Archon of Cynthis [Book 1]

Chapter 21 - A Day in Liyue

Sorry guys ive had such bad writer's block 😭 im so sorry
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(FYI: your outfit changed back to the original one)

"You've finally returned!" Childe exclaimed. "How was your journey to Jueyun Karst?"

We recounted what happened, and Childe sighed. "I see. Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, Conqueror of Demons... some of these names have never come up in the intel the Fatui gets hold of. As a returning gift, I too have information for you."

"Regarding the archon's passing... the Liyue Qixing's response has really given me food for thought. They've announced that, as the true killer has not yet been found, they are not allowing anyone to pay respects of the Exuvia. They've even gone so far as to try and cut off information... But with the Rite of Descension and all, even the Qixing isn't able to keep a lid on things."

"Exuvia?" Paimon asked.

"It's common knowledge in Liyue that Rex Lapis is also an adeptus." Childe said, and was going to add more, but you cut him off.

"The Geo Archon is also the God of Contracts, and is also known as the Exuvia - Prime of the Adepti." You explained. "The mighty and illuminated adepti of today all signed contracts to protect Liyue way back then."

Childe raised an eyebrow. "That is correct."

"Guess that explains why they're all so focused on Liyue's well-being." Paimon guessed.

"Naturally. They both have the responsibility and aptitude for the job," Childe agreed. "If the ruling Qixing became unable to perform their duty properly, the adepti have the right to take corrective action. The Geo Archon's spirit has risen, so why would the Qixing hide his vessel? Truly (sus)picious."

"This makes things difficult for me too," Aether said, sighing slightly.

"Oh, right! He's the whole reason we came here!" Paimon agreed. "If the Liyue Qixing has locked up Exuvia and won't let anyone near... then our quest to find The Eight is already over!" (remember there's eight archons in the story, just in case anyone got confused)

"Oh? You're trying to find the Eight? And just why might that be, pray tell?" Childe asked, eyes widening slightly.

"Nothing to do with you," Aether said coldly.

"Heh, nice answer." Childe replied. "A knight that gets duped by the Fatui would really be no knight at all now, would they?"

"But... I can help you with that too you know.." He offered, and you crossed your arms.

"Really?" You said, suspicious.

"Give me some time," Childe said. "Time... to find someone. Someone who can help you break through this stalemate."

Childe chuckled. "Truly fascinating. The harder they try to silence the situation, the greater the chaos that erupts... if you want to be around to see it all come crashing down, best you stay alive until we next meet, yes?"

~~~

As we headed down the stairs, Paimon declared that she was - yet again - hungry. So we took a detour and went to Wanmin Restaurant, ordering some Black-Back Perch Stew. You ordered Almond Tofu, however - your mind flashing to a certain yaksha.

You three carried your food to one of the docks, sitting down and dangling your feet over the ledge. You rested the plate on your lap, sticking your fork into the squishy tofu and putting it in your mouth. You could tell why Xiao liked it, the dish was plain yet had that sweet touch to it.

"y/n?" Aether said, slightly stirring the stew. He stared out at the harbor, watching the ships roll in. 

"Hm?" You glanced over, setting the half-filled plate next to you. You rested your hands behind you and leaned back. 

"Can you tell me more about... Tsuki?" He asked, turning his head to look at you. 

You looked down at your lap, an image of the mountain popping into your head. "Sure." 

Lifting your legs, you crossed them and folded your hands into your lap. "Tsuki was founded soon after the Archon War, when Lunaria found the mountain that is now known as Dragonspine. She created her nation there, and it lasted for 1000 years. But the climate dropped below zero, and the people had to start evacuating because of the snowstorms. During the evacuation, the poisonous dragon Durin turned and started destroying the Lands of Anemo. Since she was close to the Anemo Archon, she went out and joined the battle alongside Barbatos and Dvalin. Her people continued to evacuate, but almost half of the population stayed in the City of Saisei. It was a difficult battle, and Lunaria had to strike down her dear friend at the end. Durin fell onto Saisei, crushing the people there. The toxin plumes rose up, but Barbatos used the wind to keep the toxins inside the mountain. It eventually dispersed, and the dragon's body was corroded, and all that was left, was a heart." 

'Lunaria then went to look for her people, who had already started using the boats they had been constructing. She had already told them that they would be traveling across the ocean to find a new home, so she protected them against the storms as they sailed across the ocean. It took 2 weeks, but they finally found it - a beautiful snowy mountain that was perfect for the people. Lunaria helped them to settle in and built the temple on the summit. She planted the herbs used all across Teyvat for medicine, and soon after left to go see Durin. But she was in a weakened state, and the dragon's lingering corruption consumed her, and she was destroyed. Her people knew how to survive without the Archon, and Tsuki is still standing today."

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that was one shitload of info

ok but my brain- I CANT- my mind is just completely focused on an albedo book-

IM SORRY GUYS