[ As Ajax starts to drift back to sleep, the earth beneath them warms even though the many layers of blankets and padding that the kitsune had prepared for the two. It warms like stone being left out in the sun, glowing lines of amber criss cross along the cavern floor and then up the walls almost to the ceiling. They form a lattice, thin and delicate but obviously a barrier of some kind. One that does not appear to take much effort for Zhongli to conjure at all.

It is only then that Zhongli opens his eyes, nuzzling a little against Ajax's face as he blinks at him still half asleep. ]

You are restless. And expending your energy needlessly.

[ He pulls Ajax closer, tucking him underneath his chin even though it is Ajax who is providing them with the majority of the warmth. The snuggle of before becomes more of a protective hold as if he was shielding Ajax from the world.

Zhongli would be embarrassed if he was more awake, given that the nine-tails could definitely fend for himself. But on this border of consciousness and dreams, his instincts take over. ]

Rest. I will keep watch and make sure no creature can enter this cave.