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A calm breeze blew through the air as the traveling pair walked through the streets in the Court of Fontaine. Stomachs grumbling, the two made their way towards Cafe Lutece to grab a snack. As they reached the counter and began to order, a man approached them with a serious look on his face, "Excuse me, Traveler, I'm a worker from the Palais Mermonia and I have something for you that is of utmost importance." Aether, visibly startled by the man's abruptness, noticed a small envelope in his hand. Taking it, the man relays to Aether that it's a letter from Neuvillette and that he specifically requested that the traveler and Paimon receive it before noon. "Is there something serious going on? Paimon doesn't think Neuvillette would send you a letter to tell you if he needed your help..." Paimon says, floating over the Traveler's shoulder to look at the note. The man shook his head, "From what I've gathered, there is no dire emergency occurring, however Monsieur Neuvillete made it quite clear his letter had great importance." Giving a quick goodbye, the man turned and left Aether and Paimon confused and still hungry. Ordering their food, the two sat down at a table and opened the envelope:
Dear Aether and Paimon,
It is to my understanding you are to make your journey to Natlan soon. I've been reflecting on your time here in Fontaine and our time spent together, and I wish to have one last meeting together before you leave. It is uncertain when we shall meet again, so it would be a great pleasure to have you two join me for tea in my office as a final goodbye. I must also inform you that it shall not just be the three of us, but Miss Furina as well. She had seen me making preparations for a gathering and inquired what it was for. After some persistence, I agreed to her joining us this afternoon as long as she was responsible for any extra dishes she wished to have. Needless to say there is far too much cake here for just the two of us, so I hope you will be accompanying us.
With regards, Neuvillete
"Ooohhh Paimon's stomach is getting even hungrier thinking of all the tasty cakes Furina made! We should go to the Palais Mermonia right away!" Paimon exclaimed, beginning to get out of her seat. The traveler chuckled, "But what about the snacks we just ordered?" Paimon stopped, quickly floated to the counter to grab their snacks from Arouet, then began eating her share of the conch madeleine in a hurry. She handed Aether his half and began ushering him out of his seat as he ate his snack. The traveling pair made their way to Neuvillette's office, stopping every now and then to say hello to their friends out and about. Upon entering the Palais Mermonia, Sedene greeted the two with a smile, informing them Neuvillete had been anticipating their arrival. Knocking on the door to Neuvillette's office, a sing-songy "come in" from Furina could be heard. As the pair made their way into the room, Furina ran up to them with a sparkle in her eyes, "Hello you two! It's delightful to see you again," she made her way to Neuvillette's desk, "I heard my dear Iudex Neuvillette was planning to enjoy tea with you, so I simply had to attend along side him!" Rising from his seat, Neuvillette smiled at the travelers and made his way over to a small cart with sweets and cups on it. "It's quite nice to see you both could join us this afternoon," he spoke as he poured drinks for the four of them.
The couches had been arranged around a small table with a variety of the cakes Furina had brought while the cart with Neuvillette's drinks and treats was placed next to it. Paimon immediately made her way to a seat and gawked at the array of sweets, Furina following her and grabbing a knife to cut a piece of cake for everyone. Making their way to their seats, Aether and Neuvillette couldn't help but smile at the two ladies being giddy over something as trivial as cake. After everything that had transpired in Fontaine, this was a much needed day for relaxation before the traveling duo inevitably made their way to a new nation to solve a new problem. Laughter and numerous tales filled the office as the four talked about their recent endeavors. Furina and Neuvillette enjoyed stories of Aether's encounters with the wide variety of different commissions he got from the Adventurer's Guild while Paimon amused herself with the savory tastes of the treats she was given. Furina shared her ventures in acting, excitedly telling the travelers about the new play she found herself acting in. Though he didn't have quite the thrilling life the other three had, Neuvillette would occasionally chime into the conversation with interesting cases he'd come across in the past month. He was content just sitting there drinking his water while the others chatted with their cups of tea.
A glass of water amidst cups of tea; it sounds so simple, so insignificant, but it feels so fitting. Water has flowed throughout Teyvat since its creation and will continue to flow endlessly. Tea was a drink created by humans, and though decadent there will eventually come a day where tea can no longer be made. While water stands the test of time, tea-
"You know what, Aether, this reminds Paimon of when we spent the day with Ei in Tenshukaku!" Paimon remarked as she took another slice of cake. "Who is Ei, is she a friend of yours?" Furina asked inquisitively. Paimon swallowed her bite and looked at Furina with a bit of surprise,"Paimon totally forgot you don't know who the other Archons are! Ei is the Raiden Shogun, the Electro Archon!" This certainly grabbed Neuvillette's attention from his thoughts. He looked up from his glass, curious now as well, "You've had a meeting like this with the Raiden Shogun? From what I've last heard she has been isolated from her people, no?" Aether sipped his tea to clear his throat as he spoke, "She's certainly changed from how she was long ago. Our journey in Inazuma made her realize that her idea of eternity was flawed, and as a thank you she invited us to Tenshukaku for snacks. Ei's not completely an active and present member in Inazuman activities, but she's definitely more involved with her people than she was before we visited." Neuvillette was taken aback by this information. For as long as he could remember Inazuma had been under the Sakoku Decree and was strictly off limits to all inside and out. He was aware that there had been changes and that the nation was slowly integrating back into Teyvat, but he was completely astonished by the Shogun's change in attitude. Though they'd never met, he had a very strong and definitive perception of her. To hear the traveler and Paimon speak of the Electro Archon with such causality was ever so odd.
"What is she like." The three other attendants looked to Furina as she spoke. She was staring at her cup of tea, her voice small and there was an unfamiliar seriousness to her tone. Looking up, she locked eyes with Aether, "What is the Raiden Shogun like?" Before he could respond, Paimon interjected, "Well, technically speaking, Ei and the Raiden Shogun are two different people. The Shogun was a puppet made by Ei to rule over Inazuma while she was in the Plane of Euthymia, and she's really serious about maintaining eternity! Ei's actually really sweet when she isn't in work mode." Furina had a far away look on her face, eyes no longer focused on Aether. The traveler spoke up and shared the encounters he and Paimon had in Inazuma and what it was like fighting with the Electro Archon. "Crossing blades with an Archon is truly and amazing feat," Neuvillette said astonishingly. Furina, however, couldn't focus on what was being said.
So the Electro Archon had someone else rule in her place for 500 years, too? What was she feeling in those 500 years, alone with her thoughts? She's capable of coming back from that as strong as ever, yet I still feel so incomplete. I suppose it makes sense, seeing that she's a real God and I'm not. But surely she would know what it's like to struggle the way I did. Being completely isolated, having no one to talk to about how you really feel. The overbearing fear of what would happen if the people of your nation saw you at your lowest. They couldn't possibly fathom what being in my position would be like. 500 years of performing the same song and dance, not a single soul that I could share my pain with. Not even Monsieur Neuvillette. My feet grew so tired and the stage lights only ever got hotter and hotter yet I still kept dancing to the melody she played for me. My voice strained and my eyes filled with tears but her voice kept telling me what words to sing. Focalor, what did I do to deserve that fate?
"ina... Miss Furina, are you alright?" Furina's head shot up, unaware of when she lowered it. Neuvillette was kneeling in front of her while the traveler and Paimon stood beside him. They all had concerned expressions and Furina finally felt the tears that were slipping from her eyes. She grabbed a napkin and dabbed at the corners of her eyes, sadness quickly turning into embarrassment as she realized the situation she was in. "Calm yourselves, I merely got a crumb in my eye, that's all!" she tried to dismiss their worries, but her voice wavered and upon seeing Neuvillette's expression deepen, more tears formed. Paimon rushed to Furina's side hugging her tightly, "Paimon didn't mean to upset you Furina! I shouldn't have mentioned that outing while we were having a nice moment!" Furina let out a tear filled giggle, reassuring Paimon it wasn't her fault and that she was just stuck in her own thoughts. Neuvillette rose from the floor and placed a hand on Furina's shoulder. She looked up to meet his gaze and he spoke with a soft tone, "You no longer have to repress your thoughts, Miss Furina. After witnessing Focalors' testimony, I couldn't truly begin to imagine what you've been through, but I will always be hear to listen should you need to clear your head." Furina stared at the Iudex, tears flowing nonstop. It was as if once they started, they couldn't stop.
Aether offered her a sad smile, "I'm here for you as well, Furina. I may not know what it's like to pretend to be a God for 500 years, but I do know what it's like to feel as though you have no one to reach out to. The weight of the world can be a a cruel, unrelenting pressure that will consume you in an instant. Having people to speak your mind to is very comforting. Paimon and I can be your repose." What were once tears of anguish dissolved into tears of relief, the taste of freedom from her thoughts sweeter than any cake she'd tasted in her lifetime. Wiping her eyes once more, Furina smiled at her companions and pulled them in for a group hug. Taken by surprise at first, Neuvillette froze for a second, but slowly relaxed and put a reassuring arm around Furina and the traveler.
Such vitality even while drowning in the vast sea of her own silence. Fighting against the current even though the feeling of just letting go is so elating. Is this what it means to be human?
After a few more encouraging words towards one another, Aether and Paimon ultimately had to make their leave. Neuvillette packed the two a box of sweets to take with them, wishing them a safe journey and to make time in the future to visit again. Furina gave them one last hug, stating that it was crucial they make time in their schedules to have a proper tea party with her soon. Once the travelers left, Furina and Neuvillette packed away the remaining food and fixed the furniture. Excusing herself, Furina thanked the Iudex for allowing her to join their tea party and apologized for causing an unsightly scene. "Please do not view yourself in such a dim light, Miss Furina. Remember, I am always here to listen when you need me to," Neuvillette stated. Furina smiled and made her way towards the door, "Thank you, Monsieur Neuvillete." As her footsteps echoed down the hallway, Neuvillette couldn't help but recall his previous thoughts.
A glass of water can easily be spilled into the sea just as a cup of tea can. Both are still a small liquid compared to the extravagant ocean. How curious life can be...
Just as Furina stepped outside, she felt a drop of rain hit her skin and watched as the sky began to drizzle ever so slowly.