Chapter Text
In the middle of day, Durin is hard at work finishing some assignments Lisa assigned him. The book Legends of the Wind is a history of Mondstadt spanning 500 Years up to the establishment of early Mondstadt. It's an easy read, and Durin finds himself almost enjoying the story, but it's a little awkward whenever he sees his own name in the book. However, he's making good progress, completing the comprehension questions assigned to him about the book.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door of the Library as it interrupts Durin's work. Lisa looks to the second floor and closes her own book and places it back on the table. “Durin dear, I'll be right back, continue reading, okay?” Lisa says with a patient smile as she makes her way upstairs to meet this visitor.
Passing by a myriad of books on the way up, but when she opens the door, she's surprised to find, “Oh my, the Chief Alchemist, visiting me at a time like this? I hope you know I have a student I'm teaching right now,” Lisa coos at seeing him.
Albedo nods, “It seems my judgment was right in finding Durin with you. If possible, I'd like to take him on a field trip of sorts, while simultaneously procuring regional specialties for my research.” Albedo says, gesturing his hand out.
“I see, well, if you say so, now, be a sweetie and don't take him for too long, okay? He needs to finish his work.” Lisa feigns a frustrated sigh as she allows Albedo in. “He'll be downstairs. I'll grab him right now. Just be patient and make yourself comfortable, won't you?” Lisa says as Albedo finds a reading rug and makes himself comfortable on a couch, picking out a book in the meantime, as Lisa walks down the stairs to find Durin still invested in his reading.
“Durin dear, someone's here to see you.” She says, her voice caring as it drags Durin out of his immersion and back into the real world.
“Who's here to see me? And… Can I finish this?” Durin says as he peeks his head around the book and lets it down. He seems a bit surprised; if anything, having someone actively ask for him is a new thing for him, just as everything is new for him.
“Hm, I'll be nice to you, and let you lend it, okay? Go and run off now, Albedo is waiting upstairs for you. But you'll have to make sure to check that book in when you get back.” Lisa says with a light tease in her tone as she waves Durin goodbye for now.
“Thank you, Lisa!” Durin beams up, hearing Albedo's name, with his book in hand, he scurries upstairs to meet Albedo. But when Durin sees him sitting, waiting for him, Durin's energy is dashed away as he tries to straighten himself out so as not to look too excited. “A-Albedo, uh, hello, what are you doing here? I was just finishing up some work Lisa gave me.” Durin stammers, his voice shaky while he holds the book in his hands.
“I was just telling Lisa that I'd be traversing to other nations to gather regional specialties for my research and that I'd like you to join me.” Albedo offers, as he stands up from the couch and puts away the book, and ushers Durin out the door, with him following right behind.
Then Albedo stops for a moment, as he continues. “Oh, and I forgot to add we'd be accompanied by a familiar acquaintance of yours who decided to tag along,” Albedo says, as he watches Durin also stop as he seems lost in thought.
Durin starts up again just as quickly as he goes quiet. “Oh! I'd be happy to tag along. Uhm- are there any specific places you'd like to go? Or… uh, just here and there? I know you said specialties and all, but… I'll be honest, I wouldn't know what to look out for. So I can't say I'd be much of a help… but you did say we'd be accompanied by someone I know? I wonder who it could be…” Durin rambles, his voice drops to a murmur at times before picking back up to his usual tone.
Albedo almost smiles. “Calm yourself, Durin. There are three ingredients I need to conduct my research. One from Sumeru, Fontaine, and lastly Inazuma. Think of this expedition as a way to familiarize yourself with Teyvat's nations and their diverse cultures. The resource gathering will come naturally as we explore.” Albedo says, as Durin's questions are answered, and he relaxes around Albedo again.
“Now, as for who will be joining us and where our first destination will be, those will be revealed outside this building,” Albedo adds, building anticipation just to excite Durin a little bit more, falling into the role of his older brother naturally.
“Three ingredients? What are they- no, that's stupid, you just say we'll find them as we explore…” Durin answers himself just as quickly as he asked the question, as he falls into a silence. Albedo is about to speak, but Durin remembers something that brings his spirits back to normal.
“But! I am looking forward to visiting all these places. Hat Guy's mentioned Sumeru and Inazuma a few times. I've even visited the Akademiya when I was Mini-Durin! Though… uhm, I've never heard of Fontaine before. Let's go, Albedo!... Sorry, that was a little loud…” Durin's voice trails off as he looks around the Knights of Favonius HQ and sees a few guards looking at him as he shouts.
But as they exit the door, they're stopped by a familiar figure, as a voice echoes out. “Forgetting someone?”
“Hat Guy! You're coming with us?” Durin beams, holding the book close to his chest as he flies to Wanderer, who’s standing on the roof.
“Sure. Why not? The Alchemist dragged me along.” Wanderer shrugs before adding. “Not missing out on much in the Akademiya anyway.” He adjusts his hat as he joins Durin's side as they both make their way down. “I got time to kill.”
Albedo watches the duo make their way down and smiles to himself. “Now that we’ve become acquainted with one another, Hat Guy and I concluded that heading to Sumeru should be first on our agenda,” Albedo mentions, as he looks to Durin, before shifting his gaze to Wanderer.
“On that note, Rukkashava Mushrooms, which are one of the regional specialties I'm looking for, are commonly found on the trees in the rainforest region of the nation; perhaps Hat Guy, who's more familiar with the agriculture of Sumeru, could lead the way.” Albedo offers a glimpse, a unique look at the typical professional alchemist.
Wanderer grimaces but relents. If this were just a conversation with Albedo, he'd probably decline; he has no reason to help someone he barely knows anyway. But with Durin here, that's a whole other question. “Tch- they're not the most common, but I'd know where to look, I guess. Now getting to Sumeru is a whole other thing. I could show you around for the time we’re there. But we're not staying any longer than we have to, got it?” Wanderer informs begrudgingly.
“Wow, Hat Guy! I knew we could count on you. That's why Albedo asked you to come with us, right?” Durin asks as the trio makes their way down the steps of the HQ and into the main plaza of Mondstadt.
“...Yeah, sure,” Wanderer reluctantly confirms.
“Your insight would be most invaluable, thank you, Hat Guy.” Albedo compliments, attempting to smooth out his edges, but then adds, “With all that settled, we should start making our way to Liyue Harbor before departing to Port Ormos. My original plan was to set out for Dorman Port, but currently, the traffic there has changed my plans.” Albedo offers, as he looks to the two others.
“Yeah, yeah, don't mention it.” Wanderer sighs. This is too much social interaction for him.
“We should go before the sun sets. What do you guys think?” Durin asks, his head swiveling between his two friends. “I don't care, I'm fine with whatever.” Wanderer shrugs off Durin's question, unbothered.
“Come on, Hat Guy! Your opinion matters too!” Durin pushes, and Wanderer doesn't want to appear weak, but he also doesn't want to upset Durin. And his care for Durin wins out. “...Fine, I agree. But, it's up to the alchemist.” Wanderer relents, as he finds himself unable to deny Durin.
“I concur.” Albedo agrees, as the trio is off to Sumeru.