The dawn broke quietly over Mondstadt, casting a warm glow across the city as its people began to stir. Asher and Lumine had barely had a moment to rest after their battle with the Abyss Herald, but today was a rare respite—no pressing threats, no looming dangers. Just a day to themselves.
The thought was exhilarating.
Paimon floated beside them, her usual enthusiasm radiating as she chattered about the upcoming Windblume Festival. "This festival is all about love and freedom! People exchange flowers, and some even make confessions of love! Isn't that so romantic?"
Lumine shot Asher a quick, shy glance, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. Asher's heart skipped a beat at the sight, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the morning sun.
Amber, ever the lively companion, appeared out of nowhere, throwing her arms around Lumine and Asher. "Are you two joining the festival fun today? There's flower arranging, archery contests, and rumor has it, even a dancing competition!"
Lumine's eyes sparkled. "That sounds perfect, Amber! Let's take part in everything we can."
Asher nodded, trying to contain his excitement. "I'm up for it. Let's see if we can win a few contests."
Amber grinned. "Great! Then it's settled—let the Windblume festivities begin!"
---
The streets of Mondstadt were bustling with laughter and cheerful crowds as people gathered for the festival. Stalls lined the roads, displaying bouquets of vibrant flowers, handcrafted trinkets, and traditional festival foods. The scent of blossoms filled the air, mingling with the melodies of musicians playing on street corners.
Their first stop was the flower arranging stall, where Lumine's eyes lit up as she picked out delicate Cecilia flowers, their petals white and fragrant. She carefully placed each bloom in a bouquet, her fingers moving gracefully, crafting something uniquely beautiful.
Asher watched her, captivated. "You have a real talent for this."
Lumine looked up, a shy smile on her face. "Thank you. Flowers remind me of all the places I've been… and the people I've met along the way."
Their hands brushed as she handed him the bouquet, and Asher felt a surge of affection. It was just a simple festival, but here, surrounded by the fragrance of flowers and the cheerful sounds of the crowd, he felt a contentment that had eluded him for so long.
The archery contest was next, and Amber took the lead, demonstrating her skills with a confidence that had everyone cheering. Lumine stepped up afterward, her aim precise and steady as she hit each target with ease. When it was Asher's turn, he focused, taking a deep breath as he drew the bowstring, his arrow landing right beside Lumine's last shot. They exchanged a grin, feeling the easy camaraderie of two people growing ever closer.
But it was the dance contest that brought out something new between them.
Asher held out his hand, a gentle smile on his face. "May I have this dance?"
Lumine's cheeks flushed, but she took his hand without hesitation. The music began, a soft, lilting tune, and they moved together, their steps guided not only by the rhythm but by something deeper, unspoken. As they danced, the crowd faded away, leaving only the two of them, lost in each other's gaze.
The song ended, but Asher and Lumine remained close, neither willing to let go. She looked up at him, her eyes soft, her expression vulnerable.
"Asher, thank you… for today, for everything. I've never felt so… at peace," she whispered.
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his voice equally soft. "I feel the same. With you, I've found something I never expected… a sense of belonging."
They stood there, the world around them a gentle hum as they shared a quiet, perfect moment. But as they held each other's gaze, Paimon suddenly flew between them, giggling.
"Hey! Don't forget about Paimon!" she chirped, breaking the spell.
They both laughed, the tension easing as they continued through the festival with renewed spirits. But Asher's thoughts lingered on Lumine, her warmth, her laughter, and the way his heart seemed to come alive whenever she was near.
---
As the day faded into evening, Amber and Paimon decided to check out another part of the festival, leaving Asher and Lumine alone. They wandered to a quieter part of the city, where the lights from the festival were a distant glow, and the stars above were beginning to emerge.
They settled on a grassy hill overlooking Mondstadt, silence settling between them, comfortable and easy.
"Asher," Lumine began, her voice thoughtful, "there's so much I don't know about where my journey will lead. But with you here, I feel like… maybe it doesn't matter so much. Like the journey itself is enough."
Asher took a breath, his heart racing as he found the courage to speak. "Lumine… I don't know what the future holds, but whatever it is, I want to be part of it. With you."
She looked at him, her expression one of gentle understanding, a spark of something more in her eyes. Slowly, she reached out, her hand finding his.
In the quiet of the night, they stayed that way, fingers intertwined, gazing at the stars as they shared the beginning of something beautiful, a connection that had been building since the moment they met.
And for the first time in a long time, Asher felt as if he'd finally found his home—not in a place, but in the presence of the girl beside him.