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Tighnari,
How are you doing? I’ve arrived in Mondstadt. It’s much different than I initially imagined, but then again, I wasn’t expecting anything grand either. There is a lot of open space, and much of its region consists of mountains and cliffs. The weather is more stable too. The sun is out every day, and a breeze blows inland from the sea. As expected of the land of wind. Still, I prefer Sumeru’s forests and desert.
The culture is just as people say. If the citizens aren’t holding their wares, they’re holding a glass of wine. I can’t escape the smell, except for when I’m in the Knights of Favonius’ headquarters or near the cathedral. I think they’ve long gone nose blind to it. Regardless, they are welcoming and lively.
The city would be too loud for you. You would prefer the countryside. Luckily I will have the chance to take a proper look at it tomorrow. Which reminds me, I’ve read the documents Lisa contacted me about. The Fatui have come into possession of archon residue and have injected a dose of it into a young girl named Collei. I’ll be taking her to Starsnatch Cliff tomorrow morning to seal the gods’ remains within her body. If she’s smart, she will never attempt to use that power again. We’ll see.
Anyways, I’ll tell you how it goes when I get back. I bought a few gifts for you too. I think you’ll find them interesting. Look forward to it.
I’ll be back soon.
P.S. It’s been a while since I told you a joke. I thought of this one while passing through some grape fields: Why did the scarecrow win an award?
You arrived safely, I see. I suppose I worried over nothing since you’re in great enough condition to continue to write me jokes in your spare time. And here I was thinking I’d be free of them for a short while.
Well, I’m glad you’re doing alright. By the time this letter is delivered, it will have been around five days since you left. Since you’ll tell me the results of Collei’s sealing, I won’t ask about it. How was the countryside? I found a map earlier and located Starsnatch Cliff. I once read that Mondstadt has beautiful coastal scenery. I also read in a plant encyclopedia that Mondstadt has a wide variety of wonderful flora. It seems most are decorative, but they are all beautiful. The Windwheel Aster is especially interesting to me. The petals are shaped in such a way that the wind is cradled in the curves and funneled along it, but the pedicel is flexible, allowing the inflorescence to spin. There isn’t anything else like it. I’d like to go and see it in action myself, but that most likely won’t happen anytime soon.
Small lamp grass is simple yet beautiful. It grows in woodland areas. There should be a large amount in Windwail Highland and Starfell Valley. According to the encyclopedia, it emits a faint glow at night, but rather than becoming a target to predators, it’s highly overlooked. I wonder if there is a way to extract the phosphorescence and apply it elsewhere. If you come across any, please collect a sample for me.
Also Red Wolfhook from Wolvendom. I want to try and use its medicinal properties for the rangers. If it works well, I’ll have to see about ordering shipments of them from Mondstadt.
Anyways, that should be all. What day do you leave? Feel free to stop by my home for a rest. It doesn’t matter when. You have the key.
Don’t worry, I’ve collected samples for you already. Lisa was kind enough to give me some potions as well, saying you’ll find them useful. She refused to tell me what they contain, or what it does, so just be cautious. You know she likes to tease you.
There’s been a slight change in plan. I’ll be taking Collei with me back to Sumeru. I’ll discuss it more with you when I arrive. I have a request for you, but don’t worry yourself about it. I have to report to the Akademiya first.
When you receive this letter, we’ll be a day’s travel away. We should arrive in the evening. I’ll speak to you then if you’re still awake. Don’t push yourself if you’re too tired. I’ll come back the next day.
P.S. You didn’t make a guess, as usual, so I’ll tell you the answer.
Because it was outstanding in its field.
Do you understand? I’ll explain it tomorrow.
The night of reunion. Two pairs of footsteps creak on the wood panels in front of a dimly lit home.
The key quietly inserts and turns, a faint click of a lock. Cyno gently pushes the door in, stepping over the threshold.
A short candle burns on the dinner table, wax dripping down its side and pooling in the holder. It rests beside a round bundle and a note.
I made two pita pockets for you and Collei. You can eat them here, or take them for the rest of your journey. Don’t forget to blow the candle out before you leave. Welcome home.
The corners of faintly glowing golds crinkle gently. Picking up the note, he folds it in half and tucks it into his satchel before taking the pita pockets and handing them to Collei, pointing to her own little bag.
We’ll eat them on the way, he mouths to her. Opening her mouth, but he quickly puts a finger to his lips, eyebrows furrowing. Closing her mouth, she hurriedly nods before putting the snack in her bag and quietly walking back outside.
The door closes once more. Cyno takes out the samples, one of every local Mondstadt flower, and a few expertly wrapped elixirs, setting them on the table. The General stealthily steps to Tighnari’s room, brushing back the curtain and poking his head in.
Nestled in the blankets, two long ears poke out above the pillows. A hint of a smile reaches his lips as he steps closer. An ear twitches, but the bundle doesn’t move. A hand reaches into his bag, pinching a thin stem, and withdrawing a white flower. Leaning over the sleeping ranger, he tucks a Cecilia into his hair.
Gazing a moment, the Mahamatra silently turns and leaves.