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

[brokebitchmountain]

[ Zhongli might give Nen a stoic look before he chuckles lightly. ] I'm afraid not. I'm merely a consultant but I have dabbled in a great many things. I'm hardly an expert on the subject, but I know a good amount about rocks and their formation. [ Says the man who is literally the god of geo. ]

Ah. Well, there are a few ways to determine that. Mostly it will be in its physical features. Glass is often man-made, whereas gems are a product of the earth itself. Glass tends to be weak and breaks easily and gems are the opposite, requiring a great deal of pressure to break them. Since glass can be formed from sand naturally, though it is very rare, the wear of the ocean tides often gives it a rounder, smoother appearance than that of gems. Gems form within rocks themselves and tend to be more rough, and jagged even, which is why a jeweler must work with it to shape it into the form you see here.

[ He'll hold up the emerald glittering in his hand. ] Such distinct characteristics will tell you right away what you are working with.

[essenceborn]

[ 'Hardly and expert' she says, answering as an expert would. Nen finds themself blinking and wondering if this is what passes for amateur knowledge in his world, what does a true expert sound like?? ]

Wait--glass is made out of sand??

[ That's a chunk of new knowledge they didn't have before. Now Nen's mind is reeling, trying to figure out how something as grainy and granular as sand becomes something sleek and see-through. ]

How does that happen??

[brokebitchmountain]

Yes and it is also able to be made by man. Glass in nature comes from many sources. Rocks or sand that is high in a specific material, silica often gets heated to a very high temperature and then cooled rapidly, thus causing its formation. Man-made sand is the same way, though in that case, we as humans are able to pick and choose what we use for its creation.

Events such as volcanic eruptions, ocean lifeforms eroding like sponges and coral, and even strikes of lightning can form it. It's quite an interesting process, is it not? The forces of nature are not to be trifled with and this is one very good example as to why.

[essenceborn]

I have no idea what most of those things are, but it sounds fascinating. Have you ever made glass before, sir?

[ This is an odd moment for Nenonen here, because while they have recognized Zhongli as an Authority due to his vast quantity of knowledge of the particulars of anything and everything they've brought up today....they have never associated an Authority Figure with raw, sexy intellect.

Which is to say, this is the first time they've been sort of hot and bothered by a Professional who is not already their husband. The knowledge and precision the researchers and scientists back home never made them feel like this, but somehow...they think it would be really nice if they could just sit on his face.

Hm. ]

[brokebitchmountain]

Have I? Hm. No, not quite. I would rather leave such things to those who cherish and enjoy their craft. After all, the best to be offered often comes from those who enjoy and live for their art and craftsmanship. Pursuing something merely out of interest does a disservice to those who use it to make a living. It is not merely an art but also a way of life for some. [ A pause as he finally peels that gem biter off his leg and merely gives it a stern look, which quells the little monster readily, before skittering off after Zhongli puts it back down. Now where was he? Oh, right, making glass. ]

But I do know the art of it usually is made by a device known as a kiln or even a furnace capable of reaching extremely hot temperatures.