Teyvat Chapter Storyline Preview: Travail

The traveller sat in the sunlight.

He had chosen his usual spot in the midst of a mountain where a beautiful white flower blossomed wonderfully. It was a flower that his sister used to wear on her short hair while she smiled at him. The walkway was lined with shade trees and

box gardens teeming with purple aster and pink and white sweet alyssum. A

light breeze carried the scent of spring and the honeyed air was mild.

His cup next to his hand that leaned on the table had a path shaped drawing showing the endless journey he jumped into in search of his lost sister. Aether looked at the sky as the blue yonder before his eyes sparkled with two flowing stars. It made him remember how he used to be with his twin. They looked like those travelling comets in the sky.

He lowered his head at his cup then turned it to the one who watched him intently. He was a blond man with aquamarine eyes. They watched Aether intently as the words were lost within his heart. He wanted to keep talking about her and their eyes agreed on that.

"We had no time to say goodbye... So let's not call it that!"

He shook his head slightly, denying what happened. However, the eyes as the mirror of the soul, translated what he thought deep within himself. His voice betrayed the anguish he felt from the years that separated them both. The hurt kept throbbing in his being throwing him abruptly from reality to his memories then the opposite.

He stared directly at the blue eyes, determined to find her whatever the cost. The stranger smiled; it was a smile that didn't depict anything. It was nothing. He had already thrown whatever feelings he had within him; he promised he wouldn't succumb to them unless death comes with warm arms.

"The war has already begun. It is just a continuation of past battles. The gods goad us on with the promise of their seven treasures. Rewards for the worthy. The doorway to divinity," the stranger said tilting his cup to both sides so he can observe the liquid dance within his palms.

"Yet, buried in the depths of this world lies smoldering remains, a warning to those that dare trespass; 'That throne in the sky is not reserved for you'. But mortal arrogation never stops. None will escape the flames. See for yourself."

His voice was firm yet soothing. It was almost hypnotizing. Aether couldn't help but open his eyes in confusion. It wasn't a reaction Dainsleif wanted him to show. He expected shock, surprise, horror... Not confusion. He decided to keep talking as Aether wasn't showing signs of any reply.

"The dragon who defended Monsdadt for a millennium finally faces his perturbation. What does freedom really mean, when demanded of you by a God?"

Aether opened his mouth to answer but his confusion grew wider. Why would a God ask for his people the freedom and demand it? It was a question that didn't make any sense to him. But he lowered his head and lent his ear expecting the stranger to keep going.

"The God of Contracts, senselessly slaughtered as his people watched on in horror. In the end, he will sign the contract to end all contracts."

This time, Aether was attracted to the contradicting phrases. If the God was slaughtered in front of his people, when would he sign the contract to end all contracts? It didn't make any sense either.

"In the secluded land of the immortal Shogun, the Bakufu rules eternal. But what do mortals see of the eternity chased after by their god?"

Aether didn't know if he should call himself a mortal but he was certain the Bakufu didn't understand the depth of thinking of her people and their shallow moments.

"The God of Wisdom's enemy is wisdom itself, and the oasis of knowledge is a mirage in the desert of ignorance. In the city of scholars, there is a push for folly, yet the God of Wisdom makes no argument against it."

The boy titled his head and frowned at the idea. He almost laughed at it but even him, he knew not to make light of the words of the stranger.

"The God of Justice lives for the spectacle of the courtroom, seeking to judge all other gods. But even she knows not to make an enemy of the divine."

He felt as if slumber will befall him anytime. The words felt like a story before bedtime to make him sleep, but he wanted to know the end of the talk. What is it that the stranger wants to tell him by the end of all this?

"The rules of war are woven in the womb: the victors shall burn bright, while the losers must turn to ash. When the God of war shares this secret with someone, it is because she has her reasons."

"She is a god with no love left for her people, nor do they have any left for her. Her followers hope only to be on her side when the day of her rebellion against the divine comes at last. In the perpetual meantime of a sheltered eternity, most are content to live and not to dream. But in the hidden corners where the gods' gaze does not fall, there are those who dream of dreaming."

"Some say a few are chosen and the rest are dregs, but I say we humans have our humanity. We will defy this world from a power from beyond."

Dainsleif clenched his fist and brought it forward to show his determination. It clenched tighter and the hand moved up showing the sky as the power from beyond was altered. He stood up and looked at Aether with eyes burning with passion for a strange reason.

"Now, you who has set foot in this world. Your journey reached its end, but one final doorway remains. Step forth, if you have understood the meaning of your journey. Defeat me, command me to step aside, show me that you are worthier than I to rescue her. Then, the threads of all fate will be yours to re-weave."

He stood up to reach him but Dainsleif's silhouette walked further away leaving him in darkness. Dainsleif stopped for a moment as the white flowers started taking shape around them both. He smiled this time a true smile and moved forward.

"My memory has all but faded completely... But I will always remember how much she too, loved these flowers."

Aether opened his eyes only to find a sky with more blue than he saw in his dream. He wondered if what happened was a reality but the memories of the dream soon faded away as the days became longer and loneliness started to seep deep within him.