Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“What does ‘Family’ mean to you?”

Those words hung heavily in Lumine’s heart as she sat at the desk of her room in The Flagship. A paper map of Teyvat covered most of the desk, its surface covered with markings and notes she’d left across the course of her travels. Her fingers traced the lines of the main roads, following them from region to region, flowing like veins.

Nod-Krai had been the first place she’d ever set foot in all of Teyvat. Her recent journeys had proven that. Her ship, and with it, her brother, had been here with her. But even with the glimpses of memory that had been revealed to her, the truth of it felt hazy and far off. True, Nod-Krai had been the first place she’d been in this world. But what good did that fact do when she’d seen so little of it or its people?

Her fingers wandered further, past the mountainous ranges of Natlan, and the sweeping deserts of Sumeru, which gave way to lush jungles, and then across the sea to the overflowing waters of Fontaine.

Undoubtedly, her brother was her family. Her one and only person she could call family. A warm, gentle smile, a good natured competitor and rival, and a warrior she could rely on. Whether walking through vibrant, bustling markets and towns or fighting hoards of monsters, they’d never been apart.

The oceans gave way to the majestic peaks and valleys of Liyue, twisting back and forth, and eventually came to a stop at the marshy border of Mondstadt. The region she and Paimon had met in.

Paimon was certainly close. Perhaps even family. If her and Aether being eternally by each other's side made them family, then Paimon could be counted the same. Ever since Lumine had fished her out of the ocean, they’d become inseparable friends. The little fairy-like girl had been a constant source of comfort and guidance on their travels, and that, too, was a possible definition of ‘family.’

More than any other region on the map, Mondstadt was filled with notes and remarks written in both Lumine’s neat penmanship and Paimon’s messy scrawl. They’d had so much to say about it that she’d taken to attaching separate papers to the map. Lumine glanced over at the new journal for keeping track of notable people and her encounters with them Katherine had given to her, and smiled. She’d made so many friends she could easily fill a book. Some of them from Nod- Krai too; but not the first. The brief flashes played back to her, and she shuddered a little. No, her first visit to Nod-Krai had been full of nothing but heartbreak.

Gently, Lumine began unpinning the extra notes from the map, smoothing them out, and pasting them into the journal. Amber, bright and sunny, who’d greeted her. Lisa and Jeanne and Kaeya, Fischl, Klee, Bennett, Venti, the list went on as she filled up the pages with photos and anecdotes. Research notes from Albedo and Sucrose, a hymnal from Barbra, a mocktail recipe from Diona. The list went on and on.

“Filling out your new scrapbook, Lumine?” Paimon drifted lazily through the air over Lumine’s shoulder, glancing curiously at the assortment of papers.

Lumine nodded. “Yeah. Kathernine gave us this nice journal after all.”

Paimon tilted her head curiously, picking up the scroll case they’d brought to protect the map and peering in it. “Looks like you missed a few papers here.” She tipped the case over, spilling dozens of neatly rolled scrolls and letters across the desk.

“Hey! Paimon!” Lumine protested. She scooped them up, stacking them neatly.

Paimon grabbed one from the stack, turning it back and forth in her hand. It bore a red wax seal, imprinted with an owl. A quick glance revealed the rest of them bore the same mark. “Why do you have a bunch of letters in here? Paimon thought you stored all our old mail in a chest in the mini-realm Madame Ping gave us.”

“I haven’t gotten around to putting these away yet.” Lumine murmured, pulling the letter from Paimon and placing it with the others.

“If you say so.” Paimon frowned, watching as Lumine gently put the small collection back in the scroll case. “But some of these look pre-ty old.”

“I can sort them later, if they bother you.” Lumine huffs. “I guess it would help pass the time, anyway.”

Paimon crossed her arms.“If you’re looking for something to do, why don’t we go grab dinner at Speranza? Paimon hears they have amazing stuff.”

“I’m okay. You can go.”

“Paimon doesn’t want to go if you don’t.” Paimon frowned.

Lumine chuckled. “That’s a rare consideration from you Paimon.”

“Hey, Paimon is always considerate!”

“Sure.” Lumine nodded, and went back to her work, unfolding the letter she’d received from Varka and pressing it to a new page. Despite his invitation the grandmaster of the knights still had yet to show his face. She supposed that was to be expected for a knight from Mondstadt. Carefree and wandering wherever the wind took him.

Lumine spared a glance back at Paimon as she worked. Paimon was a close friend, and an invaluable guide, but Lumine wasn’t sure her heart would ache the same way as it did for Aether if they were separated. Was that what defined family? The inability to bear the absence of them? That seemed a pessimistic way to view Lauma’s question. But it did stir another face back to mind.

When Lumine had first arrived in Mondstadt, there had been many people who’d welcomed her and she’d connected with, all in different ways and over different topics. But none in quite the same way as the owner and barkeeper of Angel’s Share. Diluc had been far from the most friendly and outgoing face in Mondstadt, but in him Lumine had felt a sense of kinship that not even the steadfast and unfaltering tribes of Natlan had evoked in her. And with a little time spent together, she’d learned he was quite warm underneath his frigid demeanor.

The last Windblume Festival had been so chaotic with Albedo’s trial and the invasion from Dragonspine that she hadn’t really had time to talk with everyone before setting out, and in most cases, that wouldn’t worry her. They would be there, as always, next time she returned. But at least she had spent some time with most of them. Save for their brief cooperation on the bridge, she hadn’t seen Diluc at all. A dull, hollow sensation ran through her at the thought. She’d been hoping he’d return to the bar afterwards, when she and Venti were there, but he’d been out. She supposed that made sense, with how he operated. Still, his immediate departure to go secure the area meant she’d missed him entirely.

Was ‘Family’ someone you felt a sense of kinship with? Lumine considered Albedo, the solitary and stoic homunculus. She’d been concerned for him during the trial. He was alone in this world, burdened with knowledge he couldn’t freely share, and certainly Lumine understood that feeling. Dain too, in his long and lonely quest that she had recently joined him on against the Abyss. So many gods and half-humans that seemed to understand at least a little of her distance and reticence. But Lumine didn’t really consider any of them her family. Far from it in some cases.

Diluc was not one of the many demi-gods or inhuman beings of Teyvat. He had no concept of the length of time Lumine had traveled between worlds, or the truly vast amount of space that Lumine had seen. All in all, she hadn’t really even spent that much time with him, and yet, of all the people in this entire world Lumine had met, she felt drawn to him. It really was a pity she hadn’t spent a little more time waiting for him after the festival.

With a deep, weary sigh, Lumine slumped forward in her chair.

“Lumine? What’s wrong?” Paimon darted forwards to face the traveler.

Lumine shook her head. “Nothing. I just…have a lot on my mind.”

“You can tell Paimon! Paimon knows the past few weeks have been rough on you, but you don’t have to shoulder that alone.”

“I know.” Lumine heaved another sigh, and considered her words. After a long, heavy pause, she looked up at Paimon. “Paimon…..I think…I want to go home for a little bit.”

“Paimon thought you didn’t really like sleeping in the Serenitea Pot when we had a room in town.”

“No, Paimon. I mean……” Lumine took a deep breath. “I want to go back to Mondstadt.”

Paimon tilted her head, a confused look on her face. “Mondstadt? Paimon guesses we do have a room there. But what about everything happening here? Paimon thought you were really excited to find your ship!”

“And I am!” Lumine frowned. “But….I’ve been thinking. Aether… is so different now. I know the one in the ruins was a fake, but-” She shook her head. “I just. He seemed so… obsessed? With whatever it is he’s doing.” Lumine stood up, and walked over to the window, brushing aside the curtains to look at the street below.

Paimon followed her, settling on the ledge of the window. “He sure doesn’t seem like the same person you always talk about.”

“Yeah.” Below them, a girl ran across the plaza, jumping into the arms of a man in overalls as he came down the stairs. He twirled her around, setting her on the ground and tousling her hair. “It makes me happy to know he still cares so much, but…” Lumine rested her head on her hand and leaned against the window frame. “Was choosing me over the rest of his friends the right call?”

“Paimon isn’t sure his choice there really matters. From what we know, Khaenri’ah sounded pretty doomed anyway.”

“To spend so much time with them and then abandon them… I just think it’s a little sad.” The couple on the street locked their hands together, and walked around a corner and out of sight. “And then I realized…I might be doing the same thing.”

“Don’t be silly.” Paimon said. “You’ve made a ton of friends! And Paimon knows you’d never turn your back on them.”

Lumine shook her head. “I have but… nevermind.” She sighed again. “In any case, I want to clear my head before we keep digging, and Mondstadt sounds…nice. Plus, the whole thing with Durin really screwed up the festival.”

“Going back to the start puts things in perspective, or something like that.” Paimon nodded sagely. “Paimon gets it.”

“Right.” Lumine pushed away from the window and walked back to the desk, rolling the map up and carefully placing it back in its case. “Ready to go?”

“Eh? Now?! Paimon hasn’t had dinner yet.”

Lumine dusted off the skirts of her dress. “We can grab that dish you wanted from Speranza on the way out.”

“Paimon is always ready for adventure!” Paimon darted towards the door. “Next stop, Mondstadt!”

The trip from the small isle of Nod-Krai had been a good few days of travel. Along the way, they’d stopped at all kinds of inns, explored a handful of ruins, and met a few old friends. And, of course, eaten at a lot of restaurants. Despite her earlier excitement to return, with each region they passed through, the tangled knot of emotions in Lumine’s chest grew tighter. Maybe leaving Nod-Krai so quickly had been a bad idea. Flins and the others needed them. At present, Lumine repeated the same argument in her head she’d been thinking over and over as Paimon savored a rich, spicy stew from a cafe in Sumeru. If they made good time, they’d be back in Mondstadt within a couple days.

“Are you gonna finish that, Lumine?” Paimon pointed to the colorful plate of pitas in front of Lumine.

Lumine pushed the plate over to Paimon. “Have at ‘em.”

Paimon grinned and dug into them, dipping a corner into her stew. “Mmm! You’re really missing out!”

Lumine shook her head and rested her head in her hand, gazing out into the surrounding jungle. She had never felt so hesitant to travel. Traveling was in her nature. She and Paimon had crossed land and sea to check in on their friends countless times before, and this wasn’t any different. At least, it shouldn’t be.

“Paimon?”

“Change your mind? There’s still one left.”

“No. Paimon. I was thinking... Maybe I overreacted.”

“About what?”

“Leaving Nod-Krai.” Lumine turned away. “It was a hasty decision. We’ve been out for a while now, and I think I’m feeling well enough to head back.”

“O-oh.” The petit girl wiped her mouth on her sleeve. “Paimon thought you wanted to see Mondstadt again though.”

Lumine shook her head. “Mondstadt is very calming. But, so is Sumeru.”

“Well….as long as you’re feeling better. But…Paimon was kinda excited for some sticky honey roast from Good Hunter.

“You’re excited for all food, Paimon.”

“All good food.” Paimon corrected.

“Still.”

“Still.” Paimon raised a hand. “It would be a waste to come all the way out here just to turn around. Can we at least check and see if there are some commissions to do?”

“Sure. That’s a good idea.”

Paimon stuffed the last of her pita and stew into her mouth, polishing the plate. “Hehe. All Paimon’s ideas are good ideas.”

Lumine laughed. A few minutes later, they’d paid their tab and set off to see Katherine. The main streets of Sumeru were filled with people, and the hustle and bustle helped drown out Lumine's conflicted thoughts. It was hard to focus on doubts when merchants vied for attention and adventures and scholars raced to and fro.

“Ad Astra Abyssosque. How can I help you, Traveler?” Kathrine bowed, her jet black hair gleaming in the daylight.

“Any new commissions?”

“Plenty, as always. Here’s the board.”

Lumine turned to face the bulletin as Katherin bowed again, selecting a random paper. She skimmed the contents, a quick trip to take care of some slimes, and nodded. Just far enough away to take up time, but not too involved. Perfect. After this, she and Paimon could turn around, head back to Nod-Krai, and Lumine could forget all about rushing back to Mondstadt to see a man who held her at arms length anyway.

“-Thanks, Katherine!” Paimon beamed.

“Of course.”

Lumine tilted her head. “Paimon?”

“Did you pick out a job, Lumine?” Paimon asked.

“Y-yeah. This one here.” Lumine handed the paper to Katherine, who processed it wordlessly. “What-”

“Okay! Let’s head out! Paimon has a good feeling after all that food that this will go well!” Paimon exclaimed. “Paimon even bets you she could beat you to the spot!”

“You don’t even know where we’re going.” Lumine pointed out.

“So show Paimon the request and let's go!”

“Fine, fine.”

The commission, as expected, had been easy work. The sun was setting as Lumine cleaned the last of the slime residue off her sword. “I guess we’ll make camp here.”

“Why not just head back into town?” Paimon asked.

“We’re going this way anyway, remember?”

“Sure, but Sumeru City is pretty close. Paimon wants to have another meal at that cafe before we go back.”

Lumine yawned. Paimon had been full of contrary ideas lately, but at this point she was too worn out to argue. And a bed did sound nice. She nodded her head, and turned to follow Paimon back, carefully picking their way through the foliage until they rejoined the main road. This little bit of work was more than enough to cover their costs for the night, and in the morning, the entire thing would feel intentional. Yes, a quick trip to Sumeru for the warm, floral air before heading back to the frigid and damp Nod-Krai, where all the answers were waiting for her. She just had to stop getting distracted.

The inn room they rented was colorfully decorated and scented with fragrant incense. Paimon was out almost as soon as she hit the sheets, and Lumine couldn’t help but be a little jealous. Despite the distance she’d put between them, Lauma’s query was still eating away at her.

Her head spinning, Lumine lay down and tried to rest.

Maybe the issue was that Lumine was considering the question at all. Aether was her only family. That was a fact. She was overthinking it. That matter settled, Lumine rolled over to sleep.

Maybe it was just that Diluc and Kaeya reminded her too much of herself. Sure, their bickering and distrust was nothing on the cosmic scale of her and Aether’s situation, but it was still eerily similar. And they only argued most of the time now. Things were getting better. So, things would get better for her and Aether too. Lumine rolled over again.

Maybe it was because….

Maybe the problem….

Maybe, Maybe, Maybe.

Lumine sat up. She couldn’t sleep. A quick walk, and then she would go back to bed.

As Lumine walked downstairs, she could hear some quiet voices. Curious, she peaked her head around the corner.

The innkeeper looked tired, but was smiling gently as she spoke to a cloaked traveler. The cloaked man nodded, and she handed him a key. “Second room on the right. May the Dendro Archon give you sweet dreams.” The cloaked man nodded again, and turned for the stairs.

Quickly, Lumine stepped back. A late night traveler wasn’t that strange even if it was closer to dawn than evening, but she didn’t want to spook them or look like she was spying. Lumine yawned again and rubbed her eyes. Maybe the walk wasn’t such a good idea. The footsteps came closer to the stairs, and Lumine loitered by them, her hand on the railing, and stared out the window at the grey, twilight sky.

“I see Paimon wasn’t exaggerating. You look exhausted.”

Lumine blinked. Okay. Maybe she was thinking more about Diluc than she cared to admit. Or perhaps, she had fallen asleep and was dreaming. That option made more sense.

The cloaked traveler gently put a hand on Lumine’s shoulder. “Lumine?”

That warm touch of the man’s hand sent a shiver down Lumine’s spine that was far too real for a dream. “M-master Diluc? What….are you doing here?” Lumine looked up, her eyes meeting the concerned ruby eyes of the Mondstadt barkeep.

Diluc pushed his hood back, shaking out his long, unruly red hair. “Paimon had Katherine contact me with an urgent message. She said to meet you here in the morning….but I think we’re both a little early.”

Lumine looked at him in disbelief. “Why?”

“To see you.” Diluc stated plainly.

“W-” Lumine bit her tongue to stop from repeating herself and sounding dumb. “That’s….”

“Come. A staircase is hardly a nice place for a reunion. Let me walk you back to your room. We can speak in the morning.”

Lumine nodded. A million thoughts raced through her head, but she voiced none of them as Diluc gently put a hand to her back and guided her up the stairs. Where his hand rested, her skin tingled despite the layers of cloth between them. Oh.

When Lumine had first arrived in Teyvat, the interest she had in people was more of the anthropological sort. Learning about them and their customs, but never really bonding. Aether had been the only family she’d needed. And so, she had not recognized the little tells that most people would. Since then, she had met many more people, and read many more stories, and heard people describe the giddy, nerve-wracking sensation that was love over and over again.

Up until this point, Lumine had been determined to keep it limited to stories. Aether needed her, and soon they would leave everyone behind. She’d be grateful for the help, and treasure the memories, but that was all. A pile of letters to remember them by stored safe and sound. Falling in love was out of the question for a traveler from beyond the stars. And yet, that sort of thinking clearly hadn’t served Aether very well. He’d chosen her over his new companions, and now seemed to have neither. Maybe it was time Lumine acknowledged the truth: She’d been growing very attached to this world Aether seemed so determined to change. Or maybe, she was simply very tired, and the warmth of the pyro user’s gloved hand felt very nice on her back.

Chapter Text

“Wakey wakey, Lumine~ Breakfast service is starting soon!” Paimon gently shook Lumine’s arm, all too enthusiastically for this hour of the morning, in Lumine’s opinion.

Reluctantly, Lumine swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching her arms above her head. The morning sun filtering through the leaves made striking beams and patterns in their room, catching the gold embroidered fabrics and colorful glass decor. Already, the sounds of people living their lives rung through the streets. Lumine walked to the balcony, leaning on the railing, trying to drive the lingering strangeness of the prior night from her mind.

Paimon followed behind her, swaying excitedly in the air. “Paimon was told breakfast here is really good!” She sat down on the railing, her expression softening a little. “Did you sleep better last night?”

Lumine nodded absently. “Sort of.”

“You still seem a bit tired.”

“A little.” It was more than a little, but Lumine didn’t want to worry her companion any more than she clearly already had. Paimon was more perceptive than Lumine often gave her credit for.

After a few minutes of gazing out at the streets below, Lumine gathered her things. Passing by a mirror on the way to the door, she noticed her ruffled hair and paused to give it a quick brush. Just in case. There were slight bags under her eyes too, but those she couldn’t really do anything about without a makeup kit, and that was a little too frivolous to carry around.

The moment she opened the door, she could smell the rich aromas of coffee and spiced cooking coming from downstairs. The mouthwatering smells had already lured several other guests out, and the gentle buzz of conversation and clinking of silverware gave Lumine a bit more energy. As she made her way downstairs, she could see included in those guests was the same traveler from the night before. He stood off to the side of the main room, leaning against the wall and watching the staircase. So, Lumine hadn’t been dreaming after all.

Diluc still wore the cloak he’d had on, a plain black cloth with tiny gold embellishments in place of his heavy, fur-trimmed coat. He looked up as Lumine descended the stairs, and walked over, meeting them at the bottom. Despite having been up at the same ridiculously late hour, he didn’t look tired at all.

“Master Diluc!” Paimon exclaimed. “W-what a surprise! What are you doing all the way out here in Sumeru?!”

Lumine gave a slight smile. Even if Diluc hadn’t told her about the message, Paimon’s poor acting would have given it away. “Good morning, Master Diluc.”

Diluc gave Paimon a look that froze the girl still as ice in the air where she floated, then turned to Lumine and sighed. “Please, there’s no need for that. Just Diluc is fine.”

Lumine nodded. The buzzing, uncertain lump of emotions she’d been tangling with had come back in full force. He was really here, miles and miles away from Mondstadt, just to check on her. “Okay. Have you eaten yet, Diluc?”

“Not yet. I was waiting for the both of you.” He turned, walking to the table in the back corner, and pulled out a chair, waiting patiently for Lumine before pushing in her chair again for her before taking his own seat.

Lumine could see the indignant remark about her own chair on Paimon’s face, but Paimon was still too on edge around Diluc to make it. Paimon had never particularly liked the brooding noble, and so Lumine found it even stranger that Paimon had written to him.

The innkeeper stopped by their table with a large platter, setting down cups of coffee, and trays containing soft rice cakes and vegetable stew. That, apparently, was enough to put Paimon at ease, and she dug in with gusto.

Diluc nodded his thanks, taking a few sips of his coffee before giving Lumine a pointed look. “So. What exactly have the two of you been up to?”

Lumine shrugged. “Same old. Exploring. Meeting people. Beating up Fatui.”

“If it were the same old stuff, I doubt Paimon would have called for me. A few obstacles in front of you wouldn’t even slow you down.”

“Well.” Lumine frowned, and turned to her food, buying herself some time to think with her breakfast. Diluc followed her lead, and they ate breakfast in silence. Finally, with most of her plate clear, Lumine spoke up. “I…I feel like the more I learn, the less I understand. And…the situation with the Abyss is only getting more dire, and I still can’t find Aether.”

“Are you feeling discouraged?”

Lumine shook her head. “No. If anything, I want even more to get to the bottom of this, but…” The words died in Lumine’s throat. What was she supposed to say? She wasn’t even sure herself what the problem was.

Paimon looked between the two, her eyes meeting Lumine’s, before turning to Diluc. “We encountered a monster from the Abyss that was pretending to be Lumine’s brother. He tricked Lumine into helping him before turning on her.”

A number of expressions flashed across Diluc’s face as Paimon spoke, each quickly replaced by the next before being masked by his normal, sullen frown. Lumine waited for the inevitable query into her search for Aether. Instead, all he murmured was “That must have been painful.”

“It was a cheap trick.” Lumine said softly.

“And one they won’t be getting a chance to repeat.” Diluc muttered icily. He clenched his fist, and Lumine could see a faint flicker of flames from his palms as he composed himself again. “Are you feeling well enough to tell me a bit more? I think it would be best if I knew the whole story.”

After returning to one of the hotel’s rooms, Paimon and Lumine told Diluc everything that had happened since their arrival in Nod-Krai. He sat still as stone, listening intently, focused on every single world the pair said. Paimon gave a barebones account, trying to leave out the specifics of Lumine’s history. But something in Lumine’s chest nagged at her.

Lumine wrote to Diluc often. Each region, she told him stories of the quirks and oddities of the world. Information that would be spread far and wide soon enough, she gave detailed accounts of, and left out the things that needed to be kept secret. Each letter was returned in kind with news from Mondstadt, and of Diluc’s daily life. Whenever Lumine was nearby, he would invite her for meals at the winery, or to spend time in town. But there was a barrier there they’d never broken, maintained by countless secrets that piled up between them, masked in a layer of manners and etiquette. Diluc had his own fair share of secrets, Lumine knew. And anything beyond their occasional meetings would attract the gossip of everyone in Mondstadt.

Lumine wrote to Diluc often, which was why it shouldn’t have been a big deal that she hadn’t seen much of him on her last visit. He’d apologized for missing her, and sent her a bottle of fine cider. She’d written him back with stories of Natlan and the hard fought war there, with a bright feather plume from one of the regional birds. In time, she would have sent him this current, abridged tail of Nod-Krai too. There was no need to walk back to Mondstadt for this.

Even with the details missing, it took until the sun was high in the sky to tell everything. Diluc had followed up their account with more questions, asking for details on the Fatui base there and the Wild Hunt, and of Varka who still hadn’t made good on his invitation. Each time he spoke Lumine was sure this would be the question about Aether, a flaw in her story that just didn’t make sense.

At the end of the conversation, the topic remained untouched. Despite the dread of it, Lumine found herself more disappointed than relieved when Diluc simply gave a curt nod, and stood from his place on the sofa. “Sounds like things are getting worse than I thought. Thank you both for informing me.”

Paimon crossed her arms. “Wait, wait, wait! That’s it? We tell you all this and you get up to leave?”

“Did I say I was leaving?” Diluc asked.

“You’re turning for the door!” Paimon scowled.

Diluc shook his head. “I’ll be right back, Paimon. I was only going to fetch my things from my room.”

Paimon narrowed her eyes and drifted closer to him. “What do you need that’s so important right now?”

“I travel light, but I do have a few possessions on me. As soon as I grab them, I’ll be good to go. After that…” Diluc paused. “I believe you both mentioned returning to Nod-Krai after this.”

Lumine bunched the fabric of her dress in her hands. “Yes. What about you, though? You came all this way…”

“...And I’ll be going the rest of it.” He turned to face Lumine directly, playing with the hem of his glove as he spoke. “I know you are more than capable of taking on any foes that come your way. I also know from experience the Fatui and the Abyss aren’t to be underestimated either. I’d like to come with you. If, that is, you’d have me?”

Lumine stared up at him. “I thought… you were needed in Mondstadt?”

“I may not trust them entirely, but the knights can handle things for a while. Besides, our dear esteemed Grand Master was meant to meet up with you, was he not? And yet, he’s left you on your own.”

“This… isn’t because Paimon pushed for it, right?” Lumine asked. Her chest felt tight. She already knew Paimon had written to him, but for some reason, the idea of him joining her as a request or favor felt… bad.

Paimon jumped. “H-hey! What makes you think Paimon would do something like that? And why would Paimon try and replace herself? Lumine only needs one guide.”

“Nothing like that.” Diluc responded, ignoring the beginnings of Paimon’s tantrum. “All she asked was that I come visit you, because she thought it would help your mood. However… I am not the best at comforting words and platitudes. I don’t think they’d suit you anyway. All I can offer is to be by your side and lend you a hand from here on.”

Lumine smiled. “If you’re sure, then… I would be happy to travel with you.”

“Do you have any preparations you need to make?”

The Traveler shook her head. “My bag’s packed.”

Diluc reached out a hand to her. “Then let’s head out, Partner.”

Lumine reached up and placed her hand in his, letting him pull her to her feet. His hands were warm, and she fought the urge to hold tight and twine her fingers with his as he let go and turned for the door. Instead, she simply nodded again, giving a small noise of affirmation.

Leaving the city traded the buzz of conversation for the calls of birdsong and wildlife. Paimon drifted ahead of Lumine and Diluc, occasionally drifting off the path to check out some of the oversized vibrant flowers blooming there.

Lumine put a hand to her mouth to cover a laugh. “You look like a bee, Paimon.”

“At least say Paimon looks like something more elegant, like a butterfly!” Paimon cried. Next to her, Lumine heard Diluc snort, and Paimon rounded on him. “Don’t you start too!”

“I wasn’t going to say anything but… you appear to have some pollen in your hair, Miss Paimon.”

“Paimon does not!” Paimon said, running her hands through her hair.

Slowly, rolling sunny hills gave way to tall cliffs and even taller, tangled trees. Overgrown roots and bushes encroached along the dirt roads, and drooping, moss-covered vines hung low and made tunnels across sections of the path. A while back, they’d passed a small colony of elemental mushrooms, and now Paimon was giving an excited lecture on them and the wildlife of Sumeru.

As they passed under the branches of a particularly gnarled tree, Lumine couldn’t help but notice the animals had gone quiet around them. A branch cracked somewhere behind them. Diluc and Lumine both stopped in their tracks, Paimon following suit as they scanned the trees around them. A few moments later, a pair of men in rough, tattered clothes and bandanas stepped on to the path in front of them.

The first of the two, a younger man with short ruffled hair, took a step forward. “Hehe, look what we have here! A pair of lost city folk. You guys are awfully deep in the jungle, y’know?”

The other, with slightly longer hair and a crossbow in his hands, nodded. “It would be a shame if you got those nice clothes dirty. How about you-”

He barely had time to bring the crossbow up to block as Diluc lunged at him, drawing a trail of glittering flames as his greatsword appeared in his hand mid-swing. The weapon came down, breaking the crossbow clean in two and shoving the archer backwards into the dirt. The wood of the crossbow was charred where the sword had cleaved through it.

The younger man watched in disbelief, stunned for a moment before shouting. “Hurry, get them!” All around the path, more Treasure Hoarders appeared from the bushes and trees, carrying everything from knives to hammers. He gave a nervous grin. “T-that oversized hunk of metal won’t save you against all of us.”

Lumine dashed off to the opposite side of the group, her sword manifesting in a flash of lightning as she struck at a hulking man wielding a shovel. He was surprisingly agile, just barely batting away the swift strikes from Lumine’s sword. Lumine grinned. The next attack, she swung straight for the metal shaft, meeting it with the flat of her blade and pumping the sword full of electricity. The man screamed, frozen in place for a few moments by the shock before dropping to the ground in a twitching heap.

An alchemist in a thick coat reared back his arm to toss a canister towards Lumine. With a flick of her hand, the bottle froze over, exploding into an icy sleet all over its creator as the condensed Hydro potion reacted.

Behind her, a group of three others were making an attempt to encircle Diluc.

Paimon swirled down by Lumine’s side, a blank look on her face. “Are they stupid or what?”

“If they were smart they wouldn’t have picked a fight.” Lumine replied flatly.

Diluc swung his sword in a wide arc, the claymore flowing with the ease of a rapier in his hands as he battered the three in front of him with strike after strike. The group could do little but attempt to retreat, and within a few swings, they turned tail to dive into the foliage. Diluc clicked his tongue in annoyance, driving the point of the sword into the dirt.

Within a few brief moments, the only one remaining was the leader who’d first stepped on to the path. Lumine and Diluc both turned to him. He took a step backwards, his foot bumping into the trunk of a towering tree. “Y-you both won’t get away with this!” He howled. In a last ditch attempt, he threw his knife at Diluc.

With one swift motion, Diluc swiped the knife out of the air, grabbing the blade and casting it back at the thief. It struck the trunk of the tree with a dull thunk, embedding itself into the bark alongside a few strands of the man’s short blond hair. With a squeak, the thief sunk to his knees, and passed out.

Lumine walked up to the man and reached into his pocket, pulling out a shiny silver coin, a raven inscribed on its face. She glanced up at the throwing knife. “That’s a neat trick.”

Paimon nodded. “Paimon didn’t know you were so good with weapons like that!”

“It’s important to be trained in more than one discipline when fighting.” Diluc said.

“Sure,” Paimon agreed. “But Paimon didn’t really take you for the kind of person to use such a… delicate weapon.”

Diluc crossed his arms. “And what, exactly, do you mean by that?”

Paimon shook her head, waving her hands back and forth. “Nothing, nothing! Paimon was just curious.”

“Sometimes there are situations where I can’t just pull out an obvious weapon. Other times there would be no room to fight.” Diluc said.

Lumine nodded. “It must be useful for enemies at range, too.”

“Very much so.” Diluc reached down, brushing aside his cloak and drawing a fine, feather shaped knife from a band around his leg. He held it out for Lumine, and again there was that electric sensation as their fingers brushed when she took it. “I can show you sometime, if you’d like?”

“Please.” Lumine smiled. She turned the blade over in her hands. It bore a yellow glass eye in the center, with black lines decorating the bronze metal. It reminded Lumine of the owl mask Diluc often wore, and she guessed he must have had them made to match.

“What do you want to do about the ones that ran off?” Diluc asked. He’d kneeled down, inspecting the ground. A handful of bronze coins with the same raven emblem were scattered around where the Treasure Hoarders had fled.

“We go after them. They probably have a camp around here, and they’ll just pull the same stunt on the next travelers.” Lumine said.

Diluc smiled. “Allright. Then we’re in agreement.” He stood, turning on his heels for the tattered and crushed bushes the men had dived into. His cloak whipped around him as he walked, the tiny gold embellishments on it catching the dappled lighting.

“Is it just Paimon, or does he seem to be enjoying himself?” Paimon asked quietly.

Lumine turned the knife over again in her hands. “I guess even if you take him out of Mondstadt, he’ll still be our Darknight Hero.”

Chapter Text

Sand swirled around Lumine’s feet as she stood at the edge of Caravan Ribat, gazing off into the seemingly endless horizon of sand before them. The transition from the vivid and lush greens to the glimmering dry sand never failed to evoke a bittersweet sense of awe in her. All this too, had once been overflowing with life. A group of merchants walked past her, setting foot into the desert with bright smiles on their faces. Lumine shook her head. The desert still had life, even in its own unique way.

Paimon flitted in front of the group, putting her hands on her waist. “Back in the deserts of Sumeru already! Bet you’ve never seen anything like this Diluc!” She beamed. “But don’t worry, Paimon and Lumine have combed every grain of sand in this desert, so you’re safe with us!”

Diluc raised the hood of his cloak. “I’m sure. It’s not a long walk from here to Aaru village, right?”

“Yep.” Lumine smiled. “Just around those rocks there.”

“Aaru village is really neat! And it will be important to stop there and rest before we cross the desert.” Paimon continued. “There’s not a lot of food or fresh water out there, and we wouldn’t want you passing out before we even make it to Natlan.”

“Shall we?” Lumine asked.

Diluc nodded, adjusting his bag on his shoulder, and the pair took their first steps into the sandy wastes, walking past Paimon as she continued her lecture. The sand sunk beneath their feet as they went, and it took him a few steps to re-adjust to the shifting ground.

“H-hey, Paimon’s coming too!”

The desert sun had been vicious, but nothing that Lumine hadn’t handled before. Diluc walked wordlessly beside her with the same stoicism she’d come to expect from him, the sand and heat barely seeming to register. After a couple hours, even Paimon had grown quiet, tired from the weather and sick of getting sand in her mouth every time she’d tried to speak. By nightfall, they made camp in a cleaned out ruin, and in the morning, their walk continued.

Before the sun had hit its peak, Paimon spoke up. “Listen you two! Paimon hears the ocean! We’re almost in Natlan!” Suddenly reinvigorated, she dashed off ahead.

Diluc and Lumine exchanged a look, nodding to each other and picking up the pace as they approached a particularly steep dune. The climb to the top was worth the view. Beyond them, the desert became a beach, water lapping at the shore. And beyond that, the colorful and majestic mountains of the Pyro nation. Sparse patches of grass struggled valiantly, blooming brighter and healthier as they led into the valley path.

Paimon pointed excitedly. “It’s about time we got out of that sand! Paimon missed the fresh mountain air!”

“It’s just as hot there, though.” Lumine teased.

“Well it is the land of Pyro.” Paimon said. “Oh, speaking of, Diluc’s vision is Pyro, so he should be pretty well suited to it anyway.”

“Just because this is the land of the Pyro Archon doesn’t mean I have any special affinity for it.” Diluc sighed. “We don’t change as people just because we gain a Vision, and having one doesn’t really make you any more special.”

Lumine smiled. “I think it suits you. Besides, you even have a saurian partner already!”

“Hawks and saurians aren’t quite the same thing.”

Paimon put a hand to her chin in thought. “But, you did ride Dvallin with us. A giant dragon like that is a way bigger deal than a saurian.”

“I don’t really think that’s a fitting comparison either…” Diluc frowned.

Together they took a step forward, sliding down the sand, leaving Sumeru behind and entering Natlan.

Lumine craned her head back to look at the massive stadium as they crossed the bridge leading up to it. Painted with vivid colors like the rest of the nation, it was certainly a building deserving of being the heart of its people. Travelers and merchants alike filled its ancient halls, laughter and fighting carrying through the air in equal measure. Along with the husky smoke from the torches was the thick scents of spice, drying leather, paints and dyes, all as varied as the murals on the walls.

Next to her, Diluc was looking up too, his expression unreadable. Lumine followed his gaze, flicking from the racks of weapons and armor to a group of children play fighting with wooden replicas. Nearby, a woman in bright clothing sat on a wooden scaffold, touching up a painting. She noticed the group staring up at her and waved, tiny droplets of paint flicking to the floor and becoming part of the art.

“Something wrong?” Lumine asked.

Diluc gazed off into the distance a moment longer before shaking his head. “No, nothing wrong. It’s just strange to me.”

“How so?”

The wooden bridge beneath them creaked and dipped as a woman with a messenger bag ran past them, a grin on her face as she skipped over the wooden planks. Lumine stepped aside for her, leaning into the rope railing as the bridge swayed precariously under them. Diluc put a hand on her arm to steady her, gently pulling her along and onto the solid stone of the canyon. Looking back at the woman as she dashed off, Diluc answered flatly. “It’s too… lively.”

“Paimon doesn’t see what’s wrong with things being lively.” Paimon frowned. She drifted alongside them as the group walked into the main halls, passing brightly colored stalls and elaborately carved stone shops. “Would it kill you to lighten up a bit?”

Diluc glanced at her, his eyes glinting in the shadows of his hood. “In Mondstadt’s history, coliseums and arenas often represented oppression, where the corrupt aristocracy toyed with people’s lives.” Lumine felt his grip tense around her arm.

Paimon flinched. “P-paimon doesn’t really think that’s a fair comparison.”

“It’s not an unreasonable one to make.” A calm, confident voice cut through the din.

Lumine and Diluc turned to see a woman dressed in black leather clothes standing behind them, her flame red hair falling loosely around her shoulders.

“Mavuika!” Paimon cried out.

“Hey, Paimon, Lumine.” Mavuika nodded, giving them a short wave. “Found a new traveling companion, huh?” She grinned. “No need to be shy, I don’t bite too hard.”

“Yep! He’s an old friend of ours from Mondstadt.” Paimon said.

Diluc took a step back, and Mavuika turned to him, giving him an appraising look. “Ah, I know you.” She put a hand on her hip. “It’s been a few years. Did you find what you were looking for?” Mavuika asked, her tone softening.

The question hung in the air unanswered.

Paimon slipped between the two of them, a bewildered look on her face. “Wait wait wait! You know the Archon of Natlan, Diluc?”

“We met briefly, yes.” Diluc murmured. He removed his hood in resignation. “I’m surprised she still remembers me.”

Mavuika laughed. “Those black flames of yours left quite the impression on me, tearing across the landscape like wildfire.”

“How come you never mentioned you’d been to Natlan before?” Paimon asked.

“I don’t remember ever saying I haven’t.” Diluc crossed his arms, turning to one of the stands along the path and feigning interest in its goods. The stand was filled with handcrafted jewelry. Leather cuffs printed with detailed patterns, strands of colorful beads, hair clips with feathers and gems.

“It’s the kinda thing a normal person would mention.” Paimon sulked. “Is that why you were acting like such a know-it-all back in Sumeru too?”

“I spent some time looking over records in the Akademiya on my travels. And naturally, to get to Natlan, I had to cross the desert.” Diluc picked up a corded necklace with a deep blue sapphire in the pendant, running his hand across the metalwork. “I’ve been to Fontaine and Snezhnaya too, if that information is pertinent.”

“And caused no end of havoc in both of them, right?” Mavuika smiled. Diluc shot her a glare, and the Pyro Archon burst out laughing again.

More footsteps echoed through the halls as another group approached. Kachina took the lead, her tawny hair bobbing as she ran. Behind her were Xilonen and Chasca, following close on her heels. “Lumine!” Kachina cried out, jumping for Lumine. Lumine grabbed her in a warm embrace.

“On your way back to Nod-Krai?” Chasca asked.

Lumine ruffled Kachina’s hair. “Yup. Taking the long way back. What about you guys?”

“Doing a quick patrol!” Kachina grinned. “Wanna come with us? Afterwards we were all going back to my family’s house for dinner!”

Paimon perked up at that, glancing at Lumine like an excited puppy. “We’re always happy to help out our friends, right Lumine?”

Lumine looked between her, and back at Diluc and Mavuika. Side by side, they looked remarkably similar, long crimson hair blowing in the wind and piercing, focused red eyes, all dressed in black and gold like it wasn’t blazing hot outside.

“Why don’t you go with them, for old time’s sake?” Mavuika suggested. “I wanna borrow your friend here for a little bit anyway.”

“Sure. As long as that’s okay with you, Diluc.”

“I don’t see why not. At this point, it would be rude to turn down the invitation of Natlan’s leader.” Diluc said. “I’ll be here when you two are done.”

“See you tonight Diluc!” Paimon waved. “And don’t think just because Paimon is going now, she’s going to forget she wants answers.” If she’d been going for threatening, she’d missed the mark by a wide margin.

Lumine pulled Paimon away, heading back across the bridge with her friends in tow. Admittedly, she had more than a few questions of her own, but they could wait. If Diluc was keeping them secret, he probably had his reasons.

The patrol took their group all across the various tribes of Natlan. They’d scout the territory around, searching for monsters or troublemakers or people in need, and then check in with the nearby tribes. Taking count of supplies they needed, requests they had. The sun hung low in the sky, painting brilliant shades across the land as it set.

When all was said and done, they had dinner as promised, chatting idly. The array of foods placed on the wooden table was enough to constitute a feast, fish and meats cooked to perfection, just a little blackened on the outside but tender and juicy underneath. Roast vegetables doused in sauces and dusted with seasoning, and bowls of fresh, sweet fruit to balance out the salty main courses.

Fork in hand, Xilonen pointed it at Lumine. “So, tell us about this pretty new friend of yours.”

“Diluc?” Lumine asked. Where to even begin? “He’s an old companion of mine.”

Paimon nodded excitedly. “He runs the biggest and most important winery in Mondstadt! And some nights he works as a bar-tender too!” She rambled. Paimon took over the conversation, and Lumine was grateful for it.

A noble, a bartender, a business owner. Also a former knight and fearsome swordsman, and a vigilante who spent long hours of the night fighting off monsters. Those later traits, Paimon excluded from her stories, but the others still seemed plenty impressed as the smaller girl recounted the tale of their fight with Stormterror. And now, Diluc was their companion for the time being. Lumine wondered idly how long it would be before Diluc would inevitably have to return to Mondstadt. Even now, surely people were noticing his absence, and it wouldn’t be long before they realized rumors of the Darknight Hero were dwindling.

Conversations shifted and flowed, everyone cleaning their plates with enthusiasm.

“We have desert too!” Kachina declared excitedly, bouncing from her seat. When she came back outside, she bore a platter topped with a towering chocolate cake, oozing with sauce and ice cream.

Paimon’s eyes went wide, her tiny frame excitedly swaying in anticipation. “You’re the best, Kachina!”

Lumine stood from her place at the table. “That’s all right. It’s getting late. I think I’m going to head back.”

“W-what? And miss this?” Paimon gestured to the volcano cake.

“Thank you,” Lumine nodded to Kachina, “But I’m full. You can stay, Paimon." Lumine gathered her plates, bringing them back inside and rejoining the others to say her goodbyes.

“You’re welcome to stay the night, Paimon~” Kachina smiled.

Lumine ruffled Paimon’s soft white hair, and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be back first thing in the morning.”

The walk back to the stadium felt longer without anyone with her. Walking alone was a good chance to clear one's head, but it wasn’t Lumine’s preferred way to travel. It would be a lot easier if everyone could be upfront. With no secrets between them, maybe Aether could have rejoined her by now. Whatever past Diluc had between himself and Mavuika now as well. Lumine shook her head. “Like I’m not keeping secrets of my own.” She said softly.

Lumine was walking along the path to the stadium when she heard the clash of blades. Curious, she turned to the paths leading up into the stands. The closer she got to the stairs, the hotter it felt, and she could see flashes of light playing on the colosseum walls. The air was charged with the ember and ash feeling of Pyro energy. The stone of the steps under her feet seemed to shake as she climbed them with the force of blows being exchanged. When Lumine reached the top of the stairs, she found quite a few other late night passersby were gathered, watching the spectacle in front of them. Lumine quietly slipped into the group, her eyes fixed on the two figures before them.

Another loud clang rang through the air as Mavuika and Diluc traded blows. A quick flurry, retreat, and repeat. Flames danced between them, lighting up the stands like daylight. They lunged forward for another trade, and this time, Mavuika broke the rhythm. Diluc took a step back, and she followed, pressing her advantage against him. Her final slash sent him sliding back, dust kicking up to join the embers.

Diluc turned the blade of his sword down, sparks flying as it cleaved the stone, dragging him to a stop. He pushed himself up with the cross guard, his chest heaving.

Mavuika nodded approvingly. “Good! Good!” In a blink, she jumped high in the air. Spiraling in the sky, she brought herself down with her weapon. Diluc barely had time to haul his sword from the ground, bracing the handle with his left arm as he twisted it up, the two weapons catching in another crash.

It was difficult to make out details from this distance, but Lumine didn't need to see much to tell how exhausted Diluc was. His calm demeanor in combat had been replaced by an almost animalistic fury as he struggled. Lumine nudged the man next to her. “How long have they been at it?”

The man grinned. “At least a couple hours. He’s been keeping up, but Mavuika’s really started cranking up the heat.”

The two fighters separated again, and Mavuika flipped her hair aside, resting her claymore on her shoulder. She reached her hand out, beckoning him forward. He obliged, vaulting forwards, drawing wide arcs of fire as he swung at her. The small crowd cheered and shouted, supporting both fighters as they went at it. The exchange ended in a bind, the former knight and current Archon vying for leverage as their swords ground against each other.

Mavuika’s blade ignited, slowly but surely pushing down and gaining weight against Diluc’s. His body trembled, putting all of his strength against the weight. They shifted, a sharp ringing as Mavuika’s sword dropped further, Diluc putting his left hand against the flat of his blade to support it as he was pressed down to the earth. Mavuika shoved again, and he was down to one knee. The glow of his sword had been reduced to embers, dark and barely glinting against Mavuika’s sun-like radiance.

With a growl, Diluc gave one last, full push against Mavuika. The ember like color of his sword flared, blood red flames meeting and tangling but refusing to mix with the other glimmering flame. The arc pushed Mavuika off to the side, shoving her back and leaving a path of smoldering red and black flames between them. The crowd screamed uproariously at the turnabout.

“Allright.” Mavuika stood, her sword pointed low at the ground. “I think that’s about enough for tonight. Go get some rest.”

Diluc remained rooted to the spot, his sword supporting his weight. Too winded to speak, he nodded weakly. Mavuika approached him, offering a hand up.

Lumine could see them talking, but the words were lost in the din of the crowd. Breaking away from the others, Lumine jumped down from the stands, gliding the distance to the stadium floor. As Lumine ran up to him, Mavuika turned away and walked towards her.

Their paths crossed halfway, and Mavuika put a hand on Lumine’s shoulder and leaned down. “Your friend there has some real fight with him. But don’t let him over-do it, okay? I get the impression he’d let himself burn up just to kindle a little torch.”

“I guess you would know that best?” Lumine retorted.

Mavuika laughed. “I guess I would, huh? Well, as long as he has a friend like you by his side I think he’ll be fine.” She straightened up, and walked off, giving a wave to the lingering crowd as she disappeared through the doors.

Lumine looked between her retreating figure and Diluc. It had been a brief moment, but something had looked off with his elemental powers. Lumine’s gaze flicked over to the currents of energy, the surrounding world going pale. Ebbing and flowing all around them were motes of color, the lingering haze of Pyro tinting the arena various shades of red. Sure enough, the most recent trails were noticeably different. Like oil and water, swirling between the Pyro were faint traces of something black and dark and sickly.

Lumine’s concentration was broken by Diluc approaching her. “I wasn’t aware you were back.” He was still panting, his voice rough with exertion.

“We just came back a few minutes ago.” Lumine said. Her eyes flicked over him appraisingly. His clothes were rough and tattered, covered in ash from the fight, and his hair had mostly come untied. He was holding his left arm close to his chest. “Are you hurt?”

Diluc shook his head. “We were just sparing. Where’s Paimon?”

“She’s going to stay with our friends a little longer.” Lumine said.

Diluc nodded. He reached back, removing his hair tie and shaking his hair out. “Mavuika said she arranged a room for us here tonight, if you were planning on getting some rest.”

“What about you?” Lumine asked. Diluc was obviously exhausted, but more than that, he looked… nervous.

“I’m...” He trailed off, glancing down at Lumine. Her concern was etched on her face. “I’ll be there shortly.”

A half hour later, Diluc opened the door to their room in the inn. The space was filled with a thick, pleasant scent of chocolate and spice, and his eyes slid to a pair of colorful ceramic mugs on the desk. Lumine was sipping from one of them, the drink to one side as she went over her map at the desk. At the creak of the door, Lumine looked up, and smiled softly. She gestured to the other mug. “I grabbed them from a restaurant on the way back.”

Diluc draped his cloak over the nearest bed and joined Lumine by the desk. He took the mug, the warmth of it soothing on his aching hand. The worst of the pain had subsided after the fight, but he could still feel the strain. “Planning something?” He asked.

“Just wanted to confirm our route.” Lumine responded. She pointed to a coastal region. “It’s a little out of the way, but I wanted to stop here for a day. From there, we can cut through here-” She traced a road across the paper. “-And from here we can catch a boat to Nod-Krai. How’s the xocoatl?”

Diluc took a sip of the beverage. It was sweet and creamy, with a good kick of spice to it. “It’s pleasant.”

Lumine grinned. “You should import some for Mondstadt. People would get a kick out of it.”

“It would be popular. Although, most people would probably ask for an alcoholic version.” Diluc sighed.

“I think if you made it, it would taste good.” Lumine said.

Diluc took another sip of the drink. Most spirits would ruin the delicate balance between the sweet and bitter. Actually, all alcohol would, in his opinion. Discounting that, a mint liquor in normal chocolate would be fine, but it would become overbearing with the already present mint and spice here. He frowned. Something to consider, he supposed. “We’ll see what I can do.” He leaned against the desk, and savored the drink. Every now and then, the papers would rustle as Lumine went over her notes. He closed his eyes. It was strange, being on the road again. Just a couple of days in, and the experience was so different he could barely recognize it.

“Diluc?”

He looked over at Lumine. She’d put the map away, and was studying him again. Her bright golden eyes shimmered in the torchlight of the room. Sometimes when she looked at him that way, it felt like she could see right through him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lumine asked.

“A little tired, but no worse for wear.” Diluc responded.

Lumine frowned. “During that last clash…”

“Mavuika knows her strength. She didn’t do any damage.” That much was true. Mavuika herself hadn’t injured him. He set aside his mug, rolling his shoulder. “That being said, I am worn out. I think I’m going to retire for the night.” He walked across the room. Maybe, come dawn, she’d have forgotten the issue.

Behind him, the wooden chair scraped along the stone. Lumine’s heels clacked on the floor, and he could hear the swishing fabric of her dress. She came up next to him, and wordlessly reached out and grabbed his arm. “I thought I saw something strange.”

“Probably a trick of the light.” Diluc tried to pull away from her, but she held firm. For such a tiny girl, she was frighteningly strong.

“Mavuika noticed it too. That’s why she called the fight so suddenly.” Lumine insisted.

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.” Diluc lied.

Hesitantly, Lumine lowered her hand, sliding it down his arm. For a brief moment, her hand lingered on his wrist, almost reaching for his palm. And then she let go. “If something was wrong, would you tell me?”

“I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I’m fine.” It was a non-answer. They both knew that. But Lumine accepted it all the same. He took a step away from her, and settled on the bed. The last thing he wanted to do was give her more to worry about. He’d come with her to make her journey easier, and he had no intention of letting old issues get in the way now. He lay down, sinking deep into the soft mattress. Sleeping at night was still taking some getting used to, but that was fine. He had a lot to think about before he let himself drift off anyway. 

Chapter Text

Mualani had spotted Lumine and the others a ways off as the trio made their way towards the People of The Springs. “Lumine! Paimon!” She cried out, her greeting her only warning as she surfed up to them, turning hard to break and sending a wave at them. Lumine and Diluc jumped back, grabbing Paimon by the scarf to pull her out of the way. “Oops! Sorry!” Excitedly, Mualani leapt from her board, running forward and grabbing Lumine by the hands. “Welcome back! I thought you had left for Nod-Krai already?”

Lumine grinned. “We did, but we had some other, um, errands to run. We’re on our way back now.”

“Gottcha.” Mualani nodded. “If you’re all the way down here, that must mean you dropped by to visit, right? Oh, you have to show your new friend the hot springs.”

“That’s what we’re here for!” Paimon grinned. “Oh, you haven’t been introduced yet. Mualani, this is Master Diluc, the richest and most influential man in Mondstadt!”

Diluc adjusted his glove. “You hardly have to introduce me that way, Paimon. Right now, I’m just a traveler like you and Lumine.” He sighed and held out his hand, and Paimon continued.

“Diluc, this is Mualani! She’s super good at surfing and was one of the great chosen heroes in the war against the abyss that happened here!”

Mualani blushed a little, and took Diluc’s hand, shaking it vigorously. “I think the ostentatious greetings are just Paimon’s way of flattery. Nice to meet you, Diluc.”

“Likewise.”

Mualani excitedly flapped her hands at her sides. “Now come on! We don’t get a lot of travelers here from Mondstadt, lemme show you to the hot springs.”

Diluc hesitated. “That’s… alright. You and the others can go enjoy yourselves.”

Mualani tilted her head. “What’s wrong? Not a fan of water?”

“Something like that. I’ll meet you both back here in the morning.” Diluc turned on his heel, and made it about half a step before Paimon grabbed his cloak.

“Not so fast! First you secretly know the Pyro Archon, and now you’re running off all night? If you have some top-secret alternate reason for joining us, just tell us! We’re traveling together now, remember?”

Diluc reached over his shoulder and plucked Paimon from his cloak, holding her in front of him like a cat who’d gotten into something she shouldn’t have. “I’m not running off on either of you. Miss Mualani is close enough to correct. I can find some other way to pass the time.”

Paimon struggled fruitlessly in his grasp, Lumine and Mualani giggling at the spectacle. Eventually, he let her go, and she zipped off to hide behind Lumine’s shoulder. “Seriously, Lumine, you really could have picked a nicer companion.”

Diluc raised an eyebrow. “If I recall, you reached out to me.”

“Y-yeah, well, It’s not Paimon’s fault Lumine likes you!” Paimon retorted.

“P-Paimon!” Lumine stammered.

Mualani grinned. “Oh-ho, so that’s how it is, huh?”

Lumine shook her hands rapidly. “Paimon is just being silly. Let’s go, Mualani!” Lumine reached down and took Mualani by the hand and dragged Paimon by the other, dashing through the shallows towards the village.

“Y’know, it’s not uncommon for couples to soak together too~” Mualani teased, letting herself be pulled along.

“We’re not a couple!” Lumine insisted.

“Aww, c’mon, if we’re ditching him in the wake you can at least share a little girl talk about him.”

Lumine sprinted away, a pulse of Anemo underneath her feet, propelling her forwards. Mualani effortlessly switched from running to letting herself be dragged along the surface of the water as they cut across the shoreline, laughing the whole way. From his place on the side of the sandy road, Diluc watched them both, his hood pulled up over his face to hide the slight blush on his cheeks.

Not far from the lively village of The People of The Springs, Diluc had found a reasonably comfortable place on the cliffs to rest. He'd set his bag down against an outcropping of rocks, and sat down in the soft grass, spending his time going over his own notes and ledgers. He knew Adelinde and Elzer had a handle on things, but there were still some matters he'd have to deal with through the mail. He made a new missive to look into trade routes from Natlan, and a tentative recipe to try for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions of the spiced cocoa. 

A caw echoed overhead, and he turned his head to the sky to look at his companion, the bird circling a few times before diving and settling down on his outstretched hand. He gently ruffled its feathers, petting its head and neck as the bird squawked softly.

“Following me all the way out here, hmm? Well, you don’t appear to have any messages, and no news is, as they say, good news.”

The falcon pressed its head into his fingers, eyes closing in contentment as Diluc pet it. Absently, Diluc turned to look at the vast ocean to the south. A few tiny islands dotted the coast before the water stretched out into eternity beyond. Suddenly, the falcon whipped its head up, eyes focused on the distance. A moment later, Diluc could hear the noise that had disturbed it too, footsteps crunching in the grass.

Mualani crested the hill, her expression brightening as she noticed Diluc. “Hey~! There you are. I was worried I was gonna have to look all over Ameyalco for you, but you didn’t go far after all.” The falcon on Diluc’s arm relaxed, turning its head back and forth curiously as Mualani approached. “Aww, what a cute bird.”

The falcon cawed, flapping its wings appreciatively.

“Can I help you, Miss Mualani?” Diluc asked.

Mualani dropped down in the grass next to him, resting her arms on her knees. “You came all this way from Mondstadt to see us, I just wanted to check in with you.”

Diluc glanced at her. “I… appreciate the hospitality, but you have no need to be concerned. Go spend time with Lumine and Paimon.”

“I will but...” Mualani trailed off, humming softly for a moment. “You don’t seem like the kind of person who likes beating around the bush, so I’ll just say it straight; I’d really like it if you’d join us.”

Diluc sighed. “I really don’t mind being left out. I’m content up here.”

“Will you at least tell me why?”

“You already guessed as much.”

“I was only half right.” Mualani pointed out. Another long pause as Mualani considered her words. “You’re wearing some pretty warm clothes for the climate, y’know. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in something lighter?”

Diluc’s eyebrows furrowed. “I am quite fine, I assure you.”

“So my second guess is probably right.” Mualani teased.

Diluc crossed his arms, the falcon jumping from his arm to his shoulder as he moved. “Just get to the point.”

Mualani turned to him with a surprisingly serious look in her eyes. “You’re the one being coy. You can't really want to spend your time out here alone, right?" 

“...”

“Y’know...” Mualani turned her gaze to the ocean. “Natlan is the land of war. Lots of people in every tribe have scars. They’re nothing to be ashamed of.” She glanced over at Diluc, and thought she saw him biting his lip. “Some people say hot springs even have healing qualities. They can make all kinds of aches and pains go away.” She carried on, speaking as if talking to herself. After that comment also received no response, she stood up and dusted the sand off her clothes. “Anyway, I’m sure Lumine would like it if you joined us too. Coming?” She held out a hand to help Diluc up.

Diluc gazed at the proffered hand before his eyes flicked back to the ground. Mualani was sure his gaze would have set the grass aflame if he’d stared any longer before he shut his eyes and let out a weary sigh, and wordlessly took her hand.

Lumine groaned deeply as she lowered herself into the water, a feeling of blissful contentment filling her chest as the warmth enveloped her. There may have been a lot to deal with, but for the moment, she could let all her worries melt away in the springs. Paimon drifted in the waves nearby, lazily swishing her hands through the water. Lumine closed her eyes, content to wait in peace for Mualani. The energetic girl had dashed off at the last minute, saying she had to grab something, and Lumine hadn’t had a chance to question her. It was probably just drinks and snacks anyway.

The rhythmic crashing of waves in the distance, and the gentle bubble of the spring combined with the blanket-like warmth nearly put Lumine to sleep. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she heard two sets of footsteps on the limestone pavement. Peaking open one eye, she nearly did a double take at the sight.

Mualani waved excitedly, a skip in her step as she approached. And trailing not far behind her was Diluc. His messy red hair had been pulled into a higher ponytail, and he had removed his normal traveling clothes. In their place was a simple towel draped over his shoulders, and a set of the tribe’s white and blue swimtrunks. For a brief moment, Lumine’s eyes met with his, and he abruptly looked away, grabbing his arm nervously. His face was almost as red as his hair.

“Uh, Lumine? Earth to Lumine? You’re kinda staring.” Paimon called, waving a tiny hand in front of Lumine’s face. Lumine nodded absently in agreement.

Diluc bit his lip again, and Mualani gently pulled him towards the water. “I’ve already arranged for some refreshments, so now that we’re all here we can relax to our heart’s content!” She announced. She slipped in to the water as easy as a duck, grinning. “Ahh, now that’s nice. C’mon Diluc. Or are you planning to stand there all night?”

Diluc stepped forward, following her into the water and settling down across from Lumine. As on edge as he was, the others could see some of the tension fade as he sank into the springs. He rolled his shoulders back and stretched, even as his expression remained sullen.

“Feels nice, right?” Paimon chirped. “You really are impressive, Mualani! Paimon wasn’t sure Master Diluc was capable of doing anything relaxing.”

Diluc glared at her, but kept silent. His eyes cast away from the fairy girl, past Mualani and settled on Lumine, and the blush on his face and Lumine’s deepened a little more.

Mualani grabbed the floating ring Paimon was basking in and pulled her close, whispering in Paimon’s ear, her voice giddy with excitement. “Oh, they Like like each other, huh.”

“Paimon thinks everyone knows but them.” Paimon responded, looking on sulkily at the pair. “And Paimon had thought Lumine was smart.”

Mualani giggled. “He’s not exactly hard on the eyes.”

“Sure,” Paimon agreed. “But his personality is another story.”

Mualani dragged Paimon and her a little further away from the others. “He doesn’t seem so bad.”

Back on the other side of the hotspring, Lumine finally found her voice. “I’m glad you decided to join us, Diluc.”

Diluc nodded curtly. “Miss Mualani was right. The warm water does feel nice.”

“It’s amazing. I’d make the walk out here a thousand times for this.” Lumine smiled. Even now, Lumine found she couldn’t take her eyes off of him as they talked. She’d felt similarly the first time they’d met. His hair like flames and eyes the color of rubies had captivated her. At the time, her fascination had vexed her. He was beautiful to her in the same way a treasure was, gleaming and special in a way that was hard to define. Over the years, she’d gotten used to him as they’d grown more comfortable around each other, but the fluttering, mesmerizing feeling was back. He was surprisingly thin without his heavy coat, but muscular; the sharp planes of his body forming angles and lines she could only find the vague word of ‘appealing’ to describe.

Along his skin were various thin, pale lines. Scars from past battles. None of them looked particularly deep, save for the ones on his arm. She followed them down, a strange, twisting brand like pattern around his left arm, getting more distinct as they reached his hand and wrapped around his wrist. Smaller versions of the same pattern laced his fingers, all tying back to a deep, painful looking mark on the back of his hand. It was hard to tell through the steam of the water, but the twisting lines looked like the imprint of a chain.

Lumine pulled her gaze up, suddenly realizing how intently she had been studying him, and saw that Diluc was looking at her in much the same way. A hungry, distant stare as he took in her features, cataloging them and recording them to memory like important facts.

The tense silence was only interrupted when a woman came over, setting trays of drinks and treats on the rocks next to Lumine. Mualani and Paimon both perked up and returned from whatever conversation they’d been having, Lumine belatedly noticing they’d even moved away. Even Diluc was looking at the tray curiously.

Lumine steeled herself, and gestured to the carved ledge next to her. “Why don’t you come over here, Diluc?” She hoped her voice sounded as casual as she was going for. “That way it’s easier to share.”

He nodded, and slowly stood, the water rippling around him as he moved to sit next to Lumine. Her heart jumped at the closeness. “H-here.” She handed him a glass of the milk that had been served, and she felt that electric sensation again as their fingers brushed.

“Thank you.”

“Y’know, this kinda reminds me of another traveler who’d come here.” Mualani smiled. “He was from Fontaine, and their customs there are way stuffier than here. He…” Mualani launched into her story, her voice a pleasant focus as it melded with the water and evening crickets, even if Lumine wasn’t really listening to the words.

Diluc switched the glass to his other hand, and under the steaming water, Lumine felt his hand move closer to hers, settling on top of it and gently locking his fingers around hers. Diluc had never before taken his gloves off around her, and the sensation of his skin tingled on her own far stronger than the heat of the springs ever could. She rubbed along the side of his hand with her thumb, and slowly, the two of them relaxed, leaning back and gazing up at the dimming sky.

Even if the sky wasn’t real, Lumine thought, the stars were still dazzlingly beautiful.