𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐞

23 | Karmic Debt and You (1)

My age seemed to truly show as I watched as Lei-li ran around the city. The vision from earlier had drained me of my energy and, to be honest, I didn't even feel like getting better clothes today. I just didn't want to face Zhongli so soon. The weird atmosphere between us was also exhausting in itself. I hummed a random song as I browsed the beautiful fabrics that the seamstress had on display. Lei-li came up to me holding an emerald green fabric with golden flowers embroidered on it.

She held it up so I could see it better. The silk felt wonderful in my hands. "What do you think?" She asked, an excited smile on her face. "Should I get this color or go with something similar to what mom used to wear?" Lei-li held up a light blue fabric with cloudesque shapes on it.

A light blue hanfu had been the last thing I'd seen Guizhong in. "As much as Guizhong would be honored, I feel like she'd want you to wear something you would like," I said, picking up a glaze lily shaped comb. "Maybe you could incorporate things reminiscent of her into your outfit." I held the comb out to her.

She gasped. "Oh my gods, you've given me a wonderful idea! Thank you, thank you, thank you?" She gave me a quick hug and bounded off to no doubt look for more things to tie her outfit together.

"That girl," I sighed, running a tired hand through my hair as I turned back the fabrics I'd been looking at.

The seamstress, Ms. Mei, chuckled, a fond smile upon her aged face. "Your daughter is adorable, reminds me of my granddaughter," she said, her voice that of someone remembering a good memory. I pointed out a deep plum colored fabric that I loved. "These youngins are hard to keep up with at my age."

My heart wanted to jump out of my chest with pride at her calling Lei-li my daughter. "I understand completely. I can already feel arthritis coming for me."

"Oh, it doesn't get much easier, that's for sure!"

We continued to chat while Lei-li finished grabbing her things. Once Lei-li's done, Ms. Mei takes our measurements. I felt bad that she needed a higher footstool to properly measure me and ended up apologizing. She waved me off, apparently unbothered by my comically tall height. Afternoon was fast approaching by the time we finished up with clothes. I decided it would be best to get something to eat.

Lei-li ended up deciding to buy some grilled tiger fish and I got almond tofu. We walked around Liyue Harbor, content with checking out the things we hadn't been able to fully admire. The city had grown beautifully. I glanced down at Lei-li who had grown oddly silent. Wondering if something was bothering her, I held out my hand for her to grab if need be.

She looked up, confused but grabbed my hand anyway. We ended up wandering up to Yujing Terrace, still snacking as we stared out at the bustling city.

"Ya know, this almost feels like a dream," Lei-li said as she swung our hands back and forth.

I questioned, "How so?"

She thought for a moment. "It's almost like I blinked and woke up in modern Teyvat. I had no dreams while I was asleep...it hardly feels like Four thousand years have passed," Lei-li said, her grip tightening on my hand. "And yet, I can tell when I look at you and Zhongli that you're different. You're not Rex Lapis and Aphelion...or at least not the ones I grew up with."

I bent down and hugged her, holding her tightly. "You miss them, don't you?" My shoulder grew warm with her tears as she broke down in my arms. I rubbed her back and comforted her as best as I could. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it felt like to go to sleep for what you think is a few hours and wake to an entirely different world. I couldn't even wrap my head around how much Teyvat has changed and I'd been completely aware of the fact that it would.