[ loneliness bids loneliness, perhaps. he's known it since Guizhong smiled at him as her life drained from her among the glaze lilies. in Liyue he's surrounded with other Adepti, has created his own means of duty, and still, at times, sits alone at the stone table on Mount Aocang dreaming about the past. ]

Perhaps you should save yourself the trouble next time for when your invitation is accepted. Is it rude to decline, or to make assumptions?

[ there's a dull barb to the words – that was Barbatos' own fault. either way, it's not sharp, and Morax resigns himself to Barbatos' company for a walk. ]

I am not your enemy, Barbatos. [ he says after a moment, a little less terse. ] Before you agree, allow me to explain. You're not as subtle as you think you are, and you hide yourself more than not. I don't mean to pry into your secrets, but if we are to be associates, I would at least have your honesty when I'm bid to aid you. That way, I can better comply with your wishes to find compromise.

[ when he sighs, his hood flutters. ]

I will not turn your feelings into political weapons, and I do not break my promises.