Shao Yun and his group galloped across the vast snowfields, the towering majesty of Dragonspine unfolding before them, awe-inspiring and imposing. Yet with its grandeur came a relentless, piercing chill that seeped through their clothes and straight into their bones.
The weather in Dragonspine was harsh and unpredictable. What had just been a sky filled with gloomy clouds was now a raging snowstorm. Blizzards howled and whirled, making their already difficult escape even more grueling.
Snowflakes twirled silently through the air, landing gently on each of their shoulders.
Paimon, her tiny body curled tightly against Lumine's chest, gave the occasional sneeze, the sound stark and clear against the quiet of the snow-laden wilderness.
Her voice trembled with cold as she murmured softly, "So cold…"
The sight stirred a pang of tenderness and guilt in Shao Yun's heart. He furrowed his brow, the pain in his gaze unmistakable, and promised her, "I'm sorry, Paimon. Please hang in there. I swear I'll find us a warm place soon—just a little longer."
Their hoofprints pressed unevenly into the snowy ground as they continued forward, pushing toward the outskirts of the Entombed city.
Despite Lumine's outward strength, the bitter cold was beginning to take its toll. She let out a soft cough, followed by a sneeze she couldn't suppress.
Though quiet, the sound sent a jolt through Shao Yun's chest.
He feared that if they didn't find shelter soon, she might not hold out.
At that moment, his sharp eyes caught a glimmer of hope.
Not far ahead, a long-abandoned Fatui camp lay silent amidst the snow—tattered and broken, but at this moment, as precious as an oasis in the desert.
Excitement surged through him as he pointed ahead and shouted, "Look! An old camp up ahead! We can rest there for a bit!"
Spurred by his call, the group picked up speed and quickly reached the site. The camp offered little—only a single battered but still-usable tent and a few empty crates.
Though rudimentary, it was shelter. A place to rest. A chance to change into warmer clothes.
Shao Yun led Lumine, Paimon, and Dainsleif into the deserted Fatui outpost, directing the system to mark it as a temporary hideout.
He immediately ordered Dainsleif to start a fire, while Lumine took Paimon's little hand and hurried into the tent to escape the blizzard.
Shao Yun quickly saw to the horses, then hoisted the still-bound Aether over his shoulder and entered the tent.
He gently placed Aether down beside Lumine, a playful grin tugging at his lips as he teased, "Now's your chance to catch up with your sister, don't waste it."
His words lightened the mood, dispelling some of the tension that had settled in the air.
Then his gaze turned to Lumine and Paimon, full of care and warmth.
"Lumine, Paimon, I'll get you both some proper winter clothing."
With that, he turned and stepped outside, making his way to the horses.
While no one was watching, he swiftly changed into his Winter Gunslinger Outfit. The sleek design matched his presence perfectly, and the warmth it offered was indispensable.
The system popped up a timely message, describing the gear's properties:
[Winter Gunslinger Outfit: Retains all characteristics of the original gunslinger gear, enhanced with superior insulation for cold environments.]
Shao Yun nodded in approval, then carefully selected a few rare garments.
From the Ghost Bison set, he retrieved the Legendary White Bison Coat—soft, supple, and superbly warm. This one's for Lumine.
From the Wrangler's gear, he chose the Trapper's Cloak, its thick sheepskin lining ideal for cutting through the chill. That one's for Paimon.
And finally, from the Death Roll set, he drew out the Legendary Panther Cloak, crafted from the hide of the mythical cougar Giaguaro. That'll be for the brother-in-law.
He didn't know whether such legendary creature-based gear held any special properties here in Teyvat. But right now, he didn't have the mind to care.
Cradling the clothes in his arms, he stepped back into the tent and went straight to Lumine.
Gently, he handed her the white bison coat, his eyes filled with a soft affection.
"Put this on. It should help keep you warm."
Lumine offered him a grateful smile, blowing into her hands before accepting the coat with both hands.
"Thank you."
Shao Yun looked at her slightly flushed cheeks, and a tender warmth rose within him. He pressed his lips together, then replied quietly, "Don't thank me. This is what I should be doing."
As Lumine donned the legendary white bison coat, its oversized shape nearly swallowed her slender frame.
The hem nearly brushed the ground, and the sleeves dangled well past her hands. It looked comically out of place on her petite body.
But none of that mattered—the warmth from a legendary beast was enough to dispel the freezing cold clinging to her.
Next, Shao Yun draped the Trapper's Cloak over Paimon, still nestled in Lumine's arms.
The soft, premium sheepskin immediately brought a bright, grateful smile to Paimon's tired face.
"Thank you, Shao Yun."
Shao Yun, moved by her exhaustion, gently patted her head.
"Just rest here against Lumine for now. I'll go prepare some food. But listen—whatever you do, don't fall asleep. The tent can block the wind, but it's not warm enough to keep you safe."
"I will. I promise."
Paimon nodded, her voice tinged with a subtle fatigue.
Then Shao Yun's eyes fell on Aether, who had remained silent all this time beside Lumine.
His gaze lingered on the most prized cloak in his hands—the Mountain Lion Pelt Cloak. It was a true legend. The hide was resilient, the reddish-brown fur with dark streaks looked fierce and regal.
He placed it gently over Aether.
Aether looked down at the cloak now covering him, his expression complicated.
He turned to Shao Yun, his voice tinged with quiet resignation.
"Shao Yun, this is reckless. The Abyss Order won't let this go. They'll stop at nothing to retrieve me."
Shao Yun's expression turned cold. He held Aether's gaze firmly as he spoke with finality.
"Aether, let me say it again. You're no longer the so-called 'Prince of the Abyss.' Here, you're Lumine's brother—nothing more."
"All of this—I'm doing so you can be by her side again. That's what her journey has always been about. Her deepest wish. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."
Aether's eyes flickered with inner conflict.
"You have no idea what I've been trying to achieve. What you've done—it's ruined everything."
But Shao Yun stood unflinching, his voice unwavering.
"I don't care about your plans. What I care about is Lumine. She needs you. Her world is only complete with you in it."
"So, I'll bring you back to her side. Right now, use this time—talk to her. Make the most of this reunion."
Then Shao Yun turned to Lumine and gently crouched down in front of her.
"Lumine, talk to him. He'll listen to you. I believe the bond you share can bring him back—help him see reason."
Lumine nodded with heartfelt gratitude and gave Shao Yun a warm hug.
"Thank you, Shao Yun. For everything."
Shao Yun gently patted her back.
"It's going to be alright, Lumine. We'll get through this. Now go—talk to your brother."
Just then, Dainsleif stepped into the tent, his voice breaking the momentary stillness.
"The fire outside is lit. Dragonspine's ley lines are scrambling the Abyss Order's tracking, so we're safe for now. But this place won't hold forever. We rest, then move."
Shao Yun slowly rose to his feet and turned to Dainsleif with a nod of appreciation.
"Even a moment to breathe is enough. Thank you for lighting the fire."