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When I woke up, I was riding in a flower carriage…
A warm, soft haze, enveloping everything. Softness against her cheek. A loving embrace. The scent of flowers, the sound of music and laughter, and above everything else… happiness, joyous, bubbling, blissful happiness, buoying her up like a little balloon, making it so she couldn’t possibly stop smiling…
…I’d just had a dream… I dreamed it was my birthday.
Nahida opened her eyes.
She was alone, curled up in her canopy bed in the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
She sat up with a soft exhalation and a small smile, the feeling in her chest fading a little. She habitually pushed it down. How often had she had that dream, now…? Ah, at least she could wake up in a bed these days, instead of her small spherical prison…
Still… today, something seemed different, somehow. She couldn’t put her finger on it. There was something she was forgetting.
There was a knock on the balcony doors.
She abruptly turned, about to hop out of bed, but the doors opened before she could do anything. In strode the only one who ever really entered and exited her chambers that way; her shadow, flying without wings, her friend and family. The Wanderer.
“Kintsugi, good morning…”
There was something going on with him. He held his hands behind his back, and she could tell he was biting back a smile. That was very unusual, especially at this time of day. “…What’s going on?”
“Good morning, Lesser Lord Kusanali. Sleep well?”
“I… I did, thank you.” She wanted to get up again, but he cocked his head, something in his eyes halting her somehow. “I… just had that dream again…”
“What dream would that be?”
“…I dreamed it was my birthday…”
Definitely something she was forgetting. Now what could it be?
He let out a little chuckle, taking out his hands from behind his back. He was holding a flower crown woven from fresh Kalpalata lotuses, padisarahs and a single, vibrant viparyas. He must’ve had quite the morning flight, skimming Sumeru’s cliffs, forest clearings and even Vanarana itself…
She widened her eyes as she looked up at him. He leaned in, gently placing the crown upon her head. “Guess what?” His voice was so soft, so warm. She let out an incredulous little gasp as it finally dawned on her, tears springing to her eyes.
“Happy birthday, Nahida.”
There was nothing she could do but let out the most delighted little squeal and cling to him, tightly, tight enough to suffocate if he’d had any need to breathe. But as he didn’t, he was free to lift her up out of bed, supporting her as he rose a few feet into the air and spun her around, hugging her tightly as well.
Five hundred birthdays spent in a cage, forgotten, ignored, looked down on and preferred to not exist at all. Five hundred years dreaming of warmth and flowers and happiness, and exactly the loving embrace she was feeling now.
A year ago, she’d been freed, but it’d been days after her birthday. There had been a grand celebration, but she’d still been reeling from everything that’d happened then, as confused and sad and overwhelmed as she’d been happy, and it hadn’t been… it hadn’t been hers.
She might be the Archon, but nothing had ever truly been hers. Nahida’s.
Until now.
Oh Archon, we finally found you!
She looked up from Kintsugi’s shoulder, laughing and crying at the same time, her eyes shining and streaming with tears, finally seeing the flower garlands the two of them and her retainers had hung up all across her chambers the evening before because she was already getting so incredibly excited. She saw the branches of the Divine Tree outside the chamber’s windows, laden with pale pink flowers, and the way the canopy was a cloud of butterflies and birds, and the way the surrounding rainforest had burst into bloom as well in response to the waves of joyful Dendro energy emanating from its Archon…
…and her people… oh, her people…
“Come on,” Kintsugi chuckled, setting her down and offering his hand. “Everyone’s waiting.”
…The people can’t wait to meet you.
She could only let out another little squeak, nodding, wiping at her eyes as she padded along by his side. Just like in her dream, she couldn’t possibly stop smiling. No… no. This was even better than in her dream. This was finally, finally real.
Coming out of the Sanctuary and blinking in the sunlight, it struck her how special today really was.
It was the middle of the rainy season. Everything was glittering with the water that’d come pouring down during the night and the previous days, but today, the sky was clear. The water glistened in the impossible sunlight, every drop containing shifting little rainbows, the flowery canopy a dazzling treasury above them. It was like some deity controlling the weather had smiled upon her just for today…
Nahida quickly forgot all about that, however, seeing what, or rather who, awaited her outside the Sanctuary. She let go of Kintsugi’s hand, almost drifting forward, feeling weightless.
The treetop balcony was filled with people, but her eye first fell to those at the front, and her hands immediately came up to her face again – yet completely failed to hide her wide smile.
“Happy birthday, Nahida!”
At the front, flanked by scholars and desert dwellers, merchants and dancers, were those that’d saved her last year. The Traveler and Paimon, Cyno, Collei and Tighnari, Alhaitham, Dehya and Dunyarzad, Candace, Nilou and the theater crew… Isak and Khalil, the little boy that’d dressed up as her and his Village Keeper grandpa… even Rahman, the grizzled Eremite leader, and Setaria, the academic that’d gone off to teach in the desert.
These were not nearly all of her people, yet it was enough to overwhelm her.
Everyone.
I had a very, very long dream… In it, people were holding hands, dancing in a circle, be they sages or fools, dancers or warriors, puppets or statues of gods…
She wasn’t dreaming anymore.
The Sabzeruz Festival began, and everyone smiled as they gathered around me.
She stepped forward, unable to say or do anything else, letting herself be welcomed and swept up and congratulated. The petals of the Divine Tree softly twirled down onto laughter and breathless hugs, too many smiling faces to count, a few of the theater crew already breaking out into music and playful dance, and the unveiling of a massive Ajilenakh cake decorated with a myriad of four-pointed halvamazd leaves, covered in flowers and fruit. Paimon flew up to the top of it, cutting a slice and offering it to Nahida for a change. “Sweets for breakfast!” she celebrated. “This is already the best birthday Paimon’s ever seen!”
“It’s also already the best I’ve ever seen or… ever been able to imagine,” Nahida managed, flushed with happiness. “Everyone, thank you so much…”
“Birthdays are always such an emotional affair,” Cyno remarked, a smile cracking his stoic exterior, his own eyes a little shinier than usual. “Even the cake is in tiers…” And the way Tighnari groaned and flattened his ears was completely made up for by the way Nahida sputtered with teary laughter, cracking the Mahamatra up in turn. At least his Archon appreciated his puns.
“This isn’t even the start of everything we’ve got planned,” the Traveler gentled with a soft, yet cheeky smile, leaning slightly down with his hands behind his back until cake was also pressed upon him. “Eat up,” he grinned. “You’re gonna need it.”
The little Archon did. She wasn’t sure if the rush of excitement and energy that set her bouncing with giddiness was due to the sugary cake, or everything else.
It made her smile even wider to see Kintsugi, a little ways away from the others, actually picking at his cake and eating a few experimental bites before handing the rest of his piece to Paimon. Today, even he could admit sweets weren’t the worst thing in the world.
Everyone had just about finished their cake and Nahida was happily chatting with Dehya and Dunyarzad when she noticed their eyes lifting to something behind her, making her turn as well. Her own eyes grew big and shiny.
“Your chariot awaits,” the Eremite mercenary grinned with a flourish.
It was that characteristic icon of the Sabzeruz Festival – her flower carriage, at last. A lotus-like open latticework of carved wood and supple branches, covered in living vines, laden with colourful pillows and drawn by a duo of young Jadeplume Terrorshrooms, it made her beam to see it. She covered her mouth, giggling as she noticed the handful of Aranara hovering around the top of it. “Happy day of sprouting, Lord of Dendro!” Ararycan chirped. “Arapacati, here for inspiration for cooking. Aradasa, for gathering of the most beautiful song. Arabalika…”
“To protect the Lord of Dendro from anything and everything,” the stocky green Aranara gruffly butted in.
She quietly nodded back. It wouldn’t be complete without you. Sumeru wasn’t quite ready for complete harmony between Nara and Aranara, but she could dream. She smiled at that thought. They could all dream.
Nahida let herself be helped into the carriage, and they set off down the winding pathways through the Divine Tree’s canopy, the ones that’d freed her a year ago in front of the carriage as her retainers, everyone else trailing behind in the beginning of what would be a city-wide procession. The Aranara remained by her side, twirling through the air and adding their soft voices to the music she was starting to realize came drifting up from the city far below, the festivities that awaited there. Her heart felt like it could burst at any moment.
There was one other who wasn’t restricted to walking either in front or behind on the pathways that just barely allowed the carriage to pass, hovering in by its side and looking altogether too smug about it. “Pace yourself, now,” Kintsugi cautioned with a small smile. “We don’t want you fainting with excitement before midday.”
“Not after midday, either!” she grinned, gripping on to the carriage’s carved wood, shifting and wiggling in the pillows, unable to keep still for even a moment. “I don’t want to miss a second!”
“Well, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. That’s the thing with birthdays. They come around every year.” Kintsugi blinked as her eyes grew even shinier at this, his mouth quirking with amusement. “…Don’t tell me the God of Wisdom forgot how calendars work.”
“I – I’m having a moment!” she chided him. “Even for me, apparently excitement wins out over logic…!” She looked down past him, unable to stop grinning as she stared down at the celebrating city below and reeling at the thought of having this every year from now on – but then she was mercifully distracted as they arrived at one of the wider balconies of Razan Garden, just above the lily pond. “Our beloved Dendro Archon, Lesser Lord Kusanali!” Rahman announced in his boisterous voice, and a cheer went up as more people welcomed her, scattering flowers and petals before the carriage as they cleared a path. Paimon came hovering in from the front. “The candies, Nahida! It’s tradition to throw out yalda candies, right? Unless you want them all for yourself, Paimon would understand that too… just keep a few aside for Paimon in that case, alright?”
“No, no!” Nahida giggled, grasping around for the wrapped candies that lay strewn between the pillows. She’d always loved the tradition. Finally, she could take part in it! “There’ll be plenty of sweets for you in the city, I’m sure!” She scattered the candies into the crowd the best she could with her tiny hands, beaming at her people as they passed by and joined the procession. “Everyone, thank you so much! Happy Sabzeruz Festival!”
“Happy birthday!” “Congratulations, Lesser Lord Kusanali!” “It’s so good to have you with us!” The outpouring of love she received in return was enough to bring her to happy tears again, and to set the Aranara singing. “So pure, so true!” Ararycan exclaimed, twirling past with his little hands clutched to his chest in bliss. Arapacati nodded in agreement. “Taste of sweetest happiness!”
They descended further, the winding paths growing narrower and the carriage having to be maneuvered very delicately, making Nahida giggle as they slowed and children attempted to squeeze in between the Divine Tree and the sides of the carriage, stretching out their little hands at her. She knew them. She knew their dreams. The Aranara reached back as well, recognizing them, a secret in the middle of the crowd.
Then their path led them past the lily pond and down the wooden slope carved into the Divine Tree itself, and through azure stained-glass doors, into the Akademiya’s main hall. As its great dome curved over them and its central fountain came into view, the murmur of more voices joined the sound of its water, soon growing into cheers and clapping as the procession was awaited by the Akademiya’s scholars and students, a great gathering of green and blue robes, Darshan emblems and laurels.
Tighnari and the Traveler brought the Terrorshrooms pulling the carriage to a gentle halt, and a few of the scholars approached their Archon. “Lesser Lord Kusanali, on behalf of all the Akademiya, allow us to pay you tribute on this auspicious day.” Naphis, Amurta’s sage, folded an arm before his chest and bowed to her. “The six Darshans each prepared a gift. You’d honour us by accepting them.”
“Oh!” Nahida looked down at the sages from her cushy seat. “You really shouldn’t have, I’d much rather the effort go into your research for the sake of –”
“We insist, Lord Kusanali,” Naphis spoke, quieter now. “We would always have, but especially now, everything considered. Considering what was done to you.”
“Hmph.” Kintsugi strode in by the side of the carriage, arms folded, looking to be the only one uncaring enough to speak. “As if any mere gift could make up for that. The gall to even bring it up – it’s even more baffling than expending the effort in the first place –”
“I accept,” Nahida spoke over him, smiling a little – part fond, part exasperated, part… hmm. That was an interesting nuance of bittersweetness she’d have to examine further, later. Not now, though. She exchanged glances with her blue-clad right hand. Not now. He rolled his eyes, yielding.
Naphis inclined his head, and motioned for the gifts to be brought forth. “From Amurta, a miniature model ecosystem integrating both forest and desert! Feel free to modify it as you wish. It may help brighten the desert’s future.” A great ornate basin of a pot was carried in, and Nahida craned forward to marvel at the miniature plants, rivers, sandy dunes and oases contained within, forming two halves of rainforest and desert. “That’s so impressive!”
“We were inspired by the Inazuman art of ‘bonsai’, my Archon.”
She looked at Kintsugi, tilting her head in question. He scoffed. “What? No, I didn’t give them the idea. I approve of a little cruelty, but bonsai is too much effort even for me.”
“Either way,” she chuckled, turning back to Naphis, “thank you, esteemed sage.”
He bowed again, making way for the next of the six sages. Each presented their Darshan’s gift; Rtawahist offered a great silken tapestry depicting the entire mapped night sky, embroidered in glittering thread, so it could be studied in her chambers even during the day; Spantamad offered a collection of potions from butterfly bait to cooling lotions, to concoctions to improve focus and bring restful sleep. Kshahrewar’s scholars had put their heads together to create a seemingly unsolvable puzzle, all gears and moving parts, while Haravatat offered a collection of poetry five layers of meaning deep, a treasure trove of metaphor and mental practice. Vahumana, finally, presented a densely engraved slab of sandstone their sage described as their greatest pride and shame combined; an artifact from Deshret’s civilization none of them had managed to decipher as of yet, and an admission they still had much to learn. Nahida, loving a challenge, was delighted.
“We also bring a message from Azar and the other exiles,” Rtawahist’s new sage spoke at last. “They are still in Avidya Forest, of course, but they wish you well, and thank you for your benevolence in the face of their grievous transgressions. They will celebrate the festival in their own way out in the rainforest.”
“Thank you for transferring their words,” Nahida nodded, pressing her little hands to her chest. “I wish them well, also.” Even though I don’t wish to see them ever again.
The sage smiled. “Happy birthday, my Archon.” And with a bow, he gestured at the Akademiya’s grand front doors, leading Nahida to follow the motion with her eyes. The doors swung open, letting in the sunlight – and the sound of a great many people.
The carriage was set in motion again, and the little Archon braced herself against it.
Being carried out of the Akademiya and back into the open air was utterly overwhelming.
She’d seen it from up above, but emerging out into Sumeru City now, there was nothing she could’ve done to prepare. The Divine Tree bloomed above, below and all around her, twirling petals descending like confetti, like fireworks; and clouds of them were thrown up again and again by the overwhelming throng of people awaiting them on the Akademiya plaza and every other available balcony and walkway with a view of the entrance, as well as the windows of every home in view. As the carriage emerged, a thunderous cheer went up, and Nahida’s heart at once soared and skipped a beat. She didn’t know whether to jump up and dance or cower and hide her flushed face – but settled for holding on tight and staying right where she was as the carriage rolled down to the plaza.
Her retinue gathered around the carriage, checking in on her. “Are you alright?” the Traveler quietly asked.
“I… I think so,” she managed. “It’s just…” She shook herself. “I don’t have to worry about ruining the mood because I’m the Archon because all this is for me – but now… is it really for me, or… for the Archon?” She met his golden eyes, Paimon’s starry ones. “Does that make sense?”
“Paimon… thinks so?”
“It does,” the Traveler nodded. “Don’t worry. We’ll make sure you can enjoy yourself. To many here, you’re not just ‘the Archon’.”
“Yeah!” Paimon agreed. “The most important thing is you having the best birthday ever, not… eh… proper tribute being paid to the Archon or… whatever.”
The Traveler winked quietly. “We’ll get you out of the carriage, soon.”
Nahida beamed, feeling strengthened. “…Thank you so much, you two.”
Paimon wiggled in glee. “Now throw those candies, birthday girl!”
“So you can snatch them out of the air?” the Traveler asked his companion, amused, as Nahida giggled and set about greeting her people as the carriage reached the plaza.
“No! Well… maybe! But otherwise Paimon won’t get any!”
“Here,” Nahida chuckled, not-so-stealthily passing a handful of candies to her, and laughing as Paimon blissfully floated up along the carriage and out between the equally amused Aranara.
It was an equally blissful, sugary haze all the way down Sumeru City’s spiraling pathways and elevated plazas, all lined with beaming people throwing petals and colourful powders, uttering their congratulations and blessings and thanks, stretching out their hands to her and smiling wider as she reached back and answered their love. Around her, the city was draped in flowering vines and colourful ribbons, festive stalls being set up all along Treasures Street, and the festival proper unfolding down by the waterside, the docks and Lambad’s tavern.
A familiar face welcomed them in as the carriage halted; bearded Vihar, all dressed up as the Knight of Flowers once again. “Salutations, and the happiest of birthdays to you, our most radiant Archon!” He bowed with a flourish, holding out his hand and making Nahida giggle as he gallantly helped her out of the carriage. Next to him, she almost looked like a mortal little girl, happy and flushed and bouncing with excitement on the balls of her feet. Sumeru’s people, gathered around the plaza, running the stalls, and trailing after the carriage, seemed to sense it as well. There was a noticeable change from their Archon in her flower carriage to the flower-crowned girl before them now, and what Paimon had said seemed to resonate with them – the most important thing was her having the best possible birthday.
“There have been certain preparations just for you,” Vihar informed her, almost conspiratorially, as her eyes darted around Treasures Street. “Would you like to go see?”
“Yes,” she almost whispered. “Yes, more than anything!”
“Then let the Knight of Flowers lead the way, but don’t hesitate to hurry ahead if anything catches your eye – today, all the people of Sumeru are your knights, watching over you,” he smiled. And indeed, as Nahida beamed and hurried off, the Traveler and Kintsugi were not far behind, others trailing after at their own leisurely pace as well.
Now that Sumeru actually knew their Archon, the Sabzeruz Festival was truly geared towards her. There were traditional events like divination and preparations for the Haft-Mewa feast later that day, but care had been taken to arrange puzzles, riddles and articles from afar as well, knowing Nahida’s perpetual hunger for the outside world. There was poetry from Mondstadt, and Nahida almost forgot everything around her as she immersed herself in the flowery metaphors of the City of Freedom, barely even tasting her berry and mint burst as she pondered one she really should be able to guess, posed to her by a smiling bard in green.
“I am a home of knowledge, both basic and profound,” he recited, plucking his lyre. “In grand halls and small homes can I be found. I am a home for things of many leaves, but my many residents are not living trees.” He gave a cheeky grin. “What am I?”
“Lasagna! No, a flowerpot! No… mushrooms!” In truth, Paimon was the main reason Nahida had not guessed it yet. Eventually, though, her thoughts triumphed over the distracting chatter, and she clapped her little hands. “A bookshelf!”
“Well done, Lord Kusanali,” the bard bowed. “Nothing less to be expected from the God of Wisdom.”
“I have one for you, too,” Nahida chuckled.
“Oh? By all means, let’s hear it!”
“I don’t have wings, but I can fly,” she started. “I don’t have eyes, but I will cry. What am I?”
The bard’s eyes widened for a moment, but then he let out a giggle. “Hehe, good one! Is it… a cloud?”
Nahida smiled, her eyes twinkling. “Mm-hmm. I did notice a suspicious lack of them this morning, even though we’re in the middle of Sumeru’s rainy season.”
“Well,” the bard chuckled, toying with the glassy Anemo Vision on his hip, “perhaps even the weather considered you today, Lord Kusanali.”
“The weather is welcome to visit the Sanctuary of Surasthana later today,” she winked back, just as cheeky. She looked him over for a brief moment, lingering on the various windwheels, feathers and wing designs on his outfit. “I hope you weren’t planning to stay hidden indefinitely…?”
“The name’s Venti,” he bowed gallantly, unable to keep his grin at bay.
“Ah. No, you certainly weren’t,” she giggled, recognizing the ancient word for ‘wind’.
“I’ll take you up on the invitation,” he nodded, grinning.
There were shadow puzzles from Liyue, fascinating her with their turning and changing forms behind a delicate paper screen, taunting her right up until the moment the imagery clicked for her and she could shout out the solution. “That’s the Jade Chamber!” she recognized with delight. “I can see it from the Sanctuary, I know that shape!”
“Most keenly solved,” came a voice from behind her, as the one running the puzzle congratulated her. “But I wonder, will you be able to guess the next one? There are images from Liyue present that you may not have seen before.”
The Traveler and Kintsugi, ever at her back, turned at the same time Nahida did, revealing a tall, refined-looking gentleman in a long overcoat, sipping tea at a nearby table. His eyes remained closed in calm repose as Nahida scrutinized him. She didn’t even have to look at a smirking Traveler before her face brightened. “There are things I’ll have to have seen before I recognize them, sir. Although… not all.”
The man opened his eyes, amber-gold and piercing, with peculiarly shaped pupils. He gave a small, knowing smile. “…My name is Zhongli, consultant of Liyue Harbor’s Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Kusanali.”
“The pleasure is mine. You are most welcome in Sumeru, mr. Zhongli.” Nahida beamed in return, before turning back to the shadow puzzle. “Let me see if I can solve this next one, then.”
The shape behind the paper screen turned and rotated, but she couldn’t figure it out. Eventually, she had narrowed it down to a general shape. She covered her mouth in thought. “It’s… a flower, but not one I recognize…”
“Oh, oh, Paimon knows!”
Kintsugi opened one eye to glare at her. “Shut it, you little pest.”
“Hey…! Uncalled for, meanie… Paimon’s just trying to help…”
“Allow me, if I may.” As Zhongli spoke once more, rising from his seat, they all turned to face him again. He’d somehow produced a small flowerpot, domed in delicate glass, holding an equally delicate, gleaming blue flower. “Lesser Lord Kusanali, this is the flower the puzzle depicts. It is called a glaze lily.” He handed the pot to her with a small bow, and she accepted with fascination. “Oh, I’ve heard about these! They’re said to be very rare!”
Zhongli smiled. “Regrettably, they are all but extinct in the wild. They only occur in Liyue Harbor’s Yujing Terrace, and a small handful of other places. They are said to be attuned to music, singing, and the purity of people’s hearts.” His eyes were warm. “I am certain this lily will thrive in your presence.”
Nahida looked up at him, holding the flower close to her chest. “Thank you so much, mr. Zhongli. I… I’m honoured.”
Kintsugi stepped forward, gently taking the gift from her. “This looks fragile. Let me bring it to the Sanctuary for you.” As he rose into the air, Nahida held Zhongli’s gaze. “I would very much like to invite you to the Sanctuary as well, after the festival concludes.”
Zhongli inclined his head in acceptance, resting a hand on his chest. “The honour would be mine.”
As the sun passed its zenith, the streets overflowed, as did food and drink. The city resounded with music, dance and laughter, and anywhere enough space could be found was home to circular dances, people holding hands and whirling around. More than once, Nahida joined in, letting herself be swept along, joining those dancing in the middle of the circle, or, once, riding on the Traveler’s shoulders while Paimon and the Aranara spun around her in their own aerial dance. They visited every stall on Treasures Street, sampling snacks and drinks until even Paimon couldn’t eat another bite. They passed by Dori’s stall in amusement, chuckling at the ‘priceless’ Sabzeruz artifacts said to be imbued with remnants of the power of the Lesser Lord’s previous self – and sure enough, the next time they passed it, the merchant was gone and the matra were asking after her whereabouts, to no avail. Cyno soon joined to roll up the stall itself.
Then, the dancers at their little plaza cleared out the center as the Knight of Flowers strode in, a trail of giggling children in his wake. “Make way, make way! Today is a day of great joy!” Vihar proclaimed, spreading his arms as he stepped forward, people moving aside around him. “But we must not forget how we got here! Only a year ago, our beloved Archon was freed by a group of brave heroes, and the first thing she did was help them defeat the follies of the Akademiya, and the great machine they were planning to make our new god!” He turned back, dramatically welcoming a great, colourful construction being carried in by a group of helpful adults. The children jumped in glee, and Nahida clasped both hands to her mouth, her eyes widening in a mixture of shock and hilarity. “This…”
Kintsugi, having returned from the Sanctuary, stepped in from where he’d been observing just outside the circle. “Don’t worry,” he remarked, smiling just a little. “I… actually helped set this one up. Also, I was way ahead of them where it came to beating this thing down, remember?”
Paimon stuck out her tongue at him. “Not as far ahead as the Traveler!”
“Yeah, well. The Traveler needed far more practice before he accomplished what I did in one go.” Kintsugi looked up at the towering, but still miniature replica of Shouki no Kami, smirking to himself as it was attacked by the small legion of children bearing decorated sticks. Sumeru City remembered the machine as having been empty, a purely mechanical replacement for their trapped god. Only he, Nahida, the Traveler and Paimon knew the truth and how it related to him – and why he was more than fine witnessing this now. Delighted, if he was being completely honest. Even more so as the replica started breaking down into showers of yalda candy, resulting in exhilaration amongst the children and cheers amongst the audience. After one more reassuring glance from him, Nahida also burst into delighted applause and laughter.
“And thus perished the false god, making way for a free and flourishing Sumeru, ruled by our cherished Lord Kusanali!”
Kintsugi gave a slow clap to Vihar’s words, right along with the rest of the people. He couldn’t agree more.
As the remains of the replica were cleared away and all the commotion died down, the Traveler quietly, privately turned to the puppet. “Those two Nahida invited up to the Sanctuary – they were the Anemo and Geo Archons. It’s a long story,” he muttered, holding up a gloved hand as Kintsugi’s eyes widened and he was about to say something about the Geo Archon supposedly being dead, “and one we don’t have time for now, but I wanted to let you know that much. It seems other members of the Seven are coming to congratulate Nahida today.”
“Why are you telling me –” Kintsugi started, but then he faltered. “…Oh.”
“Yeah.”
It took a beat, but then Paimon also caught on. “…If Ei is really here, at least she won’t recognize you? You know, because you erased yourself from Irminsul and all…?”
The Traveler shook his head. “She still created him. She must remember that.” He glanced at Kintsugi. The puppet was silent, staring at the children picking up the last yalda candies from the plaza. His hand closed over his Vision – then dropped lower. He briefly passed his golden feather between his fingers, then took it off and hid it in his pocket. “Whatever happens, happens,” he muttered. “Come on.” He gestured at Nahida, about to wander off and vanish into the crowds, blissfully unaware. “Can’t be losing our Archon.”
In the end, their worries turned out to be unfounded. Inazuma’s Archon was not present, disguised or otherwise. Someone else was attending the festival on her behalf.
Nahida’s meandering back up Treasures Street led them to a stand of Inazuman light novels, overseen by a pink-haired kitsune. As the Dendro Archon came skipping up to her, she covered her mouth, tittering in amusement. “Lesser Lord Kusanali, what a singular honour,” she simpered, her voice smooth as silk. “You delight us with your presence.”
“Lady Guuji Yae, the honour is mine! You delight us with your… wares?” Nahida observed the books. “Inazuman novels… I’ve come across a few around the city before…”
“I’m sure they don’t hold a candle to the contents of your House of Daena, or indeed, even the puzzles and riddles the other nations are offering here on this special day, but I simply thought I’d offer some variation,” Yae Miko smiled, violet eyes gleaming. “Something a little easier to digest. Surely, there’s room for a little flight of fancy in the city of knowledge. I’d be delighted if you found anything to your liking; your people certainly have.”
Paimon hovered in, eyeing her suspiciously. “Are you sure you didn’t just wanna make a profit?”
“Why, Paimon, you wound me. Can’t I offer my personal favourites to the birthday girl?”
As Yae Miko continued to twist Paimon’s arguments and enjoyed watching her squirm, the Traveler looked back. For the first time, Kintsugi had stayed behind, putting a little more distance between himself and his Archon as she stood on tiptoe, browsing the novels. The golden-haired outlander pondered the situation. He couldn’t very well ask Miko why Ei was not present, as that would expose the fact the other Archons were, before they wanted to be known. Perhaps it could wait until everyone convened up at the Sanctuary, as Nahida eventually invited the kitsune there as well, before apologetically and clumsily offering her hefty stack of chosen books to her shadow. Kintsugi was only too happy to fly them up to their shared abode. Yae Miko only stroked her chin in thought, looking after him for the merest moment before being distracted by the next of many little amusements.
Down by the docks, Fontaine was represented by a baffling array of steam-powered switches and spinning gears, eagerly presented by the Research Institute. Nahida had eagerly trotted up, pondering how to arrange the myriad of varying sizes of gears so a number of target gears would turn at the same time, driving one another on. For an Archon of nature, machinery didn’t come to her most easily, but she was steadily figuring out the order and the way it all interlocked.
Behind her, Kintsugi was on high alert, yet unwilling to alarm his Archon as of yet. His eyes were fixed on a figure not too far away, watching Nahida from under a dark blue hooded cloak, too richly embroidered to really be stealthy in any way – and yet doing a very good job of unnerving him.
The figure stepped closer, followed by three smaller figures – Melusines, curly-tailed, their sensitive feelers rising over intelligent little faces. He’d seen these before. He knew they possessed a peculiar kind of sight – and indeed, their eyes seemed to wander to the Aranara accompanying Nahida every few moments. This alone had him on edge.
An elegant, black-gloved hand rose to the stranger’s lips, muffling a haughty little giggle. Kintsugi’s eyes flashed – that was it. He was about to step in, twist their arm and make them take their eyes off his Archon, but the Traveler gently halted him. “It’s alright,” he smiled. “We know this one. She means no harm.”
He grunted, snatching back his hand. “If you’re wrong, just know I won’t mind dealing with two bodies.”
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Paimon rolled her eyes. “It’s just –”
“Paimon,” the Traveler interjected. “She’s not wearing that cloak for nothing.”
“Ah, of course, of course…”
The stranger stepped closer still, practically hovering over Nahida’s shoulder now. “Another duplex gear to position five, and a large one to position eight,” she then spoke, voice imperious. The little Archon looked up, but the stranger didn’t even spare her a glance. “That will solve it.” She sounded incredibly certain of herself, practically ready to turn and walk off without even needing to see the end result – and yet she stayed, expectantly.
“…I’m sorry, but that’s not correct,” the woman running the puzzle replied.
The stranger jolted. “W-what? No, that can’t be… ahem!” She righted herself. “N-no, of course, I was merely jesting! I was testing your wits. Anyway, solving this puzzle is up to the birthday girl!” She stepped back a little, outstretching an arm to a very bemused, but also increasingly amused Nahida. “It’s okay,” the little Archon piped up. “You can try again if you want!”
“No, no, I…” The figure raised her hands. “I… it must be the puzzle! There’s something faulty with the design, surely…” A few locks of curly white hair spilled from the hood, streaked with light blue. Mismatched eyes of purer blue sparked in its shadow, carrying a hint of panic. The young woman’s pupils were most peculiarly shaped, as well. Nahida only smiled, her eyes narrowing with mirth. “Why don’t we solve it together? Solving a faulty puzzle is even more of a wonderful challenge than one that works as it should.” The woman running the gears made to protest, but another smile from the Dendro Archon made her reconsider. “Of… of course, Lord Kusanali!”
Once the puzzle had been completed and all the gears whirred in unison, Nahida initiated a little stroll to the docks over the lily-strewn waterside. “It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Focalors,” the little Archon beamed. “Why are you disguised? I hear you’re widely adored…” Close behind her, Kintsugi rolled his eyes. “…Of course, another one…” The Traveler only chuckled, barely biting back a grin. Behind them, the Aranara and Melusines tentatively inspected one another, all tilting heads and poking little hands.
“I… I thought it only polite, my dear,” the Hydro Archon replied, poorly hiding how shaken she was at being recognized, even by the God of Wisdom. “I’d be swarmed by my adoring fans if I just walked around publicly, and we can’t have that when it’s your birthday!” She daintily tittered behind a gloved hand. “Oh, and… do call me Furina.”
“Why does Paimon feel she’s only disguised to prevent herself from seeing the lack of adoring fans in a city where no one knows her?” Paimon quietly wondered, before the Traveler hurriedly shushed her. Kintsugi let out an abrupt, unthinking bark of laughter before slapping a hand over his own mouth and pulling his hat down in camouflage. Nahida glanced back in admonishment, once, and the trio shuffled their feet and fell very quiet.
“…Lady Furina, it’s such an honour to have you as my guest,” the Dendro Archon smiled, slightly bowing her head. “I’ve always wanted to meet the other members of the Seven. I’m so happy so many of you are here today. Please, allow me to invite you up to the Sanctuary of Surasthana after the festival’s conclusion at the Dance of Sabzeruz. It won’t be long, now.”
“You…? So many…?” Furina looked around, clutching the fabric of her hood. “Ah, of course! It would be my pleasure to see the abode of my fellow deity, and it’s a given that the company would match the occasion!” She straightened out, fixating the three Melusines with her mismatched eyes. “You three, over here, please! What are you mooning over? We have a performance to attend!” And with a swish of her cloak, she strode past Nahida and her retinue, sweeping her little followers along back up to Treasures Street as they tried to tell her about the leafy fairies they’d seen, being brushed off as nonsense the whole way. Nahida looked after her, half fondly exasperated, half overjoyed. Kintsugi soon joined her. “…She’s an idiot.”
“Now, now. Don’t be rude.” She glanced up at him. “Every Archon governs in their own unique way. She has more experience than I do.”
“Which only makes me respect her less, considering how she conducts herself. Although by that logic, I suppose I still respect her more than the longer-reigning ones who really have no excuse. You know very well what I think of the gods.” Other than you. There was no need to speak it aloud.
“I do know. I hope you’ll be able to give them a chance when they come up to visit us, though – just for today?” She tilted her head, half playful, half pleading. “Please? For me?”
He folded his arms, looked away, tipped his head up and let out the most agonized, long-suffering sigh in recent memory. “Fine… Just for today…”
She pressed her hands to her chest, eyes shining. “Thank you so much! I know how difficult this is for you. This is a big step in the right direction!”
Kintsugi fondly tilted his head. “It’s your birthday. Stop wasting your time psychoanalyzing me.” He strode past her. “Come on, let’s get to the Bazaar already.”
Nahida glanced up at the sky. “Oh! Yes! It’s almost time – hurry, hurry!”
Kintsugi scoffed lightly. “Oh please – they’re not going to start without you.” But then, without warning, he still scooped her up in flight, darting up the winding paths into the city proper, leaving the Traveler and Paimon to sprint after them, shouting and laughing all the way.
The Grand Bazaar had never been this packed with people. They somehow still managed to make way as their Archon entered the bowels of the Divine Tree, respectfully clearing a path to her seat; cushioned and raised above the rest of the audience, much like her flower carriage. As she took it, amidst warmth and lamplight and the murmurs of the crowd, she did it as an Archon, but more than that, as simply a very happy child, barely able to sit still, barely able to wait.
At last, Sheikh Zubayr himself entered the stage, spreading his arms in a theatrical welcome. “Salutations, everyone!” he called out, to the whoops and cheers of the crowd. “And the utmost respect and most sincere congratulations to our Archon, Lesser Lord Kusanali, on behalf of both myself and all the people of Sumeru. We are beyond glad and filled with gratitude you can finally be here again to witness the celebrations in person, for the first time in over five hundred years.”
Nahida beamed, but her reaction to his words was still nothing compared to the joy that filled her face when Nilou stepped out on stage, garbed in silk and jewels, crowned with golden horns. The warm lamplight made her glisten like the greatest of King Deshret’s ancient treasures – which was fitting, considering who she portrayed on stage. “We dedicate this to our god,” she intoned, hands whirling above her head as hypnotic music filled the air and swept up the crowd, their Archon right along with them. “The Dance of Sabzeruz!”
A tiny sob escaped Nahida’s throat as she leaned her whole body forward, her luminous eyes following Nilou’s every movement as she swayed and flowed, reaching out to the hidden sky and moving her hands as rapidly as the incoming tide, intricate as prayer. Her hair and veils were a whirlpool as she twirled, captivating every eye in the audience as surely as the real Goddess of Flowers might have, aeons ago.
Then, just as the first overjoyed tear trickled down Nahida’s cheek, the dancer looked up, locking eyes with her Archon. She let out a gasp, seemingly flowing in place, weightless – and tears welled in her sapphire eyes as well, even as she broke out into a breathless smile. Without faltering even once, she swept a hand past her eyes and raised it up, and ribbons of glittering Hydro flowed from it, whirling around her like yet more intangible veils, ebbing and flowing with the music, refracting the lamplight in dazzling rainbows and drawing gasps of awed wonder from the audience – not in the least their Archon herself.
And Nahida reached back, not even thinking as she did it.
As the flowers in her crown bloomed even more radiantly, auroras of pure Dendro flowed from her in turn, coiling around the stage, around the one dancing there. As she stepped and twirled as the Goddess of Flowers might have, soft grass and purple padisarahs bloomed from her footsteps on the stage’s wooden boards, her own Hydro instantly forming glittering dew on every petal. Nilou gasped and laughed, but kept dancing, her joy and vigour only increasing, and for a moment it was just her and her Archon, just as it had been on that bygone birthday when Sumeru’s Archon had been the Greater Lord. Shimmering mirages of slender trees and waterfalls rose around the stage and the Bazaar’s walls, labyrinths of hedges and streams, the grandeur of the Greater Lord’s nation – and Nahida’s promise for its future.
The little Archon was too lost in Nilou’s performance and the flow of her own powers in response to notice, but there were just as many eyes on her as on the dancer, and she elicited just as many smiles and tears from both her people and the Aranara accompanying her – Sumeru was truly grateful to have an Archon, once more. They couldn’t wish for anyone better.
As Nilou finally wound down and took a deep, elegant bow, the applause was deafening, and dedicated to her and the Archon, both.
The Dance of Sabzeruz had previously been the culmination and end of the Sabzeruz Festival as a whole, but today the festivities in the Bazaar continued, even as the crowds thinned, people turned to preparations for the Haft-Mewa feast, and Nahida climbed down off her raised seat, stepping back amidst her welcoming people. There was still music and dance, there was fire-breathing and the twirling of colourful ribbons, and she planned to see it all.
Then, Kintsugi murmured something to the Traveler, and suddenly split off from his Archon’s side. Nahida took note at once; this was very unusual. She supposed it was alright if he had something of his own to take care of, but she did feel a little… incomplete without her shadow, constant as his presence had become over time.
The Traveler was quick to reassure her, however. “He’ll be back in a moment,” he chuckled. “Stick around just a little longer.”
She tilted her head. “Hm? Okay!” She looked around, expectantly waiting for him to return – but when he did, it wasn’t where she’d expected him to be.
He’d appeared on the Zubayr stage, together with Nilou, both of them holding swords. Nilou’s was an elegant, sea-green blade, straight and decorated with golden teardrops; Kintsugi’s was the Isshin-styled katana he’d forged himself a little while back. They’d appeared unannounced, and started their dual sword dance the same way, almost as though unaware of the audience coming back in and turning back to them, only having favoured the stage over the Bazaar’s flagstones because of the extra space they needed for safety’s sake.
Nilou’s dance was delighted and sure-footed, her blade a flashing, twirling, almost liquid mirage – and although Kintsugi had nowhere near as much experience in Sumeran sword dancing, he managed to keep up with her. As their blades weaved a silvery pattern between them, close together but never touching, Nahida’s face lit up and she clapped her little hands in utter delight. Kintsugi glanced her way, a small smile lighting up his own face for those that knew what to look for – growing slightly smug as the audience started a rhythmic clap in response, even though their Archon had not intended this. It soon grew faster, and Nilou minutely tilted her head in question – but to Kintsugi, no challenge had ever been a question. They both sped up along with the clapping and the music, stepping and twirling around one another, their hands impossibly deft, swords flashing. The Traveler couldn’t help but fondly shake his head, smiling. Showoff.
In the end, the two blades came together just once, with a resounding clang, before both were elegantly pulled back by their wielders in a deep double bow, to the whoops and cheers of the audience. Kintsugi stepped forward and hopped down off the stage immediately after, levelheaded as always, drawing down his hat and pulling away as people approached him and made to clap him on the shoulder. “Tch. I’m not here for any of you.” He strode over to the Archon and the Traveler, meeting Nahida’s wide, radiant eyes. By her side, Ararycan vigorously imitated the twirling steps and lunges he’d just seen, Arabalika looking on in gruff exasperation – but the little Archon herself was all smiles. “You learned the Sumeran style! For me!”
“It was something to pass the time,” he shrugged.
“It was so pretty!” She bounced in place, seemingly all energized again much like she’d been after eating her cake in the morning. “You two have to give an encore sometime!”
“If you grow enough, we’ll get you a little sapwood blade and teach you, too,” the puppet grinned. “It should be even better with three.”
She clasped her hands at her chest in joy, but then seemed to consider something, eyes sharpening. “Wait… where did you find the time to learn without me realizing…? You haven’t been skipping lectures, have you?”
He blinked, eyes suddenly a little wider, caught off guard. “I… hmph.” He looked away, a little flustered. “…Isn’t it time for us to head back up to the Sanctuary? We have four high and mighty morons waiting for us.”
The Traveler bit back a grin. To see the day where he’d rather bring up seeing the gods than either lie or tell the truth… Nahida clearly saw right through him, too. “Language! And you may be right, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for playing hooky, young man!”
Arriving at the Sanctuary, Nahida and Kintsugi were met with Zhongli and Yae Miko making conversation before the great marble structure, looking up and smiling as they saw the approaching duo. “Lord Kusanali,” the Geo Archon greeted with a slight bow. “I am most pleased to meet you as myself, Archon to Archon. I am glad you are well.”
“Likewise,” Miko smiled, looking the little Archon up and down. “Not that it wasn’t terribly amusing to see the sages try and run things, but I’m sure things are about to get far more interesting with you back in power. I hear the most fascinating stories about the reign of your ‘Greater’ self.”
Nahida beamed, looking between the two. “I –”
“Hey now, don’t start the party without me! Rude!” A voice from the canopy overhead was swiftly followed by Venti, leaves in his hair and fluttering out of his cloak. He weightlessly descended from the Divine Tree’s branches, but didn’t quite match that grace in his landing, slightly unsteady on his feet. “All this weighty talk, hehe! Lesser Lord Kusanali – or is it Nahida? It’s so great to finally meet you in this new form! Dreams and poetry, riddles and wisdom – I can already tell we’re gonna get along really well! Now if only I could be your neighbor, instead of this rock-in-the-mud over here,” he lamented with a half-smile, gesturing at Zhongli.
“I gather the cathedrals in Mondstadt are often permeated with the smell of wine, but I’m not sure if the same is also appropriate for Sumeru’s sanctums,” the Geo Archon replied, glancing at Venti in mild, unsurprised distaste.
“Now, now, play nice, everyone,” Miko tittered.
Nahida was still grinning, just looking from one to the other, clearly glad to be in their company even if she couldn’t get a word in edgewise. By her side, Kintsugi’s fingers curled and uncurled around his folded arms.
Then, running footsteps came up the path behind them, accompanied by panting breaths. “Never fear, everyone… hahh… I, Focalors, have arrived!” A little ways behind the Hydro Archon, her three Melusines hurried along the best they could. “Fashionably late, as planned!”
Kintsugi rolled his eyes. Nahida spread her little hands in welcome. “It’s so good to have you all here, everyone! As an Archon who’s recently re-joined the Seven, I’ve been wanting to meet back up with all of you. It’s a pity the Electro, Pyro and Cryo Archons couldn’t make it, but I’m so honoured to meet you all.”
Miko smiled behind an elegant hand. “I hear the Pyro Archon is a little busy in her own nation, and at this time it’s no real loss to not have the Tsaritsa here. As for Ei… I’m afraid it’ll be some time before she’ll be ready to leave Inazuma. It’s been quite the step to merely leave her own head, you see.”
By Nahida’s side, Kintsugi was rigid with a conflict of impulses – scoff in derision, or let himself slump with relief. In order to not draw attention to himself, he did neither.
“….But she sends her most sincere regards, and her utmost respect – she admires your wisdom in the way you’ve taken to governing your nation.” Miko’s ears flicked in amusement. “Of course, this is to be expected from the God of Wisdom herself.”
“I, also, am delighted to make your acquaintance,” Furina intoned, spreading her arms with a flourish as she walked in, benevolently smiling down at Nahida. “And now that every guest of honour has arrived, surely it’s time for the real celebration to start?”
“Hm?” Nahida tilted her head. “The entirety of the Sabzeruz Festival is the real celebration. My people arranged it all so wonderfully, I still can’t believe it’s all real.” Her eyes went a little hazy, her smile so warm it could almost be physically felt. “You’re all invited to the Haft-Mewa feast tonight as well, of course! For now, I just wanted to invite you to the Sanctuary to get to know you a little better, as ourselves.”
“What? How dull! No grand celebration befitting the – ?” Furina abruptly stopped speaking as she caught the livid indigo glare just behind Nahida. Then she looked down, seeing the sincere, gleaming eyes of a child having her first birthday party. She quickly backpedaled. “Ah, hmm, yes, of course! That sounds lovely!”
“So it does,” Venti pointedly remarked, stepping in close to Nahida. “Lead the way, Kusanali.” Zhongli joined as well, putting himself between the Dendro and Hydro Archons with an admonishing look. The Dendro Archon in question let herself be shepherded to the Sanctuary. “Please, call me Nahida…”
Furina trailed after them, somewhat lost. Yae Miko quickly swooped in and singled out Kintsugi before he could join the side of his Archon once more. “And who might you be, hmm? Lord Kusanali’s personal guard? A right hand, a… familiar of sorts, perhaps?”
He grit his teeth under his hat, out of her view. “…I’m Hat Guy.”
“Really.” She chuckled quietly. “A secret-keeper, how delightful. Does your Archon know your true name, little one?”
“Of course she does.”
“Does she trust you?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm.” She scrutinized him once more. “Your Vision is Sumeran, but your garb looks awfully Inazuman. I don’t believe I’ve seen you around… although you do seem rather familiar, somehow…”
“I just have one of those faces,” he managed. “…I’d be highly surprised if you actually knew every single one of your Archon’s people. You’re a shrine maiden, right?”
She placed a mildly indignated hand upon her chest as they entered the Sanctuary, green light falling over them. “You will be forgiven for failing to recognize and address me as the Guuji Yae herself, head of the Grand Narukami Shrine.”
“Sure.” He slightly lifted his head, grinning mirthlessly. “…That shrine may sit high, but it’s far from all-seeing.”
She smiled back, unperturbed. “I’d never claim it to be so. It’d be dreadfully boring to see everything, don’t you think? After all, the vast majority of everything is so very close to… nothing.”
“I take it back,” he spoke, his grin going even more rigid. “Even if the shrine did offer a view of everything, you’d still be blind.”
“My, my.” Her violet eyes flicked up, fixating on Sumeru’s Archon. “Lesser Lord Kusanali, you’ve chosen quite the feisty one to stand by your side.”
Nahida looked back, smiling serenely. “He simply puts things as he sees them. It’s quite refreshing, actually.”
“Mm.” Miko glanced at Kintsugi, amused at the fierceness of his glare. “I do suppose I wish people would be a little less gracious around the court of Narukami, sometimes… Ei could do with the occasional wake-up call…”
A quiet gasp broke her musings. They’d arrived at the Sanctuary’s main sanctum, its slender bridges and elegant central former cage. Venti had stopped to stare, and his halting also quieted the others. He looked close to tears, his lip wobbling. “Nahida… is this…?”
“Hmm?” She looked up at him, slightly puzzled, but then understanding. “Oh! Yes! This is where… where I celebrated all my previous birthdays, hehe.” She let out a bashful little laugh, seemingly not knowing what to do with the attention on her now, the other Archons’ pity. Venti was clearly horrified, Zhongli shook his head in silent distaste; Yae Miko’s eyes had narrowed, her expression hidden behind her hand, and even Furina had fallen quiet for a moment. Then the Hydro Archon drew herself up, gesturing imperiously. “You live every day with the reminder of your imprisonment? This is the heart of your abode?”
“It’s hard to forget after five hundred years in there, and only one out here.” Nahida’s voice had gone a little quieter as well. “But the longer my future lasts, the shorter the past will become, the more distant the memory will be. And besides… this sanctum is not all there is to the Sanctuary of Surasthana. This is not the place I wanted to invite you to, you know,” she giggled. “Come on, come on! I know you’re all going to love it.” Her short legs carried her out before the others, and they followed, exchanging glances and seemingly putting some of their own thoughts and troubles into perspective, somewhat.
Furina still couldn’t seem to let go quite yet, striding up next to the little Dendro Archon, folding her arms behind her back as she looked down at her. “I have heard you let those that dared imprison you live, and have their freedom. Pray tell, how is such a decision just?”
“I made that decision – not in the capacity of an Archon, but as the one that was hurt by them. I personally believe in learning, understanding and growth, rather than punishment.” Nahida looked up at the Hydro Archon. “Oh, but of course that’s not a criticism or a call for change to the way things are done in other nations.”
“It will… not be taken as such,” Furina graciously allowed.
“They were very ashamed of themselves. They even wished me happy birthday today,” Nahida recalled with a small smile. “I think they’re being harder on themselves than I could ever be.”
“Hmm, perhaps,” the Hydro Archon mused. “A most efficient punishment, then.”
Zhongli hummed for a moment. “You may not have any memories of what came before, but it is truly good to see you again. If I’d have known the circumstances of your previous self’s disappearance…”
“It’s okay,” Nahida smiled. “You couldn’t have known. In fact, I myself thought it for the best to let the sages rule in my stead, for a time.”
Venti had trailed behind them, eyes big and watery and wandering back to the cage every few moments. Now, it appeared he could no longer hold himself back, hurrying to Nahida’s side right past Furina. “For five hundred years??” he all but wailed. “Nahida, you… I…” He struggled for a moment, the Dendro Archon halting and looking up at him with concern. “You’ve gotta let me give you a flight around the city at the very least!” he eventually managed.
A ringed, partly gloved hand descended on his shoulder. “You will do no such thing,” Kintsugi spoke, quiet but severe.
Nahida shifted her gaze to him, tilting her head in slight admonishment. He begrudgingly let go. “…Not while drunk,” he appended.
“Ehe,” Venti chuckled. “Reasonable!” His gaze dropped to Kintsugi’s chest. “Hey, you have an Anemo Vision!”
“Took you long enough to notice,” Kintsugi muttered.
Nahida stepped in. “I go flying with Hat Guy sometimes,” she smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m as free as I could possibly be, nowadays.” She turned, gesturing at a set of doors swinging open and leading out of the main sanctum. “Also, we’re here!”
The Archons and kitsune stepped through, into sunlight filtered through layers and layers of leaves. They’d entered a greenhouse of sorts, the grandest of the Sanctuary’s inner gardens, curving along its outer walls and great glass windows, and housing a flourishing collection of Sumeru’s most striking flora, every single one of them bursting with vitality. Fanning orange karmaphala leaves, glittering Mawtiyima undergrowth and hanging vines of bright blue foliage, spiraling creepers from Devantaka, dazzling purple and yellow flowers from the desert, all of it interweaving like physical poetry. The Aranara soon darted off into it, unseen, but their delighted giggles almost audible.
Zhongli stepped forth first, admiring the foliage as he thoughtfully strode over the rounded stones of the path leading through it all. “I can say with utmost certainty the glaze lily is in good hands,” he observed. “I take it you cultivated all of this within the year since your regained freedom. Most impressive.”
Yae Miko nodded as well. “I may be partial to sakura blossoms, but the variety here is delightful.”
“It’s a little… wild for my tastes,” Furina spoke, slightly leaning back from the fronds of a giant overhanging fern, “but I have to admit it’s pretty…” She briefly nodded to her Melusines as they tugged on her dress, graciously allowing them to pursue the unseen Aranara into the verdant undergrowth.
“I’d love to doze off in here,” Venti sighed. “So lovely and colourful and warm…”
Nahida beamed at their reactions. “Thank you all so much.” She hesitated, fidgeting. “Now, um… don’t laugh, but… there’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I mentioned I wanted to get to know you better, right? Well… one way to do that is through playing games.” She looked away, flushing a little. “Um. No, wait, it’s… it’s silly, I…”
Venti dropped to one knee, gently but firmly taking her shoulders, teal eyes gleaming and earnest. “Tell us.”
She lowered her head, all but looking away. “…I wanna play hopscotch with all of you.”
Zhongli froze mid-admiration of a great yellow flower. Yae Miko brought a hand to her mouth, and Furina outright sputtered – but Venti beamed, and Kintsugi glared at the other three so hard they took a moment to consider the occasion they’d come to attend – the very first real birthday of a little girl who’d been yearning for one like nothing else.
Zhongli relented first, turning to the little Dendro Archon. “Hopscotch it shall be,” he intoned with utmost sincerity.
“Why… why not…!”
“Pfft… this will surely brighten Ei’s day when I tell her… she may even be jealous to have missed out.”
Nahida pressed her hands to her chest, beaming as she looked from one to the other. She appeared lost for words for a moment, but then simply opened her hands and let her power flow, the plants around them receding as though politely making way, leaving small, square patches of grass forming an intricate labyrinth, if one without walls. “You can’t step on any of them more than once,” she explained. “There are multiple pathways from one end to the other!”
“Oh, my,” Yae Miko smirked. “I should’ve known even a children’s game would require careful consideration where it comes to the God of Wisdom…”
“The very intent of children’s games is learning, after all,” Nahida replied, all but glowing, all the more so as the four stepped up and gave it a try one by one, the grassy squares blooming into little flowers every time someone stepped on them.
Venti tried his best, even forgoing cheating by floating, but was clearly a little too tipsy to properly plan his route, and he eventually gave up, giggling at his own confusion and exiting the maze by air. Zhongli went about it with surprising refinement, his movements more akin to an elegant, thoughtful dance as his overcoat fluttered around him, taking his time getting to the end and seemingly unable to stop smugly looking down at Venti afterwards. Yae Miko attempted to gracefully back out on accord of not being an Archon, merely representing one, but Nahida cheekily insisted she also represent Ei in this – to Kintsugi’s trying and failing to hide his snickering behind his hand. She completed the newly grown course as well, elegantly twirling and tittering in amusement at herself for a change. After Furina had tried and failed to find a path a few times, trying to back up her claims of being a natural talent and strategic mastermind, Nahida mercifully helped her out of the weeds and back to the others, and then turned to her maliciously smirking shadow. “Come on, don’t just watch us!”
He blinked, backing away a little. “I’m not an Archon, nor representing one,” he tried, but Nahida had already taken his hand. “I’ll start at this end, you at the other,” she instructed, and there was no getting out of it after that. “Birthday law,” Furina quipped, not even paling at Kintsugi’s resulting glare.
Nahida, of course, was a natural. Kintsugi had been roped into this once or twice before as well, so after considering what path to take for a moment, he managed to meet his Archon halfway, and she laughed as they passed one another and went over eachother’s squares a second time, making them blossom even brighter. As they both completed the course, Nahida hopped back onto the stone path, grinning blissfully as she looked back at the blooming little squares. “I’m going to keep them this way,” she decided. “A living memory…”
“I am glad we could provide a moment to be remembered with such fondness,” Zhongli spoke, something soft shining in his own eyes. Nahida looked up at him. “I’m so happy. Thank you so much.” She glanced at Venti. “Ah, come, follow me to the balcony – there’s drinks and snacks as well, of course…”
“Why didn’t you say so?” Venti happily perked up at once, swirling outside with a swish of his cloak. What followed was an unexpectedly effortless bonding of those present, simply chatting like friends, Nahida feeling more than welcomed amongst their number. She properly thanked Venti for clearing the skies, and he indulged in swirling her into the air for a moment, the both of them laughing and giggling the whole way – and Kintsugi attempting to hide his anxiety right until the moment the Anemo Archon put her down again.
There weren’t too many snacks, as the Haft-Mewa feast was soon to follow.
Preparations were finished as the representatives of the five nations came down from the Sanctuary again; tables set out at every inn, tavern and grand plaza, covered in decorated cloth and set with seven different foods to symbolize the seven virtues of the Dendro Archon. There were elaborately prepared dishes symbolizing the human world, and dishes that let the Nilotpala lotus and Zaytun peach shine as they were, symbolizing the forest – and those tying the two together, utilizing ground-up Harra spices and the decorative petals of the Sumeru rose. As Nahida came down and took her seat in the midst of her people, surrounded by her friends, bells rang throughout the city to signal the start of the feast, and a warmth filled the air as all of Sumeru celebrated their togetherness and the presence of their Archon. The murmur of various chats, laughter and the sounds of plates and cutlery and people requesting certain things over the table resounded everywhere, as well as toasts beyond counting.
Next to the Archon, the Traveler and Paimon regaled their Sumeran friends with their newest travel stories. “…And then we were sent to underwater jail for a few weeks!” Paimon was saying, her beaming smile at odds with the material of her tale. “They ended our sentence early, though, for, uh… good behaviour!”
“Let’s go with that,” the Traveler chuckled, nodding, to Nahida’s startled hilarity. “Just how do you keep ending up in these situations? Oh, but I’m glad you got out!”
On her other side, Kintsugi briefly rolled his eyes. “You can just tell us there’s more to the story you can’t elaborate on, you know.”
“We can’t, and we won’t!” Paimon cheerfully replied, happy to annoy him back for once. “Oh, but we do go back sometimes to see the warden! He’s a really nice guy!”
“…Of course he is. Of course you do.” But the puppet smiled through his exasperation.
Not far from Nahida, Kaveh raised his cup in yet another toast. “In honour of this past prosperous year with our Archon by our side, I propose the building of a grand new palace – perhaps two! One in the rainforest, one in the desert, to form the basis of new cities, and yet more prosperity via trade!” He drank, giving it a little more thought. “And, of course, the unveiling of grand statues in Lord Kusanali’s honour…”
Next to him, Alhaitham gave him the barest glance, still mostly focused on his food. “Are you sure all that will be necessary? Lord Kusanali already has the Sanctuary of Surasthana, and no use for statues.” He took a bite. “Also, shouldn’t you have already gotten started if it was to be in honour of the past year?”
“I…! I wanted to consult with her first! I may be a stellar architect, but a collaboration with the God of Wisdom herself would be the ultimate pinnacle of beauty and engineering!” Kaveh looked to Nahida, who observed the two Dendro users fondly. She smiled. “It’s alright, you two. I don’t need new palaces or statues. Kaveh, your talents and creativity could still be put to use for grand works and I could still weigh in, but I’d much rather they benefit all of Sumeru and don’t emphasize me so much!”
Kaveh bowed his head, not-so-stealthily wiping his eye. “Ah… that’s our Archon for you…”
Alhaitham gave a small smirk, resuming his meal. “…Told you so.”
As the sun set and everyone ate their fill, the city turned into a sea of lamplight rivaling the stars. Music and dance were abound, although the festivities were starting to wind down, people starting to grow tired and remaining seated, chatting the evening away. As the last light of sunset faded away completely and velvet, indigo darkness stretched from the Chasm to the Wall of Samiel, people gathered for one final festivity, at the plaza overlooking the docks from Lambad’s tavern. A long row of fireworks was set out there, specially prepared by the students of Spantamad under supervision of their chief alchemist, Kimiya, with some further help from Cyno. They both took part in the unveiling, to people’s elation – although Cyno was quick to ruin it. “Now, how shall we light these?” he asked, to the exasperation of his colleague and those that recognized a pun on its way when they heard it.
Dehya stepped up before the General Mahamatra could speak again. “Fire works,” she grinned. “Alright, gloves off!” She called upon the power of her Vision, igniting her fists, making a show of punching her way past every single one of the fireworks and lighting all their fuses in rapid succession. In a great, sparkling wave of light, they all took off, arcing over Yazadaha Pool and reflecting in the water as they exploded into glittering constellations filling the sky with colours beyond counting – four-leaf clovers, flowers, feathers, birds, shroomboars and many more. They all reflected in Nahida’s eyes as she stared up into the sky, hands clutched to her chest, brimming with happiness. Behind her, the Aranara twirled in the air as people clapped and whistled, Dunyarzad and Candace giving Dehya some extra appreciation as she took a theatrical bow.
After the fireworks faded, the city truly started to unwind at last. Sumeru’s people headed home, or settled into the taverns. Children were put to bed, protesting or not. The Traveler came to say goodbye, Paimon practically asleep in the air behind him – and Nahida herself found she could barely stay upright as she saw them off. She could just barely give the other Archons and Yae Miko her final regards in the lamplight of Treasures Street before she could no longer stop herself from wobbling on her feet, a gentle, gloved hand moving in just in time to steady her. She looked up at Kintsugi, smiling faintly. “I don’t want today to end,” she admitted.
“Not really how days work, is it?” was the deadpan reply, though accompanied by a fond little smile. “C’mon. The carriage is over there.”
People seemed to sense their Archon was departing, as they stopped to greet her, many lowering their heads and touching their chests in slight, smiling bows as she passed them. “Goodnight, Lesser Lord Kusanali.” “Have a good rest!” “I hope you enjoyed the celebrations!”
“It was lovely,” she smiled, flushed with fatigue, but still unable to stop smiling. “I had so much fun, you were all amazing…”
A brief sting of fear coursed through her as she got back on the flower carriage, but then she reminded herself, as she’d done multiple times throughout the day, that she was not dreaming. All of this was real, and would still be here tomorrow, and the day after, and next year…
And as she waved goodbye, seen off by her people, accompanied by her shadow and the Aranara, she found it all much harder to believe than any dream – but try she would.
By the time the carriage arrived back up at the Sanctuary, Nahida was practically asleep, curled up in the pillows. She barely felt it as cool hands lifted her and carried her to bed, gently taking off her flower crown and placing it beside her on her nightstand, before fondly ruffling her hair and departing, softly closing the door to her chambers. She mumbled something incoherent, and fully slipped away.
As the little Archon slept, a blanket of sweet dreams settled over all of Sumeru, filled with the singing of many little voices raised in a celebration of their own. With Venti’s influence diminishing, the tropical rain resumed in the night, and the fog rising from the jungle seemed to glow with the elation of the trees.
The season of rain returns, the plants rejoice… The pomegranate sings, the apples clap…!
In dreams, the Dendro Archon’s small hands were taken in even littler ones, lifting her up and whirling her through sunlight and rain, the dappled shade of leaves beyond counting, under purple skies glittering like forest dew. In dreams, she soared across the world on the petals of the most delicate flower, and some of her slumbering people even caught a glimpse of her as her birthday continued until the very last moments of the day.
However, she passed out of everyone’s sight as she arrived at the very heart of her dreams, where she was greeted by a lush, potted flower, an angular hourglass, and an empty space on the grass. She fondly touched the flower’s petals, trailed her fingers over the hourglass, and settled before the empty space, closing her eyes and smiling warmly, even if she didn’t know why.
There used to be something there. She knew that much, even if its nature evaded her. It was alright. She could almost sense it, somehow closer now than it had ever been. It almost felt like a loving embrace.
Curled up on that bed of grass, in that warm presence, she finally let herself truly drift off into the new day, the next year of her new life. With this kind of love all around her, she’d be alright.
…Happy birthday, Nahida.
