Oath [BL; Book 2]

38

"Again." Xiao stood watching Ganyu who worked hard to impress him. Making progress during her training was necessary. Although she knew he would continue to train her, she wanted to recieve praise. Fumbling, the mechanism stopped resetting it. "Again." He said and the training began again.

"Yes.." she went on to do it over and over and over.

Out of breath and tired she wiped her brow, this time she was sure to do it right so she focused. Dodging the arrows, ducking under the flailing training dummies, she skid under some on coming fake enemies and aimed her bow quickly firing four consecutive shot to defeat them.

Running, she swiftly jumped over the hurdle and once again ducked under an attack. Quick on her feet she fired more around hitting the perfect bullseye. Sure she had did well she looked at Xiao who closed his eyes. The mechanism reset as she went over to him.

"Very good, you've become more agile. Your progress is slow, but it's there." She received the praise and gave a polite nod,

"Thank you, I will continue to work..." she saw he seemed colder than usual, "harder... um."

"What is it? Your training is complete for today."

"Yes, I was wondering if there was anything bothering you is all." She asked as politely as she could. Their small quarrel before made her insecure. "Is there anything I can do to-"

"It is of no concern to you. I can handle my duties just fine."

"Ah, yes." Feeling she over stepped she lowered her eyes but then found reason to ask, "Could it be the Traveler?"

His eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed irked, "It does not concern you." Xiao said again, "If that is all, I will take my leave."

"Y-yes of course." He vanished and she frowned placing her hand over her chest. It was risky to ask and she knew now she had no place to. Xiao was still as cold as ever and kept his distance, thought she couldn't understand why he seemed to be especially cold to her. With a sighed she decided to move on with her day. "I should go see Master." On her way she reported back to Ninguang of her short journey and was excused.

Getting to Mt. Aocang she greeted Xianyun respectfully. "I'm here, how can I help?"

"One appreciates your company, Ganyu." Xianyun said, "There is much to do for this small gathering to be a sucess."

Being given a list she was quick to take care of the easier items first. The last three things of the list consisted of ingredients for the dishes Xianyun wanted to make. So she set out to find what she could.

The gentle tune filled the air, no words were sang in this lullaby. The very sound of it brought small animals to see what was making such a wonderful tone. Covering her with the blanket, Aether smiled humming the lullaby he remembered from somewhere deep in his soul. The world seemed quiet for just this moment as all the noises faded into something but a kind dream. Paimon drifted off to sleep in no time, but he continued the tune regardless as he saw his audience grew.

Hearing the sound, Ganyu looked in the direction of it and followed it curious to know what lovely voice was making such a tune. Having been tasked with finding ingredients for Xianyun's feast of the Adepti, she was out and about in the mountains. Having lived in this region her entire life she had never once heard this lullaby. If it was an evil spirit she would call in a favor to rid the area of foul beings.

However as she approached she came to find it was someone she knew. Aether was sat gazing at the vast sea of stars. He was gently brushing Paimon's hair keeping her asleep that way. Small finches hopped over to listen and Aether smiled as one above all stood out the most. The color of this small finch was too similar to the colors he adored most. Laying his hand down the small bird jump into his palm having a moment to rest as it too enjoyed the song.