Work Text:
When Aether first approached the ever gloomy ex-bodyguard of renowned Morax, who’s role in current prosperity of entire region was undeniable to the point, some even likened him to some deity manifesting mortal coil to aid the land in the time of great crisis, he had expected anything but the young man, who was perfectly willing to stay still only for as long as he was stuffing his cheeks full of a dish the reception lady advised him to prepare in advance.
He looked barely older than Lumine, yet Aether was well aware, Sarkaz often aged so much slower than others, at times remaining fresh and youthful like early-spring blooms long after their peers of other kinds found gray in their hair and wrinkles on their skin. His horns were too short to match few existing accounts from those who witnessed Xiao fight, though it Aether would have doubted his own sapience if he couldn’t guess that the records described the mask, that was now sitting on the Sarkaz’ belt. Despite his thin and light build, he moved only like someone who wields a weapon with ease would. Aether could respect that, even though he had to suppress the desire to point out the unfortunate coincidence between the name and the stature. Though it was likely just him having terrible knowledge of Yennish.
Their conversation was brief. Aether, sent to aid investigation of Xiao’s master’s demise, asked standard questions, receiving curt answers, that gave little new clues. Though, the purpose of his presence was less to question the infamous Yaksha, and more to inform him of the grim news. Paimon would question it latter, noting that he took it much easier than the others they spoke with. Aether though was certain that it was merely that the Sarkaz was not particularly expressive himself. Politely, Xiao declined offer to travel to the capital together, confirming though that he will come. He just needed to finish some business of his first. Aether nodded along, glint of green-tinted protrusions on the Sarkaz’ arm suddenly catching his attention.
Next time they meet is right after the meeting, killer still not found, the Adepti struggling to come to agreement with the officials. For one, Morax left no definite heir and power vacuum cannot exist for long. Such things did not really matter to Aether much though. He only listened, a little spaced out, to Paimon’s excited ramblings as she floated around. He would probably need to find replacement for her motors very soon, one was a little bent during the last fray and she was now tilting when she forgot to keep balance. Xiao, who was quiet through most of the meeting, opting to let the elder members of his organization speak, whether because he did not care for most part of the process, or because he simply disliked such loud gatherings, Aether couldn’t tell, stood alone, leaning against the wall. Truth to be told, if it wasn’t for the spear and for dark aura the Adeptus was always engulfed in, Aether would have missed his presence. At all his attempts to start a small talk he was met with displeased grunts. Still, Aether did not give up.
It was only the Osial incident, a man-made almost catastrophe, that was so close to going out of control, that he could actually talk to Xiao like he had wanted to. It was a lucky coincidence, that the mission Aether applied for just happened to be a joint mission, that Xiao joined as well. There was little time to speak as they hunted the raiders through the sands, till they successfully retrieved the captives and helped them to arrive to the safe point. But in the downtime, Aether considered himself lucky. And he had little idea what better to say than “wow, you are always so swift.” Wonderful. The Sarkaz, to his high esteem, seemed more amused than offended though, even if the expression on his face remained stuck as a frown. “I said already, this is my name.”
“But wait, I thought it was your codename? Like Aether for example is not his real name, and neither’s Sugar’s nor Crimson’s!” quickly spoke Paimon, before Aether even had time to react. This subject seemed for once to be closer to genuinely annoying the young man, though he still responded. “It is my name. My codename was written in the mission details. You should have read it.” Aether could have heard a metaphorical lightbulb light within Paimon’s processor. “Oh! I remember now, you must be Alatus then, right?” Xiao snorted. Aether smiled.
Later this day Xiao once again protected Aether, this time shielding him just in time from arts, that could have easily given him third degree burns all over his body. Aether always hated fighting those who got their arts clues from Leithanien.
On the eve of the New Year, when Aether plopped down by Xiao’s side with a box in hands, the other inclined his head slightly, before returning to his enraptured watch how easily man-made lights carved transient blooms and figures of animals into darkness of the night. “Is this from … Zhongli?” he asked at last, clearly expecting it to be another package of medicine that the old man didn’t have a chance to deliver himself this time. It was a surprise to Aether to discover that one of things Zhongli did in advance before his retirement was to enter agreement with Rhodes Island regarding Xiao’s treatment. Apparently, Xiao had for a long time received, even if grudgingly, rather decent treatment for his oripathy. Now, with the private agreement, Rhodes Island was also to provide him with aid. Aether did not know specifics, neither really wanted to prob too far, at least without Xiao showing any willingness to have Aether know this. “Ah, no! No no. I just thought… I just thought it would be nice if we could release some lanterns together.” He said this, without expecting much. “What a ridiculous idea,” was his answer. “So, is it no?” Aether asked then, ready to laugh entire situation off.
“Give me a lantern.”