Chapter Text
The lights adorning the bustling harbor were almost as brilliant as the stage lights Furina was so often surrounded by. In a sick and twisted way they were comforting to her, a familiar environment. The wood panels of the bridge entering the harbor creaked under her heels and the actress was able to hear the comforting taps of Neuvillette right behind her. The Chief Justice and former archon had decided to go to the festival having heard so much about it. Finally free from her burden and able to take time to unwind, especially with Neuvillette’s support (emotional and financial). Games were set up in Liyue for the festival. The theme this year was kites. The city was somewhat overwhelming at first but a friendly face appeared in front of the pair in a shower of golden butterflies.
“Hello! Welcome to Liyue Harbor my esteemed clients! I’m Hu Tao, director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor,” Her energy was infectious to Furina, and it doubled as a distraction from the unsettling introduction.
“Clients? You run a funeral parlor Ms. Tao,” Neuvilette was rightfully skeptical.
An expression the two could only classify as joyful spread across the funeral director's face, “Well, everyone crosses over at some point, don’t they?”
Furina watched as Neuvillette nodded in mock approval, still somewhat unsettled by the warm face in front of them.
“Well, it is truly a pleasure to meet someone so enthusiastic about her work. I am Lady Furina de Fontaine, esteemed director and actress of the Court of Fontaine. This is Chief Justice, Monsieur Neuvillette.”
“A pleasure to meet you Lady Furina,” the director responded in such a cheery tone.
Furina couldn’t help but picture her as a lead in a play or a star in a film. Her emotion being so powerful and infectious. The day continued as Hu Tao showed the Fontainians around highlighting the buildings and the business being done inside every one of them. Furina and Neuvillette were impressed by the director's knowledge of the city and its inner workings.
“How long have you lived in Liyue, Ms. Tao?” Neuvillette curiously pressed.
“All my life, I've been the 77th director of the Wangsheng funeral parlor,” Hu Tao said matter of factly.
Furina was curious about the joy that Hu Tao was able to bring into her work and the passion she had for her job. Furina still had doubts about her occupation and worried that her now shortened life would be unfulfilled due to the possible trauma that playing as someone else could bring. She’d already done it for five hundred years and she wasn’t sure if bearing to do it for the rest of her life was a choice she was willing to make. Director, however, she was okay with. She was sure of that job, her knowledge of the industry and her ability to come up with stories was unmatched in Fontaine.
“Hello~ Earth to Furina~?” Hu Tao’s voice brought Furina back from her mental prison of unknowingness for her life's purpose.
“Hm? Oh yes, my apologies Director Hu-”
“Please just call me Hu Tao, much easier for everyone involved,” Hu Tao insisted while giving Furina a warm smile.
“Ah, I’ll remember to do that.” Was the only response a still unsure Furina could pull from her throat.
“It’s not a big deal, just don’t want to waste anyone’s precious time, yes?”
Furina nodded in agreement with Hu Tao’s comment. Furina wondered if Hu Tao realized how old Furina was, how much she had been through. The thought of putting that on this happy girl’s shoulders was too much for Furina to truly bear, especially after just having met her. Thankfully Furina was given an out as a familiar face made her way over to the group.
“Lady Furina! Monsieur Neuvillette! Oh! Director Hu too! It must be my lucky day!”
“Hello Charlotte, I didn’t expect to see you here in Liyue,” Neuvillette was always straight to the point.
“Well, we steambird reporters can’t stand missing out on a story. If the Fontainians can’t come to the harbor, bring the harbor to the Fontainians,” Charlotte explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. This, in fact, was not very obvious to Hu Tao or Neuvillette, Furina although, was glad that Charlotte had this sentiment.
“Well I’m very glad that our very own steambird reporter will be bringing the lovely atmosphere of Lantern Rite to Fontaine!”
“I agree,” Hu Tao was quick to add, “Lantern Rite should be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what.”
Neuvillette had a stern expression as always but seemed to have a calmer demeanor. Charlotte walked off claiming to have an interview with Zhongli, one of Hu Tao’s employees. Neuvillette, to Furina’s surprise and worry, was insistent on going with Charlotte to her interview. This left Furina alone with her acquaintance that she hadn’t known for even ten minutes.
“Sooo… What’s fun to do around here?” Furina, without her emotional support Dragon Sovereign, was much more awkward. Hu Tao secretly found this very cute.
“Well, there’s a shadow puppet show going on down at the main part of the harbor, we can go watch that,” Hu Tao offered joyfully.
Furina nodded in reply, all sense of confidence melted away after being left alone. Hu Tao was very aware of this change and wanted to do what she could to cheer up the performer in front of her.
The two made their way past stalls filled to the brim with different types of cuisine and toys seemingly made for smaller children. Furina basked in the jovial atmosphere of the harbor, glad to have a break after the disastrous events that plagued her home. In a new place where very few were aware of who she was and able to have a new start. To present herself as she was, not as some idol to represent the entirety of Fontaine as a whole. She was slightly overwhelmed with these thoughts, confused and excited at her new opportunities.
The funeral director let out a small laugh seeing the excitement and joy plastered on her comrade’s face. “Liyue has this effect on you- I mean, people,” she awkwardly blurted out. On the inside Hu Tao was kicking herself at her mix-up of words. Of course, that was what she meant to say, but being honest, how would this star react to her sentiments? Someone so out of her league in both beauty and grace; her manners unmatched.
“What effect is that?”
Hu Tao almost didn’t realize the question asked and fumbled for a pleasing response, “It makes people happy. That’s the kind of place it is, especially during Lantern Rite. It allows people to be themselves, it’s also great for business!”
Furina laughed at that comment, unsure about the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. Could it be the imagery that Hu Tao brings to her mind? The golden butterflies seem to follow the cheery director everywhere. To Furina she was perfect. A complete contradiction in and of herself. A cheerful funeral director, who would ever think of such a thing? But here she was, the first one to greet Furina in this new and confusing place.
Both stayed quiet for some time, listening to the hustle and bustle of the people on the streets, chatting, laughing, bargaining, or just having a quiet night with someone they loved. Their footsteps in sync softly tapping on the soft wood of the almost glowing harbor. The Traveler and Paimon off in the distance with Xiao, who had begrudgingly joined the two. Ningguang and Beidou excitedly watched the ocean and the passersby off in the distance. Zhongli and Neuvillette talking as Charlotte took notes happily. Everyone was having a seemingly wonderful time.
Furina though… She couldn’t quite come to terms with the comfort she felt. Walking on eggshells all her life, not sure if one small mistake would be the end of a whole society. That absence of requirement, of such a heavy burden, was almost more crushing than the burden itself. Here she was, being herself, but still, someone she didn’t know. The vision tightly clipped to her bow, a reminder of something she took away from a person so much more deserving than she. A reminder of the people lost due to her negligence, and her procrastination in the face of a nation literally drowning.
“Are you crying?”
Furina hadn’t realized, she hadn’t counted how many times this had happened before and now sitting across from her was the same woman who had asked her that question. Only a few days into her position as archon, losing herself in the crushing weight of her job to deceive people undergoing pain and loss. Her usual excuse was her response to the concerned woman.
“It must be the overflow of hydro from my person,” Furina’s voice breaking slowly as she wiped away the tears.
“Lady Furina…?” Hu Tao’s voice rang in her head. Her hand was on Furina’s shoulder, softly shaking her back to reality.
“I- Oh, I’m okay, my apologies. Simply overjoyed by the surroundings!” Furina thought that her comment was a perfect cover-up for the outburst she had just experienced.
“Hmm… What’s your favorite food?” Hu Tao generously asked, “I’m hungry and I have a feeling you are too, so why don’t we get something to eat, my treat!”
“I like cake and sweets… I also like macaroni.”
“I know a place we can go then. I’m sure we both can find something we like.”
Hu Tao led Furina to a larger shop near the Adventurers Guild headquarters, Furina was pleasantly surprised by the selection offered. A shorter girl with braids curled into loops and a very interesting-looking bear-thing was cooking with her.
“Xiangling! Hi! This is my friend Furina, any chance you can cook us something special?” Hu Tao greeted the chef with enthusiasm.
“Uh- I’m sorry but can we keep it somewhat simple? I’ve had… experiences in the past with food that was… less than desirable when not given a proper recipe.” Both Hu Tao and Xiangling gave Furina a questioning look but shrugged and went with it.
“Well, what is it you both are wanting?” Xiangling asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
Hu Tao, ecstatic, jumped at the offer, “One smoked salmon please, and feel free to modify it however you feel like.”
Furina, feeling picky and somewhat guilty, responded to Xiangling’s innocent question, “A Macaroni and Cheese, nothing else on it but maybe some chicken, not spicy or anything.”
Hu Tao picked up on the softer voice Furina was using and her heart was still beating fast, worried about the actress’ outburst from earlier.