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It was another lovely day in Fontaine. The birds were chirping, people were walking about, enjoying their day with loved ones or friends, or perhaps enjoying a nice little break from work. Fontaine was of course, the loveliest nation amongst the seven, surely no one could argue against such a statement.
Aether, hero amongst five of the seven nations, including Fontaine itself, was also enjoying the day. He sat at a table at the famous and popular Café Lucerne. He was by himself, and it seemed that he was waiting for someone that he had made an appointment with; or perhaps, was it a date? Who knew... There was nothing really odd about this, as the Traveler had befriended many during his journey, and that also included Fontaine. It was not very suspicious, nor unusual, for him to be wandering about, chatting somebody up.
What was suspicious were the two ladies that happened to be spying on observing the traveler harmlessly. One of them was clad in a fashionable black hat with gold trim, wearing a uniquely tailored yet fashionable gold and white dress with black trim and thigh-high black leather heels. Navia, President, Commander in Chief, and Boss of the Spina di Rosula. The other was in a dark blue suit with a navy blue coat that had a plumed tail that was frilled, giving a sense of elegance and grace. She wore black shoes with white frilled socks, and adorned herself with various blue gemstones and golden accessories. Atop her head, she wore a blue top hat with gold trim to it, adding to her sense of fashion and dignity. Truly, there were few that could compare to her appearance. Furina de Fontaine, the ex-Archon, fashionista, and dare one say, the most gifted actress (and director) in all of Fontaine. And what, might one ask, were they doing spying on observing respectfully, that involved the Traveler?
Well, it was no difficult task nor great mystery that both of these ladies had been smitten, dare one say, fallen for the Traveler, and thus, they pined after and desired said Traveler's company. Who could fault them? The Traveler had golden, silky hair that was elegantly and gracefully braided, along with his golden, honey-hued eyes that had a friendly, inviting warmth to them. He was well-built and proportioned. Fairly tall, but not too tall, muscular, and yet lithe and agile from his many adventures, displaying his capability in both the field, combat, but also his ability to take care of himself. His dress was interesting, otherworldly, which gave him an air of mystique and curiosity to him, and one would not be wrong to say that he dressed well and practically, hinting at his wit and intelligence. On his body, one might notice a scar or two, nothing excessive, but just enough to showcase his experience, determination, and grit; perhaps also, his capacity for humility, in allowing his enemies the opportunity to retain their dignity before being totally thwarted, one might imagine. His poise was kingly, or princely, one might say, and his posture exemplified a grace and confidence that was admirable to say the least. He was well known to be reliable and handy in many a situation, being renowned as a senior adventurer, a profession in which many men and women did not end up being old in. He could cook very well, spoke eloquently and yet with enough humility for the common man to feel that they might be able to approach him. At times, he could be observed playing with children and indulging them in their antics, displaying a fatherly quality that would be very desirable to many a young lady looking for their forever-soul-mate.
In short: Aether had a nigh-irresistible charisma and charm, and it should be no surprise that as an infamous Sumeru fortune-teller had mused, would make many fall for him. This of course, included both Furina and Navia (at the very least).
Neither of them had realized the other's presence, however, when they moved the adjust to a spot with a better vantage point to gaze at their paramour, they bumped into one another unceremoniously, realizing the situation that they were in.
"Navia?!"
"Furina?!"
"Where did you-" They both exclaimed in unison.
Realizing the predicament that they were in, and in need of a valid explanation, they both thought quickly to come up with some plausible excuse for being in the vicinity at that moment.
Navia was the first to speak up, "I was taking care of some business that the Spina had in the Court of Fontaine," she lied. Of course, the truth of 'I was busy enjoying the sight of my future husband" wouldn't really go over well, so this explanation would have to suffice.
Furina narrowed her eyes a bit, suspicious, before offering her own lie valid explanation, "Ah, I see. That makes some sense. As for myself, with the conclusion of recent events involving the Fontanalia Film Festival, I've been approached to direct several films and have been going about inquiring about the myriad opportunities. Of course, with someone as skilled as myself, and with my kind of reputation, I need to be extra thorough, you understand? Ah! Being so popular, who would know that the people would adore me so?"
Navia internally rolled her eyes and nearly gagged at Furina's arrogant nature. She knew it was part of her character, after having acted for centuries, but still...it was pretty off-putting to those that didn't know her secret, and even still, being from Poisson, Navia couldn't help but feel an instinctual bit of revulsion. She felt a bit ashamed, but, she couldn't really help it. Still, out of a desire for being diplomatic and not wanting to cause a scene, she relented and allowed the display without commenting on it.
"Oh, that's good! I happened to see a screening of The Two Musketeers. Everyone worked hard on that film," Navia complimented, causing Furina to nod in agreement, before she continued, "I hear that Aether was the one to operate the Kamera. No doubt his skill was one of the reasons for the success of the project. I also hear that the esteemed Kamisato Ayaka from Inazuma played her part incredibly well," she remarked.
Furina's eye twitched, and she had to choke back the urge to huff in annoyance, settling for a knowing smirk, instead. To the obtuse, it would seem as though Navia had given a harmless compliment, but Furina knew better, Navia deliberately left out Furina's effort in the project and highlighted Aether's contribution, and even that of a foreigner of whom Navia didn't even know. It was as though she was offering a thinly veiled insult at the ex-Archon turned director: Aether's the one who allowed your incompetent self to greatness, not your own efforts.
Spina di Rosula (Thorn of the Rose) indeed, you little witch, Furina thought.
Furina offered a hearty laugh, as she often had when acting, in response, "Ah, well, yes, everyone, including myself, worked very hard and graciously on Xavier's project. A shame that you couldn't have also contributed, indeed. But how could I have resisted Aether's earnest plea to one so equipped to help him, such as myself? We worked well together, one could say even as partners."
This time, it was Navia's turn to receive a verbal-slap, from Furina, this time. It was as though Furina was saying 'I was the one to come to Aether's need, not you, you useless little sewer-rat mafia-princess'. The fact that she had the gall and shamelessness to use a moniker that she knew was important to Navia, "partner", was infuriating to the blonde.
Furina continued the assault, not wanting Navia to get the upper hand, "I also heard that you received aid again from the Traveler involving a certain associate from your organization that had been recently let out of the Fortress of Meropide. A pity that Aether has to devote his precious time to such trifles, alas, he is charitable indeed," she insulted.
Navia's eyes were lit aflame with a quiet rage, her hands clenched, barely containing her animosity toward the diminutive director. This uppity little brat. The nerve. To say such things when Aether bailed her out of the prophecy and offered HER charity and a chance to preserve her dignity at the opera house...
Never one to dwell on the blows that life threw at her, the ever-resilient Navia smirked, disguising her anger and instead retorted, "You're indeed right, Furina. Aether graciously allowed me to lean upon him both figuratively, and quite literally as he professed that we were, as you so eloquently put, partners, from his own mouth. I seem to also recall that he insisted in carrying me in his arms," Furina visibly tensed up at that, "Why, we even posed for pictures and a person might have mistook us for a couple, neat, huh?"
Furina's eyes burned with jealous fury, her teeth clenched so hard that she was surprised that she didn't crack a tooth. She had to admit, Navia was indeed quite the rival to be up against. Still...
Dropping all pretense, Furina reached for her sword, her vision twinkling, "So that's how it is? Have at you, you Fleuve-Cendre gutter rat!"
Navia didn't skip a beat or hesistate, herself, hand gripping her axe while her geo vision sparkled to life, "With pleasure, you drama-loving little harpy! Unlike the theatre this won't be an act!"
Before the two could come to blows, they heard a voice calling out in the distance, "Aetherrrr!~ Long time no see!~" It was a feminine voice... The two stopped mid-swing to look in Aether's direction to see who it was that he had been waiting for.
A relatively petite girl wearing a red and black outfit that most in Fontaine might deem to be a little scandalous with how little it covered her, practically skipped about towards Aether, waving in his direction. She had lime green colored eyes, a cute face, and...were those antlers? She absolutely wasn't from Fontaine, and the two rivals noticed the pyro vision that she had. So she was vision bearer. Was she an adventurer... or something else? Furina and Navia put their fight aside for the moment and silently fixated on the newcomer as she sat down with Aether, and the two were served cups of tea and some light desserts were brought out before Aether and his new guest.
"Yanfei! Glad to see you! It's been a while, too long even?" Aether replied. "I ordered some tea and desserts for us while we catch up, I hope you like them. They're a big hit with the locals," He suggested.
The seemingly young lady giggled in response, causing both Navia and Furina to cringe She knows exactly what she's doing, that little...
Yanfei smirked playfully, "My my, I see that you haven't lost your gentlemanly charm ever since you left Liyue to continue your journey, Aether. I graciously accept your hospitality."
Liyue... So this girl was from Liyue. Those antlers then... was she one of the fabled adepti, those illuminated beasts of demigod-like power that protected the Nation of Contracts? Certainly, if she was one, Aether would be on good terms with such beings. He befriended Neuvillette and the Melusines in Fontaine, after all.
Yanfei continued, "And yes, it has been too long! What's this I hear about you participating in not one, not two, but three cases in the Opera Epiclese without consulting your lawyer friend, hmm?!" She playfully punched Aether's shoulder lightly, feigning a hurt expression on her face before smiling at him and casually playing with her hair.
Ugh. How blatantly disgusting how she flirts with him! Navia and Furina thought simultaneously.
Aether held his hands up in a guilty gesture while looking sheepishly, "Hey now! I did pretty well for myself! besides, it was on a short time limit, and for once, it wasn't me that was being accused if you can believe that! Although, they Hydro Archon did try to arrest me, but a magician of whom I became quick friends with bailed me out," Aether recounted.
She's a lawyer? Does she go to work looking like that? Shameless... the two rivals thought.
Navia cast an accusing glare to Furina, causing the ex-Archon to awkwardly flinch and look away.
"Hey...it was part of my act, I couldn't read the future, alright!? I had to make myself look good and establish dominance!" Furina whispered in a frustrated response to Navia's glare.
"...Good job," Navia sarcastically retorted, rolling her eyes.
"Why you!" Furina seethed.
"Shhh! Hush and focus up. We need to hear what they're talking about," Navia insisted, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
The two refocused their attention on Aether and this "Yanfei" girl that seemed to know their love interest a little too well.
Aether and Yanfei sampled the tea and desserts, and Yanfei concurred, they were quite good, alright! She preferred Liyue's culinary specialties, but she could appreciate the value and skill of the dishes from other nations. The two chatted for a bit, catching up and making small-talk before Yanfei cut to the chase.
The young half-adeptus cleared her throat, "So Aether, the other reason that I'm paying you a visit-"
Aether held up a hand, interrupting her, "Say no more, It's been a while since our last session together," He finished the thought, causing the Liyuean lawyer to nod in agreement.
LAST SESSION TOGETHER?! What kind of session?! And why were these 'sessions' involving the two of them?! Panic began to spread like a virus within both Navia and Furina. What was this girl to Aether?! They needed to know, and fast!
"Definitely! I've been so stressed lately from my caseload and I really missed when you'd help me relax, if you catch my drift," Yanfei replied with a giggle.
What drift?! What is she giggling about?!
Aether laughed, "Yeah, I get it. I booked a room in Hotel Debord which is nearby. I thought that's what this was about. I've picked up some new techniques in Sumeru from Madam Faruzan as part of my payment for helping her out with a problem she was having with the Akademiya."
Who was this so-called 'Madam-Faruzan'?! Why was Aether speaking so casually about this?! He was long lived...but did that mean that he took these sorts of things so lightly? Was he secretly some kind of Casanova? A womanizer? Techniques?! WHAT techniques?!
"He...booked a hotel room?" Navia asked to no one in particular, despair filling her voice.
"...And he learned techniques from another girl...stars above..." Furina added, dread, apparent in her tone.
The two looked at each other, an intense gaze and silence followed. After a few moments, they both nodded at each other.
"Until we discover just what on Teyvat is going on here, we'll form a truce, alright?" Navia suggested.
"Indeed. This little strumpet from Liyue can't be allowed to steal Aether's heart away. A truce it is."
They shook hands, sealing the contract between them.
"Lady Furina? Miss Navia? What are you two doing here, and why are you acting so suspiciously?" A voice behind them inquired, startling the two peeping toms.
"Neuvillette?! What are you doing here?!" Furina half-whispered, attempting not to cause a scene.
The Chief Justice looked around and saw Aether sitting with what he believed was a charming young lady, the two presumably on a date. Neuvillette found the scene to be quite cute, if he was to say so himself. He was happy for the Traveler, Aether deserved rest and good company for all that he did for Fontaine. He then turned his gaze on the pair of voyeurs, understanding the situation entirely, and sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You two do understand that eavesdropping and stalking could lead to charges being pressed against you, right? Why don't you leave the traveler alone instead of spying on him?" He suggested.
Furina and Navia both glared at him in disbelief, "We aren't spying on him, " Furina corrected, "We're making sure that a foreigner isn't infiltrating our nation to bring harm to our people."
Navia nodded in agreement, "That's right, the Spina di Rosula needs to make sure unsavory sorts don't cause trouble in the city."
Neuvillette arched an eyebrow in suspicion, "Is that so? Perhaps I should get the Marechausse Phantom involved, and inform Aether of your virtuous operation, then?"
The two rivals' eyes widened in shock, "You wouldn't!" They both said at once, in panic.
Neuvillette crossed his arms, "I might, if you two do not leave him be. This is clearly part of some ridiculous rivalry that you two have involving the Traveler. Whatever you are doing, do not let it cause a breach of the peace. I want to believe that you two can conduct yourselves like the adults that you are. Now, I must take my leave as I have a trial to attend. I expect the both of you to behave yourselves according to the law. No going around accosting Aether's friends, understood?" He asked.
Navia and Furina looked away, as if they were children that got caught doing something naughty, "Fine." They both relented.
"Good." And with that, Neuvillette walked off to catch the aquabus slated to depart for the Opera Epiclese.
"We're totally going to disregard all of that and tail Aether and this little trollop from Liyue, right?"
"Obviously. I disregarded most of what Neuvillette said over the decades anyways."
"That explains a lot."
"Oh, shut up!"
The two were almost going to start another catfight when Aether and Yanfei got up after the bill was paid and they had finished their refreshments. They began to walk to Hotel Debord, causing Navia and Furina to hurriedly follow after them while doing their best to maintain secrecy and stealth and not look like the totally creepy stalkers that some might mistake them for. No, this was all in the name of love, and justice! Or...they would argue as such.
Aether and Yanfei entered the hotel with Aether carrying a fairly sizeable bag, and unbeknownst to them, they were followed by Navia and Furina. The pair made their way up to the room that Aether had booked in advanced. Navia and Furina bribed paid for a room next to the Traveler's room with the insistence that it was a matter of national security and to definitely not inform anyone to which the shocked hotel clerk agreed to out of fear, perhaps not of some plot, but of the murderous glares that he was receiving from both ladies. The two large bags of mora for his silence were also a good motivational tool, he had to admit. What strange figures, he thought, before shrugging and returning to his duties.
Furina and Navia could hear Aether and Yanfei disappear into their room, and heard the door lock behind them, causing a mild panic in both women, but they steeled themselves for whatever gods-forsaken atrocities were about to happen. If the worst happened, they'd just have to bare their teeth and suffer through it.
Aether set the bag that he had brought on a table that was near the bed in the room, and began taking out various implements needed for massage therapy. Various lotions, oils, and some towels. He had also brought some candles and an adeptal music player that Cloud Retainer had gifted him for helping out Ganyu and Shenhe. She called it the Supreme Music Machine or some-such name. Weird. However, it was handy, Aether would admit! He also had to admit that he had grown to enjoy learning how to give a proper massage, it was strange at first, but being able to offer relief to someone who was stressed, or hurt, and could really use it was something that he was grateful for being able to offer those troubled souls in need. Truly, a worthwhile skill to pick up on his adventures! With Yanfei having such a high profile job that she had, stress often came with it, and she was ever so grateful that Aether was willing and able to help her out! Why, it was very fortunate, one might say, that Aether's skill, and Yanfei's needs came together so nicely. Surely, nothing ill could come of this, right?
Navia and Furina settled into their own room. Navia sitting the bed, while Furina sat on a chair. Both of them displaying nervous ticks, Navia tapping her fingernails on a nightstand, while Furina softly tapped one of her feet while crossing her arms.
Shortly after, they began to hear something...
"I'll make myself more comfortable and get undressed while you get ready, Aether, hand me a towel will you?" Yanfei asked.
Both of their eyes shot open like an animal caught by a predator: Undressed!? And what the hell did she need a towel for?! Was it to hide the villainy of their lustful actions?!
"Sure thing, 'fei." Aether replied.
'FEI?! He had a nickname for her?! A pet name?! Just how close were they?!
"Wow, you sure are prepared with the candles, how romantic!" Yanfei joked, giggling. Soft and pleasant music could be heard beginning to play in the other room.
Navia and Furina looked at each other with a very primal level of fear in their eyes, silently, mouths agape.
Candles?! Music?! Archons above! This was really it! They were really going to go all the way!
"Okay, Aether, I'm ready whenever you are," Yanfei announced.
"Alright 'Fei, I figure we could start with this oil that I was introduced to in Sumeru, should feel quite pleasant," Aether suggested.
OIL?! For what?! Navia and Furina's imaginations were running wild with what could possibly be going on in the other room.
"Oh yeah, that feels so soothing, Aether! Don't be afraid to get deep in there if you need to, I'm an adeptus, remember, I can take it!" Yanfei assured Aether.
DEEP?! DEEP HOW?! Navia and Furina both put a hand over their mouths to stifle any cries of despair or terror that threatened to get out.
"No worries, 'Fei, I'll be sure to give it to you good, you're in good hands," Aether reminded her.
"Speaking of hands, you're quite skilled with them. Gosh, this feels amazing! Keep going, just like that," Yanfei said, shameless pleasure could be heard in the tone of her voice.
Furina's eyes began to shimmer with water, tears threatened to escape them, "Dear god, this is a nightmare," She whispered. Navia wasn't doing too much better, fighting bitterly to hold back her own tears. She beckoned Furina over to her and the two held each other to console each other over what they were bearing witness to.
Thud. Thud. Thud. They could hear the bed frame lightly hit the wall next to their room.
"Oh yeah, that's it, Aether, just like that."
"Wow 'Fei, you're tighter than usual, I guess it really has been a while since we did this, hasn't it been?" Aether asked.
"You could say that again! This feels amazing though, don't you dare stop!" Yanfei commanded.
"Your wish is my command, 'Milady," Aether joked with a laugh.
That should be ME in there experiencing heaven! Navia and Furina both thought. It's over. It's really over. Surely the Traveler would have met many people who would be interested in him, but to shamelessly indulge in such things?! Why couldn't it have been me?! They both lamented.
"Ah! Aether, I'm so close, ah that's it!"
They could hear this shameless little Liyue lawyer let out a satisfied moan before the room quieted down.
Navia and Furina, both mentally and spiritually destroyed from what they had suffered through, pulled themselves together and left hurriedly from the hotel. Too stunned, shocked, and dismayed to say anything until they were far enough away from that den of debauchery. That nest of naughtiness. That salon of shamelessness.
Navia looked at Furina. Recently, she saw her as her rival in love for Aether's heart, but seeing as both their dreams were shattered, and they both experienced such torment, Navia could feel nothing but shared pity, and a strange sense of camaraderie with the petite ex-Archon. She put her arm around Furina, causing the girl to look up in shocked surprise at her, when she noticed Navia wearing a tired smile on her face.
"Navia?" Furina asked.
"Hey. Let's go get some ice cream. My treat. It's going to be okay, alright?" Navia suggested, attempting to console not only Furina, but herself as well, though, she wasn't so sure that she could be convinced at this point.
Furina nodded, summoning all of her will power to smile despite the pain in her heart, "Navia?"
"Hmm?"
"You're...a good friend, you know that? I'm sorry we fought earlier. It was stupid and petty of me. I apologize."
Navia rubbed Furina's shoulder lightly as they walked to the ice cream store that Navia fancied, "It's okay, I said some really horrible things as well. I should have known better."
As they walked and neared the ice cream shop, they saw Clorinde outside with an ice cream cone of her own, no doubt enjoying a treat as a little pick-me-up after her latest job.
Clorinde noticed the two of them, and the state that they were in and immediately grew a little concerned, "Hey you two, what's wrong? Is something the matter?" She inquired, concern in her voice.
Navia explained what happened, and a realization dawned upon the Champion Duelist upon hearing what had happened. She decided to be a little cheeky with them, in a rare, and uncharacteristic manner before revealing to them their own ignorance and stupidity.
"Is that so? I must say, that sounds about right. Similar to the experience that I had with the Traveler not too long ago," Clorinde mused, feigning being deep in thought with her hand on her chin.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY, CLORINDE?!" Both Navia and Furina shouted in shocked rage, exchanging their sorrow for anger. Clorinde was a seasoned Duelist and a warrior, though, and she was steeled and prepared to where little could take her by surprise.
She nodded, "That's indeed right. Felt amazing, too, he's gifted, that's for sure," She declared shamelessly with a smirk.
Navia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her friend. Her supposed friend, betraying her so completely like this, after all that they had been through and after just now repairing some of the damage done from what happened between Clorinde and her father...
"Clorinde...why? Why would you do such a thing? I can't understand...we were childhood friends. How could you do this to me?"
Clorinde tilted her head slightly, "Why? Well, I heard from Aether's friend, the very same Yanfei on one chance meeting as they were together, that Aether gave fantastic massages, so I figured one day when my back was a bit sore from dueling in the Arena that I'd ask him for one. He was generous and agreed. I have to say that she was right and he indeed is quite skilled at giving massages. Fixed me right up, it did. You should ask him for one, one of these days. He says that he enjoys relieve others' stress," she suggested, her smirk deepening at what was about to happen.
"Wait what?! A massage?!" Furina asked, in shocked disbelief.
Clorinde stifled a laugh, at last, they figured it out, "Yes, you idiots. A massage. That's what was happening in that room. Although, truth be told, neither of you should have been stalking him to begin with, and his business with or without his friends is his own, you weirdos," She remarked. "Honestly, you're lucky that I don't go to Neuvillette with this and teach you two a lesson about respecting other people's privacy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off now, I have a few more errands that I need to take care of. Enjoy your ice cream, ladies," She insisted with a smile, shaking her head before laughing as she departed.
Navia and Furina stood silently in front of each other. They were utterly at a loss for words for their situation.
A massage. A gods-damned massage?! We suffered all of that for nothing?! What a minute, that means... Aether wasn't involved with the adeptus. That means that he was still available and on the market for a girlfriend.
Navia extended her hand diplomatically, "Come on, Furina. Let's put our rivalry to rest for today. Let's have a ladies day and relax after all that. Archons know we need it," Navia offered.
Furina took her hand and shook it, extending their so-called truce for the moment.
Today was a very tiring, and trying day. Tomorrow, they could begin anew. But for now?
The two ladies walked into the ice cream shop and had only one thing in mind: ice cream. Aether could wait until tomorrow, where a new battle would begin.
THE END!