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[The closer she approached the area, the more she wondered if she should have picked another day to go on this mission. However, as she shook her head, she couldn't allow herself to have any second thoughts. It was not or never as she walked closer in the forest. Mumbling to herself, she wondered what her grandfather would say with all of her doubts. While she know he wouldn't dare say anything rude, it did make her guess if she could handle such a task...

Or at least, her thoughts would have continued were it not for the ramblings of a certain old man next to her. Sighing to herself, she didn't know if she should be grateful that it served as a good distraction or not.]

Zhongli, must we talk about this? As thrilling as it is to talk about such wonderful things, I don't think now is the time to talk about it.

[Because really? Really?]

[ Zhongli turns to her mid-sentence, pine cone still precariously balanced in the palm of his hand. ]

Ah, my apologies. We need not talk about this at all.

[ And he pauses to nestle said pine cone near the roots of a nearby tree where it has the possibility to take root and grow into another magnificent pine. Should nature be willing.

And farther down the foggy winding path they travel. ]

Is there something else you wish to talk about instead?

[There was a moment of silence on her end. What did she want to talk about? There were a couple of things on her mind as she had to get the topic of her grandfather off of her mind. That said, she gave a small hum to herself.]

How do you feel about a little bit of poetry? Shall we have a poetry battle as we wander through the forest?

[Because that was much better than listening to what Zhongli had to say.]

A poetry battle...?

[ He tilts his head to one side, intrigued. He knew that young Miss Hu Tao was a very clever wordsmith, able to out debate people nearly twice her age. Therefore it should be no surprise that the complexities of Liyue poetry should come so easily to her. However,— ]

I am interested, but I'm afraid you'll have to teach me the rules as well as what kind of poetry you were envisioning.

Are you looking for something more traditional or perhaps utilizing the pendants' couple?

[ If it was the latter, then well— surely Zhongli could show off his (non-existant) grasp of this generation's youthful slang. ]

[Indeed, she could definitely make this interesting. While she was aware that Zhongli had a good grasp of poetry, she had to wonder just how much she knew. Not only that, she wanted to make sure that he had some kind of fun in this.

Placing her hand under her chin, she gave a small hum to herself.]

Of course I would be using the pendants' couple! You wouldn't think that I would ever try and make things boring now, would I?

[Because boring was never in her vocabulary! Either way, she'll clear her throat.]

Winds may blow but ice may freeze for it shall turn to dust.

[ Ah.

She was going easy on him, using something more traditional than what he had seen scribbled in the corner of this history books at the parlor. Had she pulled out her full power, Zhongli is not sure that he'd be able to catch up at all. ]

Moons may rise and sun may fall for today shall became the past.

[ Both halves of the couple end up a bit on the solemn side, but poetry was an expression of one's feelings. Perhaps this can be cathartic for the both of them. ]

Ginkgo leaves shed upon the frost waiting for warmer days.

[Indeed, that was quite an interest way to end the couplet. Humming to herself, she wondered if she should go easy on him or not. He was much more traditional compared to herself and should she go full stop, he might have some trouble.]

Be it may for people that seek warmer days, those who walk among the frost shall be amazed.

[Shall she go in for something different or traditional? Hmmm....]

Glowing below their feet shall remind them of sugary sweets as they embark in their memories of happier days.

There is no spring without winter's thaw.

[ He deviates completely from the intended length and alliteration of the verse, perhaps a bit morose and morbid in his addition. But there is no rainbow without a storm, no concept of relief without stress.

Zhongli can only guess what Hu Tao might find on the border between realms, but whatever that might be, he hopes it can bring her the closure that she is looking for. ]

Spectators to the march of time, what is left but awe.

[Indeed, tings were starting to get trickier. Narrowing her eyes, she had to think of something that would surprise him! But the problem was what. For a moment, she didn't say anything and instead, she cleared her throat.]

What does spring do but to bloom and let the cold go?

[Hmm....what could she add here?]

Cold as it might be, may it match with the flow of the sun.

And shine brightly among the stars in the dark night sky.

[ Ah, she really was quite mature for her age— despite (or perhaps in spite of) the exasperated look Zhongli wore when usually in her presence. She would make a excellent if not eccentric director to the Wangsheng funeral parlor. Even if it is much too soon for her to take up such a title. ]

I do believe that I shall have to call you the victor. I couldn't possibly continue to keep pace with your wit and silver tongue.

Are you certain? While you might act older than you are, I truly believe that there is a lot more than you know.

[Of course, she could only make assumptions. For as young as he looked, she was rather impressed with his vast knowledge of things based on the little time she had known him.]

[ When you're a 6000 year old god and can't even hide your divine quirks from a (currently grieving) teenager...

Oh Rex Lapis, save this poor bumbling fool. ]

You flatter me. I know as much as any normal person might now, biased toward my own personal interests and passions.

But if you insist, might I end with one final poem for you to complement?

Of course! What kind of poem shall you grant me, oh wise consultant?

[Whatever he had to for her, she will dish it right back. Crossing her arms, she gave a smirk or two. She was fully prepared for whatever will come her way!]

[ Perhaps Zhongli is cheating more than a little when he recites his next poem. Through his age, meetings with those outlanders beyond Teyvat, or even amidst the piles and piles of secrets he keeps, one of the things that he has always treasured is the stories told, the cultures preserved, and the ideas exchanged. Xiao — the beloved name he presented to one of his yaksha did not come from this world. And so it is only fitting that Hu Tao (clever as she was with her unlimited potential) be offered a similar gift.

So for his next poem, he borrows one from a world beyond. One that seems to fit the somber mood of their journey no matter how this road to see her grandfather ends. ]

The red beans grow in southern land.
In spring they overload the trees.
Gather them till full is your hand.
They would revive fond memories.

[Which was why Hu Tao raised an eyebrow or two. She had heard of poems like those before but they were rare. In the back of her mind, she had to wonder just how much he had read before he decided to work at the parlor.]

....Thank you. That means a lot to hear.

[While she could give a poem of her own, she'll leave it be. Not when Zhongli had given her something some beautiful.]

You have been much too kind to me.

[ Zhongli does not comment on the lack of returning poem. Hu Tao will manage to do it in her own way in her own time and on her own terms. That was her charm and the charm of her grandfather before her— two people who refused to bend to that which was conventional to allow the world to experience something new. ]

I do not believe I am doing anything particularly out of the ordinary. But I'm glad that you approve of it.

[ And as if the very heart of Liyue knows that they have reached the end of their friendly competition, the both of them find themselves on the final approach to the border. The leyline energies here are erratic here as they always are, perhaps eager to swallow up any memories that those departing leave behind.

The air here is damper and the air alight with fireflies and other small radiant buzzing insects. While neither of them are looking, a geo crystalfly carefully finds perch on top of the late director's (and now Hu Tao's) hat. ]

You might say that but I truly believe in giving credit when it is due.

[Because at the end of the day, Zhongli didn't have to do any of this. She could have simply gone to The Border by herself without anyone accompanying her. But to know that her grandfather employee was helping her out was more than enough. Perhaps this might be a way for her grandfather to say that he was watching over her.

Giving a slight chuckle, she shook her head. Whatever it might be, she'll just have to talk to her grandfather once she sees him! But now that they were at the gate, she gave a huge smile to him.]

Any last words before I venture off?

[ The smile, real or not, prompts a small smile from Zhongli in return. There are many predictable things that he could say: "Do not do anything reckless or foolish." "I'll be here waiting for you."

But instead, he ultimately decides to go with something a little less predictable. ]

Act in accordance with the will of the next Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I believe the rest shall then fall into place.

[ He tilts his head to one side, almost as if asking for her approval. ]

[As she looked at Zhongli and then back at the gate? All she could do was stare. She wasn't expecting an answer like that, she fully expected him to wish her luck at The Border. However, at the same time, she also wasn't surprised either.

Knowing him, he was aware of her abilities and what she could do.]

Then very well, I shall bid you farewell for now! Until then, I shall see you when I see my grandfather!

[She said as she turned around and walked toward the gate. Giving one last look at Zhongli, she gave a faint smile before she wandered off.]

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1000 apologies for the late reply. December, man... Still up for continuing this if you are! <3

How dare you. And for that delay, I shall tag you into forever.

/accepts punishment with open arms

\o

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