III. Cold
Friendship level: 2
The weather was a rather fickle thing, the young yuheng mused.
One moment it's raining, the next minute it'll be sunny, the birds who sought the protection of the trees out and about chirping as if the storm before never happened, the once darkened skies suddenly gaining its blue hue.
It was all chalked up to Barbatos being responsible for the abrupt changes in the weather, who at whim would summon strong gusts of wind to get rid of any storm approaching if he ever doesn't want it ruining the sunny forecast.
That was until they reached Dragonspine.
It was either snowing heavily or a straight up blizzard, and if nature was more forgiving rays of sunlight would seep into the dull white skies, but instead it only gave a soft illumination to the lonely mountains of the winter death trap as it could barely pass through the thick grey clouds.
Keqing wasn't really bothered, something as trivial as the cold could be fixed with numerous methods, thick clothing but practical enough to maneuver in for combat and travel was one, another was capturing a small pryo slime and tying it beneath their clothing though it was more unhygienic, and the riskier but efficient one is stopping by once in a while to warm up with a firepit.
Which was what they're doing at the moment.
Camped at a site where most adventurers settled in when the blizzard strikes, they were currently at the outskirts of Starglow Cavern, she, along with the Traveler and his companion, seeking temporary refuge.
It was still midday after all, so they still had ample time to finish whatever the traveler needed to do.
The traveler had approached her again today, but surprisingly it was in her office, where she was just about to work overtime despite it being her day off.
She didn't mind, as even she agreed that she was becoming more like secretary Ganyu these days, so the traveler requesting for her aid in his journey in a place known for losing Adventurers at an alarming rate was a nice change of pace.
Keqing was glad that she accepted his request, it had been so long since she actually explored other regions, like in Mondstadt.
Though she was curious why he needed to collect fangs that were scattered around the unforgiving cold, both of them vaguely explained that they needed them for some experiment, other than that she was left in the dark.
She wasn't one to pry, but even she felt interested in whatever shenanigans the travelling pair gets themselves into.
Besides the mysterious background of the traveler, his companion though was also a big question mark.
And speaking of his small companion.
The yuheng could only watch in amusement as the small famed emergency food was shivering like a frightened puppy.
"S-Slow down p-please! P-Paimon requires warmth!"
The traveler, who was currently preparing their afternoon meal goulash by the fire, chimed in.
"Yeah, I agree, frozen rations need heat for optimal consumption."
"Y-Yeah! What he said-"
Suddenly she paused, realising what he meant, Paimon puffed her cheeks in indignation.
"H-Hey! Y-you're still g-going with t-that lame joke?!"
Laughing softly, he sent her a smirk in response, making her angrily stomp midair.
Watching the banter between them go back and forth, Keqing let out a giggle.
"Hehe, I happen to know the right temperature to enhance the taste and texture, how about we give it a try traveler?"
"W-What?! Y-you too?!"
"...You know what, the soup could use some extra seasoning..."
"H-HEY!"
As the two shared a laugh and the small companion could only erupt in anger and sputter profanities as they banded together to make fun of her, the blistering cold seemed to have become an afterthought.
"H-How rude! P-Paimon is not e-emergency food for the last time!"
"I didn't say that though."
"Y-You're so-! Argh!"
"T-That's it! P-Paimon will eat every s-single one o-of the f-food you packed!"
"...I only have access to the inventory, you don't."
"W-Who says Paimon needs p-permission? P-Paimon will get it e-even w-without y-your approval!"
"...You can try."
Deciding to become an audience to their amusing exchange, Keqing sat back and watched as she allowed the two to bicker amongst themselves.
The stark contrast of the warm mood they established compared to the almost bleak but mesmerising atmosphere of Dragonspine in its glory, it was these small but special moments that made Keqing appreciate for having met the traveler and his weird companion, at least then there weren't a dull moment when they were around, even something as cold and lifeless as the frozen mountains became tolerable.
She also realized how much she was starting to change as well, and what surprised her is that she actually didn't mind it.
Normally she wasn't used to such informal conversation that would weirdly stay focused on the topic of food, and as the famed emergency food had told her before, she was mean and demanding, of course she didn't take any offense as she was aware that she does come out as harsh, especially when it comes to work.
Now, she could even start cracking jokes and gained some semblance of a sense of humour, granted she was only ever serious whenever she worked, which was always, this was a refreshing change.
As she watched the two continue to argue, she chuckled as she now began to take her own servings of the freshly made Goulash.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The biting cold sunk into her bleeding and tender flesh.
It didn't deter her however as she fought the monster in front of her.
Gripping the sword that used to house a curse that would drive its users to insanity, the one he gave her, she didn't falter as she gave a steely eyed stare at the beast who had once been his friend.
If he didn't have the heart to bear such pain of having to end someone who was dear to him, then she by all means would be willing to shoulder such a burden for him.
If it meant to protect him from becoming traumatized and jaded, then she would willingly freeze her heart and compromise her ideals and morals, allowing herself to do the deed she knew he wasn't capable of doing.
Without further delay, she drove her sword into the heart of the beast.
Next: Partners
Friendship level: 4