moonlit impromptu

“Judging from its sharp cut and distinctive brightness, it must have been crafted by skilled hands,” he continued, “not to mention preserved and maintained with utmost care.”

Despite the implied praise, your hand moved to the pendant of your necklace almost as if wanting to hide the precious stone from predatory eyes. It was instinctual, like a prey fleeing a hunter, or a weasel thief stashing its bounty away from prying hands, and you barely registered the action.

Flins, however, did. And he would have almost been disappointed by your subsequent refusal to sell the gem to him, had it not been for that small gesture of uneasiness he could read in your body language, and the hint of uncertainty in your voice, which greatly entertained his fae nature. After all, the negotiations were far from over.

At the mention of a price, though, your words sounded much more calm and resolute.

“It belonged to my mother, and to her father before her. It is invaluable to me, sir.”

Flins was well acquainted with such stories - nothing more than strategies used countless times by his many sellers to drive the price up. As he was feeling particularly generous that day, or simply because he wanted to get back his long-lost treasure, he indulged.

This time, however, his offer elicited a small laugh on your side.

“Dear sir, please. Would you stop insisting? It is not proper of a gentleman like yourself.”

Your request was met by the sincerest of excuses and the politest of bows, yet inside Flins was far from giving up on it. There had been no treasure of his that he hadn't managed to get his hands back on, whether it meant winning a price negotiation or resorting to... less traditional methods.

The conversation moved on, flowing more comfortably as the topic shifted far away from the stone at your neck.

“Are you planning to stay for a long time in Nod-Krai, miss?” he asked, nonchalantly.

“I do indeed", you nodded. “I have more research and interviews to conduct. This country is full of interesting people with stories and knowledge from all over Teyvat, but I am having a hard time getting them to open up to me.” You sighed, and Flins addressed you a small, sympathetic smile.

“May I suggest visiting the town's tavern when you have the time, miss - one can easily find it asking for 'The Flagship'. There, you'll find plenty of people waiting to share their stories and even secrets with friends as well as strangers. Although,” he warned, “I would mind attention to their exaggerations under the effect of the alcohol.”

You responded with a small laugh again. “Thanks for your advice, sir. I will keep that in mind. Do you partake in such social rendezvous often?”

“I occasionally spend the night in town, and whenever that happens The Flagship is my stay of choice. I have found myself involved in such gatherings more than I ever intended to.”

“I think you enjoy them more than you let on, sir”, you teased, to which he replied with a polite smile.

“If such is the impression that I made, who am I to refute your insights, miss.” His tone was calm, almost friendly, yet the words that followed after a brief silence brought an eerie atmosphere down the conversation.

“However, if I may add a word of advice...” the sudden seriousness in his tone alone almost unsettling, “Nod-Krai is a dangerous place, especially during the night.

“Of course, it is part of my duty as a Lightkeeper to strictly recommend against leaving the city at night, for those who stumble upon the Wild Hunt rarely make it out alive to tell the story. Yet the city can likewise hide troubles and perils, especially for a young woman from a far away land...”

The change in your expression and shift in your posture were enough to tell him that he had succeeded in frightening you, and he hid the satisfied smile that was creeping up on his lips.

Not that you didn't know about it already, anyway. Murders, thieveries, frauds... your family, friends and colleagues had lenghtly warned you about the dangers of the 'lawless land of Nod-Krai' before they'd let you leave your nation. Nonetheless, something about your interlocutor made it all sound much more real, and immensely scarier. Maybe it was the fact that hearing it from a local held a different weight, or the fact that you were now actually there, for the first time, and all by yourself. Maybe, it was because you could see the horizon tinged with red, telling you that night was approaching, and you were still distant from the city.

Flins' eyes followed your gaze and, seemingly responding to your evident concern, gently spoke, “Night's falling soon. Let me escort you back to the city, miss.”

You looked back at him, somewhat skeptical as you replied, “And I assume such generous service would cost me a likewise generous sum of Mora?” For the second time during that encounter, your hand unconsciously moved to the stone you carried.

Flins, however, pretended not to notice, and brought a hand to his chest as he replied, his tone wounded, “Miss, you offend me. I could never take monetary compensation for fulfilling my sworn duty of protecting those in need.”

Ignoring the voice at the back of your mind telling you that something was off, and well aware that you had no real alternative, you accepted the kind offer.

• • •

The way from Paha Isle down to Nasha Town was long and at times unpaved, and by the time you reached the city darkness had long settled and the revered moon had been up in the starred sky for a while.

You were not sure whether it had merely been a trick of your imagination - likely stimulated by the fears ignited by your recent conversation - or whether something or someone actually hid in the dark, but you could've sworn that once the sun had gone down you had kept seeing shadows flickering around you during the whole way back.

“I could never thank you enough, sir. I should not have underestimated the time required to travel this land, I will be more mindful next time.” And if your apprehensive expression and nervous glances around were anything to go by, Flins could bet you truly meant it this time.

“Simply performing my duty, miss”, he replied with a smile, and the shadows must have played one more trick on you, because the gentle smile of that afternoon suddenly seemed to have a wicked tilt to it. You instinctively took a step back, and the smile grew almost pleased. But, you had to remind yourself, it was because that man had offered to accompany you that you had made it back safe and sound, so it made no sense for you to fear him.

“Will you stop in Nasha Town now?” you asked, unsure if the presence of the ratnik in town would made you feel more or less safe.

Flins shook his head. “I will make my way back to the lighthouse.”

“All by yourself?” you asked, and the fae was so surprised to hear a hint of concern in your tone that he almost failed to hide his immense amusement. Were you really worried for him? How naive of you. It was clear that you were intimidated by the man standing in front of you, yet at the same time it seemed that you were trying your best to trust him and not appear scared. Your confusion and internal conflict were to his greatest delight; yet, he had to admit, he also admired your determination.

“Of course, miss. Please, do not waste your concerns on me, I always prefer to move at night. After all, isn't it the purpose of a lamp to shine light into the darkness?” and he gently waved the lantern he held high in his hand as he spoke.

You nodded. “Indeed, how silly of me.”

“Your concern is unnecessary, not unappreciated, miss”, Flins replied, dismissing your words with a small wave of his free hand, then looked up at the sky.

“I shall take my leave now. Rest peacefully, m'lady", and you could swear the shadow of that mischievous smile was there again.

“Good night to you, sir”, you replied, taking one more step back toward the door of your accommodation. “I shall see you again... hopefully for a drink at the tavern and not... on your job”, you tried to joke.

And he seemed to appreciate, for he let out a small chuckle at that. “I would be the most fortunate and honoured, miss”, he ultimately replied, before taking one last bow and backing away, slowly disappearing into the darkness until only the flame of his lantern could be seen, its light beautifully reflected in your precious gem.