Parvana: The Lunar Moth

Chapter 1: A Moth Led by the Glow of the Wind

Years of desolation from a contract she never took part on, led her away from a home that she dreamt of. To think that something she thought would bring peace turned out to be the complete opposite. If only she could just close her eyes and take in the nature of her work like her comrades, none of this would have ever happened. Nothing would have been this difficult if she could just turn a blind eye.

But she can't

Killing was something she was trained to be immune to, yet it is now something she loathes to do. The atrocities she had to commit in the name of the Fatui. The innocent lives she had taken without a second thought. It all weighed heavily on her. She couldn't understand how she had become so numb to it all.

Parvana's frustration grew as she pondered the morality of the situation. It would have been so much easier if they had just let her do her job, but why did it have to be at the expense of innocent lives? Why couldn't they find a different solution to the problem? It seemed as though fighting for freedom was always an uphill battle, and the weight of it was starting to take a toll on her.

Despite her years of experience as a general of the Fatui, Parvana could never shake off the feeling that what she was doing was wrong. It wasn't her choice to be bound by the contract her ancestors made, but it was a choice she had to live with nonetheless.

As she walked through the plain grassland towards Mondstadt, the scent of dandelions in the air brought a bittersweet nostalgia. As she gazed out over the vast landscape, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness. She couldn't help but wonder, why was it so hard to fight for freedom? Why did it seem like the very idea of freedom was constantly slipping through her grasp? But alas, to all of these questions, she doesn't know the answer either.

All she knew was that it was wrong,

It isn't her choice and it will never be her choice.

If she had one.

Parvana had never been one to believe in fate, yet she couldn't help but wonder if this was where she was meant to be all along. Perhaps, she thought, this was the path that the God of Freedom had laid out for her all those years ago. But as she trudged through the paved path, memories of her past still clung to her like a heavy cloak she couldn't shed.

Despite her predicament, she was able to fight for a taste of freedom. Two years was all she had and six months have already passed by. A journey from Snezhnaya to Mondstadt isn't as fast as expected. It was long and treacherous yet she didn't have the strength to complain

Because at this point, she was tired.

Tired of fighting the inevitable.

Parvana followed the pathway, her steps quickening as she caught sight of a grand mansion ahead. It was Dawn Winery, a place she had rarely visited as a child, but one that still felt familiar. The orchards filled with grapes, the structure of the manor, all of it brought back memories she had long tried to forget.

Although now, as she approached the winery, a bitter chuckle escaped her lips. The thought of wine, once a source of disgust, now filled her with excitement. It was ironic, really, how much she had changed.

As the sun began to set, she knew it was time to move on. She had to find an inn for the night, instead of camping outdoors. The closer she got to the city of freedom; the slower time seemed to move. Every step felt like an eternity, each breath heavier than the last.

Finally, she arrived at the city gate. She had expected to be interrogated, to be met with suspicion and hostility, but to her surprise, the guard simply nodded and let her in.

'Just like that?' She doesn't know whether to feel relieved or worried about this. She couldn't help but wonder if Mondstadt had changed more than she had expected.

Was it really possible for her to start over in a place that had once rejected her?

She didn't know, but she was willing to try.

As she walked through the bustling streets of Mondstadt, the wind whistled through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. She had always known freedom to be an inalienable right of every individual but it was only when she had fled from the clutches of Snezhnaya that she had come to realize how valuable it truly was.

As she strolled through the town, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and liberation. The citizens of Mondstadt went about their lives with a carefree attitude, oblivious to the lurking dangers of the night.

For the first time in her life, she felt like she could breathe without the weight of the world on her shoulders. The governance of this city was something she could appreciate - it was pleasant, unlike the dark and eerie streets of Snezhnaya.

She took note of the various stores and establishments, each with its own unique significance. The Adventurer's Guild reception, Good Hunter, and the General Goods store were among the places that caught her attention.

But her eyes were drawn to a well-known establishment in the distance. The Angel's Share, a tavern renowned for its Dandelion Wine. The temptation to finally taste a piece of her homeland was strong, but she knew better than to indulge just yet. For now, she needed to settle in and find her bearings.

With renewed vigor, she climbed the stairs in search of the hotel she had heard about. As she approached the entrance, she couldn't help but notice the unmistakable figure of Fatui diplomats loitering about. Her heart sank at the sight of them, for she knew all too well the treachery they were capable of.

Thankfully, her cloak hid her identity from their watchful eyes. She kept her composure as they inquired about her business and name, but made sure to avoid giving anything away.

Through their arrogance and self-importance, they revealed the location of the Grand Goth Hotel, an inn dedicated solely to Fatui delegations. There was no way she would stay there, surrounded by those she despised the most.

Undeterred, she continued up the stairs towards the statue she had longed to see. The God of Freedom was a beacon of hope in these troubled times, and she hoped that her prayers would be heard.

With a deep breath, she lowered her hood and paid her respects to the towering figure. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to believe that the God could hear her plea for freedom. But deep down, she knew that not everyone could have what they desired, even something as simple as freedom.

Even so, she vowed to make the most of the time she had left, to find solace in this unfamiliar land and perhaps even a place to call home.