“Yes, that’s not bad at all, for a first attempt.”

Albedo leaned over to assess his companion’s work, tapping the sketchpad with the end of his pencil. Afternoon light spilled in abundance through the open windows, bathing the duo in warm sunshine; it refracted through an array of regent glassware that he kept on his workbench, sending brilliant rainbow hues scattering across its surface in a dazzling display.

“It’s like I said: the drawing technique doesn’t matter,” He reclined in his chair, returning pencil to paper, “Observing and experimenting is the best way to practice.”

The bustling Mondstadt City was nothing but a distant murmur, worlds away from their bubble of quiet intimacy. Somewhere far away, a bird chirps. Another joins in, and their calls overlap as if in mutual song.

With the confidence of a skilled artist, his graphite strokes became a beautiful rendition of the cecilia before them. Focused on adding subtle details, the chief alchemist tilted his head and used the pad of his thumb to smudge in the shadows.

In such a serene moment as this, his expression remained thoughtful; strands of soft hair slid forward as he shifted in his seat, a flawless visage framed in a golden aureole.

Albedo cast a languid glance at his companion’s profile, amusement shining in aquamarine eyes. “Your concentration is quite admirable,” He remarked, leaning over to pluck the flower from its ceramic vase.

The stem twirled absently between gloved thumb and forefinger, as it was held out in offering.