moon in one's cup
Secret Santa 2025 • @thesteambird
Words: 943 Character: Zhongli For: @painom i hope you like it (T△T)~
“Many stories and tales of Liyue are, when studied closely, stories of people visited by their deity at some point — and the citizens of Liyue are most proud indeed of that history.”
Dusk was approaching as the sun began to disappear behind Mt. Aocang and Qingyun Peak. But you had no time to spare.
You were trudging past some ruins beyond Jueyun Karst, hoping to make it to Yaodie Valley faster. But your exhaustion was catching up to you, and it was slowing you down. Travelling from Liyue Harbor to Yilong Wharf on foot was no joke. But escaping the burden of being who you were, as a bankrupt merchant’s daughter, was far more pressing. Thus, you wanted to start anew. If you ever get on that ship heading to Fontaine, you vowed to never look back.
Reaching the peak of a small hill, you watched traces of the setting sun. Every step you took was one step away from Liyue. Your home, and everything you had ever known. The very thought of leaving made your heart stir with hesitation.
A gentle breeze carrying the faint aroma of burning sandbearer and something fragrant brought you back to earth. A little farther up, you saw smoke curling into the air.
Despite your aching feet, you rushed through the stone gates, following the smoke. You felt drawn to the scent.
It smelled like home.
Little did you know you would cross paths with the Lord of Geo, disguised, who was in a predicament of his own.
A figure in commoners’ clothes was hunched over the bushes yonder. Crystalflies fluttered over a patch of shrubs underneath a tree. A pot hung from a spit, gently rattling over a crackling fire surrounded by baskets of dried herbs, flowers, and a tea set.
The entire set-up felt cozy. Before you knew it, you collapsed on your knees, out of breath. When the figure turned, you were surprised to hear a young man asking, “You seem weary. Why not rest for a moment, with a cup of tea?”
It was not long before you found yourself huddled on a rock with a teacup in hand. You watched the young man tend to the fire with a stick.
“I’m trying to get the temperature right, you see. To get the right taste.” In the firelight, his eyes glinted like polished amber. “In a few minutes, this concoction of silk tree bark, jasmine, and glaze lilies will be ready. In the meantime…”
He spoke about tea as if he knew it all like the back of his hand. While most of it actually went over your head, you listened, immersed in his passion. You somehow felt at ease in his company. When the ripples settled after he poured you a cup, the full moon reflected on the tea’s surface.
Your heart had been heavy with the weight of your decision. After days of travel, you longed to speak. You had to ask someone.
The young man felt like safe company. Perhaps…
“Do you—” You cleared your throat. “Do you think leaving and starting over is the wrong choice?”
The young man looked up from the flames.
Everything came spilling out. Saving face as their family paraded around Liyue Harbor with the arrogance of having Mora was one thing. The final straw was overhearing your father beg an older businessman to take you as his fourth wife. In a whirlwind of emotions, you set out on your own after trading some of your prized possessions. And miraculously, after traveling alone, no harm ever came your way.
Yet Rex Lapis’ protection did nothing to strengthen your resolve about leaving. If anything, it was growing weaker. The creeping homesickness and self-doubt plagued you.
“There is nothing wrong with honoring contracts with oneself, especially if it is something we deem necessary in our circumstances. As long as no others were breached.” He smiled softly. “I cannot condemn you for doing what you think is best for yourself. But if you cannot move forward, I believe taking time to reflect and weigh the consequences would ease your conflicting feelings. ” You held onto his every word, hands shaking. The moon’s reflection rippled.
“It appears that you and I are at the same crossroads. I, too, contemplate leaving something behind.”
When he turned to look at you, his amber eyes were gleaming with a light you could not discern. There was melancholy, but there was also something else, among other things. Resolve. “Over time, I have grown weary. Old friends have gone, the worst of it has passed. There is finally peace. But I am not at ease if I stay. I believe I am no longer needed.”
“No, that’s not true at all!” You realized you raised your voice at this kind stranger, but at the moment, you didn’t care. “Everyone is worthy of living!”
The young man laughed, which confused you. It irked you a little, too. “Do not fret, I am not going anywhere.” He took a sip of his tea. “Silk tree bark. To ease the burden of one’s heart. Jasmine, to calm the nerves. And glaze lilies… to honor a friend.”
“I am truly grateful for your company tonight. It was as soothing as this cup of tea.” You told him, hoping your sincerity would reach him.
The young man looked up at the sky. “I pray we find peace in our choices. May… Rex Lapis guide us.” There was something coy about his smile.
In the morning, you would wake up and only find a glaze lily and a steaming pot of tea on the spot where the young man had been.
