Sadness is an emotional pain associated with, or characterized by, feelings of disadvantage, loss, despair, grief, helplessness, disappointment and sorrow. An individual experiencing sadness may become quiet or lethargic, and withdraw themselves from others.
That night in Liyue was spent running around getting ready for the Lantern Rite that was in Liyue Harbor. Albedo was watching as Viox pulled Klee's blonde hair into her signature ponytails. Klee was wearing a simple red dress with gaze lilies in white stitching that came up to her shins and had on her normal brown boots. Her hat was placed on top of her head as Viox added the small flower necklace around Klee's neck to give the outfit a complete look.
Viox on the other hand was wearing a pair of black shorts and a normal button up shirt as always, although Klee had tried to get Viox to dress in the navy blue and gold dress the older had packed away that matched Klee's dress, but Viox merely said she wanted to wear something more comfortable. Her feet were covered in her heeled black boots she always wore.
Albedo was given a newer outfit as well for tonight. He was given a black button up, a white vest with dark blue trim, black slacks, and a dark blue tie. He wore his normal black, gold, and dark blue boots, which were hidden under the pant-legs, which was nice and gave his outfit a neater look overall. He had the sword necklace tucked under his shirt, as well as his Vision tied neatly to the side of his hip. He was busy slipping on the new black gloves that Viox and Klee gifted him for Lantern Rite, snapping the buttons in place so the gloves wouldn't slip.
"Are we all ready?" Viox asked as she walked over to her bag, bending down to look through a few things. They had planned to pack the Wagon in the morning, so that way they could enjoy the Festival first.
Albedo nodded, "I believe so. Although, it is a shame you are under dressed for this event Viox." His eyes looked over the other's form, her outfit was not as nice as his and Klee's
"It'll be fine, besides, being comfortable is nicer." Viox replied back as she stood up. A smile was bright on her face, "Besides, you have that cute date tonight with Miss Alexie. You need to look nicer than I!"
Albedo wished Viox hadn't reminded him of that. He couldn't find the right words about how he felt not spending time with Viox and Klee during the Lantern Rite. He wanted to say it was dislike or sadness, but nothing felt like the right word for the feeling that was itching under his skin. "Yes. I remember." His tone was the same as always
Viox chuckled, "I'm sure you two will have a great date, afterall you two will be alone and I'll have Klee with me. We plan on setting up a small spot near the Inn for a small picnic! Isn't that right, Klee?"
Klee nodded happily, "We are going to play with sparklers and light our own fireworks! Plus we have a few sweets as well!" The smaller said with excitement.
Albedo looked down at his little sister and nodded, "I will try and be there after the date, save a few sparklers for me?" He asked
Klee smiled more, "Of course! I want to spend a little time with Big Brother Albedo as well!"
Viox walked over and placed a hand on Albedo's upper arm, "We'll save a few for you, the date shouldnt be too long, so we can also light some fireworks as well before heading to bed for the night."
Albedo looked at the pink haired woman as he wanted to explain that he truly didn't wish to part from their group. Though he made a promise.
"Alright." was his reply
Walking around the Harbor was a sight. Albedo could see how Liyue truly was beautiful in this light. The sky had darkened due to night falling fully now as the stars had come out as well. The moon was shining brightly, but not as bright as all the lanterns that hung from stalls and booths. Some even hung on posts and stores. Many people were starting to crowd the docks as that is where the main area of the Lantern Rite was being held. Albedo couldn't even feel the twitch in his face to smile at the pretty sight. All he wanted to do was go back to Klee and Viox and relax for the last night.
"Albedo! We're gonna miss the floating Lanterns!" Miss Alexie called out from her spot on the steps leading down to the docks.
Albedo carefully made his way down. He had taken notice that some steps had small candle holders that mimicked gaze lilies but they were an orange color instead of the milky blues that the flower was.
"Come on! Let's go get a good spot!" Miss Alexie said as she grabbed onto his hand and dragged Albedo towards the dock that was near the waters.
Albedo allowed for this to happen, after all, they were soon not going to be courted anymore. So might as well allow the other to have some fun. He followed her down to the docks as they stood waiting. Miss Alexie's hand was tightly holding onto Albedo's as the first Lanterns were set off, rising high into the night sky. Their orange glows burned as Albedo watched them float along. The crowd was gasping and cheering, some were pointing at some of the floating ones and talking about the shapes. This was Albedo's first Lantern Rite and he would say it was a gorgeous sight to behold. The urge to sit down somewhere away from the crowds and noise to paint this scene was itching at him as he looked over at Miss Alexie. Her eyes were bright with awe as she was watching the show before them. He turned away as he looked towards the Inn. The large tree like Inn was decorated as well for the night as lanterns ran along the base and into the branches as well. He couldn't see much from this distance, but he knew that the girls were probably heading down to the shoreline to set up their dinner and fireworks.
"Albedo, let's go get some food! We gotta try at least most of the stands! There's some grilled tiger fish this year!" Miss Alexie said as she dragged Albedo off towards the food stands
Albedo followed, he wasn't all that hungry if he was honest, but picking up a couple of sweets for Klee wouldn't hurt. He knew she liked the caramels and toffees, he did wonder what kind of sweets Viox liked, perhaps she was like her sister. He had often spotted Violet nibbling at a small piece of dark chocolate that her courted had gotten her. Maybe Viox was the same?
Albedo could sense the change of tone with the crowds of Liyue as some had turned their lights low and snuffed out some of the lanterns above. The dock's lights had dimmed as Albedo held a small bag with goodies for Klee, and there might have been a few for himself. He couldn't help the sweet tooth he had. He paused in his walking
"Miss Alexie? What's going on?" He asked dully
Miss Alexie paused next to him, "Oh the firework show is going to start soon! Which means afterwards everyone else can start setting off theirs too! Come on, lets go to that clear patch of grass and lay down. I heard that the booms are so powerful that they shake the ground a bit!" She pointed towards a spot next to a tree.
Albedo followed after the other as they settled in their spot. He set the bag down carefully as he took his seat on the cool grass. He could see much of the sky from here as some lanterns were still burning in the sky, just at a much further distance. Miss Alexie sat down next to him as her hand gently touched him. Albedo looked at her, his dull eyes blinked
"Is something the matter?" He asked
Miss Alexie smiled, "You have to lay down! You can experience this without lying down to watch." She chuckled, leading Albedo to lay on his back
It was odd laying down like this, but Albedo watched at the first streak of color shot into the sky. It glimmered out before a loud explosion went off in its place. His eyes took in the colors as more went off. As Miss Alexie stated, the ground did shake a little at the loud explosions. It reminded Albedo of Klee's bombs as more colors and shapes shot across the dark skyline. He was impressed at the designs that showed up so clearly as some took the shapes of animals and flowers. Others had the shapes of what Albedo only could call, an original firework design. The fizzing embers that were colored would span out and fade into smoke as the igniters would stop burning. He wondered what it would be like to touch one of them as he watched on.
"Albedo?" Miss Alexie's voice piped up
He slowly sat up and looked over at the other, who had been sitting up this whole time.
"Can I ask for a favor?" She asked looking at the other, their eyes meeting.
Albedo nodded, "Go on."
Without a thought, nor time to truly process what was happening. Albedo felt Miss Alexie's lips press against his. He blinked as he didn't move, not sure what the other was doing to his face, much less why she was pressing her lips to his. What was this odd reaction? He felt the other pull away as their eyes met once more
"You truly didn't feel anything huh?" She weakly smiled, "You should go to them. I know where I'm beat. You should go."
Albedo blinked, standing up and grabbing the bag of treats. He didn't know what to say all that much, over all the emotion confusion was bubbling up in his mind. He turned to leave, as he was stopped once more
"Oh and Albedo, take good care of Miss Viox. She's really lucky to have you and Klee." Miss Alexie called out
Albedo turned to look at the other but she was gone when he looked back. Whatever could that mean? He wanted to chase the other down and ask, but he was set on heading back to the Inn. He had a sister to see.
"Klee, I really don't think I should wear this dress." Viox commented
Albedo had left a few minutes ago, leaving Klee and Viox alone in the Inn room. Though Klee was now pressuring Viox to wear the matching blue dress that went with her red one.
"But it's just us Big Sister! Come on, just wear it for a little while for me please!" Klee pouted, her red eyes grew large as she gave Viox her 'puppy dog eyes' as Master Jean had called it one time.
Viox sighed, "Alright. Alright! Just put that look away! Seriously, it's like you're staring into my soul right now." She chuckled out
Klee giggled, "Go go!"
Viox picked up the dress and went to the bathroom, it didn't take long for her to slip off her other clothes and put on the summery dress. She carefully twisted some strains of her bright pink hair away from her face as he tried to tuck some of her bangs away as well with a hair pin so she could see her full face. Stepping back into the main room, Viox slipped on the black flats that were bought to wear with the dress and Klee helped put on the matching flower necklace that matched the one dangling around her neck.
"There! Now let's go set up dinner and fireworks!" Klee squealed, grabbing the picnic basket that had their meals in it.
Viox grabbed the boxes of fireworks as they set out towards the shoreline. Tonight would be a simple sisterly bonding time, and Viox was kinda glad for it.
When they had arrived at the spot, they could see some of the lights from the Harbor where Albedo and Miss Alexie were spending the Lantern Rite together. Klee made a joke about fish blasting Miss Alexie, and as much as Viox wanted to laugh, she just gave Klee a sweet smile and finished setting up dinner for the two of them. The sky was covered in lanterns as was the Inn, it was honestly a beautiful sight for both of the girls.
Laughter soon filled the air as Klee lit the first sparkler as it burned a bright red color. Viox's pink colored one was lit off next as the two twirled around with the brightly burning sticks that glowed in the dark night. Viox squealed as Klee chased her with a starfish around the shoreline as they went to light more sparklers. Klee had one in each hand as Viox took a green one this time around and humming a small melody that Klee gasped when she heard it
"I know this song!" Klee said in a hushed voice as she too joined in humming the melody
Viox smiled as she twirled carefully so Klee could follow along with her steps, making the dance easy for the younger one. The two carefully made their small dance as their sparklers burned as their lights. The sand seeped into their shoes as their laughter echoed out. Viox ripped her shoes off as did Klee with her brown boots.
"I thought I wouldn't make it in time." A voice called out
Viox and Klee paused as they looked towards where the grass and sand met. There stood Albedo,he had a bag of something in one hand and his shoes in another.
Viox felt the air in her lungs leave as she knew the light was playing tricks on her, but in that moment. She swore she saw Albedo smile at them. She grinned brightly as Klee ran up to Albedo to drag him to the shoreline so they could start setting off their fireworks.
Viox had to admit, this was a memory she never wanted to forget this night.
"Happy Lantern Rite Albedo, Klee." Viox spoke quietly, but she knew her words would never reach their ears as the first firework went off, the loud boom caused Klee to scream with excitement.
"Happy Lantern Rite."