Chapter Text
"Dear listeners, today the sun hides its splendor and the cloud cover draws thick over the harbor. Is it simply rain that looms on the eastern horizon? Or do the seas draw in an omen far more sinister?" Iron-Tongue Tian snapped his fan open, accentuating his pause with the sharpness of the bristling paper.
The last of the chatter around him died down as he drew the complete attention of Third-Round Knockout's outdoor patrons.
"But even if the heavens should part this instant with a crack of thunder, our attitudes shouldn't take a turn for the worst. We fear no dark clouds or brooding horizons. We'll keep our composure and enjoy this hard-won moment of leisure, just like this harbor will keep bustling on. Pride of Liyue, rain or shine, sea monster or sweet breeze alike."
The working men in his audience murmured proud agreement and raised their cups. Among them, an elegant man with the bearing of an aristocrat sipped his tea and hid a smile behind his.
"But one other thing is true: this is the perfect ambience to debut a new story! Now stay seated, and let me tell you an unknown tale about Rex Lapis, founder of our great harbor."
Half a millennia ago, a cataclysm echoed throughout all corners of the world. A dark and grisly calamity gushed up from Sumerian ground. All the gods rushed to contain it, lest all else be swallowed and drowned.
It was an age of uncertainty. The costs arched high in enormity. Civilizations and armies fell. Even gods gave final cries of farewell.
Not our Rex Lapis! For stories all tell - he lent his aid well and spared Liyue from a tide most fell.
When he made his way home, he thought he left behind the horrors that none should know. But alas, the winds never cease. From all corners of Teyvat, worrisome ashes blew into Liyue and spread unease.
This unknown tale of Rex Lapis begins not far from here, on the shores of our old neighbor, the source of windy brews.
On a dreary day just like this, a draconic monster rose from the sea. Its gaping maw gave large and spewing a wheeze!
Undying fires sprouted throughout the land, spawning fell monsters and witches, strange creatures and wretches!
Seeing Mondstadt in peril, vigilant Rex lapis commanded the Millelith and marched north to Stone Gate. For if he stood idly by, Liyue would be next to burn.
What do you think he found in that nation ferociously fighting for its freedom back from fate's grasp?
It is oft said that the darkness of war brings out the radiant shine of hopeful wonders the most.
Rex Lapis turned towards the coldest mountain. Suddenly, he witnessed the appearance of a local challenger to contest the nightmare monster. One of the legendary Four Winds of Mondstadt! From the skies did a dragon so resplendent appear that it glimmered like a jewel against the clouded firmament! Its six wings were as beautiful as gemstones and its form as graceful as a dove!
Few have heard of draconic beings in flight. Their numbers are too few to ever witness a legendary fight. But of that ferocious battle, Rex Lapis paid due sight. All on Mondstadt became enraptured by their might!
In the end, that bold and beauteous dragon bit out the monster's throat and suffered a deep blow in return. Soon after, both fell atop the wintry mountaintop now known as Dragonspine.
With this sacrifice in mind, Rex Lapis saw his support to both civilian and knight. Enlivened, the people of Mondstadt rebelled against their plight.
But creatures of abyssal flame ravaged without end, and finding no lapse in their fiery ranks, Rex Lapis ordered the Millelith to guide all to grounds high.
When all sheltered on the Anemo God's sculpted cliffs, Rex Lapis ascended to heights taller than the peaks.
He bade the clouds part and from the firmament flung down one of his great spears! The massive spear struck far out at sea and heaven and earth trembled and shook!
The roar of inevitable waves inspired fear and awe. But in the control of the Geo Lord, it was no terror they brought… only, a quench to the flames.
Iron-Tongue Tian paused here, relishing in the midst of awed reactions, and sneaked a glance to his favorite critic.
To his surprise, he found the man staring into his tea's reflection, giving little reaction.
Iron-Tongue Tian cleared his throat. He decided to put more gusto into his words for the ending. "And so, even the undying fires of the abyss were no match for the Geo Lord's famous spears."
"Moved by the resilience of Mondstadt's spirit, Rex Lapis provided the manpower and resources to support her rebuilding. Mondstadt recovered, and our friendship and solidarity has only grown stronger with time…"
"Tell me, Mr. Zhongli. How did you find that story?"
With the majority of his noontime audience departed back to their jobs on the docks, the storyteller was left with only the consultant.
Zhongli raised a hand to his chin in contemplation.
Oh no, Iron-Tongue Tian thought. And here he thought he'd finally crafted a story with less to nitpick. After all, if there were fewer verified facts to the tale to begin with…
"What is the inspiration to this story? I've never heard of such a tale."
Tian was prepared for that one. "Well," he began, savoring the chance to be the one to enlighten the renown consultant for once, "there are reports that Rex Lapis was sighted in Mondstadt during this time. From the Qixing's own archives! Millelith records recently unsealed from secrecy after the death of Rex Lapis."
"Oh?" Zhongli said. "How interesting."
"Nothing substantial unfortunately, but that's exactly why I had to flesh it out!"
"Tell me, why is the potential of Rex Lapis in Mondstadt so exciting to you?"
"Well, there are other stories of the era I could get into. Such as the happenings around the Chasm, but frankly, those have all been overdone!" He waved a hand dismissively. "Everyone knows about the stuff made out of miners' nightmares."
Zhongli hummed deeply. "The soldiers who gave their lives to quell the calamity rising from the Chasm still lay in graves unknown. I would not refer to the stories that keep their memories alive as… overdone."
Tian realized his mistake immediately. "Ah, perhaps I misspoke. How irrespective of me. Of course I know their stories are a matter of national pride! I'm a proud Liyuen, but think of it from the perspective of a storyteller trying to make a living! To do that, my stories have to be a bigger hit than anyone else's! For example, that Liu Su counts many popular Chasm tales among his repertoire already. The ambitious thaumaturge who fought alongside the nameless yaksha? Or the daughter of the glazed sands who took a bow of shining cor lapis brilliance into the dark? Boring. The popular retellings are all so uncreative! He's such a stickler."
Zhongli crossed his arms, but Iron-Tongue Tian was undeterred.
"Even though that old man spent some time with a tea stand in Mondstadt, he was unable to find any inspiration even in the land of windy ballads. Instead, it is I who shall tell this brand new story, not him!"
To his disappointment, Zhongli said nothing encouraging. Instead, he cleared his throat. "While I was listening, I compiled some pointers for you. Would you like to review them with me?"
"Already? Yes, Mr. Zhongli. Allow me to hear them then." He slipped into the seat in front of Zhongli and laid down his shut fan. He always trusted that Mr. Zhongli's critiques would always benefit his stories in the end. With him on his side, he'd truly become the best storyteller in town. No matter how… critical… the critiques tended to be...
"First, where would you say this spear landed?" Zhongli said carefully.
The question left Tian blindsided. "Is that important? I'm not expecting any of my listeners to be familiar with the entire breadth of a foreign country's coast."
"And therein you would find a surprise. The majority of your audience are sailors, Tian. Dornman Port is the next biggest harbor this side of Teyvat. There is a steady exchange of goods and trips between us daily. If you expect your stories to take a lasting root in the hearts and imaginations of the ordinary listeners who travel to Mondstadt, they must be able to look and say. There, out at sea. Could that be another of Rex Lapis’s spears? Just like the rock formations at Guyun?"
"Hmmm. Perhaps I will add an allusion to an elusive and legendary spear out on the northern seas! A very good addition, Mr. Zhongli."
"Allow me to raise a problem with the spears now. There is quite the chain of events happening in the story's climax. Rex Lapis floods the land with the oceanic impact from his spear and rids Mondstadt of the pesky abyssal creatures, correct?"
"That is correct." Tian nodded.
"While Rex Lapis has indeed used his spears out at sea before - as we see with the petrified state of Guyun Stone Forest - he protected the harbor from the ensuing waves. Even if it were for the intent of washing away filth, causing water from the sea to rush inland would do more harm than good."
"Hmm… How so?"
"Sea water destroys farmland. Were Rex Lapis to perform this deed, even with good intentions, he would damage Mondstadt's potential for agriculture for generations. This would be most unbecoming of him as a deity of the earth, who is undoubtedly versed in the ways of healthy soil. I fear that it would have the opposite effect on our neighbor's livelihood. One could even claim this to be a malicious action from the Lord of Geo because it could not be an ignorant one."
"Oh… that's certainly a glaring problem. That wouldn't do good for our lord's reputation at all." The storyteller placed a hand on his own chin and his eyebrows furrowed. "Let me think."
A bird flew by. A waitress cleaned the table next to them.
Tian finally spoke. "I've heard tell of a lake that surrounds Mondstadt city. And if instead of spears, he raised the earth around Cider Lake to spill all the water over? Surely that's freshwater enough to serve the same effect in the story without any of the issues."
Zhongli exhaled lightly, perhaps the only indication that he was troubled. "Perhaps."
"I shall amend the story. What else, Mr. Zhongli?"
"Where is the Anemo Archon's role in this?"
"Pardon?"
"You spoke of his familiar, the East Wind, and gave an accurate rendition of his fight with the fell being Durin. But where is his master?"
"Why, slumbering of course. Everyone knows what type of god Mondstadt's deity is." Iron-Tongue Tian dismissed the topic with a wave of his fan, half-opened. "Nothing like our diligent former ruler."
Zhongli kept a pause before answering. "You tend to think my critiques harsh, but I truly understand that artistic freedom comes first. However, this is a case I cannot ignore. There are plenty of sources that contradict the myth of the Anemo Archon’s absence. Most academic texts agree that the Anemo Archon was there on that day, fighting alongside his familiar."
Iron-Tongue Tian pursed his lips. "But this is a story about Rex Lapis."
"I am aware but, how will you deal with religious critics in the future when your story does become popular? The Anemo God has devotees far and wide. Fishermen and merchants alike pay due diligence to the winds out at sea. Even here on Liyuen soil, I'm sure you've heard of the type of prayers that sailors offer up before setting off? And the ritual wine offerings before long trips? If you're telling a story set in Mondstadt too, it would also be wise to pay a respectful homage to its deity. Even more so when that very deity is a patron of your esteemed craft."
After a long time deep in thought, the storyteller sighed. "I suppose you're right. I hadn't thought about it that way. Do you think I'm in trouble?" He closed his fan and addressed the heavens. "Archons be merciful. I will rectify these slights."
That got a chuckle out of Zhongli. "The Anemo Archon is said to be a forgiving being. It is the Church of Favonius I would caution against offending."
Tian nodded with horror in his eyes. "You're right, Mr. Zhongli. You're absolutely right."
The consultant looked down at his tea then, his hand curling around the cup instinctually. Tian noticed it had gone cold and undrunk. Unusual for Zhongli.
"I recommend that you visit Mondstadt for yourself," he continued speaking. "Who knows? Seeing the sight of Dragonspine up-close may offer you great inspiration. The headquarters of the Knights of Favonius also boasts the largest library in the North, with a great selection of literary texts you may find useful. Many a writer has written great drafts within its halls."
"I will keep this all in mind. And if Mr. Zhongli suggests it, a visit to that northern library may just be what I need. A change of perspective!" Tian rose from his seat. "Ah, that was a great discussion. As always, your expertise in these matters is most enlightening!"
Zhongli nodded. "I'm gladdened to hear that you find my humble counsel helpful." He crossed his arms and leaned back. "I do hope that you have extra time today. There is much more that I can expound on."
Iron-Tongue Tian tensed. "Ah… if you insist. I know you only do this because you want to see me become the best in town."
Zhongli didn't confirm but motioned for him to take a seat. With little way out, Iron-Tongue Tian shuffled back into the chair across from Zhongli.
"I'll order us a pot of fresh tea. Now, you mentioned that Durin spawned witches?"
"That was only a sprinkle of fantasy for the alliteration!"
After a fresh pot of tea and being subjected to another round of Zhongli's nitpicks, Tian found it in him to ask a question that could ensure his escape.
"Mr. Zhongli! Let me ask you this: how would you tell this story?"
Ten days later, and with leave from Director Hu, Zhongli found himself staring up at the Statue of the Seven near Dawn Winery. The refreshing breeze carried the scent of the vineyards and fresh hay. The scents wafted gently over him, much unlike the salty breeze of the harbor.
He wondered if the storyteller had planned his visit to Mondstadt yet. He hadn't expected to come traveling himself, but one day Zhongli had awoken with a strange urge.
Iron-Tongue Tian's story had remained heavy on his mind. It was full of fantastical additions, but... there were always some truths in myth.
And if he took a very important yet unplanned work trip to Mondstadt himself to answer Tian's question properly?
With careful consideration, Zhongli had let himself act freely upon the impulse.
That's what a certain whimsical someone might do. In the last couple of centuries, Zhongli had found himself always considering that one's flighty perspective.
Initially, he had started to pose this perspective to himself to temper his more … overly grounded approaches. To begin easing towards a mind more open to retirement.
What would he do?
He looked up at the deeply familiar winged Statue of the Seven, framed against the cloudless sky, just as he had done countless times before on short trips past Stone Gate.
To be as free as the wind…
Without ever noticing, he had long since fully incorporated having that whimsical ideal as his own desire.
It was close to the time of a certain mortal bard's birthday. So to the statue, he left a gift of wine, the neck of the bottle tied with a striped ribbon. Next to it, an offering of turquoise and topaz elemental gemstones. Both symbolized blessings from the Archons. An inside sentiment of sorts... It was just as he had done, year after year, unknowing of whether the intended recipient ever received them.
On years his heart had been too heavy to make the trip, he had poured the wine to the thousand winds and crushed the gemstones to dust to be taken by them instead, in a manner much befitting the passed. Well, perhaps it was a tad somber for a birthday gift but he had become a consultant to a funeral parlor. It was only natural to be familiar with a lack of reunions.
Next, he turned his sights to Springvale. Whatever happened on this unstructured visit, he could take his time. He had the privilege of leisure on a work trip in Mondstadt to relish.
Let the fickle wind lead.