The small outlook behind the Church of Favonius is one of Mondstadt's most peaceful places to relax after a hard day of work. The gentle breeze and amazing view overlooking Cider Lake simply put people at ease, and was a great place to gather one's own thoughts.
That's where the Deaconess of the Church of Favonius found herself after finishing all of her main duties for the day. She had completed them in record time, having just finished just after lunch. And so far, with no travelers coming to church today looking for medical help, Barbara for once found herself with nothing to do.
She could have gone out to look for more and stock up on herbs, but she had a feeling that Sister Victoria would have declined her request. After that entire situation with Albert, the other Sisters were very hesitant about letting Barbara go out on her own.
It wasn't like it was her fault! He really did look hurt that time. After all, he did fall off that ladder trying to get those Philanemo Mushrooms. Sigh
Barbara knew very well that her status as Mondstadt's only Idol made her extremely popular with everyone. And she knew she had a hard time telling people no. With that being said, Barbara not only wanted to make people smile, but she wanted to do more. She didn't want to just be stuck here inside Mondstadt. She wanted to see more of Teyvat and go on more adventures. She really enjoyed that time she had accompanied the Honorary Knight for a while, with her showing him parts of Mondstadt and Dragonspire but her church duties and obligations had forced that to come to an end.
With a sigh and a look of boredom on her face, Barbara sat up from the bench and began to make her way back to the very front of the church. As she was about to round the corner, she could hear the voice of Sister Victoria talking with someone.
"Thank you Honorary Knight for making the trip to Liyue for these herbs. I'll make sure they get put to good use. Please accept this as payment for the long journey". The voice that Barbara recognized as the traveler's companion, Paimon responded. "Aww thank you. But don't worry about it too much, Paimon and Aether have made the trip to Liyue and back so many times now that Paimon has lost count! We are just glad to help out the Church of Favonius."
"Well, you two still have my thanks anyhow. I'll be sure to let the Adventures Guild know if we have more commissions that come up."
Barbara poked her head around the corner and saw that it was indeed Aether and Paimon talking with Sister Victoria. Sister Victoria did say she had put out a commission for herbs exclusive to Liyue a little while ago. It looks like the Traveler and his flying companion had taken on the commission.
Aether then spoke up. "Actually Sister Victoria, I was wondering if we could commission the church to help us with something…"
At Aether's question, Sister Victoria looked surprised. "Ohh? The church does not usually take commissions, our services are free after all to anyone who needs them." Victoria looked at Aether with a puzzled look. "What do you need help with?"
It was Paimon that spoke up first. "Well you see, while Paimon and Aether were in Liyue, there was this traveling merchant that was hosting a photo contest. We have to take pictures of certain colours and apply effects to the photos using Hydro…..."
Sister Victoria looked back and forward between Aether and Paimon, slowly putting the pieces together. "Ahhh I see, and I assume you want the assistance of someone with a Hydro Vision?" Aether and Paimon nodded. "In that case, I assume you want the help of Deaconess Barbara then?"
Paimon looked at Sister Victoria with excitement and wonder. "That's exactly it! Wow, you're really good at this sort of thing! Even Paimon would have needed some more hints and help!"
Aether couldn't help but facepalm and chuckle at Paimon's comment, and it wasn't long until Sister Victoria was doing the same.
When the laughing stopped, Aether spoke up again. "What Paimon was saying is true. There is decent Mora to be won, and we would be more than happy to give most of it to the church in exchange for Barbara's services. Would that be okay?"
Sister Victoria struck a thinking pose, thinking over Aether's proposal. "Well, I suppose it would be okay, it would be good for Barbara to get some time away from the church. And you would be with her the entire time." Pausing, Sister Victoria nodded. "Very well, as long as Barbara agrees to go with you, then I don't see a problem here". She then looked at Aether with a more puzzled look. "You're already pretty good friends with Barbara right?" Aether nodded. "Well in that case, Barbara's answer is probably going to be yes. She can't say no to anyone, especially her friends."
Without knowing why, Aether found himself blushing at Sister Victoria's comment. He was "pretty good" friends with Barbara. But why was he blushing? He had no reason to be, unless….
It was at this moment that Barbara decided to make herself known.
"Ohh, I would be more than happy to help you out, Honorary Knight! After all, that's what friends are for!"
"Ahh!" With a gasp from everyone, the three people turned around in surprise, only to see that Barbara had appeared from out of nowhere.
"Haha, hey Barbara! Long time no see. Ummm how long have you been standing there?" Aether asked with a slight hint of embarrassment in his voice.
"Ohh, for a while. You see, I heard you talking to Sister Victoria and I couldn't help but stop and listen in. Umm, sorry about that." Barbara looked away with an embarrassed look on her face.
Before Aether could respond, Paimon spoke up first. "Barbara! You shouldn't do that to Paimon. You're gonna end up scaring sweet old Paimon to death!"
Aether let out a laugh at Paimon's comment. "Well, it's in the past now." Aether turned and looked at Barbara. "So when do you want to leave? You can finish up what you're doing today and we can leave tomorrow. The contest is gonna take a few days, so we don't have to rush."
"Well, I'm already done with all of my jobs for the day. If Sister Victoria is okay with it, I could probably leave….right now?" Barbara found herself saying that last part with a bit of hesitancy, looking over at Sister Victoria for the final word.
Victoria found herself shaking her head. Of course, Barbara had already done all of her work for the day. The Deaconess never slacks off.
"Already? Very well then. Why don't you get some of your things Barbara? By the looks of it, this is gonna be a multi-day affair?" Victoria looked over at Aether, with Paimon answering this time.
"Yep! Should just be a few days! Don't worry though, Aether is a great cook! He won't let you starve! At least, Aether hasn't let sweet old Paimon starve to death yet!"
"Alright! Give me a few minutes and I'll be right back!" With that, Barbara went inside the church to grab her things.