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"You really have to be careful Aether! Honorary Knight or not, it's no small thing to take a Rishboland Tiger to the face like that!" Collei cried out, a frown perched on her face as she attended to Aether's wounds.
The two were resting in Gandharva Ville, after Aether had taken some pictures of some of the more feral wildlife in Sumeru. Paimon had tired herself out earlier when she was out with them, and was now resting in a nearby house, asleep.
"Why did they even need pictures of Rishboland Tigers and Spinocrocodiles anyway?" Collei pondered. "I can maybe understand Shroomboars and Sumpter Beasts, since they're funny and can be cute, but there's no way Rishboland Tigers and Spinocrocodiles look like the Aranara at all."
To this Aether just shrugged helplessly. Doing weird things for commissions had long become the norm for him and Paimon. There wasn't much point in questioning it to him. If those pictures helped Mamdouh and Fayez with their business then that was enough for him.
"Honestly." Collei went on. "You're really lucky Master Tighnari isn't here. If he was, he'd get really angry, and you'd be in much trouble."
Aether froze, looking at something beyond Collei.
A clear voice cut through their conversation. "Oh? If who was here?"
"If Master Tighnari was here..." Collei replied, slowing in her speaking as she realized just who she may be talking to. She turned to face the newcomer, only to freeze like Aether.
Tighnari himself stood there, hands on his hips and his face reflecting a deep scowl, his ears twitched a little as they lowered in indignation.
"So?" He questioned, glaring at the two of them. "Please explain to me why exactly Aether is quite so injured."
"A-ah.." Collei stuttered. "Ma-Master Tighnari! We were just.."
"You were just..?" Tighnari questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"We were taking photos of the wildlife to 'creative inspiration'". Aether finished, having accepted his fate of being scolded.
Tighnari released a long, drawn out sigh. Before composing himself and speaking again. "I see. Firstly, Collei, you shouldn't be handling first aid, I'll take over for you. Go ahead and rest, I'll talk to you later."
"Um, okay Master Tighnari! T-thank you!" Collei stuttered, before rushing out to her freedom, leaving Tighnari and Aether alone.
Tighnari frowned at him, disappointment across his face.
"You really should know better. I expected this from Sumeru tourists, not you."
Aether sighed, looking away. "I know.. it's just that there was no way to take the pictures I needed without getting up close."
"So in the end, it's not about your sense of danger, but rather, about your sense of responsibility." A complicated expression rested on Tighnari's face. He crossed his arms as he gazed at Aether.
"Well." Tighnari paused before continuing to speak. "Regardless of what duties you may have, for the next three days you shall rest and recover here, then we can see about you learning how to say no to unreasonable demands."
"Ah.." Aether decided to skip the protests and accept his new reality, giving a solemn nod. In response, Tighnari smiled at him, reaching out and giving him a short pat on the head.
"Good boy. Now, sit still and don't move while I apply the medicine."
_-_-_-_
Three days in Gandharva Ville passed by relatively quickly, as Aether had the company of both Collei and Tighnari to enjoy. Him and Paimon did some simple tasks, general upkeep of the area as Aether recovered, and soon enough Aether had duly recovered from his injuries.
And now himself, Paimon and Collei had just returned from their visit to the rainforest, having once again gathered more photos for the Aranara figurine inspiration.
Tighnari was waiting for them as they walked back, his inquisitive stare turning into a fonder one as he realized they were all unharmed this time.
"Welcome back you three." Tighnari smiled at them, before turning a more piercing gaze on Aether. "And congratulations, for not returning with any troubling injuries this time."
The four of them discussed how their rainforest trip went, before Tighnari dismissed Collei and Paimon to do some more small tasks in the Ville. Since they were alone, Aether turned to Tighnari.
"Hey Tighnari...?" Aether began, a little hesitant.
"Yes Traveller?" The man questioned, waiting patiently for his response.
"As thanks for helping me with my injuries a few days ago, I requested a little personal item for you." Aether then reached in and took out a gift box from his interdimensional pocket. It was wrapped delicately, with a clear green box. Tighnari accepted the gift with clear fondness, carefully unwrapping the packaging. Slowly, he saw what it is, and made an exclamation of shock.
"Ah... This is.."
"It's a tiny Aranara figurine based off of you." Aether blushed as Tighnari marvelled at it, and looked off to the side. The figurine was as small as his hand, and featured tall ears poking through the leaf hat it wore, as well as a detailed tail at the end. A peaceful smile sat on the figure's face, as happy as it could be.
A joyful laugh sounded out, and Aether quickly glanced at Tighnari's face, awed by the happiness shown there.
A glowing grin shone from Tighnari, and Aether couldn't fight the blush that bloomed at the very sight of it.
"Thank you, Traveller." Tighnari laughed happily. "I'll treasure it."
A grin unconsciously grew on Aether's own face at the man's words, and he spoke his response.
"I'm so glad you like it."