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“Jean, I need to talk to the headmaster in private. How about you head back to our room. I will head there once I finish.” Frederica’s question left little room for discussion. Jean nodded, placing her hand over her heart and bowing to both her mother and the headmaster of Sumeru Academy, before quickly leaving the room. After closing the door behind her, she turned right and started off down the corridor. Night at already fallen, and the hallways were lined with flickering candles. The large hanging gardens that decorated the courtyards of the grounds were not visible in the dark, even to Jean’s well-trained eyes.
As she turned the corner, Jean collided with someone who had been coming the other way, sending Jean staggering. The pile of books in the person’s arms wobbled, sending a telescope rolling off the top of the stack. Jean’s reflexes leapt into action, lunging forward and catching the falling instrument in her hands.
“Oh Archons, thank you.” The woman’s voice was soft but quick, jumping to the next word eagerly. “That would have been dreadfully bad if that had gotten broken. My astronomy professor would have killed me. I really should pay more attention to where I am going.”
“Don’t worry about it…” It was at this moment that Jean looked up; her words slowly draining away to silence. She stared into the most beautiful pair of eyes she had ever seen. Even in the wavering aura of firelight, they shimmered brightly; the most stunning green that Jean had ever seen. She could see the fields of grass at Windrise in the woman’s eyes. The glassy dew of the night reflecting the rays of the rising sun. Her eyes were a warm green, a comforting green. Eyes that Jean wanted to stare into for eternity.
“Are you ok? Is something the matter?” The woman’s lilting voice pulling Jean from her trance. The fire that Jean had previously felt now raced to her cheeks. She must have caught me staring.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine, totally alright.” Jean answered, stammering through her words as she tried to respond quickly. The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly, starring at Jean quizzically. She felt small beads of sweat form on the back of her neck, feeling like she could melt into the floor at any moment.
“I can’t say that I recognize you.” The woman’s eyes shifting to appear more thoughtful. “Do you attend the Academy? Or are you visiting?” It took Jean a second for the question to register.
“I’m just visiting.” Jean replied, a little more assuredly this time. “My mother and I are here on business. I’m Jean, from Mondstadt.”
“Hello, Jean from Mondstadt. I’m Lisa, a student here at the academy.” Lisa chuckled at her own joke. She nodded her head, gesturing at the telescope that was still in Jean’s hands. “You know, if you’re not busy, I was just heading up to the observatory. I think it might be something you’d enjoy, and I know I could definitely use the help getting this stuff there safely.” The sincere smile on her lips making the offer even sweeter.
She just invited me up to the observatory. With her. Alone. Why are my cheeks so hot? Oh Barbatos, I’m blushing. What if she notices? Maybe she doesn’t notice. Tell her you want to go.
“I was just heading back to my room; but yeah, I’d love to go.”
“Love to go? Well, now I have to make sure I don’t bore you.” Lisa’s eyes sparkled as she winked at Jean. “Follow me.” Jean’s knees felt weak as she let Lisa pass, before turning to follow the mage.
It did not take long for Jean to find herself laying upon the roof of the observatory, gaze following Lisa’s arm as she pointed up to the stars. The night sky was covered in arrays and patterns of thousands of twinkling stars, backdropped by a sky of the darkest of blues.
“You see up there? That is Leo the Lion. Those six stars make up his body, and the three stars that curve up represent his mane.” Lisa’s arm shifted, leading Jean’s gaze to just above the Leo constellation. “Right above Leo is Leo Minor. It’s a little harder to make out, but it’s still up there.”
“Wow.” Jean was almost at a loss for words. The sheer intricacies and beauty of the night sky had never fully dawned on her before now. “It’s incredible. You’re incredible. Did you learn all this here?” Lisa laughed.
“Not everything, some of the more noticeable constellations I noticed as a child. But I only found out their names and intricacies once I got here to the academy.” Lisa rolled over onto her side, focusing her gaze upon Jean. “What about you, Jean? I know quite a lot about everything around here, with one of the exceptions being you. Tell me a little about yourself.”
“Well, I’m from Mondstadt. I’m a knight in the Order of Favonius.” Lisa rolled her hand, smiling as she gestured for Jean to continue. “I enjoy training and reading in my spare time.” Jean paused. Is that it? There has to be more than that. Think, Jean, think! “I have a pet tortoise.” Did I just say that? Lisa’s eyebrow rose, a grin forming as she did so.
“I was going to ask about what you enjoy reading, but now I am much more interested in this turtle business.”
“Well, her name is Nessa. I’ve had her since I was a little girl.”
“Are tortoises a common pet in Mondstadt?”
“To some degree, generally more common in well off families though.” Jean watched Lisa as she nodded her head slowly, as the mage seemed to process the information.
“Very interesting, I had no idea that was a thing. Why the name Nessa?” By now, Jean had lost count of the number of times she had felt her face grow warm in Lisa’s presence.
“You have to promise not to tell anyone.”
“Of course.”
“She’s named after Venessa, a famous hero in Mondstadt’s history. She was the one who founded the Ordo. Venessa was my hero growing up. Frankly, she still is. When I felt anxious or worried; I would talk to Nessa, tell her my problems. It sounds stupid, but it helped me work through things.”
Jean felt a gloved hand reaching for her own hand. Lisa squeezed her hand gently, her lips forming an encouraging smile.
“It doesn’t sound crazy at all, Jean. We all need something or someone to talk to. Like you said, it helps a lot. Trust me, I know the feeling.” Lisa turned her head, her emerald eyes once again roaming the stars. “It can be mighty stressful here at the academy. I would imagine it would be even harder feeling like you have the weight of a nation upon your shoulders.” Jean stared at the mage in shock.
“How-. “
“How did I know? I have a knack for reading people. I can’t explain it fully, as it’s more often than not a feeling over a process; but I could tell by the way you talked about Mondstadt. I can hear the love and the pride you have for the place; but there is a little something else, something that spoke the unspoken.”
Jean was at a loss for words. She knew deep down that Lisa was right. But she had never truly admitted it to herself. Hearing her deepest anxiety spoken aloud, by someone she barely knew. It was scary. She sat in stunning silence, just trying to process it all.
“Was I too forward?” Lisa’s voice broke through Jean’s thoughts. The mage’s words laced with worry.
“No, you weren’t…” Jean’s voice trailed off, trying to find the words that she wanted to say. “I just- haven’t ever told anyone that before. I don’t think I ever admitted it to myself either.” She let her gaze rest upon the mage’s own. “It’s hard to hear aloud, but thank you.”
The concern in Lisa’s face slowly disappeared. She lifted Jean’s hands up, clasping them between her own.
“I hardly know you, Jean. But if you can trust me, I promise you have all that you need and more. I believe in you, and the fact that you can do it.”
Jean felt tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes.
“I do trust you, Lisa. Thank you.”
Lisa smiled warmly, softly patting Jean’s hands. It was a wonderful smile. One that wasn’t just present upon Lisa’s lips but also, deep within the woman’s beautiful eyes. It was a smile framed by honey-brown hair, glowing brilliantly in the moonlight, all upon a backdrop of the heavens. A smile that she would never be able to forget.
---
The tall towers of the academy sunk beneath the distant horizon. Jean shifted back around, turning her gaze back to the road ahead of her. It was the next morning; it was time to go home. Despite that, a sense of loss and yearning tore through Jean’s body. It had only taken one night, but Lisa had woven herself into Jean’s life like no one else had before.
“Is something the matter, Jean?” Her mother rode alongside, staring inquisitively at her. “You seem subdued.”
“Have you ever wondered if you would ever see someone again?” It was a moment before Frederica responded, a look of nostalgia passing over her face.
“Yes, I have. Why? Did you meet someone last night?”
“I did, her name was Lisa. She showed me around the academy while you were meeting with the headmaster. She was nice.”
“Did you get her full name? You could always write her.” Jean froze, the pain of regret forming in her stomach.
“I didn’t, and I don’t believe she got mine either.” Frederica gave her a soft smile.
“We can always turn around.” The sense of yearning that tore through Jean urged her to accept the offer, but rising to combat it was another feeling. One that was filled with hope.
“No, I have faith that I’ll see her again. We need to get home.” Jean’s mind slipped back to a quote she had read once as a child. “’The winds of Barbatos reach every corner of the world, pulling together those who need to be. So, I believe that we’ll see each other again.’”
As she finished her statement, the winds around the duo picked up, whipping softly around them. The breeze stirring the purple roses that lined the road before them.
“I think he heard you.” Frederica laughed. “To Mondstadt?”
“As always.”
--Yea rs Later--
It was upon the crisp winds of autumn that Lisa found herself passing underneath Mondstadt’s gate. She was different now. She had grown quieter, a little less eager, and more patient with the passing of time. She carried two suitcases, one in each hand. The one on the right was filled with a variety of books and papers; while the other carried all her personal belongings.
“Welcome to Mondstadt!” A knight walked over to greet her, a warm smile on his face. “I’m Huffman, representative of the Ordo of Favonius. Is there anything I can do for you?” Lisa nodded, giving Huffman a small smile.
“I am looking for work, anywhere you can point me to?”
“Actually, I can.” He turned gesturing down the street that peeled off to the right. “Continue down this road until you reach a set of stairs. At the bottom you’ll find Hertha. If there is anyone who knows of any openings, it will be her.”
“Thank you, Huffman.”
“Happy to help, let the wind lead!”
Following Huffman’s instructions, Lisa turned and followed the northwards street. Passing stands, shops, and houses, she noticed all of them bristled with various forms of life and excitement. Laughter, conversations, and the calls of merchants filled the air of the city with energy. The top of the stairs came into view as she passed the larger tavern upon the corner. The little square filled with the smell of Dandelion Wine.
Descending the staircase, she noticed a large board covered in various papers and notifications. A quick glance around confirmed that no one was around to ask assistance. Taking matters into her own hands, she approached the board. Her greens eyes scanning the various adverts and notices.
Dawn Winery: Help wanted, Bartender.
Cat’s Tail: Looking for bright, young people to work as waitstaff!
Grand Goth Hotel: Maids and reception staff needed.
In a top corner of the board another request had been pinned. Printed in neat script, on a page decorated in gold regalia.
Looking to join the Knights of Favonius? Ranks open for everyone, no matter the experience level. If interested, please talk to our Captain of the Knights, Jean Gunnhildr at the Ordo Headquarters. Let the wind lead!
A memory of an encounter many years ago leaped to the forefront of Lisa’s mind. A kind-hearted and spirited girl sitting upon the roof of the observatory. Eyes trained upon the heavens far above. It also reminded her of a younger Lisa. A Lisa eager and excited to learn about anyone and anything that she could.
Lisa shook her head, forcing herself out of her memories. She turned away from the notice board, continuing up into the city.
“That was a long time ago. I doubt either of us are the same people we used to be.”
---
Lisa’s hand rested upon the brass of the hotel’s door. She took a deep breath, ready to begin her new life. Stepping through this door would be the end. She would no longer be Lisa, the Scholar; or Lisa, the Mage. She would be Lisa, the maid. Unable to stop herself, she turned her head around, taking one last look upon the life she had lived.
A flash of red caught her eye. A banner, blowing in the wind upon the corner of a large, stone keep. Lisa realized what the building was in a moment. Her heart yearned, urging herself towards the building. But her mind hesitated, preventing her hand from leaving the cool brass. What had moments ago seemed terrifying, now felt like her only security.
Don’t go. You’ll just embarrass yourself. You made a mistake. You messed up, blew your chance. It’s now your turn to work amongst the shadows. Be Lisa, the Nobody.
The wind roared, yanking the hat from her head like someone had grabbed it. Lisa reached out, taking the needed steps to grab her escaped hat. Time seemed to slow. She felt her fingertips curling around the large, purple brim. At that exact moment, her other hand left the door, breaking free from the brass that had bound her to fate. A few steps were all it took to regain her balance, but those few steps were all she needed.
---
Jean sat in her office, a pile of papers on her desk. She had not slept well the previous night, exhaustion causing her head to pound. Her fingers were stiff, wrapped around the quill that she used to write. Her mind was lost in the report laid out before her.
A knock sounded upon the large, wooden door.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Jean looked up.
The most beautiful eyes she had ever seen; and a smile that she could never forget.