Chapter Text
Yet another commission from Katherine did she accept.
Lumine had been accepting quite a lot of them recently and she’s been doing them diligently with her brother, Aether.
After a long journey throughout Teyvat, she had finally found Aether and the Abyss had been defeated – or rather, the truth had been discovered and their hometown, Kaenri'ah, had been recovered. This was the end of her journey to find Aether and found him she did.
It was like going back to good old times, travelling around Teyvat with Aether, helping people and discovering more of the world with each commission.
Aether had told her that he had business with the Cryo Archon and left for Snezhnaya. As much as Lumine wanted to follow him, Aether merely commented that it wasn’t anything important and asked her to spend her time with Paimon. Paimon on the other hand decided to abandon her for a trip with Xiangling to try out a new cuisine she was inspired to cook from having tasted Sumeru’s signature dish.
At last, Lumine was left to do commissions by herself.
Her commission led her to Mondstat, or more specifically, to Starsnatch Cliff. Flora commissioned someone to collect a fresh batch of Cecilias and the traveler was the only one who was free to do it. With a basket in hand, she made her way to the cliff. She took in the sights, smells and sounds as she walked there. The hillchurls were no hurdles and it wasn’t long before she made it to the top of the cliff.
Quiet and peaceful.
The sounds of the wind were like a gentle tune that accompanied her throughout her journey. She made it a point to buy an apple for Venti some time soon. The weather was so pleasant that Lumine couldn’t help but roll over the soft grass, surrounded by the smell of Cecilias. Her eyes closed in silent appreciation. Even with her eyes closed, she could feel the soft rays of the sun basking over skin.
Not a few moments later, Lumine felt the warmth disappear making her crack an eye open.
She scowled the moment she saw that familiar grin and overconfident expression. “You’re blocking the sun, Childe,” Lumine said, her cheeks puffing in a pout.
“Hahaha~ my bad, comrade.” Lumine sat up while Childe took his place next to her. “I didn’t expect to meet you here. Here for a commission from the Adventurer’s Guild?” He asked, eyeing the basket of flowers by her side.
“Yeah. What about you? I never thought I’d see you in Mondstat, and here out of all the places.”
“Just doing some collections,” Childe shrugged and Lumine took it as loansharking.
“Who in the world… you know what, never mind. I don’t want to know,” Lumine said, cutting herself short.
“What happened to the little one?” Childe noticed that the usual flying companion with one too many words to say wasn’t around.
“Paimon got herself hooked onto Xiangling by the stomach when she said she wanted to bring her around to test taste some of her newly inspired recipes from Sumeru. She’ll be away for a few days.”
“What about your brother?”
“Aether went to meet with the Tsaritsa. I thought that you’d know about it,” Lumine replied. If there was anyone who would know what and who the cryo archon was meeting, it would be Childe. Yet, from the way he blinked his deep blue eyes in surprise, Lumine figured out that maybe that wasn’t always the case.
“I haven’t heard anything about that…” Childe held his chin as he became lost in thoughts. but it didn’t last long. With a shrug, he stood up, brushing his pants of any debris before stretching a hand out to Lumine. “And it is not my business to pry into unless my queen wishes it.”
Lumine smiled, nodding. “I suppose that’s true.”
Aether had already promised her that he wouldn’t be going far away from her anymore and she has faith in him. Lumine ignored the hand given and stood up on her own, brushing her white dress of any dust. “I shouldn’t be wasting any more time here with you. I’m worried if I stay here longer with you, you might think that I have time to spar with you, which I don’t have the time for. These Cecilias need to be delivered soon.”
Childe laughed and grabbed her basket before Lumine had the chance to take it. “Then, let me escort you there, my lady. I’m sure no robbers or monster would dare attack you when I, the eleventh Fatui Harbinger, am your guard “
Lumine rolled her eyes although she couldn’t help but snort at the cocky attitude of the Harbinger. “Then, I’ll leave it to the mighty Harbinger to carry my oh-so-heavy basket of flowers.”
“You can leave it to me, young lady,” he replied with a cheeky wink.
Childe and Lumine made their way back to Mondstat, taking in the sights of their surroundings. It was a pleasant walk and Childe was a well-versed conversationalist. It was no wonder he could keep up with Yoimiya whenever they spoke to each other. Even Lumine wouldn’t be able to keep up.
It wasn’t long before they reached Mondstat, completing the day’s commission with no trouble. In return for helping her carry the flowers, Lumine treated Childe to a meal at Cat’s Tail.
The lively atmosphere of the restaurant put the two fighters at ease, savoring the heartiness of the food served. “This is a really good bar, girlie. I’m surprised I’ve never tried this place before.”
“Even though you’ve stayed here before?” Lumine tilted her head quizzically.
“I’ve only ever stayed at Goth Grand Hotel and I pity the poor man for having to put up with the Fatui’s rowdiness. They do get a little… hmm… heated when discussing certain topics,” Childe spoke, swirling the juice in his hands.
“Heated? That’s an interesting way to put destructive,” Lumine retorted. She remembered the times when Mr Gogh lamented to her about the Fatui’s behaviour when they stayed at his hotel. From broken furniture to noise complaints, the poor man suffered a great deal before a large number of them were transferred to another Harbinger. Since then, the hotel owner had a little bit more of a breathing room.
Childe gulped down the last of his juice and pushed his chair back. Throwing a bag of mora to Margaret, the Cat’s Tail owner, he waved at Lumine. “My treat since you showed me such a good place for a drink. I’ll see you next time, girlie. Let me know if you ever come to Liyue. I’ll bring you on an exciting date!”
Like a whirlwind, he left behind an astounded Lumine. She didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye, her hand hanging in the air. Sighing, she sat back down and continued nursing her drink.
Date?
Lumine wondered if her meeting with Childe and them going around completing the commission was considered a date. It certainly felt like the kind of date they would go on but having constantly traveled with Paimon, she had never considered if an outing was a date or not. At least it was never explicitly told so.
As much as she used to distrust Childe, he has shown and proven to her that he really respected her, especially after he helped her navigate through Snezhnaya when she first arrived there. It was actually thanks to him that she managed to seek an audience with The Tsaritsa and learn the truth about the secrets of Teyvat. A meal was barely enough to thank him and she swore to herself that the next time she sees him, she’ll definitely thank him properly.
******** ********
The next meeting between Lumine and Childe came earlier than she thought. Going back to collect Paimon from Xiangling in Liyue, she was walking past the waterfalls of Mt. Tianheng when she noticed someone sitting on top of the stones of the waterfalls. Initially, she panicked, thinking that they were going to jump but when she trained her eyes and looked closer, she noticed it was Childe. He was twirling a gingko leaf between his fingers, seemingly lost in thoughts.
“Childe!” Lumine called out to him.
Childe’s ears perked up at his name being called, beaming in a wide smile before jumping off the cliff. Lumine couldn’t help but gasp even though she knew full well that Childe would be fine.
The Fatui Harbinger slid down the waterfall with ease, avoiding the jagged rocks that stuck out from the rushing waters and going with the flow of the falling waters. It didn’t take long for his stunt to end, reaching where Lumine stood, hands on her hips, pretending to be unimpressed.
“Did you have to do that?” Lumine retorted. “Show off.”
“What guy wouldn’t want to show off to such a pretty girl?” Childe shrugged his shoulders, his usual overconfident smile showing off his smugness.
Lumine rolled her eyes before hitting his shoulder and walking towards the direction of Liyue. “Wait for me, girlie!”
In two long strides, Childe managed to catch up to her and was forced to slow his pace so that he’d match with Lumine’s strides. “What brings you all the way here to Liyue? You didn’t mention coming over any time soon.”
“Xiangling said Paimon’s starting to miss me so I’m going to collect her,” she answered. “And why should I tell you when I’m coming to Liyue?”
“Hahaha~ you make it sound like you’re picking up a parcel.”
“I mean, she is my emergency food so I can’t leave that behind, just in case you know.” Lumine winked at him, making Childe laugh.
“Roger that, Ms Honorary Knight.” They were approaching the gates of Liyue Harbour and Childe stopped in his tracks. “Hey, do you have time? When are you supposed to pick Paimon up?”
“Actually, tomorrow but I feel sorry for her so I’m coming to pick her up today instead. Why?” The traveler narrowed her amber eyes at him in suspicion. Her years at Teyvat made her a little more wary when they ask too many questions.
“I have something to show you,” he replied.
“What is it?”
“It’s a surprise. And I hope you didn’t forget what I said the last time.” Judging by the furrowed brows, Childe gave Lumine an aggrieved look, feigning hurt. “How could you, girlie? Didn’t I say I would bring you on an exciting date.”
His child-like grin had her relenting with an exasperated sigh, nodding at his request. Childe took her hand, holding it firmly as he led her towards the direction of Yaoguang Shoal. The monsters were easily cut down by Childe, using only one of his water blades. Lumine didn’t have to lift a finger, not that she could do much with only one hand. The entire way there, he didn’t let go of Lumine’s hand, not even once.
By the time they reached there, the sun was almost setting. Childe brought her to a cliff that overlooked Yaoguang Shoal. To the west was the mountain of Dragonspine while on their east, a statue of Morax faced Mingyun Village, supposedly to protect them from any dangers.
“What are we doing here?” Lumine asked, hand still occupied by Childe.
“Come on, sit down with me,” Childe said, pulling her down next to him. “Just sit and watch.”
When the sun set, red and orange bathed the waters of Yaoguang Shoal, the light reflecting off the water and shining it at Dragonspine. The usual cold, dull grey of Dragonspine lit up in a fiery orange, painting the entire mountain orange, almost similar to the color of his hair.
Lumine watched the scene stunned and mesmerized. She finally had the time to sit down and appreciate sceneries after she had found her brother and this was one, she wanted to take her time to appreciate. Yet, the fleetingness of the sun set put an end to her enjoyment and brought her back to reality.
“That was beautiful,” Lumine sighed, still lost in the mirage of the view.
“I know right.” Childe sounded smug and it almost had her smacking him.
“Since that’s over, I should head back –”
GRUMBLE
Lumine was cut off by her own growling stomach, her face turning bright red. Childe burst out laughing, holding his sides. “Stop laughing!”
“Hahaha~ sorry, sorry. I’ll stop,” he said, wiping the tears away. “Follow me, I’ll treat you to something to eat.”
Lumine assumed that he would bring her to Liuli Pavilion, forcing her to endure her hunger all the way back to Liyue Harbour. Instead, he led her to a nearby camp set up, books splayed about and a camp fire set near it.
“I’ll whip you up a real good meal, girlie. So just sit tight and wait for me. It won’t take long.”
And like he promised, he made what seems to fish skewered and grilled over a fire quickly. Lumine watched him as he cooked, the familiarity of his actions like he’d cooked outdoors many a times.
And the first bite of the grilled fish tasted like heaven. Maybe because she was hungry, it tasted better than usual and Lumine couldn’t help but moan in delight. “Mmn~ This is delicious~ I’ve had grilled tiger fish so many times but yours is different, in a really good way.”
“Back in Snezhnaya, my father often brought me fishing so if it’s about grilling fish, I don’t think I’ll lose out to anyone else.” Lumine was tempted to retort his confidence but after tasting the simple yet delicious grilled fish, she decided to let him have this small compliment. Childe was telling her about his family, how Teucer still talked about her and asks him when she will visit him. She never managed to visit Teucer like she promised because so much had been on her plate when she first arrived at Snezhnaya.
Lumine nodded at his every word, not really listening. With her stomach full, her eyes were beginning to feel heavy. She’d been running around completing commissions while waiting for her brother. She thought if she kept busy her brother would come back to her faster. Now that her guard is down and she’s completely relaxed, the exhaustion hit her.
Without meaning to, her tired body started to tilt to one side, her eyes slowly closing.
Before she fell to one side, Childe caught her without saying a word. He’d sensed that she wasn’t listening up to a certain point and seeing her falling fast asleep after eating, he was probably right to talk up a storm to put her to sleep.
“If you’re tired just say so, girlie,” Childe said softly before tucking her in the sleeping bag inside the tent.
It was at that moment Childe could really study Lumine’s features. There was a kind of innocence to her beauty but beneath her exterior was a warrior. She was more than just a pretty face; she has charisma, she has intelligence and what more she has strength, more than enough of that to defeat him time and again.
Childe stared at her for a long time before he pried himself away from her and stoked the campfire, meditating and honing his senses. As a fellow warrior, she had gained his highest respect and nothing would be able to change that.
……
“How dare you forget about me?!” Paimon snapped, stomping her foot midair as she puffed her cheeks in anger. “Paimon kept waiting and waiting but you never showed up, Lumine!”
Lumine’s memories of the previous night was hazy; she remembered eating Childe’s food while listening to him boast about his siblings. Everything after that was a blur. She could only conclude that she fell asleep from his nonstop boasting. But when she woke, she was tucked into a sleeping bag, was warm and well rested.
“I said I was sorry, Paimon,” Lumine apologized, her palms pressed together with an apologetic smile. “I’ll make you your favourite frosted slimes, alright? So, forgive me.”
At the mention of frosted slimes, Paimon’s anger slowly dissipated and was replaced with a hungry look in her eyes. “Alright, since you’re insisting, I’ll accept your apology. Don’t forget your promise!”
“Of course.” Lumine giggled at the small flying companion of hers.
After returning to Liyue Harbor, Childe excused himself and left for the Northland Bank to settle some of his business; but not before making her promise that she’ll see him sometime this week for a spar. Lumine felt a little disappointed to see him go. Whether she admitted it or not, she enjoyed her time with him, be it when they’re sparring or when they’re just spending time together.
Paimon and Lumine left Liyue, heading towards Sumeru. Just as they were about to leave Liyue’s landscape, Aether appeared from a distance.
The sight of her brother had Lumine’s expression brighten up as she ran towards her brother. “Aether! I missed you!”
Lumine jumped at Aether, who caught his sister in a hug, chuckling at how clingy she had become. But who could blame her when they’d been separated for so many years?
“I was only away for a few days, Lumine,” Aether commented, patting the top of her head.
“Still! I can’t help but worry we’d be separated again…” Lumine’s pout and childishness had Aether laughing softly.
Aether pat her on the head. “Don’t worry anymore. I won’t leave you alone anymore.”
“Promise me.”
“Promise.”
“Anyways, I came back because I have good news to share.” Aether held his sister by his shoulder, an excited glimmer in his golden eyes. “Khaenri'ah, I’ve finally learnt how we can go back home, to where we belong.”
Aether gave Lumine his brightest smile, proud and thrilled. As much as Lumine had longed for home, she couldn’t feel the same excitement as Aether, for reasons she couldn’t name at that moment. Something throbbed in her chest, tightening fiercely, and her first thought was of Childe.
If she left Teyvat, does that mean she won’t be able to see him anymore?
Traveling between worlds at least took them every few years to change from one world to another, sometimes up to ten years. If she left now, she might only come back a decade later. At that point, Childe would have grown and she would have remained the same for Khaenri’ah’s time does not flow the same as Teyvat.
The stirring emotions in her chest made her wonder exactly what it meant. But one thing was for certain.
He was human. She was not.