Sunset ^beta

As the largest temple in all of Liyue, Yiyan Temple sees a constant stream of visitors every day. Supplicants beseeching Rex Lapis for favors, the faithful paying their respects, and foreigners seeking to witness the might of Teyvat's most ancient and enduring god for themselves all arrive by the thousands and the hum of their prayers and songs fill the vast building. Today it is nearly empty and so quiet that a single pebble dropping could be heard from all corners of the temple. The six members of the Liyue Qixing are gathered before the great stone altar and the young woman who is to be their new Yuheng stands in the middle, flanked by three on each side.

The only other soul in the temple is Ganyu. Though she has no direct role in the induction ceremony, by tradition she attends each one. In the earliest days after the Archon War, when she helped to develop Liyue's governance alongside the Qixing's first members, Ganyu was present for the induction of its first replacement. That ceremony was less formal than the one taking place today, held at a much smaller temple and with no set script to follow. Trusting in her as one of the mighty and illuminated adepti and the servant of Rex Lapis himself, they gratefully sought out her advice for how best to welcome another to their number and requested she attend. As the years passed, Ganyu joined the Liyue Qixing each time a new member took their post, until none could remember a time she had not been there.

The scent of incense in Yiyan Temple tickles at Ganyu's sensitive nose, a mingling of Silvergrass and Silk Flowers that is not unpleasant, but overpowering. The discomfort is a small price to pay to bear witness to Liyue's future taking shape before her. Today is her first time meeting Keqing who, with Rex Lapis' blessing, will be Liyue's new Yuheng, yet her reputation precedes her. As the youngest daughter of the union between the heir of a great real estate tycoon and one of the nation’s premier architects, that she has reached the lofty height of the Liyue Qixing surprises no one. But to be chosen so young—younger than any Qixing in the last thousand years—is abnormal, and Ganyu is intrigued by what sort of exceptional individual could achieve this.

Ever since helping the first Liyue Qixing develop Liyue's governance two thousand years ago, the task of helping each new member acclimate to their role has fallen to Ganyu. The newest Yuheng will be no different. From her place behind the altar and the side, she watches her closely with eyes narrowed and head tilted to one side. Keqing stands before it, looking stiff and serious. Despite her small stature, she carries herself with chin held high and a fierce glint in her eyes, staring down the altar like one facing a Stonehide Lawachurl with absolute certainty they will come out the victor. A curtain of soft, purple hair the color of Horsetails falls around her shoulders in stark contrast with the rest of her, and Ganyu’s fingers twitch with an unbidden urge to run her fingers through it. She flushes at the unexpected thought and clasps her hands before her midsection. The movement catches Keqing’s attention and she looks to the side, intense determination melting into curiosity as she catches sight of the Qixing general secretary. They lock eyes for several seconds, and under the scrutiny of the other woman, the hair on the back of Ganyu’s arms stands up, as though a jolt of electricity has run through her body. They only break away when the Tianquan, Ningguang, rests a hand upon Keqing’s shoulder to direct her to the altar.

In a flash, Keqing’s attention is drawn back to the ceremony and her face settles into the same serious mask as before. Taking a stick of incense offered to her by the Ningguang, she drops to her knees before the great stone monolith. In the middle of the altar, there is a statue of Rex Lapis’ illuminated beast form, carved from simple granite, with eyes of finest Cor Lapis. At this point in the ceremony, Ganyu is used to seeing the inductee close their eyes and bow their head, a sign of respect and deference. Again, Keqing proves herself an anomaly, setting the stick of incense upon the altar before the figure of Rex Lapis and watching it with a stare as intense as the one she had directed at Ganyu minutes before. The tradition goes that if the Archon gives his blessing to the people’s chosen representative, the eyes of his statue will glow bright amber with Geo energy. If rejected, the Cor Lapis will remain dull and lifeless. In Ganyu’s thousands of years as secretary, she has never witnessed such a rejection, a sign that the trust and understanding between the god and his people remains as steady as ever, she has always surmised.

Keqing kneels before the altar, pink eyes locked with the amber eyes of Rex Lapis that for several drawn-out seconds remain lifeless. For a fleeting, terrifying moment Ganyu holds her breath and wonders if Rex Lapis truly will reject the young woman, whose ascent from young heiress to the Liyue Qixing itself was so rapid that whispers of “prodigy” follow in her wake. Then the Cor Lapis is set alight with a Geo energy, accepting her as one of his “hands and feet” committed to caring for Liyue in his stead. The light of Geo is so bright that any normal person would be forced to divert their gaze, yet Keqing does not look away. The amber light casts sharp shadows on her face and reflects back in her eyes so that even Ganyu can see it from her vantage point on the opposite side of the altar. Where Ganyu expected relief, Keqing’s face shows only strict determination, and Ganyu cannot begin to guess what thoughts lie behind it.

The new Yuheng is momentarily startled by a clap on the back from the Tianshu. “Congratulations, Lady Keqing. I wager your grandfather would be very proud of you.”

Her brow creases in a slight frown at the mention of her grandfather, but she attempts a gracious response. “Thank you, Lord Tianshu.”

Uncle Tian throws back his head and laughs. “Please, Keqing, just call me Uncle! We’re equals now, aren’t we?”

The reminder of her new rank wins a smile from Keqing, and the pair converse for several minutes until Uncle Tian turns to leave.

One by one the other Qixing greet and congratulate Keqing, then filter out of Yiyan Temple to return to their regular duties. Soon, only Keqing and Ganyu remain, watching each other from across the altar, where the still-glowing statue of Rex Lapis stands between them. Slowly, Ganyu approaches Keqing and extends her hand. “I am Ganyu, the general secretary of the Liyue Qixing. My duty is to support all its members in any endeavors for the sake of Liyue, and I will be here to help acclimate you to the role of Yuheng.”

Keqing looks her up and down, her gaze slowing upon Ganyu’s horns before moving back to look her in the eye. “Keqing.” She accepts Ganyu’s extended hand.

“I look forward to working with you. With your credentials, I am certain the future of Liyue will be bright under your guidance.”

A smile flits across the serious face of the Yuheng, corners of her mouth twitching upwards and eyes brightening at the praise. “Thank you. I’ve worked very hard to be here and desire nothing more than to build a great future for Liyue. There’s so much to be done. Between matters of infrastructure, land surveys, and construction I’m not quite sure where to start.”

“You can always come to me for aid. Though I still have much to learn, I will do my very best to help as secretary to the Qixing.”

A quick nod of acknowledgment to Ganyu, and Keqing continues to share her hopes as Yuheng. With every word that leaves her mouth, the serious demeanor she wore throughout her induction ceremony melts away, replaced with an enthusiasm that sets Ganyu’s pulse racing. Just hearing someone as invested in the betterment of Liyue as herself evokes a warmth in her chest, a welcome reminder of why she has dedicated herself to this city so faithfully for two thousand years. “…and with a little effort, I know I can make great strides in all these things.”

Tentatively, Ganyu brings a hand up to squeeze Keqing’s shoulder. “With your effort and the blessing Rex Lapis has granted you, Liyue will surely continue to flourish for years to come.”

Keqing freezes, shoulders stiffening. “I reached this position through my own efforts, not Rex Lapis’ blessing. If Liyue is to flourish, we must learn to make a future without relying on a god who walks among us just a single day each year.”

The change in the Yuheng’s demeanor is immediate, the excitement that so enraptured Ganyu morphing into something hard and defensive. It hits Ganyu, a sharp and cold burn that reminds her of the frostbitten hands from her first attempts at using her Vision centuries ago. She can feel the muscles of Keqing’s upper arm rapidly tense and relax under her hand.

“M—Ma’am?” She can only manage a single, sputtered word. Several emotions run through her body all at once. Shock that one of the Liyue Qixing would ever speak so harshly of Rex Lapis. Anger that she would dare do so in the temple dedicated to the Archon himself, after all the deeds Ganyu had witnessed by his side. Hope, that somehow she had misunderstood Keqing’s words.

Keqing simply raises her chin and looks directly into Ganyu’s eyes, challenging her to debate on the matter. The brilliant pink of her gaze burns ever brighter and as Ganyu takes it in, she knows the hope was distant and foolish from the start, crumbling away like ash after a fire. The tension slowly mounts as the two women remain motionless with eyes locked. It rapidly approaches a crescendo, a breaking point where Ganyu should issue a stern rebuke to the Yuheng for disrespecting their god, but just as the tension is about to snap, Ganyu lets go of Keqing’s arm and forces herself to look away.

Drawing upon the vast discipline of the mighty and illuminated adepti, she turns back to Keqing with a bow of her head. “Shall I show you around Yuehai Pavilion? As part of your introduction to the role of Yuheng?”

For a moment Keqing looks like she wants to protest, still tense and defiant, then her shoulders relax and she says, “I’ve been to the building several times and I’m familiar with the layout thanks to the architectural treatises in my family’s library, but seeing the full building firsthand would certainly be helpful.”

“Then it would be my honor, Lady Keqing.” Slipping back into a comfortable dynamic of Qixing and secretary is like second nature to Ganyu. The protective veneer of professionalism and Keqing’s keen interest in the architecture of the Qixing headquarters allows for a productive, if awkward exchange. Yet the cloud of Keqing’s disdain for Rex Lapis hangs above them, and Ganyu wonders how they’ll ever manage to work together in spite of it.

Ganyu sits alone on a stone bench in the gardens of Yujing Terrace. The last vestiges of the setting sun cast the sky the rich purple of Wolfhook berries and there is silence, save for the rhythmic chirping of crickets. Head cradled in her hands, she inhales deeply, taking in the calming scent of Glaze Lilies. Although the flowers that grow in the city are not the same variety as the rare wild Glaze Lilies, the scent is familiar enough to ground her. It brings memories of her youth and camaraderie with Rex Lapis. Rex Lapis, who has carefully guided Liyue since the days when its people were mere humble farmers and the great city by the harbor was but a small settlement that lived in constant fear of destruction from the harsh god of the deep, Osial. To Ganyu, his tireless efforts for the betterment of the nation are the greatest constant in her life, an absolute truth since her earliest memories as a child in Jueyun Karst. Even among today’s humans, for whom the great deeds Ganyu witnessed herself remain only as a plethora of legends and half-truths, reverence for Rex Lapis holds firm. So different from the attitudes of everyone else in Liyue, the vitriol for Liyue's Archon displayed by the new Yuheng after the ceremony that morning has Ganyu deeply rattled.

A light tug on her sleeve and Ganyu is torn from her contemplations. She looks up to find a pair of sharp, amber eyes, a bright color as familiar and comforting as the scent of the flowers. The face they belong to not. A young girl stands before her, hair tied up in pigtails and so small that her eyes are level with the seated Ganyu's. “Rex Lapis,” she breathes, voice tight with reverence.

The girl nods. “It has been some time since we conferred together on the state of Liyue Harbor. So tell me, Ganyu, how fares the Liyue Qixing? As I understand, a new Yuheng has just taken up her post.”

A smile tugs at her lips from the teasing. He knew full well the new Yuheng had joined the Qixing, granting approval through the induction ceremony at Yiyan Temple. The amusement rapidly dissipates as Ganyu's thoughts turn back towards the Yuheng in question, Keqing. She struggles to form words. To question Keqing's appointment would be to question Rex Lapis' approval of her and Ganyu has served him long enough to trust even the most baffling choices are not without their purpose and are made only with Liyue's well-being in mind. But Keqing is an exception from the very start. In two thousand years, she has worked alongside hundreds of the Qixing's ranks, yet never before has Ganyu heard such open disrespect towards the Archon they serve. Certainly not in such a sacred place. Even the most unscrupulous leaders, who served themselves above Liyue and whose actions subverted the very contracts upon which the nation was founded, never dared to speak ill of Rex Lapis.

“You have much to say?”

“I—I am helping to acclimate Lady Keqing, as is my duty. She... she demonstrates great passion for the challenges before her. I can see why the guilds voted her to be Yuheng at such a young age.” She chooses her words carefully, attempting the most diplomatic assessment she can muster. There is so much more Ganyu wants to say. 

“I have high hopes for her. The people did well in choosing Keqing.”

“Has she earned your blessing on her talent alone?” The question is bold, and Ganyu almost cannot believe she has veered so close to openly doubting his wisdom. She does not fear his wrath for such a transgression, but his millennia of service to Liyue and countless great deeds long ago earned Ganyu’s trust.

Rex Lapis simply laughs. From the mouth of a small girl the sound should be light and innocent, but, like the rumble of a distant rockslide, the shadow of the deep and resonant laughter of the great rock god that lies beneath the youthful sound is unmistakable to Ganyu.

Finally, he speaks. “You refer to Keqing’s unique views on me.” It is not phrased like a question, yet an expectant gaze cast towards Ganyu makes clear he desires a response. She is grateful for the silent permission.

“I do.”

“I am not so insecure a god that I fear dissenting voices, nor so arrogant a god to believe I am infallible.” His expression turns soft. “Thousands of years ago I ruled the Guili Assembly alongside Guizhong, and we often disagreed. But together, we kept our people safe and prosperous, because we trusted that we both had their well-being at heart. Ganyu, I don’t ask you to like the Yuheng’s skepticism of me. But she cares for Liyue just as you do, and you can trust in that.”

Ganyu tries to take in his words, tries to understand why Keqing’s disrespect does not worry him, but sometimes Rex Lapis is far beyond her comprehension, no matter how she tries. “I—I will do all I can to better understand her and trust in her devotion to Liyue.”

Rex Lapis smiles, and warmth bubbles up in Ganyu’s stomach. She doesn’t have to like Keqing, but for him she can try.

At such a late hour Yujing Terrace is almost always deserted, so when Ganyu hears a sharp cry of pain as she walks home after several hours of overtime, she expects the worst. For thousands of years, Liyue has been the safest of all the seven nations under the watchful eye of Rex Lapis and Ganyu’s fellow adepti. Yet even in Liyue Harbor, the crown jewel of the Land of Geo, dangers are not unheard of. Someone has been the victim of an attack, she follows the sound to its source near the base of Yujing Terrace outside Yiyan Temple. Preparing to face Treasure Hoarders or some other manner of unscrupulous attackers, she summons her Cryo power around her hand and vaults herself over the side.

Landing lightly, Ganyu sees a figure on their knees, shoulders shaking with labored breaths. In the poor light, she cannot make out their face, but the scent of burned flesh she detects with her powerful qilin sense of smell sets her heart beating in fear. She sees no others and allows the Cryo energy to dissipate as relief washes over her. 

The moonlight reflects off long, violet hair, and Ganyu recognizes the Yuheng. She kneels before a large gray stone, where smoldering gashes stand as evidence of her Electro powers. Keqing is hunched over, arms drawn close to her body and Vision glowing on the ground several feet away. The crunch of fallen bamboo underfoot alerts Keqing to the other woman’s presence and her head snaps up. Her cheeks are tracked with tear stains, and she bares her teeth upon recognizing Ganyu.

Gone is the elegant, pampered house cat who walks the halls of Yuehai Pavilion, replaced with a cornered stray, ears flattened and teeth bared. Both Keqing’s vulnerability and the clear evidence of an attempt to wield her Vision gone wrong shock Ganyu. When the young Yuheng was first blessed with the Vision not long after her appointment, the news spread all across the land. Even now, the people speak with pride of how two of the Qixing, their own chosen representatives to the Geo Archon, are so blessed. Yet those close to Keqing know the matter is more complicated. Ganyu has never once seen her carry the Vision on her person, and rumors of her many attempts to destroy it are commonplace at Yuehai Pavilion. Just this past week, Ganyu overheard Baiwen and Baixiao whisper that the Yuheng had thrown the Vision from the Jade Chamber itself, only for it to reappear on her desk the next day, completely unscathed. With this knowledge in mind, Ganyu approaches slowly, silently, unsure what words would distress the other woman.

“You're hurt,” she says, settling for simple and direct.

Keqing narrows her eyes, and her throat bobs as she swallows before nodding.

“Your Vision?” Keqing nods again.

Triggering her elemental sight, Ganyu sees where Keqing's hands are stained purple from the traces of Electro energy that burned her.

“May I help?” This time, Keqing responds by raising her hands and extending them to Ganyu, too prideful to admit needing help with words. Her cheeks are flushed, the pain of both the injuries and humiliation at being seen by Ganyu in such a vulnerable state etched across her face.

“What were you trying to do?”

“Training.” The word is clipped, her voice thin and strained. Ganyu cannot tell if she is struggling to speak through the pain, or if she simply does not want to speak to her.

With great caution, as if approaching a wounded beast, she moves closer to Keqing and brings her hands up, hovering near but not taking hold of her wrists. When the other woman does not pull away, Ganyu takes hold of them and turns Keqing’s hands over, palms up, to examine her injuries. “So you’ve accepted that your Vision is a part of you after all this time?”

When the implication of the statement dawns on her, she flushes an even deeper red than before. Ganyu wonders if she truly thinks others are ignorant of her repeated attempts to destroy and dispose of the Vision, or if she is simply surprised that Ganyu is bold enough to mention them to her face. Keqing pushes through the embarrassment and says, “I have.”

“The Vision is an acknowledgment from the Archons.” The very Archons you denounce, Ganyu adds internally. “It is good to learn how to use its powers.”

“I'm not doing this for the Archons! I’m doing this for myself. For Liyue. I—I tried to relinquish it many times, I admit that. But I’ve realized I gain nothing by eschewing a power that can make me stronger. I owe myself that much. I owe Liyue that much.” Keqing’s fingers spasm, barely restraining herself from clenching her fists in frustration and exacerbating the burns on her hands.

With great care to minimize the pain, Ganyu lifts their hands to chest level, palm-to-palm. Activating her Vision, Ganyu summons Cryo to dull the nerves of Keqing’s hands. She looks directly into Keqing’s eyes as she does so, searching for something, anything, that could help her understand why she feels so negatively towards her Vision. Ever since their first meeting nearly a year ago, the Yuheng has left her utterly baffled. Principled and passionate, she is the only person Ganyu has seen in years that matches her own work ethic. She still cannot comprehend how someone so dedicated to serving Liyue can have such scorn for the gods, and most of all for Rex Lapis. Tonight, alone together in the dark corners of Yujing Terrace, might be Ganyu’s only chance to learn why. “Lady Keqing, may I ask you something?”

To Ganyu’s great relief, Keqing agrees.

As she attempts to formulate her question, Ganyu tends to Keqing’s hands, ensuring the pain-dulling Cryo is applied to every inch of her burns. “Why does having a Vision vex you so much? I don’t understand it.”

Keqing looks long and hard at her Vision, where it lies abandoned on the ground. “Because everyone who sees this Vision thinks it’s the reason for all my accomplishments. The things I’ve worked all my life to achieve. So few people in Liyue can envision a world where humanity determines our own fate, without Rex Lapis or any other god. How can I convince anyone that we can forge a future without relying on the gods, if they believe everything I’ve done is thanks to them?”

Ganyu tries not to grit her teeth in frustration. She can see why the misconceptions would displease Keqing, but how anyone can have such a simplistic understanding of a Vision is beyond her. “Lady Keqing, your accomplishments are your own. Those who would deny you them have no understanding of what your Vision represents.”

Keqing’s defiant glare falters, and she perks up with curiosity, despite the lingering pain of her burns. “Oh? What do you think it represents?”

Ganyu has so much to say about what a Vision means. But this is the Yuheng, perhaps the most stubborn person she knows besides Rex Lapis himself. Convincing her of anything will not be easy. But if she explains how she received her own Vision, she might just succeed. Revealing her past and that she is half-qilin to others Ganyu deliberately avoids. Revealing this to the Yuheng, of all people, is something else entirely and the risk sets off a queasy, off-kilter sensation in her stomach. She's already certain Keqing looks down upon her faith in Rex Lapis. What if this only makes her dislike her more? In her heart, though, she knows the risk is worth it. Keqing is so resolute in her views that Ganyu is certain there is a better way to make her understand, if not accept, her feelings.

“Let me tell you how I received my own Vision. You see the ‘headdress’ I wear? It’s not actually a headdress. It’s m—my horns. I—I am a half-qilin adeptus contracted in service to Rex Lapis. An illuminated beast.” Ganyu tries her very best not to stutter as she reveals her secret. Keqing, to her surprise, remains stoic throughout the revelation. “I received this Vision two thousand years ago when the nation was finally at peace, and I chose to remain among humans as the new Liyue Qixing’s general secretary. It was not a denial of my accomplishments. It was an acknowledgment of them and of the potential to do so much more.”

Ganyu feels Keqing’s hands twitch against her own as she processes the confession. She is still grappling with the lingering fear of a negative reaction to her half-human heritage but has a responsibility to help Keqing, just as she agreed. The Cryo helped with the pain, but to properly heal, Ganyu must turn to other, more innate means. Maintaining the palm-to-palm position of their hands, Ganyu reaches into herself and draws upon the adeptal energy within her. It thrums through her entire being, as vital a part of her as the qilin and human blood that runs through her veins. It’s been too long since she last did this, yet the action is so innate to her that it bubbles to the surface effortlessly. Concentrating the adeptal energy to her palms, Ganyu’s hands glow as she transfers it to Keqing’s burned hands. Slowly it seeps into her, revitalizing the broken skin and stitching together the welts until the burns fade, leaving only faint silver scars as evidence of Keqing’s accident.

On impulse, Ganyu twines her fingers with Keqing’s and squeezes gently. “You see? There’s so much we can accomplish with and without our Visions. Whatever misconceptions others have of you do not change that.”

Keqing stares back at Ganyu, just a hint of awe brightening her otherwise serious visage. “You … you may have a point,” she concedes, but the crease in her brow only deepens.

“You look troubled,” Ganyu muses, and Keqing grunts quietly in response. “May I ask you one more thing?”

Unexpectedly, the question wins a weak smile from Keqing. “You’ve answered several of my questions tonight without me ever asking,” Keqing says and looks pointedly at Ganyu’s horns, “I think I can manage to answer one more.”

Ganyu chews at her lip for several seconds before asking, “Rex Lapis. Why?” She doesn’t need to elaborate.

Keqing takes a deep breath and exhales roughly. “I don’t approve of Rex Lapis’ leadership. I believe his mindset is outdated, and his unilateral rule—whereby he is responsible for the most important decisions and we Qixing exist merely to carry out his will—is no way to run a nation. To those who live thousands of years, we humans may seem ephemeral, here one moment and gone the next, but we have a right to determine our own fate. We humans are much more capable than gods or adepti give credit. You’re as human as you are qilin, and have spent so long among us. Surely you know this, Ganyu?” With every sentence, Ganyu can feel Keqing’s grip on her hands tighten, the passion of her convictions overflowing. “Even if I did approve of his methods of leadership, Rex Lapis won’t always be here, no matter how powerful the legends make him seem. If we live our entire lives complacent, relying on the power of a god to handle our every problem, Liyue will never survive when he is gone.”

Ganyu wants to refute Keqing, to reveal all she’s witnessed by Rex Lapis’ side and the truths that the legends merely hint at, but she’s already exposed so much of herself tonight. Digging into memories of war and hardship is more than she can bear, and with the depth of Keqing’s passion, Ganyu doubts it would change much. So instead, she says, “Thank you, Lady Keqing,” and releases her hands.

Keqing snorts, “I don’t exactly hide my views. You’ve given much more to me tonight than I have to you, and I must thank you too.” She gazes down at her hands. “These would have taken weeks to fully heal, even with Dr. Baizhu’s best remedies.”

“I am called to protect the people of Liyue, just as I am called to serve the Liyue Qixing. It would be an unforgivable breach of my contract to do anything otherwise.”

“Still,” Keqing says, taking her Vision from the ground and nimbly scaling the stone wall to Yujing Terrace proper, “the choice to help me was your own, contract or not.” Keqing looks down at Ganyu from the stone edge, moonlight outlining her hair in silver, then turns to leave and disappears into the night.

Eyes closed, Ganyu breathes in deeply and takes in the crisp, salty morning air, the sounds of pigeons and sea birds, and the hum of distant conversations as Liyue Harbor awakens to a new day. Her routine of breakfast by the docks is a comfort and a tradition she has held to for so long that even the most demanding of her days are made easier. Though the faces change as the years pass, and new structures around the harbor are built and demolished, the Sea of Clouds remains the same. Having witnessed thousands of sunrises here, she can effortlessly mark the time by the changing colors of the waters along, as they shift from deep gray at dawn’s first light to bronze to brilliant blue under the fully risen sun.

“Ganyu!”

The voice is familiar, one she hears almost every day at Yuehai Pavilion, but when she turns to see the figure approaching, Ganyu starts in surprise. “I—Lady Yuheng, this is unexpected.” She wears a simple purple dress, clothes meant for menial labor rather than her usual finely crafted attire. Roughspun pants tucked into a pair of worn boots complete the ensemble.

Keqing drops to one knee beside Ganyu and lifts a finger to her lips in a gesture of silence. She reaches out to lightly squeeze Ganyu’s bare shoulder with her other hand to further emphasize her point. Keqing’s fingers are cold against her skin, and the sensation of her calluses from countless hours of swordwork is more suited to the worker she is disguised as than the powerful and wealthy leader she is. “Not here. Just Keqing here.”

“Yes, La—Keqing.” Ganyu winces at her lapse. “I have breakfast by the docks every morning, but I’ve never seen you. May I ask what brings you here?”

The question hangs in the air for several seconds with no response and Ganyu resists the urge to squirm as the silence draws ever longer. 

“I’ve been undercover, investigating a corrupt dockmaster. Rumors among the workers say he has been abusing his position and forcing them to work extreme hours under dangerous conditions. Flagrantly ignoring the law and perverting any contracts signed between them.” She clenches her fists above her thighs, and Ganyu can see the tremor that runs through them as she tries to suppress her anger.

Keqing’s righteous indignation at the injustice is painfully familiar to Ganyu—though the unyielding “wrath of the rock” that Rex Lapis brings down upon those who transgress contracts feels entirely unlike the wild energy that Keqing is barely holding back. As different as Geo and Electro, she thinks, and wonders once again how one with such passion cannot recognize the same in Rex Lapis.

“An important task,” but surprising that one of your stature would take it into her own hands, Ganyu adds to herself.

“I—would it be okay if I stayed here with you for a bit?” Keqing avoids eye contact as she speaks. “I don’t have to be at ‘my job’ at the docks for about twenty minutes.”

Slowly, Ganyu nods. There’s a small part of her that wants to refuse, still resentful of the woman’s disrespect for Rex Lapis. But Keqing is one of the Qixing and she is their general secretary. And besides, the company is not wholly unwelcome. With her closest friend, Captain Beidou, at sea on a lengthy voyage to Fontaine, Ganyu is almost always alone outside of work hours these days, and a fragile, human side of her still longs to connect with others. Even the outspoken Yuheng will suffice.

As Ganyu eats, she studies Keqing, who shifts awkwardly and still appears uncertain that her presence is welcome. Without even thinking, she finds herself eating slower than usual, simply studying the woman beside her. Although she allowed Keqing to stay out of a desire for companionship, Ganyu has no idea what to say to her. A debate on the merits of Rex Lapis is entirely out of the question, and she does not feel knowledgeable enough about the investigation to comment on that. Still, the Yuheng famously shuns small talk, so Ganyu surmises it’s better to remain silent than to speak merely for the sake of it.

Finishing the final bite of her breakfast, Ganyu stands to leave. “Thank you for joining me this morning, Keqing. Spending this time with another was not unpleasant.” Before departing for Yujing Terraces, she turns back to Keqing and adds, “And should you need aid with this endeavor, I will do everything in my power to see it done.”

The entire time Ganyu walks away down the dock, she feels Keqing’s eyes still on her, watching with the same keen interest as Ganyu for Keqing had before.

The next morning, when Ganyu arrives at the docks with her breakfast in hand, she is surprised to find the Yuheng there already, eating alone. She wears the same simple, violet work garment from the day before and sits with her knees drawn up to her chest, staring out at the ocean. Unsure of what else she can do with her usual routine interrupted, Ganyu takes a seat beside Keqing. Neither woman says a word as Ganyu unwraps the bundle that holds her morning meal.

Keqing breaks the silence first, “How were things at Yuehai Pavilion yesterday?”

“The Tianxuan works hard on the trade agreements with Mondstadt and Fontaine. He’s yet to resolve disagreements regarding the wine trade. The emissaries from Fontaine believe current tariffs unfairly penalize Fontaine, due to the lower cost of transporting dandelion wine to Liyue as compared to their own grape wines which must be sent from overseas,” says Ganyu.

“He is a competent man. I expect he’ll have things resolved soon.” Keqing sounds disinterested, far more invested in Liyue’s internal affairs than diplomacy.

“Additionally…” Ganyu hesitates, but continues speaking when Keqing quirks an eyebrow expectantly, “your colleagues met to select who among them will perform this year’s Rite of Descension. Some proposed nominating you in absentia, given you are the only one among the current roster who has yet to do so, but the rest opposed such a break with tradition. Lady Ningguang pointed out that it will be eight years since the Tianshu last led the ceremony, and he’s accepted the role.”

Keqing lets out a bark of laughter. “It’s not often I agree with Ningguang. I appreciate the updates, Ganyu, but I actually was asking how things were for you. Was your day pleasant?”

The question comes out stilted, Keqing’s inexperience with small talk well apparent, but Ganyu is touched nonetheless. “Aside from my breakfast with you, my day was very ordinary. But there is nothing more fulfilling to me than the work I do for Liyue, so a very ordinary day is also a very good day for me.”

“I—It pleases me to hear that.” Again, her response is awkward, but the smile Keqing gives Ganyu is unmistakably genuine. “Given the circumstances, I can’t say my own day was ‘good,’ but every hardship I endure will be worthwhile if I can guarantee the workers never have to endure them again. I find that very fulfilling.”

Surprised at their easy conversation, Ganyu is eager for more. “Will you tell me about it? Your investigation?”

The questions set Keqing’s eyes alight, and she begins an excited explanation of her work so far, punctuated with animated hand gestures. Yet again, Ganyu is struck by the passion that so captivated her the first day they met. Whatever their disagreements, she wants to savor the feeling, and Ganyu lets herself be lost in Keqing and the passions that bind them together until the sun rises, heralding her departure for Yuehai Pavilion.

What begins as a chance encounter quickly turns into a routine. After a week, Keqing arrives with two small, wrapped bundles, one of which she holds out to Ganyu. Her cheeks are pink as she says, “As thanks. For allowing me to take up your free time like this. It’s a special kind of breakfast sandwich from Mondstadt, popular among adventurers. Nutritious. It keeps me alert and gives me energy for a full day of work. Ganyu’s chest clenches unexpectedly at the gesture—thoughtful in a way she is unused to from the tactless Keqing—but she can smell meat on the sandwich. Suppressing the impulse to wrinkle her nose, she holds up one hand to politely decline. “Thank you for the consideration but I—I’m a vegetarian. We qilin do not eat meat.”

Keqing flushes an even deeper pink at the rejection and the part of Ganyu that balks at disappointing her superiors says perhaps she should simply have accepted the food and disposed of it later. For her part, Keqing straightens her shoulders to sit as tall as she can. “Then let me apologize again for my mistake. I know we don’t always see eye to eye, Ganyu, but this investigation it’s… it’s very demanding of me. Spending the entire day pretending while that despicable man takes advantage of his workers is draining. Seeing a familiar face has helped a great deal.”

“It’s the least I can do.” The warmth in her chest and Keqing’s thoughtfulness are as refreshing as the salt spray of the nearby Sea of Clouds. “Speaking of the investigation, how is that progressing? Is there any way that I can lend my aid?”

“Actually, now that you mention it there is something. I’ve gathered almost enough evidence to arrest and convict the dockmaster. I think one more day will be enough. I’ll be too occupied acting undercover to arrange that, so perhaps you could handle the coordination with a Millelith squad for that tomorrow morning? He’s based in one of the warehouses by the southern wharf. I’ll mark it on a map for you.”

“A map shouldn’t be necessary. I know the city well enough.”

“Ah. Yes, I suppose you do. Well,” Keqing summons her own map of the nation with a flourish of her hand. “Here.” She points to the location of the warehouse and tilts the map so that Ganyu can see.

Ganyu leans over and nods. “I know the place.”

“Perfect. Thank you. I'll need you to prepare the Millelith to surround the premises around 9 in the morning tomorrow.”

She nods again, an array of excitement and nerves already buzzing in the pit of her stomach. 

“There’s an entrance to the back, not far from the dockmaster’s office. If you enter from there, you should be able to catch him by surprise and prevent any escape. I’ll position myself nearby among the workers, and move to join you as soon as I hear the commotion.”

“It’s a sound plan.” Ganyu gnaws at her lip nervously, then asks, “Do you have a map of the premises? The surroundings should be no problem, but I don’t like the idea of the Millelith going in blind.”

“I’m glad you asked. Always count on our general secretary to pay attention to the details.” With the same elegant motion as before, Keqing banishes her map of Liyue Harbor and produces a folded piece of paper from the pocket of her work clothes. “I’ve no doubt there’s an official floor plan in the public records, but with all my time devoted to on-site investigation, I’ve not been able to track it down. Still, I have drafted this from memory and it should be reliable enough.”

Ganyu takes the paper from Keqing and looks it over, taking particular note of where Keqing has scribbled in size estimates and comments on guard locations and other features that could prove to be obstacles. “This is impressive work. It’s all from memory?”

“Yes. I couldn’t afford to be caught taking down the information on site, so I had to draw up the floorplan at home.” Keqing is glowing from the praise, clearly happy for the chance to share her work with someone else.

“It should be more than sufficient for me to finalize a plan with the Millelith.”

For spring, the morning air is abnormally crisp and cold as Ganyu finishes preparations for the raid of the warehouse with the small contingent of Millelith. With a flourish of her hand, she summons her bow and clenches it tightly, trying to get a feel for the weapon. Although she regularly trains with this bow and crafts them as a hobby, it has been years since she’s fought with it in a true battle. Ganyu doesn’t expect this arrest will result in any bloodshed, but she is acutely aware of the deep chasm between training with a weapon as a matter of maintaining the skill and pointing that weapon at another living being.

With a deep breath, she makes a gesture of readiness to the Millelith captain, who issues the sharp order to “Form up!” to her subordinates.

The trek to the dockmaster’s warehouse is not far, and it doesn’t take long before the vast building comes into view. On each side of the door, a brawny mercenary stands guard. Though Ganyu and the soldiers can see the mercenaries, from their vantage point the mercenaries cannot see them. Ganyu signals to the two Millelith chosen to stand guard outside, who nod and approach the building. Just as she’d counted on when formulating the plan, the familiar uniform of Liyue’s military force works to their advantage, and the mercenaries do not openly prepare for a fight. The two soldiers feign a routine patrol, striking up a conversation, counting upon their adversaries’ willingness to slack off with fellow warriors. The air is thick with tension among the remainder of the unit as they watch on, prepared to leap into action should the plan fall apart.

Ganyu has her bow at the ready and wills herself to breathe, struggling to calm the turbulence in her heart. She came up with this plan and recruited this unit. Should anything happen to them, it is her responsibility. Not to mention Keqing. After seeing how passionately Keqing feels about bringing this man to justice, Ganyu does not want to let her down, now more than ever. If she fails, the best-case scenario is that the dockmaster is alerted to the authorities’ suspicions and covers his tracks. Ganyu doesn’t even want to consider the worst-case scenario—that a mistake on her part could turn the dockmasters’ suspicions on Keqing and put her in serious danger without backup. Her calling is first to keep all in Liyue safe, and second to support the Liyue Qixing as they rule the nation. Such a severe failing in both duties is unthinkable.

Her anxieties are unfounded. The mercenaries are undisciplined and eager for a friendly ear to vent their frustrations. The two soldiers quickly have them laughing, complaining about their lives and fooling around like old friends. With their attention fully occupied, the Millelith captain signals a second pair of her men, specially selected for their skill with a slingshot. They each take aim at one of the mercenaries’ heads and, when the captain counts down from three to zero using her fingers, release a projectile. Their aim is true, and the stones whizz through the air, hitting their targets squarely in the forehead and knocking them out. As soon as the two men are down, Ganyu springs into action, rushing up to the door. The rest of the soldiers follow right behind and work together to drag the large men out of the way. As the finishing touch, Ganyu summons Cryo energy with her Vision, creating a thick block of ice to enclose the mercenaries’ hands and feet, incapacitating them further.

Satisfied with her handiwork she approaches the entrance to the warehouse. If all has gone right on Keqing’s end, the door should already be unlocked, thanks to the efforts of one of the workers. Slowly, she turns the knob and suppresses a sigh of relief when it moves without any resistance. Ganyu takes the helm, entering the building first and leading the way. Although the captain of the unit is right by her side and issues most of the orders to her subordinate, the adeptus made certain the plan had her at the front, far too conscious of her responsibilities to allow anything different.

Now inside the warehouse and counting upon the element of surprise the captain issues rapid signals to all her men, ordering them all to fan out. Their goal is to spread across the warehouse, subdue the mercenaries who are monitoring the workforce, and ensure the safety of the laborers throughout the skirmish. As for Ganyu, her destination is the nearby dockmaster’s office. Trusting in her thousands of years of practice with a bow and trusting in Keqing, she planned no Millelith support for herself, preferring to have as many soldiers as possible focused on the safety of the citizens. She knows this is a risky decision, knows she could be setting herself up for a fight she does not want, but Ganyu cannot bring herself to place her own comfort and qualms about injuring other living creatures over the protection of the defenseless.

Mentally tracking the map in her head, Ganyu pauses a moment to charge an arrow with Cryo before turning the corner into the corridor leading to the dockmaster’s office, her bow at the ready. At the opposite end of the corridor, a guard stands outside the office, crossbow in hand. The guard lifts her crossbow as soon as Ganyu comes into view, pointing it at the steadily approaching intruder. Ganyu berates herself for getting caught in a standoff, but she still hopes to finish things without bloodshed. Not likely without Keqing, she thinks and her eyes momentarily flick between the guard in front of her and the corridor to her side where the Yuheng is meant to approach from.

“Lay down your weapon. I represent the Liyue Qixing. I am here to arrest the dockmaster at this warehouse, in accordance with the laws of Liyue Harbor laid out by Rex Lapis, to which all must adhere. The Millelith take control of the building as we speak, and my aim will not falter, but we can still resolve this peaceably.” It takes an immense effort to keep her voice steady and quell the memories of a thousand years of war that threaten to flood her mind, but somehow Ganyu manages.

“Ha! You think you can get me without getting shot yourself?” She brandishes her crossbow to emphasize the point.

Ganyu does, in fact, think she can avoid getting shot, but injury to herself is not what worries her. She holds her position, as seconds draw into minutes and it becomes increasingly clear what the only way out is. Where is Keqing? By Ganyu’s estimate, she should be here by now. Still hoping to stall further, to give Keqing time enough to rendezvous with her, she tries another tactic.

“Look at my hip.”

The guard sneers, and ignores the request. “A cheap trick like that won’t distract me. Don’t insult me.”

“It’s not a trick. If you looked, you would see my Cryo Vision, a blessing of the Archons themselves. Since you won’t, take a closer look at my arrow instead.” Ganyu feels the energy thrum through her body as she draws upon her Vision, willing more Cryo to coalesce at the arrowhead. It’s more for show than practicality, excess energy leaping off the arrow into the air, but it has the intended effect. The guard blanches at the realization of what she’s up against. Despite the obvious fear, she has greater fortitude than Ganyu had reckoned and, to her dismay, the woman stands her ground.

She takes a deep breath, preparing herself for what she must do. But just as Ganyu is about to let her arrow fly, she sees movement and a vivid flash of purple out of the corner of her eye. Keqing! The Yuheng speeds down the hall, repeatedly teleporting with a flick of her wrist and a dash of Electro. She bursts on the scene beside Ganyu, sword in hand, the purple lightning crackling along the blade from hilt to tip.

“Sorry it took me so long to get here!” Keqing smiles at Ganyu, an exhilarated glint in her eye. 

At the end of the hall, the guard, initially put off balance by the new arrival, switches her aim from Ganyu to Keqing and readies to fire. “Lady Keqing, the guard!”

Ganyu reacts without thinking. Terrified of Keqing getting hurt—or worse—on her watch, she finally releases the arrow. At the same moment, Keqing whips her body around and teleports towards the guard. She disappears from sight, nothing but a blur of purple light, and reappears in front of the guard, using her momentum to run bodily into the woman and knock her over.

Ganyu’s arrow flies harmlessly overhead, burying itself deep into the wood of the door as the bloom of Cryo bursts, showering the women below with shards of ice. As Ganyu rushes to Keqing’s side, Keqing shifts to raise her sword to the guard’s throat while keeping her pinned with her full body weight. She kneels at the other woman’s side, not caring that her tights will get wet from the rapidly melting ice that covers the ground. Ganyu looks her up and down, gaze intent as her hands hover near the Yuheng’s limbs, not quite bold enough to touch. The arrow may have missed its target, thank the Archons, but the explosion of Cryo on impact is just as lethal.

When Keqing realizes what has Ganyu so worked up, she laughs, a clear and carefree sound that loosens the knot in Ganyu’s stomach. “I’m fine, Ganyu. Just a few scratches.” She lifts her free arm to show where a trail of blood runs down her forearm.

Ganyu makes a sound somewhere between a choke and a laugh, the relief running through her body in waves. When she regains her composure, she stands and brings a hand to the doorknob. “Shall we?”

“You go first. I need to keep our friend here occupied.”

Though she can’t deny it’s the safest and most logical way forward, she hesitates at Keqing’s suggestion. “A—are you sure? After all the work you’ve put in, shouldn’t you be the one to confront him?”

“You do it. Someone needs to keep the guard immobilized.” Accepting the permission, Ganyu turns the knob and peers around the door, to find an empty office.

She looks back at Keqing, brow furrowed in confusion. Everything had gone more or less according to plan, until now. “There’s nobody here.”

“What? There’s no way he got tipped off!” She bares her teeth in frustration and directs her attention to the guard. “The boss. Where is he?” Keqing’s tone is measured and composed, with just a hint of menace.

The guard glares up at her and doesn’t say a word.

“Is that your final answer? We’ve no interest in hurting you, but you already saw what Ganyu’s capable of and as for me…” Keqing draws upon the power of her Vision, sending Electro dancing across the length of her blade below the guard’s chin, and Ganyu watches on, her heartbeat spiking at such an overt threat of violence.

Just the sensation of the Electro energy’s heat so close to her neck ruins the guard’s resolve. “Okay, okay! I’ll tell you. He’s not here. He’s at the Pearl Galley today. Please don’t hurt me.”

Keqing’s eyes glow with triumph at finally having her target cornered. “Thank you.” She lets the Electro infused in her sword dissipate and turns back to Ganyu, a nervous and relieved smile tugging at her lips. It comforts Ganyu to see Keqing’s feelings mirror her own. “I’m going to meet up with the Millelith to arrange the arrest. He’s backed himself into a corner and doesn’t even know it. Would you scour the office for any incriminating documents? He’s tried to cover his tracks, but anything to back up the witnesses will help.”

“I’ll see it done, Lady Keqing.” Ganyu inclines her head in respect.

Keqing rises, grabs the guard by the arm to guide her along, and makes to leave. After just a few steps, she abruptly halts and looks back to where Ganyu still stands, bow gripped tightly in trembling hands and attention still trained on Keqing. “Oh and Ganyu?” Keqing’s eyes turn soft, all the business-like determination falling away to reveal something tender underneath. “Thank you for everything you did today. For Liyue. For Me. I—I know it was a lot to ask of you, and I’m grateful. If I can convince you, take the rest of the day off when you finish here. You’ve done more than enough.”

Keqing is right, she’s not eager to take time off, but the praise warms her entire body, the sensation running through her like a cup of hot tea on a bitter winter night. Ganyu wishes she could find words to express how grateful she feels to Keqing. As difficult as taking up the bow again was, the chance to finally see the Yuheng and her dedication to Liyue’s people in action, not just through words and documents, is irreplaceable. Instead, Ganyu stammers out her thanks, dismisses her bow, and sets to work searching the office.

When Ganyu finally leaves a few hours later, the sun is high in the sky, its heat a pleasant change from the stifling air of the warehouse. She closes her eyes and angles her head up to take in its warmth, inhaling the salt-tinged spring air deeply. Even such simple pleasures tug at her heart, filling her with affection for the city she’s worked so hard to protect. Just as she’s almost fully surrendered herself to the feelings, a voice startles Ganyu from her reveries.

“That was some raid.” The voice is cracked and raspy, testifying to decades of use. Ganyu opens her eyes and finds an older man dressed in a dock workers’ uniform standing beside her. Long, graying hair spills over his shoulders and down his back, and though most of his face is obscured by a hat drawn low over his brow, she estimates him at around 60.

“I—yes, it was. The work of the Yuheng and the Millelith in service of Liyue Harbor is truly impressive.” She looks the man over, his stooped back and gnarled hands, and renewed anger at the abuse of the dockmaster rushes through her.

Unexpectedly, the man shakes his head. “You give yourself too little credit, Ganyu.” He raises his chin and lifts the brim of his hat with one thumb, revealing those amber eyes she knows so well. Alight with affection for his old friend, Rex Lapis’ eyes are incongruous with the weathered visage he has chosen for today.

“I only do as my contract dictates,” she deflects.

Rex Lapis’ eyes soften even further, and he shakes his head again. “This is the Land of Contracts. Contracts are the center of our way of life, and every being in Liyue is bound to one or another. To any person of average integrity, fulfilling their end of a contract is no great achievement, simply the natural order of things, a duty passed down through the generations. But to adhere to one’s contract for so long, and with such dedication? That is exceptional.”

Even after thousands of years by his side, Ganyu doesn’t think she’ll ever tire of the feeling Rex Lapis’ admiration brings her. He is her oldest and most constant friend; a comrade at arms, who stood shoulder to shoulder with her in countless battles; one of the adepti who cared for her when she was small, treating her as their own family after her mother was slain in battle; and, most importantly, he is her god. The approval of the one who won her undying loyalty through his unmatched dedication to the land and its people motivates Ganyu like nothing else.

They share a smile, the affection of someone so close a rare and precious gift to both. When the moment passes, Rex Lapis clears his throat and says, “It pleases me to see you work so well with the Yuheng.”

Ganyu flushes at the mention of Keqing, who remains a sensitive topic between them. Choosing each word with great deliberation, she says, “I admit I still do not comprehend why you are so accepting of her … her lack of appreciation for your leadership. However, our recent collaboration has reminded me that she is indeed committed to the welfare of our nation. And…” She hesitates for a moment, unsure if she should express her more personal impressions of Keqing, then says, “I have learned that Lady Keqing is a kind and loyal comrade.”

“You both have done well. You and Keqing make a formidable team. It is my hope that Liyue can benefit from your joint efforts with her again in the future.” Rex Lapis turns away from Ganyu to look out at the ocean, his grizzled face pensive.

“I will do my best to support her. And thank you, Rex Lapis.” With her companion seemingly finished, Ganyu’s thoughts turn back to her other duties. “With respect, I really must get back to work now. I have much to attend to at Yuehai Pa—”

“Ganyu.” Though the god cuts her off, his tone is gentle. “I believe the Yuheng directed you to take the rest of the day off, did she not?”

Flushed with embarrassment and sheepish at being called on her slight disobedience, Ganyu nods. “That is correct.” She clasps her hands behind her back and stares intently at her toes.

He reaches out a hand, imploring Ganyu to raise her head with the touch of one work-worn finger to her chin. “If the word of the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing is not enough to convince you, perhaps mine is. I speak not merely as your god, but as your friend. You’ve earned this day to yourself, and any other day you may need.”

Ganyu sighs, defeated, but her face glows with a barely suppressed smile. “If both you and Lady Keqing are asking, I guess I can’t possibly refuse.”

As Ganyu makes her way through Yujing Terrace towards the site of the Rite of Descension, she can barely contain herself from breaking out into a run. That she is two minutes late for the ceremony is already a shameful error. To be so obvious and undignified in her desperation to arrive as soon as possible would make it more shameful still. Ganyu began preparations for the event three hours early, always mindful of her responsibility as Rex Lapis’ representative during such a vital event. When it came to selecting her outfit, she became engrossed in making sure her attire was not too similar to the previous year. So caught up in making the perfect choice to best show respect to her Archon, Ganyu left her home far too late. She wishes she could summon adeptal energy for a burst of speed to reach her destination in a matter of seconds, but that particular ability, which her comrades Xiao and Rain Calmer excel at, has always escaped her. Instead, she moves in the most brisk walk she can manage and focuses her mind on keeping her breathing under control. If she just keeps moving, it should only take a minute more to reach the other side of Yujing Terrace.

Soon, the crowd gathered to see Rex Lapis comes into view, and a flash of brown and gold at the forefront signals that he has indeed already descended. Ganyu does not want to push her way through the crowd to take her designated spot at the front beside the Liyue Qixing, dreading how humiliating it will be. Yet she knows missing the Rite of Descension altogether simply to spare herself more embarrassment is not an option. As his contracted servant, her every action reflects as much on the Geo Archon as it does herself, and Ganyu owes him this much and more.

Inhaling deeply and gathering all the courage she can muster, she shoulders her way through the spectators at the very back. Her progress is slow, and Ganyu gets many curious looks from any able to tear their eyes away from the great illuminated beast before them to wonder why the woman is pushing her way to the front. Finally, she reaches the very front, where the Yaoguang stands before the massive dragon-qilin form of Rex Lapis to ask his predictions for the year. Ganyu’s face burns almost painfully hot as his gaze shifts over to her, a curious and concerned crease momentarily marring his brow. All she can do is bow her head with eyes closed and shuffle over to where the other six Qixing stand at the side as formal witnesses to the Rite.

Ganyu finds a spot to stand beside the Yuheng, the furthest among the Qixing from the descended god. Normally, she would never choose to stand beside her at the Rite of Descension. It is not that she loathes her—for even amidst Keqing’s ever-vocal heresy, Ganyu cannot deny her moments of unexpected kindness. But standing beside Rex Lapis’ greatest detractor as he guides his people into the future does not feel right. Now, though, she has no choice in the matter, and from the moment she settles in beside her, she can feel Keqing’s gaze burning into the side of her head. Ganyu pointedly avoids looking at the woman beside her, turning all her focus towards Rex Lapis, but the distraction is so acute that she can hardly hear a word he says. She’ll need to consult the records of this year’s Rite of Descension to ensure she carries out her duties in accordance with his mandates.

Ganyu doesn’t understand why the Yuheng is so interested in her situation. Is she mocking her? That doesn’t sound quite right. Keqing is callous, but she’s never known her to be cruel. Is she angry? Ganyu’s actions do reflect on the Liyue Qixing as well as their Archon. Simply curious? As different as the two women are, their shared appreciation for punctuality is one thing they both agree on. It stands to reason she’d want to know why Ganyu was late. As burning questions take over Ganyu’s thoughts, she steals glances at Keqing through the corner of her eye, never long enough to see anything clearly but the violet of her hair and clothing.

Finally, after rearing his head to the heavens and letting loose a great roar, Rex Lapis springs into the air and takes flight, ascending once more. As soon as the god departs, Ganyu turns to leave Yujing Terrace. Being in the presence of so many people as she crumbles under the gravity of her mistake is suffocating. She will make up for this, but for the moment Ganyu needs to be alone, needs the comfort of a familiar place, where she can gather her emotions and find a way forward without so many eyes on her.

As she hurries away, she hears a distant voice calling her name. The Yuheng’s voice. Too embarrassed to face Keqing, Ganyu increases her pace and doesn’t look back.

The steel gray of the ocean at dusk is an apt companion for Ganyu’s emotions, still roiling over her late arrival at the Rite of Descension that morning. She sits alone by the docks, where she usually spends breakfast before beginning a day of work. In the distance, she can dimly make out the massive stone spears of Guyun Stone Forest, the gentle moonlight highlighting their shape against the horizon. Cast down by Rex Lapis to defend the people from malevolent gods, they stand as a reminder of who she has failed, and she resolves to work twice as hard to prove herself a worthy servant once again.

“There you are!” Ganyu stiffens at the sound of Keqing’s voice. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

Keqing is the last person she wants to see at this moment but, having spurned her once already this day, she cannot justify ignoring her again. Ganyu gathers up her courage and turns to face her. Keqing stands, a paper bag held in one hand and a worried frown darkening her face. Though it is dark, the moonlight makes her hair shimmer and Ganyu can’t help but think how beautiful she looks. Willing herself to focus, she shakes away the thought.

“Is there anything I can do for you Lady Keqing?”

Keqing drops down to the dock beside Ganyu, shifting the paper bag from her hand to rest in her lap. “I just wanted to check up on you after this morning. It's unlike you to be late for anything, especially where he is concerned.”

Ganyu wants nothing more than to crumble away into dust. It’s not unexpected, but the knowledge that even the Yuheng, whose unrepentant disdain for Rex Lapis never fails to vex her, wishes to rebuke her hits like a slap of ice-cold water. She hangs her head, so consumed by her shame that she doesn't notice as Keqing slowly reaches her arm out towards her. Only when Ganyu feels a hand on her shoulder does she realize. The touch is hesitant—gentle, even—and so unlike what Ganyu expects from the bold and unyielding Keqing or feels she deserves.

“Ganyu.” Reluctantly, she raises her head to meet the other woman's eyes at the sound of her own name. “I know you don't like me very much. And I don’t understand the faith you have in Rex Lapis. But that’s why this has me so worried.”

Worried. Not angry or disappointed, but worried. The knowledge that Keqing cares enough to be concerned for her well-being makes the ugly coil of anxiety and shame loosen its grip on her heart. As Keqing rubs her thumb against Ganyu’s shoulder, something else wells up in her chest, ephemeral as the moonlight on the sea and Ganyu can’t grasp it.

Ganyu puts on her best smile and says, “P—please don’t worry for me, Lady Keqing.”

Keqing scoffs. “You’ve always carried out every instruction I’ve ever asked of you, to the letter, in perfect timing. If you’re arriving late for the one day a year that Rex Lapis appears before the people, that can only mean something was seriously wrong.”

Ganyu feels foolish even thinking about the real reason she was late. Rex Lapis is her god, the Prime of Adepti, and she takes great care to show him all the reverence he deserves, but he is also the being who knows her best in the entire world. He held her on his knee as a small child while she timidly asked him to tell her about the “humans” that had frightened her so, face still pink and swollen with two days worth of tears and yearning for answers Cloud Retainer could not give her. He saw her bloodied and broken on the battlefield, barely able to move a finger. Would he really care so much about her attire, after all they’d been through together?

“I, um, I assure you it was n—nothing. I got caught up with a… an important matter and lost track of the time.” Ganyu’s face burns, and she hopes Keqing can’t see her blush with only the moon to light the night. It’s not quite a lie, but Ganyu is determined not to admit the truth to anyone. She can’t imagine what Keqing, so derisive of her “blind faith” for Rex Lapis, would think if she knew.

By the way she narrows her eyes at the vague dismissal, Ganyu is certain Keqing doesn’t believe her. Still, she is kind enough not to force her to reveal more. “Are you certain? If you’re not well and need time to yourself, arrangements can be made. I can adjust your workload or you can take a vacation. I’m certain the other Qixing will understand. We can’t adequately look after Liyue’s well-being if we don’t first take care of our own. Even I need a rest sometimes. You might not be fully human, but I know the same holds true of you.”

Such kindness from the Yuheng is almost too much for her to bear. “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’ll be fine. I promise,” she adds for good measure.

“Okay.” Keqing finally drops her hand from Ganyu’s shoulder to take hold of the bag in her lap, and Ganyu’s skin prickles as the warmth of the contact is replaced by the nighttime air. “If nothing else, then please accept this.”

She digs around the bag and pulls out a container of food. The mingled scents of Mint and Jueyun Chilis make Ganyu’s mouth water. “I heard from Ningguang you like the food at Wanmin Restaurant, and I still remember you’re a vegetarian. That’s not a lot to go on, so I’m sorry if this isn’t to your tastes, but I figure if any dish could cheer you up, it’d be something refreshing like Mint Salad.” Keqing holds out the dish in one hand and utensils in the other.

The strange feeling in Ganyu’s chest is back, so powerful she almost feels light-headed. If only Keqing showed the kind and considerate person that lies beneath the disdain for Rex Lapis and adepti alike more often. “Th—thank you, Lady Keqing. I didn’t realize you remembered.”

“Of course I remember. Now if only you’d remember, just Keqing is fine here.” She playfully bumps shoulders with Ganyu, then digs into the bag to produce a stick of Grilled Tiger Fish for herself.

They eat in silence together, the presence of the other soothing and familiar instead of awkward, for once. Ganyu thinks back to when she shared a meal here with her, to when she first saw the Yuheng’s warmer side.

Nearly halfway finished with her Grilled Tiger Fish, Keqing speaks again. “I won’t force you to tell me what really happened this morning. I respect your privacy. But I need to ask, are you absolutely certain you’re okay? After missing a few minutes of the Rite of Descension?”

Ganyu’s hand stills halfway between her mouth and the bowl of Mint Salad. She straightens her shoulders and turns to face the other woman. “I am very shaken by what happened,” she says, voice barely audible above the steady ocean waves. Keqing looks into her eyes, and Ganyu is grateful to see no hint of pity in her gaze.

“You’re probably better at reading his half-qilin facial expressions than I ever could be, but he didn’t look angry when he saw you. And if he was well … you work harder for Liyue than anyone I’ve ever known. Any god that can’t appreciate that will never be worthy of you or your devotion.” Keqing’s declaration is sudden and passionate, and the moonlight catches her eyes, a silvery-pink glint that strikes at Ganyu’s heart as fiercely as the Electro from her Vision.

It’s a strange comfort, just shy of an open insult to Rex Lapis, and something only the heretic he chose to lead his nation would dare say to her. And Ganyu is thankful all the same. With the fear of being an unworthy servant clouding her thoughts, only Keqing is bold enough to ask whether the god is worthy of her. After thousands of years by his side and countless deeds witnessed, Ganyu knows with certainty that he is, and the reminder dispels her suffocating sense of shame, leaving only the distant regret that she could ever think him so merciless.

Overtaken by levity, Ganyu reaches towards Keqing with her free hand and places it atop Keqing’s. When she doesn’t pull away, she intertwines their fingers and squeezes gently. “Thank you.” There’s so much more Ganyu wants to tell her, but, fingers laced together and looking into Keqing’s eyes, the simple expression of gratitude is enough.

When word first gets out that the Yuheng accepted the role of presiding over this year’s Rite of Descension, it is the sole subject of gossip among the workers of Yuehai Pavilion for weeks. Though the previous Yuheng last performed the Rite nine years ago, Keqing has not performed it once in the three years since the title passed to her. As her attempts to win over others to her point of view grew more frequent and her disdain for the god became common knowledge, the whispers that followed her around only multiplied. When the Rite of Descension draws near each year, the debate of whether the Yuheng refuses the role or is not allowed it for her criticism of Rex Lapis returns in full force.

Ganyu knows all the rumors that swirl around Keqing but partakes in none of the gossip. Not only would it be unbecoming of her as the general secretary to gossip about one of the Qixing, she knows both theories are false. Among her duties as general secretary is attending every meeting between the full Liyue Qixing, taking notes on each matter discussed and offering her two thousand years of expertise for the thornier problems. During each of the previous meetings where they chose who among their number would perform the Rite of Descension, eyes lingered upon Keqing, who remained uncharacteristically quiet until another member volunteered every time. This year, to the surprise of all gathered, the Yuheng promptly volunteered as soon as the matter was brought up.

Even as she stands beside the other six of the Qixing in Yujing Terrace before the Rite of Descension is scheduled to begin, Ganyu doesn’t quite believe Keqing will preside over the ceremony. For all that she avoids the gossip, she is eager to know the reasons behind the change of heart. A distant, hopeful part of her prays that speaking to Rex Lapis directly and receiving his guidance for the nation personally will spark understanding of his leadership for Keqing, in a way that myths, legends, and books of half-forgotten history never could.

By the time Keqing steps before the heavily laden stone altar, flanked by two attendants, Ganyu’s body is already thrumming with excitement. The Yuheng looks solemn and her shoulders are rigid, jaw set in a tight line. As she looks up at the massive censer in the middle of the altar, each of her attendants passes her two pieces of Cor Lapis. Though they’re almost too large for her hands, she handles them with care and raises them before the ceremonial censer. The condensed Geo element of the crystals resonates with the specially built device, and when Keqing loosens her grip on them, they’re drawn towards it. The Cor Lapis flies through the air, each hitting a different side of the censer and setting it aglow.

For a moment, everything is still. Even the curious murmurs of the onlooking crowd die down. Then, in a brilliant flash of golden light, the Geo energy shoots straight into the sky. Most of the crowd averts their eyes, the light too bright to bear, yet Ganyu, who has witnessed this thousands of times before and is steadfast in her devotion, holds her gaze. So too does Keqing. The Yuheng stares intently at the spectacle with her chin raised, and only a slight crease at the corner of her eyes where she squints betrays any discomfort.

A vast blanket of white clouds spirals around the beam of light and envelops the skies above Yujing Terrace, heralding Rex Lapis’ arrival. Then, with a burst of energy that reverberates through the city and shakes Ganyu’s very bones, Rex Lapis bursts through the clouds. At first, he is nothing but a blur, a flash of browns and ambers and yellows that barrels towards the ground as if a great meteor or a fallen star plucked from Celestia itself. With every second that passes, Rex Lapis’ descent accelerates, rapidly moving from 200 to 100 to 50 feet above the ground. It’s enough to strike fear in the hearts of all gathered, a tangible reminder that this is the Geo Archon who slew the encroaching ocean gods to defend his people and shaped the very ground of Liyue itself. Yet Keqing remains unshaken, reacting only by taking a few measured steps back to allow more room for Rex Lapis between herself and the altar that honors and summons him.

And then, just as the falling god draws almost too close, he unfolds his body, slowing his descent and revealing the full might of his illuminated beast form. Rex Lapis lands lightly before Keqing, claws clattering upon the terrace. The clouds above dissipate and sunlight glints against his brown scales and the great golden plume of his tail. His half qilin–half dragon form is at once elegant and terrible, gentle and unyielding, a perfect marriage of the Rex Lapis who emerged victorious in the Archon War and the Rex Lapis who serves as a father, guide, and even friend to all living beings in Liyue.

He looks out first at the gathered spectators, then to the side where Ganyu and the Liyue Qixing look on. For a moment his gaze slows upon Ganyu, the alert, amber eyes she’s seen in a thousand different faces glimmering, and his whiskers twitch. To any others, the body language is unreadable, but to Ganyu the amusement and pleasure at seeing his loyal comrade in her place and on time is unmistakable. She prays her flush is not too obvious. 

Finally, Rex Lapis turns to Keqing, who stands face-to-face with the Archon she openly disparages, completely unfazed. They remain like this, sizing one another up, for a moment appearing more like rivals than god and servant. Then she bows her head and presses her palms together, and all those attending mimic her movement in preparation to recite the traditional blessing before receiving this wisdom of their god. The image of Keqing solemn and in prayer is so strange, so engrossing to Ganyu that she almost neglects to join in. At the last moment, she bows her head and begins the blessing in unison with the crowd, anticipation bubbling in her belly. The chorus of so many voices giving thanks to Rex Lapis together and the knowledge that Keqing is leading them is exhilarating. It reminds her once again of why she serves, why she has dedicated her life to protecting the welfare of all beings in Liyue, and why Rex Lapis, who prioritizes that goal above all, means so much to her.

As the chorus of voices falls silent, the tension in Ganyu’s chest is pulled tight, a bowstring drawn back awaiting the perfect moment to release an arrow. Keqing raises her head to again look the Geo Archon in the eye and begins.

“Rex Lapis! The people of Liyue gather before you to receive your divine predictions, as we have done a hundred, a thousand times before. The tides of commerce and fortunes of all shift in accordance with your every directive. Some ascend to new heights, as the towering mountains of Jueyun Karst, and others are swept away, as sand by the great Bishui River. So it has been since the days of our ancestors, the humble farmers—long before we built Liyue Harbor into the most prosperous trading center in all of Teyvat.”

She turns away from Rex Lapis to face the crowd, catching Ganyu’s eye for a split second as she moves.

“Rex Lapis has watched over Liyue for a millennium. But what about the next millennium? What about the next ten, or the next hundred millennia? How long are we expecting this status quo to last? We cannot endlessly while away our lives chasing after the flame we call gods and adepti. The time has come for humanity to make its mark in the land of the Geo Archon. We must grasp our fate in our own hands or be swept away by the shifting sands.”

Having said her piece, Keqing once again turns her back to the crowd to look Rex Lapis in the eye, daring him to respond to her challenge. He returns the stare, amber eyes meeting pink, throws back his head, and laughs. The sound is low, and reverberating, more akin to a beating drum than a living creature, and for the first time the Yuheng is shaken, defiant glare melting into a vulnerable look of confusion.

The murmur of shocked conversation ripples through the crowd like a thunderclap, but Ganyu cannot speak, cannot move at all. How could she be so naive to hope Keqing’s choice to perform the Rite of Descension signaled a change of heart? How could anyone, even Keqing, hold so little respect for Rex Lapis that she could turn Liyue’s most important tradition into a heretical call for him to be supplanted? Ganyu is despondent and feels her soul split in two, rent between the desire to put a stop to Keqing’s perversion of the Rite of Descension and the knowledge that none but the chosen Qixing are permitted to interfere and to do so would be as grave a transgression as the speech itself.

Desperate for something to ground her, Ganyu clasps her hands together, wrenches her eyes shut and mouths a prayer to Rex Lapis. The words she’s uttered a thousand times and the thanks and faith for the Archon that they convey calm her heart. The ground beneath her feet no longer feels like a raging sea that could swallow her up. Instead, the stone is firm, and her bond with the Archon who holds dominion over it feels as strong as it has ever been.

When Ganyu opens her eyes again, it’s to the sight of Keqing, imploring Rex Lapis to share the predictions he descended to make. Skeptic she may be, but Ganyu has never known Keqing to leave a task unfinished, and the Rite of Descension is no exception. She accepted the task of performing the ceremony and, though her motive was to proclaim her beliefs before the god and the people alike, she will see it through to the finish, and ensure every step is done to perfection. Seeing Keqing converse with Rex Lapis, and receive each directive with such confidence, Ganyu wishes she could make her see that Rex Lapis is not her enemy.

After giving his final prediction, Rex Lapis turns away from Keqing and the crowd behind her, preparing to fly into the heavens once more. He pauses halfway through the turn to look at Ganyu. As they make eye contact, she lifts her chin and makes a small beckoning motion with one hand, imploring that he come to speak with her soon. After what just transpired, Ganyu wants nothing more than to discuss the thorny matter of Keqing with him. An almost imperceptible nod and Rex Lapis completes the turn, bends his powerful legs, and launches himself into the air once more. His flight away is slow and majestic, spending time enough in the sky that even those at the far corners of the docks or the alleys of Chihu Rock can see their god in the flesh before he disappears into the clouds once more.

For most citizens of Liyue, the afternoon following the Rite of Descension is a time of rest. It is a time to consider Rex Lapis’ divine predictions and look forward to another year under his protection. Even for Ganyu, such afternoons are among the few she spends away from Yuehai Pavilion and all the responsibilities she has there. Usually, Ganyu uses these afternoons to connect with the few humans she’s close to outside of her work. A day spent drinking with Captain Beidou aboard the Alcor—or, as it tends to end up, listening as Beidou drinks and regales her with tales of the scoundrels in her crew or her latest run-in with the Tianquan, never failing to make Ganyu smile. An outing to Wangshu Inn with little Yaoyao, enjoying the quiet of the beautiful countryside and the company of the little girl who’s always so insistent that Ganyu takes good care of herself. Following the Rite of Descension last year, Ganyu even considered asking Keqing to share this afternoon with her, if she wouldn’t be too busy entertaining well wishes and congratulations on a job well done from friends and family. 

After hearing Keqing’s speech, though, Ganyu feels despondent and wants nothing more than to be alone. Instead, the insistent claw of hunger at her belly leads her to Wanmin Restaurant. Chef Mao breaks into a smile when he looks up from the ingredients he’s preparing and catches sight of Ganyu. “Oh! One of our regulars! It’s been far too long, miss. I hope you’ve been well. Will it be the usual today? Something off our vegetarian menu?”

Slipping onto one of the stools, Ganyu responds, “Yes, please. Universal Peace. Just half portions please.”

“As expected!” Chef Mao throws back his head and laughs, warm and fond. He is a man who lives for his profession, lives to bring joy to his patrons, something Ganyu can easily relate to. Even more than the excellent food, it’s why she favors Wanmin Restaurant above all other restaurants in the city,

With the chef’s attention fully committed to preparing her meal, Ganyu is left alone to wait. She tries her hardest not to fidget restlessly. Minutes pass by and Chef Mao deposits a plate of Universal Peace before her. Full portions, Ganyu notes, but doesn’t protest. She’s used to Chef Mao and his daughter insisting on feeding her extra portions, though it doesn’t stop her from ordering less. Ganyu picks absently at the food, her anxiety over Keqing’s scalding rebuke to Rex Lapis mounting and ruining her appetite. She only manages a few bites, when a tall, dark-haired figure slips into the stool beside her. 

Ganyu doesn’t even have to look to recognize that presence. Rex Lapis agreed to meet her, and Rex Lapis does not renege on his contracts, not even agreements forged not through words or writing but gestures so subtle that none among thousands of onlookers could detect them. When Ganyu does turn to see him, she jolts in surprise at the face he wears. With his tell-tale amber eyes and shoulder-length black hair that falls in his face, she could almost mistake him for the Rex Lapis of old, were it not for the square jawline and crooked nose. He’s worn a thousand different faces for their meetings, so varied it’s become almost a game between them. Yet it is exceedingly rare that he chooses a face so similar to the Rex Lapis of Ganyu’s childhood and the centuries of conflict in which she came of age.

“Thank you for coming. Please forgive me for asking this of you on such an important day. It’s just that I—” He holds up a hand, and Ganyu falls silent.

“There is nothing to forgive, Ganyu.” The corners of his eyes crinkle with affection. “You wish to discuss this morning’s ceremony?”

At the mention of the Rite of Descension, Keqing’s heated words echo through her head again. “Yes. I wish to discuss Lady Keqing.”

Rex Lapis leans forward, looking Ganyu over carefully as he waits for her to begin.

It’s difficult to put into words her feelings on a matter so close to her heart, and even more difficult to say them to one of the two people it concerns. Still, Ganyu gives her best effort, as she does in all things.

“I cannot understand you. There are times when I think perhaps I do, after so many years together, then you’ll do something so incomprehensible that I realize my experience is like that of a child compared to your wisdom.” Ganyu stares at her hands clasped in her lap and tries to quell the torrent of her emotions. “Please. Tell me, how are you so unfazed by the Yuheng calling for your removal before the entire city?”

“She completed her duty, did she not?”

Ganyu clenches her fists and swallows a stab of frustration at his cryptic non-answer. “She did. As she has all her other duties as Yuheng. She has also never shown anything but disrespect and scorn towards you, and I cannot bear it! If—if she knew everything that you…” Sensing her temper rising, the pulse beating hard in her temple and her voice growing high and sharp, Ganyu pauses and tries again, “Because I trust in you and have no greater wish than to see your vision for Liyue fulfilled, I have tried to accept her. But to question you so openly, to your face, before the entire nation, in a sacred ceremony that she knows none can interrupt. That goes far beyond what I can accept, even from Lady Keqing. So how… how can you?”

Rex Lapis watches her, long and solemn, before bringing a hand to her shoulder. The gesture grounds Ganyu, helps to calm the storm within her. “Liyue did not reach its present prosperity through my efforts alone. It’s through the determination of Liyue’s people and their will to build a better, brighter future that we enjoy what we have today. Keqing has that will and more. Ganyu, this is just the kind of person Liyue needs in this day and age.”

She had called him to her hoping for answers, but the answer Rex Lapis gives only leaves Ganyu feeling even more perplexed. “Thank you. I—I will keep trying to understand her, so that I may understand your will.” She reaches a hand up to squeeze his hand where it still rests on her shoulder to convey the sincerity of her gratitude.

Rex Lapis stays with Ganyu some time longer, ever attentive to his most faithful adherents and waiting to be sure she’s said her piece. Finally, he stands. “I too am grateful for the chance to speak with you. As the years pass, time with old friends grows ever more precious. Remember Ganyu, you may always call upon me, for any reason at all.”

Alone once more, Ganyu turns Rex Lapis’ words over in her head, trying to comprehend their meaning. What future could be better and brighter without Rex Lapis? And how can Keqing’s opposition to him bring that about? She looks back on her years spent working at Keqing’s side. She looks back at the woman she’s come to know, if not understand. Ganyu considers her, the kind, determined, bold, disrespectful Yuheng and prays one day she will see in her what Rex Lapis does. Mind exhausted from her fruitless contemplations and the stress of the Rite of Descension, Ganyu leaves Wanmin Restaurant to return home. For once, she leaves the full serving provided to her unfinished.

When Rex Lapis is struck down, Ganyu feels as if she is struck down with him, plummeting from the clouds to shatter irreparably on the stones of Yujing Terrace. Without him, all Ganyu has left is her work. She clings to her duties to the Qixing, to the contract that bound her to him her entire life, as if holding true to it will negate the reality that he is gone. When Ningguang directs her to track down the mysterious foreign Traveler at the epicenter of the crisis, she pours her entire heart into the assignment. She devotes the afternoon to quietly trailing Millelith investigators as they question witnesses, slowly piecing together the Traveler’s frantic flight from the city: An old man who saw a strange blond youth climbing the walls of Yujing Terrace. A mother whose young daughter swore she saw a small fairy flying through the streets. A businessman who, en route to Northland Bank, took note of the tall, young Fatui Harbinger talking with another stranger outside the bank’s entrance. The Millelith’s questions are sharp, laced with suspicions, as if certain of their target’s guilt. Ganyu cannot even consider that possibility. The notion that she is on the tail of and drawing ever closer to the one who struck down her god is unthinkable. She doesn’t know what she would do if she came face to face with Rex Lapis’ killer, what the mix of anger, fear, and grief that boils within would awaken in her.

Soon, the evidence cobbled together forms a clear picture: the Traveler escaped the city, bound for refuge in Jueyun Karst. By the time Ganyu returns to Yuehai Pavilion to report these findings to Ningguang, it is near dusk and the sunlight is rapidly disappearing beyond the horizon. Returning to Yujing Terrace, so near to where Rex Lapis was taken from her, is almost too much for her heart to take. She rushes up the stairs to Yuehai Pavilion with her eyes wrenched shut, depending on her countless visits to the building to guide her steps. Just after she makes it inside, Ganyu runs directly into someone, sending them both sprawling to the ground.

Dazed and in pain, it takes a few seconds for her eyes to focus enough to recognize the other person. The Yuheng, Keqing. Ganyu’s stomach drops and she scrambles from her rear to her knees and lowers her head in obeisance. Keqing is the last person she wants to see today. She can’t bear to look into her eyes and see the smugness or joy at finally getting her wish of a godless Liyue.

Keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the floor, Ganyu murmurs, “I’m sorry, Lady Yuheng. Please forgive my clumsiness.” She wrenches her eyes shut again, waiting for Keqing to accept the apology and leave. So engrossed in this wish, she doesn’t notice at first that Keqing is calling her name.

“Ganyu!” The tone is sharp, and a little pleading.

When Ganyu finally works up the courage to look up, the Keqing she finds before her is entirely unexpected. The Yuheng has a hand outstretched to help Ganyu up, and instead of the pleasure or anger Ganyu so feared, her face is pinched with concern. With shaking fingers, she accepts the hand offered, holding tight to Keqing’s forearm as Keqing does to her own.

“Ganyu,” Keqing says again.“I—I’m glad I found you here. Even if it was a little painful.” A bark of anxious laughter, cheeks slightly flushed. “I’ve wanted to check up on you all day. Ever since. Ever since … well, you know. But Ningguang said she’d sent you to investigate and I’ve been so caught up with monitoring the Fatui presence and…”

As Keqing trails off with an awkward cough, Ganyu looks back at her with wide eyes. Even with all her memories of the kind and tender Yuheng that Keqing reveals in rare moments, she never expected this. After the Rite of Descension last year, Ganyu has kept her distance from Keqing, despite Rex Lapis’ encouragement otherwise, and it seemed inevitable his death would only widen the chasm between them.

“You … you were thinking of me?” Ganyu says.

Keqing looks almost as nervous as Ganyu feels, a strange sight on the face of such a resolute woman. “I know with everything I’ve said about him, you don’t want to see me. Maybe you never want to see me again. Rex Lapis gone—it’s what I wanted, after all. But I never wanted it like this, struck down by some cowardly murderer and stripped of the pride and dignity even I will acknowledge he deserves.”

“I didn’t want to see you,” Ganyu admits, and Keqing’s face falls, “but that was because I was scared of learning your reaction. Now that I know…”

“If you can accept it from me, I wish to offer my condolences. You told me once of your contract with Rex Lapis. That you have served him for thousands of years. I won’t pretend to understand it, but I can guess he is more than just your god. I—I have lost someone important to me before. Someone who was there all my life and made me who I am. So if there is anything I can do that will lessen that burden for you, Ganyu, you need only ask.” The words hang between them, and as the seconds pass with no response, Keqing flushes, but doesn’t look away.

“Thank you, Lady Keqing,” Ganyu finally says. It’s difficult for her to form words through the lump in her throat, but she gives her best effort. “I must be going now. I must report the findings regarding the missing Traveler to Lady Ningguang, but I will not forget this.” With that, Ganyu scurries off towards the Tianquan’s office, afraid if she stays any longer the emotions she’s suppressed will overflow.

In a way, Ganyu is grateful that Ningguang appointed her as her emissary and tasked her with tracking down the Traveler. The job keeps her busy, and most of all it keeps her far away from Yujing Terrace and all the memories that place holds. Just passing through the cobbled stones and flourishing gardens of the place evokes vivid flashbacks to that day. The way the sky darkened and Rex Lapis’ body crashed to the ground, the majesty of his presence reduced to something small and vulnerable. Ganyu doesn’t understand how their old friend Madame Ping does it, spending her days in Yujing Terrace among the Glaze Lilies, so close to where Rex Lapis was struck down, but she doesn’t bother questioning her. We all grieve in our own way, she surmises.

Even Ganyu’s own office, where she has devoted so many hours tending to Liyue’s every need, feels hostile and unsafe to her. The window overlooking the gardens, which once let her indulge in her love of Liyue’s flora and brought her such joy, now sends a stab of pain through her chest every time she catches sight of the stone paving or a Glaze Lily outside. The first time she returned to the office after the Rite of Descension, she could barely manage an hour’s work before the grief the view evoked overwhelmed her. Ganyu quickly leaped from her seat and pulled the curtains shut, pushing her desk to put her back to the window for good measure.

In some ways it helps, sparing her from reopening the barely healed wounds upon her heart, but the rearranged office creates a new problem in itself. Ganyu determined her preferred arrangement of furniture and decorations for the place long ago, and change leaves her feeling lost. Though better than the alternative, she desperately wishes to go back to a time when the memory of her lost god did not haunt her every step.

The morning after her rendezvous with the Traveler is Ganyu’s first full day back at Yuehai Pavilion, now that Ningguang has relieved her of the role of Emissary. Though she tries to let the usual routines and patterns of work there anchor her, Yuehai Pavilion in a world without Rex Lapis is anything but usual. The specter of mounting tensions with the Fatui and whispers about the Qixing’s failure to apprehend Rex Lapis’ killer quickly make that clear to Ganyu.

A few hours into the work day, the Yuheng slips into Ganyu’s office, calling her name. She abruptly stops in her tracks, looking around the rearranged office in confusion. With a shrug, Keqing pulls up a chair to Ganyu’s desk, then says, “This is new.”

“Yes, I—I’ve rearranged my office.” Internally, Ganyu winces at how foolish the obvious statement must sound to Keqing.

“You’ve always been so particular in your habits, so this is surprising. Does it—does it have anything to do with…”

Ganyu nods, a little surprised at Keqing’s perceptiveness. “Yes. It’s the view. It’s so close to where he passed. I used to love seeing the gardens, but now…”

Keqing leans forward into her chair and the warmth of her expression catches Ganyu off guard. “Can I help? Moving you to an office wouldn’t be so hard, I’d just have to clear it with the rest of the Qixing.”

There it is again, that kindness that always catches Ganyu off guard and makes her chest feel tight. “Thank you for the offer, but that won’t be necessary. Now, there was something you needed my help with?”

“Yes, actually!” The Yuheng opens the folder she brought with her and places it on Ganyu’s desk. Attached to the top of the document, a Millelith report by the looks of it, is a blurry Kamera photograph. Ganyu can’t help the little gasp that slips out when she realizes what she’s seeing.

“Is that—”

“The Guizhong Ballista, yes. Repaired overnight, according to the Millelith who encountered it on a routine patrol. To fix such a vast and complicated adeptus mechanism, it’s an amazing feat of engineering.” Keqing’s eyes are bright and she can’t quite conceal her excitement as her enthusiasm for the unique building techniques wins out over her scorn for the adepti.

“It truly is,” Ganyu agrees.

“I’ll be leaving with a squad of Millelith to examine it myself in just a bit.” Keqing’s excited hand gestures die down and she clasps them in front of her, suddenly nervous. “I’m hoping to learn who did this and how, but I figured I should learn what I can before I leave. Since you’re the only adeptus I know personally, I thought I’d ask you.”

The request catches Ganyu completely off guard and her pulse rate picks up, heart pounding hard in her chest. She never would have expected Keqing to ask for her insight like this, much less her insight as an adeptus. So many rapid changes in the last week, but this is the only welcome one.

Worried by Ganyu’s lack of response, Keqing speaks again, “If you don’t want to tell me, I won’t force you. I understand and accept if you adepti have your secrets.” The way her nose wrinkles says that she doesn’t fully accept it, but Ganyu chooses to ignore that.

“It’s fine. You can rule me out, for starters.” Ganyu smiles, hoping the comment will lighten the mood. “This sort of engineering was never really my forte. The adeptus who raised me is incredibly proficient, but she rarely wanders so far from Jueyun Karst. I’m not the only adeptus in Liyue Harbor, though. You know Yanfei, the legal advisor?” Keqing nods. “She’s half illuminated beast, and isn’t quiet about it, but I don’t think her father taught her this. There are others. Any of them could have, for motives I can’t guess.”

“What about humans?”

Ganyu pauses to consider. “It’s not something I’ve heard of, but two thousand years living among full-blooded humans has taught me you’re not to be underestimated. I suppose anything is possible.”

“Thank you very much, Ganyu. This insight is fascinating.” Keqing rises and gathers the report from Ganyu’s desk. “I’m sorry to leave you so abruptly, but I can’t be late for my rendezvous with the Millelith.”

Ganyu watches Keqing as she leaves, the sweep of her violet hair and the intricate folds of her dress. Speaking with Keqing has eased the ever-present pain in her heart somewhat, and made her feel useful instead of utterly lost. It’s strange to think that this woman, whose attitude towards gods and adepti has been a thorn in her side for years, could soothe her soul like this. Ganyu wants to hold the feeling close, to carefully nurture the partnership that Rex Lapis always envisioned between them. She hopes Keqing feels the same.

Since Rex Lapis’ passing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing has changed immensely. From the weight of so many new responsibilities to her strange new curiosity with the former Geo Archon, in some ways, she seems a completely different person. Yet for all these changes, the woman who vexed and fascinated Ganyu in equal measure for years remains eminently predictable in her habits.

This is how she deduces that Keqing is preparing for an expedition into the wilderness. The doubling of her usual workload to make up for the days of absence, covertly checking that her closest collaborators’ plans for the upcoming week will not rely on her presence, and pushing forward or back any scheduled meetings—the telltale signs are there and Ganyu notices them all. Normally, this would not worry Ganyu. These expeditions of Keqing’s are frequent and varied, and she’s seen firsthand how capable she is.

But in the past several months, Liyue’s Yuheng has worked twice as hard to fill the void left by their departed god. It doesn’t escape Ganyu how often she stays at Yuehai Pavilion into the early hours of the morning, only to return at dawn with telltale dark circles under her eyes from so little sleep. In the past week, Ganyu suspects Keqing has not been home once.

The thought of Keqing leaving the safety of Liyue Harbor on her own to traverse treacherous terrain and lands still crawling with Fatui has Ganyu’s stomach churning. Despite all their past differences, she’s come to see Keqing as not just the Yuheng whom she is duty-bound to aid, but as a friend. As her vocal criticisms of Rex Lapis become ever-rarer, and her requests for Ganyu’s insight into the leadership of her old friend become more frequent, Ganyu has realized the kind and devoted person she always hoped lay beneath the heretical declarations is indeed the real Keqing.

With these concerns in mind, Ganyu resolves to confront Keqing about her planned expedition.

Ganyu’s plan is simple: initiate a conversation with Keqing about her work, and, once she has her attention, bring up the matter of her upcoming expedition, and convince her not to go alone. Eager to put the plan into action, she grabs the topmost folder in the stack of papers designated for the Yuheng from her desk and makes her way toward Keqing’s office. As she walks, she thumbs through the papers and refreshes her memory of their content, a Millelith report regarding contaminated waters in Feiyun Slope. She’s read the report once before and, by the time she reaches Keqing’s office, can easily recall all its key points. Ganyu raps lightly on the Yuheng’s door. A few seconds, and a faint “Come in” sounds from within.

She enters to find Keqing hunched over her desk, hand furiously drawing a brush across a roll of paper. There are documents strewn all about and Ganyu can see ink stains on Keqing’s fingers, a sign of just how haphazard her rushed brushstrokes have become. After several moments, her hand stills, and she looks up to face her visitor.

“Oh! Hello, Ganyu.” When Keqing realizes her visitor is Ganyu, her shoulders visibly relax and her eyes brighten. “What can I help you with?”

Ganyu bows her head briefly. “I have a report here for you regarding a contaminated water source in Feiyun Slope.”

“Ah, that. I’ve heard whispers, but haven’t had a chance to look into it myself.” Her face darkens with shame. “I need to apply myself more.” As soon as the words leave Keqing’s mouth, Ganyu internally curses herself for not taking care to find a less urgent excuse to speak with the Yuheng. The last thing she needs right now is more work.

“A Millelith stationed in the city named Hongyi compiled the report. From what he describes, the matter may be quite serious.” She passes the folder to Keqing, who takes a few minutes to look through its contents.

“Contaminated water … opportunistic merchants … even worries of deliberate sabotage. Serious indeed,” Keqing pauses, rubbing her chin in thought before raising her head to look Ganyu in the eye. “What course of action do you suggest, Ganyu?”

There it is again. The woman who boldly voiced her disdain for the Geo Archon in front of Ganyu, in front of thousands of citizens of Liyue Harbor, and even in front of Rex Lapis himself, seeking guidance from his most faithful servant. Keqing has asked for her advice so many times in the months since his so-called death that it no longer catches the half-qilin off guard. Yet the strange warmth that grips Ganyu's chest hasn't abated. If anything it grows stronger. “Our chief concern is to ensure the people of Feiyun Slope can easily get clean water without being swindled by opportunists. To that end, I would assign the Millelith—perhaps this Hongyi's unit—to transport clean water to Feiyun Slope. And we'll need someone capable of entering the well and finding the cause of the pollution, though I'm not sure who would be suited for that.”

After a long stretch of silence, Keqing's eyes light up. “What about the Traveler? Are they still in the city?”

“I believe so. They recently returned to Liyue Harbor after completing an Adventurer's Guild commission on my behalf. As far as I know, they haven't yet secured passage to Inazuma.”

“It's settled then. If the Traveler agrees, we can count on them to see it through. And I'll be clear to…” Keqing trails off, toying nervously with her choker.

“To leave on your expedition?” Ganyu finishes for her.

Keqing blinks. “How did you know?”

Unable to hold back a sly smile, Ganyu says, “Lady Keqing, you and I have worked together for almost five years. I always make certain to learn the habits of each of the Qixing so I can best support them, and when it comes to preparing for an expedition, you are quite particular in yours. Taking on extra work to compensate for the time away, clearing up your schedule for the upcoming days. The signs are all there.”

Keqing ducks her head sheepishly, a pretty pink flush coloring her cheeks. “I didn’t realize I was so predictable.”

“You’re not,” Ganyu reassures her, “I pay closer attention than most people. But it’s good you brought it up because that’s the matter I wanted to discuss with you, even more than the Feiyun Slope water problem.”

Curiosity piqued by the oddly circumspect approach of the secretary, Keqing leans forward in her seat. “Oh?”

“With how much you’ve been working lately, I am concerned by your intentions to go into the wilderness alone.” In the past, Ganyu thinks the Yuheng would have shut things down here, confident in herself almost to the point of arrogance. Now, she simply tilts her head, waiting for her to elaborate. “As one of the Qixing, you are not easily replaced, and I know of none who could fill the shoes of Rex Lapis as admirably as you have. Thus, for your safety and that of Liyue, I ask that you allow me to accompany you on this expedition.”

“I’m grateful for your concern, Ganyu, but I’ll be fine.” Keqing avoids eye contact, absent-mindedly fiddling with her choker once again.

Ganyu reaches out to place a comforting hand over Keqing’s, not minding that the ink will stain her gloves. “We've all worked twice as hard since Rex Lapis left us. You more than anyone. Traveling the wilderness alone is always dangerous, and I know you have proven many times you are capable of it. But just this once, let me help you. It would bring me great peace of mind,”

“Ganyu…”

Feeling a little bold, and trusting in how comfortable their relationship has grown in recent months, Ganyu adds, “And, as you've so often said, the time of the adepti may be long past and it is no longer our duty alone to protect Liyue Harbor, but I like to think this half-adeptus is at least capable enough to look out for just one of Liyue’s citizens.”

For once, Keqing is at a loss for words. She tries to respond several times but repeatedly fails. Finally, she laughs. The sound is sunny and makes Ganyu's entire body feel light. “Ganyu, I didn't know you had it in you to tell such jokes,” and though the joke is at Keqing's expense, she looks more relaxed than Ganyu has seen her in months. The ever-present tension in her shoulders is gone and her mouth is upturned in a smile.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Ganyu’s beaming, thoroughly relieved to have gotten through to Keqing.

“Alright, you’ve won. I would very much enjoy your company and aid.” Her smile suddenly falters. “But … if you’re coming along, then you need to know that I’m investigating the Fatui presence around Tianqiu Valley. I know you can fight. During the battle against Osial … I’ve never seen anything like it. But that was for the survival of Liyue itself. I can’t ask you to take up arms again simply for my sake.” 

Looking into Keqing’s eyes, so tender and filled with concern, Ganyu thinks she might drown in them, the vivid pink so reminiscent of the Sea of Clouds just as the sun peeks over the horizon. Yet again, Keqing reminds Ganyu why she trusted in Rex Lapis’ faith in her, even when she didn’t share it. She reminds Ganyu why she held so tightly to the flashes of kindness in between Keqing’s harsh denouncements of Rex Lapis. Distantly, Ganyu wonders what Rex Lapis would think of them now, wherever he is.

Ganyu squeezes the hand that holds Keqing’s and slips her other beneath it. “I don’t wish to fight if I can avoid it, but for you, I will gladly risk that chance.”

Keqing’s cheeks turn a bright pink again, and she can’t tear her eyes away from where Ganyu clasps her hand. Clearing her throat, she says, “It’s settled then. I’ll meet you outside of Yuehai Pavilion at 7:00 tomorrow morning.”

The sun is just peeking over the horizon when Ganyu arrives at Yuehai Pavilion the next morning ten minutes before the appointed time, only to find Keqing already there and fidgeting restlessly. She immediately perks up when she sees Ganyu and hurries down the steps, deftly taking two at a time. Now face to face with her travel partner, Keqing holds out a small, wrapped package. “For you.”

“Breakfast?” Ganyu asks, folding back the wrapping to reveal a small sandwich. It smells good, and her mouth is already watering.

Keqing runs a hand through her hair and beams at Ganyu. “Remember those days we spent your breakfast together at the docks? And I brought you that Adventurer’s Breakfast Sandwich, not realizing you’re a vegetarian? I figured it’s high time you get to try one of these, so I’ve made my own special vegetarian version. Just for you.” She looks Ganyu in the eyes, hopeful and eager to please.

Yet again Keqing takes Ganyu’s heart with her kindness. She doesn’t think she’ll ever get used to the feeling. “I recall you mentioning these are good for energy. That’s my reliable Yuheng, always thinking of everything.”

“What do you mean by…” Keqing trails off, an obvious blush on her face.

“I mean exactly what I said. Shall we get going?” Ganyu hefts the small pack she brought over her shoulder. Keqing nods and the pair set off, leaving the city behind for the vast and majestic countryside of Liyue that lies beyond.

They travel in near complete silence for over an hour, broken only when Keqing stops to detail the route they’re taking. Despite the silence, Ganyu doesn’t feel awkward. Instead, a gentle calm resonates between the two women, like the surface of a pond on a windless day. Enjoying the scenery together, with the woman she cares for so deeply, in the land they both adore is more than enough for Ganyu. She can’t remember the last time she spent such a long time with another person, simply enjoying their presence.

When they pass under a stone archway leading to a small clearing between two rocky cliffs, Keqing stops. 

“No … there's supposed to be a ladder going up there,” She gestures to a second arch constructed above the lowest point in the rock wall—still well over three times either of their heights. The Yuheng's voice sounds distant and Ganyu can almost see the plans formulating in her head.

Some minutes later, she turns back to Ganyu. “Do you trust me?”

“I—what?”

“Do you trust me to get you up there in one piece? I have an idea but it's not something I've ever tried before. Putting myself at risk is one thing but someone else … you…” She looks into Ganyu’s eyes, searching her face for an answer.

Ganyu fights the impulse to look away, face growing hot under the weight of Keqing's earnest stare. Memories of Keqing flash through her mind. Keqing, who fearlessly led the Millelith into battle against an ancient god with the power to raze entire cities. Keqing, who held herself to such exacting standards that she would draft and redraft plans for even the slightest shortcoming. Keqing, who Rex Lapis swore Liyue needed, even as Ganyu bemoaned her irreverence. She didn't understand what he meant then, but now, after everything, Ganyu can finally grasp the admiration he so fervently held for the Yuheng.

She nods her assent. “Yes, I trust you.”

The tension in Keqing's body dissipates, and she flashes Ganyu a brilliant smile. “Thank you,” The air between them is heavy with the weight of Ganyu's admission. The moment passes as suddenly as the question is asked, and Keqing schools her features into the serious, determined look Ganyu is used to seeing on her.

“So, what is this plan I agreed to?”

“I can use my Electro powers to traverse long distances, essentially teleporting. Don't you remember the time we busted that corrupt dockmaster together? And the battle with Osial? When I'm surveying the land, I use it to get to high places I'd never be able to reach otherwise. I told you I haven't tried it with someone else but if you hold on tight I'm almost certain I can get us both to that ledge.” She extends her left arm and beckons Ganyu to her side.

Ganyu steps into the other woman's personal space and holds out an arm on either side of Keqing’s body. She stills inches away from making contact, unsure of where to place her hands and acutely aware of the small distance between them. Keqing comes to her rescue, meeting Ganyu's eyes with an encouraging smile before she takes Ganyu’s left wrist and guides her hand to her waist. Ganyu bites back a surprised gasp at the unexpected sensation and wishes desperately that Keqing wasn’t wearing gloves so she can feel her warm, callused skin against her own.

They hold still like that, with their fingers intertwined and gazing into one another's eyes, faces mere inches apart. Overcome by the sudden intimacy of the situation, neither quite dares to move, speak or even breathe. Unconsciously, Ganyu's gaze drops from Keqing's purple-pink eyes to her lips, and her cheeks heat with embarrassment when she realizes.

Once again, Keqing comes to Ganyu's rescue and breaks the tense silence. “With your other hand,” she indicates her right shoulder, “try holding onto my shoulder. I need my sword arm free, but I think this should be enough to keep you secure,” In a softer tone, she adds, “Please tell me if it's not, Ganyu.”

As soon as the trance is broken, Ganyu lets out a long, shaky breath and obeys Keqing’s instructions. Still keenly aware of the warmth of Keqing's body beneath her own, she experimentally tests her grip with each hand. “Feels secure,” Ganyu says, satisfied that she can hold on through whatever Keqing has in store for her.

Adjusting her sword to a reverse grip, Keqing flicks her wrist, sending a lightning stiletto to the top of the cliff. She raises her sword arm preparing for a great slash and asks, “Are you ready?” When she feels Ganyu nod against her shoulder, Keqing swings the sword down across her body in a mighty arc. Electro crackles along the metal and, before Ganyu knows it, their feet leave the ground, lightning driving them up and forwards. It’s almost instantaneous, so fast that she’s hardly processed the movement when they crash into the rocky surface above.

Keqing sits up, rubbing at her banged-up shoulder. “Not my most elegant landing but we made it! You alright Ganyu? All in one piece?”

The half-qilin meticulously takes stock of all her limbs before slowly rising to her feet. “I’m good. That was amazing, Keqing! I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Keqing ducks her head in embarrassment but is clearly pleased at the praise. “Let’s head out then. I’m hoping Lingju Pass is quiet today. We’ve been lucky so far. Getting this far from the city without encountering a single Treasure Hoarder or Hilichurl is pretty rare.” Now that Ganyu stands beside her, uninjured and ready to go, Keqing begins their walk through Lingju Pass.

At first, she walks a few paces ahead of Ganyu, but after a while, Keqing slows to allow the other woman to catch up. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. Your afternoon nap, we’ll need to stop for that, no? It’s usually about mid-day?”

“Yes.” Ganyu winces. “I really should have considered that angle before insisting I travel with you. I’ll be a burden and defeat the entire purpose of coming along.”

Keqing waves her hand dismissively, “Don’t talk like that. I’m very grateful to have you. Anyways, there’s a small outpost a short way beyond Lingju Pass. It’s not much more than a straw shed and a handful of travelers just passing through, but it should be safe enough. I’ll look after you, and we’ll be back on our way in no time.”

“Okay. I know Lingju Pass well enough, but I’m not as familiar with the details as you. If you say it’s safe I trust you.”

Ganyu almost squeaks when she feels Keqing take her hand in her own and squeeze. “It’ll be fine, I promise.”

By the time they reach the location Keqing described, the sun is near its apex, sending waves of heat down upon the entire land, and Ganyu’s eyes already are drooping with drowsiness. To keep her fully upright, Keqing took hold of her elbow several minutes back. Though nearly passed out standing, Ganyu is just alert enough to register that Keqing wasn’t exaggerating when she said this place wasn’t much more than a straw shed. Still, if Liyue’s Yuheng thinks it’s safe enough, then Ganyu believes her, and it’s not like they have another option at this point.

Keqing gently guides Ganyu beneath the straw canopy, dropping into a crouch as she helps her down to the ground. She then sits, splays out both her legs and lowers Ganyu’s head into her lap. She’s nearly completely asleep by now, limbs gone slack. The last thing Ganyu feels before her consciousness slips away is Keqing gently running fingers through her hair and murmuring soothing phrases like “There you go” and “I’ve got you.”

Blinking slowly awake, it takes Ganyu a while to get her bearings. At first, all she sees is a hazy pink blob above her that slowly coalesces into the face of the Yuheng, smiling down at her with such affection that Ganyu almost wants to look away, overwhelmed by the attention. She couldn’t, even if she tried.

“You’re back. Feeling rejuvenated?”

“Yes.” Ganyu yawns, sits up, and stretches her arms, shaking out any lingering sleepiness from her limbs before rising to her feet. “We’re not far from Tianqiu Valley. That’s the site of the suspected Fatui activity, correct?”

“That’s right,” Keqing says and takes the hand Ganyu offers to pull her up. “Ideally this will just be a scouting mission. Estimating their numbers and the exact site of their camp so we can neutralize them in the safest way possible.”

“But it could get ugly.”

“It could,” Keqing agrees.

Unlike the first leg of their journey just outside the city, the two women spend most of the trek towards Tianqiu Valley talking. In hushed tones only, they discuss Fatui armaments and potential issues the geography could pose. Though it’s been some time since Ganyu was out this way, she’s pleased to find her memory of the terrain aligns closely with Keqing’s.

Soon, the towering stone ruins beyond the lake in Tianqiu Valley come into view. Keqing throws an arm in front of Ganyu, willing her to stop. “If there are Fatui in Tianqiu Valley, they could be close by. We need to be especially careful.”

“Agreed.” Slowly, Ganyu makes her way deeper into the valley. Taking advantage of her powerful qilin sense of smell, she lifts her head and sniffs at the air. When she feels Keqing staring at her, a mix of fascination and confusion on her face, she flushes in embarrassment. “My sense of smell is stronger than humans. I’m trying to sense evidence of the Fatui's presence. You know, burning wood from a campfire, cooking food, that sort of thing.”

“And?”

“It’s there, but it’s very faint.” Ganyu points towards the open plain beside the lake that lies directly ahead of them. “They’re either further away than you estimated or they’ve left the area completely.”

Keqing curses and the disappointment on her face makes Ganyu wince. She reaches out and gives Keqing’s hand a gentle squeeze, relishing in the warmth of her skin through the layers of their gloves. “Hey. It’s okay. You’ve conducted yourself admirably on this mission. If they’ve left, we can’t change that, but at least we’ve expanded our intel on the Fatui’s whereabouts.”

“You’re right,” she sighs. “I know I should be relieved since this means we won’t have to worry about stealth or a fight, but I can’t help but feel like I should have done better.”

Ganyu understands Keqing’s feelings intimately, the experience of giving so much effort to a task, yet never feeling good enough. The way Keqing perseveres despite the times she falls short is exactly why Ganyu likes her so much. “Why don’t we make a quick sweep of the area to be certain the Fatui have moved on and check for evidence of where, then we can head to the lake and make camp.”

Humming in agreement, Keqing allows Ganyu to lead her through the valley, hand clasped firmly in hers the entire way.

Standing near the edge of the lake, Ganyu looks out at the water and the ruins beyond. The setting sun reflects in the water in shades of gold and Cor Lapis, a stark contrast with the distant stone ruins on the opposite side of the lake and the cliffs that tower above them.

“It’s beautiful here,” Keqing says, coming up from behind Ganyu, where she just finished preparing a fire with the help of her Vision.

“It is,” Ganyu agrees. “Liyue is beautiful.” You’re beautiful, her mind echoes silently, though she does not yet have the courage to say it out loud. Tentatively, she leans her head against Keqing’s shoulder and basks in her proximity, silently thanking Rex Lapis for bringing this woman into her life.

They’re both quiet for some time, neither quite willing to break the spell until Keqing speaks. “The sun is almost set. We should prepare a meal before it gets too dark. I can … I can catch a fish for myself with my Vision, but I don’t know what’s here that you’d want to eat.”

It takes all of Ganyu’s self-control not to laugh at the proposition. “You really are too self-sufficient for your own good sometimes, Keqing.” There’s mirth written all across her face, but it’s affectionate, and not mocking. “I brought provisions! A partner on your expeditions really is good for you.”

“I usually get on just fine with only my Vision and hairpin!” Keqing pouts, but Ganyu suspects she’s pleased she won’t have to get her feet wet trying to catch her dinner and she doesn’t hesitate to follow Ganyu back to the campfire. By the time they finish preparing their meal, the sun is set, its light replaced by their fire, the moon, and a blanket of a thousand stars that spreads across the night sky. They eat together, so close their shoulders are touching, and when the meal is finished, both turn to gaze up at the stars.

Alone and so close, so comfortable with Keqing, Ganyu finally works up the courage to ask the question that’s burned in her mind ever since Keqing first approached her with tentative questions about Rex Lapis.

“What changed?”

“Hmm?” Keqing turns to Ganyu, confused, but also curious.

“Rex Lapis. I have lived among the people of Liyue for thousands of years, and while as a whole their faith has remained as unyielding as stone, I have encountered the rare individual who does not hold him in high regard. His other detractors would avoid the topic entirely in my presence if they ever learned I am half-qilin and bound to Rex Lapis by both devotion and contract alike. You never flinched at giving your true feelings in front of me. None of them would have ever said their true feelings to Rex Lapis' face. In front of the entirety of Liyue. During the most sacred ceremony of the year. I still cannot believe you actually did that sometimes. You are unlike anyone I have ever met, and though my heart cherishes it, I still do not understand how your opinion of him has changed so much since he left us.”

Keqing stares at the fire, the flames casting vivid shapes in her pink-colored eyes. After a silence so long Ganyu fears she will refuse to answer the question entirely, she speaks, “If I answer your question, will you promise to tell nobody what I say?”

“Of course. But you really don't need to feel so embarrassed about your feelings. It's okay.” Ganyu gently squeezes Keqing’s arm in reassurance.

“No, no. I'm not embarrassed. But I am serious. You can't breathe a word to another soul. A contract between you and me.” She holds out a hand to Ganyu.

Even more solemn than before, Ganyu nods. “You have my word.” They shake hands, binding one another to the agreement.

Keqing shuts her eyes in a rare display of nerves, and blurts out, “Rex Lapis. He’s alive.”

Ganyu’s jaw drops, too shocked to speak or even move.

“I—Ganyu, are you okay? I know how much he meant—means to you. Do you need a moment? It's a lot to take in, I know,” Keqing says with a sharp and almost frantic edge to her voice.

“No, it's not that. It's just … I didn't realize he told you too.”

Keqing blinks at Ganyu, eyes wide and round as Loach Pearls. After several seconds, she speaks again, slow and deliberate, “Unbelievable. All this time I kept it secret from you, and you knew. Every time he came up in our conversations, I wanted to tell you. It felt wrong that someone who never held any respect for him until he was gone should know he's still with us, while you were kept in the dark after giving your entire life to him. I should have known Rex Lapis wouldn't let you suffer the pain of grieving him any longer than necessary.”

Ganyu hums in agreement. “Now that we're on the same page, tell me more.”

Keqing takes a deep breath, steadying herself after the shock of their revelations.  “He told me in a dream. It was like I wasn't asleep at all. I can still remember every sensation, each sound and sight and smell as vividly as the ones I feel right now. And the moment he said he was still alive … that changed everything.

“Rex Lapis chose to step down from his post and pass the responsibility of caring for Liyue to us. He believes in humanity's ability to forge our own path as much as I do. He believes in me. If I misjudged him in this, how much else was I wrong about?” She exhales, long and slow. Keqing’s lips form a tight smile, tinged with regret. “I learned very fast just how big the responsibilities he relinquished are.”

Ganyu shifts closer to Keqing and slides an arm around her shoulder. When the other woman relaxes under her touch, she pulls her in, pressing their sides together. Here, in the furthest reaches of Liyue's wilderness, they revel in the warmth of each other's bodies. With her heightened qilin senses, Ganyu can faintly hear Keqing's heartbeat, pumping fast with emotion. She breathes in the other woman's scent, refreshing and cool as the morning after a thunderstorm.

Head nestled in the crook of Keqing’s neck, Ganyu mumbles, “You know, I used to complain to him about you.”

“ You? Complained about me? To him? ” Keqing pulls away, turning to Ganyu with an almost scandalized expression, but Ganyu holds fast to her shoulder and keeps her close.

“Every time you spoke ill of him. But I think what frustrated me most of all about you was that I couldn't deny you cared about Liyue just as much as I did.”

Ganyu feels the muscles in Keqing's arm tense for a split second as if contemplating whether to struggle further, before she relents and allows Ganyu to hold her. Satisfied, Ganyu continues, “He would tell me you were just the kind of person Liyue needed. There were times when you said things that just made my blood boil, and he would just laugh it off and tell me to trust you.”

“And I never knew.” Keqing’s voice is strained, overwhelmed by the revelation and close to tears.

Ganyu turns to face Keqing and brings her hands to her shoulders. They’re nearly chest to chest now, bodies mere inches apart. The proximity makes her feel light-headed, as though she could float away if she doesn’t hold fast to Keqing and her heart trembles. She allows Keqing a moment to compose herself, to process the gravity of what Ganyu’s just revealed, running her thumbs back and forth along her shoulders in a way she hopes is soothing.

“He even told me that we make a formidable team. He was right, that much I could always see, but I didn’t realize just how good we are together until recently.” Ganyu lets the words hang between them, praying the implication is enough and unsure if she has the courage tonight to speak her feelings more openly.

She needn’t have worried. Keqing looks up at her, cheeks colored a pretty pink and starlight shimmering in her hair. The adoration in her eyes leaves Ganyu a little breathless. “I—I understand what you mean.”

Keqing’s confession feels like the final piece of a building they’ve constructed together for years without Ganyu even realizing, a strong and steady structure meant to withstand any storm. Casting away any lingering doubts, Ganyu leans in and brings her mouth to Keqing’s. Keqing breathes in sharply, then leans into the kiss and parts her lips for Ganyu. When they finally break the kiss, Keqing tries to pull away, but Ganyu can’t bear to part and grabs her by the back of the neck to press their foreheads together. Ganyu loses track of how long they remain like that, breathing hard and reveling in the warmth of skin on skin.

The night is completely silent, save for their breathing, the waves against the lakeshore, and the distant chirps of wildlife, until Keqing speaks, “Ganyu, do you remember, back when we first met? When I said I didn’t need Rex Lapis’ blessing?”

“I don’t think I could ever forget. Just thinking about it made me angry for years,” Ganyu says, not following where Keqing is going with this.

“Well then, you’ll be very happy to know I’ve finally realized I was wrong.” The mischievous lilt to her voice is unmistakable.

“Oh?”

“I do need Rex Lapis’ blessing because, without it, I’d never have found you.” Ganyu snorts, rolling her eyes at Keqing’s little joke even as the sincere feelings behind it make her heart clench, and pulls Keqing in for another kiss.