[ For Zhongli, his first instinct on arriving is to walk. He makes his way through the patchwork landscape, passing by each and every piece of scenery and trying to commit them to memory. There is a lot to see here, all of it unfamiliar - and of course, the earth is silent, but in a way that suggests the world itself is still sleeping. Others may be concerned about how to return, but he isn't. He has all the time, after all.
After walking through most of Mount Silver, he ends up passing by Heavenly Blanc. Normally, he wouldn't go into human establishments in a world so devoid of humans, but a sudden whim compels him to push the door open and look inside.
... and who else would it be other than a tone-deaf bard surrounded by the smell of wine?
Zhongli pauses in the doorway, the surprise on his face more noticeable than any emotion he had worn in decades. ]
Venti?
[ The alcoholic song-weaver without any sense and responsibility... the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, now reduced to an ordinary person just like him.
[The jukebox is currently stealing his thunder (and doing a piss-poor job of it, he'd say—bah, technology! it'll never replace the skills of a true bard!!), but the drinks are free, so hey, he's not complaining. His lyre is off to the side for the time being as he focuses all his attention on the big bottle of wine he's managed to get for himself. He has somehow been convinced to use a glass.
He's not that drunk yet, though. He's also surprised to hear someone call his name—he looks over at the man near the entrance, stares for a few seconds, then smiles brightly.]
Oh! Do I have a fan here already? [does he know this person?? they seem kind of familiar for some reason, but they don't look like anyone from Mondstadt...] Hmm, judging from your clothing... could it be that my reputation has reached as far as Liyue? Truly, I'm flattered! If you want to buy me a drink, please, go right ahead!
[ Zhongli almost laughs. The little pipsqueak doesn't recognize him...
... though maybe it's a testament to how good his mortal disguise is. Well, it's his mortal everything now, since he's keenly aware of how being here also removed his ability to affect the earth.
So he merely looks at Venti with an amused glimmer in his amber eyes, though that gaze is both fond and surprisingly sharp at the same time. ]
I doubt I need to buy you anything, seeing that you have already claimed the whole bar.
[ He folds his arms, waiting for the bard to realize who he is... or not. ]
I suppose I have, ehehehe! [More like no one is currently stopping him from claiming the whole bar. He has met the owners(?) already, so he's not overstepping his bounds too much... but he will probably help himself to more bottles of wine as long as they continue to misplace their trust in him.
But hmm. Even through a slight buzz, this man does seem strangely familiar... something about his eyes? Maybe the shape of his hair? But it is rather odd, considering it's been centuries since he's last visited Liyue. Maybe... he's a travelling music enthusiast??
Yeah, that seems reasonable enough. Venti pulls out the seat next to him, reaching over the bar to fumble for another glass.]
Well, then! Why don't you come up and join me? If you know the name of the Great Bard Venti, surely you've come to hear a great performance!
[ Of course. Venti is too drunk to put two and two together, and Zhongli is too amused to point that out straight away. Instead, he obliges as Venti asks, taking his seat at the bar counter and folding his arms. He won't drink just yet - does seeing Zhongli close up jog Venti's memory any? ]
What will you sing, then?
[ He doesn't mind listening. It has been far too long since the wind ever visited him. ]
[Maybe it would if he was actually looking... instead, he is still trying to navigate the other side of the bar, which he also can't see. It's a miracle he hasn't broken anything yet. He will find that glass...!!]
Anything, everything—whatever you want! Do you have any requests? A ballad of old, or something more fresh? I've been working a new one recently—have you heard the tale of the Outlander and the Dragon?
Or maybe... ah, yes! I know! [FINALLY retrieving glass #2 and triumphantly placing it on the counter between them] You are a man of Liyue, aren't you? So of course it's only fitting that I share with you a tale of the Geo Archon himself! It's a little known fact that Rex Lapis and Barbatos were actually quite familiar with one another. In the peaceful age that followed the Archon War, the Seven would often gather to drink in merriment, and on one such occasion did the Geo Archon overindulge and find himself the victim of a mischievous plot...
[At some point Venti retrieved his lyre, and so he begins to strum a simple melody as the backing of his tale... which is basically a shitpost that 100% never happened. But wouldn't it be funny if Barbatos really did get Morax drunk and crashed the economy for a day by swapping all of the Mora in the Golden House with Mora Meat??
At least he's still trying to paint Morax in a positive light—his audience is from Liyue, so no calling anyone a brute or a blockhead! But anyway, it's not like Morax is here to tell him how totally fake and dumb this story is.]
[ Zhongli doesn't comment on much, playing the role of an attentive (and amused) audience. Venti's ability to spin ridiculous stories is the same as ever, and the nostalgia warming his weathered heart is the main thing keeping him from breaking the Anemo Archon's self-satisfied buzz.
Swapping every Mora with Mora Meat? If this was his past self, he would have called it utter horseshit. But he isn't Morax anymore; here he is merely an ordinary man named Zhongli.
He doesn't speak (or really move) until Venti is done with his impromptu performance. ]
The amount of familiarity you have with Rex Lapis is remarkable. Perhaps you have met him before?
Ahaha, really? [... no, really?? This is usually the part where he gets accused of sacrilege, not asked if he's personally met any deities. He's thrown off for a moment, but quickly manages to recover.] I am but a humble bard! Though I'm once again flattered you find my story worthy of such high praise. Short of a compliment from Rex Lapis himself—
wait......... hang on he's got a weird feeling suddenly
For the first time since this conversation started, Venti is actually taking a good look at Zhongli. To his credit, Morax was well known for taking on many different appearances—both human and beast—so it's not like he can be expected to remember what all of them looked like, or if this is even one he's seen before. But there are a few striking features... combined with his familiarity with Venti, and this suspicious response...
Ah... he might be in danger. The bard laughs nervously.]
I don't suppose... maybe you've met Rex Lapis? [please don't ask him about the other versions of that story he's told before]
[ It is to Venti's benefit that Zhongli is entirely unable to call on a stone pillar to yeet him into the next dimension.
Then again, things are different now. They are merely a tiny bard and a rather tall middle-aged man in this unknown world. For all the strangeness that had happened, Venti is the calm in the eye of a storm to him. Everything that he had been familiar with have faded away.
So it is with marked amusement that he replies, his arms folded - a familiar posture, no doubt. ]
Indeed I have. You might say that none are more familiar with him than I.
Oh! Well then! You must be quite the historian! [he's dead he's dead he's fucking dead
Calm down, Venti, just play it cool. How long has it been since he's seen Morax now? A thousand years, give or take a decade? Ah, he didn't pull anything right before their last parting, did he? Surely nothing that such a noble and respected archon would hold against him... although, one of Morax's most defining qualities is his ability to hold a grudge, what with him being a god that enforces contracts and all...
Damnit. He's completely at the mercy of past-Venti, who cannot be trusted. Curse this lack of foresight!!]
I don't believe I caught your name. You know, it's quite rude to speak to an old friend without first introducing yourself. People can change a lot over the years!
[ Finally he's getting it. Morax is usually a person of stoic silence, but there's no harm getting some amusement at Venti's expense this time, especially since he had been the butt of Barbatos' pranks for countless times. The warmth of reunion is what keeps Zhongli in a good mood despite all that's happened, and he trusts that Venti wouldn't go as far as to snub off an old friend once he comes to his senses. ]
I have gone by many names and titles, but when I am on vacation, I use the name 'Zhongli'.
[ The name of his current form. If Venti never caught wind of his disguise, then that would only mean it's working as intended. ]
On vacation, huh? [he hasn't yet heard the news about Rex Lapis' supposed death, but they're not in Teyvat right now anyway, so...] Hmmmm, that's good! No wonder I've never heard that one before—I don't think I've ever seen you take a vacation. Glad to hear you've finally decided to loosen up a little!
[More importantly, Morax—Zhongli—appears to be in a good mood, so that means Venti's probably not going to get launched into the stratosphere today... which is good! Maybe now they can both relax. The bard grins, topping off his wine glass (after downing it in two-seconds flat for maximum efficiency, of course) as he finally gets around to filling his friend's.]
As an expert on vacationing, [venti does that even count when you've never worked a day in your life] one should always take the time to enjoy the local pleasures! Here, you can start with this one—it's no dandelion wine, but the flavour's still divine!
[ Venti hasn't made any comments about him faking his death, so maybe he doesn't know. Zhongli doesn't feel obliged to tell him since it's not really relevant, so he just nods and leaves it out. ]
It has been a very long time. I did believe that Liyue's people would be capable of prospering without me.
[ Six thousand years. Even the most immovable of mountains will be reduced to dust one day. How unfortunate that his vacation is sidetracked by being in another world entirely... all that familiarity lost in an instant does unsettle him, though he doesn't show it ]
And what flavour is it, pray tell?
[ Zhongli takes the glass and takes a sip before Venti can answer. ]
It's amazing what people can accomplish when they put their minds to it. Though I can't help but think they'll be the ones worried about you, ehehe... [Since, unlike the absentee god Barbatos, Morax actually makes regular appearances. It's no secret that his people love him dearly, and with the Rite of Descension just around the corner... well, hopefully there won't be any rioting in the streets. Morax can worry about that later!!
As for the wine, he holds the bottle up cheerfully.]
Oh, they would not worry about me. I have handed over my duty to them.
[ - just casually dropping a bombshell like that... anyways. Zhongli's expertise lets him identify the composition of the wine, even though grape-based alcohol is something he doesn't consume regularly. ]
Hmm. Well-aged as well. I would not have expected this world to remember the concept of your fruit wines.
[ Given all the weirdness outside of the established locations, he had set his expectations quite low. ]
[That... does make him pause. Because it's not immediately obvious what Zhongli is talking about, and also, Venti's already downed yet another glass of wine, so that's not helping. Give him a moment to rub his last two sober brain cells together.]
Ohhh... did the Rite of Descension happen already? I guess that would put you in the clear for quite awhile. [that's definitely what he means, right?? it's not like he'd fake his own death or anything crazy like that haha.]
... Oh! That's right! There was an outlander who wanted to speak with you. Were you able to meet them?
[ No mention of the Rite of Parting. So he really doesn't know... ah well. Zhongli finds that he doesn't quite care. He can bring it up when Venti isn't completely drunk. Plus, the Anemo Archon just mentioned something unexpected ]
You are the first person I have met in this place. Did you introduce me to them already?
[ Certainly Venti's social routine would include flexing on Morax with his (fictional) pranks. ]
Here? No, no, I was talking about— oh, but I guess everyone here would be an outlander, wouldn't they? Does that mean we're also outlanders now? Man, that's going to be confusing...
[he takes this moment to refill his glass again. right, back on topic—]
There was an outlander in Mondstadt recently. Surely a great historian such as yourself keeps up with recent news as well? [Like, y'know, the rampaging dragon that was tormenting the city until recently? The one that looked suspiciously like Venti's good pal Dvalin? Surely the people of Liyue have at least been complaining about all the storms rolling over from their rowdy neighbours as of late??]
Just when all hope had seemed lost, a courageous hero appeared from a faraway land to save both the nation and dragon with a gracious hand. A strange and purifying power, they held; and by their blade was the abyssal fiend felled.
Blonde hair, about yea long— [and a bunch of other details that vary, so.] They're always with this annoying little pixie named Paimon. Can't miss 'em!
Unless you did miss them... oh well, I'm sure they'll figure something out! [not his problem lol]
Ah, you mean that outlander. Yes, I have met them. I spent some time with them as well.
[ The Traveler was infinitely useful as a pawn, and seemed to have made many friends along the way - even enamored themselves to Tartaglia, which would keep the Fatui Harbinger off Zhongli's back for a while. Really useful. ]
I could not answer their question, but they did not find the journey to be fruitless.
[ There are some things that he can't divulge, though he is personally invested in the Traveler's tales... for when the mountains themselves crumble to dust, the truth of history would only be preserved in the minds of an outlander from another world. ]
Oh! That's good! [he didn't fuck up the timing, hooray!!! Venti can now say he was useful one (1) time before immediately going back to goofing off.]
That'd make two of us, unfortunately. But still, I'm glad! I'm sure they'll have even more great stories to tell when we next meet. [so many cool adventures to turn into epic ballads...!]
Ah, there was one other thing I wanted to ask you about... you haven't heard anything from the Tsaritsa recently, have you? I'm sure the traveller would've told you already, but...
[... he's not sure how much it matters here, but Zhongli should probably know about what happened to his gnosis.]
Zhongli sighs. It's a very obvious, resigned, tired sigh. ]
... would you want me to do anything about that?
[ The Archons are not to interfere with each other unless permission was granted. The Tsaritsa certainly didn't ask Venti for his Gnosis at all, a completely different situation from when she was cordial enough to exchange something for Zhongli's. He definitely didn't agree with that particular decision, but she had told him it was for a greater cause. Damned if he doesn't buy into it, and damned if he does.
There's no easy way out for the Seven, who control the entire world yet are still under the yoke of Celestia. A forced contract isn't a fair contract at all, just as how humanity would never experience true freedom when Celestia's machinations still trap them to a low level of technological advancement.
There's nothing Zhongli can do about Venti's Gnosis, is the long and short of it. But he asks anyway, as some sort of consolation - he does care. ]
Well, that'd be a little hard to accomplish while we're here, don't you think? [Ignoring all the other problems with that suggestion—really, he's touched, even if the offer might be an empty one.]
It's fine, I wasn't really using it anyway. Though I can't say I agree with her methods... [Whether her plan will turn out to be good or bad for the world, only time will tell. For now, he's willing to put his faith in the traveller to see that the nations of Teyvat aren't left in too much chaos. Celestia is no longer any of his concern.]
I just hope you weren't blindsided like I was. We hadn't spoken in a long time, but I didn't expect her to go that far. And then I realized I hadn't spoken to you in a long time, either...
[If the Tsaritsa would treat him like an enemy, who's to say Morax wouldn't do the same after a thousand years?
Of course, that's a moot point now. If it weren't for all the drinking, he probably wouldn't have brought it up at all... but it's been weighing on his mind, all this time. That the world might keep changing like this every time he closes his eyes. His oldest friends might become his enemies, just like Dvalin nearly did.
He laughs lightly, slouching against the counter.] Ah, whatever! We'll just have to make up for all that lost time! Tonight, drinks are on me!
[assuming Zhongli doesn't already know they're free but w/e FREE DRINKS who cares about the reason]
Edited (wait shit i already made that joke) 2020-12-29 07:43 (UTC)
[ Where did Venti go for the past couple hundred years? He knew that if he asked that question, he would likely receive a non-answer. Barbatos did not seek out the seat of Archon out of a desire for power, he was merely there to receive Decarabian's death throes and prevent old Mondstat from being blown to pieces. This, he can understand.
Perhaps there was no other choice. Fate is rarely so kind as to provide a perfect solution. ]
I never forget. [ He pretends to straighten his tie. ] I would not go as far as to disrespect you.
[ Even if the wind never alighted at his side again, he could still look back on the times that they spent together, no matter how brief they were. On the nights where the full moon shone down on Liyue Harbour and painted the city with its pure yet melancholic light, Zhongli would stand at the peak of Mount Tianheng and go through his memories one by one.
It's been too long. Even for those with a lifespan as long as theirs. Zhongli smiles. ]
Aha, but I couldn't drink earlier when I was singing, could I? So that means I deserve a few extra drinks now to compensate! [they gotta reach an average of one drink per minute, right?? that's definitely how this works.
(but he's still none too eager to risk it, lest he suffer the wrath of the rock...)]
If you keep taking tiny sips like that, we'll be here all night! Imagine what a shame it would be to leave this bottle unfinished.
[ What a shame it would be if he drank too slowly and Venti took the whole bottle from him. Truly, they are back to playing their old game of trying to outsmart each other, and Zhongli is unfortunately not as fast on the uptake as the Anemo Archon. ]
Well... I suppose I can allow it this one time.
[ Venti's special old friend privilege. Zhongli contemplates his glass again. ]
If I do not finish it, you will.
[ Is there a tinge of resignation in his voice? The moment passes too fast for Venti to dwell on it, but at least Zhongli has downed half the glass this time. ]
[ If there's one thing from the scenery that can really get on Zhongli's nerves, it's that Takoba Beach is inexplicably filled with trash.
Trash!
For the love of the Seven, who lets so much trash gather in one place?????
The haphazard assembly of trash and mysterious unidentified objects is so distasteful that he almost doesn't want to entertain the thought of stepping in all that sand. His inability to call upon the earth to simply crush all that debris is... annoying, too.
Still, the reason that makes him venture into Takoba Beach is that he has spotted a teenager walking through the piles of refuse. They might get hurt - and it is this thought that motivates Zhongli to walk briskly down the beachside, heading straight for Izumi. ]
[ well, as they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. izumi hadn't thought that he'd take up interior design as a hobby, but he'll take anything to amuse himself at this point.
so here he is, trying to pull out another piece of furniture - this time a bookcase. but of course his twink arms are no match for it, and just as he's about to give up for the day he sees a bit of commotion at the corner of his eye and sees a completely unfamiliar man powerwalking towards him.
uh. ]
...Can I help you, sir?
[ he's a dick with his juniors but is awfully respectable towards elders... incredible. ]
[ The child is polite, which makes things easy for him. Though, Zhongli sees that he's trying to remove a bookcase from the sand. Judging by the surrounding debris, he probably isn't here to clean up. Which means he would be scavenging here?
Still, he could ask. The typical 'what are you doing' question is already answered through Zhongli's observation, so he goes onto the next one ]
Actually, I have no idea where these things come from. I doubt that they came from some shipwreck a hundred miles away from here, but I guess they're now here for our taking?
[ it's free real estate, in other words. but yes, he does need help in getting the bookcase out, after giving it one more strong tug only to come up fruitless. ]
I'm taking this back home, in particular. There aren't that much books in this world, but I might as well set this up now. Especially since I live with an idiot who wouldn't stop writing song after song.
[ leo has an entire wall to doodle on, but it ruins their room aesthetic :/ ]
[ It's free real estate... possibly arriving here the same way as everything else did, as flotsam on the interdimensional sea.
Well, the youth isn't putting himself in any danger, except maybe the danger of pulling a muscle on heavy lifting. That's a danger that Zhongli can help resolve. ]
I can help you.
[ - doesn't wait for Izumi to accept or decline, though. He walks to the other side of the bookcase and crouches down, focusing his strength into his core and gives the bookcase a heavy push.
Hopefully it can be dislodged enough for Izumi to get a better grip ]
[ izumi tries to stop him - it's out of impulse more than anything, since he isn't used to asking for help - but the other male manages to uproot the bookcase a bit before izumi can get a word in. incredible.
he does pitch in to help by gripping the other end and giving it a good tug until it's completely salvaged. but even that's too much for izumi to start catching his breath. his poor twink arms... ]
...Thanks. [ he may as well show some gratitude. ] Let me guess, you just got here?
[ Even though he's reduced to a mortal now, there's still something to be said about the effects of six thousand years of working out. Just leave the heavy lifting to him.
They'll have to drag it to his house, let's hope it's not too far away. ]
Yes. You are an outlander as well?
[ It sounds like the youth has been here for longer, if he's familiar with how some parts of this world work. ]
[ Hm. The child does not understand him too well... he supposes it is to be expected, given that they all come from different worlds. At least Izumi has told him that he is a human, which explains his average strength. ]
Earth. To be specific, I came from Japan. There are a couple of people who also came from that country on Earth, but slightly different? I'm not the right person to talk about this, though.
[ he doesn't put so much stock on alternate-universe theories and all. maybe someone like leo would be able to, given his flights of fancy, but he might need a translator... ]
[ Earth. He's heard that before. An entirely different world... though he should probably have loosened his expectations to find anyone else familiar. After all, the Archons who came here had already severed their connections with their duties. ]
I see.
[ Yeah, he wouldn't expect young people to grasp the enormity of everything this quickly. Better to save the questions for a more appropriate time.
Zhongli helps Izumi get the bookcase back to his room, taking note of where the youth lived. It seems there is a lot of young people here... ]
[ ahsoka tano has been on her feet so long that she can feel them getting sore with each slow step she takes.
she has a very unique problem. every time she tries to take a seat, no matter where she is in the void, a pointed crystal box materializes to stop her. the first time it happened caught her completely off guard. the next time it became clear she was getting pranked by some unknown entity. then the next and next and next times she kept trying and failing to understand why this was happening to her.
this was a very curious oddity that turned downright annoying by the time she tried to go to sleep, and again the box appeared as she moved to sit on her mattress. the best she managed was to flop on her bed face first to game the system. it's the only little victory she's gotten from this situation. nothing she does to the box - kick it, throw it, ignore it - does anything. she opened it once or twice and all that was inside was a coin. nothing odd about it when she took it out, so she slipped it back in and let it be. not like there's any currency in the void.
there was a hope that if she held the box while trying to sit, then she could. however the box would just blink out of her hands and appear right beneath her.
for now she carries it around, grumbling, wondering if she can get someone to volunteer to take it off her hands. yet the possibility that she may unwittingly pass on this curse, or whatever it is, to someone else is not an option she wants to explore. for now she paces slow in mortis forest near the lake, trying to get her thoughts arranged.
...maybe if she throws it in the lake? hm. she looks out and debates, not knowing if it'll do any good but thinking it may be her best move. ]
[ Zhongli fell into the habit of taking frequent walks around the void-world ever since he came here. Taking in the scenery lets him slowly build a mental map of the area - it's quite a large place, meaning that its few inhabitants are rarely encountered. Ahsoka's presence is thus notable to him - he's not alone for now - and naturally he diverts his path to come closer to the unfamiliar woman.
Ah, is that...?
The shine of the Mora coin is very familiar to him, given that he was the one who created such a metal in the first place. Zhongli quickens his pace to arrive in polite speaking distance ]
[ ahsoka lifts the box, gives it a toss in her hand a couple times to judge its weight, and winds back her arm to throw the box. it's a sudden voice that gets her to grind her throwing arm back, the toss halted mid-throw. her fingers press in sharp to keep the crystal from slipping out of her hand, while one foot steps forward to plant hard on the ground to keep herself from falling. ]
Huh?
[ her body half-turns toward the direction of the voice, an unfamiliar face with no name in her mind. a new person? ]
Coin? [ she repeats his last word, confusion striking her face. ] Wait - do you know what this is?
[ He comes to a stop next to Ahsoka - good thing he had stopped her from throwing the Mora into the lake. It would be hard to fish it out again given that he's cut off from his Geo abilities here ]
This is a Mora coin.
[ He doesn't like to speak too loudly - his usual voice is calm and soothing. ]
[ This he says carefully, taking the coin and the box from Ahsoka. Looking at it, he cannot detect anything magical. It just seems like a normal coin. ]
[ so he doesn't know anything about what's been going on. partly a relief because it likely won't happen to him. partly not so because then the void is definitely messing with her. ]
I'll... just show you.
[ because it's the sort of thing that warrants demonstration. ahsoka steps away from the edge of the lake, giving herself space on a patch of grass. she inhales and then carefully bends down, planning to sit- ]
[ That's strange. Very strange indeed... Zhongli walks forward, holding out one hand. Even though he doesn't have his powers now, maybe there's something he could do? ]
Can I have the coin?
[ He closes his hand around the box. Nothing particularly interesting happens, but since he's had a similar experience with that lyre, maybe both are related. Objects from other worlds falling in tend to be how this world gets more content. Venti's observations told him that these items tend to belong to someone else. This is probably his, but he can't tell because he's made countless Mora coins in his long life. ]
Given that it originates from my world, I do believe it will become more ordinary if it is left with me.
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tabularasa_rp2020-12-13 11:02 am
for venti - unmarked spoilers!
After walking through most of Mount Silver, he ends up passing by Heavenly Blanc. Normally, he wouldn't go into human establishments in a world so devoid of humans, but a sudden whim compels him to push the door open and look inside.
... and who else would it be other than a tone-deaf bard surrounded by the smell of wine?
Zhongli pauses in the doorway, the surprise on his face more noticeable than any emotion he had worn in decades. ]
Venti?
[ The alcoholic song-weaver without any sense and responsibility... the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, now reduced to an ordinary person just like him.
Why would he be here of all places? ]
no subject
He's not that drunk yet, though. He's also surprised to hear someone call his name—he looks over at the man near the entrance, stares for a few seconds, then smiles brightly.]
Oh! Do I have a fan here already? [does he know this person?? they seem kind of familiar for some reason, but they don't look like anyone from Mondstadt...] Hmm, judging from your clothing... could it be that my reputation has reached as far as Liyue? Truly, I'm flattered! If you want to buy me a drink, please, go right ahead!
[not that drinks cost anything, but]
no subject
... though maybe it's a testament to how good his mortal disguise is. Well, it's his mortal everything now, since he's keenly aware of how being here also removed his ability to affect the earth.
So he merely looks at Venti with an amused glimmer in his amber eyes, though that gaze is both fond and surprisingly sharp at the same time. ]
I doubt I need to buy you anything, seeing that you have already claimed the whole bar.
[ He folds his arms, waiting for the bard to realize who he is... or not. ]
no subject
But hmm. Even through a slight buzz, this man does seem strangely familiar... something about his eyes? Maybe the shape of his hair? But it is rather odd, considering it's been centuries since he's last visited Liyue. Maybe... he's a travelling music enthusiast??
Yeah, that seems reasonable enough. Venti pulls out the seat next to him, reaching over the bar to fumble for another glass.]
Well, then! Why don't you come up and join me? If you know the name of the Great Bard Venti, surely you've come to hear a great performance!
no subject
What will you sing, then?
[ He doesn't mind listening. It has been far too long since the wind ever visited him. ]
no subject
Anything, everything—whatever you want! Do you have any requests? A ballad of old, or something more fresh? I've been working a new one recently—have you heard the tale of the Outlander and the Dragon?
Or maybe... ah, yes! I know! [FINALLY retrieving glass #2 and triumphantly placing it on the counter between them] You are a man of Liyue, aren't you? So of course it's only fitting that I share with you a tale of the Geo Archon himself! It's a little known fact that Rex Lapis and Barbatos were actually quite familiar with one another. In the peaceful age that followed the Archon War, the Seven would often gather to drink in merriment, and on one such occasion did the Geo Archon overindulge and find himself the victim of a mischievous plot...
[At some point Venti retrieved his lyre, and so he begins to strum a simple melody as the backing of his tale... which is basically a shitpost that 100% never happened. But wouldn't it be funny if Barbatos really did get Morax drunk and crashed the economy for a day by swapping all of the Mora in the Golden House with Mora Meat??
At least he's still trying to paint Morax in a positive light—his audience is from Liyue, so no calling anyone a brute or a blockhead! But anyway, it's not like Morax is here to tell him how totally fake and dumb this story is.]
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Swapping every Mora with Mora Meat? If this was his past self, he would have called it utter horseshit. But he isn't Morax anymore; here he is merely an ordinary man named Zhongli.
He doesn't speak (or really move) until Venti is done with his impromptu performance. ]
The amount of familiarity you have with Rex Lapis is remarkable. Perhaps you have met him before?
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wait......... hang on he's got a weird feeling suddenly
For the first time since this conversation started, Venti is actually taking a good look at Zhongli. To his credit, Morax was well known for taking on many different appearances—both human and beast—so it's not like he can be expected to remember what all of them looked like, or if this is even one he's seen before. But there are a few striking features... combined with his familiarity with Venti, and this suspicious response...
Ah... he might be in danger. The bard laughs nervously.]
I don't suppose... maybe you've met Rex Lapis? [please don't ask him about the other versions of that story he's told before]
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Then again, things are different now. They are merely a tiny bard and a rather tall middle-aged man in this unknown world. For all the strangeness that had happened, Venti is the calm in the eye of a storm to him. Everything that he had been familiar with have faded away.
So it is with marked amusement that he replies, his arms folded - a familiar posture, no doubt. ]
Indeed I have. You might say that none are more familiar with him than I.
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Calm down, Venti, just play it cool. How long has it been since he's seen Morax now? A thousand years, give or take a decade? Ah, he didn't pull anything right before their last parting, did he? Surely nothing that such a noble and respected archon would hold against him... although, one of Morax's most defining qualities is his ability to hold a grudge, what with him being a god that enforces contracts and all...
Damnit. He's completely at the mercy of past-Venti, who cannot be trusted. Curse this lack of foresight!!]
I don't believe I caught your name. You know, it's quite rude to speak to an old friend without first introducing yourself. People can change a lot over the years!
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I have gone by many names and titles, but when I am on vacation, I use the name 'Zhongli'.
[ The name of his current form. If Venti never caught wind of his disguise, then that would only mean it's working as intended. ]
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[More importantly, Morax—Zhongli—appears to be in a good mood, so that means Venti's probably not going to get launched into the stratosphere today... which is good! Maybe now they can both relax. The bard grins, topping off his wine glass (after downing it in two-seconds flat for maximum efficiency, of course) as he finally gets around to filling his friend's.]
As an expert on vacationing, [venti does that even count when you've never worked a day in your life] one should always take the time to enjoy the local pleasures! Here, you can start with this one—it's no dandelion wine, but the flavour's still divine!
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It has been a very long time. I did believe that Liyue's people would be capable of prospering without me.
[ Six thousand years. Even the most immovable of mountains will be reduced to dust one day. How unfortunate that his vacation is sidetracked by being in another world entirely... all that familiarity lost in an instant does unsettle him, though he doesn't show it ]
And what flavour is it, pray tell?
[ Zhongli takes the glass and takes a sip before Venti can answer. ]
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As for the wine, he holds the bottle up cheerfully.]
It's red!
[wine flavoured.]
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[ - just casually dropping a bombshell like that... anyways. Zhongli's expertise lets him identify the composition of the wine, even though grape-based alcohol is something he doesn't consume regularly. ]
Hmm. Well-aged as well. I would not have expected this world to remember the concept of your fruit wines.
[ Given all the weirdness outside of the established locations, he had set his expectations quite low. ]
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Ohhh... did the Rite of Descension happen already? I guess that would put you in the clear for quite awhile. [that's definitely what he means, right?? it's not like he'd fake his own death or anything crazy like that haha.]
... Oh! That's right! There was an outlander who wanted to speak with you. Were you able to meet them?
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You are the first person I have met in this place. Did you introduce me to them already?
[ Certainly Venti's social routine would include flexing on Morax with his (fictional) pranks. ]
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[he takes this moment to refill his glass again. right, back on topic—]
There was an outlander in Mondstadt recently. Surely a great historian such as yourself keeps up with recent news as well? [Like, y'know, the rampaging dragon that was tormenting the city until recently? The one that looked suspiciously like Venti's good pal Dvalin? Surely the people of Liyue have at least been complaining about all the storms rolling over from their rowdy neighbours as of late??]
Just when all hope had seemed lost, a courageous hero appeared from a faraway land to save both the nation and dragon with a gracious hand. A strange and purifying power, they held; and by their blade was the abyssal fiend felled.
Blonde hair, about yea long— [and a bunch of other details that vary, so.] They're always with this annoying little pixie named Paimon. Can't miss 'em!
Unless you did miss them... oh well, I'm sure they'll figure something out! [not his problem lol]
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Ah, you mean that outlander. Yes, I have met them. I spent some time with them as well.
[ The Traveler was infinitely useful as a pawn, and seemed to have made many friends along the way - even enamored themselves to Tartaglia, which would keep the Fatui Harbinger off Zhongli's back for a while. Really useful. ]
I could not answer their question, but they did not find the journey to be fruitless.
[ There are some things that he can't divulge, though he is personally invested in the Traveler's tales... for when the mountains themselves crumble to dust, the truth of history would only be preserved in the minds of an outlander from another world. ]
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That'd make two of us, unfortunately. But still, I'm glad! I'm sure they'll have even more great stories to tell when we next meet. [so many cool adventures to turn into epic ballads...!]
Ah, there was one other thing I wanted to ask you about... you haven't heard anything from the Tsaritsa recently, have you? I'm sure the traveller would've told you already, but...
[... he's not sure how much it matters here, but Zhongli should probably know about what happened to his gnosis.]
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Zhongli sighs. It's a very obvious, resigned, tired sigh. ]
... would you want me to do anything about that?
[ The Archons are not to interfere with each other unless permission was granted. The Tsaritsa certainly didn't ask Venti for his Gnosis at all, a completely different situation from when she was cordial enough to exchange something for Zhongli's. He definitely didn't agree with that particular decision, but she had told him it was for a greater cause. Damned if he doesn't buy into it, and damned if he does.
There's no easy way out for the Seven, who control the entire world yet are still under the yoke of Celestia. A forced contract isn't a fair contract at all, just as how humanity would never experience true freedom when Celestia's machinations still trap them to a low level of technological advancement.
There's nothing Zhongli can do about Venti's Gnosis, is the long and short of it. But he asks anyway, as some sort of consolation - he does care. ]
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It's fine, I wasn't really using it anyway. Though I can't say I agree with her methods... [Whether her plan will turn out to be good or bad for the world, only time will tell. For now, he's willing to put his faith in the traveller to see that the nations of Teyvat aren't left in too much chaos. Celestia is no longer any of his concern.]
I just hope you weren't blindsided like I was. We hadn't spoken in a long time, but I didn't expect her to go that far. And then I realized I hadn't spoken to you in a long time, either...
[If the Tsaritsa would treat him like an enemy, who's to say Morax wouldn't do the same after a thousand years?
Of course, that's a moot point now. If it weren't for all the drinking, he probably wouldn't have brought it up at all... but it's been weighing on his mind, all this time. That the world might keep changing like this every time he closes his eyes. His oldest friends might become his enemies, just like Dvalin nearly did.
He laughs lightly, slouching against the counter.] Ah, whatever! We'll just have to make up for all that lost time! Tonight, drinks are on me!
[assuming Zhongli doesn't already know they're free but w/e FREE DRINKS who cares about the reason]
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Perhaps there was no other choice. Fate is rarely so kind as to provide a perfect solution. ]
I never forget. [ He pretends to straighten his tie. ] I would not go as far as to disrespect you.
[ Even if the wind never alighted at his side again, he could still look back on the times that they spent together, no matter how brief they were. On the nights where the full moon shone down on Liyue Harbour and painted the city with its pure yet melancholic light, Zhongli would stand at the peak of Mount Tianheng and go through his memories one by one.
It's been too long. Even for those with a lifespan as long as theirs. Zhongli smiles. ]
One drink a minute. You promised.
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(but he's still none too eager to risk it, lest he suffer the wrath of the rock...)]
If you keep taking tiny sips like that, we'll be here all night! Imagine what a shame it would be to leave this bottle unfinished.
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Well... I suppose I can allow it this one time.
[ Venti's special old friend privilege. Zhongli contemplates his glass again. ]
If I do not finish it, you will.
[ Is there a tinge of resignation in his voice? The moment passes too fast for Venti to dwell on it, but at least Zhongli has downed half the glass this time. ]
for izumi
Trash!
For the love of the Seven, who lets so much trash gather in one place?????
The haphazard assembly of trash and mysterious unidentified objects is so distasteful that he almost doesn't want to entertain the thought of stepping in all that sand. His inability to call upon the earth to simply crush all that debris is... annoying, too.
Still, the reason that makes him venture into Takoba Beach is that he has spotted a teenager walking through the piles of refuse. They might get hurt - and it is this thought that motivates Zhongli to walk briskly down the beachside, heading straight for Izumi. ]
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so here he is, trying to pull out another piece of furniture - this time a bookcase. but of course his twink arms are no match for it, and just as he's about to give up for the day he sees a bit of commotion at the corner of his eye and sees a completely unfamiliar man powerwalking towards him.
uh. ]
...Can I help you, sir?
[ he's a dick with his juniors but is awfully respectable towards elders... incredible. ]
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Still, he could ask. The typical 'what are you doing' question is already answered through Zhongli's observation, so he goes onto the next one ]
Does this belong somewhere else?
[ does he need help moving it? ]
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[ it's free real estate, in other words. but yes, he does need help in getting the bookcase out, after giving it one more strong tug only to come up fruitless. ]
I'm taking this back home, in particular. There aren't that much books in this world, but I might as well set this up now. Especially since I live with an idiot who wouldn't stop writing song after song.
[ leo has an entire wall to doodle on, but it ruins their room aesthetic :/ ]
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Well, the youth isn't putting himself in any danger, except maybe the danger of pulling a muscle on heavy lifting. That's a danger that Zhongli can help resolve. ]
I can help you.
[ - doesn't wait for Izumi to accept or decline, though. He walks to the other side of the bookcase and crouches down, focusing his strength into his core and gives the bookcase a heavy push.
Hopefully it can be dislodged enough for Izumi to get a better grip ]
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[ izumi tries to stop him - it's out of impulse more than anything, since he isn't used to asking for help - but the other male manages to uproot the bookcase a bit before izumi can get a word in. incredible.
he does pitch in to help by gripping the other end and giving it a good tug until it's completely salvaged. but even that's too much for izumi to start catching his breath. his poor twink arms... ]
...Thanks. [ he may as well show some gratitude. ] Let me guess, you just got here?
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They'll have to drag it to his house, let's hope it's not too far away. ]
Yes. You are an outlander as well?
[ It sounds like the youth has been here for longer, if he's familiar with how some parts of this world work. ]
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[ then yeah, he is. izumi doesn't have the patience for outlandish (heh) terms for anything else, okay. he is just as ordinary as they come. ]
Well, it's not just me around here, if that's what you're asking. But there are some weirdos floating around if you know where to look.
[ like, literally. he's talking about add, as an example. ]
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From which world were you taken?
[ He'll try a different way of asking. ]
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[ he doesn't put so much stock on alternate-universe theories and all. maybe someone like leo would be able to, given his flights of fancy, but he might need a translator... ]
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I see.
[ Yeah, he wouldn't expect young people to grasp the enormity of everything this quickly. Better to save the questions for a more appropriate time.
Zhongli helps Izumi get the bookcase back to his room, taking note of where the youth lived. It seems there is a lot of young people here... ]
gift exchange
she has a very unique problem. every time she tries to take a seat, no matter where she is in the void, a pointed crystal box materializes to stop her. the first time it happened caught her completely off guard. the next time it became clear she was getting pranked by some unknown entity. then the next and next and next times she kept trying and failing to understand why this was happening to her.
this was a very curious oddity that turned downright annoying by the time she tried to go to sleep, and again the box appeared as she moved to sit on her mattress. the best she managed was to flop on her bed face first to game the system. it's the only little victory she's gotten from this situation. nothing she does to the box - kick it, throw it, ignore it - does anything. she opened it once or twice and all that was inside was a coin. nothing odd about it when she took it out, so she slipped it back in and let it be. not like there's any currency in the void.
there was a hope that if she held the box while trying to sit, then she could. however the box would just blink out of her hands and appear right beneath her.
for now she carries it around, grumbling, wondering if she can get someone to volunteer to take it off her hands. yet the possibility that she may unwittingly pass on this curse, or whatever it is, to someone else is not an option she wants to explore. for now she paces slow in mortis forest near the lake, trying to get her thoughts arranged.
...maybe if she throws it in the lake? hm. she looks out and debates, not knowing if it'll do any good but thinking it may be her best move. ]
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Ah, is that...?
The shine of the Mora coin is very familiar to him, given that he was the one who created such a metal in the first place. Zhongli quickens his pace to arrive in polite speaking distance ]
Excuse me, can I have that coin?
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Huh?
[ her body half-turns toward the direction of the voice, an unfamiliar face with no name in her mind. a new person? ]
Coin? [ she repeats his last word, confusion striking her face. ] Wait - do you know what this is?
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This is a Mora coin.
[ He doesn't like to speak too loudly - his usual voice is calm and soothing. ]
The Mora is the standard currency of my homeland.
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So then, is the Mora coin cursed or is it just me?
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[ This he says carefully, taking the coin and the box from Ahsoka. Looking at it, he cannot detect anything magical. It just seems like a normal coin. ]
What did it do?
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I'll... just show you.
[ because it's the sort of thing that warrants demonstration. ahsoka steps away from the edge of the lake, giving herself space on a patch of grass. she inhales and then carefully bends down, planning to sit- ]
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That has been happening to me for a day now.
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Can I have the coin?
[ He closes his hand around the box. Nothing particularly interesting happens, but since he's had a similar experience with that lyre, maybe both are related. Objects from other worlds falling in tend to be how this world gets more content. Venti's observations told him that these items tend to belong to someone else. This is probably his, but he can't tell because he's made countless Mora coins in his long life. ]
Given that it originates from my world, I do believe it will become more ordinary if it is left with me.