Journey | Albedo's Descent Book 3

Part 2: UP The Mountain, Ch 25: Things Just Keep Getting Better...

Albedo took a deep breath before stepping inside. It was warm, and a lovely crimson color emanated throughout the room, defrosting Albedo's fingers. They were such comforting feelings that he almost forgot how nervous he was.
Durin turned his head, craning his neck to see who stepped inside. He smiled, currently wearing his human appearance. He had a few critters around his knees that he was stroking. Then, his smile faded away, seeing what was in Akbedo's hand.
Albedo hesitated, slowly passing it back and forth between his hands nervously.
Durin stood up, his heart pulsing abnormally for a moment, "what is it?"
"I... I need your vitality," Albedo stepped farther inside.
"... do you know how odd it is to see someone walk up to you with your own disembodied tooth in their hands?"
Albedo pursed his lips, "sorry... I never really had to ask you before... I didn't even think about it... sorry..."
Durin sighed quietly, "it isn't like it costs me much. What do you need it for?" He walked up to his heart and placed his hands on his hips, "it's so odd to think this is supposed to be inside of me..."
"I bet it is," Albedo walked over. "I need it to fix everything."
Durin raised a brow at him, "everything? My revitalized and disembodied tooth that is used to make weapons is going to solve all of Teyvat's problems? I highly doubt a flimsy polearm is going to do that much."
Albedo smiled as he held out the bone, "it's not for making a polearm. It's to complete a puzzle."
"A puzzle? Someone made a puzzle that needs my bones?" Durin sounded curious and disgusted. He shrugged, "humans are so strange." Red particles of light and dust-like matter started swirling gently around Durin's arms, "what kind of puzzle is it?"
"I found another carving and there's a depression in it that's the same shape and size as-"
"Another carving?" Durin side-eyed his brother, "this isn't related to that thing, is it?"
Albedo slowly closed his mouth.
Durin's eyes narrowed and he lowered his hands, "Albedo,"
"I- I know. But this has got to-"
"It won't solve anything." Durin spoke quietly, "... what did it look like? The carving?"
"An alchemy table with a revitalized dragon tooth above it. On both sides is one half of that thing..."
Durin frowned, murmuring, "whoever is doing this is leading you along. You aren't 'discovering' anything. You're falling into a trap. I advise you to leave Dragonspine. There's nothing left for you here."
"What? But- Durin!"
He shook his head, "no. Albedo, you have proven that you will not listen to me. Leave. For your own good." He turned away, "your... companion, they are mixed up in all this now because of you, as well. The air smells... wrong. Too much like home.. more than before. There's more going on here than even I can see."
Because of you,
The words echoed in his mind.
Albedo's arms dropped to his sides, "what... you aren't even giving me a good reason..."
"Albedo," he looked over his shoulder, "you have a family. You'd do anything for them, wouldn't you?"
The alchemist didn't know what to say. Was there a right answer?
"Don't take your life for granted. Do with it what you want... Live for your real family, not some woman who felt nothing for us. ...While you still can," Durin sat down among his 'children'. "It's so hard to get attached to something that comes and goes in a few years, when you have lived for thousands..."
Albedo's hands tightened. Why couldn't Durin see that Albedo was doing something good?! That he was making the right decision?! Once Albedo returned the other half, the spirit, being, concentration, whatever it was, would go away and everything would go back to the way it was! Why couldn't Durin just understand?...
Albedo stared down at the ground, "do you want it back?"
Durin shook his head with a smile, "no. I have no use for it. You are free to turn it into whatever you want. I have plenty more, I was bigger than Dvalin in my prime, you know."
Albedo paused, keeping his gaze on the tooth, "were you and Dvalin close?"
The crimson light dimmed for a moment, "Dvalin... How is he these days?"
"I don't personally know, but from what the Traveler has said, he seems to have recovered nicely from his poisoning."
Durin nodded, "good..."
Albedo got the feeling Durin didn't want to talk about the person who murdered him. That made sense. Albedo clenched his jaw, wishing he weren't so curious. Wishing he could keep his mouth shut, it seemed all his words did was cause problems. He began to walk out.
Durin sighed heavily, "it is not easy... 'living' here alone... Yes, I have the creatures, but they aren't fully sentient... I do miss Dvalin's company, he had such an interesting take on everything..."
Albedo felt the corners of his lips curl upward. He was glad Durin had, at least, a few fond memories to look back on.