#archons x reader

You blinked, gazing up at Iron Tongue Tian. Zhongli had walked you all the way to Third Round Knockout. You turned to look up at him, and found that he was already watching you with a soft smile. Soon, the two of you were seated, and listening to the storyteller recount tales of Rex Lapis. “This tea is a popular blend,” Zhongli said quietly, so he didn’t disturb the other guests. “It was said that Rex Lapis favored this blend long ago.”

Your lips quirked upward in a smile, “you don’t say?” You murmured to him. Softly, you clinked teacups together, and you watched Zhongli sip elegantly out of the corner of your eye. You raised your cup, closed your eyes, and drank. The complex flavor of the tea spread on your tongue, and the aroma filled your nostrils pleasantly.

You supposed no mere mortal could reach Celestia, but tasting the same tea together as the Geo Archon, listening to stories of Liyue while the warm Lantern lights washed over you both, was close enough.

Sound - Venti

The tavern is busier than usual, you sipped your drink. You were back in Mondstadt for the Windblume festival, and of course you couldn’t miss visiting Angel’s Share for the evening. All around you, people laughed and clinked kegs of Dawn Winery’s finest. You overheard a lyre strumming behind you. You smiled warmly when you saw a bard you were very familiar with, raising your glass to him.

Venti the bard grinned at you, laughter in his voice and wind in his feathered hat, “fancy seeing you here, Traveler! In honor of your presence, I’ll play your favorite~” The boy winked at you, and you couldn’t help but laugh out loud. He cleared his throat, and the chatter of Dawn Winery died down. Even though Venti took the appearance of a Mondstadter, you couldn’t help but feel the air of reverence in the Winery air.

Venti strummed his lyre, and began singing a bright, jaunty tune about a story you hadn’t heard. Music filled every corner of the Winery, and soon patrons were up and dancing. Everyone clapped in rhythm, and somehow you were jostled right next to Venti. Your teal-clad friend grinned at you, shoes tapping on the bar table, and you pointedly ignored Charles’ shouts to get off. Venti winked at you, careful to avoid knocking over kegs and glasses as he started up his song again. The people crowded in Dawn Winery cheered, stomping and clapping and dancing in unison.

And yet, in the chaos as the humble bard boy sang to the room full of patrons, it felt as if the god’s song was only meant for you.

Touch - Raiden Shogun

You supposed that, when the Raiden Shogun herself summoned you, there was no choice but to obey. Fortunately, you had no complaint. Your meeting at Inazuma City started curtly. After all, the two of you clashed swords not long before. After a few halting words, you pieced together that Ei wished to personally invite you to the Palace of Narukami to view the Naganohara firework’s show. You were quiet, and you hadn’t realized how much time had passed until you met Ei’s eyes, and saw something like nervousness and sorry inside them.

It goes to say that even the Almighty Shogun of Eternity wanted a friend to spend time with during a festival.

So, after nodding, she wasted no time leading you up the Palace. The staff gawked at you, although you guessed that it wasn’t specifically you they were looking at. Merely the shock that the Raiden Shogun had a guest over. Although, at some point during your stay, you felt yourself grow drowsy while sitting next to Ei. She suddenly felt a weight on her shoulder, and heard you softly breathing. A strange sensation, but the Raiden Shogun would allow it.

She felt you stir awake as the festival began. You heard the loud pop! of Naganohara’s fireworks, and your closed eyelids you saw the flashes of light. You stayed slumped against her shoulder, her arm around you, and silently you both watched the fireworks overhead. No words passed between you, but slowly her cheek dropped onto your head. You felt her relax against you.

As the fireworks stopped, she cleared her throat. “It’s only proper that I escort you to the entrance. Come, Traveler.” You nodded, too tired to politely deny. The two of you walked in rhythm, the backs of your hands barely brushing. She was about to pull away when she felt the weight of your hand drop into hers. Instinctively, she tightened her grasp on it. Your hands remained intertwined until you parted at the gate. As Ei went back to her chambers, she could still feel the warmth of your hand in hers, and the weight your head on her shoulder. Fleeting, and yet eternal all the same.

Back in your own room, you flexed your hand. You could still feel the touch of the God of Eternity’s hand, tingling, electric. You hoped it would never fade away.

—☄️🌪️⚡️

I wanted to try something new. This is my Genshin fic posted to tumblr!! Please consider leaving a like, comment or reblog!! Thanks for reading travelers 😘✨

It was early into the morning, and Diluc had finally kicked you both out. Venti rested his weight on you, his arm wrapped around your shoulders as he hummed softly to the beat in his head. The wind flowed around you both, and you headed to your favorite peak. You’d both sit there for endless hours, talk about anything and everything, and hold each other until you finally succumbed to sleep. Luckily there weren’t any other people hanging around, so it gave you both some privacy. 

Venti went quiet, and he let you help him sit down beside you. He kissed your cheek, and gave you his typical wide and mischievous grin. “Wanna know something cool?” His words weren’t as slurred as you expected, and you just nodded to let him continue. “I’m the archon of Mondstadt. I’m Barbados.” The words seemed teasing, but there was a hint of nervousness and vulnerability in his eyes. It was clear he was searching for some kind of emotion in your response. 

Completely certain he was joking, you laughed. But you paused when he looked away from you, not laughing with you. It made you stop, and look at him confused. “Huh? What kind of joke is this?” You fidgeted, and looked at him fully. He looked…shy almost. It was a stark contrast to his teasing nature, and it hit you that he was really telling the truth. At least he seemed to believe it. “Oh…” It was a pathetic response, and it took you a while to fully process the weight of his words. 

He pouted, before giving a mischievous smile. Venti leaned closer to you, and gave you a kiss. “That must make you pretty special considering how easily you made an archon fall for you.” He sighed, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pulling you close. “Do you…believe me?” His head rested on your shoulder, and he cradled your arm against his chest. 

“It’s…kind of hard to imagine. But I’ve never heard you be this serious before…I don’t know.” You let him pull you closer, and you looked off the corner of the peak, simply taking in the sight as if you hadn’t seen it before. Your hand slid over, holding his hand in yours. Your fingers wrapped around his, and you brought it up to your face to plant small kisses along his knuckles. 

“I bet I can convince you.” He chuckled, and something about his tone had you worried for exactly how he planned to do that. “But you have to trust me. And you have to play nice!” The wind seemed to pick up, and he stood, bringing you with him. You stumbled, but he held you tight. “So…trust me…please.” He muttered, bringing you into a slow and passionate kiss before he grinned against your lips. 

With determination, you looked at him although slightly hesitantly, and spoke. “I trust you, Venti.” You squeezed his hand once more, and he placed his arm around your waist to hold you tightly. It made you squeak when he jumped, the wind carrying you higher until you glided over the side of the cliff. You screamed, but within seconds you had solid footing. 

Stormterror had flown under you, catching you both effortlessly as he soared through the sky. You gasped loudly, and looked at Venti…no…Barbados as he held you firmly in his grasp and laughed with childlike innocence. “Told you.” He said, as you quickly came to the conclusion. 

He really was your archon. While earlier he said that he’d fallen for you, and you always knew that was the case. But now…there was so much left to learn about him still. Because you fell for him as he fell for you, and it only brought you closer together. He had a special place in your heart, and your chest filled with pride and uncertainty, now knowing that you were in love with the archon. 

How many people got to say that?

Zhongli:

You were taken out to dinner with Zhongli…but really it was more like you took him out, given he didn’t pay for anything. It was a calm and peaceful conversation, but a thought nagged at your mind. He was sipping his wine, and closed his eyes as he took in the flavor. Now seemed as good a time as any to ask your question. 

“Hey…so I’ve seen you fight. You’re really strong, how is it you always have no money? Treasure hoarders and all that can get a ton of money. Why is it you never seem to have any?” You didn’t mean to sound accusatory, and waved your hands as you tried to explain. “I mean it’s no problem! I don’t mind paying for things, I just can’t buy stuff for you when I’m not in town and I worry about you…you know?” 

Zhongli opened his eyes, and looked at you with a thoughtful expression. He hesitated, before sighing and speaking clearly but quietly, as to not let the other people hear. “Because…I have never had a meaning for things as trivial as mora. As Morax, it was never needed. Though I suppose you’re right, I should be earning a living now that I’m free of the restraints and expectations of being an archon.” He leaned back slightly in his chair, and looked at you carefully assessing your emotions as you processed the weight of his words. 

Your jaw dropped, completely in shock at his confession. “You’re…you’re Morax?” It was a whisper, and you looked around quickly to make sure no one was listening. “How do I know you’re not messing with me?” It was a pathetic response, but you were racing through endless trains of thought as you remembered all the time you’ve spent with Zhongli. For some reason…him being Morax kind of made sense. It would certainly explain a lot of his beliefs and behaviors. 

“Do I seem the type to joke around like this?” He gave a soft smile, and knew your answer before you had to say it. “I tell you now, because I trust you. More than any other human or inhabitant of Teyvat.” He let out the softest of chuckles, and spoke earnestly. “Don’t think this changes anything between us. I care for you as much as I did before, though I would accept your rejection if that’s what you choose.” He spoke, in nearly a monotone voice as he tried not to let any strong emotions such as fear into his tone. 

“I care for you too…it’s just a lot to process.” You spoke genuinely, and your eyes darted to him. “I’ll need some time to get used to it, but I do still love you. I’m just…not sure where to go from here.” You idly messed with your hands, before returning to finishing your plate of food on the table. Though when he reached his hand out to hold yours, it paused your racing thoughts. 

“We have all the time in the world. This is new for me as well, so we can forge on and continue to learn from each other…to learn about each other.” He gave a smile, which nearly looked foreign on his usually calculating expression. Though you couldn’t deny how much it warmed your heart when he looked at you like that. 

It would be a long road, but you knew you were in it together. 

Ei:

Ever since the seemingly never ending war was over, things settled down nicely. There were still instances of rejection when it came to the new way Inazuma was ran, but overall it was peaceful. Getting used to so many new changes would take a while, but most of the citizens were willing to give it their all. In that time, you’d gotten close to a woman. She was kind, but guarded. You hadn’t seen her until a couple weeks after the battles had died down, but it was nice to see a new face. 

You talked about anything and everything, and she seemed intent on listening carefully to all of your stories. From childhood to now, it all interested her immensely. She didn’t talk about herself as much, but she did mention her close relationship with Yae Miko. You had only met her a couple of times, but it was amusing to you how opposite their personalities were. Once you asked questions about Yae Miko was really when Ei started to open up about herself, as well. 

Today, you were both resting under the sacred sakura at the shrine. You had prepared meals for you both, and found yourself laughing at Ei’s stories. She had been through a lot, but still spent time with you and smiled happily like it was her favorite thing to do in the world. You had both quickly realized you were drawn to each other, and decided that after several months of talking, this would be a sort of date. Ei smiled, and seemed overjoyed at the idea while trying to appear passive, while you grinned wide and held her hand. 

She seemed confused at the gesture, but didn’t pull away. In fact, it only made her scoot closer to you and hold your hand tighter. You talked on and on about how excited you were to have this date with her, and after a while you both fell into a comfortable silence. When you looked over, she was staring intensely at your hands. It made you tilt your head, and you tried to pull her out of her thoughts. 

“Hey…Ei, is something wrong?” You ran your thumb over the back of her hand and squeezed lightly to try and get her attention. “If something is wrong, you can tell me. I know you ask me about myself a lot, but I wanna know what you’re thinking too.” A wide smile spread across your face, and it made her look at you with a smaller smile on her own face. 

“I suppose that makes sense…I do have something I’d like to tell you, if you really want to get to know me better.” She smiled warmly, but looked back to your intertwined fingers and squeezed, almost as if to ground herself in the moment. She sighed, but looked at you with a serious and determined expression. “I’m…the Raiden Shogun. In a way. She’s a puppet created by me, and I’m the true archon of Inazuma.” Her expression remained stoic, and she hid any trace of emotion she may have had on her face.” 

Obviously, you were shocked, but nodded as you thought about all of your time spent together. “I understand…I don’t care for you any less. Inazuma was struggling, but everything is getting better now, so don’t beat yourself up over it. Inazuma is becoming a safer place, and I know you helped out with it more than anything. It’s okay to make mistakes, and I’m proud of how far you’ve come!”  You squeezed her hand tightly, and gave her a wide grin as you leaned in to hesitantly place a kiss to her cheek. 

“You’re taking this a lot better than I anticipated…not that I’m complaining.” She paused, thinking about her words carefully. Though as you leaned in to kiss her cheek, she turned and gave you a proper kiss. “I may not have had enough strength before, but knowing you has given me more than the heavenly principles. I know I can do anything with you by my side.” She reached over, and cupped your cheek in her hand as she leaned in for another kiss. 

You weren’t expecting something so cheesy to come out of her mouth, but all it served to do was cause you to swell with euphoria. The smile on your face only widened as she kissed you, and you found yourself leaning into the kiss. You weren’t strong, not by a long shot. But if anything…you knew you had Inazuma’s archon to stay by your side and protect you from anything. 

Your little friend lets out a series of bell chimes that somehow lets you know what he thinks about your little joke. It’s only when Venti suddenly stops playing his lyre that the wind spirit quiets down.

You turn to him questioningly, finding him already looking at you with those blue eyes of his, always so bright despite being born in a perpetually gloomy city. There’s a contemplative frown on his face as he moves his gaze from you, to your little friend, to the castle in the center of the city.

Finally, he opens his mouth.

“Then let’s not ask,” he says, his eyes fixed on the looming castle. “He keeps his people in this city and forces us to call it freedom, but what is freedom if demanded of you by a god?”

“Venti…” you say in warning. Somehow, you get the feeling you’re not going to like what he’s about to say.

Somehow, you get the feeling you’re going to agree anyway.

He smiles at you and the wind sprite you call a friend, bright and optimistic. “I want to see the outside world too, so let’s fight to see it. Together.”

“Together,” you repeat, looking at him and your little friend. “A bard, a warrior, and a wind sprite. Sounds like the beginning of a long tale.” You gaze at the castle in the distance once more. “I wonder how it will end.”

Venti laughs. “It’ll be a happy ending. I’ll make sure of it.”

Bell chimes ring in the air as the small wind sprite circles the air in front of you, exclaiming his agreement to Venti’s words.

A thought occurs to you.

“Well, a tale isn’t complete if one of the main characters is nameless,” you say, offering your palm for him to rest in. Your little friend hops into it, sighing little happy bells.

A name. What name would suit him, you wonder. Looking up at the sky above, nothing sparks any inspiration. There’s only dark clouds holding the threat of rain. If you look closely enough, you think you can peek through those clouds and see something resembling the blue sky of the world outside. Wishful thinking, of course, the clouds in Mondstadt are thick enough to cover miles in the sky.

But if you squint an eye and tilt your head to the left, you think you can see a hint of a silhouette, something floating far above—

Then you avert your gaze back to your friend resting in the palm of your hands. A gust of wind blows past you. Maybe it’s premonition, or maybe you just wanted the best for him, but in that moment, you imagine that out of the three of you, it is this little spirit in your hands who will achieve the greatest of things.

A name pops up in your mind and begins to take root. “What do you think of the name Barbatos?”

He immediately zips up, twirling in the air in front of you and nuzzling your cheek affectionately. And just like that, the moment is broken, and he is back to being just your little friend.

“You like it, huh?” His answer comes in the form of a series of tinkling bells. You smile. “It’s a pretty name, isn’t it?”

✧

Two thousand and six hundred years later, the wind spirit turned archon stands on a raised platform, a lyre in hand and performing a song he hasn’t sung in five hundred years.

A bell chimes, signifying an entry to the door of the tavern, such an innocuous sound for the impending tragedy he is about to relive.

The last chord is strung. The crowd claps, disperses and thins. A lone figure makes their way to the front.

Someone clears their throat.

He looks up.

And suddenly he is back to that day millennia ago, just a little wind sprite tinkling bells in the palm of your hand. An apple for breakfast, lunch and dinner, your teasing remarks about how he isn’t going to be able to fly anymore if he keeps gaining weight. The song of the friend he embodies resonating with his soul.

How simple life had been, back when dreams of revolution and gods were just that: dreams.

Hushed talks of freedom between each round of song, the wistful look on your face as you mused how vast the outside world must be. Full of plains and lush grass, you imagined. And when Barbatos left the ruins of Old Mondstadt, one third of a whole, he made your dreams come true as he flattened mountains and brought warm winds to fend away the cold.

He only wished all three of you had been there to see it, instead of just him alone.

“What a lovely song! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you perform here in Angel’s Share before. What’s your name?” You smile at him, all soft and lovely with a hint of nostalgia in the corner of your eyes. As beautiful as the day he lost you.

He never realized how much he’d started to forget what you looked like until you appeared right in front of him, a ghost from two thousand years past.

Do you remember him? Do you miss him as much as he’s missed you? Will you forgive him for not letting go of the past, for taking on the appearance of your beloved friend? Have you been well? Do you have many friends? Any family?

Is there someone you hold dear to your heart already, someone who holds you close, who would never let you fight alone. Someone who won’t kneel helplessly as you died in their arms, smiling amidst the numbing pain from the gaping wound in your chest. Have you already found someone who will protect and care for you, because if not, then—

In this life, will you finally love him the way he loves you?

What’s your name?

His name, the name you gave him, is on the tip of his tongue. Barbatos, it’s a pretty name, isn’t it? And he was never able to tell you how much he agreed with you, how much he loved the name you gave him. He wants to tell you how he’s made Barbatos more than just a little wind spirit, wants to ask if you’re proud of him for achieving the freedom you once sought for—but most of all, he wants to tell you how much he loves you for giving him his name, his identity.

When the drinks become too much and his mind muddles the distinction between himself and his friend—is he Venti, or is it someone else?—he tries to remember you and the way his name rolled off your tongue. Barbatos. On his worst days, when everything becomes too much, when he tries to remember the way your voice sounded only to realize that he’s starting to forget, he says it to himself.

Barbatos.

Barbatos.

Barbatos.

It’s a pretty name, isn’t it?

And he smiles to himself and says yes out loud, and the other patrons will think he’s had too much to drink again, and he’ll shrug off their judging gazes and ignore the bartender’s disapproving look because finally, he remembers what you once sounded like as you spoke his name.

He wants to tell you how much you’ve done for him, even if you weren’t here with him.

But he bites back his tongue and puts on a well practiced smile, ignoring the twinge in his heart at the lack of recognition in your eyes.

“The name’s—” Barbatos “—Venti! And who might you be, oh beautiful stranger?”

The sound of your laughter soothes two thousand and six hundred years worth of pain within the span of a few seconds. He keeps the memory of it locked in his chest. It is ridiculous, the ease with which you burrow yourself back into his heart with just a laugh—though in hindsight, perhaps it isn’t so ridiculous after all. You never really left his heart even after thousands of years.

As your name falls from your lips, Venti decides it’s alright if you don’t remember him, that it’s alright if the name you call him now isn’t the name you gave him long ago.

Just being able to see you again is enough.

ZHONGLI

“I am thinking of retiring.”

You lean your elbows on the wooden railings, resting your face in the palm of your hands as you looked up at him. “Retiring? I don’t think Hu Tao would approve.”

“No, no,” he clarifies, “Not in Wangsheng Funeral. I have…another job that I wish to retire from.”

“You have two jobs, Zhongli? Never would have guessed with how relaxed you always are.” He cracks a faint smile at that.

“My other job is not very demanding of my time. Nevertheless, it holds an important role in Liyue.” The wind blows against him, his hair billowing in the breeze as he stood above the harbor. Somehow, you imagine him in white, a hood pulled over his head and a spear in his hand as he gazed down an imaginary foe in the sea.

The image leaves a strange feeling in you, so you quickly shake it away from your thoughts and focus on his earlier words.

“Are you some kind of big shot? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?! Here I was talking to you so casually—” Your eyes widen in realization. “Ah! You were undercover this whole time, weren’t you? Are you gonna report me to the Tianquan for disrespect—” You’re interrupted by the sound of Zhongli’s soft laughter.

He gazes at you with such soft amber eyes you’re almost half-inclined to believe it’s the sun playing tricks on you.

How mesmerizing. How familiar. You think you’ve seen this sight before, you just can’t put a finger when.

“My work is not that kind of work. It is…complicated, to say the least. You need not worry about any perceived disrespect, I don’t mind at all.”

Your shoulders slump in relief. “Oh, thank Rex Lapis. I thought I was about to face the wrath of the rock or something.”

He stills, hands clenching against the railings for the briefest of moments before relaxing. It goes unnoticed by you. “Wrath of the rock… I don’t believe I have spoken such words in your presence before.”

“Really?” You turn to him with furrowed brows. Now that you think about it, you don’t think he’s ever said that phrase before. How strange, where did it come from then? “Must’ve been something I read somewhere. You talk like an old man so much, Zhongli, I’m starting to confuse words from old books with your ramblings.”

Looking away, he stares past the railings and into the harbor below, something almost melancholic in his eyes. “Perhaps.”

“So,” you say to distract him from whatever caused that look to form in his eyes, “Are you really retiring?”

He looks at you, still with those sad, sad eyes that makes something in you churn uncomfortably. So you place a hand on his shoulder, ignoring the way his eyes widen at the gesture, and you give him the brightest smile you can muster.

“Well, whatever you choose to do, I’ll support you all the way!” And maybe your words got through to him, or maybe he saw something in your smile, but Zhongli chuckles, deep and rumbling. You once said it sounded like a dragon’s, and his face twisted into something you couldn’t quite read.

“Ever the optimist,” he tells you, fondness replacing that melancholic look in his eyes. “It is one of the many aspects that I admire about you.”

Your face heats up. Looking away from that affectionate look, you attempt to make light of his words. “H-Ha! Don’t go falling for me now, Zhongli. I’ll break your heart if you do!”

(You already have, Zhongli thinks, his heart beating a painful yet nostalgic tune in his chest.)

He waves your words away.

“Of course, such is to be expected of you,” he says idly, almost cryptically. You’re tempted to ask what that means, but he has the frustrating habit of pretending to be oblivious when he doesn’t want to answer a question, even though you can totally see through the act.

“Now back to the original topic!” You’re back to leaning your arms against the railings. Zhongli follows your actions by resting his gloved hands on the polished wood. “So, retirement, huh?”

He hums. “I was uncertain this morning, but our conversation has been quite enlightening. I have you to thank for solidifying my decision.” You watch him look over Liyue’s harbor, at the people down by the docks all working together like pieces in a cog. There’s something like pride in Zhongli’s eyes as he stares at the people. “Liyue is in good hands, is it not?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah, I guess you’re right. Lady Nigguang’s a real scary one, but she’s the best at her job. The Yuheng can afford to take a break now and then, but Keqing’s great at whatever she puts her mind in. Captain Beidou’s not exactly a government official, but she’s a known figure of the people, and she’s got a real good head on her shoulders—not to mention, real fun to hang out with!” You snicker at the memory of getting into a drinking contest with her. You lost, obviously, but the experience was worth it.

It’s then that you realize you haven’t mentioned the most important person in all of Liyue.

“And Rex Lapis…” Zhongli seems to straighten at the mention of your archon. “He only comes down to Liyue once a year now in the past few centuries. Well, that’s to be expected since Liyue’s at peace now. I guess even gods need to rest every now and then.”

(Something in his chest twists at your words.)

“Yes, they do, don’t they?” he agrees, his voice solemn.

You nod. “He’s probably over in Celestia partying with the other gods. You think he’s shacking it up with his partner up there? Heh, at least one of us is getting some.”

The reaction you receive is unexpected, but pleasantly surprising nonetheless.

Zhongli lets out a full blown laugh, head tilted back and shoulders shaking, eyes closed with mirth. You stare with your jaw open, unable to take your eyes off him even as his laughter begins to die down. It looks just like—

A man in white robes, veins of gold running down his arms as he held his stomach. His head tilted back, the ground shaking with the force of his laughter, his hood falling down to reveal familiar amber eyes gazing at you with mirth, fondness lurking beneath his smile—

“Ah, I truly have missed this.” Missed you, he doesn’t say, but you hear it all the same.

You decide that critical thinking really isn’t for you, so you brush away the strange not-memory and the feelings that rise up when he looks at you like that.

Teasingly, you grin at him. “Aw, Zhongli, it was only a week yet you missed me that much? Don’t worry, I missed you too.”

The quirk in his lips seems to tell you that he expected such an answer from you.

He then turns his head up, gazing into the mid-afternoon sky, your teasing forgotten.

“Once I retire, allow me to invite you for an afternoon of drinking osmanthus wine. I recently discovered a merchant selling top quality wine, and once i acquired a taste, it truly was—as per the merchant’s words—as if you have been taken back to a thousand years ago.”

There’s a quip waiting to to be said at the tip of your tongue, a joke at how he’s secretly been an old grandpa this entire time, but you swallow back the urge to let out the lighthearted joke.

There’s a fragility to this moment that you can’t quite put a finger on, so you hold back your usual retort and mull over your decision.

“I’d like that,” you say after a few heartbeats.

Zhongli smiles, and this time it’s less delicate, more sure of himself.

“I look forward to it.”

✧

You nearly barf once the liquid enters your mouth. All those drinking contests with Beidou has made your stomach weak. But the sight of Zhongli serenely sipping his own osmanthus wine reminds you to have enough tact not to mention how bad it tastes for you.

To delay your second sip, you decide to ask, “How is it?”

Zhongli places his cup down, the procelain making a soft noise as it meets the saucer. He then looks up, sees you holding your own cup of osmanthus wine and trying not to look constipated at the taste, and he smiles at the familiar sight.

“It tastes the same as I remember.”

EI

“Oh my, Your Eternal Excellency! It’s an honor to have your most exalted presence in the Yae Publishing House!”

Her entire world stops, suspended in a haze, narrowing down to this little booth in a random street in the city of Inazuma. Time stretches on for eternity, while the god chasing it is stuck staring at the sight of a familiar, beautiful, ephemeral mirage.

There’s a friendly smile on your lips, not a hint of nervousness at being in the presence of a god such as herself. You’ve always been so fearless. Brave and courageous and stupid and self-sacrificing. Ei loved and hated that attribute of yours, back when she was still capable of loving someone without ruining them.

“Ei? Are you alright?”

For a moment, she lets herself believe it was your voice that spoke those words to her. Soft, soothing tones that once lulled her to rest after a day of training non-stop to improve her martial skills, back when a kagemusha like her was still granted the luxury of rest.

Sleep, Ei. Even gods need some shut eye.

But this is one of the many flaws of ephemerality—the moment for engaging in selfish delusions ends far too soon.

It takes all of her willpower to tear her gaze from you in order to face the Traveler.

“Yes, just a little surprised.” Years and years of experience has taught her to control her voice. It will not waver, not even in the presence of her once-dead lover.

“You sure? You kinda spaced out for a while back there,” the floating pixie who calls herself Paimon remarks.

“Yes, I am quite fine,” she says.

Although, is she truly? Perhaps not, but five hundred years of solitude has hardened her. Had this been before, perhaps she would have wept upon seeing you again, alive and whole and not painting the grass with a pool of your own blood.

Ei directs her attention to the Traveler. “Now, what were you saying about those light novels?”

For the rest of her time in the Yae Publishing House, she spends it dutifully avoiding your curious gaze. Even going so far as to wait by the railings as the Traveler picked a light novel for her to read.

She heard you speak to the Traveler once, making a suggestion regarding the selection.

“I think she’ll like this one!”

You were right, she did like it.

✧

Ei tries not to, but every time she ventures out of Tenshukaku to see more of her people, she passes by the Yae Publishing House that you, more often than not, watch over.

✧

The leylines near the roots of the Sacred Sakura Tree are being strange.

Walking with the Traveler after the disappearance of Furuyama, the blind tea-brewer, is solemn. The path they’re traversing in is painfully familiar. She tries not to remember what the scenery would have looked like five hundred years ago.

A twig snaps. She and the Traveler whirl at the direction of the noise—

And Ei is once again faced with the ghost of her past.

“Ei, is it really you?”

She has seen you in this era, wearing a kind smile and modern clothes. Always so welcoming despite the strangeness of the Raiden Shogun visiting a light novel store every other week. No, your appearance is not what makes her stumble, makes her breathless and teary-eyed as she closes the remaining distance between you.

It is the way you are looking at her. Because finally, finally there is recognition in your eyes.

You are solid beneath her touch, not an apparition, not a mirage. Your armor digs into her skin as she embraces you, her heart the lightest it’s been in five hundred years.

You’re sweaty and dirty and a little bit bloody, but Ei has seen you in the worst state possible. Dirtying her immaculate clothing is a small price to pay for this brief moment.

The Traveler watches with wide eyes, reconciling the image of the warrior in worn, outdated armor with the kind, cheerful editor of the Yae Publishing House.

“I was starting to lose hope,” you tell her, voice low with a quiet sort of relief. The smile she receives makes her feel young again, a kagemusha who fell in love with one of her sister’s retainers. “Now that you’re here, I’m sure everything will be alright.”

The future you speak of is nonexistent. The moment you died—her last hope, the only remaining light in her life after the death of her sister and companions—everything became a far cry from alright.

But Ei will tell you none of this. Your current self is safe in Inazuma City, living in the future she created with her own hands. But you of the past, the one she loved dearly, you know nothing of this future, of what will happen—had happened—to you, and she will keep it that way.

Perhaps this is just her way of attempting to alleviate her guilt upon your death, but she wants this ghost of you to move on with the knowledge that everything will be fine, even if all of it is a lie.

This time, it is her that prompts you to rest your head on her lap, stroking your hair and watching you be lulled to sleep.

“Rest now. I will handle the rest.”

Your eyes flutter closed for the final time, taking her hand in yours. You leave her with parting words that will resonate deep within her soul for the rest of eternity.

“You don’t have to do everything alone, Ei.”

✧

One would think that after battling herself for five hundred years, her first words to her dear friend would be to ask how Inazuma is, but perhaps five hundred years has made her a bit more selfish. So instead, she asks about you.

“How is…?” Ei doesn’t need to mention your name for Yae to know who she’s referring to.

“Oh, still delightful as ever, that one. Asks about you often, though. Far too often, in my opinion. Why, if I didn’t know any better I’d have thought I was only being approached so I can be the relayer of any news relating to you.” Yae shakes her head fondly. “Even without memories of your time together, that little one is still so smitten with you.”

Ei’s cheeks turns a light shade of pink. At the sound of Yae’s snicker, she turns a frown at the devious kitsune.

“Miko…”

“Oh, come now. Can’t a girl have a little bit of fun? Although, none of what I said was untrue.” Yae’s tone softens just the slightest bit, knowing the delicacy of anything regarding you. After a moment though, a sly smile makes its way to her lips. “If you have any tips on how to woo someone, be sure to tell me, Ei. Authors these days just have no imagination for romance, always so dry and boring.”

It’s a simple teasing remark, one of many that Yae is prone to saying. Ei shouldn’t respond to it, but she can’t help but say the first word that comes to her mind.

“Gifts.”

✧

“Your Eternal Excellency!”

The genuine surprise in your face leaves her amused. You quickly attempt to fix your messy hair and rumpled clothes. Had it been anyone else, she would have thought them lazy for being so unkempt, but you manage to make even the smallest of things endearing.

She supposes some things stay the same, even in a new life and a new era.

“I came to bring you a gift,” she says, holding out the Raiden Shogun statue that was sent to the Tenshukaku that morning.

You stare at the object with wide eyes, like you’re unable to believe that your archon is giving you an actual gift instead of the other way around.

When she set out in search of you that afternoon, she thought giving you something would be a good gesture. Although, in hindsight, gifting you a statue of herself may come off as conceited of her. Ah, she really should ask someone for advice before she approaches you next time.

Before she can apologize and return the statue, you’re already taking it from her hands, a look of wonder crossing your face as you inspected it.

“This was sold out hours ago! I was planning on buying one but I got there too late!” Casual. You speak so casually, as if the person you’re speaking to isn’t the Almighty Narukami Ogosho, God of Thunder.

As if the person you’re speaking to is simply her, Ei. Not the Raiden Shogun. Not the Electro Archon. Just Ei.

You give her your best smile. “Thank you.”

Can a person still be the same person even without their memories?

Ei doesn’t know, but perhaps she’ll find out soon.

Amidst it all, you somehow managed to remain ignorant of the cruelties of the world. In a time when nations and their boundries were not established and riches of plentiful crop and harvest was a prize sought by any, you and your kingdom, your people somehow found peace and stability. Perhaps the cruelties of war had yet to taint your lands, or perchance the genius of your lord father, the king, was what kept you and your people safe and blissfully unaware of the strife and misery plaguing the lands.

You were a middle child, second born, elder to twins. The result being you ended up ignored and forgotten quite often, not that you cared. The responsibilities of a royal were your elder siblings problem, not yours. Its not as if your poor baby shoulders had to bare the burden of the crown. Thus you merely turned your head away when such topics became the subject of conversation over family meals.

Instead you found interest in the enchanted forest bordering your kingdom, the middle ground connecting your kingdom with the next. According to the map and the knights, the forest was vast and ever-changing, sometimes the trees were taller than the castle towers with an eerie, haunting and melancholy aura, mother nature singing a song promising terror and nightmarish endeavours.

Other times the trees sparkled and shone with an ethereal and enchanting glow, the dust dancing in the air, glittering like miniscule diamonds frolicking about to a merry tune humanity appeared to be deaf to. One fine morning, this very tune graced your ears, bewitching you, lulling you into a dream-like trance and luring you into the deep mysterious land of secrets.

You followed the humming til they cleared up to sound like words, sung merrily and crystal clear in your ears as if voiced by the very winds kissing your skin. It was there you found them, the spirits, the creatures of this ethereal realm, monsters of fairytales and demonic entities that stared at you in curiosity as you approached. The first you met a wind sprite, tiny and adorable as it bounced up and down, giggling and chuckling as it sung and coaxed you into singing along. You spent all day dancing with the falling leaves, blooming flowers and frolicking fauna and singing with the whistling wind, humming birds and the little sprite.

The next time you followed the sprite you happened upon a resting dragon. In all honesty it scared you quite a bit, but the sprite seemed friendly with it, bonking him between his eyes and pushing you approach the stoic creature.

As fearsome as he appeared he was quite mellow in nature, allowing you to play with its golden mane and use its tail like your personal slide. Your giggles and yelps echoed in the lively forest as the fauna approached and joined you in your merry time. Nature simply seemed to adore you, with how easily animals approached you, birds flocked to you, flowers and life bloomed at your touch.

The sky brightened at your laughs, cotton tufts casting a gentle shadow following your tiny figure to keep you in the shade on a hot sunny day, conversely, warm sunlight bathing you in warmth and gentle glow on cooler days.

The shyness you felt around people shriveled up and disappeared when you were out in the great outdoor. Life and prosperity followed your footsteps, the very land bending to your desires, thriving beneath your loving, curious and innocent gaze. Perhaps you were in paradise, with a world so kind to you it was easy to forget that the universe would never be so merciful.

Alas, the monsters lurking in the shadows caught wind of your supernatural ability and managed to abduct you from with the palace walls.

Oh the horrors you faced,

your father and mother reprimanded you, sending you into the heart of the nation, protected and safe from all eyes and ears, just out of nature's reach. You spent a decade in confinement, educated and enlightened to the bottomless shadows lingering just at the edge of the light, the grotesque nature of humankind and it's greed brought to the open. You were taught the cruelties of man, the hollow nature of cowards and down right sinful carnage they brought to the lands.

Too soon and too quickly was your innocence taken from you, and the world mourned day and night at your breaking heart.

Eight years into your decade long training, your parents passed away, and in your fathers will, he decreed you be crowned the next ruler. Eight years since you last saw the lush green fields, the vast striking and rich colors of flora, the refreshing scent of the breeze instead of blood and rotting flesh. Eight years learning of the true nature of man had left you hollow inside, stone cold and hardened.

And hence, when you return, eight years later to the forest, it still welcomes you back, yet you do not reciprocate. The birds, animals, winds and leaves sing merry yet your eyes follow the trail in haunting silence, hands clasped behind your back as your now much larger boot crushes the footsteps of your child self, burying it in the depths of your memories, where they will remain forever fond and kind, untainted by the darkness that you now exude.

You come upon your old friends, the creatures of the forest, only to bid your final goodbye.

"I have one favor I wish to ask of you," you state, lifting your dull gaze to meet their solemn ones. "Please don't forget me," your voice cracks, eyes glassing over, "If not in this life then in the next. In a world without war and bloodshed splattered at our doorstep, I hope we'll be able to live as we used to."

"This world is one too cruel for any child. And so, to prevent the monsters from destroying our light, I'll become the monster to bury them in their own darkness,"

Imagine centuries later, when these very creatures at the news of your passing, spring into the world seeking revenge, these very creatures become the rulers of the lands you adored, the lands you sacrificed yourself for.

Years upon years, they fought battle after battle, waiting for the day they would see you again. Their dearest star, the light of their solemn lives. As archons they told their people of a benevolent being, one that came and left at a time before they could even imagine. A being who breathed life into barren and dead lands, a being who with a flick of their wrist could summon gale force winds, raise mountains and stike thunder into the hearts of oceans, surge wave after wave and calm even the most destructive of volcanoes. A being who lived in their hearts for thousands of years, and will continue to live on for thousands more.

Imagine when you get isekai'd into genshin, that person whom they've been waiting for is you. Your humble human self whose colossal clumsiness has followed you into your next life, your bright eyed and cheery giggling self, who with every chuckle or smile causes their hearts to soar in euphoria.

Zhongli was the first to meet her.

Although Khaenri'ah refused any contact to the other nations to spite them for having gods, they still did their best to uphold somewhat amicable relations. That meant that every once in a while, the ruling family's crown princess was sent to stay within other nations for a few weeks each upon reaching her 17th year of living.

(Name) was brought up by nannies and tutors in her childhood. Her parents only visited her to make sure she made progress and grew up to be a well-loved person; which she did. She helped out in the capital city even if her parents forbid her to leave, not caring about any dirt that got on her or the weights she carried.

To see people smile, to be the reason for their smiles; that was all she wanted.

Gentle of nature, loved and loving, helping out her people in times of need - the best qualities a princess could have.

And also the reason for her ultimate demise.

(Name) leaned forward, elbows proppped up on the ships's railing. A hand on her back held onto her robes, steadying her and making sure she didn't fall into the water on accident.

They had just passed Guyun Stone Forest, which allowed her to get her first good look at Liyue Harbor, a city that had prospered in the last 1500 years since the Archon Wars.

"Liyue will be a great nation one day", she mused and looked at her knight out of the corner of her eyes. Her words held a deeper meaning. "Don't you agree, Dainsleif?"

"Perhaps, princess. It does not matter to me", the stoic man replied, warm hand staying on her back as she stood up properly and stretched, soft cracks emitting from her body.

"I'm interested to see how the Liyue Qixing operate. Reading books about them is great and all, but nothing beats seeing them work up close."

As soon as the ship anchored in its reserved place in the harbor, (Name) made her way down the plank and took her first step into the city. To be less conspicuous, she'd doned simple robes in a traditional Liyuen style her personal seamstress had created before the start of her first trip of many across Teyvat. Simple, yet elegant and enhancing her already kind features. The Princess Crown on her head was switched for a simple headring, its ornate design the only eyecatching part of her outfit.

Even though the reasons for coming here were diplomatic, she still planned on enjoying her time outside Khaenri'ah and perhaps she'd be able to lend a helping hand occasionally.

Just as she thought that, something small pushed against her legs, almost sending her toppling to the ground if Dainsleif hadn't caught her by her shoulders. (Name) looked down to see a crying little boy, clutching a plush boar to her body.

Eyes softened and a smile on her face, she knelt down and cupped his cheeks which made the child look at her in shock.

"Hello, little one. Why are you crying? Is something wrong? Are you hurt?", she asked. Dainsleif behind her sighed.

The boy slowly shook his head, wide eyes trained on hers. "N-no, miss. Sorry for b-bothering you."

(Name)'s smile grew. "Well, aren't you a polite little man. Don't worry, you aren't bothering me. Tell me what's wrong, please. I wish to help you."

New tears welt up in his eyes and the boy wailed, throwing himself into her waiting arms. (Name) wrapped one arm securely around his waist, the other under her bum and picked him up. His tears and snot stained the collar of her clothing.

"Now, now. Everything's fine", she crooned, humming a lullaby to herself. The vibrations of her throat seemed to calm him down, the sobs growing less until he remained sniffling. Her hand on his back rubbed in comforting circles.

"M-mommy...I lost mommy."

(Name) frowned, puckering her lips. "Oh no, you poor boy. Why don't I lift you higher? Maybe you can find her then?"

The boy nodded into her shoulder and she smiled again. She pulled him away and held him farther up. His teary eyes looked around the harbor until they landed on a frantic woman running down the steps.

"There's mommy!", he cheered and pointed in the direction of her.

(Name) placed him on her shoulders, unsteady at first as she got used to his weight. She used to do the same to her younger siblings, but that had been a while ago. Dainsleif followed her to the other side of the harbor, a displeased frown on his face. She ignored the knight in favor of keeping her focus on not falling.

The woman widened at the sight of the stranger with her son on her shoulder, an even taller and darker stranger following them. Rumours about a noble from a different nation visiting Liyue had spread, but there'd been no details as to who. Oh, Morax save her, she hoped those weren't the long awaited guests of the Qixing.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm here to bring your son back to you." With Dainsleif's help she put the boy down on the ground, who ran straight for the woman and tackled her legs, clinging to them. The accent as she spoke was a tell tale sign to her being from another nation.

"I'm so sorry, mommy! There were all these amazing toys, and snacks, and and..."

The worried woman picked him up and hugged him close, tears of her own cascading down her cheeks. "Oh, Bolin, you stupid boy...I'm just glad you're safe."

Then she turned to the two strangers, bowing low. "Thank you so much for helping my son!"

(Name) almost panicked, raising her hands in defense at the gesture. "No need to bow, please! I just did what anyone would have done. Seeing him safe back in his mother's arms is more than enough for me."

The woman smiled and straightened up. "I really hope my son wasn't too much of a bother. I'm sorry again."

"Oh no, he wasn't! Bolin was an angel. Weren't you, sweetie?"

The boy blushed and hid his face in his mother's shoulder, causing both women to burst out in amiable laughter.

"I hope I can repay your kindness one day, miss", the woman spoke up after calming down, posture now relaxed. "May I know your name? How can I find you again?"

(Name) glanced at Dainsleif, who took the cue and stayed quiet. "My name is (Name). I'm not sure where we'll be lodging yet...but I'm here for diplomatic talks with the Qixing. Your best bet is to ask their guards."

The woman nodded. "It was a pleasure to meet you, (Name). I hope we meet again."

The boy peaked over his mother's shoulder as she walked off, waving his one arm to her. "Bye bye, pretty lady!"

As soon as they were out of sight, (Name) and Dainsleif turned to the Millelith that had been watching the whole conversation in awe.

"Are you here to guide me to the Qixing?", she asked, a trill in her voice. Now that she's helped someone, she relt ready to tackle the world.

They all bowed in unison, the center man speaking up. "Yes, Princess (Name). Please follow us."

Unaware of amber eyes having watched the scene, Khaenri'ah's Princess went to meet up with the current Seven of Liyue.

In the following weeks, she learnt a lot about the nation and its traditions and way of working. It was different compared to her own home, ruled by a royal couple, whereas here the Liyue Qixing each had control of one specific area. Their Archon and his adepti often only were seen during times of need and the Lantern Rite Festival, a yearly tradition during which Rex Lapis descended and gave the people his wisdom.

The only adepti that freely walked the city was Ganyu, a sweet girl that got tasked with accompanying the two Khaenri'ahns and answering their questions. It was clear to both that she was shy to an almost painful degree and didn't think much of herself, but (Name) didn't let that bother her. Instead she did her best to encourage and praise the adepti as often as she could, earning her blushed cheeks and sweet smiles.

In turn Ganyu was surprised to see how the princess didn't shy away from labor or hard work. Whenever she didn't find the two visitors, they'd usually be found somewhere in the city helping out. Or more like (Name) doing whatever task she'd been requested to help with and Dainsleif standing to the side, visibly peeved.

A comical sight, but also one that warmed her heart.

If the princess was like this...Khaenri'ah surely wasn't that bad, right?

Her thoughts often wandered into dangerous territory nowadays, and thus Ganyu never voiced them.

Khaenri'ah's presence was frowned upon, even by some of the Qixing. If it hadn't been for Rex Lapis' order to entertain the lost nation's wishes for the moment, the princess and her bodyguard would have long since been hunted out of the nation.

The biggest surprise had yet to come though.

On the second last day of their stay in Liyue Ganyu knocked on their door, a big smile on her face.

"Princess, you won't believe it! We just received orders from Moon Carver that Rex Lapis wants to meet you! Isn't that great? Oh, to meet the Lord of Geo and talk to him...that's a dream most citizens have until the end of their lives!", the half-qilin gushed, hands cupping her cheeks. "And such an honor, too!"

Dainsleif and (Name) shared a concerned look. Meeting the Archons hadn't been on the agenda. All she was to do was watch and be introduced to the nations' way of living.

What had she done to make the Geo Archon wish to meet up with her?

A sense of foreboding made her shiver. She did her best to smile at the Qixing' secretary, the corners of her lips strained just a bit too much. "It really is an honor...when is the meeting supposed to take place?"

Ganyu clapped her hands. "Immediately! I will accompany you to the border of the Harbor where Moon Carver is waiting for us. He'll carry you the rest of the way to Lingju Pass."

Dainsleif narrowed his eyes. "The princess is not going alone."

The adeptus blinked. "Rex Lapis only wants to see the princess. Of course a bodyguard shouldn't do any harm, but..."

"He might take it as a sign of distrust, considering I'll be around him and his adepti", (Name) finished, a tired sigh slipping past her lips. "It's okay, Ganyu. I understand. Let's get going then, shall we?"

She knew Dainsleif would send a report about this to her parents. It was the lesser evil of two at least.

Moon Carver met them in his deer form, a beautiful animal in colours unnatural to nature itself. (Name) took the time to admire his horns and coat, asking questions the adeptus only answered with great reluctance.

She didn't let that bother her too much. She was a stranger, one from a nation known for not having an Archon.

Lingju Pass was a beautiful place, albeit in the first stages of deterioration. No other humans were anywhere near, and the Geo Archon was nowhere in sight either.

Moon Carver allowed her to slip off his back in the center of the ruins, then walked off to wait for her as he'd also return her to the city.

(Name) took a deep breath and stepped forward, sleeves clutched tight in her hands. The thought of meeting the Archon that ruled this nation was scary. Would he condemn her, kill her maybe? No, even he must see that this would only start a war. But why did he call on her then? Oh, how she wished for Dainsleif to be here by her side.

"Princess (Name)."

She was startled out of her thoughts, her rapid turnaround making her dizzy for a second. There, standing where she'd gotten off Moon Carver, stood who clearly was the Geo Archon.

Amber eyes burnt into her soul. Long brown hair faded into orange. Brown, muscular arms covered in gold markings rested relaxed on his side, the clothes he wore making them seem a part of his outfit. She would have thought those were just sleeves if they hadn't glowed faintly.

(Name) cleared her throat and bowed low in a perfect angle. "It's an honor to meet you, esteemed Rex Lapis."

"An honor, is it? Bold words for a Khaenri'ahn", he drawled, baritone voice holding a hint of amusement.

She furrowed her eyebrows, unwilling to let him see that he already got under her skin with his words. "My nation may have no Archon, but that doesn't mean I will pay no respect to the one that helped his so much. Your people love you. Your deeds have not gone unnoticed by me."

A smirk tugged on the corner of his lips. "Let's go inside, Princess (Name). I have food and drinks prepared for you."

Rex Lapis walked in front of her, guiding her to a room hidden behind a wall he moved with a simple wave of his hand. Pillows littered the ground and a table stood in the center of it all, bedecked in the most delicious meals she'd ever seen. Candles on the walls lit up the room.

She sat down opposite of him, careful to keep up a friendly facade. The Archon leaned back, arms crossed and eyes watching while she helped herself to some berries and fruits. Her stomach wouldn't handle more at the moment.

"Your deeds have not gone unnoticed either, Princess (Name)", he said, letting his hands rest on his thighs.

(Name) chewed on the apple slice in her mouth, almost choking at the thought of him watching her. Or had he sent someone else to shadow her?

"I do not see how my actions are of any interest to you." Her answer was neutral.

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "You are a Princess from a widely disliked nation. The humans look at your progress in envy. The Archons hate you for your refusal of a God. Yet here you are, helping the people that wouldn't hesitate to turn their backs on your demise."

His taunting words stabbed a knife into her heart, a painful reminder of the truth she'd buried.

"It does not matter to me, Rex Lapis." Her tense tone betrayed the casual way she picked up a grape. "I help where I can. I can't just stand by and watch. Not if I know I can reach out my hand to people in need."

"Woman asking you to carry heavy bags for them to their home are not people in need."

Her eyes narrowed. "You think they request their help? No, they never do. It's always me coming to them if I see them struggle."

"I still fail to understand why you'd do such a things. Let them help themselves. They aren't weak. They can't depend on others all their lives."

"Maybe you don't understand because you are an Archon." (Name) picked up a glass and swirled the liquid inside, watching it. "You do not think like we humans do."

Rex Lapis hummed, smiling at her in a satisfied way. "You really are interesting, Princess (Name). Here you are, far away from home and in my clawed hands. If I wanted to kill you, nothing could stop me. Yet you don't hold back, telling me the honest truth. I like that."

(Name) snapped her head to him, surprised by his words. It appeared that this was some type of test to see hos she'd react to him. Her, a godless being.