June/July - Catch all (OTA)

[brokebitchmountain]

WHO: Zhongli and you!!
WHAT: Questing and general things
WHEN: Throughout June/July
WHERE: Various
WARNINGS: Nothing atm will change if necessary



I. Arrival 🔶

[ Zhongli's arrival in Ellipsa is mundane and ordinary at best. However, He finds Nightwake fascinating, so his wanderings lead him throughout the city. His ponderous nature might lead him into getting lost easily as he isn't exactly paying attention to where he's going?? But, you know, all he has is time now so taking a leisurely stroll is just an ordinary occurrence for him. Getting lost in a big city with flashing lights and strange vehicles is very intriguing to him. But as the sun slowly lowers behind the horizon Zhongli will ask whoever he can find one simple question. ]

It would appear that I am somewhat lost. [ Zhongli??? ] Do you happen to have any idea how to get to these apartments we've been assigned? It seems I may have taken a wrong turn somewhere.

[ ZHONGLI?? ]

II. Blossomcrown 🌸

[ Being one with the spring element Zhongli found it most prudent to see this guild for himself. Though he might not join it quite yet (he is tired and retired) but seeing what it's about would probably be for the best. Though navigating his way through the city is actually a disaster?? What are cars...what are trams?! He is just stuck looking at the tram system's map with a bit of a lost expression though he does remain ever impassive as he folds his arms across his chest. ]

Perhaps another stroll would be for the best...

III. Not All That Glitters is Gold ✨

[ No need to elaborate with this quest. Zhongl is all about the shiny and interesting stones and it's from an entirely new world?! Sign him the fuck up. Sorry for whoever gets paired up with him. He is an actual idiot and will definitely talk your ear off about whatever gems he does find. And lo and behold he totally found a necklace or something with a rather pretty emerald nestled in it. ]

Hm. This gem is cut in quite an unusual way. However, the edges have been worn down in a precise manner to indicate that true craftsmanship was taken when crafting this particular piece. The merchant was well-versed in their wares indeed. It's a wonder that anyone would find such a thing to be considered 'junk', clearly they were not familiar with nor studied in the arts of gem cutting. To relieve oneself of such a fine piece of jewelry...that is the true tragedy of this quest. Why just tilting it a certain way in the sun's rays almost makes it seem to glow, does it not? A truly magnificent piece...

[ It would be more so if Zhongli's ankles weren't being gnawed on by Gem biters?? But he doesn't even seem to notice...help??? ]

IV. Flowers for the Sun ☀️

[ Zhongli probably sticks out like a sore thumb given his attire and general stoic disposition. He does smile when/if approached though and he seems to have the spirit to give it a shot. ]

I am not particularly well-versed in such things. But if I were to have an astute and proficient teacher I would be more than glad to help assist in making flower crowns with you. [ Nailed it. ]

But first, we must acquire them, correct? No need to fret. I will keep us safe should the time call for it. Let us enjoy ourselves in the meantime and perhaps we might get to know one another along the way. You may call me Zhongli, it's a pleasure.

V. Maybe It Bugs Me 🦗

[ When it comes to fighting Zhongli is an good as it gets. After all who has over 6000 years of experience and the title of the warrior god here? Zhongli doesn't seem like much and he doesn't even look worried despite his outward appearance but his spear is at the ready as he enters the Mapleline forest. ]

Look sharp. I sense that the further we descend into this forest the more unwelcomed we will be.

VI. Experimente(a)nting NSFW: closed to 21+ please! 🍵

[ Given his status as an archon the effects of these teas are not something he's too terribly worried about? But boy did he miscalculate!! But tea is one of his passions and trying new and innovative ones is something this old blockhead is more than open to. The contract that needs to be signed is an added bonus considering he is the god of contracts, he is pleased to say the least. But Zhongli will silently sip on his prepared tea, eyes closed for the moment as he savors the taste. ] Hm. Subtle but has a lingering flavor on the tongue. Not too earthy with hints of vanilla and...cinnamon. Indeed this is a fine cup of tea, more so when shared with others.

[ Those golden eyes of his will open and pointedly stare (almost like they're peering into your soul??) directly at whoever has decided to join him. ] And what do you make of it, stranger? Does sharing a cup of this fine tea with another enhance its flavor?

Wildcard;

( ooc; hit me up with an open/random prompt if nothing suits your fancy! I'm available for PMing or on plurk @ pathogenic )

Comments

[godofdust]

[Oh, she wishes he would say something because this level of reticence is almost unfair. Something is wrong and that much she can tell without asking but just what that something is is still something she hasn't quite put her finger on.

She steps into the tea shop ahead of him and looks around with a little hum of approval, making her way to one of the empty tables.]

It's lovely, I'm sure it will do just fine.

[Once they're seated, she taps the side of her foot against his beneath the table and rests her arms on the table.]

You were never very good at hiding things from me, Rex. Out with it.

[brokebitchmountain]

[ Zhongli looks...conflicted, of course, the entire time he's looked this way but now more than even Guizhong can notice it plain as day in his eyes. His facial features remain ever stoic as he sits down across from her. It's an arrangement that they've had once before, so many years ago, though the table is not made of stone as one would normally have it. ]

There is not much to hide, I'm afraid. I was not expecting to...see you here. It's been a long time since we have crossed paths and I...still remember everything from our time together.

[ A frown as he looks back at Guizhong, his expression serious. ]

I never knew what to say if we ever encountered one another again. But now the impossible has happened and I am still at a loss. [ A pause. ] I am sorry, truly, for being unable to protect you. It was my duty at the time and I failed to uphold it and due to my failure, you and our people suffered greatly.

[ He looks...tired somewhat and not at proud or refined as he normally should be. He looks more human than he ever possibly would. ]

[godofdust]

[Guizhong's head faintly cocks as the missing piece of the puzzle slots into place all at once. She has to sorely resist the urge to punch him in the arm for leaving her to come to the conclusion on her own.]

You don't remember being here before.

[It all makes sense suddenly. His surprise, how he'd said he didn't know she was here, everything else... Guizhong makes a face and then shakes her head in borderline annoyance. He really could be such a blockhead sometimes.]

Why didn't you say something! [Sigh! Goodness. No wonder he seems so out of sorts.] We've had this conversation before, but now it seems I must tell you again.

[She reaches out across the table and takes his hands, both of them, firmly in her smaller ones. Her grip is a strong one despite the difference in size between them and she shakes her head again as she looks at him. All this time and so much about him never really had changed, had it? He couldn't hide who he really was underneath those elegant clothes and refined manners... not from her.]

What happened to me was not your fault, Morax. [Oh, she knows he's Zhongli now, though she would still call him Rex in private, but this situation feels that it calls for an older name.] And I know... that after it did, the resulting release of my power allowed you to get everyone to the harbour, to safety. I always knew I wasn't going to make it to the end of the war, as much as I would have wanted to stay at your side... but you did well without me. I'm very proud of you.

[brokebitchmountain]

[ There is something rather telling in those amber eyes of Zhongli's, no, Morax's that really conveys how he feels to hear those words from her. Guizhong had been there throughout the most trying times of Teyvat's history with him and not a single day goes by where he doesn't remember or berate himself for what happened to her. ] It...would have been much easier with your guidance and companionship. But Liyue has grown and prospered a great deal. I do wish that you were able to see it.

[ His voice sounds pained as he says that. But he doesn't look away and merely closes his eyes as he smiles tiredly. ] Our people have come quite a long way it has always been an honor to guide them. But I'm sure that the previous me has made mention of my withdrawal from power as Liyue's archon. There is nothing more that I may teach them, our people, they have grown to no longer need my aid.

[ It's something he can honestly say he's proud of. ]

[godofdust]

When you told me that you made me think that you had died.

[Just for a moment, thanks to his clumsy delivery of the news, and Guizhong might still be a little mad about it. If she wasn't sitting across from him she would punch his arm all over again, but as it is she isn't in a position to and instead she just makes a face at him to express her displeasure.]

You ought to be more careful with your words before making people worry about you like that. [Especially making her worry about him like that! Goodness.] But I am glad you're finally able to take some time for yourself. You have more than earned it.

[brokebitchmountain]

Ah. I see. I apologize. [ For previous him putting it that way??! I guess?! ] It's been nice being able to mingle amongst our people as an ordinary citizen. I have come to learn to take things slowly and enjoy my time with those I care about.

[ A pause as he looks at Guizhong the faint beginnings of a smile on his lips. ] Here is no different, and I hope that you will accept my offer to keep you company while here.

[godofdust]

[And he should apologise! Probably more than once for giving her such a fright even if she really has no place to talk, being dead herself... But really she's just glad he's alive, that he's been able to be happy, that everything has gone well for him.

The corners of her eyes crinkle slightly as she spots that tiny smile.]

My dear Rex, you didn't even have to offer. I would have expected it. [Cheeky. She rests her chin on her hand.] Even from my perspective, it's been a long time since we were able to spend time together without the threat of war. We have the opportunity to make up for it now.