My Warmth Is Yours

Chapter 7: Wind-Blessed Walk

The morning star woke them early the next day. With no intent to waste the daylight hours, they grabbed some leftover food and began their journey to Mondstat. They followed the path, only straying when a camp of Hilichurls blocked their way. Aether had no intention of fighting today, and it certainly seemed like the Kreideprinz shared that opinion. The walk was quiet, the only sounds their own footsteps and the birdcalls echoing from the trees. The wind softly blew around them, a gentle breeze that swayed the wildflowers and nothing more. The scent of apples and flowers was hanging in the air. Not even Paimon spoke. It was a comfortable quiet, letting the world around them take over. The walk itself would not take as long as one might expect- they'd reach the city of Mondstat by around lunchtime, if nothing major happened.

As they walked, Paimon checked the map regularly and took the lead so that they didn't get lost, although she mostly just flew ahead and waited for them to catch up. Aether occasionally looked over at the Kreideprinz, to see how he was taking the journey. The look on his face was one of curiosity more than anything else, although Aether could still see the sadness in his eyes that hadn't faded from yesterday. Perhaps it reminded him of his own home… or at least what it used to look like, anyway. Hopefully he'd cheer up a little when they got to the city. Aether tapped his shoulder. "C'mere. I wanna show you something." He led the Kreideprinz over towards the Temple of the Lion, and pointed out over the cliff.

The view was stunning. The cliff dropped off straight into the valley that was Windrise, before rising up again in the distance to become Starsnatch Cliff. Falcon Coast spread out to the east, and out to the west you could glimpse Starfell Valley and the free city of Mondstat, its stone walls encircled by the sparkling waters of Cider Lake. Trees dotted the hills leading to Starsnatch Cliff, whilst Windrise was empty, dominated by the sacred tree. Even from here, the glow of the Statue of the Seven could be seen. The Thousand Winds Temple was visible as well, standing out against the green hills. It was beautiful.

The Traveler looked over at his companion. The sadness from earlier had completely evaporated, replaced instead by simple amazement. "It's… beautiful. Completely different to before. And yet it's so much more alive… I'd love to sketch it."

Aether smiled. "You can draw?"

"Yes. At first, I saw it simply as a way to better study the structure of living things so as to aid me in alchemy, but it eventually became a hobby of mine."

"Well, you'll get a stack ton of things to sketch, at least. This nation is packed with this kind of scenery. You can come back here sometime."

"Maybe."

The boys went back to the path, oblivious to Paimon hiding a Kamera and a photo behind her back, and continued on their journey. Aether walked with a little more spring in his step, although he didn't realise. Even for a moment, he'd made his companion happy. Things were shaping up well.

"Hey! What's that over there?" Paimon flew ahead again, before coming back at what was probably her fastest speed. "Traveleeeeeeeeeeeeer! There's a Hilichurl camp on the path!"

The Traveler raised his eyebrows.

"Reeeally? We're in a small canyon, of course there's one here. Just how many are there?"

"Three!"

"You made it sound like there were ten."

"Well excuuuuuuuuse Paimon for not being very strong! Paimon's a travel guide, not a fighter!"

"You two stop fighting, we'll just deal with it and keep going."

And they would have kept going if a Hilichurl hadn't rushed them.

Paimon screamed and disappeared, Aether rolled to the side, and the Kreideprinz jumped backwards, drawing a sword out of thin air- not unlike the way Aether did. The Traveler drew his own sword and used the moment to rush the Hilichurl with a flurry of attacks. Surprisingly, the monster gave as good as it got, and resisted fairly well for a Hilichurl. It only died when the Kreideprinz (or K, as Aether had mentally nicknamed him) came in from behind and cut through the Hilichurl's neck with a single, elegant strike. The two warriors locked eyes for a moment, before breaking gaze to tackle the other two Hilichurls in the camp. Aether dodged a shot from the Pyro-enhanced Hilichurl ranger and came in close, while K dealt with the Dendro Samachurl. Aether almost got distracted by his friend's swordwork- it was perfect. He wasn't a connoisseur of the sword arts, but he knew good form when he saw it. The prince's bladework was elegant, yet ruthless, giving no mercy and asking for none. It was almost a dance without a partner, and it left the Traveler wondering what a duel would look like. The opponent- much like the Samachurl- would get owned.

He turned his attention back to the Pyro Hilichurl (Pyrochurl?) that was charging a shot. Seeing an opportunity, he called on the power of Anemo, feeling the wind around him respond to his call. He created a small vortex at the palm of his outstretched hand, infusing it with the Pyro helpfully provided by the Hilichurl. The vortex exploded, causing a wave of hot air, and the Hilichurl was blown backwards and died. Aether picked up the remnant arrows and turned back to his friend.

"You ok? You're not hurt?"

"I'm fine, yes. As long as you're okay as well." The Traveler ruffled his friend's hair by instinct, then pulled his hand back. You idiot, he's not that close to you that you can do that. The Kreideprinz seemingly ignored it. Paimon reappeared, taking the monster drops and storing them in a safer place.

"Paimon didn't expect the Hilichurl to charge you two like that! You two are really good at fighting, you're really lucky…" Aether waved it off.

"We're ok. Let's keep going. Thanks for telling us in advance before, though."

"No problem! It's Paimon's job to be the best travel guide, and being a travel guide means warning you about dangers!" Paimon snapped her fingers and smiled. "Let's get back on the road! While we're traveling, can Paimon tell him about Mondstat? Please, pleaseee?"

The two boys shared an amused glance.

"Why not," the Kreideprinz said. He took Paimon's hand. "Just don't forget to scout ahead." Paimon smiled, and as they began to walk again, she launched into telling stories about Mondstat. Every now and then Aether would jump in to fact-check her. K would listen with keen interest, and their walk would fly by before they knew. Suddenly it was early afternoon, and before them stood the walls of the proud City of Freedom.

"Well," Aether said. "Welcome to Mondstat."