Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As of late, Collei spends her days more often at the House of Daena, helping her juniors with their research. It makes her feel endlessly proud yet very self-conscious. What if she was leading them the wrong way? How could she possibly be a role model?! If she can’t even speak in front of 20 people, no matter how long she practised for. Depending too much on her master is one of her current faults. 

She sighs so loud it echoes.

On top of it all, her acne came back! Poor Collei went from slightly self-conscious to extremely insecure just thinking about it. 

Her Master gave her some ingestible medicine to get rid of it. It worked for the first week, keeping the breakouts down but slowly it made her skin itchier than ever. Tighnari seized her from taking anymore and scratched his chin as he thought it might be linked to her condition. With a strange determination he left immediately to do some more research. It was so embarrassing, he kept bringing it up in front of scholars and random people at Gandhara Ville!

Another loud sigh escapes from her. She’s just in her late teens; it must be hormonal and it will eventually go away. That doesn't mean it didn't affect her a lot. 

Collei hung her head low, as she walked looking for a very specific book, one of her juniors asked about. As she reaches what seems like it, suddenly a familiar high-pitched voice startles her.

“Oh my dear Collei,” Madam Faruzan coos, “fix your posture, you wouldn't want to hurt your back.”

“Madam Faruzan?!”

“How are you doing today, youngster? What brings you around here? Is your Master with you? This area is badly lit, isn't it? Why don't you come with me?” A barrage of questions that could continue for even longer made Collei’s head spin as unconsciously she followed the Madam.

“N-no! I’m… I’m by myself, just, helping conduct some research about this weird phenomenon the fungi have undergone around…” She hid her face against the book and looked away as she shyly spoke, even shyer than usual.

The Madam’s face goes from confusion to worry in seconds, “W-what’s wrong, Collei? Are you feeling ill?”

“N-no! I’m just…” The young girl wants to run away, but defeated she sighs out, "embarrassed…"

“Embarrassed?” Faruzan raised an eyebrow, tilting her head to take a better look at the youngster, "Embarrassed of becoming an excellent forest ranger? You know, Tighnari made it impossible to not hear about your recent achievements, last time he showed his face around the Akademiya!”

Her eyes widened, the book slowly revealing her spotted face, “R-really!?” At least her acne wasn't the only thing he talked about! 

“Well, of course, my dear Collei!” The senior smiles so warmly, and even if she can be overbearing, she cares so deeply about Collei. A sudden hint of guilt pulls on her heart strings, but senior continues,  “So what is it that bothers you?”

“It’s… it’s nothing, really!” 

“Come on, young’un. Madam Faruzan is here to help you out, no matter how little the trouble is.”

Collei sighs again, she takes the courage to speak up, “M-my acne is very bad at the moment that’s all. I’m… sorry to have you worried, Madam Faruzan!”

“Oh youngster, don’t worry! It’s completely normal to worry about one’s appearance, especially at such a young age. Let me see your face,” Her left hand lifts her small face by the chin, filling the short silence with the clicking of Faruzan’s gold jewelry, “I used to struggle with some ugly spots back in my day! These are not half as bad!” Collei swallows nervously at the touch, “Hm… has Tighnari given you any treatments?”

“Y-yes, but… they made my skin all itchy and––”

“Of course! All modern skin treatments are just awful.” She interrupts with undeniable indignation, and backs up crossing her arms,  “When I just came back to Sumeru, I tried finding my favourite body butter, which I used back when I was your age. Even after weeks in the desert, it would revive my skin in a day! And I couldn’t find anything, just a bunch of watery fontainean creams. Ugh – they didn’t work at all! It worked more like a rose perfume than a hydrating body lotion… With all the natural products we have here in Sumeru, for some overpriced Fontainean creams to be “trendy” is plainly absurd. Hmpt!”

After the long rant and another look at her face she reaches a conclusion, “Hmm… I think one of the clay masks I used to do would help you, my dear Collei.”

“Y-you think so?”

“Mmhm!” She nods confidently, “They take a while to work, though, so don’t be expecting over-night results.”

“Y-yes!”

“Fine then, I’ll try to find the necessary ingredients, and I’ll reach out to you as soon as I can. Fortunately I’m not as occupied as usual this week.”

“Thank you, Madam Faruzan!”

*

Faruzan tapped her finger on the table watching her students finish up a quiz she scheduled for today. After this, she had programmed them to submit a paper in relation to the topic of the last 6 lectures. Then she'd grade them and that's it for this course.

Well, until she manages to get going a new course — public or not.

But that's something that doesn't faze someone today's Madam Faruzan. The conversation with Collei this morning had left her with high spirits. She should pay a visit to her favourite youngster more often, maybe she'll have some good insight on what youngsters are interested in now. 

The clock ticked faster for the students but just as slow and dragging for the professor. She taps her fingers a bit louder, unaware of the psychological terror it had become for her students. Perhaps she could organize a spa day for the hard-working Collei. It could be stress that broke her out to begin with…

Once done, she collected the quizzes and said her cheerful goodbyes to her few but dedicated students, confused on their dread-filled faces.

Life is a cycle, everyone knows that. It improves or worsens depending on how you approach it, but eventually one falls into routine. 

Recently, Faruzan would argue it has improved. Many students signed up for her classes, at least for her standards; she could feel her bonds with Collei, Tighnari and that boy Kaveh have relatively deepened. Perhaps the Madam’s demeanour is finally growing into them. And even if funding, or lack there of, was almost the same, she found herself on a streak of luck with bargains all around. But one thing was missing…

A friend, so to speak, that she had made almost a year ago. 

The Hat Guy. 

Sumeru's mysterious and famous, or rather infamous, nameless wanderer.

The strange Inazuman who found shelter under the guidance of Lesser Lord Kusanali.

It has been who knows how long she had last seen him. It seems he stopped attending the Akademiya altogether, according to the lack of Vahuma research papers signed sarcastically “Hat Guy” she secretly went through a week ago.

Slightly embarrassed, she had also asked around about his whereabouts. He wasn't on some sort of expedition for the Akademiya, and he wasn't around the city anymore. She even resorted to asking that energetic youngster, Sethos, from his Darshan, who was too eager to take a commission to find him as soon as possible.

Faruzan’s eyebrows furrowed, wishing not to care, and her moral standards inclined for her to deny Sethos’ eager suggestion. Although curious, she wasn’t impatient like the youngster, and she ought to respect Hat Guy’s distance. If she has learnt anything, it is that one must take time when it comes to him.

But it was impossible to not appreciate the numerous conversations, debates or stupid insults they threw at each other.

And even more impossible to not want more.

She scratched her cheek ignoring the papers she could quickly grade in a couple minutes as memories began to flare up…

Chapter Text

It was probably a month after The Wanderer and Collei had helped her resolve the case with the continuous anonymous letters she received. At last, she finished fixing her Vairambhaka Gear. 

This time it was for real, unlike all the other times she completed her masterpiece resulting in a weeping Hat Guy regretting his foul mouth in her dreams. The second she set her sights on that bratty youngster, she would teach him a valuable lesson: to never underestimate The Great Madam Faruzan!

To her luck, a shiny green reflection, filled with elemental energy,  guided her eyes towards a shadow that moved swiftly on the cold halls of the Akademiya — a very recognisable shadow to the trained eye. 

His shadow.

She followed, and it did not take long for The Baladeer to realise her distinct heel tapping. Almost defeated, he suddenly stopped instead of moving faster. It was futile to run away when a certain someone was putting him in the spotlight.

“Youngster!” The Madam exclaimed. He takes a few long seconds to turn around to face her, with a poker face his eyes meet her, “My dear Hat Guy, it’s been a while.”

That condescending language always manages to pisses him off, but he crosses his arms trying to chase the annoyance away, “What do you want now?”

Although it is true that both have been more than acquainted at this point, it seems like every first set of interactions with him come with much more harshness than expected. Only to be softened by continuous interaction.

But Faruzan felt more than qualified to deal with him, perhaps it is naïve over-confidence. Keeping her stance wide, grabbing the cotton bag that hung on her shoulder, her grip tightens as she looks down at him, with her chin high up.

“Here.” She summons the Vairambhaka Gear, with her free hand, “Try it out. I dare you.” A little snort with a brief melodic giggle accompanies her words, excited to talk like a cocky youngster.

“Don’t you have better things to do? Anyone else to bother?” He stays unmoved as she stretches her hand forward, taunting, “Oh wait, that’s the flimsy thing you call your masterpiece, isn’t it?”

“Indeed,” his mocking tone was ineffective, only bringing a half-smirk on her lips, “and I’m most certain you should be the most excited about its full repair— No… Its completion.”

He scoffs but there’s a softness to it, a tinge of amusement peeking through, maybe it’s his curiosity about The Madam’s abilities finally stepping out. “What I mean is, as an Anemo Vision holder yourself… You wouldn’t want to miss this incredible opportunity, Hattie.”

His eyebrow raised, “And that’s because…?”

Faruzan smirked wide, he took the bait so easily these days! Her mouth opens, ready to dump every intricate detail about her beautiful gear, the pinnacle of her studies on Desheret’s technology, but she stops herself, hatching her breath for a moment. This teasing cannot stop just now, she must keep suspense, “If you want to know you’ll have to try it. You’ll see immediate results against any Automaton.”

The Vairambhaka Gear hovers above her hand, and his sharp eyes squint, taking a better look at it for a minute. Faruzan observes his subtle change in position, as if he was hesitating, but before she could blink his hand extended, ready to snatch it off.

Startled, Faruzan backs up, “Hey now!” It hadn’t crossed her mind he would be so eager, so quickly. 

Nervously she scratches for a reason of her sudden defensive reaction after being so insistent, “You wouldn’t want to set it off right now! I’ll activate it if you decide to give it a try.” Maintaining her confident pose, she holds a wink as she speaks but his face is rendered unreadable, making the nerves hard to swallow away. 

“Fine. I’m bored anyways.”

*

It does work… His inner voice exclaimed with intense dread watching The Ruin Guard fall apart right in front of his eyes. Perhaps she wasn’t as delusional as he thought and for some inexplicable reason his chest feels like it burns.

It’s not an embarrassment. 

No.

It didn’t matter to be proven wrong, either. 

He carelessly turns around, facing the scholar who stayed at a safe distance up a hill he loudly exclaims, “Ha! Sure, your little toy can make some mechanical worms crumble slightly faster… but can it can the big Drake?!”

“Hmm…” Faruzan hums coming down the hill, balancing on the unstable ground. “It should work just the same against any enemy. You’ll see more evident results with Automatons as they tend to resist our elemental power better." 

That answer was a given, she worked endlessly with those things. Top it with the fact that she had offered to try it on an Automaton to begin with. Her stance is the same as earlier, confident but less cocky than he expected. 

Was she doubting her masterpiece? Is the cockyness running out, hag?

A smirk creeps on his face, he feels exalted. Was this stupid gear affecting him? Or is the prospect of its efficiency making him so eager? Or was it its failure?

“Then let's keep putting it to the test.”

“Ha! I’d agree but the last sight of an Aeonblight Drake was ages away, and you see I’m a very busy woman–”

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re scared your—”

“Absolutely not,” She quickly shut the suggestion her work of art wasn't as capable down, “I’ve tested it countless times.”

With her hand on her hip, she takes a look at his expression shadowed by that hat, “Ha! it’s written all over your face: ‘Madam Faruzan is a genius, I must prove her wrong or I’ll be humiliated’ is what goes through your mind, am I correct? Hmm?” As she recited the short monologue he had walked up to her. The Wanderer pulled her by the wrist taking her up the hill once again. 

His pull is harsh and sudden, yet he slows down whenever she stumbles in her walk. There wasn’t enough time for her to react. Before she realized they were on top of the hill, his hat was gone while he floated off the ground with a halo on his back in front of her. 

“Oho~ what is this?” Faruzan immediately understood the situation, “Are you really going to this extent? Are you that excited to use my Vairambhaka Gear?”

“Just—!” He groans loudly. Irritated, he admits it in his mind, because she is right, and it makes the burning feeling impossible to ignore, “Just get on my back already and shut it!”

*

Faruzan held on tight, tighter than he would like. If it weren't for the artificial nature of his body, he'd be choking to death. Her golden jewelry pressed tight against him, and her face pressed forcefully on the back of his head, softened its landing point by his equally artificial hair.

“Could you slow down! Are you trying to give this old woman a heart attack?!” She shouted right next to his ear.

“Could you keep your mouth shut! Actually don’t—! Keep yapping, and choke on a bug, and die!”

She backed off from him slightly with an offended gasp, but quickly her lips seal realizing how high the chances of that actually happening were. Her eyes locked onto him, her sight avoiding anything else. 

Scared, she hid her face away on his shoulder as they travelled across Sumeru’s skies.

The strong wind kept her eyes shut, and every time she took a small peek her stomach dropped. They were so high above, everything looked so small. It was beautiful, like being at the top of one of Deshret’s beautiful pyramids, but infinitely more terrifying with no ground to stand on.

“So loud…” He muttered even if she had been keeping quiet for a while now.

“Hattie,” next to his ear she spoke again, but this time she murmured, eyes still closed. 

He waited for her to continue, but she kept so quiet… Disturbing, to say the least. Yet he wanted for her voice to come out like that again. 

“We’re almost there.”

“Fine…”

Chapter Text

Faruzan’s day at the Akademiya was done, and she began taking a brisk walk home. Her mind juggled all day between thinking about that time they fought that Aeonblight Drake and whatever was in front of her. Unable to put proper priority to any thought.

They had come down slowly, he was being oddly gentle with the landing. The Madam stretched her legs as soon as her feet touched the ground. Her body, getting used to the suffocating humidity deep in the rain-forest. 

“It should be inside the ruins, they usually go stationary in safer places.”

“I know.” He replied cut and dry, offending her evident by her face, so he adds, “Who do you think is reporting them?”

“Huh? You are?”

“Part of one of the tasks Buer orders me to do.”

“Oh.” Even if it was a known fact by this point, it always took her a little bit by surprise. It pictured a strange image of him as a loyal servant of her land’s god. Disturbing, but is it really an impossibility?

“That makes sense afterall, the reported sightings of dangerous activities have become more frequent than ever.” 

The ruins were stuffy, to say the least. The humidity clung onto her body as she walked, slowing her pace. Keeping up with Hat Guy already was a challenge from the start, now she feels like a snail. The lack of ventilation was bothersome, yet she toughened up with each step. 

“So… You are telling me you go around doing errands for Lesser Lord Kusanali? That’s oddly servile of you.”

“You could call it that.”

He doesn’t look behind to talk to her, and he doesn’t even flinch at her teasing. Unintentionally provoking some more, “She’s definitely putting you to some good use! I bet she knows if you don't fly around for a couple hours, you'll start a fight with the poor students of the Vahuma Darshan.”

His eyebrow twitches. 

Touché. 

“Like a feisty kitten. Who needs his playtime.”

Madam’s on a strike today!

“That’s it.” He stops, his voice coming rough and direct, he threatens, “You're going back home by foot.”

“What!?” Faruzan is taken aback, but she also holds the cards, “Then you’re not using my Vairambhaka Gear!” She motioned as if she were hiding the unsummoned gear away from him, in her arms like a child. So… guarding the air…

“Fine! I won’t!”

A long moment of silence is shared. Only to be disturbed by the dripping sounds echoing across the ruins, and the croaking frogs. Her eyes watch his profile, and he dismissively looks away. 

A tantrum shared between some of Sumeru’s oldest citizens.

“C’mon, let's hurry.” She sighed out, stepping ahead, “This old woman is getting tired.”

So they continue onwards.

*

A light guided them to the end of the trail. Revealing the Aeonblight Drake sitting idle by an ancient pavilion and even if they were metres higher up than it, it still looked shockingly enormous.

The Madam bit the inside of her bottom lip holding her summoned weapon of choice tightly. 

The sudden sound of anemo energy pushing the wanderer up from the ground startled her. She steps back, and he quickly notices the worry on her face.

“You can stay here. Just activate your little toy and I’ll deal with it.”

“Hmpt. I guess it’s better if I have the high-ground either way!”

With an elegant swift move of her hands, she summons her gear in full display then nods towards The Wanderer.

He took his time approaching the machine slowly until its sensors finally detected him. Taking advantage of its start set up, he threw a few anemo slashes at its seemingly weak “hip” joints.

The Drake thumps shaking the ground, but The Wanderer stays unnerved flying above the ground. He attacks it at a safe distance, dodging every of its “tail” attacks flawlessly.

Her eyes are fixed on his movements, then suddenly a spark from the main censor takes The Madam’s attention away. 

Is it entering a different mode? 

She channeled anemo energy to her Gear, perhaps more than usual. Her hand lightly twitched as it hovered, ready to be released into the fight, a weird side-effect from its usage she should really look into. Or… she was just too excited to show off to this brat.

Speaking of whom, he takes a sharp turn as he dodges the attacks. In a split second, The Wanderer throws her a commanding look impossible to go unnoticed. 

Faruzan acts upon the queue almost immediately, sending her Vairambhaka Gear across the pavilion as fast as she could. Then releasing its full potential in the middle of the fight.

Its force makes the Drake stumble lightly, but it quickly adapts to the windier stage. She clicks her tongue. Its programming is fast and flawless, even after centuries of abandonment. It identified the increased anemo energy, taking no time in amplifying its resistance to it.

The Wanderer continues to attack it, shifting side to side. Throwing windborn blades, one after another. The few moments he touches the floor, he smoothly picks up momentum to get right back in the air.

The Madam watches from afar, observing the fight with attentive eyes. Scanning the machine up and down. Suddenly, the sensor sparks once more. This time, followed by a shift on its jets, entering drone-mode. Faruzan could swear its impulsion even pushed back The Wanderers flight path. 

The fight was prolonging more than she had expected, frustration making her face twitch. Seriously, she needs to look into that side-effect as soon as possible.

Tamimi’s structure was nearly identical. She squints. A weak point, everything that flies is easily taken down. It’s always a given… 

Ah, of course. Those jets.

A cocky smile brightens her face up in realization. Whoever designed it to show them when it is most vulnerable is a total moron!

“Hat Guy!” She shouted from the top of her lungs while he flew from side to side, the machine following every move he made, “Make it look this way!”

“Is she stupid? I can’t hear shit!” The wanderer muttered in annoyance covered by the loud engines of the Aeonblight Drake. He initially ignored her, but she continued to squeal like a small animal.

Right after it shoots multiple attacks, a fast detour is taken in her direction as it recharged. He kept his sight locked on the Aeonblight Drake as he approached,  “What?! Is your masterpiece malfunc—”

A swift arrow filled with elemental energy flew right next to the left side of his face, shutting his mouth up, “Perfect!” She exclaimed as the arrow hit its target, stunning the enemy.

Charging another attack, channeling her anemo energy onto the bow and arrow she takes steps to the right. With care, she aims at the machine trying to recover its stance.

“Stay still,” she commanded before he could voice any complaints. Then she shoots, “Ha!” 

The fast arrow made sure to rearrange his hairstyle on the right side of his head now before incapacitating the Aeonblight Drake. His eyes are wide, just like his smile.

The Vairambhaka Gear dances around it, hitting it harder than ever before.

A maniac laugh comes out of him as the machine drops to the ground dramatically. He takes no time in rushing back to the pavilion and finishing this up with a huge vortex attack tearing the old automaton into nothing but pieces.

*

They took a different way out, one that was less suffocating. Reaching up a hill, she stops next to a big and old tree, “Let’s rest up then go home.”

“What? Who says I'm taking you back?”

“I say it, you brat! Not only I help you, I let you have fun with my gear. You impatient, insolent imbecile!”

“Calm down, old woman. I know.”

Faruzan clears her throat then lays down. Even if she didn’t fight as much as him, these extra walks on thick air ruins she wasn’t prepared for today were rather exhausting. Her eyes closed, enjoying the gentle cold the shadow brought.

The accelerating effects were almost all worn off. A rustling noise next to her opens her resting eyes, only to find him laying just like her.

"Don’t you always say you don't sleep?"

"I don't."

"Then what are you doing?"

"Bored."

"Ha! You’ve been pretty bored as of late. Hanging out with this hag is better than nothing is it?"

He doesn’t reply, he only shields his eyes with his arm. Faruzan can’t help but stare. Taking a good look at him was rather difficult with that— wait where’s his hat?

Oh, next to the tree. Of course.

Her eyes travel back to his face, stopping at his soft exposed lips. Unconsciously, she toyed with the flaking skin on her dry lips.

His cheeks were smooth like a doll, not a pore in sight, or a blemish, with a porcelain-like complexion.

The hand that hung over the grass looked equally soft. A quick look at her own, she can only see roughness. Fingertips filled with calluses from working all day with machinery.

And to think he was the one fighting the Aeonblight Drake and she only shot two perfect shots.

He senses her gaze, "What are you doing?" 

"You're so delicate, even your hands look untouched.” She blurts out, “As if you haven't worked a day."

His eye takes a quick peek at the lady, who seemed to observe her own hands more than the ones she talked about.

"Like..."

His femininity was a topic that wasn’t untouched. Even with a mask of pure intimidation it was a fact that he could never escape. Not like he tried to fully, and it didn’t bother him. If she was going to tease him by calling him a delicate lady, he could easily bark back. 

He scoffs but she interrupts, "A prince.” 

It escaped her lips, a sudden thought said out loud. She does a tiny gasp. Maybe the exhaustion was clouding her judgement, this guy acted like anything but a prince. Yet his looks were redefined, soft and tamed. 

"...” His lips pursed, then quickly he turned around, “Can you shut up I’m trying to nap, imbecile. Can't you see."

"Ridiculous, surely I must be delirious. You’re nothing like a prince. Not in a million years. That is certain! I should really look into those side effects…” Muttering the last part she scratched her chin.

But their shuteye didn’t last long, as the sunset heat was not pleasing at all, even if they stayed under the shadows. 

A constant buzzing sound in her ear was what drew the final straw, “These damn mosquitos,” she groaned, flapping her hand.

He sat up, staring off into the distance while she battled the same returning mosquito while laying down. It annoyed him. Not the mosquito, but her being struggling to kill the thing. Albeit quite funny.

Bugs have never bothered him. As in like, they never bothered with him. His synthetic body didn’t have anything appealing for mosquitos. But he had taken a liking to killing annoying flies from time to time.

Faruzan continued her arduous fight, his attention now fully on her. His cheek rested on his hand slouching on his position, “Just use your elemental power or something.”

She claps, finally killing the mosquito, only for another one to lay on her leg as she unawarely looked proud, “Hm? What did you say?”

“Like this,” The Wanderer’s hand suddenly was filled with anemo energy that kept growing and growing. Like inside a hurricane, their hairs and drapes swirled endlessly. Faruzan held tight on the grass, as if she could fly away any second. The wind was so strong it shut her eyes, yet she made an effort to look up at the Anemo sparkles around them.

It didn't last long, he seized the vortex in a second. Making everything that swirled up drop to the ground immediately.

“No more bugs for you.”

Faruzan mutters thank you. She found herself in awe, as she had only seen his power from afar before. Such control of anemo is beyond impressive. She laughed nervously as she fixed her messy hair, “Well, I don’t think I could do that.”

He got up and she followed right after, “Just channel it on your Vairambhaka Gear”

“Hm…” Considering his idea, she hadn’t noticed him calling it by its actual name, “It already has a vacuum mode, I guess that wouldn’t be so hard to implement…”

The skies took a pink hue, adorned by dark blue  clouds. It’s getting dark, she thought about how fast the day went by. 

He took the lead, going down the small hill. Her pace is slower. Per usual he never waits for anyone to keep up, but he suddenly stops. Without looking back he finally speaks up while motioning to his back, "C'mon, this is your last free ride.”

*

She is unable to hold back giggles as the breeze tickles her skin, looking ahead at Sumeru City turns her giggles into a full laugh. 

“What’s with you? Have you lost all your screws up there?” He asks meanly, yet there’s an undeniable scoff-like-laugh in between sentences.

“It’s much less scarier the second time!"

“Oh, is it?”

“Mhm!” The sight was wonderful, and The Madam could not hold back the joy this brought upon her. Suddenly, all her troubles at the Akademiya with paper work, lack of students, and lack of friends disappeared. There’s melancholy in her heart that tugs at this beautiful sight, covered by the last bits of sunrays. Yet, she felt victorious and free by the wind’s embrace.

It against her skin, and the long sleeve-clothes he wore danced synched with her flowing hair. Her arms wrapped around him softly this time, with a formidable grip of course. Faruzan comfortably observed the scenery while he carried her back home.

He stops mid-air, and her heart sinks a little. A dreamy sigh is quick to be interrupted by a tone she ought not to like, “Ah… less scary? I wouldn’t be trusting me out of all people. Especially this high up.” Suddenly, the height became terrifying again. But he was just teasing. Was he… he wouldn’t… would he…?

She swallows these fears away dryly and gets close to his ear, “Stop trying to act like a delinquent, you brat. And get this old lady home already.” She made sure to sound more disappointed than scared. 

But her hands held tight on his clothes, revealing certain distrust, one that only kept things exciting for The Wanderer. What would be the point if he couldn’t give her a real scare?

“Add to that, if anything happens to me? How will you get the full benefits of my beautiful gear again? I know you had fun.”

“Pfft. Fun?” 

“Yes! It looked like it. You were laughing like a maniac!”

“Laugh like a…” He began advancing again accompanied by a chuckle, much slower than before, “You were doing that too, you know?”

“Hahaha! Well, I guess I’m having fun too! Hahaha!”

Fun…

Her arms were around him, her delirious state coming down almost transforming her hold into a gentle but firm embrace. Slowly she leans in, finally resting her head against his shoulder, “If you pay me more visits perhaps I could make you your own…”

“Are you really that lonely?”

Faruzan ignores his teasing, by finishing the proposal instead accompanied by a melodic giggle, “Although, you'll have to get the materials yourself.”

Chapter Text

The memory of the magnificent Sumeru City skyline played on her mind over and over again for the rest of the day. The Divine Tree’s branches looked so small, the same branches that hold the Akademiya and most of her life. Even in her sleep remnants of the rose coloured scene invaded every nonsensical scenario she dreamed of. 

First thing in the morning, Faruzan decided to go to the Grand Bazaar. Not only could she grab some cheap breakfast, she could avoid the rush and get everything for Collei’s special visit.

Madam Faruzan prides herself on her efficiency. Getting ready was a quick task for her. She was structured and methodical in her morning routine. Each step she took got her more ready, from the second her foot stepped out of bed. The only times she staggered were when her hairpins threw a tantrum, refusing to cooperate and wanted to be as crooked as possible. Thankfully, today is not one of those days.

With her spirits high, she confidently steps out of her home only to be shocked by a sudden cold wind. It was only natural, the sun had only just come out, and they were at a colder time of the year. Taking a little cardigan wouldn't hurt!

The birds chirped, and the air was fresher than ever. The ground looked slightly damp. It looks like it rained a bit last night, she thinks if it had rained a lot she would have noticed. That flimsy roof makes sure she doesn’t sleep well if there’s a storm. Once at the Grand Bazaar, she observed as some of the merchants just began setting their businesses up. An old man who usually sells natural skincare just walks in with his big bag of products hanging on his shoulder.

“Good morning, sir!”

“Ah, you! Madam Faruzan, early… like always!”

Faruzan, a renowned name in the Akademiya, now a renowned name across all of Sumeru City after almost three years of constant repetition and routine. She struts her way into good deals at the Grand Bazaar often, making it known who she is with each step. In an impossible way to forget, the merchants have a set client profile of her. A few of them priding themselves on knowing which buttons to press to get her to make a purchase. But you ought to be careful, as The Madam is sharp as a tack. Do not attempt to offer mediocre relics, or your name will be echoed as nothing but a shameless scammer for eternity. 

Nevertheless, his lightly annoyed tone goes over her head completely, “Do you have those good cleansing clay masks? A dear youngster of mine is struggling with some acne, I used to use a clay mask in my youth and it worked wonders!”

“Yes, yes, just allow me to set up, young la— I mean, Madam Faruzan…” Even if he almost made a grave mistake, she helps the man put the heavy bag down on his usual sitting spot for selling. “This one should work. A good ol’ green clay mask” The man hands a container with clay powder on it. 

After carefully examining the container, and reading the product label, she asks, “Is there anything else you recommend?”

“Hmm,” he scratches his rough chin, “How bad is the acne? Did it look inflamed, very red or yellow with puss?”

“Oh not bad at all! Just some red tiny spots on her cheeks and forehead. She was acting like it was the end of the world. Poor Collei didn't want to show her face to me!"

He laughed, “Then that should do. Young ones can be very dramatic about their appearances… Some of them come to me, trembling in fear, scared to buy ancient treatments!” She intensely nodded in agreement, “‘If it worked for me it will work for you!’ I say, but with this old and wrinkled face they’ve come to mistrust me. I bet that doesn’t happen to you, Madam Faruzan”

Caught off-guard she awkwardly chuckles, “And… How about some… spa treatments? I remember buying a hydrating mask last time.”

The old man holds a confident face and hands a little glass bottle to her, “Oh this one, correct?” Even if the presentation was fontainean, the product was locally made. They just changed the packaging to appease the trends.

“Yes!” With a warm smile Faruzan handed the mora. The old man is very sharp when it comes to customer service, she thinks. “Here. Thank you so much, again.”

The Bazaar slowly but surely became busier, before it got any worse she stopped to get a pita pocket. Waiting to get served she takes a look at her things again, thinking about skin got her remembering that someone who would never need any of this.

Or any of this! She thinks as she grabs the stuffed pita pocket. 

The few times they had walked around the Grand Bazaar were a reminder of how abnormal he could be. She chose to ignore those repetitive claims. 

“I don't eat” and “I don't sleep”

What’s next? “I don't breathe”?!

Even if it’s true and he doesn't need them, they're good for the mind. As far as The Madam is concerned, there's nothing indicating his brain is far more different than any human's. Just as stubborn and complicated as anyone else. But she's sure he knows that already, and if he didn't, the Archon herself has already lectured him about that. 

Faruzan took another walk around, stopping to look at all different kinds of stalls. Usually, book merchants are what intrigue her the most, learning what is popular with the youth helps her stay in touch. Even if what they read is utterly dreadful. But today she found herself stopping at a woman's stall who sold foreign infusions. At least she could enjoy tea with him in their scattered meetings…

When your guest does nothing but drink tea, it lights up the opportunity for only one form of entertainment for meal-time. Faruzan took quite the pleasure in buying different kinds, and seeing his reaction if they happened to meet in her office. A poker face was the most often, but sometimes he scrunched his nose if it was too floral, or asked for seconds if it wasn't strong enough. One time he even snuck behind her back to add another tea bag on his cup.

Everything this woman sold was old news to her. Her eyes track everything offered, mentally recalling each of the faces he made while drinking them. Unintentionally ignoring the lady trying to do a sales pitch. 

It was a simple and subtle way to tease him.

Hat Guy didn’t make good enough excuses for his visits, because he was aware that Faruzan caught on to the fact he didn’t want to be bothered by Nahida. 

The Dendro Archon and The Baladeer had reached an agreement: if he was socializing, she wouldn’t bother him. Quite the mundane pact for such figures.

Faruzan’s office went undisturbed for long periods. Hardly ever someone would decide to drop by to sign up for her courses or ask for help. People much rather find her after class or at the House of Daena, than to be stuck in a small room with the overbearing woman. If he were to socialize, he would much rather be at a place like this. Where no one will drag him into doing some ridiculous group activities, like playing stupid card games. 

And so the voluntarily and involuntarily lonely people meet from time to time.

Depending on the day, conversations flow very differently. At times, he just wants to argue it seems. Other days, he just wants quiet and to do his study-work, always getting a helping hand from The Madam whether he wants it or not. 

Surprisingly enough, he never mentioned anything about getting a mini Vairambhaka Gear. She always had it in the back of her mind, waiting for the proposal to bite her in the ass.

*

“Are you trying to poison me?!” He spat out the just served tea.

“Oh, oops – must be mine!” Faruzan covered her mouth with her hand, acting shocked, definitely not hiding a sneaky smile.

He looked horrified, his face absolutely stained with betrayal, “Since when do you put sugar on your tea?” 

“Don’t overreact, I was simply trying something new.” She took the cup away from him, and placed his cup with the most bitter tea she got in the office on the empty coaster, to make up for the little prank. “It can't be that bad…”

He groans and aggressively chugs the hot tea, “Bitter, nothing but bitter. That's how it should be.”

Faruzan stares into the sweet tea he just spat out, completely missing his theatrics, then takes a sip. “Hmm…” clicks her tongue, taste-tasting. The Hat Guy’s eyes locked into her while she took another sip, as if it was a matter of life or death. Leaning forward on his chair waiting for her verdict.

“It's not ideal.”

He leaned back on the chair, victoriously crossing his arms with a satisfied look on his face. Since when does this hag’s opinion matter? Her eyes rolled thinking how he is just as childish as he claims others are.

“Now tell me, what's with this paper you’re stuck on. I haven't seen you write a single thing since you arrived. You know at this point you should just sign up for my—”

“Enough. I don't need your help for this.”

“Oh, I see now,” she moved on quickly from rejection, reading his notes, “Inazuman can be quite tricky to translate. What if you try this…” 

She reached to pick up the pencil, brushing against his shoulder. After tapping the pencil a few times on the corner of the paper, she wrote down she wrote very quickly a Sumerian translation that sounded much better than his. Then after another scan of his notes, she circles some words and writes little reminders for his grammar. Without noticing, she was almost fully leaning on him. 

Faruzan backs up satisfied to help, but he gives her one of those looks she cannot decipher. His lips pursed with a frustrated expression, but when he dismissively looks away, he wears a clear pout. 

Was she missing something from the translation? Her head tilts, giving the texts another read. No, she didn’t. 

So what's with that look?

She returned to her side of the desk, with a weird sense of dejavú in her stomach… or maybe that sweet tea was giving her a bellyache.

*

At the Akademiya her mind continued to wander. Thankfully, lessons felt like a short breeze in which she could have some clarity of mind. Nothing can stop her from giving a good lecture. At the end of class, some students approached her about the last academic paper they had to give in. Of course, she delightfully replied to all their questions.

At the gates of the Akademiya, Faruzan spots her favorite youngster once again, standing under the bright sun greeting passing by students. 

“You sure spend a lot of time here, my dear Collei! Are you staying over or are you coming here everyday from Gandharva Ville?”

“M-Madam Faruzan! Good day!” Startled, Collei never has a chance in answering any questions.

“You won't believe how quickly I found everything for the clay masks. So quickly in fact, that I decided to throw a spa day just for you. I read once that stress can cause acne, so you will be coming over to my house and have a nice relaxing day with Madam Faruzan. How does that sound?”

“I-I—” Collei is speechless. Madam Faruzan was being so nice it would be awful to turn her down. Although she greatly fears it will turn into a lecture about self-care with words she doesn’t understand. 

Being around Madam Faruzan you will get a lecture sooner or later…

The lack of words and worry on her face made Faruzan concerned, “Just tell me when you're free and we both will have a relaxing spa day. Do you know how long it has been since this old lady took a day off? Too long. I need to get my mind off this place, soon!”

Collei giggled and how she exaggerated each word. 

Working at the Akademiya is tough, she can imagine. Especially for someone stubborn like Faruzan, but it is very clear she loves what she does, “Yes, Madam Faruzan! I’m free this Saturday… I have to notify Master first. B-but I’ll bring the best herbal tea you’ll ever taste!”

“Oh, Collei!” She cooed, hugging the girl’s arm, “You're such a blessing!”

The Madam took off brightly, a few steps away she turned to add, “Bring something to read and some good incense too! I will cover the snacks~”

Chapter Text

Saturday arrived and Faruzan had everything prepared for the second Collei arrived at her home.

She tried making as much room as possible in the main room, putting her elegant but cheap sofa on a corner, leaving space for a comfortable floor mat. According to the merchant, it supposedly came from Inazuma, but she had the feeling it was manufactured in Liyue. Nevertheless, it was a steal. Small enough to fit in her home and comfortable enough to nap on during hot afternoons like the one ahead of them.

A soft breeze was welcomed by the wide-open windows and door, and she finished cutting some cucumbers for the hydrating mask. 

“Madam Faruzan?” Collei's small voice is loud and clear to her.

“Come in, my dear Collei!”

Shyly, she made her way inside, but there wasn’t a need for many steps to be right next to Faruzan in the kitchen. Even if a thin wooden separator marked the two spaces, it essentially was the same room.

“Did you bring the incense?”

“Yes, and the tea is right here!” 

“Great! Go sit by the door, the wind is just wonderful.”

The young forest ranger trainee sat on the mat next to the small coffee table. Faruzan had laid out everything they would be using today on top of it. A bowl with some soft green thick paste, presumably the clay mask, an empty pan and some face towels. She toyed with the fibers of the towel waiting for the Madam.

The scholar returned holding the hot kettle, “First,” she poured the water into the pan, “We will use the steamy water to open up the pores. You can put your face right above the pan or…” 

The Madam continued her instructions while returning the kettle to its normal spot, “Use the towel, soak it and place it on your face.”

Collei curiously hovers her face above the pan, but the steam felt like a slap on the face. So she decides to pick up the towel she was playing with instead.

“I personally like both!”

Faruzan sits in front on the other side of the table, watching Collei soak the small towel, “How have you been? You seem in perfect condition even after travelling back and forth between the Ville and the Akademiya almost everyday!”

“I’ve been great, even if it can be exhausting… but I like it! I mean, I never thought I would be able to do this much work in a week. Even less that I would have people looking for my advice for any research.”

“Don't sell yourself short, you improved so much with your reading and writing. I can't even begin to imagine how impressive your forest ranger skills must be.”

“H-how do you know?”

“Well,” she giggles while she hides her face under the hot towel, “Let's say being a professor gives you easy access to any new research papers coming in~”

“I was forced to submit those by Master! I’m so embarrassed!”

“Don't be. Sure, there's always room for improvement, but there's nothing wrong with being proud of your achievements!”

“I-I guess…” Faruzan sat next to Collei and poured some extra water into the clay mix, then with a finger she spread it over the youngsters’ cheek, “H-how have you been Madam Faruzan?”

“Hmm… I’ve been doing fine. Sending letters to possible students left and right. Currently, I’m planning on a new public course! You know, one of my students asked me if I could teach her some Liyuean to her mother! Maybe a second-language course is the way to go…”

Collei nods, but her mind starts exploring the idea of learning another set of written characters, all their multiple meanings. Her head begins to spin, she exclaims, “That must be so hard!”

“Well the younger you learn a language, the easier it is! A little birdie told me to write to your friends in Mondstadt.”

“I- I write them on Sumerian! L-lisa translates them… but I can speak a little bit…”

“That's wonderful, Collei…” she finishes applying the mask on her nose, “There, now sit back and relax!”

“I brought a book but I think I’ll just lay down…”

“Sure.” Before applying the mask on herself, she moved the coffee table away, making room for Collei to lay down.

Faruzan looked at the youngster close her eyes as she peacefully laid on the soft mat. Slowly applying the mask a thought comes to mind, "Say, Collei... Have you.. uhm– seen him around lately?"

Collei looks up confused with her eyelid struggling to unstick to each other, "Him?"

A sudden shyness takes over The Madam’s throat, struggling to get his stupid nickname out, "The… Hat Guy."

Immediately Colleo’s eyelids shoot up, unsticking from each other with no issue. She almost jumps on the spot, "N-no not really! H-have you?"

"No, not at all."

Madam Faruzan misses him! 

"And I'd feel like an idiot asking around the Akademiya for the whereabouts of a student that's not even on my Darshan... Again."

Again!?

"W-when was the last time you saw him?! Y-you don't say something bad happened!?"

"Uhm... Last time I saw him..." She finished applying the mask over her face, after wiping the excess in her fingers on her towel, she leaned back to think, "...two or three months I think, so not that long."

"Hmm... I-I can't remember the last time I saw him! S-sorry..."

"Ah don't stress about it, my dear Collei. Today we relax, uhm girl's night! Right? Although I'm an old woman, we girls must have fun and relax~ I'll go get some tea while the masks dry, okay?"

"O-okay...!"

Faruzan walks towards the tiny kitchen in her home. The words that came out of her mouth tasted slightly bitter. Digging for century old memories, when was the last time she was just a “girl”? Too long ago. Hell, probably way long before she even came near the ruins that would trap her for a hundred years.

The water reaches its boiling point and suddenly her mind is a blur, but this scenario isn't too unfamiliar to her. The loud whistle of the kettle cleared her mind, painting a memory that got unintentionally put along dream-files in the archive of her mind. 

Ah… So that was the last time she saw him. 

*

“Let me in”

It was a rainy night, about two months ago. A knock on the door stopped Faruzan from having dinner. She opened the door only to be greeted by The Wanderer looking for shelter. A rather strange sight to see.

“Huh? what? Hat guy?”

“Just let me in.”

Faruzan stayed on her spot, perplexed. The night was pitch black, clouds refusing for the moon to shine through, and the rain only being visible by the artificial light reflecting on the droplets.

“Sure. Come in.”

She wore her usual pyjamas, or at least the same ones she wore back when he interjected on one of those letters’ arrival, The Wanderer noted. Her look was also the same, with no accessories, and her hair down.  

He stepped in confidently, even though it was his first time inside this place, “What's with you? What are you doing?”

“Let me stay here tonight. I'm avoiding someone.”

Quick and honest, but that answer didn’t seem to satisfy The Madam, whose eyebrows furrowed, “Avoiding? Oh, don't tell me you got in cahoots against The Matra!” 

He hums a no, then takes a seat on the only comfortable furniture around, the small sofa.

“I was about to have dinner. Are you okay with—”

“I'll just have some tea”

“Hmpt. Sure. Take a seat.”

“Already am.”

Faruzan walked away, stomping the floorboards with her bare feet. He sure was acting up that day. Madam Faruzan was being too kind to deserve this behaviour. “So who's after you?” She spoke from the kitchen while the kettle heated up and served herself a bowl of plain rice.

“If I tell you I get the feeling you'll give me away.”

“Oh don't tell me you're avoiding Lesser Lord Kusanali herself! Although it would be quite idiotic to avoid the god of wisdom in her own turf.” Pouring the boiling water on the ceramic cup a small smirk pulled her lips, feeling proud to speak like a young’un.

His answer waited until she handed him the cup. He grabs it by the base, completely unbothered by its burning heat,“It’s not her.”

“Then who is it?” The woman asked, taking a seat by the small table on the other corner of this small home.

But all he does is throw a groan at her and drink the tea avoiding an answer. So she gives up from having any type of conversation with this brat. 

The madam ate out of her small plate, as The Wanderer silently sipped the tea away. Quietly, he could sense the tense atmosphere. Hoping time could move a little faster now, he blanks his mind. 

But it was a futile attempt, as his eyes had a different idea, to observe Faruzan.

A melancholic air that felt too familiar haunted her gaze. Bright and unique irises now looked dull. Highlighted by the dark leftover eyeliner that adorned her everyday. Most women in Sumeru city wore that style. They’ve always had, he remembers how it had struck his interest even centuries ago. Something so insignificant he couldn’t help to notice. Perhaps its aesthetic appeal, or perhaps it was the share of habit that interested him.

His own red eyeliner works more like a taint, and even with his sharp memory he wouldn’t be able to pin point when was the last time he reapplied it. Does she apply it everyday? Is it not a hassle to take it off every night?

“There's not much room for you to sleep, but if you don't mind the sofa—”

“I don't sleep,” he clarifies between sips.

“Ugh. Youngsters! You again with your tough guy one-liners. Enough! So dramatic. You barge into my home with no reason, and not even allow me to show an ounce of hospitality! Just be a good boy and say thank you. ‘I'll eat your delicious dinner, and I’ll sleep anywhere! You're so kind Madam Faruzan!’ Is that so hard?”

He hadn’t said anything necessarily wrong, yet she was so worked up, with an eyebrow up he asked teasingly, “Struck a nerve?”

“Hmpt! Perhaps!”

The awkward silence returns and Faruzan wonders where this pent-up frustration really came from. Was it because every time they talked it felt like going back to square one? She sighs, maybe it is just the gloomy day.

“It's Aether” he breathed out, acting as if he was begged the answer out of him.

“The traveller? Why would you avoid him?”

“I can't be bothered dealing with… his… issues at the moment”

Hat Guy’s uncharacteristic answer, leaves her wondering. Is it truly the traveler’s issue? But most importantly… “Hm.. I see... Well, but what's stopping The First Sage of Buer from asking Buer your location?”

He appears shocked for a second. Has he not thought this through? She feels proud to get such a reaction out of him, but then he answers, low, almost timid, “Well… Buer wouldn't tell him... if... I'm…”

“Here…”

Faruzan raises an eyebrow. Nahida must really value these short moments of socialization he has, but The Traveler seems like a top priority in any possible case.

And there it was again, that face. She could see a resemblance of frustration in his eyes. Yet, he usually just groans or scoffs that away. 

Could it be… embarrassment?

“Well, you'd better be right because I do not want my sleep to get disturbed by your nonsense. I've got a long day tomorrow, you know? The life of an under-paid, overworked professor isn't easy.”

In his spot, a laugh like a scoff comes out of him. Contaging The Madam’s lips upwards too as she takes the empty bowl to the sink.

The Wanderer stayed by the main room, and Faruzan retreated to her bedroom. Not before, she taught him where to hide the keys if he were to leave earlier than her rise. 

Locking the window by her bed, the one that always decided to spring open at random times, Faruzan stared into the night, which turned out to be quite cold with all the rain.

“Brought you this.” She held a duvet with both arms, handing it to Hat Guy, who lazily laid on the sofa. At least he took his shoes off… she thought.

“Tonight is surprisingly cold.”

“Save it. I don't get affected by the cold.”

“Ugh! Again, I get it!” Faruzan throws the duvet at him with all her strength, “You're not human! But I can imagine warmth feels just as nice as it does for anyone else on a cold day!”

Like a slap on the face, The Wanderer stared in shock as she stomped away to the bedroom. Sure, he was making it very obvious to her, his lack of humanity. And he had no plan in explicitly explaining it to her anytime soon. 

Then why did he get so surprised by her words?

Shaking his head, deep inside he hopes to shake those thoughts away. He looks down at the old duvet. It might as well be as ancient as them… She could use some new furniture too… The clock ticked but he maintained that position.

Suddenly, a sharp feeling goes down The Wanderer’s spine. A strange sensation that spirals at the back of his head. Every move, every blink feels timed and expected.

He is being observed.

Even if it could be total paranoia, he immediately gets off the sofa and makes his way towards her room impulsively. He pushed the door soft enough to avoid any sudden noise. 

Surely if he is here… They won't think of interrupting, right?

He swallows dry, a human-like mannerism he picked up many lives ago. Wrapped by the duvet she aggressively threw at him he steps inside her room.

Making little to no noise, standing in the middle of the room he observes faruzan sleep facing the wall.

"Hag."

"Hmm?" With little to no energy, she turns to face him.

Surely they wouldn't interrupt something like this.

No words he spoke, he crawled on her single-sized bed. "W-what are you—" Faruzan shoots up from the shock as he lays on the little room left, cornering the woman against the wall. 

“Quiet.” 

Even if she should have stopped now… It can’t be risked…

“H-huh?!”

Her heartbeat speeds up like a teenager’s. Why was he acting so boldly? Sure, she had made moves on him before, like that kiss on the cheek at the House of Daena, but she opted to think about them as playful! A playful old lady’s affection! That's it!

But he was on her bed! This is on another level!!

“Just lay low. I get the feeling she—” He muttered, so softly that with her head spinning around, the words did not register at all.

“Huh? Stop muttering and pronounce your words! What's wrong with you!?”

“SHUT UP!” he shoved the duvet on her face. Now they’re even at least. “Just go to sleep i'll leave soon”

“F-fine.”

It was impossible for her to fall asleep now. This is exactly what she meant to not disturb her sleep! She swallows, and goes back to laying down. She couldn’t tell if it was her or the extra duvet making her body boil.

Their shoulders touched, and the distance felt even smaller each second of silence. So she resorts to small talk, “Did you like the tea blend?” 

“Yes,” he whispers, setting the tone.

“Good,” she whispers back.

Even over the non-stop rain their bodies were so close to each other even whispering was as clear as day to her ears.

“I’ll eat your food next time. It’s not like it can poison me… no matter how bad it is”

“Very funny… I’m no excellent cook, anyways. So it would be a double waste of ingredients anyways”

He snorts, “Cooking is easy.”

“Well– I don't find it difficult per se, I just never had enough free time to learn better.” She faces him, “Easy you say? But you don't even eat! Next time you better cook me something if it’s so easy, youngster.”

“Pfft. fine.” He sort of groans out, but there’s no real annoyance in his words anymore, “Just because you did me a favour. And stop calling me that. I already told you I’m far older than you”

“How am I supposed to believe that?”

“You believe I’m not human, so then what's stopping you from believing I’m an immortal.”

“Perhaps because there's no records of your so-called long and dreadful existence. At least, in my case, there's proof of a young woman named Faruzan that went missing a hundred years ago.”

It sounded like she was digging for information about him, his eyes widened. Unsure how to feel about it and to give it no further thought, he discards it as pitiful curiosity, “Just be like everyone else and call me Hat Guy.”

“I do. But clearly, I’m like nobody else around here. So I’ll call you whatever I please.” 

His eyes rolled at her stubbornness, but turned to face a playfully painted smile. 

“Besides, hattie or kassachi are far better. I bet even Lesser Lord Kusanali herself would agree.”

*

Faruzan zones out while sipping on the herbal tea that began getting cold a few minutes ago. When did she even serve Collei and herself, she had no clue. The youngster read a book while the soft tunes of the far away busy street filled the room. 

Silently, she slips back to the kitchen, “Is he… avoiding cooking me something?” She muttered out.

“W-what did you say Madam Faruzan?”

“Oh, uhm, nothing sorry I’m just—” Startled for a second, not used to the company she had forgotten: this place is small enough for everything to be within earshot. She sighs out, “I need a nap…”

“Oh! That sounds good. Should we take this off first?” 

“Yes! uh— come with, Collei! We wash the clay mask off then we put on this hydrating treatment and these cucumbers!”

“Cucumbers?”

“That’s right! Once our faces are fully cleansed, we will apply this hydrating mask and these cucumber slices go on our closed eyes to decrease puffiness around the area.”

Collei nodded and began helping The Madam get everything ready for the next part of their spa day.

“Uhm… B-by the way,” awkwardly she interrupts the silence, “I think I remember when was the last time I saw the Hat guy…”

“Oh? When was it?” Her eyes are wide and Collei could swear she saw a glimmer before looking away to avoid eye-contact.

“More than a month ago? By the outskirts of Gandharva Ville, while I was on patrol. I saw him with the little dragon… Uhm I think they called him Mini Durin!” 

“A dragon?! Are you sure you weren’t uhm— “confused” on any weird mushrooms Tighnari…” She swallows, regretting the accusation to the trainee. Worried about her innocence, she might not know about those things, “...carries with him around?”

“N-no! I’m not lying!” Has she really not seen that thing around?! Even Cyno mentioned the dragon once, “Well, it looked like they were heading towards Liyue or Mondstadt, so maybe that’s why you haven’t seen him!”

“A dragon… Hm… I guess now I have better questions to ask around. Well— enough of this Hat Guy! Let’s go wash our faces!”

Faruzan pushes Collei playfully with her elbow. Then they proceed to take the mask off.

“M-madam?” Her voice comes soft, almost hoping it would go unnoticed, but her curiosity cannot be shoved away.

“Yes, Collei?”

“D-do you miss him?”

“Hm.” She dabbed the small towel on her face, wiping it clean, “I guess I do…”

She admits it! For Collei, this was great news but the Madam looked away outside the window. An unfocused gaze, with a saddened expression. I wonder why Hat Guy hasn't told her about it… and I thought they were getting closer with each other…

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Collei speaks up, “I bet he will be back for Lesser Lord Kusanali’s birthday celebration!”

“Oh Archons! Nahida’s birthday!” Faruzan’s face looked in absolute terror, “I— I was sent a letter to help organize the parade! How could I forget! I’ve been so absent-minded.”

She holds her head, disappointed in herself. Collei, holds her by the shoulder, “D-don't worry, Madam Faruzan, it's still ages away! Let's go wash our faces…”

*

The Wanderer can have a keen eye, but when it came to people he grew a tendency to see right through them. Like husks with nothing to contribute but to serve him, ready to be tossed away at his command. Projection, to say the least. 

So he kept to himself. Before a mixture of pride and shame took over his body.

Unlearning century long behaviours goes one step at the time, and he could use some time saving from any more sermons about empathy from anyone.

The path of redemption had chosen him whether he was willing or not, so he might as well try. 

As a nameless scholar, to rebuild a past shattered by his own hands, the same hands he wished to banish, was the most he could do. Recovering lost history of Inazuman clans, bringing honour to their persevering survivors.

His eyes bored on the sleeping woman next to him. She faced the ceiling, and her mouth slightly opened to breathe. 

If she starts drooling now… He sighs out and her eyes flutter at the sound. His body freezes, she must not be used to any sound at all. 

After rumbling in her spot she faces him. 

This woman. He doesn’t fully understand why yet, but he has chosen her to be part of a new path. As much as fate-talk ticks him off, as much as he hates the stars that draw his story line by line, it helps him justify a reason why: It just feels right.

His eyebrows furrow but his lips draw a smile. 

How foolish. 

This is too human even for a failed puppet like him. A failure with emotion in its programming, but no heart to suffice it. The small dragon’s life is part of his fate now, that woman said through a speaker. His life slowly became even more tangled all around Teyvat. His existence is bound to be recorded in Irminsul, and his life destined to this land without a greater meaning to it.

The darkness didn’t allow him to see her face properly, yet her features were craved in his mind. 

Round face, now with a cheek squished by the mattress, adorned by her small features. Lips thin, and dry. Her eyelashes are light, a similar hue to her hair, yet they were darkened by makeup. 

There’s a light wrinkle between her eyebrows, sealed by days under the desert’s sun, and maybe too much nagging. But the rest of her face is smooth. He doubts she’ll show any age anytime soon, to her own persona’s demise.

How would it feel for your body to wither with time? His body could only know complete destruction. Even at the most dangerous experiments it would refuse to succumb. Filled with anger and resentment, was his will at work? 

Could he, an immortal, decide to wither away like a human does?

Would he, The Baladeer, even consider that as a choice?

No, none of them are the correct question. 

Will he ever deserve to die peacefully? 

But he knows that answer. He doesn’t. 

The eternal haunting guilt will serve as a punishment for his sins. That was the conclusion he reached when deleting himself from Irminsul didn't work.

The downward spiral of his mind gets halted when she brusquely turns around to face the wall, slapping his face with her hair.

It settled slowly, and some of it fell off caressing his cheek on its way down. 

If his skin were more sensitive, it would cause tickles… He sighs again, finding it absurd to be thinking such ridiculous things this often. Durin’s child-like wonder is contagious… or maybe it was returning it to him.

A rustle outside first went ignored, but as it continued, The Wanderer knew it was time to leave.

He carefully lifts himself away from the bed, then makes his way to the entrance hovering to avoid making a sound on the creaking floorboards.

“Quiet,” he commands as he faces Aether about to knock on the door. “She’s sleeping.”

Startled, the golden haired traveler holds his chest, “Where did you come from?!” He exclaims in a whispery tone.

“Window.”

Under the light rain, they take silent steps towards the Sanctuary of Surasthana. 

“Faruzan, huh, I never saw that coming.”

“Pluck your eyes out then, there’s nothing to see to begin with.”

“Aha…” The traveler smiles knowing how dramatic he can be, still finding it concerning. The grin continues thinking about it too. He really managed to keep this hidden from him. Even Lord Kusanali was being secretive about it. 

Faruzan has that tendency to go unnoticed by her peers even with such a strong personality… He chuckled to himself, is that it? 

“Well, it’s good you said your goodbyes, Nahida looked so happy.”

Scaramouche’s jaw moved, but his lips kept sealed. She needs to stop assuming things, but who knows better than the God of Knowledge. He should’ve done that. 

Quietly, their walk continued and a weird feeling on his chest ached to be addressed. He sighs loud and clear, ready for his idiotic decisions to bite him in the ass once again.

*

After the second skin-care treatment, they proceed to tea time. Having the amazing herbal tea brought by Collei with some delicious charcoal-baked ajilenakh cakes by Faruzan, traditionally made, of course, left them sleepy.

So they laid on the mat, using the afternoon warmth like a blanket. The youngster was quick to put down her book and get ready for a nap. Not like the plot of that light novel was going anywhere anyways.

The Madam stares at the ceiling light, hearing young Collei hums a calming tune. Her eyes felt heavy, and Sumeru’s typical humid air made her body feel heavy. The warm breeze makes the curtains dance endlessly and the yellow hue adorned the room. 

Faruzan turns to watch the girl rest. She’s so sweet for someone that has suffered so much, and making time for a hag like her, who was abandoned by time itself.

Her heart tugs from side to side. A blurred sea of incomplete memories is all that's left of her past. Family members whose names are the only thing she can recall, not their faces or their voices dare to repeat in her mind.

An empty hole in her heart, slowly being filled by new memories like this one.

Collei’s lullaby, a soft and genuine tune filled with sweetness, ends as she steps into sleep. 

The Nameless Wanderer could be gone with the wind, but their memories together shall stay by her side even if he decides to never come back. 

But something in her heart tells her that won’t be the case.

Her eyes flutter, and with a weak hand she caresses Collei’s forehead, “I should take a look at Karkatta soon… Maintenance…” She could only murmur.

“Mhmm…” The youngster half awake answers, and Faruzan’s body takes it as her cue to fall asleep. Leaving only the soft wind to converse with the leaves, and the sun to hug the horizon once more.