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The morning sun rays danced through Liyue ember crystals. Clouds had parted and the sky was blue. Two wanderers’ hideout smelled of eggs and bacon. The fire radiated homely warmth. There were clothes scattered everywhere, and the pot of hot water was at the point of boiling and spilling over the edge.
Lumine gasped, running towards the pot, and took it off the fire using the edge of her, now dried, dress. She poured the hot water in two small cups and put some herbs, for the aroma. Their tea supply ran out last night – talking about feelings must be accompanied by a drink, in her case, preferably alcohol-free.
In the meantime, Scaramouche gathered mushrooms outside. The sun rays blinded him, and he had to put his hat lower. I never noticed your eyes were blue rather than purple, she had said when sun rose. He had only nodded. There was no use explaining the effect delusions could have on people, even people like him. Not very much ‘people’ at all.
Back in the cavern, Lumine put breakfast on a plate and sat down. She looked around, hoping Wanderer would show up soon. Missing breakfast was bad for health. Also, she couldn’t stop fidgeting, excited for him to have a taste of her special morning cooking. She called it ‘tired cooking’, and it was better than ‘hungover cooking’.
Then, only a minute later, Scaramouche appeared at the entrance, carrying a dozen of mushrooms, using his kimono as a makeshift basket. He smelled the odor and hurried inside. A weird feeling exploded in his chest when he saw Lumine lying down on the ground, waiting for him. It reminded him of a memory he wished he could delete. Her voice brought him out.
“Do we need this many mushrooms?”
“Uh, yeah. We do.”
The traveler rolled her eyes and patted the space beside her. “Sit!”
“I’m not your dog.”
“No, but you’re my guest – here, welcome to my small abode, taste these perfectly done eggs.”
Her voice sounded joyful, for real this time. He wondered what changed her mood so drastically. Putting the mushrooms behind them, he sat, noticing how fidgety she was.
“What got you so energetic?” he asked, taking a bite bacon. It was a little hard on the teeth but tastes great overall. He didn’t want to critic right then; he would probably call her out later.
Lumine moved her head and made an ‘eh’ sound, deciding against pouring her emotions again, even if they were positive. “Don’t answer, as if I care.” His voice was sweet, contradicting with the words, but Lumine got used to it already. She simply smiled, watching him devour the eggs.
Cleaning up was the worst part, but thankfully this time Scaramouche did help. They washed the plates in the little pond created by yesterday’s rain. The bedrolls were put in the backpacks, and soon the cave was pristine, as if they were never there. Except the tiny, burned space where the campfire had burned the grass.
The pair moved towards the Harbor, deciding to take Paimon back, as the poor fairy was left alone for quite some time. They would continue their journey around Liyue, passing through the Chasm and returning to Sumeru to update Nahida and finally setting to Fontaine. Scaramouche promised he would stop calling Paimon ‘lowly creature’ as a joke, which put Lumine in the best mood. So, when they arrived at the Harbor, Lumine was smiling bashfully, putting her hand on the man’s back.
Scaramouche jerked at first but accepted her touch. A tiny smile appeared on his lips, that did not go unnoticed. Lumine laughed, pushing him forward. “Will you stop! I’m not something to push around!”
“Don’t be mad, smile more. Look the sky is blue and the sea is calm.”
“How is it supposed to help me feel better?” He rolled his eyes at her and walked forward, leaving the girl sighing behind.
“We’ll talk about it,” she groaned lowly and caught up with her companion.
“No way…”
“What again?”
“There’s Zhongli!” Scaramouche hesitantly threw her a look of distaste.
“Another one of your friends?” Lumine gasped and shook her head.
“Not this time. He’s more of a mentor to me. He’s pretty old too,” she whispered into Scaramouche’s ear. “Rex Lapis, you know. Morax.”
“I know who the Geo Archon is, thank you very much,” he stifled a laugh, watching as Lumine rushed to Zhongli. He was sitting at a café, listening to a storyteller. At times, he would nod or lower his head and take a sip of tea. It seemed to be always hot, no matter how long he sat there – must have been Archon elemental mastery at work.
Wanderer watched Zhongli take Lumine’s hand in his and shake it kindly. He furrowed his brows. She did most of the talking, probably explaining her journey. They both turned towards Scaramouche, who tried to act normal amidst the growing crowd. It was soon to be lunch time. Restaurants were filling up and his stomach growled. He cursed under his breath, realizing how pitiful the sound is. He’d have to accept his fate. Back in Schneznaya he ate only Bortsch and Goulash, foods of the Northern people, so he rarely felt hungry; and on his travels, he was so power hungry that the stomach hunger didn’t let itself known.
She returned soon, and he was glad she didn’t invite him to come. Maybe she was starting to get to know him, a little bit. “Happy?”
“Very much so, it is always good to see people I know.”
“I’m quite aware.”
“Oh, come on,” she pushed him jokingly with her elbow. “Let’s go find Paimon.”
The fairy in question was at the port, looking at all kinds of fish on the market. Upon seeing the familiar blond hair, she jiggled in the air and flew towards her companion.
“Lumine! How was the trip?” she had missed the high-pitched voice, she had to admit. The traveler hugged Paimon and started talking about the awful thunderstorm that surprised them. Paimon listened, holding her breath and made ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ sounds every time a scary detail came up.
“Well, now that the reunions are dealt with, could we get a move on?” Scaramouche exhaled.
“I’m getting hungry, and you?” she asked both. Paimon nodded happily, clapping her small hands, and Wanderer turned away. His eyes looked tired, and she took it a positive answer.
The restaurant of choice was obviously Wanmin. It was small scaled but perfect for a quick meal and a grateful stomach. The three adventurers sat down and ordered. Paimon had to be stopped from taking everything on the menu. Hidden from unwanted eyes, under the tablecloth, Lumine’s hand found Scaramouche’s. She gracefully traced her fingers against his palm.
“Lumine!” Paimon cried out and the traveler jumped in surprise, immediately pulling her hand back.
“Uh, yes?”
“I’m starving!” Both Scaramouche and Lumine exhaled in relief. The girl shook her head.
“It’s coming, Paimon.”
Once their meal was finished, Lumine paid for the trio, leaving a tip. The whole day was in front of them, and the traveler decided it was time to go to one of her favorite places, Qingce Village. Surrounded by creepy Wuwang Hill, the place had a story of its own. She wanted Scaramouche to see the rice fields and glaze lilies. On their way out, Lumine picked a silk flower and gave it to Scaramouche, for safe keeping. The man looked at it and then at the traveler, only to grimace in response. Just take it, she urged. He sighed but put it in one of his pockets. Once the traveler and her flying critter were in front, he took it out and smelled it. So that’s what Lumine used as perfume. Suddenly a realization hit him – did she just give him her aroma so he would feel safe even when she’s not nearby? Far-fetched as it was, he started to recognize Lumine’s patterns and this one was the sweetest of them all.
Under the scorching sun, the trio were desperate to find shade under trees and beside mountains. Scaramouche took Lumine’s hand and pointed to an oasis-looking place, where they could rest for a bit. She blushed at the touch, but acted as if nothing happened and followed him, calling out to Paimon to do the same. He had not let go of her hand until they sat down under the big tree.
The road was long, and the sun had set. Paimon was already sleeping in the traveler’s arms, and Wanderer had taken both of their backpacks, in consideration for Lumine’s back. “Nahida would laugh if she saw me carrying your stuff with such ardor.”
“Ardor?” Lumine yawned, putting a hand in front of her mouth and nearly letting Paimon fall. Stupid manners.
“I’m fighting for my life here. I might be all powerful, but this pot must be made of cast iron,”
“I was just fine carrying it, you can give it back,” she mused.
“No! I’m fine. Just saying,” he grimaced, making Lumine giggle.
“The village is just above that hill,” she said.
He closed the distance between them and walked at the same pace as Lumine. She glanced at him, smiling. “Aren’t you cold? Want me to take out the coats?”
“No, I’m fine,” he answered, glancing at her too. “And you?”
“Nope, all good.”
He nodded slowly and they continued walking in silence. Paimon turned around in Lumine’s arms and mumbled something in her sleep. She patted the fairy’s head gently, cooing her like a baby. Scaramouche couldn’t take his eyes off Lumine. She looked so bright, even at night. More so at night, he thought.
Suddenly, a noise alerted them. Something was hiding in the bushes. Scaramouche stepped in front and his catalyst started levitating. Lumine held Paimon closer. “Get out of there,” he ordered, putting his hand in front of Lumine. There was no response.
“I think it’s just a wild animal, nothing scary,” she whispered, amused at Wanderer’s serious expression. His lips were a thin line and brows kneaded together. Even his wrinkles were so perfectly human that she forgot once more that he was crafted. These thoughts never truly left her mind, like those of her brother. His identity haunted the days she had spent by his side. It was a good type of haunting, though. She didn’t dislike being reminded how much he’s grown. Sometimes she wanted to contact Ei and tell her that her son was now under Aunt Nahida’s care. Lucky for Scaramouche, she decided against it.
A boar huffed and ran from the bushes into the wilderness. Wanderer sighed in relief and put his weapon back into place. Lumine smiled, closing her eyes in a joyful “I told you so” manner. He simply rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out.
The village was awake and living to the fullest, to their greatest surprise. Usually it was very calm, but this time people were outside, celebrating something. Every day must have been a holiday in Teyvat and nobody told them. Lumine painfully recalled the event in Mondstadt. Never again. Too much alcohol and unresolved feelings.
“We would like two rooms please,” Lumine asked the tavern girl, who was busy talking to a co-worker to actually pay attention to the travelers. Scaramouche sighed and tapped the counter with his fist, smiling sardonically. “The miss here asked for two – wait, two rooms?”
Lumine’s eyes widened. “Uh, you know what, one room is fine.”
“Uh, sure, we only have one free anyway,” the girl chuckled, looking outside at the venue. “People decided to gather here to celebrate the making of rice, can you imagine? They don’t have jobs or what?”
“Exactly my thoughts,” Scaramouche groaned, settling at the counter, his back and elbows against it. Lumine mouthed a “do you need any help?” The tavern girl gasped.
“Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at all! No, Traveler, we’re good. Overwhelmed by the clients, that’s all,” after a little pause, the girl got closer to Lumine and whispered, “I could always kick out a few drunkards and give you two rooms.”
“Oh, no, no, it’s fine, we’re good with sharing.”
Scaramouche chuckled, looking outside, through Liyue’s ornate windows. They were different from Schneznaya’s. Warmer. Pleasant to the eyes. Lumine grabbed the key and led him to their room.
“Why pay for two rooms if we have bedrolls?”
“Sorry, I wanted some luxury after a whole day of sightseeing,” Lumine whined. He laughed.
“You’re a baby,” he cooed, imitating her with Paimon, who was just waking up due to the noise.
“I’m a baby? Look at you. In all your… baby glory?” she lost the trail of her thought and ended up saying the mix of all the things she thought of.
“You’re weird.”
He took his bedroll and put it on the floor. The room smelled of old wood and food. The view from their window was straight to the mountain, so it was pitch black. He thought he saw a squirrel climb the rocks just now.
Lumine put Paimon on the bed and joined Scaramouche at the window. She peeked outside, but only hurt her eyes. “How can you see anything?”
“I don’t see anything,” he said, still concentrated on the mountain. It was so massive. He became a fan of Liyue’s landscapes.
She sat at her bed. “Do you want to take the bed?”
“It’s yours.”
“No, I mean, would you like to? I’m okay with sleeping on the ground.”
“Stop lying,” he looked at her, annoyed. “You paid for a room to do what? Sleep in a comfortable bed. So do it.”
“You don’t need to be so mean about it, alright, alright,” she puffed. “Would you like to sleep in the bed with me?”
He choked on saliva and turned towards the Traveler. She looked bashful, for once. No more teasing then. He turned his head to his shoulder and smirked. “You could have just said you wanted to sleep with me.”
She blushed, getting up, searching for anything that needed folding. Anything to take her mind off him. He looked damn good with this outfit. Memories of last night flooded her mind and she felt heat rise in her underbelly. That was absolutely not the time to have such desires, Paimon was here.
“So? I’m listening.”
“You won’t make me say it. Just sleep on the damn floor,” she said, taking some dirty clothes from the backpack. The man went to the bedside table, way too close to her, and traced a line with a fingertip. “I don’t have all night, Traveler.”
“It’s Traveler now? Okay, you’re so sleeping on the ground tonight! And you know what, I’ll take the bedroll and put it in my bed! So, you will have to rest the pretty head of yours on the cold floor,”
“You think I’m pretty?” he whispered, closing the distance between them.
She swallowed loudly, not knowing where to put her hands. His face was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. He licked her lower lip, smiling devilishly. Then, he kissed her cheek. She breathed in hard. Slowly, he kissed her jawline, lingering there. “Say it. Say you want me.”
She nervously laughed, putting her hands on his chest, trying to push him away. Wistfully realizing that did not help her heat to subside – on the contrary, it was getting real bad down there. Fuck.
“What do I get for admitting it?” she teased, trying to have the upper hand. Scaramouche did not budge, his cheek against hers, as he breathed hard.
“Me.”
Her fingers clasped his clothes, tugging at the kimono’s sleeves. Fucking hell. He would be the death of her. Lumine peppered his face with soft kisses, but her breathing proved she wanted more. Scaramouche laughed, fully content with where this was going, they just had to get rid of Paimon –
“LUMINE?” Paimon’s high pitched voice obliterated the mood and the traveler bounced off the man. He slowly turned around, afraid of a fairy, of all people. “SCARAMOUCHE?”
Paimon looked distraught, in utter disbelief. “HUH?” Lumine blinked. “SINCE WHEN – AH – WHAT?”
“Stop screaming,” Wanderer groaned but received a cold glare from the fairy.
“PAIMON CANNOT BELIEVE THIS. PAIMON IS SHOCKED.”
“Uh... What did you, uh, see?” Lumine asked, desiring nothing but to disappear into the earth right this moment.
“TOO MUCH, PAIMON SAW TOO MUCH.”
“I promise we’ll be good. Look! There’s a bedroll!”
“Paimon sees the bedroll. But Paimon also heard your conversation and seriously, Paimon is a little shocked.”
“You don’t say,” Scaramouche said, amused, evidently feeling less uncomfortable. Lumine, however, looked as if she was seeing Khaenri’ah’s destruction live.
“Let’s just forget it and all go to sleep,” Lumine smiled nervously, nodding to herself. She shoved Paimon off the bed and hid under the covers, fully clothed, shoes and all. Paimon floated, glaring at Scaramouche. He rolled his eyes and got inside the bedroll. It desperately needed to be cleaned soon. They’ll do that tomorrow.
Paimon looked around, not feeling sleepy at all after her nap. She screamed on top of her lungs, “HEY! Are you just going to ignore me now?!”
Nobody answered and she swore she heard Scaramouche fake a snore. Lumine snorted under covers. Paimon shook her head vigorously and announced that she’ll be going out to snack. She took Lumine’s purse, opened the door, making a straining sound and left. As the door closed, Lumine peeked out of the covers and saw Scaramouche already on his elbows, staring at her.
“Asshole.”
“Brat.” His eyes glimmered under the candlelight. The whole room was dim, but they could easily discern each other’s facial expressions. Lumine, for one, was torn between hysteria and staggering bliss. Scaramouche, on the other hand, seemed comfortable.
Lumine got out of the bed and ran towards the Wanderer. She plunged on top of him and started tickling him. He pushed her away easily and stood up, in a fighting stance. She gasped. “Oh, really?”
“Come on, try to touch me,” he grinned. Serious, she started circling around him. Her eyes pierced his and with a smug grin, imitating his, she stroke him with a small anemo blast. He was pushed back, and she used that moment to pinch his cheek. “Got you!”
“Always having fun, aren’t you?” he glanced down to her feet and followed to her face. “I hate it,” his expression serious.
“You don’t mean it, as always.”
“You’re right,” he whispered and leaned in. His tongue traced her lips, pushing itself into her mouth. She moaned, opening her mouth for him. His hands wrapped themselves around her waist, nearly crushing her ribs. She exhaled and lost her footing. He held her closer, kissing her vigorously, as if she was his first meal after decades of starvation. Hungry lips burned her skin. She was consumed by the sound of their teeth clasping together.
She felt the growing bulge in his pants, and nearly squealed out of anticipation. Scaramouche huffed, missing air. Lumine pushed her legs towards his crotch and started moving in circular motions – which resulted in Scaramouche completely losing his smug mask. He pushed her towards the nearest wall and started biting her neck, sucking on her skin. Lumine hissed in pain, and shoved his head up, to be at his eye level. “We have to get out of here,” she said.
Wanderer grabbed her arm and led her towards the window. He got onto the frame and put out his hand. “Let’s go.” His voice was husky. Lumine took his hand and they jumped. There, behind the tavern, no soul was seen. It was a small, secluded grassy space, between a mountain and the wooden building.
Scaramouche pushed Lumine against the wall again, hoping someone would hear the sound of her pleasure. Wishing, for some reason, for someone to catch him fucking her out in the open. It was pitch black, only dim moonlight and good memory helped him find the way to her thighs. He pushed her dress up and kissed her once more, this time, biting her lower lip until it bled. Lumine welcomed the pain, moaning.
He rapidly untied his kimono’s belt and pushed his shorts and underwear down. His cock twitched at the chilly air of the mountains. Lumine put her arms around his shoulders, kissing his neck, licking some parts of his exposed skin. She wanted to leave a mark too. So, she bit, hard, breathing out hard through her nose.
His fingers found their way to her panties and tore them off. He pushed two fingers inside, noting she was wet for him already. Lumine gasped at his touch and held him closer. His fingers moved fast, making depraved noises. The girl moaned into his shoulder trying to stifle raspy moans. The tavern was full of people talking and music played in the distance, but she was still scared to be too loud. She knew Scaramouche was capable of making her scream on top of her lungs.
Scaramouche grabbed her by the legs and pulled her up, situating her just right, pushing himself into her. She opened her mouth, his name on her lips. He bit her shoulder, saliva dripping down her arm. Holding her with one hand, he grabbed her breast and started massaging it.
“Scara – Scaramouche I- fuck,” she gasped as his rhythm became erratic. Skin slapping against skin, Wanderer’s mouth open in silent bliss, as he moved inside of her, pushing harder with each thrust. An animalistic groan left his lips against his will, and he found himself getting close. Lumine grabbed his hair and pulled it, exposing his neck. She attacked it with kisses and bites.
“I want to murder you with my dick,” he gasped in her mouth. Both of his hands were now around her thighs, as he moved deeper and deeper, impaling her. Lumine moaned, her voice turning deep. Her hand found her clit and started rubbing the sensitive area to bring herself close too.
They were both on the precipice of paralyzing bliss. Scaramouche let out a high-pitched moan and finished, filling her up. That was enough to bring Lumine over the edge. He put her back on the ground, feeling his arm muscles ache. He was breathless, barely standing, with his kimono undone. Lumine put her hands on the wall behind her and took some time to get her breathing in order too.
Once the heat passed, both tried to find the other with hands, as it still was very dark. Lumine accidentally put her hand on Scaramouche’s face, avoiding his eye by a centimeter. She giggled, as he brought her close. He hugged her gently, dare she say, lovingly. She brought his hand up to her lips and kissed his knuckles.
“You make me feel things…” he said.
“What kind of things?”
“Good things,” he sounded tired. “You are so full of light sometimes.”
She felt him hold her closer, if it was even possible. She laughed. “You make me feel good things too.”
They stayed like this for a moment, before realizing they needed to get back, before Paimon lost her mind again. They put their clothes back on, and after one last kiss, they climbed back into the rented room.
Paimon was still out, and Lumine planted a chaste kiss on his exposed shoulder. He turned his head towards her, and his eyes lit up with emotions she never thought possible in him. “I’m going to take a bath, I’ll be quick.”
Wanderer nodded and sat on the bed, waiting for her to come back. The room was nice, small, true, but who was he to whine about that? It was perfectly fine. He closed the window, as the cold wind made him shiver. He heard water splatter in the small bathroom by their bedroom. He thanked whoever was above Celestia for thinking of putting private bathrooms in hotel/bars like this.
He needed a bath too. He’d go after Lumine, or maybe tomorrow morning, he contemplated. After fifteen minutes, Lumine was finally back, her hair damp and smelling pleasant. She was already in her sleeping clothes, that consisted of a large worn shirt and panties. She usually wore shorts, but this time, she had decided not to.
“I’ll go take a bath too, you can go to sleep, Lumine,” he spoke softly and disappeared behind the bathroom door. Lumine smiled and made herself comfortable in the double bed. It was large enough for two and half people. Perfect. Now the only problem would be convincing Paimon to sleep in the same bed as Scaramouche. That would be fun. Paimon always slept with Lumine. The fairy used to hold her finger, as she was falling asleep. Now, they rarely cuddled, but still shared the same bed for practical and emotional purposes.
She was almost asleep when Wanderer returned. His hair was wet, water dripping on the shirt. The sleepy look suited him too. “I’d like it if we shared the same bed tonight,” she murmured.
The man put his clothes on the bedroll and looked at her. “There, you said it,” he smirked and got into the bed with her. She helped him cover himself and curled up close to him. His skin was soft to the touch, it felt like lying on warm silk. She heard his breath hitch as she took his hand in hers. Their fingers interlaced.
“Is it hard?” she asked.
“What?”
“Being here with me?” her voice turned sorrowful. He looked up to the ceiling.
“Why would it be?”
“Because I was your enemy for so long… I don’t know. I thought you might have regrets.”
He didn’t reply at first, watching as a moth flew around one of the candles. The fire looked as if it was dancing joyfully. He had no words to describe this feeling.
“I hated it all back then. I was so angry. At my mother, at mortals, at you,” he started. “Now it’s a bit better. I know I’ve done horrible things. It’s just… sometimes I wonder if I’ve met you before, would it have changed the trajectory of my life?”
Lumine traced a finger on his arm and planted a kiss there. “I don’t think meeting me before would have mattered. We are who we are and we meet at the time we’re supposed to meet, under certain circumstances,” she spoke softly. “And the horrible things you did? I suppose now that I know your past, it kind of makes sense. And I forgive you.”
“Nahida told me forgiveness must come from myself first. But I cannot forgive myself for being so weak.”
“Losing people you love doesn’t make you weak, Scaramouche!” she exclaimed. “You felt betrayed and you made certain choices. Those choices were the worst you could have made but the point is, you weren’t born weak,”
“I was created for a purpose, and I was discarded like a piece of crap, Lumine. I was indeed born weak.”
Lumine pondered. Was it her place to announce such a thing now? Was it not?
“Ei did not throw you out because you were worthless. She… she wanted a different life for you. She didn’t want such a fate for her son,” Lumine said, looking at the man. His eyes were depleted of all emotion. They were empty.
“What do you know of it?”
“She told me,” Lumine smiled sadly. “I did tell you I was close to her.”
Scaramouche fell silent. For several minutes he lied, his gaze unwavering. Lumine closed her eyes and cuddled closer to him. She hoped he would understand. She hoped Nahida had helped him get rid of some things.
“I hate her, Lumine.” His voice broke. “I hate her for leaving me all alone.”
The girl sat up and saw a tear run down his cheek. She brushed his cheek tenderly. “It’s okay… It’s okay.” He pulled Lumine close and hugged her tight. He breathed in and out, just like Nahida instructed him. “It hurts.”
“I know.”
“Maybe one day I’ll hear her out, if she ever wants to find me. But not now.”
“Of course,” Lumine pulled away and kissed his forehead. “Let’s sleep.”
Scaramouche dried his tears quickly and lied back down, holding the traveler close. He breathed in her silk flower scent and closed his eyes. Paimon opened the door to find her companions cuddle on the bed. Scaramouche was sleeping soundly, with Lumine caressing his hair. The girl waved at Paimon to join them. The little fairy floated towards the bed and settled next to Lumine, so the traveler was in the middle.
“Is it okay with you?” Lumine murmured. Paimon hesitated for a moment but laid at her side.
“What is wrong with you, Lumine?” the fairy asked.
“He’s okay,” she purred, observing how his dark locks hugged his face. “He’s our friend now. He’ll help me find my brother.”
“Really? That’s amazing!” Paimon changed moods immediately. “Paimon just hopes he won’t stab us in the back.”
“He won’t. I promise.”
Paimon blew out the candles and left the room in total dark. They fell asleep all together in the double bed, as the party noises subsided. Lumine turned around and hugged Paimon tightly.
The morning light pierced through the window, illuminating the three figures. Scaramouche’s eyelids fluttered and he opened them. Noticing Lumine sleep beside him, he sighed with relief. What a night. The man got up, trying not to wake the traveler and her companion up, and went to the hall. Several people were at the tables, having breakfast in silence. The concierge looked up from her book and smiled, as much as a customer service worker could manage on a Sunday morning.
“Morning, adventurer.”
“I’d like to order come food for the room.”
“Sure, go up to the stall there.” She pointed outside where a small kitchenette was situated.
Scaramouche nodded. He bought three rice buns and came back to the rented room. Lumine was already up, dressing up for the day.
“Here.” He put the bun in her hand and settled next to squirming Paimon, who was desperately trying to get more sleep.
Lumine thanked him and chewed on her bun. She announced they’d take some pictures with her kamera before leaving to hills, and head to the Chasm. Paimon clapped her hands, fully awoke now.
The sun shone brightly outside as yesterday’s crowd were long gone – and the only music left was the sounds of birds chirping and tree leaves caressing each other due to a gentle breeze. Lumine breathed in the natural air, full lungs and all, and grabbed Scaramouche by the hand.
Paimon excitedly pointed to a nice spot they could take pictures at. The traveler stretched, yawning and strolled to the pond. She loved water – it was so clear and pure, not like in the cities, where she sometimes found bits and pieces of everything.
“I’d even go for a swim if I had a large towel,” she pointed out. Scaramouche took off his shoes and stepped in the water. It was fresh and made blood circulate better, apparently. Nahida had suggested he bathed in natural water sources, to feel better. It helped, indeed.
Several frogs jumped around him, and he lost his footing. “Ew.”
“What made you change your mind?” Paimon asked, watching as Wanderer jumped around in the water, trying to avoid stepping on the battalion of frogs. “That is so redeeming?”
“He’s a wonderful soul, underneath-“Scaramouche floated on the water, playing around with his vision, trying to chase the frogs off. “-underneath all of the mean exterior.”
“Huh. He killed people.”
“Oh, do I really need to explain myself?”
“Nope! It’s all right, Paimon is just curious.”
“Yeah, yeah, right,” Lumine huffed, taking out her kamera and taking multiple photos of Scaramouche. She giggled. “He looks so cute.”
“He attempted to murder you several times.”
“People change, Paimon, come on,” Lumine said as if it was the most basic piece of trivia. The little fairy looked at the Traveler wide-eyed but decided to drop the subject.
This was going to be quite a ride, but at least, they were three now. The more the merrier, right?