"And over there aaarrre-" Paimon yawned, just barely managing to cover it with her hand. Her other hand was waving loosely in the direction of the grove of trees next to them. "…are Ye Olde Sunsettia Trees, right in front of Mondstadt's main gate. When fall comes around, we have a small Sunsettia Harvest Festival. Sunsettia juice and sunsettia jam we make on the spot, and we make next year's cider while drinking last year's. It's a pretty fun event if you ignore all the bards crowding around-"

Aether tried to focus on her words, he really did. It gave him something else to focus on than how sore his feet were, how stiff his right arm was, how heavy the small little bag he had felt, and the tiny little voice in his head whispering to him that damn, the grass looked like a nice place to sleep.

Focus.

The sun had already set while they went through the small forest, the two of them walking hand in hand. Paimon had occasionally pointed out interesting tidbits that Aether would have been happy to listen to at any other time. If it wasn't for her squeezing his hand every now and then, just a bit of starlight running through her warm fingers, Aether was pretty sure he would already be conked out on the road somewhere.

When he glanced sideways, there was a flower tucked into a corner of Paimon's hair, still glowing in a soft, entrancing blue. Small lamp grass, a flower only found in Mondstadt. Traveling merchants used to tie this to their hair at night so other travelers would see them. See, like this! It matched well with her white hair and onyx eyes, adding just a splash of color-

Focus.

The woods were silent except when the wind blew, at which point the fallen leaves whispered a chorus only they could hear. Do you hear that? Don't worry, it's not ghosts, definitely not ghosts. Something about the humidity from Cider Lake and the rolling hills in the forest creates the perfect acoustic, I think. But what's important is that it's not whispering! So, this whole place shouldn't be called the Whispering Woods at all! He'd asked about why she was so afraid of ghosts, but… he couldn't remember what she said next-

Focus.

…right now, the only thing he could focus on was how the beaten sand path they'd been following finally curved to the right. Sand led to a cobblestone path, the path to a bridge over a lake, and then-

Finally. The gate to Mondstadt City was in front of him.

"Right-" He replied, a yawn interrupting him. It was good to know yawns were infectious here as well. "…well, thank the stars we're here."

There was a tired sigh from behind him. "Truly, such a delight to see Sumeru implement cultural studies of this depth and detail." They turned, just to be met with an arctic gaze. Really, the Cryo vision the captain wore so proudly suited her. "I can expect to see scholars as knowledgeable as you regarding Mondstadt's history and current festivals from now on, yes?"

It took him a moment too long to figure out what she had been implying about Paimon.

Paimon stiffened. "I-I mean-"

"I thank you very much for appreciating my lady's knowledge of history," Aether interrupted, almost glaring at the captain. "When I expressed my interest in learning more of Mondstadt's history, she was kind enough to add to her burden just for me, as she had done so many times beforehand. Perhaps one day, may the stars permit it, I will be able to repay her back for the kindness she had shown me."

"Aw… Aether, you don't have to feel that way!" Even as Paimon slung herself on his back, he was staring straight into the golden-violet eyes of the captain. If she was going to go out of her way to poke holes in their already flimsy story, he was going to return the favor by challenging her every step of the way.

…what was her name again? Spindrift?

…Eula, right. Captain Eula.

If the narrowed eyes and nod were any indication, the message was received, and Eula returned to quietly escorting them from behind, mulling over who knows what. Probably how best to implicate more crimes onto their already impressive list.

Aether let out a quiet breath. That was one future disaster mitigated, he hoped.

"…mmm…"

"Come on, sleepy," he nudged Paimon with his shoulder, who'd managed to doze off on his back in record time. When she mumbled something he couldn't quite make out, he slowly started guiding her toward the gate guards. "Just a bit farther, we're literally walking on the gate bridge."

"Imma not asleep… you're just really warm…"

"Just a bit further," he repeated, a bit distracted by how she was nuzzling her cheek and hair against his back. Sudden memories of a cosmic kitty bubbled into existence, and Aether couldn't help but close his eyes and reminisce, remembering the similar yet different tingling of starlight he had felt when it had brushed itself against him.

Paimon was a bit warmer, he decided. Sure, the kitty had been the size of her house and had a brilliant star coat with a cosmic hue, but there was something about someone usually so energetic snuggling half-awake that couldn't be overstated-

Focus-!

"I need your expert expertise for dealing with the local knights and captains over here," Aether said, shrugging towards Eula. "You know, I'm surprised she hadn't chained us together at this point, with us being 'strange yet respectable' and all-"

"Don't even say that!" Paimon hissed back vehemently, startling him. She blinked slowly when he stared back. "Oh, sorry, you were joking. Right, my dear boorish bodyguard, she can't have us in chains because that's the greatest insult one could give in Mondstadt – that you don't even deserve the freedom granted to everyone by their god. Well, according to the Old Laws, I guess."

With another yawn, she pulled herself off his back, pointedly raising her voice. "But this armed escort, where she hadn't even dematerialized her great sword? It's pretty much the highest insult she could give, treating us like rabid criminals."

Aether glanced back. The captain raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, and her sword remained.

"The Old Laws? Perhaps you refer to the noble's etiquette?" Eula crossed her arms, a half-frown on her face. "Strange, to have been so proficient at it and yet continue to fail every interaction in this charade of yours. Does it perhaps bring you shame to know about it? Or are you no different to every other citizen of Mondstadt, bearing no pride or thought of yourself?"

"Nope, I'm too tired to deal with this anymore. Captain," Paimon turned around. Aether thought for a moment she would actually draw her weapons, but she only raised her right hand towards Eula, as if demanding something from her. "Under the moon's starlit gaze, I swear upon my pride, honor, and integrity that Aether and I bear no ill will to the city of Mondstadt. And yet, thrice have you crossed me and my companion: your weapon, your position, and your silence. I demand satisfaction for your pointless insults, lest your word and honor become as meaningful as the morning mist."

Aether pondered quietly to himself about the meaning behind her words. The weapon was obvious enough, but position and silence? He guessed that position could be referring to how the captain had followed from behind despite offering to be their escort. And silence… did escorts have a duty to inform their guests about the local views and specialties? It would explain why Paimon had done so despite her being as tired as he was.

All the while, the captain quietly studied the two of them. They stood in the middle of the bridge, ignoring the two gate guards starting to talk amongst themselves.

"…I stand corrected," Eula murmured, tilting her head. "You do have your pride. Very well, for this matter, I shan't seek vengeance." With that, a small smile appeared on her face, as small and fleeting as a snowflake. Her weapon shimmered and disappeared, and she seemed… pleased? "And for the record, I've insulted you five times throughout the journey. Had you confronted me sooner, I would have gladly filled in the silence and offered help with your bags. I'm still unsure of how you've come to study the noble etiquette, but I will be more than happy to instruct you on the finer details."

Her outward appearance changed very little, but she appeared to be a completely different person with that teasing glint in her eyes and subtle jest in her tone. For the first time, she seemed to regard them with something resembling respect rather than half-muted distaste.

Paimon huffed and withdrew her hand. "Of course, it was a test for you." Just like your god was written all over her face, not that Eula would be able to tell, but the captain took it in stride.

"But of course. I had to see if you were worthy of my respect and knowledge. People are prone to truthfulness while aggrieved, intoxicated, or romantically inclined, after all."

"Does everybody in Mondstadt worship that saying?!"

"Ah, so you are not up to date with recent trends, then?" Eula hummed thoughtfully. "The Steambird published the quote last month if I'm not mistaken. Their current articles regarding Mondstadt are quite the sensation-"

"Ahem!" They all turned to the gate guard, who didn't even have the grace to look apologetic for his interruption. "Please state your identity and intended destination-"

"Was that a command to me, Lawrence of Fontaine?" And Eula was immediately back to her acerbic self, sending the knight flinching back.

"C-captain Lawren-"

"Good evening, Captain Eula," the older one interrupted him with a meaningful gaze, saluting. "Welcome back, and I hope Lord Barbatos had blessed both your day and night. Swan and Lawrence, reporting nothing but the gentle winds."

The other one, Lawrence, managed a shaky salute. Only when Eula nodded curtly at them did the two relax, Swan glancing at him and Paimon. "Are these… strange yet welcome travelers your guests?"

Aether paused. Hmm. How gently could he introduce themselves without full-on lying-

"Yes, they are," Eula interrupted his thoughts. "I welcome Paimon, a student of Sumeru, and Aether, her bodyguard, to the streets of Mondstadt. Treat them with the respect reserved for our most distinguished guests."

"Yes ma'am!" Swan turned to them, saluting in that same, crisp motion. "May I be the first to welcome you both to our fair city of winds and idylls."

"Thank you," Aether replied automatically. He shot a questioning glance at the captain, but she ignored him. "I'm sure our stay will be pleasant."

It's what he hoped for, anyways.

"We must be off, now. Do not slack off in the coming hours, for it is just before dawn breaks you are the weariest," Eula instructed, briskly and professionally. "If I catch wind of your slacking, I assure you that you will not forget it. Now, may the wind-"

She caught herself, turning towards footsteps that quickly grew closer from inside the city. Soon, Aether could make out an individual approaching from the dim of the night.

"Captain Eula, Captain Eula! A message from your head of house!"

There was no mistaking the armored plating, the vambraces, and the greaves of a knight polished until the white shined in the moonlight. There was also no mistaking the frilly apron and dress, which reminded Aether immediately of a maid.

She skidded to a halt in front of them, not looking the slightest out of breath, and curtsied silently.

"Has my uncle been bothering you with his errands again, Noelle?" Eula frowned, tilting her head the slightest amount in recognition. Only when she was addressed did the young women raise her head. "Honored Maid-Knight, you alone bear the distinct recognition of the Acting Grandmaster even before you have been knighted. Do not allow yourself to be misled into doing the work of the common folk, or I will have my vengeance in your steed."

The… maid-knight? Noelle hummed pleasantly with a smile; her gloved hands joined together demurely. "Might I remind you that I have yet to be knighted, Captain Eula. And delivering messages is a part of my duties, and it truly is no issue. Your head of house offers me a thorough test on my understanding of proper etiquette each time we converse. He has even recently gone as far enough to call me a 'friend of the family,' rather than a 'dear friend!'"

"Truly? …what scheme is he up to now?" Eula murmured, before shaking her head. "Well, my apologies for having to rely on you once more. Tell my uncle that I'm currently in the middle of an investigation and so my duties have clearly not released me as of yet."

"I believe I understand." Noelle leaned in close to Eula – close enough that the gate guards couldn't hear – and whispered, "Should I inform Lord Schubert you will be occupied with your lead for the next day or two?"

Unfortunately for her, Aether had been straining as nonchalantly as he could to listen in. Paimon was humming to herself, trying a bit too much to be inconspicuous while leaning forward.

"You understood me perfectly, honored Maid-Knight," she then gestured towards them both. Apparently, they weren't as subtle as they hoped to be. "And if you don't mind, a rose-?"

"Yes ma'am!" With practiced ease, Noelle produced a rose from somewhere underneath her apron. She brought it to her face, gently squeezing it as the uppermost petal touched her smile for a moment. Then, with a sudden, grand flourish, she scattered the petals in a perfect arc. Aether wasn't sure if it was a coincidence, but a sudden breeze picked up the moment she opened her palm, sending the crimson-red petals flying into the air, soon scattering into too many directions to keep track of.

"May the winds alone keep our secrets," she intoned.

Eula nodded in satisfaction. "And may the breeze flow forevermore. Thank you for your time, honored Maid-Knight."

Before he could ask just what the ceremony with the roses meant, Noelle turned towards him and Paimon. "Welcome to Mondstadt, strange yet respectable travelers," she said, smiling as she curtsied again. This time, she finished it rather than waiting for a reply from them and started briskly walking out of the city. "I hope you enjoy your stay here, and that your business with Captain Eula ends on a pleasant note-!"

"Wait! Noelle, just a moment!"

She paused, looking back at the guard who'd spoken. "Yes, Sir Lawrence? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Why are you so close to Captain Lawrence?!"

His proclamation echoed in the night. Noelle's smile faded away, Swan shook his head but did nothing, and the captain…

She was steadily meeting her accuser's eyes, not a trace of emotion in sight. No surprise, no anger, no reproach. Just a blank, empty stare. Her face could have been a mask, for all the emotion it showed.

Lawrence gulped, but continued, gesturing wildly all the while. "Do… do you know just how much flack I get just because of my first name?! A family of slavers, the lot of them. You know that they're planning to take over Mondstadt once more, with just how much her old man had prattled on and on about 'retaking our proper place,' so why are they calling you their friend? Why are you calling them your friend?! Is… is she forcing you to do this? Blackmail? She's promising you knighthood if you pretend, right?" He was pointedly avoiding looking at Eula as he spoke, but Aether wasn't, far too interested in what was happening before him.

This level of outright insubordination? Either the Knights of Favonius was a barely functional organization, or Mondstadt's moniker as the city of freedom was ill-deserved.

So, he watched as Eula's fingers twitched, grasping at something that wasn't there yet, a slight chill forming in the air-

"Sir Lawrence. I'm disappointed in you."

Despite the mounting tension, Noelle had no trouble pouting at the knight. And somehow, for some reason, it was enough to have the Lawrence guy scrambling backward, face aspen-white. With a lecturing posture, she continued.

"Article 15 of the Favonius Handbook, 7th edition clearly states that all those who visit Mondstadt, of all nationalities and ambitions, shall be treated as freely and equally as the wind. If you're having trouble with keeping the handbook memorized, I can help! Please meet me at the library at…" she trailed off, a thoughtful look on her face before she lit up. "Ah, a quarter after noon works. As you have passed the Knight's Initiation Tests already, I'm sure that a brief review about twenty minutes long will be enough to jog your memory."

"W-wait. Um, that sounds a lot like extra work during lunch hours-"

"Shut it, Lawrence!" The other guard finally spoke, shaking his head back and forth, glancing wide-eyed at both Noelle and his friend. "You don't argue with Noelle, you just don't! Not even the Fatui does! Just for that, I'm making sure that you actually study – I'm going to be quizzing you every morning for the next week, and you'll be pulling nightguard for the entire night if you get any of it wrong!"

"Y-you too Swan?! You… you were egging me on all day, telling me to confront her, and now you betray me like this?!"

"There's facing your fears and worries so you can be free of them, and there's being an idiot about it-!"

"And besides…" Even as the two knights bickered amongst themselves, Noelle turned back with a shy smile, speaking softly for just them to hear. "Despite my initial reservations, you have never given me a reason to doubt you, while your work ethic inspires me just as much as Acting Grandmaster Jean. Thank you for everything you do to keep Mondstadt safe, Captain Eula."

"…as you should," Eula said, nodding imperviously, but there was no hiding how her tenseness had melted away.

"And it pains me to say this, Captain Eula, but duty calls for my immediate arrival at Springvale!" Even before she finished, she was running off. She took the time to wave cheerfully at them as she slowly grew smaller in the distance.

"Go with the wind and my blessing, friend of the family," Eula murmured. With that, she turned to Aether and Paimon. She studied them quietly for a moment before she spoke again. "Though we made good time, I'm not blind nor cruel enough to ignore your fatigue. We'll meet the Acting Grandmaster the coming morning, but rest assured, I will not forget about this delay," she decided.

Oh, thank the stars.

"Oh, thank Lapis- um, Bar-, nope, Na-, Rukkhadevata, I guess." Paimon stumbled over her words. She raised a hand defensively when they both glanced at her. "I'm tired, alright?"

"…well, I suppose my decision is one the God of Wisdom could find acceptable." With that, she turned, beckoning them to follow. "Then, let us find some suitable accommodations to spend the night."

Aether inwardly cheered. Surely, that wouldn't take too long.

-o-

Aether collapsed on the bed, utterly spent. The bed he was on buckled violently when Paimon threw herself on it as well, nearly throwing him off, but he clung onto it as if his life depended on it.

The hotel had been entirely booked out by foreign diplomats, the guild was closed for the day, and other such services took one look at their group and either told them to scram or asked for a price that even he could tell was astronomical for a single night in a lousy room. Eventually, Eula dragged the both of them to the Knight's headquarters. She was gone now, having muttered something about vengeance, tradition, and idiots before disappearing elsewhere.

He breathed in the stale, dusty bed air of a room left abandoned for at least half a year. Nothing had ever tasted sweeter.

The temptation to just close his eyes, let the night take him, and worry about everything tomorrow was just so very appealing. But if it was worth doing, then it was worth doing tonight. So, he sighed, pinched himself hard, and looked at the bundle of Paimon lying listlessly on the bed.

"Paimon, you awake?"

"…mrgle," she replied to the mattress.

Aether took that as a yes.

"Want to know more about starlight?"

Paimon plopped her face onto the bed. She peered at him blearily, cross-eyed. "…go ahead, Mystery Man, I'm all ears. Would be nice to know why you were so sure it could help Dvalin. Or why you tried to, you know, murder him before. Oh, and just how much you need it. And why do you keep taking my own? Or why-"

"You're the only one in this world that seems to produce it," Aether blurted out. "And I kind of need a lot more of it if I'm going to be anything more than a regular human."

"…mm-hmm. Didn't you take a roomful of it the day you woke up? And what about the literal handful you took from me at the statue?"

Aether winced. "I… may have used all of that. When I accidentally tried to murder Dvalin."

"…" Paimon took a deep breath. "Okay, so you want me to share my starlight. I'm… going to assume you now know not to be an idiot with your starlight when you asked for that. I can do that."

Aether waited patiently. The room was silent for a bit as she pulled herself up, stared blankly at the wall for a moment, and shuffled around the blankets.

"…nope, I can't," she admitted, collapsing back on a pillow. "Just… give me your hand, I guess."

He dragged himself upwards on the bed, so his head was somewhat nearer to where the pillows were at. She quietly took his hand in hers, looped her scarf off, and wrapped it around their hands.

After a moment, the scarf… shivered, and Aether swore it melted into a liquid, coalescing around their fingers. But no, when he looked at it, it was still just a scarf. And yet it just felt so comforting, as if the fabric of the universe was woven directly into it. And that was without mentioning the starlight that trickled in like a warm whisper into his ears.

It felt like home.

Finally, he relaxed. A quiet end to a difficult day-

"Oh, and if I find out that you lied to me, or if you touch somewhere you're not supposed to, I'm definitely stabbing you somewhere painful, okay?" Paimon yawned. "Also blaming you if something goes wrong. Okay, 'night."

With that, she flopped on the bed one last time and closed her eyes. She was letting out cute little snores a moment later.

A… mostly-peaceful end to a difficult day, Aether amended. With that thought, clutching onto something he never knew he even missed, he finally let himself drift off to sleep.

And that's a wrap! The first day finally ends.

This fic had been a huuuge learning experience for me already. I think the biggest thing I learned was pacing. Typically, you read about how a day is different compared to the established norm, something that changes the character or develops a plot. But what about mostly-amnesiac Aether? Everything would be a learning experience for him, whether it be about the world, Paimon, Venti, Eula and the knights, or even about himself. At least, that's my thought process as to why I spent 15000+ words on a single day hahaha what am I doing-

Things should be better paced in the future, now that I kind of know what I'm doing. Kind of. Hopefully?

Nevertheless, a huge thank you to all readers, reviewers, favoriters, followers, and kudos-givers! Every little bit helps me with the writing, especially since real life has been incredibly busy for me the past few weeks.

And lastly, here's a little riddle. 'As wine bottles are corked, so too are my lips sealed' are what roses mean in Mondstadt canonically. But… just what do roses have to do with wine? And since all wine bottles are destined to be uncorked, it kind of implies you're keeping the secret to make it better when you release it lol.