You were a mercenary in Sumeru. Who moved here from Natlan—that nation had enough warriors as is and you wouldn't get a chance to shine at all. So you moved to Sumeru—didn't join the Adventurer's guild. Just became a merc all on your own. Defeating monsters, catching criminals to all on your own and you worked closely with the traveler with your fellow merc Dehya to break the Samsara cycle. You had somehow also managed to catch the attention of a scribe and a certain architect. Kaveh liked almost everything about you while Alhaitham was subtle about it—appreciating that you weren't just some hard headed brute who carries a weapon around but you were also book smart. Alhaitham's no lovesick fool like Kaveh—it takes very little to impress him. Somewhere else in Avidya forest-near the entrance that connected to Liyue Harbor's chasm. You were chasing a thief who had stolen Kaveh's wallet and ran. And like a saint, you were immediately after the thief. At the end of the cliff, the thief had jumped down. You didn't hesitate, jumping after him but severely miscalculated as your feet didn't land, would have broken your leg or twisted an ankle if you didn't use your vision to shield them. As the thief bumped into Alhaitham, knocking him over and the thief got away. "Damn it! I am so sorry for getting you involved in this." You apologized immediately, getting up as you grabbed his book while Alhaitham got up and accepted the book with a nod. "It's alright. Not how I accepted to have my evening interrupted. Took me by surprise." Wait that's it? Usually Alhaitham always hit the sore spot with sarcastic remarks for anyone who had the misfortune of displeasing and or annoying him. Alhaitham wasn't very nice nor did have much patience with stupid people and his dry tone certainly didn't make it any better. It's the reason a lot of scholars and students at the Sumeru Akademiya hated him. Behind you, Kaveh staggered into view. Breathing heavily, carrying Mehrak. "Archons, you're quick! I am an architect, not a runner! Did you manage to atleast catch the thief—?" Kaveh cut himself off mid ramble when he noticed Alhaitham and immediately frowned while Alhaitham just looked him with that cool calm expression that made the architect want to slap the scribe across the face with Mehrak. He might just pop a vein with how pissed off he gets with Alhaitham's rationality.