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Beidou really preferred life at sea. She could never seem to quite get her land legs back and found no point in doing so, after all, she’d soon be back on open water. However, every time the Crux hit land, Beidou made a point to grab a drink. After all, why not celebrate the high spirits of a job well done with some spirits of the more alcoholic variety?
The sun crested the horizon as Beidou exited the harbor city on her way to a tavern down the road. As she began, she saw a familiar pair a few paces ahead of her. It seemed both Xingqiu and Chongyun were out as well. An odd time for the adventure seeking friends but not surprising. Speeding up to close the distance, she began to hear their conversation.
“And you’re sure there’ll really be spirits this time?”
“Of course, dear Chongyun, my leads are only from the most respectable of sources! I am practically offended by your insinuations otherwise.”
Xingqiu embellished his words with a series of gestures as the two discussed their plans.
Coming up beside the friends, Beidou raised her voice in greeting. “And what are you two doing out so close to sundown?”
“Lady Beidou!” Xingqiu was the first to notice her presence as he turned to face the sailor. “I was not yet aware you had returned, how were your journeys?”
“They were great kid, but didn’t I remind you last time not to call me that?”
“Ah, but I will not concede until you cease your habit of calling me ‘kid’”.
Beidou hummed for a moment as if in thought before reaching out to ruffle Xingqiu’s hair.
“No dice kiddo.”
While Xingqiu attempted to dodge, he was not fast enough and ended up staring back at Beidou with a look of disgruntlement. Chongyun huffed out what may have been a laugh at his friend’s predicament, but would certainly just be allergies if Xingqiu were to ask.
Fixing his hair as best he could, Xingqiu tried to bring the conversation into calmer waters. “While it is always wonderful to see you Lady Beidou, may I inquire what business you have tonight?”
“Spirit hunting of course! A hobby of mine,” Beidou asserted with a smile. “Now what are you both doing out here? Didn’t think the Adventurer’s Guild offered its younger members any commissions this late.”
“What a surprise Captain Beidou, me and Xingqiu are spirit hunting as well.” Chongyun seemed to glow with pride after hearing that they were all doing the same thing.
Beidou however visibly slowed at Chongyun’s words. “Spirit hunting?”
Chongyun’s eyes lit up as he answered the captain’s question. “Xingqiu heard there was a powerful spirit in the next town over, so he is accompanying me as I look into it.”
Beidou paused a moment before clarifying, “Powerful spirits?”
“Only one,” Chongyun clarified, “but it should be strong if the rumors are correct.”
The captain’s face seemed to go through a multitude of emotions before settling on a countenance of vague amusement.
“I didn’t miss any recent birthdays, did I?”
A confused Chongyun shook his head while Xingqiu affirmed Beidou’s statement.
Sighing, Beidou continued. “Didn’t think so. You both could get in quite a bit of trouble for this, not that I would ever say anything of course, but it really isn’t safe.”
“Lady Beidou I really must disagree, me and my comrade here are more than capable of any dealing with any dangers that my cross our paths.”
“Kid, I get it, that sort of rush can be great, and its only one more year, but laws are in place for a reason. And trying to secure an under the table source is dangerous. If you really insist on doing this sort of thing you can come to the next Crux celebration and I’ll get you both something, I’d rather you do it somewhere safe and there are a few legal loopholes we can take advantage of if you do it at sea.”
Xingqiu’s eyes lit with a realization while Chongyun began to get fired up with a sort of offended indignance. His frustration was kept in check however he made sure to keep a firm tone as he spoke up.
“Captain Beidou, with all due respect, Xingqiu and I are perfectly capable of handling any spirits that may come our way. As you know I come from a long line of exorcists and often search for spirits and the like.”
“Exorcists? What’s that got to do with anything? Look kid, I know it seems like a pain to wait that extra year but-“
“Lady Beidou,” Xingqiu interrupted, “You need not worry, the spirits we seek are not the alcoholic sort as you assume, rather, we are searching for spirits that dear Chongyun may exorcise. The more, spiritual sort.”
Beidou groaned, “Of course, exorcists, teenagers, what a mix. Glad to know you’re being responsible then. Offer still stands of course, but I suppose I’d best get myself a drink. Good luck with your ‘spirit hunting’ then.”
Beidou rushed off as Xingqiu began to silently giggle. Chongyun realized Beidou was in fact, not insulting his capabilities as an exorcist, but rather trying to protect the duo from the dangers of underage drinking.
Hours later, as yet another failed ghost hunt had the pair of friends trudging back to Liyue empty handed, a sea captain drowned her embarrassment in a drink as she tried to forget about the earlier interaction.