Chapter Text
The sun began to fall past the city's walls, casting a deep orange hue across the sky. Soon, the sky became maroon, then indigo, then a deep blue, and stars became infinite pinpoints across the sky, signaling to bandits that it was their time to shine. The city of Mondstadt was a relatively safe place, but the darkness of night had the ability to change any city's reputation. Through the streets, a slight breeze blew, beckoning those still out to go inside and rest.
Part of what kept Mondstadt so free, though, was the Knights of Favonius and the various heroes that lit up the night with the flash of a sword. Many Knights were known throughout the city, their faces being workers and citizens in the daylight. Some knights, however, hid behind anonymity for various reasons. A new knight self-titled the “Dandelion Knight” was one such hero. Clad in a hooded cloak and simple white, pointed mask, the Dandelion Knight tried to prove themself to the Grand Master and all of the knights since the start of their service, approximately a week ago.
A young woman anxiously made her way down the alleys of Mondstadt, weaving quickly between towering houses to get home. She felt as though she wasn’t alone, and that the buildings might soon trap her in the grasps of unsavory stalkers. The low taps of heavy boots followed her, matching her pace, yet nearing uncomfortably quickly. She glanced over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of her black-clad stalker: he was a tall man, wearing a piece of fabric to obscure almost every part of his face -- except for his light brown eyes. She broke into a sprint. Another man stepped out from between buildings before her, scooping her up in his arms. She shrieked, surrounded by two more men.
From behind them, a narrow shadow of slight stature stepped into the woman’s view. The shadow’s blade shined before it struck one of the men in a blur. The man shouted, and all four diverted their gaze to the mysterious swordsman behind them. The woman was able to free herself, but lingered at a distance to watch her hero.
In a shining swoop, the swordsman slashed at another man, leaving a deep gash across his face. All of them drew daggers, as if choreographed to do so. One after another, they charged at the swordsman, but skillfully, he dodged each blade, as if engaged in a ballet with fate. The four criminals looked to each other in confusion, observing the unscathed swordsman. One by one, they each noticed a deep gash on their torsos or arms. Almost instantly, they dropped their weapons and sprinted away from the swordsman.
He collected their weapons off the ground as the young woman approached him.
“Thank you for rescuing me,” she said, trying to get a better look at the hero. Before her stood a cloaked individual, wearing a simple white gala mask. In the opening of the midnight blue cloak, the woman noted a baggy white shirt with a teal amulet, and baggy black pants. He was not menacing at a glance, but his skill far outperformed his visage. “What may I call you?” she asked.
“The Dandelion Knight,” he responded quietly, with a noticeable strain in his voice. “Let me escort you home.” Their trip together was brief, passing only three homes before finally getting to her building. She glanced at the knight again from her doorway.
“Thank you again, Dandelion Knight,” she said. The knight simply bowed in response. After assuring the woman was inside and safe, the knight returned to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. The building itself was filled with young knights, all talking and laughing together by the warm glow of interspersed lamps. The Dandelion Knight passed each of their tables, drawing attention from various individuals, including the Cavalry Captain, Master Diluc Ragnvindr, and his mysterious brother, Kaeya. The Knight finally made it to the desk of Grand Master Eroch, who leaned back in his seat and looked over the brim of his glasses. The Knight placed four daggers on the desk, clearing his throat.
“Four criminals attempted to capture a young woman,” he spoke quietly. Grand Master Eroch took a blade, inspecting it closely before looking back to the Knight. The Grand Master scoffed, placing the blade back on the desk.
“You’ve actually impressed me, Dandelion,” he mused, “Welcome to the Knights of Favonius.” The tables of Knights erupted in applause, with various welcomes shouted from within. The Dandelion Knight beamed, looking over the rowdy crowd. Captain Diluc watched from afar with a furrowed brow, nudging his brother’s arm.
“A disguise is a little odd,” he noted.
“Perhaps he wants to remain anonymous,” Kaeya shrugged, “Weirder things have happened.” Diluc watched as the Knight sat at a table with various new recruits.
“Help me keep an eye on that one,” he said. Kaeya rolled his eyes as he took a long sip from his glass.
After midnight, the Dandelion Knight excused himself, bidding his new friends a good night. As he left for the door, his eyes met Master Diluc’s. His sights dropped back to the floor as he hastened his exit. Diluc stood and left for the door as well. For a while, he trailed the Knight, but his tracking ended when the mysterious swordsman turned down a dark, shaded trail. Diluc stood for a moment, thinking deeply about the Knight, before returning to the Knights headquarters.