Chapter Text
Stacks of paper, drawing utensils, ink bottles, and more, neatly tucked away in boxes crowded the foyer of Kaveh and Alhaitham’s shared home. In a few hours, these items would all be delivered to Mondstadt. Patting down his pockets, Kaveh made sure to have his key ready and Mehrak on his person.
“How long will you be gone?”
Alhaitham didn’t raise his head from the book he was currently engrossed in as he posed the question.
“Want to count the days until I return? How sickly sweet of you.” Kaveh sat down on the divan across from the Scribe, leaning back on his hands.
“I’ll count the days I have left before your incessant droning disrupts my peaceful life again.”
Kaveh huffed but couldn’t help but smile at the tiny smirk tugging at the Scribe’s lips. “I’ll get you a souvenir. Paid with my own Mora. Now isn’t that something?”
Alhaitham peeked over the rim of his book: “Careful, you might be able to afford rent if you are able to flaunt your income around like that.”
“I hate you.” Kaveh spat without bite.
“Likewise.”
They fell into a comfortable silence, Kaveh flopping back onto the divan, arms sprawled out, and Alhaitham deep in the pages of his book.
“Four weeks, huh? I can’t wait to see Mondstadt’s buildings and structures in person!”
A knock from the front door made Kaveh jolt, stumbling through the foyer to greet the guest. It was the caravan and carriage owner, ready to take the boxes stuffed with work materials. Kaveh quickly assisted with loading the Sumpterbeast, aware that it would most likely block the street outside. Finally, he grabbed Mehrak and glanced over to Alhaitham, still on the divan.
“Well, see you in four weeks, I guess! Don’t buy any ugly furniture while I’m away.”
The Scribe simply huffed, shooting a glance at his roommate.
"Don't make me come after you."
Kaveh grunted with amusement.
The trip to Mondstadt was mostly uneventful but Kaveh couldn't help but marvel at the different structures and architectural designs. It really made a difference to see them up close with his own eyes. Switching to a carriage in Liyue made him appreciate how comfortable horses could be, the swaying of the Sumpterbeasts always made him a bit queasy.
As the sun started to dip behind the towering mountains of Dragonspine Kaveh could see Mondstadt in the distance. Buildings of wind-worn stone, red roofs, and the imposing statue in the image of Barbatos greeted him miles away. Kaveh had studied the architectural design of Mondstadt, especially after receiving that commission, but the difference to Sumerian buildings still fascinated him.
The carriage halted in front of the main gate after crossing the bridge, Kaveh thanked the driver and threw Mehrak over his shoulder. Someone was assigned to escort the architect, so he waited. A pair of guards saluted, rows of stone steps ascending before him. The city itself seemed to breathe, the wind gentle and warm. It felt very different to the rather humid air in Sumeru.
"Hey! Mister Architect, Sir! Over here!"
Not far from the Adventurers Guild counter, Kaveh could spot a lively girl with long hair and a red ribbon adorning her head. She looked like a bunny with her constant bouncing and Kaveh couldn’t suppress a giggle.
“Miss Amber, I presume?” She closed the distance between them quickly, nodding fervently. “The one and only Outrider of Mondstadt, Amber, at your service! I’ll escort you to the Headquarters, please stay close to me at all times.” Kaveh gave her a friendly smile and followed through the streets of Mondstadt. He wasn’t able to admire the intricate buildings and people, as Amber set forth a quick pace, leaving Kaveh slightly out of breath when they arrived at the Headquarters of the Knights. Amber waved a quick greeting to the guard on duty and led the architect inside, beelining for one of the offices. Opening the door, the Outrider bowed lightly and took her leave.
“Mister Kaveh, it is good to see you! Please, come in.”
He stepped inside as directed, drinking in the simple yet elegant decor. Banners and bookshelves littered the walls. Weapon racks, picture frames, and spacious windows all complement the look. It certainly was a far cry from the sky-high ceilings in the Akademiya and struck him more as ‘homey’. A soft and polite cough snapped Kaveh back to the light blond woman in front of him. Her steely blue eyes seemed friendly but guarded. Next to her stood a man with tan skin and a rather bold fashion choice. Striking blues and whites, a loose fur stola over his shoulders, and his cape adorned with stars. The eyepatch didn’t make it any better.
“My name is Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Mondstadt.” With a wave of her hand, she sat down at the massive desk in front of the window, stacks of unfinished paperwork littering the surface. It reminded Kaveh of Alhaitham's workspace.
“We’re honored to have the Light of Kshahrewar expand and restructure our humble headquarters. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you need. To my left is Cavalry Captain Kaeya, he will keep you company while you stay in Mondstadt.”
Kaveh gave the man a quick nod before scratching the back of his neck: “No need for the title, really! I’m thrilled to work with you. I’ll start as soon as the formalities are dealt with. Thanks for having me, Master Jean.” She gave another warm smile and signaled Kaveh and Kaeya that they were dismissed. Without further ado, the Cavalry Captain spun Kaveh around and shoved him out of the door with a charming smile. “So, Mister Kaveh then? Pleasure. Why don’t we take it slow while I show you your lodgings? I bet Outrider Amber did not give you a chance to appreciate the beauty of Mond.”
Kaveh pressed Mehrak to his chest as he was ushered out of the building.
“Not really, no. Anything you can recommend, Sir Kaeya? And please, Kaveh is just fine. No need for honorifics outside of official meetings.”
The Captain set a leisurely pace, eyeing the metal briefcase, his gaze finally landing on the architect's nervous face.
“You got it, boss. Fancy briefcase by the way. Sumeru’s technology truly is amazing.”
The blonde fumbled with the object in question: “Oh! This is custom-made! Her name is Mehrak, she’s my faithful assistant. I crafted her out of ancient technology relating to the late King Deshret.”
Kaeya whistled and returned to his charming smile.
“Alright then, let me show you around town. Your belongings should have been delivered to your lodging as well, so we can take our time. Let me know if you have any questions.”
Mondstadt had many sights Kaveh simply had to see and Kaeya patiently answered whatever he could. While the Captain wasn’t really knowledgeable in architecture, he seemed to know most, if not all the population of his city. And he seemed to be well-respected, too. Kaveh would be lying if he said he was unfazed by the sheer adoration Kaeya received.
“You seem to be quite popular. What, did you rescue a child from a camp of Hilichurls or something?”
Kaveh tried to quip, a gentle but teasing smile tugging at his lips.
Oh, the architect had fallen into the routine without noticing. Hopefully, the Cavalry Captain wouldn’t take it the wrong way.
The young man simply smiled. “Something like that. It was hard work, just so you know.”
A wink. Kaveh exhaled a breath he didn’t know he had held. Disaster avoided.
Soon after, the duo came to a halt in front of a simple building, not much different from the other Mondstadt houses. “Welcome to your home for the next four weeks, I hope it’s to your liking.”
Kaeya handed him a key and made space for Kaveh to unlock the door.
The air inside was a bit stuffy but not unpleasant. A long corridor connected multiple rooms, a study with a drawing table and a few shelves, a bedroom, kitchen, and a bathroom. The sheets had been made and everything was seemingly cleaned recently.
“It’s more than enough! Thank you Sir Kaeya, I’ll get to work right away.”
With a spin of his heels, the Captain turned and waved a hand goodbye before leaving through the front door. “Just Kaeya is fine. Enjoy!”
As soon as the door fell into the lock Kaveh placed Mehrak next to the nightstand and fell onto the bed with a heavy sigh. Kaveh couldn’t wait to study the city more, get to know the locals, and maybe grab one of those famous wines. But for now, he was exhausted. So many impressions! And the journey through Liyue and the outskirts of Mond had been quite rough.
He’d get to work after a quick break, the sketch wouldn’t draw itself after all.