#deus auri

"Waste not mountain spring,

For order governs wandering leisure."

_____

So after almost half a year of not really playing, I might be playing again...

“Then let us agree upon a contract…”

how beautiful did he look, as he sat amidst the lilies, maidens bedecked in gold bathing him in milk and rose petals as he accepted them graciously. lashes fluttered shut with golden orbs hiding behind serenity bathed eyes, calm despite the repetitive chant of his noble name.

'long live deus auri!'

priests chanted the holy name of the mighty god whose blessing seemed to have livened the nation with plenty joy, smiles rising on the face of every citizen. the city was bathed in lights and lamps bright as every gust of wind sang melody of the ardour.

music and incense had filled every nook and cranny, and travellers had gathered from the corners of the world to behold witness to the occasion; and to have their own hands filled with the generous king's gold—who was as gleeful as a father could be at the occasion of his eldest son's coronation.

he stands once the ceremony is completed, long brown hair open as they fall over his defined shoulders. to call him beautiful would've been both accurate and laughable, for he was more aptly compared with the sun than any petty word that could be used for anything else. the priests gather around him as he bows, a graciously swift movement as they slip the silks on his chest and the gold jewellery fitting of a crowned prince—enhancing his beauty a million times.

and had you blinked for even a moment, you would have missed the way his gaze fluttered ever so softly in your direction, atop the balcony which provided a view to the multitude of princesses who had been invited to the ceremony, as the garland of lotuses was slipped on him—the most silent gesture that very loudly said one thing—he would look forward to the day he can do that to you, and claim you his.

he turns back though, as quickly as he had looked, and then greets all with the most pleasant of smiles. all cheered loudly, but none's heart would've known the turmoil of anticipation that yours did. you understood very well the undertones of this coronation—it was his request from the king, who had been more than happy to oblige, so that he would have the right to ask your hand from your father who would only be willing to hand over his daughter to the noblest of men.

you have to prevent even a slip in gesture or airs to make for the sudden attention that you garner then, and your father smiles in the distance, old eyes gleaming with great understanding of his loveliest daughter's visage.

its a lovely affair then—the crowned prince and you sitting together near the lake of lotuses as he smiles at you with the smallest of desire in his gaze, as though trying not to let his composure slip—

'tell me, lotus-eyed, would your father allow me to take your hand in mine now?'

but your father knows the answer as he listens vaguely from near the rose bushes, even more than both of you who remain oblivious to his watchful gaze as he secretively smiles.

all that awaited now was the marriage ceremony and the rituals that follow with it—the best man wins the hand of his divine daughter. he knows he won't have to be partial, though. quite vain then would be his long wait of four years; looking for the valiant man who could dare to woo his daughter, the lady known for her very beauty and immaculate character in the land of wealth and trade.

he takes no worries when he smiles gleefully though, allowing the love birds to engage in peaceful conversation, fully trusting that his daughter would never do anything to make him bow his head low in shame. his eyes gleam in joy as he internally rejoices.

deus auri is the most competent of all in the seven continents, after all.

Zhongli mention in the new Sumeru bow! nothing much but...something

Or in other words Zhongli is an overbearing worrywart. He's always protecting, doting, and fretting over you. He isn't always obvious about his protectiveness. Sometimes his nature comes in the form of gentle, insistent suggestions or reminders to sway your decisions.

Sometimes his desire to watch over you comes in the way of how he always has a glove–clad hand firmly planted against the crater the small of your back provides. Zhongli isn't huge on PDA but he always has some hold on you via hand holding, walking close, etc. He's just making sure you don't take a tumble—the pavement can be quite umforgiving at times.. His presence is never far. The heady warmth of him lingering is a constant. He knows you're very capable but he insist on shadowing you.

Zhongli's protective nature also results in him fretting not only about your mental wellbeing but your physical health as well. If you're someone who tends to linger in bed far longer than morning he'll force you up. Not only is he influencing your sleep schedule but he insist you take care of yourself as well. He'll drop a subtly, reaffirming comment or two about what foods are healthy, what products would benefit you, etc. He'll drag a rather tired, petulant you along his earrrly morning strolls. Any complaints are not met with anger but amusement and a smile.

Zhongli being a worrywart also comes with the territory of you never being alone. He's always trailing close behind in a calm, meticulous gait. Even if you're in your own home he's never far from you! Now he's not always hovering like a mother hen but he always just protest to you that he's simply "checking in".

Zhongli being overprotective also means if you get ill he's very strict. He's nothing short of attentive but he'll mull over it as if you're on your death bed. Now he's reasonable too of course—in the end you'll be fine especially with someone as caring as him! Sometimes though he remembers how frail the human psyche is and it makes him a tad worrying. You're so susceptible to everything.

Zhongli's overprotective natrue also presents in the way he's hesitant to let you around certain people. For example, if a certain bard visits he's sure to check you're not being swayed into any drinking or mischief however good natured it is. He's hesitant to let you around a certain ginger as well. He's also quick to guide you away when Hu Tao pops up. She's as energetic as wildfire; fast and warm. Like a spring ready to pop, As well intentioned as she is after she gives you quite the unexpected spook one afternoon he can't help but frett over you and wonder if space is a good option.. Despite this Zhongli recognizes you're entitled to choose who's company you seek but you'll have to get used to his gentle suggestions otherwise.

Zhongli's protective nature also shows in the way he holds you so close. Grasping you, tucking you against him, making sure you're nestled. He holds you as if you'll slip away.

He also insist on going to the market with you even if it's a small trip. He always cautions about "sneaky" and "deceptive" vendors. The booth runners can easily swindle the smartest of negotiaters! He wants to handle it all for you and ensure you get the best deals.

His constant need to protect shows in how he's always watching. You may be resting, cooking, doing your hair and you'll feel the searing warmth of golden, deep iris taking you in. You feel smothered albeit delightfully so by his care.

He also takes up the role of packing you lunches everyday. Before you leave for work he insist you take a well and hearty meal to power you through the day. He often finds himself worrying over how you are, where you are, if you're happy. He may even visit if not briefly just to check in but he doesn't stay long as he recognizes distractions at work are no good.

It doesn't help when you have a tedency to dramaticize certain events. You may tell him "I almost fell into a large crater on my walk and twisted my ankle!" or something equally absurd and he'll frett immediately before you tell him it was just a small crack in the pavement. It makes him want to hover even more.