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This morning you woke up with an empty and cold spot by your side. The short lived dread that washed over you by his absence was enough evidence for you that the day had at last arrived.
Every fiber of your being was in denial, yet the soil beneath your feet never lied.
The sun had barely risen as you turned around to the other side and saw your husband sitting at the open balcony window, drinking a steaming cup of tea by himself. He seemed to be taking extra care to enjoy the aroma to its utmost potential, as to not forget the scent and taste of his favorite blend.
You silently observed him, burning this sight you had gotten used to over the many years into your memory all over again. Together with all the other countless experiences you two had shared.
Time seemed to have come to a halt as you savored every second of his presence. Not close enough to touch, but you only had to walk over to him to reach for his face and feel the soft skin in your palms. It was so easy to accomplish, as long as he was with you. So simple, but fulfilling.
“Would you stop staring at me so intently, my love?”
You startled as his deep voice was teasing you back into the normal flow of time.
“It’s not my fault that my retired and overly handsome Geo Archon Husband must look so stunning while sipping on his tea cup.”
He gave a little snort of surprise, a smile then gracing his lips, that faded all too quickly.
“Do you remember the new patch of wild glazed lilies we found a few weeks ago?” he asked softly.
After helping out an historian with details along the Guili Plains, you came across a rather big discovery. A patch of tiny baby lilies. Still in the process of growing stronger. Wild glaze lilies were supposed to have died out many, many years ago. You two were delighted and so was the historian.
“Of course I do…” you affirmed, not missing the hidden meaning behind his inquiry “And I can also tell what you are trying to get at…”
As one of the oldest still living Dendro Spirits, it came to you as simple as breathing. You knew every flower and tree that was growing around Liyue. It was like a giant backyard garden to someone as experienced as yourself.
“Then you already know what day it is today, my love…don’t you?”
A cold shower went down your spine. You chastised yourself to stay calm. This wasn’t the time yet to lose it. With a deep exhale and a tight grip on the blanket in your lap, you controlled your voice that was about to break otherwise.
“The lilies are in full bloom. Let’s go to admire them together, Zhongli.”
He set his cup down gently. Seemingly trying to remember the touch of the now cold porcelain. Composed as always he stood up and slowly wandered over to you, extending a hand to help you out of the sheets.
“I will wait for you to get ready then. Would you wear the dress that I got for you on our last anniversary? You look so beautiful in red, dear. I wish to see it once more.”
Today, at least, you would abide by his every whim. So you nodded and turned to head towards the bathroom, feeling the lingering gaze of your husband on your back as you closed the door behind you.
-------------------------
Before leaving the city, you took a detour to have lunch together. Sitting at one of the tables in front of Wanmin restaurant, you enjoyed your meal while reminiscing about old times gone by.
You both had fought side by side in the Archon War, lost your dearest friend for the price of victory and helped your people built a new city after the old was decimated into ruins.
The soil on which Liyue prospers today, was nurtured by both of you. A joint effort of Earth and Nature. You always joked how well the two of you worked together, like a “symbiotic relationship”. At that time, none of you knew yet, that this engagement of pure abilities, would turn into something much more meaningful over time.
“I have been very blessed to have met you, my love.”
He held your hands on top of the table, his amber eyes full with nothing but love and adoration and his touch comforting and warm.
Fighting back the tears pricking at your eyes, you kissed the back of his hand lovingly, saving your words for later.
You kept talking about everything and nothing, until you left the city and reached the Guili Plains near dusk.
There, in the middle of the ruins, illuminated by the setting sun that gave the whole area and ethereal pinkish hue, was a patch of wild glazed lilies in full bloom.
Both of you started to purposefully walk slower towards the middle of the patch. Dragging out every second as much as possible, but knowing the inevitable can’t be delayed any further.
You had reached your destination, holding hands tightly in a few long moments of heavy silence, as Zhongli loosened his grip and lifted both hands to cup your face in both. His face drew closer and your lips joined for a long and sweet kiss. You wished time would come to a standstill. That this wasn’t the last time you would ever feel your husband’s touch. But you dreadfully knew, that this would not be possible.
Your lips parted and you gazed into each other’s eyes, relaying everything that could not be put into words.
“I love you more than anything I have ever encountered in this world, (Y/N). After thousands of years, that is the one unshakable truth I am proud to take with me, my love.”
It took everything you had to keep yourself in control of your composure. Just a bit longer, you thought. Just a bit longer… The last memory that you would give him, was to be a positive one.
You gave your husband the brightest smile which you always reserved for only him to see and placed your hands over his, which were still resting on your face. Warmth radiated through your whole being. Taking a slightly staggering breath, you prepared yourself for the last words he would ever hear you say.
“I love you too, dear. Your work is done. It’s time to rest.”
Hearing you utter these words, he smiled gently and closed his eyes. His whole body starting to glow from within. A warm golden light.
“I’ll be waiting for you, (Y/N). Farewell…”
And with his final goodbye, he burst into a radiant shimmering cloud of dust, that got carried away by the winds into every direction of their loved Liyue.
You stood there, watching on until the last speck of dust had vanished. Only then did you finally allow yourself to break.
Falling onto your knees in the midst of the blooming lilies, you burst into a pitiful scream towards the evening sky, letting your sorrow and tears free reign to consume you…
Nothing is forever. Everything will stop existing eventually. And so ended the story of the oldest among them. The Geo Archon had fulfilled his duty and leaves behind Liyue and his long-life companion.
“Wait for me, Zhongli. My only love…”
Lying amongst the flowers, you will patiently wait for your time to come as well.
The glazed lilies will continue to grow beautifully, nourished by your tears, until the day finally arrives to return to the earth to join your beloved.
