Chapter Text
"Is that all you need?" Duyanzard couldn't contain her disbelief while Nilou carried her light backpack outside her home.
"Well, my cloak is quite sturdy, and all I need is here." She answered pointing to the glowy item resting on her hip, her hydro vision.
"I guess not everyone is like miss Dunyazard" Said Dehya looking at the couple of suitcases she was helping carry.
"I'm so glad you could make a space in your schedule to join us. I wasn't feeling sure when I sent the invitations, but everyone turned out to answer."
"That means we'll meet the traveler and our little flying friend over there?" continued the former eremite.
"Yes! "Nilou was overflowing with happiness and excitement. "My parents felt more at ease knowing they were coming, and you as well Dehya."
"¡Of course! " She answered. "I couldn't refuse a good desert adventure, and your coming to age birthday." she mocked the girl. "Are we expecting any other company? A General Mahamatra or some scribe, maybe?"
"No way! I wouldn't dare to invite them" her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, barely noticeable in her fair skin. "They are probably packed with work, it'll be spring before they get time to open my letter."
Nilou was quick to answer, a bit defensive in Dehya's opinion, who started to take over the conversation sharing her latest adventures in the chasm where she met some interesting creature named Yaksha. However, the famous dancer had only one concern as the three friends sailed through the Yazdaha pool, and it was how awfully quiet her best friend was during the trip. Worried that Eleazar was back or maybe the aftermath of the sickness wasn't as gentle as they were told.
So they went. Their first stop: Pardis Dhyai
"Quite helpful this wave rider, remember to thank the traveler for lending it to us." Said Dehya examining the ship, then whispered to herself. "Maybe I should look into getting one."
The rest of the way was on foot, with not many threats as long as they followed the path and took no detours, just as Collei gently advised. It was about 10 am when they got to Dhyai, where they set a picnic and had a nice lunch.
"The way to caravan ribat is longer, and we'll have to keep the pace if we want to make it before sunset."
"Will you be fine?" Nilou asked Dunyazard, still concerned about her quietness during the trip. Worried that the road would be too hard on her still-recovering health.
"Sure! It's been a pleasant journey so far, and I know leaser Lord Kusanali will be guarding our path. I'm feeling excited to visit the desert for the first time." Her smile was sincere, and the glow in her eyes was true. "Maybe she was just feeling tired since we left early", she thought."
After that, her attitude improved. She would talk and laugh with them more. Even after a quick not so friendly encounter some Fatui below the Dhyai. The closer they got to the desert, the more eremite they saw. However, thanks to Dehyas company, they didn't do more than watch as they walked by.
In Nilou's mind, some movements started to take shape, a foot to the left then to the right, taking inspiration from her feelings along the way. She was taking in every flower, rock, and creek, wishing she could portray them through dancing as well as a kamera would.
Finally, at dusk, they arrived at the Wall of Samiel. The sight of the natural structure never ceases to impress. Dunyazard left a small sigh of surprise. It was the first time she was there, and stories didn't make it justice.
"Impressive as always" responded Dehya satisfied to be there on time. "And right there is my favorite smile." They all looked at the top of the Ribat's entry stairs, where The traveler smiled at them and proceed to go greet them with the grace that accompanies her/his steps.
The get-together was fun, it was nice to revive the adventures they all shared, dinner at Gilded
Journey was awesome and time was going faster than expected, it wasn't until Paimon started to fall asleep that the group decided it was time to go to bed and rest. The next morning Candace would be waiting for them at Aaru Village to guide them through the dunes to Sobek Oasis.
On her bed, Nillou fell into a dreamless sleep, just like old times, only this one she felt lighter and more rested.
The next morning, everyone was in their best spirits. All looking forward to going back to the desert after some time. The traveler entertained them with her/his stories about how she/he entered the Mausoleum of King Deshert.
Just like before, the eremites didn't pay much attention to the group of girls, however, the presence of hilichurls was denser than in the woods, and Nilou started worrying for Dunyazard's safety since she was the only one with no vision or elemental power. Fortunately, the strong women in the group allowed them to get to safety after a long six hours walk. The Sobek oasis was finally on the horizon, as well as the many ancient ruins from a previous civilization.
Nilou could feel the dry hot wind on her face, thinking if she could replicate the atmosphere by removing some humidity from the theater using her vision, so the audience could feel the weather from the desert. Maybe setting up some torches below it to raise the temperature. Would that be a fire hazard though? She should consult someone from the academy about that, maybe... no, not him. They were not close enough.
She was so lost in her thought that didn't notice the Oasis wasn't alone as they were approaching. Two robust figures looked directly at them, one taller than the other.
"Just in time." Said Dehya with a mischievous tone. "Told you I had prepared a gift."
It was too late to run when Nilou realized what was happening. Her ears started ringing and felt weak on her legs. What for? She thought. She knew them, they fought together and saved the dendro Arcon together, then where was this feeling coming from?
No other than the Akademiya's scribe and general Mahamatra were patiently waiting for them to finish the way uphill. She quickly shook the strange feeling and with a big smile greeted her acquaintances. It had been a while since they all got together like this, but they all talked like old friends.
The bonfire felt nice against the cold desert night. The stars shone brighter than in the woods while our dancer sunk her feet in the sand. The traveler prepared Nilou's favorite tahchin, and as the night deepened, Dehya got more giggly, probably due to the wine from Mondsadt the traveler brought to lighten the mood.
"So now," the former eremite interrupted. "It is time to retrieve my payment for escorting these two beautiful ladies across woods and sand." Everyone was now expecting her next statement. Nilou grew nervous now, remembering Dehya mentioning that in her letter when she accepted the invitation. Didn't she just want some mora?
"Drum rolls, please." At which Paimon, the traveler, and Dunyazard started playing. "It's time, for our birthday girl to settle her debt with..." with a dramatic pause she finished "her special presentation live from Sobek Oasis."
She breathed with relief, as her friends cheered. Even Cyno and Alhaitham gave her a few encouraging claps and piercing looks. A bit flustered and warmed by the cup of wine she had, she gracefully made her way in front of the group.
"This is a piece that I've been putting together while crossing Sumeru, please let me know your honest feedback." Then with a practiced bow she started.
Nilou's dances are characteristic of being mesmerizing, and this one did not disappoint. Even if it was just at its first rehearsal, the group felt like the flowers of Sumeru were blooming where her feet left a print, then the dryness of the desert and sand storms punching her. And another feeling, some nostalgic maybe. The end was abrupt. Of course, her private audience clapped and cheered for her. She felt whole. Those were the only claps she needed in her life.
"Thank you! For coming, and making my 21st birthday so special." With a bow, she ended her presentation and went back to her seat.
"I prepared a gift." Interrupted Cyno. Saying she was shocked was short of description. "Thanks for the invitation, I'm having a great time." Then Retrieved a small wooden box from under his cloak.
"Same here" Said Alhaithaim, handing her a package wrapped with silk. "Feel free to open it when you have time."
Now she was thrown out of balance. She grabbed both presents and placed them on her lap.
"Thank you both, I didn't expect you to make time for this. I thought you would be too busy with work. I'm glad everyone was able to come." Her smile was bright and fulfilling, as happy as Nilou could get. With that, the formalities ended and they went back to chatting.
After some time, while Dehya had everyone's attention very graphically describing her latest adventure, Dunyazard softly pulled her hand and made a gesture to go to a rock near the camp, on the other side of the oasis.
Both girls strolled enjoying the cold and sat staring at the stars, a sight they hardly got in Sumeru.
"I have something to tell you." The maiden started, and this got Nilou on her feet. Was Eleazar really back? She gulped and continued "I'm getting married." Like a punch in her stomach, Nilou lost her breath. She didn't know how to react. She was too stunned to speak. "During my trip to Liyue Harbor, I encountered Vihar." Nilou couldn't believe her ears. "We got along so well and had a great time. He told me his parents are opening a trade route between port Ormos and Liyue harbor, and they want him to manage things over there. Then we visited Liyue together, he is quite funny you know." Dunyazard's words made sense but felt strange to Nilou like she was speaking another language. "Then on the way back, he proposed."
"But I thought you liked...?" Nilou didn't finish the phrase knowing the Mahamatra could hear them and only look back at the traveler.
"Yes, well I had quite a crush. Didn't I?" responded her best friend. "However her/his fate is great and so far from our imagination, I can still cheer her/him from afar and be thankful all my life for everything she/he did for me." She sighed. "I was saying yes to Vihar before I realized. Now, all is working out perfectly like it was meant to be. Our parents are thrilled by the news, and that we are settling in Liyue. Planning the wedding for next spring."
So soon, Nilou thought. She was worried for her friend. Hearing her explanation put her at ease, also looking at how happy she told the story, she just couldn't believe things were changing so fast. Thinking they would be the girls dancing in the theater forever. Then she hugged her friends with all her strength.
"I'm so glad for you."
"Thanks, I was worried to tell you, knowing we'll be so far away. But I thought I would never have a normal life due to Eleazar. Now thanks to all of you, I can get a family of my own." A tear slowly rolled down her cheek." I'm truly happy.
They kept quiet after that, just enjoying each other's company and the light of the stars. Nilou started to think how her life would be now, how much it'd change. Then turned around to look at her new friends. Just to see Alhaithem looking straight at her. She quickly looked away just to fall right into Cyno's penetrating stare. Looking away again, with her heart pounding like crazy for reasons unknown to her, she just stare at the stars wondering if her life was about to get shaken as well.
"happy birthday to me..." she thought as the night was coming to an end.