One day, Lumine's routine was interrupted by a mission to Dragonspine outpost, given to her by Acting Grand Master Jean. She only had seen Jean a handful of times. Most of those time were in the library where she felt like she interrupted some discussion she was having with Lisa when she walked in. Her orders were to joined Kaeya, the enigmatic Cavalry Captain, and Eula, the steely captain of the Reconnaissance Company and others, to deliver supplies to the outpost. The outpost was then to deliver to Albedo and his company.
The journey to the outpost, led Lumine on trails she hadn't encounter before. She could see how Mondstadt even in the beauty she started to love was slowly becoming a barren wasteland the closer they got to parts that were Decarabian and Boreas' domains. She could see ruin houses with its heavy stone's scattered about. She thought it odd how no one really talked much Decarabian even though he was the supposed ruler, she heard rumors in hushed tones. Amber once hinted that her missing father didn't care for Decarabian, suggested that the Knights take a stand against the tyrant and the next thing he went missing.
They had only a few issues getting to the outpost mainly from the monsters that scattered the lands and luckily nothing to do with warring parties. They stopped a few nights. Lumine never encountered any troubles on her watches. They were greeted warmly by those at the outpost. Kaeya and Eula made plans to rest and return quickly back to Mondstadt.
"Oh, I thought you were going to deliver these goods to Albedo?" spoke the commander of the outpost.
"We didn't receive any orders as such." Kaeya just explained casually.
The commander just stiffens, "I don't have the numbers to take it since the last crew hasn't arrived back yet."
Eula's sharp eyes pierced him, "We have a trainee and a newly inducted knight! Do you think we have the man power!?"
After much bickering, it was agreed upon they would deliver the goods and see what was holding up the original supply company. Kaeya looked over at Lumine that evening, "Hope you can handle a little cold, Lumine."
The trek was treacherous, and the weather grew harsher as they ascended. Lumine whispered to Kaeya as they took the load of supplies, "This isn't a little cold!"
The storm raged on so fierce that it reminded Lumine of the one she got lost in when traveling in Whispering woods. No sooner than the thought of the battle sounds from that experience she heard Eula bark from ahead of her.
"Use caution! This storm is not a natural one!"
Lumine learned the "not a natural" storm was the result of: Decarabian and Boreas, who were locked in battle somewhere in the mountains. Her questions to Acting Gand Master Jean about her bother lead her to believe he was off to fighting with Decarabian. Lumine doubted that even though Aether was great with a sword like herself he wouldn't join Decarabian a tyrant he complained about constantly since their being of this world.
She did her work in silence as she avoided the conflict. Lumine caught glimpses of Boreas' wolf-like troops prowling the snowfields below Albedo's camp. She focused on helping with the supplies, but unease settled in her chest. One night Eula came back from a reconnaissance mission out of breath clearly had been in a fight and had to escape and barely did. "Pallad, is missing. He is caught in the storm that started around us unexpectedly." The camp becomes on alert. They are split into smaller units.
Lumine is paired off with Kaeya. Lumine has been placed with Kaeya a few different times. She honestly thinks he requested her personally for this mission. Pallad was a newly inducted knight and while Lumine has not worked with him closely she has overheard many times that he is quite reckless. Lumine believed this was his last chance before being let go from the knights. Recklessness was not tolerated, it put others in danger along with the individual.
The wind howled mercilessly as Kaeya and Lumine trudged through the snow, their breaths visible in the frigid air. Lumine kept her hand on her sword hilt, her eyes scanning the icy terrain for any sign of Pallad or lurking danger. Kaeya, walking just ahead, seemed unaffected by the cold, his stride casual as if they were taking a stroll through Mondstadt's plazas.
"Do you always look this relaxed in deadly situations?" Lumine asked, her voice muffled by her scarf.
Kaeya turned slightly; his single visible eye gleaming with amusement. "Why waste energy on worry? It clouds your judgment."
Lumine rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."
"Impossible but effective," Kaeya shot back, his tone light. "Now, keep your eyes peeled. Our missing knight might be around here, or worse, something else might find us first."
As if on cue, a distant crunch of snow reached their ears. Lumine froze, her hand tightening on her blade. Kaeya held up a hand, signaling her to stop. His gaze sharpened, and he drew his sword with practiced ease.
"Wolves, Boreas' no doubt," he said quietly, his voice losing its playful edge. "Three, maybe four. Stay close."
Lumine nodded, her heart pounding as she followed his lead. They slipped behind a jagged outcropping of ice, the storm's howling winds masking their movements. Kaeya crouched, peering around the edge. He glanced back at Lumine, gesturing for her to follow his lead.
"Don't engage unless absolutely necessary," Kaeya murmured, his voice low but commanding. "We're here to find Pallad, not pick fights."
Lumine nodded again, though her grip on her sword didn't loosen. Together, they moved as one, their boots crunching softly against the snow. The wolves came into view—a pack of four, their silver fur blending almost seamlessly with the snow. They prowled near a rocky overhang, sniffing the air.
One wolf turned its head sharply in their direction, it seemed to glow purple with a predatory light. Lumine's breath hitched, and she looked to Kaeya. He gave her a small, reassuring nod and shifted his Cryo Vision, readying an ice barrier if necessary.
While at the knights she has learned more about this on-going war. Decarabian controls the wind and has sealed the whole country with strong winds not allowing them to leave. Lumine could almost feel the bruise and broken bones when they had tried long, long ago. The Knights seemed to support Decarabian to an extent. The only main people Lumine heard of that are not present are the Grand Knight and a small troop.
The wolves pass and Kaeya pulls Lumine along. "See? Impossible but effective," he said quietly, motioning for her to follow him to avoid the pack.
As they slipped past, Lumine couldn't resist whispering, "You never cease to surprise me."
Kaeya chuckled softly. "Stick around, Lumine. I might teach you a thing or two."
Despite the tension, Lumine felt a flicker of admiration for the Cavalry Captain. His confidence, his ability to read a situation—she understood why others trusted him so deeply. They continued their search, her steps lighter now as she followed his lead. That is until he slips on the ice almost falling off the mountain.
"Stick around you? And you'll teach me how to fall off a mountain?" as Lumine catches him and pulls him back onto the snow. She lays there motionless.
"You always seem to be around to…." Kaeya begins but Lumine puts a finger to her lips shushing him.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw a small glow. She focuses in on it, there is a weird glow that made her think of Zephyr but knew he wouldn't be caught here. She points to it and Kaeya doesn't seem to see it but motions for her to go on. He's been in this business long enough to trust his gut. She takes lead and while she doesn't get an answer to the glow, she soon sees Pallad motionless in the snow. They bring him swiftly back to camp. He is alive but just. Albedo told them she rescued him just in time.
That night she struggles to sleep wrestling with what she saw on the mountain. What was that glow? She doesn't have a vision not being of this land and doubted she was awarded with one since no crystal came to her. Her and her brother's powers have long been gone. Her mind drifts to Zephyr. She doubts it was her wind friend. She sighs this mission extended far longer than planned, and she worried about Zephyr waiting for her at Windrise.