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In the secluded valley of Windrise, a worn but well-cared for statue stood rested peacefully among the Windwheel Asters. The gentle breeze that could be found no matter where you were in Mondstadt carefully spun the flower petals and brushed against the tree’s petals.
A gentle chime rang through the air, and two figures dressed in white appeared at the base of the great tree. One of them immediately collapsed at the foot of the Anemo statue, breathing a sigh of relief as the statue’s familiar, tender power soothed the edges of her pain. She had grown so used to the sharp stings that came from wielding Electro and the thunder-soaked gales surrounding Inazuma that she had forgotten the comfort of the winds.
The other figure immediately began fretting over their companion, frantically moving between checking over the deep gashes in their chest and rummaging through a bag for salve and bandages.
“Why didn’t you listen to Paimon! Those Wolfhounds really had it out for you, and you didn’t have any backup!”
The Traveler waved her companion off, already feeling the edges of her wounds beginning to close.
“M-fine. You did great, distracting them long enough to get to a waypoint.”
The traveler fumbled around in the bag before pulling out a small pouch of Mora and tossing it to the pixie.
“Go get yourself something at Good Hunter. I’m just gonna take a nap here.”
Paimon looked at Lumine like she had grown a second head and sprouted a tail.
“No way! Paimon just can’t leave you here like this! What if monsters show up and you can’t defend yourself because you’re too busy napping?”
Lumine had already put her bag underneath her head and curled up under the statue’s watchful gaze.
“Paimon, you know as well as I do that monsters don’t go near Archon statues. I’ll be fine, go treat yourself. We’ll need to head back tomorrow to finish the commission.”
The last part came out slurred, as Lumine was already mostly asleep. She heard none of her companion’s complaints and failed to wake up when the pixie tried every tactic possible that verged on “rude” before eventually giving up and floating off in the direction of the city of freedom.
For the first time in months, Lumine enjoyed a sleep free from nightmares of her past, and visions of what was to come. All stress and grief drifted away, like leaves floating to the surface of water before being whisked away by the current.
She didn’t stir until the midday sun breached the horizon. Even then, she only graced the edges of consciousness before being lulled back by the smell of Cecilias and a gentle song. She flew across an endless sea of stars, always reaching for a sweet and wonderful sound forever out of reach. The promise of a never-ending sunny day lazing beneath a tree straining under the weight of ripe Sunsettias.
Quick fingers caught on a knot in her hair. The slight ache was enough to jar Lumine from her tranquility and blink open her eyes. Instead of being assaulted by the last dregs of sunlight, her vision was primarily obscured by a very familiar face.
“Ven-ti?” Lumine mumbled sleepily, and upon realizing she was laying in the Archon’s lap, felt her cheeks turn crimson. She opened her mouth to form an apology, only to be silenced by a single dainty finger pressed against her lips.
“Hush my weary warrior, and let your burdens down like water. For how cruel is a world that would mistreat its savior?”
Lumine tried to protest, but healing had taken a lot out of her and she didn’t have the energy, nor the desire to form words. It was easier to turn on her side and bury herself in the floral scent of wine, mixed with the sweet smell of apples and cinnamon. Those talented fingers returned to combing her hair, successfully pulling her back to that place where her body didn’t ache and her worries were trivial. The bard picked up a new song, basking in the warmth of his dearest companion.
“The winds have promised their aid, so rest here my lovely disciple. For any that dare to disturb you shall find their punishment quite original.”