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Chapter Text

part i. the fading stories

Excerpts from Memory Keeper: The Most Mysterious Adeptus in Liyuen Mythology — written by Dr. Chang Fei — pub. 1989 P.S. — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

While it is the norm for archeological and mythological records pertaining to adepti to prominently describe their natures or the circumstances of their birth, this is not the case with the enigmatic figure of Memory Keeper. It is a settled matter that he was not among the yaksha, despite connections to Alatus[1], as those stories treat Memory Keeper distinctly as an outsider. Nor could he be counted among the avian adepti, such as Cloud Retainer, as he has never been referred to with the relevant identifier, despite being described as “a magnificent, six-winged creature of the open skies” in the Northern Stone Tablets. His title is also rather vague, with no reference to nature or the elements, while the only other identifier used for him is an archaic term with no widely accepted translation. This title can be rendered in modern tongue as ‘heavenly witness’—but it still stands out among adeptal identifiers as telling nothing of Memory Keeper’s origin, unlike how terms such as ‘qilin’ or ‘yaksha’ do.

Even more confusing is his standing amongst the adepti as a whole and in comparison to Rex Lapis. As Prime of the Adepti, the Lord of Geo is always depicted in positions of unambiguous authority in art and literature alike, and treated as much by the adepti in their interactions. However, in what few visual depictions have been recovered, Memory Keeper is always shown in a strangely coequal stance whenever he appears by Rex Lapis’ side. Sculptures, murals, and carvings tend to position them as opposites, with Rex Lapis arising from the earth, likened to a rising sun, and Memory Keeper descending from the heavens, likened to a retreating moon[2].

[…]

The most well-known story involving the adeptus Memory Keeper is Tidings of Appleseed, as recounted in the Northern Stone Tablets. It depicts Memory Keeper returning to Liyue from a distant land, “with the winds carrying apple seeds.” The adeptus then offered them as gifts to Rex Lapis, who at first was puzzled, asking why he had been given such strange tree droppings. Memory Keeper explained, “These seeds themselves are not my gift to you, but the fruit that shall whet your lips and the shade under which you may rest when you grow weary. You need only give them time.” Rex Lapis responded, “Then time they shall have.” To show his appreciation for the gift, the Lord of Geo set aside rich soil to cultivate the seeds and allow them to grow into fair, bountiful apple trees—the first in Liyue[8].

This story is emblematic of many of Memory Keeper’s key characteristics. The motif in the myth, as well as many other stories involving Memory Keeper, is the passage of time, shown in the way his gift to Rex Lapis could only materialize if cultivated over time. Another such myth revolving around a similar theme is Lamentations of the Immortals from the Minlin in Antiquity Compendium, as recorded around the Second Century A.S. In it, Rex Lapis is weighed down heavily by the pain and loss he had experienced during the Archon War. He contemplates of a future after the war, when his people, with their mortal lives and short memory, would know of peace better than they know of war, while even his fellow immortals can erode, forgetting and losing themselves over time. And thus, he wonders what will become of the truths of history and the world that are only preserved in his own memories. Beside him, Memory Keeper assures the Lord of Geo, “Worry not. I promise you this: the winds shall blow upon you gently, and the ravages of time upon your immortal soul shall be stayed, so long as I live.” Rex Lapis was touched. “And you,” he said, “shall never have to worry of falling. Were you to lose your place in the skies, it is to me you may always return. The earth shall catch you, safely, no matter how many times.”

The second myth touches upon another prominent motif in stories featuring Memory Keeper, that is the idea of journeys, of continuously leaving and returning. Most of his appearances in Liyuen mythology involve him returning with items, stories, or ideas from foreign lands, and bringing them back to Liyue[9]. This ties in also to the ambiguity of his origin, and his place among the adepti. Out of them all, Memory Keeper is the only one repeatedly implied to be an outsider or foreign, and thus different from the others[10]. Whenever he appears, there is also a marked contrast to the way the Lord of Geo is depicted, when compared to most other stories that feature Rex Lapis. With Memory Keeper, he is shown to be unguarded, frank, and even vulnerable, and their interactions strike less as an adeptus and his Prime, and more as equal companions[11].

[…]

With records scarce and translations of ancient texts either unavailable or hotly debated, it is difficult to ascertain much information about this mysterious adeptus. Some scholars[19] have even argued that Memory Keeper may not be an adeptus at all, but a god, though this does not seem to be substantiated due to lack of any evidence for worship, which one would expect to find for old folk deities in Liyue. Indeed, few things about him may be ascertained other than that he mostly appears in and is associated with Northern Liyue, due to the accounts that can be found in the Northern Stone Tablets. Scholars can only look forward to further excavations and research shedding light on no doubt one of the most mysterious figures in Liyuen mythology.

Excerpt from the magazine Continental Folklore — issue XXVII, Stories in Song: VII — pub. Autumn, 1992 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

These last few issues, we here at Continental Folklore have brought you the mythology and folklore found in the music of Teyvat’s diverse regions. Finally, to conclude the Stories in Song series, we set out on a journey to the land of pastorals, wine, and song itself: Mondstadt.

[…]

A less common but still well-known form of folk music, which is performed by bards as well as sung by common people alike, involves two or more stock characters in stories with a wide variety of topics. One common format involves a performing bard singing one “side” of a song while the audience sings back the other, in a call-and-response. Examples of paired stock characters in these songs include the Maiden and Knight, the Aristocrat and Peasant, and the Bard and Gentleman.

Songs featuring the Maiden and Knight are usually romantic in nature, though the tone can range from comedic to tragic. They may occasionally feature a third character such as the Fool, Rival, or Mistress. Those with the Aristocrat and Peasant, meanwhile, are about history, or are affirmations meant to be sung communally in triumph and merriment. The Aristocrat would be an over-the-top caricature, while the Peasant would be a righteous everyman.

Perhaps most interesting is the case of the Bard and Gentleman, whose songs are philosophical debates about broad concepts with no clear resolution or winner. These songs may be performed in duets by two musicians, or by a bard and an audience member acting as the Gentleman. They are always told from the perspective of the Bard, whose role leads in each song with a line such as, Of [topic], my dear friend the Gentleman said to me… after which the song continues with the two characters trading lines back and forth.

Common threads in their songs include the Bard opting to quit verbal debate and instead attempting to persuade the stuffy Gentleman through sensory experience, or the emotional Bard becoming frustrated by the Gentleman’s dispassionate objectivity and storming off. The two are portrayed as opposite yet complementary forces, who tend to miss the other’s opposition when absent. Despite the Gentleman’s rigidness, the Bard admires his knowledgeable and dependable nature. Despite the Bard’s fickleness, the Gentleman longs for the excitement and spontaneity his adversary brings.

The most well-known songs featuring them debate the merits of chaos and order (with the Gentleman for order and the Bard for chaos), the earth and the sky (with the Gentleman for earth and the Bard for sky), the sun and the moon (with the Gentleman for sun and the Bard for moon), and spring and autumn (with the Gentleman for autumn and the Bard for spring). Their songs also tend to be quite old, with many predating the Aristocratic Period.

Excerpt from Folk Traditions of Liyue Vol. 3 — 1982 P.S. reprint — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Earthquakes and Dandelions

Earthquakes as a phenomenon have not been nearly as common in recent memory as they were in ancient times. Back then, denizens of Qingce Village and Stone Gate in Northern Liyue usually sent out an able young adult near the border with Mondstadt to pick fresh dandelions and scatter their seeds. If done alongside a prayer to the Lord of Geo, this practice was believed to calm the fault lines below and quell further quakes during the spring and summer. The reason for why, out of all plants, dandelions are used in this ritual has, unfortunately, been lost to history.

Text fragment from the Northern Stone Tablets — Origin: circa 300 A.S. — Mt. Qingce, Bishui Plain, Liyue

Every year, from the melting of the last patch of snow off the branches of a bare birch tree to the day of the first turning of the leaves, the Geo Lord pines for the loss of His beloved, the Spring-bringer, as the winds only graze upon the eaves of His abode in the autumn. Like a migratory bird, the Spring-bringer flies south for the winter, making a nest of the land of warmth and wealth. Each year, the great Rex Lapis makes His lands more magnificent, the harvest more bountiful, the lights brighter, and the music sweeter. All this the Lord of Geo does in hopes that He shall not be alone once more come the day His love must depart to herald the arrival of springtime. And yet, as is known to all, the coming of spring has always been as certain as the dawn. However much Rex Lapis may wish to take the Spring-bringer for His bride, the kindly spirit cannot be shaken from their duties. Tempered be thee to wish for our Lord’s success, for the fruit of this eternal courtship is the plenty enjoyed by all in the nation of prosperity!

Excerpt from the Holy Scriptures of the Church of Favonius — Book of II Frühling  — Favonius Cathedral, Mondstadt City, Starfell Valley, Mondstadt

[…]In response to the sudden changes in the climate, the God of Blizzards, a primordial being of unshakeable character and disposition, sought the would-be usurper of his erstwhile rival’s throne in the newly founded City of Freedom. At the thought of who could have bested the likes of Decarabian, this noble soul could only picture an indomitable warrior, or perhaps a wily plotter. Instead, the God of Blizzards found Lord Barbatos—blessed be His name—who had welcomed him eagerly into His abode, shared with mere mortals. Barbatos immediately proclaimed His support, were the old god before Him to seek the title and throne of Anemo Archon.

The God of Blizzards was struck by this young deity’s benevolence and humility. He himself had no desire to trifle with mortals and their affairs, and now it became clear to him that there lived no one better in this land to claim one of the Seven Thrones. Andrius voiced this sentiment to Barbatos, who simply smiled and said, “Then they shall rule themselves, and I shall watch over them to protect this new freedom, as I feel the same way you do.”

Later during the banquet held in his honor, the God of Blizzards would hear Barbatos sing for the first time, and be struck once more—this time by the deity’s beauty and the myriad of ageless truths and wonders in His song. The old god would hold on to these feelings for centuries, until the spring when he would offer his companionship and devotion to Barbatos, professing that, “Were it not for you and the melodies you impart when we are together, I would have long left this world, for there is nothing else that could persuade me to stay.”

However, the Anemo Archon rebuffed his advances, saying, “Though I feel nothing but respect for you, my noble friend, I must apologize, for there is only one great beast for me. I cannot give you my heart when it resides not with me, but southward.”

A private letter — dated Spring 1993 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Ms. Su Yin,

The work never ends! I have to wonder if the Society just lets anyone in nowadays. The number of papers I’ve had to critique or straight up debunk keeps growing at an uncontrollable rate. It’s like people will say absolutely anything about Rex Lapis and get it published so it appears to be true.

As for the serious scholarship, I’m still as far as ever from finding out the identities of the adeptus Memory Keeper (whom I’d previously published a paper about, in case you haven’t read it) and Rex Lapis’ infamous lover, the Spring-bringer. If you’re curious what kind of primary sources I have to deal with on a daily basis, then feast your eyes on the following enclosed excerpt, and feel your blood boil at the unhelpful vagaries!

I hope you’re doing better than I am, even though that’s a low standard to clear. How’s Mondstadt City treating you?

Yours,

Fei

Enclosed copy of a recovered fragment from the presumed autobiography of Wei Huoxi, resident of Qingce Village — circa 900 P.S. — Qingce Village, Bishui Plain, Liyue

Consumed by young love, I had thought to myself that my darling deserved no less than the elegant qingxin, which only grew at the highest stone peaks. Indeed, I would have scaled any mountain, to prove that I wanted to spend my life with her. The next dawn, I made my journey to Mt. Qingce with haste, and by the time the sun was highest in the sky, I was nearing the peak, and was able to gaze well upon the smaller tops of neighboring hills.

It was then that I spotted something most unexpected: a majestic creature with great wings made up of immaculate white feathers, around whom the winds appeared to dance in worshipful song, and whose figure the sunrays conspired to bathe in an otherworldly glow. At once, I knew that this being could not have been human. I could not but avert my eyes in the face of such purifying light, for despite only knowing their name from story and song, I was certain they could not have been anyone else.

All my life, I have grown up being told about and observing this tradition of my people, the proposal with the qingxin flower. It is said that Rex Lapis himself mandates for these flowers to grow, or else how would they survive such a harsh and unforgiving home as the stony peaks of hills and mountains, where little nutrients are to be found? And yet, there do they grow, where the Lord of Geo intends them as gifts to the object of his courtship, in the place where their domains, the solid earth and open sky, meet.

This deity sat leisurely on their stone perch overlooking the rolling hills, and regarded the humble, solitary qingxin flower that grew by their side with the gentlest of caresses, yet did not attempt to pluck it for themself. Upon spotting me, they rose, and with a single flap of their wings, the qingxin at the highest peak was guided by the winds in a gentle stroll right into my awaiting hands. I was stunned, and remained in listening to the breeze long after that divine being had departed. For many years, I would wonder why they caressed the qingxin offered to them by the Lord of Geo with such fondness, but did not accept it or take it for themself, and instead readily offered it to this mortal passerby.

Only in old age has the answer become clear to me: it was because they could not. After all, no more could the heavens and earth collide than could there be union between Rex Lapis and his beloved. As not only gods but embodiments of the elements, their duties and separation are crucial to the natural laws of this world. Thus, instead, it is with the qingxin that the two bless the unions of mortals, in hopes that we humans—despite our lives’ transience and seeming insignificance compared to that of the divine—can fulfill what they themselves cannot.

A private letter — dated Spring 1993 P.S. — Mondstadt City, Starfell Valley, Mondstadt

My dearest Dr. Chang,

Thank you kindly for your well-wishes. I have arrived safely in Mondstadt, and just in time as well for a local festival they call Windblume. It’s a lovely event embodying spring and celebrating love of all kinds, during which I commissioned a couple of custom-made flower bookmarks, for your daughters, which should be enclosed along with this letter. I hope they like them.

Of course, I was not to be distracted from my original aim in coming here: the Knights of Favonius Library. And let me tell you, their collection has definitely surpassed my expectations. Nearly every missing volume I was seeking from my list was present here, and I’d already gotten most of what I needed copied.

I also gladly perused the rest of their collection, and found some unique and peculiar new research, which I suspect might be of interest to your studies. Despite not usually being the type to put weight on these kinds of things, I felt it had to be fate for me to come across such a pertinent treatise of archeology and mythology. I have also enclosed it here, for your perusal.

As for why I thought you would want to read an obscure text about the Anemo Archon, of all figures, well… read on and you’ll see.

Yours,

Su Yin

Excerpts from Time and Wind: An Examination of the Lesser-Known Divine Epithets of Barbatos — written by H. Morton — pub. 1985 P.S. — Mondstadt City, Starfell Valley, Mondstadt

Lord Barbatos is a god with many titles. Even outside Mondstadt, it is mundane for people to recognize him as the Anemo Archon and God of Wind. To Mondstadters and especially members of his church, who value his ideal above all, he is foremost the God of Freedom. Less commonly, he is worshiped in his capacity as God of Music and Lyric, a patron deity of bards and poets.

[…]

By sailors, the titles of “the Guiding Wind,” “Dispeller of Tempests,” and “Bringer of Clear Skies” have also been found to refer to Barbatos, to whom the sailors pray for safe travels at sea. This niche area of worship has also spread due to trade to the sailors of other nations, such as Snezhnaya and Liyue, where Barbatos is minorly worshiped as a patron deity of safe winds and clear weather.

[…]

In archaic times, before the Aristocratic Period, Barbatos used to be much more associated with the season of spring. Farmers and those in adjacent trades would worship him as the Herald of Spring (“Der Vorbote des Frühlings”) during the winter, asking for him to come quickly and bring with him the blossoming of trees and flowers and plants.

It is said in some oral traditions in the rural provinces of Mondstadt that Barbatos would take the form of the Spring Maiden to signal the arrival of springtime. As a symbol of fertility and prosperity, many a god who was unaware of the Spring Maiden’s true identity once sought to make her their bride, including the God of Blizzards, Andrius; the God of Storms, Decarabian; and even the God of Contracts and Geo Archon of Liyue, Morax.

[…]

In his most ancient associations to the God of Time, Istaroth, Barbatos is also found to have been referred to alongside her with the titles of “Witness to the Divine” (a possibly anachronistic term predating the Archon War and mentions of the Seven Thrones), the “Prophecy Keeper,” and—interchangeably with the latter—the “Secret Sharer.” This last term can be translated in a variety of ways, as the word used for “prophecy” and “secret” can also be rendered as “memories” or “recollections.”

Excerpt from the publication Little Mythologies — pub. Latter Winter 1993 P.S. issue — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

From Our Mailbag

An anonymous reader asks:

How close was Rex Lapis really to his neighboring Anemo Archon? Didn’t they hate each other? I recall an old tale I’ve heard since childhood about a precious vase broken by Barbatos, which greatly displeased Rex Lapis, who highly values such things.

Fellow Dr. Chang Fei answers:

Like many things in the historical record, this is not such a simple matter to determine. The story of the broken vase follows the trend of old stories becoming twisted and reinterpreted countless times throughout their existence. An older version of the myth—closer to the original, in fact—tells it such that a wily merchant was trying to sell Rex Lapis a fake, and by the act of breaking the vase, Barbatos helped Rex Lapis realize this fact. Of the few things we can determine for certain is that the original Seven Archons apparently considered each other as friends. Another is that Barbatos in antiquity used to be portrayed as somewhat of a trickster god, a format which this vase tale in its original form likely fit into. Thus, such stories cannot really be taken at face value. A tale that appears to say one thing about the Archons may well have a different message if you dig deeper into its history. Always look for nuance, and remember to be mindful of the ways time and culture can alter the stories of the past.

Among the archives of the magazine Continental Folklore — issue XXVIII, Seasons and Weather — pub. Winter 1993 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

Reader Mailbox

An anonymous reader from Liyue Harbor says:

Greetings. I am a longtime reader of the magazine (since the third issue) and somewhat of a polymath with a special interest in history and the Archons. My message is for the Editor, Mlle. Amélie.

I understand that you have, for a long time, wanted to publish a special issue about love amongst the gods and their contemporaries. However, as veracity of content and density of information have always been foremost priorities at Continental Folklore, the lack of good source material from which to draw has delayed this project indefinitely.

To that end, I humbly direct you towards the tales of my nation’s own late Archon, Rex Lapis, and the plentiful sources, both primary and secondary, that depict quite a long and colorful relationship between him and a hitherto unidentified spring deity. Specifically, I would recommend the writings of one Dr. Chang Fei on the Northern Stone Tablets—one of the richest sources about Liyuen gods and adepti predating the end of the Archon War.

Please feel free not to publish or respond to this message. For this letter to be read and considered is more than enough.

Attached scribbled note: Yeah, tell Etienne I can’t publish this, future issues talk and all. And don’t get me wrong, it’s interesting, but you can’t be too wary of anonymous letters nowadays. It would’ve been nice to talk it out with this person. I tried to get in touch, but the postal service must have messed up along the way somewhere, because the return address just leads to a funeral parlor! That can’t be right.

Excerpt of a well-kept journal from the vast archives of a domain hidden deep beneath the earth:

I will never forget the last time the seven of us dined and drank together. My abode for hosting such gatherings—which sat empty and unused on most days, as it is more convenient for me to work closer to the Harbor—had been cleaned and redecorated with the latest human finery. Liquor and debate alike flowed freely. In particular, the paths that humanity might take moving forward were a charged topic: Baal’s sentimentality and Barbatos’ optimism clashing against mine and Pursan’s more pragmatic realism. Even-tempered Vinea situated herself in the mediator’s seat, as she tended to do, assuming the role of trial judge even among friends. Kindly Saleos couldn’t see why the two sides were in opposition, as she held both views in the debate as equally true and saw no contradiction with this. Meanwhile, conflict-loving Eligos simply reveled in the discord and goaded on both sides with a smirk on his face.

As the evening turned into night and empty containers of food and drink were silently cleared away, our merry table retreated into smaller cliques for slower and more intimate discussions. Pursan and Vinea were situated outside on the veranda, their gazes to the heavens. Eligos and I stayed inside to pore over batches of maps. Baal and Saleos whispered quietly to each other in the lounge. Barbatos, on the other hand, preferred to speak most lightheartedly to the human musicians at the back of the room. After a while, he made some sort of cue, which the humans took as instructions to change their setlist. He then approached every god and, one by one, asked them for a dance. First was Saleos, then second was Baal, with Pursan as third, Eligos fourth, and Vinea the last. During each dance, he spoke to them a few words—which I could not hear, for I suspect he did not want me to. At the end, he gave each of them a kiss: the first two on the cheek, and then the latter three on the hand.

Almost expectantly, I waited for him to make his way over to me… but that, he did not do. In fact, not once did Barbatos look my way. Even upon approaching Eligos, he simply tugged him along by the wrist while facing the center of the room so as to avoid my gaze.

After the other five had departed, I had wanted to ask him about it—but, at the same time, the thought of doing so filled me with this most unpleasant fear. The last thing I wanted was to drive him away again by being too interrogative or too possessive. I know he must have his reasons, and yet my heart could not stop demanding the truth: wondering what could be said to the others, but not to me?

But now, Barbatos has disappeared, and I cannot find him even after peace has returned to the land. I stand now as the only one of us who will be able to remember that what Barbatos had given that night were kisses of death. Does he not understand that there is no world in which I would prefer to be spared while he is sacrificed?

I will keep searching for him. Until I can confirm with my own senses that the last of his essence has left this world, I refuse to believe I am all that remains.

end of part i.

part ii. wayward souls

Excerpt from Memory Keeper, the Spring-bringer, and the Identity of Various Disunited Figures in Liyuen Mythology — written by Dr. Chang Fei — pub. 1993 P.S. — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

As can clearly be seen, there exists a direct parallel between nearly every lesser-known epithet mentioned by H. Morton and the myths about Memory Keeper, the Spring-bringer, and related figures. From the similarities between Memory Keeper and the Secret Sharer as well as the Spring-bringer and the Spring Maiden, the paper is also able to provide answers to some obscure cases such as the niche dual worship that occurs among the industry of sailors and seamen. It is safe to say that this may be one of the biggest mysteries, now answered, in the realm of Rex Lapis’ mythology. His lover, his bride, his close confidant, and an honorary figure considered higher than adepti—is none other than the Anemo Archon, Barbatos.

Excerpts from the publication Little Mythologies — pub. Latter Summer 1993 P.S. — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

From Our Mailbag

Anonymous reader #12 asks:

Just where did you get the preposterous notion that Rex Lapis and the Anemo Archon were in fact lovers? Does the Society publish any two-bit piece of drivel nowadays?

Anonymous reader #25 asks:

As a longtime reader and follower of Dr. Chang Fei, I have always enjoyed reading your critiques and debunkings of papers with spurious claims about Rex Lapis and his mythology. I never thought I’d see the day when you would join the likes of who would publish such things in the name of virality and shock factor.

Anonymous reader #31 asks:

Where do I start a petition to remove Dr. Chang Fei’s status as a Fellow of the Liyue Cultural and Historical Society? Surely, that recent paper of hers simply cannot stand.

Fellow Dr. Chang Fei answers:

I think you all would do well to read both my paper and the reason for its writing, Time and Wind: An Examination of the Lesser-Known Divine Epithets of Barbatos by H. Morton. You might find the material highly enlightening, as I did, and realize that my arguments in my recent paper as well as the apparently shocking conclusion are well-substantiated by the evidence.

[…]

Anonymous reader #44 asks:

Dr. Chang, have you heard about the newly discovered domain in the southwest part of Mt. Tianheng? Neither the Millelith nor the Qixing seem to have much interest, but isn’t this location a prime candidate for the much sought after personal domain of Rex Lapis? If no one shall lead an expedition into there, I may well go and commission someone from the Adventurer’s Guild myself. However, before I do, I’d thought to write you in case such a thing piques your interest.

Fellow Dr. Chang Fei answers:

Indeed, it is something that interests me personally. As for expeditions, please reach out to my office before contacting the Adventurer’s Guild. I would like to come along as a scholar of Rex Lapis.

A private letter — dated Winter 1994 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

Esteemed Dr. Chang Fei,

Greetings from Fontaine. My name is Amélie Dumont, and I am the editor-in-chief of a publication called Continental Folklore. I have recently come across your works, chiefly, Memory Keeper: The Most Mysterious Adeptus in Liyuen Mythology and Memory Keeper, the Spring-bringer, and the Identity of Various Disunited Figures in Liyuen Mythology, and I must admit: your writing has greatly impacted and inspired me. I would be most delighted to have your approval and cooperation were I to publish an issue partially based on the above-mentioned papers.

To that effect, I have a number of questions regarding primary sources and Rex Lapis which I believe would be best answered in person. As such, I am planning a trip to Liyue Harbor to visit the Liyue Cultural and Historical Society, from which you hail. It would mean a lot to me if you agreed to a meeting between us to discuss further.

Yours,

Amélie

A private letter — dated Winter 1994 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Mlle. Dumont,

Thank you for contacting me. I happen to be an avid reader of your magazine, and your letter was the last thing I expected to receive upon opening up my backlog of mail. However, it is most welcome, and so is your visit.

In fact, if you plan to come by springtime, I have a proposition that might just greatly enrich your trip. You see, I am soon to depart for an expedition into a domain that is possibly the personal domain of Rex Lapis himself! It shall be conducted by me and a small team, and you might be interested in coming along, as I expect to find plenty of new material relevant to both our interests.

Looking forward to discussing more with you,

Dr. Chang Fei

A private letter — dated Winter 1994 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Mr. Zhongli,

The expedition is a go. I’ve just received word from my new friend from Fontaine agreeing to accompany us. Again, thank you for agreeing to come. I’m sure your expertise will be of great use to us in this endeavor.

Fei

Star-crossed Expedition Southwest — A stone tablet inscription (previously hidden) — discovered Spring 1994 P.S. — Mt. Tianheng, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Here does the wind find rest, safe under the earth’s steadfast gaze.

Excerpt from the diaries of Mlle. Amélie Dumont — dated 1994 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

We made our way to the previously inaccessible pathway at Mt. Tianheng. With me were Dr. Chang, the representative from the Adventurer’s Guild, and an expert she had called on to join us named Mr. Zhongli. Dr. Chang and Mr. Zhongli worked together to loosely translate the ancient inscriptions that can be found at the entrance to the mysterious domain. The first inscription revealed that the domain was called the “Aviary of the Present Moment.” What a strange name, I said. It seems like that at first, replied Dr. Chang, but you would find this is actually rather common for ancient domains constructed by gods and adepti.

Below the first inscription was a longer one which, according to Dr. Chang, read as follows: “Mortals take heed—the bars of this gilded cage are not meant for you. To trespass here is to intrude upon a most intimate refuge of the divine, and so shall you suffer the toll of a space unsuited for the fragility of the human constitution.”

I expressed newfound doubts about going in due to this inscription which it turns out was a warning, but Mr. Zhongli assured us that as a vision holder, he would be able to protect and shield us from the worst of the domain’s effects. I nodded and decided to take his word for it. After all, he seemed quite reliable and trustworthy, with the voice of an old scholar and eyes that shone with wisdom beyond his years. He called himself a socialite, though the title seemed to sell him a bit short. He was a peculiar fellow himself—with a slightly antiquated way of speaking combined with the manners of an aristocrat.

After double-checking our supplies, we prepared to enter the domain. Dr. Chang, noticing my lingering nervousness, wordlessly took my hand into hers. With our adventurer companion and Mr. Zhongli—having deployed shields for all four of us—leading the way, we made our way inside the Aviary of the Present Moment.

Star-crossed Expedition Southwest — A weathered stone sculpture — discovered Spring 1994 P.S. — Mt. Tianheng, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Intimately depicts two figures, with one’s head resting on the other’s lap. Neither the faces nor any other identifying details can be ascertained due to erosion.

Excerpt from the diaries of Mlle. Amélie Dumont — dated 1994 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

This is—I said, stunned, a Fontainian ballroom.

I couldn’t believe the sight before me. The domain stretched into architecture that appeared straight out of Fontaine from perhaps five or six centuries ago. Gold and silver fixings, green and pink flora, exquisite lighting, and an eternal crescent moon night that could be glimpsed through the glass domed ceiling greeted us as we stepped into the domain. It was the kind of building that only the richest of the rich could own, and whose parties were the toast of the Court of Fontaine, with only a who’s who of the rich and famous in attendance.

Indeed, remarked Mr. Zhongli, though I noticed he wasn’t looking at our surroundings at all. His eyes were closed, and he had this… almost nostalgic look on his face, as if savoring a memory.

Phantom wisps in suits and dresses surrounded us, dancing and chatting amongst themselves as other wisps offered them more wine to fill their glasses and cake to fill their stomachs.

My word! What are these things? exclaimed Dr. Chang.

Simply illusions, said Mr. Zhongli calmly and confidently. We shall pass right through them.

Is… any of this real? I asked.

Mr. Zhongli smiled. It is real enough to experience, but the architecture and spaces inside a domain created by subspace creation—an adepti art—are mere suggestion.

Let’s move on, said Dr. Chang. I’m curious to see what more this domain offers if we delve deeper.

Star-crossed Expedition Southwest — A weathered stone mural — discovered Spring 1994 P.S. — Mt. Tianheng, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Depicts Rex Lapis as the many stone peaks of Liyue, reaching out to the skies with an offering of qingxin flowers, and the Anemo Archon as clouds from the north, reaching out to take them. An inscription below it reads as a title: “The Earth’s Fidelity.”

Excerpt from the diaries of Mlle. Amélie Dumont — dated 1994 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

Many amazing sights eagerly greeted us as we trekked further into the Aviary of the Present Moment. A rural Mondstadt style estate, a camp on the westernmost beaches of Sumeru (identified by our adventurer companion), a Snezhnayan winter cabin, even a mountain filled with flora we identified to be Inazuman in origin. At each stop, Mr. Zhongli provided trivia and commentary about the sights, all while still having that strange melancholia in his eyes.

It was proving to be quite the fruitful trip. However, what we haven’t found yet were the materials Dr. Chang was so excited about. Writings. Primary sources. She was sure this domain would be the place to find them, were this indeed the personal domain of Rex Lapis, and she was puzzled at how we seemingly got a tour of sights around the whole of Teyvat instead.

Finally, after what felt like hours of trekking, we reached what Mr. Zhongli told us to be the innermost part of the domain: a giant golden birdcage suspended above an endless void. It was night again in the domain here, but in the sky were, strangely enough, three moons: one waxing crescent, one full, and one waning crescent. Mr. Zhongli commented, It is said that in ancient times there were three moons in the sky, but after a devastating conflict, only the corpse of one remains now.

The birdcage was massive, and the far side of it contained bookshelves; Dr. Chang’s eyes lit up at the sight. She eagerly dove into the collection. However, instead of anything pertaining to Rex Lapis, the books were a bunch of mundane literature about various topics with language that dated them to be from a smattering of different centuries and periods. We briefly discussed the possibility of some of these books being the only available copies of long-lost literature, and bringing some if not all of them back was brought up, but was ultimately deemed impractical and perhaps disrespectful to Rex Lapis, or whoever this domain really belonged to.

I’m sure you all are wondering, said Mr. Zhongli, what the true purpose of this domain is.

Damn right I am, said Dr. Chang, but none of these books hold any answers.

Well, you’ll be happy to know I have surmised it over our time here, said Mr. Zhongli.

Oh? replied Dr. Chang. Then, please, do tell me your ideas.

First, said Mr. Zhongli, Dr. Chang, can you tell me what your dream is? Why did you become a historian?

Dr. Chang looked bewildered by the question at first. Then, troubled. I… I can’t remember.

Mr. Zhongli turned to me. Mlle. Dumont, can you tell me the color of your mother’s eyes?

Huh? I said. I tried to picture her face: my dear mother, Mondstadter by birth, who often told me tales of her home and her god, tales that got me interested in mythology and folklore in the first place. She was my inspiration, my first idol, and my role model. Of course I can, they’re—they’re… I-I…. But I couldn’t answer him either. What was happening?

Mr. Zhongli appeared to read the question from my face. The Aviary of the Present Moment is exactly what it purports to be. It is a gilded cage that keeps one squarely in the present moment, obscuring both past and future.

But why? Why would Rex Lapis’ personal domain be like this? Dr. Chang asked.

I surmise it is not for his own sake, said Mr. Zhongli. It is a special domain created specifically to ease the burden of his beloved. To a human, with a singular past and but vague imaginings of the future, one carries them with oneself without much effort. However, for a being saddled with the weight of countless pasts and unborn futures, this domain must bring a momentary relief.

Excerpt from a well-kept journal:

One winter day, Barbatos and I were strolling the streets of Chihu Rock when we encountered a lost little boy of four or five tucked away behind a series of crates outside a bustling restaurant. I still remember that the child’s name was Yao, and he had all but lost hope in finding his mother. At the time, I still didn’t know how Barbatos was around children, whether he liked them or not, so it was to my surprise when Barbatos immediately hoisted the little boy up from the ground and carried him against his hip. Barbatos rocked the crying child this way and that, speaking gently and quietly to coax his tears away. I remember looking at him, stuck for a long moment in this somewhat stupefied state, as Barbatos calmly and expertly handled the upset little boy until he was giggling and distracted from his previous distress.

What is it? Barbatos asked, turning to me for the first time since we found the child. Do I have something on my face?

No, no, I was quick to clarify. It’s simply—I had never seen you with children before.

At this, Barbatos laughed heartily. Hey, even I’ve learned a thing or two from being around mortals for so long, you know. No need to be impressed.

We ended up accompanying little Yao for quite a while. Barbatos easily kept him entertained and chatty, opening up about his interest in catching bugs and his dream to become just like the Conqueror of Demons when he grew up. At multiple points, Barbatos prompted me to join in on the conversation, but in my lasting daze I had little to offer. That whole time, I was wondering how to tell him that today, I kept seeing flashes of a mortal life: he and I, together and with child. I wanted to say, I’ve never felt this way with anyone before, but I want a life with you. With our positions as Archons, it felt like an impossibly selfish notion, though, so I ultimately held my tongue.

My feelings haven’t changed. I only wonder if he knows that for me, loving him isn’t quite enough; he’d gotten my heart to stray from its duties and long for something that can never be ours.

If only I were a mortal man, I could—no. I am needed by my people. What a selfish notion indeed.

A weathered letter kept among the archives of the Knights of Favonius Library’s restricted section:

Morax,

Spring is in full bloom once again, and I couldn’t help but think of you. Northwest of Springvale stands an apple tree with a small hand shovel that looks like it was lodged through its bark. In truth, it’d been left there since the tree wasn’t much more than a sapling, and the trunk had grown around it. When the tree’s leaves rustled in the breeze, I caught a faint glimpse across time of the child who’d planted and cultivated it with such care.

Liebe Sonne, I feel we’re simply patchworks made up of the people who loved us. Your favorite earring and your manners were partings from Guizhong, that iridescent ore pendant encased in your office was a gift from Retuo, and your fine clothes for strolling among mortals through the harbor were tailored by Menogias. I copy the musical phrasings of my first friend, who taught me the lyre, and my wings in flight remember the instruction of my creator, who taught me to fly. In a way, none of them have truly left us.

Soon, I leave the realm for the task ahead. My old name might not hold much weight nowadays with those out of touch fools above, since they think I’ve gone native after being down here for so long, but I’ll do what I can. I promise you—so long as I live, I will never let you erode.

If all goes well, you’ll see me again like always, on the day of the first turning of the leaves, and you would never have to know about the existence of this letter. But, if it has reached you, I wonder: what part of me will live on as part of you?

Thinking of you always,

[ILLEGIBLE]

end of part ii.

part iii. catch the wind

A weathered letter:

I’ve decided to get down the things I can’t tell you into the least durable medium there is—writing.

Pursan visited me in my dreams last night, in that tall, adult form she can only take on in the dreamspace. It just so happened that I was having one of those dreams I can’t tell you or the others about, but as usual, I couldn’t hide from Pursan. She asked me if I’d told you about the contents of that dream yet, as she was sure that you should know. I told her, of course not. When have I, anyway? I told her, please don’t tell him. I told her, I’ll tell him, when the time is right.

The time is never right. When things happen, I see them coming, but I can never tell you or the others. Pursan knows because she’s made a habit of peeking into my dreams, but surprisingly, she’s been tight-lipped about everything. I don’t think she’s even told Vinea.

I think Baal suspects. She can’t peek into my dreams, but she’s always been way more perceptive than anyone has any right to be. It’s only a matter of time before she figures it out.

I love you. That’s why you absolutely can’t be allowed to know. Out of everyone, I can’t tell you most of all what’s coming. What I’m about to do.

Just know that everything I do, it’s to keep you safe. Always. I hope you know that, even if I don’t tell you.

A private letter — dated 1994 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Dearest Ganyu,

One feels like you haven’t visited in ages. One thinks you should make time to remedy this as soon as possible. One knows your work is demanding, but one also knows that your workplace and the humans have much respect for you and would honor any such requests for a day-off.

Another matter. One has arranged for the paintings by our Lord Rex Lapis in oneʼs collection to be delivered to you alongside this letter, at his request. Rex Lapis wishes for these to be displayed by humans in things called ‘exhibitions,’ despite one’s insistence that one can make far more suitable containers.

Visit one soon.

Cloud Retainer

Yuehai Pavilion Bulletin Board — dated 1994 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Scribbled note: Do you think Secretary Ganyu is okay? I saw her reading a letter earlier, and she looked really troubled, even exclaiming Oh dear at some point before running to somewhere.

Another scribbled note: I know where she ran to! She came to get a batch of paintings that were delivered to the Pavilion this morning. The paintings seemed to cause her quite the amount of trouble indeed. I wonder what they were of?

Another scribbled note: The Yuehai Pavilion Bulletin Board is not to be used for gossip.

A series of paintings by Rex Lapis — dated 1478 P.S. — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Intimate but tasteful nude portraits of a figure with slender body of indeterminate gender, glowing markings all throughout their body, matching glowing braids, and a face of incomparable beauty. In one portrait, the subject is lying on their side in what appears to be a bed, showing off their glowing teal tattoos and markings as well as a number of love bites littered throughout their neck and collarbone area. In another, the subject is sitting down and hugging their legs to their chest, their head perched sideways atop their knees. In another, the subject is facing away from the painter and opening a window, the white curtains billowing by their sides and the sunlight from outside giving them an angelic appearance. In another, the subject is lying on their back in what appears to be a bed, as if giving the viewer a come-hither glance to entice into joining them. The paintings are all exquisitely rendered, the gentle colors and careful strokes showing utmost reverence for the subject. They are so lifelike that the viewer feels as if the subject could jump right out of the portraits and into the real world.

A weathered letter:

I remember you asked me once before, what time is like to me. I didn’t have much of an answer for you then. As for now… rather than a single linear sequence of events, time’s a bit more like a rose garden, I’d say. You can pick your seeds and strains and cultivate them to the best of your ability, but upon growing, they may very well surprise you. That’s not to say there isn’t power in picking the strains; there is. You’d want many, and different ones, to make sure they can’t all be wiped out by the same bug or bout of inclement weather. In the end, though, the only thing that’s guaranteed is the longer you’re around, the more scratches you’ll have from the thorns.

Excerpt from the Magazine Continental Folklore — issue XXXIV, Love in the Time of Gods & Dragons: I — pub. summer 1994 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

The Gentleman and the Bard: The Untold Story of Morax and Barbatos

[…]Barbatos’ statement from the scriptural passage, “There is only one great beast for me. I cannot give you my heart when it resides not with me, but southward.” has incurred much popular speculation as to the identity of his apparent lover. However, what has been previously overlooked is how he gives away the lover’s identity right in this statement.

See, the Old Mondisch has been rendered in modern tongue here as “great beast” as to compare with the wolven form taken by the God of Blizzards. However, the term used can be alternatively, and much more literally, translated as ‘illuminated’ for ‘great’ and ‘dragon’ for ‘beast.’ An illuminated dragon, or dragon adeptus, who lives southward. Who else can it be but Barbatos’ close comrade, Morax?

Thus, right in his own scripture, we have found Barbatos admitting to whom his heart belongs, and as we have gone over the corresponding Liyuen myths previously, we can say for sure that this love was definitely reciprocated.

A private letter — dated 1995 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Mlle. Amélie,

This is getting out of control. First, I’d thought my paper made waves in Liyue (more negative than anything, mind), but your recent feature piece from the Love in the Time of Gods & Dragons issue has positively kicked things into overdrive!

I’m happy to have more work; don’t get me wrong, but the wild claims and stories about Rex Lapis and Barbatos that have been inspired by both our own work have reached the realm of fan-fiction. I mean, just look at this recent novel from Yae Publishing House, of which I’ve been asked to break down the historical accuracy (or, more aptly, lack thereof). I’ve arranged for a copy to be delivered along with this letter. Feast your eyes on what my work has degraded to within a mere year!

I certainly hope your work is going better than mine, though it seems to me impossible that it can get any worse. Also, Su Yin sends her regards and asks if you liked the tea she sent you last time. Did you? You can be honest to me, don’t worry; I’ll tell her you liked it.

Yours,

Fei

Excerpt from the light novel Star-Crossed Gods — pub. 1995 — Yae Publishing House — Hanamizaka, Inazuma City, Narukami Island, Inazuma

You saved me, said Barbatos.

Morax grunted, pulling Barbatos’ lithe, delicate body against his own and brandishing his spear to protect the both of them from any enemies that may still be around. The battlefield is no place for a deity such as yourself, Barbatos, he said, caressing Barbatos’ hand with a gentleness unbecoming of a god of war and conquest.

Barbatos turned in Morax’s protective hold so that they were face to face. But I wanted to see you, my love. My heart simply couldn’t do with another day without you by my side! He wailed, tears of pure sorrow falling from his eyes.

Morax paused, stunned by the confession. He wiped at Barbatos’ teary cheek with a thumb of gold and iron. You are a fool. Why can’t I stop loving you? He captured Barbatos’ lips in a possessive kiss, and that day, the spring of love bloomed on the otherwise barren battlefields of the Archon War.

A file from the Shuumatsuban archives — dated 1995 P.S. — Kamisato Estate, Narukami Island, Inazuma

Incident Report

Filed by: Inagi Hotomi, Shrine Maiden

Number of Belligerent(s): 1

Relevant Location(s): Grand Narukami Shrine

Relevant Item(s): None

Account of Relevant Event(s): A drunk outlander bard in Mondstadter clothing appeared at the shrine, having descended from the skies(???), demanding to see the Lady Guuji in order to “make her pay for publishing that novel.” He made various threats towards the Lady Guuji using colorful language and foreign idioms that will be omitted from this report for the sake of brevity. He was then escorted from the premises by Tenryou Commission soldiers who happened to be nearby during the incident.

Attached scribbled note: To Thoma: Upon further inspection, feel free to put this straight into the archives. I’ve looked into this matter, and it struck me as more harmlessly bizarre than anything. My brother need not add this to his list of worries. If you’re curious, though, catch me later, and I’ll tell you the whole story.

An open letter — dated 1995 P.S. — Favonius Cathedral, Mondstadt City, Starfell Valley, Mondstadt

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is about your recently published novel Star-Crossed Gods. As a faithful adherent of Lord Barbatos—blessed be His Name—I can’t help but take issue with the portrayal of my Lord and Savior in such a way as in this novel. It is misrepresentative, and I would appreciate it if Yae Publishing House were to publish an edition of the novel with a correction or at the very least a disclaimer on behalf of the Church of Favonius.

Please take note: Lord Barbatos—blessed be His name—may be a gentle and loving deity, but He is still a force of nature—not a damsel in distress!

Regards,

Barbara Pegg

Deaconess, Church of Favonius

A private letter — dated 1995 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

Dr. Chang,

I loved the tea! There, you don’t have to lie to her. The strains from Qiaoying Village really are the best, and their complex, delicate flavor goes perfectly with my favorite macarons.

As for your work, I sympathize. I’m swamped over here, too, you know. You remember Mlle. Marina Albert, the Editor-in-chief of the Steambird’s Culture section and my former boss? She’s been having nonstop field days since I wrote that one fateful feature about Morax and Barbatos. Unlike us, she doesn’t care for history or honest scholarship at all. She even lies about being an Akademiya graduate! At least I admit I was a Vahumana dropout; it’s not something I’m proud of, but I also wouldn’t finish my trainee dastur requirements even if I were given the chance to go back in time. I just didnʼt belong there. Meanwhile, Marina’s never stepped foot in Sumeru! Incorrigible, really.

When it comes to Star-Crossed Gods, yes, I’ve encountered it. It’s quite a hit in Fontaine, too. Who knew a nation that loves detective novels first and foremost was hungering for a romance all this time? And, I don’t know, I kind of like the novel. As a piece of fiction, of course. Feel free to judge me.

Yours,

Amélie

A private letter — dated 1995 P.S. — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Mlle. Amélie,

You can’t be serious.

Fei

A weathered letter:

Before I’d met you, I felt as though I was simply this small, intangible thing inhabiting a body, and everyone could see how clumsily I operated it. But you… being with you made me feel like I was a body, with sensations and proclivities undeniably my own. I didn’t feel like an observer on borrowed time and borrowed shell. I was alive, and I was present, so as not to miss a single moment with you.

Excerpt from the publication Little Mythologies — pub. Latter Winter 1996 — The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

From Our Mailbag

An anonymous reader asks:

To Dr. Chang, did you hear about Wind Chase Odyssey supposedly getting a Liyuen theatre adaptation soon by the Yun-Han Opera Troupe? As far as Inazuman travel fantasies go, it’s definitely well written, but I would really appreciate your input on its historical accuracy and authenticity as to the tale of Morax and Barbatos. Do you have any plans to review the novel, now that it’s apparently made enough waves to get such a high-profile adaptation?

Fellow Dr. Chang Fei answers:

This is the first I’ve heard of it. I haven’t read the novel, but just for you, reader, I will, and I’ll publish my review of it right here on Little Mythologies. Look forward to it!

Excerpt from the travel fantasy novel Wind Chase Odyssey — pub. 1995 P.S. — Yae Publishing House — Hanamizaka, Inazuma City, Narukami Island, Inazuma

And thus, Morax found himself at the heart of the forest north of the Vissudha Field, having gone all this way to Sumeru to chase a fairy tale. Just when all hope seemed to be lost and nothing but empty greenery and meaningless white noise surrounded him, a tiny, vegetable-like creature appeared from behind a thicket.

I know what you seek, foreign deity, it said, and beckoned for Morax to follow it. Morax swallowed the lump in his throat containing his doubts, desperation, and hopelessness, and made his way over to where the creature turned a corner and disappeared.

The strange creature—an Aranara, surely—led him to a secluded spot at the northernmost tip of the forest, behind a magnificent little waterfall that shimmered with the lights of an eternal springtime. Just as Morax finally caught up to the creature, it pointed him ahead, towards a giant ball of translucent green light.

Morax stepped forward, and was greeted by the sight of his beloved, asleep and still and as beautiful as the day he’d lost him.

Quick! Hurry! Morax could distantly see and hear the creature gesturing wildly to others of its kind, but his senses were now pinned to the sight before him, and nothing else could be more important. The Aranara formed a circle around the glowing ball that contained Barbatos’ sleeping form, and with an enchanting song, the form of the ball was dispelled.

Out of reflex, Morax caught the sleeping Barbatos in his arms as he fell, and gently laid him down on the grass.

One of the Aranara stepped forward to speak to him. All this time, he has slept, they explained. Only true love’s kiss can wake him. Are you the one?

Morax nodded. I am, he said. What he didn’t say was: I have searched for him for centuries. My heart has endured countless sleepless nights without his presence as a balm to soothe its weariness. I have traveled the four corners of Teyvat; every nation, mountain, forest, and sea. And now I am here. There is no way I’m leaving without him.

Taking a deep breath, Morax leaned down, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips gently against Barbatos’. At first, nothing happened, and the Aranara around them all looked worried. Then, slowly, Barbatos’ eyelids fluttered, and he sleepily opened his eyes.

M-Morax…? Barbatos slurred.

Yes, it’s me, said Morax, tears in his eyes and a blinding smile on his face as he cradled Barbatos in his arms.

Barbatos’ eyes widened, and then he was smiling as well. It’s you! It’s you.

Morax touched their foreheads together. I’m here. I’m right here with you now.

The Aranara cheered, celebrated, and sang. They were together again. No matter what, love would always find a way.

end of part iii.

part iv. say my name

The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society — Exhibition: The Personal Lives of Gods and Adepti — Museum of New Yujing — Spring of 2005 Pax Septem (P.S.)

The poem In Myths, Perhaps was written by an unknown author, who had signed the manuscript with nothing but a year alongside the title—1894. While material analysis of the paper and ink agrees with this period, the style and language used in the poem is much older. It typifies a poetry form, vocabulary, and orthography that have only been seen in Liyuen poetry from around two thousand years before the piece would have been written, with the youngest linguistic match being a stone tablet from circa 200 Ante Septem (A.S.), thus requiring translation into the modern vernacular.

The poem is claimed by the donor, as well as by multiple historians who have examined it since, to have been penned by Rex Lapis himself. Dissenting scholars have theorized the poem to be a particularly well-made fabrication, but this theory is challenged by questions such as why the forger of the piece would have chosen to painstakingly imitate archaic form and vocabulary, but not materials, if their goal was to deceive—even going so far as to sign the year. A comparatively modern writer also would not have had sources from which to lift the many obscure and intimate mythological details present in the text. After all, these details have only come to light over a century after the poem was written, with the surfacing of new archaeological sites and studies in both Liyue and Mondstadt.

The manuscript of In Myths, Perhaps was donated personally to the late exhibit director Dr. Liu by the descendant of an adeptus, who wished to remain anonymous, but whose status as such was verified by the former exhibit director’s staff. The Liyue Cultural and Historical Society’s acquisition of the poem came at the tail end of the academic paradigm shift-turned-media affair caused by the publishing of Memory Keeper, the Spring-bringer, and the Identity of Various Disunited Figures in Liyuen Mythology by the Society’s own Dr. Chang Fei.

The poem’s status as a historical oddity, and the subject of popular fascination and academic scrutiny alike, cannot be discounted. This is in large part due to its subject who, despite not being directly named in the text, is generally agreed upon to be the Anemo Archon and Liyue’s neighbor deity, Barbatos. The close relationship between the two Archons that can be gleaned from the text is consistent with other accounts of Barbatos appearing in Liyuen mythology, as well as the later discovered series of intimate portraits titled The Wind at Rest, also by Rex Lapis. The tale of the Anemo and Geo Archons went on to inspire numerous fictional reinterpretations in a variety of media, such as the hit light novel series Star-Crossed Gods from Yae Publishing House and the internationally acclaimed stage musical Wind Chase Odyssey, which was based on a travel fantasy book of the same name.

Included in this exhibit is the original text of the poem, alongside a modernized translation for contemporary readers.

In Myths, Perhaps

My last memory of you

was of the way you had split open the skies

whilst hiding your tears.

The nightmare raged, a pantheon unmade,

yet it was only after the tidings of storm had cleared away

and you were nowhere to be found

that to my surprise, I realized

I had lost something dear to me.

I recall your words, an age ago

on my darkest day of loss:

‘You won’t always be this numb.

One day, you will feel again,

vividly and unfettered,’

and I must confess, I found it strange

that one who was usually so tight-lipped

about the menagerie of futures he curates

would be so generous as to provide

this absolute surety, nearing a vow

and I had not heard it for the warning it was.

Did you know it would be you?

Did you always intend to leave me behind?

As you know, I am not one for regrets

yet if I had known, in a manner akin to your own,

our last meeting for what it was

no doubt I would have made it clear:

you need not have faced calamity alone.

Had you called upon me,

I would have fought any number of battles

in order for those hands of yours

to remain solely for penning verse and weaving melody

instead of wielding bow and arrow

to wage the warfare you so despise.

Never had I thought it cowardly,

your scorn for spilling blood.

In fact, I’ve always felt it necessary

for beings like us

and in spite of your disparagements to the contrary

violence was never something I enjoyed.

It was work, nothing more

and I would have forsaken all glory

if I could share a world at peace with you.

At some point, I had ventured north, I’ll have you know,

no better than a common pilgrim

for the way I sought you all the same.

Upon reaching my destination—

these hallowed halls, which seemed to me,

to your nature utterly mismatched—

I was left with, from a mortal, words I shall not soon forget;

in disguise, I asked a deaconess:

‘Have this city’s people not been orphaned?

People of Liyue witness, yearly, their god descend.’

‘Not at all,’ she replied—without pause, without doubt—

‘for it means our city is at peace,

but in our time of need, we know he shall come.’

‘How can you be sure?’ was my retort.

‘He may have protected you once,

but who is to say he will answer your calls again?’

The holy woman before me only smiled—

‘As long as the winds blow,

we believe our prayers can be heard.’

‘Is that not recklessness?’

‘No, sir.’ Her words were gentle.

‘It is faith.’

It struck me then, how unbecoming it was

for someone my age

to be bested by far more fragile, transient creatures

at patience, of all games.

Thus, yesterday, I traversed an empty valley

where not a blade of grass swayed

and where my voice did not carry

and I knew you did not hear.

Tonight, I stand atop the highest summit

where stone peaks reach out in longing towards an uncaring sky

and where not the mildest breeze caresses my cheek

and I know you do not listen.

Tomorrow, I shall make again this journey through the still night

perhaps a different valley, a different peak,

and hope for a gale’s hum, the sky’s cries

for surely a tempest would pain my heart less

than the thought of these lands, once adored by the wind,

left hollow in the shape of you.

Try as I might to prevent it,

your traces echo in my people’s memory—

be it in lonely flowers on stony peaks

or offerings of apples at wayfarers’ touchstones.

What an irksome thing history can be

that I am likely to be remembered as much for my tireless work

as I am for this insipid yearning.

Surely you of all people would have found it amusing.

These days, each time I so much as close my eyes,

I am transported back

to those most languid of days when we were all but secreted away—

your head in my lap as I basked in the warmth of your music’s embrace.

You were my place of respite,

this stone heart’s closest thing to a home,

for it was you I had sought without thinking

after burying a friend

and no words were said, and no tears were shed,

only the tune of a ballad reflecting my heart’s contents.

And I did suspect

that I too might have been yours

when you returned first to me like a wounded dove,

four wings less upon your back

and no words were said, and no tears were shed,

only the turning of a stone heart against the heavens most high.

Yet, centuries bereft of your company,

and in my solitude, I cannot help but wonder:

must I resent my own nature?

That I was cast from immovable bedrock,

that I might never be malleable enough for you?

And in my solitude, I cannot help but wonder:

must I resent you?

That you were born of time unbound,

that as one cannot close one’s hands and grasp the air,

you may never be possessed?

I understood from the beginning

you would never be mine. I did not mind

for I loved you no less, you fickle deity.

Besides, you were always most beautiful

as a winged spot of light soaring freely through the skies,

whereas I, the cliffs that sent you off

and the plains that safely caught you.

But is a mere glimpse too much to ask?

Must I regret, how my greedy heart covets

to hear a certain ancient tune

rendered in the timbre of your voice once more?

To you, time is an orchard,

where the memories are seeds

and past, present, and future alike struggle for soil and sun,

while mine are my dearest treasures enshrined

among the labyrinthine halls in the abode of my mind.

And yet, I know that to hear even the crudest melody,

were it to fall from your lips,

would put to shame my fondest memories

for they could never compare

to the reality of you.

It used to be,

when I strolled through my beloved harbor’s bustling streets,

vendors and shop owners felt it odd enough to ask:

‘You’re alone today, sir?’

as they were accustomed to our twin figures,

but their descendants are not

as they have only ever known me by my lonesome

and no mortal who lives now could recount

the sight of a foreign bard and his companion

and the whispers and wines that passed between them

in those stolen moments from dusk until dawn.

It is for this reason I have chosen to write.

What will become of us, I know not,

but as for which of our stories will survive,

I shall make it certain at least one

is of how I never stopped waiting for you.

O, my love, if only you could see

what your absence has done to me—

reaching out in lyric, a domain of yours

for if I cannot find you in this world,

then with these leavings,

perhaps we may be discovered side-by-side

in the myths.

A file from the Millelith’s archives — dated 2005 P.S. — Ministry of Civil Affairs — Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Incident Report

Complainant: Ms. Changshun

Relevant Location(s): Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Feiyun Slope

Relevant Item(s): None

Account of Grievance/Dispute: “I was going about my business and minding my store when I witnessed the strangest thing. A young man in foreign clothes, who was probably there for the new museum exhibit if the way he came from the direction of Yujing Terrace is any indication, came bounding down the streets with noticeable fervor. Now, this itself is innocuous enough, but he then proceeded to turn the corner right past my store to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and tackle that establishment’s kindly consultant, Mr. Zhongli, to the ground! Usually, I’m more the type to mind my own business, but I can’t imagine the likes of Mr. Zhongli doing anything to deserve that kind of aggression. I waved down the nearest Millelith officer and was escorted here shortly afterward.”

Status: RESOLVED

Remarks: This was a misunderstanding on the part of Ms. Changshun. What she witnessed was not a fight, but simply a particularly intense-looking reunion between lovers.

Attached scribbled note: Oh wow, who knew Mr. Zhongli of all people had that in him? Still, it makes sense in hindsight that someone of his caliber would already be taken, disappointing though it is.

Another scribbled note: Apparently, his lover is some famous bard from Mondstadt, so he sure knows how to pick ‘em!

Another scribbled note: Aw… does this mean he’s officially off the Liyue Harbor’s Most Eligible Bachelors list?

A notice from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Bulletin Board — dated 2005 P.S. — Feiyun Slope, Liyue Harbor, Sea of Clouds, Liyue

Zhongli-

Let it never be said I was not a most gracious and considerate employer when it mattered. Not only will I completely overlook the scene you and your mysterious paramour caused the other day, but I will also grant your (sudden!) request for two weeks leave. In fact, since this is the first time you’ve asked for one during the entire time you’ve worked for me, why not make it a full month of vacation, hm? I’ll even throw in a couple tickets for a tour package from the finest travel agency in Fontaine, so your beau can come along as well! In return for my amazing generosity, I expect nothing but the assurance that you two will purchase a couple’s memorial plan from nowhere else but Wangsheng when the time comes.

Signed,

The Best Boss in the World

P.S. After the two of you get back, make sure to tell Venti that he’d better start becoming a regular on Poetry Night!

Hotel Debord Employee Bulletin Board — dated 2005 P.S. — Fontaine City, Court of Fontaine Region, Fontaine

Scribbled note: Oh my god, did anyone else manage to catch that impromptu performance by one of the customers earlier? Simply amazing. I thought Mr. Sanguinetti had hired him as a performer at first, but apparently it was spur of the moment.

Another scribbled note: I did! And you forgot to mention the most important part: it was for a proposal. Everyone cheered when the gentleman he was with said yes. Even Mr. Sanguinetti was moved, enough to deem the two’s order was on the house.

Another scribbled note: I wish my boyfriend would propose to me like that, especially if we would get a free meal out of it, haha.

Another scribbled note: To the person above me, I would gladly play your boyfriend and propose to you at every restaurant in the city for free meals. Seems like the easiest gig ever.

end of part iv.

Chapter Text

AIDS FOR READING:

• Google Docs version of this fic with prettier formatting, for print/download
• Sanctuary of Surasthana theme/loop; Lost Legacies Buried in the Sand; Dance of Subzeruz; Story Quests of Citlali, Xilonen, and Mavuika;
• Anything among the discographies of the Touhou music circles IOSYS, Demetori, xi-on, or Shibayan Records
• Music from the part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure that you most connect with, but I suggest the part with the most songs of your elders and the part with the most songs of your peers. Yes, I understand that this is impossible if you're Black in any form.
• Any of the official playlists of the Umbrella Academy
• Omori OST
• Read Aloud TTS browser extension, Pocket APK, PocketBook Reader 4.18, AO3 dark mode (found at the bottom of the page)
• archon therapy: a genshin playlist
• lost! & come back to me by the intercontinental ballistic sage of our time, SIR rm
• a personal cover of a song just for YOU, 1 per person per lifetime, may be claimed on discord, but only if you know the passphrase. frauds encouraged and celebrated, friends prioritized, the more pronouns you have the better my nouns

ADDENDUM:

(more poems here)