hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ Zhongli reaches out tentatively to pat Venti on the head, gentle, as if he were touching the wings of a crystalfly. It has been such a long time since he has seen Barbatos like this and it brings back the swell of memories of days long past. ]

Smaller and quieter.

[ Though he also does turn to see if the tainted eye still exists in this form. ]

[alas, it does. one pink little eye shimmering with tainted energy. looking long enough you notice that on occasion the energy seems to attempt to ebb out but every time it sinks back into place, contained

the wisp hums under Zhongli's hand, cool under his calm]

[ Ah.

Maybe it's best if Venti doesn't know about that right now. When has keeping information from someone ever backfired on Zhongli before? Neeeever. ]

Adorable.

[his voice is different, smaller and lighter]

As always~

You've been cooped up here for many days now. Would you like a chance to stretch your---

[ Legs ]

Not be confined to my teapot realm.

Travel? Liyue?

If you wish. I also wanted to ask if you wanted to check up on Mondstadt is a more discreet form.

...

We should check on Mondstadt, yes.

[ Venti... ]

I could also ask Xiao to do it if you are still feeling exhausted.

I can't keep avoiding it.

As your friend, I'm going to have to insist that your recovery takes priority.

I'm recovered! I feel great!

[ Takes the sprite and has it rest in the palm of his hands ]

I will send Xiao.

You, on the other hand, are coming with me.

[he is so light]

Where will we visit?

You said Liyue, so allow me to take you to somewhere in Liyue.

Show me your current favorite spot.

Oh my favorite...? Hmmm.

[ He furrows his brows ]

Oh yes. I know just the place.

[ Hey. Hey Venti, what are your thoughts on having overly expensive snacks while watching incredibly inaccurate poetry readings about the history of Teyvat? ]

[oh my goossshhhhh

so much wisp giggles]

[ Hidden away in the back so that perhaps not many will make too much fuss of Zhongli treating a guest who is a tiny sprite. Not that most people in Liyue don't already think the funeral consultant just a little strange...

Zhongli pushes a plate of lotus crisps (specifically broken into bite size pieces) in front of Venti.

Stage whisper: ]

Should we tell him that their story villain was sealed away long before the hero was ever born?

Or that you did not shear the mountains of Dragonspine with a scythe, as amusing as that mental image may be.

[whispering back]

Should I get a scythe? Would it become me? That aside, I like the tale. They should make it even bolder and grander.

[nibbling a crisp in the most teensy of bites]

[ Trying to imagine Venti with a scythe.

Terrifying actually. Especially with the addition of him cheerfully singing ballads as he goes ]

I cannot say it wouldn't suit you.

Getting in the thick of battle doesn't entirely suit me though.

Whose to say it does or doesn't suit you?

The wind is nothing if not adaptable.

You're right about that!

[flits around Zhongli with a giggle before settling snugged close]

Perhaps I shall try a change later on for your amusement.

[ He laughs, reaching up to snuggle Venti closer ]

You could.

I would enjoy your company no matter what you decided to do.