was just-" Grabbing her head in frustration, Paimon struggled not to cry.

Feeling something warm in her head, Paimon saw Jean smiling gently. "It's okay, let it out."

The dam finally burst, and the tears went rolling out. Paimon felt like a crying baby, but with Jean shushing her gently and holding her still, she felt at ease. Since when did Paimon relax like this? Under the comfort of a friend?

She always remembered Aether giving her slight comforts every time there was thunder outside their tent, even singing a lullaby to her when she had a hard time sleeping, and the food that he always cooked for her was something that brought her happiness and comfort. Now, since that day on the ruins in Liyue, Aether did none of those things that Paimon loved from him. It felt like he died on that spot, as the portal closed before them. His sister and Dain, and even the damned Herald, left them in the dust of that dark, empty place.

Forgetting that Aether and Paimon existed, always focused on that eternal struggle between them that lasted centuries.

Paimon did not care for that, for those reasons why or how, but only for what was happening now. With Aether. That is what all that matters. Just Paimon and Aether, against the world.

Now- even before then, Paimon knew something snapped within Aether, but her optimistic outlook might've blinded her to his pain. She assured him that there are other cities to look for clues, other places that might shine on why Aether's sister is acting this way, or why Dain was adamant to stop her.

They needed answers, instead they only got themselves left alone in the dark.

Aether's sister left, Dain left. It was just her and Aether.

Paimon wanted out, pretending whatever happened with that situation never existed. Just a Traveler and his guide. The good days.

Days that gone by in a blink of an eye.

"What happened, Paimon?" Jean whispered. "What happened? What went wrong?"

Paimon sniffed, "I don't know."

Instead of pressing, Jean nodded in understanding. Paimon let go, embarrassed that the leader of the knights had to see Paimon cry! They continued their journey back in silence. Jean was focused on balancing the cart, making sure that the packages were safe and alright.

"...Do you still wish to share lunch with me?" Jean asked, worried for the fairy's state. "I promise that I won't pry to any of your problems, for now at least, and just enjoy the meal. Does that sound okay?"

Hearing no deceit from her gentle tone, Paimon was starting to relax around her. "Okay!" Paimon nodded in excitement.

It has been a long month, and maybe a quiet lunch with a friend might remedy the itch Paimon was trying to satisfy. Just a comfortable lunch with a good companion.

Paimon only wished that it was Aether whom should have eaten with her, but the hidden burdens that the Traveler was stubborn in hiding from her was the turning point. One could only hope that everything could turn out alright.

Venti knew best on how to start a tale.

It was bad enough for the tale to start with a sick friend.

"...Venti?"

The bard cheered in delight when he heard his good friend call out to him. "Greetings, Traveler. I hope you don't mind me crashing here for a while." Venti grinned, as he pulled himself up from the window frame, careful not to make any unnecessary noises.

"What are you doing here?" Aether asked, suddenly overcome with a coughing fit. "And it's alright, I suppose. Just make sure Sister Victoria did not see you scaling up the Cathedral. I wonder how could a nun like her earn some sort of dislike for you?"

There was a sort of amusement in the Traveler's eyes, but was then replaced by something unreadable. "Well, I do have the certain charm that nuns like," Venti replied, smirking at the thought. "Drunk, noisy, and certainly a reputation for slandering Barbatos."

"Aren't you just slandering yourself?"

Venti resisted to roll his eyes, "It's not that I don't mind, and who else knows better than myself?" Striking a confident pose, Venti managed to gain a small giggle from the Traveler.

"I don't mind the company," Aether muttered, "especially since Paimon left, but aren't you busy with the upcoming Ludi Harpastum? I mean, bards from all over Mondstadt and beyond are coming to the city to give their patron to the God of Freedom. Shouldn't you plan your next performance or something?"

"Or something," Venti snorted. "As much as I love to join in, more than anyone else, I was sadly banned from entering the premises. Apparently, having the reputation of performing to a drunk crowd whilst drunk, is not a nice picture to represent the bards."

This certainly wasn't the first time either, as Venti always faced resistance in any time period he feels free to perform. The first time was during the reign of the Lawrence clan, hindering him from performing without any sort of permission from the nobles. It was a headache to avoid, but luckily Vanessa managed to pull that sort of strict rule out of any tradition. Freedom is what freedom means to others, after all.

There was also the Bards' College that was formed 500 years ago, but they denied Venti any sort of entry. He never cared for people barring him from his favorite activities, but having all the attention to the other bards by announcements, free drinks, and even dance performances beat Venti's classic song and rhyme. His audience was hindered greatly, but entertaining children for free is enough for him. The college fell, alongside many other constitutions that were once within Mondstadt during a great calamity that nearly shook the world to its foundation, not since the Archon War.

Sadly, the fires of war arise once more to threaten the world, and Mondstadt, as dark shadows cover the land in despair and death. 500 years was too short of a memory, at least for Venti.

The Bard shuddered in dismay, remembering a dark time. Shaking his dark thoughts away, Aether gazed at him with a hard look.

"What do you mean banned?" Aether asked in outrage. "Who authorized this? Was Jean aware?" Venti had great talents in recognizing pain in a person's eyes, but Aether's was unusually blazing in fury and cold. Venti raised a brow, as something was amiss with the Traveler.

"Jean was fully aware, as she was the one to deliver the news to me." Venti took no offense towards the Acting-Grandmaster, none at all. He was certainly amused when Jean approached him in a scared and nervous manner, thinking he might punish her or Mondstadt for something so trivial. "Worry not, dear Traveler, as she was just doing her duties," Venti quickly replied when he saw the horror in Aether's eyes.

"Duties? This is a slight against freedom! How could Jean let this happen?! This is not fair for-" Aether was interrupted from his rant with another coughing fit. The Traveler fought the urge to slap his chest, but it ended as quickly as it came. There was a burning emotion of frustration, as Venti felt the wind shift through the room.

"It is not as slanderous as it seems, as many of the townsfolk know my unfortunate reputation." Venti interrupted Aether before he could continue. "They believe it is best to at least barred me from performing in public for the duration of the festival. It's not Jean's fault that she had to take in the consideration of Mondstadt's citizens, as it is her duty to listen to the people. She feels bad for it, though, I am not. This is the celebration of the people, and I certainly won't be so selfish in trying to hijack a festival celebrating my efforts, should I?"

Venti gave the Traveler a soft, reassuring smile. This was what the people of Mondstadt demanded, wasn't it? Too many lives, good people, paid the price for their freedoms. If Venti could only spend the days in other ways, then so be it.

"Are you happy?" Aether asked, his voice soft and defeated.

Sitting at the edge of the bed, Venti took a long look at the Traveler's tired form. How long has it been since he had rested so deeply? Venti thought. "You sure bet I am!" He smirked in delight. "Do you know there are other ways to entertain myself? Free drinks is all I ask, and I shall receive indeed. Jean talked to Master Diluc about giving me an entire box of Dandelion Wine just for me during the festival. A sort of bribe, if you will. The young Gunnhildr is certainly good to me, I wonder how I should repay her?"

It wasn't that he specifically asked for it, but Jean was very insistent. Stubborn girl, Venti lamented in amusement. Maybe he should set her up for a nice evening with somebody special. Maybe Master Diluc? Hmm, maybe consulting Lisa first might be a good idea.

"I get it," Aether shrugged, not knowing how to feel. "Still, how did you know I was here? It's only been a few hours at best."

"Would you believe me when I say that the wind whispered to my ear about a friend's troubles?"

"The rumor mill then," Aether deadpanned at the bard. "How could it spread so quickly?"

Venti wanted to laugh, "Really, Traveler? You underestimate the reach of words and stories. Even in whispers, tales of how the indomitable hero of Teyvat suddenly collapsed in the street can certainly cause a stir anywhere. Though, it only managed to reach the bottom sections of the city, especially the taverns and shops. I doubt that it will last long, though."

"I'm no hero," Aether muttered.

Venti pretended not to hear that, and swiftly changed the topic to a much lighter tone. "So, I heard that Diluc is going to Liyue soon, something about a massive order of wine, any requests for him to bring something back for you?"

"Diluc? Maybe not, I- Wait!" Venti was startled when Aether suddenly shot up from his bed. "Shit! Damn it! I forgot about that!" There was panic in his eyes, a clear picture of dread. Venti was reminded that this young man here was a hero of many responsibilities, so what managed to spook him like that?

"Traveler, is something wrong-"

"I forgot to clean Diluc's place!"

Okay, what the fu- "Traveler, be serious for a moment, what the heck do you mean you forgot to clean Master Diluc's place? Nevermind that, why the hell do you even care? I mean, I know you are reliable and all, but this is seriously degrading, even for you. He has servants to do that, you know?"

And Venti thought that Noelle was worse.

"I know! It was the servants that requested me to do it!" Aether was frantic, not about the injustice of doing someone else's work, but NOT being able to do so. What was wrong with him?

"Aether-" Venti snarled, being serious enough to use his name. "What is up with you? I thought it might've been the weariness of traveling, but this is something else. You've changed, and for better or worse, something in you is different."

When they both parted ways, right before Aether rushed off to Liyue, Venti saw a man- no, a boy, a desperate boy, looking for his missing sister. Now, all Venti sees is a man desperate for work he never really needed to do. But why? Why burn himself, and degrade his self-esteem for basic labor?

"It's none of your business, bard," Aether scowled back, angry at something else.

"It's my business when it concerns a friend," Venti replied in an eerily calm manner. "Certainly when it involves something that changed a friend. You know what?"

Venti dived out of the comfy bed, earning a confused Aether staring at him. There was still daylight outside, and Venti decided that it was a nice hour for a long walk. Especially towards Master Diluc's manor.

"Maybe, you are right."

Aether could only perk his brow in utter confusion. "Right about what?"

Venti smirked, "That maybe those servants of Master Diluc might need help." That caught a reaction, a form of surprise- and to Venti's horror, hope -from Aether. "And I think that stretching myself might be beneficial. Hard work might not be my forte, but who's to say that I don't?" Morax maybe, but he was long away, and the old man was occupied with something else.

"W-what do you mean?" Aether nervously asked, his tone was quiet and desperate. "It was a commission I took recently, before I was assigned to Herman's. A simple task, really. And a quick one-"

"I'll handle the cleaning." Venti smiled, not in a kind way, and was ready to glide out of the window. "I'm sure that Master Diluc might reward my effort with some of his finest wine, worry not. Just rest." That took another reaction, a flinch from the Traveler. "As you say, it'll be quick. Relax and recuperate-" Another flinch, and his breathing was uneven. "I'll make sure to inform Diluc that his servants should do a better job. So next time, no certain hero would be occupied by such paltry tasks."

It hurt to even look at him, as Venti saw Aether hyperventilating. There was something seriously wrong with him, and Venti was determined to find out why, and fix it as soon as possible. The Traveler deserved better than whatever was haunting him.

"You- Venti, don't do this to me!" Aether shouted, cursing when he felt pain as he tried to get up. The bruise from what had happened with Herman's request still burned. "V-Venti please!"

He was already gone, like the wind, without a trace of sound or smell.

"Traveler! Is something the matter?" Aether spouted out another curse under his breath as sister Victoria entered his room. "I heard shouting, and I wasn't mistaken when I heard that young bard's voice. Was he here by any chance?" The sister narrowed her eyes at the mention of Venti.

Not wanting to get into trouble, or Venti for that matter, Aether shook his head in frustration. "No, sister, I just have a bad memory of the encounter. Sorry to bother you."

The young woman's face softened when she heard the Traveler apologize. "Nonsense! I should be the one to apologize for troubling you, I thought I heard someone in here. I suppose I was mistaken."

Ehe.

"I'll kill that bard!"

"Excuse me?" Victoria blinked. "Did you say something?"

"N-no, just the wind," Aether replied sheepishly. His thoughts on the other hand was about the punishment he would deliver to Venti when he gets out of here.

"Ah," Victoria smiled. "Barbatos blesses you, young man. I believe he was whispering to make you feel better." The woman left the Traveler alone, satisfied that her God was looking after the man.

Aether, on the other hand, was cursing his cruel fate. "I doubt that."

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This is a short series I'm working on. It won't be a priority, but I might spend some effort into it.

This is just a slice-of-life that features Aether's friends doing his commissions for him. There are underlying issues that relate to the story, and as to why the characters do it for him.