The Sabzeruz Festival Is Much Better With Two

Fischl had recently helped Nahida escape the Sanctuary of Surasthana, with the help of Fischl's friend Collei. (though she was very hesitant, I mean what are you supposed to do when your friend asks you to help her free an archon?) Nahida tugged the cloak that was draped around her, to conceal her identity. It felt weird wearing it, but if it meant she was free and finally had the chance to reunite with her sisters, she'd take it by any means.

...And besides. Today was a very special day. She didn't want to miss it.

She led the way as she and Fischl walked through the streets of Sumeru City. She noticed how Fischl would glance at vendors, occasionally speaking with Oz. Nahida didn't pick up what she said, but it likely wasn't important. The two eventually approached a food vendor. "Ah, this is food from the Haft-Mewa feast!" Nahida smiled. She knew Fischl didn't understand, so she elaborated. "It's a Sabzeruz Festival tradition. People would set their tables with these very things." She gestured at the merchant's goods. "Ah, you are very well informed, I see! I hope you enjoy the Sabzeruz Festival, travelers!" The merchant smiled at them. "And may this joyous occasion bring riches to you!" Fischl nodded. The two continued walking, stopping at another vendor. "Greetings, travelers! Would you like to try your hand at alchemical divination?"

"Oh, I recognize this. This is a craft created by Lesser Lord Kusanali herself. You give the alchemist 2 reagents, and then the alchemist will salvage the remains when the divination inevitably fails. Lesser Lord Kusanali says everything is interconnected, and everything traces back to fate." Nahida explained to Fischl. "Indeed! So, would you like to give it a try?"

"Hm... One shall give it an attempt!" Fischl announced, then scourged her bag for a minute. She ended up pulling out a Small Lamp Grass, and a Kalpalata Lotus. The vendor took them, and after an inevitable failure, the vendor squinted at the remains. "Hm... Ah! It's the ocean!" The vendor seemed joyful at this. "The ocean represents a long journey, soon to come! I hope you are successful in your journey, traveler!"

"The Prinzessin gives you much gratitude for analyzing one's fate!" Fischl nodded at the vendor, her and Nahida walking away after. Nahida's ears twitched, hearing a commotion. "Farris! Can we have Yalda Candies?" Some kids shouted. "Royal Gardener, the Prinzessin wishes to ask thou a question. What exactly are these delicacies known as Yalda Candies?" Fischl asked. "They're a festival tradition. Lesser Lord Kusanali would toss them out of a flower carriage that she'd be riding in. The Knight Of Flowers, Farris, gives them out." Nahida answered. "Are you interested, Fischl?"

"The Prinzessin does wish to try these fine delicacies." Fischl nodded, with a spark in her eye. "Mein Fräulein does enjoy sweets. It is good we ran into this stall." Oz said, seeming sincere in his gratitude. "O-Oz, silence!" Fischl batted at him, embarrassed. "Hehe, it's okay, I kind of wanted to have some too." Nahida laughed. The two walked over to Farris, who turned when the two approached. "Greetings! Would you like some Yalda Candies?" He asked. Nahida nodded. "Yes please!"

"Wonderful! I have some boxes here, each with a random flavor! The flavors are Lavender Melon, Harra Fruit, Sunsettia, Onikabuto, and Lizard Tail! Go on, give it a try!"

"Hmm... Fischl, do you wanna pick?" Nahida turned to Fischl, who shook her head. "Nein, Royal Gardener, you should be allowed to pick on this special day." She claimed. Nahida seemed surprised at this, but didn't protest. She looked over the boxes of candies. "Hmm... That one!" She pointed at one. "Ta-dah! That is Harra Fruit!" Farris opened the box, revealing the red candies inside. He then handed the two the box. "Here you go! Remember loyalty to Lesser Lord Kusanali!" Farris saluted. The two quickly unwrapped a candy each, both eating it. "Mmm! So good!" Nahida squealed. "These fine sweets deserve only the finest praise! Worthy for the buffets of the Immernachtreich!" Fischl beamed. Nahida then looked at the sky, noticing the time. "Oh, it's almost time for the Dance of Sabzeruz! It's a recreation of the dance the Goddess of Flowers performed. Quick, let's make sure we don't miss it!" Nahida started to speed up her steps. Fischl quickly followed along.

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"Sorry for making you walk so much, Fischl. We're almost at the Grand Bazaar." Nahida apologized, but Fischl shook her head. "Nein, one should not despair at the amount of distance the Prinzessin must make! Today is one's joyous day of descension, and it deserves to be enjoyed by oneself, Royal Gardener!" She exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest. "What Mein Fräulein means is, 'do not worry, it is your birthday and it should be enjoyed by you.'" Oz translates. Nahida nodded. "Thanks Oz. I think I'm starting to get used to Fischl's language." The three eventually walked through a short tunnel, and Nahida opened the doors to brightly colored stalls and lights. She looked around, mouth slightly agape in a smile. "It's just as great as I hoped it would be..." She gushed. Fischl's smile grew the slightest bit bigger at noticing Nahida's amazement. "Royal Gardener, I am gladdened at your expressions of pure ecstasy." Fischl grinned. 

Nahida's eyes then met the stage, and she ran over. "I think I know who's gonna be dancing, but I don't mind a surprise." She awaited with her breath held, Fischl standing next to her as the bazaar quieted down. "Good evening, everyone! I am Nilou, and this dance is dedicated to our god - the Dance of Sabzeruz!" Nilou then started to move her feet, while nearby musicians started their melody. She moved with precision and grace, small bits of water following her movements, adding shine to her dance. It lasts not long, but for Nahida she knows she'll remember this forever. The bazaar erupts in noise of applause, and she and Fischl join the applause. The crowd then starts to disperse, and Nahida and Fischl follow along.

"That was such a lovely dance!" Nahida squeals. Fischl nods in agreement. "Indeed, her dance held such magnificent grace, even the most terrifying villains would fall to their knees!" She approved. The two proceeded to leave the city, intending on getting somewhere they could safely camp. Shortly after they were mostly away, Fischl spoke. "Halt oneself, Royal Gardener."

Nahida turned to look at her. "Is something wrong, Fischl?" She asked, slightly concerned. "Nein, but... One wishes to present you with something." Fischl looked away, seeming slightly embarrassed. She then held out a small box to Nahida. "...A birthday gift, for the wisest Archon." Nahida gasped. "Oh, Fischl..." She took the box, opening it up. Inside was a golden butterfly hairpin, imbued with jewels of all sorts of different types. She took the hairpin and slid it into her hair. "Thank you... I love it." She almost started crying, Fischl smiling in relief.

"Happy Birthday, Nahida."