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It was approaching midnight, the world asleep and dreaming. It was still, it was peaceful… for the most part.
If one were to walk by a certain cabin, they’d hear the sound of thrumming echoing throughout the lodging. Precise, methodical, maybe even mechanical. And if one were to peek inside, then they’d see a certain Fatui Harbinger who was supposed to be dead drumming their fingers, completely zoning out.
Ever since she was resurrected, she’s been feeling… unfulfilled. A strange feeling for her given the circumstances. It wasn’t as if she’s never felt unsatisfied before (courtesy of Alain’s handiwork), but she successfully saved the world. She completed the formula that her predecessors couldn’t and brought Columbina back too.
(There was a brief moment when she woke up where she worried if Columbina got through safely… that was quickly shown to be unfounded when said Moon Goddess all but tackled her to the ground in tears. Not that Sandrone would admit to feeling such a thing.)
So why did it feel like something was missing? Even Pulonia was salvaged, who’s been duly watching her stare at the same page of her notebook for the last hour.
“Ugh, what the hell am I doing,” she closed the book and leaned back into her seat, staring at the ceiling as countless thoughts ran along her processor.
Given her revival was a state of ambiguity. Arlecchino refused to tell her about the state of the Fatui and her duties as the seventh Harbinger other than that the Tsaritsa had no outstanding orders. Any more probing only received curt rejection.
Despite that, Sandrone wasn’t one to sit still. It must’ve gotten to a point as eventually the Knave followed up with “Relax, not just anyone has the ability to gain a second chance. Don’t be so eager to waste it so quickly.” There was a faraway look in her eyes as she said that.
Sandrone stopped asking not long after that observation.
She clicked her tongue. With the excitement of her success mostly faded, there wasn’t much else for her to do but be tormented by her thoughts. Truly vexing it all was.
Her eyes drifted towards the lone candle on her desk. It was freshly lit near the start of the night, now it was reaching the halfway point. She could do with a change of setting. She lifted herself off her chair, casually striding towards the balcony. Pulonia’s gaze followed, ever so observant of his liege. Placing a hand on each handle, she tugged inwards.
With some effort the twin doors yielded, slowly granting her a view of the outside as they scraped along the floor. Similarly, the world outside was given entry in the form of the silvery moonlight that speared through the opening. It wasn’t long before the whole room and herself were bathed in its splendor.
The sound of insects buzzing and chirping crawled in shortly after, waves crashing against the shore thundering in the distance.
Sandrone continued onward, eventually grabbing the railing as she observed the brilliant city from afar.
Fontaine… when was it she last spent meaningful time here? To come for reasons beyond a quick supply refresh? A convenient rest stop? It was almost funny, the first time she stayed following Alain’s death was due to her own death.
‘…’
Whatever, she was here now and wasn’t leaving any time soon.
She relaxed against the railing as she moved her gaze upwards. A cloudless night and a full moon, the true moon. She recalled the first time she saw it, the celestial body she devoted everything to bring past the false sky. The first thought she had upon viewing it was:
‘Beautiful.’
A small part of her was happy with being able to see the true appearance of what she could call her lifelong companion. To return the favor that the moon granted her in the form of company over the last 500 years…
How puerile.
The wind sighed, the gusts ruffling the hair she didn’t tie up as it pierced through her attire. Her dress shivered, but she didn’t. She felt the cool sensation of the breeze flow by, but her internal heating system simply increased to match it. A near-perfect homeostasis she spent a long time perfecting. Regardless, she felt inclined to ask for something to fit the occasion.
“Pulonia? Make me a cup of coffee.”
The sound of gears interlocking and shifting began behind her, soon followed by a faint hum as heavy footsteps echoed through their residence. It was a spare accommodation that Arlecchino had, far away from prying eyes and curious minds. Sandrone was glad for the privacy. Never considered herself the sociable sort.
In the stillness of the night, she admired the view in peace. It wasn’t long before the scent of freshly brewed coffee soon filled the air. If she closed her eyes, she could almost imagine she was back in Alain’s workshop, still learning from the lens of a man burdened by the weight of a world that had nothing left for him.
Alain… her foolish yet genius creator. He wasn’t buried too far from here if she wasn’t mistaken. The anniversary of his death had already passed but Sandrone felt inclined to visit anyway. To let him know that she managed to solve the formula, that Pulonia was able to complete it. Though she imagined if they met again, he’d be far more interested in her and what she’s been up to.
Would he have been surprised by her joining a group like the Fatui? Been happy in her choice in keeping Pulonia for the past 500 years? Saddened by her choice to sacrifice herself? Knowing him he certainly would have understood why she did it. It was all done in the pursuit of knowledge. She didn’t regret any of those decisions, but the idea of Alain’s remorse had her wavering. Just a bit.
She frowned, since when was she so sentimental?
Sandrone brushed them aside, though there was one thought that lingered.
Would she ever hold someone in such a regard as Alain did with Mary-Ann? Of course, she had no siblings, the closest being Pulonia but that was hardly a comparison. While she was able to follow in Alain’s footsteps, notably in the research department, she was never able to grasp that guilt and affection he had for her. An expression of love so deep, it was tangible in the form of herself.
‘…’
Pulonia was taking longer than expected, perhaps she shou-
“Mora for your thoughts?”
A clear, soft-spoken voice cut through her thoughts not unlike the wind to her dress. A voice she was (unfortunately) deeply familiar with, and one she expected to hear far sooner into the night if she were to be honest.
“Hmph, and where did you learn that one from, Columbina?” She turned around to face her companion. The one she traded her life for to bring back. Her eyes immediately focused downwards. In Columbina’s hands was a cup of coffee. Another flick of her eyes showed Pulonia back in his standby mode, awaiting his next orders stolidly. That would explain the delay.
Upon meeting Columbina’s eyes, they lit up in thrill. Sandrone almost did a double take.
Right, she actually took off that lace blindfold these days.
“Jahoda! She said it to me one day, then looked at me confused when I told her that she didn’t need to pay for that,” Columbina warmly mentioned, “Once she realized she laughed it off and explained it was just a saying, that she was willing to listen if I wished to share.”
Columbina fixed her with a look, “You look like you have a lot on your mind.”
Sandrone just stared at her, eventually rolling her eyes as she beckoned Columbina to come closer. “Fine, but only because you have my coffee.” Columbina happily obliged, handing over the steaming mug. The heat quickly seeped through her gloves, but she paid it no heed. She took a small sip.
“Hmm, this isn’t too bad. I should check how Pulonia brewed it for future reference,” she idly commented. Columbina gave a sly grin in return, mirth dancing in her eyes.
“Oh? I’m glad to know my coffee making skills have improved since then!” Columbina exclaimed in cheeky glee and genuine pleasure.
Sandrone gave her a flat look.
“You mean to tell me you made this?” Sandrone had a hard time believing that this scatterbrained girl who once didn’t understand currency could even operate a coffee machine.
Said girl just nodded happily, “Yep! Before Pulonia got started, I appeared and told him to leave it to me! He let me take over with some supervision before heading back on standby.”
And since when did Pulonia consider Columbina someone allowed to do such a thing? She was aware Pulonia was reactivated before her but didn’t think to check what happened during that time frame. She tacked that to a reminder set for the future.
Huh, when did Columbina show up anyways? Surely she would have heard if she entered through the door. Sandrone shook her head, deciding to chalk it up towards some lunar goddess antics. Speaking of which, the current lunar goddess was still looking at her with expectation in her eyes. Let her address that.
“Really? I changed my mind, this coffee is terrible,” she deadpanned, enjoying how the other girl’s face fell in response.
Columbina pouted, “You don’t mean that, do you?” Sandrone only smirked, choosing to sip her coffee while turning to look off into the distance. How nice it was to be the one with the upper hand for once.
A sigh and a few steps later and Columbina was standing next to Sandrone, the two of them watching in silence. The wind picked up, colder than most people would tolerate. Of course, they weren’t most people. Most people didn’t come back from the dead or the past.
Sandrone wasn’t too sure how to start. After their teary (note: all on Columbina’s side) reunion, Columbina made herself scarce. As surprising as it was, the logistics of her revival and the aftermath of her death demanded attention promptly, and once that was done Columbina was already gone.
“So, keeping yourself busy these days?” Sandrone almost cringed as the words came out. She turned to look at her who was watching the faraway city with a complicated gaze. Curious, as far as Sandrone knew Columbina had no business with the nation. Was it due to the proximity to the Iudex? Or was it perhaps related to…? Her thoughts drifted as she thought of the theatrical Hydro Archon.
Ah, it would be incorrect to call her by that title now. She’s heard about what traversed in Fontaine. The prophecy, the flood, and of course, the execution. The plan that Focalors bet everything on was audacious at best, disastrous at worst. Sandrone doubted she could come up with something like that, to play the fool for so long that even they would fall for it. She had to respect the love dedication the late Archon had for her people. But enough of Focalors, for the one she held some regard for wasn’t the goddess.
The one person (and only that she’d allow) that called her Mary-Ann… Possibly the only one left who truly knew her back when she lived in Fontaine. The first besides her inventor who saw her as a unique person. Who showed her a form of love separate from the one Alain had for her.
Sandrone avoided her since her departure, since she joined the Fatui. She wasn’t entirely sure why, perhaps she didn’t want to ruin the image of the Sandrone that Furina had. Back when she was new to the intricacies of the world. What a silly notion, as it turned out Furina endured more than she could have ever imagined.
She should pay her a visit, it’s been a reunion long overdue. Sandrone vaguely recalled seeing a poster with Furina’s name on it, something about an acting troupe? From what she’s heard around the city, she seems to be happy with her new humble, human life.
Sandrone felt something strange at that thought, like her gears jammed suddenly. Furina had something to live for, free from the obligations and responsibilities. It was simple, but it was hers.
Where does that leave her? She who played God and altered fate? She who even triumphed death? Such accomplishments yet she has nothing to show other than a faint scar burned into her circuitry and knowledge that the heavens would condemn.
How utterly risible.
“-ne?”
She blinked, turning to see Columbina watching her with faint concern.
“Oh, forgive me Columbina, I just… got reminded of something. What were you saying?”
She gave a noncommittal hum, “You asked what I’ve been up to, I was recounting what I’ve been doing since… We last talked.” Columbina briefly broke eye contact before continuing.
“I turned to face you and saw you weren’t paying attention. It’s interesting, up close I can see when you are unfocused. The gears in your eyes remind me of the lens of a kamera,” she mused.
Was Columbina always so observant?
“But it’s not like you to be so lost in thinking other than when you are trying to solve something. Unless you are…?”
Sandrone huffed, “No, if anything it’s the lack of having things to solve that is getting to me. Spending my time idly waiting isn’t exactly my cup of tea.”
“It’s good to take breaks, you know. I remember hearing Lauma chiding Nefer for not resting enough, especially after what happened with Rerir.”
“Oh please, I think my death was more than enough of a break.” Sandrone regretted saying it the moment it left her lips. Columbina flinched, immediately looking away. The wind stilled, as if curious to see what would happen next.
“… Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” She quietly apologized. Sandrone wasn’t anticipating such a strong response. Was death a touchy subject for her? That was a valid assumption considering what happened in Nod Krai.
Columbina shook her head, “It’s fine, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you came back,” her voice unsteady. Sandrone had a feeling that the statement wasn’t only directed at her, if at all.
Maybe she spoke more, but the wind howled, and all noise was carried away by its currents.
Sandrone looked back towards the coffee she had cradled in her hands. Not a single trace of warmth left. Just how long have they been out here?
As the winds calmed, Sandrone prepared to speak.
“Ah, I was talking about what I’ve been doing right? I think it’ll be a lot easier if I showed you instead.” Columbina interjected, tilting her head towards the night sky.
“Say Sandrone, have you ever wondered what it is like to be on the moon?”
The trip went by in a haze, Sandrone attributed that to sensory overload. Or maybe it wasn’t meant to account for self-aware mechanical beings. Either way Sandrone could innately tell that she wasn’t on Teyvat before she even touched the ground. No thanks to her gyroscopic stabilizers whining about the change in gravity.
Sandrone looked down to see moon-dust settling near her heels where they landed. A quick survey of her surroundings revealed… nothing really. Other than craters of various sizes, the terrain consisted of low hills blanketed in hushed grays. Everything was some shade of gray actually. She was half-tempted to take a quick sample of the soil but decided against it.
She turned to look at Columbina.
“Welcome to the moon! This is where I spend most of my time, what do you think?” She beamed, eyes filled with a childish excitement.
“It’s… quiet,” Sandrone didn’t know what more to say that wasn’t demeaning, but she wasn’t about to write off this place when it was meaningful to Columbina.
Columbina snickered, “I’m just messing with you. Here, let me show you what I’ve been working on these last few months.” Columbina’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. Sandrone blinked, and now they were suddenly in front of a huge palace. Since when could she do that?
“This is what I’ve been occupied with,” She proudly revealed, “It’s still incomplete, but I think it’s going nicely.” Certainly, it was a very pretty building even under construction. Sandrone could even see groups of kuuhenki floating out and about. No one else though, which she guesses is to be expected on the moon.
“It’s better than where we arrived at, do you have other company up here?” She inquired, watching as one of the kuuhenki drifted up to her. It seemed happy, based on how it vibrated in what she assumed was enthusiasm before speeding off into the depths of the palace.
“No, I’ve brought the Traveler up here once for their ship but otherwise it’s just me and the kuuhenki. Though once I’m done, I plan on inviting some more guests,” Columbina’s liveliness wavered, something more tired lurking beneath it. Sandrone subtly filed away that information.
“Doesn’t it get lonely? Being up here by yourself for so long?” She turned to look at Columbina, who didn’t quite meet her eyes.
“If I wanted company, I could always go back to Teyvat. I am the Tri-lunar Goddess, remember?” There was a defensive edge to her reply. Sandrone pressed on anyway.
“But you spend most of your time here, do you not?”
An awkward silence hung between them.
Eventually, Columbina spoke.
“Yes, I suppose you aren’t wrong. But that shouldn’t be much of a problem now.” A vague concession that left only more questions, but Sandrone chose to drop the topic. She didn’t have enough yet for anything conclusive.
Columbina clasped her hands together, “Shall we enter? I’ve been thinking of getting a couple of outside opinions. The kuuhenki, as lovable as they are, tend to be biased towards my opinion.”
Sandrone quietly nodded, various theories already forming in the back of her mind.
Columbina gave a “quick” tour of her lunar palace, mentioning certain design choices or random information as they went.
~
“Oh, this statue was a gift from Nicole! Isn’t it cute?”
It was an animal (a weasel maybe?) posed like a hero she’d spot on the cover of some shitty Inazuman light novel that was trending for Archon’s knows why.
“It’s something alright.”
Did all god-like beings share such a “unique” taste?
~
Or
~
“The kuuhenki accidentally knocked this vase over while chasing one another. Twice actually. It took a few days to find a third one.”
Watching two nearby kuuhenki zoom around nearby pillars before running into another room, Sandrone decided to point out the obvious.
“Shouldn’t you like, zone it off? Or tell them to do it elsewhere?”
Columbina gave a sheepish look.
“Well yes but I’d feel bad, the kuuhenki didn’t mean to. I don’t want to restrict their freedom.”
The sound of ceramic shattering was heard in the distance.
“…”
“…”
Columbina chuckled nervously.
“On second thought, I guess I can’t keep replacing these decorations forever.”
Sandrone only gave her an unimpressed look.
~
And notably
~
“Sandrone! Look! I made a spare room to host tea parties in!”
She pointed it out like Sandrone wasn’t literally standing inside it. It was a quaint little room, quite different from the rest of the palace so far.
Actually, it was eerily similar to her setup. The circular table, the porcelain tea set, and even the desert stand were very reminiscent of the ones she had for her own tea parties. Surely Columbina didn’t loot her room during her absence, right?
“There’s a seat for me, you, Arlecchino, and the Traveler!”
Sandrone noticed that her seat and Columbina’s were right next to each other while the other two were across the table. Was that on purpose?
“I have a couple of other people in mind, but I think it would be nice if it was just us for the first time.”
Columbina seemed lost in her own world, Sandrone cleared her throat.
“So, where will you get the pastries and tea? It’s not like there are any nearby shops on the moon.”
She doubted any pastries would be fresh and warm if Columbina were to bring them over from Teyvat, so that was off the list.
But if Columbina was the only one on the moon…
“Please tell me you aren’t the one who’s preparing the food and tea.”
She shuddered at the thought.
The Moon Goddess frowned, “Hey! You approved of my coffee! I’ll have you know I practiced brewing tea too!” She exclaimed with feigned indignation.
Sandrone was thoroughly underwhelmed to say the least.
“Uh huh, the last time you brewed tea you over-steeped it to the point that calling it “tea” would be an insult. That bitterness was unforgettable.”
She didn’t think it was even possible to get that tea so bitter, how Columbina thought it was remotely drinkable was beyond her.
Then again, this was the goddess who grew up eating fruit and who knows what else during her time with the Frostmoon Scions centuries ago.
“That was before. I also practiced baking some pastries that I remembered you making back then,” Columbina retorted, “I even had the others in Nod Krai try them and they liked it. If you remember Aino, she loved them!”
Wasn’t that the child who made that robot girl, Ineffa? The one that had a sweet tooth?
“Well, I suppose there’s no harm in trying.” Sandrone relented, Columbina did seem really excited about it.
Columbina smiled, “Thank you for humoring me.”
Sandrone looked away with a sigh, “It better be worth it. Honestly, you may as well call me over early so I can show you how to do it properly,” she halfheartedly added.
Columbina blinked, “Really? You’d be willing to teach me?”
“Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves…” Sandrone hastily backtracked.
It was then Columbina revealed a weapon Sandrone’s never seen before. She tilted her head to the side before peering at Sandrone with her stupid purple pretty bug-like eyes open wide with her hands held together in pleading.
“Pretty please, Sandy?” She implored, those eyes staring straight through her.
Sandrone immediately looked away, “Fuck, where the hell did you learn that from?”
Columbina waited.
“… I’ll help you out at least once. Don’t get any wrong ideas, if I have to eat something made by you I might as well make sure it’s good,” she grumbled.
Columbina laughed, and Sandrone couldn’t help but feel a smile tug at her lips.
~
They walked around some more with Sandrone passively commenting on infrastructure, or Columbina giggling at the kuuhenki and their antics (far from any fragile decor).
As they were exiting, Sandrone happened to spot a certain kuuhenki peeking at them behind a pillar, who quickly tried and failed to duck behind the structure.
“Hey Columbina, isn’t that…?” She nodded her head towards the familiar, whose ears still poked out from behind.
Columbina followed her gaze, “Oh, it is… why is she hiding?”
She waved in her direction.
“Luonnotar? Is something wrong? Come here, don’t worry, Sandrone doesn’t bite.”
“H-Hah??”
Ignoring her burst of astonishment. Luonnotar slowly revealed herself before approaching them in a manner Sandrone would classify as nervously.
Columbina knelt down, opening her arms. “Luonnotar? Is everything okay?” She asked concernedly.
Sandrone didn’t know much of Luonnotar, she’s seen her a few times in passing when they were trying to bring Columbina back but otherwise only knew she had some more independence than the other kuuhenki.
Luonnotar stopped in front of Columbina, before suddenly dashing right past her outstretched arms towards…
Sandrone gasped as Luonnotar collided into her chest, arms automatically wrapping around the rabbit-like kuuhenki.
“What the…?”
Luonnotar whined, making a noise that felt plaintive as she burrowed herself into Sandrone’s hold, almost as if she were trying to become one with her.
Sandrone awkwardly ran a hand along the distressed kuuhenki in an attempt to calm it, petting her slowly.
“Uh, Columbina? A little help here?”
She spares a look towards the Moon Goddess and briefly sees Columbina with that same complex expression she spotted before. Columbina forces her face into blank neutrality just as quickly.
“Luonnotar, please get off of Sandrone.” Columbina asks in a painfully polite tone, disconcertingly so.
Luonnotar gave a small cry before reluctantly letting go and floating back to Columbina’s side.
What was that? Since when did Luonnotar become so attached to her?
Now that she thinks of it, she recalls something while she was getting caught up.
~
“Oh yeah! Remember how Luonnotar was actually a part of Columbina’s soul she sent from the past to help us in the present? Columbina managed to make it so she can exist separately! Paimon still isn’t completely sure how that works…”
The Traveler hid a chuckle behind their hand.
“Hey! Paimon would like to see you explain it better!” She angrily exclaimed.
Sandrone merely observed in silence, Paimon was as expressive as ever.
She let her mind wander. Just how much of Columbina was represented in that special kuuhenki? She doubted there was any quantifiable metric.
“-one? Sandrone? Hey! Are you listening to Paimon?!”
She sighed.
“Yes Paimon. I’m listening, I’m listening.”
She casually waved a hand in Paimon’s direction, which only seemed to aggravate her further.
“You!!! Paimon’s definitely making an ugly nickname for you!”
“Now, is that any way to treat your savior?” Sandrone sneered. “Remember that your precious Traveler wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me. If anything, you should be praising me.”
Paimon growled as the Traveler audibly laughed.
“Oh you!!!” She flew around Sandrone’s head incessantly. It kind of gave Sandrone the impression of a large, sparkly fly. Not that she’d say that aloud.
She rolled her eyes as she calmly sipped her tea.
~
It was fun messing with Paimon, but that one line was firm in her mind.
Was Luonnotar truly acting for herself, or was she…?
Columbina’s voice abruptly filled the air.
“Sandrone, there’s one more thing I want to show you,” Columbina extended an arm, “Take my hand, I promise you it’ll be worth it.”
They teleported to another area on the moon, this one also different from the place they landed. There were no buildings either, but it was smoother. No hills, hardly any craters. A plain of a darker gray expanding until reaching the horizon.
Sandrone watched as Columbina stepped forth, taking a seat on a conveniently shaped rock jutting from the ground. Just flat enough for two people to comfortably sit side by side.
“Come on, take a seat.” She patted the spot next to her, Sandrone walked over, minding her dress as she sat down. She glanced left and right again, was something supposed to show up? What was Columbina so excited to show her?
Columbina giggled, “Curious? You won’t find it on the moon, rather…” She craned her head upwards, eyes fixed on something above. Sandrone followed along.
She stared at the sight before her.
“What do you think, Sandrone? Teyvat is quite a pretty place wouldn’t you say?”
A sprawling tapestry of greens, whites, and blues filled the sky, blanketed by a sea of shimmering stars. Sandrone knew a rough estimate of the planet's size but actually seeing it in person was something else entirely.
“What? Is it that breathtaking that you are at a loss for words?” Columbina teased, leaning forward into her sight.
Sandrone scowled, “I was just collecting my thoughts. Besides, what's wrong with that? I’m not the one who has seen this view dozens of times.”
Columbina hummed, “Nothing at all, but it’s a nice view, isn’t it?”
“… Yes, it is.” Sandrone begrudgingly agreed.
The two of them sat there for a time, gazing at the world they spent more than half a millennia on.
“Why did you bring me here, Columbina?” Sandrone suddenly voiced. Columbina turned her head to look at her, who was still pointedly staring at the world above them.
“I simply wanted to show you the place that I’ve been trying to reach after all this time, the place I call one of my homes. That is all.” She replied after a moment's contemplation. A moment too long perhaps, as Sandrone quickly retorted in turn.
“Cut the bullshit, I know you have another reason. A real reason for bringing me up here. Spit it out.” Sandrone turned to face her, slight irritation marring her face. Then it softened, and Columbina was reminded again of why she fell in the first place. “What did you want to tell me that you only wanted us to hear Bina?” She quietly added, her voice almost carried away by the nonexistent wind.
Columbina stayed silent, the air filled only with the steady winding of Sandrone’s key. Then she swiftly stood up, taking a few steps forward as she stared back into the sky.
“You know Sandrone, while I was in the Moon’s reflection I dreamt of us. It was like any other day, I was sleeping on your bed, and you caught me.” Columbina murmured, “I vividly remember the scent of coffee and oil, the warm pastries you conveniently had free time to bake just then. Those sharp and sincere words directed at me.”
She paused, “And then I woke up on the ground. Cold, weak, and alone. At that moment, I found myself thinking those bitter words had never sounded so sweet before. How comforting it would have been to hear your voice, no matter what words it may carry. I hadn’t realized it then, but the safest I ever felt was in that room by your side.”
Columbina turned to face her, a weak smile gracing her lips. “Have you ever gone from complete relief to absolute dread in less than a second?” Her smile slowly contorted to a grimace. “It’s a terrible feeling. The relief I felt upon coming back, the joy of reuniting with everyone. Only to sink into despair when I saw your lifeless body, your motionless key covered by your blood.”
Sandrone wanted to interject, to note that logically she wasn’t even living in the first place. She bit her tongue instead, Columbina didn’t seem finished.
“The Traveler told me that you died to ensure that the formula that brought me back was completed. I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t want to believe it.” She looked down as she raised a hand, kuuvhaki swirling in her palm. ”I spent countless days and nights trying to revive you. It was the one time I used my Tri-lunar authority that way, if only to hear your voice once more.”
She dispersed the lunar energy with a flick of her wrist.
“It didn’t work. My powers didn’t reach the realm of machinery, and I was no master of technology like your creator, Alain, was.” She said it matter-of-factly, like another axiom of the world. Sandrone could still glean the sorrow beneath it.
“Arlecchino came to collect your body after a couple days. I could tell she delayed it, to give me as much time as possible. Even then I wanted to resist, to keep you there with me. But she said you wanted to go back to Fontaine, and how could I deny your final wish?” Columbina let out a wistful sigh, now staring forlornly into the distance.
“I thought maybe it’d be easier, maybe the distance would help. Your dead body no longer greeted me when I woke up.” Her voice cracked, the words trembling as they came.
“How foolish I was.”
A shaky inhale left Sandrone unsettled. “I started seeing you in other places. From the creations at Aino’s Workshop to the scents I caught while passing by the cafè in Nasha Town. Worst of all, the Adventurer’s Guild… I found myself subconsciously avoiding it, because when I saw Katheryne I could only think of you.”
“Bina…” Sandrone started, but Columbina cut her off with a look.
“I traveled across Teyvat, to see the world that I chose to blind myself to. I saw many amazing things and met so many amazing people, yet I kept thinking “How would Sandrone react if she was here? If she saw this?”” She chuckled humorlessly. “Would she try to hide her intrigue beneath indifference? Pretend she wasn’t impressed by some of the pastries in Sumeru? They say ghosts are a phenomenon of the deceased unable to move on, yet everywhere I went I was haunted by you.”
Columbina took a second to collect herself, giving Sandrone the time to comprehend the weight of her words.
‘Did I really mean so much to her? Was I someone that deserved such devotion?’
She thought back to Luonnotar, who held onto her like her life depended on it.
Sandrone was pulled out of her thoughts as Columbina continued.
“Still, I traveled because that’s what they would have wanted. But out of all the places I went, there was one nation I couldn’t convince myself to visit.”
She smiled a crooked grin at Sandrone.
“Would you like to guess which one?”
It was obvious. Sandrone couldn’t bring herself to say it, though Columbina seemed satisfied enough with the silence that was her answer.
“They told me to go visit it, Lauma and the others. The place you came from. Fontaine.” Exasperation coated that word as she spoke it. “They said it would help to-“ She thought for a moment. “Ah… “come to terms with everything”. That visiting your grave would help me move on.”
A slightly resentful tone took to her voice, then she laughed. It sounded pleasant, how could it not? Yet there was something ugly that lay beneath it. An acerbic and ironic quality that Sandrone herself was well-acquainted with. It was a look that didn’t fit the aloof Columbina she was used to.
“I didn’t mind it, if anything I wanted it. The grief, the phantoms of you. Even if it hurt to be reminded of what I couldn’t have, it kept you alive in my mind. A paltry substitute for you, but it was more than nothing at all.”
Columbina then shot her an accusatory look. Sandrone felt herself instinctively flinch. She had a sneaking suspicion about what that was for.
“So imagine my surprise when I found out you were about to awaken in Fontaine. That you had prepared long before Dottore’s false ascension.” Various emotions twisted along her face. “Paimon made a small slip-up since it was nearing completion, and it didn’t take long to get the rest of it from the Traveler.”
She sighed, breaking eye contact as she stared at the ground between them.
“Many things ran through my mind when I learned of it. Disbelief, hope, joy, anger, and sadness to name a few.” She stopped, and the seconds ticked by like the key on Sandrone’s back. Prominent in the anaerobic air, a countdown for a query Sandrone hoped to avoid addressing.
“I’ve wondered this ever since…” She began slowly, “Why did you choose to hide it from me? Arlecchino mentioned you specifically stated for it to be kept secret from me.”
Sandrone ran the calculations in her mind, of the most optimal response. Then she didn’t, because all those predictions were trained upon data of the old Columbina. If there was an “optimal response”, she wouldn’t know it. Maybe she should just speak honestly.
“I mentioned not to tell you because…”
Because what? Sandrone thought about it, really thought about it. She made the decision just before the battle that led to her death, a final addition to her “will” if you could call it that. In the chaos where there was a probable chance they were all living on a timer, she didn’t think much of it. Now faced by the one she made the decision for, she had nothing but time to spare. Why did she do it?
Did she not trust Columbina with that information?
No, that wasn’t it. If that were about trust, then she would never have let Columbina get this close. Close enough to invite her to tea parties, so close she let her reside in her room. So close she’d die for her.
Was it that she didn’t believe it to be worth telling Columbina?
That wasn’t it either, then she would not have specified not telling her. The complement of care was indifference, she wouldn’t have acknowledged Columbina in the first place.
She ran through various arguments that didn’t seem to fit. Was it truly a spontaneous decision? That can’t be… She doesn’t “do” impulsive. As a machine built upon logic and objective rationale all her decisions are guided by a strict structure. What does she gain? What does she lose? Even her death had this taken into account. The defeat of Dottore and the return of Columbina easily outweighed her own demise. This choice then must follow… right?
Columbina noticed her indecisiveness. “Still unsure? If I may, shall I give the reason I believe you made that choice?” An offer innocent enough, but Sandrone saw it. The hook disguised as a trivial statement. Columbina was fishing for something, something tied to this whole situation. Sandrone bit it anyways, because in her own words: “Knowledge was the true pillar of this world”.
“And what may that be?” She cautiously asked, eyes slightly narrowing as she observed the Moon Goddess.
Columbina grinned, “Have you considered that you did it out of concern for me? I heard that the procedure wasn’t guaranteed to succeed. You decided not to tell me in case it failed so as to not give me false hope. That’s what I think. What do you think, my dear Sandy?”
Sandrone froze, mind racing as she processed what Columbina was saying. Her? Being concerned for Columbina? Sandrone would be lying if she said she didn’t look out for her but that was tied to things like physical well-being. If she was alive, such as when she fell into the Moon’s reflection. But for Columbina’s feelings? Feelings that wouldn’t affect her since she was dead?
She went back to her objective standpoint to no avail. There was no “objective” benefit to hiding it, either way Columbina would only be happy with Sandrone’s return (probably). It was only a selfish hope that Columbina wouldn’t be burdened by her death if she had no reason to believe she may come back.
Ah… perhaps that’s what she was missing. Her thoughts were still subjective in how she determined the value of those events in relation to herself. So it wasn’t like she was wrong, the choice wasn’t made arbitrarily. But it wasn’t for any noble, objective motive either. It was made for her own satisfaction.
Indeed, it was the explanation that made the most sense, she was willing to accept that. It also brought more factors she wasn’t ready to face.
It clarified why she made the choice, but why did she feel inclined to think that way? Why did Columbina’s feelings matter in the first place?
“I see the gears turning in your head,” Columbina called out, that grin turned melancholic. “Is such a thing really so absurd? That you could care so deeply?”
The question lingered in the air and in her thoughts.
That word insinuated something. Care. Given this context it was a synonym to another word that she was in no rush to consider.
She didn’t say anything, which Columbina took as to keep speaking. “I guess so. Let me apologize then, I didn’t bring you out just to ramble about what you’ve done to me.”
There wasn’t any accusation in her tone, but Sandrone still felt something that could be classified as guilt coursing through her circuits.
“Maybe I should give you a little more time. For you to warm up to the idea, to figure out how love lies in your machinations. They say patience is a virtue after all.” Columbina trailed off, looking back at Teyvat, “But I was naive, I took your kindness for granted and it cost me dearly. I’ve been waiting since, I was ready to hold onto these feelings forever. I’m truly sorry, Sandrone, but I’ve learned in these past months that I’m deeply selfish.”
Her core wound uncomfortably fast, the clockwork tightening in trepidation.
“And I’m not going to repeat my mistake, not when I was blessed with this second chance I did not deserve.” Columbina turned to face her, resolve written across her face.
“Sandrone, I love you. I wish to stay by your side until the end of time itself. I wish to gaze at you as sleep claims me, and to wake to you when the moon has long waned. Before I wasn’t sure, but now I know all that I desire is to be with you.” Columbina earnestly confessed.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Sandrone processed every. single. word. Her initial reaction was doubt, did she perhaps interpret it incorrectly? Yet regardless of if she ran it as unigram, bigram, or any n-gram sequence they all classified it the same. A romantic declaration of love.
Next was surprise. Columbina loves her? Her!? Out of all people? She could feel her key reeling in shock. Not to say that she didn’t believe herself to be someone that people wouldn’t be attracted to (she’s received her fair share of confessions), but for Columbina to love her? When she had people like Lauma or the Traveler who adored her? Those that treated her with kindness where Sandrone would with bluntness.
She briefly felt suspicion, but disregarded it just as fast. Even she could tell the sincerity behind those words. Columbina meant every bit of it.
“That’s… That’s not possible.”
“What is? The fact that I want you in such a way? Or that you share that same desire too?”
“Huh? What are you saying Columbina? Don’t be ridiculous.” She stammered out.
“What’s so ridiculous about it? We live in a world with much more unbelievable things. I don’t see why these feelings can’t exist.”
Columbina wasn’t wrong, but at least the other things she had precedents for. Nowhere in her memory was a goddess falling for a machine, nor a machine returning it.
Sandrone threw out the first objection that came to mind.
“Yes, but you are the Tri-lunar Goddess!”
“So what?”
“You shouldn’t settle for me, you can have so much more. Someone like the Traveler.”
She felt strangely bothered by that last line.
“The Traveler? They truly are a cherished friend, but that is the most I feel for them.”
And why did Sandrone feel relief at that?
“And you are right, I am the Tri-lunar Goddess, but who I want is you, and only you. I don’t see why my title matters," she said with absolute conviction.
Sandrone supposed it was a flimsy argument at best. Whether she was the Welkin Moon or the Damselette, Columbina was free to choose to live however she pleased.
She stood up, lightly pacing back and forth before taking to another question. One she briefly considered prior.
“Why me? What could I have done to be the one you love?”
Columbina laughed, “That’s easy, it’s precisely because it’s you. You were the first one to treat me normally, as an equal without fear nor worship. The one that looked out for me while I was adjusting to the world. The one that invited me to tea parties so I wouldn’t be lonely.”
Each line struck like a bullet, her key recoiling as her resolve bled out.
“You were the one that let me sleep in the safety of your room even when you acted upset. You were the one who refused to give up on me when I fell across the Moon’s reflection. You were the one that died for me.”
She regarded Sandrone with an intense clarity, “So is it really so surprising that I’m so deeply bewitched by you? That I mourned your passing with every breath I took?”
Sandrone’s jaw tightened. She didn’t think her actions were that meaningful, but Columbina was steadfast in her beliefs.
She grasped her last argument carefully, the last thing she had to object with.
“And how do you know I return these feelings? That I even have such feelings?”
With that the final stage was set, the endgame of their verbal chess match.
She wasn’t built for love, and it was something she never bothered with learning either. How could Columbina be so brazenly confident in her feelings when she herself wasn’t?
“Well, ask yourself this. Do you believe that an unfeeling doll would choose to do all the things I said?” Columbina questioned back, “Would a task-driven machine go out of its way for someone who couldn’t aid in its goals?”
“It’s not like I had anything to lose from doing so. Keeping cordial relationships is to be expected, especially with the colleagues in our line of work.” Sandrone drawled, “If I got something out of it then that is an unintended bonus.”
“Is that what you call it? Cordial? I don’t recall you going to such lengths for Arlecchino or Rosalyne back then.”
“They could handle themselves just fine, there was no reason to do anything more.”
Columbina nodded in agreement.
“Sure, but why then did you choose to look after me? We both know the Harbingers all have their own goals, loosely aligned under the Tsaritsa’s name," Columbina pointed out, her tone measured.
“You may not lose anything, but it’s not like you knew you were going to gain anything either. You cared for me when I was at my weakest, long before we knew I could ascend as the Tri-lunar Goddess.”
Satisfied with her rebuttal, she returned a last decisive question.
“I ask again, do you truly believe that the time you spent on me was nothing more than politeness? An investment?”
Another piece of Sandrone’s dwindling board was captured. Sandrone’s key rotated slowly in contemplation, her brows furrowed as she parsed Columbina’s inputs.
“I’ll concede that there is more to it,” Sandrone hesitated, “but that doesn’t mean that I love you.”
The word felt weird as it left her tongue, as it slipped past porcelain teeth, as it reached her auditory receptors.
“That’s also true,” Columbina readily agreed.
Too easily, that meant-
“However, have you noticed that you didn’t automatically reject me? If you truly had no feelings, you would have made that clear definitively. That is part of who you are, that is part of the person I love.”
Checkmate. To use her very own foundation against her. Columbina was right, Sandrone wasn’t one to beat around the bush, especially when it came to something as amorphous as love. Something so antithetical to her fastidious disposition.
Sandrone faltered. If she were to be honest, Columbina’s arguments were not rigorous. No formal proof could ever be built upon them, but they were enough to show the existence of something.
She stared at the stars in the sky, at Teyvat as if they could give her an answer, an out. They were all so far away. The only constant was that Columbina was here, ineluctable through her choice of location.
It was too much to process. Each word, every look Columbina sent her way. Her mind was overclocking trying to account for all the variables, to categorize them, to form a working hypothesis. In times like these, the best option was to disengage.
She scoffed, “Oh please Columbina, just drop it already. These feelings of yours are only wasted on me. An automaton with no heart.” Yet these words were quickly contradicted as Sandrone glanced away, unable to meet the gaze of the moon who accompanied her throughout her long life.
In hindsight, she should’ve known Columbina wasn’t going to let that happen.
A quiet giggle drew her gaze back. Columbina had a bemused serene smile on her face, as if what she said was silly.
Typical…
“What? What has you giggling like a child?” Sandrone frowned, arms crossed. It really was so easy to flow back into their typical rhyme and rhythm. As if she never died, as if Columbina didn’t confess.
Columbina didn’t deign to respond as she took a step closer, gently grasping her hand. Sandrone remained silent as Columbina brought it to rest on her chest. A steady beat ran below trembling fingers.
“My dear Sandrone, can you feel it? My heart? How it sings for you?” Columbina trailed her other hand towards Sandrone’s own chest, mirroring the prior action. Sandrone could feel her core tick faster as Columbina’s fingers ghosted over the mark where Dottore impaled her.
“Because I can feel yours. It might not sound like a heart, being made of metal and gears, but I can feel it. I feel it wavering in response to my own heartbeat.”
Sandrone closed her eyes.
Tick.
Tick.
Thump.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Thump.
Tick.
It started with Sandrone’s rapid clicks against Columbina’s tranquil pulse. Agitated, ready to flee. Then Sandrone’s core started slowing down. Beyond the intricate clockwork wound by a key meant to spin perpetually, she could feel it. How Columbina’s heart yearned, a soft serenade that filled static air with something more. Hesitantly, her core began to hum back.
Tick.
Thump.
Tick.
Tick.
Thump.
Tick.
Two songs carefully navigated each other, testing the waters as they traded fleeting words and hushed lyrics. Things that neither of them were brave enough to put into words. A faint admission, followed by an identically low reassurance. It wasn’t long before her core opened up, the two now dancing and chasing each other. Their tunes pushed and pulled as they traversed further.
Tick.
Thump.
Tick.
Thump
Tick.
Thump.
It was difficult to tell whose heartbeat belonged to. Their hearts cried out in joy, glad to finally have reached the one they sung for. They exchanged verses and melodies that were laid dormant, coalescing into something new. Their songs became one, hearts now beating in tandem.
Sandrone slowly opened her eyes.
Columbina’s warm gaze met hers. “See? It doesn’t matter if you are an automaton or not. You have a heart just like I do, one that wants me as much as I want you.” She crooned, now leaning in closer. Sandrone froze, she could truly see how depthless those pools of orchid were. How she could easily end up trapped in them, an unceasing vortex that would only drag her further in. She squeezed her eyes shut again.
Columbina stopped, seconds drifting by.
“So why do you keep denying yourself? Why are you holding back?”
Columbina’s tone carried irritation, thinly veiled beneath the soothing inflection of her voice. Sandrone kept her eyes shut, if she opened them… there’s no knowing what would happen.
“I… because…” For once, Sandrone found herself without a retort. Why was she hesitating? She was reminded again of one of the last exchanges she had with Alain.
‘Is there anything you wish for?’
Those many years ago and in the hands of Dottore, she had no legitimate answer. After all, what could a machine want? The one person who might have been able to tell her died before she could truly understand what he meant. A machine is built to serve, to do as programmed. Anything it would “want” would only be for the sake of the task, nothing more. That’s what Sandrone thought for most of her life, that is until her death.
That unfulfillment that lingered, the choices she made for Columbina. That was something Alain would never have been able to account for when he built her so long ago. Or maybe… that was exactly what he was aiming for. The task that Sandrone was built to fulfill, that she’s been iterating for, began to fall together.
To want, to desire, to live how she wanted. Those words that she’s heard time and time again finally clicked. All this time, she thought that maybe continuing Alain’s research, his legacy, was enough. How hilarious. That was only the beginning.
Perhaps she wasn’t wrong then, for these feelings were part of the task she’s been made for.
Sandrone opens her eyes to peer into those filled with love and adoration and allows herself to drown.
She smiled as she chuckled to herself. It grew, going from a small, light thing to heavy, full laughter. She tilted her head back and laughed, one that carried the weight of a weary lifetime and one yet to come. Columbina tilted her head in mixed parts of confusion and concern.
How obvious it was now in hindsight, these feelings she had for Columbina. How amazing it was that they were reciprocated. Like a researcher who made a new breakthrough, she wanted nothing more than to explore it until there was nothing left to learn.
“Sandrone? Are you… ok?”
A worried voice cut through the elation. Sandrone’s laughter subsided, the catharsis still flowing through her as she reassured her.
“Yes, I’m fine, Columbina. Just feeling many things. Good things.” The grin from earlier just as vibrant and evident.
Columbina didn’t seem convinced, based on the small frown on her face.
“I promise, Bina. And I wish to be with you too.” Sandrone admits, and she can see the surprise form in Columbina’s eyes and how it shifts to joy. She’s glad for her mechanical nature, for it was one of the prettiest things to grace her vision. She makes sure to store that sight somewhere safe in her memory.
She watches as Columbina quickly adopts a guarded expression, her happiness obscured by slight skepticism.
“Wait… are you serious? If you are joking this isn’t very funny.”
It was a baseless question, Columbina knew that Sandrone wouldn’t do such a cruel thing to her but felt compelled to ask in spite of it.
Sandrone simply nods, “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. My core just hadn’t learned the necessary features to see it for what it was. Up until now that is.”
That should have been it, that should have been more than enough to assure her. Columbina wished it was that easy.
Conflict ran beneath Columbina’s eyes, that mask of confidence and composure crumbling. Part of her wanted to run in and embrace her Sandrone, but the grieving, jaded side of her was reluctant, still nurturing the scars left in Sandrone’s absence.
What if it wasn’t real? What if this all turned out to be a figment of her imagination? If she went to embrace Sandrone only to wake up alone again?
Those what-if’s faded as Columbina felt something roll down her cheek.
She raised a shaky hand, lightly touching her face to reveal glistening tears.
Was she…?
Columbina rubbed her eyes again, yet each swipe only revealed more and more tears. Why? Why now when she should be happy? Everything was perfect, she was able to confess, and Sandrone gladly reciprocated.
She choked out a laugh, or was it a sob?
“I’m sorry Sandrone, I- I don’t know why I’m crying. It just won’t stop,” she apologized with a weak smile, “Give me a moment.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, as if it would suppress the droplets now cascading down her face. How unsightly, what did Sandrone think of her now? Bringing her all the way out here only to fall at the finish line.
Columbina froze as a delicate finger ran beneath an eye, catching stray teardrops. She opened them to see Sandrone contemplating, eyes transfixed on the tears before shifting over to her.
“It would be a lie to say I empathize with you,” Sandrone started, “but while I don’t completely grasp the grief you have, I have seen it, I lived with it.”
Sandrone paused, carefully considering her next words.
“I still have a long way to go, but I think I am finally starting to understand him. The part I couldn’t follow. The depth of his anguish, and how his regret and desire to see her again led to me.” Her voice turned wistful, tinged with a memory of a time far gone.
“So I will stay with you. I will reassure you that I am real, that all of this is real for as long as you doubt. Even if you never truly find closure, I hope that knowing I will remain by your side makes it easier. So cry if you must, I will be here if you need me.”
Sandrone didn’t know how comforting that was, but considering how she was nearly tumbled over by a sobbing Moon Goddess right after she imagined it was decent.
Columbina cried out as she clung to her doll. The weight of everything, the good and the bad, that she shouldered crashing down. Sandrone returned the embrace, softly running a comforting hand along Columbina’s back.
An indeterminate amount of time passed as heavy sobs waned into faint sniffles. From the crook of Sandrone’s neck, a muffled voice spoke up.
“Thank you, and sorry you had to see that.”
Sandrone sighed, “Don’t apologize for that, just as you accepted all of me, I accept all of you.”
Reaching into a pocket, she fished out a fresh handkerchief. It was convenient that she always brought one, albeit for different reasons (the price of being hands-on where oil and grease are involved).
“Raise your head, Bina.”
Columbina lifted her head, slightly tilted in puzzlement.
“Close your eyes,” Sandrone instructed.
She silently listened, Sandrone dutifully wiped off the remaining tears that didn’t already soak her dress.
“How are you feeling now? Better?” She asked as she tucked the cloth back in.
Columbina opened her large, pulchritudinous eyes and stared at her.
“Bina?”
Seconds passed where they just looked at each other, then Columbina leaned forwards and without warning pressed a chaste kiss against her lips.
Sandrone’s eyes widened. Columbina’s lips were really soft… wait, what was she thinking???
It ended just as quickly, the perpetrator drawing back as if nothing happened.
“B-Bina?” She sputtered, feeling the heat run beneath artificial skin (curse Alain for his meticulousness).
“Yes? Do you need anything Sandy? Oh, right. I feel much better now.” Columbina calmly replied, still observing her thoughtfully.
“What do you mean do I need anything? You, you just kissed me?!”
She nodded solemnly, “Yes, unfortunately I could still taste the coffee you drank earlier, but I think I can manage.”
‘???’
Sandrone felt like she was going to self-combust, literally! Her key was winding at a dangerously fast rate where she could overheat, which meant…
Columbina’s gaze darted towards the steam that emerged from behind Sandrone, lazily floating and dissipating into the air.
“That’s new.”
Sandrone scowled, her face still carrying traces of red, “It’s not, it’s a small fail-safe I installed centuries ago. I’ve only used it six times before, this makes seven.”
She shook her head, “Wait no, you aren’t getting away with that so easily. Explain yourself! What was that about?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Columbina nonchalantly responded.
She was messing with her, Sandrone was sure of it.
Sandrone narrowed her eyes, “You know exactly what I’m talking about. But I’ll humor you. I’m speaking of that kiss just now. Now talk.”
“And? What of it?”
“You can’t be serious right now,” Sandrone dragged a hand across her face. “Since when was that a thing?!”
“Since now.”
“Wha- Huh?!! Said who??”
What was she talking about? Sandrone didn’t recall ever agreeing to such a thing!
“Me.”
Sandrone stopped, forcing herself to take deep breaths unless she wanted to increase that tally to eight.
“Why? Did you not like it?” Columbina asked with a pitiful expression. Internally, Sandrone laughed. What an obvious bait.
“Yes! Wait, no! I did like it, but… you just, you can’t… ugh, Col-um-bina!!”
Sandrone still fell for it.
Columbina softly tittered, “No need to get so worked up Sandy, I’ll gladly kiss you again if you want more.”
Wait, really? She grimaced, why was that her first thought? She looked at Columbina to see a roguish smile, the other seemingly aware of her thoughts. Her Goddess was truly an uncouth one. What was the point of her decorum lessons back in Snezhnaya?
She scowled again to which Columbina commented.
“Sandy, you shouldn’t frown so much. I heard if you keep making the same expression you’ll forever be stuck with it. I’d hate to no longer see that smile of yours.” She said ruefully.
Sandrone’s movements halted. Her key physically jamming causing all her systems to stutter. Her body lurched and twitched at random as clockwork seized and locked.
“Oops, was that too much?” Columbina glided behind her and fiddled with the key. With the added assistance, Sandrone quickly regained her motor functions and promptly whirled around to glower at her.
“Columbina.”
Columbina raised her hands in surrender.
“Okay, I’ll answer your question. I kissed you because I wanted to, at that moment I felt so much I was compelled to.” She honestly admitted.
Sandrone sighed, she figured as much. “Couldn’t you have given me a notice beforehand?”
“It was an impulsive decision,” Columbina shrugged, “and besides, we are going to be together for the rest of our lives, right? It was going to happen sooner or later.”
Sandrone paused as a specific line embedded itself in her thoughts. If she were to be with Columbina for the rest of their lives, was that not just a marriage proposal? Just like that?
She leaned forwards, face in hands as she fought off a new growing blush. Sandrone shook her head. No, as a proper lady she refused to not treat Columbina with the dignity she deserved.
Columbina watched Sandrone freeze, curiosity piqued as Sandrone then straightened her back as she cleared her throat. She took a deep breath, calming herself before staring Columbina straight in the eye.
“Columbina.”
An air of seriousness, Columbina was slightly taken aback. She didn’t think there was anything left to worry about after they both confessed to each other. Did she miss something important?
“… Yes, Sandrone?” She replied cautiously.
Sandrone tucked an arm behind herself and slowly raised her other hand palm up towards the bewildered goddess. Columbina stared at it blankly for a few seconds before raising her own hand, lightly placing it atop Sandrone’s palm down. She wasn’t sure if that was correct but it felt right.
Sandrone lightly cradled her fingers, breaking eye contact as she gradually bowed down towards their joined hands. Soft lips ghosted along slender fingers as Sandrone placed a faint kiss against the back of her hand. Stopping after slightly pulling up from the knuckle she just kissed, Sandrone spoke up.
“Columbina Hyposelenia, may I have the pleasure and privilege of courting you?”
Inwardly, Sandrone was in turmoil. Other than the fact she’s already rushed the process by sharing a kiss with Columbina (even if she didn’t initiate it), she had no idea if she did that right. The last time she even entertained the idea of courtship was… she didn’t remember. After all, she was more concerned with herself until she got closer to Columbina. Regardless, she was born and raised in Fontaine and planned on maintaining that elegance she was so proud of. This was the bare minimum she’d accept for herself.
‘…’
She began to have second thoughts as the silence stretched longer than she anticipated.
Sandrone would’ve taken any response by this point, even Columbina laughing and calling her silly. Anything but the silence. She braced herself and raised her head to see Columbina’s reaction, and the sight that greeted her had her stunned.
A fierce blush bloomed across Columbina’s face, lips slightly parted with her eyes wide open in shock. Both of them remained frozen in disbelief for a while longer before Sandrone managed to force out a word.
“C- Columbina?” Sandrone stuttered. That broke the trance that held them captive, and Columbina’s eyes widened ever slightly more as she realized that Sandrone was looking at her.
“Ah.” The smallest squeak came from the Damselette, then what happened next was something Sandrone never could have predicted.
Large, sprawling wings shot out from behind Columbina, sending waves of dust swirling in its wake. Ethereal in appearance, carrying the grandeur one would expect from the Tri-lunar Goddess. Sandrone found herself awestruck for a new reason. Then they curled in, the tips shielding her face with a curtain of feathers.
Sandrone blinked.
Was Columbina being bashful? Over that? That was… not within expectations. Unfortunately for the embarrassed goddess, Sandrone really wanted an answer.
She cleared her throat with her free hand, the other still holding Columbina’s outstretched own. “Columbina?” She gingerly asked again. No vocal response, but Sandrone noticed her wings shuddered at the call of her name. How curious. At the very least, she took the fact that Columbina didn’t fly off as a good sign.
She decided to make a bolder move. “Columbina, I’m going to get closer, is that alright?” She clearly stated. Columbina again didn’t say anything, perhaps she nodded but the etiquette that Sandrone followed would not have her doing something if she thought Columbina would be against it. That too was due to Alain’s influence.
She distinctly remembered that day. It was an… interesting couple of hours when she posed the question of romantic relationships to him. She didn’t think much of it, and neither did Alain if she were to be honest but he drilled into her what to do and how to treat her partner should she wind up having one. Which was kind of funny considering he never had a lover himself from what she knew.
‘To think it would actually be put into use though…’
Back to the task at hand, she placed an emphasis on her next set of words. “Columbina, I need a clear answer from you. May I get closer?” Another couple of seconds passed by, and Sandrone was preparing herself to stand until Columbina was ready (essentially going into standby) when she heard it.
“Yes, you may,” a faint admission from beneath layered wings. Sandrone steadied herself, here goes nothing. “Okay, I’ll start moving now,” she deliberately announced. She took one, two steps. As she got closer she shifted their intertwined hands to be interlocked, giving a reassuring squeeze which was returned in kind. It wasn’t long before Sandrone stood before the feathery barrier that separated them.
Seeing them up close was a whole different experience. Every feather glowed with ambient kuuvhaki energy, neatly aligned as they ran along Columbina’s wingspan. Mostly, she noticed some jutted out weirdly, or weren’t quite as illuminated as the others. A new question was brought to her mind. Did Columbina preen her wings? She couldn’t help it, the researcher in her wanted to know. She shoved it aside for another day.
“May I touch your wings?” While she technically did need to get past the wings one way or another to accomplish her goal, she would be lying if she said there wasn’t also some underlying curiosity on what they felt like. Columbina gave a quiet approval and slowly, Sandrone raised her free hand to brush against a wing.
Her first thought was that it was remarkably smooth, almost silky in texture. They radiated slight warmth too. Columbina flinched, wings trembling as her fingers glided over stiff quills. Sandrone immediately withdrew her hand. “Columbina?” With worry evident in her tone, she proceeded, “I didn’t hurt you did I?”
Columbina was quick to answer, “No! It’s just… my wings are really sensitive.” That last admission barely audible, Sandrone was pretty sure she would’ve missed it if it wasn't for the fact they were alone on the moon. She flushed at the implication, her key spinning at a faster interval than usual.
“Oh… I’ll, uh, be more careful,” Sandrone delicately moved aside the first wing, making sure not to place too much force on it. Once it was out of the way, she turned to work on the other. It was then that it decided to embrace both of them in a loose semi-circle, not touching her but partially enclosing them together. She froze and looked for a reaction by Columbina, who seemed unfazed. Did she do that unconsciously? That’s another thing to store in the back of her mind.
Sandrone eyed the second wing dubiously. Surely not, right? She gently lifted it aside… and it mimicked the other wing, so now together they were cut off from the outside world (more than they already were being on moon). At least she was able to see Columbina again. Somewhat. Her face was slightly angled away, her own free hand partially obscuring her face which she could see was still glowing red.
She lifted a hand, lightly grazing Columbina’s arm.
“May I?”
She gave a small nod. Sandrone carefully gripped and held Columbina’s wrist, steadily pulling it away from her face. Enveloped in wings, hand in hand, close enough to hear each shuddering breath. The only thing between them was Columbina’s eyes screwed shut, the last barrier she needed to work past.
Maybe she was being arrogant, but something told her that this would be the easiest to get through.
“Columbina, look at me please? I want to see you.” Columbina stiffened, her breath hitched. Sandrone patiently waited. Sure enough she was rewarded as she glimpsed pearly pink eyes peeking out.
Slightly disheveled, the light rosiness adorning her cheeks, the shyness held in her eyes. Sandrone absorbed every last detail. She noticed a stray lock of hair and automatically moved her hand to brush it aside.
Columbina winced as her hand initially made contact before relaxing as fingers swept along black and magenta with analytical precision. She felt her lean into her touch, comforted by the motions.
Satisfied with her work, Sandrone nodded to herself. As she was retracting her hand, Columbina’s hand shot up and grabbed it.
“For your question… Yes, you may court me. I would be… very happy if you did.” She mumbled as she meekly gazed at Sandrone. She swore she felt her core skip a tick. Then Columbina smiled and all other thoughts vanished.
It didn’t demand attention like a laugh, forcing her to acknowledge it. That wasn’t to say it was insignificant either, trivial like a polite greeting. Her lips curled upwards in reserved serenity. Subtle, delitescent feelings barely contained in her teeth. In Sandrone’s eyes, it was
“Beautiful.”
Columbina flushed for the umpteenth time, choosing to avert her eyes elsewhere. Not that it did much since her own wings had them in such close proximity. She dropped Sandrone’s hand to hold her opposite arm.
“That’s not fair…” she muttered, the wings on the back of her head meanwhile fluttered excitedly. Did those similarly act independently? Sandrone had half a mind to reach out and touch them. Compared to her larger wings, they looked quite soft and fluffy.
A thought struck her, why did Columbina become embarrassed? Unless… It was then Sandrone realized she said it out loud. She felt her face redden as well. To think she’d ever act in such a manner, like some lovestruck maiden.
They stood awkwardly for a time, both caught off guard by the unintentional comment.
Columbina would be the one to breach the silence.
“Did you mean it?”
Sandrone tilted her head at the candid question.
“Did you really mean it when you called me that?” Columbina briefly met her gaze, uncertainty in her eyes.
Sandrone’s gaze softened, “Oh Bina…” She tenderly cupped Columbina’s cheek, tilting her face back towards hers, “I’ve always considered you beautiful. Long before these feelings of mine ever formed, and that will never change.”
Columbina shut her eyes as she nuzzled into Sandrone's hand, covering it with her own as she sighed languidly. Sandrone lightly ran a thumb back and forth as she savored the warmth, not near scalding like the coffee from earlier. A pleasant temperature.
Soon, Columbina had another request.
“Sandy, may I kiss you again?”
“Where’s this coming from?” Sandrone wasn’t against it, just interested about the seemingly stray question.
“Well, you did mention something about giving a heads up last time. I feel like kissing you right now. Can I?”
Sandrone pretended to think about it.
“Well, if I am to court you properly, that should come much later on. I plan on taking that seriously because you deserve it. But-“
Columbina shot forth and placed a quick peck on her lips.
“But?”
Sandrone closed her eyes and cleared her throat, “As I was saying, we already kissed before I asked, so I guess there is no point in denying you. Thank you for waiting for me to finish,” she ended dryly.
“Of course, it was my pleasure,” Columbina replied just as flatly.
They held eye contact for approximately 4 seconds before chuckle slipped from Columbina’s mouth.
They both giggled, and shortly after devolved into laughing.
Far from the expectations demanded of them on Teyvat, the two of them relished each other in their own private world. A clandestine outing only they were privy to.
Columbina scooped up Sandrone, sheathing her wings before twirling the two of them around.
Sandrone yelped, clinging onto the Moon Goddess with slight fear (she’d later claim it to be self-preservation).
“Columbina!”
Columbina only laughed more, how exhilarating it was! To think this was just a glimpse into the rest of their lives. What else did the future have in store? As a high-pitched shriek filled the air she shelved that thought. She had more than enough to look forward to in the present.
“Put me down!”
Columbina obliged, still holding her Sandrone close. With the excitement dying down, she pressed their foreheads together.
“Hi,” She whispered.
“Hello,” She breathed.
Her heart finally content, Columbina grinned.
“Sandrone, I love you.”
With fulfillment in her heart, Sandrone smiled back.
“I love you too, Columbina.”
A while later, both of them were back to being seated watching the world above. More accurately, one of them was watching. Columbina was now dozing on Sandrone’s lap, completely at ease.
As Sandrone ran a hand along one of Columbina’s wings, she thought back to Alain and his question. She looked down to gaze at her sleeping goddess, fondness carried in her eyes. She now had a proper reply.
‘Not really. My love is now by my side. What else could possibly compare?’
A content smirk ran along her lips as she imagined his reaction, idly playing with Columbina’s hair as she indulged in her thoughts once more.