Chapter 26: A Moment of Quiet

After the intense battle at the Guizhong Ballista, the journey back to Liyue Harbor was a welcome change of pace. The air had shifted—it was still tense, but there was a calm that hadn't been present earlier. As they walked, Aether felt the exhaustion from the fight slowly give way to a sense of reflection. His thoughts wandered to his companions and the bond they had forged over the many battles they had fought together.

Amber walked ahead, her posture relaxed but her steps slower than usual, clearly still thinking about the events at the Ballista. But her expression was softer, more relaxed than during the heat of battle.

"That was a hard-fought victory," Amber said after a moment of silence. "But we managed to protect the Ballista and keep the Abyss Order from gaining control."

Aether nodded. "Yeah, but something tells me they're not done. This feels like just a small part of a much larger plan."

Amber sighed softly, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "I agree. But for now, we've bought Liyue some time. It's a relief to know we can work together like this."

"We make a good team," Aether said, offering her a smile. "I couldn't have done it without you and the others."

Amber's smile brightened, her usual energy starting to return. "It's easy to fight when you have people you trust by your side."

Aether felt the warmth of her words settle in his chest. The bond between them had grown stronger after every battle. He appreciated how much his companions had come to rely on each other—not just as fighters, but as friends.

As the group made their way through a small forest near the outskirts of the harbor, Amber, who had been quiet for most of the journey, suddenly let out a delighted gasp.

"Look at that!" Amber exclaimed, pointing toward a clearing where a small stream sparkled under the sunlight. The sound of gently flowing water filled the air, and a few birds flitted between the trees, creating a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere.

Lisa chuckled softly at Amber's enthusiasm. "It seems our fearless outrider has found a spot for us to rest."

"We could all use a break," Amber said with a wide grin. "Come on, let's take a minute to relax."

The group agreed, and they found a spot near the stream where they could sit and rest. Aether sat down on a large rock, feeling the cool breeze against his skin as he watched the water flow by. For a moment, everything seemed peaceful—like the world had paused, giving them a rare chance to catch their breath.

"It's nice to have moments like this," Amber said, plopping down beside Aether with her usual bright smile. "We've been running around so much, I almost forgot how beautiful Liyue is."

Aether nodded, letting his gaze wander across the serene landscape. "It's a beautiful region. Different from Mondstadt, but… it has its own kind of magic."

Amber leaned back, resting her arms behind her head. "Totally. Liyue is full of mysteries and traditions—it's like every corner of this place has a story to tell. I bet we've only scratched the surface."

Lisa, who had seated herself nearby, gave a soft sigh of contentment. "Oh, this is the kind of peaceful break I've been waiting for. We could all use a little more relaxation, don't you think?"

Rosaria, leaning against a tree with her spear resting at her side, remained silent, her sharp eyes still scanning the surroundings. But Aether noticed a slight shift in her posture—she, too, was taking in the peace, even if she wouldn't say it aloud.

"It's strange," Aether said after a moment of reflection. "Being in a place like this… it reminds me of why I started this journey in the first place. To find my sister. But now I feel like I've found so much more."

Amber sat up, her eyes shining with determination. "Yeah, you've got us! We're in this together!"

Lisa's smile was warm, though her eyes carried a hint of mischief. "Oh, Aether, you're stuck with us now. There's no getting rid of us."

Aether chuckled, feeling a swell of gratitude for the friends he had made along the way. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

After their break, the group resumed their journey, but the atmosphere was lighter now. Aether found himself more at ease, the weight of their recent battles temporarily lifted by the moments of peace they had shared.

As they reached the outskirts of Liyue Harbor, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling port. Ships moved in and out of the harbor, merchants haggled over goods, and the general hum of life filled the air.

"Back to civilization," Amber said with a grin. "We should probably check in with Zhongli and let him know what happened at the Ballista."

Rosaria nodded in agreement. "He'll want to hear our report. And we need to figure out what the Abyss Order's next move could be."

As they made their way through the crowded streets, Aether felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Abyss Order was still out there, but with his friends by his side, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead. And for now, he was content to savor the moments of calm before the next storm.