primos | from @bakerstreet

from @bakerstreet

meteorder

I've gotten a lot better with my drinks, thank you kindly! I think sticking to one type helps keep my pranking fingers at bay. Jeez, I'm actually pretty long overdue for a good pranking... maybe Master Diluc ... maybe Miss Lisa...

Gah! Now you have me thinking of pranks, stop that.

[ He's trying to be good! Although, Zhongli may find it more bothersome to think back on spilled drinks, isn't that just life? A bunch of spilled drinks? They had a good laugh, even if Venti ran for his life in the process of it.

Even now... he thinks of it from time to time. ]

My timing is as it needs to be. I'll arrive promptly at the outskirts of Mondstadt's east gate and give you the best tour. The history, the gossip, and the best company you can expect. Just... let's avoid the church, eh? The sisters have been a bit agitated lately.

[ Funny enough, Venti's already taking down notes in a small leather notebook – all key points of his city and the people he'd introduce Zhongli to. Little stars and hearts around important bullet items line the paper, but... he stops between messages to soak it in. It's funny how the tables have turned...

Morax is not dead. That news brought him such joy, just as Venti's awakening must have done the same to the geo archon. The bard can't help but smile a bit wider. ]

There's just a few rules you have to follow. Ready to hear them?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Honestly, the fruit basket was a bit much. Overbearing in every sense of the word, an extreme of the friendliness he totes so proudly. Proof that a city can function without a tight grip upon it... that his lands flourish. As much as he was trying to get the man to live a little, he's also trying to subvert expectation.

There was no threat bringing them together, no funeral or sadness – it was a joyous occasion but one Morax should be rightfully weary up. Had the fruit been rotten in the inside? Had it been filled with salt? Perhaps just rocks painted to mimic fruit? Barbatos was tricky as much as he was welcoming.

Venti was fine with his display until a chilling reminder of a voice long since lost in his mind – for once, he does not mind being called that. Not in this moment. Instead, it just makes him bite back a smirk. ]

Morax.

[ A hushed, acknowledging submission that where an archon ended, a bard began – weaved together in one form... just as Morax experienced many lives now. ]

Oh, yeah! Your land expands to the sea, mine seems to build towards the heavens.

[ Liyue harbor was quite a place, always something being prepared for with their festival schedules – putting him to shame, honestly. Venti muses that he'll nudge the sisters along over the next few years to 'find' something... maybe like an Apple Cider Festival? Ehe, but that was for another day, another worry.

Venti shakes the basket a little as if telling him to take it, impatient as he rocks back and forth on his heels. ]

There's going to come a time when we stop being amused by changes – maybe on our actual deathbeds, but... there will be a time. Shall you accompany me, esteemed guest, for the morning market?

[ Morax rooted himself in tradition, the festivities held in Liyue came from those traditions. over time, they just mounted into the array of moonchases and lantern rites as Liyue's means of celebrating evolved over time. it was something he was quite proud of – both upholding that tradition as well as new expressions each and every year. he had been there from their conception until now, and it was like watching a story pass between generations, changing into something else at the other end.

then Venti is making a big deal out of something and Zhongli reaches to accept the gift as graciously as a god would accept an offering. (that's what it felt like this was, and it wasn't in him to decline such things.) it is a little awkward watching him stand there with a basket, it takes him a moment to find the poise to make the whole thing look a little more natural than it may appear. ]

Apples, sunsettias and valberries – they're all native to Mondstadt, if I'm recalling correctly. Valberries are a storm watchers' food, aren't they? [ there was a surprising amount of thought and work that was put into this – he's a little impressed. Venti wasn't someone who's efforts were usually found within ten feet of anything that was considered work. ] You must have went north for these.

[ he considers this as he falls in step with Venti. ]

Since you've extended such efforts, I doubt there's anything we'll need to purchase. [ says the person with no money. ] Though I take it you may have something else in mind you want to show me.

[ There were a handful of festivals, but could you blame Venti for wanting more? It gives the masses reasons to enjoy life and slow down. Coming from someone as free and flighty as him? It means a lot.

As the gift was accepted, he offers a respected nod. ]

Yup. If you're going to sample the best of my lands, we're starting from the very beginning. The seed, if you will, and soon you shall see the harvest. – Beyond the actual fruit in the basket, shh.

[ He's trying to be all reflective. ]

Huh? Yeah. Past the Stormbearer Mountains. It was a light jog... no worries. [ It took the most time to gather, but hey – worth it. ] Don't tell me those are your favorite?

[ Either way, two broke bitches were at a crossroads. The market was beginning – stands and set-ups of all occasions but mostly it was food. There was the flowergirl in town, however. Her sunny smile could melt any heart and reminds Venti the good in the world. Sure... she can be a spitfire, but – Venti has a softspot for the youth of Mondstadt. ]

We can find a table to enjoy your gift, but yes – why not just see where the wind takes us? We may find something that catches our eyes!

[ And he's hoping he can sweet talk for the rule he insisted: flowers for Zhongli to choose from. ]

[ he's neither confirming nor denying his affinity for valberries, ok.

when he arrived he was only half certain what to expect – it was always like this with Barbatos. where there was stone, he found a way to shake it, following whims over anything akin to responsibility. millennia ago, it was one of his qualities that was maddening to Morax, now he finds it, well, charming in a way that he didn't expect. perhaps he's gotten soft over the years.

the years have still done nothing for Zhongli's expression, pulled inward and pondering the space were his memory meets the present.

while they pass through the stone archway, the Knights are not trained enough not to give them both curious looks, even of Zhongli only nods politely in reply. Mondstadt – the city proper – is no stranger to visitors, but it's not pinnacle of trade like Dornman Port where the goods from across the ocean was traded among its visitors.

the looks the receive aren't limited there, but it's only passing glances before the vendors keep to their stands, stacking fruit and placing goods. ]

You're as incurable as I remember. [ no plan!! no schedule!!! just whatever this thing is that Venti does that he's kind of liking but will never, ever be able to get used to. ] The wind may as well take us to the tavern, and somehow I doubt that we'll miss it, given your afflictions. I take it those haven't changed, either. It's just a matter of when, in this case.

[ but the jab is more of a tease rather than anything harsh, given the warmth in his voice. he also might be smiling a little bit – just a little. ]

Your commerce has expanded quite a bit.

[ much hangs over them: disagreements about the Abyss, the catastrophe in Khaenri'ah, the Tsaritsa and her crusade against Celestia, the looming threat of erosion, as well as both of their missing Gnoses. after such a long slumber, he has to wonder just how fresh some of those are in Venti's mind, but for the moment he doesn't ruin the excitement. he did say that he'd try to keep all business to a minimum. ]

[ The truth was, even if he was 'planning' most of the night, they were half-assed. A good attempt, but planning wasn't his strong suit. If he has a list, vague but still formed from good intentions, this could work.

To welcome and impress Morax for reasons... he still isn't addressing. He's not sure and he won't speak a word until he was. Precision and clarity is what made his art so well-known – why not apply that with feelings as well?

There's no denying the heat in his chest and the sting of his cheeks from how deep of a grin he has on him. Their journey begins as any traveler would: through the gates of the city where the weaving stone and hoisted windmills work their magic. ]

You think so poorly of me?!

[ A shooting glance went Zhongli's way as he steals an apple to roll up his arm as if that...proved something?

Give him some trust if he doesn't drop the apple or something. It was childish, but so was Venti. A few quickened steps forward and he turns to face Zhongli, walking backwards quite gracefully without crashing and burning. Smooth. ]

Whatever afflictions I have are all in the name of – [ The nameless? Venti bites his tongue and looks away. ] In the name of living a free life. The people here enjoy their ciders and their wines... and it is my honor to enjoy them as well!

[ Purposefully, Venti avoids the weight of the world. A good drink or 37 makes him feel light, like he could fly even if he wasn't blessed with Anemo. It makes him regret less, miss less, and fear less. While he isn't a sad drunk by any means, there's a reason he enjoys it so much – it's a distraction.

Now? Zhongli was his distraction. ]

Many things expand with time. You know, some of the recordkeepers even say the shorelines are disappearing in East Mondstadt. I wonder if the ocean will swallow the land whole at some point? What a story that would be.

[ With a distinct crunch Venti takes a bite of his apple and leads Zhongli deeper into the small market. Sleepy shop owners selling wares and... ah, both of them with no Mora to spend. A shame. He'll keep an eye out for Flora – she's a little late but she's good to get a freebie from. ]

Are you impressed yet? Go on, go on, sing my praises! They would mean ever so much for such a distinguished businessman as you, Mor – Zhongli.

Edited (late night typo fixing....) 2021-12-09 07:30 (UTC)

[ there it is, give Venti an inch and he takes a mile. Zhongli watches the display of apple-rolling and apple-eating with mild interest, his expression still as stony as Mondstadt's outer walls. Venti had always only half-listened and half-heard anything to do responsibility or duty. it felt like everything always passed by him in favor of leisure, and whatever that leisure may bring with it. ]

For being left to their devices for so long, your people seem capable. [ that's not surprising, since Mondstadt has always been capable. sometimes too capable, in the times the nobles tried to impose their will on the rest of the population during Barbatos' slumbers. ] That in itself is impressive.

[ and not really a direct compliment, but an indirect one while Barbatos preens and fishes while munching on an apple like a gremlin.

then, he muses: ]

A bustling marketplace and willing hands being put to work – along with standard prices that are kept affordable for the city to prosper. There's a mixture of local specialties and even some of Liyue's prized exports, with emphasis on ensuring costs reflect the proper fees and taxes, keeping the quality of those local goods up. A good harvest means the weather has been favorable – [ that he knows is Barbatos' hand. ] – and this year's vintage will be finely aged for next season.

[ then, he closes his eyes and lets out a little hmph. ]

They still do better when you're around, but they will be fine once you decide to leave.

[ though, he supposes that's not exactly what Venti meant. ]

[ Such is life. Why not go with the flow? An evening wind, a morning breeze or... a half-gathered plan. Venti's light on his feet, but there's no room for him to stumble. Not when he had an appearance to uphold. ]

They're good people. Mostly. A few bad... ehe, apples, but... it's unavoidable. They look to Barbatos with this ideal and assumptions. Who am I to steer them otherwise?

[ It's still funny to him the Sisters are all so stuffy! They should be enjoying life, living by the real rule of Barbatos, not trying to 'honor' him. Perhaps that's why that one red-headed Sister catches his eye... and makes him drink faster when they're sitting side by side in Angel's Share. :/

But, Mondstadt was not Liyue. Not organized, not polished like a stone under the right pressure. There was messiness in the morning market. Chickens running around as a farmer tries to lure them back to their cages, the smell of cooked onions stinking up part of the city, and yes... the flower girl is so late! Ugh!

An angry crunch as he enjoys his apple, Venti is left conversing among their idle walk. ]

H-Huh?! That sounds like a lot of words for Venti, you're the best! But – I thank you. I ensured we would welcome all here... never closing up like it was before. I'm glad Liyue makes its way over here often.

[ A small snicker hides how satisfying it feels. Not to have rocks tossed at you, not to have to drag the man to open up a bit. Some fresh air certainly does wonders, doesn't it?

...And the topic was Venti's favorites – compliments. ]

They better be. They're not children and I'm getting waaaay too old playing babysitter. I'd love to take a thousand years off to dig my feet in the water and enjoy a seabreeze away from the bustle of the city. [ butyoudidntdoanything.jpg ] Maybe get a tan or something.

[ Pointedly: ]

You know I could absolutely repeat everything you said to me and replace it with your lands too, hm? And, since it's loosely on-topic... how's it feel being a dead guy?

[ Not like he's bitter, nope. ]

Edited (rewording) 2021-12-10 22:35 (UTC)

[ does it matter that they're in the middle of the market? because he's rambling like they're in a private room. ]

Well, since you've been asleep, the relations between Liyue and Mondstadt have evolved in their own practices.

[ he's about to go on, about to talk about some the nuances in commerce that comes down to the Qixing and the merchants of Mondstadt, but Venti has to go and say that. so, he trails off for a moment, but it's hard to tell what he's reasoning behind that stony expression of his, the one that Morax has been so fond of over the millennia.

he answers honestly. ]

I'm not at a loss for duty, but my dominion's time has come to an end. Finding ways to make use of myself without heeding the call of old habits in allowing those to make their decisions for the good of Liyue's sovereignty. It's no longer my place.

[ then he follows up: ]

Is that what you wanted to know?

[ Venti has absolutely lost in the artform called subtlety. This form allotted him far too much of a freedom to come and go – words do the same past the pout of his lips.

The jab to his nap only upturns his nose. ]

Good. They can carry on well when not under a watchful eye!

[ Venti was a knife slicing the conversation. From funeral consultant and bard to two archons left to their own devices... he so abruptly bridges the gap between them. ]

Mmm, I suppose it was. Even when I ask about current affairs, Liyue calls back to you. [ He gets it. Kind of. ] What kind of role do you really have if you're keeping those fingers out of the honeypot? I know you're probably dying – ehe – to say something to your people!

[ There's little pity about the route he took, only because he's mad he didn't get the memo immediately. :/ ]

It's good thing that Morax's guidance still lives on then, huh?

[ he's a god of contracts, and still he upholds those promises. perhaps his step away from Liyue felt like the end of an era, feeling fulfilled in his promise to Guizhong.

or, at least enough of it to allow the humans to prosper, and that came in letting go. ]

Barbatos.

[ he says his name evenly.

(it's lucky that the market has become bustling enough that they become an afterthought, lost in chatter and morning conversation. the novelty of the visitor from Liyue has worn off, and they become two more people running errands.) ]

Did you have something else you wanted to say to me?

[ because he can feel the tension – Barbatos was many things, but he wore his heart on his sleeve. ]

[ He feels as if he's scolded. Rarely were there times when someone did such a thing – but this one sticks. The way his name slices through the crowd – of course, that was when Zhongli encourages Venti to take his own identity seriously. ]

Oh, many things. [ Over a drink, preferably. But – with a few bites to bide his time, to finish straight to the core... he merely rolls the stem between his fingers in a dangling way. He looks out to the crowd – ] But, I suppose you're expecting me to say I'm glad you're not dead?

[ One part stubborn, one part embarrassed – he mimics Zhongli's voice: ]

Blah blah, contracts, blah blah, responsibility.

[ He stiffens his stance a bit, tugging his cap down a bit more defensively over his bangs. ]

I get it. I'm glad you found a way to live up to the calls that bind you, but do give me a heads up next time. Do you know how many nights I wasted mourning Rex Lapis? Even Mondstadt rang the church bells!

[ Truth, but tension tugs at him too. For as carefree as he is, Venti was incredibly bratty. He goes right to the heart – the real heart – of the matters and not, y'know... gnoses, travelers, and impending threat of doom? ]

This wasn't on my agenda for the day, y'know...

Edited 2021-12-14 04:37 (UTC)

[ his threshold for Barbatos' foolery was usually high – he tolerated everything from his little barbs to wine being poured over his head. they butt heads due to conflicts in their nature, but nothing had ever been malicious. freedom and fine print seemed like a dichotomy, and politics occasionally resonated to something that was more personal. the thought hadn't really passed Zhongli's mind in all of his planning for his final day as Liyue's Geo Archon – he'd left more than Venti wondering to his fate.

but he couldn't give; he had to be sure.

it takes him off-guard. he hadn't expected Venti's ire from a strictly political and practical decision on his part. (practical, right?) with Celestia hovering above, the Abyss below, and erosion ahead of them, he had to make a move before a move was made at him.

there's a stony look on his face as he regards him, tries to reason out Venti's frustration that stems from his own concerns. then he crosses his arms over his chest, quiet for a moment. ]

From the last I heard, the Anemo Archon had taken it upon himself to slumber for the last five-hundred years. There had been no word to Liyue of when he would awaken, or under what circumstances he could be called. [ Venti's not the only one who can be a little bratty, Zhongli just manages to look put together when he is. ] This could not be left for another year while I tried to uncover your current state, it wouldn't be fair to Liyue's people. It wasn't a slight against you.

[ just a decision made at the removal of certain personal feelings – though he still looks as if he may be trying to reason what those may be. ]

[ There were reasons their borders were open, why many beyond the archons traveled so freely between Mondstadt and Liyue. They ruled similarly enough without cruelty and instead a love for their people. It was different enough to help infuse cultures that complimented one another, honestly. Their people didn't live in fear, didn't abuse the land – even with two stark differences in how they ruled... things turned out better than to be expected.

Except, y'know, when archons drew hypocrisy like a breath of air.

He remembers the bell's call far into the evening, as Master Diluc poured a few glasses free of charge once the news hit of the archon's death. It was all awkward. One part bitterness, one part confusion.

Maybe Venti was foolish enough to think a certain rock really would survive the erosion of time.

Regardless, here and now his form was not of old. He quite promptly calls Venti out where he defensively drops the core of his fruit and gives an accusing wag of his finger. ]

That's different! [ It's not, but a bard weaves stories and lies just as easily past their lips. ] Sleep and a body being tossed so carelessly among the masses are two different things.

[ Sleep would offer hope, no matter how cruel.

The point was moot. Venti avoids any worry of his slight distaste for Celestia, he doesn't mourn the people lost to time, and he certainly doesn't mince words with Morax. He even goes as far as to stand on his tip-toes to fight off the red of his face – to challenge his old friend's logic.]

Then say you're sorry. With all the power in your chest. Give me an apology for not trusting me with your burden.

[ And, he realizes halfway he'll fail – so he demands a quick closure. Refusing to confront a difficult realization. Past Zhongli, Venti spots Flora bringing her batches of flowers to the stall for the morning. Just a little bit longer and he'd have a better leeway away from topics that frustrate him. ]

Then we can continue on without ruining the day.

Edited 2021-12-20 06:08 (UTC)

[ it always seems like their true conflict in nature when Barbatos gets emotional and Morax challenges it with duty. it had never been an issue with trust, just ... that he hadn't thought of it. during his own planning, there wasn't room for emotion, only the ends of what came from it. he had been determined in his own test, despite how it may have ended up hurting people.

though there were other matters there, as well. ]

You misunderstand – I hadn't known that you had awakened. Even if I had, the timing would have been so slim that any message would have been intercepted, causing the entire plan to fall apart. Liyue Harbor is currently occupied by a Fatui Harbinger – [ one center to his plot ] – and he needed to play his part.

...

[ the frown deepens, and the basket hanging between his crossed arms trembles just a little as his fingers tighten on the adjacent arm.

but all of this isn't the heart of it, is it? for a moment, he mulls it over again – the impossibility of all of it. did it matter that he couldn't reach Barbatos? he would still be making the same face at him, troubled and hurt over a choice that seemed like a necessity.

then he sounds a little more gentle. ]

Though I didn't mean to deceive you, nor cause you pain. For that, I apologize.

[ he could follow that up with other things. how Barbatos slept in the aftermath of the Cataclysm, and Morax was left to bury himself in his duty for the five-hundred years afterward as the other Archons fell apart. ]

[ The bard shows his hand without even meaning to. The aloof nature of the wind, traveling far too fast for anyone to bottle and catch – it provided a safety net for him at times. It was truthfully unfair of Venti to rely on an apology as if it'd fix a problem – as if he deserved it in the first place. Rex Lapis was dead, leaving behind all remaining tethers to the world. Zhongli's plan was more than anything Venti could have constructed with Dvalin – it had things that couldn't be undone.

There were too many ways their paths skirted back and forth. Almost intersecting. Almost aligning. Venti didn't dare have a word leave about Barbatos – the subject still sensitive to him even now. He didn't have the weight of saying goodbye to his people so... definitively. There will be a time where his emotions will subside and Zhongli can properly call him out – but the pity he hears instead... the vulnerability?

It nearly makes his eyes tremble with uncertainty. Why was this a topic to broach? Why did it matter now that they were enjoying a market like two old friends catching up?

Questions that will pain him await, but he listens with his eyes cast down. ]

I didn't know much of – huh? Fatui? You're not getting mixed up with that, are you?

[ He nearly demands – pleads – that he doesn't but... he bites his tongue on that one. The apology sinks his heart into the pit of his stomach. He doesn't feel better and doesn't feel like he won some silly battle. A hand goes up to cover his mouth as he clears his throat. ]

'Tis all I wanted... [ He grumbles, trying his best not to feel guilty himself. He fails, of course, but he swallows it down since he's not going to drink for another few hours. He needed something to keep him going. ] The message now is clear, then. The world a little brighter to know Rex Lapis lives on in memories but Zhongli has a chance to acquire things he couldn't.

[ An awkward pause and light tease... ]

...I doubt Mondstadt would welcome a dragon slinking through the market.

Edited (oh my god, late typo fixing. SORRY. ) 2021-12-21 04:19 (UTC)

[ perhaps he should be more apologetic than he is. in all of his newfound flexibility that has unfurled over the last few millennia, he still valued duty over emotions, steadfast toward the goal he believed was right. if he had sent Barbatos word, things could have gone much differently.

he wondered if he would have been able to keep himself out of it. ]

They certainly didn't last time, though my presence would certainly alert your Acting Grand Master.

[ rumors of Dvalin's rampage had reached Liyue, after all. (also he took that way too seriously.)

Barbatos is angry, but it couldn't be helped. (he had been angry before too, and that also couldn't be helped.) there was still tension even after the bard tried to dissuade it. it was like Barbatos to side-step rather than confront, but these circumstances were different, and he knew these sorts of barbs well. there had been a lot of wounds being torn open again as Teyvat became restless. ]

Perhaps to sooth future wounds, you should send word of when you've awoken. You're not planning on laying yourself to rest again soon, are you?

[ look, he can be petty, and also he's not the only one who can't communicate. ]

[ Venti was a child at times. Shortsighted, but incredibly good-natured. If Morax needed help, he'd offer him refuge in Mondstadt. If he needed someone to speak with, he'd offer that readily into the wee hours of the morn over their favorite wines.

He missed out on this and feels a bit guilty. More guilty he couldn't help Morax than falling asleep? Go figure. ]

Jean? We're close. [ They aren't. But, he likes to have faith in her. He'd explain, push come to shove but – now Zhongli was here in another form, one far more suitable. ] But, this is best. You here, as you are now.

[ Dvalin's drama still was fresh – but hopefully? Resolved?

There's selfishness on the tip of his tongue. To dive into why he actually felt slighted over the choice of his fellow archon. Falling asleep and then offing oneself – to the biased party certainly were two different topics. He doesn't want to ruin the trip, to look at Zhongli with sadness rather than joy.

He's happy the man is here, enjoying retirement as he should be...

Until Zhongli speaks with a jab back. ]

What?! If I do, it'll be in the best bed at the inn or the arms of a lover, I'll tell you that!

[ He took offense. Crossing his arms and huffing along the way. Damn Morax... ]

Are we done with this? Can't we just be happy to have this reunion in the city of freedom?

[ Venti, you literally started this. ]

[ it's typical for Barbatos to sidestep responsibility while demanding amends in the same breath, then brush it all alway in favor of a good time. there is a lot of weight between them: hundreds of years of doing what they could for their nations, of wars and the Abyss and Celestia's vigilant gaze.

there's a breath that comes in through his nose and out his mouth. generally he's fairly content to take certain things in stride, but he feels like there are times where Barbatos just brings out the worst in him. ]

As you will. [ after a moment he sounds quieter, gentler, perhaps a reflection of how the years have turned sharp edges of stone smooth. ] When you decide the time is right to talk about these uncomfortable subjects, then perhaps they can be resolved. Time won't do you any graces here, Barbatos, the longer something goes ignored, the more violently it will emerge.

[ and he would hope that he was trusted enough that they could at least bear the discomfort together.

Teyvat was going through a transition, and after the traveler had asked him about Khaenri'ah – after Azhdaha emerged – he knew that there would be things that were buried that would come to light. there were contracts that kept him silent, but he knew that it wouldn't keep the traveler from eventually finding the truth, nor the Abyss from continuing their crusade. ]

[ He tends to matters that truly need him or holds his cards to his heart until right. Venti was incredibly sympathetic with his people – if he allowed himself to submit to the easiness of providing answers... then they'd never grow. But with Zhongli? With Morax? It's a little different.

He desperately wants to live a mortal life, to have the simplicity of a visitor from another land to show the city off proudly.

There's weight between them, heavier than a stone and no wind could budge it. ]

I wasn't aware you'd be bringing violence into the city walls. [ He knows what Zhongli means. Manners that were beyond them, beyond threats that loomed in the very lands they treasured. ] Can we just –

[ He nearly fumbles over the plea like a child trying to get out of a punishment for misbehaving. The reality is – he'd much more prefer this meeting be... ah. Joyous.

To focus on his falling apart plans, but the pride he feels in his city doesn't falter. The market can continue on. His arms slump a bit in defeat. Zhongli didn't necessarily deserve to... well, deal with this? ]

What do we need to discuss, friend? Siiiiiiigh, shall we find a table?

[ the two of them were always different in their approaches of rulership over their nations, particularly due to their conflicting natures. it had never been a source of discord, but instead a source of challenge. Zhongli would have never been able to loosen his grip on Liyue without inspiration from its neighbor, but that was a testament to their relationship. perhaps it was their mutual want to guide humanity that bridged the gap of common interest, or maybe that conflict of nature was a challenge in some respect.

with the basket still hanging from his elbow, Zhongli unravels his arms. the other rests between Venti's shoulders, light, something of a gesture of support that he's learned over the last thousand-or-so years. Barbatos may grate against him like nails against glass, but he's still one of his oldest friends. he can extend what he can to soften certain subjects that he knows are difficult to broach. ]

As long as you pace yourself this early in the morning.

[ though he knows the prospect of morning libations is probably tempting. ]

Though you should sit for what I'd like to tell you.

[ well, if that isn't foreboding there, Zhongli. ]

[ There's a bit of bitterness under it. That he bends so easily when it comes to Zhongli. He's tired, sure, but he is refusing to go down as an ungrateful and despondent host. Mondstadt had so much life in it first thing in the morning – he wondered what archon instilled that because it wasn't certainly his doing.

The touch makes his gaze tilt up, a curious and soft expression plastered upon his face. They had history, the kind built on triumph, turmoil and tragedy. It's the will of an archon – to foresee all of these through centuries of time. It was the natural course, just like discussions that need to happen would reveal truth that was unavoidable in the grand scheme of things.

For someone who moves through life without a single grasp stopping him – it's uncomfortable. Especially when Zhongli speaks like that.

The bard motions, off towards the shop and eatery Sara ran. They'd be open, undoubtedly taking advantage of the morning rush. ]

I may need one after you've spoken to me in such a manner!? Keep your judgment for outside of the city gate.

[ there were some discomforts that needed to be taken head on, and that was Zhongli's area of expertise. while he was never entirely good at managing and understanding the emotions of those around him (he's gotten better, but for someone like him, it was slow moving), he was good at approaching the uncomfortable.

there were some things Venti could run from, or that he could sleep through, but unfortunately this would not be one of them. it would serve them all better.

he takes everything in as much stride as someone like him can, slipping into the chair by Good Hunter and setting the basket down carefully. they stand out somewhat, but glances are short-lived as Mondstadt's citizens take note of Venti's company. ]

In favor of a Liyue governed by humans, I've forfeit my Gnosis. I've given it to the Cryo Archon through her Harbingers.

[ like this is a casual conversation. like this isn't A Lot.

after all of this, perhaps he's resigned to carrying a drunk Barbatos around for the rest of the day. ]

[ There's things that Zhongli does that confuse him. The grip he had once tight, almost cold – but even under a cool surface, the earth is warm. There's no doubt the love Morax has for his people. He'd be a fool to question it. Different in their rule, different in their manner – they wanted the same thing in the end. Their people to prosper generation after generation.

When Zhongli speaks, he doesn't know what to say. He himself had been considerably weaker, refusing to rule his people and covet the power their prayers and devotion gives to him. His own had been taken – and he's left wincing. ]

And why would you do that? We're not exactly on warm terms, you know. [ Bestie, why. ] You couldn't have just sailed off on a boat and left Liyue to its own devices?

[ He feels a tightness in his chest, of sadness and fear. For as many times as Venti insists things will be fine – it extends differently to Zhongli. ]

I suppose both of Gnoses are just off having fun together in her cold grasp.

[ Yeah, Venti gonna just slouch a bit and cross his arms. Hm. What a fun revelation so soon. ]

[ if only things were so simple. ]

No.

[ instead he did what he knew best: he made a contract. ]

A dead Archon is an Archon awaiting replacement. [ Celestia would be on that quickly – as quickly as they were with Ei and Makoto, and then with Naberius, and all their other friends left replaced. ] If I were to leave Liyue, then I would to allow the humans and Adepti to create their own terms. If the Gnosis could be passed on, as it would be, Celestia would again decide those terms.

[ this hadn't been a mistake, instead something that he had considered with care over the course of months – perhaps years – as all the players came onto the stage. it had been recently that Venti had awoken, but the gears had been turning in Snezhnaya for years now. ]

Though I'm curious how she pried yours away from you, under such circumstances.

[ while he knew Tartaglia was gearing up for a fight, he also knew that he could kick his ass back to Snezhnaya if needed. there wasn't a way that the Harbingers could remove his Gnosis by force, so Signora had been forced to negotiate. ]

[ The 'no' slices the short distance between them. Sobers Venti up considerably.

He was foolish to think Zhongli would come here without business. Without conversations that would put them both into a new sense of responsibility. Certainly not rule and archonhood, but a personal investment in their role for this new world.

As much as Venti complains about Zhongli being long-winded – his eyes shut to soak in each word. The husk of his voice didn't take away the tension, but it keeps Venti from speaking something stupid into existence.

Centuries hadn't changed that Zhongli is still Morax. Contracts, clauses, terms, purposefully tailored grey areas – Venti hates that he had this so specifically planned. The bitterness was long gone, buried under an understanding that he hates to admit. Part of the plan or not, Venti sits across from an old friend relieved to be so.

It could have ended way worse. ]

So the people mourn, the land moves on, and a man will face the mortal way of life; not a stone with its erosion, hm? Oh, Zhongli, it's not easy being this way!

[ A little light humor, a little dismissive handwave back and forth. Venti lives among his people and still finds it difficult to fully understand them. ]

... I don't lead Mondstadt. I don't covet their power, fuel myself their regards. The residual strength I have was because of their beliefs but I do not claim their accomplishments as mine, lead with my vision instead of theirs. [ Awkwardly, he was weak because of his ruling style but – is there more there? He pouts, he downplays but Signora taking his Gnosis was a feat in itself. It'll go to her head, undoubtedly. ] An unfortunate revelation... of letting go of the grasp on a nation.

[ But, Venti wouldn't have it any other way. ]

Maybe I'm still waking up, ahaha?

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