Freedom (Jean x oc) A Genshin Impact Fanfic *Completed*

Chapter 2

Amell grew under the tutelage of a wise man as birds flocked him like worshippers. This man who was akin to an ancient assemblage of worldly wisdom took the young boy under his wing and taught him the simplicities of life. 

To love is to desire; to hate is to breed hubris. Having been born with no grasp of his family's tribulations, Amell distanced himself and only found concord of the man's fleeting personality on a stormy night.

"Being nonchalant forever won't get you anywhere, Amell. One day, you will experience the world as I do." Those were the last few words spoken to him before his master disappeared.

Little did Amell knew that his path of lonesome would play a pivotal role in fulfilling his destiny. And it would prove to be so as the birds that once gathered around him faded in absence.

~*~

Amell only had eyes for one person but there was no doubt he'd attracted some of the regulars in the tavern with his facial characteristics. Diluc Ragnvindr, the bartender who attended to his job with a monotone outlook holstered a calculating gaze in Angel's Share, his red locks making him stand out from the rest of the locals drinking alcohol. 

Payne had been drunk off his arse again; unable to identify people like human beings and instead mirages of holy deities. He'd scream at anyone nearing him to drink away their frustrations and insecurities. Perhaps that was why he'd often been alone taking his rounds. 

Nelson, who was sitting a table away from the drunkard was more level-headed and could hold up a conversation without sounding like he'd been fired from his daily transactions. It was just like how Amell had read in a book he'd taken interest in back at the library. Humans wouldn't be anywhere without the archons, even if he hated how dependent it sounded.

Amell held a glass of alcohol in his hand, his face agog as Diluc approached him. Well, the bartender's intentions were to just refill the barrel beside him with booze conveniently placed beside the Acting Grand Master's informant. 

"There's been a ruckus recently going on in the Thousand Winds Temple," Amell said in an optimally sound tone. "Sources say monsters of the Abyss Order are secretly gathering there to plan for an upcoming ambush."

Amell knew Diluc wouldn't participate in his attempts to exchange words. The man was known to have a personal grudge against the knights and that included Amell. His isolative nature left him powerful but also serrated. Every action had a consequence but Amell was intent on turning this around. He was going to make an acquaintance out of the Dark Knight of Mondstadt. It'd put him to great shame if he couldn't fulfill his job very well.

"You'd be unhinged to think the Abyss Order's a bunch of dolts ready to fight anyone out in the open," Diluc juggled a couple of cups in motion, placing them one by one in the pantries. If Amell had been just an average citizen, Diluc wouldn't engage. He'd keep his mouth shut not for fear but for safety. Even with that, Diluc wasn't exactly the nicest person to be a confidant in affairs like these. He handled them alone much like how Amell took care of his in the past.

"The Knights are aware of that. I just wanted to know if you have any ideas that might give me any leads to their movements." 

Diluc scoffed, looking to the side. "If this is your attempt of trying to get me involved with the Knights then don't bother. I've had enough with being told what to do."

Amell waved his hands dismissively at the Dark Knight's assumptions. "I wish it were easy to convince you but even I know my limits. My points still stand. The Knights have changed, everyone does under the Acting Grand Master's influence. I hope you'll understand that."