Chapter Text
She was an enigma.
'An enigma who was just as beautiful as she was mysterious', is what one of the foreign merchants told Thoma who in turn told her.
The mysterious Traveler had came from nowhere, taking Teyvat by storm. Stories of her achievements and feats reached Inazuma and ignited hope in her chest.
It wasn't every day that someone just goes toe to toe with a legendary dragon or a sea God and lives to travel another day.
No.
The mysterious Traveler was special, she had to be, there was no way that she was just some ordinary adventurer.
And so it's in the middle of a warm night, that Kamisato Ayaka decides to hope and pray that the mysterious Traveler comes to Inazuma next.
"I'm not interested.", The Traveler says bluntly when Ayaka first meets the girl and tries to plead her case. A divider Standing between them as a barrier.
It stung, to get turned down so harshly and coldly.
In none of the stories had they ever said she was cold, in fact, they said the opposite, going on and on about how warm, friendly and kind the Traveler was.
"But-", Ayaka tries to retort.
"I'm not here to participate in a conflict. I'm only here for one thing and one thing only.", the Traveler says, her tone is stoney, a sign that she truly had no interest in helping her…them.
"Oh…", Ayaka says softly, her tone broken and her hopes dashed, her hands resting in her lap.
"Yeah, getting involved in a civil war will only make us look bad to the archon of this nation.", another voice comes, this one different, it was the voice of the Traveler's companion.
"I see…", Ayaka sighed deeply, her eyes closing.
"Sorry, but I have to get going now.", The Traveler speaks again. "Goodbye."
And just as she hears the Traveler's shoes begin to step, an idea pops into the Kamisato's head.
"Wait, wait, what if…I can get you an audience with the Shogun…our Archon.", Ayaka says.
Silence fills the room for a moment before she hears boots shifting against the ground. She can tell, she caught the Traveler's attention.
"You can do that?", The Traveler doesn't bother to hide the skepticism in her voice.
Ayaka sighs softly and nods her head as if the Traveler was before her. "Yes, I can."
"Well…", The Traveler begins, hesitation in her tone now.
"Please. Just–", Ayaka swallows thickly, thinking hard on her next voice of words, she knew that if she said the wrong thing, the Traveler would lose interest very fast. "If you can just check on three people for me, so you can get a better idea of what's happening here, I'll make arrangements for you to have an audience with the Shogun, regardless of whether or not you want help us.", she says.
"Ugh, here we go.", The Traveler's companion speaks up again. "What's up with the people in Inazuma giving you the runaround Traveler?",
Ayaka winces, she can feel herself beginning to sweat.
"Calm down Paimon.", The Traveler says with a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'll do it.", she says, not exactly in the most friendliest tone.
"Okay, Toma will you give the names."
"Alrighty.", The Traveler merely says.
And with that, their first meeting ends.
The next time they meet, it's face to face.
And the stories turned out to hold some truth.
The Traveler was indeed beautiful. With lovely blonde hair, fair skin and beautiful amber eyes. She can feel the moment that her one-sided attraction began, the way her heart immediately skipped a beat when those warm golden eyes looked her way.
A lot of people found the Traveler attractive, she knew about it, heard about how many of the women and men that had come across her in person, felt that attraction immediately.
The Traveler truly was no ordinary person.
"Uh hello.", She manages to mutter a greeting, not as gracefully as she would have liked. She stands stiffly hands by her sides as she stands before the Traveler who has achieved feats she could only dream of.
"Hi.", The Traveler had greeted back, hands on her hips, her posture was perfect and her shoulders broad, an air of certainty surrounded her. It made Ayaka a bit nervous.
Surely the Traveler had returned to her with an answer and she hoped it was the answer she wanted.
The warmth in the stories about the Traveler turns out to be true.
She experiences it first hand during their first outing together, when Ayaka invites her to accompany her.
The Traveler had been distant for the majority of the time they'd known each other, at least right up until Ayaka takes it upon herself to show the Traveler around.
"Lady Kamisato.", the Traveler's voice comes from beside her.
Ayaka hummed and turned to the blonde haired girl, slowing down her pace of walking. "Yes Traveler?" She asked.
"I….wanted to apologize.", The Traveler begins, her stoney expression melting away, revealing a sincere and warm expression.
Ayaka blinked for a moment, the change in the Traveler's expression was like witnessing a change in persona, like a totally different person came and replaced the cold and stiff Traveler. "A-Apologize? What for?", Ayaka says.
"For being a bit of a jerk.", The Traveler shrugs her shoulders. "It's been…quite the journey and Inazuma hadn't been the highlight of it…at least, not until I met you.", Ayaka had immediately felt heat rushing to her cheeks. "-Unlike everyone else, you were honest about your intentions…you were also more welcoming and I did nothing but be cold and rude to you.", she continued. "You didn't deserve that…"
It's sincere, very much so.
"Oh, it's no problem, I- I know how pushy and rude the people who live here can be when it comes to foreigners.", Ayaka chuckles lightly, her face somewhat hot. "The people you came across must have sucked up all your kindness. I'm sorry about that.", Ayaka apologized, feeling bad that Inazuma was hostile enough to make the Traveler want to keep her at arms length.
Traveler shrugged her shoulders again as a small smile curled her lips. "It is what it is, also-", The Traveler starts up again, an arm lifting as she rubbed the back of her neck. "-you can call me Ciel.", she said softly.
Ayaka couldn't help but feel rather happy, the Traveler was finally opening up to her. "O-Oh, well in that case, please call me Ayaka.", she smiled warmly.
The Traveler just as warmly returns her smile.
They attend the festival together and watch the fireworks. Both sitting in a place where the view is definitely the best. It feels a bit strange, not in a bad way or course, but rather…she feels giddy the whole time, after all, it was just them, alone together, talking under the occasional glow of the fireworks.
"this is nice, I'm glad I decided to do this and I'm glad you came with me.", Ayaka says softly as she turns to the Traveler.
"Me too.", she replies, a soft expression painting her face, a look much softer than Ayaka has ever seen her wear.
And it only serves to make Ayaka's stomach flip and her heart skip a few beats.
"I…I know you're bound to leave Inazuma but do you think you'll…perhaps visit again?", Ayaka can't help but ask, a faint ache in her chest as she brings up that fact.
The Traveler nods immediately. "Of course, if you want, maybe we can attend the next festival together."
Together.
Oh how Ayaka loves that word.
"Yes! Certainly.", Ayaka immediately responds, her cheeks burning as she realizes that she responded quite eagerly.
"Great!", The Traveler now grinned.
And archons, how it made Ayaka's heart throb.
She felt so happy, finally, a friend, she can associate with, someone other than Thoma and her brother. 'a friend', she tells herself; she's aware of how she feels but also knows that she lacks the experience to do anything about it and she also couldn't help but feel that it probably wouldn't work out, the Traveler had a mission and she wasn't interested in staying in one place, the best thing she could get from the Traveler without being hurt, is her friendship.
"If you ever find yourself coming to Inazuma much sooner, don't hesitate to drop in on us at anytime, I'll be glad to provide you with a place to stay, Ciel.", Ayaka says.
The Traveler's smile and enthusiasm wavers slightly before she shifts in the place she sat, she lifted a hand up to the back of her neck and spoke once again.
"Sounds good…I um, just…", she hesitates and Ayaka immediately notices.
"what's wrong?", the Kamisato asks, worry now adorning her own face.
The Traveler hesitates for a moment, as if thinking about what she was going to say next.
"I…um, Ciel is an alias I use…my real name is actually Lumine.", she says slowly. "not many people know it.", she explains.
"Oh…", Ayaka pauses, lips slightly parted, 'Lumine', she mentally says the name to herself. She couldn't help but wonder why Lumine would need an alias.
"um-", the Traveler makes to speak again, but Ayaka beats her to it.
"Lumine…it's a nice name, it suits you.", Ayaka says, a her smile returning to her lips.
Any doubt and hesitation that Lumine had, had melted away and her own smile returned.
The Traveler had her reasons and surely they must have been justified.
Like all good things, it must come to an end.
It hurts, aches, leaves Ayaka wondering.
The vision hunt decree was abolished all thanks to the traveler. Change was coming.
And…it was time for the Traveler to continue with her journey.
Ayaka and everyone else had organized a small get together to say their goodbyes to the girl. Everything was going smoothly and perfectly, Ayaka was happy about that much, the Traveler deserved a proper send off.
The gathering goes on well into the night and little by little their friends trickled out, until only Lumine and her remained, still awake and still full of energy.
"so…tomorrow's the big day, you're setting sail for Liyue and then making the journey to Sumeru right.", Ayaka said as she and the Traveler both walked into through the spacious Kamisato estate, Ayaka was walking the Traveler to a guest room.
"Yeah.", Lumine said, a warm smile gracing her lips.
Ayaka merely returned the girls smile, both of them finally making it to the bed room, she stopped in her steps as Lumine stepped ahead of her and opened the door, already stepping in, but stopping just as she stepped over the threshold to turn around and face Ayaka.
Ayaka couldn't help but feel a bit down, knowing that this was the last night the Traveler would spend here. "well…I'll uh see you tomorrow morning, me and Thoma will see you off.", Ayaka said softly as she stood before the Traveler.
Lumine's warm smile grew softer along with her gaze.
It made Ayaka nervous, giddy really. She could practically feel herself beginning to sweat, she was afraid of what she would do if the Traveler continued to look at her that way. 'She's just a friend.', Ayaka mentally chanted.
"G-Goodnight, Lumine.", Ayaka managed to say, lightly bowing her head in an attempt to hide her growing blush, she turned around and made to walk off when suddenly a warm hand wraps around her wrist, catching her before she could truly leave. "Lumine-", Ayaka stopped in her step and turned around, her words quickly taken from her lips when suddenly incredibly soft and warm lips pressed against her own. Ayaka tenses up, freezing in place, unsure of what to do, the only thing she's truly aware of is the sensation of Lumine's wonderful lips and the sound of her heart practically beating in her ears.
Ayaka is far too slow to reciprocate, so much so that Lumine pulls away and a look of confusion paints her expression for a moment, her hand still wrapped gently around Ayaka's wrist as she took a step back over the threshold. It's only when Lumine's gentle grip begins to weaken that Ayaka finally reacts, cheeks beat red and eyes slightly watery. "L-Lumine…", she whispered softly, the sensation of Lumine's lips against her own somehow remained, like a ghost unwilling to be exorcized. Ayaka took a small step forwards only for Lumine to take one back, confusion now painted itself over the Kamisato's face, she doesn't quite understand, doesn't quite get it until she feels Lumine's hold over her wrist grow slack and felt her soft hand sliding down to take her hand.
And gently, Lumine pulls, tugging slightly as she took another step back, causing Ayaka to take another forwards-
And then it hits her, her eyes flickering down to find her shoes practically touching the threshold of the bedroom.
Her heart immediately kicks into overdrive, a new wave of heat floods her body suddenly as it all starts to make sense. Her eyes slowly flickering back up to meet Lumine's own, finding those lovely warm amber eyes gazing at her softly. They didn't move anymore,they stood there for a good moment in silence, their eyes searching each other's own. It was clear that Lumine was waiting for Ayaka to be the one to finish stepping into the room.
And Ayaka honestly internally freaks out for a moment, this was all too new to her, she had no experience in any of those areas, romance had never been something she looked into, never had anyone caught her eye, until now of course and from one moment to another, Lumine was moving her through her firsts.
Ayaka knew very well what would happen the moment she stepped into the room with the Traveler, she knew it and while she was a bit afraid, she felt like the Traveler wouldn't force her or hurt her and maybe…just maybe, she could-
Ayaka swallowed thickly and pushed her hesitation away, this was an opportunity, an opportunity to be close to a girl she found herself romantically interested in.
Maybe, just maybe, Ayaka could make her stay.
A pang of hurt stung in Ayaka's chest, but she quickly pushed it aside and made up her mind, she slowly stepped over the threshold, fully entering the room and closed the door behind herself.
It's just what Ayaka expects, the moment she had closed the door, it began. Passionately and slightly messily, the messiness being due to her inexperience, which the Traveler didn't seem to mind, no, in fact, Lumine encouraged her to do what 'felt right'.
And honestly, everything felt right.
"You're so beautiful my princess.", Lumine mumbles against Ayaka's neck while suckling and nibbling.
Ayaka moaned softly, relishing in these new sensations.
They move at a good pace, slow and steady, with Lumine taking the lead. Their clothes come off just as they make it to the bed, with Ayaka quick to straddle Lumine, they kiss, kiss in a way that Ayaka hadn't imagined herself taking part in. She had seen couples kiss before, a small tap upon each other's lips.
But her and Lumine were doing much more than just simple taps against each other's lips, alot more. Lumine's tongue had long slipped past her lips and before Ayaka knew it she was reciprocating, allowing her body to just follow the girl's lead, bucking and arching into Lumine's soft kneading palms. Any reservations she had before had been left on the other side of the bedroom door. a sense of pride filled her, knowing her body was attractive enough to entice the lovely Traveler.
A shiver shoots up the Kamisato's spine and she jolts her hips closer against Lumine as she felt fingers gently touch her, sliding between what she knew were soaked lips, brushing against her bundle of nerves. "Ah–", Ayaka's kiss swollen lips part as a moan worked it's way up her throat and just as a bit of it escapes, Lumine brings a hand and places it over Ayaka's mouth, reducing her moan to a muffled hum.
"Shhh.", Lumine shushed softly, "as much as I would love to hear you're beautiful voice, we need to keep quiet, I don't think your Brother would appreciate us doing this.", she says as she dips her hand further between their bodies and continued to touch and explore the Kamisato's most intimate area.
"L-Lumine-", Ayaka breathed shakily as she tried very hard to contain the volume of her voice.
"Stars, you look so beautiful and feel so good, you're practically drenched, My Princess. I knew you wanted me, but I had no idea you wanted me this much.", Lumine smiled affectionately, "I'm honored to be the reason why you're so wet-"
Ayaka sighed softly as she felt fingers beginning to touch her with more pressure, she couldn't fight the urge to buck her hips, wanting to chase those fingers and feel them more.
"So eager to get fucked by me huh?", Lumine chuckled softly. "Don't worry Princess, I'm going to make you feel so good."
She feels empty.
It had been almost a year since that fateful night, a year since they've seen each other and almost 8 months since she'd received a letter from the Traveler.
She won't lie, she feels rather hurt by it all.
But that was her own fault. She knew the risk and knew that the Traveler was just that, a traveler.
She felt so stupid sometimes. Stupid for dropping her guard and surrendering to her desires, desires that were very unbecoming of someone of her status. She had given the most precious part of herself to someone who could not stay still and truly admire it.
And it cut her deeply, the reality of her situation and her immature thoughts back then.
No one knew…
Except now Thoma.
She had opened up to him after he had asked her at least once a day for the next few months after the Traveler's departure, asking if she was okay. He had felt it, the difference in her demeanor and took it upon himself to try and get her to open up about whatever it was that was truly bothering her.
And it takes some time, it takes exactly 5 months for her to finally spill, her disappointment at the Traveler's lack of correspondence helped make it easier for Thoma to break through to her.
"she hasn't written to me in 2 months…", Ayaka says bitterly.
"Oh? Maybe she's busy-", Thoma tried to say.
But Ayaka was quick to cut him off. "Doubt it…she's probably just moved on.", Ayaka said bitterly, her expression growing solemn.
Yes, the Traveler probably has moved on, finding herself in the arms of another man or woman perhaps.
Thoma's eyebrows rose sharply at Ayaka's tone. "Oh?", he says, curious to know why Ayaka was suddenly even more upset.
Ayala shook her head, a frown weighing heavily upon her lips. "It's nothing.", she sighs out heavily, frustration clear in her sigh. She shifts and stands up from beside Thoma and began to walk towards the door of the tea room she and Thoma were catching up in.
Thoma had brought up the Traveler, all smiles and chuckles as he told her of another story he had caught wind of, a story from afar, a story from Fontaine.
And Ayaka immediately felt a bit ill.
"It's not nothing Ayaka…you've been…different since she left, did you two have some kind of falling out?", Thoma asks, asking the right question.
"on the contrary.", Ayaka breathes out another heavy sigh as she turns back to face her most loyal companion. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she gave her next few words a thought, the last thing she wanted was for her brother to find out that she and the Traveler had spent a romantic evening together after the small gathering she hosted.
More like they had falling in. Ayaka couldn't help but think to herself.
And Thoma, the incredible man that he is, notices how Ayaka is hesitating on telling him further. "You know you can tell me anything, I'm always going to take your side.", he says sincerely and reaches to pat the spot on the mat where Ayaka had sat earlier.
Ayaka's eyes flicker away from Thoma's own.
"Please.", he says and pats the spot once more.
Ayaka sighs again, shoulders sagging and her perfect posture faltering as she returns to Thoma's side and plopped down next to him.
"Tell me what happened?", Thoma starts again.
Tears began to well up in Ayaka's eyes, but she fought to keep them from spilling. Her tongue ran between her lips to moisten them, she swallowed thickly and then began to speak.
"she didn't keep her word to me.", Ayaka said, disappointment painting her expression before hurt began to twist it.
Thoma listened closely, he lifted a hand and placed it over Ayaka's shoulder, wanting to comfort her
"The night before she left, the night we had that gathering of friends…", she slowly began to unravel, her secret slowly spilling out.
Thoma nodded in anticipation.
"I offered her a guest room and she took me up on the offer, and after the gathering came to an end…I walked her to her room and…", Ayaka could feel her cheeks beginning to burn as she remembered what happened next, how Lumine kissed her and how she followed her into the guestroom and-
"She kissed me…", Ayaka breathed out shakily.
Thoma's breath caught in his throat for a moment, "wait…she kissed you.", he said a bit surprised, surprised because The Traveler didn't appear to have any interest in Lady Kamisato, no.
Ayaka merely nodded as she spoke her truth before adding more. "But that wasn't all…", Ayaka continued, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "She…invited me into the room with her."
And immediately Thoma can see where this was going. "You-"
"-gave myself to her.", Ayaka suddenly hugged her arms around herself. "she promised she'd keep in touch and…return, but-", her voice trailed off.
"She hasn't bothered coming back or writing anymore…", Thoma says, eyebrows knitting together, "I can't believe her…", he merely says, a look of disappointment painting over his own face.
"She's…her…I'm sure another is keeping her company in the ways we both knew I couldn't."
After their lengthy discussion, Ayaka had felt much better, however, the ache remained.
She knew she needed to let it go, let go of her fantasy, a fantasy in which the Traveler indeed returned to her and together they remained.
As days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months, Ayaka feared that soon months will turn to years