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Chapter 9 : The Cat’s Tail
🕑 Added 2024-08-06 17:19:14 +0000 UTCOrion raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “If it’s Angel’s Share, let’s find another spot. I’ve already been there.”
Emily laughed, shaking her head. “No, not Angel’s Share. We’re headed to The Cat’s Tail. They have the best drinks in town, thanks to their talented bartender. It’s a bit more lively and has a unique charm to it.”
Orion’s curiosity was piqued. “The Cat’s Tail, huh? What a name. Lead the way.”
Emily led them through the streets until they arrived at The Cat’s Tail, nestled in a cozy corner not far from the Adventurers Guild, its warm lights spilling out onto the cobblestones. The sign above the door featured a playful cat, hinting at the tavern’s whimsical nature.
As they stepped inside, the lively hum of conversation and laughter enveloped them. The interior was welcoming and vibrant, with patrons enjoying their meals and drinks. A cat curled up on a windowsill, lazily flicking its tail as it watched the room.
Emily found them a table near the bar, where the bartender expertly mixed drinks, her movements a graceful dance. “This place has a great vibe, and the bartender, Diona, is a master at her craft. You’re in for a treat.”
Orion nodded appreciatively. “I’m looking forward to it.”
They settled into their seats, and soon enough, a friendly waitress came over to take their order. “Two plates of the grilled fish special, and a couple of Diona’s finest drinks?”
Emily nodded. “Exactly.”
Orion raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression. “So, you’ve been here before?”
Emily smiled. “Yeah, I come here all the time with my friends. It’s one of our favorite spots.”
Orion leaned back, a playful smirk on his face. “Oh, really? Did you ditch them just to hang out with me?”
Emily’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and she quickly looked away, crossing her arms defensively. “N-no! They just had other matters to attend to, that’s all,” she stammered, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Orion chuckled softly. “Sure, sure. Well, I’m glad you made time for me.”
Emily huffed, still a bit flustered. “Don’t read too much into it. I just thought you might appreciate a good meal after the day we’ve had.”
Orion’s smile turned into a playful grin. “I do, but I’m starving. I’m not sure a single fish will be enough.”
Emily rolled her eyes, her lips quirking into a smile. “Well, we can always order more if you’re still hungry. This place never disappoints.”
Just as she was about to say something else, their order arrived with their drinks as well. The aroma of the grilled fish was tantalizing, and Orion wasted no time digging in. Emily watched him with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
“So, Orion, where are you from?” she asked, studying him closely.
Orion paused mid-bite, the question hanging in the air. Oh, the questions I love to hear, he thought to himself. I know it’s simple to them, but I have only a name and nothing else. He fell silent, his mind momentarily drifting.
“Orion? Are you there?” Emily's voice brought him back to reality.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m from a faraway land,” he replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Sumeru?” she guessed.
Oh, for the love of... he thought, but out loud, he said, “Oh, this fish is delicious!” hoping to change the subject.
“See? I told you!” Emily said, completely unaware of his intention.
He decided to steer the conversation further away. “So, why are you trying to join the Adventurers’ Guild?”
“It’s in the name—adventure and freedom,” she answered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
His bright yellow eyes lit up, impressed by her simple yet profound response. He also valued freedom and adventure deeply. With a smile, he said, “That’s quite the motivation.”
They continued their meal, enjoying the food and each other’s company. Orion chugged his drink, then realized something. “Wait, this isn’t alcoholic, is it?”
“Nope, it isn’t,” Emily confirmed.
He frowned, remembering his earlier visit to Diluc’s tavern where he was also served a non-alcoholic drink. “Wine,” he muttered, standing up and walking over to the bar.
Diona popped up from behind the counter, her ears twitching in irritation. “Why on earth would you want to drink that swill?” she asked, her disdain for alcohol evident.
Orion raised an eyebrow. “But you’re a bartender. Isn’t that your job? Also, why are they letting kids tend the bar?”
Diona puffed up indignantly, crossing her arms. “First of all, I’m not a kid—I’m a skilled mixologist! Second, my mission is to ruin the alcohol industry from the inside. If people knew what was good for them, they’d stick to my amazing non-alcoholic cocktails.”
Orion blinked, taken aback by her fervor. “Well, I still want that drink.”
Emily joined them at the bar, stifling a laugh. “Two of Diona’s finest cocktails, please.”
Diona sighed dramatically but set to work, her movements precise and fluid. In no time, she presented them with two beautifully crafted drinks.
Orion and Emily took a sip, their eyes widening in surprise and delight.
“Now that’s a drink!” Orion exclaimed. “Well done, cat girl.”
Diona rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a small smile. “Enjoy your drinks and remember: my mission is noble.”
Orion took another sip, thinking to himself, May your mission fail spectacularly so we can keep enjoying your incredible talent. He grinned at Emily, raising his glass in a toast.
“To noble missions and unexpected talents,” he said aloud, winking at Diona, who shook her head but couldn’t help but smile a little more.
Just then, a man at a nearby table let out a loud groan and collapsed, his drink spilling across the floor. Diona’s demeanor instantly changed, her expression turning into one of exasperation.
“See! This is exactly what I hate!” she exclaimed, rushing over to the fallen man. “This is what happens when people drink too much. They become sloppy, useless, and a hazard to themselves and others!”
Orion and Emily exchanged amused glances as Diona fussed over the unconscious man, propping him up against a chair and calling for water.
Emily leaned closer to Orion, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Looks like you struck a nerve.”
Orion chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess so. I should’ve seen that coming.”
Diona returned, hands on her hips, glaring at the unconscious man. “This is why I hate the alcohol industry. It turns people into... into this!”
Orion nodded sagely. “Yeah, you’re right, Diona. It’s a real problem.” He then paused, giving her a grin. “So, can I get another drink?”
Diona’s eyes widened in disbelief, and then she burst out laughing despite herself. “You’re impossible!” she said, shaking her head. “Fine, but this is your last one for the night. And don’t end up like that guy, or I’ll personally throw you out.”
Orion raised his glass in a mock salute. “Deal.”
As Diona walked back to the bar, still chuckling, Emily leaned in closer to Orion. “You really know how to push her buttons, don’t you?”
Orion grinned. “Just trying to keep things interesting.”
As the night deepened, Orion and Emily finished their meal and prepared to leave The Cat's Tail. Orion waved over Diona. “Could I get some extra food to take out with us?” he asked.
Diona, still looking a bit disgruntled from the earlier commotion, sighed and nodded. “Sure, I’ll pack it up for you. Just don’t go causing any more trouble, alright?”
Orion grinned. “No promises!”
With the food wrapped up and in hand, Orion and Emily stepped out of the tavern. The cool night air was a refreshing change from the warm, bustling interior. Orion turned to Emily, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Hey, there’s somewhere I want to show you,” he said, reaching out and gently taking her hand.
Emily’s cheeks flushed a soft pink as she stumbled slightly, caught off guard by his sudden gesture. “W-where are we going?” she stammered, her heart racing a bit faster.
Orion led her through the winding streets of Mondstadt, finally arriving at the grand plaza in front of the Favonius Cathedral. There stood the statue of the Anemo Archon, its mighty form still impressive despite its visible damage. He gazed up at it with a sense of awe.
Emily, still slightly bewildered, looked at him and then at the statue. “So, you wanted to come here?”
Orion’s eyes subtly flickered around the plaza, his senses picking up on something unusual. He noticed three knights following them at a distance, their movements cautious but not overtly threatening.
“Apparently, we’re being followed,” he said quietly to Emily, his voice calm.
Emily started to turn her head, but Orion gently placed a hand on her face, his touch soft yet firm. “Don’t turn,” he advised softly, looking directly into her eyes. “I’m not sensing any hostility from them.” Emily felt a flush rise to
her cheeks, a blush spreading across her face at the unexpected closeness.
Emily nodded, trusting his judgment. She kept her gaze on the statue, trying to appear as natural as possible. “What do you think they want?”
Orion shrugged slightly, still scanning the area with his peripheral vision. “Could be anything. Maybe they’re just keeping tabs on me."
“Why would they keep tabs on you?” Emily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Maybe because I’m a foreigner,” Orion replied, his gaze shifting briefly to the knights before returning to her. “Or perhaps they’re curious about why I’m here. Either way, let’s not give them a reason to think we’re up to something.”
He kept his hand on her face for a moment longer, then let it drop gently. “Come on, let’s focus on why we’re here,” he said with a reassuring smile.
Without warning, Orion lifted her into his arms with a swift, yet gentle motion. Emily let out a surprised gasp, her eyes wide as she felt herself being carried. “What are you—” “Hold on!” Orion said with a grin. With a burst of Pyro from his legs, Orion launched them into the sky. The sensation of flying was exhilarating, and Emily clung to him as they soared upwards, the lights of the city sparkling below. They landed gracefully on the outstretched hands of the statue.
Emily’s eyes widened as she looked around from their elevated perch. “We’re on the statue’s hands!” she exclaimed, a mix of awe and excitement in her voice.
Orion set her down beside him and settled into a comfortable position. “Thought it would be a nice place to unwind and enjoy the view before tomorrow’s test,” he said casually.
Emily, still slightly flushed but visibly impressed, looked out over the city. “This is incredible. I didn’t expect this at all.”
Orion leaned back, his gaze drifting upwards to the night sky. “I felt a sense of tranquility around here near the cathedral. I guess it’s one of those places that has a way of calming your soul, reminding you that there’s more to life than the chaos of the day.”
He looked out over the horizon, where the city lights met the dark expanse of the sky, his thoughts seemingly lost in the serene beauty of the moment. Emily watched him in silence, her eyes taking in his contemplative expression.
As Orion turned his head, their eyes met. He noticed the blush on Emily’s cheeks and offered a soft smile. “I’m glad you liked it here.”
Emily, her heart fluttering slightly, nodded. “Yeah, it’s a great view,” she said, her voice soft and sincere.
Orion leaned back, a playful grin on his face. “Not bad for a night out, huh?”
Emily laughed lightly, her blush deepening. “Not bad at all,” she agreed, her eyes sparkling.
Orion looked at the peaceful city below him but couldn't shake the words Diluc had told him that it's not as safe as it seems. He knew those words were true. Emily noticed his silence and concern.
“Something on your mind?” she asked softly.
Orion shook off his thoughts and offered her a reassuring smile. “Let’s just stay here for a while and enjoy the view.”
