This is Chapter 1. You can read the prologue here. Or the full book here.
"What this is magnificent..." was all Dottore could utter as he wandered around in the forsaken temple. The temple was in pristine shape, considering it was abandoned and deep underneath Sumeru's golden sands you'd think the sacred place would be damaged. Yet it was in perfect shape. Dottore could not help but touch the pillars of the entrance. Between the pointed arches, flying buttresses, and the ribbed vaults. Dottore was left in awe. He took in the sheer majesty of these marble walls and pillars.
"Lord Dottore? Shall we move on?" Interrupted the Fatui captain.
"Give me a minute, woman."
"A-apologies I-"
"Stop your buffoonery, Viva. Let us move on." Dottore huffed as he began walking down the grey marble halls. The walls were dripping with secrets and power, and Dottore was planning to get to the bottom of it.
Every step the two took made them tremble, maybe it was the excitement, or maybe it was the feeling of such a strong presence in the temple. Whatever it was, it made them shiver with anticipation.
With great anticipation, Dottore walked up to the stone doors and stopped to admire them. The stone doors had a garden carved into them and were in pristine shape. Dottore ran his fingers against the doors before clearing his throat and pushing the doors open.
As Dottore walked into what looked like a sanctuary, it was dark and dimly lit, the only thing providing light was two candlesticks that held purple flames. The candlesticks were on the sides of a 10ft statue of an elven woman. The statue looked so real as if an elven woman had turned to stone amidst her dance. In one hand she held an empty lantern while in the other hand held a blade. The elven woman was beautiful, with long hair that touched the ground, and tattoos that covered her body.
Said tattoos looked like markings or more like a foreign language to Dottore. Or maybe he was reading too far into this.
Dottore, as he moved to approach the statue, something on the floor of the sanctuary caught his eye. A purple chalk circle, that is behind the statue.
Dottore moved the candlestick on the left side to the chalk circle so it would form an 'L' with the statue and other candle. As soon as it happened the two candles blazed a hundred times brighter and every other candle that was in the temple became lit. The temple looked stunning, due to the proper lighting, and Dottore could not help but feel like a kid in the candy aisle as he moved away from the statue to inspect the lit-up temple.
Viva had suddenly gasped, "Lord, Dottore, the statue!" She said with awe.
Dottore swiftly turned around to see the statue of the elven woman, the tattoos that covered her body had glowed a bright vibrant color. Suddenly the stone lantern became lit, holding a firey purple blaze that rivals any of the flames that came from any other candlestick.
Suddenly the ground began to shake, as the flooring underneath the shadow of the lantern began to crack. Something began to emerge out of the ground. A Gateway that was similar to that of the Spiral Abyss, but instead of holding that familiar Khaenri'ah symbol atop, it was an image of a tiara that was ablaze.
"Lite the fire now this day, or turn thy gaze down in shame.
After all thy burden is heavy, but thy reward shall be great."
A voice cried out before the temple stopped shaking. The portal now sat just a few mere inches underneath the statue's lantern, as the bright flame went out in the lantern.
Dottore soon stood up as he dusted off his clothes, "Viva get up won't you, we have work to do, don't you see!?" Dottore snapped at the frightened Fatui captain as she bounced to her feet.
"Right! Apologies Lord Dottore!"
After hours of inspecting every nook and cranny of this temple, Dottore came to a sure conclusion. The candlesticks on the walls move, there are exactly 12 in the temple, every time one of the candlesticks is rotated, Dottore can hear a mechanism move. It's just a matter of getting the right order.
"Alright Viva, I've figured out your errors.
Move 7 two clicks to the right,
Then rotate 2 a complete 170 degrees,
11 and 12 four clicks to the left,
and 4 and 9 one click right."
Viva sighed as she stood to her feet, tired and exhausted from a long day, but that's what you get for choosing to work under Il Dottore number 2 of the fatui harbingers, but a good portion of the time she wishes she took her chance with Pantalone or Arlecchino. And she would be damned if she were to point out that she had been following Dottore's instructions this entire time and these were actually his errors, but only a fool would do such a thing.
With a heavy heart and sore feet, Viva swiftly got to work rotating the candles. After rotating the candles to Dottore's instructions, the stone statue's lantern relit and the portal opened.
"Thank you for your deeds, our Mistress will greatly reward you." a man's voice called out from the other side of the portal.
A butterfly first flew out of the portal and flew right over to Dottore and gently landed on Dottore's gloved hands. The butterfly was beautiful with a blue and white color pattern, reminding Dottore of the Icy snow back in Snezhnaya. The creature was oddly just as cold as the snow, or maybe it was Dottore's mind playing tricks on him. The butterfly was oddly alluring, calling to him, pleading with him to come... to what he couldn't figure out. Or for much less why.
Dottore's thoughts were cut short as the butterfly was murdered right before his eyes. A man wearing a long robe took the butterfly from Dottore and burned it.
"Why did you-"
"You will thank me later if you allow me to explain." The priest said cutting off Dottore.
The elven priest has long blond hair with bright red eyes to go with it. The man held a blooming gold staff. It was embedded with rubies and had budding and blooming roses all over it, With the top of the staff holding a large rose with a flame coming from it, yet it was perfectly fine. He wore a long black robe, the ends, and the sleeves were laced with a golden lining to match a few gold laces and jewels.
"My name is Feno, I am the head priest who runs the temple on the other side of the portal. What you were holding was one of his parasites. We had an invasion of them swarming the temple, we didn't know why until now."
"I see, was the parasite trying to take blood from me?"
"Lord Dottore should we even trust this man, I mean for all we know-"
"Quiet Viva, and know your place. I'm having an important conversation right now, make yourself useful and go pack up our stuff." Dottore snapped angrily at the Fatui agent for interrupting him.
"Yes, Lord Dottore," Viva said with a bow as she walked off.
"Should you be so harsh to your subordinates?" Feno questioned as his heart couldn't help but weep at the harsh treatment he had just witnessed.
"Please get to the point of this conversation, or step aside so I can explore your world."
"Ah- yes! Dottore was it? I hope you didn't interact with it for long the parasite could have done a number of things to you: infect you, poison you, kill you. Did you feel like the parasite was pulling you in? Giving a sort of familiarity with a certain place? Well, it could have been going through your memories stealing information from you. I have no idea why he would be interested in this planet." Feno rambled on.
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This is Chapter 2. You can read the prologue here. Chapter 1 here. Or the book on Wattpad here.
"Yes, sorry to interrupt, but who is 'he'?" Dottore, questioned as he was taking notes.
"Ah, sorry my deepest apologies I forgot I'm not speaking to someone from my own planet. He is (Y/N) (L/N). This man is awful enough that some people can't even bear to utter his name only referring to him as he." Feno said with an awkward chuckle.
"I see, what despicable acts did this man commit to earn such a reputation for himself?"
"Ah, for starters he was the sole reason for 3 World wars, there were other wars and battles he had a hand in too, mass genocide, annihilating clans, sending races and creatures into and near extinction and the list goes on. For example, the parasites you see were actually a butterfly beetle hybrid. They are called Hendra. They are quite passive creatures and will curiously follow humans just because they find you interesting. They are extinct except for the modified, dark magic-imbued versions he cross-bred, and the crossbred ones are ANYTHING but friendly."
"I see, tell me more," Dottore said as he motioned for Viva to follow along as the three entered the portal, stepping into a new world.
"Ah, my Henda is gone... no worries. I'll make sure to send more than one next time." I said with a heavy sigh, moving away from my desk, dragging the heavy chain that was around my neck.
"200 years..." I paused to add another tick to the brick tower wall. "200 years since that cursed woman imprisoned me with her pathetic little spell. If it wasn't for the fact that I was drunk at a feast... hah... I would have had her head on a silver platter."
200 years without seeing the sun, moon, and stars. 200 years without being able to enjoy a decent fight. 200 years without any contact with the outside world, other than through my Controlled Hendra. And where are my good-for-nothing followers? GONE. It was infuriating! Me, an esteemed powerful wizard, reduced to nothing but a children's bedtime story or to be blamed whenever famine came upon these pathetic creatures. While Ruka... Ruka was deemed a god?
"If it weren't for me Ruka wouldn't even know what power is! Why.. why that blasted Elven woman would be still busy doing her foolish latern dances!" I ranted on as I trudged over to my bed. Weighed down by the heavy enchanted chain that bound me to this tower.
"It's alright. Today the tides have changed in my favor, Dottore... from the brief viewing of his memories, he seems like my kind of guy... Maybe, just maybe, I can use this fool to not only conquer Lumar but Teyvat too!"
"Ah, yes, welcome to Lumar travelers from Teyvat!"
"Lumar is so beautiful..." Viva said in awe as she walked around the garden.
Dottore moved to walk around the garden too. "Feno, where are we in Lumar exactly?"
"This is the garden of the temple, located in the Rosokha Empire it's kept in pristine shape as Lady Ruka adores floral."
"Who is this 'Lady Ruka?' Is she that woman in the statue of the underground temple? And is she the same woman in the state of the fountain? She seems like she's an important part of your history." Dottore said as he sat down on a beautiful fountain. It was the same statue of the Elven women, but this time her pose was simply holding a candle, but the difference is she was wearing a long robe and was decorated from head to toe with jewels.
"She must be a hero, or maybe the wife of a King!" Viva piped in only to receive a glare from Dottore.
"Ah, but Lady Ruka is far more than just that! She is our beautiful Goddess! As I recall telling you about (Y/N) (L/N) earlier... 200 years ago, she fought against him, and many hours later she came out triumphant. Imprisoning the fiend so he could no longer continue his reign of terror! Not only that, she's so modest that she requests we don't refer to her as Goddess but just 'Lady'." Feno had told the tale with such passion that it reminded Dottore of how Pierro speaks of the Tsaritsa at times.
"She sounds like Archons back in Teyvat! Right, Feno?" Viva smiled as she said this.
"Yes, a lot like your archons."
"Hey Feno, how do you know so much about Teyvat yet the portal was closed for so long?"
"Yes, how do you know? I'm curious myself, and thank you for finally making a comment that's worth listening to Viva." Dottore said causing Viva to look towards the ground to avoid his annoyed gaze.
"Now, now, all comments are worth listening to! But, we have archives dating back 400 years to when the portal was open. It was sealed a little over 150 years ago as we used it as a way to banish His... underlings. I would be happy to give you copies of it all to take back to Teyvat after showing you around Lumar. I at least want to show you around the Rosokha Empire, the Kingdom our fair Lady Ruka rebuilt."
"I see. Why not," Dottore said. "I planned on taking notes along the way, so this will be good. Although, are there other Empires or Kingdoms? Are they ruled similarly to how Archons rule Teyvat?" Dottore questioned eagerly.
"I see you are excited my dear, Dottore. You'll learn everything you wish to know about Lumar in due time. But, yes, Lumar is ruled similarly like that with Gods having their own nation. But we don't have Visions, Gnosis, or Celestia, and Gods are nowhere near abundant enough for there to be wars among gods. At least we believe so."
"I see." Dottore said as he took a moment to jot this all down.
This is Chapter 4. Prologue. Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. You may also read the full book here on Wattpad.
(I am a few chapters behind in posting on tumblr cause I got locked out of my account so if your wanting to read more I’d highly suggest you read on Wattpad + the story looks nicer on there :3)
‘CRASH’
Lady Ruka fell over in a cold sweat. Look as pale as a ghost, seeing Lady Ruka in such a state Priests and knights soon hurried to her side as the people began to whisper
"W--We need to e-evacuate the city! Immediately get everyone out--!"
CRACK... CRACK..
As Lady Ruka began to yell about evacuating everyone the Everbloom mirror began to crack.
CRACK.. CRACK..
The Everbloom Mirror then shattered and out flew a massive swarm of Hendra, striking terror into the people as they immediately turned to flee. Knights moved to protect those they could, but the majority of the knights and Priests moved to get Lady Ruka to a safe place. Watching the chaos ensue as the Hendra began to kill the innocent elven people, Dottore couldn't help but be a bit smug as he was correct all along.
"Lord- Dottore we should go now shouldn't we."
"We should Viva, as much as I like to throw shade in this 'God's' face, we should leave before we get hurt. I don't know the full extent of their abilities."
"Right Lord Dottore." Viva said as the two began to leave with the crowd of fleeing people.
With Hendra overhead, they were swooping down and picking up elven people before dropping them from several miles within the air, which is a seemingly nicer death compared to the elven citizens who were being eaten alive by the Hendra.
Amidst their attempt to flee the city with the elven people, something was dropped down on Dottore.. A MAP..?
"Viva wait.. is this a map..?" Dottore said as he inspected the scroll further.
"I believe so Lord Dottore."
"It leads back to that mirror embedded into a tree..." Dottore paused as he turned around to face the Everbloom tree. "Let's go, Viva, watch over your head so you're not grabbed by Hendra," Dottore added before He began walking back to the Elder Thusarch Tree, leaving no chance for Viva to object.
The two trudged along back to the tree while pushing against the fleeing crowd of elven people and occasionally ducking to avoid the flying Hendra. Alas, they arrived at the three and its shattered mirror with Lady Ruka nowhere to be seen... How rich... Dottore quickly moved to look around the tree.
"Viva, don't stand there like a fish out of water, Help me Look." Dottore hissed bitterly as he continued looking.
"Look for WHAT exactly, Lord Dottore?"
" passageway, or a tunnel, or a portal of some sort. The map indicates there is a path."
"On it, Lord Dottore," Viva said as she began looking too.
As the two continued their search for some sort of entrance or way to this "path", they noticed something heading directly for them in the sky. Hendra.
"Viva! Move back to the other side of the tree, where the broken mirror is. Hopefully, these creatures will lose sight of us!" Dottore quickly ordered as the two began to move.
The two quickly huddled around the broken mirror, as much as Dottore enjoyed being correct about Lady Ruka being nothing more than a cowardly elven woman and not a God, he WISHED that she was and could protect them from these blasted Insects... wait no, according to Feno Hendra were parasites... big ones at that.. seeing as one appears to be at least 7ft in height.
Dottore was now truly worried about these creatures' abilities considering he left his claymore behind and Viva left her sword. One thing for sure Dottore knows is these creatures have some sort of shapeshifting ability. Considering as they first appeared unto him as a tiny butterfly.
Amidst the panic and the Horror of the impending doom, the Everbloom mirror began to glow a violent bright pink. As the two turned to face the broken, glowing mirror; The mirror sucked them in.
The two were tossed into the desert and dropped straight onto the dusty stone path with no civilization in sight... except for the broken-down stone tower in the distance.
"Viva get down!" Dottore yelled as he covered her.
Just moments later a Hendra flew over them missing them by a single hair.
"Lord Dottore... You-"
"Quit making a fuss out of nothing. If you die it will be by my hands." Dottore hardly stated as he brushed off the sand off of him. "And if you keep being so pathetic death will be coming much sooner."
"Yes, Lord Dottore..." Viva said as she stood up.
"Let's go Viva, and try not to die," Dottore said as he began walking to the tower with Viva not far behind
Haa... Haa... The two panted as they arrived at the tower's broken down steps. Dottore took a brief moment to compose himself before opening the tower door and quickly entering.
"Viva! Hurry up you fool unless you wish to be grabbed by these Hendra.."
"Haa... just... Ha... give me- give me a moment... to catch my breath." Viva wheezed out. Running to the tower while dodging Hendra was exhausting, plus Dottore's fast pace was impossible to keep up with at times. That is what you get for working under No.2 of the Fatui Harbingers.
Before Dottore could open his mouth to mock Viva once more the doors shut then locked itself.
"What the!?-" Dottore yelled as he quickly moved to try and force open the doors. He could barely hear Viva pounding on the other side of the wooden door.
The tower lit up... with Hendra... Hendra that were in a small butterfly form. With the only thing in this tower being the flight of stairs that goes up 4 stories high.
Dottore with gritted teeth moved to climb up these stairs.
After reaching the top of the stairs Dottore was met with a heavy stone door that was covered in chains, they seemed to be enchanted as this foreign language was embedded into the chains.
With a heavy heart, Dottore placed his hand on the stone door which caused it to crumble allowing him inside the room.
"Hello, Dottore. Do you already know who I am?" I said with a smile as I stood up and approached him.
I began to laugh as the masked man quickly got defensive.
"Ah, so you do know who I am, You're quite intelligent Doctor, someone I look forward to working with," I said with a smile as the heavy chains soon began to disintegrate and turn to dust.
"I'm guessing your... (Y/N) (L/N)... the tyrant of Lumar." Dottore said through gritted teeth.
"Now, Now Dottore, let's not be so hostile. How about we go outside and get more... acquainted..." I said as I ushered the masked man outside,
This is Chapter 3. Prologue. Chapter 1. Chapter 2. You can read the book on Wattpad here.
"Can we meet Lady Ruka?" Dottore questioned, causing a moment of silence between the three.
"I said. Would It be alright for us to meet Lady Ruka?" Dottore questioned again causing Feno to let out a heavy sigh.
"The Blooming Lantern Festival is beginning tonight and it lasts for the week, it's an Elven tradition to welcome in spring and to see what the future holds... Lady Ruka will be very busy this week."
"Well, Feno I'm sure I can help out in some way so that Lady Ruka could have time to meet with Lord Dottore. I could even take notes while I'm at it!" Viva beamed happily.
"Ah, yes, finally a worthwhile idea, Viva. Hopefully, you can make up for your recent mistakes. After all, you have been nothing but utterly useless this trip Viva."
"Ah, Dottore don't be so harsh with the people that serve you—"
"Respectfully Feno. I have no need for your insights on this matter. This mission was Viva's chance to prove Why she should still be alive much less work under me. And yet neither has been proved."
Feno sighed once more realizing he would get nowhere with this. Feno's heart ached at the fact that Viva was used like a tool and nothing more. It was devastating to see.
"Alright follow me and we shall meet Lady Ruka. To the capital of the Rokoskha Empire is about a half a days journey we should hopefully arrive by sundown just in time for the first and most important event of the Blooming Lantern Festival, Foresight."
I groaned as I got up and trudged towards my desk. They fortunately left me with hundreds of thousands of scrolls and an abundant amount of ink to write with. These scrolls are probably the sole reason why I have any sanity left, well the pathetic people of Lumar would beg to differ. It doesn't matter though, 200 years to do nothing but reflect and improve my magic, why those sorry little maggots will be doomed once I'm freed of this tower.
I whistled a tune as I began writing on a scroll. It was a musical spell, the only feeble attempt of magic I could manifest in this tower
The familiar shattered mirror that was hung up beside my desk began to glow a violent bright pink and out flew a large beetle, yet it had beautiful elegant wings that rivaled many of the butterflies native to Lumar. My precious Hendra, the only form of 'friends' I have now in my oh so pathetic state.
I swiftly turned around with the scroll to greet my little friend..
"Hello, my dear Hendra. You are to be my eyes, ears, and mouth to the outside world. I'm going to enchant you with large amounts of magic, of course, the spell won't take effect until you leave the tower. Lead a hoard To the capital of the Rosokha Empire and wreak havoc upon these pathetic..little people. And most importantly, lead il Dottore here. I don't care what you take to do it. Give him this map and go about your way to complete your duties."
The Hendra after receiving its orders soon flew away into the mirror portal, it brings me much joy that I know my Hendra will fulfill their duties or die trying to. Hendra lacks morals so unlike my so-called 'followers' they have no problem carrying out every single common I utter.
I burst into laughter and tears as the sudden realization hits me.
The time has come when no chains will hold me hostage to this godforsaken tower.
The time has come when the people of the Rosokha Empire will feel my wrath for what their so called 'Goddess' so honorably did to 'save' them.
The time has come when I shall be able to bask in the sun once more.
I will be free.
Hours later Dottore was left frustrated, and quite frankly disgusted too. He was expecting so much more from the Rokoshka Empire and their 'Goddess' Ruka. But something is VERY off here. The woman seems more phony than the hydro archon. And that says something as all the information he's gathered about both characters were second-hand accounts. But what troubles Dottore is how this woman sits back and lets these people whom she is 'protecting' rule. In this cultish-like kingdom.
Why it is so disgusting how blatantly obsessed these people are with their 'Goddess' that they can't put the pieces of the puzzle together. After all, they claim she's a grant warrior but the only battle defeat she has claimed so far was stopping the alleged tyrant (Y/N) (L/N). Yet there is no proof either... why if Dottore was back on Teyvat he'd skin these fools alive for acting in such a way. But alas the only thing Dottore could do was sigh in the confines of his room and wait for the festival and wait for Feno to fetch copies of Teyvat's history. Dottore prayed he'd at least hear some good news from Viva later.
A few moments later, Dottore heard a familiar rhythmic knocking sound.
Rat-a-tat-tat... tat!
"Come on in Viva. Please, Please! Tell me you brought something worthwhile before I lose my temper and make an example of you here on Lumar."
Viva quickly swung open the door "Ah yes yes. Here is the report on what I found so far, I personally got to work under lady Ruka and help for the event and she seems like the sweetest God-"
"Don't tell me you fell for this foolishness too?" Dottore said as he quickly cut off Viva and snatched the report to look through
"We'll she seems quite mellowed out I mean being alive for almost 230 years. Time really does change a person in this case the person is a God-"
"From these notes, she seems nothing more than a rich noblewoman who has a lot of money and respect."
"Ah, Lord Dottore we've been invited to witness the first and most important event of the festivals, Foresight."
"Yes, there's a lot about this in your notes, give me the quick version and we'll get ready to attend."
"Uh Yes! Foresight is the most important event of the Blooming Lantern Festival. It's where the elven ruler of this time uses a large portion of their power to get a quick glimpse of the future, using the EverBloom mirror. The eleven rulers who are deemed unworthy are very quickly killed by the mirror. alsooo.... uhm, it is custom for people to NOT wear any sort of masks during the festivals as those who wear masks are seen as traitorous and lack morals-"
"So you are telling me to remove my mask to please these pathetic eleven people? The same cultish people we saw carrying many expensive and luxurious large silk rugs around just to place on the ground so their 'Goddess' to walk on it as they deem the ground is unworthy of her. THE SAME cultish ignorant fools that practically kiss the very tiles she walks on???"
At this point, Dottore was shouting and Viva knew depending on her next words guards may either find her dead in this castle sweet or enjoying the festival that takes place in an hour.
"L-L-Lord... Lord Dottore.. I'm positive they'd make an exception for someone as exceptional as you." Viva managed to squeak out
"Get out of my sight woman before I lose my temper."
"Ah, yes. Maids will be coming by to bring you a... I forgot what it's called but it's essentially a kimono of sorts."
Dottore only huffed as he turned to continue reading the report Viva gathered. Viva quickly took this as her queue to leave.
A little over an hour Dottore had received a white Haori and and Black Kimono to match. A little bland but it's better than wearing something tacky. Ultimately although Dottore had a horrible feeling pooling in his gut he chose to ignore it. Along with Viva's suggestion to take off his mask. I mean, after all, he is here to learn about Lumar so anything that does happen adds to the experience.
Rat-a-tat-tat... tat!
Once again the familiar melodic knock was heard once more. Dottore moved to open the door to greet Feno and Viva. Viva was wearing a white kimono, towards the end of her sleeves, had an ocean themed pattern with a ocean patterned Obi to match.
Feno was wearing his priestly garments still.
"Let's leave now Dottore, Lady Ruka is waiting for us at the Elder Thusarch Tree, the center of the Rokosha Empire. We must not be late as we will miss the Foresight."
"Ah yes the Elder Thusarch tree there wasn't much information on it from Viva's notes-"
Feno quickly cut off Dottore, "Lady Ruka will explain everything when we arrive. Now move along you two we shall be late!" Feno said as he rushed the two to the carriage.
Dottore wished he could have stabbed Feno then and there.
Stepping into the midst of the city that surrounds the elder tree felt surreal as the living arrangements in the Rosohka empire were truly unique. As there were now houses around... we'll not be on the ground at least. The entirety of the city was built into the large trees of this forest. It was late at night too, yet the sky was so illuminated due to all the homes and lanterns in the trees and sky.
The people were buzzed running back and forth to gather last-minute things for the festival. Of course, Feno was also in a hurry, as Viva and Dottore didn't get to take in much of the scenery as they dragged along to the center of the city. Running through the forest you can hear much chatter from the city above.
"HUNNY! Where are you!? We going to be late."
"Where's my gifts for Lady Ruka!?"
"Ah, I wonder if my dessert set in time..."
It didn't take long for the three to get to the center as the city wasn't particularly large in width as the city is built higher up with houses stacked upon one another built into the trees. Dottore honestly wishes to poke his head in a few of the homes to see what it feels like.
Are the walls or should I say wood solid or could you hear your neighbors through them?
Are their homes flammable seeing as they are built into the trees?
What are the wealthier homes like?
What are the poorer homes like?
But never mind that, as they arrived at the Elder Thusarch Tree. It was a large willow tree with a mirror embedded into it. There were already at least hundreds of priests that had arrived not including the thousands of citizens that arrived for this event. They have to push their way through the crowd. A tedious task, but after a few moments, people started backing away from them and giving them space... Ah? Was it Dottore's mask? Something as simple as going against their culture struck quite a bit of fear in these eleven people.
Dottore mind was swimming with questions, hypotheses, and more; but there are far more important things. Like finding who Lady Ruka really is, and information about the Elder Thusarch Tree.
"Ah Greetings, Travelers from Teyvat! I hope you've enjoyed your time at Lumar so far--- ah, Dottore... Didn't Viva tell you that wearing masks at the festival is a large offense... seeing as his servants used to use enchanted masks to wreak havoc in the festival... I'd ask you to please remove it."
"Removing my mask is not something I'm willing to negotiate on, it's not my fault your people are so bothered by my mask."
"I- I see.. we'll as visitors to Lumar I will not hold this against you." Ruka paused to face the elven crowd of people. "Let us begin the Blooming Lantern Festival!"
The elven people began to cheer and clap excitedly. Dottore couldn't tell if it was for the festival or if it was just to see Lady Ruka. I mean sure she's a sweet elven woman with long black hair that touches the ground with a pair of vibrant green eyes to match. Or maybe it was her soft voice that captivated these people? Either way, it was a mystery...
Ruka turned to face the Elder Thusarch Tree and walked up to the Everbloom mirror that was embedded into it, The mirror was covered in moss and was foggy. The people fell silent, the only noise was that of the flickering flames in lanterns that were all around them. Then Ruka touched the mirror.
.
..
...
....
Then suddenly there was a Fierce wind! The rushing winds blew out all the nearby lanterns, taking the only light source of the night, and nearly knocking over many people.
