Chapter Text
Every Saturday, Nahida would drag him out to a random establishment for dinner, claiming it to be for ‘bonding’ purposes: both between her and him, and the two of them and the humans of Sumeru. That night, she chose a private booth at a newly opened restaurant on Treasures Street, presumably due to knowing their presence alone would help their sales numbers take off.
Nahida chatted with the flattered owner for a while, who insisted that she show her the kitchen when Nahida expressed excitement upon seeing that their menu contained a unique cake made from a mixed batter of ajilenakh nuts and crushed padisarahs.
After a while, Nahida finally sat back down and directed an infectious grin at Wanderer. “Hat Guy, have you decided what to order yet?”
“Heh, it’s not like I need the sustenance. Besides, after your little chat with the boss, shouldn’t you already have plans to order one of everything available and force me to finish off your leftovers?”
Nahida pouted. “Nuh uh, it was just one of every non-seafood related dish. Since it’s a small business, they didn’t have many choices anyway. I just wanted to help one of my people; they could use the money, we don’t. We can just give the leftovers to the guards and housekeepers of the Sanctuary, like last time. Plus, I specifically ordered three whole cups of the bitterest tea they have for you.”
“‘Like last time’, well, at least you remember that you’ve done this before and will likely do it again.” He crossed his arms and let his gaze drift to the side, still unwilling to properly convey gratitude.
Nahida simply gave a cheeky grin, unrepentant. The conversation then turned to his recent thesis and the Akademiya in general, which inevitably led to discussions on the performance of the new permanent Sages of the Darshans while plates filled with pungent food slowly arrived one by one.
“Luckily, Sage Naphis has been kind enough to answer any questions for them regarding the day to day operations.”
“I still can’t believe you only chose to exile their predecessors.”
“...Hat Guy, we’ve talked about this already. Projection isn’t healthy.”
“Neither is gorging oneself with desserts.”
“...One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
“Humph, that still doesn’t excuse the way you guilt trip me into making you sweets in the middle of the night.” Wanderer narrowed his eyes playfully. “And besides, didn’t you mention that the Amurta Sage has a bounty on his head as a result of having made a number of enemies due to his foul temper? Well, more than the usual amount of enemies for someone in a high ranking government position. Doesn’t that prove he shouldn’t be trusted with a bunch of newbies whose arrogance must be through the roof upon their promotion?”
“Oh, you still remember that, Hat Guy?” Nahida inquired with wide, innocent eyes that practically radiate a warning of impending well-meant emotional manipulation. “Speaking of bounties on important political figures’ heads…”
“What is it this time? Need me to take out some trash?” Very rarely does Nahida specifically request him to use violence to solve her problems, with that ‘every life is valuable’ mentality of hers.
“The Chief Justice of Fontaine and I have kept up a correspondence at the Traveler’s request. He sent me this letter this morning.” She handed him an envelope with a broken wax seal. He opened it.
‘To Lord Kusanali,
Further to our previous discussions, I agree with your proposal. It has indeed been difficult to find a method to increase Miss Furina’s security measures that wouldn’t force her to put her life on hold. I have inquired as to the opinions of a few trusted members of the Palais staff, and they have all concurred that there is very little point in saving Miss Furina’s life if she cannot enjoy it to its fullest, even if it’s only during the period of time it would take to put the criminals behind bars. Especially because we do not have a definitive timeframe. Similar previous cases have all taken a couple of months at a minimum. It would be unjust of me to lock her up for that long, against her will.
Back to the matter at hand, I trust you already have a candidate in mind? Please send them over as soon as possible. And thank you for your consideration. I will, of course, financially compensate both you and them for the time and service provided. The candidate can find me at the Chief Justice’s office, Palais Mermonia, Court of Fontaine when they arrive.
Gratefully,
Iudex Neuvillette
The contents of this letter are confidential and intended for the recipient specified in the message only.’
“A while ago, Iudex Neuvillette and I decided that we both wanted to create a closer bond between our two nations as we happen to be neighbors. Therefore, Mister Hat Guy, your next assignment is to stay at Fontaine for as long as necessary, and even longer than that if you wish, serving as the personal bodyguard of the former Hydro Archon.”
She wants him away from Sumeru? From her ? Theoretically, it's not like the process would be any different than when she sends him to Port Ormos or the desert for a long errand. But out of Sumeru entirely, where she couldn’t connect to his mind for months on end… he’ll be alone. He hasn’t left her side for any longer than a few weeks at most since his instatement as the Second Sage of Buer, her Sage.
“... Nahida.” That came out way more shakily than he intended. “Why- but what about…” He trailed off.
Nahida lifted up a hand. A little white dove immediately dived down from who knows where and landed on her waiting palm. She then brought her hands together and cupped them around the dove like a cradle. Soft wisps of dendro flowed out and were absorbed by the tiny bird. It then hopped up and down as if celebrating.
“I think you and Miss Furina have similar origins. This is a wonderful chance for you to learn from how she came to terms with her creation and loss of purpose. You can cross reference these methods and apply the suitable approaches to your own situation. Plus, the Traveler said that there’s a woman from Fontaine whom you got along pretty well with back in Simulanka; Navia, was it? You can catch up on all that’s happened since then and solidify your friendship!”
Of course she somehow twisted the circumstances to encourage him to learn and socialise.
The bird flew over to Wanderer, circling up his chair before landing on his shoulder. “I believe in you. And of course, you should give me updates whenever you can! I’ll only be a dove away.” As Nahida said that, the aforementioned dove faded away into a sprinkle of elemental energy, leaving behind a pure white feather. “If you don’t accept this task, you, as always, can decline without consequence and I will ask Dehya and another trustworthy individual to go together instead.”
He picked up the feather, twisting it around to inspect it from every angle. “Who am I to argue with the Goddess of Wisdom? When do I leave? In the morning?”
“Technically, that would be ideal. But don’t you want to spend an afternoon or so saying your goodbyes to your friends here?”
He knew better than to waste his breath making her see sense on the subject of ‘friends’. “They’ll survive without, the former Archon may not.” He said to excuse himself from socialising, and tucked the feather into the pocket of his sleeve.
Nahida sighed. “Alright.” She then brightened. “Thank you, Hat Guy, for agreeing."
The next day, Wanderer arrived at Romaritime Harbor at mid-morning, a few hours after Nahida saw him off at dawn with a ‘See you soon, Hat Guy! Take care!’. She had already sent a letter elaborating on his ‘qualifications’ to the Hydro Sovereign. It will supposedly arrive a bit before his own entrance to the main city.
As he walked towards the large building, a man in blue uniform and an adorned top hat that honestly resembled a fancy biscuit tin approached him.
“Hello. Do you need any help?” He asked politely, after a quick, assessing glance at his vision. He must have misinterpreted the scan Wanderer did of the surrounding area and thought he was lost. Well, he was in clearly foreign attire and came from the direction of Sumeru, he mused. Also, he supposed flying in may have attracted a bit of interest, being the scandalmongers that Fontainians are known for.
The melusine on the other side of the channel looked over in interest when he reluctantly disclosed that he was looking for Furina de Fontaine. He’s on a mission for his Archon, he doesn’t particularly want to waste time flying around the city searching for the right house. She’s famous, so there must be some personal information about her that’s public knowledge.
“Lady Furina.” The man corrected. Wanderer sardonically raised an eyebrow at that. “Have you got an appointment, Monsieur?”
“Yes.”
“Name?” He asked, after a questioning glance at the smiling melusine who finally made its way over to them.
“Wanderer.”
The creature’s smile got even bigger somehow, and that’s all the man needed to wave him in the building. It followed him, skipping merrily along. “Hello there.” It squeaked.
“Mmm.” He grunted, knowing he should be making a good impression on the creatures that the Hydro Sovereign holds so dear but not caring enough to force out small talk.
“Many tourists, merchants, and even lovers of books from the land of deserts and rainforests come here.” It continues to chatter. “Many people love chatting with me, because that would be the first time they've ever met a melusine. Thanks to everyone, I've also heard lots of stories from beyond these waters. It's great working here. Are you from there too, Monsieur?”
“Yep.”
“Observing the sea is my job, and I love it. While I'm around, you've nothing to fear from storms.” He had to hold in a snort of derision here. “I'll warn everyone ahead of time. Oh, right, I didn't say so earlier, but my name’s Everallin. I'm a melusine, an all-female species living only in Fontaine. According to Monsieur Neuvillette, we have a deep connection to the ocean. And even amongst us, I'm one of the best at sensing the ocean's movements. That's why I've been assigned to work here."
“You’re close to the Sovereign?” He spoke up.
“Oh, yes. Well, not as much as some others, like Sedene in the Palais Mermonia.” It- she then skiddled to a stop. “And here we are! This is the Clementine Line of the aquabus. Just take a seat at that bench there, until the aquabus arrives to take you to the Court of Fontaine.”
“...Thanks, I guess.” He muttered.
Everallin positively beamed, it was like staring into a very blue sun. “No problem, Monsieur! I’m happy to help! Do you need anything else?”
Bold of her to claim that he ‘needed’ her to escort him here in the first place. “No.”
She tilted her head and waved enthusiastically. “Goodbye, Monsieur! Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll make a positive impression on Monsieur Neuvillette. Have a good day.” She then skipped away before he could argue his case on why he doesn’t care about the Sovereign's opinion of him. How very audacious; reminds him of the other tiny, overly friendly and stubborn creatures back in Sumeru who just so happen to also have a connection to the highest authority in the land.
The Palais Mermonia was even more opulent than the Akademiya. Figures. He strode inside. There were multiple people rushing about with enormous stacks of paper clutched in their arms. He chose to approach a melusine since the last one turned out to be somewhat helpful.
He spotted one behind a harsh teal desk which was probably the receptionist’s area. What a coincidence. “Hello there. If you're lost, please turn back. Some of the rooms here are restricted access only. If you're not, then please state your inquiry.”
“Wanderer.” He introduced. “Iudex Neuvillette should be expecting me.”
She nodded. “Indeed he is. His office is just over by the side. You can simply knock twice and head in.”
He nodded back in acknowledgement then turned to leave.
He quickly found the correct door and did as advised.
“Come in.” Waiting for him was a man with long white hair and blue horns, sitting with his legs delicately crossed on a sofa, various books and pieces of paper lay scattered before him.
“Monsieur Wanderer, I presume? Thank you for appearing on such short notice. Please, sit. I trust you didn’t encounter any trouble on your way here?”
“Not at all, Iudex.” He refused to elaborate or thank him for the consideration; he was here for Nahida, not anyone else.
“Lord Kusanali has already sent word of her trust in you. But forgive me if I wanted to meet you personally before I charge you with Furina’s life.”
“Of course, Iudex. What would you like to know?” He said obediently through gritted teeth. Mentally gritted teeth, that is. He prides himself on being a phenomenal actor.
“Why don’t you start by telling me about yourself?”
How dull. “I have no true name, but I call myself the Wanderer and have the title of the Second Sage of Buer. I am considered the Dendro Archon’s personal agent. I am her bodyguard, errand runner, chef, companion, and a scholar in the Sumeru Akademiya all at once.” He vaguely described, simply repeating what he assumes Nahida already told him since this isn’t a traditional job interview. Not that he’s ever experienced a real one.
“I see. Next question: how do you handle stress?”
Wanderer continued giving non-answers and the Sovereign continues to ask ridiculous questions. Isn’t this the same person who told him to arrive ‘as soon as possible’? Where did that urgency go?
Finally, he paused. “Thank you, Monseur Wanderer. This has been very enlightening.”
“Of course, Iudex.”
“I agree with Lord Kusanali that you are my best option.” He retrieves a small rectangle from the mountains of paper on the table. “Here is a card with my seal stamped on it, along with my signature. Every native Fontainian should know what it represents, and therefore should lessen any problems from the public with your presence near someone as famous as Furina. You may also think of it as a faux employment contract, as close to one as we can get given your affiliation with another nation and lack of a legal name available for a signature.” The Iudex’s expression remains solemn and grim throughout his little speech. "I will also ask you, Monsieur Wanderer, to please, please keep her safe.
“I’ll try my best.” He couldn’t promise absolutes. Humans were a very physically weak species. Plus, he’s witnessed and caused the death of too many to count. He’s also lost quite a bit of his former power, not just compared to the Shouki no Kami but also to the Balladeer.
He continued to look at him intently. “That’s fair…” He responded lowly. “Furina is waiting for you in her former quarters. You can reach it by going to the leftmost arch of the Palais’ ground floor, then going up two floors, opening the left door, walking to the end of the corridor, then climbing the stairs until you reach the top, showing my seal to anyone who questions your presence in the process.”
“...Got it.”
“Have a good day, Monsieur Wanderer. And please tell Furina that I wish the same to her.”