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To say that these past few weeks were eventful would be a severe understatement.
But Amber doesn't regret even a moment. Okay, maybe one or two, but the majority are memories she wish to cherish for the rest of her life. All involving a fox boy she chose to help after finding him in the city.
She can still recall what their first meeting was like. The way he was so cautious and cold towards her, refusing to speak a word with her, and how he was so sensitive to the hustle and bustle of the city. It just so happened that the Ludi Harpastum was going on that day, which made it all the more difficult for him.
Amber would be lying if she said she wasn't a little disappointed that she couldn't help him enjoy the festivities, but they still found ways to have fun. Wind gliding, exploring the mountains and valleys of Mondstadt, camping in the wilderness, anything that isn't related to the city itself was something her new friend could enjoy.
And overtime, his coldness began to become a little warmer the more time they spent together. He became friendlier as the walls he built around himself wore down. The first smile he gave her was a moment she would remember for the rest of her life.
Everything else that came after was simultaneously blurry and clear in her mind. To when he told her his story, to Kaeya's...stunt against him, to the battle against Barnabas, it all happened so fast yet so slow at the same time.
And now, weeks later, Tighnari was going to return to his homeland.
Amber understood why it had to be done. Not only was Sumeru a safer place to live in for someone like him, but he was also willing to go back there. Not to mention that someone by the name of Cyno will accompany him the whole way through, and from what she heard, he was capable of fighting.
Since there was no other way, she decided to get him a parting gift, something that would help him along the journey, and one that can (hopefully) be beneficial for him later down the line.
After some brainstorming, and awkwardly asking for Tighnari's measurements three days before he had to leave, she managed to sew a cloak for him, one that fits him perfectly and also helping his hearing just a little bit.
When the day comes, she gave it to him. "This is why I had to get your measurements." Amber chuckled as she handed it over to him, watching with delight as he put it on and put the clasp on. "I hope you like it."
Tighnari played around with the cloak for a while, fascinated by how it fits on him and feeling the fabric used to create it. Amber got a lot of advice on that thanks to Lisa and a few local fashion experts around the area. Her smile grew sweeter and wider when he gave a smile at her, nodding to indicate that he was happy with it.
"I'm glad." Amber looked to the horizon beyond them. They were at Windrise, waiting for Cyno to come along once he finishes whatever it is that Lisa wanted. It was far from the city, and many pleasant sounds can be heard around the area. "I spent a while to make it perfect, I'm more used to sewing dolls, but I've had a hand with clothes too, though not as much experience with it."
Her smile became a little somber. "I guess this is goodbye. I know it's only been a few weeks but, I really care about you. And...I hope Sumeru treats you better when you return."
Tighnari looked at the ground at this, then looked up again, appearing to be conflicted with something.
Amber waited patiently for him, watching as he looked away as his lips quivered. It took a while, but he finally looked back at her, words falling from his mouth as he puts his hands on her shoulders.
"Th- Thank you, fo-for everything."
Amber's mind caught up with it in less than a second, and the next thing she knew, she felt tears prick her eyes.
Tighnari spoke. She heard his voice. Scratchy from disuse (and overuse) maybe, but it sounded beautiful nonetheless.
It may be the only time she would hear it too, so as quick as it was heard, she memorized it, her mind storing it immediately.
Amber didn't even realize she was crying until Tighnari wiped away some tears that streamed down her cheeks. His smile didn't fade, though it grew sad, like he too knew that would be the last time he would speak again.
"You're welcome." Amber whispered, her smile coming back.
They stood there for a while longer until Cyno came to the rendezvous point, and left with Tighnari.
But even though they're apart now, Amber will cherish everything they've done together, and the words he spoke of.