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The Traveler informed Mavuika a few days ago that she would be preparing to continue her journey into Nod-Krai. In their, albeit, short conversation, Mavuika sensed hesitance in continuing her journey. Whether it be because she was closer to finishing her journey or another reason entirely, Mavuika had an idea that would surely push the Traveler into taking that first step.
Mavuika had heard the stories, while exaggerated, of the Traveler and Paimon's escapades in the other nations. A general theme seemed to come up. Entering a nation to almost immediately having false charges put onto them and then having to flee arrest! Something that Mavuika did not have the foresight to impose on the Traveler when she arrived in Natlan, something she deeply regretted for not allowing them a sense of familiarity.
However, this send-off will surely allow Mavuika to fix this mistake. She is sure the Traveler will absolutely love this.
-
Lumine absolutely hated this.
One of the few reliefs that Natlan had provided her when she first entered the nation was not being a wanted criminal. And surprisingly, she did not become one during her journey here. She was pretty much hailed as a hero from the get-go, not unlike how she was in Mondstadt. It had been so long since something like that had happened, she still had to get used to being called Tumaini.
So, Lumine did in fact hate what was currently happening. That being, being on the run once again. For a crime, she did not commit.
Natlan had a different legal system from most of the other nations, ironically enough, it was more similar to Fontaine's than any. But, even that was a stretch. Certain crimes were dealt with on a need-by-need basis, crimes such as the one she committed, were dealt with by fighting and winning a duel. Of course it was. An arrest warrant was put on her, giving every person in Natlan the right to do so. Making any fight to get her perfectly legal. The goal being, if she were to win a fight in the audience of the Archon, she was free to go, having served her sentence.
Lumine remembers finding out about her supposed crime. It was Paimon who pointed it out at first. They were visiting the Children of Echoes, strangely enough, almost everyone there was avoiding her. Paimon pointed out a posted flier. It seemed so familiar. At first Lumine thought that some how someone had brought one of her brother's missing posters all the way to Natlan. She appreciated the thought, but she had long since stopped posting them. Then she realized that the description was not of Aether, but of her. And the words at the top said wanted, with small text listing her supposed crimes. Well, her one crime.
Speeding in a Spriritway through the use of a Koholasaurus.
Was that really a crime, Paimon had asked her at the time. The two quickly realized it was when Kachina approached them, with a determined look in her eyes and asked to fight. When Lumine suggested a friendly sparring match, Kachina quickly wailed an apology before charging at her.
And that became Lumine's life for a week. Every time she entered one of the tribes, or even walking along the paths of Natlan, someone would ask to duel her or fight her. Apparently, it was an honour to have a chance to go against the nation's hero. Lumine, to be honest, did not find it an honour.
That is how Lumine and Paimon found themselves now. Wandering through the outskirts of the Collective of Plenty in the dark of night. Stealth had never been their strong suit, but it was a forced neccessity. Their journey to Nod-Krai had been pushed earlier in their schedule, the two hoped to find a way there without anymore encounters of their friends.
Lumine started muttering while sneaking along beside Paimon, "Speeding? Speeding to what end? There are no signs, there is no unit of measuring speed in Teyvat that could possibly make sens-" A small hand was slapped over Lumine's mouth. Lumine glared at Paimon, who was dramatically shushing her.
There was the sound of a pebble. Something must have shifted from the mountain they were near, causing it to tumble.
Lumine looked up, just in time to dodge out of the way of Varesa trying to body slam her. Paimon, after a quick squeak of surprise, disappeared into a mass of constellations, like everytime Lumine gets into a fight.
Lumine dodged another attack by Varesa, "Can someone please explain to me how you measure speeding?" A polearm flew past her face, great Iansan was here too.
"What do you mean?" Iansan asked, not stopping her attacks.
Lumine shoot a quick burst of pyro in their direction. "I mean, how did you determine I commited a crime? How bad of an offense is speeding?" She shouted in frustration, this time throwing hydro at the two.
Both Varesa and Iansan slowly brought the fight to the end.
"So, you don't know?" Varesa asked with a tilt of her head.
Paimon appeared again, sensing the end of the fight. "Don't know what?"
"Speeding in a Spriritway through the use of a Koholasaurus, is a crime that some warriors use to test their strength. A self-imposed challenge, if you will. You can ask for this crime to put in your name in order to initiate it." Iansan explained.
"But I didn't ask for this." Lumine said with a huff. Who would be so willing to get her into a predicament, such as this?
Varesa and Iansan gave each other an undiscernable glance. "Come, follow us. There is something you need to see."
-
Varesa and Iansan led them to the Flower-Feather Clan. And as Lumine and Paimon walked up one of the many bridges to reach of the center of the tribe, they were greeted with bright lights and colorful decorations. All their friends they made in Natlan were there.
Waiting for them was Mavuika, grinning. "Tumaini, Paimon, how was your journey here? Was it as exciting and familiar as you remember?"
Exciting, Lumine could see why Mavuika would think that, but familiar? Maybe it was to get her to experience Natlan one last time. But it wasn't like she could appreciate much of it while on the run.
"So it was you who put a warrant for my arrest. Thanks, Mavuika." Lumine gave her a deadpan look. "Can I at least ask why?"
Mavuika gave her an awkward smile, "This was supposed to be your big send-off to Nod-Krai, but I don't think you would view it as such."
Lumine shook her head.
"I have heard the stories of your journey through the other nations, from others and from you. A point kept coming up, having to be on the run from the authorities for a crime you did not commit. There is comfort in familiarity. I wanted to grant you that before you continue your journey."
Lumine couldn't stay upset with her. As much as it was an oversight, Lumine could hear the sentiment in Mavuika's voice. She couldn't lie either, it was fun at first, exhilarating even.
"And the goodbye party? I wasn't planning to leave for Nod-Krai so soon before all this happened."
Mavuika's confident smile came back, "I didn't want to hold you up in Natlan anymore. There is no need to worry about us anymore, focus on your journey. So what if I gave you a little push?"
Lumine huffed a laugh. She smiled back at her, "Thank you, for this."