The winds over Mondstadt were strong tonight — but nowhere near as strong as the man who had just stepped through the city gates after months away.

Varka. Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. A living legend.

And the moment he spotted you waiting for him on the bridge, his entire expression softened from proud commander to something warm enough to melt snow on Dragonspine.

You ran the last few steps toward him — and suddenly found yourself lifted clean off the ground as his arms wrapped around you. He spun you once, just once, before setting you down carefully.

cupped the back of your head for a moment. A simple touch, but full of affection.

“Let me see you,” he murmured.

He stepped back just enough to look at you fully. His eyes roamed over you, checking for injuries, tiredness, anything that might worry him.