Traveler never existed, never did; just some bygone shooting stars in the forged skies of Tevyat. War is rampant, blood stains the land and tears flow like rain. Tevyat is broken, probably beyond saving, but it's residents think otherwise. Fate will find a way for them, despite how gruesome the consequences. (No Traveler, AU, Extreme canon divergence.)
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The summary says it all, but if you haven't caught on, this story has no traveler. They don't land on Tevyat, thus not affecting its storyline the way they're supposed to. So now to whom does their responsibility land on? Tevyat's very own people of course.
Enjoy my rendition on the story of, 'If Traveler never existed.'
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She stood there by the cliff in the nighttime rain, silent and brooding in her own thoughts.
"Hey..." A feminine voice called out from the distance, she turned behind to find her friend staring at her tentatively.
"H-hey," she replied back, voice hoarse because of standing in the downpour.
Her companion breathed in deeply, and shot a gaze that pierced her heart.
"You know why I'm here."
She had a faint idea on what it was about, and it definitely wasn't a good reason why.
"I do." She hesitantly stuttered back. Breathing in, "Look —, I-I'm sorry."
"Oh, we're a little too late for that." Her friend spat out heartlessly, making her wince, "Far too late, don't you think?"
The rain grew stronger and more violent, almost portraying the growing tension between them. Pitter patter the drops fell on her hair and nose. She forgot her hat back at the Opera.
"I challenge you to a duel."
No, she begged internally.
"Wait," She was breathless, "wait, please think this through —!"
"Enough!" Her friend roared, shocking her. Despite the harsh rain, she could make out her friend's reddened and puffed eyes. She had been crying. Cried. For a long time too. "You're the last person I want to hear that from —, not after what you did, after all you did."
That stung, but because it was true. She had no choice, it was her duty! What could she have done. No one could refute the law, and neither could she.
"The order was absolute, I-I couldn't do anything about it. I had to," she said weakly, but it was an insignificant argument because it didn't matter to her friend. "I have principles I've sworn by and I—"
"You and your godforsaken principles —, They were the most important people to me! How could you?!" Her friend cried, one hand held tightly against her own chest. "I can't believe you!"
Lightning flashed and thunder roared.
"I-I'm sorry."
"Is that all you can say?" Her friend drew closer, "After all you've done, that's all you can say to me?"
"Then how do you want me to say it?" She cried, "I can't bring them back can I? So what do you want me to do!"
"The duel."
"Not that nonsense again —, I'm, not, fighting, you."
"You clearly didn't think the same way when you murdered them in cold blood, did you."
"I–…" she shivered from the cold so hard that her teeth softly chattered, "I didn't want to. I didn't have a choice."
"Neither do you have one here." Her friend walked even closer, fists clenched tightly, "I'm fighting you whether you agree or not."
Was this the only way for things to go?
She drew back and away from her friend, scared. But she couldn't walk back further; she was already on the edge of the cliff. She was helpless now.
"I don't want to do this," she said in vain.
No response, only a cold hard glare shrouded by the foggy, rainy night. "This is over, r-right here, right now."
"I-I…"
"I'm tired, —. I'm tired of all of this."
"There could be another way to solve things. Please —, not like this."
"That's high coming from you," her friend sneered.
She knew that. But someone had to be the voice of reason, even if it was her.
"D-Don't let their sacrifice be in vain."
"Sacrifice?" Her friend slowly began to laugh, hysterically. It sounded broken, " Sacrifice?... Is that what it was to all of you? A bloodbath. That's all it was. All it was, was a murder for the glee of perverted eyes all around. You definitely enjoyed it too, since you did nothing to stop it!"
"You have to understand —"
"I don't have to understand anything!!"
Her friend's swift hands drew their weapon and aimed it against her throat. She shuddered when the cold blade suddenly kissed her skin. The silence between them was deafening.
"You, did, nothing!" She roared, hands shakily failing their grip on her weapon. She was weeping, challenging to slice off her neck. The tears started to fall freely. "No matter how much I grieve… and how much I cry; they're still not coming back. And it's all because of you! Killing innocent people and letting the real criminal run free! You, killed, them!"
"I wanted to support you with all my heart… Believe me please. I had my doubts too, but I just couldn't refute them…"
"Your mistakes led us to this. T-That's why we're here now, aren't we!"
"I-I understand that now, I understand my mistakes." She nodded, shivering from the cold steel kissing her neck.
"Actions have consequences —." Hands tightened the grip on their weapon, "It's time both of us realize that too."
There wasn't a way to console her heartbroken friend, she knew that. What could she do?
She smiled weakly, pressing her fragile neck against the weapon hovering near it. "Then you could just end it all here."
Ocean blue eyes looked at her with disgust, something she didn't expect, but deserved. "Stop acting like a coward."
"But I deserve it don't I?" She feebly chided, "Just do it."
"I want to end things fair and square so that I can honor them." Hands, shakily drew back their weapon, "Don't mock me."
"But I'm not going to fight you—. That's the last thing I want."
"You're supposed to fight back. Fight, me, back!!"
"No, no, I promised your father. I can't go back against it. He cares for you, I— I c-care for you."
Her friend didn't take that easily, and started breaking down in laughter, brokenly. Her heart tightened hearing her friend's hysterics.
"Care? If you cared, then they'd be alive." Her friend wept, "They'd be here, with me and you, breathing, just like us."
"I don't want to fight you!" She cried, "Do what you want, anything you want. Just stop all this!" She felt her legs grow weak, "Just—" She stumbled onto the ground on her knees, "Just stop…"
Her friend didn't respond.
"If ending my life with your hands is what'll make you happy," she continued, "then do it please. I know what I've done, I know I deserve it."
"—Just do it." She finished.
She closed her eyes and faced the ground, silently waiting to accept judgement. She felt the rain wet her hair and trickle down her face, ruining her makeup but she didn't care. That mattered little.
A strong gust of wind followed by a slight cracking of earth suddenly blew in front of her, causing her to clench in reflex. Here it was. She waited for the incoming impact to strike her neck, finish her off, but… felt nothing. Nothing else happened.
Despite the growing thunderstorm and her closed eyes, she could still make out the sound of soft footsteps crinkling on the wet grass walking away from her.
"—?" She looked up confused.
Right in front of her was a well crafted battle axe, ornately designed with high quality metal. Her friend's weapon.
"Navia?" She grasped the handle of her friend's axe that was planted head first into the ground. "What are you…"
Navia's back was turned to her as she stopped walking away. She didn't turn nor look behind her, she just looked straight ahead. "You're not the same person I once knew, you know. You're different now," she softly whispered. "I'm tired of the Court's games; their grandiose performances they play using us as their stringed puppets. I'm sick and tired of everything that they're doing." She clenched her fist, "—The justice the people always talk about, Clorinde, it's not there, only a fake shell disguising the perversion people enjoy. This whole structure's so twisted, it's… it's an abomination. Clorinde, I-I —," Navia sunk to her shoulders, "I'm done…"
Clorinde sat there in the cold, knees wetting from the damp grass, watching her friend disappear into the darkness of the night. She didn't say anything, nor made an effort to coax Navia back. She didn't know what to say or do. She was helpless.
She weakly tightened her grip around Verdict's sturdy handle and rested her weary head against the battle axe. Hard and brittle to the feel, but for her right now, it was comforting.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, for everything Navia…" she whispered to herself.
There Clorinde sat, for who knew how long. Minutes, Hours, she just remembered staying there till her clothes were drenched beyond recognition. She laid, wallowing in her regret and fear as the rain continued to drench her sunken figure on the ground.
Clorinde wished she could have met Navia once more; find a way to repay all the losses she made her friend suffer. If it had to be payment in blood, she'd offer it. If it had to be her head, she'd gladly give it. Anything to make her companion understand. But that stormy night was the last time Clorinde ever saw Navia again. She had disappeared from Fontaine: her residence left as it was, her usual visits all recalling no signs of her around.
There were no traces of Navia anywhere.
Clorinde was worried sick for her dear friend, but despite knowing how adverse Navia would be to it, she still searched for her. All around Fontaine she searched for her best friend that left her alone on that stormy night. It was only right to apologize, to say sorry even if it didn't matter to Navia. But the bright eyed, once chirpy blonde was nowhere to be found.
But then, on that day, in Navia's father's – Callas' – abandoned office, did she find an empty vial that had contained the Water from the Primordial Sea, and a big puddle by the floor. There, besides the puddle was something Clorinde recognized all too well.
Navia's beautiful black bow hat lay there, torn in places, and burnt at the tip. Her geo vision laid drenched in the puddle, lost of its glimmer. Clorinde pleaded for help, and searched and searched all around, but much to her horror there was no sign of its owner anywhere. She couldn't believe it.
A few weeks later, Navia Caspar was officially declared dead.
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Diluc Ragnvinder trudged through the beaten burnt grassy ground, boots crunching the sticks and stones beneath. Black smoke from the fires around him puffed and the scorching debris around him crackled, igniting sparks that dirtied his coat. He allayed to himself that the coat was dark in color so it hopefully wouldn't stain.
"Is that all?" he coughed hoarsely from the smoke, "If so, let us get a move on shall we?"
"Depends." A cheeky voice said, "We'll know for sure once the smoke dies down."
Kaeya Alberich – Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius – sheathed his sword, and walked up to Diluc's side. His recognizable eyepatch and brisk dressing were all encapsulating of his bright, one of a kind personality.
Be as it may, having Kaeya here near Diluc, was not something one would expect. Despite being supposed sworn brothers, He and Kaeya weren't on the best of terms. They rarely made an effort to speak to each other - Diluc's courtesy of course - nor did they share good companionship either.
"We don't have time, the sun is setting," Diluc grunted. "I'd rather not have to deal with the annoying pests that nightfall brings."
"Makes two of us. The men would agree too." Kaeya thumbed behind him indicating the gaggle of men that followed them. They were all clad in shining armor, the Knights of Favonius.
"My fire will die down soon, it doesn't stay for long," Diluc coughed as he waved a puff of smoke away.
"Do color me impressed. I didn't expect you to be so merciless with the Hilichurls."
"They're vermin aren't they? That's all they are."
"I don't think our efforts today made much of a dent to their numbers though." Kaeya sighed, "Woe is us indeed. Working so hard, yet yielding so little fruit."
They were currently on a purging expedition due to the influx of Hilichurls camps booming around the outskirts of Mondstadt. No one knew the reason for the population outburst but their increase caused much pain and havoc to the residents of the city. So it had to be dealt with, and fast.
"Any sign of friendlies around, Harper?" Kaeya turned to face his men.
Harper, a ginger haired knight walked ahead of his group, "We've combed the area, no sign of the hostages around, if they were here in the first place that is."
"Worrying."
Diluc mentally agreed. Hilichurls had been kidnapping unsuspecting women and children the past few weeks. Accounts told of the Hilichurls in question being of a different color than their usual black and brown counterparts. Why they resorted to abducting innocent citizens, Diluc did not know.
They searched five camps already, this was the sixth they were in. Still no sign of the hostages, if they were even alive.
"Let's just get a move on."
"Hold on, shouldn't we take more caution?" Kaeya worryingly placed a hand on Diluc, something the man didn't agree with, "You may be here with us, but I'm in charge y'know."
Diluc's face was pinched from irritation, "Do what you will. Get your men to survey the surroundings, I'm moving ahead to the next camp."
"That would take time, and it's getting dark. I thought you said you didn't want to spend the night here in the forest."
"That's sounding like a good idea to me right about now." Diluc waved off his companions, "Keep yourselves safe, it would pain me to see all of you missing the next day."
Kaeya sighed, rubbing the back of his head as Diluc retreated out the razed Hilichurl camp, "Sarcasm and he are two peas in a pod. Would it hurt him to comply? No matter. All right men, let's get to work shall we?"
"Yes captain!"
/-/
"Long day, boss."
"Pretty much."
"Tch, don't push yourself too hard," Charles chuckled. "Can't have you down in these trying times."
Diluc took a seat next to where Charles, the bartender, stood behind the counter. They were in Angel's Share, Mondstadt's local bar. It was already late at night, and the reason Diluc decided to rest after the long day. His shoulder ached from swinging Gravestone around the whole time.
"Fancy a glass?" Charles slid a wine glass filled with alcohol in front of him. Diluc cringed.
"Are you mocking me?"
"You do need to lighten up." Charles smiled, "Alright, the usual then."
"Appreciated."
Charles began mixing up his drink. Diluc looked around the bar to see it packed, more than the usual. Not that he minded though, since business was good for the establishment. He could procure some neat information from the loud gossip as well.
"Atmosphere's been tense these past few days," Charles placed Diluc's drink on the table while eyeing the people spread around the bar. "The disappearances are all they talk about."
"Mm, can't blame them, can we."
"It bores my brain. Gossip was nicer back then. Now it's the same old, same old."
Diluc interjected, raising his glass. It was blue in color, wolfhook juice. "This isn't what I ordered, Charles."
"My bad, boss. Ran fresh out of grapes. Wolfhooks were the next best thing."
"Right." Diluc crinkled his nose.
"It's not that bad, man up."
"I didn't say I wouldn't drink it did I."
"Maybe. Back on topic, the gossip's getting louder and louder these days, my ears are sore from the same old, same old."
"Missing women and children are a major problem."
"How much's it been?" Charles scratch his bearded cheek, "Four? Five?"
"Eight. Five women, three children."
"Tch, that's worrying."
"Mhmm…"
"You don't seem perplexed, the disappearances not ticking you off?"
"Same old, same old." Diluc parroted calmly, "I'm working on it. The faster I deal with it, the better."
"If it stops the gossip, then wonderful. Can't imagine how this news would be shaping up to the kids. Families all around are scared to death. Don't see children running outside the gates like I used to."
Indeed, Mondstadt was certainly on a lockdown after the incidents. People were cautious, worried, terrified.
Charles gruffly coughed catching Diluc's attention. "You're overworking yourself."
"Bah, lots of customers," Charles waved it off, "Work is work."
Diluc caught a glimpse of Charles' face: darkened eyes, sunken cheeks, the fatigue checked out. "Take an early leave, I'll handle the night shift," he decided.
Charles suspiciously eyed him, "Reason being? You'll be overworking too if I agree. Don't push yourself either."
" You have a wife and kid to attend to back home," Diluc thumbed the exit. "Go, it's getting dark."
The man grumbled for a while, stretched his body and let out an irritated sigh, "I guess you're right. I owe you one."
"Pleasure's mine."
Charles almost had the energy to look grateful before leaving Diluc off to man the counter. The bartender was exhausted. Diluc couldn't blame him with all that had been happening. He definitely worked overtime at home to make up for his wife and kid having to quarantine themselves from possible danger due to their residence being out in the woods. No matter, Diluc would do his employee a favor and work for Charles when possible. It was the least he could do for the man's service all these years.
The people around the bar, young, old, jobless, working, were engaged in lively chatter. It was one of the ways Diluc would find good times. While not engaging in conversation himself, gossip from customers often yielded interesting information he could use, thus one of the perks of working behind the counter at times.
"May I get a cup of dandelion wine?"
"Certainly sir," nodded Diluc.
Diluc wasn't the best at the craft like Charles, but he'd worked as a substitute bartender enough to know the ways around it. He would manage just fine even if there would be an influx of customers. He was tired from the escapades of the day, yes, but it didn't matter, he was used to it.
"Thank you, kind sir," said the customer sat near Diluc as he received the wine.
"If you need a refill, tap the bell there next to you when you do."
The customer blinked, "Oh, this one? Interesting. So I just hit it like this?" The small silver bell ringed. "Interesting."
"New here, aren't you."
"What made you assume?"
Diluc rubbed one of the wine glasses clean, and placed it on the shelf, "I probably know about every face that frequents Angel's Share. It's clear when distinguishing the old from new. Your dressing isn't Mondstadian either."
The customer looked down at his attire, "Well I suppose so." He chuckled, "You engage in conversation with strangers this easily?"
"No. I strike you as one?"
"No, actually."
"Leaving off a conversation on ringing a bell is awkward don't you think."
"Indeed, although I wouldn't have minded."
"Hey! Three berry bursts over here, Ragnvindr!"
Diluc nodded before turning to the pantry. "You arrived here in Mondstadt recently?"
The customer, quite lavishly dressed for someone who visited a bar, leaned on his arms against the table, "Quite. I had some errands to attend to."
"Not an ideal time to pick a vacation to Mondstadt." Despite engaging in conversation, Diluc seamlessly juggled between his working and talking. "Your family's not in the best security coming here."
"Do not worry, I'm of with no familial connections. I'm aware of the problems Mondstadt is facing."
"You have a smart tactic." Diluc side-eyed his customers out around the place while still working. "Most of the trade routes betwee Mondstadt and Liyue had been cut off due to the problems we've been facing. Having a man from Liyue travel all the way here makes me believe you're here to capitalize on the wounded trade market."
"Astute of you to know I'm from Liyue… although my attire does give it away," The customer laughed, fingering his sleeve, "But no. Actually, I'm not here for business."
Diluc handed the tray of berry burst wine to the waitress who promptly skipped off to serve it. "What other reasons could a Liyue gentleman possibly be here in Mondstadt for other than business then?" Diluc rubbed his chin, "Can't say I know."
"To pay a visit to the Knights." The customer sighed, "Well, tried, to say the least. They weren't very welcoming to my presence."
"Figures." Diluc scoffed, "'You've caught us at a busy time,' or so they'd say."
"You sound like you're not on good terms with the Knights of Favonius."
'Not on good terms,' was an understatement honestly.
"They're an annoyance," he simply said. But they were probably a little more than that. (Kaeya)
"I can't say I'm surprised judging by your character," the foreigner lightly laughed.
"I strike you as that type of man?"
"Not necessarily. But you're certainly not as affable as others I've met."
"Flattered."
The customer chuckled into his wine cup, "Well… I failed in what I came here for. I have urgent matters to deal with back at Liyue so I'll have to be moving out at the crack of dawn again tomorrow."
"Safe travels in advance."
"I would've loved to take in Mondstadt in its glory a bit more." He leaned back, "This is a beautiful country indeed."
"I wouldn't say it's the right time for sightseeing." Diluc snorted, "We're in a tight spot right now. The Hilichurls can attest to that."
"So I've heard."
"It's dangerous."
"I'm sure I could handle more than enough despite my age."
Funny way to say it, considering how the customer looked in his twenties only. "I'd suggest escorts, but if you can handle yourself well, then I guess that's fine. Can't say the Knights make for good escorts though." Diluc whispered the last half.
"Having escorts for security would be wonderful. But I don't have the funds to sustain such means, so it'll just be me and my companion."
"Not alone?"
"With a friend. Worry not, she can hold more than her own in a fight as well."
Diluc was half surprised the man didn't somehow get ambushed halfway into his long journey on the way to Mondstadt. The man must've been a capable fighter.
"It's not a bright idea for people to roam around the outskirts of Mondstadt in little numbers. We've been experiencing bad times," Diluc warned, "You should be careful."
"Oh I wouldn't get my pants in a twist. Being a vision user yourself I'm sure you'd be knowledgeable on how tenacious of a fighter vision bearers can be. I'm in good hands."
Not to say Diluc didn't notice that the man himself also bore a geo vision. He decided not to point it out.
"That's an interesting companion."
"You'd probably find her a good spar."
Diluc snorted, "What makes you think that."
The customer looked at him right in the eye. His golden amber eyes glowed mischievously, "I know enough to know you're Diluc. Based on gossip alone I know you're not a pushover when it comes to combat."
"Was my identity that obvious?"
"Half the people here called you by your last name of Ragnvindr." He resumed drinking his wine, "Can't say it was hard to piece the evidence. Not many out there sharing your recognizable traits. One of a kind I might say."
"Flattered."
"I wasn't lying when I said you'd find her a good spar though."
"I'll have to see to that myself, sir." Diluc slightly smiled. This man did indeed walk the interesting talk, he'd give him that.
The customer shrugged, "It's unto the eyes of the beholder. She's a tenacious one."
"You speak like you've known her quite some time."
"Far too little, but enough to grasp her unique identity."
"Hm, well," Diluc began to lightly chuckle, "don't blame Mondstadt if you're suddenly attacked by a group of rabid Hilichurls on the way back home. We've had enough stains on our records as is. Far too many."
"I'll keep that in mind."
How long had it been since their conversation started? Diluc looked up to the clock, it was nearing midnight.
"Are you closing soon?" His customer asked.
"No, actually. We stay well beyond midnight on the end of weekdays."
"That's wonderful. Although I can't say I have it in me to stay that long. I might be getting old, honestly."
Diluc rolled his eyes. The man looked well under 25 just like he was. Talking about growing old at that age had to be a gag. "Take care of your back."
"Hah, will do." The man stood up from his seat, "Well, it's been fun talking with you Mr. Ragnvindr. I do hope we meet again."
"Likewise," Diluc shook the hand the man offered to him, "Sir…?"
"You can call me Zhongli."
"Zhongli," repeated Diluc, nodding.
"It's sad our conversation had to end like this." Zhongli adjusted his cuffs, "I would love to know you more: you're an interesting person. We probably could one day if we meet out in the field."
Diluc smiled, "I wouldn't bank on that. Sorry, but being a businessman isn't my strong suit."
Zhongli raised an eyebrow amused, "I thought I made it clear I wasn't here for commercial business."
"I know." Diluc joked, "But I can't say I know what work you'd have to be going to the Knights."
"Scouting, you could say."
"I see." As vague as that was, it wasn't like Diluc could ask further than that. Angel's Share honored customer privacy.
"I am deeply sorry but I must be going." Zhongli looked worried, but he was somewhat still calm, "I have duties to attend to."
"Don't let me pull you back."
"Thank you, Mr. Ragnvindr. Well, I'll be off. Till we meet again." Zhongli waved him off and walked towards the exit, but it wasn't long before he was stopped, by Diluc.
"Excuse me, but I think you've forgotten something."
"Hm?" Zhongli slowly turned back. "Pardon?"
Diluc pointed at the empty cup on the counter that once contained Dandelion wine. "You didn't pay for your drink."
"Oh!" Zhongli looked apologetic, "I'm sorry, that hadn't crossed my mind."
"Happens."
"Well, to think I'd forget such an important thing." Zhongli chuckled, "Here, let me just…"
Diluc watched Zhongli fiddle around his coat's multiple pockets. It was quite big honestly, he couldn't imagine what a man would do with such a heavy coat on such a warm night. He watched Zhongli continue patting himself down.
Zhongli blinked owlishly, "Where did I…" he patted his pockets again, "Hm…"
Diluc was almost amused to say the least.
"Ah, well…" If the monotone look on Zhongli's face was embarassment, then it could mean only one thing. "You see… I—"
"Forgot your wallet?" Diluc finished.
Zhongli sheepishly nodded, "Well, yes. Actually."
Diluc waved it off, "Never mind, consider it free since it's your first time here."
"Are you sure about that?"
Diluc briskly nodded, "On the house."
Zhongli didn't seem convinced. "When do you open tomorrow."
"Most probably by sunrise. Angel's Share stays open the whole day."
"Then I'll have a friend of mine bring the payment over by opening hours."
Diluc shook his head, "It's fine. It's just a cup of wine. You don't have to go that far."
"I insist."
"That'd put you behind schedule since you're moving out back to Liyue next morning. Like I said, Zhongli, it's on the house."
Zhongli paused for a moment, almost conflicted, but he sighed in the end, accepting defeat. "My deepest apologies."
Diluc waved it off, "No damage done."
Zhongli left the bar almost akin to a puppy with his tail tucked in between his legs. The man was embarrassed having not paid, but to Diluc it was the least he could do for a traveler coming all the way from Liyue. He couldn't imagine Zhongli had the greatest time in Mondstadt considering the situation this time of the year either.
Well, – Diluc looked at the clock – closing time was still a ways away. But he'd have another long day tomorrow.
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The next morning was the usual. Nothing important happened. Diluc got up to an okay sunrise, save for some stray clouds that bode an afternoon rain later on. After the morning preparations were over, he walked through the gates of Mondstadt, ready to work again.
Charles had gone down with a fever, resulting in the man being bedridden, as per prescription of his wife. Usually Victor would cover in for Charles whenever he was down, but he was busy today too. So naturally, the only two options were to close Angel's Share, or Diluc himself man the counter. Obvious which one he had to choose.
"M-Master Diluc! What brings you here?!"
Diluc sighed. He'd be getting that a lot working today.
Noelle, a maid of Favonius. She was a hearty and tenacious young woman who was currently training to be a Knight. It was wasteful for her potential to be squandered by the Knights, yes it was. Diluc didn't agree with it, yet again, he wasn't the boss of everyone.
"Noelle," Diluc acknowledged the startled maid, "I'm covering Charles' shift today, so I'll be taking care of managing today's shipment."
"Oh? Is Mr. Charles alright?"
"Fever. He overworked himself yesterday."
"I do recall Angel's Share being packed to the brim yesterday. Poor soul, I should pay him a visit, see if he's alright."
"I'm sure he would be happy with that."
"Mhmm!"
"So," Diluc folded his arms, "I usually recall Käthe being in charge of shipments, especially for Angel's Share. What brings you here instead, Noelle?"
"As luck would have it, she's also sick with the summer cold ahah…" Noelle bowed sheepishly, "I volunteered to cover her work for now till her replacement arrives."
"I guess that makes the two of us the same." Diluc smiled a little.
"Indeed!"
"Anyways, as wonderful as this is, I would love it if you'd arrange for my supplies right about now."
"Of course! So, if I'm not mistaken," Noelle bent down to check the packages while holding a catalogue in the other. She pushed back her lavender bangs to reveal a huge scar running across her left eye, "I went through the today's list and I found that—"
As Noelle continued talking, Diluc couldn't help but pity her scar. It was honestly saddening seeing someone carry such a huge blemish at such a young age. If he recalled, she was afflicted with it while saving a group of children who had wandered too far away from Mondstadt's gates, finding themselves in a Rifthound nesting ground. Noelle arrived there just in time to save the children from serious injuries but at the cost of her eyesight in one side.
Because of such, the maid grew out her bangs to cover the results of her battle, probably out of shame if anything. It was an ugly scar, but not like he'd say that out-loud. He commended her on her bravery back then, but she still didn't seem too proud of losing her eyesight.
"—S-so um, yes I guess that is about it Master Diluc. Do you want me to assist you in carrying the crates to the bar?"
Diluc did a double look over the crates containing the supplies for today. "If you are free then yes, I'd appreciate the help, Noelle."
Noelle seemed happy her offer was reciprocated. "As luck would have it, you're the last one for today! So allow me to help!"
The walk back to the bar wasn't long. With Noelle's strong geo vision the workload was easier to manage than other days and done in more or less three trips. The maid offered to help even more, but Diluc refused. He was aware of how much of a laborer Noelle liked to make herself be. Even a little help from her went the extra mile.
"Are you sure Master Diluc?" Noelle asked as she placed the final crate in the storage room, "I could—"
"Yes, Noelle." Diluc sighed, "I'm sure I can handle it."
"I mean, if there's anything you want me to—"
"It's okay. Besides, I'm sure you're needed elsewhere. Aren't you?"
Noelle flushed a bright pink, "R-right, I forgot! The library!" She bowed down incessantly, "I'm so s-sorry Master Diluc but I must be in my way! I promised Miss Lisa I'd help her with rearranging the books in the library!"
Diluc almost felt like laughing. "Go."
A quick bow again and the maid was off on her way. Diluc praised her determination, albeit despite it being a little too overdriven. Great potential wasted by the Knights honestly.
Nonetheless, "Alright, time to get to work."
Diluc entered Angel's Share and looked around. The bar was kept clean, he made a note to thank the waitresses for cleaning up after yesterday's occasion. It was still early for any employee to arrive, and still early for the bar to open. He figured it'd be a while before things proceeded as usual.
Diluc wiped down the main counter with a cloth, humming a tune. There wasn't much to do right now other than wait. He considered opening the place earlier than usual, since there was not a likelihood that there'd be much customers this early in the morning. He could handle a few himself. Even if there was a big rush hour, he reckoned it wouldn't be a big deal.
It was better than waiting doing nothing anyways.
/-/
Despite deciding to open the bar early which meant the summoning of patrons soon enough, Diluc would be lying if he said he knew a customer would arrive right as he adjusted the outside sign to signal the bar was open. He figured it'd be a few before anyone came, yet here she was.
A woman stood in front of him. Hands to her hips, a bright glint to her eyes and a purpose to her stance. The woman thrust a hand forward to him, expecting a handshake while flashing a cute smile.
"Hi!"
Diluc didn't return the handshake.
The woman faltered, clearly not expecting such a cold response. "Erm, H-hi! I uh, I'm here to pay for my friend's wine that he couldn't account for yesterday!"
Diluc blinked. Ah, Zhongli, that bastard. He clearly stated it was on the house, what was this now.
"I thought I told him it was fine." Diluc sighed.
The woman tapped her cheek, "Hm, well he wasn't very keen on the idea, he kept nagging me about it all night. You see, Liyue men have strict principles they like to stick by and Mr. Zhongli's just one of those guys."
"I see?"
"I mean, can you blame him? It's cute in a way isn't it?"
No, not exactly. But to each their own.
"Anyways, I'm not accepting any payment. It's on the house."
"Don't be like that, Diluc." The woman tsked, "I waited all morning here for you so that I could pay you back!"
All morning? It was five o'clock for goodness sake. "Not interested."
"Don't be like that!"
"Why should I bother?" Diluc stopped walking, "Who even are you anyways?"
"Me?" She blinked, "You could say I'm your long lost best friend! Here's to a lasting friendship!"
Diluc still didn't return the handshake.
"Don't be like that!"
"I also don't recall giving you my name."
"Ah, Mr. Zhongli told me you went by Diluc last night! He also told me to say to you that he enjoyed the conversation he had with you by the way!"
"Flattered, so did I. Now be on your way." Diluc shooed her away, "I have work."
"What?"
"I said it was on the house. I stick to my word." Diluc entered Angel's Share, "It doesn't agree with me when I go back on my word."
The woman followed him in, much to his chagrin, "Well, I'm not going anywhere till you receive my payment!"
She flashed a small bag clinking with mora inside right in front of his face, waving it around in swishes.
"Get that out of my face." He slapped it off, annoyed.
"Huff, you're clearly not very sociable, are you?" The woman tapped her foot, "And here I thought Mr. Zhongli said that you were a lovely person! Are you sure you're Diluc Ragnvindr?"
"I am."
"Then why're you so cold to me while you were apparently so welcoming to Mr. Zhongli!?"
"I was drunk." He lied. "Very drunk."
"Huh, makes sense. Alcohol does change a person. No wonder you were so friendly."
No, to him, it was whether or not they were annoying enough. This girl ticked off enough of the right boxes to warrant his pique.
"Get going."
"As if!"
"Go."
"Nuh uh."
Diluc felt his blood boil, "Don't test me, woman. Go. I stick by what I said last night."
"Lucky for you I'm a strong woman with morals." Her grin was infuriating, "I'm staying here."
"It's just a few mora. I can live without the pocket change."
"Clearly Mr. Zhongli cannot. So I'm here in his steed. You have to respect an old man's pride."
If Zhongli was old, then Diluc was a dinosaur, "I do respect others' pride. Just not yours."
"Erk! Not funny." Honestly it was, to Diluc.
"If you don't have anything to do, then the exit is right there for you."
"But I do have something to do though?" She blinked, assertively displaying her money bag. "I need to pay you back!"
"I told you it's fine." Diluc grumbled, "Actually, who even are you?"
"Who, me? I was Zhongli's companion that he probably maybe mentioned about to you last night!" She beamed sassily.
"So I've heard. But that's not what I mean."
"What do you mean then?"
Diluc glared at her, "Your name."
"Oh. Ohhhh." She snapped her fingers, "Right, that! Let's do this from the start again shall we?"
Despite his blatant, clear, refusals prior, she presented her hand to him for a handshake once more, still smiling. Diluc didn't know how much weight their encounter would carry then, but this moment defined the future he'd be treading through as well as the people he'd meet down the line for a very long time. Enjoyable? Maybe not, but memorable it would be.
"It's nice to meet you… Diluc Ragnvindr." Her voice was succinct, sweet and clear, "My name is Navia Caspar."
/-/
Aether and Lumine are integral to Genshin's storyline, so having them out of the picture does make it hard to comprehend how the story goes but that's what I'm here for. Natlan isn't out as of writing, nor has Hoyo let us in on Genshin's vast backstory yet, so if they do drop some huge lore that contradicts my story then I guess that's a given. My story my way! Who cares if lore contradicts it down the line.
Take this as a lively story that dabbles on the what's and ifs of whether or not Traveler's lack of presence will make a difference.