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[ The thought makes him laugh – loudly, at that. A stray thought wonders if he could be heard from the Jade Chamber. The wrinkles at the corner of his eyes were tight, his grin falling flat once his hand reaches for another flower. ]

We do. An hour or so, I believe. They take their best shows once night spreads across the lands. Shadows from a lantern's glow add to their performance, personally.

Ah. But, nothing so crass. The Director would be more inclined to incite a festival. Part of this tradition merely feels like a homecoming.

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[ thankfully, his laughter can't be carried to the chamber. otherwise, it would've been a cacophony of laughter and conversation echoing in her residence. that's not really ideal. ]

I shudder to think the kind of festival Director Hu might plan to incite.

A homecoming? For who?

[ It was difficult to be personable in person without being suspicious. Talk of Rex Lapis is common, yet there was always fear someone would connect the dots. The assassination of his vessel was needed, a show to believers – but if he were to lift the veil just slightly...

Ah, too bad he is an old fart who rambles. ]

It is said around this time is when the God of Dust fell. To honor her memory and to honor the role she played in Liyue's growth is to welcome in growth for the next year. It is a smaller tradition, one that I've practiced for some time.

I suppose it would be fitting to find one for Rex Lapis' memory as well since his passing.

[ she can tell, and she's heard enough about his ramblings from others to know that, well, this is not very uncommon. ]

I hope it doesn't involve throwing Mora into the harbor.

[ what an interesting piece of lore, something that she doesn't remember hearing about before. then again, it isn't as if she's as diligent as keqing in learning about these little pieces of history, more concerned about the now and the present rather than the past. ]

I admit I only know of the God of Dust from the usual stories about her. But you seem to know more, don't you, Zhongli?

Or perhaps pebbles from Liyue's Mountains would be more...

Cost efficient.

[ He isn't as sly as he thinks he is. He corrects scholars who spent their lives devoted to Rex Lapis. He inserts morals and ideals he hoped more people passed on to their children – Zhongli is a suspicious fellow when manners and a sweet smile were pushed aside. ]

A bit. We all have our area of interest. Just as some can build towering monuments to the Anemo Archon, I simply found an interest in the God of Dust's story. To honor is to remember, far beyond one's memory or what history can record.

Too many rocks thrown, and it may add to the sediment in the harbor and cause problems to the ships docking.

[ and most merchants and trade arrive via ships, so that tradition will have to be rethought and polished in some way. if it's even considered by the qixing at all ... ]

Oh? Then perhaps you can tell me more stories about her since you're quite familiar. I assume she's the god who loved Glaze Lilies more than any other flower?

Far be it from me to add a problem to the Harbor. [ She was a wise one, thinking of things that were far beyond the scope that many would fall onto... ] Of course. They are used especially during the Rite of Parting for that very reason. Each God and each Archon, be it here or Mondstadt... or beyond the waters of Inazuma or deep in the forest of Sumeru leave something to be passed down. It is our responsibility to ensure future generations do not lose sight of history, no?

Of course, as history would serve as a guide for them as they build the future of Liyue.

[ where is this conversation going to, she wonders ... ]

The God of Dust, for one, has taught many things to the people of Liyue aside from the marvels that she created.

A guide. Precisely.

[ Less of a mere teacher, far warmer than a patronizing reminder. ]

She has. One could surmise because of her passing so long ago that her impact was less than Rex Lapis. I like to think it was quite the opposite. For what Rex Lapis accomplished was due to the God of Dust. Whether legends or stories change over time depending on the translator or history... we claim this very Harbor because of her. It's best to allow a part of her honor to enjoy the Harbor.

[ for what rex lapis accomplished was due to her ... what a curious thing to say.

she's heard about the historical lectures and suppositions he's made, most of which are considered rather bewildering and ridiculous by the many of the scholars in liyue. but she can't help but wonder if his sources are actually more accurate than those written in textbooks and scrolls. ]

Most people would consider that as blasphemous.

[ but not her. gods are gods, after all. ]

But I'm curious as to why you think the God of Dust's accomplishments surpasses that of the Prime of Adepti. There must be a reason as to why that's your belief.

[ He isn't subtle. He's philosophical – like the historians and those with their nose to scrolls trying to decipher reality from fiction. However, he will always know the truth and that burden beats down upon him. Each petal that falls into the slow wade of waves to the dock didn't lessen it, but it made him forget the past and look to the future. Honoring where one came allows you to see what the future truly holds. ]

Possibly. I still honor Rex Lapis and the power of wrath, commerce, and Geo all the same. However, Rex Lapis' story begins where the God of Dust's end, does it not? What is an Archon that merely knows war and does not properly lead? When the people were brought to the Harbor... the work began, so the history books so clearly outline.

[ He isn't subtle, but his way of speaking often detoured the skeptical away. He speaks as if he too was a man of culture, not the Archon who lived through the events. ]

Working with the Director allows me to see things in full completion. The beginning as well as the end. Such is the same for old tales, is it not? Does the ending hold as much impact if parts early on are lost to time, eroded through lines of text many can't decipher?

[ what a curious way of seeing things. after all, most scholars would attribute everything to rex lapis, from the archon war to the flourishing of liyue. the god of dust would simply be a side character. ]

The ending is what most people see, is it not? So for those who've witnessed it, it's what made the most impact on their life.

Though I must agree that the journey to such an ending is also something to be considered. A prosperous life doesn't simply blossom out of nowhere, after all.

[ like her, like her businesses ... ]

It is. It is also a continuation for those loved ones as well. Closure.

[ Is that what this is, maybe? ]

No, you are correct. All steps lead somewhere, even if one can't see the destination clearly.

[ don't give her that bait, zhongli. she'll eventually take advantage of it. like now. ]

You sounded like a man who was in love just now.

[ brb laughing ]

I suppose that's the one thing I find intriguing about you, Zhongli, over most men I've dealt with in the past.

[ Perhaps he said too much. His shoulders grow tight at that moment and perhaps... he is. That flame is one that will never die, even if it can't provide him the warmth he may need any longer. It's a sad state of affairs, but the preservation of memory was far more important. ]

Did I? My apologies. I wished to provide insight on a deeper topic, one that affects the entire Harbor and Liyue as a whole. That is a great way to honor – keep a story and memory alive.

[ Zhongli, you dumbass. ]

Intriguing? To garner the attention of the Tianquan in such a way can be intimidating. Can you elaborate, please?

Intimidating? Oh my, is that the impression I've made on you? How unfortunate.

[ is it really this easy to tease him? terrible. ]

Shall I elaborate when we meet up? My work should be ending in time for Yun Jin's performance.

If only because a Tianquan that doesn't have an exceptional mind would be a disservice to the Harbor. One can only live up to the standard brought on by the Jade Chamber, of high expectations if you will.

[ At least he knows how to flatter? Maybe? He hasn't played a game of cat and mouse since Barbatos commonly shot words with him over drinks. Guizhong had been long gone and he was terribly bad with his words then. ]

Of course. I will reserve a place for us. I will see you soon, then.

[ Stop watching him and let him toss his flowers in peace. Either way, he has a little time to kill – once he's done, he ensures to finish his business and go to the point of their meet-up, promised and on time. ]

[ not her fault that he's throwing flowers worth 50k mora each into the harbour.

to be fair, despite her snooping into his business, she's not late for their agreed-upon time despite still finding the time to change into a less conspicuous dress; in fact, she's even early. that's the great thing about working from home, the ability to have everything she needs and wants at an arm's reach. still, everyone recognizes her despite her outfit, an inevitability as the tianquan of liyue, and offers her greetings upon her arrival.

ningguang simply places herself out of everyone's way and attention, finding an unoccupied table in a corner and discretely requesting a small bottle of wine and a pot of tea as she waits for her companion. tonight is yun jin's night, she's not about to let herself distract everyone from her performance. ]

[ Some things are worth the price.

Zhongli is respectful to the ushers and greeters. They know his face, knows that he pays the utmost respect to the workers and patrons alike. He is, by all expectations, a perfectly behaved guest. By the time he arrives on top – only a stroke of a clock early – Zhongli spots the busy woman who had made time for this.

Gently, he moves through the crowds beginning to take their seat. A thoughtful nod: ]

Lady Ningguang, such a rare time our paths cross. [ And forward, he offers the last flower from his pile – who hadn't joined the rest out to sea. ] Thank you for accompanying me tonight.

[ He knows such flattery means little so he doesn't gawk or offer a starry-eyed gaze like many other would. He sits, already beginning to pour the tea – first for her, than for him. ]

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woo i'm so sorry about this super late tag!! OTL

no worries! sorry for the delay myself

;;

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