Xiaolumi S4: Edge of Dawn

Dunyarzad The Runaway

[A/N: Xiaolumi arrive in Sumeru City but nobody seems interested nor hold any answers regarding Kusanali. But Lumine can't shake the feeling something may be wrong with this city as they turn to Katheryne after some failed leads. Meanwhile Xiao may have finally found a safe haven for them to stay as he begins his own investigation. Hope enjoy the song above for Xiaolumi <3]

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It had felt sort of melancholy that afternoon as they went to Tighnari to say their farewells. Only to stumble onto a scene of the upset beastkin declining and shooing a sage and his escorts away. The sage's eyes subtly turned wide at spotting Xiao and Lumine walking by that narrowed to suspicion and caution. Lumine is more than happy to give Tighnari a sigil to grant him permission to access their abode inside the teapot. Then as they arrived at the crossroads they met Collei eagerly awaiting them. The greenette was surprised to also receive a sigil to let her visit them in their abode any time she wished before they parted ways. Luine felt a bit sad having to leave their new friends but she knew this wouldn't be goodbye, just farewell for a time. After all, Sumeru would be her home for the next six months and she was more than eager to see the land that had been her best friend and husband's cradle and playground. There was something that made her curious though as they took their time along the dusty dirt road.

"Xiao, you and Tighnari grew close rather fast. How come?"Lumine wondered.

"Hmm...Do you remember his words before we left?"Xiao remembered, his wing ruffling subconsciously as he crossed his arms.

"Something about his people serving the first dendro archon and entrusting us with Sumeru's fate."Lumine mused with a slight hum and a light skip for a few steps. Swerving around on her heel so she was walking backwards as she smiled at Xiao.

"My tribe were her direct guards for the forest when not wandering Teyvet cleansing and purging the malicious, monsters, and demons. But like sand in an hourglass we always came back. One such return we were surprised our archon had taken in Tighnari's entire tribe. Gone were there sand colored fur in favor of green."he quickly explained.

"So, in short they also served her like your kind and the Aranara?"Xiao nodded at Paimon's question. By now the city walls and gate were beginning to come into sight. But Xiao slowed and gently took Lumine's hand, anxiety being what she felt.

"Something wrong?"Lumine asked gently, squeezing his hand.

"I will not be accompanying you through the gate, Lumine."Xiao stated before dispatching a snarling tiger that had its eye on Lumine. Already the blonde was attracting beasts and monsters. And they were this close to the city and on the route of the caravans no less. The girls let out a startled squeak as the creature was sent flying off the cliff to the water below. Lumine with Xiao going over to make sure the tiger was ok. The creature was injured but as it made it to shore it bared its fangs, roaring before bounding away in a fearful posture of Xiao's hostile glare. "Are you alright?" Lumine nodded slightly in shock still. How many times had this happen? Was this why Xiao was away so often at night right now? It seemed the most logical. But Lumine felt like it could be more as she breathed, "Why can't you come? Is it due to the crowds and your karma?"

Xiao sighed in relief as he escorted Lumine closer to the gate, only stopping half way across the bridge. "Partly, yes. But I will return later once I finish investigating the final site at the Wall of Samiel. Within the city's walls you'll be safe and can start the search while I do mine."he informed smoothly. His features softened as he caressed her cheek so fondly as her rich honey amber eyes, so soulful and full of life widened in realization before an affectionate smile became his confirmation, a silent understanding. Xiao moved to leave but hesitated for a moment as he looked over his shoulder between his wings. Then to Lumine's surprise he came back and brought her close into a short but tender kiss. One she happily returned before he slowly pulled away as she whispered, "Come home to me soon, Alatus. Come back safe, to us."