The Line of Love

2: Legacy over Tea

You cant get him out of your head, this Childe character. He saved you from trouble, but why? Who was he really? And why did you long to see him again?

You see the guards passing by and turn towards a table with an old woman, trying to make sure they don't see your face. You start awkwardly talking to the woman.

"Oh hello.... Isn't Liyue lovely" you say, hoping she is kind.

"Why yes dear, is it your first time visiting? Are you seeking help?" She says very kindly.

"Ah yes I was wondering if... you could recommend something to do here, maybe an experience or tradition." Even though you were stalling, you did genuinely want to learn about the specifics of what Liyue has to offer.

"Of course!" She laughs a little, and you see that the Millileth had passed, getting a feeling of relief. "You're avoiding the guards, aren't you?"

"How did you-" she cuts you off.

"I know much more than you may think, but I can tell that you do really want to learn about Liyue, in which case you have come to the right person."

"Yes! I really do"

"Wonderful! So, my best recommendation is to have some tea here, Liyue is known for some unique tea."

"Just tea?" You say. It's not that tea was a bad thing, just not what you were expecting from her.

"Surprises are in store for you." She replies, making you a little confused. She does seem genuine.

"Thank you for the tip, I will make sure to try some tea." You say respectfully, about to leave.

"I have some brewing now if you would like to try before you go" she says, and you accept. You don't really have anywhere else to be so why not.

The woman pours some tea into a beautiful gold and green teacup. You thank her and take a sip. The flavor tastes like nothing you've ever had before, the sweetness mixed with an earthy herbal flavor, and the smooth texture that goes down your throat are absolutely amazing. So amazing in fact that you get this strange tingling feeling, but it's pleasant.

Your vision blurs for only a second before you realize you aren't where you started. There's beautiful golden trees and bridges. The sky is the most amazing shade of teal you've ever seen. You take a step forward in awe of the place.

"Beautiful isn't it?" The woman says, "I am adeptus Madame Ping, by the way"

"So this is what you meant when you said there were surprises! It's wonderful!" you say excitedly. "Oh, and my name is Y/N!"

"It's truly lovely to meet you" she says, pointing to a small table underneath a tree, "Come have a seat"

You walk over to the table and sit across from you, still drinking the tea that she made.

"When you came up to me, I knew I had found the right person. You my dear are not just ordinary. You're kind, and have a good sense of morality, and your fate... your destiny is here in Liyue, with the Adeptus, and Morax himself."

"What do you mean? I'm not too knowledgeable on the history of Liyue, but I would love to learn!" you say, still confused, but trying to be open to what the woman is saying.

"I might have to refer you to someone else for this... We adeptus are knowledgeable, yes, but I shouldn't keep you here for too long.." she seems to be thinking out loud a little, "I shall redirect you to Mr. Zhongli. He's an employee at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and a Liyue historian."

You take another sip and are transported out of the teapot, just as whimsically as you had came in.

"Thank you for listening to me dear"

"Thank you for the tea!" you say, waving to her and starting on your way to find a Mr. Zhongli.