primos | from @bakerstreet

[ It had been a difficult conversation to have for many reasons. It forced them to truly accept the choices that needed to be made, react to what had happened, and take a step away from the player board.

Venti, however, felt like the grasp on the day had slipped from his hands – and there was no grasping it back. Bitterly, he looked to the conversation as a nuisance, but now? He supposed it was a necessity. ]

Good. I never doubt your resolve. Anything that opposes it, will face... how did it go? The wrath of the rock?

[ Sorry, he just is still giddy over that. ]

You need timeshare, my friend. Away from Liyue! [ A bold declaration follows as he tries to see things from his friend's perspective... Did he truly need to pull away from the nation? Even if the land had grown and Zhongli was curious... ] Perhaps you should invest in a place in Mondstadt – or a ship to sail you far off on grand adventures!

[ That was real retirement. ]

[ weight was never a good thing on a reunion. he didn't like letting things fester, it became a gaping wound that was far more difficult to heal. so he makes the stitches as soon as he can, weaving them together the best he knows how to. ]

A place in Mondstadt that you could occupy while I'm gone?

[ look, he doesn't doubt Venti's strides to Not Work and still Be Comfortable. even if he shooed him and kept the place locked up tight, he was certain that Venti would find his way in and make himself at home. ]

While I'm not needed in Liyue in the way Rex Lapis was, I'm still a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I intend to keep my occupation, as it's where many others know where to find me. A ship without a destination in mind would be ... [ a pause. ] reckless.

And you, are you still peddling songs for drinks?

[ Venti isn't blind in his own idealistic and flighty views – he understands more than ever that when something calls you, you must listen to it. ]

Ah? Are you offering? I could keep it tidy for you.

[ That wasn't his intention, but it certainly was a good perk, wasn't it? He likes the idea more and more. A safe haven for the two of them where they can drink, be merry, and brood if the time calls for it.

Venti, that's a commitment, booboo. ]

A ship without a destination serves its purpose. Tell me – do you know EVERYTHING you're going to do in a day the moment your eyes open up? Hmmm?

[ And then: ]

It's not peddling. It's performing! Don't undermine the art – it keeps my tongue wet and my soul fed.

[ it's a commitment and Morax would need a contract and oh, they don't have any mora. none. zip. zilcho. could Zhongli manage to get himself a free house? it's debatable, he may be able to swing it.

but would he? honestly, the Realm Within seems more comfortable. creating a little corner of an Adeptus Abode – yet he was living as a human now, his Exuvia still coiled in the Golden House. ]

Is it me that you're trying to convince? It sounds more like you may want to spread your wings to see a Teyvat five-hundred years since you last left it.

[ many, many things had changed. he knew Venti got bitten by the travel bug on occasion, off to see sights that couldn't be seen during the Archon War. it's how they had first met in Liyue, even if Morax huffed about it being reckless then, too. at that time he seemed more drab and serious about it, his face set in hard lines.

there wars something warmer about him now. ]

Has your – erm, performing reached anywhere beyond the corners of your nation since your awakening?

[ They're absolutely broke and it would be fortunate if they could afford an inn room, let alone a home. Go figure. The lavish rule of an Archon means nothing compared to drunkenly stumbling into one's own bed. Ah, one day, perhaps! ]

Ahhh, the world is so vast and unexplored, M– Zhongli. You'd be surprised what awaited you if you tried. Even just a few steps into the unknown can lead to – well, ehehe, more questions!

[ He isn't obtuse, but there's a lingering sense of lightness when Venti talks about what remains out there. For a bard who claims to know every song – past, present, and future... he really doesn't expand on how he speaks, huh? His knowledge was tightly held, a little opportunistic but an Archon also had to be survive the war. ]

I haven't, no. My people needed me here. Even if it was something as simple as entertaining... [ And, truthfully? He was still weak. ] Have you traveled since your "retirement", friend? I had thought to go to Liyue, you know. When word got around that... hm. You know.

[ And soon, Venti just presses his face into his palms and tilts his gaze up to the sky. ]

I didn't think I could face it. Your land.

[ there he goes, looking up like he still has wings.

out of the two of them, Barbatos was always far more sensitive, and far more in tune with his own emotions. Morax had been so militant and disconnected that he always seemed to know what was right without considering his own feelings, nor those of others. ]

All losses mount upon one another with time, until they eventually become unbearable. [ his arms rest on the table, gloved fingers near his elbows, folded neatly as if this were Liuli Pavilion. ] I would rather not witness the one that finally turns to shackles on your wrists. You look far better in the sky.

[ there's a quiet moment when he looks over those chattering and surrounding them, going about their day like it's any other. ]

I worry that it may be too much for you.

[ But, while Venti wants to escape into the sky... at least Zhongli was rooted to the uncomfortable reality of what the world was. What it could be. Hearing him speak doesn't do much to change his feelings, however – the point did still stand. ]

Do you have faith in me? A drunken wayward bard? [ One who had say goodbye to his responsibilities long before Zhongli? ] I don't think it's in my nature to be shackled but...

[ With almost a sad smile: ]

I don't think the sky awaits me either.

[ Tilted gaze, a forced smile was sunny and big – eyes honest: ]

It's not the first time I have lost, but... to say it gets easier would feel like an insult. I suppose it's fortunate a consultant from Liyue instead helps me busy my morning!

[ it wasn't his nature to be shackled, but they had certainly lived with their own weight since the Archon War. their companions had fallen during the years, being replaced and setting a new tone in their leadership in the last thousand years.

there's a breath that goes in his mouth and out his nose. it suspiciously sounds like a sigh. ]

And what, exactly, would a drunken wayward bard need consultation for?

[ Venti always has a way of zigging and zagging, and Zhongli will play into it here and there if he can poke and prod when it felt needed. even after five-hundred years he knew how to throw Barbatos with brutal honesty if need be. ]

Hmmmm... many, many things. While I may know every song, rhyme, and story that has and will come to pass... perhaps it has been far too long since old company has crossed my path. Emphasis on wayward, by the way!

[ He's snickering under his breath, a bit less mopey than he had been. There's improvement there. Venti held a lot close to his chest, things that others can't even begin to understand or maybe... even forgive him for. The mere thought of Venti leaving his people to rule so young in their developing of the land? That could be sacrilegious to the more serious Archons. Not naming any names.

For now, though? Consultation? No, he shakes his head. ]

I'll get back to you and call upon you when the time is right. We've always been pleasant, why not continue that relationship even in our vulnerable forms as they are now? Squishy and –

[ He lifts his arm up, poking at his bicep as if that indicates mortality. ]

Well, as we are.

[ it's another moment where Zhongli has to wonder just what Venti wants from him. at times it felt clear, other times as if what Venti was talking about suddenly escaped him. it was like watching a mountain through the fog at dawn, the peaks and jagged edges of stone colored in soft pale pinks and yellows, before it became shrouded in fog until it disappeared. he never quite liked the feeling, but it was so rare that each time it felt as if he should have somehow already conquered it.

his expression is thoughtful, if not a little pensive. for a moment, he watches Venti's display of ... mortality. ]

Indeed, we've never been at odds during our time. [ even though Barbatos had forged his signature during the on-again-off-again naps. ] Though you could say that I'm rather curious on what your opinion of that relationship would be.

Now that we're – [ and he clears his throat, looking just slightly amused. ] – squishy.

[ No one knew how to expect the wind. Weather was a fickle thing, was it not? Even if there were scholars keen on predicting it... the wind moves without reason. He'll wax on about how it made life worth living, gave inspiration to chase the morning sun and do it again the next day... but there's something underneath it all.

Something Venti doesn't disclose to anyone. He guards himself in a way similar to others – but not quite the same. Perhaps one day, conversations can wane into the evening for much more than matters of their history and future. Something that will be beyond both of them.

For now, however, Venti is selfish. ]

Huh? What do you mean? I suspect that I'll be pestering you long into our lives. [ Although, the definition of relationship... it feels once like a shackle but now? He's curious too. ] Squishy or not, that much isn't changing. Perhaps we'll be better suited to see each other more frequently. With said squishy, I mean.

[ STOP SAYING SQUISHY. ]

Could you perhaps come up with a different term?

[ he tries not to look too annoyed, waving his hand as if to dismiss squishy.

perhaps Morax had taken a page out of Barbatos' book after all, making himself a man of leisure in his retirement. there may be something to it, even if he won't readily admit it with a few prods to his soft spots. ]

We're no longer Archons of our respected nations, even if we decide to extend our protection to them in our own ways. Though the two of us never had a contract, we still held ourselves to a certain standard of practice. Both Liyue and Mondstadt have been on amicable terms since the Archon War, both in politics as well as trade, and through what we've fostered, I believe those that now hold such reins will continue in a similar fashion.

[ Zhongli leans back in his seat, crossing his arms over the front of his chest. ]

We no longer need to associate for the sake of our own nations, but we may do so at our leisure.

Edited (right word this time) 2022-02-15 02:07 (UTC)

Malleable? Fleshy? Spongy? I'm running out of terms here.

[ Venti snickers under his breath, as if he's purposefully being obtuse. However, the bard stiffens in his chair a bit when Zhongli speaks plainly. Both hands prop his features up and he looks off to the small crowd of people in the market. He doesn't ignore a single word he says. It is hard to ignore his voice, even when he grows verbose. ]

If you think I want you here because your people provide valuable ore and gems... you're mistaken. I'd always value your company, even if I may ... ah...haha... find myself too intoxicated to show it properly. When we come together, it is almost a cause for celebration – but, I suppose now is time for things to not be lost in translation.

[ Plainly, Venti's gaze falls to him. Those eyes soften, a sad little smile on his lips. ]

I am glad I did not lose a dear, old friend. Bringing you here was not part of an attempt to keep the peace. It was to enjoy our time together, how long or little we have left.

[ out of the two of them, Barbatos had always been far more sentimental. where Morax had to pull at the strings to untangle the web between emotions and duty, it seemed to come more naturally to his fellow Archon.

there's a subtle tilt of his head as he fixes amber eyes on him. ]

I'd not meant to insinuate that our relationship is built on mutual benefit for our nations instead than our own. Rather, that the foundation of our duties have shifted, and in the way that many things change, so have we.

[ but then he looks amused at something private thought to himself. ]

Though I suppose you've already made your choice, from the sound of it. It is in the nature of the Anemo Archon to find enjoyment in many things.

[ which almost sounds wistful rather than disdainful, how it would have been over a thousand years ago. ]

The foundation is built, as it has been for centuries... but it's time to build. [ Will you build something with me? It nearly leaves his lips before he realizes how forthcoming it felt. Stuffy. Desperate in a way. His night had been filled with making a list of things they were not even close to accomplishing. Instead enjoying the rising sun, the smell of fresh bread, and each other's long-awaited company. ] My choice is as it always was, so not much is different. To live with a honor that some do not have the privilege to experience.

[ The world would be too lonely if the humans denied such a feeling. How Venti's heart beats a little faster – the realization that they had reunited far too fond in his mind. ]

Too bad the Anemo Archon is here in memory only. A bard finds enjoyment in things with more... ahem. Entertainment.

[ And pointed: ]

What do you enjoy, when not being tugged back to the past, Zhongli?

[ five-hundred years, and as much as Morax has learned to change and shed his own skin, in some ways, Barbatos is completely the same. in other ways, he's the most fluid out of all of them, changing when the time for change calls.

the smile tugs at the corner of his lips, arms firmly crossed over his midsection. thought takes him for a moment. ]

There are triumphs in the arts that I've never had the time to properly give attention to during my time as the Geo Archon. The storytellers, music, opera, the cuisine that has evolved with the seasons that have passed through Liyue. Each tells a nuanced story of the place that Liyue has become today, and a moment of time before the future.

[ it's like he's talking about a child that's grown and left, leaving him behind to find the next phase of his own life. ]

Over the time that I've spent watching over humanity in Liyue shape history, I've learned how resilient and adaptable they are.

[ and in all of that, how right Guizhong had been. ]

[ Hearing Zhongli speak on about such things makes him beam for a brief moment before it turns to worry – ]

So your path leads you to be a critic now?! [ He takes a single thread from Zhongli's story and weaves it into more than a tease, a justified assumption. Of course, he doesn't believe Zhongli to be paid or live a life judging others so harshly. How tiresome, but there's no denying his bar is far higher than the Anemo Archon that ravages wine cellars for wares when he gets too ... ah, inspired to drink. ] They are quite admirable. Even the smallest seed can grow into the largest tree...

[ Or the nameless bard's memory could burn in his mind, centuries later. ]

I suppose it's only fair you mold this... squishy form of yours into their image as well.

[ Far from a wind wisp, Venti was the same, after all. He lets a smile linger, eyes trace his form for emphasis. Nothing the cut of his jaw, the sway of his bangs with each movement, and how tightly styled his attire was. ]

I'm glad you're here to see Mondstadt's stories, then. Just to give you some fresh perspective and new experience.

[ it's fine, Barbatos can just keep saying squishy like he's doing it not to get on his nerves or anything. ]

Less a critic and more of a participant in the entertainment and legacies that have been conceived since the beginning of Liyue. [ he has watched them evolve all this time – and it's about time that he also enjoyed them. ] Mondstadt is a part of that as well.

[ their borders were not so strict. ]

How about you, Barbatos? What have you been doing since you have awoken? I've heard of Dvalin's plight, as well as its resolution. Word reaches far on the loose tongues of merchants and adventurers.

Then I shall make sure you take in all that Mondstadt has to offer.

[ He did have his plans, even if they had gone astray, but Mondstadt deserved the attention and praise. ]

Since, you're here and all. I must make proper use of your time here.

[ Before the winds carry him back home and leaves Venti .. ah, alone.

He peps up a bit at the question, disregarding the stray sadness of their goodbyes, for who knows when they may have had their final one. ]

A-Ahhaha... I am but a humble bard, you see. Entertaining the masses, earning praises from Knights and weary travelers alike, birthing new songs to the world, and – why, helping our Traveling friend to their next destinations.

[ Venti tries to romanticize it all, but it falls a little short. ]

I fear now that I am without my gnosis, there is a limited answer of what I can do. It is up to the righteous to lead the world, far past when Archons grow old.

[ the way that Barbatos speaks certainly has its grandeur. it was true in its own way, if not hyperbolic, given that Morax assumes that a majority of his time was spent mooching free drinks out of the locals.

(he could only judge the mooching because he can't really fathom the own way that he mooches. just Zhongli things.) ]

The limitation is based on perspective. [ there's a little amusement in that. ] Surely your crafty side has not yet been sated. However righteous those who lead the world may be, you've never been so easily tamed. I trust that's remained a constant.

[ then he says, steady and easy, no matter how much of a tease it may be. ]

Though neither you nor I seem to have a drink in front of us, and it's almost mid-morning.

[ They were two mooching peas in a pod, if Zhongli ever forgot it... Venti would be the first to remind him. For now, however, he allows Zhongli to counter his ideals. There's something under the surface – a freedom in its own right to what Venti involves himself in and chooses to speak of. The mention of his craftiness earns a rub of his own nose shyly. ]

What, you a fan of my crafty side? Do be honest with me. [ For no one has tamed him, surely... but when people encourage him... ] You were set in your ways once too. My time will come, that much is true. Just be patient with me.

[ He goes from being wordy to being impulsive when he speaks of a drink. A lick of his lips and he looks around – a mid-day drink would be well... ]

Are you encouraging? I'm starting to think you like my company a little sloshed, ehehe. [ Thoughtfully: ] Would you care to share a bottle with me, old friend?

[ the days of Morax were long past – where Barbatos' flighty means of entertainment and childish pranks earned him a glare that would normally petrify anyone beneath it. nostalgia brings out the best in those annoying memories, even if he has to keep up some semblance of offense when asked about it.

(particularly, he remembers Barbatos' butt knocking into his very, very, very expensive vase.) ]

If you're able to keep your composure.

[ don't be embarrassing, Venti.

who's he kidding, Venti's going to be embarrassing. ]

My intention was never to encourage your more duplicitous traits, knowing that you have many of them. Though regardless, I find that you'll do what you like, even if it's not upon my suggestion.

[ e.g. he's not condoning anything but he's totally condoning it. ]

[ Barbatos being described as heavenly, angelic and graceful when the reality was he was anything but. He may be skilled with a bow, precise when needs be... but that broken vase was quite a notorious smear on Liyue's history – enough to be memorialized in artwork and stories.

He'll never live it down.

Maybe Venti can offer a vase in return for Morax to destroy, call it even. ]

My composure is as still as a feather on Cider Lake, floating along and pleasant. Thank you very much! Oh – oh, ma'am! Yoohoo!! [ Venti waves to one of the little workers, a young girl who had just recently celebrated an engagement and is saving funds for a wedding. Sweet, but always giving in to Venti's charm. ] A bottle of Dawn Winery's best. I know Master Diluc provides a few for early morning consumption!

[ Hitting a bar up so early would be in poor taste. Maybe.

He did it like two days ago, so he shouldn't make a habit...right? As the wine was pulled out and two glasses brought over, Venti's clapping his hands in appreciation. ]

Mr. Zhongli – [ Still so weird to say... ] Your intention is clear as day. You wish for an escape from Liyue, to experience the best of Mondstadt. And I'm here to give it to you. My traits are harmless. I swear!

[ perhaps Morax has allowed him to get away with far too much without the binds of a contract; there aren't many people who could test him like that and leave unscathed. Barbatos was always one to push boundaries, either in leisure or for reasons he thought were right. Morax couldn't fault him for that.

he's always been too easy on him.

like a sudden gale of wind, Venti sits upright and starts making noise. while Zhongli doesn't recoil, he sits back in his seat and crosses his arms, his chest rising in deep breath. he's quiet while Venti goes through the motions of ordering and yoohooing like he's never had a drink in his life.

it has been a while since he's held a mug of Mondstadt's famed wine in his hand within the stone gates of the city proper. yet he gives a tilt of his head to Venti's declaration, raising he glass.

Zhongli doesn't look entirely convinced, but, well. ]

You're as presumptuous as always. Hopefully your slumber hasn't affected your tolerance.

[ he's going to have to carry him somewhere halfway into the afternoon, isn't he. ]

[ When the opportunity arises to share a drink with an old friend? What was Venti to do, sit on his hands? The waitress was a little unsure but goes ahead and fetches it without complaint. Venti's gaze tilts with a smug little grin on his face.

When they both were gifted some of Venti's favorite swill, he leans over so carelessly to clank his cup to Zhongli's – not caring about how he looks before flopping back down in his seat. ]

To presumptions that lead us to good fortune, eh? [ That's not what the toast should be about??? But, Venti works with it??? Figures. ] Please, it's... as if some things haven't changed.

[ A bit more somber, Venti knows that truly there was no denying how quickly he had jumped to find a tavern suitable for his time and energy. Tolerance or not, it was a heavy burden but one that leaves him smiling – moving on. Coping. ]

It's as if things haven't changed. Well. Except it's usually I who visits you. [ With a hard swig, he tilts his gaze up to the sky. ] Do you remember the last meal we shared together in Liyue? The one... um, where ... ah, you stormed off to go change? I can't remember if it was a soup or a plate of rice we shared together.

[ The infamous Wine Incident. ]

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sorry for the delay!!!! work and then elden ring. rip

yo no worries

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