Chapter 12: Recreation and Revelation

Watching the group consisting of Lumine, Paimon, Jean, Diluc and Barbatos depart to free Dvalin from whatever the Abyss were up to from the safety and comfort of a park bench Alec idly reflected that he wasn't used to being the one left behind. Staying off to the sidelines and playing observer to events? Sure, that was a pretty familiar song and dance.

But relegated to the observers balcony and playing second fiddle to events because he didn't have a choice?

Yeah, that was a new one. And he did not like it.

"I got too used to having the option to act, if the situation or personal inclination demanded it. As I am now I'd probably be a liability to anybody I try to rescue."

He paused, recognizing the bitterness for what it was.

"Okay, not a liability but if push came to shove and I had to use anything more strenuous than my charlatan's elemental tricks I'd be dead weight after that."

Quietly sighing to himself as the squad finally left through Mondstadt's front gates at a brisk pace he turned away and strolled further into the city, mind wandering and mood melancholy...as well as morbidly amused.

Simply and bluntly put, he didn't have any friends right now, no goal or destination to keep his mind off of things. He wasn't leaving until he could tell Lumine what she wanted to know and everyone else he was even passingly familiar with such as Klee, Kaeya and Amber were all busy with various duties. Mona was probably occupied getting herself adjusted to Mondstadt and didn't need him following her around, especially since she might still be feeling awkward after their morning conversation. Fischl and Oz were similarly swamped with Guild duties while Lisa likely had no desire to so much as look at his face for a few days after the revelations he sprung on her while he hadn't really had a chance to make so much as passing connections with anyone else.

"...I miss my acolytes. Always a misadventure or idiotic crisis at hand, never a dull moment to be had. Whether we were waging a war or trying to figure out if the map was wrong or we just had a shit sense of direction."

The man closed his eyes, allowing the grief and regret to leave his body and mind with a slowly exhaled breath.

"I hate that I'm good at that now."

Mood fairly dour Alec cast his gaze around Mondstadt, one building in particular chasing away some of the shadows plaguing his soul.

"Well, it's never too early in the day for a drink. That feline waitress was fairly cute, had a personality of steel. I'm sure she has an interesting story to tell."

Mind made up he headed towards the Cat's Tail-

-and let his hand smoothly drop to the sheathed knife at his waist, moment of surprise passing as quickly as it came, an action reciprocated by the individual who shared his shock before allowing their expressions to assume one of complete neutrality, both men halting in their course that would have had them arrive at the same tavern.

"What do we call this, Dainsleif? A lucky crossing of paths or cursed bit of intersecting journeys?"

The one eye not covered by an ornate patch narrowed almost imperceptibly, sword hand drifting low so as to grab ahold of a weapon, should it become necessary.

"That's hard to say. You know I hold little belief in the providence of fate but for us to cross paths like this after all that's happened? I'm almost a believer. Almost."

"You never did have much of a positive opinion of the divine. Can't say I blame you, just wish that you'd be a little less general in your dislike."

"Amusing, I had much the same opinion of Celestia during the fall of my homeland."

Dark clothing highlighted with lines of blue swirled slightly in the wind, flapping like the wings of a corvid as their wearer began to warily circle Alec, the taller male reciprocating the action as nearby passerby halted in their daily activity, instinctively recognizing the tense air as something that could very well shift into bloodshed.

"Yeah, well, I suppose the Ghost of the Black Sun can be allowed a bit of a grudge."

"And what brings the Reaper himself here, of all places? When last I heard he'd marched to face down the Heavens by himself?"

Alec paused in his circling, Dainsleif mirroring the action.

"...I lost. Beat the Sustainer bloody...but I lost."

The cursed guardian of a fallen kingdom maintained his stony facade, no change in expression to be found-

-and relaxed his body, hand drifting away from its ready position as he quietly replied, "I see."

Alec also let the tension fade from his muscles, the crowd resuming their routines with only a few wary sidelong glances as Alec cocked his head, approaching the man as they both leaned against a stone wall, the taller of the pair curiously asking, "While I'm by no means complaining that you aren't here seeking revenge or other forms of bloody retribution I can't help but wonder why. My role in Khaenri'ah's fall was the proverbial nail in the coffin, I would have wagered that earns me a rather lasting and eternal grudge."

Dainsleif's eye closed, voice distant as he explained, "Had you asked me that question on the eve of the day you gave Maeili the mercy she deserved, my answer would be very different. But time has offered perspective and the benefit of hindsight."

His shining blue gaze fell upon Alec's own orbs of midnight, the man expressing something that almost approximated empathy as he explained, "With that hindsight I can say, with certainty, that your actions were for the best, no matter how painful it may be to admit that. What you did was something that even I am unsure I would have had the stomach for."

The pale-haired male grunted, distantly responding, "Don't remind me...well, what brings you to Mondstadt at this specific time during this specific day? We both don't believe in that fate bullshit but I'd hesitate to call this a coincidence and just leave it at that."

Dainsleif shrugged, allowing Alec to lead him towards the door of the tavern as he explained, "It's no mere coincidence, just a rather unexpected result of timing. I heard tales of a wanderer from affair who seemed rather favored by the gods arrive in Mondstadt, immediately aiding and integrating themself into the community. A most fair maiden, skilled in arms and possessing a beauty that would make even the staunchest and celibate of men question their vows."

"Nothing in those songs about a teasing personality that would make a court jester weep?"

The darkly robed male ignored Alec's comment, continuing with, "That reminded me a great deal of someone I once knew...a good friend, although current circumstances will no doubt put that belief to the test."

Quickly making connections and drawing a line of interconnected logic between the available facts - being alive for thousands upon thousands of years meant he was pretty good at that - the fallen god remarked, "Her brother, I take it?"

"Yes, actually. And how did you know of that particular fact, did you run across him during the fall of Khaenri'ah?"

While there was no heat to his words there was a trace of completely justified bitterness, Alec raising his hands in peace while replying, "If I did I never took action against him directly...more than likely he was just one of the many who got caught up in that whole catastrophe. The last few years were...well I wasn't in the most sane of mindsets. I think you saw part of my last advance on the rift, before I set Maeili free."

"Yes...yes I did."

A tired sigh left the younger man, voice containing a slight tinge of amusement as he said, "Judging by your editorial you're familiar with Aether's sibling, I take it? He often spoke of her and searched far and wide but never had much luck in finding so much as a hint of his sibling's presence."

"Yeah, from what I gathered they fell afoul of the Sustainer during the opening stages of the war in Khaenri'ah, got separated by a few hundred years since I just met her barely more than a week ago. Quite the little spitfire, that one. Reminds me of a slightly less violent and temperamental Maeili."

Alec paused, thinking back to how Lumine had stormed into the library before rather rudely slamming his book shut.

"Slightly."

Dainsleif sighed, wryly commenting, "I can't bring myself to be surprised that you managed to find her so quickly. If half the stories Kahenri'ah's records hold are true you had a rather peculiar ability to find those of interest and import the way one finds flies around a corpse."

"Odd analogy, but not entirely incorrect. I've always been blessed - or cursed, depends on the context - in finding those of unique circumstances and desire. Current company merely proving my point."

A dry snort left Dainsleif as they arrived at the front entrance to the tavern, walking inside as a familiar sight greeted Alec's eyes, namely that of a rather adorable young lady with feline features giving him a raised eyebrow.

"Here to get another one of your friends drunk to the point of unconsciousness? I hope you didn't do anything untoward to her, she seemed in a rather vulnerable state of mind."

Adopting an expression of amusement Alec replied, "Diona, I'm both offended that you have such little faith in my character and confused why you seem reluctant to see someone bring business into this establishment."

"Because alcohol is a rather horrific substance that - were it to vanish tomorrow - would leave the world in a much better state than it was yesterday."

"Oh I have got to introduce you to Venti at some point, the both of you will have such a fun time together."

Dainsleif cleared his throat, distantly commenting, "As fascinating I find the concept of a bartender that seeks to eradicate spirits by working in the very industry she seeks to destroy-"

"See? He thinks this is really interesting too."

"-we would like to sit down and have a conversation between us."

Ears flicking in dismissal the diminutive girl pointed towards the back, Alec sadly reflecting that he would likely never have a chance to get the girl's whole story at this rate. There was always something demanding his attention.

The duo took their seats, Alec idly remarking, "You don't seem the type to sit down and just have a drink for a drink's sake. What was your plan in going to a tavern?"

"Taverns are where stories and tales naturally congregate. If I was ever to track down Aether's sister this would be one of the places to begin my search in earnest. I suppose it ended up being the right decision, since I encountered someone who can lead me to her before I even made it inside."

"You're going to be kept waiting for a bit longer, she just went off with some of the knights to release Dvalin from Durin's curse. Little lady somehow managed to throw herself into the deep end of trouble and strife in record time."

Dainsleif's lips twitched, nostalgically commenting, "That does indeed sound like her brother…"

"Yeah, well, you might want to let me go first when she gets back. Her brother just showed up not long ago and told her that I'm a horrific monster that can't be trusted."

He affixed Dainsleif with a bitter expression.

"I'd say he holds a rather significant grudge, wouldn't you?"

The darkly-garbed man sighed, nodding in thanks to Diona as the cat-eared girl stiffly delivered their choice of poison for the day.

"Aether...was extremely lost and confused when he first arrived in this world and was about to be imprisoned by the dynasty before I intervened, taking responsibility for his future actions as I sensed that he was no enemy, merely a stranger in desperate need of assistance."

The man took a sip, mind slipping back to distant times.

"He subsequently spent much time in Khaenri'ah and Mondstadt since it was closest geographically, eventually branching out his travels to the rest of Teyvat as I acted as a sort of anchor for his travels, a place he could always return to. During those years he became quite attached to this world and its denizens."

Dainsleif's eyes closed in old pain.

"...My failures to prevent the tragedy of Celestia's intervention and your damning of the kingdom to its fate as twisted slaves of the Abyss were no doubt viewed by him as crimes and decisions that were made for no valid reason whatsoever. Not when there existed a chance to save those he'd come to love. Mondstadt's expedition to stem the tide of the Abyss' influence was likely the final nail in the coffin, a culminating betrayal when all he wished to do was help those that had helped him when he had nothing."

Alec snorted, gazing into his own drink.

"Hope...that seemed to be a resource in short supply those days. Go figure that the one poor soul who held onto it was in the rather unique position of making my life even more complicated than it already was. I'd say divine punishment but Celestia probably wants me to stay the fuck away."

Dainsleif nodded, asking, "Do you have a plan to deal with that desire for vengeance?"

"Plan? My war and time on this world are over, Dainsleif. My power is a lackluster fraction of what it once was, reversing one girl's approaching death left me knocked out and helpless while I'd be fairly shocked if I lived for more than a decade. Call it a hunch."

The man was quiet for a moment, staring at Alec's unflappable expression...and offered a slight nod of respect and understanding.

"I see. I suppose Teyvat will be all the less for the loss of history and knowledge you carry with you."

"Well don't get too emotional or anything, you'll make me feel like I'm bringing the mood down."

A snort escaped the old citizen of Khaenri'ah, voice amused as he replied, "Of course you would. Any objections to my presence if I wish to ask Lumine questions?"

"That's up to her, not me. Mind if I ask what's got you so invested in turn?"

"I cannot profess to anything more than simple curiosity, a deep-seated desire to see if she would make the same choices her brother would, presented with the same scenario and information."

His expression tightened, voice cold as he further explained, "Aether fell into the clutches of the Abyss after the dust settled, now attempting to use their power to wreak vengeance against what he perceives - not entirely wrongly - as a grave injustice against the people he loved and cared for."

"Wonderful, I love it when stories have a happy ending. Sure fits in with what they were all attempting to do with Dvalin, pointing him in the direction of Mondstadt and everything."

Rubbing his temples Alec turned to Dainsleif, narrowing his eyes before asking, "Did Aether willingly enter into a pact with the Abyss or was he tricked?"

Letting loose a resigned breath the blonde explained, "Without a doubt willingly. For all my disgust one thing I cannot fault the Abyss for is that it keeps its promises. With so many of his friends, allies and contacts either turned into monsters or performing what he perceived as a betrayal he no doubt threw his lot in with the Abyss to achieve his goals through them."

Alec took a contemplative sip, remarking, "What fun. It seems the sins of the past are converging right alongside whatever big event is also on the horizon."

"How so?"

Waving a hand Alec replied, "I had an astrologer do a few basic readings of the stars and it seems Celestia is beginning to exert its influence once more. Whatever damage I did to it is either repaired or deemed inconsequential enough for them to start moving about without fear. Three guesses as to what that means."

Dainsleif merely nodded, musing, "What did you originally intend to tell Aether's sister in regards to what transpired in the past? While I am legitimately curious about what her response would have been to my questions, my ultimate goal was to have her aid in bringing some semblance of sense back to her sibling."

The fallen god merely shrugged, bluntly replying, "We'll do the right thing and tell her the truth. She's a fascinating opportunity, Dainsleif. An outsider that holds no preconceptions or false images of what this world is or should be...an impartial entity, if you will."

Dainsleif's brow raised, Alec smiling as he elaborated with, "It's been a long time since someone who's truly had no real stake in this game of ours has come along, someone that doesn't carry the bias and baggage that we do."

A moment of pointed silence, the god rolling his eyes while dryly remarking, "Don't give me that look, we all have our unique perspectives on things, Dainsleif. Aether believes Teyvat and Celestia need to be held accountable for what happened to Khaenri'ah when it's not as simple as everyone kicking your land when it was down. You would tell Lumine the Abyss was a cruel and completely worthless monster that no one should hold any kind of empathy or sympathy for. And I would say the same of Celestia if pushed to give my opinion on things."

"You deny that my assessment of the Abyss is incorrect or flawed?"

"Of course not. No more than I believe my views of the heavens are incorrect or flawed. And therewithin lies the bias."

The ex-royal guard of Khaenri'ah gave Alec's words some thought, commenting, "You seem to hold a great deal of respect and intrigue for this visitor from the stars, Daman."

"Again, she reminds me of Maeili."

Dainsleif nodded, asking, "When should we expect her?"

"I'd wager not for much longer, they'll either bring Dvalin back to his senses quickly or not at all. In the meantime, however…"

He raised his mug, meeting Dainsleif's own with a wooden clack as he announced, "To old miseries and current disabilities. May the heavens and hells rot."

Both of them were happy to toast to that.


Lumine sighed, letting the cool winds wash over her sweaty and tired body as a content smile tilted her lips upwards, the group riding upon Dvalin's back as the Dragon ferried them towards Mondstadt. It had been a hard fought battle to free the winged beast from the Abyss' control but they had succeeded, their reward being a grateful Dragon and relaxing glide through the air, Barbatos speaking to Dvalin in what was obviously intended to be a private conversation.

"While it's not exactly flying under my own power it's still a nice enough placebo. Heh, reminds me of the time Aether and I-"

The blonde winced, the memory bringing forth a fresh wave of uncertainty and aggravation that she was quick to ignore and divert, instead glancing towards Jean and Diluc where they rested nearby, both breathing heavy but grinning with the rush of success.

"Well that was a finely done mission, if I do say so myself. Just like old times, right?"

Diluc loosened his collar, snorting with amusement as his fiery hair whipped to and fro in the wind.

"Old times? I don't think my days as a knight were even remotely like this, I would have left even sooner than I did."

"And we would have been ever the worse off for it."

Watching the pair interact Lumine idly wondered if they were ever going to fuck - there was obviously some seriously old history and the like going down between them - as her staring quickly drew their attention towards her, Jean asking, "Traveler? Are you alright? You're not injured are you?"

Snapping out of her meandering thoughts the blonde airily waved, resting against the feathery plumage of the swaying Dragon as she replied, "No, I'm fine. Just a bit 'winded' is all, it's been a pretty wild adventure."

Eager to get her thoughts off of the current crisis that was her brother being a cagey bastard the woman instead shot up in her seat, grinning as she posed, "Why don't we instead start planning the celebration that's going to happen as soon as we get back to Mondstadt? I mean people are going to be excited that Dvalin isn't going to be a threat anymore, right? Why not celebrate that fact a little?"

Before any of them could respond the Dragon moved into a steep dive, rapidly approaching the ground before pulling up and softly alighting upon a lush, roiling hill of grass as they slid off the great beast's back, Barbatos turning to face the Dragon one last time as he announced, "Freedom was demanded of you when the reality of the situation couldn't have been any further from that ideal. So I'm correcting that mistake right here and right now, Dvalin. Stay as a guardian of Mondstadt...or don't. Find someplace new to live. Some other land where maybe people will know and accept you."

For a moment there was no response from the brilliant creature...and without further ado he turned his back, powerful flaps of his wings sending him into the cloudy skies to a destination Lumine couldn't even guess at.

"I suppose that brings an end to the tale of the Dragon of the East, now doesn't it?"

Jean's slightly wistful tone was met by a more certain nod from Venti, the bard calmly stating, "It ended a long time ago, when I and Mondstadt failed him. Now? Now there's a chance that maybe a new chapter in his tale will be written...but only at his behest and will."

Diluc ran a hand through his hair, heaving a long, tired sigh as he mused, "It's for the best, I presume...forcing a Dragon to do anything it has no desire to do seems a sure recipe for disaster."

Nodding in affirmation the redhead turned to Jean and Lumine, asking, "Well? Shall the Dawn Winery play host to this victory party? After all, where else will you find such excellent spirits than at my place of business?"

Lumine grinned, impishly asking, "We can bring a date, right?"


"Another one!"

"C'mon Traveler, one more song!"

"The fair maiden requests your hand yet again, Traveler!"

"Dance, dance, dance!"

"DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!"

Deftly pulling a blushing, sweaty and mildly inebriated Fischl up onto the table they had been using as an improvised dance floor - neither were very tall and needed a raised platform for the performance - Lumine wildly grinned, turning to Venti as a collection of knights, civilians and other members of the Mondstadt community gathered within the Dawn Winery's outside seating area, happily shouting, "Give us your best one, bard!"

Strumming his lyre in a musical call to attention the god in disguise gleefully announced, "Well, for the last one...how about the Windmill of Beers?!"

The crowd laughed and roared in approval, Lumine caught up in the frenzy of festivity even though she had no idea what the song was, even Fischl seeming happy about the choice as the Traveler deftly spun her partner in a circle, smoothly inserting a pristine white flower whose name she hadn't had a chance to learn into the girl's wild locks, close enough to matching the one her mother had given her so many years ago.

"Want to lead this time~?"

"N-no, thy steps are magnificent and lightning in swiftness, any of this prinzessin's attempts to lead will be quickly overtaken!"

"Well if you say so~!"

Intertwining her fingers with Fischl's as the bard began to rapidly pluck his instrument's strings with wild abandon in a manner that was quite a bit different from previous pieces the two girls began to spin and dance with deft motions that had them sliding past each other with nary a whisper of distance to be found, the crowd singing, "The mills stopped blowing on a gusty morning, the smiths broke out their hammers and nails in mourning-" as Lumine found herself laughing and singing just as enthusiastically as the rest, trying to ignore the few odd looks she occasionally received.

Her singing was not that bad!

The jaunty tune continued to pick up pace and tone, the mass of bodies moving as one as the chorus arrived with, "A hilichurl crawled and jammed up the gears, the knight tripped and brought them all to tears, the barkeep laughed and said HEY FREE BEERS!"

As one the attendees rammed their mugs together with a resounding CLACK before downing them in one go, laughter and cheers echoing across the landscape as Venti eagerly accepted all manner of free spirits, Lumine and Fischl accepting a round of wild applause and whistles as they bowed as one, vacating the improvised stage with flushed faces and massive grins before they moved into the slightly less packed and boisterous interior of the winery, climbing the stairs to rest near an open window, cool breeze blowing across their heated skin as both girls turned their attention to their companions on a nearby table, mutual grins tilting their lips upwards at the sight. Namely that of Paimon collapsed on the table, clutching an empty bottle and dead to the world while Oz was little better, one wing thrown over the sprite and the other covering his head, a small bowl of wine largely finished off by the Night Raven and no doubt leading to his insensate state.

"Guess we weren't the only ones having a fun time, huh?"

"Most evidently not."

Enjoying the warmth of booze coursing through her system and lending everything a pleasant tinge of giddiness Lumine bumped her shoulder against Fischl's, playfully asking, "So are you enjoying yourself tonight~?"

A slightly shy but mostly uncomplicated grin was her answer, Fischl replying, "Most exuberantly. Congregations and assemblies of drink and merriment were never this prinzessin's most favored of pastimes or recreational diversions."

"And after tonight?"

This time the smile was more genuine and heartfelt.

"I thank you for inviting me, friend Lumine."

"Aww, none of that now! You earned yourself that invitation without my help, considering all the work you and Oz put in with finding Dvalin's tears."

A modest shrug of her shoulders left the eyepatched girl, Lumine snagging a pair of unoccupied glasses swirling with dark red liquid within before handing one to her companion, Fischl accepting it without complaint.

"So you haven't really said anything about your past or how you came to be an Adventurer in Mondstadt, is there something you're not telling me or did it just never have the chance to enter the conversation?"

An air of glumness fell over the eccentric girl like a sickly pallor, tone distant as she mumbled, "I...I wasn't all that interesting of a child and to be honest I prefer not to remember those times. My life wasn't truly experienced until I met Oz and began my journey across Teyvat, eventually settling into Mondstadt."

Sensing that her history was a touchy subject - all flair and grandeur set aside - Lumine didn't feel like spoiling the atmosphere they had going on between them, instead eyeing her companion's melancholy expression, vulnerable smile...and decided to strike while the iron was hot.

"Well we don't need to talk about that, then. How about something more fun, hmm? Like, for example…"

The Traveler let her hand settle on Fischl's thigh, softly stroking the soft and cool material of her dress as the other young woman stiffened.

"Surely someone as beautiful and attractive as you has had no shortage of suitors pining after your affections, care to share a few tales~?"

"W-w-what?! Me?!"

"Who else? Come on, spill the juicy details!"

Lumine grinned, knowing exactly what she was doing.

"Or perhaps...does the great and famous Adventurer of Mondstadt have someone she's willing to do the chasing over?"

Flushing an utterly alluring shade of red the younger blonde stammered, "W-w-well you see romance has been something of a scarce happenstance for me, inbetween work and my 'unique' manner of speaking most found it difficult to be anything more than friendly coworkers or easygoing acquaintances-"

Lumine gently ran her finger over the rim of Fischl's glass as she attempted to take a drink in order to buy herself some time, holding it in place as a carnivore's grin tilted the traveler's lips upwards, leaning close to her fellow's ear as she whispered, "And if there was someone out there who saw you for more than the persona you wear?"

"I...I would be cautiously interested? There would need to be more than mere interest in play-"

A slim and delicate hand that contained surprising strength tipped Fischl's head upwards, forced to meet the simmering amber gaze of her friend.

"Well I'm interested. There's someone I know who's brave, quirky, smart and most importantly of all, very kindhearted."

A pink, glistening tongue sensually trailed over dry lips, hypnotic in its motions as the Adventurer stared, transfixed.

"If they said yes I would go after them in a heartbeat."

"O-oh. W-well they must be very special then, yes?"

"Don't be narcissistic, Fischl."

"...Eh?"

Heat practically radiating from the overwhelmed blonde like a humanoid fire Lumine swung her leg up and over the panicking woman, straddling her lap while negligently setting aside their glasses, gazing deep into Fischl's visible eye as it wildly skipped left right and center, scarcely able to meet the force of her stare.

"Can you tell me your real name, Fischl? I aksed around the Adventurer's Guild and I know it's just an alias...can you trust me with that?"

"I don't, it's not...umm...Amy."

Rolling the admission around her mouth like a prized appetizer Lumine throatily whispered, "Amy...you know I like that."

And without further ado she leaned in for a kiss, the most adorable noise of surprise and shock escaping her fellow blonde as her body went rigid, melting into Lumine's own as she cupped the Adventurer's face with a tender motion, savoring the young woman's taste and awkward motions as if it was a vintage finer than anything Diluc had in stock.

Pulling back before she overwhelmed her companion with too much at once Lumine all but purred, "How do you feel about this, Amy? Do you think 'us' could work?"

Exulting at how her adorable little investigator seemed on the verge of passing out with steam shooting out of her ears all she heard was a whispered, "I...I...yes, I think 'us' is something that could work-"

"Oh I'm so happy you agree~! Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to enjoy some quality time with my beautiful, too cute for her own good girlfriend…"

Seizing Fischl's lips once more with a far more intense liplock Lumine hummed in contented satisfaction, the stress of the past day melting away as her newfound partner hesitantly but oh so adorably wrapped her arms around her waist, the Traveler letting her hands wander down the investigator's neck, shoulders and the curved swell of her nicely proportioned chest-

"Hmm, she certainly does seem to resemble her brother in the most startling yet expected of ways."

Breaking out of the kiss with an annoyed expression Lumine turned around with a fierce scowl, frustrated that she had somehow missed an onlooker when they had first come up...and blinked as she was greeted with the sight of none other than Alec and an unknown but very attractive young man seated together at a secluded table, watching the proceedings with clear amusement.

"Hmm, I give that technique an 8/10, Lumine. The approach was inspired and confident but a bit too bold to work on anyone that wasn't a bit sloshed."

The Traveler felt her eyebrow begin to spastically twitch as Fischl squeaked in mortification at being caught, temper rising as Alec guilessly smiled, holding up a pair of drinks for them.

"Feel like sitting down for a conversation or would you like to take your fun elsewhere?"


Being secretary for an organization as busy, varied and profitable as the Liyue Qixing meant that Ganyu held responsibilities ranging from the mundane to ones that wouldn't be spoken of by more than a few select individuals. Whether it was filing and organizing tax documents, approving business ventures and expenditures or even deciding what highly confidential and potentially damning intelligence reports would find their way to Lady Ningguang's desk her tasks were many.

But it was a necessary burden that someone had to perform and Rex Lapis had yet to direct her talents elsewhere so, as always, she would be happy to serve in that capacity.

Even if some days were more tense and worrying than others, as a Millelith promptly delivered a sealed scroll to her, bowed and departed without a backwards glance, Ganyu resisting the urge to sigh at the interaction. The man wasn't rude, merely doing his duty as a member of the spy and investigation wing of the Liyue Qixing's armed extension.

Promptly breaking the wax seal and unfurling the scroll the half-Qilin swiftly appraised its contents...and felt some of the tension of the past few days leave her shoulders, smiling at what she read.

It had been no great secret that Mondstadt was struggling with one of its former guardians having gone on a rampage, Dvalin causing much damage and panic throughout the land, so much so that Liyue had their representatives and embassy keep a close eye on the situation lest the chaos cause damage to their business.

Thankfully the latest report indicated that the conflict had been settled without undue tragedy, Dvalin flying off to an unknown destination and Mondstadt returning to normal, celebrations and such occurring throughout the city. While she had never personally met the Dragon, Ganyu nonetheless felt a certain sort of kinship with the being, of their mutual position as safekeepers of their homeland throughout unfathomably long years. It did her heart well to see that he had been rewarded for that devotion, or at least no longer trapped by it.

The rest of the report was succinct but detailed, Ganyu reflecting that Ladies Ningguang and Keqing would be highly amused by the rather public dressing down of the Fatui after they had been caught trying to exacerbate the situation even further. And the key players were as expected, Jean Gunhildr and a collection of knights current and retired playing a part in the subjugation alongside a bard that supposedly styled himself as the Anemo Archon himself. Of even more curiosity was a completely unknown factor that had appeared out of nowhere and played an instrumental role in settling the case, a wanderer who called herself Lumine and had evidently earned great favor from the city.

Certainly someone to keep a close eye on.

Ganyu continued her review, glad that this particular tale seemed to have ended with very little in the way of tragedy as a brief list of documented individuals who had played a role but to an unknown degree were listed towards the end-

-and she froze, eyes wide and fingers briefly crinkling the edge of the scroll.

"No...surely it couldn't be him?"

She reread the name and sparse details, just to be sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.

Alec Daman. White hair, tanned skin, odd eyes that were the color of blackest night, dressed like a traveling mercenary in the company of the wanderer.

"But...but we believed him dead…"

The timing was too coincidental to be anyone other than the wandering god, however. A bard proclaiming to be Barbatos, the freeing of Dvalin, strange reports of the Abyss and Fatui, an unknown individual causing such a stir...who other than Alec Daman would have been present at the sight of such happenings?

What had been mere happiness blossomed into genuine joy, the horned woman making to inform the rest of her fellows of his survival so they could in turn send word to Rex Lapis-

-and paused, taking a deep breath as she quietly murmured, "No need to rush, if he's indeed alive and well then he will inevitably return to Liyue. Responsibilities come first."

Returning to her report Ganyu couldn't help the small, excited smile that pulled at her lips. It wasn't often that ancient friends rose from the dead, but each and every instance was worth celebrating.


Sorry bout' the clam jam, Lumine.

m