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[All there is to find is a simple little note of paper with the flowy and neat handwriting of someone familiar.]
I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries
the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,
and thanks to the love the tight aroma that arose
from the earth lives dimly in my body.
[Oh... Might be another part of a certain sonnet written? How mysterious.]
I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries
the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,
and thanks to the love the tight aroma that arose
from the earth lives dimly in my body.
[Oh... Might be another part of a certain sonnet written? How mysterious.]
[ Well this one is harder. Xiao isn't sure if he can understand this one. Maybe he should ask later...
But for now? For now he tucks that piece of paper. In the page that contains the other half of the sonnet. ]
But for now? For now he tucks that piece of paper. In the page that contains the other half of the sonnet. ]
[Zhongli doesn't make an overt habit of checking in on Xiao; he knows the Yaksha likes to work on his own, and he can get thrown off his usual routine if Zhongli checks in too often. He's usually content to let Xiao do his own thing, occasionally checking in by claiming to be passing by, or by fateful encounters in town or dreamscapes. But after his conversation with Venti, he's had a few thoughts on his mind about the Archon and the Yaksha. Thoughts that he tries to let settle for a few weeks, but after some time lead him to pick up his quill and write a message to Xiao.]
Good evening, Xiao. I hope you are not preoccupied with anything at the moment. I was hoping you had a moment to speak with me.
Good evening, Xiao. I hope you are not preoccupied with anything at the moment. I was hoping you had a moment to speak with me.
I have no pressing matters to attend to. Even so, they could wait.
[ Not many people contact Xiao like this. Even less so Zhongli. It makes Xiao curios. Worried. ]
Is something wrong?
[ Not many people contact Xiao like this. Even less so Zhongli. It makes Xiao curios. Worried. ]
Is something wrong?
[Ah, he was concerned that Xiao would be worried about him contacting him out of the blue like this. He does his best to reassure him.]
No, everything is quite alright. I just wished to pay you a visit and discuss how you are doing. Would that be alright?
No, everything is quite alright. I just wished to pay you a visit and discuss how you are doing. Would that be alright?
You never need to ask if that is all right, Rex Lapis.
[ Xiao knows that it should be "Zhongli." But they are alone in these journals. It doesn't feel right to refer to him as anything less. ]
It would be best if I come to you. There is no place for you to visit me at.
[ Since he is a wild thing and doesn't do houses ]
[ Xiao knows that it should be "Zhongli." But they are alone in these journals. It doesn't feel right to refer to him as anything less. ]
It would be best if I come to you. There is no place for you to visit me at.
[ Since he is a wild thing and doesn't do houses ]
[Zhongli understands Xiao's thoughts, which is why he doesn't push the matter of his name unless they're in public. And while he does have a spare room that Xiao can use, he knows the Yaksha will go where he is comfortable.]
Very well. I will leave the front door open for you.
[And while he doesn't have any almond tofu on hand, he will have a pot of tea ready for Xiao whenever he gets there.]
Very well. I will leave the front door open for you.
[And while he doesn't have any almond tofu on hand, he will have a pot of tea ready for Xiao whenever he gets there.]
[ At this point Xiao doesn't answer. Knows that he doesn't need to. Zhongli will know that he is immediately on the way.
And before long, Xiao is there. Not by the front door. But pushing his way inside from a window. ]
And before long, Xiao is there. Not by the front door. But pushing his way inside from a window. ]
[What is it with the Anemo children and their aversion to a perfectly good door--]
[Zhongli will hear that window opening, and after going to investigate, will offer a smile at Xiao.]
Good evening, Xiao. Thank you for coming on such short notice. I have some tea if you'd like.
[Zhongli will hear that window opening, and after going to investigate, will offer a smile at Xiao.]
Good evening, Xiao. Thank you for coming on such short notice. I have some tea if you'd like.
[ They are the very embodiment of wind. Does the wind use a door to enter one's home? They cannot be contained.
Xiao gives the Archon a bow. Down on one knee as always. ]
Of course. If you would call, then I would come.
Xiao gives the Archon a bow. Down on one knee as always. ]
Of course. If you would call, then I would come.
[Zhongli lets out an appreciative hum, nodding in acknowledgement at Xiao.]
At ease, Conqueror of Demons. There is no need to be on ceremony here. Please, have a seat.
[Zhongli's house is not grand, but it is comfortable and full of various curios and treasures he's collected during his time here; a land where the trade focuses on barter is one wherein the God of Contracts thrives. Whether Xiao chooses to sit at the fine wooden table or the comfortable couch is his choice, and wherever he chooses to sit Zhongli will offer him a cup of tea as he joins him.]
It's been some time since we've spoken like this. How are you faring here as of late? Has there been any problems with your condition while you've been here?
At ease, Conqueror of Demons. There is no need to be on ceremony here. Please, have a seat.
[Zhongli's house is not grand, but it is comfortable and full of various curios and treasures he's collected during his time here; a land where the trade focuses on barter is one wherein the God of Contracts thrives. Whether Xiao chooses to sit at the fine wooden table or the comfortable couch is his choice, and wherever he chooses to sit Zhongli will offer him a cup of tea as he joins him.]
It's been some time since we've spoken like this. How are you faring here as of late? Has there been any problems with your condition while you've been here?
There is always a reason to stand on ceremony. I know you don't think of it as of great importance. To me, however...
[ It still does. All of this is important because it's how they are tied together. This is the nature of their relationship, in part. Of course it's not something that Xiao really wants to let go. Not when Rex Lapis technically no longer is.
Xiao gets up from where he is kneeling. Then takes a seat at the table. ]
When the nightmare energy flares up, I tend to feel it. A tickling in the back of my mind that is similar to the madness.
[ It still does. All of this is important because it's how they are tied together. This is the nature of their relationship, in part. Of course it's not something that Xiao really wants to let go. Not when Rex Lapis technically no longer is.
Xiao gets up from where he is kneeling. Then takes a seat at the table. ]
When the nightmare energy flares up, I tend to feel it. A tickling in the back of my mind that is similar to the madness.
[Zhongli knows how important such displays of fealty are to Xiao, which is why he won't push Xiao to address him so casually; merely remind him that he doesn't have to be so formal all the time. Still, once Xiao moves to take a seat, Zhongli will sit across from him. Those words make him frown and hum in contemplation as he lifts his teacup.]
Is that so..? I have been researching various herbs and objects to help banish and neutralize nightmare energy. If you'd like, I could locate some and offer them to you to try. Perhaps one of those will help ease the burden upon you.
Is that so..? I have been researching various herbs and objects to help banish and neutralize nightmare energy. If you'd like, I could locate some and offer them to you to try. Perhaps one of those will help ease the burden upon you.
You... Have?
[ That doesn't actually surprise him though. Rex Lapis sends things Xiao's way often enough. Medicine to help with the aches and pains that transpire due to the energy Xiao takes in. ]
I would try them, of course.
[ Only because Rex Lapis would be going out of his way. And Xiao knows that it is pointless to tell the Archon not to bother. He just. Doesn't understand why Rex Lapis continues to treat him like this. ]
[ That doesn't actually surprise him though. Rex Lapis sends things Xiao's way often enough. Medicine to help with the aches and pains that transpire due to the energy Xiao takes in. ]
I would try them, of course.
[ Only because Rex Lapis would be going out of his way. And Xiao knows that it is pointless to tell the Archon not to bother. He just. Doesn't understand why Rex Lapis continues to treat him like this. ]
Of course. I have perused the information present in the Archives for anything of interest, and I know someone who helps to keep them organized. I could ask if he knows more about anything that could help, and send you the appropriate remedies.
[Of course he'd be more than happy to offer more remedies for Xiao's condition. It's not that he thinks of Xiao as incapable of taking care of himself, but he feels a responsibility to help keep an eye on the young Yaksha. And something like this doesn't go out of his way, not when he works it into his schedule.]
Of course, if you have found any other things that help keep you from feeling the effects of this world's nightmare energy, I would recommend those methods as well. Whatever is most suitable for you.
[Of course he'd be more than happy to offer more remedies for Xiao's condition. It's not that he thinks of Xiao as incapable of taking care of himself, but he feels a responsibility to help keep an eye on the young Yaksha. And something like this doesn't go out of his way, not when he works it into his schedule.]
Of course, if you have found any other things that help keep you from feeling the effects of this world's nightmare energy, I would recommend those methods as well. Whatever is most suitable for you.
I will, of course, be grateful for anything that you do find. Having options is better than being consumed and transformed.
[ He had almost been there - taken over by nightmare energy. Become something that craves violence and blood. It had been halted. Stopped by another. It's not an experience that Xiao wishes to repeat.
Instead he shifts around in his seat. Rex Lapis actually hasn't gotten to the point yet. At least it doesn't feel like he has. Yet the question about any other things that help makes him feel. A little embarrassed. Like he might already know something. ]
...Music. It helps. Often.
[ He had almost been there - taken over by nightmare energy. Become something that craves violence and blood. It had been halted. Stopped by another. It's not an experience that Xiao wishes to repeat.
Instead he shifts around in his seat. Rex Lapis actually hasn't gotten to the point yet. At least it doesn't feel like he has. Yet the question about any other things that help makes him feel. A little embarrassed. Like he might already know something. ]
...Music. It helps. Often.
[Xiao would be right that he hasn't gotten to the point he's wanted to make. But he does perk up when Xiao admits that music helps him. He's mentioned that before, hasn't he? He remembers how curious it had sounded then, and knowing what he does now it all makes sense. He hums in contemplation, lifting his teacup up for a slow sip.]
Listening to music is said to be quite calming. Have you been listening to others play?
[It's an open question, but he's curious how Xiao will reply.]
Listening to music is said to be quite calming. Have you been listening to others play?
[It's an open question, but he's curious how Xiao will reply.]
[ His fingers are rubbing along the outside of the cup. A way to fidget without actually moving around too much.
Listening to others play... Well. Funny thing about that. ]
I enjoy listening to it when others play for the festivals and gatherings. Then Barbatos plays quite often too.
Listening to others play... Well. Funny thing about that. ]
I enjoy listening to it when others play for the festivals and gatherings. Then Barbatos plays quite often too.
Hmm. Barbatos, eh?
[And there is the topic of what he wanted to discuss. He notices that minor fidget, but again he doesn't explicitly breach the subject. Instead, he takes a thoughtful sip before lowering his cup.]
If I may ask, what do you make of Barbatos? I cannot recall an earlier time of you and him crossing paths much in Teyvat.
[He does his best to keep his question open-ended, and tries to make it casual-sounding.]
[And there is the topic of what he wanted to discuss. He notices that minor fidget, but again he doesn't explicitly breach the subject. Instead, he takes a thoughtful sip before lowering his cup.]
If I may ask, what do you make of Barbatos? I cannot recall an earlier time of you and him crossing paths much in Teyvat.
[He does his best to keep his question open-ended, and tries to make it casual-sounding.]
What do I make of...?
[ That feels like somewhat of a loaded and pointed question. Xiao finally takes a drink of tea. His eyes narrow in thought as the soft chink of cup tapping against the table hits his ears.
What does he make of... ]
It is difficult to put into words. He is a feather that is caught upon the wind. Unable to do more than go with the direction it blows, landing briefly, only to be swept up again. Yet he is also the wind itself, seeing the feather in the breeze and carrying it gently to its next destination. The wind that gives the feather a new place to go and a different journey all while guiding it unseen.
[ That feels like somewhat of a loaded and pointed question. Xiao finally takes a drink of tea. His eyes narrow in thought as the soft chink of cup tapping against the table hits his ears.
What does he make of... ]
It is difficult to put into words. He is a feather that is caught upon the wind. Unable to do more than go with the direction it blows, landing briefly, only to be swept up again. Yet he is also the wind itself, seeing the feather in the breeze and carrying it gently to its next destination. The wind that gives the feather a new place to go and a different journey all while guiding it unseen.
[Zhongli listens carefully, observing Xiao as he does. And honestly? It's surprisingly telling. Xiao is very honest, and even in his presence he doesn't usually hide his distaste for someone (and even if he does try to, Zhongli can usually tell.) So hearing such an honest and honestly poetic description of Venti already gives him some insight as to what their relationship is like.]
[Still, he wants to hear a bit more from Xiao's end of things. So despite the small nod, he presses a little further.]
Though the God of Freedom can be cavalier and more prone to following the whims of his own desires rather than sound logic and reasoning, there is no doubting that he is dedicated to his position. The nation of wind would not last as long as it has without the guidance and protection of its archon.
[Even Zhongli has to admit that despite Venti's nonsense at times, Mondstadt has thrived under his rule.]
Still, I know he can be rather... overwhelming at times. I hope he has not been bothering you too much?
[Still, he wants to hear a bit more from Xiao's end of things. So despite the small nod, he presses a little further.]
Though the God of Freedom can be cavalier and more prone to following the whims of his own desires rather than sound logic and reasoning, there is no doubting that he is dedicated to his position. The nation of wind would not last as long as it has without the guidance and protection of its archon.
[Even Zhongli has to admit that despite Venti's nonsense at times, Mondstadt has thrived under his rule.]
Still, I know he can be rather... overwhelming at times. I hope he has not been bothering you too much?
[ Xiao knows. Mondstadt is how it is because of Venti. Given recent events, Xiao wonders if Rex Lapis hadn't been influenced by that sort of freedom in this age. Perhaps that is why he is handing the reigns over to the humans and the people of Liyue. ]
He takes it as seriously as you always have yours, yes. The both of you are now in similar positions, observing your people while also being amongst them. Though I think your reasons are different.
[ Implying that he realizes that Venti is as frivolous as he is for a reason. Because there is pain there that won't let go and now? Now Venti still longs for something to fill that void. ]
As for bothering me, he does. Often. In the middle of the night or in the light of day, it doesn't matter. Though this, too, is nothing unusual. Our visits even prior to arrival here had started to become more frequent.
He takes it as seriously as you always have yours, yes. The both of you are now in similar positions, observing your people while also being amongst them. Though I think your reasons are different.
[ Implying that he realizes that Venti is as frivolous as he is for a reason. Because there is pain there that won't let go and now? Now Venti still longs for something to fill that void. ]
As for bothering me, he does. Often. In the middle of the night or in the light of day, it doesn't matter. Though this, too, is nothing unusual. Our visits even prior to arrival here had started to become more frequent.
Is that so..?
[That is news to him, truly. He knew sometimes Venti would visit Liyue, but he didn't know that Xiao would visit him as well. Not that he is upset by this discovery; rather, he finds it fascinating.]
[He leans forward a little, doing his best to keep a small smile from forming on his face.]
It seems that the two of you have been growing closer over time.
[That is news to him, truly. He knew sometimes Venti would visit Liyue, but he didn't know that Xiao would visit him as well. Not that he is upset by this discovery; rather, he finds it fascinating.]
[He leans forward a little, doing his best to keep a small smile from forming on his face.]
It seems that the two of you have been growing closer over time.
[ Oh. There's a look about Rex Lapis' features. That coupled with the comment - ]
My lord, excuse me for the impertinence, but... What are you trying to discover? The conversation makes it seem like you have something you want to know.
My lord, excuse me for the impertinence, but... What are you trying to discover? The conversation makes it seem like you have something you want to know.
[Rather than be upset with Xiao's question, Zhongli chuckles a bit.]
Your intuition is as sharp as ever, Xiao. I'm afraid I did have a few ulterior motives when I asked to speak to you.
[He adjusts his posture in his seat, bringing his arms up onto the table and clasping them before him.]
Now I must ask you for your forgiveness for my own impertinence. I heard upon the winds that your affections have been claimed, and wished to see if that was true for myself.
[His wording is entirely intentional.]
Your intuition is as sharp as ever, Xiao. I'm afraid I did have a few ulterior motives when I asked to speak to you.
[He adjusts his posture in his seat, bringing his arms up onto the table and clasping them before him.]
Now I must ask you for your forgiveness for my own impertinence. I heard upon the winds that your affections have been claimed, and wished to see if that was true for myself.
[His wording is entirely intentional.]
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