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Greetings! I'm y/n, a florist from Chenyu Vale. I'm writing to inquire about the Akademiya and its courses about biology, specifically botany. I'm interested in enrolling in some classes, but it's a big move, so I wish to know more before committing to the idea.
I'll attach my personal details under this so someone can send me a response. Thank you in advance.
The letter was sent with excitement and hope. It passed through several hands, until it ended up in the hands of someone who lives and breathes botany.
~
Hello. We're happy to hear people from other nations are interested in studying in Sumeru. The Akademiya has all sorts of options for those who wish to learn. The entrance exams are a challenge, however, so we recommend preparing for it well.
Attached to this letter are a select few documents I often use in my teachings. I hope they're of use to you. Do send another letter if you wish to proceed.
~
She eagerly read through the attached documents. The questions weren't very hard, but some of the text took a couple reads.
So, she got comfortable in her study, grabbed some books, and made sure she understood everything.
When she did, she sent a ‘thank you’ letter, politely asking for more documents.
~
“Heyy, Tighnari, the folks directed another letter to you.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“Why don't they deal with this stuff themselves?”
“Master Naphis is often busy, so these more down-to-earth matters are occasionally delegated to me. It can be a bit of a nuisance, but sometimes I'm positively surprised.”
Tighnari accepted the letter from his friend, who ended up as a mail carrier again.
“Oh, it's the same person.”
“Someone with a grudge? No, wait, is it a secret admirer~?”
“Just someone interested in enrolling. I sent some documents over last time, and she's already asking for more.”
“A bunch of nerds, all of you, hehe.”
Tighnari just deadpanned at him, and started gathering more documents to send.
~
By her third letter both Tighnari and the assigned-again mail carrier Sethos recognized her envelope and handwriting. Sethos stopped in front of Tighnari's house and did his usual playful knock.
The response was a barely audible ‘come in’. Sethos stepped in, finding Tighnari bedridden.
“Whoa, are you okay?”
“..Yes, just a bit queasy.”
“Well, that's good, I guess. What happened?”
“Ugh, heatstroke. Collei and I went to get some samples…”
“Glad she was with you, then.”
He waved the letter in his hand.
“Anyway, the same person wrote again. You still haven't scared her off, huh?”
“I haven't sent anything particularly difficult yet. Besides, she seems to find the documents interesting.”
Sethos was about to hand the envelope to Tighnari, but he gestured towards his desk instead.
“I'm in no condition to read or write right now. Mind being my secretary for a minute?”
“What's the hurry? Couldn't it wait until you're feeling better?”
“She's on a roll, hungry and excited to learn. I don't want to make her wait. Besides, I already have some documents ready from my previous lecture.”
“I can't deal with you sometimes”, Sethos huffed, but walked to his desk to sit down to read the letter out loud.
“‘Thank you again, master Tighnari. Your letters and documents have been a great help. I've already gained a completely different kind of appreciation for the flowers I see every day. It's like they're sparkling now that I know more about them.’ Pft, she drew some nice sparkly flowers here.”
“She does little doodles every time. Continue.”
Sethos grinned, cleared his throat dramatically, and continued reading.
“‘We seem to be following a lesson plan, so please send over whatever documents you find most fitting. Kind regards, y/n.’”
“See? She enjoys learning.”
“Heh, apparently.”
“The documents are in the top drawer. I've pinned them together.”
Sethos dug around, and once he confirmed they're the right ones, he folded them into a new envelope.
“I don't usually write back much. Just, I don't know, tell her that it's nice to teach someone who's so enthusiastic, even if remotely.”
“You got it, boss.”
Sethos grinned, and began to write.
Hiya, your usual mail carrier here! Tighnari is currently bedridden - just heatstroke, he'll live - so I'm his secretary for a bit. He wants me to write that “it's fun to teach someone who's so enthusiastic, even if remotely”. We'll try to keep an eye on him, so you just focus on your studies and flower shop, ok?
He tried not to grin mischievously as he drew some sparkly little flowers too, and slid the letter into the envelope.
“You rest now, I'll go drop this off. Okay?”
“Yes, thank you.”
And so he did, and went to run to the city, fast on his feet like always.
~
She was surprised to see the little doodles in the usually official-looking letter she got, and it made her smile that someone had noticed and maybe even liked her own doodles.
She did the work as always, went through everything properly, and stopped to do more research if something stumped her.
Eventually she wrote back, putting down her thoughts on the documents and her occasional question. She continued her little drawings, and this time doodled some on the envelope itself, as a little nod to the mail carrier secretary person.
~
Sethos immediately recognized the envelope again when it was handed to him. Seeing the doodles on the cover made him smile in surprise, and he soon ran to Tighnari, as had become a habit by now.
“Knock knock, your long-distance student wrote again.”
“I’m here, come in.”
Sethos stepped in, finding Tighnari at his desk.
“Hiya. What'cha working on?”
“Some assignments for Collei. She has an exam soon, so we're hard at work.”
“Got time to write to our florist friend?”
“To be honest, not right now. Could I ask you to write for me again?”
“Eh, maybe this one time”, Sethos grinned, not really minding the request.
He settled down on Tighnari's bed with paper and a pen, and read her letter first. He asked Tighnari the questions she had written down, and recorded the answers to the best of his ability.
Heyy, I'm playing secretary again! Tighnari didn't really give me anything to write, though, so I'm winging it, heh. He's busy with some assignments for another student of his, so you have to deal with my chicken scratch. Oh, I'm Sethos, by the way. Not actually a mailman, or a secretary, I just do a lot of errands. Anyway, good luck with your studies!
P.S. Your doodles are fun.
He added some sparkly flowers again, and even a cute little rishboland tiger doodle.
He gathered the appropriate documents with Tighnari’s help, and sealed the envelope.
“Your smug expression is making me doubt your professionalism”, Tighnari said, squinting his eyes.
“What? Me? I'm as professional as a non-professional can get”, Sethos just laughed in response.
“I'm doubtful, but you wrote last time too and she replied, so you can't be too bad.”
“See? I've got it, teach.”
~
To no one's surprise, Tighnari wrote the letters from then on.
But, to y/n’s surprise, Sethos started doodling on the envelopes instead. When Tighnari sealed them, he took them back to the city, and did a few tiny doodles on their back before sending them forward.
Then, one day, Sethos was handed two letters instead of one. The usual proper letter for Tighnari, and one that was addressed to him. He chuckled softly and sat down to read it.
Seems like master Tighnari caught you meddling with his professional letters, eh? Haven't heard from you since the tiger doodle.
“Heh, her tiger looks way better than mine.”
We're practically friends by now, and if I'm going to move to Sumeru to enroll properly, it'd be nice to actually know some people beforehand. So. Hi, officially. Sethos, a silly errand runner guy? I'm y/n, florist, Chenyu Vale, Yilong Wharf. Here's a doodle of me.
“Wow, she's good.”
No pressure to reply if you don't want to, you just felt like a friendly person so I decided to be brave and try. As a friendly little offering, I put in some locally made tea and a drawing I did of some fluff-fleece goats we have around here.
Your friend(?), y/n
Sethos smiled softly as he read the letter and studied her drawings. He's definitely going to write back.
He immediately got to work when he got home that evening.
Hello! Heh, yeah, we're friends. I do have an actual job, too, but I just like to run a lot of errands. It's fun. And I get to meet tons of people, as you can see.
I'm friends with Tighnari and his previously mentioned other student as well. Her name is Collei, she's young but very hardworking. Our usual group also has Cyno, the General Mahamatra (a judge/cop I guess?) who seems intimidating but is actually really funny.
I'm from the desert, but I live in the city now. I do like hiking, though, and often end up finding lost or troubled adventurers everywhere. Sumeru is never boring, heh.
I'm not as good at drawing as you, but here's a scribble that's supposed to look like me, hehe.
Your friend(!), Sethos
~
Sethos’ letter was received with a surprised grin. She wasn't sure if he'd write back, after all.
Hi! I visit Fontaine a lot, and get a good view of both the rainforest and desert from up there. The trees are scarily big and the desert is so vast I'd definitely get lost there. There's plenty of pyramids and temples from what I can tell, and I'm super curious about the blue bubbly tree towering over everything! It's really pretty.
I wouldn't call my exploration of Chenyu Vale hiking, but I do walk around a lot. It helps me relax and appreciate the beauty of nature and all that. I also walk to pick up my flowers from several locals who grow them.
I included charms made of clearwater jade for each of you. There's a jewellery merchant in my neighbourhood who makes them. I would like to learn more about what you and your friends like, though, so whenever I'm inspired to send little gifts, they aren't something none of you care about, hehe.
Anyway, until next time!
She did related doodles all over, like the shapes of the biggest temples and the bubbly tree she loves. She then sealed everything and sent it on its way.
~
Hiya! Yeah, the desert is big, and there are temples and ruins everywhere. Lots of people want to go digging for treasures around there, which is why I keep running into half dead adventurers trying not to get buried in sand. I'm still not sure whether it's funny or sad.
The big bubbly tree you're talking about is called “Harvisptokhm”. The area around it is pretty, I do recommend visiting the Vourukasha Oasis sometime if you get the chance. It has its roots (hehe) deep in Teyvat’s history, but that's way too much for a fun little letter like this. The ruins in the desert are also proof of times long gone. It's fascinating.
But, back to the here and now. Tighnari is all about plants, as you know. Collei is often busy, but I think she likes sewing? Cyno… consider this my warning; he's obsessed with Genius Invocation TCG. Do with that info as you will.
They all liked the charms you sent, by the way. Collei and Tighnari prepared some bookmarks for you as thanks. The pressed flowers are a Sumeru rose and a kalpalata lotus. Cyno… sent some starter cards.
As for me… I put in a mourning flower I picked a while back. They grow around the previously mentioned oasis! I'm not too familiar with plants, but these ones are funny to me.
~
Hii!
My studies are going well, even if it's just to prepare for actual classes. Maybe someday soon I'll actually be able to become a real student there, hehe. The questions occasionally stump me, but it's nothing too difficult, so I'm still excited.
I'm planning on visiting Fontaine again soon. I often go to get some Fontainian flowers in my shop, they're so different from all other plants. Some even look like they're made of water!
…hehe, sorry, I'll switch off from nerd mode. So. Do you have other hobbies aside from hiking? I like to go out to watch performances at the local teahouse. We have a Wushou Dance Troupe here, they're fun! I can't really play any music myself, but I do enjoy singing on my walks sometimes, hehe.
The flowers you guys sent were amazing, by the way. Absolutely made my week. And tell Cyno that I'm learning how to play his beloved card game. Emphasis on “learning”...
Anyway, have a nice day! :)
~
Hello hello!
Every time you sound more and more like our local nerds, hehe. You'll fit right in.
Hobbies? I like cooking, it's especially fun when I gotta be creative on my hikes. Sometimes it ends up amazing, other times… barely passable.
We have a theater here for performances as well. One of our friends is a dancer there, we go watch her shows sometimes. She even performed during our Archon’s birthday celebration! You’ll have to visit the theater too sometime.
I do like to entertain myself with a lyre on quiet camping nights, too. The clear starry sky above, campfire crackling, meat grilling and some soft tunes… Ah, there aren't many things better than that.
~
She noticed the stupid, brief tinge of jealousy at the mention of the dancer friend, but immediately stifled it. She barely knows the guy, getting jealous is just insane.
She slapped her cheeks and sat down to respond.
Stars, food, music and a campfire? That does sound perfect. Especially in the desert, I'm assuming. Unobstructed view of the stars, the warm fire when the night starts to get cold…. You're almost making me jealous, hehe.
(That was closer to the truth than she'd like, but she left it in anyway. It's not like he’d suspect another meaning for it.)
That reminds me of my childhood, actually. Me and my family climbed up to one of the mountains nearby, and we had snacks and tea while seeing the sights in every direction. My parents are enjoying their retirement now and travel as much as they can, and my siblings have their own jobs so I rarely see them either.
Well, that's what growing up does to a person, I'd assume. Not to sound like an old person though, I'm a young adult, I swear, hehe.
~
Family hiking trips? That sounds nice. Now I'm jealous. Hmm, no, desert camp nights are still better, hehe.
My grandfather often took me camping, hunting and exploring. He taught me everything I know, even combat. I'm a force to be reckoned with, you know!
Do you ever need to fight? Chenyu Vale must have its own share of monsters and predators, after all. Sumeru has tigers and fungi, and the occasional treasure hoarder or hilichurl. I do occasionally use my trusty polearm, but I think I prefer my bow. Electro bolts are preeetty nifty in defending oneself, hehe.
He hoped the playful boasting distracted her from the lack of mentioning other family members.
~
As I do walk alone a lot, I have had to learn basic self defence skills. Dendro isn't that useful in combat by itself, but a few swipes of my claymore usually do the trick. I can be a destructive force too if I wish, I'm not just flowers and sparkles either!
(Here's a doodle of my beloved blade!)
Your grandpa sounds nice. My parents taught me a lot, but they were more interested in herbs than flowers, so I've had to do tons of studying growing up. I never knew my grandparents, I think they lived closer to Liyue Harbor.
Oh, I'm finally going to visit Fontaine tomorrow! Another plant run, but I'm gonna go see the magic show I've been hearing a lot about.
Master Tighnari's also been sending tougher assignments, but I guess that means that the exam is getting closer. Wish me luck!
~
Dendro, eh? You'll really be right at home in Sumeru, then. Both Tighnari and Collei also have dendro visions. Me and Cyno wield electro ones. Easy aggravate teams!
I bet your parents’ teachings were useful despite everything. Collei is studying medicinal herbs too, I think. She wants to help others. You'd get along well, I know it.
“She was honest about sad things too, so maybe it's okay for me too. Just a little.”
I can't remember my actual family, I was raised by my adoptive grandfather. I'm not complaining, though, he was wise and kind. And patient - apparently I was a wild kid, heh. I still get comments about being difficult to control to this day.
I've also heard about the magic show, I think. The twins, right? Fontainian tourists often recommend them to locals here. I hope that it was fun!
But yeah, Tighnari mentioned that the entrance exams are approaching, I think he'll talk more about the logistics in his next letter. Good luck!
~
The Fontaine visit was great as always, and the magic show was amazing. I even got a signed card from Lyney - Lynette isn't very big on fan meetups, hehe.
Wild kid, eh? So was I. Climbed trees and kept spooking the goats and people's pets. Oops. I've calmed down, though. Calm as the breeze~
That's me trying to calm myself down by the way. Entrance exams next week, it turns out. I've been cramming to the best of my ability, but running a shop at the same time is tough. But I'm tough too, so I'm managing!
So, apparently I'll be coming to Sumeru next week. There will probably be plenty of others coming for the exams too, but keep an eye out, maybe we'll meet face to face.
Here I come, nation of wisdom!!
~
Sethos was both excited and nervous for her. This exam could mean big changes for her, after all.
Well, he was also excited and slightly nervous to meet her. He has plenty of friends and great social skills, sure, but it's a new thing for him to only know someone via sending letters. They're friends, though, so he's mostly excited.
He did his best to stomp down the nervousness, because it was making him act weird. He couldn't help looking around all day, trying to figure out who matched the doodle she had sent ages ago.
He was just excited to meet his new friend, that's all.
He wasn't wondering at all whether she'd really be just as fun, nice and spunky as she seemed.
Turning around to look at another group walking past him, he forcefully turned his soft smile into his usual friendly grin, and exchanged polite greetings with them.
~
Eventually, when the test was finally over and she could relax, she started walking around town to look for her friends. It didn't take long for her to be stopped by a young guy with big canine ears and a tail.
“Hi there. You're one of those who came in for entrance exams today, right?”
“Y-yes, I am.”
“My friends and I are looking for a particular student, and you seem to match the description I got. Would you happen to be y/n?”
She was stunned, and grinned excitedly.
“Yes! That's me!”
“Good, I thought so. Come on, let's go find the others. I'm Tighnari, by the way.”
“Master Tighnari? It's so nice to meet you! Thanks for all your help, I've learned so much!”
“It's nothing big, really. But I'm glad you're enjoying learning more about botany.”
They continued their nerdy but friendly chatting as they walked around the city. They ran into Collei, who was speaking to - and apparently trying to escape from - a twin tailed lady. Tighnari exchanged a few polite words with her, and when she finally left, he introduced y/n to Collei.
“I-I've been wanting to meet you! We're practically classmates, after all”, Collei smiled softly.
“Heh, yeah. Me too. I've heard so much about you guys, it's great to finally have faces for the names!”
She couldn't help looking around for the other two people she knew. Well, maybe she was a little more excited to meet one than the other, but still. She was grinning.
“I have an idea where Cyno might be at this time of day”, Tighnari sighed, and led the way to what seemed to be a cozy café.
On their way down the ramps, however, they heard someone running down to catch up with them.
“Tighnari, wait! Have you seen-”
The steps slowed down and soon stopped. The group turned around.
“Seems you have”, Sethos grinned widely, eyes immediately finding y/n’s as he approached the trio. He turned to her. “Would you happen to be my nerdy florist pen pal?”
“You certainly look like the one Sethos drawing I was provided. Messy hair and all”, she replied, immediately smitten with his beautiful green eyes.
“And you look exactly like your cute little doodle.”
She laughed softly and held out her hand, still looking into his eyes. He really liked her smile already, and happily shook her hand. It was soft compared to his slightly calloused one.
“Nice to finally meet you, Sethos. I'm y/n.”
He did his best to hide how his smile threatened to widen.
“Welcome to Sumeru city. We've been waiting for you.”
The other two pairs of eyes watched them with amused smiles.
“One more to go, then. If we have any luck, he won't make us play Genius Invocation when we find him”, Tighnari sighed.
They weren't lucky, but at least they had cafè goods to ease the pain.
~
When the first reds and oranges of the sunset started to paint the sky, it was time for y/n to start heading back home for the night.
“It's been amazing to meet you guys, but I have to go”, she smiled sadly.
“We can definitely fit in one more game”, Cyno tried to protest. She had been the weakest denier, so she ended up playing several games with him. It was certainly a way to relax and make friends, at least.
“I really should go, I want to walk while it's still somewhat light out. Sorry, Cyno. I promise to play more next time.”
She then turned to Tighnari.
“When will I know the results of the exam?”
“Within two weeks, I'd say.”
“You know your stuff, you'll definitely get in!” Sethos nudged her, and Collei echoed his words as well.
“Yeah, you got it!”
“Hehe, I sure hope so. Sumeru is amazing, I can already imagine living here.”
She then gathered her things and got up.
“I'll see and hear from you guys again, no matter the results, okay?”
“Of course. We're friends now”, Tighnari replied, and the others nodded.
“Bye for now, then. I'll miss your faces!” she laughed, made eye contact with Sethos specifically, and finally headed out with friendly waves from both parties.
When she was gone, everyone turned to Sethos. He just crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back in his seat.
“Told you she was nice.”
“She was”, Tighnari nodded.
A moment of silence.
“You can walk with her to Vayuda Harbor, you know. We won't make a big deal about it”, Tighnari sighed and leaned forward to rest his chin on his hand. “I'm pretty sure she wanted you to, anyway.”
Sethos looked at his friends, and couldn't help the heat rising on his cheeks when he saw the hint of smugness on Cyno's usually expressionless face.
“It’s only polite to walk your new friend to the harbor”, Collei added, trying to make the situation less awkward.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm going”, Sethos finally agreed, exhaling heavily to cover his eagerness to run after her. He excused himself swiftly, and dashed after her once he was outside.
~
She sighed sadly as she hoisted her bag on better and headed towards the back gate of the city. She was going to miss her new friends. Well, she already did.
When she heard the quickly approaching steps behind her, she couldn't help but turn around with hopeful eyes. Sethos easily caught up with her, immediately more awkward than he thought he'd be.
“I..thought I should walk you to the harbor. The path isn't very clear and all that”, he tried to explain himself.
“Aw, thanks. It's been a while since I've walked with someone, so it was difficult to ask, hehe.”
Sethos pocketed his hands, and led the way, his smile now undoubtedly wider than usual.
“So. How'd you like the gang?”
“You described them perfectly. Can't wait to meet them again.”
“Just them?” Sethos found himself saying.
“Eh, I could tolerate seeing your face again too, I guess”, she grinned back.
“Yours is very tolerable too, I suppose.”
He was surprised by his own words. Was he flirting??
Slightly flushed, he cleared his throat and directed the conversation elsewhere.
“Did you run into any trouble on your way here from the harbor?”
“There were a lot of others walking, too, so not really. I did notice a group of cute little mushroom guys at a distance, but nothing happened.”
“That's good, then. But you could have defended yourself, of course.”
“Of course.”
She materialised her claymore in her hands and dramatically held it towards him.
“Very dangerous indeed”, he chuckled, and held the tip of the blade to look at it up close. “It's very nice. Where did you get it?”
“My parents brought it for me from the Windblume festival in Mondstadt a few years ago.”
“That’s sweet.”
He took out his beloved bow, and held it towards her.
“I got this from my grandfather. I'm not sure whether he made it, found it or bought it, but I still treasure it.”
She ran her fingers along the bow, studying the design.
“It's really cool. Can I try shooting?”
“Sure, now I wanna see that”, he shrugged playfully and handed her the bow and an arrow.
With little effort, she drew back the string, and aimed at a log nearby. She was strong, but not good at aiming, so the arrow flew into the ground nearby instead.
Still, Sethos was impressed.
“A little practice with aiming and you'll become an archer yet!” he grinned and walked out to pick up the arrow. He also took the chance to force himself to look away from her for a moment.
She was nice, fun, smart AND strong?
He'll be in trouble at this rate.
“Would you like to try my claymore?” she chuckled and held the blade out to him. He shrugged and took it, testing its weight in his grip.
“It's a quality blade for sure.”
He did a few swings, certain that it could cause serious damage.
“I prefer moving swiftly, which is difficult with a heavy weapon, but you'll definitely be able to protect yourself with this.”
“Hehe, yup. I'm not super fast anyway, so I'll make up with strength. I carry a lot of flower boxes for long distances, you know.”
She playfully brought her arms up to flex them for a moment, but relaxed once Sethos handed her claymore back to her.
“You're a very interesting person, you know”, Sethos grinned.
“Right back at you, buddy. You seem like a people person, but still somehow mysterious. I dunno.”
“Guess we gotta continue getting along to uncover each other’s secrets, huh?”
“Eh, doesn't sound too bad”, she chuckled.
They walked in silence for a moment, both looking around with content smiles. When she knelt down to look at some flowers, he couldn't help but admire her. Her eyes sparkled, her smile was warm as ever, and he wanted to run his fingers through her soft, shiny hair, maybe even style and braid it…
“This one is really pretty. A Padisarah… right?”
He jumped when she spoke up, immediately looking anywhere but at her.
“Y-yeah, I think so.”
He awkwardly scratched the back of his head as he forced himself to look at the flower and answer properly.
“It is. It can be used to make Padisarah Pudding, heh.”
Her expression brightened even more. Archons, he was in trouble.
“I gotta try that next time then!”
She looked at the flower for a while longer, and eventually stood back up.
“Had to nerd out for a moment. I'm back now.”
“I'm used to being around plant nerds at this point, you know. No need to apologize.”
She chuckled softly in response.
“Heh, thanks. I'll try my best not to drown you in botany jargon, anyway.”
“I am beyond grateful”, he joked, but wouldn't mind seeing and hearing more of her nerdiness. It was cute.
Some time later Sethos stopped walking, noticing something moving somewhere close by. She stopped too, confused and immediately on edge.
“What is it?” she whispered.
He carefully looked around them, eventually determining where the sounds came from. He immediately relaxed.
“Just a rishboland tiger. It's keeping watch, but doesn't seem ready to pounce.”
She followed his gaze and found the tiger. Sethos gestured for her to continue walking so they'd leave the beast be.
“They're cuter than I thought they'd be. Also somehow they look like you.”
“That sounds like a compliment, so thank you, but how, exactly?”
“I dunno. The eyes, maybe? Something in the vibes or colors? I have no idea, actually.”
“Well, I'll take that, anyway”, he chuckled softly, slightly flushed at her odd yet kind words.
“Are they dangerous?”
“They’re very territorial so they do sometimes jump down from their hiding spots to ambush people, but they aren't that bad if you're quick enough or know how to defend yourself.”
“Wow. Gotta keep my eyes open when walking, then.”
“That's always good.”
Eventually they started approaching the harbor. It had taken a good while, but it was still too soon.
She turned to look at him.
“Thanks for walking with me, Sethos. You didn't have to do that.”
“It's nothing, really. And, well, I wanted to, anyway.”
His face gained color for the hundredth time that day, but so did hers.
“You're so sweet. I'm glad we met, hehe.”
“..Yeah. Me too. You're great company.”
“Aw, thanks. You're making me blush”, she practically giggled.
He unconsciously brought his hand up to scratch his face.
“Right back at you…”
A moment of awkward, but happy silence.
“Ah, the boat looks like it's gonna leave soon.”
“True, you should hurry.”
She didn't move at all.
“I'm gonna miss you guys.”
“We'll miss you too, but you're definitely getting accepted into the Akademiya. We'll be seeing you again very soon, I know it!”
“Heh, you're the best.”
She tentatively held her hands out, asking for a hug. He happily complied to her request, not able to ignore the way the contact made his chest tighten, even if the hug was very brief.
“Now go, or you'll miss your boat. We'll be here, waiting for you.”
“Yeah. I’ll see you soon, Sethos.”
“...Yeah. See you soon.”
They waved goodbye, and went their separate ways for now.
~
Some time and a few letters later, the exam results came out.
She was accepted.
It didn't take her long to delegate her shop to a worthy successor, pack her things, and move over to the dorms in the city.
Her new friend group was already waiting in the harbor to help carry her things. The move went smoothly, thanks to them.
Sethos’ enjoyment of running errands was obvious now that she saw him in action. She was just doing her own things, but kept running into him everywhere, and always stopped to exchange a few words.
Everyone could see how much they enjoyed chatting. Tighnari, Cyno and Collei had front row seats, but kept their teasing to a minimum. Usually.
With time the group grew closer, and the two especially so. Now that they weren't limited by distance, they hung out a lot, and casual physical contact became a normal thing for them. A bit gross, sometimes even sickeningly so, yet still somehow cute. Hair ruffles, nudges, pokes…
Sethos’ wish to style her hair also came true, and it was just as soft as he had imagined. She was very happy with the result, too, so he could definitely do it again. As soon and as often as possible, really.
~
One day - to no one's surprise, really - he stopped her for a chat, and handed her a familiar looking envelope.
“We don't need letters anymore, do we?” she grinned, but accepted it nevertheless. “Want me to open it now or later?”
“...Now, preferably.”
She nodded, and excitedly opened the envelope. The only thing inside was a pressed rainbow rose bookmark.
“Aww, thank you, Sethos, I love it! Where'd you even get this? They only grow in Fontaine”, she gasped, marveling at the colorful flower.
“I had to pull a few strings, heh. But it had to be this one.”
She carefully studied the bookmark. It was truly beautiful, and she'd definitely treasure it. She was grinning happily, until she looked back at him.
He was looking at her, more nervous than she'd ever seen him. His eyes flicked back down to the bookmark, and then up at her.
Then it clicked.
“Have you, possibly, maybe, been looking into flower languages or something?” she asked shyly, almost whispering.
“Yes”, he replied simply.
“..Is this what I think it is?”
“..Yes.”
“..Are you sure?”
“..Rainbow roses represent passion and.. romantic encounters, so… Yes.”
She turned the bookmark in her hands, shy but impossibly happy. She then took a book from her bag, carefully placed the bookmark inside it, put it back, and reached for his hands.
“That was such a sweet yet cheesy move.”
“I've been working on this for a good while, you know. But it was worth it.”
A tender and blissful moment of silence.
“Heh. I never knew falling in love could be so easy”, she smiled, blindingly bright.
He brought their joined hands up and tentatively planted a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He couldn't stop the stupid grin and soft flush rising on his face.
“Me neither. Yet here we are.”
“Here we are, indeed.”