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Have I told you the tragic story of a young adeptus who fell in love with a Goddess? Why don’t you sit down and relax as I carry on.
Panting noises could be heard throughout the mountains and into the woods. The pitter patter of the droplets of water falling from the sky echoed along with the sounds of leaves and twigs slapping onto the Adeptus’s skin.
She couldn’t have gone far. She though to herself.
As soon as the Adeptus jumped out of the woods, she immediately eyed out for a certain woman. An annoying woman who she had to chase down after being told off by Rex Lapis.
Walking a few more down the pathway to Qingce Village, the rain had finally let up but the stairs made from stone weren’t guaranteed dry so she had to proceed with caution.
The cool night’s breeze carried a humming sound, the familiarity of the voice caught her attention. The moon peeked through the clouds, giving a reflected spotlight for the Goddess of Dust.
The Adeptus quietly climbed up the stone wall to join where the Goddess was sitting. “So you were here.”
“You’ve been looking for me?”
“For quite a while, yes.”
“...”
The Goddess looked down the stone pathway. “Streetward Rambler..., Do you think I disappoint them?” Just because her Bell was confiscated, she felt like she ticked Rex Lapis off.
The young adeptus stayed quiet, choosing her words wisely. “I believe not.”
“You can be somewhat obnoxious and a bit too proud of yourself... But that does not mean they do not appreciate you.”
The Goddess of Dust, Guizhong, looked up to where the always looking-stern, knitted-eyebrow Streetward Rambler is. She was always fond of the young adeptus, even if they would always squabble over the tiniest things.
She would never had thought to herself that The Streetward Rambler herself would comfort her in words that are less rude.
“How are you feeling? It poured earlier, are you cold?”
Never had she thought that she was this caring. What’s this warm feeling Im getting in my stomach? It felt weird. Peculiar.
“Strange.” was the only thing she could mumble.
“What is? You feel strange?” Streetward Rambler was finally facing her, with the height difference, she had to lean in a bit to take a look at Guizhong through the dark with barely a light.
Guizhong was taken aback and almost fell on the other side of the stoned wall. Luckily Streetward Rambler caught her on time.
“You’re pretty out of it tonight.” She said as she jumped off the wall as she dusted her bottom off and proceeded to wander off not too far from the Goddess.
Guizhong couldn’t help but follow her with her eyes, she was curious to what the other girl was doing. Seemed like she was looking for something.
A few moments later Streetward Rambler came back and sat beside her again, but this time she was staring at her.
“What’s with the stare? It’s like you’re melting me with that gaze of yours—”
A hand made its way towards Guizhong’s face, cold fingertips touching the edge of her jaw, she felt her hair being fixed and it made her feel weirder now that her eyes were closed.
“There.” was the only thing the adeptus said.
“What is it?” She asked her but instead of receiving a vocal answer, she was met with a couple of Glaze Lilies on hand in front of her.
“I heard you like them a lot from Rex Lapis, and it just so happens that it mostly grows on the Paddy Terrace in Qingce Village.”
Her tone sounded sincere which made Guizhong’s heart skipped a beat. There it is again, that warm feeling.
“Thank you.” in which Streetward Rambler replied with a nod and a small smile.
“Would you like to go back now?”
She shook her head, “A few more moments please. Let’s stay like this for a while.” and received another nod from the other woman.
“Come on, watch your step.” A hand reached out to assist Guizhong over the mossy stone-built stairs. They were on a hike, Streetward Rambler suggested on making Guizhong see the sights since her Cleansing Bell was taken away from her.
“What’s the matter? You seemed like you were so eager to join me on my trekking.” The taller woman who was looking down on the other who was a bit lagging behind.
“Would you like me to carry you instead, Lord of Dust?” She gave her a playful smile, hand still reaching out to Guizhong.
She shoo’d Streetward Rambler’s hand away lightly. “Don’t be so absurd, I can climb this mountain very well on my own.”
“I do not wish to make you carry me when you’re already carrying that zither of yours. It’s heavy as it is.”
The adeptus smiled, “But Lord of Dust, I may not look like it but I am very capable of carrying heavy things.” She flexed her arm in front of her. Her toned muscles were visible enough as she moved it back and forth.
After a few moments of climbing and bickering, the two women finally made it on top of Qingyun.
Guizhong was met with the afternoon breeze with closed eyes, refreshing gust of wind hitting her skin, making her hair a bit of a mess.
“Woah.” Her face written with bewilderment once she finally got the chance to open her eyes. On the top of Qingyun , you are able to see most of the mountain tops in Liyue, but it wasnt as high as Mt. Aozang.
“That’s not exactly the most amazing view yet.” Streetward Rambler whispered loud enough for Guizhong to hear. The woman held a confused look, wondering what else could there be.
She watches Streetward Rambler walking up to a pillar as if activating it like a mechanism. Suddenly, a wind current arose from the platform they were standing on took Guizhong by surprise.
The adeptus walked towards the woman and took both of her arms, placing it on her shoulders. Streetward Rambler clung her free arm onto her waist and pulled her closer until their bodies were pressed together.
The awkward position made Guizhong’s blood rush to her face and up to her ears. She felt her face become hot. She wasn’t exactly knowledgeable in this area so she didnt know what to do.
Finally after much preparation, the wind current guided the two above as Streetward Rambler leaped from one plaustrite to another where Guizhong held onto her life until they finally reached their destination; Qingyun Peak, also known as Dwelling in the Clouds.
Streetward Rambler finally let go off her grasp on Guizhong’s waist, and settled down on the stone-made bench.
The Lord of Dust looked around the 360 degree view. Now it was safe to say that she could see half of Teyvat. After wandering around, she sat down next to the adeptus who was setting her zither on her lap, preparing to play a tune.
“I wasn’t aware that you love books.” Guizhong abruptly said, causing Streetward Rambler to pluck on the wrong string, breaking her melodic tune.
“O-oh... uh, yeah...” The adeptus looked down, anxiousness written on her face. “This is... actually... Cloud Retainer’s one of many abodes.” She scratched her cheek, still looking down but lit up a few seconds later. “But she hasn’t been here in a while, so I think it’s fine.”
“So I see. You’ve made quite an improvement from the last mechanism that you’ve shown me.” Rex Lapis gave Guizhong his criticism after getting invited by the Goddess of Dust herself to monitor her and Cloud Retainer’s works.
The three were casually talking amongst themselves under the tree in Mt. Aozang.
Streetward Rambler stood by the pond, looking at the fish swimming around lotus heads. She didn’t really care about the small get-together between the three. In fact, she was only there because Guizhong was there.
Acting like a guard? For her God? Most likely yes, but she was only there because Guizhong wanted her to be there. But it wasn’t really what she had in mind, Rex Lapis being there made her uneasy.
Glancing at the three, she saw how Guizhong and Rex Lapis talked casually to each other. Oh how much that made her feel an ick inside her. It’s not like Guizhong can’t be friendly and casual with anyone, especially if it’s the Rex Lapis himself.
Her thoughts were beginning to tie into a knot after knot, eventually scrambling the things bothering her about the relationship between those two.
Wait a minute? Why was she bothered in the first place? It’s not like she had emotional attachments with Guizhong, and it’s not like she had anything to do with whatever the relationship the two has.
So why did it bother her so much?
“Would you care to join us for a cup of tea, Streetward Rambler?”
A call of her name got her back to reality, it was Rex Lapis. He was looking straight at the adeptus, his gaze felt like it was piercing through her. As if he knows what she is.
“I’m fine, I’m only here to accompany the Lord of Dust.” She declined, politely shaking her head.
“Nonsense, it would be a shame if you don't enjoy yourself till the sun sets. Please, join us.” Rex Lapis guided his hand to another seat between Guizhong and Cloud Retainer.
“If you insist on it so much, how could I decline you.” She said, making Rex Lapis chuckle a bit.
The conversation continued as the clouds ran on the sky for a long time. And in between those conversations did Cloud Retainer noticed how Streetward Rambler was acting. She knew all too well.
“Okay, close your eyes all right? Don’t even try to take a peak!” Guizhong said in between laughter.
Streetward Rambler swore she could hear footsteps getting closer to her. It didn’t sound like Guizhong’s so it made her be on full alert in case anything happened.
Alas, she opened her eyes once she heard Guizhong said to do so. Slowly gaining a better vision, Streetward Rambler saw the other Adepti sitting on a stone table, along with the yakshas and Rex Lapis himself.
It was a get together, and she was the final guest to arrive. “Well don’t just stand there, come on and join us!” Guizhong nudged her with her elbow, signaling to walk towards the group.
As the group wined and dined with the God of Stove’s dishes and Rex Lapis’s squared cups, Streetward Rambler excused herself to get a breather for a moment.
The adeptus wandered around Minlin, gathering some sweet flowers and mints and other herbs to make use for making tea. Going further down the mountain of Cloud Retainer’s abode, she felt like she was being followed. She instantly looked behind her, only to see Guizhong sneaking behind.
“Are you enjoying the feast?” The Goddess asked, to her reply was “Most definitely.”
“Then why are you here?” The Goddess countered her with another question. Streetward Rambler let out a small laugh, and replied.
“I’m not much of a people person. As you can tell, being by myself is fine. I find it hard to feel less awkward when talking about myself with other people.”
Guizhong smiled. “But you didn’t have trouble sharing that with me, now did you?”
Streetward Rambler was flabbergasted. She was right, that would only explain that they’ve had been around each other for so many times that she had grow fond of Guizhong. Talking to her never made her feel anxious nor awkward.
“...”
That’s strange? Since when did the ever closed off Streetward Rambler became so close with the Goddess of Dust? Since when did her walls come tumbling down? Since when was she so trusting of someone who she rarely talked to in the past years despite being in the same team? No, no, that wasn’t the case. She had always been fond of Guizhong ever since, she just never realized it before. That’s why it was easy to become close to her like no one ever did.
Ba-dump
Streetward Rambler’s heartbeat pumped a bit faster than usual. Very strange.
Ba-dump
“Are you okay Streetward Rambler?” The Goddess asked, moving closer to her.
Ba-dump
Ah, what is this foreign feeling Im getting? It feels odd... Cold sweat started to drip on her head to cheek.
Ba-dump
“Ba-dump???” Streetward Rambler blurted out.
Realizing what she had just said, a hand immediately covered her mouth. “I- My apologies. I don’t know what’s the matter with me.”
No this couldn’t be it, could it? She wasn’t possibly helplessly attached emotionally to someone, most importantly a God.
“Hey, are you all right? You do not seem pretty well. Would you like me to accompany you to your home?”
She wasn’t familiar with this uneasy feelings so there was obviously one way to figure out what was happening.
“L-Lord of Dust!” Her voice cracked as she bit her lip. “May you p-please do me a favor and give me your hand!” She tried her best to say it without making it sound weird.
Guizhong looked at her for a moment and held out a hand, in which the adepti took and rested it on her chest where her heart is.
Guizhong was most shocked of her bold move and gave her a smile. She knew what was going on.
“L-Lord of Dust, ...Have you ever had this strange feeling and it makes your heart uncontrollably beat thrice as fast as it should be?”
Guizhong slowly took her hand back and placed both of her hands on Streetward Rambler’s face and pulled her in for a kiss.
Suddenly all of the adeptus’s worries disappeared the moment her lips met Guizhong’s.
”Did that help you calm down a bit?” Guizhong laughed.
Streetward Rambler stood there, mixed emotions written on her face and turned bright red as if her head was steaming.
”My Lady, you cant just go around doing that to people.” Streetward Rambler said as she covered her mouth.
”I have never really done it before so I hope I didn’t ruin it for you.” Guizhong looked at Streetward Rambler in the eye but the Adeptus quickly avoided on prolonging it.
As if she ruined anything! This was most likely Streetward Rambler’s first time kissing someone as well.
”But my Lady, shouldn’t you be doing this with someone you love instead?”
“May you drop the formalities with me Streetward Rambler?” Guizhong gave her a playful smile and continued,
“Ah but you’re most definitely right, I should be. So why don’t we do it again!”
Guizhong quickly grabbed the adeptus’s shoulders and pulled her in for another kiss, but this time Streetward Rambler reciprocated the action.
It’s been weeks ever since the small banquet happened, and the two women would always sneak off into the mountains right after every meetings with the other Adepti.
Cloud Retainer has kept an eye out for the two in any case her intuition was right. And it was. Knowing how talkative and honest Guizhong is, it wouldn't take too long for her to finally announce something regarding the adeptus, so she sat and waited patiently.
“Play another one, play another one!” Guizhong exclaimed, her excitement couldn't be contained whenever she is alone together with Streetward Rambler.
“All right, all right, I hear you, My Lady.” “Ugh, I told you to drop the formalities already.” Guizhong scoffed at her, making Streetward Rambler laugh.
“My apologies, Guizhong, I seem to always forget.”
The adeptus began plucking the strings and played a beautiful hymn.
The gentle breeze felt calming alongside hearing the melodic tune of the adeptus. Guizhong noticed the glow in Streetward Rambler’s eyes while playing the zither, she knew that she was most passionate about playing the instrument more than anything else, which made Guizhong’s heart flutter.
As soon as the music ended, Guizhong leaned in for a kiss, which surprised the other woman, but almost completely melted with it right after.
Guizhong broke the kiss and whispered, “Have I ever told you that your eyes shine brightly when you’re doing something you love?”
Streetward Rambler held her lover’s hand that was resting on her cheek. “No, you haven’t.”
Giggling, Guizhong’s face plastered with a cheeky smile and replied “now I have.”
“You know, I’ve always wanted a scenery of a field of glaze lilies, and I want to see the people of Liyue grow. Promise me you’d see it with me together.”
“All right, listen up!” Guizhong announced once every single God, Yaksha and Adepti were present.
“This ought to be good.” Skybracer nudged Pervases by the side of his stomach.
Guizhong held out her hand and nodded over to where Streetward Rambler was sitting. Ordering her to stand up with her in front.
“Streetward Rambler and I are in love with each other, and I hope that no one objects in this matter.”
The crowd was silent but it didn't take too long for them to process everything the Goddess had said and eventually started congratulating the both of them.
“What a divine outcome! I never knew you two would end up together.” Moon Carver shook both of their hands as he gives them his blessings.
Everyone gathered happily together and had a feast to commemorate the new relationship the two have.
As voices boomed throughout the mountain tops, Streetward Rambler excused herself with Guizhong to get a breather. They didn't go too far from where the banquet was, just a lil distance for them to keep their conversations to themselves.
“So this is what you meant when you said we needed to have an urgent appointment.” The adeptus laughed remembering the silly excuse her partner gave them.
“I had to make them come eventually, how else was I supposed to tell them a very important matter?” Guizhong gave the adeptus a peck on the cheek.
“I have something for you.” Streetward Rambler said, holding out a stem of Glaze Lilies. “Come closer, I’ll put it on you.” The adeptus’s eyes smiled brightly as she fixed the flower on Guizhong’s hair.
“Thank you for following me that night, I would never have realized that I’ve loved you this much.” Guizhong smiled back, twirling a lock of her hair with her fingers.
Kisses and giggles were exchanged as they happily conversed to one another. But nothing lasts forever do they?
Soon a strong gust of wind blew towards their way. The sky that was once bright turned dark. The air that was once refreshing turned heavy and stuffy. Something was wrong.
They quickly ran back to where the group was and planned out to save the people. But no one was aware that this will be their last time together, for the Archon War had begun.
A great deal of people perished at that time, and one of them was her loved one, Guizhong.
Numerous times had she regretted not being able to stand by her side to protect her and numerous times had she blamed herself for not being able to make it on time to save her.
Who knew the last image she’d have of her before she sees her lifeless body was when she had put the Glaze Lily on her hair.
Many Lantern Rites had passed since then, but Streetward Rambler still wasn’t able to bid goodbye to Guizhong, her first love and her last.
For the tragedy that happened a long time ago, she was still not ready to let go. More days would come, and in those days, she’d keep the promise she made with Guizhong.
“I’ve always wanted a scenery of a field of glaze lilies, and I want to see the people of Liyue grow.”
It wasn’t really an easy thing to do but Streetward Rambler is getting there.
“Oh I just know you would have loved to see how much Liyue has improved since then my love.”
Tales of the old had been passed down from generations to generations, the only hope Streetward Rambler has is for people to not forget about her God. The Goddess of Dust. Her Lover. Her Guizhong.