Chapter 15: Pain and misery

A few days after all that emotional mess, Riven ended up taking Venti's advice—and by that, he meant drinking. He found a cozy tavern tucked away in one of the quieter corners of Mondstadt, where the air was warm with laughter, the clink of mugs, and the scent of grilled meat.

He shared a table with a group of older men swapping tales of their travels across Teyvat. They laughed, cheered, and eventually, someone turned to him.

"So, Riven, you look like a fine young lad. Tell me, are you married?"

The man chuckled. "Because I happen to have a daughter…"

Riven nearly choked on his drink.

"Me? Married?" he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't think so. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out who I even am."

"Ahhh, to be young again!" one of the men bellowed, raising his cup. "I met my wife on the road, you know between Liyue and Inazuma. She nearly robbed me blind. It was love at first threat!"

Everyone erupted in laughter, and Riven found himself grinning. The stories of their adventures wandering across nations, chasing dreams and trouble lit a spark in him.

The bartender leaned over with a smirk. "You know, kid, there are plenty of lovely ladies in Fontaine. If I were your age again…"

These guys are totally hopeless, Riven thought, shaking his head with a grin as he opened the menu to order food.

Just then, the tavern door creaked open, and in stepped Kaeya cloak fluttering slightly, as charmingly dramatic as ever. He strolled over and took the seat beside Riven.

"Well, well. Didn't expect to see you here," Kaeya said smoothly. "Where's that companion of yours?"

Riven gave a small smile. "Spark? He's not really my dog. He belonged to an old man who saved me. I just kept him company for a while… but now he's where he belongs—with the man's granddaughter."

Kaeya's expression softened. "Ah… Amber. Poor girl hasn't left her room much lately. Grief takes its time, but she's strong. She'll pull through."

Kaeya's gaze drifted for a moment, lost in thoughts of his own loss. Then, with a faint smile and a raised brow, he turned back to Riven.

"You've got the look of someone who's seen their share of trouble and lived through it. Ever thought about joining the Knights of Favonius?"

"The Knights?" Riven repeated, thinking it over. "I'm more of a hunter, really. And to be honest… I don't plan on staying long. But I do want to learn about this world. It's past."

Kaeya's smirk returned. "Then you're in luck. Our library is home to the most knowledgeable and, ahem, charismatic librarian in all of Mondstadt. Lisa."

He leaned in with a sly grin. "Word of warning, though she flirts like she casts magic: gracefully, and with full intent."

Riven let out a laugh. "I'll keep my guard up, then."

"Can I get a number two, please?" Riven asked.

"Coming right up. Just give me a few minutes," the cook replied.

Riven gave a small nod.

Kaeya, let out a soft sigh. "I'm also here for another reason. Acting Grand Master Jean wishes to speak with you."

"Huh?" Riven's eyes widened. "Wait, I swear I didn't break any laws!"

Kaeya chuckled.

"No, nothing dramatic. She just mentioned she'd like to speak with you if you're willing, of course."

Riven folded his arms, letting out a sigh of relief.

"I wonder what she wants… Could be about Logan. Or maybe she's looking for answers."

He paused for a moment, then glanced back at the cook.

"I'll take my food to go."

Without another word, Riven followed Kaeya through the streets toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. They were met by two knights at the entrance, who nodded as they entered.

Kaeya gestured as they walked. "Her office is just on the left."

Riven stopped at the entrance of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, glancing up at the elegant building. "Shouldn't an important office like this be on the top floor or something?" he muttered, then shrugged and knocked on the door.

A calm, composed voice called from within, "Please, come in."

He stepped inside and found himself in a well-organized office. Behind the desk sat a poised woman with blonde hair tied into a braid, a vision of grace and discipline in her uniform. Her gaze lifted to meet his, cool but not unkind.

"You must be the one," she said. "You match the description Alice left behind… almost perfectly."

The woman stood and gave him a polite nod. "I'm Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Thank you for coming. I asked you here because Alice, eccentric as ever, left a message. Specifically for you."

Okay, not to be rude… but who the hell is Alice?" Riven thought, scratching his head. Why does that name feel so familiar?

She picked up a small piece of parchment from her desk and handed it to him. "She said to deliver this personally."

Riven took it carefully, eyes narrowing as he read the elegant, looping script:

"A river is long, let it float on and flow downward. Don't try to turn back upstream. But if you do turn back only pain and misery, then that is all you shall find."

He stared at it in silence.

So… this Alice knew about his past. A past filled with pain.

And if he was reading her message right, the note wasn't just a warning, it was advice. Move on. Don't look back.

Because if he did… all he'd find waiting for him was pain.

Jean opened one of her drawers. "She left something else for you. A gift," she said gently. "Didn't say much about it—just that you'd know when you saw it."

She held out her hand.

Resting in her palm was a hair clip delicately handcrafted, silver, with a deep blue jewel set in its center. Not something ordinary. Something personal.

Riven's hand trembled as he reached for it, unsure why. His fingers brushed over the cool metal, and a wave of recognition struck him. He remembered.

He had made this for someone.

A tear slipped down his cheek. The memory was fragmented, distant, but the feeling hit hard. Whoever he had given it to… they were gone. 

"Thank you, Jean," he said quietly, slipping the clip carefully into his bag. That piece of his past was too precious to lose again.

His heart ached, but the confusion only deepened. This Alice… he needed to find her.