Wandering Hearts (Aether x Ningguang) Genshin Impact

Setting Sun

The auction was over and finally Aether had a moment of peace. As the dying sun cast it's heavenly glow on the pearlescent waters of Liyue, he could not help but gaze into her red eyes, full of mystery and so much more. Ningguang cleared her throat. "Traveller, is everything alright?" He fell back into reality, taken by surprise. "Ahh...umm...yes...I'm alright. It's nothing." He smiled softly. "So, the auction was a success, huh?" She looked into the horizon, her face motionless. "Was it? All it confirmed was that they saw the Tianquan of Qixing as the selfish businesswoman who sits on her Jade Palace and looks down upon all of Liyue". He stepped closer and shook his head. "Well, they are wrong. You're much more than that. You're a beautiful and selfless woman who gave up her home to protect Liyue and your actions are no less than an adepti" She was taken aback at the sudden compliments and her cheek had the lighest shades of a blush. "Ahem...well, thank you for those kind words, Aether". He stood there, shocked. It was the first time anyone had ever called him by his name. All he was for the people was the adventurous traveller who could be bought with bags of mora and artifacts. "You...remember my name? Honestly, it is the first time that someone has used my name and I-" She chuckled. "Well, how could I forget your name? You were there during our darkest times and even after the storm settled, here you are, helping me out. I should be honoured" They walked along the Yujing Terrace as people whispered and gawked at her. He couldn't blame them. She had a way of leaving you speechless, commanding all of your attention towards her piercing, red eyes. She stood against the railing, the last specks of sunlight lighting her face like a divine lantern, and looked down at the harbour. Aether stood beside her, the faint whiff of her intoxicating perfume dancing in the slow breeze. "How do you do it? Managing all of Liyue alone, battling the Fatui and keeping the people safe? They call me a hero - heck, you're the biggest hero hero. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you" Ningguang's heart fluttered when he called her a hero. "You're being too kind. Even if an antique is priceless, the happiness it brings lasts for only a moment. So do I" It was then he realised. Behind the opulence and the authority was loneliness. The higher you get, the lonelier it is. Hidden in that diplomatic smile was pain and sadness, something she would never reveal willingly. Oh how he wished Paimon was here now to help him with this, but she was off with Keqing, exploring local cuisine. Ningguang cut short his imaginations. "I am quite tired, Aether. I will be heading back to the Jade chamber now. Will you join me for dinner? I would like it very much. Of course, I would understand if you have more pressing issues to look into" Aether did not even pause before he spoke. "Y-yes. Of course. I would love to join you." "Great, let us get going then?" They walked upto the top of the shrine where Bu'yun waited faithfully. "Lady Ningguang, please come this way. We have your transport ready" As they soared towards the Jade palace, he noticed her getting more relaxed, as the shadow of a smile appeared on her face. "Home"