Chapter Text
time is an odd concept.
it's mysterious how a lot can change in just a blink of an eye. one moment could feel like an eternity just the same as some could feel like they easily skips all the formality of sticking around longer as they should normally do. now fifty years into his life, Astaroth still couldn't quite grasp how they work. a fact that he knew for sure is, moments where he feel the happiest usually pass faster compared to anything else.
is that the reason why he feels like time is ticking awfully slow today? his shadow on the ground shifts slower than he could ever remember.
a familiar hand reached around his shoulder and pulled him closer, their palm rubbing comforting circles upon his upper arm. Astaroth leaned in, head resting on top of the other's as he sighed inaudibly but of course, didn't go unnoticed.
"I miss him already," he murmured. his emerald eyes watched intently as pile of dirt began to cover the hole, tears threatening to fall.
"so do I," Gauri admitted.
the two of them sat upon a branch not too far from the cemetery, just enough to witness the ceremony. Astaroth and Gauri decided that they should not meddle too much into the cycle of life and death, as it was the very beginning and end of one mortal's life. as beings who lived much longer than them, they did not want to accidentally taint the precious value it carries.
only after the ceremony ended and the attendants returned home that the two descended from the tree and walked up towards the final resting place of someone they dearly loved. Astaroth crouched before at the foot of the tomb, his palm touching the fresh dirt above it. he had done this for everyone he knew for the past years, but to be doing this for someone he held really close to his heart strikes a certain spot within him.
a glow of silver and emerald sparks from his hand and surged forward, covering the tomb in a warm glow. life sprouted from the dirt and green starting to cover the pile, while a miniature of an axe rested by the tombstone. violet and gold joined the previous glow, with blue flowers now blooming over the tomb.
"his favorite," Astaroth can't help but smile, seeing the blue orchids bloom into life.
Gauri nodded, her left hand reached out to hold Astaroth's right. the two of them closed their eyes, each hoping for their dear friend to rest well.
wind breezed through when Gauri opened her eyes, and the warmth it carries comforted her that this is not the end. she rubbed her thumb softly over Astaroth's hand when he trembled slightly. the God of Woods sighed a shaky breath and finally, tears tainted his chocolate cheek.
"see you again, grandpa."
the sky turns crimson in the west, the beautiful spectrum of color painted the day beautifully as if to comfort their heavy hearts. Gauri stayed as Astaroth grieved in silence, even the forest could feel his sadness. she watched as the last light of day glinted against the tombstone, the name carved there will forever be in her memory.
in loving memory of our wise elder, a remarkable woodcutter, and a talented carpenter:
Ali
may the land of Sumeru nurtures your soul and grants you eternal peace.
❀❀❀
once again, time is an odd concept.
Astaroth watched with a warm smile as the villagers danced gleefully under the night sky. laughter filled the air, along with stories shared between one another. the conversation eventually leads to the past, reminiscing the day when the happy couple first tied the knot.
"no matter how many times you ask me, I still can't believe they made it to their diamond wedding smoothly! this couple bickers just as much as they love each other," Farah, one of the girls in Mikha's gang grumbled.
"look who's talking! you and Kaveh are no different," Parisa mocked, "I can still recall how you rejected his proposal at the first place, you old hag."
Astaroth laughed at their bickering, the scene very much the same as sixty years ago. the only difference now is that they have grown older, with the addition of many grandchildren who also befriended each other. the God can still recall the day when these girls were little, how they chase Gauri around and demand to dress her up. their tiny hands braiding Gauri's long silver locks and decorating them in jewelries, and how they used to hate him for 'stealing' Gauri away, especially Mikha.
ah, little Mikha.
his emerald eyes wanders to the happy couple, a soft smile playing on his face. Kalyan and Mikha slow-danced to a romantic tune their grandchildren played. if Astaroth is not mistaken, this is already their fourth dance of the night and it doesn't seem like it will end soon. nobody minded, of course. they let the couple get lost in each other's embrace under the bright night sky, decorated with stars.
in the middle of it all he then searched for one specific person, immediately spotting her between a group of children. as if replaying what happened in the past, these little girls pleaded to play with Gauri's hair in the middle of the ceremony and Gauri being Gauri, obliged. Astaroth couldn't help the smile that grows even wider when Gauri smiled at something the children said, her warm violet orbs were enough to prove just how much she adored them.
Astaroth feels the warmth creeping in his whole being the longer he watches Gauri, a familiar feeling that has stick with him ever since they first met years ago. it prickles at his skin but never uncomfortably, rather in longing and endearment. he had pondered over it for years, asking himself what they might mean. the answer is already there, though, but Astaroth never pushes further. he was content with what they have, just by having Gauri by his side is enough.
but then as if sensing his stare Gauri glanced at his direction, and somehow she shone even more in his eyes. her silvery white hair alike to the stars in the sky braided in big locks behind her back, with some loose strands adorning the side of her face. her clear violet eyes and bright smile, and the simple yet elegant lilac dress complimenting the color of her skin as if the color belongs to her and her only.
ah, Astaroth thought, she is so beautiful.
the words died down his throat, only managing a smile and a wave of his hand. Gauri then returned to playing with the kids, and Astaroth back to a playful banter with the young lads. the ceremony went on for a little longer before they decided to call it quits, and everyone went home tired but certainly happy.
Astaroth scurried right over to Gauri after she walked a girl home hand in hand, his hands slipped to rest on her waist with ease and in no time took her flying over the night sky. Gauri was surprised at the spontaneity but didn't mind, her hands clung to rest on Astaroth's neck.
"finally," Astaroth grumbled as he took them back home. Gauri raised her brows, "finally?"
"got you all to myself now." Astaroth smirked playfully, not forgetting to wink at Gauri. the Goddess of Flowers' brows now raised in surprised, then rolling her eyes playfully.
"it's weird hearing you talk like that, old man." she teased and it worked like a charm. Astaroth halted mid-air, "who are you calling old man now?"
Gauri poked his puffed out left cheek, "of course it's you, Asta. you're sixty years old now." he deadpans, "I will drop you."
shrugging, Gauri taunts. "do it, then."
but before Astaroth could even pretend to let go of her, Gauri turns into thousands of petals and swirls away. groaning, Astaroth immediately chases after her straight to their now shared home on top of a hill. she arrived first on their open balcony and turned into her mortal form, arms opened to welcome Astaroth. he didn't hesitate to tackle her into a big embrace, almost knocking the air out of her lungs. they laughed, still in each other's embrace in the quiet night.
Astaroth couldn't help the smile as he watched Gauri laughing so freely, her whole being felt so ethereal in his arms. maybe it was the wedding anniversary that made the atmosphere seem warmer than usual but he couldn't care less. all Astaroth knows in this moment is Gauri and Gauri alone, his best friend, his one and only.
"what are you thinking about?" she questioned once the laughter dies down and he only smiled. saying nothing, Astaroth raised his hand and carefully threaded Gauri's loose silver locks and tucks them behind her ears. his movements were so gentle it took Gauri off guard, but the looks in Astaroth's face was enough confirmation for her.
she didn't push for an answer, instead placing her palms upon Astaroth's chest. there were obviously no heartbeats, but the warmth he radiates seeps through the tips of her fingers and calmed her mind. she chuckled when Astaroth's fingers brushed slightly against her ears, the tickling sensation lingering for a few seconds. he then traced her cheekbones with so much caution, emerald eyes glowing warmly in the silent night.
Astaroth's fingers paused by the corner of her right lip and Gauri tensed, unsure of what to expect. she avoided his gaze, only now realizing how close their proximity were. so when Astaroth's right hand slipped to her chin and his left hand supported the back of her head with tender, Gauri didn't expect what comes next.
he leaned down slightly and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, the contact lingering for a long time. maybe it didn't, but Gauri swore it felt like the world stops in that moment.
she unconsciously leaned in when Astaroth pulled away, also only then noticing that she has been keeping her eyes shut. when she opens them again, Astaroth stood there with the most gentle smile and red adorning his dark skin. she felt her own face heats up, and instinctively puts her arms around his form and he hugs her back just as tight.
there were no music that night except for the sounds coming from the nocturnal animals somewhere in the distance, but the two swayed under the stars. they moved in sync, with no words spoken but really, they needn't say anything.
"spend an eternity with this old man, will you?" Astaroth whispered on top her head. it is the first time Gauri ever heard him spoke in that tone, a voice so intimate that is reserved only for her.
Gauri stopped dancing altogether and she catches how Astaroth's face dropped for a split second. she smiled and tiptoed, both hands cupping his cheeks to finally peck his lips.
the action was enough to froze Astaroth's whole being, eyes blown wide and arms hanging mid air unsure of what to do. Gauri laughed, feeling a giant burst of happiness flooding her whole being. she flicked Astaroth's nose playfully,
"I'd spend eternity and whatever comes after that with you, Asta."
❀❀❀
life is a blessing, Gauri can certainly confirm that after witnessing millions of events in her godly life.
she almost forgot how long it has been since her very first day coming into being upon Teyvat, but Lita is always there to remind her. The Sacred Wisteria Tree told her this morning that this is already her one hundred and fifty four years, two months and fourteen days into living to be specific. the Goddess knows better than to think that Lita was joking, because one time she said that, Lita went on full lecture mode on how she exists as a team with Gauri. therefore, she remembers everything about Gauri.
the Goddess strolled through the forest with happy steps, greeting her fellow flowers along the way. she wanted to check if everyone in Goldstrand Cliff was doing okay, or what they call her 'weekly inspection'. her feet brought her up the hill where the group of Auris resided, nestled under the cool shades of the neighboring trees.
good morning, Lady Gauri. always courteous as ever they greeted her, emerald-like petals glinting under the peeking sunlight.
"good morning, Auris," she smiled and crouched down, palms resting against the soil as she lets her power spread through the ground. perhaps because Auris were a mix of her and Astaroth's power that it was easier for her to bless the soil from this spot, nevertheless she has been doing this for years now in the same spot.
she then continued walking east where the tall mountains loom over her cliff, the area clear from any disturbances. after the first incident regarding the mountain goblins years ago, she had fend them off by herself for some time before eventually opening up to Astaroth. slowly but surely he began to fight by her side, and also coming up with the idea to create a mechanism to protect their borders. that explains the large, tall trees looming in the distance. although they may look friendly, Astaroth told Gauri that they were the loudest trees he ever created.
since these fellows Astaroth called Doomsday were meant to protect, their large roots were adorned in thorns. if anyone tries to cut them, they will regenerate faster with each wound. if exposed to fire, the residue are poisonous if inhaled by living forms. Gauri remembers it took Astaroth a week to properly grow them over their borders, and another month to coax these Doomsday to not pick a fight with other trees.
for once, Gauri was glad she wasn't able to directly communicate with trees.
she was also glad that no attacks has occurred ever since then. although no one has ever confirmed it, she suspects the eastern border was being kept safe by none other than Morax. technically, the Lord of Geo is just doing his job to keep his territory safe thus eliminating threats coming from his side over to Sumeru.
the volcanoes by the west separating them from Natlan was enough to keep them safe from any disturbances, while their borders are open in the north as a trade route with Fontaine. to Gauri's wonder, though, was why there were no other gods upon Sumeru aside from Astaroth and herself. the closest she has ever seen were in the form of spirits residing in waterfalls or river, but none of them took mortal form.
the thought reminded her of the puzzle they were still unable to solve: the Ley Lines occurrences every twenty years during Vernal Equinox. so far, Astaroth has witnessed seven memories through Sagacia. what they could decipher so far is that the little boy used to be a God in Sumeru and that he ruled over nature. his power turned Sumeru's desert into a lush rainforest that it is now, and he was somehow able to give Sagacia a 'mortal' form.
Astaroth was really surprised to witness the memory. the little boy was always seen with a shorter, dwarf-like companion that has always piqued their interest. when the sixth memory resurfaced, Astaroth finally hears the name Sagacia and the dwarf answered. it really took them off guard since Astaroth had a suspicion of what if Sagacia was the old God. to put it short, the memory surprises them in many ways.
the seventh memory grants them clearer image of the little boy's face. he had a round face with round, brown eyes that only highlights his child-like feature. his unruly hair went down to his shoulder and he only wore dark plain shorts. on the boy's left chest, where mortal's heart is positioned was a symbol they never saw before. it was shaped like a heart with two tiny wings on its side and a diamond on where the crests meet.
in that memory he was talking to Sagacia about protecting Sumeru from a great danger and it stopped there, leaving unanswered question behind. the fact bothers Gauri and the Goddess decided to pay Astaroth a visit, immediately swirling through the air over the river to where he resided by the forest.
a loud noise suddenly jarred through the vicinity causing Gauri to stop in her tracks, immediately searching for its source. it sounded like trumpets her people play, but much, much louder. her petals swirled higher to gain better view and that was when she noticed a floating object far to the west, just above Fontaine.
the sound continues on as if they were close and Gauri was sure it came from the flying object. she couldn't figure out what it was and was contemplating to flew over and check when Astaroth appeared beside her. she turned back into her mortal form with Astaroth carrying her, confusion written on their faces.
"we should inspect it closer, it is barely beyond our north border," Gauri spoke, violet orbs eyeing the object warily. she had a bad feeling about it.
Astaroth shook his head, "let's wait for a moment, at least until the trumpet stops."
Gauri was adamant to just stay and not find answers, but she nodded nevertheless. up in this height they couldn't hear what their fellow plants could hear, but they can't go back to the ground just yet. after a while the trumpet finally stops, and a loud voice rang through the sky.
"greetings, Gods of Teyvat," a feminine voice spoke, "speaking to you right now is the highest throne, Celestia."
Astaroth and Gauri shared a look. although unsure, they both somehow knew this wasn't a good sign.
"for thousands of years we have watched over you from above. some of you carries the noble duty of guiding mortals, some lived in solitude, and some," the voice paused, "aimed to be the best, to obtain power."
"therefore, Celestia decides to give you a gift."
though in the distance, they saw glints of gold coming from the floating object. it shone bright over the object before exploding into sparkles of gold that grants them a visual of seven chess pieces.
"one true victor from each region will be granted a gnosis that is able to grant you power, greater than you could have ever imagined." the voice continues, the chess pieces now fading in the sky.
"there are no rules; Celestia will only accept each strongest seven."
trumpets blare through the sky as the floating object began to hover higher into the sky, to the point it looked like a tiny dot in the middle of the vast blue sky. by the time the vicinity became silent once again, it was as if they were shook out of their trances.
"was that a war declaration?"
Gauri wasn't even able to answer when a loud crash was heard from the east. she watched as a large hole was made on one of the tall mountains, causing the ground to grumble. they couldn't see who or what it was, but Astaroth was quick to flew down and took them to safety. once they reached land, questions bombarded their ears as the trees and flowers alike demanded answers.
"everyone, stay calm," Astaroth's voice spoke loud and clear. "Gauri and I will inspect the matter further and ensure everyone's safety. we also want to ask for your cooperation to stay alert; tell us immediately if you hear anything."
he then turned to Gauri, "please meet everyone at the village. they need you," Gauri nodded, "be careful."
both separate ways as Gauri returned to her cliff and Astaroth off to check their east borders. Gauri moved swiftly and spoke to the village elders, now led by Ariya's great grandson. after ensuring them that it will all be okay, she left to Hadera Forest and did the same. she continued to venture from one village to another, not forgetting to urge everyone to just stay in the village for the time being.
she was on her way to their north border when her flowers updated that the eastern side was safe and that Astaroth was moving to the west. the northbound village was already in sight when her guts told her to stop. Gauri hovered over the trees facing the east and her eyes widen once she caught sight of what was coming.
it all happened in a flash. she shifted into her mortal form to block the attack, her signature pure-white spear came into contact with the intruder's black sword. the impact smashed her to the ground and left a crater, and Gauri finally got a better view of the intruder. supposedly a God, it was a male almost Astaroth's height but with wider body proportion. he had scars on his face and wore a smirk, putting more power into his blade.
"quite the strong Goddess, aren't you?"
it has been a long time since Gauri used her spear, but it doesn't mean she can't use it well. swiftly she switched back to her mortal form and lunges with her spear the next, but her opponent was quite experienced as he was able to dodge the attack. not sparing any second, Gauri moved with agility and power that took her opponent by surprise.
he resolved to use his power, channeling them through his sword and causing the object to heat up. Gauri then noticed how it smelled like charcoal and hissed when the heat started to affect her. she retreated to the river still with the enemy on her tail, unable to properly use her powers against the flaming charcoal.
"running away, are we?" he noticed that she was heading for the water and jumped high with the intention to block her path from behind, but was taken by surprise when another party joined the fight.
his charcoal blade met the other's dark sword mid air, but eventually unable to block it properly. he was sent down to the ground harshly, the collision enough to give him damage. he winced in pain, only then noticing the stinging pain from the Goddess' spear that managed to graze his skin earlier. poison!
yet before he could think of what to do, the other God appeared above him with cold emerald eyes. he raised his hand and the soil below him grumble, before opening up and swallowing him whole. the last thing the intruder saw was their retreating back and the darkness engulfing him, as the ground collided to a tight close.
Astaroth hurried back to where Gauri was by the river, worry written all over his face to see her coughing rather heavily. she placed a finger upon his lips before he could say anything, and shook her head, "I'm okay,"
"you're not, don't be stubborn." Astaroth scolded, immediately scooping Gauri into his arms and took off. he headed for the north, where Gauri was supposed to go with all his senses on alert.
"we should all gather at Hadera Forest," Gauri spoke sounding better than before. "we can ask for the river spirit's help to go upstream,"
Astaroth nodded, holding Gauri closer to his chest. Gauri could see his clenched jaw and furrowed brows, not to mention the rage behind his emerald eyes. it pained her more to see him like this, and everything happened so fast she was unsure what to do. she reached out to cup his cheek softly, gaining Astaroth's attention as he slowed down slightly.
"everything will be okay," she smiles, "we have each other and everyone else."
Astaroth nodded silently, his features soften a little under Gauri's touch. a lot of things are plaguing his mind right now, but on top of it all he tried to trust what Gauri said.
"we'll be okay." he spoke, feeling Gauri nodding her head in his arms.
we will be okay.