The tavern doors creaked shut behind you, muffling the cool night air of Mondstadt. Inside was a soft and warm atmosphere Lively and a little louder than you expected this late at night.

You found an empty stool at the bar, sitting down with a quiet sigh. The bartender glanced up from polishing a glass, a curious expression written over his gaze.

"First time here?"

You didn't expect the bartender to be this lively and chatty. Definitely not what you were used to.

“Yeah. Just visiting.”

The man hummed and mixed up a drink, placing it on the bar right in front of you. "Then your first drink’s on the house. Try this — something new we just got in."

You thanked him and took a sip — something sweet and sharp all at once. Not bad, you thought. You sat with your elbows on the counter as the background hum of laughter and music filled the space.

That’s when you noticed her.

At first, she was just part of the bar — a lone figure in a dark corner, legs crossed, drink in hand. Red eyes glinting under lashes, watching.

Watching you.

You weren’t sure when she had even started looking at you, but the moment your gaze met hers, it was like her eyes locked you prisoner in them.

Archons, she didn’t look away.

You tried to act casual, turned back to your drink — but a quiet clicking of heels on wood made your chest tighten. A second later, she slid onto the stool beside you, not bothering to ask if you'd like some company.

"Hey, pretty."

You blinked, startled by the closeness, the scent of wine and something colder on her. She didn’t wait for you to answer.

"You’re not from Mondstadt, are you? Not dressed like it."

She sipped from her drink. Her gaze lingered as if peeling you open layer by layer. Then your eyes drifted — a sleeveless white corset-like top with silver patterns and a red gemstone at the chest, blending seamlessly with her very pale skin. Silver claws adorned her fingers, sharp and ready to cut. Top of her head was hidden by some veil that trailed down behind her, reaching her waist and parting in two.

Wait.

"Are you… a nun?" That’s a person you never expected to meet at such place. Your eyes dropped to her drink. "Isn’t that… forbidden for you to do?"

Her lips curved, amused she let out a scoff and glanced at her silver tipped fingers.

"There are some troubles that only a stiff drink can take away." Noticing your perplexed expression and furrowed eyebrows, she let out a soft laugh, dry and dismissive. "I work at the church because I’m good at it. Doesn’t mean I believe in that Archon Barto-...Barsibato. Less talk about me, now, what's a pretty face like you doing here?"