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cocobear137 · 2 years

Text

❄❆❄ Indescribable Warmth ❄❆❄

Tighnari x female reader

Why cryo? Out of all the things you have gone through, a vision was the last thing that you wanted. The gaze of the gods wasn't what you wanted. It was your parents.

The sky was gloomy and cold. No sun, no light And no one around. Only the rain made its prominent presence as it drenched your every being. The mountains and trees all felt towering as tears slipped from your eyes as you stared at your vision. The last thing you remember is the harsh stare of your disappointed father as you failed another exam from the Akademiya. You tried so hard in following your parent's footsteps in becoming a researcher or scholar.

After years of studying and countless sleepless nights, it wasn't enough to gain their praise. And failing the exam didn't help. It made everything worse. All you could think of was what are you going to do now? You couldn't bare to see those eyes again. The shame and disappointment in them were too much for you to handle. Much less hear their words. Your heart ached at the thought of never seeing them again. They were all you've known and the people who took care of you. Yet, they are the same people that made your life a misery.

Before ending up in the cold rain, you sat in front of your father as he yelled at you. Your face is blank and deadpanned as an unsatisfied businessman. Maybe you have finally gotten used to the many lectures or rather you got used to hiding how much it hurt to see your disappointed father's face. Either way, it didn't stop him from yelling. But an idea to make it stop came to mind and without hesitation, you stood up and walked out of your home. Slowly the screams and shouts were drowned out by the thunderous rain. Slowly the thoughts roll in.

You were now alone. Wondering about the forests of Sumeru. Heading nowhere in particular. "Where should I go?", questions upon questions filled your mind as you walked further and further away from your home. The lush green of the forest became blurry and melted into one coherent shade. It was confusing. Your mind was already a mess. Holding your ground in front of your parents was no easy task and now, everything flooded out and the waves of emotions became overwhelming. Maybe you finally snapped. Maybe this was your breaking point. Or maybe this was the first step to becoming free. The cryo vision glowed, its bright blue light standing out from the greens. You stopped.

Everything stopped. Your mind. Your movements. And even the rain seemed to slow just a little. Suddenly the realization of the vision that you held in your hand brought you back from insanity. Although, it didn't erase all the ambiguity, someone's gaze, the gods' gaze nonetheless, looked at you. And the thought of someone rewarding you. Looking at you. Paying attention to you, made you feel something indescribable. Nothing that could possibly be put into words, but this feeling felt warm and tingly inside. Maybe the thought of someone caring about you made you feel validated. Maybe you are thankful to whoever shows a slight bit of kindness. Whether it be of good intent or not. You have never met an archon. And the stories of the Tsaritsa didn't make you want to meet her. Only a fool will be ignorant to turn their heads from the actions of the Fatui. But maybe the supposedly cold-hearted archon had some sympathy.

It seemed like hours since you left your home. Maybe it has been. But you grew tired of walking and need a place to rest. As much as the abandoned treasure hoarders' tents looked, who knew if they were going to come back? It was doing to be difficult to shelter that isn't pre-build by someone else. You rarely went outside because of the hours at your desk. So your experience is as good as none. Out of desperation, you set your mind on an empty tree hollow. And it seemed like the gods has some mercy from the rain, as there was one, just up ahead in some discoloured part of the forest. The trees and grass were grey and brown. Surely, it doesn't scream danger. Upon entering the entrance to the large tree hollow, you felt tired and a sense of relief from the rain washed over you. Quickly lying down, you succumbed to sleep.

The rain had ceased by morning. And the sun was just rising in the sky. Birds chipped with no care that they might wake you up. But you were so at peace, you didn't mind. But someone in the distance saw your body and concern grew in the pits of their stomach.

Tighnari, a forest watcher in the Avidiya forest was on patrol before the sun was awake. He often cleanses the many withering zones that have been popping up more recently. But coming upon a particular withering zone he spotted you. At first, he saw your body and thought it was lifeless and many humans without visions can't handle the symptoms and side effects. Sometimes they can be deadly. Then the shine of your cryo vision put his mind at ease, but only a little. How did you end up in a withering zone? Sure, the effects of ley line energy are less severe on vision welders, but that doesn't mean they should be careless about going near such dangers. Coming closer to your body, he caught sight of your breathing. You were alive.

You felt a gloved hand on your shoulder and your body shake. It was gentle yet firm. You didn't want to wake up. This was the first morning you felt at peace. No thought of a heavy lot packed schedule or shouting parents. Just the peace of the dew-covered grass. But alas, you stored awake when the shaking didn't stop.

"5 more minutes.... please." You sleepily say. Unaware of what was skating you and whether or not it was a danger to you. Either way, you were too sleepily to care.

"You can't stay here it is too dangerous." The voice replied. Their voice was also gentle yet firm. Just like their touch. The voice sounded concerned. It wasn't forced or sarcastic. It sounded genuine. Something you've never heard before.

"Why?" You said turning slightly away to get their hand to stop shaking.

"This area has serious dangers to one's well-being. Please wake up and come with me. I'll find you a safe place to nap."

"You sound so sure of yourself. If I wake up now, it will be hard for me to fall asleep again."

"Fine, you leave me with no choice."

Suddenly this stranger lifted you by the waist with ease and hoisted you over his shoulder. Not being fully awake, you thought you saw this stranger have a tail. You went to grab it. And when your hand touched the green fur, it was soft. Surprised you retract your hand and decided to officially wake up. You shake your head and try to comprehend what situation you are currently in.

Ok, I ran away from home. I slept in a tree hollow that was in a withering zone. Whatever that is. And now this guy is carrying me?!?

"Hold on put me down! I don't know who you are!" You screamed and kicked suddenly realizing your predicament. The stranger put you down gently and had you facing him. You immediately saw his ears. Tall and fluffy. Then you saw his attire. It looked more suited for the forest than what you were wearing.

"Finally grasping reality. Well, my apologies I needed to get you out of the withering zone. My name is Tighnari. I am a forest watcher and I was on patrol when I found you. I'm also taking you to Gandharva Ville to properly examine you." Tighnari said. You took a second to process what he said.

"Examine me?!?" You suddenly feel scared. To be fair, anything with the word 'exam' was going to spark some nerves. "What for?"

"For any symptoms from the withering zone. Now, come. It seems like you are ok to walk so, we can talk on the way."

And so you did. You walked with Tighnari. The forest looked so much more beautiful under clear blue skies. The lush green was more vibrant and the trees and mountains didn't feel towering as before. Now that your mind was a bit clearer than last night, you really appreciate the view.

"How did you end up in that tree hollow?" Tighnari said after watching you take in the view. He suspected that may be the first time in the forest.

"Oh..." The memories of last night flashed back. your father's face. Your calm exit. The rain. Your cryo vision. Your tears. And your state of mind at the time. "It's a long story."

"It's a long way to Gandharva Ville. I wouldn't mind listening."

"I ran away from home."

"I see. May I ask why?"

"Short and simple of it is, I was tired of seeing my father's disappointed face. So, I left so I didn't have to see it ever again." You looked every else but in Tighnari's direction. You didn't want anyone to see you like this. So broken and fragile. "Now thinking about it, it was quite an impulsive move."

"I don't blame you," Tighnari said calmly. It surprised you. You weren't expecting that response. "I am suspecting you have nowhere else to go, am I right?"

"Correct." You said lowly and with your head down.

"You can stay with me until you get back on your feet and I can help you with your vision."

"My vision?"

"Uh, yes. That is your vision, right?" Tighnari pointed to the cryo vision that hung from your waist. Its teal blue light shimmers in the light of day. "They say that visions are given to those who share the same ideals as the archon that grants them. Although, I can't prove that to be true. Still researching that topic." Tighnari giggles at the thought of his personal research.

"That is my vision." You confirmed. "I got it last night."

"Good. I got some lessons I can teach you. In the meantime, you can stay at my place."

"Wait, really?" Shock laced your voice. No one has offered so much kindness to you in your life.

"Of course, you got nowhere to go, right? It would be rude of me to leave you in the forest which is dangerous in itself. You're also not one of those stupid adventures. Otherwise, I would've just let you go after I looked at you."

"Uh, yes. Sorry."

"No need to apologize. Besides, I got to examine you. How long were you in that withering zone?"

"All night." You shamefully admitted. After hearing his concerns for you and the mention of a withering zone being dangerous, you were fully expecting a lecture to come from Tighnari. But he just pulled out his notepad and wrote a couple of things down. You were shocked and it was shown in your facial expression.

"I'll certainly add my finding about you to the new forest guide." He giggled as he looked up to see your face. But concern bubbled after a moment. "Are you ok?"

"You're not going to lecture me?"

"No. Of course not. Even though it was dangerous, this is the first time I've seen a vision welder stay in a withering zone for a very long period. If anything, I'll be asking you questions." Tighnari smiled. "Has all your life been lectures and lessons? You are dressed in an Academiya uniform so I'm assuming that is a yes. Otherwise, you wouldn't have blindly stumbled into that withering zone if you already knew what it looked like."

"You could tell that from just looking at me." You felt seen. Similar to an open book and he could see what was inside.

"I come across many people throughout my time in the forests so I know my fair share about people. Although, new experiences are always welcomed."

You and Tighnari continue to walk to Gandharva Ville. Engaging in many other subjects during your conversation. Tighnari was right about it being a long walk, by the time you reached your destination, it was mid-day and the sun was high in the sky. Welcoming you to the Ville, you quickly got examined by smelling certain scents. It wasn't a bad examination and Tighnari asked many questions. But by the end of it, you still couldn't get over one question.

"Why did you help me?"

Tighnari's ears pricked up at the sound of your voice that had interrupted the quiet. He sat at his desk taking some notes and when you saw one of his ears twitch in your direction, you knew he was listening.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't question. I'm grateful for your aid."

"No. It's alright. From your behaviour, I realize that my actions may be unfamiliar to you. It's ok to question the unknown to get more answers. That's how research works after all." Tighnari said without turning his head. He set down his pen and made his way to you. "I know how prestigious the Academiya can be. Their expectations are high and overwhelming. Not to mention the control they have on research. Your emotions and actions are valid and I understand them. So, don't go beating yourself up now."

For a moment you felt warm inside. And that indescribable feeling rose again. But you didn't want to question this unknown because didn't need to.

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