hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ 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.

I could do anything? That's quite the change. Stone has become flexible?

Less flexible and more weathered to the elements around it. Perhaps it can enjoy lounging now instead of standing so proud and tall.

And this is where you spend your time, is it? Do you ever long to tell tales alongside them?

[ As if he finds this all too amusing ]

I'm afraid my stories are not as well received as those done by the trained poets. A lack of flair and captivating story elements, one might argue.

Perhaps you might be able to offer tips on how to be more engaging to the audience.

Lie. ♥

[ Raises an eyebrow at the little sprite ]

Really? It's that simple?

People love a tall tale. Embellish!

I would argue the point that an exaggeration is not a lie as long as it holds a single grain of truth.

Then there is your starting point. Why not spin a yarn that can stand beside their tales?

Shall I start with the story of how first Rex Lapis met Barbatos and thought it to be a confrontation, but it was settled with an offering of dandelion wine?

That sounds like a cozy tale.

[pulling self snug against Zhongli's neck, the feeling of a breeze tickling]

One that has drama and danger and kindness and laughter.

[ Zhongli laughs, nuzzling into the touch in return ]

All things you enjoy in a ballad, if memory serves.