Forever and again

[leaveofabsence]

[ What is Zhongli and Childe without a reincarnation AU ]

[ Based off Buckingham's 不動玄石の夢　(Dream of Solitude Basalt) ]

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[vapour]

[ 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. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ 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.

[vapour]

[ 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. ]

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[ 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.

[vapour]

[ 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!

[leaveofabsence]

[ 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.

[vapour]

[ 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?