Beyond the Stars

Prologue: Act II - For A Tomorrow Without Tears (Wild Escape)

Let's just recap: We first asked politely for the Holy Lyre so we can sure a dragon who's going through a nightmare-like sickness that will completely eat away at him and subsequently kill him if not treated ASAP, that didn't work so we resorted to stealing it (don't worry we were gonna give it back when the job was done), only for us to witness it getting stolen by someone else, and have us take the fall of the crime that we were originally gonna commit.

Yeah, I say my day went about as just as great as the next person's.

We managed to escape from the cathedral. Venti brought us to a tavern where we would come up with another plan... hopefully.

"Hi, we'd like a seat at your, uhh... least conspicuous table." said Venti.

"Umm... The second floor has fewer customers. You'd be less conspicuous up there... But aren't you a bard? Why not sit front and center?"

I felt a lightbulb flash. I know this guy's voice. This is the guy that freaked me out when I was helping Kaeya clear out that temple. I wonder what he's doing here.

"Hahaha, let's save the paid performance for next time. We'll be heading now, see you in a bit!"

I stood there staring at the guy who held a knife at my throat. He wore all black and had long red hair tied up in a low ponytail. His eyes were as bright as fires from the sun. I could feel them scorching into me.

Venti came back only for him to drag me upstairs. When I was suddenly broken out of the trance I realized just how much trouble we're in if we get caught. 

"We... are... so... dead! We are dead! If any of the Knights find out that we were involved in tonight's fiasco we may never live to tell the tale!"

"Well, from what I'm hearing all you did was witness a crime not commit one. Two very different things." said Venti.

"You don't understand. I'm the Honorary Knight. I was the only one found at the scene of the crime... which means I'm the main suspect. If any of them finds out about what I did or more specifically what I tried to do then I can forget about trying to find Aether..."

Aether taught me to always be an honest and hardworking individual of society. I don't think trying to steal very important historical artifacts is part of the job description. We suddenly got quiet when we heard some of the Knights entering the tavern. I was curious as to what the guy downstairs would say so I walked down the stairs a little to listen in.

"Ah, Master Diluc. Have you seen two thieves around?"

Master Diluc. So that's his name.

"What happened? Why have you mobilized so many guards?" he asked.

"Haven't you heard, Master Diluc? Two thieves were trying to steal the Holy Lyre!"

"Oh? How odd."

"Isn't it? The Holy Lyre is a treasure that was played by the God of Anemo themselve. Such a precious piece of cultural heritage-"

"Why would one want to steal something they can't sell off? Would pay better to steal from my cellars..." said Diluc.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, off topic. Believe they headed that way." He pointed towards an opposite direction, leading the Knights away from us. I sighed of relief when he didn't rat us out.

"I know you're over there. Come out. It's safe now." Rats, he knew that I was eavesdropping.

"Thanks for not ratting us out. And also what was up with you in the temple? Why did you put a knife against my throat?"

"Oh, that, so sorry about that. Had to make sure you wouldn't blow my cover. I also had to make sure you can be trusted... And you can put that bottle you stole from behind the counter." I turned around and saw Venti and Paimon behind me. Venti was trying to sneak in some alcohol. 

"Right, now I didn't choose to rat you out because I want answers." Of course nothing's free in life.

As Venti and the man named Diluc were talking I interrupted to ask who he is. 

"Oh, you wanna ask who's this? Am I right? He is Master Diluc, the boss of... ah, the owner of this tavern. He's very famous. By the way, his dandelion wine is one of my favorites. Though most of the time I can only afford a bottle or two..."

"I just heard about some thieves from the guards. For the record, I like your guts for trying to steal the Holy Lyre Der Himmel. Even if you are fools... but we don't see people like you!" said Diluc.

"It wasn't us that stole it! The real thief is still out there!" said Paimon.

"Yeah! Plus all we did was witness a crime not commit one. Two very different things, if you ask me." I said.

"This is the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius. Why would someone like her steal Mondstadt's treasure?" asked Venti.

"Hotshot...? Oh, so it's you. So, you and the bard are close friends?" Diluc asked.

"I only heard him play once." I said.

"Well... Despite only being a passing traveler, you still offered your help to Mondstadt in its time of need. A shame you joined the Knights."

"A shame? Excuse me, I'm sorry?" I asked.

"The Knights of Favonius... Inefficient right from beginning to end. And towards the Fatui? Weak and conservative. Forget it. I don't feel like talking about it."

Ookaay, well that was just... ookaay...

"Seems you don't like the Knights of Favonius." said Venti.

He took the words right out of my mouth.

"Just differences in approach is all. I have my own hopes for this city. Now, answers. Why did you steal the Holy Lyre?"

"For the second time, we didn't steal the Holy Lyre." I said.

"You sure you want to know? It could implicate you in the affairs of the Knights of Favonius." 

"That's fine. I somehow always end up implicated in their affairs." said Diluc.

"Then will I get paid?" asked Venti.

"Your reward will range from anywhere between five mora and the Holy Lyre. It all depends on your story."

"Very well. Let me put on a show..."

...

Venti sings the ballad from earlier. Diluc was both moved and convinced.

"What did I just witness... This is confidential information. Why did you let me know?" he asked.

"Why? Hmm... Perhaps the winds are changing. What say you, Master Diluc?"

"Interesting. Give me some time. I'll organize some contacts. Outlander, as one of the Knights, it seems you're not a suspect. Blonde is the only description on the wanted poster. You should be safe."

Blonde is the only description? Almost like half the people in Mondstadt has blonde hair. This is like finding the needle in the hay stack. At least, this'll throw the Knights off my trail for some time.

"As for the bard however, it'd be better if you stayed in the tavern."

"Haha. No problems! I like taverns!"

Diluc and I sighed.