[open]

[startraveler]

WHO: Aether and others!
WHAT: Questing!
WHEN: June/July
WHERE: various
WARNINGS: will add if anything comes up!


1. Catching the Puppies
[When Aether heard that the animal shelter needs someone to catch their missing puppies, he volunteered right away. Then he found out that those doggies are magical, have wings and are fast.

...Not like it's much of a problem for an experienced adventurer (who is in need of some currency)! He's dealt with flying dogs before, albeit those were dangerous monsters, not harmless fluffy pets.

Aether quickly sets off to search for the puppies and thankfully locates one missing dog pretty fast. Bad news is, that the puppy spots him and starts running away, barking happily as if it's some kind of game they're playing. The traveler runs after it and yells to the passers-by:]

Stop that puppy!

[If you happen to be around you may hear or see Aether chasing the tiny animal or maybe the puppy is running right at you!]

2. Treasure Searching
[As per one of the quests, Aether visits the Winter Segment to check out the river that is supposed to be hiding treasures. Searching for valuables is something the traveler has done many times before in Teyvat, so he doesn't think much of it as he begins to look around.

His clothing is questionable for this place, but, hey, at least he has durable gloves! They work pretty well, especially when he has to dig through snow.

So far he's found some old rags that may or may not have been a tent at some point and also completely frozen cans of food. Maybe it's time to change the spot?

As Aether decides to relocate, he may notice you. He will wave and ask if you'd like to help him out with this task. Alternatively, you may want to keep on observing him and try to snatch whatever he finds.]

3. Flower Crowns
[Aether can be found in the Spring Segment, sitting amidst an ocean of flowers as he weaves flower crowns one by one. The first ones he's made can be easily distinguished from others - they aren't very neat, but he's clearly improving.

It's a pretty relaxing task, too!

Though, some may notice that the boy is choosing the flowers at random, simply enjoying the weaving itself. Because of that most of those flower crowns use similar flowers. Perhaps he needs assistance of someone with a more artistic soul? Or maybe you just want to join him and relax a little in the warm sun.]

4. Kisses for Charity
[Later the month, Aether notices booths placed all around the city and upon asking what it is about, he is asked for aid, before getting an explanation that those are kissing booths and they are made to raise funds for charity.

The traveler doesn't like the idea of kissing random people, so he promptly declines and is about to leave, before the natives start repeating that it's all for their noble cause. It's for charity! People count on you! You will be rewarded once you complete the task!

Aether isn't sure when he finally agreed, but he looks both embarrassed and unhappy once he is left alone in one of those booths. Eventually, he lets a deep sigh. He agreed to this, so he has to at least give it a try.]

Notes:
[ooc: balms that I would like to play with for the kissing booth are Soft, Float, Healing and Refresh ones, but let me knows if you'd like something else!

Also, I'll be posting closed starters, too. If you'd like your own starter, let me know at discord Ashka#4609!]

Comments

CAKE

[mistsplitter]

[ The energy in the Kamisato Household has not been very high lately, but it doesn't mean that the people who live in it aren't productive! Ayaka has been doing paperwork at home, instead of going out and meeting people, tending to what's needed for the opening of her teahouse, rather than pursuing her other ventures for now. And due to it being a new month, new quests have popped up. For now, she only intends to do the ones that don't require combat.

Baking a cake may not require combat, but Ayaka still has no idea how to proceed with. . . all of it, really. Their new home in Sunwaning has needed appliances to be able to bake a cake, but Ayaka's never used the oven. Good thing Aether is here to guide her through it! ]

I suppose we have to use a lot of carrots if we will be feeding rabbits, don't we?

[startraveler]

[Considering the recent events, Aether knows that the Kamisatos need time and he doesn't expect Ayaka to be full of energy. He's still glad that she's holding up so well and continues to work. Hopefully, she's not overworking herself, though.

Thankfully, Aether is here now, happy to aid her in whatever she needs. He's used an oven a few times now so he's familiar with it!]

Hm... so it will be more of a carrot cake. I heard those are quite good.

[Sadly, it's not a recipe that he's learnt yet, but how hard can it be?]

For Yoimiya: Treasure hunting!

[startraveler]

[Aether is quite excited to go on a quest with Yoimiya. Even though they still have to renew their friendship, he has no doubt that their teamwork will be great.

Again, the traveler is not dressed well for this kind of weather, but after visiting so many different places throughout the years, he'll be fine. This cold isn't as bad as the one in Dragonspine and Yoimiya's Pyro vision will definitely help them out, too.]

It looks like it's time for some digging. [Aether says as they reach the spot. Then he grins to his companion.] Want to make it a race to see who gets a treasure first?

[It's just for some good fun! Nothing serious.]

[niwabi]

[ This walking ray of sunshine has lived on an archipelago all her life, so she's still not quite used to the cold. In preparation, she's decked out in warm clothes for their treasure hunt in the snow. ]

Oh, you are talking my language! Let's do it. It's going to be lots of fun facing off against an experienced treasure hunter like yourself.

[ He's doing such a good job at igniting the flames of her competitive spirit, she's excited to see his skills in person. No doubt that he's just as talented as Lumine. More importantly than that, she's excited to spend more time with Aether, to get to know him better, and rekindle their friendship.

But first things first! Yoimiya pulls a yellow, wool scarf out of the knapsack she brought, bundling it around Aether's neck. ]

Hehe, got to even the playing field! Can't have you getting chilly out there while we hunt.

[ Gotta make sure Aether is warm and cozy! She just wants to be doubly sure he's going to be okay!! ]

For Ayato and Thoma: sleepover (some time after the 10th)

[startraveler]

[The idea was simple: a sleepover at Aether's apartment, so his friends could relax and maybe, just for a short moment, forget about the horrible events that befallen them recently. The traveler lives all alone, so having some company for the night is a welcomed change. Hopefully, both his guests will feel at home here.

He's prepared the living room so they could all sleep there. He also made sure to have snacks, most of them familiar Inazuman dishes but a few are also from Mondstadt. All of this for a nice time with friends. Once everything's ready, Aether waits on the couch, listening in for the knock on the door. The moment he hears it, he's up on his feet, opening the door and gesturing for the two to enter.]

Hey! I'm glad you're here!

[Hopefully, everything will go just fine.]

dives in here

[acquirement]

{ he's a little worried about leaving ayaka behind, even if all they were doing was visiting a friend for the night. by the time he leaves he promises to call her later on, and in the morning, so they can say their usual greetings and keep in touch. while he doesn't necessarily need to bring too much, ayato is much more particular about the fabrics he uses, so he's brought his own blanket rolled up in a duffel bag, along with his clothes and necessities in the bag he uses for exploring or doing quests.

when they arrive, his mood is still a bit subdued compared to the past, but he pushes on with a smile as he steps inside. }

Thank you. I hope we aren't late?

{ honestly they likely would have been late if it wasn't for thoma... they're probably more or less on the time arranged beforehand right now. }

Treasure Searching

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Who would dare steal things from the beloved traveler, point Thoma at them and he'll beat them up- No he'd probably scold them first but beating up would happen if they got rowdy. ]

[ At least, this approaching figure isn't someone looking to snatch up any goodies Aether finds. He is quite happily looking for Aether though. ]

Looks like you already got started.

[startraveler]

[Here comes his hero and protector. Having Thoma by his side Aether has nothing to fear about!

The traveler smiles warmly at his friend and waves.]

I did, but I had no luck so far so you didn't miss much.

[His gaze shifts to the frozen cans of food he's found and some broken equipment.]

I was just planning to move to a different spot.

For Kaveh: Reflections in ice

[startraveler]

[There's something about exploring caves that is very alluring. You never know what is hiding around the corner, you never know what wonders you may discover in the depths. Sometimes you will find only despair from the past, sometimes you will stumble upon more questions than answers and then, another time, you may find nothing of value, but the scenery you see will still make it worth it.

Pure exploration is not his goal here though. Aether is searching for "frozen lemonade grass" that is needed for potion making. Another quest taken and this traveler will see it done, as he always does.

What he doesn't expect is to run into a familiar face in this cavern. At first he sees blond hair reflected in the mirror walls, but then he realizes it's Kaveh, out of all people.]

Kaveh!

[He calls out to the other and only when he's halfway to his companion he realizes yet again that his friend may not actually recognize him.

Buy even so... he's still happy to see him.]

[noarchitact]

[ kaveh had been attempting to get back on the questing horse, so to speak, and this quest didn't seem all that 'intense'. exploring peaceful caves and collecting frozen lemonade grass is something he could handle without getting mauled to death, he was sure of it. he was walking along with mehrak at his side when he heard someone call his name. they didn't sound familiar, but the head of blond hair he saw did resemble somebody else he knew; lumine, the traveler. ]

[ ayaka had told him about aether, her own traveler, and spoke very highly of him, and if he was anything like lumine, then it was most definitely all true. ] Hello traveler. [ mehrak trilled at his side, hurrying ahead to go and greet him. ] Are you looking for the lemonade grass too?

Catching the Puppies

[glidinglight]

[ After the void kittens and the luminescent hares from a few months ago, Lumine suspected that a quest like this might come around again. When she saw the listing at the guild, she knew it was a good opportunity to test out the efficacy of the omni ubiquity nets on the Ellipsa's animals. More importantly, it's a good excuse to spend some time with Aether, working together and then probably hanging out more after.

They'd split up to look for the dogs. So far, Lumine hasn't had any luck finding any. But the sudden commotion nearby, particularly the shouts of a familiar voice, let her know that her brother has had better luck--at least with finding one.

Lumine makes a mad dash out of the alley she's been investigating just in time to see the startled crow parting to let a flying pooch through. There's no time to think, only throw: now the question is, is her pitch fast enough to catch the pup, or will she just catch her twin? ]

[startraveler]

[The chase is pretty wild, making Aether focus first and foremost to catching up with the puppy. If Lumine is somewhere nearby, he has no doubt she will support him in his efforts.

The puppy manoeuvres between the crowd and that makes it slow down a bit. A perfect opportunity to strike! Aether speeds up as much as his legs allow, then he leaps forward to catch the dog. He's close... He knows he can do it!!

...But the puppy narrowly avoids him and instead the traveler hits the ground painfully. And that's not the end of it. Suddenly something hits him. Is that... omni-ubiquity net?!]

Flower Crowns

[wreatharrow]

I shouldn't be surprised to find you relaxing like this.

[ To Tighnari, this is a good way to pass the time. Of course he would rather be out and about. Recording and documenting data. There's still so much of this world that he wants to jot down. To become familiar with.

But there is a time and a place for that. A time and a place for rest as well. It's good to get out and get some fresh air. That's what Tighnari is here doing, picking out some flowers. ]

You're getting better at it as you go.

[startraveler]

Well, I got a request for these. [He explains, but then smiles brightly.] But this is very relaxing.

[He doesn't stop making another flower crown, even as he talks with Tighnari.]

And thanks! I'd like to think I learn fast.

[The flower crown he's holding is then finally completed and Aether looks at it with a proud smile. Then he turns his gaze to his friend.]

Would you like to join me?

2.

[leucosis]

[ Aether will probably not be surprised to find Albedo out and about in the cold. He appears just as unbothered by the cold temperatures here as he typically is in Dragonspine. However, he doesn't know the area as well, so he did add an extra layer consisting of a vibrant blue cloak specifically made for winter. There's no sense in taking any risks here, right?

Personally? It doesn't look like he's had any more look than the other has when Albedo sees him approach. He lifts his hand up slightly in greeting when the approaches. ]

Some of this has to be luck, I think.

[ Just need to catch a glimpse of shine for a gem. ]

[startraveler]

Albedo!

[Aether waves to his friend, seeing his approach. Then he looks around and gives a short, soft laugh.]

I guess you're right. Do you have any luck increasing potions?

[His tone is joking. He isn't expecting Albedo to have such a thing. Luck is fickle and it would be difficult to check if such potion even works if it existed.]

1!

[physicianhealthyself]

[Unfortunately for Baizhu, he's not entirely paying attention to his surroundings or any runaway flying dogs that happen to be around.

He hears Aether shout out and his head snaps up at the familiar voice, just in time to see a blur of fur and wings barrelling straight towards his legs. An aborted attempt to get himself out of the way results in the puppy shooting between his ankles and knocking him off-balance, and the doctor abruptly crumples to the ground as one of his knees gives way.

Baizhu yelps as he lands on his elbow and a bolt of pain shoots up to his shoulder, but after a moment of shock gingerly pushes himself up into a sitting position.]

Not your most graceful landing. [Changsheng comments dryly, loosening her coils from where she had tightened them around his neck when he fell.]

Ngh... I'm fine.

[startraveler]

[In his chase after the puppy, Aether is paying only enough of attention to his surrounding to not run into someone or something. When the puppy does, though, the traveler abruptly stops to check on the person and with great surprise realizes that it's a familiar face.]

Baizhu!

[He kneels down next to the doctor and looks him over.]

Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?

[Worry mode: on]

Kisses for Charity: The Bullying Edition-

[rudementary]

[ Alhaitham's traveler may be Lumine, but a combination of second-hand descriptions from her, knowledge of multiple universes, and general observation of their physical similarities leads to a fairly quick conclusion by the passing scribe. Enough so that he turns in his passing path to approach the booth and the downtrodden traveler within. ]

Kissing for charity? That's certainly an unexpected method of fundraising.

[startraveler]

[No matter how unhappy Aether is, he doesn't actually think things will get too bad. It's just a kiss, nobody said he needed to do any specific kind of kisses either (even though those balms scream that it should be a kiss on the lips).

However, having Alhaitham out of all people approach the booth makes the traveler freeze in place. He wasn't even aware that the scribe was here!]

H-hello, Alhaitham.

[Aether tries to get his voice back, but his brain screams "this will only end bad!"]

How long have you been here?

[What is this? Avoiding to talk about the kissing booth? No way.]

4 i like to cause problems on purpose actually

[outofoffice]

[ Venti is here to help with the kissing booths because, unlike Aether, he is utterly shameless and isn't about to turn down a good time. Whether that 'good time' involves making people flustered or enjoying some nice kisses, or both, it's not entirely clear.

Either way, he's surprised to see Aether behind a booth. Though, then again, the Traveler seems easily suckered into anything with enough of a sob story -- Venti would know.

Venti vaults his own booth counter to drift over and begin the teasing. ]

Well, well, well! Is this booth for premium kisses? Because it should be!

[startraveler]

[The comment is enough to make this traveler's face just a bit more redder than it should be. Aether watches Venti for a moment, before crossing his arms over his chest.]

It absolutely is. I'm not giving my kisses away easily.

[He's trying to sound like he's not embarrassed about this entire ordeal.]

smooch time...maybe?!

[jarinza]

[ Well now isn't this a bit curious. For Dain seeing Aether does indeed give him pause. He knows the laws of this place are strange at best and that the other might not be the Abyss Prince, still, Dain is wary and guarded but he does relax slightly more as he approaches the other. ] It's not surprising to see you manning a booth here.

[ Dainsleif has arrived!! He looks awkward and out of place but he's at least making an attempt?? But of course, the twins would step up to charity work. Somehow it's befitting of them to do so. ] Though you don't seem to be enjoying yourself at the moment.

[startraveler]

[Even if Dain is not surprised, Aether is. This is probably the last place he would have expected to run into the other... or the other to run into him, actually.]

Dain, it's good to see you!

[Though now the question is which version of Teyvat Dain comes from considering that he knows Aether either way.]

And... um, you see, I didn't really want to do this. They managed to convince me, though. It's for charity and all.

[His cheeks lightly redden. It's embarrassing how easily he gives in to pleas.]

For Childe: Out of body experience

[startraveler]

[One moment he is just walking around, pondering his next destination, then suddenly something pushes him. It feels like falling down, except even more uncomfortable and surprising. He never hits the ground either and instead, he sees himself running off somewhere.

He's dreaming. It has to be a crazy dream, because how come he sees himself, how come he feels like he's floating? Aether tells himself that he needs to wake up, but eventually it downs on him that this is not a dream at all and it looks like his body just got stolen?!

Some time later, a potted plant can be spotted jumping around as if chasing someone.

Aether may have figured out how to posses an object but this form is not very helpful in tracking down his own body!]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Having left the city for a few days, Tartaglia has made his way out to the Autumn segment to complete a few of the quests and to see if he can find something really strong to fight while he's at it. He's left alone, wandering as he does when he's traveling, coming across the area where he'd heard that there were some spirits that had appeared. Sounds like something that needs to be exterminated in his opinion, and he'll have lots of fun doing it. He'll be careful though- he doesn't want it to happen to him, after all.

For a short amount of time, there doesn't seem to be really anything suspicious. That is, until he sees a potted plant just jumping as fast as it can in one direction, focused only in heading to whatever destination it has in mind. That's...not the behavior he'd heard about, cautiously following behind it and observing it. Is it a spirit trying to fake unsuspecting passerbys out so it can possess them? Or is it something else?

Best to find out first.

The tip of a hydro blade finds its way inside of the pot, scooping Aether up off the ground as the watery weapon sinks into the dirt, letting the side of the pot rest against the flat of his blade as he lifts it up in the air. His second blade is at the ready, in case he's got to use the power granted to him by the Tsaritsa to deal with this spirit like he did the last ones that possessed Kaveh.]

Oh ho, look what I've found.

[He grins at the plant, tilting his head.]

You wouldn't happen to be these spirits plaguing the area, would you?

flower crowns!

[outride]

( With her fondness for making flower crowns during Ludi Harpastum, it's only natural that Amber immediately found herself taken in by a quest like this one. It's been quite unsettling leaving Teyvat all of a sudden - and she knows that being productive would help to calm her during this moment of uncertainty.

She's content enough walking through the area where many are gathered to make flower crowns, until her very keen Outrider eye spots something in the distance - a lock of golden hair tied in a braid that she would recognise anywhere. The woman gasps in surprise and begins to jog towards this person, hoping that this isn't a case of mistaken identity. When she arrives, she realises that it's definitely not mistaken identity at all. It's him! It's ... )

Traveller! ( Amber says, a little bit short for breath. ) I am sooooo happy to see you here!

[startraveler]

[Aether is busy making one flower crow after another, so he doesn't notice anyone approaching his way. Then suddenly a familiar voice calls to him and he quickly turns to see who it is.

His face brightens with a smile when he sees his friend.]

Amber!

[He stands up from the ground to go meet her.]

I'm happy to see you too!

PUPPIES

[localweirdo]

[And here, Hu Tao was hoping for a relaxing day filled with absolutely no distractions whatsoever! Oh, who was she kidding? She was always trying to find ways to figure out what to do here. This was why when she saw a puppy running by, she raised an eyebrow at what was going on.

But when it was followed by Aether's voice...?]

I see you already made yourself right at home. How wonderful!

[And off she goes to chase said puppy! However, will they make it time? She wasn't sure!]

[startraveler]

Hu Tao! Hi... I see you're already up to helping me.

[And so together they chase the puppy! It's quite fast still, but the crowd seems to be a bit of an obstacle course for the small animal. It has fun but it also slows it down.]