Chapter Text
CHAPTER 01
return
“Hmm…” a familiar sound drawled out.
“Master Tighnari, please! You said you’d read it to me like the ones I get from Amber and Lisa!”
Tighnari stood in the humble space that was Collei’s room, eyes roaming over a small piece of paper held in his hand. The two usually met in the mornings to review the plans for the day—whether that be academics or forest patrolling. Once business was squared away, he would often read Collei’s letters aloud for her. She was getting better with reading books, but still fumbled when it came to handwriting. Truth be told, almost any handwriting that wasn’t the clean, precise print of her Master’s tended to be challenging for her. Amber’s was becoming easier for the girl, but help was still needed from time to time.
Usually, Tighnari would immediately go into reading the letter for his pupil, except this one wasn’t from Amber or Lisa—the two that wrote to her most often. He curiously admired the feminine script as his eyes scanned the paper.
“Of course, of course. Here..”
Hi, Collei!
We hope you’ve been getting plenty of rest and Tighnari isn’t pushing you too hard!
He paused to look at her, then back down to the paper.
Paimon’s hoping you’ve also been eating ‘yummy things.’ We have some time to kill for a few weeks until we can continue on with our journey and would love to see you for a couple of days (and eat your famous pita pockets together-paimon)! We could even help out with your patrol duties.
Today we’re headed out from Port Ormos and should be halfway to Vimara Village by the time you get this. Please send us your answer ahead to Vimara Village. We’ll get it. :)
PS: tell Tighnari we said hi
He mumbled to himself, gently refolding the letter, “I guess she’s not very used to writing letters…”
“Can they, Master Tighnari? They were such a big help last time and I’ll be sure to keep up with my studies!”
Some time had passed since they had last seen the Traveler and Paimon. A month and three and a half weeks, to be precise—not that he had been counting. Collei had also been working very hard lately. A visit from friends could be a good boost for morale. He was worried her studies would slip without immediate incentive.
“Well, Nasrin and Shirin did just move into the same cottage since their engagement,” He began. Purple eyes sparkled up at him, wide with excitement, “Shirin’s old space will have to be cleaned out, though.”
Her head furiously bobbed in agreement. “I can handle that! I have the day off of patrol tomorrow. Maybe I can ask Shirin if she could help.”
“Okay, it’s settled then. But you have to stay on top of your studies and patrol duties,” he warned. “And don’t overdo it! If any flareups happen, you’re to rest immediately. Guests visiting or not.”
“Yes, I promise! Thank you so much, Master Tighnari!”
His pupil was practically vibrating. A grin tugged at his cheek. The warm feeling in his chest was definitely from seeing her excitement and not from any personal feelings of his own… With a small shake of his head, he packed that all away for another time.
“Alright alright. Let’s write your reply and get ready for patrol.”
Rushing back to her desk, she quickly grabbed a pencil and paper. Tighnari watched over, gently helping her along as she penned out her response.
The traveling duo soon found themselves outside their destination. Lumine wasn’t sure why, but something about Gandhara Ville was just so calming. The air smelled sweeter. The breeze was softer. The light peeking through the treetops made her feel relaxed. Safe. Like the forest was embracing her in its own way.
“Oooh!! Paimon thinks we’re close. Paimon can SMELL the pita pockets!!”
The Floating Lavender Melon zipped around a laughing Lumine as they made their way down the dirt trail leading to the village. Both eyes peeled for a head of green or a flash of a tail.
It would be nice to see Collei again, Lumine thought. She and Paimon hadn’t been the best at writing letters, but adventuring through the rainforest didn’t exactly make it easy to keep ink and paper on you. How had Collei been doing? Had her sickness eased up at all? And what about her master? Had he kept himself safe while fighting the Withering? Was he still taking care of Karkata? It had been almost two months since they had happened upon each other outside of a particularly nasty withering zone—not that she was counting. She still remembered the way he checked on every single person after the fight. The way his bright eyes scanned her own face and body for any signs of injury.
Her thoughts were interrupted by someone calling out their names. Just below, further down the path, Collei and Amir waved as dogs happily barked in circles around them. Bright smiles spreading across their faces, Paimon and Lumine waved back and hurried down to meet their friends.
Collei’s balled-up hands wagged back and forth at her chest. “I’ve missed you both so much!”
“It’s been a while. Hi, Amir. Hello Saaag!” The dog wiggled into Lumine’s outstretched hands as she bent down.
Paimon couldn’t contain herself and zoomed circles around Collei, careful to not touch her. “We’ve missed YOU Collei! AND your delicious pita pockets!! Ooooo I can’t wait to eat 'em—they smell so good!” she squealed excitedly, legs kicking up in the air.
“Hahaha! Your nose is too good, Paimon!”
“Ah, I see you both have made it. Hello, Amir,” Tighnari called from the bridge as he casually strode towards the group. A faint tingle ran down his tail as he drew closer. He swished it away. Coming to a halt next to Collei, he crossed his arms. “I trust the journey wasn’t too taxing?”
“Tighnariiiiii!” Paimon squealed. His ears swiveled backward at the shrill sound.
“Not at all. Thank you so much for having us,” Lumine smiled up at him before rising. Sag and the other dogs turned their attention towards the Forest Watcher, but Amir, forever the attentive handler, began to wrangle them in another direction.
Tighnari immediately closed his eyes and nodded, nonchalantly bringing his tail up to his hands and away from the dogs. “I’m happy to hear it, and it’s no problem at all. Collei, you want to show them to their room?”
“Oh, yes! Follow me.”
The four walked through the village, listening to a very anxious Forest-Ranger-in-Training ramble on until they came to a small building. The girl opened the door and quickly rushed in to turn around and watch their reactions.
Lumine’s and Paimon’s faces lit up in surprise as they gazed around the room. Rich-colored fabrics lay across the beds and ground adding a warmth the two companions didn’t always get with their lodgings. A desk to the side was home to letter-writing materials, a small, handmade book on plants, and a small lamp, as well as a few grooming necessities. A chest in the corner made for perfect storage of their traveling supplies. On the wall, a map of Sumeru with a heart scribbled next to the word “Gandharva Ville.” Next to the door, below a shelf housing a vase of white flowers, hung an umbrella. Another hook next to it for her sword. And strategically placed around the room were a variety of flora: some seeming to glow and others with leaves just starting to unfurl. Obviously a Tighnari Touch, Lumine thought to herself with a grin.
“Collei has been very busy getting this ready since receiving your letter.” Although his delivery was very matter-of-fact, she thought she could sense a bit of pride in his voice. A slight sway of his tail confirmed her suspicions. The grin widened.
“It looks great.”
“Yes! So cozy!! And there’s even a Paimon-sized bed for Paimon. You thought of everything!”
Collei’s eyes found the floor as her face reddened. “I’m so glad you both like it. I tried very hard to make it somewhere you wouldn’t mind visiting…”
“You did a great job, Collei,” Tighnari praised in a softer voice. “Dinner should be ready shortly. We’ll let you two settle in. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to find me.”
“Thank you, Tighnari,” Paimon and Lumine replied at once.
And with that, the two were left to unpack.
Dinner was delicious. So delicious in fact, that Paimon had to make sure everyone in attendance knew. And between Collei and the other Rangers, there was a lot of catching up to do. The day turned into dusk, the time filled with warm welcomes and hearty laughter. Stories were exchanged and drinks passed around as dusk turned to night. A few more Rangers trickled in having come from lighting the lamps on the paths.
Arms relaxed on the wooden table, Paimon next to her in a heated debate about what slime condensate was the best, Lumine took in the room. When was the last time the two of them had such a pleasant evening amongst friends? She wasn’t really sure, now that she thought about it. Things hadn’t seemed to have slowed down for them since the Sakoku Decree had been lifted.
As she took in the glowing hall, she realized it was missing a particular set of tall ears. Maybe he was on patrol tonight? A small feeling of disappointment tickled in her chest. But all thoughts were forgotten when she felt the pat of a wide hand on her back. Turning, she came face to face with a large cup of wine presented to her by a cheerful Ashpazi. She took it with a smile and continued to enjoy the night.
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