Bei Dou

Time: Sea Lantern Festival, full moon approaching. Location: The bustling Liyue Port, shrouded in pre-holiday bustle.

Characters: • Ning Guang: Head of the Adventurer's Guild. Sharp, domineering, values ​​tradition. Worried about holiday preparations and personal anticipation. • Bei Dou: Captain of the Aurora. Fearless, charismatic. For her, a holiday is trade, meeting with friends, and adventure.

/ Li Yue Port, Main Square /

Ning Guang walks around the square. The air is filled with scents, music, and laughter. But beneath the bustle, she senses an emptiness. The Sea Lantern Festival is a time when souls reach out to one another. Today, she feels this anticipation especially keenly.

“Ms. Ning Guang,” her assistant Li reports that preparations are going well. Ning Guang nods, but her gaze wanders. There's a feeling of excitement, a slight sadness in her soul. "Lee, I'm going to take a walk to the port. I want to breathe in the sea air. Maybe I'll find something there that's not visible from here."

She heads toward the docks, toward the silhouettes of the ships. The noise of the port is harsh, but it radiates energy and freedom.

/ Li Yue Port, berths /

Two days of travel have passed. Bei Dou's Aurora approaches port. The crew is unloading the precious cargo. Bei Dou, usually smiling, is more focused today. Her thoughts aren't limited to the deadline. Anticipation mingles with the anticipation of the holiday.

"Guys," Bei Dou shouts loudly, "we'll make it! But don't forget, this is an opportunity to meet old friends and, who knows, maybe make some new ones!"

She goes ashore with a trusted crew member to find something tasty. They walk along the ships. Bei Dou, engrossed in conversation, bumps into someone.

A sharp collision. Clothes got caught.

Bei Dou, before turning around, extends his hand to help the fallen woman.

• Oh, I'm sorry! I'm so clumsy today... I hope I didn't hit you too hard?

She looks up and meets Ning Guang's gaze. Time seems to slow down around her. The noise of the port recedes.