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It has been a long day for Nazali. Moving into her new home turned out to be a smooth process thanks to her father's insistence on hiring workers to help with the heavy lifting. He'd happily hire a dozen more people to handle decorations if he could, though Nazali assured him that she'd rather do the personalisation herself. And that she did.
After the entire day of decorating her new home, all she wanted to do was get an early rest... At least, that was the plan— before she realised that she hasn't eaten a proper meal. And so, she decides to take a well-deserved break. Have dinner at Lambad's Tavern, perhaps? It has been a few years since she was last in Sumeru. Why not take the chance and visit the tavern along with a little bit of sightseeing? Maybe she could get a few sketches in too!
And so, she grabbed her bag and set out onto the streets. The city was still lively as she walked through the city. The sky was tinted a glorious orange, the sun slowly setting in the horizon. In the distance, she could see a crowd forming in front of Zubayr Theater. Walking past, judging by a few posters on the theatre's notice board... it seems like a dance performance will be held tonight.
It certainly piqued her interest. Considering how the concept of art being 'unnecessary' is becoming more mainstream, courtesy of the Akademiya's Sages. Though, she was glad to see that humans by nature will always appreciate it. She was tempted to join the crowd, but decided against it when her stomach reminded her of her hunger.
Finally, her feet brought her to her destination. Judging from the noise that can be heard from the outside of the tavern, it seemed like the tavern is having a lively night. And to none of her surprise, she was right. All the tables were occupied, even the bar counter. She was starting to lose hope until she found a booth tucked away in a corner. A four-seater occupied by a lone blonde slumped on the table. Judging by the several bottles surrounding him, he's downed quite a number of drinks...
Nazali weighed her options. She could either— ask the man if he could share the table OR survive a few more minutes in starvation and walk to a different restaurant. Ultimately, she was more concerned for her stomach and chose the former.
A little nervous, she made her way to the booth. Now that she is close, she could hear the blonde mumbling incoherently to himself. He sounded miserable.
”Pardon me, sir,” she greeted. The man peered up with crimson eyes, simply acknowledging her with a hum.
“Do you mind sharing the table? I only came here for a short meal, but all the tables were occupied.”
‘‘Yeah...?” he said, quirking an eyebrow. His voice seemed to slur a little.
“By all means, go ahead. I don't mind...’’ the man said before burying his face back in his arms with a groan.
After expressing a brief thanks, Nazali took a seat opposite him. It didn't take long until a waitress came by to take her order. The blonde man remained slumped on the table even after the waitress left. A good minute or two went by with silence. There's not much talk to be had with a random alcoholic anyway.
Wait.
Strangely enough, the top of his head seemed... familiar? (If that made any sense at all.) His ruby coloured eyes earlier were definitely hard to miss. She knew a certain someone with the same eyes. Though, the person from her memories isn't a blonde. But those eyes. It's unmistakable. It had to be-
“Kaveh?”
The blonde mumbled before raising his head, frowning at his name being called by a stranger. Finally able to see his face, Nazali is sure of it now. It IS him. Her senior from the Akademiya— the reason she started painting in the first place.
Kaveh seemed to have realised who she was as well, as his eyes widened with surprise.
“Nazali...?
Nazali smiled, so wide that the corners of her eyes crinkled.
“You remember me!” she beamed. “Oh archons! It is so good to see you again... And- and you're blonde!” she added in awe.
Kaveh smiled sheepishly, attempting to straighten up before ultimately deciding to lie back against his seat, arms crossed.
“Haha... Yes, it's actually my natural colour. I dyed it brown back in school...” Kaveh shrugged. He reached up to his hair and comb through it with his fingers. Kaveh tried his best to maintain eye contact with her, but even that alone seemed to be straining for him. It was hard for Nazali not to notice how exhausted he seemed, or rather— how worn out he looked.
“Aha... I see. You look great blonde! It brings out your eyes more,” she complimented. “And uh... I'm sorry that I caught you at a bad time”
Kaveh shook his head. “Oh no no no, not at all! If anything, I'm sorry you have to see me like this. It has been a busy day,” he admitted, followed by a tired chuckle.
Kaveh, Light of Kshahrewar— that was the name he was referred to by students and scholars alike. Outstanding alumnus and architect extraordinaire, known for his beautiful yet practical designs.
“So, how've you been, Nazali? I heard that you were out traveling Teyvat?” he asked, trying his best to put a warm smile on his face despite his visible exhaustion.
“Less travel and more work really,” she sighed, remembering her journey from the past few years. Countless days spent in refining her craft as a painter. Learning the ways of translating wonders of the world onto a canvas. Each trip sightseeing was accompanied by a sketchbook. In it sketched hundreds of sceneries of various locations around Teyvat and its inhabitants.a But she's back in Sumeru now, and she can proudly say that after all that work, she's made a name for herself as a painter. An artist!
“Though yes, I have been well.” she answered with a nod.
“And you? I heard that you've made quite the name for yourself. Light of Kshahrewar, eh?” Nazali teased, resting her chin on the heel of her palm. Her words are met with a chuckle from the man.
“That's me alright.” he admitted sheepishly. Quickly, he changed the topic back to her. “How long have you been back? Are you planning to stay a while?” he asked.
“Ah, I got back a few days ago. I actually just finished moving in! I'm staying in Sumeru for good.” said Nazali gladly. Kaveh beamed at the news.
“That's wonderful! It must be nice to be home after so long."
“It certainly does feel good to be back,” she chuckled. As beautiful as the other nations were, nothing beats the lush greenery of Sumeru.
Before the conversation could carry on further, the waitress returns with Nazali's meal. After thanking her, Nazali hesitated digging in, feeling a tad awkward to be the only one eating at their table. She offered to treat him to a meal, but was gratefully declined. Kaveh assured her that he wasn't hungry.
“Oh, dont worry about me,” he started. “Please, enjoy your dinner! My head feels a bit foggy, so I'll just... rest up a while...” Kaveh murmured as he slowly closed his eyes, still leaning on his seat and arms crossed.
Nazali finally gave into her hunger and started eating, savouring every bite. Tasting various cuisines across Teyvat was great— but oh how much she missed the flavour of Sumeru's spices! She enjoyed her dinner, soaking in the tavern's warm and cozy atmosphere. As time goes on, Kaveh's head slowly tilted downwards as he gently nodded off into a nap.
When she finished her meal, she couldn't find it in her heart to leave Kaveh as is— or disturb his sleep. Instead, she decided to pass the time and get some sketching done. Pulling out her sketchbook and a pencil, she began drawing the view of the tavern. The boisterous patrons, the taverns comforting interior, the beautiful stained glass windows...
and Kaveh.
Nazali didn't want to pry, but it was hard to ignore. Why did Kaveh spend his entire afternoon— judging by the number of empty bottles on the table and the state she found him in— drinking away at a tavern? Alone, at that. Is he feeling okay? No, never mind, stupid question. He looked miserable. Something is clearly bothering him.
…
But it's none of her business, is it? She thought.
Whatever it is that's plaguing his personal life is not her concern. It's not as if they were close or anything. They were old acquaintances at best. Heck, they barely even talked back in their student days!
…
And yet despite that, he remembered her. The person she looked up to— remembered her. The least she could do is listen, right?
By the time she has finished sketching, it was fully dark outside as night finally came around. The tavern was less rowdy than before, most of its crowd had already left. She's had her meal, she's covered both their bills (luckily, Kaveh's drinks came with a generous discount), she's passed the time. All that's left to do is leave.
Gently, she called out his name.
“Kaveh...”
It took her a few more tries before he finally woke up. Groggily opening his eyes, Kaveh seemed surprised to see Nazali still there with him.
“Nazali? I thought you would've left by now...” he muttered as he rubbed sleep off from his eyes.
“Well, I didn't want to leave without saying anything.” she replied, giving him a small smile.
“Would you join me for a walk? You look like you could use some fresh air.”
Kaveh took a moment before answering. He glanced at the long been drained bottles in front of him, staring blankly at them before finally making his decision.
“Yes, you're right... Fresh air will do me some good.” He admitted, standing up from his seat and swaying out of the booth. Nazali followed suit, coming to his aid and keeping him steady as the two exited the tavern.
After a few trips here and a few stepped toes there, Nazali concluded that they weren't gonna get much walking done with how inebriated Kaveh was. So instead, she led him to a public garden. The two took a seat on a bench, sitting there in peaceful silence for a few minutes. All while listening to the occasional passing conversations and the choir of crickets from the forest. That is, until Kaveh suddenly yelped— nearly giving Nazali a heart attack.
“OH MY GOD! I FORGOT TO PAY FOR MY DRINKS!” he shouted into the night sky. Probably startling a few poor passerby as well.
“I paid for you! You're fine!”
“Oh.”
“...How much do I-”
“It wasn't much, your drinks were discounted. Please, don't worry about it.”
“...”
“Thank you, Nazali.”
Nazali smiled, humming a response before letting a few more minutes of silence settle between them. Kaveh stared up into the starry sky, either blankly staring or counting stars. Nazali's eyes found purchase at a random rock on the ground, contemplating how she should ask him about his wellbeing without sounding too pushy— and questioning if she should in the first place. If there was any good time tonight for her to ask him, this would be it.
“Kaveh,” she called. “Are you... Are you feeling alright?”
“Huh? Well, my head still feels heavy but-”
“No no- not that. I mean,” She interjected. “I meant, life wise... Is there something on your mind?”
Kaveh kept his head at an uncomfortable tilt upwards. Glassy eyed with an unreadable look on his face. He opened his mouth, about to say something before settling with a sigh instead.
“I'm fine,” Kaveh said, his tone rather unconvincing.
She tore her gaze away from the ground in front of her, turning over to face Kaveh with pleading eyes.
“You don't look fine.”
Kaveh didn't respond. Not even a change in his expression. It's almost as if he couldn't hear her.
“...Sorry, I- I don't mean to pry. I know it's been a while since talked but-” she paused, choosing her next words carefully. She sighed, going back to staring at the ground again.
“If I never met you all those years ago, I wouldn't be who I am now. My dreams and ambition, I owe it all to you, Kaveh. I don't think I've ever thanked you for that.” Nazali smiled, reminiscing about that afternoon from so long ago. That one afternoon in the Akademiya's communal gardens. How it lit a spark in her heart, her desire to create— her dream.
“Even though the creative space isn't looking too favourable in Sumeru right now, I've never been happier.” the painter continued, pausing at the end for a brief chuckle. “That said... if you need someone to listen, I'm all ears.”
Crickets, again. The wind is gentle in most nights, this one is no different. It is a peaceful time for many in Sumeru. Most people enjoying their rest, calm and tranquil. The opposite can be said for Kaveh— for a fortnight now, he has spent his nights passed out in that corner booth kindly reserved for him in Lambad's. Sleep it was, but not restful ones. Even now as he is outside that tavern, gazing up into the domain of the stars, he still feels restless. Tonight feels especially exhausting. Maybe it was the alcohol? God knows, he thought.
Kaveh is no stranger to his talents and how that affected people's perception of him. Genius, architect extraordinaire, brilliant alumnus, the best in his field. His darshan-mates admired him and it's no surprise that Nazali does too. Would she still see him the same way if she looked behind the curtains? How his ideals and principles rendered him bereft of a home? How he recklessly spent his entire fortune and more to save a failed dream project? How doing the ‘right’ thing has repeatedly brought him to the lowest points in his life? How pathetic the truth is, even more so are his efforts to keep up a carefree facade. But he needs to, doesn't he? After all, what could possibly bother architect extraordinaire Kaveh, Light of Kshahrewar?
“Things.. haven't been easy” said Kaveh. Nazali kept silent, patiently letting him take his time.
His troubles are nobody's fault but his own. He has no right to complain, that is what he always believed. He shouldn't bother Nazali with his burdens, nor should she subject herself to listen. She's already forked up her own mora for him in the tavern. That is more than enough for him, he shouldn't take advantage of her kindness more than he already has. But for some reason... he wants to be a little selfish tonight, just this once. Perhaps it really was the alcohol— or, maybe it all just became too much to bear alone.
“I... found a client who was willing to give me complete creative freedom for a grand project. It was going great! Heh! I'd even say, it was going to be my magnum opus!” said the architect. The smile on his face was short-lived, as it quickly turned into a frown. He sighed.
“But I made a grave mistake with the choice of the site location, ended up destroying months of hard work. I begged my client to give me another chance, she was hesitant— considering how much money she blew on the project already... I ended up covering the loss and cost for the rebuilding at a new location. It wasn't cheap, I admit... I even had to sell my house. We went over-budget, I got into debt-”
“Wait what?"
“Well... I didn't have enough to cover everything. So I had to take out a loan from my client-”
“No no, I mean,” stuttered Nazali, stopping him halfway. “Okay, so— you sold your house. Where have you been staying?”
“Lambad's Tavern.”
“...for how long?”
“Been about... two weeks maybe? I'm not quite-”
“Two weeks?!” she exclaimed, earning a very desperate shushing from Kaveh. His hands immediately flying over to cover her mouth.
“Don't announce it...!" he yelled in a whisper, looking rather panicked. He took a quick look over his shoulders, making sure no one was around to hear them. After seeing that the coast was clear, he gingerly pulled his hands away. “Sorry... Look, I can't have anybody finding out I'm bankrupt. So I would really appreciate it if you could keep this a secret,” he said, clasping his hands together in a pleading gesture.
“That goes without asking. You have my word.” she assured. Kaveh could feel the tension leave his shoulders. He sighed in relief.
“Thank you... And my apologies.”
Nazali quirked an eyebrow.
“For what?”
“You must feel so dissapointed to learn how much of a mess I've become-”
“Mess?” She cuts him off. She glared at him like he just said the most outrageous thing. “You're going through a rough patch and you've made a mistake or two, so what? You're still an amazing architect! —you are no mess! Not in the slightest.” the brunette said. Despite being soft-spoken in nature, she spoke with utmost conviction. Even Kaveh seemed surprised by her tone, but mostly by what she said.
“I... It was a— um... very devastating mistake but— Thank you for your kind words, Nazali.” Kaveh thanked, a red tint creeping up his face.
“But I must ask, what is your plan? You're not going to crash at Lambad's forever, are you?”
“No... I've overstayed my welcome for long enough.” Kaveh murmured. “I'm planning on setting up camp somewhere outside the city. At least, until I can save up enough mora to rent a place,” the architect went on, tapping his fingers on the bench.
“And how long will that take?” asked Nazali.
“...”
The cogs in Kaveh's head turned and turned. He clasps his hands together, a thumb rubbing soothing circles on his knuckles.
“As soon as I get my hands on another project— I don't know, another week. Maybe two...” His voice faded into a whisper. Crickets claimed the silence again before he broke it with a deflated huff.
“I just, I don't— I'll be fine... I don't know how long it'll take, with how Sumeru is right now. But I'll manage. I will be alright,” Kaveh shrugged, trying his best to put on a hopeful smile. Though, his anxiety visibly seeped through his facade.
Chirp chirp chirp...
“What about family?”
Kaveh winced at the word, but quickly hid his discomfort.
“Maybe you could stay with a relative? Better than being homeless, no?” she suggested.
“My only relative moved to Fontaine... I'd rather not leave Sumeru to bother someone so far away.” Kaveh confessed with a pursed smile. “Besides! I still have the project to oversee,” he added.
Only relative? Nazali wonders if that meant Kaveh's parents are no longer around. Considering the fact that he easily sold his family house, perhaps that was the case. Maybe he has a sibling in Fontaine, she thought. The painter refrained from asking further however, as she noticed his reluctance on the topic.
“Ah... Right, that would be a problem.”
Nazali started thinking again. All in all, Kaveh has no one to turn to for help. He can't turn to his friends without risking his reputation. He can't move in with his only relative in Fontaine, too far but mostly it seemed like Kaveh doesn't want to disturb them. He definitely can't ask for help from the Akademiya, that's basically announcing his bankruptcy to all of Sumeru. The Sages would have a field day proving their ideologies about art. Even Nazali's clientele would be affected by that.
Chirp chirp chirp...
“You know...” Nazali started. “I could rent out a place for you in the city, if you'd like?”
Immediately, Kaveh looked mortified at the idea.
“No! No no, absolutely not! I will not let you spend another cent on me.”
“I don't mind! Mora is not an issue for me and I do owe you, in a way.”
“Yes, I know and I appreciate it, but that's not my point,” Kaveh sighed. “Whatever you think you owe me, you don't. All I did was teach you how to hold a pencil! Your growth and success is all due to your efforts, and I'm proud of you!”
Nazali was just about to cut in, but Kaveh raised a hand, signaling her to stop before she could start speaking. Kaveh smiled.
“I know you mean well, Nazali. I have no doubt that you do— and I thank you for your kindness... I am aware of how stupid I sound right now, refusing your help. But I'm already in debt with a client, I don't want to be indebted to a friend as well.”
“But you won't owe me anything-”
“You will be spending money on my behalf!” he yelled as quietly as he could. Nazali was taken aback by his change of tone. Feeling bad for snapping at her, Kaveh quickly apologised.
“Sorry, I...” he stuttered. “I appreciate it. I really do! But this is a mess that I've caused for myself. It's fair that I alone pay the price...”
Chirp...
Chirp...
Chirp...
“Fine. I won't spend any mora on you.”
Kaveh sighed in relief, glad that she finally relented.
“Thank you-”
Or so he thought.
“You can stay at my place,” Nazali stated matter-of-factly.
Kaveh stared wide-eyed at her statement, both of his eyebrows arched in disbelief. He tried to object, but he couldn't seem to form any words.
“I have a guest room you could stay in. It's my house— so there's no rent,” she added. Her tone now much more stern.
“That's even more- You just got back!” He protested, to no avail.
“Your point?”
Kaveh was stunned silent. His shoulders sank as he couldn't come up with any reasonable things to say.
“Look, I am not lettting someone I look up to— sleep in a tent at the edge of town— for God knows how long. Not when I could've helped,” Nazali pleaded, her tone reverting back to a softer one.
“I promise you that helping you is no burden to me, so please...! Let me help. You're going to make me feel like a horrible friend if you don't,” she added.
The crickets' song grew louder.
“Are you sure?”
“Completely,” She said with the most reassuring smile she could muster.
“...”
“Alright... Thank you, Nazali. I'll repay you one day, I promise.”
“You don't have to.”
“I insist.”
Nazali laughed and threw her head back, looking up at the night sky. There will be no end to it if she refused again, she realised.
“Fine... But no rush! Okay?” she gave in, cutting short the endless back and forth.
Kaveh snickered, joining her gaze up into the stars.
“Thank you.”
The cold wind blows gently, moving the clouds in the sky with its current. Sounds of the forest around them resumed. The two stayed that way, silently counting stars in the sky, occasionally pointing out any constellations they spot. The night finally peaceful and tranquil after so long.
Chirp...
Chirp...
Chirp...
Growl...?
She chuckled, he groaned. The two made their way back to Lambad's Tavern for a late supper. Nazali's treat, Kaveh's empty stomach (and wallet) couldn't exactly afford to protest after all.
Taking advantage of the night, the two moved Kaveh's belongings out of the tavern's storage room and into their now shared abode. An architect and a painter, two creatives under the same roof. Needless to say, it is certainly much more comfortable than camping out in the wilderness.