Experimental Genshin Oneshots

One Year Later Part 2 (Aerina)

When Furina stepped off the aquabus, a few things immediately became known to Furina. One, while Marcotte Station was always decently crowded, she has never seen a crowd of this magnitude, especially during this time of night. Two, the air basically screamed festivities, as everyone around her was sharing laughs and smiles, drinks in hand, and was overall having a fun time. Three, even though the day was nearing it's end, everyone still had the same amount of energy they had when they started the day. Fourth, the scent of pastries and flowers mingled with the salty tang of the sea, creating an intoxicating blend that made her head spin.

She adjusted the brim of her hat slightly, glancing up at Aether, who was standing beside her with a knowing smile.

"Well?" he asked, titling his head slightly. "How are you feeling?"

Furina let her gaze wander across the lively crowd. The path was adorned with banners in deep blues and shimmering silvers, each one fluttering in the evening breeze.

She hesitated before answering, fingers lightly tapping against the fabric of her gloves. "It's.... overwhelming," she admitted.

Aether chuckled. "I guess that makes sense. When was the last time you participated in parties like this in the past year?"

"Unless it's with Clorinde, I never really go to parties anymore. Or public appearances, even." 

Paimon twirled in the air, arms spread wide. "Well, I hope this party is to your satisfaction! This was a lot of work, after all. Paimon can barely float she's that exhausted."

"I don't know, Paimon. You did almost destroy a Gardemek while trying to help decorate the place." Aether shrugged.

"Hey! It was an accident!" 

Furina stifled a laugh behind her hand, shaking her head. "You two never change, do you?"

Aether grinned. "Wouldn't be us if we did. Though I believe we've spent enough time standing here," Aether said, offering his hand to the girl next to her.

"Shall we go, Lady Furina?" 

Furina blinked at the offered hand, the gesture so charming that she had to restrain herself from reacting to obviously. She settled on lifting her chin slightly, placing her gloved hand in his with what she could describe as a practiced elegance.

"We shall," she said, allowing Aether to guide her forward.

The moment they stepped into the crowd, the energy around them shifted. The people of Fontaine, lost in their celebrations, paid them little mind at first. The entire path was glowing, not just from the lights, but from the warmth that was in the atmosphere.

As they neared the Opera Epiclese, however, Furina began to notice the occasional glance in her direction. A murmur here, a whispered name there.

"Is that...Lady Furina?"
"She looks well, doesn't she?"
"It's been a while since I've seen her in public."

Furina's grip on Aether's hand tightened ever so slightly. Sensing the shift in her mood, gave her a reassuring squeeze. "They're happy to see you," he murmured, his voice just loud enough for her to hear.

"I know," she said, sighing. "I just... wasn't expecting this much attention."

Paimon, floating ahead of them, waved her arms excitedly. "C'mon, you two!"

Around the Fontaine of Lucine, tables were lined with every Fontaine delicacy imaginable, and a cake so tall she could swear she saw it wobbling. Laughter, smiles, and joy filled the air, like the stars in the night sky. As they stepped inside, the air still had the same lively feeling that the outside had. In the center of a lobby, a familiar face was currently talking with a Melusine. As if sensing his arrival, he turned to them.