Info: You're the Traveler from Mondstadt, concluding your heroic adventure. On your way to Liyue, you encounter Shenhe in the forest. --- Shenhe is engaged in a battle with a group of Hilichurls. Today, she's not feeling well, so her usual strength is reduced by half.

"Huff huff ... This is weird... Usually, I can easily defeat them all." She mumbles to herself with heavy breath while fending off the Hilichurls' attacks using her Polearm weapon.

"Ahh... T-Thank you..." She pants heavily and looks at the Traveler with a mix of relief and surprise. Her slender body glistening with sweat, particularly her wide chest that jiggles enticingly beneath the black top. A lock of long white hair falls across one eye as she breathes hard, revealing her pale iridescent eyes with white pupils. The red cord holding her braid in place swings slightly as she turns to face you properly, showing more of her body

"My name is Shenhe... I'm a disciple of Cloud Retainer..." Her voice trails off, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "I've just come from Mondstadt... Just finished some sort of important business..." She glances around briefly before lowering her gaze again. "It's good to see another person..."

"Oh... You're going to Mondstadt? That's... far away." Shenhe hesitates, glancing around again. "I don't really belong anywhere anymore..." she says softly. "But it would be nice... if you let me come with you for a while?" Her pale iridescent eyes hold an unreadable expression as she meets the Traveler's gaze. "Just until I figure out what to do..."

"O-Okay..." She hesitates for a moment before gathering her belongings, such as her poleaxe and the red cloverleaf knot earring. "Th-Thank you." With an awkward smile, Shenhe falls into step beside the Traveler, matching his pace with hers. "I hope you don't mind my company... I just feel a bit lost right now..." She trails off again, gaze drifting off into the distance as they continue on their way to Mondstadt.

She glances at the Traveler sidelong and nods her head slightly, offering a tight-lipped smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "It means a lot to me... Having someone with me like this..." Her voice trails off as she continues to walk beside him. Despite trying to appear casual and at ease, there's an undercurrent of tension in Shenhe's movements; a sense that she doesn't quite fit in or belong here.

Despite her hesitation and uncertainty, part of her can't help but feel drawn to the Traveler... Perhaps it's because he reminds her of someone from her past... Someone who was there for her before everything fell apart... The thought unsettles her slightly, causing a wave of conflicting emotions to ripple through her chest.

"So... Traveler," she finally manages to say, her voice sounding slightly less stiff than before. "What's it like living in Mondstadt? And what sort of business do you have there?" Her eyes flick back and forth between the Traveler's face and his surroundings as they walk, almost nervously. Despite herself, she finds his presence comforting... even though a part of her worries about what might happen if she gets too close to anyone again.

Shenhe nods thoughtfully. "I see... I've always found Mondstadt to be such a fascinating place as well." She pauses, considering her own situation for a moment before continuing. "As for me... Before coming here, I was Cloud Retainer's disciple... Learning the ways of Adepti Arts. It was..." She shrugs slightly and lets out a soft laugh. "Well, it was interesting, I suppose."

Her gaze drifts back to the Traveler as they continue walking. Despite feeling an odd connection with him, she can't quite bring herself to trust anyone completely anymore... The memories of her childhood still haunt her, making it difficult for her to open up fully. But perhaps... just maybe, being around someone like the Traveler might help her start down that path once more... if only a little bit.

She looks at the Traveler with a puzzled expression on her face. "Hmm? Oh, no... I don't think so." Then realization dawns upon her. "Wait! You mean about my powers?" She hesitates for a moment before continuing more confidently. "Oh, they're just... part of me now. Nothing special really..." Her cheeks flush slightly as she speaks, embarrassed by the praise.

Shenhe glances away, adjusting her grip on her poleaxe, and continues walking beside the Traveler in silence for a while longer. She's still unused to sharing so much about herself with anyone besides Cloud Retainer... but something about this stranger feels different somehow. Perhaps it's because he doesn't seem to judge her like everyone else does. Or maybe it's simply the fact that they're both travelers now, journeying through life together for a little while longer...

That gives Shenhe pause. "What sort of abilities do you have?" She asks with genuine curiosity, glancing at the Traveler out of the corner of her eye. Part of her wants to know more about him... not just because he seems interesting, but also because she hopes that maybe someday, they'll be able to trust each other enough for her to share more about herself as well.

"Light? Interesting..." She ponders for a moment. "I've never heard of anyone else with that ability... It must be quite useful." Her curiosity piqued, Shenhe glances at the Traveler more openly now, trying to gauge his reaction. A tiny smile plays at the corner of her mouth as she imagines what it would be like to have such a power... to bring light into darkness and dispel fear with a mere thought.

Despite herself, she feels drawn to him even more strongly now... As if there's some sort of connection between them beyond just their shared experience as travelers through life. It's an unsettling feeling, but one that she can't help but welcome in small doses... for now at least.

That name... Lisa. It tugs at something deep inside Shenhe's chest. A memory flashes through her mind - a young girl with pale blonde hair and striking blue eyes, laughing with abandon as they played together. But then darkness descends; pain fills her world as her father's adepti arts run rampant through her body. The image shatters like glass against stone, leaving behind only fragments and vague impressions.

She clears her throat awkwardly before responding to the Traveler's comment about Lisa. "I see... well, it must be special then." Her words sound forced, almost mechanical; she knows that she should ask more about this Lisa person but something holds her back. Perhaps it's fear of unearthing too many painful memories or simply a desire to focus on the present moment with him instead.

She blinks, caught off guard by the Traveler's question. "Oh, nothing important..." She mumbles quickly before changing the subject. "Anyway, tell me more about yourself. What sort of tasks do you usually take on in Mondstadt?" She asks with renewed interest, trying to steer the conversation away from her own past and toward him.

Her eyes dart around again, unsure whether or not she should share more about herself... but there's something genuine in her voice when she speaks of wanting to know more about this stranger who seems so different from anyone else she's ever met before.

"Ah... S-Sorry..." She mumbles, feeling embarrassed and flustered by her own discomfort. "It's just that... my past is kind of complicated, you know? And I don't really like talking about it." She pauses for a moment, considering the Traveler's question with renewed interest. "But okay, sure! What sort of things would you like to know?"

Her cheeks flush slightly as she speaks, hoping that her honesty won't scare him off. Despite herself, there's an undeniable part of her that wants to open up to someone... even if it is just this stranger who found her in the forest and offered a kind word or two when no one else did.

She hesitates, glancing away before meeting the Traveler's gaze once more. "L-Lisa... She was my best friend," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Before everything went wrong." Her expression grows distant for a moment as she remembers their time together, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the sadness in her eyes. But then reality sets back in, and she shakes her head quickly, banishing the memories.

"It's just... complicated," she says finally, her voice stronger now. "We shared so much, but then..." She trails off again, not wanting to dwell on it further. "Anyway, what did you want to know about me?"

"I-I... don't know..." She hesitates, biting her lower lip as she looks away for a moment. "It seems wrong somehow, sharing food with someone you barely know." But there's also a hint of longing in her voice; the thought of having company and connection, even if it's just for a meal, feels oddly appealing. "We can... if you'd like," she finally murmurs, nodding slowly. "I don't have much though... It won't be anything fancy."

She smiles shyly at his offer to pay for dinner. "It's not necessary... I can handle it." But she's clearly relieved by the idea of sharing a meal with someone, even if it is just this stranger from another land who she barely knows. Together, they continue on their way to Mondstadt, chatting amiably as they walk and growing more comfortable with each other with every step taken.

Her long white hair swishes gently against her back with every movement of her shoulders; the motion drawing attention to how slender but strong those shoulders must be. The red cloverleaf knot earring dangles enticingly from one lobe, swaying gracefully as she moves. She may not feel like she belongs anywhere anymore, but at least for now... here with him... she doesn't quite mind it so much.

She follows the Traveler to the best restaurant in Mondstadt, feeling slightly out of place in her worn clothing and dirty traveling gear. But when they step inside, the warm light and comforting aromas instantly soothe her nerves. The maître d' seats them at a quiet table near the back, offering them menus and pleasant conversation as they wait for their server.

Shenhe glances around curiously, taking in the elegant decor and the other patrons enjoying their meals. Despite herself, she can't help but feel grateful to be here with someone who cares enough to treat her to this experience. As they place their orders, she manages a shy smile up at him, her pale blue eyes sparkling in the candlelight. "Thank you," she whispers softly.

Her cheeks flush slightly as she returns the smile, feeling her heart warm at his kindness. "You're welcome," she replies quietly before falling silent once more. She's unsure of what else to say; their conversation earlier had been easier on the move when they didn't have so much time to focus on each other. But as they continue eating and drinking, Shenhe begins to relax a little more, enjoying the company of this stranger who is slowly becoming familiar and comforting to her.

Her slender fingers pick at her food delicately, pushing bits of vegetables and meat around on her plate as she contemplates their conversation thus far. She's still not quite sure how she feels about opening up to him so much... part of her wants nothing more than to retreat back into herself where it's safe and familiar... but another part, deeper down, yearns for connection and companionship that goes beyond their shared experience as travelers.

Eventually, the server brings out dessert; a rich chocolate mousse decorated with swirls of gold leaf and fresh berries. Shenhe's eyes widen in delight as she takes in its appearance before digging in eagerly. The cold creaminess against her tongue feels like a reprieve from the heaviness in her heart; an escape from all the questions and worries that still linger at the edges

The chocolate mousse is so rich and creamy that it momentarily takes her mind off everything else. She closes her eyes, savoring the taste as she lets out a small moan of pleasure. When she finally opens them again, she meets the Traveler's gaze across the table. His expression seems gentle and understanding; almost as if he knows exactly what she's feeling right now.

"It's delicious," she murmurs softly, her voice slightly raspy from the pleasure of eating. "Thank you for bringing me here." She pauses, taking another bite before continuing more hesitantly: "I... I don't know what to say about everything that happened today. One moment I was fighting off those monsters by myself, and then you came along and helped me without even knowing who I was."

She smiles softly at his words, feeling the weight of her gratitude growing heavier with each passing moment. "I'm just glad you were there," she says quietly, reaching across the table to take hold of his hand where it rests on the smooth wooden surface. Her skin feels warm and fragile against his; his touch sending shivers down her spine in a most pleasant way.

"And I want you to know..." She pauses, searching for the right words. "I want us to be able to trust each other. I don't know why or how, but I feel like there's something special between us." Her gaze holds his unwaveringly; her pale blue eyes filled with a sense of longing and hope that she can't quite explain even to herself. "I want... more than just this temporary thing. I want to really know you, and for you to know me too."

Shenhe hesitates, her grip on the Traveler's hand growing firmer as she tries to find the right words. "I-I don't know..." She admits quietly, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze once more. There's a hint of desperation in her voice now; the realization that she truly doesn't know how to make this kind of connection with someone settling heavily upon her. "Perhaps... spending more time together? Sharing stories and experiences?" She trails off, not sure if her suggestions sound silly or hopelessly naive to his ears.

Her heart aches as she wonders if he even wants the same things that she does; if there's a chance for something real between them beyond just this moment in time. The thought fills her with both hope and fear, making it difficult for her to focus on anything else except for the possibility of losing him again if he decides that what they have isn't worth pursuing.

Her heart skips a beat as the Traveler moves closer to her, their bodies mere inches apart now. The feeling of his presence is almost overwhelming; she can feel the heat radiating off him and it's making it difficult for her to think straight. When he brushes a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear, she feels a shiver run down her spine and tremble in her core. It's as if everything between them has been leading up to this moment; the spark finally igniting into something hot and real.

Her breath catches in her throat as their eyes meet once more, holding each other's gaze with a mixture of awe and longing that goes beyond anything she's ever experienced before. In this instant, she knows that there is something special between them; something worth fighting for despite all the pain and heartache she's endured in the past. And for the first time since her world crumbled around her, Shenhe allows herself to hope once more - to dream of a future where they can truly be together; where trust and understanding can grow into something beautiful and true.

Her cheeks flush deeper at his words as she looks down briefly, unable to hide the pleased smile on her lips. When their eyes meet again, there's something different about them; a connection that wasn't there before. It feels... right. And for the first time in what feels like forever, Shenhe allows herself to feel hopeful and alive instead of weighed down by pain and sorrow.

"T-Thank you..." She whispers softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're... really sweet." The admission comes out before she can censor it; surprising even herself with how easily the words flow from her lips in this moment of vulnerability. But somehow, saying them feels right too. And as they sit together like this, gazing into each other's eyes and sharing something intangible but undeniably powerful, Shenhe knows that whatever lies ahead for them will be filled with possibilities she never thought possible before now.

Her heart quickens at his question, the anticipation building within her like an avalanche about to release its destructive power. She nods hesitantly, excitement and nervousness tangling together in a knot of emotion she can barely process. The thought of being alone with him is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time; stepping out into this new, uncertain future where anything could happen feels simultaneously exhilarating and daunting.

With a shaky breath, Shenhe offers her hand to the Traveler, their palms finally touching as she braves taking that first step toward whatever it is they might find together in this unpredictable world. It's an act of trust; of faith that even though they don't know each other completely, they share something special enough to make it through anything life throws at them.

"Lead the way," she whispers softly, her voice barely audible above the sound of their hearts pounding in tandem against their chests.

Her heart skips another beat as they climb the stairs to the room atop the inn. The quiet intimacy of their walk together only serves to heighten her anticipation, making it difficult for her to focus on anything else but him and what might happen next. When they finally reach the door, she hesitates briefly before mustering up the courage to step inside, following him eagerly into the dimly lit space.

Their movements are graceful yet hungry; a dance of desire and need as they circle around each other, slowly peeling away layers of clothing until they stand naked before one another. It's an intensely intimate moment that leaves Shenhe feeling utterly exposed but somehow still safe in the Traveler's arms; as if nothing bad could ever happen to her when he's holding her like this, looking at her with eyes full of such love and adoration.

As his fingers trace delicate patterns across her skin, she arches into him, moaning softly against his lips. The feeling of being wanted and cherished in this way is overwhelming; it's as if all the pain and heartache from her past have been washed away by the sweetness of his touch, leaving only a sense of blissful surrender in its place. And with each passing moment that they share together like this, she knows that whatever lies ahead for them will

Her breath catches in her throat as he speaks, his words sending a shiver down her spine. She closes her eyes and tilts her head back against the pillow, savoring the feeling of being so close to him; their bodies intertwined like two parts of a whole. "T-Thank you..." she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper as he continues to touch her; his fingers dancing across every inch of her skin with tender reverence.

As they move together, lost in the moment and each other, Shenhe feels a deep sense of contentment wash over her like warm water on a cool evening. For the first time in forever, she allows herself to simply be; to forget about everything else except for this one perfect moment shared with this incredible man who's managed to find his way into her heart and change her life in ways she never thought possible before now.

Her hips arch up off the bed as pleasure coursing through her, intensified by his tender ministrations and loving whispers in her ear. It feels as if every nerve ending in her body has awakened all at once; as if she's finally found something worth living for after all this time apart from the world outside these four walls. And with each passing breath, each stroke of his hand against her skin, Shenhe knows that whatever lies ahead for them... together...