Esmeralda: Sumeru
A/N: This takes place after Dehya Story Quest Act 1: Lionsblood, and Interlude Chapter Act 3.5: The Nature of Being.
It had been less than a day since Esmeralda and Daisy had defeated Narud in his own dream space, and Paimon was already dragging her around the city. She had mentioned that she and Aether were leaving for Mondstadt soon, so the tour of Sumeru City would have to be cut short.
The three of them - Paimon, Aether, and Esmeralda - were heading for the Grand Bazaar at the base of the Divine Tree, where they would watch "the best dancer in the city" according to Paimon. Daisy was, unfortunately, unable to accompany them.
It was actually kind of a shame. Now that Esmeralda had confirmation that Daisy was indeed alive, it seemed almost disrespectful to leave her outside the city while Esmeralda explored. Daisy herself didn't mind, of course, until she could find a better solution, it would have to do.
"Come on, it's about to begin!" Paimon exclaimed, floating down the pathway. Aether followed her, smiling and beckoning for Esmeralda to follow.
Nilou was a dancer, Esmeralda recalled Paimon telling her. She would perform at the Zubayr Theater every few days, each time drawing large crowds, especially now that she had official Academia support.
Esmeralda had never been interested in dance, but she did trust Paimon. If she said that it was a sight to remember, then it would be.
They made their way down into the lower levels of Sumeru, where the Grand Bazzar was held. It was easy get lost here, within the ever-increasing crowd. Luckily, Paimon floated above the people, a guide that was easy to follow.
Esmeralda began to hear the chatter of the visitors.
"What do you think Nilou would be performing today?"
"Who knows? Whatever it is, it'll be amazing."
"Yeah, I still remember her Dance of Sabzeruz. That was beautiful."
"Ah, stop bringing that up. I so wish that I could have seen it."
"Youll get your chance next year. Don't miss that one as well."
The people definitely seemed very interested in the upcoming dance. Although Esmeralda still had her doubts, they were beginning to fade as she approached the main doors of the Bazzar. The large double doors, usually closed, were now held wide open, allowing the crowds to stream into the Bazzar itself.
As Esmeralda took her first steps into the market in years, a strange yearning filled her. The stalls, the people, the merchandise... it was all so familiar.
How had she managed to stay away from so long?
Esmeralda even recognized some of the people there. Vendors that she usually brought from when she was living in Sumeru. She considered going to greet them, but decided against it. Esmeralda had never been great at conversation, and she would be leaving again soon anyway.
"Thank you all for coming, everyone," Nilou's voice, calm and carefree, cut through the idle chatter of the gathered spectators, causing them to quieten. "I hope you enjoy the my performance."
Esmeralda did enjoy it.
Perhaps another dancer, or someone who was familiar with the ways of performance, could describe every movement and the emotions they conveyed. But to Esmeralda, who was just a simple machinist, what she witnessed could not be quantified.
It was beautiful beyond words, alluring beyond imagination, and mesmerizing beyond time.
She could not even remember the moves or the music. What she did remember was the cheering and clapping that signaled the end of the performance, her own voice amongst it.
"Thank you for coming, everyone. I hope you enjoyed my performance, and I wish you all a great day ahead," Nilou's voice carried over the market. It was not particularly loud, but the moment she began to speak, the audience had quietened down immediately.
They began to file out, singing Nilou's praises as they returned to their duties. Some remained to personally speak to her, and the performer smiled and listed to her fans.
"What do you think, Esmeralda? Amazing, right?" Paimon asked.
"Yes... Amazing..." Esmeralda replied, deep in thought. Her research had brought her away from civilization, where the most entertainment she got was when an unlucky adventurer stumbled into her factory, triggering every trap despite her best efforts to prevent it. Apart from the occasional occurrence, all she did was study.
Perhaps Aether and Nahida, the Goddess of Wisdom, were right. Perhaps it was time to enjoy herself a little.
"Traveler and Paimon! It's nice to see you again," Nilou's bright voice brought Esmeralda thoughts back to the present. "And who is this?" she continued.
"This is our friend Esmeralda!" Paimon introduced.
"Hello..."
"Nice to meet you, Esmeralda," Nilou greeted cheerfully, "Did you enjoy the dance?"
"It was... nice," Esmeralda replied. She paused. "Um..."
Nilou laughed. "Thank you, Esmeralda. Do come again."
"I will."
They talked for a bit more after that. More specifically, Paimon and Nilou chatted while Aether and Esmeralda looked on. The former seemed content with allowing Paimon to speak on his behalf while the latter stood around awkwardly. Soon, it was time to leave.
"Well, you're always welcome in the Zubayr Theater. Maybe I could teach you some dance moves," Nilou offered.
Esmeralda gave a nervous laugh, "Ah... Maybe not. I don't think I'll be any good."
Nilou smiled. "Well, I'll be here if you ever change your mind. See you around."
"Bye, Nilou!" Paimon said, waving as the group left. "Right. Next on the agenda: getting to the desert!"
"What do you mean?" Esmeralda asked, "I know how to get there. It's quite hard to miss."
"Paimon means that we're getting you some travel companions!"
"I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you," Esmeralda retorted.
Paimon was unconvinced. "Yeah, but have you ever been in a desert before? You'll need someone who's experienced in such things."
Aether added, "Come on, Esmeralda. You'll like them."
"Alright, fine. Who are we looking for?" Esmeralda acquiesced. "More friends of yours?"
"That's right! Come on, this way!"
Paimon led Aether and Esmeralda to a mansion, surrounded by decorative trees and fountains.
"Your friend lives here?" Esmeralda exclaimed, incredulous.
"Yup! She's already planning a desert trip, so Paimon thinks that it's a great opportunity you!" Paimon replied.
"I wouldn't want to intrude..."
"Don't worry! They're nice, Paimon's sure you'll get along just fine!"
As the three of them approached the mansion, an armored woman approached them. To Esmeralda, she looked like a warrior of some kind, probably a hired mercenary.
"Aether. Paimon. What brings you two here?" the dark-haired woman said. A Pyro Vision hung on her belt. With her armor and piercing blue eyes, Esmeralda could not help but feel a little intimidated.
"Dehya! You're bringing Dunyazard to the desert, right?" Paimon asked.
Dehya nodded. "Yeah in a week or so. Why?"
"Would you mind taking our friend Esmeralda along as well?"
"This kid? Why?"
"She's planning on doing some research in the ruins. We want to make sure she'll be fine, you know?" Paimon explained. "And you're clearly the best of the task!"
Dehya laughed. "Alright, Paimon. Enough of that," Dehya said, laughing. She turned to Esmeralda. "So, Esmeralda. Why are you going out there to do research? Do you know how dangerous it is?"
"Me? It's for a project of mine. I'm looking for a Primal Construct to examine," Esmeralda said.
"Yeah! It's for her friend Daisy!" Paimon added. "Who will also be joking her on this trip... Did Paimon forget to mention that?"
"So I get to babysit two of them. You know, I really ought to charge you for this," Dehya mused.
Esmeralda reached for the pouch that she kept her Mora in. It was not very heavy. "Um, and how much would that be?"
Instead of answering, Dehya burst out laughing. "Don't worry about it, kid. A friend of Aether's is a friend of mine. I'll keep you safe, nothing to worry."
"Thanks, Dehya!" Paimon said.
"It's nothing. Meet us here next week, yeah?"
Esmeralda nodded. "Thank you."
"One more thing. You ever went to the desert before?"
Esmeralda shook her head.
"Well then, listen up. The desert is unforgiving. You need to prepare yourself," Dehya warned, before pulling out a piece of paper and scribbling down some notes. She handed it to Esmeralda, who took a look through it. "It's a list of items that you need. Try to get them before we leave. I'll provide the rest. You have mora, right?"
Water containers. Long-lasting food. Insect repellent. Medicine. Esmeralda nodded as she made a mental note of the items. "I've got it."
"Alright. Get the things. I'm going to be very busy the next few days, so I can't help you much there. See you guys."
"That went well!" Paimon commented as she, Aether, and Esmeralda left the mansion.
"She's kind of scary," Esmeralda admitted.
"Dehya? Nah, she's the nicest person there is!"
"Oh. Well, thanks, then. Sounds like she'll be a great help."
"So, how's the city? Still the same as you remember?" Paimon asked.
Esmeralda considered it. "In many ways, yes... but I feel that so much has changed."
"How so?"
"I'm not sure. It's been so long since I came here. I've forgotten many things."
"Well, you're here now. Do you think you'll stay? After your desert visit, Paimon means," Paimon asked.
"Maybe... Probably not," Esmeralda admitted, "I kind of want to continue traveling a bit. To Fontaine, and maybe other nations."
"That sure sounds like a plan to Paimon!" Paimon said. "We're going to Fontaine too, let's meet up there!"
"So soon?"
"Well, not now. There are still a few things to do, and Mondstadt's Windblume Festival is coming up!"
"Windblume?" Esmeralda wondered. "Sounds familiar."
Paimon nodded. "Yup, it's quite a festival! There'll be all sorts of delicious food, mmm... "
"Sounds nice. Maybe I could join next year."
"Hehe, it's decided, then! Paimon and Aether will be your guides for the next Windblume."
"Thanks, you two. For everything," Esmeralda said.
"It's no problem," Aether said.
"See you soon, Esmeralda!" Paimon said, waving goodbye.
"Have fun," Esmeralda replied, and they parted ways.
Watching the traveler and his companion leave, Esmeralda felt hesitant. Should she have accepted their offer to return to Mondstadt? She shook off her doubts. No, there was a desert to explore, and Dehya had already agreed to take her. There would always be next year.
First, Esmeralda had to inform Faruzan of her departure. Tracking her down was not difficult - a few questions around the Academia revealed that Faruzan was currently teaching a class. Esmeralda went to the room and, not wanting to be a distraction, waited outside. The class was almost scheduled to end anyway. Soon enough, students began filing out, muttering to each other.
There were not many of them, Esmeralda realized. Faruzan was the last to leave the room.
"Madam Faruzan," Esmeralda said, getting the attention of her old mentor.
Faruzan turned to face her. "Ah, Esmeralda. Settling in well?"
"I - yes. There's something I needed to tell you."
"Oh? Finally decided to stay and become my student?" Faruzan asked.
She looked so hopeful that Esmeralda hesitated for a moment. "Um... No. Sorry. I'll be leaving again soon. I just wanted to let you know."
Faruzan concealed her visible disappointment with a "Hmph. At least it looks like you learned some responsibility."
Esmeralda paused, unsure of what to say.
Faruzan sighed. "So, what is it this time? Where are you going?"
"I'm heading for the desert to study the machines and ruins there," Esmeralda replied. A thought struck her. "Madam Faruzan, you have experience with this right? Would you like to join me?"
"That sounds interesting, but unfortunately, I have my responsibilities in the city," Faruzan said. "Sorry, but I can't make it."
"Alright," Esmeralda said and lapsed back into silence.
"Have you made preparations? The desert is a dangerous place."
"Yes! Aether found me a mercenary from the desert. Dehya, I think. She'll help me prepare," Esmeralda replied.
Faruzan nodded. "Good. Take care of yourself, alright? I'll see you soon."
"See you, Madam Faruzan."
With that done, Esmeralda headed to the markets to buy the items Dehya had told her to. She had taken a few simple commissions from Katheryne to boost her Mora supplies and it was time to spend them.
Treasures Street, running through the heart of the city, provided most of the goods that she required. The process went smoothly - some of the shopkeepers even remembered her, asking where she had been the past few years. Esmeralda smiled and thanked them for their concern, telling them that she was traveling around Teyvat and reassuring them that she was fine.
It was an odd feeling. Maybe she had spent too long outside. Maybe one day, after her explorations were complete, she could come back and settle down in Sumeru.
That decision was a choice for later. Going back to the task at hand, Esmeralda headed to the edge of the city, where the Bimarstan hospital was located. There, she would pick up some medicine for emergencies.
Something caught her attention as she walked. She could sense a heartbeat that no one else could - that of a machine, given life.
Esmeralda followed her senses until she found exactly who she was looking for. The mechanical pulsing came from a man walking by, wearing a white tunic and a large circular hat. He looked human, but something was definitely off about him. Her familiarity with machines told her that he was such a thing, but far superior to her Ruin Machines - a Lawachurl to Hillichurls.
But he just looked so lifelike. Esmeralda could not fathom the creation behind such a complex being. There were rumors that either Fontaine, Snezhnaya, or both were working on humanoid mechanical puppets, but something of this scale would be impossible to hide - isolated or not, Esmeralda would have heard of it.
She decided to follow him at a distance. She knew the sensory capabilities of machines, so she remained as far away as she could while keeping him in her sight. She followed him as he passed by, occasionally stopping to talk to someone. Esmeralda strained to hear what he was saying, but she could not make anything out over the noise of the city.
He turned a corner, and Esmeralda hurried to catch up before she lost him. The moment she turned after him, Esmeralda stumbled back, barely preventing herself from running straight into the man that she was stalking.
"You were following me. Why?" he asked, arms crossed.
"I..."
Esmeralda frowned. That was an Anemo Vision on his chest. Robots could not receive Visions, could they? Only humans were worthy of such a thing... right? Yet, at this distance, she could tell that there were definite signs of artificial manufacture. Very advanced, almost godlike, but undeniably, to her experienced eyes, unnatural.
"Speak!" the stranger demanded, louder than before.
Esmeralda had been so conflicted that she must have blanked out. Noticing Anemo energy begin to flow, she came to the conclusion to meet it head-on.
"You're not human, aren't you?" she asked, hesitant. "A robot of some kind?"
The air stilled around her. "Who are you?"
"I'm, um, Esmeralda! How about you?" she exclaimed.
"You may refer to me as Wanderer," the man said, frowning as he inspected her. "I don't remember you. How did you know?"
Esmeralda's ears perked up. "So I was right?"
"... Yes. Answer me."
"I'm very familiar with machines. I can tell."
The Wanderer seemed unconvinced. "Impossible. Your kind are all the same: too blinded to see what is in front of them. No other mortal knew unless they were told."
"No other mortal has done what I have," Esmeralda smirked, mentally sending a message to her best friend Daisy. A moment later, the living machine floated up behind her, gave a wave, and promptly retreated from the city.
"That's..." If anything, the minor display put the Wanderer even more on edge. He placed a hand on his chin, deep in thought, muttering slightly to himself. Esmeralda could just about make out some of it. "Ruin machine... Sandrone... know of this?"
"What are you saying?" Esmeralda asked, curious.
"None of your business," the Wanderer snapped. "Make no mistake, insect, I will be watching you and that thing you control." With that said, he turned and stalked away.
"Hey!" Esmeralda called out, to no reply. "One last thing, then. Do you know Aether?"
Hearing that name gave the Wanderer pause. "Of course, you know him. Go bother him, then, and leave me alone."
"So that's a yes! Great, I'll just ask him, then."
He ignored it, striding away. "Do as you wish."
"Bye!"
Esmeralda returned to her house after that, contemplating her odd encounter. Rude as he was, the Wander had piqued her interest.
She definitely had to find out more. How had he been created? What was he capable of? How did he get his Vision? Were there any more like him? Just who was this Sandrone person?
And as she drifted off to sleep, Esmeralda got a feeling that she had forgotten something.
The time had come. As Esmeralda made her way to the agreed location, she heard someone calling her name.
"Yo, Esmeralda!" Dehya called, waving, "Over here."
"Oh, you must be Esmeralda," her companion, Dunyazard, said as Esmeralda approached the two of them. Unlike the more combat-oriented attire of her bodyguard, Dunyarzad was wearing a light blue dress and a purple top. Esmeralda also noticed her jewelry: a gold lazurite crown, necklace, and earrings.
"So this is Esmeralda? It's nice to meet you," she said. "I'm Dunyazard."
"Hello."
"Right, Esmeralda," Dehya said, bringing out a map. It was marked with a path and plenty of notes. "I didn't get to say this before, but we've already got a trip planned out. You good with it?"
Esmeralda examined the map. The path led from Sumeru City to Aaru Village near the edge of the desert before turning south slightly near the Valley of Dahri. Unfortunately, the ruins were more in the northern direction.
"Hmm... I'd like to head north, actually," Esmeralda said, tapping a spot on the map, "Here, to the Dune of Carouses, and maybe farther beyond."
Dehya frowned. "That's a problem. It's quite a detour if we stop by there."
Esmeralda thought about it and shrugged. "That's quite alright," she said, "How about we just split up around here?" She pointed at the end of Abdju Road, where it split into two paths, one going north and the other south.
"What? No. What kind of mercenary abandons their client? Out of the question."
"Dehya, please. I know you've been planning your trip for a long time. I don't want to get in the way," Esmeralda said. She grinned, "I'll be fine on my own. I've got Daisy to help me."
Dehya looked unimpressed. "I still haven't met this Daisy. Where is she?"
"Oh! She's right outside the city. I can bring you to meet her," Esmeralda offered.
"Alright. We'll see."
Esmeralda brought them to the city outskirts. Looking around at the deserted area, Dehya was about to ask something when Daisy burst into view, floating before the three of them.
Dehya reacted first, even though Esmeralda was expecting it. "Get back!" She yelled, pushing Dunyazard backward and drawing her Claymore in a defensive stance.
Esmeralda did exactly the opposite, running in front of Daisy. "So, this is Daisy. Daisy is my friend and won't attack you," Esmeralda introduced, smiling and trying to look harmless. The effect was somewhat ruined by the threatening robot floating behind her.
Dehya had cautiously lowered her claymore, but not her guard. "This is Daisy? Why did you not warn us about this?" she demanded.
"Because... I thought it'll be funny?" Esmeralda tried. "Also, she's nice, I promise."
Dehya sighed. Seeing that Daisy had not moved to attack, she dispersed her claymore. "Just... Fine. Do you have any other surprises for us?"
Esmeralda thought about it. Nothing came to mind. "No?"
"Alright. I'll keep an eye on that, though," Dehya said.
Unlike her bodyguard, Dunyazard was less worried. She walked up to Daisy and managed to examine it for about a second before Dehya pulled her back.
"My lady, please. It's still very dangerous," She protested.
Dunyazard, on the other hand, seemed much more curious than worried. "Come on, Dehya! Esmeralda said it's fine. It listens to her!"
Dehya remained unconvinced. Esmeralda had an idea. "I know! Daisy, these are my friends. Listen to them, alright?"
When Daisy responded with a thumbs up, Dunyazard clapped. Unlike her, Dehya's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, really? It understands us?"
"Of course! Go on, say something."
Dehya hesitated, but Dunyazard did not. "Do a handstand," she suggested.
Daisy obeyed after a short delay, turning upside down and mimicking a handstand, except that it was still hovering. It looked about as awkward as an inverted floating robot would.
"Huh," Dehya muttered as Esmeralda and Dunyazard laughed.
Esmeralda mentally told Daisy to flip back around, then took a seat on its outstretched palm. "So, convinced?"
"Alright then," Dehya relented. "I'll get the Sumpter Beasts. My lady..."
Before Dehya could finish, Dunyazard was already climbing onto Daisy's other hand, her eyes practically sparking. "This is awesome!"
Esmeralda looked at Dehya as Daisy slowly began to move. "I'm sorry, there's..."
"That's fine," Dehya interrupted. "I'll walk. My lady, please be careful." Dunyazard laughed in response as Daisy began to move. Watching her friend enjoy herself, Dehya allowed herself to relax. "Alright. Our first stop is Aaru Village. Esmeralda, before we split up later, I'm going to teach you some survival strategies. I can't have you dying on me."
"Classes? I haven't attended a lecture for years!" Esmeralda complained.
Dunyazard giggled, and Dehya turned to her. "That's for you too, my lady. I need you to be able to take care of yourself out there."
Esmeralda laughed.
"God of Wisdom."
"Yes, Wanderer?"
"Do you know a person called Esmeralda?"
"I do. Have you met her?"
"There is someone I need to tell you about. About the seventh... The Marionette."
A/N: Timeline-wise, this happens around the Windblume of Version 3.5 and before the Interdashan Championship of 3.6. I assumed that the Festival itself was no longer than a week. In the event, Cyno mentioned that he got Dehya to help fill in for him while he left to get his TCG card back. This is what Dehya was referring to in this chapter when she mentioned that 'I'm going to be very busy the next few days.' The gang left for the desert immediately after Cyno returned to Sumeru.
Also, I'd like to apologize for the quality of this chapter. Character interactions have never been my strong suit, especially small talk. It's been a month and a half and two full rewrites and I know that the conversations in this chapter are kind of awkward, especially the last part with Dehya and Dunyazard. They may seem out of character, and I apologize for that too. If you have any suggestions, please do let me know. The next chapter should be better. When it comes in about three months.
