Chapter Text
It is another beautiful morning in the City of Wind and Song. All around, the green landscape glimmered with tiny morning dews, and the flapping of wings could be heard as flocks of birds took flight, rustling the trees as they went.
On cue, a loud, echoing sound fills the city's air. When the large church bell ceases its call, the last pink and orange hues finally fade from the sky, revealing a picturesque blue and white expanse above that promises easy laughter and gentle breezes.
"Welcome to Good Hunter! Would you like to try today's recommendation?"
"Thank you for coming to Mondstadt's General Goods. Be sure to visit again!"
Voices from the stalls, shops, and passing citizens and visitors alike ring throughout the city with the start of the new day. Amber observes it all from her table at Good Hunter, occasionally drinking her usual Pharisäer brew while she waits for her companion to arrive.
Familiar faces popped up here and there: she saw Margaret stop Miles on his daily patrol and, from the slightly distressed expression of the tavern owner, Amber figures Prince has once again gone missing. Passing them, Nimrod makes his way to Angel Share as discreetly as possible, which is to say not very. And shortly after, Anthony and Anna arrive at the glittering fountain near Good Hunter, the latter appearing to be chastised by her brother for yesterday's incident involving a church tower.
The miracle medicine procured by the Traveler was working splendidly, but from Anthony’s grumbling, it gave the elder sibling a whole new set of worries.
She is reminded of Klee and the numerous solitary confinements she managed to weasel her way out of by being cute (usually with Albedo and Kaeya's help) and the numerous times she was unable to. The kid is powerful, but a menace. A lovable menace. Even Amber herself wasn't that bad.
Amber frowns. Well, she was a bit of a troublemaker when she was younger but at least she didn't start a forest fire (there was a close encounter but that's different from it actually happening).
Still, she mentally sends a quick apology and thank you to those who had to deal with her antics.
Speaking of the Traveler, the Outrider notices them appear around the corner, accompanied by Fischl and Bennet. It was still fairly early but it’s good to see the young adventurers so spry and energetic.
Gosh, she sounds so old.
Amber waves at them and the group detours to her table. "Good morning everyone!"
A chorus of "Good mornings" echoes back, with Oz once again translating Fischl's poetic and lengthy greeting. As he does so, Amber notices the young Pyro adventurer was gripping his left arm.
"Hey Bennett, are you alright?"
The young man replies with a sheepish expression. "Yeah, there's nothing to worry about Amber! It’s just from an accident a moment ago.” Next to him, Fischl shakes her head in fond exasperation. "Do you have any bandages I could use?"
"I think I—" She checks the pouches by her side only to realize she had forgotten to restock them. "—nope! Looks like I ran out as well. Sorry, Bennett."
"No worries! Katheryne probably has some to spare."
Fischl lifts her hand and tosses her hair back. "Hark! Dearest friends, we must make haste. Let us part ways in our journey lest the ailment, like the ever-growing darkness of this realm, further consume his soul. I pray he does not meet his untimely fate."
"Mein Fräulein suggests that we head there first.”
"Sounds good," says the Traveler, giving a thumbs up.
"So, what are you doing here Amber?" inquires Paimon once they leave.
"I'm waiting for a friend."
"A friend? Paimon wonders who it could be. Hmm… We just passed by Jean and Lisa, and it's definitely not Kaeya (Amber made a face)... Perhaps it's one of the knights?" Paimon floats around looking stumped, then — “Oh! It's Eula, isn't it?"
Amber nods. "Yup! We planned on meeting up since we have some free time before heading out today. It'd be nice to catch up since we haven't seen each other in so long."
The Reconnaissance Company had been tasked some weeks ago to scout around Falcon Coast, where Abyss activities were rumored to be particularly active. They returned a few days prior with the mission accomplished. Meanwhile, Amber had been busy with her patrols around Stormterror's Lair, noting down possible threats while taking out smaller camps before they could become anything too dangerous.
"I'm glad you guys will be able to enjoy a meal together," says Paimon, and the Traveler nods. "Maybe we can wait with you. And get some food while we're at it." Paimon does a little dance in the air and Amber is very much relieved that she isn't the one unfortunate enough to pay for Paimon’s gluttony. She could feel all her Mora draining away just from hearing Paimon talk about food.
The Traveler, probably thinking the exact same thing, rolls their eyes and nudges their companion. "Paimon, you just had breakfast… and most of mine."
"There's always room for more!"
"If you're gonna keep eating so much, you really should become emergency food."
"Hey! That’s not funny anymore! Paimon is not—hmph! Well, I hope I taste terrible!"
Amber chuckles. "With all the delicious food we keep feeding you, I doubt it."
"… True. But still! Paimon thinks maybe you're emergency food!"
Before she could respond, an excited shout drew their attention to where the rest of the adventuring party stood by the front gates. The solemn Wolvendom boy—Razor, she remembers— had arrived. With his appearance, Bennett immediately launches into a conversation, gesturing animatedly, boundless energy radiating from him as he chatters loud enough for Amber to hear about "—a large treasure-filled cave at the base of Stormbearer's Point." With the utmost sincerity, Amber hopes he finds it.
Paimon turns back to her. "Looks like everyone's here. Sorry to cut this short Amber but we'll be heading off now. It was nice talking to you again! And tell Eula we said ‘hi’."
"Will do! I'm always happy to catch up with you. Have fun and be safe out there."
She waves as they leave. Finding compatible party members could be difficult. Even with friends, it could be straining to deal with each other's quirks and habits, so it’s nice to see them get along so well. All thanks to the Traveler…
Amber sighs.
Ever since the Traveler arrived, Mondstadt has become a safer and livelier place. Amber could sense some of the tension in the higher-ups had been relieved by their invaluable aid. Of course, the situation was far from over. The goals of the Abyss Order were still largely unknown, and there were still plenty to be wary about when it came to the Fatui. Fortunately, the breakthroughs they achieved months ago gave them the momentum to push through the lull in their investigations.
And she knows the Traveler's reputation has spread beyond Mondstadt from the stories they told her of their time in Liyue. Surely, their deeds must have reached most, if not all, the eager ears in the rest of Teyvat by now.
But because of that, they can't always rely on their new friend. The Traveler has their own path to walk on.
Lost in her ruminations, Amber did not notice the seat across from her had been occupied for some time until the person delicately cleared their throat.
Amber jumps, hands twitching reflexively for arrows and a bow that wasn't there. Realizing who it was, she relaxes. "Hey, Eula. Didn’t see you there."
Her friend nods. "A pleasant morning to thee."
The Spindrift Knight, like Amber, is dressed in her uniform and looks as elegant and regal as she always did. But Amber knew it wasn't just the clothes that made her so. The lessons that were required of Eula as a member of the nobility, when the Spindrift Knight had casually disclosed one day as Amber listened in horror, were something she could never understand. Though they were rigorous and punishing, failure brought forward something worse. She is glad her friend had severed ties with most of her family.
Sara arrives at their table a moment later and hands them their menus with a cheery "hello" before returning to the counter.
"Twenty-three seconds passed before you noticed my presence, and it was only after I made you aware of it. I am afraid that is another transgression I must add to your comprehensive list," says Eula as she flips through the pages, but there was no real heat behind her words.
Lifting the cup to hide her grin, Amber plays along. "Really Eula, my first transgression so early in the day? I guess I need to be more careful. As an apology, breakfast will be on me."
“A bribe to regain my favor. Hmph, another—”
“Another transgression. Yup, you caught me!" Amber laughs. She leans forward, hands under her chin and elbows propped on the table. "But I don’t hear a refusal.”
Eula waves her hand. "There is no need. It was a trivial error."
"Cool, cool. I totally only brought enough for one person and I definitely will not secretly pay for your meal."
Eula arches an eyebrow in response. “Right.”
She turns back to the choices at hand and Amber counts it as a victory when she sees a small smile on the other’s face.
They place their orders when Sara comes by again and Amber slips Mora between the menus. When the waitress leaves, Eula studies Amber's face and the latter inquisitively looks back.
"What?" asks Amber, wondering if she had a coffee mustache. She quickly grabs a napkin from the dispenser.
"Why did you look so apprehensive?"
"Huh?" Amber stops wiping her mouth and tilts her head. “When?”
Eula gestures to the aviation goggles around the Outrider's neck. "You were fiddling with that when I arrived, and your eyebrows were furrowed as you stared into space, like this." Amber stifles a laugh when Eula tries to replicate the expression. "What were you thinking about?"
“Well…” Amber first relays the Traveler and Paimon’s greeting before delving into her thoughts from earlier. “And I want to—no, I need to become stronger like them so I can protect the people of Mondstadt. Not to mention my goals of being the best Outrider and reassembling the division but—” Here, Amber falters and looks down at her gloves as she pulls at them, crumpling the napkin that she still had in her hands. "I know I seem like I'm always optimistic and nothing can ever get to me and it's mostly true! But I also have my own worries. There are times I feel like I’m not progressing or not as much as I would have liked, and it makes me doubt my abilities. Sometimes I even think that maybe I don’t deserve my Vision. Hah!... but after hearing myself say it, I know these kinds of thoughts won’t get me anywhere, so all I can do is carry on and keep working hard until I become that person and achieve my goals.”
There was a moment of silence. Amber cringes. Maybe that was too much, she thinks.
Then, a pair of gloved hands covers her own, giving them a comforting squeeze. “It's normal to have these doubts."
"You'd think I'd have less of them at this point."
"Well, uncertainty is inevitable and you are only human. But I admire your passion and perseverance. When I think back to the day we first met, I marvel at how far you have progressed in terms of your skills and as a person. It is always important to look for ways to improve, but you should also give yourself more credit. I dare say, if someone were to ask the people of Mondstadt what they thought about their best Outrider, they would praise you for hours.”
Amber flushes. “You’re exaggerating. And I’m the only Outrider.”
Eula shakes her head. “I am not exaggerating. You have helped so many people and have always done so without complaint, no matter how trivial. Well, alright, maybe some complaints but they were justifiable.” Amber snorts. True. Eula continues, her uncharacteristically soft tone catching Amber off guard. “And you have done so much for me. As I have previously said, there’s no one else that attracts as much contempt as you do.”
Amber looks down at their hands as she feels a familiar feeling of warmth and awe.
There aren't many instances where Amber is rendered speechless. She openly expresses everything she felt or thought, and her honesty was something she was proud of. With Eula, it's no different. But sometimes, Amber can't help but short-circuit around her, losing the ability to blurt out whatever was racing around her mind. Instead, she silently replays Eula's words, rewinds the moment, and devotedly commits them to memory.
Overwhelmed by Eula’s support, Amber offers a smile and a nod.
Her job as an Outrider, though she was the only one in her division, made collaboration with the other Knights an absolute necessity. She has come to acknowledge and accept that she can't do everything on her own, and has grown more comfortable asking for help. But Amber can't stop the stubborn feelings of guilt and shame, and sometimes fear, that surfaces from time to time.
Maybe it was a habit developed years ago when her seniors had always tried to help her whenever they could, and she'd rebuke them because, to her, it meant she wasn't capable enough. Or perhaps it was the desperation to prove that if she could become the best Outrider, then the one person who she had looked up to the most would come back and she can finally ask why he left.
But it wasn't as if that was her sole reason for taking on the responsibilities she has today.
Amber loves being an Outrider. She loves the thrill of soaring above Mondstadt's landscape and has done it for so long that navigating the skies has become second nature. If not in the air, she enjoyed the adrenaline rush from a hunt in the woods, be it after a wild animal or an enemy.
And she likes the people she worked with, some of which were her closest friends. She takes pride in being able to protect her city with them.
But maybe she tried to grow up a little too fast.
Satisfied, Eula lets go. "Good. I can't have you backing out before I am able to enact my full revenge."
Sara arrives a moment later with their dishes and they enjoy their meal, recounting their expeditions and exchanging some intel they gathered before turning to more casual conversation. Like how there was a betting pool among the Knights to see when the Acting Grand Master and Mondstadt’s Librarian would finally get together. Amber already cashed in a thousand mora for her speculations. It might have been more but currently, the highest amount came from Kaeya.
("That is completely inappropriate workplace behavior." "Eula, I am a hundred percent certain I saw your name on the list. How much did you put in?" "... Three thousand. But only because I was incredibly tired of their pining! I deserve financial compensation.")
After polishing off their last bit of breakfast, the duo heads to the Knights of Favonius headquarters to receive their new assignments. Along the way, Amber was greeted cordially but she couldn't help but notice the doubtful, scorn-filled looks still thrown at her friend. She sighs. Despite her previous attempts, a good handful of Mondstadt citizens were still distrustful of her friend.
"I know what you are thinking," says Eula suddenly, surprising Amber." I can see how they look at me, what they think. It does not matter."
Amber gently kicks a small pebble as she walks and watches it bounce left and right before stopping underneath a bush. "It's just not fair. You've done so much for the city, and you've shown again and again how you are not your family. They’re terrible people who did terrible things, so I get why they’re cautious. I just wish they would take the time to get to know you. Then they would understand what a great person you are."
“Look who’s exaggerating now.”
“I’m not!”
Eula hums, then a thoughtful expression settles on her face. "You’re right. What my family did, and what they still believe in now, is unforgivable; and I understand the hesitancy in others to trust me because my… my attitude and speech may leave space for misinterpretation. And though I am not personally at fault, I still have a responsibility to ensure history does not repeat itself. But if everyone else decides that I am not worth the effort to be known for anything other than the faults of the Lawrence clan, so be it. I cannot force them to change their mind. Even so…" Eula trails off, and Amber notes the change in her expression before it reverts to neutral indifference. "I do not need their approval. I only desire to make my character clear to those who have placed their trust and faith in me." Eula pauses and turns to Amber. "Like you."
Touched by the amount of trust and openness Eula showed, Amber couldn’t resist hugging the other. Eula stiffens for a moment at the sudden gesture before leaning into the embrace, patting her back.
"I think you are incredible," says Amber when she pulls away.
Eula scoffs. "Of course I am. But thank you. I think you are incredible as well."
“Thanks.” Amber nudges her playfully. "So from what I heard, you do care about everyone else in the Knights."
"Don't push it. That was merely a moment of weakness" warns Eula, looking embarrassed as she quickly walks away.
Amber laughs and jogs to catch up. Though Eula says it doesn't matter, Amber still caught on to the wistful expression, and she knows it still affects Eula despite how often she disguised her feelings as mock anger or nonchalance in front of others. So she will continue to do what she can to show everyone their feelings about the Spindrift Knight are misplaced.
Yes, Amber decides. It will be another goal she will work hard to achieve.
Her Vision flashes in agreement.