"Since when were you this strong..?" Asked Ganyu as she shook her mildly blood deprived hand from its chummy clutches.
"It's all thanks to the help of some big-hearted clients~!" She boasted with a shrug and sweet grin.
After some initial hesitance, Ganyu was successfully towed away by her acquaintance-turned-Chum into Huaguang Stone forest. It was the edge of evening, the sun's rays slowly rusting their golden hue. The sky was still bright and spotless, filling the pair's eyes with a comforting warmth. A gentle breeze accompanied the valley's quiet symphony- churning the fog below in a slow, playful tide.
Even the most rudimentary human invention turned sublime in the company of the smooth stone's cool shade.
The two wandered through the net of bridged pillars. To Ganyu, it felt odd to walk beside someone in this place, and yet feel like a stranger. Her graceful, if exaggerated gait carried her through the landscape as if it were her treasured collection.
Once she had dragged her out of sight, Hu Tao seemed to relax. From her negligible (to put it generously) first impression of her, she seemed like a bubbly type- No, that was the wrong word. Her voice was always strained, as if rearing to go at any moment... A strange thing to witness when the discussion is about a new graveyard, but she wasn't one to judge.
However, the moment Hu Tao slinked (Ganyu in literal tow) out of sight she slowed and eased her expression, as though it were all an act. Her smile was still there, of course.
"Uh, Ms. Hu?"
"Yah?" She shot a glance toward her so exaggerated she ended up resting her cheek on her shoulder.
"Where exactly are we going?"
"Wherever the wind takes us~ Just listen to the cool breeze..." She perked up for a moment to reply, before once again relaxing to chew the scenery.
"...I heard you go out like this often- Is that true?" Ganyu strained to continue the conversation. She kept her distance. At first glance it almost looked like she was waiting for a chance to escape, but as uncomfortable as Ganyu could get...
"Oh? Wherever could you have heard that from about a mere 'acquaintance'?" She scoffed playfully, strangely reminding Ganyu of Cloud Retainer.
Ganyu turned her head in abashment. "Actually, I've read through a lot of reports mentioning strange singing at night, and, well, you know how Civil Affairs and mysteries go."
"Hmph, I knew someone ratted me out! Seriously, can't they have a little fun once in a while?" Hu Tao grumbled.
Ganyu continued: "Also- Um, I apologize if I appear distant sometimes. You're always trying to chat with me and I just don't know how to respond. I hope you didn't get the wrong impression..." The Qilin's voice drooped along with her head, her eyes wandering off to the side.
"Oh, not at all! A treasure well sealed is twice as alluring, after all~"
Ganyu's cheeks went rosy from the whiplash. "Wha-?"
Hu Tao giggled indulgently at the red and blue mess before her. "Aw, come on, you know it's true!"
"I-I get what you mean, but isn't that a strange way to put it?" She asked, fighting through her embarrassment.
"Not at all! There's no greater treasure than a good friend after all!" She exclaimed, before adding gently: "If you allow me to yours, of course~"
'Friend' and 'Yours' were of course meant to be connected, but with Hu Tao's pause and her delivery, they seemed rather precociously separate. Ganyu blushed again.
"Phrasing! And... I don't see why we couldn't be friends. Though I still don't quite understand why you'd be so interested in me. Am I not too formal for you?" She asked.
"Not at all! And it's not like I'm allergic to formalities- I'm a funeral director after all!"
"You're right, I guess I should've considered that." She sighed. "I suppose you get that a lot, don't you?" Though one would not admit it, both knew what that meant.
"Don't follow." Hu Tao replied bluntly.
Ganyu tensed up. "It's just, every time I hear your name at work, even from otherwise completely professional people, it feels like no one believes you are... What you are!" She raised her voice, but Hu Tao just watched her with a blank look. "When I go out- everyone's so polite to me, even if I mess everything up. But if your name comes up, they say such terrible things without batting an eye- as if I was just supposed to accept it! I just don't think it's fair."
"..."
"Oh. Sorry, I don't know what came over me there..."
Hu Tao tilted her head slightly. "Haha, what's it to me if people forget what I am? Either way they'll find out soon enough~ Besides, it's a relief, y'know?"
"That's not what I meant." Said Ganyu, recommitted.
"Hm?" Hu Tao mumbled in surprise.
"Ms. H- Hu Tao." Hu Tao nodded and smiled at the correction, "They don't forget what you are, they forget who you are. And if I were treated that way, the last thing I would feel is relief." She spoke with an almost scolding severity.
Hu Tao's smile froze for a moment, before growing into a grin. "Aiya, I didn't know you could get like this~ You really are my senior, aren't you?" She teased.
Ganyu chuckled contently, letting the matter pass. "That's not the first time someone's said that to me."
"You get that a lot?"
"Less often than you'd think. Though some think of me like a granny, almost."
"Oof."
"It's not that bad!" Said Ganyu, stifling a chuckle. "Uh, and by human standards, I suppose it is true..." Her voice sank; but then she stopped, laughing at her embarrassment. Though Ganyu had a long way to go, one thing she knew for certain; that her age was no indignity; though it had its pains; it was what made her what she is today.
"Hehe, not that I'm very touchy about things like that, but even I couldn't stomach anything more than 'auntie'." Hu Tao quite sincerely shuddered at the thought.
"It's rather sweet if you know the reason behind it. Some of these people I've known since they were born, so I can't blame them for seeing me like that. And really, it's the thought that counts, don't you think?"
"Granny Hu... Eugh. Gran-gran? Agh, it makes my skin crawl! Guess even I have my weaknesses. Hm? Ah- kidding, kidding: of course, you're right! (Though good luck convincing my ears of that- Nana?) You must've met a lot of interesting people!"
"It surprises me as well sometimes! I'm not a very sociable person but- my duties as the secretary to the Qixing lead me to meet all kinds of people. I can recall many times when a merchant or clerk needed my aid, and soon I was getting to know what kind of vision their little son wanted to receive." Her words took on a much more wistful feeling: to Hu Tao's curious look, she only pointed at her own vision hanging off her hip.
"You've got to tell me about them sometime!" Hu Tao cheered. "To have so many friends in one lifetime..."
"I-I'm not sure if I'd go that far. Usually we'd only talk at work. Really, I know it sounds like a lot, but in the end on my part it was always pleasantries- they just piled up until they saw me as someone special while I still struggled to understand their problems. And then it was back to work, where the same people were just names without faces. I felt- maybe less so now, that I would be better and more honest if I just kept doing my best at work. Not like you, Hu Tao. Sometimes I feel we all have the same amount of joy allotted to us, just spread thinner or wider."
Hu Tao furrowed her brows, thinking of a response.
"What was the boy's name?"
"You mean the clerk's son? Mao. I didn't really speak to him a lot, but he always had this big grin on his face when he saw me. We never had much time to talk, so he got really excited when he could share something with me."
"D'you think he had a crush~?" Hu Tao nudged her.
"Ah, maybe- though he was a perfect gentleman!- Oh, you mean when he was a child?"
The Director chuckled.
"I don't think so- he seemed more interested in swords than ladies. He was just glad he could share the joy he found in his hobby."
"Ooh, I know that feeling. Y'know how hard it is to find someone interested in funeral cosmetology? I had to visit Qingce village to get my fix. And they did not humor me for long. Oh well."
"Why Qingce village out of all places? Isn't that the place where all the- Oh. I see."
"Yeah, it went something like that- Not a good business move I admit...-"
"You have an... Interesting attitude towards these things, Hu Tao."
"It's just how I roll!" She gestured proudly. "Why should I pretend to hate my job when it's so important? It's like they expect me to be all morose- even though I couldn't be more grateful for what life has given me! Doing a song and dance- or, I guess, the complete opposite of that- that'd be lying. And to put on airs for onlookers just debases true solemnity." She continued more softly and carefully, "With what you've been through- I'd like to know what you think of all this."
The always apologetic Ganyu felt guilty for being so surprised as she was at her companion's tone. To consider her an insensitive fool for even a moment was wrong. And though she knew her so little-
Or did she?
Another guilt that troubled Ganyu was how she couldn't connect to people. Even in their worst moments, she always felt as though in the end, all was trivial- passing over before she knew it. But to cower from people because you don't understand them is like selling your mule to buy a plow. But for that single evening, the sun seemed to hang in the same place forever- and there was nowhere to cower, no plows to buy.
She knew that she had to take a step in the dark. To carry the memories of Liyue- if not as a duty, then as a lark. Maybe, in her life, those countless names, professions and events were trivial. But that made remembering each and every one all the more special.
Telling herself that this was a great leap, she knew that this was just one more step she took slowly out of the same trepidation that plagued her childhood.
"You might think that it's more painful for me, right?"
She nodded.
"That I stay away from people because I know I'll outlive them?"
Ganyu looked to Hu Tao for another nod, but none came.
"I wish I could say that. But really, it's the opposite. I can recall so many people that I have to bring my self to mourn just a fraction- just a drop in the sea of people our great nation has been blessed with. It's not that I stay away because I will lose them- I stay away because I can never gain them."
She exhaled, and frowned, but not out of grief. "It's not because I can't fit in. I think it's because even now I can't appreciate what they've built for themselves. In the end, I'm just a proud Qilin, scoffing sheepishly at the quaint city folk." It was a hopeful frown she put on, seeing the centuries behind her as a sort of comic failure- in the end no more consequential than something Cloud Retainer might say to Aether.
But to Hu Tao?
"I don't think that's it at all." She said, coming from anyone else Ganyu would find her tone arrogant and teasing.
"Huh?"
"Mourning is natural. But so is moving on. As we grow old, we meet new people, and leave old friends behind. In the course of a life- death takes far fewer than mere parting of paths. The nightmare of becoming old and alone, all our friends gone- rarely comes to pass, doesn't it? Even as the old dwindle- fate gives as much as it takes- and you seem to never run out of old acquaintances." The Funeral Director's eyes filled with a passionate flame, her tempo increasing.
"You said you knew them from birth, correct? So even though you struggle to be with them, you still become important to them. You've already known them from beginning to end- no wonder your farewells go smoothly! So is it that you can't care for them; or is it that you have others to care for in turn? Even now, you've known Lady Keqing, Lady Ninguang- and by their time and by my time's end, you won't be alone. Such is the balance between life and death. You've already lived so much compared to me- and I believe that you can achieve even more!"
"O-Okay! I-I can do it! Though- I still wish I could give their lives the weight they deserve- I mean-"
Hu Tao laughed. "Can't you see? You carry the memory of a thousand souls~ " she nearly sang, "without it weighing you down one bit! If anything, it's your wei- your impa- your value that they should respect! And I know they do- I do too!"
Ganyu was touched, but a stiff determination arose in her to correct her impassioned chum. "That may be true, but it is hardly comparable to the credit your service should earn you- and doesn't!"
"It's my duty as a Funeral Director! Compared to what you do every day, it's peanuts!" Hu Tao retorted, flame burning brighter.
"What I do each day is also my duty, and what I make of it is my responsibility alone. But you can't deny what you're owed!"
The two now stood face to face, a strange fury building- and thus they continued for a moment, until it looked almost as though they were to come to blows- until they realized that fighting over this would be incredibly silly.
"Ahem... A-aanyway, let's agree to disagree, shall we?"
"Right, let's leave it at that." The two walked for a moment more, turning around once they had reached the end of Jueyun Karst.
Finally the sun began to set. A cool air fell upon the valley, and they knew it would soon be time to say goodbye.
Seeing this, one might not believe Ganyu enjoyed the visit- what with the pranks, confusing arguments, and getting dragged off like a lamb.
But to her, all it did was make her feel 'normal'. Perhaps Hu Tao understood her better than she thought. The only other person she confided in like this was Aether.
"It's been nice 'goofing off' with you, Hu Tao- Will you be leaving soon?"
"Yeah, Aether and Paimon must be tired of waiting for me- and I have my own business to attend to~. Though I feel like I forgot about something... Hm." She pondered, hands in support.
"Didn't you say you wanted to hear a story?"
"That's it! In hindsight, could've mentioned that sooner..."
"But why go through all this trouble with me if you just wanted to hear a story?"
"A story is just as important as the person telling it, Ganyu.
And this story is very important to me."
When Rex Lapis emerged triumphant out of the ruins of the Archon War, he was followed by his loyal Millelith Brigade- humans bound by a contract to their protector God.
Many fell during the conflict, many more went on to keep the peace they had secured. For even the stoutest rock must erode, and the most critical of contracts expire.
One such man was Xing Lao- master of the sword and leader who struck fear into the most heartless beasts. He had no noble lineage, barely enough wealth to equip himself in Rex Lapis' army. But equip himself he did, distinguishing himself as an officer and battle hardened warrior.
In the most brutal fighting, he lost nearly all those under him. Yet when the dust settled, none could dispute his victory, and he left the Millelith with his honor intact.
Seeing the bounty bestowed upon the land by Rex Lapis, he sought to turn his swords into plowshares and reap the reward- he bought and sold, bringing goods to people in need, many time taking a loss- knowing that good will is worth more than gold.
And many a sleepless night he spent in solitude, rummaging over figures and reports, running his enterprise with vigor, even at the cost of his health. Only a fortunate reprieve or a covert effort by his subordinates could halt his work once it had begun; when others pled for him to rest, he heard their case, flashed a tired smile, and quietly returned to his duties.
But when duty relented- he was no stranger to levity- and even mischief. When Rex Lapis roamed in secret Liyue's mountains and villages, he met many a pilgrim- but no matter how convincing his disguise, this loyal soldier would rarely be fooled, and often see through any trickery the distinct character of his esteemed leader.
Sometimes that left Rex Lapis with a sincere greeting and expression of gratitude. Other times, when he thought he finally managed to outsmart the cunning man- a squirming mollusc hidden inside his backpack.
Injustice he suffered not, whether it be from a village elder or a petty bandit; he would face them with a stern look and an earnest plea- so that in time, his word alone was enough to disband a group of bandits or a vengeful crowd. Only the wicked feared him; and even to them he extended a helping hand.
It surprised no one when Rex Lapis chose him as the first Yuheng. He had accompanied the people of Liyue through its greatest struggles- they felt blessed to be overseen by one so humble as that good Merchant-Soldier, Xing Lao. He built much and built well, so that even when his time would eventually come to pass, his resting place would become a mighty hall, filled with gifts from mourners all over Liyue.
It was at this time when he met the adeptus secretary of the newly formed Qixing; a timid young woman unused to great company, or the work faced by her.
He took her in under his tutelage. And though he at times embarrassed her with his exuberant humor, she found in him a friend- her first, and perhaps only, senior among humans.
And on those cold nights- those which no matter the year, felt like the eve of his life taken together, she saw in him a different man. One calm and serene; longing for the world to come.
...
"That reminds me... Earlier you said you were a Qilin- are you really!?"
"Oh- Oh no, ha- That was just- a metaphor! Right! S-See? Because of my headpiece!"
"Ooh! Can I try it on the-"
"Access denied."
Note: HELLO BOYS, I'M BAAAAAAAACK!
And with a two chapter release, no less! Like you were supposed to get last time- if anyone's still left from that ancient era- sorry!
Thankfully I was forced to actually plan out the rest of this series (don't tell anyone this arc was basically made up as it went along!) so the continuation should go more smoothly and with a better pace. I hope this chapter focused on the notorious H.U.U.T. enough for your liking.
Rest assured that I was not idle during my absence, this has been in the works for a long time... Which isn't a really good omen, but I'm working on that!
Thanks to my scattershot work over the past half-year, I should be able to release a few more stories in bulk in the future.
Until then, enjoy!