morax

just a couple of eepy tired old men 😴

“Hey, Zhongli... I got a question.” ignorance is bliss, even if they are far away from Liyue after all. “Have you ever had fun in doing this before? I’m no expert but surely, you know you can use your hands for this. Not everything needs pillars or giant rocks.”

"... i cannot claim to have had much opportunity to find enjoyment within snowy regions i fear." most such endeavours amounted to battle or business after all. perhaps another aspect to add to the retirement bucket list. "furthermore, i fear my knowledge centres more around the latter areas than the former. historical knowledge of snow covered regions bear no relevance in the practical execution of play. to think that the snow is capable of maintaining shape even without the support of a base. most intiguing."

❝ No, no. Absolutely not. Maybe for building a house, but for a snowman, they mean a round base. Granted, I've never made one myself, but... ❞ he'd seen enough in studies, at least.

"a reasonable observation. i suspect centering my own logic around efficiency in regards to height might have proven faulty. do pardon me for making assumptions, but your garments appear rather akin my knowledge of sumeru fasion. despite this, you still feel rather certain in your assessment of snowman construction. am i correct to understand this is not based in pure arrogance?"

“I believe it would if we were in Snezhnaya. Well, then how about we make one in the more so-called traditional way? And without any pillars.”

"forgive me my hastiness, director hu. i fear i have not oft had the chance to indulge in such leeway. this lack of knowledge is an error in my expertise, so by all means enlighten me as to the art of traditional snowman construction."

"That was fast!" His shocked expression changes to one of determined joy and he scoops up another handful of snow. "You'd throw your back out trying to throw a snowball at me, ya dusty crumbly ol' blockhead! How do you plan to make me pay?"

"you would do well to remember not to underestimate an opponent." old age may be a disadvantage in certain aspects, but one known as the warrior god amongst others, shall not bow down so easily. "you are giving yourself far too much credit, god of freedom. i needn't fear a drunkard, absent from the battle for centuries." focusing his powers to shape the stele, a broader, lower one appears from the ground, encasing the snow on top. "this is your last chance to resign."

"barbatos." as he turns around, golden eyes rest on his fellow god. "are you prepared to face the wrath of the rock?"

"alas, humanity venturing into incomprehensible terrain is not a new phenomenon." he does not know what a babygirl is either, but if barbatos is involved it can't be anything good.

"yes, but it is still no less surprising when they do. I don't understand how you manage to live normally among all of this."

"is that so? perhaps it roots in naught but fascination towards that which seems unreachable. i have found many pleasantries amidst the mundane. you should give it a try."

"the mortals here are still as confusing as before with their strange terms..." no, he doesn't know what a babygirl is. do not enlighten him.

"alas, humanity venturing into incomprehensible terrain is not a new phenomenon." he does not know what a babygirl is either, but if barbatos is involved it can't be anything good.

"Ah, I wonder when I'll get more of my powers back? I miss shapeshifting. This outfit had to be handmade. My wings are fake." He pouts playfully, the upends the bottle of wine into his mouth.

still, he suppose entertaining the other might be entertaining once in a while. "i suppose a glass in honour of the memories cannot hurt--" barely had he said his words with a tone that might even border on respectful, if not only appreciative of the gesture, before the bard showed his usual colours. zhongli let a sigh leave his lips. "even so, as we sit here, old and powerless, i cannot help but think that perhaps not all so much has changed in the end. almost as though eternity has conquered the corrosion of time. i'm sure she would find amusement within such a sentiment."

"Rex Lapis!! Hi!!" Venti giggles, bouncing his steps almost delicately as he approached his friend, a bottle of wine and two glasses in his hands. "Wonderful to see you! I was worried you'd faded to dust in your old age!"

"surprising you haven't succumbed to alcohol poisoning yourself by now."

@contractuum

"while my convictions have not faltered, i can assure you this: i stand by you not as an archon or a protector of liyue, but as a denizen of this realm. as such, my power shall be spent protecting the natural order and safety of the city and its people. my words alone must suffice, but it is by this contract i shall fight by your side."