[ Perhaps forced is too strong a word for such an situation, but Zhongli can see how Focalors had guided all of them to this conclusion — the risks calculated and the ends justifying the methods. Perhaps that is simply the way of the Archons as Rex Lapis cannot claim he was any different during his rule. (Cannot really claim that he is any different now in his retirement.) Nor was Makoto on the day she followed the call, leaving her sister Ei behind. And now the Tsaritsa follows that same path with her own grand schemes.
It's strange. Perhaps he should feel more trepidation at a sovereign regaining their power. It was something that the Archons always knew to be wary of, and it would be well in the hydro soveriegn's right to be angry with the Archons for what they had lost to them. And yet— Neuvillette had been cooperative and even courteous in allowing Zhongli to remain in Fontaine for purposes that could only be described as meddling. He knew the entire time who Zhongli was and let him wander his land freely as long as he conducted himself according to Fontaine's rules.
And yet here they are sharing stories as if they were— well, friends. And were they friends? Zhongli had no reason to not believe so, at least from his side. Because there are some stories that can only be shared with the understanding that the listener resonates with the storyteller. And this— this seems like one such story. Who else can understand the magnitude of such a tale except those who have lived to see as much as someone like Zhongli has.
He does not congratulate (or even acknowledge) the return of Neuvillette's powers. To do so would be too awkward. However— ]
Life is full of people that we treasure. Families, friends, loved ones, the community to which we belong, the nation that we call our home.
But sometimes, there are brief encounters, unexpected in their intensity, that stay with us forever. I am sorry for your loss and for what you experienced that day. That the chapter will close as is with no chance to get to know her more than in those fleeting moments.
But I am glad that you are sharing such a tale with me. And glad that she will live on in your heart and memories.
Is that not the greatest gift that can be given to one who sacrificed so much for the sake of others?
no subject
It's strange. Perhaps he should feel more trepidation at a sovereign regaining their power. It was something that the Archons always knew to be wary of, and it would be well in the hydro soveriegn's right to be angry with the Archons for what they had lost to them. And yet— Neuvillette had been cooperative and even courteous in allowing Zhongli to remain in Fontaine for purposes that could only be described as meddling. He knew the entire time who Zhongli was and let him wander his land freely as long as he conducted himself according to Fontaine's rules.
And yet here they are sharing stories as if they were— well, friends. And were they friends? Zhongli had no reason to not believe so, at least from his side. Because there are some stories that can only be shared with the understanding that the listener resonates with the storyteller. And this— this seems like one such story. Who else can understand the magnitude of such a tale except those who have lived to see as much as someone like Zhongli has.
He does not congratulate (or even acknowledge) the return of Neuvillette's powers. To do so would be too awkward. However— ]
Life is full of people that we treasure. Families, friends, loved ones, the community to which we belong, the nation that we call our home.
But sometimes, there are brief encounters, unexpected in their intensity, that stay with us forever. I am sorry for your loss and for what you experienced that day. That the chapter will close as is with no chance to get to know her more than in those fleeting moments.
But I am glad that you are sharing such a tale with me. And glad that she will live on in your heart and memories.
Is that not the greatest gift that can be given to one who sacrificed so much for the sake of others?