Chapter Text
“.. is he going to be okay? If I knew he was planning to explore Dragonspine I would’ve given him more than he asked. Let’s see, I can probably ask someone..”
“I’ll do it for you Jean, stop worrying.” Lisa giggled. “It happens that I want to give him potions that might benefit him as well, I'll be sure to pass your regards.”
“Thank you.. we should hurry though. From his looks, the traveler is not the type to wait around.”
“Is he now?”
________________________
— A strong wind current is blocking the cave and possibly a path to the summit.
— Strange ice scattered in the areas, they can’t be melted with fire and it was a futile attempt ( UPDATE: They melt using the scarlet quartz, it takes time but the strange ice reacts to the ore the same way a normal ice melts with fire)
— There are two (2) shards that were found in the Snow Covered Path and at the bottom of Starglow Cavern. They are enclosed in a slab of ice but due to lack of party members, we cannot risk triggering the monsters guarding them (NOTE: We are not sure if there only two (2) of them as we failed to explore the dangerous areas)
— There are elemental monuments northeast from Wyrmrest Valley. The storm rages the area unlike the rest, it was hard to see. We suggest and practice caution if you decide to proceed.
— …
— …
— We advise the adventurers to keep your supply tightly and secure. There seemed to be a monster who liked to steal adventurers' rations.
— …
— More empty supply boxes littered around the mountain.
— The culprit was neither identified nor caught.
Aether sat on the ground, mud staining his shoe and white cape with a wince. The notebook crumpled in his grip, spreading the hay evenly and catching most of his clothes. The reports submitted and analyzed by the adventurers, mainly Iris, is not as detailed but points out the most interesting places to look for. There was also something on the note that says everything in Dragonspine connects and reacts to each other, meaning they are a broken puzzle on its own and require each other to work. Well that certainly explains how the red ore melts the strange ice. It’s the same way he did it with the shard mentioned.
The frostarm lawachurl puts up a fight when he gets close to it but it was not guarding the shard, it was mainly threatening to anyone stepping into its claimed territory. But Aether cannot fault the previous adventurers for thinking so, it was hard to fight a massive version of hilichurl in the sheer cold. In the end when he managed to thaw the ice, an orb the size of his head gleamed before it shot at the very top of the mountain.
He can only look up from the covered path. Just my luck.
The abandoned camp serves as his resting corner for the night. Aether set up a fire and found a clean slab of stone to use it as pan, the cauldron used by the frostarm lawachurl was not even a choice to begin with. There are books left, covered with snow but the pages had long given up; it can't even be used to feed the fire. However a small note inside a satchel bag survives barely, reading the previous adventurer who apparently occupied the abandoned camp he was using.
“Strange. The bag full of my supply that’s enough to last me for a week is gone. Is it the foxes? I was told not to feed them unless I can do it consi..” the note ends and the ink spreads on the rest of the paper.
A monster that steals adventurers' food, the more he reads the more it starts to sound like the suspect is likely an animal and not a monster. But he still tied his backpack securely around his legs, he was not about to waste the effort Jean gave him. He can't do anything yet so it was even more of a fight or starve situation.
The gray clouds position above and the wind starts to pick up. Aether took it as a sign to cover and strengthen his tent to withstand the cold whisk of air. It must have been hours of tossing and almost burning himself to the fire that he managed to fall asleep, shivering and helpless against the harsh weather.
_______________________
It was in the middle of the night when Aether felt prodding hands sliding the strap of his bag off his legs. He reacted quickly, grabbing the wrist and yanking it away from himself and planning to twist the intruder’s body underneath him—but he couldn't do that, more like not anymore, there was only a cold mist blasted against his face and making him cough. There’s nothing in front of him and the weightless feeling inside his palm.
There was no one when he frantically looked around, the mountain kept silent and undisturbed. More importantly no footprints on the ground.
“So you encountered it as well?” Iris looked behind him. “But you still have your backpack, meaning it failed to steal yours. Only a few managed that.”
“About that monster..” he says, emphasizing on the word. “Do you have any more information about it? Has no one ever seen what it looks like?”
“Ah.. this is mainly the problem why there’s barely any information about it. Since it was first reported, there have been numerous adventurers that claimed it stole their supplies as well and forced them to retreat from their mission. That kind of reasoning continues but everyone fails to give solid evidence that it was ever found out.”
Ah.. Aether is beginning to understand where she is going.
“It doesn’t help that every new party sent also came back with the same reason, making it more like an excuse for them not to continue their mission and abandon it. No one reported the same after that because the guild stopped sending anyone to explore inside, a shame but understandable since they were the one funding it and so far none has borne fruit worthy enough.” Iris shrugged.
“Then I guess you intentionally put it in the copy you gave me.” he commented, pulling out the note.
“Maybe, but I’ve always been strict in warning new adventurers coming by to explore. It’s best if they know everything and if they get scared then they’re not qualified either.” she clicked her tongue. “You don’t strike me as someone who would lie just to abandon the mission, did you see anything?
“I see nothing but I feel it while I’m half asleep.” Aether admits, pulling the strap on his shoulder.
Iris grins. “Spooky.”
“It flipped some kind of mist on my face..” and I don’t know if it’s a slow acting poison.
He ended up retelling what he remembered and Iris soaked it up like a sponge. According to her it’s a step into proving its existence but not quite enough to say it really exists. He also shared what was in the shard and explained what happened. Iris promised to write to the guild about it and asked if he still planned to continue—which Aether immediately said yes to. The events of that night left an impression on him and he can’t seem to just let it unresolved.
“I was thinking of doing the same thing to the second piece mentioned, at the bottom of Starglow Cavern?” He showed his map.
“Let me mark the locations you can enter. Here, give me that..”
The sun was bright when he left the camp. His backpack is a lot heavier after Iris filled it with food again, mainly the type to withstand cold climate. He also received a recipe from Harris, claiming that it’ll help his body warm and stomach full which is necessary to convert heat.
Aether feels watched when he enters through the path near the outskirts, not avoiding the monsters that littered inside. The Starglow Cavern is huge, there are few more entrances that are easy to spot due to the bright light coming outside. The stairs appeared to him like a mess of web, one end connected to the others and spiraled. At the very bottom is a small pond that flows outside when he peered down, and on the side is the shard of ice mentioned in the report.
He stumbled on the ground when he was forcibly pulled to the side, just in time for a running hilichurl charging at him with a light torch swinging—Aether watched it fall to its death, a loud yell followed and small group of monsters seems to ganged up on him for possibly killing their kind. The battle has been quick, his sword dissipates and he continues to march downward although not without looking behind, wondering if it was all in his head.
The second shard was proven tougher than the first one. The freezing water not only makes him wary of the ground but also increases the cold to seep into his body. It took him three trips before he ended up behind, slowly backing away in silence when he saw numbers of ruin guards laying around. However, the seelie is tempting him to close in, floating on top of one as if daring him to come and catch them.
Aether did just that—and nothing happened. The machine stays dead until he opens the gate, finding a couple of chests and the last quartz he needs to completely melt the ice.
“Let’s see..” he whispered, watching the same orb fly up and disappear to the summit. Yet his quiet music stops when Aether hears the strange sound of a machine starting and the ground slightly shakes. “Shit.”
Thundering footsteps followed and three glowing eyes at the center of the said machines.
________________
Aether documents his own finding.
— Status: Alive
— Each shard encapsulates an orb that shoots up to the summit once released, as if there is a magnet pulling them upward.
— Not every ice melts with only scarlet ore, some melted when I closed the torch to it.
— The ‘monster’ stealing the food appear but I was not able to see it (They produce a mist)
He was beyond exhausted when he finished and started going back to the same entrance he used. His understanding of Dragonspine’s terrain and map is still lacking, Aether doesn’t want to risk getting lost when he’s most likely alone. Then he did find another path blocked by a strange ice, he was quick to melt it with ore and was more than happy to see a hidden room behind a pillar. It has shelves with books left unattended and two braziers to warm. It was open on the other side, he could see the foggy land below. The ceiling and walls are enough to block the wind, the braziers were lit the entire time.
Aether settled with ease, cooking for himself and cleaning up the area before deciding to rest for the night. It was so quiet, he could hear the monsters lingering outside but it was probably the echo deeper into the cave. Nonetheless it was a bit scary but he doubts they can find this place, he had to crouch and Aether was pretty sure his height is about.. average.
The quietness sets in, like the other night, Aether straps his bag around his legs and uses another to pillow his head. The only way for the monster to reach him is climbing the steep rocks below and it’s a near death experience to do.
Around the same time Aether heard nothing but quiet murmur spoken so softly with concentration.
“Why.. you have strong legs..” the voice struggles as if pulling. Aether felt something cold circle around his legs, seeping through the fabric of his pants. He jerks on natural instinct, almost twisting his body in the process.
Aether breathes, feeling a bit dizzy from sitting quickly—the dizziness was gone in an instant when he locked eyes with a pair of teal orbs, seemingly glowing in the dim. Time stops around them for a while, Aether surveys if he was starting to see things or that someone.. someone who looks like he would pass to be a snow fairy, is kneeling a few centimeters from him and sharing a startled look.
“Wait..!” he lunged forward, arms reaching and gasping when he caught the stranger before they managed to run. “I just want to confirm something.”
The stranger paused, looking even more surprised. It was interesting to see how his calm face transitioned to a frown and then scared.. though Aether doesn’t want the last one.
“If I let go of your arm, promise you won’t run—”
“You can see me?” the stranger cuts him.
“—from me.. what?”
The stranger vanished in thin air again, leaving him with the familiar feeling of weightless presence in his hand. A mist permeates into the air and joins the dust floating around. Aether isn’t sure anymore. What the heck should he do after someone asks him that kind of question and then disappears?
Maybe Dragonspine doesn’t need adventurers but an exorcist.
_____________________
— Status: Confused.
The next morning Aether found a small cave, it was along the path from Entombed City to the City Outskirts and the Wyrmrest Valley in front. He jumped across the broken ridge and was hesitating whether to proceed, he had no idea where the route followed even if it was clear on the map.
It is a very open cave, not too deep but it is spacious and has a secure ceiling. Aether would still prefer the room at Starglow Cavern but he can’t stay in one place, it was also limiting his surroundings, chances are he needed to hunt.
Surveying the area, he began to set up a camp. Starting with a small cooking spot and placing his backpack near it, the ingredients were inside anyway. He then cleaned the ground, mostly snow that accumulated in one area but it was easy to brush them off. It might be called stealing but the amount of braziers and torches around the mountain is almost concerning, no one will fight him if he brings one or two to his camp.
He was reading through the reports and adding to his own notes, noting the frostbearing tree sprouting from the ground. The adventurers will probably start to search for that one.
— Blue flowers/plants start from this area and near the ice. It was considered special since they started associating it with the weird ice and air current, so that it might have something to do with it. (NOTE: No proof was established and remained a theory even today)
— Follow their trail (Blue plants) and you might discover something (NOTE: This one is a personal opinion)
Blue plant.. Aether recalls passing some glowing flowers on the ground but thinks nothing of it except that they must be rarity limited to Dragonspine. He never recalls seeing it outside.
Before he left the city, it was Lisa who actually met him. She gave quite a large haul of things from Jean and handed him potions that said to benefit him in the future. They were kept securely, those are precious, Lisa said and added a caution before using them. Aether was convinced he was going to mutate into something.
He heard quite a few interesting rumours about the mountain while he read some from the library, it is hard since he’s still learning the language of Teyvat. Dragonspine was considered the most dangerous area in Mondstadt, it has a history with a dragon named Durin that was slain and was buried in the mountain. It was said to be a graveyard to all kinds of things from the past, an ancient kingdom, history, secrets and all manners of monsters that once existed. It was described as many things but most favorably seen it as a dangerous paradise of snow and unmelting ice. People give such long nicknames.
Iris warned him the moment he stepped into her camp and even more when he announced his plan to venture. After helping with Dvalin, he is quite confident to force his way in. A deserted place with a little contact to people often holds secrets that may or may not create a mess to the current.. way of living. And that Dragonspine seems a promising place to explore.
He tossed more wood to the fire when it started to dwindle. The temperature drops every night and it would be hard to battle it with no place to rest. It’s easy to turn into a piece of ice and popsicle.
Aether wonders if the stranger would come back.. he worried for his safety, then realizing that everything about him screams no human. What is he then? The most logical thing he could come up with is a wandering spirit, not unheard but also unexpected. Plus he asked him as if to confirm that he indeed can actually see him. It was not hard to connect and the quick conclusion was that he might also be the one stealing adventurer’s supplies.
For what? Aether was sure spirit feeds off energy and not roasted meat.
He would still keep his distance should the man decide to show himself again. Aether was not planning to leave the mountain in a while either.
A roar echoed around, the wind carrying the chilling tone across.
When Aether woke again it was to a blurry figure sitting across the camp. Staring, casting a curious gaze with a frown. The clouds seemed a little brighter outside. It’s probably a sunny day, too bad it can’t get through the bleak clouds.
The bag strapped to his legs is fine, untouched. He looks briefly between it and the stranger who seems to be fine gawking at him.
“What time is it?” he asked instead, ruffling his hair and yawning, stretching like a cat and letting out a satisfied huff when his back pops. “Hm?”
When Aether looked again, he met the stranger’s eyes in awe. But then he blinks, gasping when he’s suddenly in front of him. Breathing directly at his face yet no soft puff of air was blown.
“You really can. Your eyes are looking at me.”
Aether backs away, crawling slowly. The last vestiges of sleep were wiped out from his body and is now hyper aware of their close proximity.
“Am.. Am I supposed not to? Look at you I mean, you’re in front of me..” he trails and watches a smile bloom on a stranger's face.
“By all means you can’t, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t. I meet a lot of adventurers in this mountain yet none have ever paid attention to me.” he explained, not backing away. “You are the first one.”
Aether tries to smile awkwardly, he feels no weight when the man is almost sliding on his lap. It was the familiar weightless presence again.
“What makes you different?” he wondered out loud. “You can even touch me too, I believe human contact is of no use to me. You are not dead are you?”
Aether felt offended. “I’m very much alive.”
“Wonderful,” he sings. “I’ve been wandering in this mountain since and helping the adventurers by stealing their supplies and feeding it to the fox. My name is Albedo and I’ve never met someone that is quite like you.”
Aether has so many questions, even the sudden introduction at the end as if Albedo just didn’t admit stealing from them. His teal eyes held depth but also earnest, Albedo seemed genuine. Aether doesn’t know how to make of that.
Thinking, he lightly pushed Albedo’s shoulder to put a slight distance between them. “How about a proper conversation? Let me get refreshed and tell me your.. ghostly activities.”
“I’m not a ghost.”
___
“I was not doing it to make fun of them, it’s the only way I know to chase them off the mountain.” Albedo says, admitting to stealing. “Belittling a place that was barely known to anyone is foolish and they’re walking to their own demise.”
“And the fox?”
“They’re sweet little things around here. They are skittish and shy by nature, continuously feeding them will make them less wary of you.” Albedo explained, eyes trained on him. “Animals really have.. unique traits. They’ve been my companion here.”
Aether processed what was said while he eats. Albedo politely declined when he offered some, it was stupid on his part but it was manners. He definitely saw something in Albedo’s eyes earlier.
Seated and warmed up, Albedo sat across him as they circled around the fire. The mountain is suspiciously calm but Albedo assured him that even Dragonspine had its own calm day, it only happens so rarely at that.
“The previous adventurers that discovered how to melt the strange ice are unfortunate. They are the most promising group I’ve seen but they can’t wield a sword against the monsters guarding the shards. When they proceed deeper into the outskirts, I realized I need to intervene.” Albedo frowned.
“Too dangerous?”
Albedo nodded. “Extremely so, and that, the environment does not practice mercy.”
“When you said I was the first one who can see you.. does that mean no one’s ever in the past?” Aether swears something flick across Albedo’s face, he almost looks sad. “How long have you been, uhh, wandering here?”
“I’m afraid it’s been too long. I can't give an exact total of years.”
That’s concerning, Aether thought. What became of the spirit that refuses to go to light and accept the after life? Albedo definitely.
“If it is an estimation.. then I guess this mountain is already freezing cold and uninhabitable. My memories are fuzzy and I can only recall pieces and bits. It was not reliable as well.”
“That sounds like a story from long ago.”
Something flashes in Albedo’s eyes. “Indeed.”
Aether swallow, the atmosphere suddenly went down by a concerning margin and he’s not prepared for what’s to say next. Should he console Albedo? How so, he was sure Albedo would be offended if tells him that he can move on.. soon enough. A promise to help him cross the afterlife is at the tip of his tongue but Aether realized he is no exorcist and he was expert in beating up monsters in the wild.
“Your face suggests you are thinking something silly.” Albedo vanished in front of him and Aether flinched when he felt something cold, it was a strange and subtle feeling of freezing hand passing through. Albedo laughs. Aether touches his cheek. “If you have more questions about this mountain I’ll answer them for you but I’m getting bored, why don’t we talk about you instead?”
Blinking, Aether tried to follow Albedo with his eyes. “I’m Aether.”
“Aether, like that of sky and heaven?”
“Just Aether.”
“Nice to meet you Aether.” Albedo smiled, reserved but his whole complexion lit up with it.
Flustered, Aether scoop more soup from the pot. It’s only warm, saving his mouth from the burn. The spices get through his throat though, he almost snorts.
“I remember my master sealing my body in this mountain but I forgot the place. That’s why I said I’m—Aether are you okay?”
Aether looked at his side, coughing and wincing from discomfort when the spice went through his nose. It burns and is disgusting. His hand desperately reaches for the water and Albedo nudges it closer to him, aggressively so.
“Please eat slowly.” Albedo reminds softly.
“Geez.. stop,” Aether coughs. “Stop suddenly dropping a revelation like that so casually.”
Albedo’s mouth ‘oh’ in silence and nods, Aether didn’t miss the amusement in his eyes.
“Warn me next time,” he was answered with a poorly concealed laugh. “Now I feel like I ate through my nose.”
“That sounds like the wrong way.”
Unsurprisingly another snowstorm whirls around the mountain. They watch the snow pile up on the ground. Albedo advised him to remain on the camp and wait until it passes, warning him about the possibility of an avalanche in the area. Aether had no qualms staying for a while, he’s still figuring out where to head next.
A loud growl suddenly alerted them both.
“Rifthounds, they shouldn’t litter this place.” Albedo murmured. “Do you know how to put up a shield?”
Aether blinks, standing. He was still learning the anemo abilities he acquired, the best he can do is summon a vortex in his hand and throw multiple enemies at once. “Maybe if I managed to visit Liyue I could get geo abilities.”
“Aren’t you an anemo holder?”
“I don’t have one.” he shrugged.
None of the rifthounds appear in front of the cave, the howling stops as it gets further and further away. By the time there was only the sharp slash of the wind outside they relaxed, slumping on the ground. Aether went straight for the fire, feeling half of his body freezing.
“I would offer help but I do not generate body heat.” Albedo says in an apologetic tone as well.
“It’s.. it’s fine, I recover easily.”
He reached the notebook, reading to the last column and marking it down with ‘case solved’ for the identified monster stealing the supplies but didn’t elaborate even more. Leaving it as that.
____________________
— Status: Companion..?
There are still mysteries surrounding Albedo but he promised to answer them in time. He hasn’t left his side since then and it looks like Albedo has no intention as well.. Aether is more than fine with it, it makes him more confident in exploring.
“It is nearly impossible to climb the summit. There was nothing but a violent snowstorm and slab of ice on the way like it was purposely delaying anyone. It was a very hostile area, even if the previous adventurers managed to, they’ll be frozen on the ground.” Albedo warned.
“I was told that everything in Dragonspine is connected,” he commented.
“That is not far from true.”
“All right.. There were no follow-ups about the shards but there is one more place we need to check." He laid out his map and points at the location Iris marked for him. “Do you know this place?”
Albedo peeked, swaying gently as he did. “That is a dangerous area.”
“Everything seems dangerous here.”
Albedo pursues his lips, thinking. His teal eyes are sharp as he looks. “I’ll guide you there but you must listen to me on the way.”
Aether grins. “I’m good at that.”
Albedo shot him a look that screamed he’s suspicious of that but he won’t say anything. “If something happens do not expect me to carry you out. The best I can do is drag you on the ground.”
“That’s not nice,”
“Neither this place but here you are.” Albedo merely raises an eyebrow at him. “Has anyone told you, you dress weirdly?”
Aether almost spluttered.
“No sane person would venture in this place with their stomach exposed and is that scarf supposed to do anything?” Albedo judge. “Is there a shortage of fabric in the current time?”
“T-These are from my home..”
__
Albedo makes good on his promise and guides him. Walking, Aether only realizes Albedo’s clothes and his overall appearance. Bright teal eyes, shoulder length hair, almost pale in color when snow catches it. He would blame his striking teal eyes and soft features, distracting and disarming at best.
Albedo wore a blue vest over a brown collared shirt. The linings of his clothes have flowers, sharp petals shining in gold. He wore a pair of gloves that are red on the palm, and showing other gold lines making a diamond pattern on his arm. Almost as if stars and flowers are his theme and kind. Albedo’s boots reach past his knees, lined with silver and blue chains; he has meticulous seams and stripes on his pants while the rest are simple. On his throat is a four pointed star, it glows like the rest of his body. Albedo doesn’t open the topic himself and so Aether didn’t touch it either. It might be something sensitive or part of his memories that has already been forgotten.
And he is very attractive for a spirit.
Aether didn’t wonder why he thought of him as a snow fairy, like those in the children’s book. With a face like that..
“I can’t say I have memories from this place,” Albedo mused as they walked. “Maybe I do, maybe none.”
Aether listens, Albedo points out some spots from the distance, hordes of monsters alike. Some were fatuis, roaming around the area—unfortunately spotting them as they passed by and went through an impromptu fight. Mostly him anyway, Albedo can’t do much.
“This is the safest path, even though we run onto those guys.” Albedo circles around him, checking for injuries and scratches. “Most of the time they don’t harm those adventurers walking into their camp, I’m not sure why they attacked you when you’re alone.”
It feels embarrassing to say that he attracts trouble better than anyone. “Maybe they’re bored? Nothing much to do here anyway..”
Albedo huff, touching his arm. “You have a scratch on your cheek, it is small but be sure to treat it later.”
“All right.”
Albedo warns him when they’re close to the area. The wind picks up and so the temperature drops to a negative. Albedo doesn’t shiver while Aether feels his soul freezing.
“Be careful of your step.” Albedo cautioned and took one look at his sorry state. “There is a mechanism nearby, let’s go before you turn to ice.”
With chattering teeth, he follows. Albedo brought him to a ruin brazier and almost shoved him next to it while he activated it. The mechanism worked, spreading a warmth melting through his core and stopped his hands from shaking. Albedo lets him sit next to it for a while, only leaving to check the site they risk for. Albedo came back shortly, appearing from thin air.
“How is it?” he asked, squinting his eyes through the thick mist of snow and air swirling around the area. “How bad is it going to be?”
Albedo advances to him.
“Activating the mechanism won’t be a problem and there is a source of heat around.” Aether can hear an incoming but, “But that won’t be much of help during a fight, can you take down multiple ruin machines at once?”
Ruin guards? He often gets requests from Hertha for that, almost like, if the requests and bounties are too much risk she would directly seek his help for that.
“I’ve fought them before and I know their weaknesses, so yeah I can.”
Albedo gave him a calculating look, one that is both offending in some way and sincerely assessing him.
The silence stretches out too long uncomfortably and then Albedo tells him what to do.
The seelie showed him a pattern, operating the mechanism accordingly. The seelie came to a stop, passing through the ice in the center and underneath. There was nothing until the cold picked up and his surroundings began to fill with nothing but blizzards. Albedo shouts from a distance and he can only make out the red eye and sparks from an incoming attack, jumping and dodging. Two ruin guards came for him on both sides, he saw now where Albedo’s worry was coming from and he felt it. There was an almost permanent presence beside him, one that was also cold yet not biting.
It felt like hours seeing through the mist before the ruin guards collapsed on the ground, each part flying off in the distance. Albedo was waiting for him in the distance the moment it was all done, frown or worry still plastered on his face. He was about to call for him when the ground shook and the ice began to crack.
“Aether!” Albedo yelled, voice frantic.
His vision blurred a little as he fell, then he felt his own panic setting in at the sight of large ice pillars waiting for him on the ground—point and sharp, with his momentum he would end up skewered in more torturous ways than one.
Vortex swirls on the ground, sloppy and almost fails to catch him in a state of distress. He wheezed, breathing loudly.
“Aether!” Albedo appeared beside him, cold hand cupping his cheeks. “Are you alright? Archons..”
Albedo inspects his limbs from limbs and only stops when he finds no injuries nor scratches from the fall. Aether only complained that his bottom and back would suffer a greater deal, hoping his spinal cord is not cracking.
“That was reckless!”
“I didn’t make the ground fall!” Aether defended when Albedo berated him.
Their voices echo underground, belatedly realizing that they indeed fell from the top. Aether halt and look past behind, whispering.
“Albedo look,”
“What?”
Another shard of ice floats on the ground, yet this time the blue plants that were mentioned in the report are more present. Their numbers are vast and they group around the areas, almost covering the snow.
“Do you think maybe it’s the last piece?” Aether whispered, standing up with a slight wince.
“Possibly, considering this one was well hidden. I doubt the previous adventurers could’ve unraveled this one.” Albedo follows. “And it’s going to be the same method.”
Numerous scarlet quartz littered around, waiting to be used. “I’m going to need an axe and not a sword.”
“Watch out for the ruined machines.. they are really pestering this mountain.” Albedo said, almost as if he has a personal vendetta against them.
“You got it.”
__
It was an exhausting ordeal.
There was a case of missing seelies, a barrier and a random chunk of ice from the ceiling. To top it all, the ruin guards buried halfway on the ground suddenly activate but Aether and Albedo decided to make a run from it, escaping through the exit once the barrier vanished.
What welcomes them outside is a raging snowstorm, thick snow and the giant pillar stuck beneath the ground, the surface around it embedded in the same strange ice. Blue plants are rich anywhere he looks, glowing and easily identified.
So this is the summit, quite what Aether imagined, but not the giant pillar nor the broken parts floating in the air.
Slightly dazed, Aether blinks and looks for Albedo but his smile fades and morphed into concern to see the spirit frozen.
“Albedo?” Albedo barely blinks, his frown intense as he looks before them. Is it affecting him? “Are you okay? Something wrong—”
“I remember this place.”
Aether nodded.
“No.. I, I remember this place right before.. right before my master sealed me.” Albedo’s voice trembles a little. “I’ve been here before, I was sure.. but this time.. the memories are intense. They’re playing in my head..”
Aether opens his mouth to speak yet no words left. What’s he supposed to say? Albedo only mentioned it once and didn’t elaborate, he wasn’t even sure if that was actually true. Albedo talked of the scenery and areas in the mountain that captivate him while they walk, he didn’t say it but Aether could tell that Albedo was trying his best to exclude the parts where his master was involved—which was pretty hard since it looks like most of his time was occupied by travelling with her and so she’s literally in every memories of his.
Why did she leave anyway? He couldn’t have known.
“Let’s rest here.” Aether announced, putting down his bag and looking behind. “Those ruin guards won’t be able to come here outside, the exit is pretty small for them.”
Thanks to the cavern they have a temporary shelter, Aether shivers at the thought of withstanding a blizzard this strong, plus the uneasiness the giant pillar emits. Albedo sat on the corner, in deep thought and Aether left him to think. It looks like Albedo would use a quiet time to sort out his thoughts.
A few twigs and stones, Aether was able to make a fire to warm himself. He wasn’t feeling hungry, the adrenaline from the fight is yet to dissipate. If he wanted to nibble on something, Albedo made him pick up some fruits on the way. Ones that are not poisonous unlike the mushroom he originally went for.
He opens his notes and starts detailing what happened so far.
— Another shard of ice and possibly the last was hidden underneath the area mentioned (Northeast from Wyrmrest Valley
— The summit has a giant pillar sticking on the ground, and the weather at the top is triple the snowstorm below. Blue plants covered the area and there were pieces of rocks floating (They could be part of the giant pillar as its top is in pieces)
The report went on, Iris would probably focus on the part he reached the summit and not the bit he mentioned about the culprit stealing adventurers’ supplies.. though the amount of box scattered around Dragonspine beg to differ.
Albedo was still frowning when he looked back, almost glaring at the giant pillar. If his eyes could melt things, the summit is probably on fire right now. Albedo’s eyes are intense and focused.
He wondered what he could be thinking right now.
_________________
The storm continued at the peak and Albedo remained silent, staring at the distance. Aether busied himself gathering twigs and branches nearby, making the fire big enough to last for hours.
He did see another shard at the top of the pillar and it’s.. exhausting to think about. How is he going to get up there and hit it? If he still had his wings he would just breeze through the whole thing—but he can’t and that’s a major problem. He is getting fed up seeing the laying ruin guards that potentially may rise once they thaw the shards, was it ever explained? But then no one managed to unsealed even one so he guessed it’s not.
— Ruin machines seems to overtake most of the ruins in the mountain, aside from the monsters in the cold
— Three shards of ice had thawed, but there was still another one perched on top of the giant pillar (How many were left?)
— …
A tiny galaxy and stars burst on his palm, with how dim and gloomy the environment is, the more it was visible and detailed. Aether often looks at it as a reminder of some sort, he and Lumine had been doing it since they can remember. It was nothing special really, at least for them since they can do it as easy as breathing. Though others might have a different fascination towards it—like the curious hands closing into it.
Albedo looked at his hand curiously. “How are you doing this?”
Aether didn’t dwell much on how he didn’t notice Albedo moving, but then it does make sense he couldn’t.
“I’m not really sure, me and my sister have been able to do it since.” he said and smiled when Albedo studied it, pale hands wanting to poke it. “It’s fine, nothing’s going to happen. You can touch it, it’ll just feel a little cold.. if you could tell.”
Albedo follows in fascination, interest dancing in his eyes when his finger went through the small galaxy and disturbing the stars in them. Albedo continues and Aether lets him, careful on his words.
“Done reminiscing the past?” he asks and Albedo only makes a sound akin to a hum. “Looks like it.”
“It's a different kind of cold. I felt it.” Albedo commented. “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Albedo stays close to him, cold and warm fighting at his side but Aether doesn’t mind his numb arms. Albedo still held a wonder looking at his palm, examining and observing, eyes shining.
“You have the eye of a very curious observer, maybe you’ll make a good researcher.” Aether commented. “If you still have time maybe you’d want to sign up as an alchemist in the city, they’re looking for one.”
“I would love to,” Albedo said with a slight pause and when Aether thought he'd continue, Albedo shook his head.
Albedo resumed prodding at his palm, his queries are solemn but they are genuine and full of interest. Albedo might have really a knack for being a researcher, Aether was sure Jean and Lisa would recognize a talent. If only Albedo isn’t a spirit..
The storm hasn’t weakened even a little even when Albedo is back to his usual self. The wind picked up even more, swirling around and might even cut anyone that dared to get close.
“I’ve never noticed the giant pillar here,” Albedo murmured, observing. “While I held interest in many great things, this one particularly escaped my sight.”
The pillar stands ominous, there are patterns around it and emit tiny particles that surround it.
“I have my suspicions but I am also skeptical about it,” Albedo whispered, almost too quiet to be coherent. He turns to him, Aether straightens up. “We should think of a way to get you on top.”
“I can glide, if that helps.” he said, purposely not mentioning his wings to not bring in false hope. “And my anemo abilities might help.”
“No, it’s going to be very useful.”
They didn’t get that far in planning, there are indeed walls and ruined structures Aether could climb but it requires to be taller than the pillar itself considering the momentum of the glider. They found a space on higher ground, killing the monsters occupying it before using it to look at a new perspective. It starts off hopeful until they both realize the need for the scarlet quartz and immediate look around, finding them bright and on the ground.
“My stamina is good, I’ll do it.” Aether insists when Albedo is not convinced. “Have some faith in me, Albedo.”
“I already do. I’m only worried about you, Aether.”
He forgets Albedo is a spirit with a flowery tongue.
Flustered, Aether makes a run to the nearest ore and hits it with extra force, cracking it swiftly.
It was the same pattern of running, hitting and climbing. Three trips before the orb was unsealed and Aether almost breathed a sigh of relief—almost being.
The platform it was perched on started moving, inching closer to the pillar as if connecting. Aether stabilized himself, raising a hand when Albedo yelled in concern. Once it stopped he saw another shard appear on a much higher place and cursed.
Archons..
“Let’s move to higher ground.” he said, jumping down and catching his breath. Albedo holds around his wrist, halting him from going. “Albedo?”
“Rest here for a while, you’re shaking from the cold.” Albedo frowned and it was a deja vu when he was almost shoved next to a fire. “An important rule, always watch yourself and don’t overestimate your own strength. It’s deathly in this place.”
Aether felt inclined to follow, sitting obediently and warming himself. His legs are indeed shaking a little from all the running but he also worries that if he rests too long, the fatigue is going to kick off. Aether felt his fingers hurt a little inside his glove, his sword is highly not suitable for mining, the vibration reaches his arms.
“Do you feel anything when you get close?” Albedo suddenly asks. “To the giant pillar I mean, does it emit some elemental energy?”
Aether pauses to think, recalling back and shaking his head. “Nothing, I just thought it feels a little warm and odd. Why? Did you notice something?”
Something in Albedo’s expression tells him it’s quite complicated to explain, with the way his eyebrows frown and almost touch in the middle. Watching Albedo from this height, his natural glow separates him from the dull and gloomy background. His entire being has a gleam, his figure was lined with some magical aura. One look and you wouldn’t really think he is some sort of human, a bit weird Aether would say.
“I just thought I felt something..” Albedo mutters, talking to himself.
Is the pillar emitting energy that might potentially change Albedo? Aether wondered, but it’s not making any sense.
Albedo moves around for a while in deep thought and Aether lets him. Eventually Albedo vanishes and appears at his side, settling there as if he’s not worked up barely a moment ago.
“Are you sure it’s fine?”
“I’m just.. thinking.” Aether nods. “I felt a pull or something, I couldn’t be sure. It was there for a while as if it was tied to my.. to my neck.”
Albedo touches the star on his throat and Aether instinctively follows his hand. “About the mark on your throat?”
“Possibly.”
Albedo didn’t say anything about the star.
“Has it happened before then?”
Albedo shook his head. “Nothing I can remember.”
Aether couldn’t think of anything else either, his knowledge about Albedo is far limited and it’s not as if he would pry in Albedo’s business, much more in his personal affairs. But it was apparent that he had some problems unsolved, that much he can conclude. What of the star on his throat? For aesthetic or it harbors some sentimental value? Where is his master now? Did he ever try to leave and look for her? What is the extent of his memories?
Yet Aether thinks he might be looking deeper into it when in reality it’s just a shallow matter. He sometimes has a habit of overcomplicating things and it bit off his ass in the past.
“I can do this alone if it’s causing you discomfort,” Aether offers, voice kind. “It would be the same method you say, it’s going to be a little hard but I can manage.”
Albedo looked at him, lips pursed and thinning then looking away. It reminds Aether of a sulking child.
“No, I want to continue.”
“If you’re sure,” he said, smiling. “Just tell me if you feel something again so we can investigate. I’m not really in a hurry so we have a lot of time.”
Albedo doesn't look back anymore, facing the other way but Aether feels light, chuckling to himself.
More importantly he was thinking if they should go now, his legs aren’t shaking anymore.
___
— …
— Shards are piece of (Was aggressively erased)
Looking below, the blue plants had grown thick in this area. When he looked at the giant pillar, Aether was not sure whether the idea he connected made sense but it had potential. The strange particles floating around the pillar have the same glow with the plant, not only that but the entire pillar as well. Maybe the report was right and there’s some peculiar connection at play. Though quite unsure what it has to do and how it affects the mountain.
“Albedo do you know anything about the history of Dragonspine?”
“I’m afraid not. I have knowledge of the areas and the conditions here. I only know bits of what the adventurers left and the remaining texts in the ruins.”
Ancient texts are also valuable.
His knowledge is also lacking, not even the amount of time he spent in Lisa’s library would do much. Aether supposed he might find someone who knew more than the common information shared, where would he find such a person though. Maybe after this whole ordeal, Teyvat is proving to be more of a surprise than it was a beautiful and rich world.
“Start cooking,” Albedo snaps him out of his trance.
“What?”
“Start cooking, you’ve only been snacking the whole time and not eating a proper meal. You’ll risk freezing yourself in that state.” Albedo reminded and gestured to the waiting pot and fire. “You said some chef gave you a recipe for a warming soup? Better test it.”
Right, the goulash.
The shard of ice floats menacingly below their place. Aether is starting to feel the strain on his muscle and arms, more calluses added to his old ones hidden underneath the gloves. Albedo watches him through it with sharp eyes, pointing and navigating where the closest ore was and directing him to it. Aether would admit it would probably take him more than a week without Albedo. Although Albedo can’t help with fighting, his instructions are very helpful.
“Harris mentioned it was his own version of an ancient recipe. I’m not sure which one but this is delicious as well,” Aether compliment, sipping the soup left after devouring the meat and vegetables.
“Neither am I,”
“Ah I wish you could taste it, it’s so rich..” he murmured. “Do you not feel hunger? What do spirits eat anyway?”
Albedo looked at him funny. “What made you think spirit needs to eat?”
It was his turn to frown. “Don’t you guys need to eat or absorb energy?”
Albedo pauses before he laughs, covering his mouth with his hand as he continues. Aether feels the little jab but Albedo looks lively and beautiful when laughing, the same goes for how he sounds.
“Why am I not surprised you think such a thing?” Albedo snorted.
“Well..” Aether trail, in other worlds they do, he wanted to continue but hold back. “Just a thought, it’s quite a popular thing in story books.”
“How inaccurate.” Albedo added.
Indeed.
He heed to Albedo’s advice, taking a short nap. It was hard, while the sky doesn’t have sun, the low light is still piercing through his closed eyes. He feels tired, very much so. He tosses and turns in a small place, careful from the fire but not careful enough to kick the bag on his foot. Bottles clinked inside and Aether sat up quickly.
“Aether?”
Unzipping, he let out a tired sigh when the portions were fine and in fact not broken. He had a moment of panic for a while, he doesn’t know what these liquids do but Aether trusts Lisa won’t just give them if they’re not important and helpful.
“Potions? You know how to make potions?” Albedo peek over his shoulder, eyes marginally wide. “What does it do?”
He picked up one of the vials with a yellow liquid inside, sloshing when it rattled. “I’m not sure. I’ve been carrying them with me.”
“What? How come you don’t know? Didn’t you concoct it yourself?” Albedo sounded surprised.
“It was a gift,” he replied. “It’s from Lisa, she’s a librarian in the city. As for what it does.. I’m not sure..” he yawned, voice slurring.
“We should test them,” Albedo proposes. “After you rest.”
Aether nodded at that, eyes closing. “You can check them yourself if you.. want. Just leave some for mm..”
___
“I couldn’t find any fault in them but then again, it was already hard to tell the ingredients used after brewing.” Albedo greeted him after a nap. “Perhaps we can do some test runs afterwards and see how they work.”
The storm is starting to tire and the foggy landscape is starting to become slowly visible from their spot. Nothing changes in case of the pillar and the shards that Aether feels like he’s been thawing for a month. He and Albedo believe it’s going to be the last push, the pillar is almost complete, if the parts floating around start to merge again.. they wouldn’t know what they’ll have but there’s going to be something.
“Leave the ore here for last,” Albedo suggests, pointing at the scarlet quartz that rests beside them. “Nothing special, this one is just the easiest out of three remaining.”
“Okay,” he said and then paused. “Albedo, tell me if you feel something strange again alright?”
“I promise.”
Leaping, Aether aims for the nearest ore his momentum can reach. It was much harder since it was only centimeters below where he and Albedo currently rest—and Aether already feels they reach the tallest spot in the mountain. Many times he almost falls and slides down while climbing, failing to grip on steep rocks. Despite the sheer cold of this place, the tedious task still makes him break a sweat.
He landed on the platform, grazing the shard and seeing the crack spreading. The next hit should be the last one and hopefully no shards will appear.
“Aether,” Albedo calls above, waving. The last ore should be the one right next to their camp.
“Feel anything?”
Albedo thinks for a moment and then shakes his head. “Nothing so far.”
“Okay, I’ll continue then. Hopefully this doesn’t go on for much longer..”
Albedo nodded.
The scarlet quartz break, he checks below before making a dive, sword ready in his hand. The shard reacts quite like the first once, the strange ice fell down into pieces and a revealing orb hidden inside. When the rock began to move, Aether leaped and clutched on the small cliff, climbing his way back to Albedo and just in time for the pillar to repair itself, the platform merged back like a piece of puzzle into completion.
It released a bright light that was gone in an instant. Aether felt unstable on his feet as well. It brightens once more as if gearing up as it slowly rises from the ground, the massive ice pooling at the bottom begins to collapse, releasing a heavy amount of cool dust in the air. The pillar was revealed, slowly ascending before it shot up to the sky with a blink, the rocks following in its wake.
Gasping, Aether looked up to see, in awe as it started.
“Did it fall from the sky?” he asked no one, merely whispering. “Albedo, what do you—”
Aether only sees a shadow in passing and then Albedo is zooming straight to the icy surface. He jumped on instinct, following. Albedo didn’t hear him or he was unable to, charging straight to the space left by the pillar. He landed on time, the smoke dissipated and revealed a coffin, enclosed and tightly sealed by ice.
What even.. surely it’s not what I think. Aether widens his eyes, thinking back.
“I remember my master sealing my body in this mountain but I forgot the place.” Albedo told him that but since it was spoken so casually he thought nothing of it.
“I was sealed here. She.. left me here.” Albedo said, standing near his coffin. “Inside this.. is my body—Aether,”
Albedo's call and the slightest strain in his tone and voice was enough for him. Aether met his teal eyes, full of confusion mirroring his.
“I’ll help you.”