Chapter Text
Nicole had been stirring the tea in her cup for minutes now. If it wasn't for the sound of the metal spoon constantly hitting the glass, she probably would've forgotten.
Just like she forgot she was in the middle of a Hexenzirkel meeting.
Alice and Barbie's conversation hummed in the background. Nicole didn't catch what it was about, but they'd been talking for a while now. It would probably be best if she actually listened. She always did. She enjoyed the topics that were usually brought up.
But today, her mind seemed to be elsewhere.
She lightly tapped the spoon against the edge of the glass, bringing the cup up to her lips and taking a long sip. The sweet dandelion tea relaxed her body, similar to wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. If she really wanted to, she could take a nap.
But she didn't.
Eventually, the sun had began to set, painting the sky a lovely pink and orange. The Mondstadt breeze picked up, tickling Nicole's cheeks.
She sat with her hands in her laps, playing with the lace on her dress. The conversation had gone all over the place. At one point, they were discussing buisness—next thing you know they were laughing and gossiping like teenage sisters.
Alice giggled at something Barbie said before turning to face Nicole. Her usual wit was replaced with a serious look.
"Speaking of Nod-Krai.." She paused to take a sip of tea. "I have matters to deal with there. Nicole, I could really use your help"
Nicole smiled, straightening her posture. "Sure, I wouldn't mind tagging along at all."
She had been to Nod-Krai a few times. The scenery was nice and she liked writing her novels there. The place practically overflowed with inspiration.
Barbie popped a piece of candy in her mouth. "Isn't Varka currently in Nod-Krai?"
"Correct," said Alice, who was now enjoying a slice of cake.
Varka...
A few days ago, Varka was their conversation topic, and Nicole found herself rather interested.
All humans had Interested her in some way or another, but there was something about him specifically. It made her feel like an eager child.
Was it his determination? Maybe his chivalry? Or perhaps his selflessness.
Most knew him as the Knight of Boreas and Grandmaster of Knights of Favonious, but how many of them actually knew him as Varka? How many of them knew him beyond his renowned titles?
She hated herself for wanting to know more about him so desperately. She wanted to know Varka.
Not the Knight of Boreas.
Not the Grandmaster.
Varka.
"Nicole dear," Alice began, forcefully pulling her from her thoughts that she prayed they couldn't hear. "Is there something on your mind? You've seemed a little... detached today."
Nicole blinked. The two witches were staring at her like she had something to confess to.
A faint blush dusted her cheeks.
"Ah, it's nothi-"
"Nicole," Alice said, like she heard that excuse a hundred times. She might've...
Well, there was no way she was getting out of this situation...
Nicole swallowed. Her cheeks felt hot all of a sudden.
Then, unashamedly,
"Could I know more about Varka by chance?"