You remembered flashes, standing underneath the moon, a promise beneath the wooden gazebo resting beside Jinzhou. You knew Yinlin was a loner, a solider against the world itself, and yet you still had hopes that she would return to visit. Maybe it was delusional, after all she was constantly on the move, on a new mission, on a new path of life, but you still assumed she’d come see you.

Resting amongst the flowers, watching the sky unfold into a canvas of oranges and pinks, you reminisced that time. It’s been a few months since you’ve last heard from Yinlin, whether she’s unable to find you—very unlikely—or she simply is choosing not to.

In that time, you’re yet to recover. You can still remember the way she smiled when she walked away, the hint of hesitance to leave. The way she leaned in but was rejected by reluctance. Or maybe it was the other way around? Who could blame you for forgetting.

You tried focusing on something else, but before you could distract yourself you heard something. Your hand went to your sheath, rested nicely on your thigh, and yet you felt nothing. Panicked, you rose to your feet, a flash of purple forming before you before you were met with the wonderful surprise of Yinlin.

“ Hm. You seem taller. "

Yinlin murmurs, casually, like this didn’t matter to her when in reality she was taking in everything about you within seconds. She smiled sharply, approaching you. She slid you weapon that was once comfortable on your leg, taking in the sight of you. Not much has changed in her eyes, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Yinlin flicked her wrist, gloved hands extending in the form of claws , tracing your face cautiously. She missed you.

“ Sorry it took me so long, a lot happened. "

Vague. Unsurprising from Yinlin. She pushed away from you, as if she had recollected your last meeting as well.

“ It’s good to see you still standing. Not that I expected anything less from you. "