Oath [BL; Book 2]

5

"How could you leave Paimon like that! Paimon was so worried!" Paimon fretted,

Tighnari then said, "I was surprised you actually rested," he applied the ointment on the wounds changing the bandages after, "But I'm glad, this way you'll recover quickly, Paimon can you go tell Collei I need her to pick some Sumeru flowers?"

"Paimon isn't going anywhere!" She stood her ground only to be startled by Cyno who entered,

"I'm back."

"Eek!!"

"Don't yell." He handed Tighnari the materials he gathered. "I wasn't able to find much, but this should be enough right?"

"Yes, thank you. I can make more ointment with this for you to take, Traveler." He said, "Give me a moment and I'll get it done right away."

"Ok, I'll be here." Aether smiled.

"Is there anything else you need?" Cyno followed him out and they chatted away.

Now being left with Paimon, Aether chuckled seeing she was still upset. "Paimon, don't be angry." He said slipping into a more comfortable top. "I wasn't trying to leave you behind on purpose. You had fun with Collei anyway right? She told me you ate a lot."

"Hmph! Paimon isn't talking to you!"

"Haha, ok, ok. I'm sorry, but I'll be leaving again today."

"Huh?! Th-then Paimon is going too!"

"No, Paimon. I want to go myself." He said figuring being honest would hurt her feelings less. "I just want some time to myself. It'll just be until I've recovered, then we can go adventuring again!" He grinned.

Yet Paimon looked upset, "But we've always gone together."

"I know, I need a break too. How about we go see someone in Inazuma to take care of you today, want to do that?"

"... N-no, Paimon will stay with Collei." She looked like a child sulking, but he couldn't let it get to him chuckling as he said,

"Paimon, don't be that way. Collei is fun to be with too."

"Paimon knows that! But Paimon wants to go with you Traveler!"

"Pff! You act like I won't come back for you Paimon! I'm always going to come back, so just give me some time ok?" He patted her head. "I just.. want to breath a little. There's a lot that I still have to think about so that's what I'll do."

"Hmm, fine. But don't forget Paimon!" She huffed,

"Hahaha, I won't ever forget you."

With her approval he was able to leave. This time he didn't appear in Wangshu, rather he was glad she agreed not to come to Inazuma as he appeared at the Tenshukaku. Waving to the guards who allowed him to pass with ease he went up the many stairs to the top where his prescence was introduced and he was invited inside.

To his surprise it was Ei that greeted him, she was sat at a low table Sipping tea and having some sweets. "Ei." He smiled happily and went over as she invites him to sit. "It's been so long!"

"Yes, it has been." She smiled back, "How have you been Traveler?"

"I'm good, tired, but who isn't?" She poured him tea and asked,

"What brings you here? Have you come to discuss something?"

"Actually yes." He was open about it. "I wanted to ask if you knew what a Stellys was." Aether said. "Hopefully she can tell me something."

"A Stellys? How did you come to hear of this word?"

"It's an ancient relic I found in a ruin when I went exploring. It caused some.. problems, so I wanted to do some research."