Chapter Text
Blinking once or twice, Furina took a deep breath, a sweet aroma caught her nose and she was almost tempted to go find the source. However, Furina needs to have a plan of attack. Er, maybe not attack.
Plan of action. There we go
Furina needs to have a plan of action before she meets up with her, ‘ Co-workers’. She needs to clean and refresh herself before that. She was planning to book a room at the inn but for obvious reasons that plan didn’t come to flourish. Maybe she could find a bath house around ?
Spinning in a circle, Furina had no idea where to start. But standing still obviously was not going to get her closer, so mentally preparing herself she took a step forward.
And then another one
And then multiple steps until she reached a wooden bridge.
In Fontaine, the majority of bridges-at least in the city- were made out of bricks and harder materials, but here in liyue it was wood. Furina had also seen bamboo and straw being used for constructs.
Furina knew this bridge wouldn’t collapse. Hundreds of hundreds walk along it every day for hundreds of years. However, a small voice at the back of her brain screamed it wasn’t stable.
She had let her brain go on for too long and now Furina was nervous. Accepting defeat, she turned around to walk the way she came, hopefully a bathing house or hotel was in this direction instead.
Not even a second into moving, her shoulder came into contact with another mass of rough stature to herself. Furina’s eyes widened from their downwards position.
Ohohohoh she just nocked into a local. Not even 10 minutes in liyue and she was already causing problems for everyone. Furina was almost certain Morax himself would resurrect from his supposed death to personally escort her out of his nation. Maybe even after having her pay a mighty fine and maybe a year of community service.
“Aiya miss, Are you alright ? That was unpredictable, almost like d- oops,” the woman gasped playfully, “Mr Zhongli did tell me to cut back on the advertising, it could scare potential clients !”
Furina wasn’t sure what to make of that. She did have half the heart to bow and apologise from uh hurting ? this lady, but she didn’t seem to really be bothered.
Raising her eyes, she took in the appearance of this woman. Furina noticed many details,
From her dark brown hair and reddish eyes. To her black and golden clothes. The hat snuggly fitted on top of her person and the similarity in height to Furina’s self.
Furina needed to say something before her staring made the situation awkward.
“Aha ! Yes mademoiselle, I’m just fine… thank you. I should be the one asking that question however, My carelessness caused the collision.”
“Mmmmm, that is how it seems. But how do you know I didn’t purposely walk into your direction hm ?”
Furina didn’t know how to reply. Was this woman insinuating that.. Furina doesn’t even know how to entertain that line of thought. She was about to ask the lady- once again Furina should really learn these new peoples names- if she could clarify what she said or even just phrase it differently.
However the woman just playfully winked at her and continued,
“I thought you looked fairly interesting and you were just standing there ! What’s a girl to do in that situation. See, you obviously stand out. Both your accent and your clothes are some things I could list”
She took a deep breath
“I’m heading to the local restaurant that’s ran by a close friend, you seem a little lost so let me buy you some food and we can have a long and refreshing chat about hmm whatever comes to mind !”
Furina.. Furina was just overloaded with new infomation. She started mentally organising everything.
So this lady thought she looked interesting ? Okay that’s hm. That’s something. Not sure if it’s a good ‘something’ or a bad one. But it’s indeed something she said.
The Brunette is going to a restaurant that’s ran by her friend. That’s pretty average, maybe she’s hungry
What’s not average is the invitation to join her. Wouldn’t she be intruding on these two friends ? What if she just makes it awkward.
But the Woman did invite her and actively sought her out. So that must count for something, right ?
Ah this choice was nawing at her, but before she could continue to over think it her stomach rumbled.
Loud and long.
Furina started thinking about the good times. Back in Fontaine where she could just lay in her bed all day. Where she could hide away from the world in the comfort of her own home. Where she could talk to Neuvillette and preform on the stage ! Ah her smile was always real. Just letting time pass slowly and easily.
A small giggle brought her from her mind, the owner started speaking,
“Ah well ! I’m assuming that’s a yes hm ? Feel free to say no, but if we don’t get moving soon we might miss out on potential deals !”
Not wasting a second after her statement, the woman- Gosh the next time Furina spoke she was going to ask her name- took ahold of Furina’s wrist, giving her just a moment to decide if she wanted to turn the other way, and started to pull Furina over the bridge.
The supposedly old but stable bridge that embodied liyue itself and which caused Furina distress earlier was just a colour change from the gray, smooth stones to the brown wood as it passed underneath the pair.
As quickly as it began, it ended with them exiting to the other side. The lady continued to pull Furina passed this center plaza area. Passing a merchant seeming to sell stones. Passing an alchemy table and then passing a story teller entertaining a small crowd.
Furina just continued to admire the surroundings while being dragged in a set path. Until coming to a complete stop in front of a store with a very large window that allows you to peer into the store.
It’s completely different from Fontaine, where it was almost unheard of to eat outside while also observing the chef cooking your meal from the inside.
Zoning back in, Furina realised the Lady -that’s it. Furina is going to figure out her name- had been talking this whole time. And Furina hadn’t even been listening and showing basic respect. Where were those manners she imbedded into herself while she played Archon.
Opening her mouth. Furina couldn’t even get the first word out before she heard a loud but hearty ;
“Hu-Tao ! I’m so glad you came ! Come, come sit and I’ll bring out my new speciality”
It’s the second time this has happened. Right before Furina was going to ask a new companion their name, someone else revealed it. It’s fine. Thirds times the chance.. that’s if Furina can manage to meet anyone else after this experience.
Hu-Tao, the lady from before, matching the younger woman’s energy, replied to her.
“Aha ! Maybe not this time, Xiangling, see here,” she points at Furina standing awkwardly behind Hu-Tao, “This is a new friend of mine from not around here. I doubt she would want to start off meeting you with one of your experiments. No hard feelings !”
Now Hu-Tao is speaking for Furina, but she genuinely doesn’t mind too much. Furina feels like the awkwardness that just radiates her, would cause her to stumble when declining this supposed experimental food.
Not that eventually she might want to try it. But for Furina’s first time in Liyue, espicalky the harbour, she should stick to something easy but filling. She is still hungry from when her stomach embarrassed her in front of her new companion.
“Understandable but you owe me next time !”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Aiya, could you please just order us two of my regulars ? Maybe with less seasoning for our blue-dressed-friend, hmm we are just going to sit over there alright-y ?”
“Yep-yep, your food will be out shortly”
And with that, the chef, Furina supposed, turned back to her kitchen and starting to cook up this ‘regular’. Whatever that could be.
Without a second delay, Furina followed Hu-Tao over to the empty table that was pointed at early and sat down. The two women faced each other in silence for just a moment, before Hu-Tao opened up her mouth.
“Sooo, am I to guess correctly that your from Fontaine ? Your pronunciation of words gives you away heh”
Furina swallowed. This was just a normal conversation between two normal humans. Nothing to be nervous about. Putting on her best game face. Furina replied.
“Aha ! Yes it is, I’m a proud citizen of the nation of hydro. And I didn’t think my accent was that.. different”
“Don’t stress about it ! I’m prone to noticing the little, missable details. Comes with my job”
“And.. that would be ?”
Furina was almost too scared to ask. What could this energetic, lively woman do for work ?
“Many call me Director Hu-Tao because I’m a funeral director. Making sure everyone all around liyue- hoping to expand to all of Teyvat- has the easiest, safetest and fun-est journey to the other side”
That… wasn’t what Furina wasn’t expecting at all. For the woman to work so closely with death. Her personally directly contrasts her profession but who was Furina to judge.
Continuing on, Hu-Tao asked Furina ;
“So, What is a young lady like yourself doing in this harbour all by yourself hmmm ? Meeting old friends, oh oh ! Perhaps a lover”
With that word, Hu-Tao did an exaggerated, dramatic wink at Furina which she procceded to giggle at.
“Ah no, a lady like myself is planning to stay One for a long time. However you did nearly nail it on the head with that first suggestion. A Co-workers meet-up is happening tomorrow, and I just had to attend. You understand, yes ?”
“Loud and clear ! Tomorrow hm.. ?” Something unrecognisable to Furina flashed in Hu-tao’s eyes in which a larger grin took over her face, “Ah well I hope it goes perfect for you”
A silence overtook the two women as Xiangling came out with two steaming dishes. Thanking the woman as she put down the food onto the table, a redder coloured bowl placed in front of Hu-Tao while a lighter yellow colour was suddenly in front of Furina.
As Xiangling walked away, the two started to in hail the food. Furina because she was almost starving, and Hu-Tao.. Furina didn’t see any reason to eat as fast as she did, but as time went on, Furina realised Hu-Tao was just a strange woman.
Minutes passed in silence as the two came to the end of their meals almost at the same time. Furina only a few seconds before Hu-Tao.
Leaning back, Furina patted her stomach with a contempt ‘hphm’ and looked at Hu Tao who was wiping her mouth with a provided tissue. Now thinking of it, Furina had nowhere to stay for the night and probably should learn where the nearest hotel was. Planning such that, she started talking,
“Hey Hu-Tao, do you know where a local and cheap hotel is ?”
“Ah ! Unfortunately the cheap ones are just all booked ! It’s truly a shame”
And there goes Furina’s good mood. What was she to do now. She can’t meet the Archons smelling like dirt and travel sweat !
Sighing, Furina will just have to come up with something on the spot. Maybe she can find a secluded place and just shower herself with her vision. And there’s the matter of staying for the night. Maybe she can just down a load of coffees and beg to whoever she should believe in that she doesn’t look too tired for tomorrow.
No time like the presence, in the corner of Furina’s eyes, she can already see the sun starting to set, illuminating the whole city in a gorgeous orange sunset.
“Well as this day is almost returning to night. It seems I need to get going ! I thank you so much for this treat. I do hope we ca-“
Before Furina could even finish her sentence, Hu-Tao suddenly grabbed her wrist with a slightly more strained expression before saying ;
“Now, please decline if you feel uncomfortable, but my apartment is equipped with an extra bedroll due to friends often staying with me for a few nights. It’s currently unused. It could be yours just this one time hm ?”
Well… no ! Furina doesn’t even know this woman too well, but something deep inside tells her she should trust this once. Anyway, Furina has an extremely loud voice when need be and also has her vision. She can defend herself. It’ll be fine. Furina can do this. Her first.. sleepover ? Is that what this could be. Making up her mind,
“Oh ! Are you completely sure ? I wouldn’t want to impose. I mean it’s your house !”
“Aiya, please accept my help, it’s truly no issue. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to”
“…well if you do say so. I wouldn’t decline it”
The strained expression that once graced Hu-tao’s face quickly changed into one of great happiness. Her smile becoming more real and genuine.
“Perfect ! Let’s go, my place is right above my work so it’s not too far. Since we’ve already had food, I can just prepare a small snack while you shower and get ready for to tomorrow ahah ! Oh it’ll be so-“
Furina mentally started blocking out Hu-Tao, offering small words to the conversation when she looks at Furina. Furina supposes Hu-Tao knows she’s not fully listening, but doesn’t seem to mind too much, just chatting away at this new found friendship as Furina was slowly pulled towards and over the bridge.
Not even a second later, the two were outside this.. building. Not given a second for Furina to examine it, Hu-Tao pushed forward into the building, taking a sharp left as they entered. Both started to ascend the small staircase that creeped everytime Furina stepped up.
Opening the door revealed a small and humble room with three doors connecting off the supposed living room. A warm brown graced the room as a settee facing a window with dark red curtains and a bookcase which was all on the left side, with a singular door close by.
On the right stood a small kitchen furnished with a fridge, a stove and cupboards, probably full of pots and pans and whatever Hu-Tao might contain in her kitchen. Spices perhaps.
A door stood next to the fridge with a sign on it saying…
‘Wooooo spooky stuff inside (it’s my bedroom hehe)’
Furina can only imagine what’s inside the other doors in the room.
“Welcome ! Welcome to my humble abode ! Bathroom is over there,” she points at the left door. “You can probably assume what that door is” she points at the door with the sign “and that other door is full of my work stuff. You can enter if you want ! Just don’t scream, it disturbs the neighbours”
“…what neighbours, I didn’t see any other apartments”
And with that, all Hu-Tao did was smirk. Furina decided to not ask any questions, and just not enter that room.
“Go get yourself washed up while I go wrestle with the bedroll. I’m pretty tired so I’ll head to bed shortly after. But make yourself at home and grab whatever you need from the kitchen. Have a good sleep !”
And with that, Hu-Tao turned around and threw open her door and stumbled inside. Not bothering to close the door behind her allowed Furina to take a small peek. The room was surprisingly bright. Full of random blotches of colours.
Not wanting to intrude, Furina started to make her way over to the bathroom. Quickly placing her bad down on the floor next to the door before enetrting.
The bathroom was a small thing. Fitting the aesthetic of the living room/kitchenette. Brushing passed the mirror, Furina wasted no time getting into the shower.
The warm water brushing against her skin was heavenly and was desperately what Furina needed to calm her nerves. After a while, she jumped out and dried herself with her vision. Grabbing her clothes she exited the room.
In the middle of the room- near the settee- was a mat. The one she supposed Hu-Tao got for her. On top were some new clothes and a sticky note saying
‘Don’t worry about any strange and unusual sounds at night hehe ! The neighbours are always up to some sort of mischief !!!!! -signed Your friend Hu-Tao !!’
Closing her eyes, Furina took a short breath and changed into the provided set of pyjamas.
Looking around, Furina decided she wasn’t hungry. Although she slept a lot the last few days, she was tired. Maybe not physically, but mentally. Meeting all these new people have really done it for her.
Settling down into the mat, Furina just stared up at the slightly off coloured white ceiling.
After a while, her eyes started to droop down and Furina didn’t fight it, quickly going off into a dream of what knows.
One second she was closing her eyes at night, and the next it was morning. Birds loudly cawing from Celestia knows where.
The unfamiliar surroundings started to make Furina’s heart beat at her chest until she recalled yesterday. Gosh, going to a completely random strangers house in a whole new nation was literally insane. What if she was kidnapped ! What if someone realised she used to play an Archon.
Ahh.. well nothing can be done about it, she supposed while sighing, the past is the past and…
Oh Gods.
Today was the day.
Speaking of Gods, that’s who Furina was going to maybe meet today.
Ohohohoh that’s not fun. Or maybe it will be ? Ah this is all too confusing.
Before her mind can mess her up anymore, Hu Tao entered the room from the front door to exit the apartment
“Silly-churl, Billy-churl, silly-billy-hilly churl, s- oh your awake ! Sorry if me entering cause to to awaken ! I was out hunting the whooole night”
Furina didn’t even bother to question the song or the supposed nightly activites
“Yeah, I just woke up.. do you know the time ?”
“Mmmmm it should be nearly 11. Why ?”
“I should.. I should probably get going. I don’t want to keep my coworkers waiting”
“Oh of course not ! It seems like these coworkers are really important. Go get changed and I’ll get you something small to eat”
Nodding along, Furina did just that. Once again exiting the bathroom, but this time seeing actual Hu-Tao standing next to her kitchen holding some slices of toast which Furina ate as slow as possible.
“Well I should be off ! Ahah..” she said while grabbing her bag from where she placed it last night.
“Let me walk you to the front of the building hm ? Humour me just this one time”
“Lead the way”
And so the two girls left Hu-Tao’s apartment. Down the staircase, out of the dark building and next to the wooden bridge.
“Well this is where we depart mademoiselle !”
“Aiya, it does seem so. Well I hope today goes perfect for you Furina, I truly do. You’ll be wanting to go down the street to your left and there’s your destination.”
Walking forward, Hu-Tao gave Furina a quick hug and ran back into her building-which presumably was her funeral-whatever-store – leaving Furina once again on her own.
Taking a step forward in the directions given to her by Hu-Tao. She suddenly stopped. She… she never told Hu-Tao her name right ? Ah this was no time to dwell on such oddities. Furina probably told her during their conversation yesterday. No big deal. But then again how did she know she was supposed to g-
Furina is just going to stop questioning it, for the sake of her own mind.
Lost in thought she didn’t even realise she arrived at the location until it was right in front of her.
This was it. This was finally it. These last few days were a complete rollercoaster, so Furina hopes it was worth it. Lifting up her arm, Furina got into position to pull the door. But when she felt something-or maybe it was more correct to say someone, Tap her on her shoulder.
She stopped
Furina took a shallow breath and turned around.