A/N: Welcome back~

Also made some small tweaks to last chapter. Nothing major, just switching some dialogue about (such as correcting it from Aether/Lumine fleeing the Archon War to fleeing the Cataclysm, etc.). Basically just a couple changes to line up with canon more.

That aside, do enjoy~

Struck Down

Chapter 2: Asteria

An earthquake shook Mondstadt.

It was brief, lasting barely a few seconds and more akin to the aftershocks of one than an actual earthquake, but it jarred the unprepared and left a few older folk startled until everyone realised it wasn't anything severe; those able returning to what they were doing with barely more than a grumble.

Those outdoors, however, remained frozen in place – gazing up at the blue afternoon sky dotted with ivory clouds. For a mere few seconds beforehand they had witnessed a streak of gold shoot across the vast blue canvas, so quick it was like a shooting star. Coupled with the impact-like quake, and many murmurs began to spread throughout the capital city; wondering aloud if that had just been a meteor strike. Or maybe the Geo Archon had come back from the dead. Or perhaps it was a Geo monster from Liyue that had crashed over.

Amber didn't listen to the murmurings of the people. The second she felt the quake she swiped her small travel backpack and dashed out of the city – legs carrying her over the bridge and out into Mondstadt's wilderness within the minute. As the sole Outrider Knight of Mondstadt it was her duty to be first on the scene, both to recon but also to provide aid to any who needed it. For all she knew someone could've been hit by whatever had fallen out of the sky.

'I do wonder what it could be though...' Amber could only muse to herself as she ran, hopping over rocks and dodging trees that got in her way.

It had to have been a meteor. Geovishaps and other monsters didn't travel this far out of Liyue – something to do with the elements, maybe? – and something of that size wouldn't be thrown so far and most importantly so fast as to leave a glittering trail in the sky. But if it was a meteor... well, she wasn't really sure what to expect. She doubted it'd be full of gems and gold like in the old fairy tales, but more likely stuffed with iron and stuff like that. Useful, yes, and the blacksmiths back in Mondstadt would be merry, but otherwise it'd probably be nothing special. A neat story to tell when she got back at least.

Yet despite that thought something nagged at her, a worry she couldn't quite place. She had her bow and gear, so it wasn't forgetting something that had caused it, nor were there many Hilichurl camps in this area – Eula had led a party of Knights to help clear out all the local camps, aided by Amber herself with a few archers from afar. Several camps had fallen and as she ran she spotted the remnants of them, be they ruined piles of rubble or patches of land devoid of grass due to her flame arrows. Small mercies they weren't in the dry season yet, otherwise that might've caused a grassland fire. Big oopsies if that happened.

Her sense of humour though waned as she ascended the hills, nearing Starsnatch Cliff. The forest thinned and she spied what looked like the crater, the upturned dirt around it distinct from the green grass. Whatever had fallen had also plunged straight through a Hilichurl tower too, the camp it was inside now abandoned, but the lack of any bloodstains told it was because the Hilichurls had fled rather than be slain.

Understandable, really. If a meteor crashed into her living room she'd run away ASAP herself.

Still she kept her bow on hand as she neared, slowing long enough to sweep the camp – but nope, nobody. The only evidence the Hilichurls had left in a hurry was the cluster of footprints all moving in the same direction, as if they had been stumbling over themselves to get away.

Something still nagged at her though, and as she neared the crater she realised why.

A giant sword was sticking out of it. Longer than even Eula's greatsword its holy hue caught her eye, bewitching her almost... until she ran her eyes down the length of its bloodstained blade – and her heart plummeted. For impaled upon the blade and covered in blood, was-

''A-Aether!'' Amber cried out, all sense of caution discarded as she ran.

The heels of her boots skidded along the edge of the crater as she descended into it. The beloved blond laid unresponsive to her cry and as she stumbled down next to him she realised the blade was through the very centre of his chest – yet despite the mortal wound his chest still rose and fell, albeit in slow, unsteady shudders. He was alive, but barely. The multiple deep gashes tearing down his chest too only worsened his condition, blood still freshly weeping from his injuries and turning the dirt black under his slack form.

Her eyes couldn't leave his body. What... what could she do for this? Sure she knew some basic first aid – you didn't make it this far as an adventurer without it – but that was for things like broken arms or disinfecting wounds, not having a massive sword through your chest. With how thick the blade was she was sure she'd be able to fit her whole arm through it – hell, did he still have a spine? A heart? How did she bandage a wound like that? And surely she shouldn't remove the sword, but then how would she move him when he was still impaled on it?

Worries and fears bubbled up and up, overwhelming Amber – unaware of the tears streaming down her cheeks until a sob retched itself out of her throat. She shook her head, dirt-covered gloves wiping away her tears, but they kept coming, blurring her vision. She tried to think, to focus, but the thoughts slipped out of her faster than her gasping breaths did.

She couldn't help him.

The Hero of Mondstadt, the infamous Traveler – Aether, her... her crush. On the verge of death and all she could do was watch it happen.

Should she run back to Mondstadt? There were doctors there, yes – but also Barbara. Her heart lifted at the thought but fell just as fast, realising he might not survive long enough for her to get Barbara even in the most ideal circumstances. If he was conscious then maybe there was a chance but...

She swallowed, ripping open her satchel and yanking out a roll of bandages – pressing them in firmly against his wounds. Aether twitched and his breathing tightened momentarily but he otherwise didn't react, offering no resistance as she compressed his wound as best she could. A second roll of bandages was hastily applied around the wound on his other side – a task made awkward by the large sword in the way – but she managed. It didn't do much, she realised, but it was better than letting him bleed freely.

But he was still losing blood. Way, way too much blood.

'C'mon Amber, think! Think!' She cried out in her mind, scrambling for literally anything. She'd befriend a Hilichurl at this point if it helped!

It was then, as she reached for another roll of bandages, that she felt it. A particular cylinder tucked away in a special fire-proof satchel. A firework. One of the many fireworks that Aether had specially commissioned from Inazuma for the Knight Captains and Outrider Knights, to be used when they were in great peril and needed assistance. A gift she cherished all the more with how many times she'd used them over the preceding months.

She ripped open the satchel flap and pulled it out – the firework red and purple, the two colours spiralling up its length to the pointed tip. She didn't care for the design in that moment, however, as she pulled out an arrow and lit the tip with Pyro, enabling her to light the fuse at the very base of the rocket. It ignited within a second, hissing, the seconds ticking down-

And with a shrill whine it flew out of her hand and into the sky overhead, soaring – then exploding in a shower of purple and gold sparks, distinct even against the afternoon sky. Despite that, she pulled out her second and last firework.

After all, she always took two out with her so she could signal what she needed.

One for backup.

''Please, hold on Aether...''

Two for medic.

X-x-X

Barbara saw the golden light shoot across the sky.

She had been outside at the time, chatting with the other nuns amicably about what to get for one of the other nuns, whose birthday was coming up in just two short days. Some suggested jewellery but others wrote it off as being too opulent for a member of the sisterhood, whilst some suggested flowers but others felt she deserved more – it was a back-and-froth that never seemed to end, and alas she wasn't particularly good at giving good suggestions.

All conversations ceased, however, when they spied the flash of gold – and yelps escaped them all as the ground beneath their feet shook. It passed quickly thankfully and everyone, despite the shock, tried to work their way back to the conversation at hand. Admittedly they got a bit sidetracked and started wondering what had caused it, looking about for anyone who might know, but the few people near the cathedral at the time seemed just as confused as they did.

Ultimately, it was probably nothing serious.

That was what she thought until she saw the purple-gold firework in the distance.

One followed by a second firework less than half a minute later.

Medic.

Her mind raced even as she excused herself from the sisters, their hurried calls to wait a minute going ignored. With as much haste as she could muster Barbara descended the countless steps that led up to the cathedral plateau. Who had sent the distress signal, especially so soon after the mysterious impact? Kaeya was a likely candidate; while the Cavalry Captain might not have a horse he was plenty quick all the same, much more than someone like Albedo or one of the other Knight Captains. Eula was another, especially with how hot-headed she could be, but Eula was also stubborn. She'd be unlikely to use her emergency fireworks so quickly; she'd sooner fight the enemy responsible for the injuries or, if not, try and patch things up herself.

One more, however, came to mind. Amber. She was among the fastest in Mondstadt and often tasked with such duties, while also being conscious enough to use her fireworks without letting her pride getting in the way. She herself wouldn't get injured so easily, so that must meant she found someone else injured – civilians? Merchants?

'Or perhaps...' Her mind dared whisper, but she shook the thought off as quickly as it came.

Aether wasn't even in Mondstadt last she heard; he was somewhere in Liyue on a quest. Her heart ached at the thought, worried about what kind of trouble he might get into without her there to heal him, but he'd survived this long without her hovering over his shoulder with heals at the ready. And as much as she would love to tour the world by his side... she wasn't ready to leave home yet. Her duty to Barbatos, her idol career, her family and friends; it was hard to drop that so suddenly.

Even if the idea tempted her so sinfully; her mind daring to wander towards days gone by – of picnics shared, of smiles and jokes, of blushes and laughs. It was only an uneven step that helped snap Barbara out of her reminiscence – a squeak escaping the idol as she stumbled but kept moving, focusing on the road ahead as she made her way towards the front gate.

''Allow me to accompany you.''

Had she not been in the process of exhaling Barbara would've yelped at the sudden voice next to her, her head jerking to the right – only to relax as she met the ever-calm eyes of Albedo. She wasn't super familiar with him admittedly, but her time by Aether's side during his adventures through Mondstadt had at least acquainted them somewhat. It helped that Albedo was, while somewhat stoic, always quick to the point. Strange, but reliable and trustworthy.

''Y-Yes, thank you.'' Barbara smiled her thanks, ignoring the heat that coloured her cheeks.

Right. Running out into the wilderness all by herself probably wasn't the best idea she had today.

Better than daydreaming in bed all morning.

Dispelling such thoughts Barbara followed behind Albedo as the Knight Captain ran ahead. She knew it wasn't his top speed – she had seen how quick he could move in battle – but she appreciated that he wasn't just leaving her behind. While she participated in quests from time to time or ventured out of the city walls to help the wounded, she never was someone used to physical exertion compared to her peers. She made a mental note to try and fix that... if she found the time.

Conversation between them was non-existent as they ran, every breath spent on hurrying them towards the location the fireworks were launched. The explosions of colour had long since dissipated but Albedo seemed to know where he was going so she put her trust in him, doing her best to keep an eye out on their sides for any ambushes as they ran – worn dirt roads becoming grassy hills, slowing them down further. Had the situation been less severe she might've asked to take a break, but no matter how badly her lungs burned she kept running. Because whoever was injured might not live long enough for her to rest.

It was that thought that gave her some meagre amount of strength, enough to keep up with Albedo. The hill towards Starsnatch Point neared and she could see a Hilichurl camp – and beyond that, a crater.

''Go check it out, I'll sweep the camp.'' Albedo intoned swiftly, barely winded from the long run.

Barbara didn't waste the air speaking; opting for a hurried nod instead and doing as she was told. The fresh air that wafted across her cheeks was a welcome reprieve, the highland nature making the winds blissfully cool. The winds, however, also carried a peculiar noise. One Barbara herself had become well acquainted with during her time as a healer, whether she wanted to be or not.

Sobbing.

It tugged at her heartstrings and invoked dread within her heart, her hurried footfalls bringing her to the rim of the crater. ''Amber, are you-''

Her breathing hitched, her whole world seemed to wobble and it was a miracle she didn't fall with the sudden weakness that paralysed her legs. For within the depths of the crater Amber was desperately pressing fresh rolls of bandages onto Aether, numerous other rolls already soaked through with his blood and drying out under the afternoon sun, the paper crinkled with drying blood. A sight that was secondary to the greatsword impaling her beloved Traveler, his head back but his face dangerously expressionless, almost unmoving beyond a slight, shuddering twitch.

Barbara couldn't think. Couldn't breathe. If she blinked she could see Aether smiling at her, see his hair blowing in the wind or a grin curling at his lips as he fought back a Mitachurl – but the illusion was gone with the wind, revealing only his still visage now. Who did this? Who would ever think to kill the Traveler – who dared to do such a thing to such a kind person, always helping out others and protecting the weak, not out of a sense of duty but simple kindness?

A hand on her shoulder snapped Barbara out of her paralysis, her flinch making her aware of how stiff she was – how long had she been standing there? A minute? More?

Albedo didn't look at her though, his grave expression focused solely on Aether. ''Barbara, heal him.''

It was the order that truly stirred the deaconess into motion, a stammering reply escaping her as she dropped down into the crater. It wasn't steep but she stumbled and fell all the same, crawling on hands and knees to get to Aether's side quicker – her breathing fast as she drew upon her Hydro Vision, desperately beckoning the power forth and washing it over his form. The small cuts on his body began to heal quickly, scrapes that they were, but the two massive gouges down his front were much more reluctant to heal.

It was easy to coax the skin into closing when it was just a millimetre or two apart. It was much harder to do the same when the flesh was torn open an inch or more wide.

Barbara ignored that fact with desperate denial, eyes open despite the gruesome wounds before her – focusing her whole being on knitting the wounds together. But while she was working on one wound the other one was still bleeding, stemmed only somewhat by Amber's frantic attempts – to say nothing of the sword still in his chest, blood bubbling out around it as it failed to fully stop the blood flow.

''Aether, stay with us Aether...!'' Barbara called to him, barely cognizant of the tears that wetted her cheeks.

Amber was beyond the point of coherency herself; ceaseless blubberings escaping the Outrider as she yanked another roll of bandages out; wrapping it around the existing layer of bandages and tightening it as best she could, trying to apply pressure across the lengthy wound with limited success. His blood stained her fingers and had turned the soil under her knees sticky but she didn't even register it, having only enough sense to wipe it off on her shorts lest she contaminate his wounds before going back to her desperate task.

Albedo joined them a second later, frowning severely at the sword. It looked... familiar. Not in a pleasant way, either. Reaching out he dared to touch the blade edge of the blade – only to hiss and recoil the second he did so, his fingertips singed as if he'd touched an open flame. He stared at his fingertips and then back at the sword, mind already forming conclusions he wasn't liking in the slightest, but that would have to wait for later.

Aether took priority.

'Don't die on us now, Aether...'

X-x-X

''...and that is the current situation of the Traveler.''

Albedo's report rung throughout the Grandmaster's office, even after he had finished speaking – the words echoing through the minds of all present. Despite the ensuing silence none found it in them to break it, some moving their mouths but failing to make a sound – all such noise lost to the weighty report delivered to them all.

Jean swallowed heavily, leaning back into her chair in some feeble attempt to calm herself. ''The Traveler then, is he...''

''He is alive.'' Albedo nodded simply. ''Barbara is watching over him and monitoring his condition at all times; Sucrose will switch out with her so she can get some rest in a few hours. I will be assisting her throughout the night.''

''Understood...'' Jean remarked almost distantly, eyes turning to the others.

The conflict in their eyes was easily apparent. Nobody knew what to do, what to say. The Traveler had always been a figure of strength in the eyes of Mondstadt – a mysterious wanderer who came from beyond the stars in search of his sister, who went from a meagre adventurer to one of the most formidable fighters they had known in the span of months. A young man who wielded multiple elements without a Vision, who could match the best in swordsmanship, who had faced down Sovereigns and Archons alike and come out victorious each and every time.

And now he had been pushed to the brink of death by an unknown assailant. Pierced by a strange greatsword none could touch – and one that was removed only thanks to Albedo encasing it in Geo, allowing it to be removed without burning his hands and kept contained for the same reasons. It was most similar to Mondstadt in terms of design, yes, but the styling to say nothing of its nature were alien even to the greatest of blacksmiths. To say nothing of the fact Aether was beloved in Mondstadt; few would think to strike at him, and everyone strong enough to wound him was basically an ally already.

So who did it?

Kaeya was the one to voice it. ''Any ideas?''

''Hmph, if I did I'd already be out the door.'' Eula scoffed, and it didn't take an inquisitor to spot the tightness to her jaw – her teeth no doubt grinding with suppressed fury.

Unsurprising. While Eula had few friends, Aether was among the closest.

''I would remind you all that numerous citizens reported a 'streak of light' across the sky just prior to the quake we all felt.'' Lisa remarked as she gently set a cup of tea before Jean, her soft 'thank you' heeded only by a nod. ''Considering the impact where Aether was found, it is fair to assume he was impaled with considerable force – and judging by the angle, launched from somewhere high up. Meaning-''

''Dragonspine.'' Kaeya finished with a frown, one hand caressing his chin. ''That's odd. Last I recall our dear friend was on a mission in Liyue – how did he end up all the way up there? You don't accidentally climb the most dangerous mountain in the region after all.''

''Are you implying he lied about his quest so nobody would try to stop him?'' Eula frowned at the Cavalry Captain.

Said captain raised his hands. ''I'm not implying anything, just suggesting. Even if he did lie though, it wouldn't explain why he'd want to go up there all alone – and more importantly, who was up there that did this?''

Albedo hummed slowly. ''I have a suspicion of whom.''

Jean raised a brow. ''And that would be?''

''Celestia.''

The silence that followed was stifling.

Albedo carried on as if it didn't exist. ''The weapon burns anyone who touches it, but most curiously the Traveler's internals – which the blade had plunged through – did not show any noticeable burn marks, including the flesh in direct and continuous contact with the metal. Considering the Traveler's otherworldly nature to Teyvat it is not absurd to assume whatever the metal is made of does not harm him in the same way it would harm us.''

''Adding to this is the fact, as Kaeya said, the Traveler encountered an unknown opponent high up the mountain. Not only did this happen, but this opponent had enough strength to throw a sword from Dragonspine all the way to central Mondstadt – with Aether on it.'' Albedo crossed his arms behind his back. ''I don't think I need to point out that such a feat could only be performed by someone with the strength of an Archon or greater. Considering the Geo Archon is deceased and Barbatos has no reason to harm the Traveler, Celestia is the only logical option left.''

''Outside of the Pyro and Cryo Archons.'' Kaeya pointed out.

Albedo frowned at that. ''Correct. The Cryo Archon in particular would have a reason to strike the Traveler down more than any, but that doesn't explain the otherworldly – nay, divine nature of the sword.''

''True.'' Kaeya stroked his chin thoughtfully.

''But that also begs the question as to what Aether was doing up there in the first place – or why Celestia would attack him.'' Eula remarked stiffly.

''An ambush, perhaps?'' Lisa floated the idea.

''Or a trap.'' Kaeya nodded slightly. ''Considering how desperately he's been trying to find his sister, if someone contacted him with details about it, he'd pursue it. Heck, if Celestia themselves contacted him it might be all the more reason for him to meet them.''

Albedo hummed but didn't seem quite convinced, though Jean nodded. ''That seems plausible. We won't know for sure until Aeth- the Traveler wakes up, either way.''

Kaeya smirked but a glare from Jean stopped him from cracking a joke, especially with the mood so dismal. They had almost lost a good friend today – and to the women in the room, someone perhaps more than a friend.

''What about Amber?'' Jean inquired instead, her brow dipping. ''And Paimon too? Has anyone seen her?''

''Amber is currently remaining with Barbara and Aether. Ostensibly to protect him, though I suspect more due to the distressing sight she witnessed.'' Albedo reported succinctly. ''As for Paimon, she is doing the same. According to her testimony she was, quote, 'sleeping off a big feast', and when she woke up and manifested when Aether was in the process of being transported back to Mondstadt.''

''I imagine she didn't take the sight well.''

Albedo closed his eyes. ''No, she did not. She was inconsolable last I saw, and is watching over Aether with the others, waiting for him to wake up.''

''Poor thing.'' Lisa said softly.

A sentiment shared by all present. To hear that Aether was badly wounded was harsh enough. But for someone as innocent as Paimon? It probably broke something in her. Hopefully with Aether's awakening that something could be fixed; none wanted to see the food-obsessed fairy be traumatised by this incident.

''I propose additional patrols be made around the city.'' Albedo suggested then, breaking the brief silence.

''Agreed.'' Eula assented immediately. ''And if whoever did this to Aether is found, I will have my vengeance on his behalf.''

''I mean, considering whoever did this took down Aether...'' Kaeya gestured at the Spindrift Knight, leaving it unsaid but not unheard – if a person was capable of beating Aether, what good did she stand?

Not that it dissuaded Eula, who huffed. ''I won't rush in blindly, obviously. But if stalling them until the rest of the Knights arrive is an option, I will take it.''

''Very well. Eula you and your company will double patrols for the next few days – we're looking for suspicious figures, or weaponless ones. They might come back looking for their weapon, after all, and take it by force if need be.'' Jean murmured the last part before glancing towards the alchemist in the room. ''Albedo, examine that sword along with the crash site where Aether was found.''

''Already on it. A detachment of my men have cordoned off a section of Starsnatch Cliff, though the local Hilichurls are making it troublesome.'' Albedo responded crisply.

Jean nodded at that. ''Kaeya, can you-''

''I'll go with and escort them. Should only take a day or two, I hope?'' The Cavalry Captain looked over at his peer.

Albedo nodded. ''Correct. Two days tops, probably not even half that unless something terribly unforeseen comes up.''

Kaeya hummed, knocking on the wooden shelf behind him.

''Lisa.'' Jean spoke up, earning the eye of her librarian. ''I'm tasking you with aiding Albedo's research into that sword, along with scanning the archives for anything like it. If this sword truly is from Celestia, we need to know everything about it or who it belongs to.''

''I'll see what I can do, but don't expect a miracle. You'd be surprised with how few details about Celestia there is.'' Lisa sighed but didn't argue.

Jean rubbed the bridge of her nose. ''Then you have your orders. I'll notify you if Aether's condition changes any, or if the culprit decides to show up in my office.''

Knocking echoed from the nearby shelves, courtesy of Kaeya – earning an annoyed look from Jean, much to his amusement. ''Hey, I'm just playing it safe.''

''Right. Regardless; you're dismissed.''

Hopefully, with good news on the horizon.

For the weather seemed ripe for rain, tonight.

X-x-X

''Stupid, stupid, stupid...!''

Fists crashed into the puddle under Mona, dispelling the Hydromancy spell and with it the vision of the future. The magician herself scowled something fierce, glaring down at the puddle of liquid with open contempt, even if it was misdirected.

She had been too lax in her divinations. For years now she had performed them on a daily basis – sometimes small ones, sometimes big ones – and had been diligent in her studies of the stars. In the last month or so however she'd taken to relaxing a bit more, mostly at the insistence of Aether, and focused more on the present. Little things like saving up her money to treat herself to snacks or foods more elaborate than rolls and cheap dinnertime meals.

It was then ironic that, due to Aether's suggestion, she had failed to divine his fate. Yet she refused to blame him for that fault – not least because she had divined his fate, just not as often. And in that future she saw many things; constellations intertwined, the fates of many forged along a linear, undiverging path... but nothing about Aether being nearly murdered. Not even a hint of peril was to be seen in his future, yet the state he was rumoured to be in was enough to make her feel nauseous.

Mona shook her head, scowling. It was just the gossip mill going at it again – surely Aether wasn't that badly hurt... but then again, she'd heard it from Diona herself, who had been out at the time when Aether was ferried in through the main gate with Captain Albedo and several of his Knights escorting them. Though the cat-girl hadn't been able to see much due to being so short, she noted the scent of blood was strong; very strong. Couple that with the distressed crowds after he had been brought in and it was clear this was no simple injury, especially with him being attended to personally by Barbara herself.

'He'll make it.' Mona told herself. Her doubt refused to believe it, though, worry gnawing at the pit of her stomach.

Should she go visit? No, she decided a heartbeat later; she'd just get in the way and she didn't know enough to be of any use. But what if his condition was even worse than she expected and this might be the last time she saw him? The more she thought about it the more anxious she became, her fingers twitching and lips pursing, her heart pounding as she thought about seeing him in such a bad state. Would he even want to be seen – assuming he was conscious in the first place?

Drawing in a sharp breath Mona exhaled it just as forcefully. It helped calm her somewhat but not enough to erase it – no, if a deep breath was all it took to cure anxiety she'd have been done with it long ago. Right now she shouldn't bother him; even if he woke up, he'd likely need a day or two of rest at minimum. In that time she'd work on divining what happened. Lisa would probably want to know too, so she could help in that aspect if nothing else. Worse came to worse she'd just have to go out on short-range quests to pick up the slack with Aether being out of commission.

She sighed, pursing her lips as she stood, leaving her stuff on the floor for now. It was getting late – she'd better grab something for dinner and get to bed early.

Despite that, she suspected she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight.

''Fischl's going to freak when she hears what happened...''

X-x-X

Composure was a big part of Noelle's personal philosophy.

Her aspirations to be a Knight of Favonius played a big part in that, no doubt. Growing up she met many knights who were warm and patient even when she or others messed up, but became professional and serious when a threat arose. Helping a child rescue a kitten one moment then drawing their weapon and facing down a Hilichurl the next; they never lost their composure and always put on a brave face for those they served.

As such when she got older she took on that mantle of professionalism. She wouldn't be able to be stoic, she was too emotional a person to ever keep such a stony expression, but she was privately proud of her ability to remained composed – be it in battle, handling unruly citizens after a tavern brawl or even facing down a fellow knight who had suffered some loss and gone mad with grief. It was much harder to knock out a person than it was to kill them too, but she managed.

Yet somehow keeping the tray in her hands steady was more arduous than that.

She drew in a slow breath and let it out just as gradually, slowing as she neared the door before her. One that currently hosted the Honorary Knight. The same knight found on the verge of death just a few hours beforehand.

Catching the handle with her elbow she carefully opened the door, the creak it made loud amidst the quiet evening air – the open windows letting in a chilly but refreshing breeze. The room within was fairly quaint and narrow, featuring a bed along the far wall with a bedside table next to it – beyond that it was fairly featureless, as expected of one of the spare rooms at HQ.

Aether laid motionless in the bed; the thin white quilt tucked up only to his waist and leaving his bare chest completely visible. Any other time she might secretly admire his well-toned physique but in that moment she could only fret at the discoloured scar in the very centre, forming a rough diamond shape between his pectorals as big as an orange; taller than it was wide. Two other thin scars ran down the length of his torso too from shoulder to stomach, evidenced of the gruesome wounds he had endured.

Despite them he remained unconscious just like when he arrived – his expression occasionally twisting in discomfort before settling somewhat. She wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not.

Carefully nudging the door open her eyes were drawn to Amber – slumped against the bedside table with a wool blanket draped over herself, though the girl herself was in a fitful sleep, her brow scrunching before her expression relaxed. In contrast Barbara remained awake despite the waning hour, sat upon a stool by the Traveler's bedside and with hands still aglow with blue light, healing him still.

''How is he?'' Noelle whispered gently.

Barbara glanced her way only briefly. ''He's... he's doing better. I've fixed up his wounds as best I could but the internal damage is taking longer to fix.''

Noelle nodded in understanding; setting the tray of food down and wincing at the clink it made. ''How bad?''

Barbara bit her bottom lip as if the mere question pained her. ''His spine was severed and multiple organs either cut open or otherwise bruised. I have to focus to make sure I don't heal it incorrectly.''

The gentle hint didn't go unnoticed. ''Oh, um, sorry... please don't overdo it?''

Barbara just shook her head. ''If it's for him, I will. I... I need to.''

Noelle felt her heart clench. She understood that feeling – the sense of duty, of debt. Of a desperate need to pay someone back for all the good they had done. It was part of the reason why she even became a knight – to repay the sacrifices of the knights before her, who had given their time or even their lives for the continued peace of Mondstadt.

Maybe that's why her heart always felt so fluttery around Aether. She needed to reciprocate his kindness and warmth just as honestly. Or maybe it was because she wanted to feel that warmth more, to see him smile at her with such joy, to feel his arms around her as she welcomed him back to Mondstadt.

She swallowed, whispering a goodnight to Barbara as she left the deaconess to work.

'Perhaps... I should be more honest with him in future.' Noelle thought to herself, clutching at her chest. 'But is it right to tell him I feel this way, knowing he wants to find his sister?'

Find his sister, and possibly leave Teyvat. The thought made her stop in the corridor, her composure teetering for a dangerous moment. The possibility was one never discussed, but one she suspected many friends of Aether knew. That one day, when he found his beloved sister, he would abandon this world and travel to the next. Maybe he'd come back one day. Or maybe he never would, at least not in their lifetimes.

Would he stay, knowing she loved him so much?

And if so, was it right for her to tie him down because of her selfish desires?

Noelle didn't know. She honestly, truly didn't know.

And by Barbatos did she hope to find an answer soon.

[END]

A/N: Was a bit tricky to pin down the personas of those pining after him, I have to say - toeing the line between them nearly heartbroken at losing their crush, but also not just going with 'the whole world cried in sorrow'-esque attitude. Hopefully they felt natural~

Not sure on the final harem list either, but it'll come in time no doubt~

See you next time~