Work Text:
Although The Wanderer had been around humans for years, he didn’t think he understood them very well, or at least their motivations or emotions.
Especially one human in particular. The Traveller, as everyone had taken to calling him.
He was the Wanderer’s enemy, the one who had plunged his sword into his heart, and yet now they were…companions.
The Traveller was courageous, selfless and kind, which wasn’t too much of a surprise, what was surprising was that The Traveller never stopped, he kept going and going, until he was nearly passed out on his feet.
He confused Wanderer, he just didn’t understand him at all. Wanderer had believed for so long that humans couldn’t be trusted, and that all they were capable of was destruction. They may act friendly, or pretend to be your friend, but their truth always showed itself soon enough.
But he…he couldn’t get a read under The Traveller’s ‘heroic’ facade. At every moment of the day he helped and offered and gave and consoled. When would his true colours show? What was he after? Why offer for the Wanderer to travel with him?
Today was another such day where The Traveller was working non-stop. Wanderer truly didn’t know where he got all his energy, why he wasted it on people that offered little in return.
Nahida had pushed them both to spend some time travelling together, to try and get past their differences, and for Wanderer get used to Sumeru and the outside world as a free individual.
Hmm. Freedom. Another concept that confused him to no end. Bringing a hand up, he rubbed the outside of his newly gifted anemo vision. The anemo archon… well, it wasn’t known if visions were granted from the seven archons themselves, or from higher powers in Celestial, the ones who had gifted the archons their powers in the first place.
One thing he did know, was that there were certain… characteristics, and obstacles that people had to face and overcome in order to be granted the power of a vision. Only a minority of people were granted visions after all. He was tempted to demand the Traveller take him to Monstadt, the city of Freedom and from whence the Anemo Archon hailed from. He sighed, immediately dismissing the idea.
It would be best to not wander too far, even if all memory of him had been erased, he wished to take things slow for now. There were many things he had to learn, that was clear to him. Besides, he found that even though he acted it the majority of time, he was rather tired of anger, tired of fighting.
Yet another thing he was envious of The Traveller. Silently, he gazed at the Traveller who laid across the campsite from him, eyes closed and breathing steady. Such an enigma he was. He was aware of his quest to search and reunite with his twin sister, but the determination he showed never failed to surprise him. How hadn’t he given up yet?
”Wanderer.” the soft whisper danced from The Traveller’s lips across the silence. Wanderer’s eyes darted up to where Traveller’s eyes were cracked open. He simply tilted his head to the side in silent question, a small scowl ever-present on his face.
The Traveller patted the patch of grass next to him, indicating he wanted Wanderer closer. Why? Even if they weren’t actively enemies any more, wasn’t the Traveller wary that The Wanderer may betray him? Was he that dumb and ignorant? Too full of brazen hope?
Not letting a single question pass his lips, gracefully he walks towards the Traveller from where he had been sat against a tree. Eyes furrowed in curiosity, he sat down, not a foot away from his companion.
”Any particular reason you called me over, or were you just sick of seeing my face?” He taunted, not knowing how to behave with people without taunting them.
”…” The Traveller was silent for a bit, letting the taunt to pass with no counter. He was too tired for that. Breathing in deep, he speaks lowly.
”You looked lonely.”
Wanderer’s breath stuttered in his breath, hitching. Unblinking he stared at The Traveller in disbelief.
”Excuse me??” The Wanderer’s face twisted in anger, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
The Traveller was normally quite an expressive, emotive guy, not shying away from showing his happiness, sadness, or anger, and all the nuanced emotions in between.
Yet here, in slow, quiet moments, his face was hard to read. It was almost…empty, and The Wanderer felt himself nearly recoil, certain for a second that he had seen his reflection. After a few more moments of the Wanderer stewing in anger, the Traveller’s eyes flicked to meet Wanderer’s, unmoving. Then he clarified.
”You seemed lonely over there by yourself. Plus here you can see the stars more clearly.” There was a tiny of…something underlying his words but it was difficult to make it out. The Wanderer simply scoffed in response, deciding to humor the Traveller by looking up at the stars.
….Okay he could admit that it was a beautiful view. Breathtaking, even. Wanderer’s heart squeezed as a memory surfaced of a past friend who had stargazed with him, even taking the time to teach him a few constellations, before it all shattered and was taken away from him…again. Before he could let out a shout on how pointless this was, the Traveller spoke up.
”It’s so beautiful, but it hurts too much to enjoy and relax sometimes…” He whispered. Wanderer furrowed his brows, looking back down at the Traveller. Those words, was a very similar sentiment to what had overcome himself.
”It’s a reminder of what used to be, of my home. It’s a reminder of what I’ve lost and…my sister.” Traveller fell silent, face falling into an expression not dissimilar to despair. It threw Wanderer off, not knowing how to deal with a situation such as this. The Traveller, for all he seemed like an open book, or to wear his heart on his sleeve, he held a lot about himself close to his chest. The Wanderer was so thrown off, he didn’t really think about the next words that fell from his lips.
”I feel…similar.” A slight rustle from his side told him that the Traveller was on his side, looking at Wanderer. “I knew someone, once who taught me about the constellations, and told me the stories of the stars. We..well I’m sure you know something about what happened next….”
Wanderer blinked rapidly, feeling his eyes watering, and he rubbed at them quickly, not wishing to show any weakness.
Aether from his place next to Wanderer, gazed at him not with pity, but somber understanding in his amber eyes.
”Traveller-“
”Aether. Call me Aether.”
”Aether…” Wanderer paused, lips pursed as he wondered whether or not to say the next part before continuing.
”Why did you insist on me coming along with you? Why do you insist on doing so much for those who don’t care?” The words fell out, a wave the Wanderer could do nothing about, spitting it out with fervour.
The Traveller…no, Aether blinked in surprise, and turned onto his back, gazing at the stars as he hummed. Contemplating, he took a minute to consider his answers carefully, understanding this was important for Wanderer.
“…I wanted to get to know you.” He said firstly, truthfully. “I wanted to sure you that there’s more to life than you’ve been shown, there’s more than how you’ve been mistreated.” This is where Aether hesitates, embarrassed by what he was about to say, feeling his face flush slightly, “and because..I saw a lot of myself in you.”
Before Wanderer could get a word in, Aether steamrolled on, wanting to answer his second question. “As for why I help people… I truly wish to help them. Yes, sometimes it’s draining, yes sometimes it’s annoying, but I think it’s worth it. These people.. these countries… even the archons deserve kindness and hope after what’s happened.” He whispered, ignoring his thumping heart.
The Wanderer pursed his lips once again, arms resting on his knees.
”But…what have they done to deserve that help?” What have I done to earn that help? “And-and your sister? What will you do when you find her?”
Now Wanderer isn’t dumb, as a former harbinger, he’s heard rumours of Aether’s sister, the Abyss Princess, and from what he heard of Nahida and Aether’s previous conversations. He just doesn’t understand how Aether can’t be angry, can’t feel betrayed. How can he still lie here, talking about helping the people of Teyvat, and stargazing peacefully?
”…They don’t need to have done anything to deserve help, Wanderer. You just have to be in need of help, and if I can do it, then I’ll help. I won’t lie and say that I’m never angry at the people here, but…but this world has it’s rules, and I’m sure the people have wanted to help they just aren’t allowed to interfere.” He said dejectedly. “At least not without their own consequences. As for my sister…”
Aether inhaled, keeping his breathing as slow and steady as he could to not break into tears, allow his voice still cracked at the end.
”…I don’t know. All I wanted was to find her so we could continue our journey, continue to travel together. She was all I had for years, you know? And then suddenly you’re separated and you’re…trapped.” Silence, except for the faint whistling of the wind and breathing.
”I love my sister, but…I honestly have no idea how my journey here will end. If it will be with her….or against her…”
Wanderer then turned fully from the sky to face Aether, and lying on his side, face-to-face.
”And if she threatens Teyvat?”
Aether lets out a low chuckle, though it’s devoid of any amusement, it’s dry and dark and one crack away from becoming a sob.
”She’s my twin, my other piece but…Teyvat means a lot to me. It’s dangerous and I’ve nearly died several times but the people I’ve met, who I’ve helped and who have helped me? It’s been nice, fun even. Being able to walk to the Adventurer’s guild to talk to Katherine and take commissions, to hang out at the Angel’s Share, or to hang out with my friends, to meet with Tighnari, Dehya or Dunyaarzard, or to hang out watching fireworks with Yanfei or Ayaka, or to see Shenhe and go to the Opera….I don’t know if I could bear losing it.”
Gently, Aether reaches over to where Paimon is asleep, somehow still floating in the air, curled into a ball, and strokes her hair gently.
”If it came down to it, I don’t think I could lose Teyvat, if she really forced my hand… but hopefully it will never come to that.”
Wanderer, who had sat in stunned silence, watched as that determined look once again overcome Aether’s face. He didn’t doubt him, anymore. If it did come down to it, then he would do anything to get his sister back, and to save Teyvat. The only question, is how much did his sister care? Enough to see how much this was pulling him apart? Enough to reunite for good, to see how much he was worth.
That answer would only be seen in good time.
Without much more conversation, Aether fell asleep, and Wanderer watched over him and their floating guide.
Together, The Traveller and The Wanderer, as they were known to the world, treasured a moment of peace.
A few days later found the pair fighting some abyss mages they had found following and spying on them, and just overall up to no good.
Now, normally they would be no match for The Traveller and The Wanderer, as much as they were good at fighting each other, they were even better fighting together. However, they were both tired. They had been chasing these mages nearly all day, and before that they had completed all the commissions for the day, and had helped finding some rare ore in the Chasm.
They were both tired, hungry, and not at their usual level. These mages, who usually had no shot at causing any serious damage, right now were a big threat. They were surrounded as the evil cackles surrounded Aether and the Wanderer, who were stood back to back.
Wanderer shot up in the air to have a better vantage point, blasting the mages from above as The Traveller fought them close combat with that dumb dull sword he was insistent on using.
However, they lost focus. For a split second, they lost vision on one of the three mages, Aether got hit with an ice blast, blinding him. Wanderer watched in suspense and horror as the third Mage reappeared and snuck up behind Aether.
Without truly thinking it through, only that he couldn’t lose someone, not again, Wanderer dived down behind Aether, taking the hit for himself. For a second, all he felt was pure relief that Arther would be mostly unharmed, then he focused on the pain. Gritting his teeth, he let out a hiss as a hand lifted to get a hold of the sharp object protruding out of his shoulder.
He didn’t have time to deal with his predicament, however. They were still surrounded, so Wanderer focused his power on defending Aether and himself, and eventually the two stood in the middle of a clearing, dust from the remains of the Abyss Mages surrounding them and coating the two of them.
He slumped over, leaning onto the side of a random building as he panted, tiredness and pain swirling about into a concoction of dizziness, and he nearly falls over. Aether isn’t much better, covered with faint burns and frostbite, body shivering from the cold and hot competing temperatures, a few gashes on his side and cheek.
He asked if Wanderer was okay, to which wanderer nodded, having hidden the stab wound with his robe.
Together they make their way back to Sumeru city, and the Sanctuary where Nahida had been awaiting them. Not only Nahida, but also Alhaitham, Cyni, Tighnari, Dehya and a few others like Layla or Kevar, Alhaitham’s roommate. Apparently they had stumbled upon a meeting where they were discussing possible candidate’s for the positions of the Sages.
Wanderer didn’t really understand much that was said as he was leaning on Aether for support, legs shaking with exertion.
The others, at their beaten up and bruised appearance, quickly rushed to ask what had happened. Aether brushed them off, saying it was just a few abyss mages, to which Wanderer muttered under his breath something about “Lucky hits”.
Wanderer took all his willpower to stand up, not leaning on his companion, and took a wobbly step to the side, wanting to give Aether a moment with his friends, trying to ignore the stab of panted jealousy that ricocheted around his empty chest, alongside the actual stab wound that throbbed in pain. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t dealt with before, he’d be fine.
Except, everything looked brighter and sound seemed to have a personal vendetta against him as his ears rang. He was so dizzy he hardly registered the tall man- Alhaitham asking if he was okay, resting a hand gently on his shoulder, which was abruptly pulled away with a sharp few words, Alhaitham’s palm now a shiny red with slick blood, the blood now staining through his light clothes.
He gazed up in a daze, and caught the eyes of Aether, who for some reason looked worried? And vaguely felt the warmth of his hands holding his face. He didn’t register much else as he muttered quietly,
”Can someone make the room stop spinning?”
Everything turns black as he falls onto the side, not being conscious to feel his body being caught, a panicked voice asking for medical help.
When Wanderer woke up, he was in a super soft bed, and sluggishly without conscious thought, ran his hands up and down the sheets, his mouth a little o shape, eyebrows raised.
As his hands ran along the bed, he touched a hand. Blinking he followed the hand up his arms, across the leaned yet muscled chest up to a face that he did very much recognised.
”..Aether?” He questioned in a whisper, yet loud in the painfully silent room as Aether’s eyes snap open, and he grabs ahold of Wanderer’s hand gently, face scrunched up, (it was absolutely not adorable, he vehemently denied to himself)
”Oh thank stars you’re awake, you seriously worried us!” Wanderer blinked, then actually took a brief moment to examine what had happened. Oh yeah. He had been stabbed.
whoops?
”I’m sorry?” He apologised, not sure if he should apologise
Aether’s eyes softened before speaking gently
”You don’t need to apologise, Wanderer, just…why didn’t you say you were injured?”
”Well it doesn’t really matter.” He stated, shrugging his shoulders, and to be fair, it hadn’t mattered. Before Aether and Nahida, getting injured and hurt had never really mattered.
Aether spluttered, “Of course it matters! I don’t want to see you hurt or injured when I could do something to help!”
Wanderer furrowed his brows, a common occurrence when with The Traveller.
”But why? There’s no need to waste those resources on me, they’re better saved for when you need them.”
Aether groaned, throwing his hands over his face.
”Wanderer, I want to use those resources when they’re needed. I have an ample supply, and we can always get more. You don’t have to worry about that, or any other expense. I want to make sure that you are okay.”
”….okay” came a mutter as Wanderer brought the sheets up to cover his lightly flushed face.
”Ok?” Aether brightened up
”Ok,” Wanderer agreed, “I’ll- I’ll be sure to tell you next time I’m injured or if I need help.”
Aether, while smiling brightly like the sun, his face darkened slightly, like an eclipse.
”If I had my way you won’t be getting injured like that.”
Wanderer, only slightly scared and impressed, decided to not question it, coughing to clear his throat, and gazing out the Window.
After a few minutes of amendable silence, Wanderer spoke up,
“Do you remember Nahida saying I should take a new name? To symbolise the start of a new life and all that?”
Aether nodded, “I do.”
Wanderer, embarrassed and not having his hat on to hide his face, fiddled with his hair instead,
”Uh.. I don’t have the widest knowledge of names, so uh, do you have any recommendations?” Quickly he looked away, not catching the wide beam that appeared on Aether’s face.
”I mean it’s a big ask but I’d be honoured. Let’s see, you can’t rush this.” Closing his eyes and furrowing his brows, he placed his thumb and forefinger on his chin, muttering under his breath.
Wanderer let out a huff and smile at the display. He didn’t know if Aether was that theatrical, or just himself. It was entertaining either way.
Eventually, Aether got it, shooting upwards and planting his hands on the bedsheets, grabbing Wanderer’s attention.
”I’ve got it! How about….
Anore!”
”Anore..” Wanderer tried the name, and it rolls right off, it sounds nice, right, like it fits.
”I don’t know many names, but Anore means sky or wind, which I thought would be fitting because of your freedom now.” Aether paused at seeing the streams of tears run down Wanderer’s cheeks as he stares directly at Aether.
Aether explains softly, “You own yourself, you are your own person and you don’t need a gnosis or anything to be worth something. You are enough. I feel like Anore is fitting.
”I-“ Wande- Anore- hiccups, “I like it. Anore.”
He laughs, it’s light and happy and free,
”Well then,” he sniffs, rubbing his eyes and smiling in Aether’s direction.
”Greetings Aether, I am Anore.”
The Traveller and The Wanderer
Aether and Anore
The sky and the wind
Home at last.