Chapter Text
It begins again when Albedo finds a glowing object drifting on the wintry winds of Dragonspine.
On closer inspection, it can only be a lantern. Elegantly hand-crafted, made of delicate fiber and paper, it nevertheless survives the storm and squall that strikes the mountain from the shores of the Guyun Sea. Curiosity, as always, seizes hold within Albedo, and he catches the lantern out of the air before it can dash itself against the wind-tossed waves and salted rocks by the water's edge.
The lantern emits a warm, golden glow from within. He turns it in his hands, inspecting the nature of its construction. That's when he sees the writing, inscribed carefully on a tag that hangs from the lantern's base:
"I wish that he would come back to me."
Something about that plain, simple wish strikes Albedo to his core. Anyone could have sent it: the love-struck paramour of a sailor on the high seas; a mother mourning her lost son; or even a child seeking a missing pet.
But to Albedo, those words invoke a particular person, whose memory stands at the forefront of his mind.
Aether.
It's been several months since the golden traveler's visit to Dragonspine, and his brief stay in Albedo's company. In the time since then, Albedo's had a breakthrough in his research, and his days have been filled with non-stop work, experiments and intense study. He knows he's making progress, but it also seems that the questions he needs to answer are multiplying. The data he obtained from studying Aether... the memories of the traveler's bright laughter and golden eyes... These things occupy him daily, filling his daylit hours and long nights.
Holding the lantern in his hands, Albedo finds himself drawn to its warm golden light. It reminds him of the traveler's eyes; the way Albedo felt in his presence, hopeful and inspired and warm despite the icy grip of Dragonspine. Of course, a lantern is a poor facsimile of the man in question. Yet, still, the glow of the lantern, and the wish inscribed on it, causes a feeling, familiar yet strange, to well up inside of him once again.
He knows the likelihood that Aether himself sent the lantern is next to impossible. But even so, he can't stop imagining...
He forces these messy thoughts to a hidden corner of his mind and examines the construction of the lantern itself. As he suspected, the mechanism that sends it afloat is not fire, but a chunk of plaustrite, that gravity-defying mineral. How curious, he thinks. Recently, his own research has delved into the topic of flight. Seeing the Skyfrost Nail rise up from the mountain's peak has given rise to yet another flurry of questions. Perhaps, by observing these lanterns, he can understand how such an ancient mechanism can defy the laws of this world.
These lanterns come from Liyue, Albedo thinks, which must mean it is the annual Lantern Rite festival. He gazes across the water, in the direction of where Liyue Harbor lies on the far side of the vast sea. He'd last seen the traveler flying off in that direction. Could Aether be there now?
Already, without realizing it, Albedo's made up his mind. He has to go to Liyue himself, to observe the lanterns in flight. And if he happens to come across a certain golden-haired traveler at the same time... well, then that will be all the better for his research.
The question remains of how Albedo will travel there in time. But, just as the whims of the wind brought the lantern to him, he's confident that he'll find a way to Liyue Harbor somehow.
***
His answer arrives in the form of a pirate ship.
He spies the galleon at a distance, anchored out beyond the ice floes. Albedo observes from a hidden outlook, watching as the large ship dispatches smaller rowboats to the shore. The sailors disembark, and immediately set to work filling up crates with chunks of unrefined ore.
The sailors are overseen by a tall, imposing woman dressed in red Liyue fashion. She wears an eyepatch and carries an Electro Vision at her hip.
Albedo emerges from his hiding place and approaches her as she's barking orders at the sailors:
"C'mon, let's hurry it up, people! The faster we load up this Starsilver, the faster we can all get outta this archons-forsaken snow and ice and wash away our sorrows in high quality booze!"
"Excuse me," Albedo says politely. "Would you be the captain of this vessel?"
"Eh?" She turns around, a look of surprise showing on her face, which quickly resolves into a confident smirk. "Aye. Captain Beidou of the Crux fleet, at your service!" She waves a hand towards the sailors that are gathering ore. "If you're here regarding the Starsilver, we totally have a permit. We'll be on our way soon enough."
"I'm not here about the ore," Albedo says. "I merely wanted to ask, is this ship headed to Liyue Harbor?"
"Of course! Wouldn't want my crew to miss out on this year's Lantern Rite, after all," Beidou says with a grin. "This is our last stop. After that, it's on to Liyue!"
"I was wondering if I might secure passage on board your ship. I can pay," Albedo says. As Chief Alchemist, he gets a rather hefty monthly stipend from the Knights of Favonius, more than he knows what to do with most of the time.
Beidou gives him a once-over. "Y'know it's not often we run into people in a place like this. What's your name, kid?"
He's not a kid, but, "Albedo Kreideprinz," Albedo answers. "Alchemist from Mondstadt." He avoids giving his full title; he's not certain how much weight the Knights of Favonius name carries in Liyue, nor is he confident that the Captain cares very much for authority, given the dubiously-legal nature of her crew's activities.
At his words, Beidou's eyes light up. "An alchemist, you say?" She grins. "That's not too common. Most kids these days aren't interested in learning a trade like that. They'd rather make a living through treasure hunting! Ahaha, but who doesn't enjoy a good treasure hunt every now and then?" She lets out a deep, mirthful laugh.
Albedo's not surprised at her reaction. Most in Teyvat share a similar attitude towards the practice of alchemy: a trade like any other, useful if unglamorous.
"Tell ya what, kid. I'll take you to Liyue — free of charge. In exchange..." She snaps her fingers. "Our crew picked up a batch of gemstone shards during one of our recent expeditions. I bet they'd sell for a much better price if they were whole gems, instead."
"I can do that," Albedo says. This type of alchemy is trivial, and rather beneath him; but it's a small price to pay for swift passage.
"...Oh, and," Beidou adds, "When we make it to Liyue. Maybe don't mention what we're doing here with the Starsilver? If anyone asks, we were just in Dragonspine for a little sightseeing."
Ah. So Albedo was correct about the legality of their activities, or lack thereof. Still, it makes no difference to him. "I won't mention it."
"All right! Then it's a deal," Beidou says, extending her hand.
Albedo accepts the firm handshake. He knows how much stock the people of Liyue place in their contracts; he's not one to take such a thing lightly.
"How much longer do you expect to remain here? I'd like to retrieve some supplies before we depart, if possible."
"We'll be here a little while longer, but you'd better make it snappy," says Beidou. "My crew doesn't like spending much time in the cold. Nor do I, for that matter." She gives a slight shiver. "Don't know how you're able to stand it for so long."
"Thank you. I'll be back momentarily," Albedo tells her, and departs.
He returns shortly with a travel sack slung over his back. He's decamped his nearby outpost, taking with him a variety of ingredients and tinctures, as well as any experiments that were compact enough to fit in his bag. He'd put a stopper in those that were too large or unwieldy to carry. The cold of Dragonspine will keep those ongoing reactions preserved until his eventual return.
He also carries with him the lantern, which hangs from the back of his travel pack. He knows it's rather foolish and sentimental; but if he's going to attend the Lantern Rite, then it's only logical he bring his own lantern with him.
He moves with haste, but by the time he returns, all but one of the row boats have returned to the ship, and Beidou is waiting in the last boat, hands on her hips.
"There you are! I was starting to get worried you weren't coming back, and we'd have to sail off without you," Beidou says. "All ready now?"
Albedo nods, apologizing for the wait. The two board the last row boat, and shortly arrive on board the larger vessel.
The ship, Albedo quickly learns, is the Alcor, the flagship of the Crux fleet. It's undeniably a warship, with large ballistae mounted on either side. Its construction is both elegant and fierce, with an intricately-carved dragon head at its prow, and red-dyed sails that unfurl like leathery wings to catch the winter wind. To Albedo, it calls to mind a floating palace, which would make Beidou its mighty pirate queen.
"We'll sail overnight and reach Liyue Harbor by the morning," Beidou says as they board. “You’re welcome to any spare bunk you can find in the crew’s quarters.”
“Thank you,” Albedo says, although he doubts he’ll get very much sleep that night.
“Not every day you get to sail on board a vessel as mighty as this one, eh? She’s my pride and joy,” says Beidou. “Want the grand tour, kid?”
“I appreciate the offer, but,” Albedo says, “I’d prefer to do the alchemy you requested, first.”
“Hardworking little guy, aren’tcha? I can respect that,” Beidou says. “I’ll introduce you to Mora-Grubber, then. She’s in charge of inventory—”
“Oi, Captain!” Shouts one of the crew. “Who’s the short stack you brought on board?”
“Albedo, from Mondstadt,” Beidou says. “Says he’s an alchemist.”
“But you’re Beidou—”
“Better watch your tongue around our guest,” Beidou growls, “unless you want that skull of yours cracked any more than it already is.” The Vision at her hip flickers meaningfully.
“S-sorry Captain!” The sailor hastily apologizes and scampers off.
Already, Albedo can tell that the atmosphere here is drastically different from the isolated lifestyle he’s grown accustomed to. The ship is a constant flurry of activity, with sailors manning the sails, carrying supplies to and fro, shouting commands and laughing at raunchy jokes. It seems a small city unto itself, he thinks. A floating city, astride the waves...
Beidou shows him to the corner of the ship where the ship's steward, aptly named Mora-Grubber, gives him the once-over. Deeming him trustworthy enough, she shows him to a small room below deck. There, in that somewhat cramped space, Albedo is surprised to find a weathered and cracked alchemy table.
"Been a minute since we had a proper alchemist on board," Mora-Grubber tells him. She hands him the pouch filled with gem shards and fixes him with a wary gaze that indicates she doesn't fully trust him yet. "Just so you know, I weigh absolutely everything that comes onto or goes off this ship. If these gemstones are the tiniest bit lighter when I get them back from you..." she gives him a meaningful look.
"Of course, I understand," Albedo says. The thought to take some of the gemstones hadn't even crossed his mind. "I will do my services as requested and return the gems to you in their entirety."
"See that you do," the steward says, and leaves Albedo to his work.
Fusing the gem shards is a simple, albeit tedious task, and it gives Albedo time to think. He considers their destination. Although he's read extensively about Liyuen culture in his books, Albedo's never actually been to Liyue Harbor itself; only traveled brief expeditions into the countryside bordering Mondstadt. He's never put very much thought into the idea of visiting the city before, particularly in the midst of its biggest celebration of the year.
Liyue; land of Geo and contracts, of ancient wars and modern prosperity, where powerful Adepti walk alongside mortals. As a member of the Knights of Favonius, he'd of course been briefed on the happenings in Mondstadt's neighboring nation: the sudden death of Rex Lapis, followed by the unexpected revival of an ancient and vengeful god. He'd heard how Liyue's guardians, mortal and immortal alike, had banded together to defend their home, repelling the threat at great personal cost. Aether, too, had been there, subverting a Fatui plot to sabotage the city's defenses.
It's truly the stuff of legends, he thinks. Which would make Aether a legendary hero.
What does that make him, he wonders? A mentor figure, perhaps. An eccentric oddity encountered in some far-away and inhospitable locale. Albedo doesn't usually put much thought into how others perceive him; their impressions of him are largely irrelevant when it comes to his research. So then, why does it matter how Aether regards him? What is it that makes that golden-eyed boy so special?
The ship lists suddenly, scattering both the gem shards and Albedo's concentration. He acknowledges the pinch of frustration inside his gut as he stoops to gather the fallen shards. This work is taking longer than he expected; not only that, but the constant rocking of the boat against the waves is giving rise to a perpetual sensation of being off-balance. He also realizes it's been quite some time since he's last eaten.
He resolves to finish his work when his mind is better prepared. He neatens up his workspace, dividing the complete gems from incomplete, and heads above deck for some fresh air.
Above board, he's surprised to encounter a cheery and raucous atmosphere. Sailors are cheering and rejoicing, hoisting flagons of ale and celebrating the conclusion of a long and arduous campaign on the high seas, of returning home in time for the Lantern Rite. The air is filled with a chorus of voices joined together in a sea shanty; while an aspiring musician strums vigorously at a guqin.
"There you are, lil' alchemist!"
He startles as someone tosses an arm across his shoulder. He glances up and sees Captain Beidou herself grinning down at him, a flagon of ale in her off-hand and a ruddy flush across her cheeks.
"I was wondering where you went," Beidou says. "Seems like I looked away for a minute and you were just gone. Where'd you go off to?"
"I— I was," he sputters, "Merely performing the alchemy you requested of me—"
"Ah, that? That can wait!" Beidou lifts her flagon, slopping ale over the side. Her inebriation is already showing. "C'mon, live a little! It's your first Lantern Rite, isn't it? As an honorary member of the Crux, join us for a hearty meal and libations!"
Without allowing him to object, she leads Albedo towards the canteen, where the ship's chef presents them with skewers of fire-roasted fish, mussels and scallops, drizzled in lemon juice. In his other hand, Beidou presses a flask of some sort of alcoholic beverage.
Albedo decides it would be rude to tell her that he usually prefers tea to alcohol. In the name of science, he gives the drink an experimental sniff; only to find that it carries a fruity aroma. He tries a taste, and finds that it is not beer as he expected, but rather a variety of plum wine, sweet and spiced. It percolates in his bloodstream, spreading warmth throughout his chest.
After that, he allows Beidou to steer him to the frontmost deck of the ship. It's nighttime, a layer of clouds obscuring the light of the stars and the moon. He has no problem finding his way, however, as the ship's deck is illuminated by lanterns hung from its masts and off the edges of its roofs. It seems the Lantern Rite has begun here in earnest, many hours before their arrival in Liyue Harbor. Far below the upper deck, the waves of the Guyun sea churn darkly against the ship's prow.
"So, what's your story?" Beidou asks, reclining against the outer railing, using the wooden skewer to pick pieces of grilled fish from her teeth. "Takes a lotta guts to up and ask a stranger for passage on board their ship. What's got you wanting to see the Lantern Rite so bad?"
Considering his answer for a moment, Albedo says, "I am merely... curious about the alchemical properties of plaustrite. I wish to observe the lanterns in flight, so that I may better understand how it functions."
"Hmm," Beidou says, swirling her beer around its flagon. "Sorry, but I'm not buying it. There's gotta be some other reason, isn't there?"
His base instinct is to deny, to obfuscate. But something — whether it's the plum wine in his bloodstream, or the strangely disarming presence of the pirate queen, compels honesty out of him instead. "...Yes. There is... someone I'd like to see, if indeed they are there."
"Aha! There it is," Beidou exclaims, clapping Albedo over the shoulder. "I figured as much. Soon as I saw that Xiao Lantern hanging from your bag, I knew you weren't just there for a little sightseeing." She gives a wistful sigh into her own drink. "Ah, young love... that's something that's all too familiar."
Her words are like an Electro shock up his spine. Love...?
"You'll be following in a long, time-honored Liyue tradition of Lantern Rite love confessions," Beidou continues, apparently oblivious to Albedo's inner crisis. "They say if you carve your lover's name into a lantern, and release it to the skies, then destiny will find a way to bring you together again." She gives a low chuckle, sipping from her drink again. "'Course, that's just an old superstition. But you know, we sailors are a pretty superstitious lot."
When Albedo doesn't respond, she nudges him again with her elbow. "Uh, kid? You doing okay?"
"—Yes," Albedo says automatically, returning from where he was lost in the thoughts swirling in his mind. Destiny will find a way... he shakes his head to try and dispel those echoing words. He steps away from the railing and Beidou's side. "I must apologize, Captain, but I should be returning to my duties, if I am to finish my task by morning."
Beidou looks a little disappointed. "Aw, okay," she says, then cracks a small smile. "I hope you find your person, alchemy kid. The Lantern Rite is best shared with someone special, after all..."
He bids her a polite farewell and returns below deck once more, his thoughts a storm inside his mind.
Love? Him? Body of chalk, boy without a heart — how could someone like him ever fall in love?
And yet. And yet. He recalls that ephemeral sensation, the pure certainty of something that compelled that otherworldly seed to sprout. The tingling, lingering feeling left behind by a brush of Aether's hand.
Something brought that lantern to him — of this, Albedo is undoubtedly certain. If not love, then what? If not Aether, then who?
As he sits in that cramped workshop, lantern held between his hands, the creaking wood of the gently swaying ship and the maudlin drunken voices of the sailors above deck are a distant impression on the maelstrom that is his mind.
This could be his biggest mistake yet, he thinks. Or it could be his greatest breakthrough. Only time, and the fast-approaching shore on the opposite side of the sea, will tell which one it is.
***
"Lower the mainsail! Drop the anchor! We've arrived in Liyue Harbor!"
A cacophony of voices rouses Albedo from fitful slumber. He quickly deduces they've reached their destination, and gathers his things, including the satchel of now-fully-formed gemstones. He emerges from below deck to find the deck a flurry of activity once again, as the sailors prepare to unload their cargo, or stumble, hungover, down the gangplank and onto dry land.
He swiftly locates Beidou, who's standing by the ramp, supervising the unloading process. Her eyes light up as she sees him approach.
"Hey, alchemy kid!" Beidou waves him over with a grin on her face. If she's at all hungover, she doesn't show it. "Allow me to formally welcome you to Liyue Harbor!"
"Thank you for allowing me passage on your ship," Albedo tells her. He holds out the sachet of gems. "Here are your refined gems, per our agreement."
Beidou accepts the sachet, shaking out its contents into the palm of one hand. "Fine work," she says, inspecting them carefully, before returning them to their bag. "I knew it was a good idea, picking you up from Dragonspine. Come to think of it, I never did figure out what someone like you was doing there, of all places..."
Albedo extends his hand, ignoring her veiled question. "It was an honor to meet you, Captain Beidou," he says.
"You, too, Alchemist Albedo," she replies, shaking his hand firmly in return. As she does, Albedo feels her leave something in the palm of his hand. He inspects it: it's one of the gems from the collection, a pristine piece of Prithiva Topaz.
Beidou winks — or rather, blinks, given the eyepatch — at him. "For luck," she says with a smile. "May it help you find that special person you're seeking..."
"I— thank you," Albedo manages to say, that feeling fluttering in his chest again. He bids her farewell, and descends down the gangplank into the dockyard.
Before and around him sprawls Liyue Harbor, lit by the morning sunlight in all its magnificence. Towering mountains frame the terraced city, with its sharp-pointed roofs, cascading waterfalls, arching bridges and mighty ships. Already, the city is bedecked in festive decorations, colorful streamers descending down the sides of buildings, unlit Xiao Lanterns hanging from roofs and merchant stalls. At night, he knows it will come ablaze with golden light, those floating lanterns lifting into the air, carrying the wishes and dreams of all of its festival-goers.
Somewhere in the city, down its bustling streets and in the shadow of those mountains, is the golden-haired traveler. Albedo just needs to find him.
Squaring his travel pack across his shoulders, Xiao Lantern hanging from its back, Albedo sets off into the heart of the city.