hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ 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. ]

Yes.

[ Celestia certainly still had their eyes on this world even if they were slumbering. The fact that they had not awaken as the Traveler continued her journey could probably be considering a blessing, but also was quite foreboding for what might arise when they were once again on the move. ]

It has been very quiet since the Cataclysm, a much needed respite as each nation has struggled with the aftermath.

[ A bland and unhelpful statement, but all Zhongli has to offer given his contracts.

Best to switch their focus to the present less Neuvillette come to fully grasp just how tight a web such contracts weaved (unless he already knew). What memories came to him in that raging tide Focalors death and the destruction of the throne?

Even at a distance and nestled in the valley at is it, the Dragon-Queller is a majestic and foreboding view. Bright gold ginkgo like leaves reaching for the warmth of the sun even as crackling tumultuous blue energy runs up the trunk of the tree, seeping into the branches. It brings a mix of emotions to Zhongli as well as a brief pause to his step (Ah, Azhdaha, if only their last encounter had afforded him a little more well-deserved peace and rest) before he continues on their rushed path. ]

That is our destination.

[ The two reach Nantianmen as the afternoon sun begins to retreat, the sky gradually shifting from a pleasant blue to a palette of pink and orange. A warm golden glow is slowly settling over the mountaintops as Zhongli and Neuvillette descend into the valley where a massive tree stands alone, the bright blue energy that glows along its branches sticking out like a sore humb among all these warm hues. Neuvillette slows down to a leisurely pace before eventually coming to a halt, gaze flicking up at the tree before them as he catches his breath.

He can feel it. His elemental aura pulsating deep in the earth beneath his feet as if Azhdaha's heartbeat is reverberating within it. Something inexplicably tightens in his chest, the sinking feeling that the tales of the Geo Dragon's mental decline are true; he had always regarded those stories with doubt and intended to one day come here to confirm Azhdaha's sanity (or lack thereof) and set him free if he deemed his imprisonment unjust.

He turns to Zhongli. ]

I can sense his presence. Before we proceed, I'd like to inquire what your plans are—simply reinforcing the seal, or killing him?

[ Zhongli's expression twists at Neuvillette's words even as he was expecting them. "On this site lies an evil dragon, please do not disturb it." How many times had he listen to incorrect rendition after horrible rendition of how Rex Lapis defeated the rampaging dragon? How proud was Liyue to have that a part of their history. Of course, he would think that. That was only the natural conclusion. ]

My plan is to protect the people of Liyue. These earthquakes cannot continue.

[ That is the only absolute in this. The people of Liyue must be protected at all costs (even if it not his duty — or his right?— to protect them anymore).

But more concerning is how far dear Azhdaha had backslid in such a short time. He had not seen his friends in centuries. And now, just a short while ago, fate allowed them to say the goodbye that had been stolen from them. So why now? And how? Zhongli is too practical to believe that kindness and understanding can perhaps win over Azhdaha a third time, but too hopeful to dismiss the possibility entirely. ]

As to how — that cannot be determined until we know why, yes? Both of those are viable options with the former being preferred over the latter. But it has always been the grace and wisdom of Azhdaha that has determined the outcome of these encounters. I have no reason to have any less faith in him now.

[ Neuvillette's gaze briefly flicks to the moss-covered stone tablet erected at the base of the tree; being from Inazuma originally, he can read some of the hanzi etched into the slab since his birthland's writing system borrows heavily from Liyue, but not all. But just enough to get the general gist of it, warning the reader not to disturb Azhdaha.

Protect the people of Liyue—that, he can agree on. This land might rightfully belong to the Geo Sovereign, but that doesn't mean he gets to put the lives of millions at risk without impunity. (In a sense, Neuvillette knows he is overstepping his authority here, imposing his own sense of right and wrong.) ]

I have no objections to killing him, if it comes to that. He will be reborn again among the Geovishaps. [ One hand comes up to adjust his jabot as he speaks; it had loosened during their lengthy journey from Chenyu Vale. There's a solemn light to his eyes as he continues. ]¨

...However, killing him may have far-reaching consequences. You know what happens when something that powerful dies.

[ Neuvillette may not take issue with the act of killing itself, but what might happen afterward is cause for great concern. The sheer amount of Geo that will be expelled may manifest in the form of the most devastating earthquake in the history of Liyue. ]

[ "He will be reborn again among the Geovishaps."

Ah, was that it? Was that the sentimental part of Morax buried deep down that day he faced the Geo Sovereign? Erosion would take everything from him eventually (even himself) but had he clung to an Azhdaha that would remember him if only in hatred over one that could be reborn in the never-ending cycle of Teyvat?

A thought for another time perhaps. ]

Yes, I am aware. Such an event would put both Liyue and Sumeru at risk.

[ That is why Zhongli had attempted to lure Azhdaha away from the Chasm, after all — filled as it was with miners and the Millelith. But even this distance would not spare either nation. Not completely. And though Liyue had proven itself to be able to stand on its own, was it not cruel to throw such a catastrophe at them so early into their newfound flight?

(But if not here, then where? Was anywhere safe for such a deed to be done?) ]

Perhaps this is rather presumptuous of me— but I hope that you might help find a solution that I myself could not.

[ Who was better equipped to do the impossible than one of the over-turners of the prophecy of Fontaine after all? Perhaps it was more than coincidence that had Neuvillette and Zhongli cross paths today. ]

Mondstadt as well, given its geographical proximity.

[ Neuvillette does think it's a bit presumptuous of Zhongli, but chooses not to verbalize that particular thought as his brow creases in thought. He begins to pace back and forth across the grassy area surrounding the mighty tree as he goes through various scenarous in his head, trying to calculate the odds of success for each one.

The piece of literal stone that is his heart feels heavy. None of this feels right, he shouldn't so readily prepare himself to kill a fellow Sovereign when he has yet to even confirm his mental state, yet here he is doing exactly that. He stops by a nearby creek, a silver chalice materializing in his hand and he crouches down to gather some water. It's cool against his lips as he takes a long sip, soothing his mind just a little. ]

Perhaps there is a way to mitigate the abrupt release of elemental power—encasing him in Hydro, maybe. Or I could attempt to redirect it into my body; I can't wield the other elements like Azhdaha can, but Hydro vishaps in general do possess some degree of elemental adaptability.

[ That would be like stepping in front of a cannon at the moment of discharge, however. Neuvillette doubts it would be enough to outright kill him when Azhdaha is far weaker than he is, but he would be gravely wounded and may need years to fully recover afterward. The Heavenly Principles may rouse from their slumber and bring devastation down upon Fontaine while its Sovereign is incapacitated; he would prefer to avoid such a scenario. ]

[ Zhongli pauses a few steps away from Neuvillette, waiting for him to take a sip from the stream. For a brief (perhaps irrational moment), he awaits for another critique of Liyue's waters so close to the mines for surely it could have only gotten worse with the most recent seismic activity. Or perhaps Zhongli was hoping for some innate understanding of Hydro to grant Neuvillette insight into a cleaner solution their current predicament. But no— he's just drinking water to calm himself.

It is as quaint as it is quirky. Something to ruminate upon later perhaps as Zhongli's eyes widen slightly at the Chief Justice's next proposal. Encasing Azhdaha in hydro— or redirecting all of that malevolent energy into the Hydro Sovereign himself?

Oh no. Oh no no no. That would not do at all. Zhongli ducks his head down briefly trying to hide his surprise behind his bangs as he composes himself. ]

My apologies. I did not mean that you should put yourself more at risk. Azhdaha's current predicament is my doing and therefore my responsibility. I do not desire to put anyone else in harm's way, especially not someone that Fontaine needs guidance now from so dearly.

I meant—

[ What did he mean? That perhaps Azhdaha could find a kindred? That Neuvillette who came to love Fontaine and her people as much as any of the original Seven of old could understand his old friend's frustrations and hopes in a way that no one else could.

That they both might find some shared experience and (dare he hope some peace) in each other. ]

That perhaps you could reason with him in ways that I could not. In ways that perhaps no one could save for a handful. Even reborn as you are, there are some bonds between souls that transcend all others.