hydrangeabloom | Forever and again

[ Ajax doesn't look as if any epiphanies are occurring at the alternative suggestions.

The information on what happens if left untreated is unsurprising, but it's only after that, that he opens his mouth hesitantly. It's not because he doesn't trust the other, it's simply because he doesn't like the idea of revealing anything about his past. Still, he feels that he really needs to drive this home just so Rex Lapis doesn't think that there's a sea of possibilities on who the individual is and he simply can't figure out which of them it might be. ]

... My family is dead. And I don't have any friends. I work alone. It's not that I simply don't know who it is —I don't know anyone in general. No one wants to be around someone in my line of work, add the Abyss to it and even those that would not care normally also keep their distance.

[ so unless it's the feelings of just wanting to be loved by someone— anyone?— he has no idea how he could even begin to unravel this mystery.

(... There's someone he wants to meet, though. But he also doesn't know who they are. They are in his dreams, and they are only a shadow, so the truth is that they probably don't exist at all.)

It's frustrating, and the young man lets it show on his expression before sighing and letting it all go along with it. There's no point getting worked up about it, it won't change any of the details; and it's not as if this information has made anything worse than it already was presumed to be. ]

... When I was in a Inazuma, I heard the legend concerning, not the disease, but this flower: that if you cross paths with someone that you'll never meet again, these flowers bloom on the paths you walk together. Do you think that's some kind of irony? That I'll never be able to identify the source because I'll never meet them?

[ "I don't have a home." Isn't that also what Ajax had said to him so many centuries ago as he caught fish off the shoal for the both of them to eat. He'd been smiling then when he said it, even if it hadn't reached his eyes.

But this Ajax—

Had this Ajax not even known the warmth of friendship? ]

Legends, now matter how farfetched, are always planted with a seed of truth. I do not know what true lies underneath such a tragic tale, but—

[ He places a hand on Ajax's shoulder. To steady him? To steady his own heart? One really cannot be sure as Rex Lapis had never allowed himself to be presented as anything else than steadfast. (Even on that night long ago when his heart was breaking.) ]

You can stay here in Liyue for as long as you wish. You do not have to be alone anymore.

And though I cannot guarantee a cure to your ailment, I can offer a promise to help you find the best care to the extent of my resources.

[ Ajax glances up before offering a small smile and a nod. ]

Thank you, Xiansheng. [ and he means it, too, even if it ultimately ends up doing nothing. It's.... nice to feel someone want to care about your well-being.

There's no sense dwelling on the topic, though, right? ] I'm happy to go see a healer to confirm that when you're ready.

Of course.

[ And Rex Lapis moves to stand, fully this time as he offers a hand for Ajax to take. Not of weakness or protection as it might have been offered moments before, but companionship. ]

Though I do believe you were promised a hunt, yes? I imagine you have been less than pleased with the bedrest that has been forced upon you since your arrival.

It would be unkind of me to send you to more rest without something to catch your interest.

[ .. Oh. Ajax knows he shouldn't read to much into it, that this is definitely Rex Lapis projecting something that doesn't belong to Ajax to be taking, but it's hard not to when it's offered so easily.

There's very little hesitation in the end from the outsider, and he takes the archon's hand both gratefully and with some excitement that he'll get to do something like a hunt without being reprimanded or told he needs to rest and not be doing such things.

How is he supposed to do anything but accept? ]

... Sounds fun...!

[ Zhongli should be more strict with himself on comparing this Ajax to the one that he lost, but still he can't help but offer another small smile at that answer that is so undeniably "him". As if his Ajax's spirit could live on within another. ]

Yes, I do hope you find it enjoyable. Now—

I know that you have been provide with a blade, but it is probably not adequate for the type of creature that we will be hunting. Do you have your own weapons or would you like to have a new one provided for you?

... Oh? Can I really have a new one?

[ he had his own weapons but that's not the point. It might be fun too use something different especially since they're going on a hunt and not a murder spree like he is used to having to do with his own weaponry, so...!

It would be really nice to go hunt without any of that stigma if he could, just like when he was little with his dad and older siblings. ]

Of course.

[ And Rex Lapis speaks with pride here, just as he always is very proud whenever he is able to brag about the land of Liyue. ]

Our blacksmiths are well renowned, though they do not have the same fame as our Inazuman brethren and their schools of swordsmanships. We however, do follow the same teachings from master to apprentice and are blessed with some of the finest ores Teyvat has to offer.

So yes, if you would like a new weapon— I would be honored to provide you with one of Liyue make.

[ It's a small selfish thing — to have Ajax take a piece of Liyue (a piece of Zhongli) with him when he no doubts leaves again. Ajax was a warrior and a wanderer, bound to this place now only by his illness and his enemies. Even if he came to call Liyue a home, the odds that he would stay for good were— well, it was better for Morax to not even entertain such a fantasy. ]

Please! I'd like a new one very much!

[ shiny new items ! why not right? Not only does he love weapons and their craftsmanship, but it works be extra fun to be able to hunt for Liyue using their own weaponry.

(And it certainly doesn't hurt if he can avoid using his abyss powers since his normal weapons are just standard junk as he usually wields hydro constructs to fight anyway. ) ]

[ With Ajax's hand still in his, Zhongli rises to his feet, pulling the other up with him. Normally, a person would give some sort of reassuring squeeze or release the other person's hand. Normally. In his current state, Morax is much less attuned to the rules of physical engagement and does not let go of Ajax if only for the amount of raw emotion still stirring within him. ]

Then tell me.

What kind of weapon would you like?

[ Ajax tries not fall into Morax's step with this familiarity suddenly between them, but it's so hard not to indulge a little. Even if he knows these affections are not really towards him, the geo archon seems ... happier, maybe? Something feels like it's lightened some weight on the god's shoulders. And even if it isn't him, even if it doesn't last so long, even if this is not his god to appease—

— how can he do anything but? ]

A polearm.

[ It is easy and it is cruel to superimpose the memories of his dear long lost friend onto this new person. Onto this new Ajax (a name that he should not call him in the first place). In life and in war, loss was an inevitability even if new people and experiences came to live alongside the memories. It was an impossibility that anyone or anything should ever return. Morax understands this and yet—

It lightens his heart in ways he cannot describe to imagine that this is his Ajax. The one he failed to protect. The one he failed to convince to come home. It is a blessing and a curse to have a second chance at the friendship that was wrenched from both their grasps.

So when "Ajax" asks for a polearm, all Zhongli can see is the lopsided smile of the drenched foreigner from Snezhnaya, resorting to using his bare hands for fishing when he had nothing else. Even if all he had to do was ask Rex Lapis to create him a spear. But that has it always had been with Ajax leading and Zhongli following. But this time—

This time it would be Zhongli that would take the initiative. ]

A polearm.

[ He nods sagely as the two of them get closer to the harbor and human civilization. ]

A fine weapon. And the standard of the military might of Liyue. There will be no end of finely crafted ones from you to choose from.

[ Ajax admittedly doesn't realize where they are going or he would be more reluctant to follow. Though human (or at least, he knows— or is pretty sure?) he has never felt particularly welcome anywhere where there is human presence, and perhaps for good reason since nothing about him reflects something positive of humans or what they view as positive. It makes sense that would be where they would head, however, doesn't it? Rex Lapis is still closely associated with his people. Although Ajax does not serve the Cryo Archon, be knows she had locked her heart away as much as she had herself towards the people of Snezhnaya. They do not see their Archon walk amongst them.

(Then again... Perhaps the inhabitants of the harbor are unaware? Is that possible? If they can't detect anything unusual...)

Ajax doesn't shy away when he notices them undeniably approaching the harbor, preferring to redirect his apprehension as cautious curiosity (he didn't exactly get to check out the see l little settlement before, having had no reason or interest to trespass even innocently so,) but his posture does become less vulnerable. He shifts his weight so that his areas of injury are not exposed to any passersby, ready and willing to make the extra manuevers to avoid any unintentional contact that may happen due to the natural propensity when in a more populated area.

Still, he plays any insecurities off to the next of his abilities, looking forward with clear and sharp eyes and an overall positive expression. ]

I do like them. They remind me of something. Or someone. I can't think of a better place to find one.

[ Unlike with the previous Ajax where the Harbor was young and just beginning to establish itself as a major port of Teyvat, now Liyue has entered its Golden Era and Rex Lapis himself is at the height of his power — the eldest and most respected of the closely knit Seven.

His mortal form is known to all the denizens to Liyue and they bow deep and even kneel as he passes even though he pays no attention to the homage. Once the pair is believed to be out of earshot, there are whispers and gossip that follow them further into town. "Who is the foreigner that walks beside our Rex Lapis?" "He's certainly not from around here." "And those injuries—" "Another vassal from a felled dark god?" "A new yaksha..."

The rumors continue all the way until the sound of metal against metal and the scorching heat of a forge surrounds them as they find themselves at the blacksmith. A middle-aged woman with her long hair wrapped tightly in a bun as she wipes soot of the bridge of her nose greets them warmly if still very politely. ]

"Lord Rex Lapis. What brings you to my workshop today?"

I'm looking for a polearm, Lady Yun. The finest one that you have. Or perhaps—

[ And he turns to Ajax now, who Lady Yun also turns to watch with sharp, hawk-like eyes. ]

You'd like to pick one out yourself.

[ Ugh... Ajax tunes out the flurry of whispers and speculations as they walk, a far away look in his eyes returning much like it had been when he and Morax first met. It's only when he catches sight of the woman's fierce eyes that the distance closes, his own gaze clear yet devouring like the impenetrable depths of the untamed sea. His gaze is not challenging, but it is warning anyone that catches it that while he has no ill intent he won't take kindly to being judged without good reason. All in all... as complicated as his gaze is, it's very simple to sum up: a lone wolf that isn't looking for trouble but won't be cowed by anyone or anything that expects him to act a certain way he doesn't want to. He knows that he won't ever be accepted by a pack, and so he has no reason to need anyone's approval as a result. Still, she in particular may notice as his gaze moves from her to Morax, it softens considerably in a strange way, like a little kid caught in an uncomfortable and unnerving situation suddenly catching sight of a parent or someone equally important to them that reassures them they don't need to be so on guard. He seems to relax a little.

He glances curiously at the weapons now. He's not a blacksmith, but he knows quality when he sees it. There's a lot of time spent in these weapons, he can tell, and many are beautifully ornate. After several moments, though, his eyes land on one that is, especially compared to some of the others, quite plain looking. Visually, it's barely more than an infantry weapon (although it is clearly not the same design), one that can't be too extravagant both due to its need of constant utility and the high chance of its world's being killed in battle. Having an ornate and expensive-looking weapon would just make them trophies to thieves and other petty enemies. It's hard to tell why Ajax seems to want that one when he's literally been given free choice, and the potential answers number far more as being labeled sad rather than sensible. ]

...That one. It's reinforced for aerial combat. I think I can move fluidly with it. [ Reinforced, he means, as in the shape of the blade is aerodynamic to experience the least amount of drag and sustain the force of being used either in a plunge stack or from up high. It won't fracture easily under the weight of the user even if if it meets solid rock instead of living creature for its target. ] Also... it's double-sided. [ And sure enough, it is, although the bottom of it is concealed to look like an ordinary end. Closer inspection, right where a geo symbol is strategically decorating it, it is clear it's something like a hooked sheath. ]

[ The woman smiles fondly as Ajax chooses one of her "children" (for her weapons were her life's blood and pride) that most would overlook simply due to how plain it appeared. But it's appearance was part of the charm of the weapon, for while it seemed to be the weapon of the new recruit, the true skill required to unlock its true potential was possessed by only a handful of the adepti. Or at least, that is what she had thought so previously.

Certainly anyone who traveled in such close company with Rex Lapis that he would personally procure them a weapon was a very special person in their own right. ]

"You have a good eye."

[ Her tone is both proud and inviting as she plucks the weapon from the shelf and holds it out from him to take. ]

"But rather than ponder its compatibility to you, why not test it out for yourself?"

[ That same fond smile is reflected in Rex Lapis's expression as he turns to the blacksmith. How long her line had been and would be to come. Truly Liyue was blessed in talent in all walks of life. ]

Thank you, Lady Yun.

[ And then back to Ajax: ]

Aerial combat, you say? I am curious to what kind of foes you think you might be facing on the battlefield.

[ he doesn't expect to be greeted with such praise or such warmth (for to be offered the chance to try it for himself is certainly a warmth offered by a blacksmith that puts their sweat and blood into each of their creations.) Ajax shifts, his visible eye going wide like a little kid being offered a precious object they have wanted for a long time, and he takes it carefully, reverently. ]

Thank you so much.

[ his tone is so grateful, that it's clear he is actually normally very polite and humble rather than intentionally rough around the edges. It's safe to say that he most likely was a gentle child before whatever scraps the world there him when he was forced at to kneel at its feet.

his expression becomes a bit flustered at bring asked about the creature, but he speaks with equal excitement. ] I-I'm not sure, but it really is best like this!

[ Ajax's fighting style is quite acrobatic afterall, being able to move through the air is important to him. It's weird to explain that right now, though, Morax will understand that part by seeing it in action, surely. ]

[ Lady Yun chuckles behind a leather gloved hand, soot smeared upon her chin. ]

"Now now, Lord Rex Lapis. No need to interrogate the poor boy. You asked him to pick and so he did. And a fine blade, too. That edge was made with my last stock of dragonfall. Maybe he can help cull those field tillers the cataclysm left behind. I'm sure then he'll show you his aerial prowess."

[ Morax seems impervious to her teasing. She shakes her head when he considers her words with the same amount of seriousness he would for a contract or a war room meeting. He nods solemnly: ]

I see. Perhaps I will ask for his aid in such an endeavor.

[ Morax turns back to Ajax, nodding at the weapon now secured in his hands. ]

Shall we be off then? You seem eager to test out your new weapon.

[ Ajax seems to beam a little bit at Lady Yun's indirect encouragement through her teasing of Morax. He even nods a bit absentmindedly at her remark about him demonstrating, making special note to indeed do so when the time comes.

A quick nod from him when Miss talks to him, though. ] Yeah, I'm ready to go!

[ And once again, the two of them head out into the wilderness— this time to the north. Upon their way they pass by tall towering jagged mountains too sharp and too angled to have been formed solely by nature's hands as well as a scattering of huts and houses of people who tend to the land outside of the Harbor proper. Farmers and gatherers and those who prefer not the hustle and bustle of the city (even if the city is just a washed-up pebble in comparison to the splendid diamond it will become). A few bow in greeting to see their Archon pass by their humble abode, offering the same deference to the companion that walks beside him. A handful of children peek out behinds tree trunks and tall plants of rice and tea to whisper quietly to each other about the strange man with the blue eyes and red hair.

But eventually even those thin until they get closer and closer to a cave — a massive one cut into the side of a mountain. Great chunks of beautiful amber cor lapis ore is embedded in the rocks, giving the whole place a soft golden gleam. And as they enter the cave, Ajax will notice how warm it gets. Warmer still the farther in they tread even though shouldn't it be cool here sheltered from the light from the sun.

A few more minutes walking will reveal the cause of the heat and warmth. A massive pyro regisvine, leaves lashing about like tendrils of fire at it basks in the light of a single hole in the cave up high overhead. A crust of ruby red minerals encircles its crown, small chunks of it chipped away as if mined by someone or something.

Morax turns to Ajax then: ]

Have you ever encountered one of these before? Perhaps not of this element.

[ Ajax's visible eye widens as he stares up at the pyro regisvine. It's been a long while since he's seen one of these of any element for varying reasons, but he doesn't recall ever encountering one with the pyro element. ]

Maybe ... a few ... but... [ he tilts his head now, staring at the crown. ] ...? Do you guys use this thing for something?

Forever and again

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