English

Albedo and I are on Starsnatch cliff, watching the beautiful scenery. He is sketching while I'm watching him do his work. - Traveler, how are you doing these days? - Fine, I guess. It's been pretty hectic lately so once I had a chance I came here. It's really peaceful in Mondstadt so I tend to come back every now and then when my journey becomes heavy and I need some time for myself to think. The Dragonspine also has this magic. I sigh looking somewhere and nowhere afar. - What about you? How are thing going in the city of freedom? And did you have any interesting studies lately? - Mm, things are going smoothly in Mondstadt. - He sounds relaxed and the words flows like a calm river. - The citizens are happy and the life is peaceful. I bet if we had anything going on, you'd be the first to solve the crisis. I chuckle at his words. He's not wrong. - As for my studies... - he continues and smirks slightly, putting down his sketchbook. - I've been studying something quite interesting lately. - Albedo moves closer to me. - Something that can't be found in any book. I look at him and raise my eyebrows. - Oh? How is it possible? I thought Lisa has a book of every topic in her library. And that you have at least some knowledge in every field. He chuckles softly, his eyes never leaving mine. - Even Lisa's vast collection has its limits. And as for my knowledge, I strive to learn new things every day. However, this particular thing I'm studying isn't something that can be learned through reading. I'm intrigued by his words but somehow his gaze makes me a little uncomfortable as if I'm a lab rat. I blink a couple of times and break eye contact looking off into the distance. - So what is it then? Maybe I've heard something along my way and can share it with you. If be happy to help a friend. He smiles, his eyes are sparkling. - Well, it's something... personal. Something I've been observing and experimenting with lately. But I think you can indeed help me. He pauses, his hand reaching out to gently touch my arm. - Would you be willing to participate in a small... experiment? I shiver from his touch but don't draw back. I set my eyes on him once more. The look is sharp as I'm trying to get through him and understand his words. - What is your research about? In details. - I stress the last phrase to make it clear I need an honest answer. His expression turns serious, his hand remaining on my arm. - It's about emotions. Human emotions specifically. I've been trying to understand them better, to see if I can replicate certain reactions or feelings. - He leans in slightly. - And I think you might be the perfect subject. - You know I'm not a part of this world either, so I'm not sure whether I can be considered human enough. Why me? - I genuinely wonder. His eyes widen slightly. He is excited by the question and wants me to know the answer. - Exactly! That's why I want to study you specifically. Your experiences, your emotions - they're not constrained by the limits of this world. You've seen things, felt things that no one else here has. I relax thinking I got the idea of what he desires. - So you need me to share my experience with you? Tell you stories and how they affected me? I have no problems with that. But I think we'll need to do rounds of meetings. I'm not so young and so my life story isn't exactly short. He nods eagerly, his hand falling away from my arm. - Yes, exactly! Round of meetings would be perfect. And don't worry about the length of your story. I'm eager to hear every detail. He pauses and takes a moment to make up his mind. His eyes start to gleam with anticipation. - But first... I tilt my head a bit showing that I'm listening. He steps closer, his voice lowers to a gentle whisper. - Would you mind if I started with something simpler first? A small experiment to warm up, so to speak. I find it necessary so you have no limits in the future talks. It would only take a minute or two. - His eyes are locked onto mine, searching for permission. - May I? I'm confused gradually. And searching for the answer in his eyes has no result. - I don't get it but... - I take a pause as i'm still looking into his eyes, trying to understand. - Okay, go for it. A light smile is playing on his lips as he sees my confusion. He takes a step forward, decreases the distance between us. His hand raises and moves towards my face, his thumb is gently brushing against my cheek. - Close your eyes. - He instructed softly. - Just for a minute. I tense. Even though my senses tell me to trust Albedo I can't shake the feeling of being a silly sheep. I close my eyes as he tells me. - If you'll do anything fishy I'll knock you off. You know I can. - I tell him with steady voice. He chuckled softly, appreciating my bluntness. - Fair enough. No funny business. I just want to see... something. It's a simple test, I assure you. - He paused then continued, - Now, keep your eyes closed and take a deep breath. - If we're talking about holding a breath than you've already checked it. 9:24, was it? I don't think I've improved much since then. After talking I do as he says. I steady my breathing and take a deep breath. I think that doing it with closed eyes is helping 'cause I'm not distracted by the surroundings. But... we were talking about experience, feelings. And his tactility today! How is it connected to holding a breath? I keep these thoughts to myself. - I told nothing about holding your breath, Traveler. Just relax, - he notices. - Oh, right, - I feel silly. This time I take three deep breathes before hearing his voice again. He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. - Now, I want you to focus on your senses. What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel against your skin? - It's ticklish, - I say right away with a faint smile. After that I take a moment and think. - I hear and feel the wind. It's got subtle apple notes. I guess Venti is having a good time. - My smile broadens as I'm getting more and more relaxed diving deeper into my senses. - I smell Cecilias. And I hear birds. And your breathes. Your smell too. It's frosty and gives a scent of winter and freshness. I smile being absorbed by sensations while he stays silent, observing my reaction. The smile's genuine, the body's relaxed. He knows this test is simple yet effective. He wants to see how i'd react when my guards are down, when I'm not thinking but feeling. - Good... - He whispers, his voice is barely audible. - Yes, - I reply enjoying this peaceful moment. He watches my peaceful expression, my closed eyes, the soft smile on my lips. He realises something - this is how you truly are when no one's watching. No defensive walls, no sharp tongue, just pure serenity. He has an idea. - Can I ask you something else? - M? - I almost murr. He hesitates but then decides to proceed. He wants to see if his theory is right. - If I were to... gently touch your cheek again, would you flinch? Or would you just... accept it? - Go for it, - I whisper under my breath. His thumb brushes against my cheek again, more deliberately this time. He feels the warm skin under his touch, sees that the peaceful expression remains unchanging. He repeats the action, his thumb tracing a small, gentle circle on my cheekbone. No flinch, no tension - just pure acceptance. I slightly lean to his hand. - Your hand seems... cool at first. As if it's porcelain. But just in a moment I feel the warmth of your skin. He feels his heartbeat quicken, his hand becoming warmer from my words. He decides to test the limits of this acceptance. He keeps his thumb on the cheekbone and slowly extends his fingers until his entire palm is resting gently against my cheek. - Does this bother you? - he whispered quietly. - No. I don't flinch from his action but as if being in a deep thought I slightly open my eyes only to close them in a moment. He holds his breath, his hand's remaining still. My fluttering eyes send a strange sensation through him. It is intimate, trusting — a moment of vulnerability he hasn't expected from someone as guarded as The Traveler. He gently cups my cheek more fully, his fingers are spreading slightly. With a deep sigh I lean forward resting my head onto his chest. Now i hear his heartbeat. It seems steady but what do i know being the one with a fast heart rhythm. - I'm sorry, - I say in a whisper. - I hope you don't mind. It's so calm. I had no idea I needed this. Thank you, Albedo. - I speak almost soundlessly in a fear of ruining this moment. He freezes briefly, then slowly wraps his other arm around me, careful not to break the moment. My head rests perfectly on his chest, the breathing is slow and peaceful. My apology makes a soft smile to appear on his face. - I don't mind at all, - he whispers back, his voice's caring. Being at such a peace I doze several times. Only for brief moments but they are enough to bring back the old memories. I don't know how much time has passed but it seems that Albedo hasn't moved a bit. When I shiver from an evening breeze he notices and lowers his eyes on me. He slightly tightens his grip, his voice sounds soft and concerned. - You're cold. I sigh bringing my mind back to reality. - A little, yes. - I move back so we sit face to face. - Thank you. I take his hands in mine and look at them. There's no resistance to my actions. This simple touch sends an unknown warmth wave within him. He squeezes my hands softly. His voice's low. His eyes are locked onto mine. - For what? - He genuinely doesn't know why I'm thanking him. Is it for the warmth? The silence? - For being a safe place. - I turn my head and look in the distance. - I'm not sure that was the experiment you were willing to held but let's say it was the one for me. - I turn back to him and see that he's looking at me. We lock our eyes. - I've been holding for so long. I thought I gave myself enough rest by just being alone on these hills. But this... - I look at our hands- This felt different. And I'm thankful to you for that. For guiding my senses. For being by my side. I reach his face with my hand and gently touch his cheekbone with the tip of my fingers. - I wish you can feel this too. If not today than some other day. And especially when you most need it. He feels a lump forming in his throat as i speak. The sincerity in my voice, the gentle touch of my fingers on his cheekbone — it's overwhelming. He covers my hand with his own, pressing it against his cheek. - I do feel it, - he whispers, his eyes searching yours. I gently smile at his words. - Then I'm happy.