Work Text:
Dear Alhaitham,
There is no proper way to start a letter with such a big ask, so allow me to stall as I write.
First, I want to express my sincerest and heartfelt gratitude with how much you have done for Paimon. I'm not sure if you are aware, but she has greatly enjoyed all you have done for her in regards to her education. I won't lie and say that she always liked you, because we know she didn't take too kindly to you in the beginning. But after getting to know you, and seeing how you have gone out of your way to assist and support her schooling at the Akademiya, she has grown to greatly admire you. I know that's not something you like people to do, but I mean it in more of a student admiring a teacher. But I digress.
As you know, we travel and witness events that the average citizen does not. Having something "normal" to do makes it easier for Paimon, I can tell. No matter how much she complains, I know that she loves every bit of it. I like to say that while I am the brawn of our duo, Paimon is the beauty and brain. Her confidence in her abilities was always there, but it has strengthened with her education.
I'm rambling, but at the heart of it all, what I'm really saying is: thank you. For all the care and thoughtfulness you show Paimon. It truly means the world to me. Which kind of brings me to my next point, my "big ask" I referenced at the start of my letter.
You're a smart individual, it doesn't take a genius to know that. So, I'm sure you've observed I'm not quite a "normal" inhabitant of Teyvat. Because of this, there will come a day that I will no longer be here. I don't know when exactly, but I know it is in the near future. Thus, with me on my knees, I beg you, please look after Paimon for me. Not as the "Legendary Traveler" to the Scribe Alhaitham, but as a friend to a friend.
She has done so much for me, more than she will ever know. When I leave, I hope to leave her with the reassurance that she won't be alone. It's clear that you genuinely care for her, more than most of the friends she and I have encountered.
I know how big of an ask this is. And I know how selfish this is of me to ask it. But, I can't find it in myself to care. I hope you will forgive me for that.
And just like not knowing how to begin this letter, I do not know how to end it. But you've never been one to care about polite customs.
Sincerely,
Traveler
~~
Dear Traveler,
You are correct to say that I have never really cared for polite customs.
Since you didn't mince your words, I won't mince mine: that is a big and selfish ask, as you acknowledged. But I can forgive you for that. I hope you are also not beating yourself up over desiring such a thing. It is quite normal for one to be assured that their loved ones will be taken care of when one no longer can.
I always have found your strength and seemingly mysterious abilities not quite "normal". You never bothered explaining yourself—both in person and in writing—so I won't press you to explain it. I'll be quite content staying curious if it means your are comfortable.
I can't help but notice that you seemed so sure that the day will come so soon. Your confidence in the statement is something that arises admiration and concern. I guess what I am saying is, why and how are you so sure? Isn't it possible that you could be wrong? I've seen a lot of scholars so confident in their words end up being very wrong.
In other and more clear words, I will need a bit more information before agreeing to such an ask.
Regards,
Scribe Alhaitham
~~
Dear Alhaitham,
I can't help but notice you seemingly ignoring half the letter singing your praise. Truly in character, I must say.
I appreciate you not trying to dig into my past. All I will say is that it's complicated and a little too messy to give me any desire to delve into. I truly appreciate your empathy on my worries, it means a lot.
You ask why I am so sure that such a day will come, and speculate that I might be wrong. Well, I'm here to tell you I won't be wrong. I will make sure of it. In short, it ties into me and my past. All the things I've done throughout my travels, let's just say they weren't a coincidence. And by that I mean, they didn't happen for no reason. The goal of my travels kind of indirectly led to it. All the things I've done, all the trouble I've found myself in, it could be described as a build up. By the end of my travels, I know I will have to face something bigger than anything I have ever faced before. What, you may ask? I'm not completely sure, but I have a few theories.
But what I am sure of, is that when it comes, so too will my absence. I hope this was enough, because I cannot give any more.
Sincerely,
Traveler
~~
Dear Traveler,
I've never been one to readily and easily accept praise, I thought you'd know this by now.
I can't lie and say it was completely enough. But I can say that it helped me understand your ask more. Not that I couldn't understand from your first letter. Anyone with a brain could easily tell how much you care for Paimon. I know you two must have gone through a lot together, and I'm glad you both have each other.
To not allow the topic of your first letter to be meaningless: yes, I will look after Paimon once your absence arrives. Is there anything, in writing, I should know?
Regards,
Alhaitham
~~
Dear Alhaitham,
You are a linguist, so you might have the ability to prove me wrong. But words cannot express how grateful I am at the contents of your previous letter. Thank you. Thank you so, so much. I must admit that my legs gave out when I read your letter. Take it as more evidence to show how grateful I am.
There isn't much I need to explicitly say when it comes to caring for Paimon. She is a pretty open individual, not afraid to voice her opinions or needs. She loves food (obviously), learning and seeing new things and places, and loves a good lazy day. There will probably be days she will want to visit different nations to see friends or participate in holidays. She will most likely let you know when she wants to travel, but just letting you know.
For technical reasons, I will need you to keep track of these letters. I'm sure you understand.
In all honesty, I'm not sure if my advice will be useful when the time comes. I won't flatter myself and say she will be absolutely heartbroken, but I do know she will probably be hurt. However, I think she will move on, and find a better life for herself.
If you have any more questions in regards to looking after Paimon, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Traveler
~~
Dear Traveler,
If the day comes, trust me when I say, we will all miss you. And we have only been around you a fraction of the time Paimon has. Why would you question such an obvious thing?
Grief is unpredictable, but I will take your advice to heart. Thank you for it. When the time comes, I will remember to use it well.
Your Friend
Regards,
Alhaitham
~~
As the Scribe watches that twinkle that carries the Traveler and their twin with Paimon sobbing in his arms, he can't help but recall those letters in the lock box under his bed. Alhaitham was always able to remember texts in books with ease. But those words that the Traveler had written to him was especially engraved in his mind.
"I won't flatter myself and say she will be absolutely heartbroken, but I do know she will probably be hurt. But I think she will move on, and find a better life for herself."
Why would they think such a thing? Are they unaware the immeasurable impact they had on him, Paimon, and all the people they encountered and helped?
Maybe if he hadn't crossed out the first half of his response, maybe if he hadn't written about it like there was no stopping their departure, maybe if he had signed off as their friend, they would still be here. And he wouldn't have to try and console a broken Paimon while navigating his own grief once more.
But no, it's too late. He can barely see their light. It won't be long until that sparkle will no longer be visible in the sky. And who knows how long it will be before the world forgets that there was once a blonde traveler that helped the world.
Alhaitham held Paimon a little tighter at that. Her small sniffles heartbreaking.
"Al-Alhaitham?" Her high pitched and shaky voice asks quietly. He looks down at her, showing her she has his attention. "I miss them so much already. What am I supposed to do?"
Alhaitham breath catches, his body freezing at the question. It felt like not that long ago that he was a child, wondering the same thing to himself after his grandmother's passing. Taking a deep breath, he began to share his answer in a calm and steady tone, even though he felt anything but such internally.
"The only thing you can do: get up each day, live, and keep their memory close."
Yes, that's right. Even though the Traveler may have felt their departure was inevitable, that doesn't mean the loss of their memory has to be as well. Alhaitham will fight to make sure their deeds and presence aren't forgotten.
That's the least the Traveler deserves, after all.