Chapter 2: Not Alone

Aether was tired. The flood had left a huge mess in Fontaine and there were so many commissions piling up at the guild and they really needed his help. It was now late in the afternoon and he was heading over to the Palais Mermonia to check up on Furina.

Aether waved at the Melusine at the front desk. "Hi Sedene, we're here to see Furina."

"Oh, well about that, she actually moved out today. She said she wanted to find different accommodations," she replied.

"What?" Aether's eyes widened. "Where is she now?"

Sedene shook her head. "I'm not sure, you'd need to ask Monsieur Neuvillette."

"We'll go see him then." He walked up to his office and knocked on the door. "Neuvillette, it's me. Can I come in?"

"You may."

Aether opened the door and stepped in. He saw Neuvillette seated behind the desk, which was stacked with many documents.

"Was there something you needed?" he asked, looking up from the papers.

"I heard that Furina moved out," Aether said. "Do you know why she left?"

Neuvillette slowly closed his eyes and then opened them again as he let out a breath. "She said she wished to have a change of environment. This place has left many… heavy memories on her over the past five hundred years."

"She must have really wanted to get away from all that…" Aether's head dipped a bit as he replied sadly. "Do you know where she is now?"

Neuvillette nodded. "I can give you her new address. Do make sure she is doing well. I worry for her… It is a rather drastic change in lifestyle."

Aether nodded. "I'll head over now."

As he walked through the streets of Fontaine, his mind was entirely occupied with thinking about Furina. For her to leave everything behind so abruptly, her past life must still be weighing heavily on her. He only had seen a glimpse of Furina's life, a mere fraction of her pain. What would she be feeling now?

When he finally arrived at the address, Aether had to look around and check the street signs again to make sure he was in the right place. The entire area was rather… run down. The street was missing many stones, leaving puddles of mud in their place. The paint on the houses was rather faded and the structures were worn down. Furina's apartment was completely unremarkable as it fit in perfectly with the rest of the street.

"Furina lives… here?" Paimon said, eyes wide in shock. "N–Not that there's anything wrong with this place, it's just, uh… a bit of a step down from the Palais Mermonia."

Aether was a bit off put by this too. Furina really ought to have a better place to live than this. He walked up to the rickety door and knocked on it.

There was no response. He knocked on it again, harder.

"Who's there?" A quiet voice spoke from inside.

"It's me, Aether," he responded. "Can I come in?"

He waited a few seconds, but there was no response from inside. "Furina, are you alright?" he called out again.

"I'm fine," she hastily responded. "It's just uh, this place isn't really presentable right now."

"That's fine," he said. "I just want to see you."

The silence dragged on uncomfortably long, and for a moment he was afraid Furina was going to just hide away. But finally, the door opened. Furina seemed tired, but her eyes brightened just a bit as she saw him. "Hi…" she said awkwardly.

"Furina!" Aether wrapped her in a hug. "How are you feeling?"

"Uh… alright I guess," she said quietly. "Not really much to say…"

He looked around the house and saw Furina's bags still piled up in a corner of the room. The apartment itself was completely bare.

"Furina, you haven't unpacked yet?" Aether said. "I can help find you somewhere else to live if this place isn't to your liking. You don't need to worry about the money."

"No!" Furina jolted away from him. "It's fine. I don't need anything better. After all, I'm just an ordinary person living alone now, just like any other. What is the point of a large house?"

Aether sighed. "If you're happy here, then that's all that matters."

"So why did you come here?" Furina asked. "Is there something you need?"

"No, I just wanted to check up on you, Furina. And also to spend some time with you," he said.

"Why?" she asked softly, her eyes downcast. "I'm no one special now. Just an ordinary unremarkable person living an ordinary life. No one should care about me."

"No." Aether grabbed ahold of her hand. "I care about you. No matter what happens, I will care about you. Even if you're no longer the Archon of Fontaine, even if you have no powers, you are and always will be, a truly remarkable individual. So please, don't put yourself down like that."

"Thank you." Her voice was quiet, barely a whisper as she leaned into him.

They simply stood like that for a few minutes, his hands wrapped around her body in a gentle hug.

Finally, they separated from each other. Furina looked around her home sheepishly. "Sorry, I don't have anywhere for you to sit. I haven't had a chance to get any furniture yet. You must be tired." She thought for a few moments. "Here, let's come sit on the bed."

At least the bed felt comfortable, Aether thought to himself as he sat down. His hand came to a rest on the center of the mattress and he realized it was still somewhat warm.

"Furina… have you been laying in bed all day?" he asked.

Furina looked rather embarrassed. "I… was lost in thought."

"Well I'll help you unpack later." Aether paused for a few seconds. "Does this mean you haven't eaten yet? Let me make you something real quick."

Furina grabbed onto his hand. "Really, it's okay. You've already done so much for me. You don't need to worry yourself about all this."

"It's no problem at all for me," Aether replied. "I cook all the time when I am out traveling by myself. I rather enjoy it."

"It's fine," she insisted. "I'm not even hungry right now."

Her stomach growled.

Furina blushed as Aether looked at her with amusement. "Okay… maybe I am hungry."

He patted her on the shoulder. "Just wait here, it won't take long."

There was some extra food in his bag stocked up from doing commissions earlier, so he took out his stove and began thinking about what to cook.

What would Furina like? He knew she likes sweet things. But she also needed something nutritious right now, not just cake. After racking his brain for a few seconds, he thought of the perfect dish. The Sweet Madame.

After rummaging in his bag for a few seconds, he took out a handful of sweet flowers. After washing and plucking off the bulbs, he mashed them up and put them in the hot pan. As it sizzled, a fragrant smell filled the room as the syrup caramelized and became a delicious paste. Next came the chicken drumsticks. He continued to stir and flip around the meat in the pan, making sure it wouldn't burn while keeping the fire at the right temperature.

Finally, it was done. Aether poured it all onto three plates and walked over to the bed. Furina was sitting upright, hands folded on her lap and arms tucked over her belly. She was definitely attentive and watched him approach with clear interest.

"Here," he passed one plate over to her and another to Paimon. "Let's eat together."

"Thanks," she said, taking the plate with a bit of hesitancy, yet her eyes showed a buried eagerness.

Furina poked at the meat with her fork and a chunk simply slid off the bone. She picked it up and brought it to her mouth. Without any hesitation, she bit in. Her face lit up as she chewed and then swallowed. She immediately went for another bite.

Aether let out a small sigh of relief, dispelling the nervousness he was hiding once he saw that she was enjoying it and also was still willing and eager to eat. He got started eating his own portion too, going at a more sedate pace while he continued to watch Furina.

Finally, they were done eating and they put their plates aside. As they continued to sit there silently, Furina began leaning against him. He slowly moved his arm around her before wrapping it around her other side, pulling her in close. She didn't flinch as this happened and instead let herself be carried along until her head was leaning against his shoulder. Now, they just sat, together.

"Thank you for coming, Aether," Furina whispered to him. "I needed this."

"Anytime…" he whispered back. "Anytime."


Furina was rather hesitant stepping outside, Aether noticed. After he had heard about her plans to eat macaroni every day with different sauces, he knew he had to step in. He was going to teach her how to cook proper food, but first they had to go out and buy some ingredients.

As they walked into the marketplace, people around them turned their heads to look at them. Hushed whispers came from all around them. Furina seemed to shrink back into herself the more attention was directed toward her.

"Let's head somewhere else first," Aether whispered to Furina, giving a slight tap on her back to prod her to turn around.

They left through a narrow alleyway, and after a few twists and turns ended up in a park. There was a flower garden, with no one else around at the moment. After taking a look around, he led Furina to a bench next to the garden where they sat down.

"I'm sorry," Aether said. "I didn't realize everyone would be so… rude."

"It's fine," muttered Furina. "I'm used to it. Being at the center of attention and all that. It's just… What do they think of me now? Even though I'm not the archon anymore, I'm just ordinary Furina, but they don't look at me as just a normal person. Do they still hate me for lying to them all these years? Is that why they point and whisper?"

He put his arm around her shoulders. "They don't hate you, Furina. They were probably just surprised to see you. Even if you're a private citizen now, you're still the most famous person in Fontaine. They were probably just amazed to see you walking among them."

Furina sighed. "What do they expect from me now? I'm not the Furina they know anymore, the ever confident diva who is the star of Fontaine. I suppose they'll lose interest in me once they find out I'm nothing special anymore."

"Will you be sad if that happens?" Aether spoke gently.

"I… I don't know," she muttered. "I don't need to put on the act anymore and I don't need to pretend, I'm free to just be me. But on some level, freedom also means no longer being needed. I have no further use to people."

"Don't say that, you don't need to define yourself by what use you have to people. No one should be measured only by their use," he said. "You choose what you are. Don't let anyone take that from you again."

"Freedom huh…" Furina looked up, gazing at the field in front of her, dotted with the green buds of flowers waiting to bloom. "I can choose whatever I want to do. But right now, I have no idea where I'll even be going. I don't even know what I am anymore. Was there even a real me left that wasn't an act after all these years?"

"You can take all the time you need." Aether gave Furina a pat on the back. "Not everyone will know what they want to do right away. Sometimes it takes time for them to find themselves. Just remember, no matter what you decide for yourself, you'll always have people to support you. Don't be afraid of anything."

Furina leaned back as a gentle breeze blew past. "I guess you're right. No matter what happens, or what I decide on, it's my own choice now."

They sat silently, letting the tranquility sink in as a ray of sunshine broke through the clouds to illuminate the field. The few tattered petals still attached to stalks sprinkled through the field stood out in the light, but only as a shadow of their former glory. But around them, fresh buds peeked up from the ground, yearning for their time in the light.

"When do you think these flowers will have a chance to bloom?" Furina whispered.

"They all have their own time." Aether smiled. "But in this case, someone could help them along."

A wisp of Dendro energy left his hand. Suddenly, the field burst into a cacophony of color. Reds, blues, violets, every color under the rainbow blossomed outwards into a floral tapestry before their eyes. The petals seemed to sparkle under the sun's spotlight as tiny droplets of mist from the fountain settled on them.

"It's beautiful." Furina looked out over the field as a fresh floral scent drifted from it, and they sat there in this serene moment, simply letting it sink in. The leaves rustled in the wind, the sound almost musical in its cadence. After a few minutes had passed, Furina stood up. "Come on, let's finish the shopping trip."

Now with her head held high, she walked back to the marketplace. Though there was once again attention on her from the surrounding people, she didn't pay them any mind as she passed them by. As she and Aether began heading back home, Furina's head turned as they passed by a shop.

Aether paused, spotting the cake shop that Furina's attention was grabbed by. It was a rather famous shop and if he remembered correctly, she used to have slices of cake from there brought to her every day for her to eat.

"Would you like to have some cake?" he asked.

Furina hummed and nodded. "I suppose I would enjoy such a treat again."

When they walked inside, the line wasn't long at all and soon they were at the counter.

"Which one would you like?" Aether asked Furina as she gazed intently at the various cakes on offer.

"I'm thinking," she replied slowly.

"Lady Furina!" The shopkeeper behind the counter exclaimed in surprise. "It's an honor to have you here in person to buy our cake."

"There's no need to address me like that," Furina responded with a faint smile. "I'm just an ordinary citizen now. Though I still do love cake."

The shopkeeper chuckled. "Of course, I remember every day there would be someone buying several slices of cake from us to bring back for you. It was a tremendous honor for us to serve our creations for you and for our quality to be recognized by your discerning palate. We owe our present success in some part to that recognition."

Furina blushed slightly. "I simply just enjoyed your cake, that's all. Your success is all thanks to your own work."

The shopkeeper smiled. "I'm glad you liked it. Now, how could I serve you today?"

"I'd like a slice of the lemon cake please," she said.

"And I'll take a slice of the chocolate mousse cake," Aether added.

"Of course, I'll have that for you right away." The two slices were put on plates and handed to them after they paid.

The two of them sat down at a small table in a corner of the room and began to eat.

"You're very cute when you're eating," Aether suddenly said.

Furina's face flushed and she hastily swallowed. "W-what are you saying? You can't just say something like that without any warning."

"Even if it's the truth?" Aether replied with a grin.

Furina averted her gaze. "Why are you staring at me eating anyways? You should focus on eating your own slice."

"True, true. The cake here is quite good," he said.

"Mmm," Furina murmured as she ate another bite of the cake. "It does bring me back. This is one of the things I did enjoy throughout the years after all."

"It's good to see your love for cake hasn't changed then," Aether smiled slightly. "It would have been most disconcerting if you suddenly said you hated sweets and never liked them."

"Hmph. Even if I did have to put up an act, what food I liked was still up to me."

Aether smiled. "I'm glad. See, there always was a part that was truly you."

Furina paused, the spoonful of cake still held midair. "I suppose you're right." It seemed like a feeling of relief came from her.

They continued to eat, and just as they were almost done, a man approached the table.

"Lady Furina, I can't believe I've finally gotten to meet you in person at last! I tried several times to sign up for your regular meetings with the people, but I never got a slot."

"Ah…" Furina was a bit hesitant in her response. "You don't need to address me so formally anymore, I'm not the Archon now, just an ordinary person."

"Even so, I still greatly admire your performances on the stage," he said. "Truly, they were unlike any other. The first time I had the fortune of viewing one of your performances in person, I was truly moved by it. It is only natural for you to have been regarded as the greatest star in Fontaine."

"Well I'm… glad you liked it," Furina replied.

"The plays you starred in were always a marvel to behold. It was not your position, it was your talent that made you shine," he said. "I hope I'll have the chance to see you on stage again."

"Ah well… I'll see about that…" Furina said with a bit of hesitancy.

He bowed. "Thank you for your time and for this chance for a lowly fan like me to speak with you." Then, he quickly walked away.

Furina sat silently, hands folded in her lap with her shoulders hunched forward as she stared downward at the plate in front of her.

"Is there something bothering you?" Aether asked.

"It's what he said about wanting me to return to the stage," she said quietly, her head bowed. "He seemed so enthusiastic and happy about it, but I'm afraid he'll have to be disappointed. I don't want to play any new roles anymore. I spent years forced to put up the act of being the Hydro Archon. Even though I've been released from that burden, all those years have left an indelible mark on me. Placing a mask on and putting on an act again, it reminds me too much of those days."

"So… I don't know whether I'd ever be willing to take the stage again to act." Furina lifted her head just a little, a frown visible on her face. "Yet, all those people who are looking forward to it, they'll have to be disappointed."

"You shouldn't feel you need to do it just to make them happy." Aether put a hand on her shoulder. "You've already given them so much already, you don't need to do anything more. Do what you want to, and don't let anyone say otherwise."

"I'll have to think about it. The stage…" Furina's voice trembled. Yet mixed in with the apprehension was a tinge of yearning at the same time. "What do I really want…"

She sat silently for a minute before Aether finally spoke up again. "Well, we should get going now. I still have to teach you how to cook. After all, that's what we came out for in the first place," he said to divert her attention.

"Ah, oh right." Furina nodded and stood up.

The walk back to her home was uneventful. Once they got back, Aether walked Furina through how to prepare ingredients and cook them. Finally, the dish was done.

Aether took the first bite.

"How is it?" Furina asked.

"It is… decent," he said.

Furina scooped a bit out of her own plate and swallowed.

"You can be honest with me, you know," Furina said. "I know this isn't… the best."

"There are parts that could be improved," he admitted. "But it was a very good attempt for a beginner. You're a fast learner." He took another bite, chewing and then swallowing it as he nodded. "It definitely isn't bad. And believe me, I've had worse." He thought back to a certain other Archon…

Furina looked at Aether for a few seconds with a scrutinizing gaze before returning to eating. Once they were done, he stood up to leave.

Then, Furina stood up too. "Wait, let's go on a walk together."

Aether raised an eyebrow. "Where do you want to go?"

"Let's… take a walk by the shore," she replied after a brief pause.

The sun had set, but the light of the full moon still illuminated the beach as they walked along it, holding hands. Finally, Furina spoke up.

"You've traveled to a lot of places haven't you? And I'm sure you've met much more amazing people than me, I'm no one special anymore. But you've still been so focused on me these past few days. So, what is it that you see in me?"

"You're wrong," Aether said. "You are special. You are amazing. I've traveled to five different nations on Teyvat. I've met with ordinary people, ancient mages, wise scholars, brave knights, adepti and youkai, fantastical beings, and several gods. Yet out of all of them, there is no one I have greater admiration for than you. You who were an ordinary person with no powers, for five hundred years you stood alone, shouldering that burden selflessly so that your people can live. You have no special abilities, but that itself is what makes you special. You are a testament to the inner strength and beauty of humanity."

"So please, don't look down on yourself," he continued. "Few could have done what you accomplished. Even through the pain of all those years, even in the face of persecution of those closest to you, you never wavered in your commitment. What happened to you was awful and I wish I could have prevented it. Now, I only hope to try to make it up to you."

"I don't want you to feel obligated to me," Furina replied. "Don't feel guilty about this."

"Even putting that aside, this is what I want to do. From the bottom of my heart, this is what I feel," he said. "You – Furina who is now an ordinary citizen of Fontaine – I want to be by your side."

"I see." Furina let out a breath as she gazed outward at the sea, watching as the waves came in and broke against the sand. "Thank you."

Suddenly, she spun away from him, stepping between him and the water, her figure outlined by the light of the moon against the backdrop of the sea. With a twirl, she gave a bow, her hat held in a hand extended outwards toward him. Then, she sprung into motion again.

It was then, there, that Aether had a chance to really look at her. And he couldn't turn his gaze away.

Springing up, the moonlight glowing off her skin, Furina was a marvel. Her arms twirled like the ocean currents, swimming languidly through that frozen moment in time. The winds rustling softly on her hair, the stars glinting in reflection with her eyes. She stood still for that brief, priceless moment, bending downwards in a bow, before moving once again. The waves rolled in, briefly covering her feet with each surge and showing an ethereal reflection in the waters beneath her.

Each movement captivated him as time seemed to stop. It was as though each flourish beckoned him forward and before he knew it, step by step he drew closer and closer. Then, he felt her gloved hand grab ahold of his and pull him forward. He spun around, again and again, pulled by this irresistible force carrying him along in its current.

Then, they stopped. His face and hers were separated by mere inches. Her bright blue pupils stared into his eyes, her beauty capturing him completely. For just this moment, the two of them were the only things that existed in this world. She leaned forward, and their lips met.