No special reason, I just thought we could catch up. From what I can tell timelines here don't always seem to match, even between people who come from the same worlds.
[Lantern Rite, hm? Privately, Childe marvels at how quickly Liyue Harbor has recovered, at how he truly has no place there anymore, and the mention of Zhongli adds to his ambivalence. But it's fine. This slight, like so many others, has healed and scarred over and aches only slightly when he catches the scent of sandalwood and glaze lilies.
In his line of work, you rarely cross a bridge that won't be burned.]
I was out of the country on business unfortunately but I heard it was quite a show. The Jade Chamber got a grand reopening just in time for it too, didn't it?
Admit defeat, our last encounter in the battle of words I do believe I was the winner. Although I suppose you were the champion when it came to vanishing ale. However, there was a hefty fine for you to pay for that victory. Hu Tao, let's never drink like that again. That brew was far stronger than anything I've partaken of before, and it's the same for you. We need to pace ourselves. Not that I am suggesting we go about drinking again.
Also, I cannot seem to find my white shorts. The ones composed of that textile produced using a twill weave. You wouldn't happen to know where they might be would you? I already checked under the bed and the sofa.
One more thing, before I forget. Are you planning to attend the festivities the alliance is hosting? You know the one with the artificial beach. There is someone wishing for my company, so I suppose that has swayed my decision.
To the young gentlemen of the Feiyun Commerce Guild,
I suppose I can't deny your way with words were much better than mine. I will admit defeat for now but I do expect a rematch at another time. Perhaps we can invite Chongyun and he shall be the one to decide the winner? I also agree, we should probably never drink again. At least, until we build up our alcohol tolerance.
As for the shorts, did you leave it by the kitchen? I think that is where I last saw it.
But I do plan on it! But tell me, who are you going with?
Goodness, it's not been long since your last defeat and already you seek to wield your words in battle. Then let's engage in combat once more, and yes, dear Chongyun may join us. It would be best to have an impartial judge settle on a winner. I do believe the sole reason for my last victory was your inebriated state.
And did I? What an odd place to store clothing but you know what, I'll check the kitchen as soon as I am home.
As for who I am heading to that beach with that would be no one. I plan to meet my friend over there, he was very persistent in attempting to convince me to attend that gathering so I felt it would only be proper to comply. We'll be building a sandcastle together. His name is Yuuji, he is from the department, so I am not sure if you've exchanged words with him.
You wound me. You make it seem that I can't do well when alcohol is involved. No matter, it just means that I need to practice more on my skills. Perhaps I should continue it with others first before I battle you once more. Last I heard, there were many interested people who wanted to write poetry.
But you should continue to look in the kitchen. There are various other clothes in the drawers as well.
I have not heard of Yuuji before but is it all that you're doing? Are you sure you're just building sandcastles with him?
My words are not so much to imply an indication of your tolerance for ale, but rather I would not like to believe that it had no factor in my victory. That is why the next time we engage in verse weaving I hope there aren't any outside forces influencing our abilities. I believe I may have heard of it through the network but I guess I wasn't sure if I wanted to exchange words immediately with them about my interests in such a public space.
Why are there clothes in the kitchen drawers? I know I am not particularly tidy but I wouldn't go as far as to attempt to stow away garments in the kitchen of all places.
And what else would I be doing with Yuuji at the beach? He offered to make sandcastles and I agreed to join him, it's not something I've done before so I was a little interested.
Rest assured, I do believe that there will not be any outside influences the next time around. We are fully prepared for this upcoming battle and we are going to do our upmost best! Or at least, I know I intend to try my hardest. But why not? Why shouldn't we spread the interest of poetry?
I'm not sure but if you do need the clothes now, they are there.
Is that so? Then I do hope the both of you have a lot of fun together. Please do tell me how it goes for I wish to know the details.
With your unique style at the ready, I am certain you will present an almost insurmountable challenge. Almost, because like the many peaks that dot our land, I will rise to the top no matter the difficulties. Besides, it will be fun. As for joining you, I think, well. I like our little get-togethers more. Would you believe I'm shy? Hehe...
I'll attribute their location to some of the oddities occurring of late. Chongyun must be having a field day.
Details? Very well, I'll be sure to remain observant while we construct the sandcastle so I can pass on any tips or advice Yuuji is willing to impart to me. Anyway, if we are to attend this engagement, I do believe we require proper attire. Shall we meet later to make the appropriate purchases?
You praise me too much! Just like your vision, your way with words is just like water. The waves may come and go but it will always create a ripple and influence the verses. Although, I suppose I should have expected a young storyteller to be private. Should I accompany you to these events?
Speaking of which, is he planning on attending as well?
I'm afraid you don't understand what I meant but very well! Let us meet for we shall obtain the cutest swimsuits we can find!
If anything I believe I do not praise you enough, you are unique in charm as well as eloquence. In your company, no one could ever be bored. Time has given me a chance to consider what I wish. If I am not allowed to choose how I celebrate the day of my birth then I shall choose to settle my death. Then to you my dear lady, I will give free rein to plan my funerary rites. As for those events, I'll only attend as your guest, nothing more.
In all honesty, I am not completely sure what he is planning given his condition.
Goodness. No. You're wrong. I actually understood well what you meant but there are things between two people that are best kept private. Don't read too much into this, it's only a friendly exchange between two people seeking enjoyment. I'll be waiting for you.
Again, you praise me too much. You make it seem like I always have idle time on my hands and know how to keep things lively. I cannot blame you as there is only so much, I could do when my occupation makes things always seem so dreadful. Although, I am pleased to hear that you trust me enough to plan your funeral.
Condition? Is everything okay?
Is that so? Regardless, I still want to know how your exchange went as I wish to meet up with your friends. I like to think that any friend of yours is always a friend of mine. But I shall wait for you.
Let me make it known there was never any intent to imply you have ample leisure time. What I meant was that I am aware you are capable of keeping things lively in spite of being a diligent and industrious businesswoman. It's not through any assumption I've made my choice. You are a friend who takes time to understand me, who shares the same passion for poetry as I do, and you don't pretend to be blind to my wishes.
It's the usual.
Got it, got it. Well, perhaps I can share some details. Not many. I'm kidding, he's an interesting person. Lively if anything. Actually, if you can you should definitely have a chat with him. But for now, I'm waiting outside the apartment complex for you.
I must admit, that is quite the compliment. Despite the praise you have given me, it is difficult to accept. If I am being honest, it is only a handful of times where people have given me words of encouragement. All I hear is nothing but how I am bothering them when all I simply want is to help them with the afterlife.
Regardless, I will be waiting for you outside. Hopefully we will be able to find something!
Hu Tao.
text, un: autumn — (idk probs during the curse time)
It is unfortunate that we became separated but I do trust you to keep yourself safe. Although now I've heard you've been selected for a grand endeavor. I won't worry but rather expect you to return in full health and we must continue weaving verses, trying to capture emotion in words. Although I've gone ahead in attempts to offer aid, there is little for me to do, so in the meantime, I offer you this to read.
Summer warmth inspired the locale, a memory of ocean brine and sea breeze. Sand soft, a caress with each step taken, the shore dotted by curious souls wandering in to enjoy a manufactured season indoors. The city's denizens only have memories of the beach to accompany them. Only a few note the distinct differences, musing on thoughts of their homelands. Truly most have come to enjoy a short reprieve from the monotony of daily life. A short pause to what they've come to know as expected; even in hell there is an established norm, there are boundaries.
Within the venue, the sea alone won't entertain guests; amusement can be found just about anywhere. Games inspire friendly competition between the factions, a respite from disputes, it's momentary harmony. Yet it's not the souls that gather here that are most disjointed. At the highest point, the pinnacle of leadership, each faction's master has their own goals but the discord between a certain two is the most obvious. No opportunity goes to waste, and neither passes up the chance to disparage the other.
There is a long history of strife, grievances, and conflict. The hostilities between them reach all times highs, but like the moon that governs the tides, it wanes and waxes. Friction settles and within this manufactured setting conflict smooths, wounds heal though scars remain as always. Nothing can be discarded nor forgotten but kindled by the warm sands there is a sense of nostalgia that only two aged souls can experience.
The competitive streak between them reaches a high that remains strangely amicable despite the pair's recent dispute. The lady offers coy laughter and wistful smiles while the gentleman, in turn, grows frustratingly embarrassed while willing to remain calm, and civil. The two contradict everything everyone has come to know about their connection.
Calid waters, soft breeze, along with the laughter of merrymakers, all make for a balmy day of early summer. Some attribute this temporary retreat to be the reason that two hearts apart manage to reconnect. However, the day does not last, as lights dim and fires are lit all signal the coming end. Before the night comes to a close, prior to the illusion ends, as the seconds continue to tick away; It's in these last vestiges of reprieve that the two realize there is very little time for emotions to be put into words.
By the shore, far from prying eyes and ears the two reconverge. The depth of sentiment is deeper than an ocean; the time left is short but it matters not as even if there were countless hours for the two to speak they could never quite put into words every emotion roused upon this day.
Lady Tenkohime's ageless beauty is not only highlighted by the glow of distant firelight but the serenity with which she carried herself throughout the day. Such grace is complemented by her companion's well-mannered behavior of the evening, discard is a Master Toraguma's ruthless demeanor if just for an evening. Words flow with an ease that hasn't felt natural in ages, there is a comfort that settles between the two.
The heaviness of heart cannot be restrained, curtains must close, and the moment must end. The following morning would be a return to routine.
It's just a rough draft, don't think much of it yet I would still value your opinion.
[Hu Tao didn't respond immediately for her mission came first! By the time she responded back, it was early in the morning as she spent her day in the hospital.]
To the gentlemen of the Feiyun Commerce Guild,
Is this what you've written while I had gone to help the Enma? I am impressed! To think, you've written this in a short period of time! It appears that once I am out of the hospital, we must continue to collaborate as we continue this story of yours!
For what you have written, I do believe it is good. Although, perhaps we can add in some more emotions between the two faction's leaders? I do wish to read more into how Tenkohime feels about Toraguma! Or maybe we can have another leader be involved? Or would that be something for the next installment?
[ There is no expectation of receiving an immediate answer when he is well aware that Hu Tao has plunged straight into danger. All he can hope is that by morning he would hear back from her. Waking Xingqiu is pleasantly surprised to find a text. ]
Wanderer Among Lark Notions Unbiding Tunes,
I expect to find you well despite your current stay at the hospital. Hm. Perhaps I should visit? There is no reason now to postpone our next poetry session, no there is no need for us to craft any works while you're in recovery. A challenge will come once you're fully healed. For now, why don't I read to you some poems in a collection I've found?
As for my recent work, you are correct, I managed to write that short story in a single night while locked away avoiding that dreadful rain. I am glad I can turn to you for advice, without an editor I hardly find anything I write suitable for publishing. Already you made a valid point but experience is what I lack to put down romantic sentiments to paper. I do have some ideas for the next segment of the tale but I will have to observe the two primary subjects further to fully grasp in what direction I wish for the story to continue.
As for the other two leaders, I have yet to decide what role they must play. Well, that's not entirely true but I won't spoil anything for you.
Oh yes, that would be wonderful! As much as I know I need to recover, it is rather boring staring the same four walls for an extended period of time. My mind tends to wander and there is only so much thinking before you can't think any more! Please to enlighten me with the poems you have found.
Romantic segments, huh? I'm surprised you consider yourself lacking for I do believe you have plenty of experience. Although, I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise.
But please do come visit me. We can discuss this even further!
Storywriter of Indestructible Justice? So Soij? That's what you're calling me now? Tsk tsk, my dear versemonger it seems you have not caught on to the little game I'm playing with you.
Anyway since it seems you agree with my suggestion I shall be visiting you soon enough. Although allow me to fully awaken from my slumber, I've only just greeted the morning when your reply roused me from my sleep. Yes, I'll bring the book along and we'll have much to discuss but as this is a formal visit then allow me to bring you a treat. What does your stomach desire?
And please, the only romantic knowledge I have solely comes from books. First-hand experience would drastically improve the quality of this story. I am hoping I can manage to at least capture a tenth of passionate sentiment in the next segment.
Oh? Then please do tell me what is this little game you are playing. I am curious!
My goodness, I wasn't aware that my message woke you up. By all means, go back to sleep and come back whenever you're ready. I shall be waiting until you do. And besides, you would want to rest up as you can surprise me. I'm sure whatever you choose, I'll be sure to love it.
I see. Then shall I see if there are any other romance books? I'm sure if I search, there will be plenty around! Maybe that might help you with your next story!
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