Chapter Text
"In twilight skies, a wandering star did stray
From distant realms of light, to earthly sway
Where dawn's first rays did gently break the day
And morning dew did sparkle in disarray
Aurora borealis danced across the sky
As celestial music filled the atmosphere nigh
With whispers soft and sweet as lover's sigh
It was a moment of pure ecstasy
For in this fleeting instant, time stood still
And all around was bathed in golden thrill
The star and dew entwined in love so true
Their union born of magic, pure and new
So let us cherish this wondrous sight
And hold it close within our heart tonight
For though the star may roam the heavens high
Its love for dew shall never die"
---
Sometimes he wonders what it is that was inside her head.
He glanced at her. Her dark-blue suit gleamed under the blue sky as she walked next to him, her hat bouncing up and down with each step she took, hand-in-hand with him at this very moment. On her face was an excited expression, as she led him through the bustling streets of Fontaine.
It was a rather pleasant afternoon in the Court of Fontaine, at the Quartier Lyonnais shopping street. But he wasn't bothered by the lovely weather, or the prying eyes of the citizens around him (that is to be expected, honestly). He was rather more concerned about the girl whom he was holding hands with.
Furina.
The flamboyant, imprudent girl who he came to love at the first place. If anyone asked him why he wanted to stay in Fontaine, it would be solely because of her.
And as he walked with her, the memories of past events before began to resurface again---
---
After the supposed "prophecy" of Fontaine's downfall, the Traveler and Paimon had a brief audience with the Iudex, Neuvillette. Now with his proper authority as the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, he now decides to stay in Fontaine for the time being, as he worded, "Justice and equilibrium will not be enacted without him around". And because of him being Fontaine's current energy wielder, the Pneumousia energy, he needed to stay at Fontain to directly supply the people with such energy.
Amidst their small chatter, Neuvillette had revealed a rather surprising revelation to him:
"Focalors deceived the Heavenly Principles, and used Furina's endless performance to save Fontaine."
With the Hydro Throne destroyed, and the position of the Hydro Archon now gone... Furina was now a normal, ordinary human again. Neuvillette had assured him that she wouldn't have to worry about clothing, food, travel or anything at all.
That was a rather comforting fact to hear, to be honest. The fact that she did not have to worry about anything - that would be a dealbreaker for most people living in Fontaine. Hell, maybe for alot of people on Teyvat.
But... will she be fine?
He was no philosopher. Nor will he ever attempt to learn about philosophy. But it doesn't take a philosopher to know that, after carrying such a heavy burden, Furina's mind requires time to fully heal.
Just like how twigs are snapped when applied with too much force, an average human's mind wasn't meant to endure for such a long time. But Furina had endured for solely 500 years, alone, without someone to share or relieve her of such a burden.
Thinking about her... Something deep inside him begins to ache.
Was it his heart?
His soul?
The emotions he's feeling right now...
Was it pity for Furina?
Sorrow? Admiration?
He gritted his teeth in frustration at the unspoken feelings inside his heart. The description was tantalizingly close, yet so far.
So after the talk with Neuvillette, as Paimon was away to look for Lyney and Lynette, he walked up next to Neuvillette, and he spoke in a firm voice.
"I'm staying."
"Pardon?" Neuvillette turned to face him, as he raised an eyebrow.
"I'm staying in Fontaine. For a while. My journey to Natlan will be an arduous one, so it's best I enjoy the scenery of this place for a while until I actually go."
"...I see. In that case, you shall be Fontaine's Honored Guest from now until your journey to Natlan. Will that be an alright arrangement for you?"
"Thanks." He forced a smile, despite the storm of emotions inside of his heart. "I appreciate that."
Neuvillette nodded, before the Sovereign unfurled a small piece of paper to him. "By the way. I can see that you are one of the closest people that Furina has ever gotten close to, so I have personally written the address of her new abode for you. Please, pay her a visit in my place. There are still currently too much paperwork for me, but I will make sure to visit her from time to time after my responsibilities."
He accepted the piece of paper, before he glanced up to the Iudex with a puzzled look. "...How did you know I was going to ask you for her address?"
"Sorry?"
"Furina's address. I was going to ask you."
"...I did not know you were going to ask me."
He only grimaced a bit, until he decided to chuckle at Neuvillette's awkwardness. "Does being the Dragon Sovereign also grant you the power to read one's minds?"
"I'm rather sure that's the God of Verdure's ability, not mine. Nevertheless, I need to return back to my work now." Neuvillette returned to his aloof and reserved attitude, before he nodded at the Traveler. "I bid you adieu for now, Traveler."
With that, the Hydro Sovereign took slow steps back to the Palais Mermonia.
---
"-ther. Aether!" A sudden voice cut through his thoughts.
He was shook off from his deep thoughts, before he turned to Furina next to him. "Ah, huh? Sorry, I was a bit lost in my thoughts."
"Mohh~ You look like you were in court, you know? With your brows furrowed and a grimacing face, that is!" Furina flicked his nose, as she pouted. Her cute demeanor has and always will catch him off guard.
Archons, how does one have the ability to look so damn cute all the time like this!
"Sorry, sorry. I was just... thinking of a few weeks before." He said, as he let out a comforting smile. "You know, that time when I visited your house for the first time?"
"Yes, absolutely. You entered right when I was done taking a bath, unclothed. You perv." Furina slapped his arm, her face taking on quite a red shade. "You're lucky that Gentilhomme Usher, Surintendante Chevalmarin and Mademoiselle Crabaletta weren't there."
"...Must you keep reminding me of that one time?"
"You saw my naked body, Aether. A lady can never forget such a transgression!" Furina huffs, her nostrils flaring. "Besides, you're lucky I didn't take that to Neuvillette and have him put you on trial."
"It was quite a view, though."
"HEY!"
The pair laughed and chased each other through the streets of Fontaine, as they spend the rest of the day shopping items, visiting Café Lutece for snacks, and generally enjoying their time together.
In his own heart, he only wishes that these days in Fontaine for him and her will never end.