Shade of Teyvat: The Rapture of Shadows

10. Her Farewell

The forest was quiet, the evening sky softening from the heat of day into the gentle, rose-tinted hues of twilight. Aranyani wandered among the towering trees, their tall, ancient trunks swathed in ivy and casting shadows that seemed to echo her inner turmoil. She had come to Hearthglen seeking an escape, a reprieve from her responsibilities as Rukkhadevata, the Goddess of Wisdom. Here, she was simply "Aranyani," a woman of curious spirit and gentle grace, concealing her true identity from everyone, including Viz.

And yet, the life she had come to cherish in Hearthglen seemed to be slipping away, as fleeting as the evening light. She had wandered here to think, to find some clarity, when suddenly, a figure emerged from the gathering mist: a man, yet not quite a man—a jinni named Rasyid, his form solid yet shimmering, his face framed by features that spoke of another world.

"My lady," he addressed her, his tone formal, yet the lines of his face softened with sympathy. "I bring an urgent message from Lord Deshret and Lady Malikata. They have ask you. Sumeru requires your return immediately."

Her heart sank. She had always known that her time here would be limited. But the words struck her like a physical blow, and her throat tightened. "Right now?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. "Can't they wait just a little longer?"

Rasyid's expression softened, but he shook his head. "I know this is difficult, but the summons is not one that can be ignored. The people of Sumeru need you, my lady. You are Goddest of Wisdom and they all need you"

She looked away, blinking back tears, trying to steady herself. She didn't want to go, not now. She was learning so much here, and there were still so many things she hadn't experienced or understood. But even she could not deny the call of her duties.

Finally, she forced herself to meet Rasyid's gaze, nodding slowly. "Very well," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be there at the harbor tomorrow."

Rasyid bowed deeply, then disappeared in a shimmering wisp of light that dissolved into the shadows. Aranyani stood alone, staring into the darkness where he had vanished, feeling a deep ache settle into her chest.

Eventually, she turned back toward the village, her feet moving heavily as if weighed down by the knowledge that her time here was coming to an end. She adjusted her glasses, took a steadying breath, and made her way back. She had to say goodbye to Hearthglen, to the people, to Viz.

The village bustled with life as usual, unaware of the heartache she carried. Lanterns began to glow in the warm dusk, illuminating the cheerful faces of villagers chatting, working, laughing. It was a sight she had come to treasure. She had found peace here—a life that was simple and beautiful, so far from the weight of godly responsibilities. She had learned what it meant to be truly human.

As she walked, she spotted Viz, his figure still slightly hunched from the injuries he'd sustained in his recent battle, speaking with Chief Isolde. The sight brought a surge of warmth and sadness in equal measure. In her heart, she had hoped to stay longer, to know him more deeply.

Steeling herself, she approached. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Viz's eyes lit up with delight at seeing her. "Aranyani, there you are! I've been looking for you."

"For me?" She blinked, startled.

Chief Isolde's eyes crinkled with warmth as she nodded. "He did, dear. He's been planning something special for you."

Her brow creased with curiosity as she looked to Viz, who chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come with me. I've got a surprise."

She followed him through the forest, her heart hammering with mixed emotions. She wanted to remember every step, every sight, every breath of this place. Soon, they reached a small clearing. Viz knelt and pointed toward a patch of underbrush where a single flower bloomed—a brilliant, delicate Padisarah, its lavender petals glistening in the fading light.