Work Text:
Blooming
A Xiaoyu Drabble
When she looked into his eyes, she was afraid. She saw nothing. Endless darkness and despair. He was shrouded in mystery, and darkness. He felt like a silhouette, an empty husk of a being with no emotion and one thought- to bring about death. Those were the things that kept her as far away from him as she could. As an adepti, they had several interactions, but none noticeable enough to recall. They fought together and spent time together around their precious archon that held them together like glue.
When he told them that he would depart, they both stood in shock. Some of the other adepti had already begun to feel the changes in Liyue. She had already been wandering between the realm of humans and adepti as she was conflicted with her own identity, yet somehow she was afraid.
Without her archon what would become of her? What would she do? She did not dare go against his word.
Yet Xiao stood against him until the last moments, trying to convince him otherwise. Even going against the idea of the wind archon whom he had also been close to. She wondered why he had been so stubborn, but she did not desire to find out on her own accord. He did not seem like one to be trifled with, nor someone who desired company other than the geo archon himself.
She cautiously watched her archon now live his life in peace, roaming the streets of Liyue, and somehow that put her at ease. To know he had found his own time to relax, she felt as if a weight on her shoulder had been lifted as well.
They would occasionally talk under the light of the moon, the glaze lilies would be in full bloom and he would speak to her in riddles. His eyes never left the sky and she felt as if he were reminiscing about something far away, or if he were searching for his own answers that were ungraspable.
She saw small changes within him with each person who touched and dissected. She saw him smile and laugh in a way that she had never seen as he mingled among his people. Ganyu wanted to be happy, she wanted to support her archon in any of his endeavours, but she was also afraid.
What would become of her now? Her purpose, her archon was now no more. She was half human, she did not belong, yet she was also not a full adepti. Like walking on a thin thread, she teetered between the two for years, losing herself in the work of the Qixing.
It brought her pain every time she saw her archon- who was no long who she once knew. Liyue was different. Everything about it had changed. In the end, she became useless.
That is what she believed.
He told her otherwise. He told her that she needed to search for her place and that she would find it. Change comes to everyone, but you must accept it, and you must be willing to move forward.
She didn’t understand how he could say that so easily after thousands of years of being. Working, fighting and toiling for the land. Doing everything only to end up being lost after everything was built.
“ It’s time to let new flowers bloom.” He told her with a smile she didn’t understand. One that was mysteriously bright like the crescent full moon. His once narrowed icy eyes, dulled from war and death, now shone bright and warmer than ever.
She didn’t understand and she was still scared. He patted her head with a gloved hand, his beam still very present. His knowing smile held no doubt in his mind for her. A small rock sunk in her gut. She kept letting him down and she still didn’t understand.
The clouds rolled over the moon, wispy and airy. Her eyes stung at the luminosity, but she refused to close them. A faint breeze rustled through the grass and she felt a familiar chill prickle her skin.
“I see you are reflecting.” A low voice blew past her, barely above the wind.
She closed her eyes finally, letting the sting of the brightness sink into her corneas. She nodded, “It is the only thing I can do now.” She sighed, her eyes opening to look at the grass underneath her. She felt him move to sit beside her.
He mimicked her sigh, it was deeper and more drawn out. “The same moon rises every night, and has been all these years.” He tucked one need in and lounged himself on the grass, his cat like eyes glaring right into the light as she had been before.
“I thought it would do so for the rest of eternity, but it seems like underneath the sky, the world will shift.” Ganyu wraps her arms around her knees and pulls herself close, tucking her chin between her legs. She feels a hand on her head and freezes slightly.
She turns to see the stone cold face of the adepti beside her, staring right back at her, his icy aurelian eyes burned with a cold flame. She shivered, but kept her contact. “In the end, the archon is happy, and he requests us to find the same.” He whispers quietly, a small frown painted on his face to reflect the confusion that she shared with him.
“To let a new flower bloom?” Ganyu echoed her archon’s words and Xiao nodded. It seems as if they had told them the same. She frowned and they both sat in the silence of the night. “Like a glaze lily?” She murmured, trying her hardest to understand.
A flower, a symbol of life, fleeting, yet beautiful. The exact opposite of what the adepti were. If anything, they were more like the deep roots of ageless trees, the history of the earth itself written to the core. However, with the changes in society, they were uprooted, and no longer necessary as foundations.
She snapped out of her thoughts when Xiao moved beside her, standing up swiftly like a harsh gust of wind. She felt the darkness in him weld up. His breathing became haggard and he clenched his fists. Without another word he was gone and she found herself staring at the empty space where he once was.
He and her both knew they were no flowers. So what could he have meant?
--
The streets of Liyue were endlessly pouring with new people, visitors from near and far were requesting things left and right from Qixing in the midst of the festival.
Oddly enough, Ganyu found herself satisfied with the tireless amounts of work she was given as she had struggled to keep her mind off her last conversations with her archon as well as fellow adepti.
Ninguang entrusted her with management of some of the minor details of the lantern festival, yet that in itself had plenty of subjects to cover. In the end she found herself running around Liyue attempting to gather resources and balance finances.
The traveller was helpful as well, assisting her on occasion as they were up to their own usual antics. She was fond of them in a way she felt like she could relate. She was afraid to ask them for advice on what the geo archon had said.
--
He was walking besides a human woman. She knew her, the Yuheng. She was short in stature, much like her. It was odd. She had denounced him on various occasions. How they had grown close was beyond her understanding.
The way he clung onto Keqing only added to her confusion. The way he stood beside her and spoke to her softly, it was different. She had never seen her archon like so. It was odd, as if he were mimicking a human himself. He smiled at her and touched her hand gently, and she watched the Yuheng flush, but quietly lace her fingers with his.
Ganyu watched as they walked away, noticing her archon look at her before he disappeared to the docks, a knowing smile on his face one she was familiar with was directed at her. In the end, Ganyu could do nothing but watch. He was happy, but somehow she was not satisfied with that. She had been so stuck in her old ways where she knew she had a place.
The sun in the sky was beginning to sink, and lanterns began to slowly fill the sky. The world glistened with a soft warmth, yet she felt cold. Alone, she stood under the large dark blanket of space.
Where did she belong?
A soft wind rustled through her hair. A familiar hand rested on her head. She did not need to turn to face him, she laughed bitterly, knowing that he must feel the same. When she did, she saw his bright eyes still locked on where their archon had left with his new companion. She looked up at him, her chin lifting slightly to meet his eyes, and his pupils dilated and shifted to hers.
He coughed slightly and withdrew his hand. “We all must find our place.” He murmured quietly, she heard him clearly despite the chattering of the crowds that surrounded them. Somehow, with him it felt as if they were the only two people that existed. In a way, that eased her loneliness.
She offered a small smile and hummed in agreement. She felt his body tense slightly as several people brushed past them. She looked around at the crowds of people and grabbed onto his gloved hand, his eyes widened slightly at her action, but he allowed her to take him away.
The crowds thin as she moves away from the heart of the festival and towards the outskirts of the harbor. The lanterns hung low, illuminating the wide expanse of the wide abyss above them. They walked in silence, hand in hand, many thoughts whirling in their own minds.
He stopped for a moment, and so did she. She turned to him, suddenly realizing that while she had been deep in her own thoughts, she had dragged him unwillingly several miles. The more surprising fact was that he let her do so.
He blinked and tilted his head to the side, observing her pinkish blush. “Ah...sorry, I just...had a lot on my mind.” She apologized and bowed her head slightly. He crossed his arms and turned his head to the sky, his eyes glistening at the bright specks of lights that drifted, much like their souls searching for a place to settle.
“Did you release your own lantern?” Xiao asked suddenly, ignoring her previous apology. He turned to her, crouching down to the dirt to brush his hand against an open glaze lily, plucking its root from the ground to bring it closer to his eyes to observe.
“I’m sorry?” She attempted to hide her incredulous tone, yet somehow his question threw her off her own guard. The conqueror of demons, a feared and respected, yet lonely soul who had no interest in human matters was asking her of all things? She grasped her hands together, and dropped her eyes to the ground, wondering if this was some sort of trick question.
Xiao frowned, but she heard him shuffle closer. The glaze lily in his hand, he tucked behind her ear, under her horn. “I was wondering if you partook in the festivities.” He asked, again, with the same curious, yet stale tone. She blinked rapidly, a strange flicker ran through his expression and she shook her head unconsciously. Her finger reached up to brush the lily that he placed in her hair and she felt her cheeks grow hot.
“No...I never thought to do so…,” She looked at the mass of humans that gathered at the docks of the harbor, the loud festivities was something she had never was interested, and something she actually rather avoid as it was tedious to interact with that amount of people, especially after the amount of work she had to do during the day to make the festival function.
The adepti followed her line of sight and let out a breath, his eyes moved back to her, watching her closely. HIs poker face was chilling, and somehow so lonely. Ganyu reached out her hand, touching his softly.
He blinked at her, and looked at their hands. “Would you go with me?” He laced his fingers with hers and she felt her heart thump a little faster. She licked her lips nervously, but nodded, his intentions were unknown, but the only thing she could think about were the words that Zhongli had left her.
“It’s time to let new flowers bloom.”
She reached up and touched the glaze lily again. She smiled, following Xiao’s steps back towards Liyue.
--
“So you want to find your place?” He thought for a moment, his arms were crossed as usual, and he watched her approach him timidly. Ever since they were young adepti under Rex Lapis, she had always been rather shy. He had no doubts in her abilities, yet somehow she was lacking her own awareness.
Something about her made him frustrated, and perhaps that is why he could not leave her alone. Thoughts of her began to creep up on him more often than not, especially after spending a day at the lantern festival together.
He thought about the warmth of her hand in his own, a strange feeling blossomed in his chest much like the glaze lily he subconsciously placed in her hair. The colors melded together like the beautiful dawn sky, hues of blue and purple that struck him. Her eyes were soft, much like her hand. He couldn’t help but feel as if they were the exact opposite.
“Excuse me…” She huffed after completing her trial. Xiao nodded and let her rest for a moment. They waited in silence for a moment. The sound of the robins chirping amongst the trees echoed off the canyon walls. The weather was still quite cold, yet it was a comforting chill to him. Ganyu rested on a rock above the water, her hands folded on her lap as she stared intensely into the water, observing her own reflection. Her eyes always held a sort of melancholy, a sadness much different from his own.
He moved to her slowly, and looked into the water beside her. “Have you found any answers yet?” He looked at her reflection and watched her eyes move to his reflection in the water. She blinked in surprise as he had snapped her out of her own daze.
“Um…” She sighed meekly, seeming to cower under his gaze. Through the years she has still not changed, and she was still quite hesitant, especially when it came to him. Yes, he was the Conquer of Demons. He had no qualms of his title or his role. His burden was his to carry. Yet, when she looked at him, something stirred within him, a sort of pain that he had never felt before. It made him feel disgusting.
He clicked his tongue, “Let your body tell you the answer, you think too much.” He huffed, his felt his anemo powers rustle within his veins and Ganyu cowered. He sighed, feeling somewhat guilty for frightening her once again. He again, lifted his hand and rested it on her head. He felt her sit up slightly, and tilt her head towards him. He breathed out softly and allowed himself to pat her head for a moment longer.
“Um…” She started again, but Xiao sighed.
“Just call me Xiao...Please.” He dropped his hand and held it out to her, helping her stand back up. “If you are tired, rest.” He stated, seeing sweat glisten above her brow. She nodded and looked off to the distance. A shroud of sadness seemed to cover her.
He frowned, but let her walk off back in a direction she typically did not leave in. He did not want to question, but he knew she must have been seeking something. Was she still bothered by what Rex Lapis had said? He too had been perturbed, but at the same time, he did not allow that to interfere with his destiny. The task that he had must be fulfilled by no one else but him.
Xiao stared back into the water where Ganyu had watched her own reflection. He thought for a moment. He had a solid role, one that he had to fulfil until the end of time, but what about her? He froze, his eyes trained on the placid water. The water rippled slightly and his reflection was muddled. A frog croaked in the distance. She was lost, of course she was.
He clenched his hand tightly. Maybe he would have to bear another burden. It did not feel right to leave her how she was now. He sat at the rock she had sat at watching her hair flutter in the wind until she disappeared from his sight. He held his head in his hands, letting the demons in his mind scream away, but somehow the image of Ganyu’s melancholy expression quieted them down, even if it was just momentarily.
Hours must have passed while he rested, thinking. It was not until the cloud retainer approached him when he looked up, sensing her presence. She approached him as they had a cautious relationship, yet something told him that she held her reservations momentarily. She lowered her head respectfully.
“I see that the little one has come to seek advice from you.” She folded her wings back behind her, the silky feathers gleamed under the setting sun, reflecting the orange hue of the sky.
Xiao stared at her blankly, crossing his arms. “Yes.” He answered simply. He watched her eyes glimmer slightly with an unknown emotion, one that he did not understand. Though they were both adepti, they both lead very different lives. She had been the retainer of clouds, her burdens were must lighter than his own.
Out of all the adepti, he was an outcast. It was his fate, and he had accepted it. He preferred to be alone. The cloud retainer plucked at her feathers gracefully. “You yourself, seem to be seeking an answer as well. Maybe the little one can provide you some answers.” She thought out loud.
Xiao stood still for a moment, the sky had now sunk below the horizon, the red and orange hues were disappearing in the night as the dark blue overtook them. “Xiao…” She paused for a moment, her eyes looked deep into his, trying to reach past the dark in his soul. She closed her eyes, looking away. It was always too much to handle. “You need to let yourself live. You are more than the Conqueror of Demons.” She stretched her wings, looking towards the moon. “I hope you can understand that.” She flapped her wings powerfully, the power of anemo surrounding the two of them as she lifted herself higher. “Live.” She whispered one last time before she turned her head away, leaving back towards her home.
He thought about Rex Lapis. He saw the warmth on his face as he stood among the humans. Strange . It was strange. He and Ganyu seemed to be the only ones who were lost. Why? He blinked up at the sky, the lanterns began to scatter across like splotches of paint drops across a canvas. To Live. He wondered what he had been doing up until now.
--
He stood under the tree, enjoying the shade from the bright sun. She was late. He brushed his fingers against the trunk of the tree, waiting for her to arrive. He grimaced when he wondered what she was doing. The moment he thought of her unlocked a pandora’s box of questions regarding her. Was she doing well? Was she eating enough? Has she found an answer? What was on her mind? What did she think of him-
He waved his hand in the air as if to disperse the clouds of thoughts that began to form around him. Soft footsteps caught his attention, and he closed his eyes. There was another pair of feet walking beside her. Her slow steps were obvious, but the other pair was different, faster, heavier. He opened his eyes and glanced at the bright yellow eyes that reflected the sun, just as his own. Ah, the traveler.
He hardened his eyes and watched the pair.
“You’re half an hour late....” He sighed, feeling as if he should be harsher today. His mood somewhat sour with the unwarranted invitation of an outsider. “I see you haven’t abandoned the wrongful ways of humankind.”
She shuffled uncomfortably and the traveler gave him a questionable look, inching closer to Ganyu in a protective manner. He sighed, but she spoke up, “I’m sorry…” She started and he felt his anger swell slightly at her apology. “I had a meeting with the cloud retainer, I…”
He cut her off, balling his fists, “I don’t need your explanations and don’t require any mutual understanding between us.” His eyes harden and he feels the ice flow through his veins once more. The whispers of the demons echoed in his ears, but he closed his eyes, his mind drifting off to the nightmares he had forgotten about around her. He clenched his jaw. Of course she was nothing like him. He was meant to be alone. He drew a line, “I’m just helping you with your training, that’s all.” He glanced at the traveller, whose floating companion seemed to be whispering to.
They discussed quietly while Ganyu held her head low, a frown displayed on her face for him to see. He looked away, feeling a pang in his chest at her expression. It was for the better. She would fare fine without him.
They started their training, the traveler keeping her company. He watched her expression morph from melancholy to a faint smile. Why? He watched her fight, it was always graceful, beautiful. The way she danced with her cryo powers, and the way she handled her bow was breathtaking.
When she completed her trial, she had a small smile on her face, her eyes glistened towards him like a child seeking praise, “I’ve completed your trial.” She states, brushing off the remaining dust from her clothes and putting away her bow.
He catches himself from giving her praise, his eyes shift to the traveler who joins them in their conversation. He looks away from them and directly at Ganyu, “You don’t have to report back to me. Seeking other people’s validation won’t benefit your training.” He frowned, feeling a strange tension weld between the three of them. He sighed, “Only you can evaluate the result of your trial. You’ll progress faster that way.” He turned his back to them, hearing her respond quietly.
“Um...Understood.” He could imagine her nodding. He felt uncomfortable with the additional presence of the traveler. He wanted to finish their session and send them away before things got overly complicated.
“From tomorrow on, I’ll start raising the difficulty of your training, so you’ll have to…” He heard a rustle of more footsteps. Just what he did not want. More complications. He glanced in the strangers directions, feeling his skin prickle uncomfortably. He was reaching his limit. He stared at Ganyu, the pixie beside the traveler inquiring for him to continue. “Huh...another one of those pesky visitors...I’ll leave them to you Ganyu. It’s also part of your training…” He finished weakly, before slinking away.
Too many people left him absolutely drained. Before he left, he could hear the annoying human’s cries as they approached Ganyu and the traveler. Suddenly, he was glad that the traveler was there.
--
The next day, she approached him and he knew she had no intention to fight. He realized she must have found an answer to her qualms. She approached him slowly, and lowered her head respectfully. “Thank you for your trials, I learned a lot.” She looked up at him, her eyes wavering around his own.
He raised his brow, “Do not thank me.” He sat down and rested his back against the tree, feeling the bark line against his spine. “The work was mainly done by you. It seems as if you found an answer.” He closed his eyes, feeling somewhat jealous of her ability to seek a solution.
She stayed quiet for a moment, and wandered back to the same rock, her eyes reconnecting with the reflection of the water. “The flower. What is it’s meaning?” Ganyu let out a small breath and Xiao opened his eyes to look at her. She fiddled with her hands for a moment. “Yesterday, were you upset?” She pressed her lips together and faced him directly, her eyes suddenly ignited with an uncharacteristic fire, one similar to the one she held as she battled.
Xiao was slightly taken aback by her forwardness, he frowned, “I don’t know what you mean.” He could feel the air around him grow colder.
“You seemed upset. You…” She trailed off slightly, her eyes left his and she lowered her head. “Sorry.” She brushed her fingers against the water, her cryo powers awakening for a brief moment. The water crackled slightly, an indication of it freezing over. “I wanted to come and thank you, and also tell you that I will no longer be participating in the trials.” She stood from her rock and left.
He was alone again.
His eyes drifted to the water that she had frozen over. A sculpture of a bloomed glaze lily was perched atop the water. Her back disappeared under the hill and the ice flower melted back into the water it once was.
--
It was nearing the end of the lantern festival, and the workload for the Qixing had greatly decreased. Per Ninguang, Ganyu was to get rest and enjoy the festival on her own, much to her chagrin.
She left the affairs building somewhat begrudgingly, not fully convinced that the other employees would be fine with their workload. One last sharp look from Ninguang forced her out the door and she was wandering the streets mindlessly. She passed by several Rex Lapis merchandise which was oddly partially sold out. She had a feeling she knew who had bought it all.
She smiled slightly, imagining the interactions between the Yuheng and the Geo Archon as he gifted her a plethora of figurines of himself to her. It was odd, but she had gotten used to their interactions, and appreciated that the Yuheng’s once distaste for Rex Lapis had become less critical and more understanding. It better had, if she was standing beside him on a daily basis. She mused. She understood why the geo archon had been fond of her.
The quiet murmuring of people gasping at the sight in the sky put Ganyu at ease. At least others were able to enjoy the festival. She felt somewhat lost in the midst of the crowds. Most of the people around her had companions of families to enjoy the festival with. She smiled when a little child ran beside her with a small toy, letting it glide beside her.
A soft hand touched her hair and she looked up. Yellow cat-like eyes looked right into hers, and she gaped. “Ah?” She tilted her head to the side, but allowed him to rest his hand on her head. “What brings you here? I thought you disliked things such as this?” She watched his expression morph to a puzzled one.
He thought for a moment, his hand subconsciously moving back and forth on her head. She enjoyed his rhythmic patting for a moment longer until she reached up and put her own hand on top of his. “Yet, somehow I don’t dislike you.” He murmured, moving closer to her ear.
She flushed slightly, his hand dropped to the side and she held onto his, feeling the cold spread to her own. She blinked slowly, trying to read his expression, but struggled to find anything beyond his neutrality. “I guess I share the same sentiments.” She responded, feeling his hand squeeze hers slightly.
He paused, tensing his hand slightly, his lips purse ever so slightly and she sees another wave of confusion wash over his face. “Hm.” His fingers danced on the back of her hand and she felt him lean closer to her slightly. “I mean…” His voice comes out low, almost as a growl and she shivers slightly. He reaches for something, and he touches her hair. She smells the familiar sent of a glaze lily and reaches up to feel it tucked in her hair once again. “Ganyu…” He breaths and he is suddenly extremely close to her face.
She nods in response, barely able to meet his eyes. There was a certain warmth that was unfamiliar to what she has seen before. It made him less intimidating. He allowed himself to smile slightly and Ganyu felt her heart flutter slightly. Ah...so he can make that expression…
His hand pulled hers to his chest, and he placed her palm against his chest. She felt the steady beating of his heart within the constraints of his ribs. She felt the muscles in his chest ripple slightly when she moved her fingers, tapping him slightly. He let out a soft breath and they stayed quiet in the midst of the people.
“What is this feeling?” He finally whispers, his eyes fluttering much like hers and to her, he feels the most human she has ever seen him. A crack in his mask gave way to a strange emotion that was written on his face. She felt her cheeks tingle, a little flame igniting in her chest thinking about the vulnerable side that he was exposing before her.
She hummed and glanced around her, feeling burdened by the people around her. Xiao tugged on her arm slightly to draw her attention back to him, “Let’s go.” He mumbled and began walking towards the outskirts of Liyue harbor.
They both shared steady breaths as they walked over the bridge, taking in the sight of all the lanterns in the sky. The warmth of the heart of the city was captivating enough to garner the attention of both of the adepti. The chatters of the people slowly faded and welcomed the symphony of nature. Cicadas sang and the wind blew in a slow tempo.
They listened to nature, embracing it together. Ganyu wriggles her fingers and realizes that they were still holding hands. A certain warmth tingled at the tips of her fingers. “Xiao…” She looks at him and she sees his beautiful gleaming eyes stare right back at her. The breeze ran through his hair and in that moment she felt her heart skip a beat. “Is this what Rex Lapis was saying? The flower blooming? I feel it in my heart.” She mumbled her other hand reaching up to clench her first at her chest.
Xiao watched her carefully. “Maybe…” He pondered outloud, he too brushed his fingers over his chest. “Feels so strange to me.” He frowned and reached over to brush his fingers over her clenched hands. “But not bad.” He leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers and she let her hand rest by her side.
She nods. “Like the glaze lily you gave me.” She murmurs. “It’s pretty when it’s bloomed.” She sighs happily, “It’s comfortable. Thank you.”
A crackled resound and fireworks go off in the distance. Xiao’s head turns to watch the scenery, but Ganyu’s eyes linger on him. His eyes reflect the darkness of the sky, yet also the brilliant sparks of the fireworks.
“Ganyu, It’s nice to be with someone.” His voice was barely heard over the loud booms of the fireworks. “I like it...I like you.” He gives a rare smile, one that seemed to stop time for a moment and she blinks, hoping to capture that moment in her mind. Despite everything, his eyes lit up without any darkness the moment he uttered those words.
“Last time…” She whispered, recalling the last training session.
“I don’t know.” He mumbled slightly, “Uncomfortable, it was uncomfortable when it wasn’t just you.” He turned away slightly embarrassed.
She giggled slightly, “I think that emotion is jealousy.” She blushed, “Jealous…” She felt as if her heart was being brushed with a feather. “Ah...Xiao…” She suddenly felt self-conscious around the Conqueror of Demons. He had been a great assistance to her, and never been truly angry at her, thus she was discouraged at their last meeting, but to know his anger was not directed at her somehow eased her qualms.
“Is that what it is called? I only wanted to see you. The time we spend together is much better when it is just us…” He replied, shamelessly and Ganyu felt woozy at how easily those words escaped his lips.
“Then stay with me for a long time.” She responded, albeit too quickly and she presses her lips together. Her hands tremble slightly within his, yet he squeezes it reassuringly.
He nods, “I’ll make sure you are no longer alone.” His eyes were sincere and she relaxed as if a rock had been lifted off her shoulders. Her anxiety from the past that had haunted her were eased by a simple phrase. She leans her head against his shoulder and he relaxes to her touch.
They quietly watch the fireworks until the darkness returns back to the sky. Several lanterns that dot the sky begin to fill once more and she feels Xiao move. “It is what I wish.” He pulls out an intricate lantern with a scenery from Liyue painted on the thin paper. A faint glow resided within the walls and it flickered slightly with the faint touch of wind.
He held her hand and they held the lantern together, “Let us send it together to our archon.” They smile together and watch it float into the dark abyss above. To a blooming flower- may it never wilt.
--
In the distance a low chuckle reverberated off the walls of an office. A dark haired man accompanied by a lilac haired woman watched the lanterns from the window.
“What’s so funny?” She inquired without looking up from her paperwork.
“Nothing, just two little birds finally found the answer to my riddle.” He responded quietly, wrapping his arms around her and rested his chin on her head.
She sighs, “You really need to stop torturing people with your fancy words.” but she smiles and leans into him, taking a moment to enjoy the beautiful scenery outside her room. “I hope that everyone’s wishes come true.” She whispers quietly.
“They will, they will.” He reassures her and their eyes sparkle together as they watch more lanterns float into the sky.
Fin