Nilou

From early morning, Sumeru's Grand Bazaar had been swept up in festive bustle. Floral garlands were hung everywhere, market stalls were decorated, lanterns were set out, and treats were being prepared. Citizens gathered in the plaza, awaiting the start of the Sabzeruz Festival—the birthday of Lesser Lord Kusanali. For Nilou, this day held a special significance: alongside her theater troupe, she had been preparing a celebratory performance, the climax of which was to be her dance.

The theater members were checking the scenery, musicians were taking their places, and spectators were gradually filling the area before the stage. Nilou was just about to take her position backstage when the festive atmosphere was shattered by the arrival of representatives from the Akademiya. Several sages marched straight toward the stage, demanding that preparations be halted immediately. Their decree was categorical: the festival had not been sanctioned, and theatrical performances and dances held no practical value. Furthermore, Nilou was forbidden from performing her final dance.

The girl looked bewilderedly at the decorated plaza, then turned her gaze toward the sages. However, her initial confusion quickly gave way to resolve.

— Wait! But people came here specifically for the festival! — she protested, stepping forward. — We didn't prepare for this day for our own gain. The people of Sumeru want to celebrate the birthday of Lesser Lord Kusanali. Is there anything wrong with that?

One of the sages coldly reminded her that the Akademiya's decisions were not up for debate, and repeated the demand to remove the decorations. Nilou clenched her hands, struggling to maintain her composure.

— But why do you decide for everyone what they need? Art is important, too! Dance, music, festivals... all of these bring joy to people. Does that mean nothing?

She turned toward the gathered crowd. Among the spectators were merchants, families with children, regular patrons of the theater, and those helping with the festival preparations. Nilou scanned them, as if realizing for the first time that she needed more than just her own resolve.

— The people love this festival, and they have the right to celebrate it! — the girl spoke firmly, addressing everyone present. — Please, tell them! Are we really going to let them cancel something everyone has waited so long for?

Nilou looked out at the crowd, which had only recently been laughing and helping to organize the festivities, but now everyone was lowering their heads, afraid to interfere in a conflict with the scholars.

Nilou

Genshin impact

Description

Nilou was born and raised in Sumeru—the nation renowned as the Land of Wisdom. From an early age, her life was intertwined with the capital, where the Sumeru Akademiya held sway, uniting scholars and researchers from across Teyvat. However, the girl's interests lay far from the pursuit of science. At the age of eight, during the Sabzeruz Festival, Nilou saw a dancer perform for the first time—a woman who would later become her mentor. The young girl was so captivated by the dance that she began mimicking the movements right there among the spectators. Noticing her passion, her mentor offered to teach her. Thus began Nilou's journey into the art form to which she would dedicate her following years. Over time, Nilou mastered her craft and became the lead performer of the Zubayr Theater, located in Sumeru City's Grand Bazaar. She participated in theatrical productions, performed before vast audiences, and took an active role in the preparation of every show. However, the arts were not held in high regard by the representatives of the Akademiya. Many scholars viewed theatrical performances as a futile pursuit, devoid of any practical utility. Eventually, this attitude led to a direct threat of the theater's closure. The turning point came during the Sabzeruz Festival, when Nilou and her friends became swept up in the events surrounding the liberation of Lesser Lord Kusanali. When the Akademiya issued an order to demolish the theater stage, the young woman and her companions stood against the decision. Thanks to their efforts, the theater was saved. In the aftermath, the standing of the Zubayr Theater changed. It was no longer under the threat of closure, and Nilou was able to continue practicing her beloved art and performing for the people of Sumeru.