Chapter Text
Dear Childe,
Once your ship had left my sight, I returned to my home to pen a letter to you. I miss you dearly, even though you have only just left. My heart longs for you to be by my side. During our separation after I gave my Gnosis away, I learned that I cared for you much more than I had thought. The knowledge of you residing in Liyue did little to calm my mind, but I had forced myself to remember that you were still here in this city with me.
Now that you are gone to Snezhnaya, I worry. I worry about your safety. I worry that if something were to happen to you, I would not know.
Before I had begun to consider giving up my Gnosis, I wondered why mortals had long goodbyes for their loved ones. After all, they were inevitable. But after you had left, I found myself wishing that I had just a little bit longer with you. I did not want to let you go. I wanted you to stay with me.
You have your responsibilities as a harbinger. You put your title and family first, a trait that I could not help loving. I can only hope that one day, I may have the honor of holding half of that importance in your heart.
In all my time alive, time has never felt so slow. I eagerly await your letter. The wait is almost unbearable.
I thank you immensely for the gifts inside the pouch you had given me. The narwhal was lovely. I will keep it with me for as long as I am able to. Concerning your note, you are more to me than just a wallet. You are my rock that tethers me to mortal affairs and emotions.
In other news, Aether will soon be departing to investigate something related to the Abyss. I wish him the best of luck in his endeavors.
Yours affectionately,
Zhongli
~~~~~
Childe,
I found her. But she’s not what I She’s part of I didn’t think that
I found Lumine. I went out to investigate some Abyss activity and I met someone named Dainsleif. We were investigating and she was there. I saw her there.
She’s the leader of the Abyss. I begged her to come with me, but she looked me in the eye and told me that she had to finish something first. And then she just left me there. She walked away from me, like I haven’t been searching for her the entire time I’ve been here in Teyvat.
I’m sorry, I didn’t want my first letter to you to be like this. But I had to tell you. I just… Does she not care about me anymore? No, I’m sure she does. She has to. She’s my sister.
I’m going to start making preparations to go to Inazuma. I need to figure out more.
Hopefully my next letter will have happier news.
Your friend,
Aether
~~~~~
Dear Childe,
I presume you would want to know that Aether has left for Inazuma on the Crux. I am unsure if he will be able to send any letters to you during his time there because of the Sakoku Decree. Inazuma’s borders are closed, so I would not be surprised if that also included international mail. Though I have full faith that the traveler will find a way to contact you regardless.
I have been putting your parting gift to good use. There has never been a day that I have not taken the pouch with me when I leave home. Having it in my breast pocket gives me the feeling of keeping you close to my heart. Leaving the pouch behind feels like I am abandoning you.
The merchants I frequent have been taken by surprise every time I take out my mora. Some have praised you, saying that you were the one who changed me to be more mindful. They are completely right. You have made me want to be a better man. I strive to improve myself so that I may be deserving of your forgiveness, and perhaps even your love.
I had initially wanted to put the narwhal you gifted me in my office where I could see it whilst I worked. But in the first hour or so, Hu Tao had made an attempt to take it. She had swore to give it back after merely looking at it, but I would much rather lose my Gnosis a second time than trust her words. No, that is not genuine. Nothing could possibly be worth the ill will you harbored against me for that week.
I have instead put the narwhal on my bedside table so I can see it every morning and every night. Seeing it there makes me feel as though I am waking up and falling asleep next to you. Sometimes I am plagued with nightmares, with you being the main point in most of them. But when I wake, I see the whale and hold it close to me. It brings me unimaginable comfort, the idea of you being here with me.
When I go out, I find myself reaching for your hand. Liyue has never felt cold, not like the cold you grew up in, yet my hand feels strangely chilly without yours. Even meals feel colder and quieter. I had not realized how much we spoke over meals until now. I even find myself looking over to see how you are faring with the chopsticks. Speaking of chopsticks…
No, that is a conversation that should be had face-to-face.
I miss you, Childe. I miss everything about you. This yearning to see you again is stronger than I had anticipated. Whenever I reach for you and remember that you are not with me anymore, my chest feels tight. I am in no place to make demands, so I will simply give a request.
Come back to me soon if you are able.
Forever yours,
Zhongli
~~~~~
Zhongli,
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to respond earlier. After coming to Snezhnaya, I was caught up in Fatui matters. But now I can finally sit down and write to you. I’m glad the mora pouch is seeing use. Celestia knows that those poor merchants need the mora from all your spur-of-the-moment purchases.
About the chopsticks… I’m sorry for breaking them. When I think back to that day, I feel horrible. I shouldn’t have let my anger boil over and break those chopsticks. I know they meant a lot to you. I still don’t understand why exactly they were so important, but they were. I want to sincerely apologize for my actions. I can get you a replacement if you’d like.
Coming back to Snezhnaya feels like a breath of fresh air. The crisp cold air is where I have made my home, but sometimes I miss the warmth of Liyue. It’s strange. I am most comfortable in the cold, so Snezhnaya suits me very well. But sometimes late at night when I can’t sleep, I think about Liyue.
I’ve done my best to keep your rock heart safe. I keep it hidden away, in case any of the other harbingers ever barged into my room. When I am alone, I hold it and stare at it. Ha, this is a little embarrassing. How do you write such embarrassing things in your letters without a shred of shame? Unless you write them in the privacy of your home with a dark blush on your face? I can’t imagine even you could write things like that with a straight face.
Anyway, I think Liyue is the spot I miss most out of all my other assignments. Sometimes I have cravings for some of Xiangling’s food. I try to replicate Liyue cuisine in the kitchen, but finding the same ingredients at peak freshness is more difficult than the actual cooking itself!
Just yesterday, when I was cooking, I felt a strong craving for some Liyue food. I wasn’t paying much attention to what I was making. My thoughts were absorbed by Wanmin and… you. When I looked down at my finished dish, I had made bamboo shoot soup, the same kind that you are so fond of.
As embarrassing as it is to admit this, I think about you often. It doesn’t help that your letters are filled to the brim with such adoration for me. I should be angry with you for using me for a larger scheme. But that anger has long since subsided.
If you fall asleep with my narwhal next to you, it’s not bad that I sometimes hold your rock heart during cold nights, is it? Archons above, why am I telling you this? I don’t know if you did this or if it’s just wishful thinking, but sometimes I feel a warm pulse when I hold the heart close to me. Is that part of your design or is that just me hoping?
Well, it doesn’t matter. I have yet to receive a new assignment from the Tsaritsa, so I will be heading home to Morepesok. You can still send letters to Zapolyarny Palace. Those letters will be sent directly to my home. Though whatever you send will be heavily scrutinized by my siblings, so don’t write anything you don’t want them to see.
Until next time,
Childe
~~~~~
Childe,
Sorry for not writing in so long! I’m in Inazuma now and it’s an absolute pain to send letters outside of the country. I’ve met some very interesting people here. There’s this one person that reminds me of you. His name is Thoma. He’s a fixer that helped me get around Inazuma and get all these travel passes and things like that. He’s also the one that helped me get this letter sent at all.
You two look very similar and you even act the same. I think you would like him. Maybe you could meet him sometime. He’s not from Inazuma originally. I’m not very sure where he’s from actually. I didn’t want to be rude and ask bluntly. My guess is either Fontaine or Natlan. I’ve included a picture of me and him together, so you can see what he looks like.
Also I’ve gotten the ability to use electro. Our next spar will definitely be interesting. Your Foul Legacy form is useless against me now that we both have electro abilities. I’ve grown much stronger, but I’m sure you have to.
A lot has happened since I last wrote to you. I’ve joined the resistance against the Electro Archon and her dictatorship. I even fought her for Thoma, though I lost badly. She almost killed me. If it weren’t for Thoma, I don’t think I would be alive. Even though I went in to save him, he’s the one who saved me at the end of it all.
Inazuma has a lot of problems and most of them stem from the Raiden Shogun herself. She takes people’s Visions, and it steals their ambitions and some of their memories. I’ve spoken to some of the people that had their Visions taken, and it’s ruined their lives. That’s why I’ve joined the resistance. If any archon deserves to get their Gnosis taken, I would say it would be her.
I think that’s all for now. I don’t know if you’ll be able to send me letters, but if you can manage to get a letter into Inazuma, send it to Ritou.
Your friend,
Aether
[Included in the letter is a small photograph of Aether and Thoma. They are both smiling at the camera.]
~~~~~
Aether,
Sounds like you’ve been very busy, comrade! I looked at the picture you sent and I agree with you. This “Thoma” person does look a little like me. From what you’ve told me, it looks like he’s a little bit like your babysitter. I mean that with no ill intent, of course.
And you’ve received electro powers? We have to spar sometime. I would love to see how much more you’ve improved since we last met. I can’t wait to have a friendly battle again.
I say this, not as a Fatui Harbinger, but as a regular person: The Raiden Shogun’s actions are definitely very worrying. Had I come with you to Inazuma, I would have joined the resistance as well. I would advise you to keep working with them. What she is doing isn’t right, no matter how she may try to explain her actions.
Hopefully this letter reaches you. I’ve sent this to Ritou, just like you asked. I pray that the Sakoku Decree hasn’t stopped this letter from reaching you. Best of luck in your adventures in Inazuma! I hope that you stay safe.
Sincerely,
Childe
~~~~~
To Morax,
It’s been a while since we have last been in correspondence. I write to you for two reasons. Firstly, the Geo mark you have placed on my eleventh’s back. Secondly, the romantic feelings you harbor for him.
Regarding the mark you have placed on Tartaglia’s back, I must ask: did you think I would not notice? The moment he stepped into my palace, I could feel the overwhelming Geo energy radiating from him. When did you place such a mark on him? It seems that Tartaglia himself does not know the type of mark you have given him. When I had asked him, he had said that it was a mark of protection.
You have marked my eleventh without telling him the full extent of what it is and not telling me beforehand at all. You forget that he is my harbinger first and foremost, not your lover, which leads me to my next point.
I know of the romantic feelings you have for my eleventh. I know you remember that I am also the goddess of love. I am aware of what you feel for my harbinger, and I also know how he feels about you.
Out of respect for you and our contract, if you would wish me to, I will speak to Tartaglia. Despite what my people may think, it saddens me to see someone under my command so distraught. That being said, I will not force him to commit to anything, should he not want to.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that he is my harbinger. His loyalties lie with me and I will have to call him back from time to time if he is needed. If these terms are acceptable to you, send me a letter of assent.
Respectfully,
The Tsaritsa, the Cryo Archon
~~~~~
To the Tsaritsa,
It is nice to hear from you once again. I see you’ve noticed the mark I have given Childe. I had not planned to mark him, so I never brought it up with you or him. The marking was an impulse decision that I do not regret. I apologize for not telling you about it sooner. I had proposed a hypothetical about my marking him, and Childe had readily accepted. I will not revoke my seal from him, no matter what you say.
Of course, nothing can get past the goddess of love. I love your eleventh. I do not wish to assume what his feelings of me are, especially after what I have done to him. Because of our contract, I was not able to reveal my true identity to Childe until I gave my Gnosis to your eighth. Once he had found out, he hated me. Before he left Liyue to return to you, I did what I could to show him that the only thing that wasn’t completely truthful was my identity. I tried to show him that my feelings were all genuine.
I do not know if he has completely forgiven me, and I don’t expect him to have. But I would greatly appreciate it if you spoke to him. I miss him dearly, even if he has been gone for what could be considered a moment in the span of my lifetime.
Though I do not understand what you mean when you say he is distraught. Is he injured? I would have hoped that you would take better care of your harbingers. Whatever ails him, I humbly request that you give him what he needs so that he can heal.
Our previous contact was meant to be a contract to end all contracts, but old habits die hard. Enclosed in this letter is a contract for our deal. Because the deal relies entirely on Childe and his feelings, it is not as concrete or detailed as I would prefer it to be. I have left it unsigned so if there are any changes you would like to add, you may do so freely.
You have my utmost thanks,
Zhongli
[Included in the letter is a contract that states both sides of the deal. It is unsigned at the bottom. It details every term with great care.]
~~~~~
Zhongli,
The Tsaritsa asked me about Liyue. She normally doesn’t take very much care to ask about how missions go. She mostly just cares about the result. I imagine that this was your doing. She even asked how I felt about possibly returning to Liyue. That was when I knew you had said something. She asked me to be as honest as I could, so I complied.
She finished asking her questions and let me come back home. The Tsaritsa made no mention of the future, so I suppose I’ll have to wait until further instructions. I’m writing this letter as soon as I’ve returned home. What exactly did you say? I’m almost worried to ask.
With each passing day, I catch myself making Liyue cuisine and thinking about you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you somehow put something in my mind with your adeptus powers. I have never missed leaving a place other than my home and siblings. On lonely nights, I’ve considered making Liyue a second home. I don’t think the Qixing would be very pleased to hear that, but I’m sure you could put in a good word for me. If you’ll have me, of course. But from the letters you’ve sent me, I think you would be elated if I returned.
Just one more thing. My siblings are practically begging me to send you some pictures they took when we went out for ice fishing. In fear of my life, I’ve sent those pictures along with this letter.
Curiously,
Childe
[Included in the letter are three pictures. One is of Childe, bundled up in winter clothing, holding a large fish in his lap with a large grin on his face. The second picture is of Childe and a younger sibling, likely Teucer, sitting at a fishing hole together. Their faces mirror concentration. The third picture is of Childe, Teucer, Anthon, and Tonia. They are all grinning at the camera with similar expressions of delight.]
~~~~~
Dearest Childe,
Yes, I suppose you could say that I played a part in the Tsaritsa asking about your experiences and thoughts about Liyue. You answering her questions honestly is all that I ask, so I am pleased to hear that that is exactly what you’ve done. I will not say what I have spoken with her about, for you will learn soon enough.
If you ever decide to make Liyue your home, I will welcome you with open arms. Do not fret about the Qixing. I will have a word with them to allow you back into the country. Lady Ningguang knows of my identity. If I request that she allow you in Liyue, she will comply.
I promise you that I have not altered your mind in any way. The thought of you returning to me is enough to put a smile on my face. Since I have received your letter, Hu Tao has commented that I look more joyous. Merchants say that I look much better than I did after your departure.
It is all thanks to you that I am no longer “stone-faced,” as Barbatos likes to say. I had traveled to Mondstadt a few days ago to visit my old friend. He has much more experience with living among mortals and having mortal feelings. When I explained to him what was happening between us as vaguely as possible, he laughed and called me a “blockhead.” I had half a mind to crush him with a meteor right then and there, but I would fall into trouble with the Knights of Favonius, so I decided against it.
So instead we went to a tavern, Angel’s Share, I believe. We drank together and Barbatos told me that if we love something and we let it go, it will return if it was meant to be. Leaving things so flighty and unknown did not seem right to me, but I trust him. He also seemed keen to meet you if you ever did return to Liyue.
He said, and I quote, “let me meet your loverboy!” That was not all he said, but it was one of the more tame things that were said that night. Even if I was shameless enough to repeat those words, I’m sure you wouldn’t want your younger siblings seeing something so vulgar.
Regarding the pictures that you sent with your last letter, you look ethereal. If I were ever so lucky to see you smile like that in person, I don’t know if I would be strong enough to handle it. Your siblings all look very charming as well. Tell them all that they look lovely.
With love,
Zhongli
~~~~~
Dear Zhongli,
I cannot believe you actually managed to get what you wanted. Guess what I got in the mail this morning? An official assignment from the Tsaritsa Herself, assigning me to oversee Northland Bank’s Liyue branch for an indeterminate amount of time. I’ll have to come back to Snezhnaya if She ever needs me for anything, but this assignment will have me in Liyue for Archon knows how long.
You actually managed to get me back in Liyue. I have to start packing soon. I haven’t bought a ticket to Liyue yet. I’ll most likely go do that later today. I’m still in shock that you did this. In a good way, of course! I’m not mad. I miss Liyue a lot. I’m… glad to return. I don’t know if the Tsaritsa notified the bank, but if She hasn’t, could you go tell them? Bring this letter with you if they don’t believe you.
Looks like you’ll have to start talking to the Qixing. I’m not entirely sure what the Tsaritsa has already done regarding my return to Liyue. I assume she has gotten me access to enter. She would not have given me this assignment if She had not.
From how you described your trip to Mondstadt, it sounds like you had a good time. When I come to Liyue, I would be happy to meet Barbatos. Is he a good fighter? I’ve never battled a god before because a certain someone refuses to spar with me. Maybe we can spar when I get there? You wanted me to return so badly, so you can’t refuse!
I can hardly believe I’ll be coming back to Liyue soon. It almost feels like a dream. I’ll send another letter the day of my ship and my expected arrival. This is really happening, isn’t it? I’ll bring your rock heart along with me. I’ve taken care of it well for you. I feel bad about leaving my family already, but they practically begged me to go. They’ve seen a few of your letters, so I’m sure they trust you. And… I trust whoever my family does.
Love,
Ajax