Oath [BL; Book 2]

33

Calm, a stillness in the air. The incense swayed, the scent within the room was soothing, uplifting. With careful treatment Cloud Retainer watched over Aether who had regained consciousness two days ago. Standing at the doorway she looked to Zhongli who she was speaking to, "He has fully recovered, but one believes this incident should not happen again."

"Yes, we'll do well to keep watch, thank you for your assistance. As always, your inventions prove to be great works." He complimented her.

"One accepts your gratitude, Zhongli. However, there is something I would like to speak on." She rested her wings along her body and looked at Aether who held the cup of tea Paimon and he were given, "The Conqueror of Demons.."

"Yes, I'm aware." He gave a nod, not speaking on it anymore, Zhongli changed the subject. "Now then, shall we have some tea?"

They left, Aether was sat on a comfy bed. He was housed within Cloud Retainer's domain, amazed by how grand it truly was. He couldn't help but admire her home, her abilities were truly something to behold. Looking down at his tea, he sipped it and smiled.

"Wow. This tea is really good!" Paimon gasped,

"Isn't it?" Aether smiled, "Cloud Retainer said she bought the tea leaves from a merchant in Chenyu Vale. They were the best she had seen, so she got a few."

"Paimon likes this tea, this would go great with some cookies!"

"She gave us some, have as many as you want Paimon." Aether chuckled. "But don't eat too much, you'll ruin your appetite for dinner."

"No need to worry about that! Paimon always has more room for food!" She was excited. "Ooo, Paimon can't wait!"

"Haha, me too. Cloud Retainer is really good at cooking, I really wasn't expecting her to."

"Mhm, Paimon won't ever doubt her cooking again!" She watched Aether sip his tea, having set hers down she put her hands behind her back and tilted her head curious. "Aether, do you really not remember what happened?"

"Mm, not really." He shook his head, "I only remember going to see Baizhu, after that, I don't remember much. I feel like I did something... hm, but I guess it wasn't something amazing." Aether laughed.

Paimon furrowed her brows worried, but said nothing else on it, "Right! Oh, Paimon's gonna ask Cloud Retainer for some more cookies! Rest up ok?"

"Ok." He didn't stop her. When she left he sighed staring at the tea. "Haa... he hates me." Aether smiled understanding so, "Xiao hasn't come to see me... this entire time. Paimon said so, and when I asked Zhongli... he didn't answer me. He must hate me, what other reason is there?" Aether frowned. "I know what I did, how could I forget? But it's better to just tell her I forgot.... than to explain why and how I got tainted by the karma." Getting up he went out Cloud Retainer's abode for some fresh air, his body felt swore and ached, but other than that he felt fine. "It's been three weeks... lantern rite is around the corner... how am I supposed to face him now? Why is everything so difficult. With Lumine... and him...." by the cliffs he watched the clouds pass, his hair loose, the freedom of that helped him relax a bit. Taking in a deep breath he felt a pain but did well to contain it. "This pain... Cloud Retainer said it would happen. She said it was because of that liquid I accidentally drank, it was contaminated. My body can't handle the karmic debt... what happened with Changsheng... it caused me to go under. I can't let that happen again, I have to... stay calm."

"Traveler?" Turning his eyes, Aether saw Shenhe who came slowly over.

"You're well, I was beginning to wonder when you would wake up." She stopped short giving him some space.