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Four hundred and nine days.
Nine thousand eight hundred and sixteen hours.
Five hundred eighty eight thousand and nine hundred sixty minutes.
And Eula still could not move past the one drunken night she had, nearly a year ago. That one night that she had kissed Amber and slept with her so senselessly.
Eula breathes carefully, grabbing her claymore from the ground with ease. Out of all the weeks Eula is forced to trek these mountains, she regrets it is today.
June 27th, just the year prior to this, the day the issue occurred. Amber's birthday on the following month, August 10th, was bittersweet. Eula had promptly decided that it would be best to just wordlessly leave a gift at her door. However, when Amber relentlessly scolded her for doing so, Eula reconsidered.
Not much has changed since then. Though the damage had been done, Amber lingers around as she always has.
Eula releases a breath. Amber has met a new girl in town, her name, Collei? Eula isn't quite sure. And yet something churns in her stomach when she sees the brightness Amber has everytime she mentions the younger girl.
A flaming arrow blows past her, slightly grazing her cheek. Eula's eyes widen.
It was not the time to be letting her mind wander. She had one objective, that was to clear all paths. With the upcoming events in Dragonspine Eula had to make sure there was no impending dangers, especially on main paths.
From Fatui camps, Hilichurls, Treasure Hoarders, boars, Ruin Guards, and even whopper flowers -- it wouldn't be a stretch to say Eula was beyond exhausted. Just days before a treasure hoarder had got to her feet, electro crackling. And though she had not sustained any great injuries, her shoes were completely ruined.
She had to make do with the resources she had. A few hours ago three mitachurls decided they wanted to have a crack at her. As much as she appreciated a good duel, their cryo shields was much of a pain to get through. One had landed a good axe hit onto her but she recovered promptly.
Eula swings her claymore and slams it downwards, taking care of the last archer. She releases a breath. "What time is it?" She mumbles under her cold hands. If she could finish her task before midnight then she could at least visit Amber. She bites her lip, perhaps she was being too optimistic.
August 10th.
Eula stares at her map with a frown. Thirty more camps. She had cleared thirty four so far throughout the last four days. She had cleared two today, a plan for another six to be cleared before she took her rest. Would thirty two camps in one day kill her? Eula smiles, "It's a challenge then." She says decisively.
She takes a seat to catch her breath for just a moment. What would be a good gift for Amber anyway? Last year she had given her a new pair of shoes. Eula grumbles, gifts were never her strong suit -- at least when it came to Amber.
A bow would be most fitting.
At least that was the first thought that came to Eula's mind. However, she had soon realized that she had zero to no idea on how to make a bow let alone within eighteen hours.
Eula sighs. She stares at her sword, the Song of Broken Pines. If only she could somehow get Amber a bow of such caliber, but how could she do that on such short notice.
Eula stands, she would have to quicken her pace if she wanted to figure the situation out. She braces herself, and takes a needed deep breath. She could not take a single break from this point forward if she wished to be successful.
-
"Flood of Frost!"
Eula swings her claymore, fluidly moving around the area. She dodges and attacks, dodges and attacks. She can feel her arms slow down and her movements become sluggish. Eula swallows her throat carefully, her vision glows as she gracefully finishes the remaining enemies with her final strike.
She looks at the clouds, it was now nearing perhaps eleven or ten in the morning. Eula's claymore disappears as she takes a moment to think. "Four hours, six camps . . . Twenty four camps left and fourteen hours." She sighs. "Impossible." She feels a headache ensue.
Perhaps she was being ambitious afterall. She was asked to clear a little over sixty camps in eight days, not in four. If she had cleared more camps over the last few days. Should she take a moment to go back to Mondstadt just to at least greet Amber? No, the targets may have relocated by then. Eula had meticulously spent the days updating and changing her map.
Was this it?
A twig snaps.
Eula's head turns with caution. "Who's there?" Her voice is sharp. A curious giggle, almost teasing. Eula feels her eyes narrow. "I highly suggest you show yourself before things become ugly, for the both of us." Eula says.
"Ah, I do not mean to impose. I merely jest, apologies Captain Lawrence."
Eula feels her jaw clench at the way she's addressed. "You're . . ." Her eyes widen. "Venti? The bard?" Her voice is dripping with confusion. "Ah, yes! Tis I, the greatest bard of all. At your service," Venti says, twirling about in his usual attire. Eula had never been more confused in her entire life.
As much as she had enjoyed his presence at the bar and how ridiculous his songs were, to meet him at Dragonspine? When she's tight on time nonetheless? It felt nothing more but a waste of time. "Although I would enjoy a chat, I am unfortunately out of time. So, if you'd excuse me." Eula mumbles politely. "Ah, ah! Wait up, I have come whilst knowing of your distress." Venti smiles.
Eula's eye twitches. "Are you mocking me?" She tsks. "I will not stand for this, I simply can not. You have earned yourself another point of vegeance." She crosses her arms. "I already had one?" Venti chuckles with curiosity. "In any case," He strums his lyre harmoniously. A certain excitement in every single one of his words.
"What if I told you I could solve all your problems?" Venti prances around. "And how exactly would you do that?"
"I can help you clear these camps at twice the speed you can, with much due respect of course." Venti winks and Eula raises an eyebrow. "Must we duel as a point of proof?" Eula huffs and Venti smiles. "I am more surprised you hadn't asked how I know about your situation."
"Nothing surprises me in Teyvat,"
"How intriguing," Venti comments lightly. Eula clears her throat and Venti hums. "As for your second situation," Eula's attention is caught fully. "You are in need of a bow?" Venti's lips curve.
Eula feels the numbness at her feet subside just lightly at the promise. "Yes," She says cautiously. "If you can finish your tasks before the crack of sunset, I will let you know where you can find a powerful bow like no other." Venti amusingly watches as Eula tries to keep her composure.
"And how do I know you are not fooling me for laughs?" Eula raises her suspicions. Despite the fact that Venti knowing of her troubles to the teeth being more than sufficient proof.
Venti smiles. "Long ago," He begins his story. Eula feels a gust of wind blowing by, her eyes widen. "Before the Anemo Archon had taken over, Mondstadt was ruled by the God of Storms, the Lord of the Tower -- Decarabian. I'm sure you're aware, yes?" Venti hums.
"Of course, his rebellion was one of the founding causes of today's Mondstadt." Eula sighs.
"I'm glad you're familiar." He chuckles. "Well, Decarabian had a lover. Beautiful one she was," He says in the most nostalgic way possible. Eula stares, encaptured by the vivid imagery in her mind. Perhaps, it was a Bard's talent? Eula gives him the benefit of the doubt.
"The rebellion you speak of was lead by many heros, including his lover, Amos. With her bow she had fiercely shot her arrows in hopes that her love would be striken by her message. However, it is only when he had easily thrown her into the gusts of terror did she realize that their love was not one of the same." Venti finishes. "Her bow now lies in the depths of the winds, sealed off. Perhaps, her final wish of sorts."
"If it has been sealed off how exactly am I supposed to retrieve this bow?" Eula is deep in thought.
"Seals do not last forever." Venti has a convincing look on his face. His expression is bright but vague. "So, what will it be?" He grins.
"Why are you offering me this?"
Venti seems to think, cryptically. Eula's doubts only press further. He was not a normal Bard, she knew that much. But how far did his capabilities go? "If Mondstadt is the city of freedom, then all it's citizens must have freedom, correct?" He tilts his head. "Call it an act of freedom, from one citizen of Mondstadt to another."
"An act of freedom . . ." Eula's eyebrows crease. Venti extends his hands. "We've spent enough time chattering, those camps won't clear themselves."
Eula knows she has no time for thoughts. If she wanted to give Amber a gift this was her chance.
Eula takes a breath in. A chance to prove herself. To stand her ground and let it be known that she is worth. That the days she had spent sparring, duelling, and throwing herself into work was not in vein. It was a chance to let it be known that the trust Jean had in her was beyond valid.
That she could hold her herself up without hesitation. She could draw her blade and call herself the Renaissance Captain of the Knights of Favonious and not just a damned Lawrence.
Eula grips Venti's hand. Another gust of wind blows by, she feels light at that. She smiles lightly, her suspicions were not just tricks her mind has played on her afterall.
"Eheh, glad to make your acquaintance then."
"I share the same sentiments,"--Barbatos. She keeps the name silent.
Eula would prove to the Anemo Archon, himself. She was worth more than just her filthy name and that was that.
-
"You've sustained more injuries, it would not be smart to be so reckless." Venti shoots another shot, anemo flourshing at it's release.
"As much as I would agree, we are running out time." Eula wipes her sweat off. Venti purses his lips curiously. "Why are you working so hard for this?" He chuckles and Eula glares at his odd question. She finishes making quick work of the last treasure hoarder, "I would prefer if you didn't ask me questions on the field." She grumbles.
Venti laughs heartily, "You are right, Captain. My apologies." He lowers his bow. "So, you are aware of everything but my intent?" Eula questions and Venti shrugs lightly. "It is a bit complicated to explain." He says and Eula rolls her eyes.
"Well then, allow me to enlighten you while we move onto the next spot." She says, collecting the last sigil. Venti follows along closely, as if to observe Eula at every breath she takes.
They had been at it for an hour. Eula crosses out a other camp. Despite Venti's appearances, he was indeed powerful. At his beckon he could gather enemies with ease, leaving Eula to burst them down at once. Though she's sure Venti could clear these all with ease on his own, she does not focus on it.
Fifteen camps left.
They had cleared nine camps in an hour? That seems almost breath takingly impossible. At this rate they'd be done before two in the afternoon.
"Today is someone's birthday." Eula sighs. "I have prepared a gift for her but considering how I have been forced to miss the entire day I can not help but feel obligated to go the extra mile." Eula mumbles awkwardly and Venti smiles. "Then they must be special to you," He states.
" . . . They are very much so." She responds.
The snow under her feet doesn't bother her anymore. Not when she feels comfort at every gust of wind she feels. "All the more worthy," Venti says under his breath. Eula isn't quite sure what it means but even she knows better than to question a God's anctics. She takes his actions as a blessing silently.
"Here we go," Eula braces herself. "Have you eaten?" Venti stops her and Eula grumbles. "Yes, breakfast." She says promptly and Venti hums quietly. He readies his bow once more.
"Take a good poke at your rations, we have alot of time." Venti releases his arrow.
Though Eula has seen it ten times now, she still marvels at the way the winds beckon at his call. A blackhole of sorts is created out of thin air and all the nearby hilichurls are sucked into it. Eula jumps up the tower, swinging her claymore with force. "Freeze to the core!" She says loudly, cryo and icicles forming everywhere.
Venti shoots his arrow, gliding lightly down his own winds. "And that is camp number ten!" He says excitedly as Eula slices through another hilichurl. The last one shields itself, small but effective. It seems as thought the fatigue begins to catch up to her, the hilichurl uses it's club to smack Eula right at the side of her head.
She tsks and swings her claymore for the last time. "Are you alright?" Venti winces and Eula hums. "Beyond," She flips her hair off her shoulders despite the buzzing pain at her head. "Are you sure that didn't cause any trauma?" Venti tucks his bow away and Eula only nods.
"Let us take a quick break, you need food and rest to match with work." Venti smiles charmingly. Eula feels a groan bubble at her throat.
"We--"
"We have lots of time."
She sighs.
The rest, as Venti had said, was much needed. By the time, Eula's on her feet again she swears she can fly. Venti, true to his word, sticks with Eula at every step of the way.
And by the time they hit the last five camps, Eula can feel an excitement resting at her chest. "You're trickled with injuries." Venti reminds her. "I will make sure to take care of all of them once I've returned to the main city." Eula cleans up the last of the abyss mages.
"Stubborn one, aren't you?" Venti shakes his head. Eula cracks a smile at that.
By the last three camps, a Mitachurl had almost sliced her in half, a Fatui sniper had almost blown her head off, and she had almost frozen at the lake. If not for her fast reflex and perhaps Venti's winds. Eula cracks her neck, she was losing her edge quick. "Another break?" Venti offers.
Eula looks at the sky, her eyes twinkle with promise.
They have one last camp to clear. It is nearing three and Eula feels the exhaustion seep into her bones. Physical exhaustion was one she was always able to deal with. "One last push." Eula dismisses.
Venti crosses his arms. "I will not be dragging you back if you faint from exahustion."
Eula laughs, genuinely. She feels her heart warm. "That, I promise you, will not happen. I swear on it by the winds of Celestia." She raises her hand. Venti sighs at that, "Citizens of Mondstadt are truly reckless afterall."
"Perhaps we've learned that from our God."
The comment doesn't go unheard, Eula knows that much when a wind tugs at her hair. She chuckles lightly, "Off we go then. There is still much to do," Eula admits it's a bit odd for her to not be proclaiming her vegeance. Especially with all that had gone on today. However, with tiredness and weariness following through, Eula can't help but laugh.
Their feet reach the last camp. They stay undetected for the first few moments.
Venti charges up his bow for the last time. Eula's eyes focus on the anemo powers and the sheer harshness of these winds. They are unlike all Venti's previous arrows.
Eula purses her lips. Venti gives her a glance before smiling. Eula takes her blade once more.
Then Venti releases the arrow.
The Fatui stood no chance. Eula could not even get close enough to even swing her blade. The wind had ripped through the camp, destroying everything in her path. Eula had been smart enough to take caution, she had seen what those things could do to a person over thirty times afterall.
Venti's bow is gone and so are any trace of the Fatui members. "Do you know what the fastest route to Stormterror's Lair is?" He shoots her a grin.
"I would assume the main route, if there even is one." Eula raises her confusion.
Ventu chuckles. "Gliding."
Then her feet aren't on the ground anymore.
-
"Right here," Venti points at her map.
"I find it a bit ridiculous that you flew us all the way here but you're making me climb this tower for this bow on my own." Eula sighs and Venti chuckles. "There is a reason for all, Captain." He says, the lyre back in his hands.
Eula takes a breath in. "So, I just have to climb this tower and take the bow from the top?"
"Yes," Venti responds like it's the easiest thing ever. Eula supposes it isn't the worst, "Alright." She says, her shoulders already aching. "Do avoid getting into fights." Venti gives her a word of advice.
Eula stares at the sun, it was starting to set. She wonders if Amber had spent a good day. What she had done. Who she spent it with. Was Amber thinking of her too? Did Amber wish that she was there when she blew her birthday candles? Eula tugs her gloves on tighter.
That thought was perhaps a bit selfish of her, she smiles.
Eula takes a stride forward and begins her journey atop the broken tower. Gusts and wind barriers trail the area, though she has a good idea where to go and what not. She can feel Venti's gaze on her as she jumps upwards, climbing the first few floors with ease.
Everything so far had felt natural to her. Eula had proclaimed this to be a test of her strength and yet she had the support of a god, she was bound to succeed. Amber was still out of reach afterall. Eula reminds herself of that fact.
No matter how much she threw herself into situations and tasks like these -- she would not be able to shake off the burdens of her name.
Eula climbs, teeth sinking into her bottom lip. She can't feel her legs anymore, her ears are still red from the cold, and she could sleep right then and there if she had the time to.
Eula takes a breath in anyway. Even if she had succeded in obtaining Amos' Bow it would mean perpetually nothing. Eula would be unable to make that one night of pure selfish wants a reality.
The winds guide her once more. She's careful with every step she takes, making sure to catch her breath at every time she needs. Eula avoids the hilichurls littering the area, ducking her head and holding her breath.
Her hands are trembling at this point. She can feel a pure amount of tiredness hit her like a mountain. Her bones ache at every move she makes. Eula closes her eyes, leaning against the brick for support. She looks upwards, her eyes peering at the top.
She isn't sure what floor she's on but she can feel she's near. Eula releases a sharp breath before venturing force with the final bit of power she has left. Amber never leaves her thoughts. She has to be insane for this, truly.
And maybe that's what Eula was. Completely and utterly insane for Amber. She tries to compose herself when she missteps. Her vision begins to blur at that.
There was no point in giving up here. Eula needed that bow if this was her last damned breath she'd take. Name aside, history aside, and everything be damned -- Eula wanted Amber to rejoice. She wanted to see the girl beam with happiness.
Eula grips tightly onto the edge of the stonebrick. She's hanging by a thread. She slowly pushes herself up, collapsing at the top of the tower. She's breathing heavily. "In the name of Barbatos, I have never felt more tired that I ever have in my entire life." Eula tries to calm her breathing and the irregular beating of her heart.
Her neck is aching sorely as she rises once more. She just had to grab the bow.
Eula stands on her feet. There is nothing atop the tower. She feels a disappointment brew but knows better than to doubt a God. She controls her mind from sinking further. Everything was mental game. Eula takes a step forward and her hand reaches out.
She doesn't know why she feels compelled to do so.
"I knew it!" Venti's voice startles her.
Then the bow is in her hands as if it's been materialized from nothing. Eula releases a breath of relief. "Where did you come from?"
"You were worthy from the start!" Venti says with a huge grin on his face. "What does that mean?" Eula says tiredly, the bow disappears from her hand and into her bag. "The seal," Venti explains.
"The seal breaks only to those worthy."
"You told me there was no seal?" Eula furrows her eyebrows. "A little white lie," Venti's lips curve into a satisfied smirk.
Eula finds the entire thing blasphemous. She takes in another breath, her lips thinning as she smiles. "Thank you, Barbatos."
Venti puts a finger against his lips. "Venti." He says. "Venti." Eula repeats. "I will have vegeance for all my transgressions, mark my wards. Archons are not exempted from my red list." She strikes her line earning a laugh from Venti.
"Close your eyes," Venti requests and Eula does so.
Her head spins and she feels everything change in an instant. Her eyes snap open -- She's in the city.
Eula feels her knees buckle. "Eula?!" She's met with a confused blonde. "Traveler," She greets, a good face to see after all she's been through. "What are you doing here? How'd you get here? Jean said you'd be gone for the rest of the week." Lumine's eyes widen, gaping at her.
Eula's uniform is tattered, she looks beyond exhausted. There's a dried wound on her cheek, red cuts at the side of her waist, her gloves have holes now, her shoes are soiled, and she is breathing heavily. "You don't look too good, let's get you the infirmary." Paimon is the one who comments.
"I'm alright," Eula nods. "Would you two happen to know where Amber is?" She asks instead and Lumine and Paimon exchange a cautious glance. Paimon nudges the blonde who sighs. "She spent the day hanging out with the new girl . . . Collei," Lumine mumbles and Eula feels her heart squeeze at that.
She makes sure to retain posture. "I see," She nods. "Thank you."
"No vegeance line? Things must be rough," She hears Paimon say as she walks away. A smile ghosts her lips, those two had a presence that she would seemingly always be thankful for.
Eula takes her first step into Mondstadt, her heart blooming. The sky darkens, she can't wait to see Amber. Eula doesn't know what overcomes her. It may have been the insanely tiring day, and perhaps it was. It may have been the weird feeling of stoic solemn the traveler had given her. It may have been Eula finding herself falling in love all over again at the thought of Amber.
Eula isn't sure, she never has been. At least when it came to things like this.
But she's starting to think it doesn't matter anymore. She bites her lip, nervousness sinking into her chest. The world seems clearer in a way she's never felt before. "Come in," She hears Jean's voice when she knocks at her door.
"Eula?" Jean's eyes widen with shock. "How are you . . . Did you drop by for Amber's birthday?" She asks. "In the name of Barbatos, what hapened to you? You're all roughed up!" The worried expression on Jean isn't a familiar sight. Eula relishes it for just a moment longer. She has a smile on her face, "I've finished my duties." She informs.
"What?" Jean's eyebrows furrow. "You've cleared all the camps? It's only been four days," Jean's lips part with shock.
"Do you know where Amber is?"
Jean stares at her with disbelief. She clears her throat, "She went out of the city a few hours ago with Collei. She'll be back soon," Jean sighs. "How about we get you fixed up first? Let me get Lisa." Jean shakes her head and Eula chuckles. "Alright," She nods.
Jean notices how joyful Eula seems but makes no comment. "Just stay here, I'll get you some clothing as well."
So, Eula sits in the Acting Grand Master's office buzzing with an excitement and joy. She tugs down her tie, thoughts swirling with Amber.
Amber this. Amber that.
Eula can't help herself. "Eula, dear?" Lisa's voice resonates and Eula stands. "Good evening," She replies. Lisa and Jean exchange a stare before Lisa sighs.
"Go take a shower, there's a bath running for you." Lisa informs her. "Do you know when Amber will be back?" Eula knows she must sound like a lovesick puppy but her emotions are full and they're bursting with every colour. Lisa pinches the bridge of her nose, "Have you perhaps taken a shot of a love potion?" She mumbles.
Eula chuckles, "Of course not." She smiles like a fool, (and though she wouldn't admit it, she most definitely was.)
"I assume she'll be back within an hour. You don't want to miss her, right? It'll take a good moment to fix you up so faster the better." Lisa crosses her arms. "Yes, yes. I will clean myself." Eula nods her head.
"Ah, Eula." Jean stops her, handing her clothes over. "So, just to confirm . . . You've cleared around sixty five camps?"
"Yes, I will write a report and submit--"
"No, no! There is no need. Please just take care of yourself for the next week." Jean sighs and Eula smiles. "Well, then. I won't deny the offer." She grins, making her way out the office and towards the bath room.
"Was she always this cheeky?" Jean grumbles and Lisa chuckles. "Love truly does make your head turn, hm?" She smiles and Jean clears her throat.
"Perhaps,"
-
Eula's head sinks onto the wooden counter, a frown on her lips. "It's nearing nine . . . Where could she be?" She mumbles and Lisa sighs at the sight. "Eula, you won't die if you don't see her today. You need your rest." She scolds but Eula is stubborn.
Eula is covered in bandages, head to toe. Despite drinking some of Lisa's magical potions, she still felt fatigue wash over her body. "I have a birthday gift, it'd only be right to give it to her within the day." Eula huffs. "I will wake you when she's arrived." Lisa argues and Eula shakes her head.
"I want to see her the moment she gets back."
Lisa sighs, "Are all the decendants of Mondstadt clans so stubborn? You, Jean, and Diluc truly give me a headache." She tsks and Eula laughs lightly. It seems to be something she has been doing more often.
"So," Lisa mumbles and Eula feels her eyes tire lightly. She yawns, "What changed?"
Lisa's question makes her smile. "The weather?" She cracks a joke. Lisa rolls her eyes, as she sorts through the list of books. "Nothing changed." Eula mumbles. "Well, maybe that's a lie." She sighs, rising from her seat.
"The more days I spent, the more my heart felt fuller and fuller and fuller." She drags her finger along the bookshelves. Lisa raises a curious eyebrow. "So, you believe broken hearts can be mended?" She asks and Eula smiles.
"Oh, but are you not living proof of that?"
She may be teasing but there is truth behind her words. "Hm," Lisa hums.
"She's here."
Eula's eyes brighten. "At the gate, she just got back." Lisa smiles. "Don't run, you'll injure yourself again!" She call after Eula who's already making strides out the library, out the Favonious headquarters, and out to the streets.
She had spent the entire day acting like an idiot, another few hours couldn't hurt. Eula tries to relax herself, her body tingles with excitement. She's so used to Amber running towards her and tackling her with a hug. Eula feels as though she could do just that if she had gave up the last bit of her pride.
"Am--" Her eyes widen, her feet freeze right at the last few steps.
"Amber," The green haired girl is hugging Amber tightly. Collei, that was her name wasn't it? "These are your favourites right?" Collei pulls away, handing Amber a handful of lampgrass.
Eula takes a step back, taking a breath in. "I'm not doing this cause I like you!" Collei tsks. "You don't like me?" Amber frowns teasingly. Eula hates how happy she sounds. I really am terrible. "I do! I do!" Collei panics, mumbling about.
"I really do like you!" She spouts.
And just like that her resolve has fallen.
Where was Collei from? Sumeru? Eula takes a sharp breath in once more. The pain in her bones truly sink in. Sumeru -- The Nation of Wisdom. Someone like that was probably more suited for Amber anyway.
"I like you . . . In a weird way," Collei mumbles.
Eula can't seem to watch anymore. She would have to make do with leaving a gift at Amber's door this year once more. She turns away, feeling her heart shrivel. "Running away, captain?" Eula's eyes widen at the icy voice. "From what exactly could it be?" Kaeya chuckles.
Eula feels her jaw tighten. "It is none of your concern." She responds. Kaeya hums, "Surely someone you don't even know is not making you reconsider your emotions for Amber, right?"
"Of course not," She snaps, glaring sharply. Kaeya smiles, "My, my. Have I struck a chord? I apologize. I did not mean to do so." Kaeya has a hint of sincerity in his voice. Eula meets his gaze, they're filled with softness. Eula sighs, "Please just let me handle my own insecurities on my own. I'm sure you know of everything by now. It is not your hand to play." She warns lightly.
Kaeya's lips thin. "She is my great friend, Eula."
"I understand that, more than anyone else." Eula has frustration in her voice. "And I appreciate your attempt, but do know that I am not your enemy." She sighs.
"And how can I be so sure of that?"
Eula's eyebrows furrow. "Kaeya," She's breathless. "Why are you challening me?"
Kaeya smiles. "I love to meet my match." His blade appears seemingly out of no where. He twirls it with ease, "What is the real reason?" Eula knows she shouldn't but she summons her claymore.
He chuckles lightly. "I'm sorry for being a bit protective here but to be frank, Amber has been better without your presence."
"I understand that."
"Worthless Lawrence,"
Eula takes the first strike. Her claymore, however, is left behind. She takes a handful of Kaeya's collar. "Is that what this is? You might as well have said it from the start." Eula says, her voice filled with anger.
Kaeya laughs, a bit loudly for comfort.
"What's going on?"
Amber's eyes widen at the sight. Kaeya swiftly raises his blade against Eula's neck, there is no hostility in his eyes. Eula's claymore is on the floor and her hands are clenching onto Kaeya's collar. The apparent injuries on Eula only feeds the tension.
Kaeya's smile fades, "Is that my cue?" Kaeya smiles, tugging Eula's hand off of him. "Did you set me up?" She says just for the two of them to hear. Kaeya doesn't respond, his blade is quickly retreated.
"We will deal with this again some other time." Kaeya offers her a smile. Eula clenches her jaw, Kaeya turns to look at her once more. She knows what the look means. "Wait, Kaeya!" Amber is calling after him.
"I can't believe I fell for such cheap tricks." She mumbles under her breath. Eula runs a hand through her hair, her head aching. "Eula?" Amber's voice shakes her to the core.
She's afraid to meet her gaze. Eula takes a breath in. "Yes," Eula stands upright. "Are you alright?" Amber sounds incredibly worried. Eula sighs, turning to meet her eyes.
Collei is no where to be found. Eula thanks Barbatos once more.
"What happened? What did Kaeya say? I'm so sorry! I'll talk to him, don't be mad, okay? He's a good guy, I swear. He's just a bit rough around the edges." Amber is holding her hands with softness in her eyes. Eula feels her heart fill once more. She smiles, "What makes you think he did something wrong?" Eula tilts her head.
"Because you'd never do anything like that," The conviction in her voice makes Eula's knees weak. She feels like she could melt in Amber's arms.
"Wait, wait!" Amber's eyes widen. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at Dragonspine!" She gasps when Eula tugs her in for a warm hug. Eula is smiling from ear to ear. "Happy birthday," She whispers.
"You came back for my birthday?!" Amber's squeaks and Eula chuckles. "Of course I did. Didn't you scold me last year? You said it was bad manners to not meet the birthday person on their birthday." Eula recalls and Amber's cheeks flush red.
"That was different. This is work! Did you skip any work? Oh my Barbatos, Jean must be fuming!"
"You worry of such miniscule things, Amber." Eula sighs with relief. The feeling of Amber's warmth always sparks something in her. A silence overcomes the atmosphere as Amber's hands claw against Eula's shirt awkwardly.
"It's because I'm scared to be glad that you're back," Amber admits weakly.
Eula pulls away slowly, her eyes meeting Amber's once more. "Why?" She whispers, voice slightly hoarse. Amber's cheeks light up, "You already know why . . ." She mumbles and Eula sighs.
"I must truly be the worst person ever," Eula shakes her head and Amber frowns. "No, you're not!" Amber argues and Eula smiles at her. "Amber," She rolls her eyes.
"I'm serious!" Amber furrows her eyebrows. "You're sweet and caring. You're straightforward but nice. You always look out for others, especially your friends. You're diligent and smart. Hm," Amber thinks for a moment. "You always give me your jacket and pull my chair out. You make sure to ask me multiple times if I need a break when we're out on a mission. You cook for me! You teach me how to spar with my hands too," Amber nods satisfiedly. "You're a great person, Eula!"
"Plus you know so many things like language and arts and--"
Eula hugs her. "Can I kiss you?"
"What?"
"All you have to do is close your eyes." Eula says breathlessly. Amber's lips part for a moment. "Eula, I . . . Can't just--"
"It won't be for nothing."
Amber swallows her breath. Her hand slowly reaches for Eula's hand. "Do you promise?" Amber's eyes are filled with hope. "Yes," Eula answers in a heartbeat.
She could care less at this point. Amber has been her number one from the start. Amber has been there from the start. Amber has been patient, giving, and purely amazing. Amber has gifted Eula emotions she could never feel without her.
Eula knows Amber is fragile and maybe that's why she feels strength in her bones. Eula knows Amber trusts her, it is the exact reason why Amber's eyes flutter close.
"I am in love with you, Amber."
"What?" Amber's eyes snap open again.
Eula kisses her. There are no fireworks or confetti like in fantasy books. If anything, Eula's heart is aching and squeezing against her chest. There's a hole she has to fill.
But she's accepted that was a part of love too. And if she could have Amber with her? Eula would catch the stars.
Amber's lips are as she remembered. Their kiss isn't like last time, Eula notes. It's soft, it's natural -- it's love. "I love you," She says again when she pulls away. Amber's takes a breath in.
"I love you with every breath I take. I love you with every second that passes. I love you on the sad days, happy days, on the broken hearted days. I love you when I wake up and when I go to sleep. I love you as I make my coffee, as I train. I love you at every moment, every day." Eula raises Amber's hand to her lips, kissing it softly. "I love you with everything I have, Amber. It isn't much, I know that. I've accepted that." Eula's eyes soften. "But for as long as you are willing to have me, I will tell you I love you every single day."
"Lisa asked me what changed." Eula smiles. "And I thought about it," She meets her gaze once more. Those golden eyes are ones she could melt into. "Nothing has changed, I know that. My heart still aches and I know it's going to be hard. I'm still afraid," She takes another breath in. "But, lords, when love tugs at you for as long as I have endured? It is hard not to give everything up for it."
"Eula," Amber's voice cracks.
"Happy birthday," Eula summons the bow from her bag. She places it warmly into Amber's hand. A wind flourishes the moment it touches Amber's hands. "This is . . ." Her eyes widen. "Amos' Bow." Eula nods.
"I've only heard about this in books! How did you--" Amber stops herself. "More than that," She bites her lip. She clears her throat awkwardly. "I . . . Love you too, Eula." She mumbles. "I already know that," Eula chuckles heartily.
Amber huffs, "I'm just letting you know!" She crosses her arms. "Thank you, then." Eula hugs her again. Amber lets her do so, feeling her heart warm at the gesture. "I was hoping I'd see you today . . . I even went in the church and prayed in the morning,"
Eula's eyebrow raises with amusment. "No wonder, I felt so compelled to return." Eula chuckles, cupping her cheeks. "I'm sorry for all the pain I've made you go through." She says, vulnerability ebbing her words.
"Then stay with me tonight," Amber's hands grasp the bottom of her shirt. "For as many nights as you wish," Eula smiles lightly, kissing Amber once more.