Tales From Teyvat

32: Eyes of the Sandstorm {Candace}

Vision: Pyro

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Your Perspective

It's kinda hard to keep my eyes open, whether it be from the buffeting sandstorm or the fatigue weighing heavy on me. Time has lost meaning since I've become lost in this archon-forsaken desert, trying to flee from a group of bandits on one of my trade routes. That damned merchant probably tricked me into going that way so I could get attacked and lose all my wares and possessions . . .

"Still not a sight of anything out here. Maybe I should have taken my chances with the bandits. Maybe I can retrace my footsteps, that'll work-!" I mutter to myself, turning around to see all traces of my path had been blown away by the severe winds and covered up with even more sand. Tired, exhausted, and thoroughly done with this entire situation, I flopped to the ground and decided to sleep on the ground and hope that it didn't get worse from here. 

"For how hard it is to walk on, and isn't any comfortable to lay on either." I thought to myself. 

Right as I'm drifting off, I felt the wind slow down and heard the undeniable sound of footwear against the sand, then the sensation of being picked up. Unable to stay awake much longer, I felt myself finally succumb to the sweet reprieve of sleep.

. 

.

.

When I came too, I found myself in a new set of clothes, and on top of a rather comfortable bed. Looking around at my surroundings, I came to one, rather obvious conclusion.

"I'm not dead, go figure. "

"Of course not, I brought you in and cleaned you up." A soothing voice says across the room from me, causing my eyes to dart there, coming across a beautiful woman with eyes of different, yet striking colors.

"Oh wow . . . You're really beautiful. Maybe I died and in front of me is an angel!" I blurted out, leading to me shoving my hand over my mouth in embarrassment as felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Crap crap crap, what the hell has gotten into me?! As a merchant, I should be good at not letting things slip, but here I am making rookie mistakes early in the conversation. I'll admit she's quite a looker but to slip up so carelessly . . . No matter, I can quickly rectify this, so long as I maintain my composure. Though it seems like the woman opposite me looked to be more embarrassed than I was. Shaking off the embarrassment, I gave her a small smile to ease the tension. That's one way to greet someone, eh?

"R-R-Right. Well, it seems like you are in good condition. I found you collapsed a few steps away from the village. You were dehydrated, running low on sleep, and on the verge of death. It's a miracle you're even alive right now. Nonetheless, I nursed you back to health. As best as I can that is." She states as a matter of factly after composing herself. Guess I'm glad to still be here now. I thank her profusely, but the lady with the unique eyes in front of me merely waved them off.

"But before we discuss what led to your predicament further, I feel as though we should at least introduce ourselves. I'm Candace, guardian of Aaru Village. Who might you be then, wanderer?" Candace says. 

"I'm (Y/N) (L/N), the greatest merchant in all of Teyvat!" I say eccentrically, arms outstretched as I proclaimed my self-proclaimed title. 

Candace just stared at me incredulously.

"Sure I might be a little down on my wares but I'll be back to full capacity soon enough."

"Oh my, you're much worse off than I thought. Stay here I'll go bring you something to eat" Candace says solemnly before heading off elsewhere.