The next morning Nat left for Liyue early, only stopping by Kaeya’s office before she left to see where she was supposed to be meeting Xingqiu. Kaeya was surprised to see her up so early, and to be completely honest Nat thought she may have woken Kaeya up.

“Did you even go home last night?” Nat asked as he walked her to his office door.

“What’s it to you? Are you keeping tabs on me?” He said quietly but sarcastically. Nat just rolled her eyes before heading out to Liyue. 

The walk was longer than Nat remembered, but it had been a few months. When she got to the Wangshu Inn she stopped to take a break, her muscles still sore from her spar with Jean. Before she left she thought she had seen the conqueror of demons watching from above, someone she always looked for while at the Inn, but alas she figured it was just a bird and continued on.

When she arrived at the docks of Liyue Harbor she saw Xingqiu, sitting in the shade, back against the stairs, reading another book. Nat backtracked, and snuck up on Xingqiu from behind. She manifested some little pebbles and slowly started to drop them on Xingqiu’s book. He ignored them at first, but with each and every pebble he got more annoyed, until he slammed his book shut, quickly turning himself around to look up and see what was going on.

When he looked up and saw Nat, he was first angry, then surprised, then over the moon excited.  Nat threw her legs over the ledge and jumped down, catching her balance as Xingqiu engulfed her in a tight hug.

“Natalya! What a surprise,” Xingqiu said as he backed out of the hug to look at his friend, “I was expecting Kaeya again today, he said you would be back sometime next week.” Nat explained that Kaeya wanted to surprise Xingqiu and they started to walk through the harbor, back to the Guild, where they’ll get their assignment for the day. As they walk through Liyue, a familiar voice called.

“Natalya, it has been so long since we last saw you. How are you?” Mister Zhongli asked, approaching from the opposite direction. Nat bowed her head to say hello and Mister Zhongli waved her off. “No need for formalities, I am merely a consultant, save that treatment for the Director,” he informed.

“Of course, I’m doing well Mister Zhongli, thank you for asking.” Nat smiled.

“Of course, Xingqiu had told us you had quite the accident. Is everything alright now?” He questioned. Nat looked over at Xingqiu who nervously smiled back at her.

“I’m much better. I walked into a bad situation which could’ve been much worse,” Nat started to explain in little detail what had happened. Mister Zhongli looked with intensity and curiosity as she told her story.

“Sounds like your Geo Vision may have helped prevent further injury.” Mister Zhongli said.

“Absolutely, if I hadn’t broken my fall with it, I don’t know if I would have made it. Master Jean really helped put that into perspective for me recently. I’m very grateful to be back to work.” Nat answered, looking down, flushed. Zhongli was able to read the room and politely ended the conversation, saying he had some business to attend to for Director Hu.

Xingqiu and Nat returned to the guild, grabbed their commission and headed back to the harbor where they would escort a silk merchant back to the guild with the riches of his travels. The friends chatted and caught up, discussing books, their families, and other personal notes.

“I’ve heard a rumor that my book is popular in Inazuma,” Xingqiu announced to Nat in a hushed tone. He continued, “But archons, if my brother ever found out I wrote a book he wouldn’t not be pleased.” 

“Good thing you have that mysterious pen name of yours,” Nat joked, “You should just tell me the name so I can read your book. I’m sure it’s amazing! You give me all these other books to read,” Nat exclaimed, holding her arms out in an attempt to show the numerous books she had read thanks to Xingqiu, “but not yours. And I’m your #2 fan.” Nat pouted.

“Number 2 fan?” Xingqiu questioned, looking shocked. “Why not my number 1 fan?” He asked. Nat didn’t have to answer, though, as Chongyun appeared.

“I would hope that spot is reserved for me Xingqiu.” Chongyun replied as he sat down next to his boyfriend. “How are you feeling Nat? It’s great to see you back in Liyue.” Nat smiled, despite his cryo vision Chongyun was always full of warmth. 

“I’m just happy to be here, how have you been? Any fun exorcisms or stories?” Nat asked. Chongyun and Xingqiu bickered back and forth as they told stories of fake ghosts, working with Kaeya, and Xingqiu’s training with the Guhua Arts. Before they knew it their merchant was there, they bid farewell to Chongyun, and the duo completed their commission for the day.

Xingqiu walked Nat to the Liyue gate, she knew if she left down she could make it home before sunset. 

“Are you sure you’re okay to leave now?” Xingqiu questioned, concern in his eyes. Nat smiled on the outside, but sighed in frustration on the inside. She was so excited to have her independence back, but everyone was still so worried and concerned. She knew everyone meant well, but being second guessed before every move was frustrating, especially after so many weeks without the ability to travel and do as she pleased.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. If I leave now I can actually catch Albedo in Dragonspine and walk back with him! So I’ll be double okay!” Nat joked and Xingqiu smiled as he waved goodbye to his friend.

The walk to Dragonspine seemed longer than it actually was, but Nat marched along the path doing her best to arrive before sundown. Walking up the mountain from Liyue was nostalgic – she hadn’t gone this way since before her incident and hadn’t been to Dragonspine since she was scolded by Lisa for her impromptu memory flood. She felt a strong feeling of being home as she started to ascend the mountain and snow flakes fluttered around her. She pulled her coat out from her bag and bundled up, approaching Albedo’s lab. Of course, her footsteps didn’t go unheard as she saw Albedo and Klee peak their heads out from the lab as she approached.

“Nat!” Klee exclaimed, running to Nat who scooped her up into a big hug.

“I didn’t expect to see our Spark Knight on duty,” Nat exclaimed looking at Klee who giggled under her oversized hat, “any dangers I should be aware of?”

“Dodoco and I took care of everything! Big brother said he’s never felt safer!” Nat chuckled at Klee’s response as she put her down and Albedo approached, taking her hand and leading her into the lab.

“I’m just finishing up quick and we can be on our way,” Albedo said as he gave Nat a light kiss and walked back to his desk to organize his thoughts. Nat was always so impressed with Albedo, even though he didn’t like the word he was truly a genius. Nat’s thoughts were interrupted by a tug at her sleeve.

“Excuse me Nat, but Dodoco and I have a favor to ask,” Klee announced standing tall. Nat raised on eyebrow and Albedo looked over, curious as well.

“What’s on your mind Klee?” Nat asked as she bent down to get eye level with her.

“Big brother says you and him are getting all dressed up and going to a big party. Can you wear this at the party?” Klee requested as she pulled out a small box from her bag. She handed the box to Nat, who gently opened it to find a blue ribbon. Nat looked at it questionably, causing Klee to respond. “It’s a really pretty ribbon that my mom gave me to me last time she visited, she said it would give me all sorts of good luck and that I should wear it when I’m doing something special. You’re all better now and get to go to a super fun party, so you should wear it!” Klee exclaimed with her arms in the air. Nat gave her a hug in response.

“This matches my dress perfectly, Klee, how did you know?” Nat smiled and Klee jumped up and down, squealing something about how she just knew. Earlier in the week, when she had first received the invite to the Brightcrown Ball, Nat had gone with Miss Ingrid to look at dresses. She had picked out a dark blue dress with gold accents and flowing cape sleeves.

Finding the perfect dress was important to Nat and not because she wanted to look good. In fact, Nat hadn’t worn anything fancy since leaving Snezhnaya. It was very important to Nat that she didn’t feel like she was attending another Fatui formal, and Miss Ingrid understood that in a way Jean or Eula or Amber wouldn’t. While Miss Ingrid wasn’t from Snezhnaya, her husband was from Inazuma, and she understood that there were different customs in different nations, some that weren’t comfortable at all. So when they went through dress options, Nat was ecstatic to see no tweed, no long sleeves, and no red. She gave Albedo fabric swatches later that day, at Miss Ingrid’s instruction, so he could somewhat match her on the day of the ball. Which was only three days away.

Albedo finished what he was doing and they started back down the mountain to Mondstadt. As they passed through Springvale they could see carriages entering Mondstadt from other nations. They knew people would be arriving early for the ball, especially the diplomats who wanted to try and get a look into Mondstadt’s infrastructure. Or maybe that was just a paranoid thought in Nat’s head. Either way, when she saw Fatui carriages, her stomach did a flip. Albedo sensed Nat’s energy flip, but didn’t say anything, allowing Klee to lead the conversation, distracting Nat.

After dinner, Albedo went to put Klee to bed and Nat took a walk through the city to find Jean, report on her Liyue work, and see if she needed any assistance. It was late, but Jean was making sure all diplomats were properly welcomed to Mondstadt while making sure Amber checked carriages for any dangers as well. Nat found Jean at the entrance, where she was writing something down on her clipboard. 

“Jean!” Nat called as she came down the main stairs, grabbing Jean’s attention as she waved and smiled hello. When Nat met her at the nation’s entryway they chatted for a bit about business in Liyue, how Nat was feeling, and how many people had come through the city gates this evening.

“36 diplomats from 5 nations, about 11 carriages and a few people by foot. I don’t know how Amber kept up,” Jean explained, ushering to Amber who stood on the other side of the bridge waiting for any last minute carriages that may enter the gates. Jean continued, “It’s a shame I won’t be able to attend the Gala this year, my mother loves dressing me up and sending me out…” Jean sighed in an almost sarcastic tone. Nat had hoped Jean would attend, but due to the lack of resources, the Acting Grand Master decided to not attend, letting some of her other leaders and captains attend instead.

“I appreciate you letting Albedo and I have off for it Jean,” Nat smiled. Jean was about to say something when they saw Kaeya and Albedo walking down the stairs towards them. Kaeya was grinning ear to ear, while Albedo was quite flush, Nat could only imagine what they were talking about. Nat and Jean waved at them and Albedo gave a meek wave, while Kaeya gave a grand gesture with both arms.

“What is he up to now,” Jean said quietly for only Nat to hear, causing them both to giggle.

“Ohh Nat!” Kaeya yelled as he started to walk faster, something in his hands that Nat couldn’t quite see yet. He continued, “Natalya! Look at what Klee tried giving Albedo to eat, you are not going to believe this kid,” he continued as he passed Katherine. 

“Natalya?” A woman’s voice questioned from behind them at Flora’s flower shop. When Nat turned around to see who was asking for her now, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Nat said nothing as her jaw slightly dropped and the color ran from her face. Kaeya and Albedo had reached them at this point, and turned to see what Nat was gawking at.

Before her was an older woman with golden eyes like honey. Her face was worn from age and covered in freckles from sun exposure, Nat knew herself how dangerous the snow’s reflection was without sunblock. The woman took a step closer, maintaining her distance, her gray, floor length dress swaying in the Mondsadt breeze.

“Is, that really you?” The woman questioned, and Nat took a step back, bumping into Jean who steadied Nat. Words didn’t seem to form as Nat continued to stare, unsure of how to proceed. But when Nat was finally able to talk, all she could do was let out a slight whisper.

“Mom?”