primos | [closed] @meteorder

[closed] @meteorder | borders

[ Mondstadt's winds carry far, traveling the world during times of rebellion and growth. Once freed, once able – they carry secrets and stories back to the free nation in Teyvat. Through the time after the Archon War, many things remain the same. Travelers began to fill the roads, trades resumed and the nations of Liyue and Mondstadt had a somewhat calm connection.

The sun was particularly strong today, even as Barbatos sails on a slow breeze past Dragonspine. His wings sprawled out, tingling with the warmth, was nothing compared to the kiss of heat his bare back and stomach felt. Lazy as he was, he floats through behind schedule with a leisurely stride. Akin to literally laying in some lazy river and being carried – Barbatos makes no effort to rush his trip to Liyue's Stone Gate. Only a small basket dangles from his hand – a gift to an old ally.

Did he take a nap on the way?

Possibly.

But, as the smell of sunsiettas grow less notable, he smells more earthiness. He's in Liyue by the time he rolls into a normal flying posture, descending from the heavens to his destination. If all goes well, Morax won't have a meteor ready for him. Despite how good it was to travel, he knows the nature was not merely recreational.

Archons still had responsibility, even if Barbatos was in the mind to help guide (not lead) his people. So, he arrives fashionably late – what else was new? ]

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[ There would always be a storm inside of Barbatos. While considered weak for the loose rule on his people, Anemo was still a very dangerous concept and element. It resonates often with the others — but curiously… not with Geo. This brings them to a crossroads, where Barbatos tries to swallow his own curiosity on seeing Morax free from duties even for just one afternoon.

He may know all of the tales that have come and will come to be but faith is what keeps Morax’s image clean. If not now, he knows one day Morax will be tired … and the pieces will fall into place like dwindling leaves from the gust-filled storm.

Morax was bold to root him, for any smirk of confidence trying to childishly get a reaction was met with something more intimate than he was ready for.

A settlement — where it would be freedom for the both of them, in their own individual ways. ]

L-Lonely! Lonely, he says! The brooding and dutiful Morax calls me lonely.

[ He is.

He lies to himself.

As the winds disperse and Barbatos looks beyond the Geo to the lands around them, he tries his best to calm his own wants.

His own desires of seeing those who he values live the same mantra he holds dear. ]

It was just rude, you see. For I had hundreds of plans already made for your visit to Mondstadt!

[ A diversion — perhaps one he will follow up with centuries from now. ]

Alas, it is Liyue that calls me this time.

[ 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.

[ It felt so simple for him. A day, at most, in another land. To see the growth of the lands they've stabilized and still fight for prosper. Isn't that the seeds they've planted together when they ascended and taken their own weight of Archonhood?

Barbatos underestimates what it takes for Morax to leave, for her knows not truly who he could be and the storm he feels.

Of course, when he insists it was Barbatos' own doing for assuming, his eyes shut in annoyance. For as pained as he may be at not getting his way, looking a fool to someone like him... that stung worse! ]

T-That's not the point! Every wish and dream is an assumption, then! We could go back and forth like that beautiful invention they call a wheel – roll on and on with blame. [ He wasn't prepared for the precision that Morax prods him with, sharp as a spear and as relentless as his past conquest. Subtle? Barbatos thinks he is, but the defensively curled wings, the inattentive eyes that can't settle on the hooded man in front of him, and the dull glow of emotion on his marks – it was all so clear.

He's embarrassed, angry, and feels very much mortal. ] The wind blows in two directions at such rare moments. For the words you spill past your lips can be said to you as well.

[ That Barbatos wishes to be here for Morax. He needs footing. He has to. A finger angled high, wagging accusingly in his direction leads him. ]

You are the closest I have. [ It's... different with the other Archons. His winds were different too. Do they know the true burden of Celestia...? ] A kinship. A brotherhood, in a way. I tire of talks of this if nothing changes. I wished for the fearsome Morax in Mondstadt for merely a day, where we can just... be. Shall I sing it more plainly to you?

[ His assumptions continue to be his downfall. ]

However, I am here now. Do not waste my time as I can be just as busy as you!

[ perhaps their contrary natures make for nipping back and forth into the soft parts that they thought they had hidden. Barbatos curls back and tries to cover up, and Morax knows he's tapped on something sore.

but he doesn't feel bad, nor does he regret it. foundations are not built on flimsy alliances, they're built on strong bonds between people. if he's to be close with Barbatos, then there are certain truths they both must face.

after a moment, he says: ]

Very well, I will come to you when I'm feeling lonely.

[ even through all of that flutter, he still did listen. ]

Though if you still wish to sing plainly, I've heard tales of your ballads.

[ that was certainly not how Barbatos' meant, but he can also turn a phrase and make a joke. the thought of Barbatos deliberately busying himself to be petty is kind of funny. ]

[ There was a reason why there was still a border, no matter if it was open, between their lands. They were different. Fundamentally, down to their very core. The path they walk is similar but... Barbatos would prove wise to see a stone for a stone, wouldn't he? ]

Good.

[ He leaves it at that, where every bit of wind ceases around them. It's still and now, Barbatos realizes how fast his heart had begun to beat. Silly little thing – something so small was so powerful, huh?

Morax earns a huff, where his tongue presses inside of his cheek. Up to the air he takes flight again, laying on his side lazily mid-flight a foot or two away with his wings returning to their sprawled out splendor. ]

Sorry, no can do. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of you earning my ballads. It would be one tailored specifically for you, after all, from a place of vulnerability. You think I'd give that away for free?!

[ there goes Barbatos, unable to keep still. Morax may not be the best at exploring his emotions, but Barbatos wore his heart on his sleeve for everyone to see, if they were to look the right way. it was refreshing, even if it was frustrating.

there's an inelegant snort in response. ]

Freedom does not give much away for free now, does it? So you've decided to make demands. [ he says a little flatly, watching him flutter about with bright, gold eyes watching from beneath the shadow of his hood. ] What do you want in return?

[ it's the most he's ever asked that question, because he can never seem to completely tell what Barbatos is after. even in their meeting now with Morax's specific goals ... Barbatos seems flighty, just happy for the company. it's still hard to wrap his head around, so he needed to name it "loneliness."

it made it easier. ]

[ No worries, his inability to keep still is what brings him to Liyue. For him, traveling and moving around came easily. ]

Demands or a fair trade? You do like to get particular with your words. [ Payback for questioning if a denial or assumption was ruder. Barbatos could come up with a deal worthy of its weight but... ] Ehe, let me think... a ballad fit for Morax...

[ There's mischief in his words. ]

I'll spend centuries to do so. Perfect each line, rewrite it again and again, study how song and history solidifies to something tangible...

[ With a swift swoop of his form, he's hovering on a small gust, hair lifted a few inches and his form inches from Morax – staring past shadows and a Cheshire-like grin on his lips. ]

You have no qualms about being patient. I will sing you a perfect ballad – not one like you'll hear on a cold wind to Liyue – one for you only. When you join me in Mondstadt.

Edited (whoops deleted a line) 2022-05-12 20:58 (UTC)

When engaging in exchanges that have nebulous value on the perceptions of those who make the agreements, there are demands and there are fair trades. It's up to us to tell which from which.

[ well, Morax supposes that there are some things that Barbatos takes seriously. he doesn't mind waiting – he's waited for longer for something, and he can do it again. ]

Very well. [ he can't fathom why Barbatos wishes him to visit so badly – it baffles him, but he agrees. as a neighbor, he must place some trust in their agreements, no matter how trivial and confusing he may find them. ] When Liyue is safe and your ballad is complete, we will meet in Mondstadt at our leisure.

[ a gold eye looks over at Barbatos from the corner of the folds of his hood. ]

I agree.

I'd like to hope you hold me in as high of a value as I hold you.

[ The words slip past his lips far quicker than they can catch him. Fair trades, weighing the true value of something like a song or a visit – it was all subjective and the two of them had different ideals on many things. Where a good meal may be lavish and rich in protein for Morax, a couple apples may satisfy Barbatos. Where a loose sense of a schedule keeps Barbatos happen, Morax may require planning.

Two different beings, no matter how they come together here and now.

However. He can't... exactly look at Morax in the eye once he realizes what he says. He looses the small footing he had, instead back to reacting. ]

Good. It gives me time, which can be such a rarity if one isn't careful. When you come to me in Mondstadt, a song in your name will be my greatest gift to you.

[ there were valuable stones that were used for currency and exchanges of goods. the humans had begun to mine during their travels, reaping precious minerals they could from Liyue as they continued their migration the southern coast.

those were of tangible value; they were traded for items that held the same utility.

Morax frowns, not because it annoys him, but because it's a difficult sentiment to parse. Barbatos is already chattering about something else as he mulls it over. ]

To what value would you hope that I held you to?

[ since he can't get off it. ]

But, this new food called hashbrowns are pretty good of a gift too. You'd –

[ He stops. As much as he is nimble, navigating between difficult topics with less responsibility than a symbol of Mondstadt should – Morax catches him.

His face loses color a bit and he... isn't sure what the answer is...? No one's ever asked that. No one's ever saw the value outside of the nameless bard and the companions he leaves behind in Mondstadt. For the wisp was far from the first choice for the Anemo title.

When Morax asks the question... Barbatos tilts his head curiously. Was it not obvious, even if he himself had no answer? ]

I'm not... certain? Pleasant company, one would hope, hehe! [ Maybe Morax had the real answer. Funny, if that was the case, huh? ] For the times we've sat alone, away from business involving war... strife... planning with the others – I would hope you call upon me for moments of rest as well.

[ one day, he'll resign to the idea that he can never fully understand Barbatos, that they're too different, too contrasted, to ever fully understand the nuances of their respective natures.

one day, he'll partake in his own leisure, sitting at Third-Round Knockout and judging the tastes of the families of Mondstadt's great wineries.

one day, he'll see those differences as something he doesn't want to fully understand, that they are Barbatos', and like part of any other story, that the flaws and insecurities wove it into something all the more to be cherished.

today, he stands for a moment, watching the details in Barbatos' expression as if they could reveal some great mystery. how could Barbatos not be of value to him? the Anemo Archon was chosen by Celestia, survived during a war and terraformed the great nation of Mondstadt into something livable for the people who only knew hardship. it makes Morax think that he doesn't mean it in the same way, as if there's another sort of value to be had in each other's company. ]

Come, show me how to rest and I'll tell you a story.

[ an exchange makes him more comfortable, as if he needed to reason in the rest. he'll get better, eventually, but stones do not give under pressure: they smooth over, round their edges and become something different. ]

[ It was difficult. For Barbatos, as different as he was from the others, still echoes sentiments of someone dear to him. Sunny, optimistic, fighting for what seems unobtainable... ah, but the inexperience in life is telling. The young wisp may mimic a mortal form but he can't explain what seems to be left so unsaid between them.

There's a balance there – one that keeps them working together devotedly for the betterment of their people.

But the balance is thrown off just enough. Morax requests something and he follows the lead dutifully. He doesn't question or demand more, his eyes looks past the Liyue territory to underdeveloped lands of marsh. However – he spots a small clearing. ]

Alright. I'll be a merciful judge.

[ Those wings take flight – expanded to full flight and off a few handfuls of yards away. The croaks of frogs, the crickets come to join them... and Barbatos takes to the land with a knee, not caring of the dirt to the white of his attire as he sits back on his legs. ]

Sit with me and ignore everything outside of nature's song to us.

[ Morax follows at an easy pace, his steps long and lost in the flow of his robes. when Barbatos stops, he stands just behind him, aware of their surroundings as he picks a place to rest his rear. after he seems satisfied that they're not followed nor at the center of an attack, he sits beside him.

he lounges like a reclining statue, carved of stone, an arm behind him holding his weight while the other drapes over his knee. ]

Are you certain you'll be able to keep still long enough?

[ he tilts his chin downward and closes his eyes, but he still gets the jab in. ]

[ Two different demeanors, but they both seemed to fit their personality. Or, well, the aura of their monuments sprinkled across their lands. Don't think Barbatos hasn't gotten a glance of the mysterious Geo in his more laxed state. Not quite resigned to a moment to just breathe and be, but... it's a start.

His cheeks puff out in a huff when the jab comes. He adjusts his seat, legs outspread soon after and his palms digging into the dirt behind him as he tilts his gaze up instead. ]

You do forget I like naps... I wonder if I'll have one with how boring your company could be. Hmmm.

[ He lies. He'd most likely only fall victim to sleep if he finds a nice song or fine wine to share with Morax. ]

[ Barbatos's rebuttal is harmless, if not charming, considering that it's Barbatos is the one who first sought his company in the first place. really, he's just chirping up a storm like a disagreeable bird. ]

Weren't you the one who wanted to listen to nature? It sounds as if you'd rather hear the sound of my voice.

[ because each time Barbatos decides to be a brat about something, Morax has to reply in turn. the cycle continues even when Barbatos decides that it's time to relax and listen to something else other than the grumble of an old rock. ]

[ Maybe Barbatos wanted to listen to the deep, controlled voice. Sue him. You'll win no Mora from that. He keeps his lips sealed, smiling with a huff as he tries to combat the accusation. ]

Only because you don't know how to relax. This is what this is about, you know. The moment you relax, the moment I demand to hear your story.

[ And judgmentally, he squints and begins to look over to Morax. Eyes scan, they digest the way his face rests. There's still a sense of tension, the kind that feels guarded. ]

Are you comfortable? Most people lay their head back when they rest.

[ Liyue is at war. Morax has never really been one to idle, he was a creature of action. if his nation is fighting, then he is fighting, and he never knew that he should shake it, even if it would benefit both him and Liyue. Barbatos works away at his edges, diligently in a way that Morax doesn't recognize, and thus allows it to happen more readily then he would if he did. ]

I'm fine. This is not a bed.

[ quite the statement.

there are rumors that Morax sleeps standing up, and others still that say he makes his bed of stone and quilt of sand. coincidentally, neither of those are true, but he has fallen asleep sitting up several times if the situation called for it. ]

We're relaxing, not sleeping.

[ see, he's relaxed.

in some kind of way. ]

It can be, if you allow yourself to rest. Let everything wash away... find the softest things to lay your head back onto and just center your mind.

[ He pouts, cheeks puffed out. Many of times, Barbatos has laid claim to the soil as much as the air or trees sprouted from the land. It wasn't his preferred, but... there was something nice about being grounded if only for a moment.

It is difficult with the wars and the conflict to have these moments of clarity. There was so much to do at all times... part of him does feel guilty for even bothering him after his abrupt denial of planning for the future.

Yet, he looks down to his own outstretched lap, curious for a moment. His words escape far too quickly: ]

You still seem tense. [ Accusatory. ] You're not lying to me, are you? Hmmmmm?

[ Best way to make him relax is just stressing him out further, sounds legit. ]

Edited 2022-05-23 18:10 (UTC)

[ just as Morax closes his eyes to try and relax, Barbatos starts chirping again and making demands of his attention with wildly inaccurate insinuations. one golden eye opens in a thin slit, dark eyebrows drown down to consider him with a slight annoyance. ]

I'm not known for lying.

[ there's a firm, flat tone to his voice.

perhaps they don't know each other as well as they should – or perhaps, which is most likely closer to the truth, Barbatos is learning just how to push against his boundaries. ]

Rest will be difficult if you keep talking.

You're also not known for sitting still with the Archon from Mondstadt, yet here you are. Within arm's reach.

[ There's something sly, whimsical about it. For as truthful as it was, there's a light jab to his words. It bounces nicely on the way Morax responds – but settles when he seems insistent on not resting if there's conversation. ]

Fine. Not a peep, then.

[ For his lips tighten, neck rolls back and the wind carries a pleasant breeze soon after. It brushes to their frames – moves the fabrics of their clothes, tussles their hair... and truthfully, kisses against their skin. It's calming, satisfying, and all encompassing.

Barbatos says nothing. The hawks in the distance cry out, the sound of trees moving back and forth with swaying branches – it was beautiful. He knows it is.

However, five minutes of silence was all he can offer. ]

Are you rested, yet?

[ Barbatos sounds like he has something in mind, and that makes him ... well, it should make him wary, and it does, but it's also curious. is he so easily manipulated by Mondstadt's Archon?

in fact, the entire time he's quiet he's not really paying attention to the nature at all, but instead thinking about what kind of trickery Barbatos may be planning. finally, when he feels a small vibration of the earth, he begins to relax.

and then ]

Are you finding joy in this?

[ enjoying this – Barbatos has to be enjoying this.

both dark brows draw down, his eyes open and he looks a artfully tousled. ]

Joy in your company, you mean?

[ His tongue is sharp and his words show little restraint. As much as he insists on rest, there is something about 'playtime' that always seems to catch his interest. Trickery and mischief, imagination comes to play and creates something... fun.

...For him, anyway. ]

Are you not relaxed in my presence? When I am still and stable?

[ Then... he poses a challenge: ]

Some people relax better when they're resting against one another. I saw two on the cliff in Mondstadt, one fallen asleep against the other's arm. And another in the fields of Windrise, with their head in the lap of their companion as they stared up at the clouds.

[ at a time like this, he can't fathom how Barbatos can have fun, but in the same vein can't help but be pulled into it. it's as innerving as it is very grudgingly refreshing.

Morax watches Barbatos with a hint of obvious wariness, as if his lap may contain snake that could bite him at any moment. ]

What you're suggesting is that you'd have my head in your lap.

[ just to be clear here.

well, he doesn't seem to oppose the idea. ]

[ If one can live a simple life, even a breeze can be entertainment. This is what this moment was: simple. Barbatos didn't need to do anything but... be. Nothing called to him but the companion he had here.

Curiously, his suggestion was welcomed with a gut-punch of a too plain explanation. ]

Y-You don't have to make it sound like that!?

[ there's a brief thought of what does he want from me? before he sighs and relents. Barbatos doesn't have much time to prepare, because Morax is already shifting far too gracefully around in the folds of his robes, arranging himself from one stone statue to the next. ]

You should say what you want. I cannot properly weigh my response otherwise.

[ it's a low, silly gruff little complaint that feels like it may give him more control than he feels he has. Morax is surprisingly gentle upon his descent, resting the back of his hooded head in the scoop between Venti's thighs. if there's discomfort, it doesn't look like it bothers him, he's just

contemplative.

this is new, not unwelcome, but certainly something he never saw himself doing. ]

[ What does he want from me? To sit here silently for hours?

They both were at a crossroads. He enjoys lounging and lazing around... but he also enjoys company. The sound of his voice was a comfort he'd readily fly to Liyue for – though he'd try to hide it best he could. Morax was fascinating and the wisp had much of the world to learn about. What better way than his neighbor? ]

I say what I want plenty, you just usually do not indulge or –

[ It happens quickly. Morax moves and both of Venti's hands hover up as if unsure what to do. This wasn't like the mortals but... ]

Your hood.

[ He can't deny it was a different look and makes him just... smile? It tugs at his lips, a warmth that was new as well as terrifying. ]

[ Morax settles easily and without much extra movement. a breath goes from his lips and out his nose audibly as his body gets heavier. he rests his hands over his chest, weaving golden fingers together as if he were lying in a coffin.

he even closes his eyes for a good measure. ]

What about my hood?

[ even now he still looks like he's a little stony. it's almost admirable. ]

It needs to be pulled all the way back.

[ It didn't need to be. There was no rules, no indication that he had to. But, with Zhongli laying upon his thighs, Venti is left huffing with his own inability to settle his hands.

He still looks a bit more uncomfortable than he'd like. ]

It'll help you... ah, relax more?

[ Morax's first instinct is to refute it, to say that it doesn't matter how his hood is worn in all efforts to relax, but he certainly knows that Barbatos will turn it into something else, and he thinks better of it. so, he lifts his head just enough to shake his hood free, resting himself back on the warm gap between Barbatos' thighs.

while Morax doesn't fidget, he does shift back and forth with purpose – until the curve behind his head is resting right on the bump of Barbatos' leg. there are gold eyes that close just briefly, but opening again to look up at him shamelessly. ]

Is this what you want?

[ it's hard to tell if he's trying to sate Barbatos, or if it's an accusation, but still, he's there, and he's resting to some extent. ]

Perhaps.

[ Barbatos may love freedom, but he loves choice as well. He makes a soft plea, one more of a suggestion and holds that the Geo would oblige him. As he does, with his head rested down – one hand tentatively slowly lowers to the crown of Morax's head. Fingers resting, but not distracting, as his gaze tilts to the sky. Those wings curl around, the tips of one of his wings resting at one of Morax's ribs.

It feels like they settled together now, two pieces of a puzzle that barely fit.

And here. Morax gets his silence after a satisfied sigh. All they have to do is bask in the sun and gentle wind. ]

[ perhaps he says, as if that word has any finality to it. Barbatos is already relaxing when the skeptic look passes Morax's face, but he leaves it as it is.

a breath draws in through his nose, and then out his lips. the tension in his shoulders begin to drain, and his body gets a heavy. he would think that this wasn't so bad, if he was stubborn enough to admit it. even Barbatos' hand holds an odd kind of comfort – Morax was not a friendly god, and he inspired loyalty, but consolation.

he would say that Barbatos was soft, but not as an insult, but as a curious term so opposite his own nature. it's the last think that he thinks about before he finds himself dozing, as much as he can, to the sound of the wind rustling the leaves. his body, stiff and tense with war, feels more drained than he remembers it when his muscles unravel.

it's an odd thing to be unused to. ]

[ Barbatos wished he could shield this moment away from the rest of the world. Nature witnesses two Archons at a compromise, one that does satisfy Barbatos more than words could explain. Sadly, it also plants seeds he cannot harvest. Never his specialty, why would that change now?

He is kind in these moments. To let the idle twitch of his fingers - so slight it barely moves a stray bit of his hair – comfort Morax beyond the way he may ever ask for.

Barbatos' wings settle defensively around both of them as he just ...is.

There is nothing else they needed to be but in this moment. With his own eyes shut, his hand grows less tense and perhaps Morax can feel that.

Eventually, there will be a snore, so... ]

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[closed] @meteorder | borders

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IGNORE THAT I USED VENTI AND ZHONGLI IN THE LAST TAGS....

HONEST I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE

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