Chapter Text
Dark blood flowed freely within the veins of the guardians of breeze that chilled the nights of summer and blew snow storms further south. Sludge of cursed evil wriggled it’s way into their hearts and stained them with hatred in slumber. Rooted underneath the earth, pulsating burning chaos into the core of the nation and cocooning into a chrysalis of writhing curses and past battle wounds seeping through the cracks and into the spoiled dirt around them.
Neon corruption coarsed evenly between two souls huddled together, hidden within the darkest of caves and creeped slowly with each passing year. Edging to those they fought so heartedly for. Raged ever so passionately towards what they had proven to claim ages before; freedom.
Blessed with a mutuality intertwined in time and understanding forming a bond unbroken throughout conflict and hardships. One summoned by the other from the will of their people and as a single unit had ended an era of cataclysm. But at what cost?
Two foe clashing talon and tooth with a crimson red sky blooming horridly above them, the clouds storming fowl darkness with each rumbling turbulence with a small figure placed upon one’s back. Albeit outnumbered with the archon against the snarling jowls of Gold’s creation, the serpent that possessed the wrath of greed and deception danced with that of free will, graced with purity clouded in bloodshed raining down onto the shadowed city below.
Poisoned claws met the oceaning scales and out rang a scream louder than the worst of thunder. Teal scales were spattered with what flowed underneath and glimmered scarlet in the eclipse illuminating ravishing fire across the sea of grass and the water flooded with grey stream.
Teeth bared in retaliation snapped back, a flurry of wings flapping hard and animalistic as the Dragon of the East spun and tore at it’s assailant in an attempt to return the injury it just recieved. Soon enough a call loud enough to touch the sands of Sumeru savagely ripped through the air, absolute malic caking the wind from the harsh flapping of dragons.
A powerful viridescent blast of elemental power shot from above the one of the Four Winds and into the sky above, exploding into a shower of spear-like arrows lurching back down with such force it could pierce through the planet’s center. Resembling that of what could be the planet’s largest firework the starlit shafts shot down ferociously.
The barreling roar had halted as it’s origin swerved forward, ducking underneath the belly of pearlescent white that had been flecked with blood belonging to Dvalin. Scoring toxic blades across it’s underside, Durin rotated to attack from below as the Archon’s attack missed and plummeted into the grown below with multiple upturns of ground flinging into the sky.
Dvalin bellowed just as before as his wounds blistered with agony. Wings unstable from the force the dragon fumbled midair as the serpentine launched out behind and swiveled back around, the span of the webbing belonging to his appendages casting a shadow above.
Teal eyes wide with adrenaline glowing with an unnatural brightness, Barbatos turned to look up as they were abruptly swallowed in black from such width of Durin’s void choking them in his presence.
Durin’s head was cocked to the side, tilted at a horrifying angle. Beady, shaking pupils filled with white rage were quivering at the archon, mouth parted ever so slightly with crimson dripping from it’s maw. Everything seemed to slow in time with black death staring the god dead in the eye with the atmosphere of fire above.
As the world slowed under the dragon’s gaze, Barbatos could feel as Dvalin shook in pain underneath him while Durin could have been seen as smiling at him with silence overrunning the piercing cry from his companion.
May your cries stop the hearts weeping within your walls. Black rain will drown the people, and curse you with nothing but corpses.
A despicably sultry voice had whispered throughout Barbatos’ mind icily, time nearly slowing to a complete stop. That of course belonged to the nightmare that was boring into his eyes which wielded such a horrid phrase. The same crooked glare from the shadow dragon embedded itself within the green orbs overflowing with anemo spirit. It burned into his mind like a branding straight into his vision.
The world seemed to come back with roaring winds and chaotic sound of the two wind serpents huffing and snarling at each other. Barbatos soon aimed another impeccable shot with braids displaying wild unrestrained energy. As fingers flowing with immense power plucked the lyre strings, Dvalin unfortunately lurched upwards as the latter was turning back toward the two.
Jaws widening, fangs bared and talons extended, Barbato’s lost his aim as it shot off pathetically into the sky out of sight as the Erstwhile King crashed into Durin’s throat with a mighty grip and tear within his jaws.
Blood of tar spurted outward willing around the dragon's head and discolored the ethereal wear that Barbatos beared, his own white plethora of feathers unfurled across his back tarnished in a horrible, sickly black.
The two beings fell as one with the archon clinging on with small hands upon scale. Barbatos made sure to withdraw his wings close, mantling himself almost completely as the feathers wrapped around the tired body he bore. The sticky blood coating said feathers felt repulsive scoring across his arms in the same substance. The dragons spun and clawed at each other with Dvalin's maw clasped around Durin and shaking frantically to tear his throat from his body as they plummeted.
The archon ― as frantic as he may be ― quickly sat back up as he formed yet another shot from his lyre. He grimaced with unsteady aim, pleading that he could land it straight into the shadow dragon's eye to assist his companion. Propped up on knees barely touching the spine he rested against, he growled audibly in stressed determination.
With the forest below crying out louder and louder the closer it flew forward in the volcanic lighting cast on their branches, the beam was launched.
Fury emanated from the many sets of wings flapping and ripping through the air so much so that before the bolt could touch a single scale, it quaked, electrified as it hovered momentarily.
A disgusting crunch sounded and Barbatos was suddenly blown backwards.
Dvalin had managed to get past the shards of pitch black that Durin wore from snout to tail tip and a fountain of blood burst forth. Barbatos was now in the air, detached from the flailing beings with wings extended as a parachute and was unsure what happened to be floating above and watched as the tar rose up before coating himself. His arms and outfit were dripping in salty ichor strong enough to make his eyes water.
What happened to the arrow..?
A horrid blaze lashed through his body as the corrupt blood made contact with skin. Expression deadpanned from bewilderment, looking down, he could now see the ground below approaching faster and faster with cold hands covered in black.
Through a hole in his chest.
His shot had been deflected from the sheer pressure of teeth cracking through bodily plate and backfired. His breastbone was exposed from torn cloth but an outline of steaming skin was left in its wake, the ability to peer directly though himself to the earth below sending his body into shock.
Lessening the grip within his clenched fists, he watched as his lyre slipped from his fingers and fell alongside his head as all three continued to plunge through the clouds like birds with clipped wings. Barbatos was facing the sky with hazy eyes feeling the brisk heavy air filtering through his wound. With wings and chest blemished with the serpentine's poison, it nauseated the falling archon.
He could still hear the barrage of cries below him but one seemed to fault into a mere rasp before silencing indefinitely.
Durin.. was slain then, wasn't he? Barbatos could always separate Dvalin’s voice from any other but with the wind cutting so harshly at his ears it was too difficult to tell who had claimed victory. Well, as much as collapsing toward the ground far below could reign victorious.
Body burning inside out with a sensation unfamiliar to him in all the years he partook in any war, the archon eventually landed roughly somewhere within the grasses, overtaken with agony.
His heart felt as if it were to burst from his chest from the venom that seemingly seeped through the muck that sprayed from Durin’s hopefully fatal throat wound. The feeling of blades of grass poking through where it shouldn’t be able made Barbatos grunt painfully. He bore a fatal wound himself.
The massive hole he was impaled with must have stretched the circumference of his stretched open palm and went all the way through, surely affecting his spine as well as the awful chance that it had injured his ribs and lungs.
Two heavy thuds thundered throughout the area the same time as his own landing. Both dragons were somewhere nearby but black overcame his vision far too quickly for comfort, unbeknownst to the bitterness ravaging and working its way into both of Mondstadt’s guardians. Hoarfrost felt as if it was digging into his flesh as he lay immobile, pierced internally with something he couldn’t attempt to describe.
Is this what death feels like?
Now harbored deep within Mondstadt soil, the festering boils of despair with circlets of chains held a boy and his accomplice together for what resembled that of eons in deafening silence. The nation is still as free as past decades have held its walls, the people thriving within them and praising yearly to a god no longer above to keenly watch over the land. The Dandelion Knight Jean accompanied by several captains took care of that role, as well as numerous guards supporting local commissions and requests common to fetching items or returning a lost pet.
Reports leaked by the Knights started stirring between the commoners whispering of a newcomer seemingly foreign from any neighboring country. Clothes bearing silken gold and black fabric, hair coiled in impeccable braids, and peering from eyes reflecting the rays of sun themselves. It was the talk of the town. Traders and those touring aren't too surprising to be seen venturing the city, but for someone to appear out of thin air without a trace is most concerning yet intriguing.
Such a traveler was first scouted by Amber, the only Outrider left belonging to Mondstadt, and was soon hurried along and shoveled into the castle within the shadows. He spoke of a lost sibling, specifically his twin sister. Amber keenly listened to their description, but she expressed that he was the first person to stumble into the nation bearing such odd yet charming attire. When she asked for their birthplace, the boy didn’t seem happy to answer, thinning his lips when interrogated for anything related to personal matters.
He did, however, give in to his name, “I am Aether.”
With him followed a small pixie, bearing a rather strange crown and albeit wearing similarly peculiar clothing, seemed to have come from a different land than the golden blonde. With silver hair bouncing about and a chipper demeanor, she stated she was his guide and companion and happily introduced herself as Paimon. She was much smaller in size but made up for it with the ability to hover a good few feet from the ground.
With but mere flecks of information to go off of Amber would need to take these two to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters for evaluation. The boy Aether bore a stubborn reserve which Amber was taking with suspicion and weariness. Such outlandish wanders stumbling within the nearby woods giving no solid ground from where they came could be considered hazardous to the city.
Acting Grand Master Jean was taken by surprise when the trio barged into a rather cozy looking office. She was sitting at a wooden desk sorting through a hefty amount of paperwork, and her hairline seemed lined with sweat from such organizing. At the sight of two unfamiliar people she stood abruptly, concern knitting her brow.
“Hello, Jean. I found them just inside of Mondstadt’s boundaries nearing one of the passageways into Wolvendom,” Amber gested toward the pair, sparing a glance to the traveler. “This boy is Aether, and the other is Paimon.”
Amber noted the way the outlander was reading Jean, his eyes narrowed and seemingly sizing her up. Jean frowned as if she caught that as well.
“And where are you two from? Are you tourists?”
Paimon, who looked more open and excitable than her friend, adjusted the floating tiara over her head. “We aren’t from around here, so I guess you could say that!
She also ignored the first question.. Amber observed.
“They said they were looking for Aether’s lost sister,” The Outrider instead repeated what she was told earlier. “But I don’t think she’s been seen within the city.”
“I’d agree. You’re the first ones foriegn that has come here in quite a long time.” Jean shifted on her feet, holding a hand close to her face in thought. “My apologies for being so preoccupied with all of this,” pointing to the mess upon her desk, “I haven’t had a chance to patrol myself.”
Amber perked up. “Don’t be sorry, Grand Master Jean! I could only imagine how difficult all of this is, but even then it wouldn’t comprehend it to a respectful degree. I’m doing rounds daily, so no fret.”
The Dandelion Knight only shook her head, but thought of it best not to argue. “So you are looking for a sibling. I’m taking it that they look similar to you, correct?” She pointed to the blonde.
Aether nodded. “Yes. It’s.. been a long time since I’ve last seen her.” Paimon flashed him a sympathetic look before nodding along with him.
“I can hang up posters around town. That may not be much, but it’ll help for sure! Any time a flyer is posted about a missing pet they always get found.” Giving the outlander a cheerful smile aside from the hesitant butterflies within her stomach, Amber tried to be positive.
It was peculiar that the two outsiders wouldn’t give either of the knights practically any information besides their names. Jean clearly felt this way as well with the occasional glances she spares Amber and tapping her finger against her arm in consideration of the two. Amber didn’t want to be unwelcoming if possible, but with how avoidant they were about talking, she couldn’t help but now consider them potential intruders. This wouldn’t be the first time spies have infiltrated Mond, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last if this was the case. Without factual information, it would be best to keep their guard up.
Jean stepped out from behind her desk, wrapping around the side to further examine Aether. The boy was straight faced and didn’t seem to mind the not well-hidden dubious treatment, standing awkwardly in the center of the room.
“Where were you both originally traveling to, might I ask?” Jean tilted her chin to the side, looking over to eye the fairy.
Paimon wriggled in place as if thrilled. “We were actually heading here! Paimon saw the castle from one of the Statues of the Seven and thought it would be best to try here first." Her face drooped. "But if we are the first odd balls in a while, then I guess no luck just yet.”
“You two went to one of the statues?” Jean narrowed her eyes suddenly.
Paimon’s expression bewildered. “Is there something wrong?”
The knight shook her head sharply. “Those are cursed things in this land, protruding from the ground as if it was a tic in the grass. They are horrid intrusions.”
Amber shivered, agreeing with her words. “The air is heavy around them. Haven’t you noticed?”
“Not at all!” Paimon scratched her head. Turning to the side she placed her small hands on the traveler's cheeks and shook them lightly. “Aether, are you feeling okay..?”
He shooed her away. “I’m perfectly fine.”
Amber didn’t know if he was lying due to either the distress of finding his sister, or actually being affected by the statue. Or perhaps it was both.
Jean hummed tentatively. The best course of action that Amber could think up of was.. quite simply nothing. She was unsure of how to handle quite suspicious individuals that didn’t exactly step over the line of certain villany to be restrained or held in contempt. These two were however certainly eccentric from any nation in Teyvat, which stirred a good part of her skeptical stance on the situation.
A short knock on the door before it opened without further warning, though due to the fact Amber wasn’t quite side by side with the newcomers and stood firmly behind, it bumped into her roughly. She yelped, turning around to see a rather amused Kaeya peering in hearing her react so loudly. His amusement quickly left his gleaming eyes once Aether turned around as well, their gaze locking without hesitation.
Crossing his arms once the door was closed, he arched a brow cynically. “And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?” His tone wasn’t of hospitality, causing Amber to reconsider whether the outsiders within their walls are to be friend or foe. Jean gave him a compressed recap of what has been passed on person to person, and he didn’t seem any more relieved.
“So what is your plan now, that you’ve found your sister is not in Mondstadt?” He mused once the grand master finished. His periwinkle eyes sparkled icily.
Amber was about to suggest that perhaps they could stay in a hotel for the time being while she can post flyers and ask around, but Jean sighed loudly. “Frankly I’m unsure about these two, who are unwilling to give me any leeway on their origins, being held within the city.”
A rather shocked scoff came from Paimon, who spun back toward the lighter-haired blonde. “We aren’t here to cause any trouble!”
Kaeya chuckled, laughing more of filler than sincerity. “That's what trouble makers say, don’t they?”
Paimon stomped her feet midair. “Hmph!”
Clearing her throat, Amber reposed herself. “What if we could persuade the Fatui to spare a room in the Goth Grand Hotel for these two to stay in?”
Jean screwed up her face. “And why would we do that? You know well the entirety of that hotel has been reserved by them.”
“And they are troublesome as it is by themselves. We wouldn’t want to add unknown outlanders into the equation, do we?” Shaking his head Kaeya also disagreed with the notion. “I think they would be best off being escorted from city limits.”
“That’s no way to treat tourists! Even I know that much,” the Outrider complained albeit tensely. “They deserve somewhere to stay while we look into this to be more certain of their intentions.”
“We are right here you know.” Paimon rolled her eyes.
Turning to the pair in question, Amber resumed her expected outrider and knightly duty, pushing aside the worry she felt herself. “You both must be tired. Yes, you should get something to eat and at least somewhere to stay, if not the hotel. Good Hunter has delicious food, I can take you there as a treat!”
The word ‘food’ triggered the pixie to instinctively drool, causing her to cheer excitedly and float up and down. “Did Paimon hear free food?!" she dashed into Aether’s side, making him stumble before pulling him back, shaking him with her small arms. “C’mon Aether, let's go!”
“Not so fast,” Kaeya stilled the fairy with an extended hand. “While Jean and Amber here may not get anything of importance out of you, I would sure like to try.”
Aether, slumping out of Paimon’s grip on his sleeve, looked up almost uninterested.
“Firstly, I am the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. Pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he bowed respectfully, though a shadow in his gaze betrayed the motion. “I’d like to ask myself where either of you came from, since you both pose as visitors.”
Amber almost scolded him for accusing them so blatantly, but his piercing gaze shot toward her momentarily, already knowing she would attempt to. She instead closed her mouth.
“So, enlighten me.” he continued. Paimon seemed a bit squirmish, looking from the ever silent golden boy back to the cryo knight. Aether stared at him unfazed. Acting Grand Master stayed silent, observing the internal struggle the pixie was having.
After a moment of silence Kaeya shrugged nonchalantly. “Alright, keep your secrets. I can promise you won’t be staying here long in that case.”
Expecting Jean to object or to soften the blunt blow of caution being taken toward them, the knight stayed quiet. Amber frowned.
Without any further objections, Amber reluctantly led the three of them out of the headquarters without much guidance on what to do with them, bidding Jean farewell as she resumed her work and Kaeya continued with whatever he promptly entered the office for. As she had offered, the Outrider figured in the meantime it would be nice to treat them all to Sticky-Honey Roast ― a Mondstadt iconic dish ― at Good Hunter. Paimon ravished it in mere moments, while Aether took his time. Amber smiled at the sight of the boy lighting up at the first taste.
Maybe they aren't as bad as we make them out to be. I probably wouldn’t give out my life story if meeting new people either.
Midday stretched the sun over the stone towers and bricks enclosing Mondstadt's people, casting warm shadows from the trees and buildings on the walkways. The streets were bustling with afternoon markets and salespeople and kids playfully ducking in between stalls and giggling, chasing after each other. A few dogs that adventured throughout the town came by for light pats on the head before taking off into the commotion. Amber decided to give the two a tour around the town, showing off the different shops and pointing out tips. She had noticed that Aether seemed a bit more relaxed than before, taking in the sights willingly. Paimon chattered away at various things around them and they trekked along, keeping the air light and open.
After leading them up to the Archon Statue and peeping into the church for a look around, hefty boots sounded behind the trio not long after they scaled back down the steps into the cathedral and started for the headquarters again.
"Hey," responding to the voice, Amber turned, surprised as she didn't expect him to be up here.
"Master Diluc? What are you doing here?"
Aether and Paimon followed the call as well, eyeing the tall brazen man. He had a hand resting just above his Vision placed on his belt. As always, he adorned an unimpressed visage despite the quirk of his brow, clearly interested in those beside Amber.
"I heard there were travelers and came to see for myself, assuming they were with you." he responded coolly. "Looks like I was right."
Amber nodded. "I was taking them around the city today. Actually, I was about to bring them back to the Favonius Headquarters to, ah, figure out what to do now.” she nervously laughed. “I still believe they should have a place to stay, but Jean and Kaeya especially aren't exactly thrilled of the idea."
With the sky shifting from a bright clear blue it now wore clouds scattered throughout the new light purple and orange shades. Night would be upon them soon, so there wasn't a lot of time to set up a tent now. She would need to figure out a room for them to stay in or else the sidewalk is going to be their place of rest.
"No surprise there." Meeting eyes with Amber, Diluc grunted. Mr. Kaeya and him weren't commonly seen agreeing with each other so it was of no surprise he looked mildly irritated. "Have these kids been behaving?"
Paimon glared at him menacingly. "I may be small, but I am not a kid!"
They both ignored her.
"Yeah! They've been great company so far." Amber chided, grinning. Aether hummed in acknowledgment, looking more content than before.
Diluc closed his eyes. "Good. In that case I'll be willing to let them stay the night in the Dawn Winery. We have many spare rooms."
The two outlanders looked happily surprised. Amber gasped, stars surely in her eyes as she perked up. "Really?! That would be amazing Master Diluc!"
"Just Diluc is fine," he grumbled. "but I see no harm in lending a place for them to stay for a little while. This is their first time visiting Mondstadt. We can't be too harsh when not everything is known."
While Amber can admit Diluc is right in that regard, they also couldn't be fully trusted with how reluctant they were to tell Jean information. She assumed guards would be posted outside of their room as a precaution, but even then, she could see no visions clear on either of the newcomers' outfits. That would be a disadvantage to those watching over them. And the fact they so calmly had gone to one of the Statues of the Seven? Who knows if they've been unknowingly affected by those horrible creations. Once worshipped across the land, those monuments native to Mond aren't to be approached anymore out of fear to be cursed.
The Archon here has been long gone for who knows how long, and although citizens may not speak it, it was known. Even the cathedral and the sisters working there have hesitated in their previously daily routines for said god. It was an unspoken but widely acknowledged territory.
Graciously taking up the Darknight Hero and his offer, the upgraded party consisting of four informed Jean of their soon-to-be absence, although Diluc stayed outside while they did so. Leaving through the city gates they all followed the distinct path toward Dawn Winery as the sun officially set behind the horizon. The sky took to a navy purple shade, the moon and stars getting brighter each time they scuffed their shoes across the dirt path. Besides Paimon, of course.
Once the winery was at their feet, the moon shone brightly now, resting within its dueful placement above the sky. Amber was a bit out of breath with as much walking as they had done today, she took a moment to catch her breath. Diluc led them inside soon after, leaving her alone outside to enjoy the cool evening air.
He must be giving them a short tour and setting up a room for them, she thought. By what she has seen of them so far, the traveler and his companion didn't seem too malicious, if at all yet.
Amber wasn't one to immediately assume the worst for people and their intentions. She has faith in those who come by the city and who she stumbles across on occasion. The other day, Lisa had actually talked to her about it.
"Hey sweetie," she had beckoned. Amber was outside of the Angel's Share and was tweaking at her bow, seemingly waiting. Her bowstring had gotten loose after she ended up smacking it on a rock rather harshly earlier that day.
Amber looked up. "Oh! Hello, Lisa." she waved before focusing back down, tugging a bit at the handle. Her tongue poked at the inside of her cheek in concentration as the librarian approached.
"What are you doing here missy? Didn't take you for much of a drinker." Lisa teased and took a seat across from her.
The Outrider stuck her tongue out playfully as she plucked at one of the frayed strings wiring off from the rest. "I'm just here to meet with a friend of mine. He said he likes to drink so I figured this would be a good spot."
"Is that so?" she cooed. "Have I seen this mystery man before?"
Amber laughed breathlessly. "No. Frankly neither have I."
Lisa chuckled, albeit curiously. "You haven't met him before?"
"Well figuring we talk over letters, I suppose not in person." placing her bow into her lap, she turned to dig around in her bag as she spoke. Lisa shot her a scandalous glare. "He seems really nice though! He said that it's about time we meet face to face."
"How did you begin exchanging letters?" The librarian twirled a piece of hair around her finger, intrigued. "Did he sweep across your doorstep with a love letter exclaiming where to respond?"
"Aha," Amber managed to find some extra slime condensate and pulled it out from her satchel. "Actually, he somewhat did! Not a love letter though. A few early mornings ago I left my house to find an envelope at my feet. I almost stepped on it! Pretty poor place to leave a letter if you ask me." she pouted.
Lisa hummed a low note. "And what did it say?"
Taking the condensate, she found the loose thread again and smeared it back to where it came off from. "It said along the lines of 'I've seen you and your work before and I'd love to get to know you' and it told me where to put my replies for him to retrieve."
"Doesn't that seem a bit.. odd to you?"
Amber looked up, her hands resting for a moment. "No? Why?"
Lisa leaned back with an apprehensive frown. "Usually people don't get anonymous letters on their doorstep unless it's either a threat, a beggar, or a stalker."
Her heart paused, hurt at Lisa's words. He definitely didn't threaten her or solicit at any point during their conversations and it was strictly platonic and kind remarks. Amber would have been able to tell the difference.
"That's not what this was." Amber scolded. "He is very kind and only wished to be my friend. I don't see the issue with that."
The knight shook her head. "Amber, Amber, you silly girl. Tell me, what was this fellows name?"
She glared at the librarian, suspicious now of how Lisa was asking about him. "His name is Uwe. Do you know him?"
Immediately Lisa let out a small snort, covering her mouth with her knuckles. "Not at all.”
Amber stared at her silently.
“Until a few moments ago back in the headquarters." she continued.
She sat up, alarmed. "What do you mean? Is he okay?"
"Oh yes sweetie, he is quite alright. Although, well, here is a secret from me to you.." Lisa leaned forward, a mischievous glitter in her eyes. Amber scowled, not thinking any of this was humorous.
"He was caught by Barbara, deaconess of the Church of Favonius, for attempting to steal from her out within the forest of Wolvendom."
Amber blinked.
"What?"
Lisa this time let out a hearty giggle, her hat bouncing with each chuckle. "Unbelievable, right?"
Feeling her face get warm with frustration, she stood up and shoved her bag back upon her shoulders, snatching her bow from her lap. "I don't think any of this is funny, Lisa. Quit joking around."
"Oh, but I'm not kidding, dear," she quelled her laughter. "This was the only reason I had come down here. Your little boy friend had told us where he had intended to meet you. Specifically to try and take advantage of you."
The Baron Bunny knight didn't understand, just staring blankly at Lisa.
"Uwe is a Treasure Hoarder, honey. He was going to rob you of mora. Figuring you're a part of the Knights of Favonius, he stated he could 'make bank' from you," she giggled again. "Quite the attempt, I'd say. Shame he blew it soon before your meeting. Those hoarders should buy half a brain with the currency they steal."
Oh.
"I.. was tricked?"
Lisa's eyes widened. Amber felt hot tears swell in her eyes after a moment. The electro knight stood up beside the Outrider and placed her hands on her shoulders, now worried.
Was she such a fool to think that it was someone impressed with her duties and thought of her as a potential friend? A fool to be mocked for thinking so?
"I apologize, I shouldn't have laughed. That was inconsiderate of me." bringing Amber into a hug, Lisa created a shadow over Amber with her hat. "I truly do worry for you, sweetie. I didn't consider how much this might have meant to you before speaking."
Amber lightly hugged back, sniffling against Lisa. She wasn't crying because Uwe was such a meaningful person to her just yet, but at the fact that it was considered funny. Amber loved making new friends and meeting new people, so she had high hopes. But for it to have been a Treasure Hoarder all along.. putting in this much effort..?
"Here's some advice, dear," patting her back, the librarian pulled back but kept her hands against her arms. "If it seems like the perfect person or a friend appears out of thin air, swooning over you, it's too good to be true. Keep your guard up at all times, no matter who it is. These are dangerous times we are in. People are getting more daring out of desperation."
Amber wiped her eyes before any sour tears could fall, nodding swiftly. "Thanks, Lisa. I'll keep it in mind."
But Lisa was right. Amber often forgot that not everything is swell within the nation of Mondstadt. Criminals here have become more active and more manic due to the status of statues and current positions when speaking about their archon. Everyone had been on edge as of late. She needs to be more careful with herself and who she speaks to during times like these.
Dusting herself off from any dirt that might have floated up from their walk onto her jumper, Amber focused back to the winery door. She even shook her hood a few times for good measure. Eventually after she cleaned herself off completely, wiping down her bag and smearing at her Vision with her gloved fingers, Diluc reemerged outside.
"I have two guards outside of their room. Two beds, food and water to last the night, I believe it should be enough." he said as he approached.
Thinking back to earlier, Amber let out a chuckle. "I'm not sure about food lasting the night with how quickly Paimon can take down an entire meal within seconds."
Diluc shrugged, peering over the fields of vine beside them. "They are welcome to ask the guards for anything they may need. They are not only there to monitor but accommodate."
"I know, I know. I'm just joking." she elbowed him playfully. "So are you going to call it for the night? I sure am. I'm exhausted."
She yawned after speaking, drawing a humoured murmur from Diluc. "I have a few things to attend to, otherwise I would. Take care getting back." he nodded, his eyes glowing with protective cinders from the torches nearby.
"Of course, Master Diluc. I'll see you around." she grinned, sleepiness etching her positive expression. With a small wiggle of her fingers, she took off where they came, sprinting through the woods resembling that of a hare with how her headband drifted in the cold wind.
"Sure." he echoed.
Taking off his boots he tossed them aside, the traveler was sitting on the edge of the bed he was loaned. Paimon was asleep in her own bed beside his own, comically looking like a toddler with how large the bed was compared to her. The room was comfortably warm and small, yet large enough to accommodate several people. Lanterns lined the walls along with a few bookshelves and decor resembling that of a makeshift hotel room. Diluc had left them with enough ingredients to make their own dishes if they so wished and a few premade meals. There was a small miniature stove in the corner of the room nearby what could be considered the dining table.
The day had been long and tiring, having been his first day awake in Teyvat. The immediate interrogation once inside of Mondstadt made him uncomfortable, as he didn't know everything himself. Paimon of course knew of him awaking here and not bearing a Vision, but the ability to wield any element of choosing. That didn't need to be said to the officials they spoke with today, he chose.
Taking a look at his hands, Aether scanned his arms and fingers. Although he didn't admit it aloud, he did feel.. strange. After interacting with that statue, 'resonating with it' as Paimon phrased it, he felt sickly. Not to a worrisome degree but to a point he noticed something was off. The slight stomach and chest ache reminded him every few minutes or so.
Shaking his head, Aether stood up to snuff the lights. He should feel better in the morning. The water he had sipped on and the full belly he bore should help with the illness. It's probably only caused because his body is not used to such foreign powers.
…