More coming soon!
Currently, the Ashen One was sitting whilst watching the lanterns floating towards the starry skies. The full moon appears in the sky so the people of Liyue celebrated the Lantern Rite. Before coming up here, he witness the faces of people celebrating the festival so happily...it was unlike anything he had ever seen.
Such faces were absent in the Kingdom of Lothric as sadness, dread and death are the only ones greeting the Ashen One. Now, such thing is a rare occurrence in the world of Teyvat. For something like him, it was a foreign feeling – seeing people so happy not in a madness way but actual genuine happiness. The lack of despair in this world is not natural to him yet he finds it to be...very comforting.
And that comfort is hugely accompanied by the presence of the half-qilin known as Ganyu who was currently sat next to the Ashen One.
Her presence...no one in this world could ever replicate it. Not the Adventurers Guild's receptionists, not Jean of the Knights of Favonious, not Diluc's luxurious wines and certainly not Paimon – the Traveler's little companion.
Her presence is the only one.
The only one other than...
"You remind me of someone." The Ashen One spoke, finally after all this time.
Ganyu blinked and stared at the Ashen One in disbelief, "A-Ashen One? Did...did you speak of something?" She couldn't believe it, the silent yet comforting Ashen One was speaking and his voice was hoarse – it sounded very tired.
"Yes." The Ashen One replied, affirming her doubt.
"I-I see..." Ganyu's shock and disbelief expression fades as it was replaced by a bright smile signifying her utter happiness, "I remind you of someone? Someone...close to you, Ashen One?"
"Yes." The Ashen One lifted his head up, "She who once stood by my side even as the fire fades and darkness settles..."
It was vague and sounded very sad for sure. Whatever happened, it was no doubt tragic. But in Ganyu's perspective, it didn't seem like it was an unpleasant thing for the Ashen One. It feels more like...he was content with it. The only regret she sensed from the Ashen One was the fact that he left that someone and traveled somewhere else.
"So...am I precious to you, Ashen One?" She asked with cheeks reddening, very curious as to what he thought of her.
"Yes, very much so." He answers without hesitation.
"O-Oh..." Surprised by his honest answer, she looks down in embarrassment as she tries to process what he had said to make sure she doesn't just misinterpret him as the redness of her cheeks consume her face whole.
Meanwhile, the Ashen One was deep in thought. His mind wonders back to the person he speaks about; the Fire Keeper. The last time they've interacted before he was suddenly transported in this world to finish one last grand quest, before the flame distinguishes...
What she said still resonated in his memories as if it was just yesterday.
The First Flame quickly fades.
Darkness will shortly settle.
But one day, tiny flames will dance across the darkness.
Like embers, linked by lords past.
"Ashen One, hearest thou my voice, still?"
'Yes, even to this day...' The Ashen One said to himself. 'I wish I can see you once more but fate deems it so we don't. Perhaps it is time for me to move forward.'
Silently, both Ganyu and the Ashen One enjoys their company together as their relationship once again slowly but surely became something much more...