#vulkashunaranger: Act I

[descensionstar]

@vulkashunaranger

barring one that would cover them (and probably be uncomfortable in the process), no costume could disguise those ears.after catching a glimpse of them, Lumine had worked her way past others hovering about one of the many tables, not without Paimon reaching to swipe any delicacies within reach that caught her eye.

even if she urged the Traveler to slow down so that her grip on muffin's paper could tighten and ensure its lift from the display were neat, it wouldn't have made a difference. with how busy the party was, they risked losing a friend in the bustle, so she'd have to make down clutching it with caution not to bump Lumine's arm into which she was nestled.

✦hey Tighnari,✦ she called out to cut through the noise. that would hopefully hold him down long enough for them to catch up. ✦we wouldn't have expected to see you here. are your ears going be alright around this many people?✦

[descensionstar]

that had been perhaps the most baffling part — while not the only, floating was Paimon's preferred mode of travel, and those ruling this island had seen it notable enough to all by disable her from speedy movement. Lumine briefly avoided eye contact with Tighnari whilst confirming his deduction, almost like it was an embarrassing secret out of the bag.

in her arms, Paimon's lamentation made itself known with a whimpering tone. ✦it was terrible. we were in the middle of Star Trail and then... Paimon suddenly just crashed to the ground. everyone else is fine, Paimon doesn't get it.✦

a hand pulled away in defense of his assurance about the Paimon Eaters. "hey, I'm innocent this time". though that knight who did tease her about the idea would get an earful if Paimon caught up to him (if she even could with a timer, it would be entertaining to watch though). "we timed how long she could last when it happened again. for the first month, she was limited to 20 minutes, but when my sword was returned, that limit was also extended to an hour. we've learned there's a system of sorts in place. eventually, we should each be able to return to full strength.

we help out where we can. it might not be necessary to afford shelter and food, but doing nothing feels... odd. and this way, we can learn more about what's going on".

Paimon isn't floating. That's the first thing Tighnari notices.

"So the Stars took even Paimon's ability, hm?" He muses, mostly to himself. He wonders what the purpose of that was. Briefly, he pulls out a notebook and scribbles the question down, making a note to ask Romanus later.

"I don't know what Paimon Eaters look like, and I don't think they exist. I think the Traveler was teasing you." He punctuates the sentence by closing the notebook and sticking it back in his bag.

If Paimon and the Traveler had been here for a year, he assumes she has more of her stuff back than he does. "Are you still doing fetch quests, or have you had more time to yourself since leaving Teyvat?"

[descensionstar]

trust Tighnari to be that prepared. seeing him in such a lively event hadn't been what either of them anticipated, but a pleasure surprise nonetheless. she'd seen Cyno, seen Alhaitham, heard Kaveh was around, but not of Tighnari. or Collei for that matter. all things considered, he seemed in fair spirits — not that there would be any concern about the ranger handling himself.

"close to a year now". it was bewildering once thought turned to that longevity, not to mention they'd have seen each other in that time — so from his perspective, the timeline simply wouldn't add up. not unless he'd been filled in on the... unique system of this realm. he mentioned someone outside, so it wasn't a stretch to presume he'd been collecting knowledge of the island already. "it's been something. I guess turbulent might work, but most days are the usual kind".

in her arms, Paimon squirmed, not about to gloss over his curious query. ✦it's a costume party, so of course Paimon's going to be dressed up.✦ there was a pause. one of those telling silences that would be inevitably followed up with a lowered voice. ✦—also Paimon was told there are Paimon eaters who come out tonight so she's hiding.✦

Tighnari, for his part, was mostly being a wall flower. He had spoken with some people, but now he was holding a cup of water and sipping it, observing everyone around him. Hearing one familiar voice has him pulled from his observations, and he turns in the direction of the voice.

"Ah. Traveler, Paimon. Glad to see you."

"I appreciate the concern, but I have some medicine I'll take when I get back to my living quarters to help with the headache this is giving me. I was outside briefly in the garden with someone earlier, and that helped." He doesn't mention who he was with, or why, mostly because it isn't important to the conversation. "How long have you been here? How have you found your stay? And why is Paimon dressed like a fungi?"

[descensionstar]

a hand reached her hip. "you know me — lazing around isn't my style. if we weren't proactive, we'd have never even made it to Liyue".

the lighter conversation had been a welcome relief. knowing her friends were doing well gave her a calmness that came with each return into their lives on Teyvat, reminders that they were going from strength to strength after their national affairs had been resolved and personal knots untangled. and here, that desire was greater — this wasn't their home, and they were without what had become second nature to them in cases.

but like the Traveler of their lands, they had adapted and found means of spending their time, to build up while they awaited. she was grateful that, based on those long rooted here like Kaeya, they wouldn't face as steep an uphill journey as the twins in the world before. "Karkata came with you? how is it? from what I gather, this world is able to fulfil unique requirements for life, so that must include any materials it might need for maintenance".

✦caramel candied apples?!✦ the offer had taken hold faster than the other information, the twinkle in Paimon's eye giving away her acceptance without words. but she couldn't let Tighnari believe that she'd only cared about the treat — it was as he'd stated and they both cared greatly about Karkata, as well as their Teyvatian friends. ✦you're working at a café? Paimon would have thought you'd team up with Doctor Baizhu and work at Bubu Pharmacy. what made you decide on this café? we've gotta come see it.✦

"That goes along with what I've learned already, good to know my source was correct. You are correct, by the way. If you're here long enough, all will be returned to you. That is assured." Being without full access to his vision was annoying, but his life continued to be without worry, so he could live without his abilities for the time being.

"There is a system, as well. Though I don't know why it exists." His tail started swishing in excitement at being able to talk to someone about everything. "I'm glad to see you've not let yourself laze about whilst without danger. I've gathered a job or two myself, with another potential job in the works."

So far, no one was surprised that Tighnari had kept himself busy. "Oh, but you're welcome to visit Karkata at the cafe where I manage, should you miss it. I know you and Paimon both care about it."

He lets out a long exhalation, then rubs the back of his ear. "Paimon, don't whimper like that. I can make you some ... what do they call it? Carmel candy apples? Would that improve your mood?"