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Follow The Ley Lines: Viatrix Chapter
Waiting
Lumine sighed. Another day passed with tasks and errands fulfilled but little clues to be found. Although her spirits were fairly dampened by the lack of progress, Paimon’s were still elevated. Her floating companion twisted and spun end over end in the open air, mottles of light drifting off her cape like snow, while her giggling joined the gentle winds rustling.
“Cheer up, Lumine,” Paimon urged, spiraling in circles around Lumine’s head and nearly blinding her as they walked past the fountain in the courtyard. Its waters dark and glimmering with stars, reflecting the clear blue-black sky overhead. Paimon skimmed the toe of her boots sending ripples across its surface, and kicking up a spray that Lumine batted away with a quick wind current. “That lady we met outside the city said she’d keep an eye out for your brother.”
“Yeah, but she also said that she only remembers the food she eats with people,” Lumine reminded, dull agitation wresting with appreciation for the woman’s effort to even remember. “She’s likelier to feed him then send him on his way than tell him where I am..”
Paimon hummed, her small hands twisting in the flared cuffs of her sleeve. “But wouldn’t it be a good thing if she fed him? Unless your brother’s a good survivor in the wild like you are.”
Lumine started to climb the stairs wrapped around the lower tiers leading up to the Cathedral. “Aether learned how to survive on his own just as well as I did, but that doesn’t mean I like him being on his own.”
The sooner she could find him, the better. A light particle drifted between her eyes and Lumine focused on it, bewildered. She tipped her head back to find Paimon staring at her while floating upside down. Her wide, dusky blue eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled widely, rounded cheeks tinted pink. “Paimon thinks you’re a good sister, Lumine, but you’re a worrywart too.”
Lumine choked on a gasp and pressed the toe of her boot down on one of the steps, glaring up at Paimon as she danced ahead. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Instead of answering the question, Paimon laughed cheerily and zipped ahead, leaving a trail of starlight in her wake. Lumine smiled faintly and hustled up the staircase after her companion, peering up at sloped tiled roofs and warm amber lights filtered through nearby houses. Her heels clicked on the stairs noisily and she tried not to trip in her haste to keep up with Paimon.
Her companion spinning around in a flurry, her wings and white hair fanned out as she floated up the wall separating the stair flights. Lumine shook her head. If it wasn’t for decorum, she would have scaled the wall to hop across and chase after Paimon but it’d been raining naught a bell ago, and the walls were still a bit damp. If she slipped and fell, that would be embarrassing. Needless to say that Paimon wouldn’t spare her the embarrassment by not laughing. Resigned to her fate, Lumine climbed the staircase and turned on each landing until she reached the second tier.
In spite of Mondstadt’s penchant for drink and revelry, the City of Freedom was blissfully quiet during the night. Lumine sighed as she stared out at the stone walls, and buildings housed on rises, windmills turning lazily in the balmy night air by the occasional crisp breeze. Posts with lanterns hanging from their bent necks cast warm pools of golden light across the cobblestone, lighting up the skyline as far as the southern gates. A cricket’s chirping caught her ear along with Paimon’s not-too-quiet giggling, and another voice, softer in volume and curious.
“Is someone there?”
Lumine’s breath hitched and she pulled away from the parapet, jogging across the terrace until she came upon a few benches. One which was occupied by a young woman with straight brown hair, layered bangs brushing shy of her brow nearly covering the beginnings of thick bandages wrapped around her eyes in a bandana. Her lips formed an ‘o’ and she turned her head from one side to the other, then tucked her bottom lip between her teeth, worrying it lightly. “.. Maybe not..” She murmured defeatedly, leaning back against the bench, and seemingly unaware of Paimon hovering centimeters from her face.
To Lumine’s chagrin, Paimon seemed evident on exploring the young woman’s faculties as much as possible. She floated around her head while trying to make as little noise as possible then made faces in front of her. Even going so far as to disappear in mid air then reappear. Lumine frowned and marched over, trying to be as quiet as possible as she plucked Paimon out of the air by the back of her cape so quickly that the little fairy squeaked. Lumine yanked her close to body and away from the young woman surveying the air curiously, likely trying to find the source of the noise.
Keeping her footsteps as quiet as possible, Lumine treaded a few paces away then let the squirming Paimon go. The little fairy turned on her then paled as Lumine folded her arms and glared disapprovingly. “That was very rude, Paimon,” Lumine scolded, and the little fairy bowed her head while picking at her sleeves. “You shouldn’t be making fun of her like that.”
“I’m sorry…” Paimon whined and dropped her hands, descending until she was about eye-level with Lumine, her head hanging and arms swinging loosely at her sides like torn sails.
Lumine sighed. Despite how much knowledge Paimon possessed, she was a bit too honest and often came off quite rude and childish. Her little companion would get herself into a world of trouble if Lumine wasn’t there to pull her out of it. Such a thing should have become troublesome ere long but if anything happened to Paimon, Lumine wouldn’t have been able to forgive herself. The fairy sulked deeply, unwilling to lift her head even when Lumine unfolded her arms and set her hands on her hip.
That’s enough scolding for one day, don’t you think?
Lumine gasped and looked over her shoulder, scanning the terrace for the voice’s source.
“… Lumine?”
Her eyes shuttered and she sighed, turning back to Paimon, dusky blue eyes peeking from beneath her bangs. It wasn’t as if she could be angry at her for long but it was better that she understood what she did and apologized. Lumine shook her head then opened her arms. Paimon lifting her head and inspecting the gesture with a tip of the head then smiling wide, her cape fluttering around her as she darted into Lumine’s arms and hugged her tight around her neck. Lumine sighed, burying her nose in Paimon’s hair. It smelled like something familiar but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. The rose-gold crown floating above Paimon’s head drifting to one side as the fairy rubbed her cheek against Lumine’s shoulder.
“You still have to apologize,” Lumine reprimanded when they separated, the tip of her finger poking Paimon’s nose lightly. The little fairy wrinkled her nose then wiggled it before nodding sullenly, drifting past her slower than before. Lumine watched her as she went then followed suit, smiling to herself. If only her brother could see her now - scolding a fairy of all things.
Lumine looked on with trepidation as Paimon hovered in front of Glory, worrying the tips of her fingers together. She seemed to be struggling with the words to say and glanced back at Lumine for assistance. As hard as it was to believe, despite how outspoken she was, Paimon rarely admitted when she was wrong. Lumine sighed and shook her head, walking over to the empty side of the bench and laying a hand on its back. “Excuse me,” she began softly, quieting her voice when Glory flinched and sat up straighter, turning in her direction. “Do you mind if I sit here?”
There was a bit of hesitation then Glory nodded, a smile curving her lips and brightening her face. “Of course, please..”
Lumine waved lightly to Paimon as she sat down on the bench’s cool surface, opening her arms to the fairy who occupied them and burrowed her face against Lumine’s chest, peeking out at Glory thoughtfully.
“Is your little friend with you as well, miss?” Glory asked, and Paimon squeaked while Lumine gasped softly then stroked the fairy’s hair reassuringly as she burrowed closer. “O-Oh, I’m sorry.. I didn’t mean to scare her..”
“P-Paimon isn’t scared,” Paimon insisted, quivering as she peeked out from Lumine’s arms, her brow furrowed and cheeks puffed. “Paimon was just trying to find a way to say sorry and you made Paimon forget!”
Glory’s brow furrowed and she bowed her head, her fingers curling in the hem of her skirt. “Oh, I’m sorry…”
Lumine frowned, clearing her throat and shooting a glare at Paimon. The fairy wiggled free from her arms then floated closer to Glory, swinging her hands back and forth. “No, Paimon is sorry,” she said. “Paimon didn’t know you couldn’t see, and was making fun…”
Glory lifted her head and turned in Paimon’s direction, her lips pursed. “I see…”
“It’s my fault as well,” Lumine chimed in and Paimon gaped at her while Glory turned toward her with a start. “I should have kept an eye on Paimon while we were in town. Being around so many people, I believe she’s a little more excited than usual. We’re both very sorry.”
A tense pause followed. Sorely, Lumine was reminded of what she hated most about apologizing. It didn’t have to be accepted, and in some cases, it often made the situation worse. Seconds stretched out painfully long and Lumine wracked her brain for something to say.
“It’s alright,” said Glory, her hands folded in her lap, thumbs overlapping. Lumine recoiled, blinking with wide eyes. Paimon drifting lazily through the air and watching the woman with keen interest. “I felt the little one.. Er.. Paimon nearby.” Her head tipped to one side and Lumine noticed the ends of her hair curled close to her cheek, brushing shy of her jaw while the rest cascaded down her back. “Some of the children like to play a similar game with me, so I don’t mind at all.”
Lumine hardly knew how to respond to that. Mean-spirited as the act could be, Glory seemed happy to simply be included. When Lumine nor Paimon spoke, Glory pressed on in the silence and leant forward to where Paimon was levitating centimeters in front of her. “Paimon,” she began, and Lumine almost giggled at how the floating girl stiffened up at the sudden address. “If you’d like to play again, perhaps we can when…” Her voice trailed off and curiosity coiled tight in Lumine’s chest as Glory turned toward her direction, prompting a flustered introduction.
“L-Lumine, I’m…” Lumine winced and shot a glare at Paimon as she giggled at her distress. Clearing her throat, her cheeks felt warm as she shyly muttered. “Lumine.”
Glory kindly didn’t mention anything about her slight stutter, seeming happier by the introduction if her widening smile was any indication. Paimon smiled in return when Glory addressed her again, her initial trepidation forgotten.
“When Miss Lumine isn’t busy, okay?”
Paimon nodded enthusiastically then remembered she needed to respond verbally, chirping excitedly, “Okay! Next time, you can make faces at Paimon.”
“I don’t know if they’ll be as entertaining,” warned Glory, and the pair giggled while Lumine looked on confused and relieved.
After that, the mood seemed to settle and Lumine reclined against the bench, half-listening to Paimon’s glowing accounts of the food she’s eaten since coming to Mondstadt. The night is warm and quiet with few save for the occasional knight patrolling the terrace. Lumine waved to a few who knew her. The title of ‘Honorary Knight’ coming with a bit of skepticism and recognition she wasn’t sure she liked. Still, it made her less of an outcast in this world.
Outlander, she thought derisively. Paimon was a native to this world and knew it well but Lumine herself didn’t fit in at all. She wouldn’t have mind it as it wasn’t the first time she and her brother traveled, only to be regarded oddly by the locals. But at that time, it was her and Aether. Like this, even with Paimon’s chattering and joyous companionship, she felt alone. The colorful individuals she’d come across only served to remind her that while she could be part of this world, she didn’t truly belong. And the only person she belonged with wasn’t there.
The same person who was always by her side.
Lumine closed her eyes and curled her fingers in the cloth of her bracer, exhaling through her nose.
“Is something wrong, Miss Lumine?” asked Glory.
Lumine looked over, surprised to find both her and Paimon looking at her. In her lull of presence, the pair had gotten significantly closer with Paimon going so far as to rest a hand on Glory’s shoulder as she floated parallel to her shoulder.
“Mmm,” strained Paimon, squinting at Lumine with an intensity to her wandering gaze. “Oh!” Her mouth formed an ‘o’ and she bobbed her head, seeming to come to her own understanding. “Paimon knows. Lumine is thinking about her brother, and she’s worrying again.”
Credit had to be given for her perceptiveness although Lumine didn’t like the dry look Paimon gave her. A rebuttal on the tip of her tongue until Glory interrupted with a light pat to Paimon's hand.
"That isn't anything to be ashamed of, Paimon," scolded Glory gently, her voice so soft Lumine would've almost mistaken it for the wind. She seemed wistful as she turned to face ahead and laid her hands in her lap. Her thumbs overlapped once then twice and Lumine wondered what it was she was thinking over.
"I was meaning to ask, but it is late.." Lumine pointed out. "Why are you still out here?"
Glory pressed her hands firmly to her lap, the corners of her lips tightened as they lifted into a smile. “I’m waiting for someone… a few minutes longer won’t make much difference.”
“Waiting on someone?” Lumine asked, tipping her head to one side.
“Mhm, a Knight of Favonius, his name is Godwin.”
Paimon gasped loudly, “Godwin?!”, she laughed and spun around then held out her hands to Lumine who frantically shook her head. “We’ve met him before!”
“Really?” Glory perked up immediately, turned toward Paimon and Lumine inwardly groaned. “You must have come a long ways, he’s currently on an expedition so he hasn’t been home in awhile…”
Paimon cocked her head to one side, pouting. “What? But he’s right out—”
“Still,” Lumine quickly interjected, shooting Paimon a glance and shaking her head again. This time, the floating girl seemed to understand and clamped her hands over her mouth. Lumine tried to quell the panic from her voice, and it wasn’t hard to summon a sympathetic and empathetic tone when she noticed how desperate Glory seemed as she waited for one of them to continue. “I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to make yourself sick waiting for him..”
Glory lowered her head, nodding. “Maybe, but this isn’t solely for him.”
“It’s not?” Lumine asked, tilting her head.
Glory shook her head then clasped her hands over her heart, pressing them close to her chest til the fabric puckled beneath her quivering fingers. “I want to hear his voice and know he’s well,” she said, her smile withering. “It’s a little selfish. Sitting here and waiting for him to come back… he’ll only feel guilty.”
Lumine’s lips parted then closed, her thoughts drifting to Aether. Their entire lives had been spent together and while she knew her brother was somewhere out there - potentially hurt or needing help - would he have been happy to know she spent time looking for him? That she never stopped hoping, praying that their paths would meet again? Or would she have been just as selfish to put him before all of Teyvat? Was that selfish?
Lumine shook her head and said, “No, it’s not,” simultaneously answering her own question and Glory’s. Her smile soft as she relaxed on the bench and pressed her hands to her lap. “I’ll wait here with you, if that’s alright.”
Paimon cheered and flailed her arms. “Ooh ooh~! Paimon will too!”
“Thank you,” Glory sighed, giggling softly as Paimon floated around her. “You’re both very kind.”
Lumine hummed. “No, thank you.”
“Me?” Glory turned to her, lowering her hands.
Lumine nodded. “You reminded me to be patient..”
What was a little longer waiting if it meant they were together in the end after all?