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[ As promised, Neuvillette pays off the remainder of Zhongli's debt to the Hotel Debord; he also tells the hotel that for the rest of his stay in Fontaine, his meals will be paid in full by the Palais. He might not particularly like the man, but he wants to show his gratitude for his assistance nevertheless.

Month pass. Slowly but steadily life begins to return to normal as reconstruction efforts proceed as smoothly and rapidly as possible. More people begin to leave the temporary shelters to their rebuilt homes. Most schools have reopened. The main hospital in the city now has a new maternity ward, built in preparation of the coming population boom; for better or worse, turning the people of Fontaine into true humans also granted them reproductive freedom now that they no longer need to pray to the fountain to conceive children.

The now defunct Oratrice remains in the opera house as a reminder of the justice Focalors represented and Neuvillette is pleased to discover that while it can no longer produce Indemnitium, it's still capable of storing some power, allowing him to transfer a small piece of his elemental authority to temporarily supply the nation with Pneumousia in his absence. He doubts it'll be necessary anytime soon since he has no plans to travel farther than Chenyu Vale in the foreseeable future, though.

The old year gives way to the new one in Fontaine, and just a few weeks later it's time for Liyue to follow suit and usher in the new year with the annual Lantern Rite. Neuvillette decides to take half a day off (his first half-day off that isn't a public holiday in years; Sedene is so surprised when he informs her that she nearly drops her teacup) and takes the boat from Lumidouce Harbor to Yilong Wharf.

The earth trembles slightly as he disembarks. Nothing to concern oneself with, surely; seismic activity is a regular occurrence in the land of Geo.

The weather is pleasantly cool and mild, the blue skies only partially obstructed by some scattered clouds as the Iudex wanders the wharf for some time, perusing the various stands selling all manner of trinkets and food as hawkers try to outdo each other in promoting their wares. He doesn't think twice when one of them tells offers to sell him ten boxes of tea at a fifty percent discount and immediately buys them; it might be a little too much tea, but he knows someone who will appreciate such quantities.

Another brief tremor, lasting less than three seconds. Enough to make tourists give pause and halt in their step, but the locals barely react to it and continue as usual. Probably nothing to worry about.

Ten boxes of tea now neatly tucked into a paper bag, Neuvillette leaves Yilong Wharf to walk along the well-trodden dirt path leading to the nearby Qiaoying Village. As he nears the village, he spots a roadside stall of some sort and upon approaching he finds that the woman manning the stand is offering tourists the chance to try their hands at the ceramic arts.

After paying the woman, he dons one of the aprons hanging on the side of the stall and takes a seat and removes his gloves so they won't get dirtied (he's a little hesitant to do so in front of a stranger, but then decides that since she can see his rhinophores there's no harm in letting her see the scaly hands as well). He's given a rectangular block of clay that he doesn't quite know what to do with as first, but he finds that he likes the cool texture between his fingers as he experimentally begins to mold it into the shape of a ladle. Then another idea stirs to life and he begins to knead the top of the handle into the head of a heavily stylized dragon.

He's so focused on the task at hand that he fails to notice the very familiar aura that approaches. ]

[ Zhongli stays in Fontaine longer than he probably should, even with his debts to the hotel paid off. Despite all the confusion that accompanies Fontaine's reconstruction, Zhongli finds the rebuilding of a nation soothing. Simpler and nostalgic for times long passed.

Except for brief chance encounters, he does not meet Neuvillette again before he packs his bags and heads back to Liyue.

Over the next few months, Liyue remains largely peaceful. The Qixing have become well accustomed to leading without their Archon for many years now, and despite the mora crisis looming over them, life seems to continue as normal. The only strange thing of note is the occasional earthquake that shakes the land. They're short, sporadic and unpredictable but ultimately harmless as of now. Being attuned to geo as he is, Zhongli knows that they are not natural and instead caused by some sort of disruption in geo energies, but the clues and hypothesis he follows run cold very quickly.

And besides, it is Lantern Rite. He should take this opportunity to enjoy all that is Liyue and to meet up with old friends. Thus, he agrees to go with the Director to Chenyu Value. It seems the adepti there (who he has not encountered since the Archon War) have become more active recently.

Imagine his surprise when Zhongli feels a familiar presence as he leaves Qiaoying Village (Hu Tao having already left herself for the larger shopping arcade of the Wharf). A presence he had assumed that he would not feel again until the final conflict of the Traveler or for many centuries to come. Like a moth to a flame, he is drawn to the Hydro Sovereign even though he knows he should be cautious about their interactions, especially when Neuvillette had been quite clear he had no time in the near future to visit Liyue.

Finding the Chief Justice tucked away in an obviously seasonal set-up of pottery equipment and being warmly encouraged by one of the old Aunties stirs something warm within him. A silent wish answered that the new leader of Fontaine be able to enjoy the fruits of the land that he was overseeing, whether that be his own nation or anywhere else in Teyvat. Zhongli's smile only widens as he approaches, the woman chattering pleasantly on how he might reinforce the piece to hold its intricate shape.

When there is a pause in Neuvillette's concentration, Zhongli clears his throat, doing his best to not disturb that art in progress. ]

It seems that this a very auspicious Lantern Rite that our paths might cross once more.

Greetings, Monsieur Neuvillette. I hope Liyue has been treating you well.

[ Having just finished one of the side fins, Neuvillette is in the middle of attaching it to the lower section of the ladle and delicately smoothing the two parts together. His hands still mid-movement and he straightens his back, turning in his seat to face the other man. Liyue is a large nation and Neuvillette only intends to be here for half a day; what are the odds of them chancing upon another by the side of the road like this? Inwardly, he nearly laughs at the absurdity of it. He had hoped they wouldn't meet again anytime soon, yet here they are. What a strange twist of fate. ]

Greetings to you as well, Monsieur Zhongli. I didn't expect to see you here. [ He says, forcing himself to school his mouth into a faint and pleasant smile. He wouldn't call it auspicious at all. Quite the opposite, really. ]

Liyue has been treating me well so far. Chenyu Vale's landscapes are tranquil and majestic—the views alone have made it a worthwhile trip.

It is an honor to have you bestow such praise upon Liyue.

[ Neuvillette's sincere praise is well received and regardless of the Chief Justice's own personal feelings, any warm words toward Liyue instantly puts Zhongli in a better mood. Which means he just invites himself more into the Sovereign's space.

Zhongli takes a seat at an unoccupied pottery wheel next to Neuvillette, exchanging quick pleasantries with the shop owner before settling in. ]

Have you had a chance to enjoy the tea here? It would be a shame for you to come all this way and not have the opportunity to sample some of it. I know of a very reputable teahouse in the area if you are interested.

[ Another tremor shakes the earth — causing Zhongli only a moment of pause as his brow furrows. Ah, perhaps that should be a matter he returns to sooner rather than later. Perhaps after a shared cup of tea (to redeem Liyue's water in Neuvillette's eyes.) ]

[ Neuvillette quickly places his palms against the sides of the ladle as the earth begins to tremble, preventing it from accidentally falling off the pottery wheel. His brow furrows slightly before smoothing out as the trembling subsides; something about this concerns him for reasons he can't articulate, but he pushes those thoughts aside for now. This is commonplace here, and he's only a tourist. This does not concern him. ]

I bought a few boxes of tea for Wriothesley, but I haven't sampled it myself. [ With the trembling having subsided, he begins to work on the other side fin, carefully shaping it with the tools provided. ]

Perhaps I'll go to this teahouse once my clay ladle is ready to be baked in the kiln.

[ Zhongli peers down at the earth much like an owner would look at a favorite puppy that is misbehaving, fond yet exasperated. Did it not understand that Zhongli was busy trying to entertain a Sovereign in his home country?

Not that the earth should care about such matters of mortals and gods. The ex-Archon pauses for a moment, listening to see if he is somehow missing something that could be the cause of the disturbance. But unlike that time so many millennia ago, he does not hear the voice of anything calling or the song of an elemental. He just hears the whistle of the wind as the earth pauses in its rumbling.

It's a little bit disconcerting.

And thus Zhongli continues the conversation as if he didn't space out into his element and nostalgia for a few moments. ]

Monsieur Wriothesley— ah, yes. Your friend from the Fortress of Meropide. That's a very thoughtful gift which I hope he finds to live up to its reputation.

[ Zhongli himself had yet to read the Steambird article but the Ministry of Civil Affairs would not allow anything but the best to be written about beloved tea of Qiaoying village. ]

Would you perhaps like some company to the teahouse? I was planning on visiting there myself later today and —

I must admit I have an ulterior motive for such a request.

[ Noticing the pause, Neuvillette's gaze fixes itself on the other man as he watches him look down at the ground below; should he take this as confirmation that these tremors are an anomaly, rather than naturally occuring seismic activity? If the former Geo Archon is reacting in this manner he cannot interpret it as anything else. ]

When you put it that way, I cannot refuse. [ Inside of him are two dragons. One wants to bluntly tell him no. The other wants to act with propriety. Besides, he is a little curious about these ulterior motives. ]

This shouldn't take much longer, I think. I assume it's best to apply the paint after baking?

[ And so two dragons step into the same dance again as they had back in the land of hydro. A dance where formalities and social niceties were the cornerstone of the interaction regardless of the individual goals of the participants.

Not that Zhongli does not want to spend time with Neuvillette. Quite the opposite. He is pleased to see him and more pleased to see that he seems to be taking a vacation of all things. But even retired as he is, it's always good manners to keep an eye on such a powerful visitor to Liyue. If he can impart some affection for its culture and history, then well, that was only an added bonus. ]

Yes. But please, do not rush on my account. Such an activity should be done at one's leisure especially if it's your first time experiencing it.

[ Though he does not begin to form anything with it, Zhongli also leans over to admire the blocks of clay available here. A fingertip smooths down the side of a particularly well-proportioned block: ]

As you know, I've always had a soft spot for creations made from the earth.

It's only natural to be drawn to the element you have an affinity for.

[ With the auntie listening in on their conversation, Neuvillette chooses his words with care, not wanting to say anything that could be interpreted as him calling the other man the late Rex Lapis. Despite his personal dislike for the man, he can at least respect his decision to retire and permanently take on the persona of an ordinary citizen. The truth coming out could have consequences for Liyue as well, disrupting the plans the Qixing have made to have the nation move forward and prosper without their deity. ]

Soil can be granular and unforgiving, but once the right amount of water is added it can be shaped into almost anything. It's relaxing to sit there and create something with my own hands.

[ As the original god of life and progenitor to all native species on Teyvat, creation seems to be innate to him; he just rarely gets the chance to express it with how busy he is. ]

[ Is it arrogant that Zhongli has not worried once about Neuvillette exposing him? Probably. But here he'd been hiding in plain sight for a long expanse of time after his retirement, and even if more and more people gradually knew the truth, the world still deemed Rex Lapis dead.

So arrogance, yes, but also confidence in knowing that he is correct. ]

I am glad that you find such a task relaxing and further glad to hear that you have found the time to relax at all.

[ Long was the list of repairs needed in Fontaine after all and stronger still was the Chief Justice's dedication to his duties. ]

Upon our last parting, I was under the impression that I would not be seeing you for quite some time. And least of all, here in Liyue.

Does that mean the situation in Fontaine has been progressing better than expected?

Reconstruction efforts are proceeding smoothly and several major projects have been completed ahead of schedule. I am proud of what Fontaine's citizens have accomplished.

[ He speaks warmly, his tone like that of a father speaking proudly of his children's accomplishments; and in a sense, he is a father not only to the Melusines but to all of Fontaine. He granted them the humanity Egeria never could, after all, creating a race of humans that could actually be considered native to the world. He admires their tenacity to persevere after a disaster and the strength of will they possess. That's why he willingly scatters fragments of his power into the world, allowing them to take the form of Visions by those with ambition. ]

I also discovered that I am not... quite as confined to Fontaine as I initially assumed.

[ A lie. He had known all along that he could leave and still supply the nation with power, even if he cannot go very far. ]

[ Ah, there it is again. That pride and fondness that Neuvillette feels for everything Fontaine. Despite the fact the changes in expression are subtle and nuanced (as if Rex Lapis could criticize anyone for that!), it warms Zhongli's heart to have a leader speak of their nation so. Over time and over death, the world had changed so much and so had the Archons' relationship with their people. The way Neuvillette speaks is almost nostalgic of those bygone days where the Seven would wine and dine together. (But surely the Chief Justice would not be pleased to hear such a comparison.) ]

Some confines are of our own making. That you are to see through the illusion of yours so quickly—

[ Ah. Is probably too deep a conversation for pottery. For once, Zhongli seems to abandon that line of thought instead of continue to ramble on. ]

Well, I am pleased to see you here in Liyue.

[ A quick tilt of his head as he looks at the shape becoming more and more formed between the steady press of Neuvillette's hands. How charming. It's not hard to tell what it is from the overall shape, craftsmanship notwithstanding. But Zhongli asks anyway: ]

So what is it that you are crafting?

A soup ladle. Since I am not used to working with clay, I wanted to make something that is both useful and not too complicated.

[ One of his initial ideas was a wolf-themed teapot for Wriothesley, but he couldn't work out a doable design for such a thing in his head so he scrapped it. Besides, he already intends to gift the man a handmade legal codex in addition to ten boxes of green tea. A third gift on top that might be a little too much. ]

It's designed to resemble a water-dwelling dragon, albeit a heavily stylized one. [ The dragon in question being himself if he hadn't been reborn in human flesh, but he makes sure to keep his wording vague enough so the auntie won't catch on, trusting that Zhongli will understand what he means. ]

If I recall correctly, this Lantern Rite marks the beginning of the year of the dragon in Liyue's traditional calendar. Making one in clay would be appropriate for the occasion.

You are correct that it is the year of the dragon. A very lucky year for those born under its guidance. Though I am interested to see what your version of a hydro dragon might look like. The examples in Liyue lore tend to lean more toward hydras than anything else.

[ Zhongli thinks back to the recent battles with Osial and Beisht — their many heads rising up in flawless coordination. How magnificent the two of them were even on the opposing side of the battlefield. ]

Very inconvenient — I would imagine — for you ladle to sprout multiple handles.

[ Even though Neuvillette is almost finished, Zhongli speaks with the polite Auntie who is watching them from the sidelines, procuring a small chunk of clay to do produce his own creation. It seems to not take him too much time to create as it is relatively short and flat, most of the effort being spent on creating the silhouette — rounded and flaring like something that had petals. ]

[ Ah, yes, he had heard about those; he recalls the attack on Liyue Harbor being on the front page of the Steambird a few years ago, accompanied by a blurry photograph of a multi-headed deity emerging from the depths of the sea. ]

Very inconvenient indeed.

[ Having finished both fins, Neuillette moves on to give his creation a pair of stubby little legs on the underside of the ladle, though he pauses to look on as Zhongli begins to give shape to his own piece of clay with the skilled movements of someone with both a natural affinity for the earth and millennia of expertise. ]

What are you making, Monsieur?

While in Fontaine, I was rather charmed by a flower known as the Lumidouce Bell. Beautiful in appearance and in meaning, it captures both sorrow and hope so very eloquently.

[ With a few finishing touches, the clay does finally mold into the shape of the round flower, thick petals included. ]

I thought it would make a lovely little plate to rest your own creation on, if you find it fitting. Or if not, something for your water glass.

If you would accept such a gift, of course.

The Lumidouce Bell is a beautiful flower indeed. Its serene scent is calming like an evening breeze.

[ If he had to pick a favourite flower it would be either the Lumidouce Bell or the Lakelight Lily. The latter reminds him of a certain woman he co-governed Fontaine with, and he likes the tradition of picking lilies to give to people before they set out on long journey—wishing them a road ahead as tranquil as water.

The earth beneath them trembles slightly. Neuvillette pays it no mind as he continues ]

Your craftsmanship is truly remarkable. [ There's something in the way he watches those finishing touches that says he is being entirely genuine. ]

I would be happy to accept—

[ His words are abruptly cut off when the earth violently begins to shake like a struck gong. In the blink of an eye, many things happen at once—the auntie loses her balance and falls to the ground behind her roadside stall. Startled birds take flight from nearby trees. Several boulders begin to hurtle down the mountainous slopes. A cacophony of noises from Qiaoying Village; people shouting, roads quite literally being shaken apart. Some of the older buildings begin to crumble into piles of bricks.

The suddenness of it has Neuvillette falling off his seat in what would've been a comedic fashion if not for the severity of the situation, but he quickly rises to unsteady feet and his rhinophores glow a bright blue as he levitates upward and hovers just above the earth so the violent shaking can't throw him off balance again. He casts a quick gaze around them, scanning their surroundings for boulders and other potential dangers coming their way. ]

[ Six millennia of instinct directs Morax as the earth lurches beneath them. Ancient gold symbols flicker at the edges of the auntie's and Neuvillette's vision, the brittle warmth of a jade shield protecting them from injury even as they fall (not that the Chief Justice needed or probably wanted such protection). Zhongli himself, stubborn as he is, does not so much as stumble as he rises to his feet, brows furrowed as he stares in disbelief at the ground underneath them.

What was happening? What could cause such a disturbance in the earth of Liyue of all nations? And why now?

And then he hears it.

A longing searching cry from deep underneath the earth that he had not heard for thousands of years when he was still a fledgling god, unburdened and daresay naive by the events he had not yet experienced. A voice deep from the earth calling, calling, calling for anyone to hear it.

But it is not as deep as his memory recalls (an impossible feat for they had not the strength to bury the ancient that far below). Nor as it as curious and lost as it was that first time. Yet it pulls at Morax all the same.

The cause of the earthquakes — he should have known. How so very foolish of him not to realize.

Azhdaha.

One stone stele rises up sharply, stopping a roof from toppling down upon a nearby residence so a family can flee to safely. Another to divert a large boulder from flattening the auntie and her stand as it careens sharply off to one side. Around them are the shouts and commands of the Millelith, vision holders and adventures alike as they too spring into quick action to protect who they can. But oh, the ground continues to shake and break apart well beyond what is natural. And even as Zhongli presses both hands to the ground like a parent trying to soothe a hyperventilating child, there is only so much one can do to soothe the rage of a being stronger than the gods. ]

[ While Zhongli expertly diverts the boulder, Neuvillette takes aim and fires off a massive blast of water at a tree to redirect its fall as the violent shaking practically tears it out of the ground. With his domain being water and not the earth, he feels somewhat limited in what he can do to help in the face of a disaster like this—but nevertheless, he must act. Lives are at stake here. In a brief flash of blue light, he teleports closer to the village and begins to help the Millelith soldiers in getting people out of harm's way; he puts his inhuman strength to good use as he lifts an old man whose legs are amputated below the knees in his arms and quickly teleports him to a more open space where he's less likely to be hit by falling debris.

He does the same with several others. It's a bit taxing to teleport several times in such a short time span while simultaneously bringing others with him, but he pushes through nonetheless.

It lasts approximately ninety seconds before the shaking begins to subside like a retreating tide. No longer levitating and both feet firmly on the perfectly still ground, Neuvillette stares down at it, eyes narrowed.

He knows what caused this. Or rather, who caused it. The realization sends a stab of alarm running through him as he quickly heads over to where Zhongli currently is. ]

I know what caused this—and I think you do too.

[ Water has always been what earth was not— fast, agile and ever-changing to fit its environment. It was the quickest to soothe and react where geo's strength rested in forethought and preparation. So it is no surprise that the very embodiment of that element would mobilize so very efficiently. Zhongli watches Neuvillette disappear in a flash of blue light though his unique elemental signature signaled that he wasn't that far away. Good. That meant that area was well covered so Zhongli could focus his attention on the farms and small huts that dotted the outskirts of the town.

It's a struggle to get the earth to heed his commands, having to wrestle it from its current chaotic state, soothe it, and transform it into something that provides stability rather than destruction. And Zhongli was no fool. He knew where he stood when compared to the Geo Sovereign's might even if this was only a fraction of it.

Once the earthquake subsides, the ex-archon turns to leave. The task of sealing Adzhaha had been intensely personal, only shared with the Traveler and Paimon when fate lead them back to that place. It was also dangerous (a justification he used to always face him alone) to bring others into harm's way.

But Neuvillette is not just anyone. In fact, he might be one of the few beings on Teyvat that had a deeper bond with Azhdaha than Zhongli himself. And for that reason alone does Zhongli pause halfway down the broken slope towards the south. ]

Yes.

And it appears that time is not on our side.

[ A vague open invitation for Neuvillette to follow as he turns and continues to head down the path. ]

[ Neuvillette doesn't immediately trail after the other, glancing back at the Qiaoying Village. Part of him feels like he ought to stick around a little longer and provide his assistance, as well as find a courier to send a message back to the Palais Mermonia that he will be gone for a few days. But he recognizes that must go to where Azhdaha has been sealed beneath the earth; the village is now in the hands of their mortal inhabitants. He cannot afford to spare any time helping out when the threat of another and far more devastating earthquake looms over them.

He catches up with Zhongli and walks beside the other at a brisk, resolute pace. ]

The loss of life will be devastating if we allow another earthquake to occur. [ No point in mincing words here. What they just saw is just the prelude to death and destruction that will occur if they do nothing. ]

Where are we headed, exactly?

[ Neuvillette recalls that Rex Lapis sealed his foe in the depths of the Chasm in some variants of the legend, but he doubts the veracity of that particular detail. It has to be somewhere else, or mining operations would've halted many centuries ago. ]

[ Zhongli solemnly nods at Neuvillette's assessment of the situation even as he slowly turns the phrase over in his mind. "If we allow another earthquake to occur" — Said as if they had any true power to prevent the Geo Sovereign from rending the earth as he saw fit. Ah, but that was just another unfortunate side effect of the tales of Rex Lapis growing more heroic with every generation's retelling. Only those that were there (few and far between as they are now) know that it was by the will and grace of Azhdaha that he was sealed.

Would they be so lucky a third time? ]

Nantianmen. Or more precisely to a great tree known as the Dragon-Queller.

[ It's simple enough to pick up the pace once they are out of view of the village and any passerbys. Neither Zhongli or Neuvillette had to worry about a pesky thing like stamina after all. ]

I thought his anger had been temporarily soothed. That the effects of erosion had been held at bay if only for a little while.

[ Zhongli's expression is a mixture of concern and trepidation as he for once pays little attention to anything outside of the path ahead and Neuvillette staying pace at his side. ]

What could have made that fall apart so very quickly?

[ Neuvillette mentally lays out a map of Teyvat and where Nantianmen is in relation to their current location. It's in Minlin, so it's relatively close, but the mountainous terrain still makes it an arduous trek that would take at least two to three days for an ordinary human to make. But neither of them are human; they can both move at far greater speeds and they also do not need to stop and take breaks as frequently. Rough terrain won't slow them down much either when one can simply levitate as necessary and the other is intimately connected to the earth.

Mathing it out, he estimates that they can reach their destination before the sun sets. The earth stands still for now, showing no signs of any aftershocks, so perhaps Azhdaha has tired himself out for now. Neuvillette hopes that is the case, at least. ]

Azhdaha in particular was always more sensitive to the other elements than the rest of us—perhaps the destruction of the Hydro Archon's seat had a knock-on effect on him and worsened his mental state.

[ Just an idle theory as he too picks up the pace, moving at the speed of the suanni that are said to live in these mountains. ]

I suppose it was only a matter of time before the effects of such an event would ripple to the rest of Teyvat. For now, surely both Celestia and the Abyss knows that the celestial seat has been destroyed.

Perhaps it was my own naivety that considered they would be the ones who would take first and foremost notice.

[ For like the Archons, the Sovereigns kept to their own nations for the most part. And surely Celestia could not keep a blind eye to what was going in Teyvat (if indeed that was what they were doing) forever. Not with the Tsaritsa's plans drawing closer and closer to fruition.

But that problem will still in the perhaps not-so-distant future. And the both of them had a very real problem to address right at this very moment. ]

I do not believe I ever asked, for one such as yourself, what did it feel like when the Hydro Archon's seat was destroyed?

[ Perhaps this is not the best "small talk" as the two dragons make their way swiftly across a large expanse of Liyue. But Zhongli is curious. So very very curious about finally finding an individual who could understand Azhdaha in ways that he never would be able to. ]

Imagine a towering tidal wave, crashing against the shore—tumultuous, chaotic and destructive. And yet, as this force rips through your body, you feel like a river arriving at the sea. You are complete in ways you haven't felt in a lifetime.

[ Words alone cannot truly articulate how it felt. He remembers the moment the sword dropped, slicing through Focalors' body, divine ichor in the form of water splattering across the stage—and how in the span of the span of two heartbeats, it returned to him with such a violent force that would've overwhelmed anyone but the Hydro dragon himself, the rightful owner of this great power. Joy and relief intertwining with the grief of knowing of the price that was paid.

He pauses, briefly, before addressing Zhongli's prior statement. ]

...The Usurper has, as far as I know, been completely inactive since Khaenri'ah fell. I don't think they know yet.

[ Yet being the key word here. Sooner or later, Celestia will rouse from their apparent slumber. It's a matter of when, not if. ]

May no spring nor fountain ever run dry

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