eggbowl | [Dohalim/Zhongli] You're standing next to me...

[Dohalim/Zhongli] You're standing next to me...

[it started out as vague dreams of what seemed to be a lifetime ago. something so foreign and yet familiar. even in his dreams, he can almost feel it, taste it, smell it. like warm stone on a summer’s day, like a strong embrace holding him steady. and in every dream, he sees the same person with golden eyes and a soft smile and all he can feel is a warm fondness for them.

who is he, Dohalim would ask himself, as he would reach out to him.

and that point is when his dream would turn into a nightmare; in a flash, all he can see is carnage, and that person who he’d felt that fondness for would look at him with a frenzied fire in those golden pools, his face contorted into what seems to be pure, unadulterated rage. why… he can feel the fear piercing his heart, along with a certain pain he can’t quite put his finger on, that he has to watch this man fall into his wrath and despair.

”My apologies…” he remembers saying, before he would wake up with a start, brow damp with sweat as he would sit up in his bed. at first, that dream wasn’t nearly as frequent, but now, it seems like it’s occurring every night. what does it mean? who is that man in his dreams?

what happened?

come morning, however, that dream becomes a passing thought, as it usually does, as he starts his day. it’s only a dream; he doesn’t need to dwell on it.

there had been reports of a sudden spike of astral energy in Traslida Highway, one that Dohalim had taken upon himself to investigate (much to the chagrin of his guardsmen). if it has anything to do with earth astral energy, who better than the lord whose affinity of that very element? if anything goes wrong, he would be the most capable of containing it, at least. what mattered most is that the citizens of his realm are safe.

but it’s strange, as he walks out of Viscint, that he doesn’t need to be told where the anomaly is. he can… almost hear a quiet whisper, indiscernible in its words, but pulling him towards where he needs to go. it’s as if he’s lost all autonomy of his body, falling into a sort of trance, but the pull doesn’t feel malicious in its intent. in fact, it feels almost as familiar as the feeling in his dreams; he has to wonder why that is.

as he approaches the new rock formation in the Tietal Plains, Dohalim strains to listen to guardsman speaking to him; something about how it had appeared overnight, and that they had deployed a small platoon to stop anyone from entering it. but the whispers nearly drown him out, beckoning Dohalim to walk through the portal. it’s reckless, he knows, to walk into something without even an inkling of what awaits on the other side, but nothing in him tells him to stop as he steps forward towards the barrier. he holds a hand up, as if to feel the energy radiating off it, and before anyone could pull him back, Dohalim steps forward. he hears one of the guards call out his name, only for it to be muted once he’s on the other side.

just where is he…?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[at the mention of Morax's preference of being nude, there's a slight tint of red that flushes Dohalim's cheeks. thankfully Melqal was able to convince him of being a little more... conservative when it comes to his state of dress. but he does have to wonder how their relationship came to be, and how they'd grown so close. perhaps a question to ask sometime in the evening]

Mm, yes, I can appreciate loose fitting attire as well. I find that most Renan clothing can be a bit... constricting. But, of course, Renans do love the clean cut lines of the Tunica Rene.

[it's reminiscent of the cut-and-dry culture that he'd grown up in; gods forbid that he ever questioned any of it. the crisp whites were the standard, and the most adventurous he'd seen anyone with their clothing were small bobbles and trinkets pinned to them tastefully, or small, barely noticeable splashes of colour sewn in. honestly, when he was passed down the regalia that had been in his family for as long as he can remember, he was surprised to see the splashes of blues, golds and greens. and despite the double layers of bottoms he wears, both are still loose enough that he can easily move around in. and the linens provide an airiness to them.

needless to say, Dohalim isn't a huge fan of the current fashion]

If you would like something a little looser, please ask, and I will get something else right away.

There is something very familiar to it.

[Morax either misses the tinge of colour on Dohalim's cheeks or, more likely, chooses to let it be. he's not doing it to embarrass him, after all - it's just a fact that means very little to the elemental.

as he considers, though, he inclines his head lightly.]

... Perhaps something a little more loose would be nice, yes. I do enjoy dark colours as well as white and gold. But... there's no real hurry for it.

[they have enough to do right now without worrying about the fashion right now. weight shifting, Morax glances to the door.]

Shall we start toward the... dining room? Is that still what it's called? I am not terribly hungry, but it seems like a sensible choice to continue conversing.

I shall have something for you at the earliest convenience, then.

[with a nod, Dohalim leads Morax to the door, opening it for him before they make their way down the hallway. the visible sky is now taking on a purple-pink hue, as the lights illuminate the halls. Dohalim's subjects are seen roaming around them, offering glances and smiles, ones that he offers back. it... is a rather comfortable environment through its austerity, seen by the people who are casually sitting on the chairs and couches, striking up conversation]

How would you rather be addressed? Would you prefer your name, or do you have a sobriquet to go by? [Dohalim reaches up to tap his chin gently in thought] If I could be honest, I'm sure that most, if not all of the people here do not know the names of the astral spirits, or that they exist at all.

[his voice is soft as to not bring attention to the conversation at hand, but enough that Morax should be able to hear him, still]

Ah. Thank you.

[at ease, Morax follows Dohalim without hesitation, taking in the surroundings and sky both. as night approaches, there's a familiar sensation of coolness, well beyond the gentle temperature indoors. it's something he's always noticed, perhaps because the sun and moon both do so much to affect the land itself.]

I... have been considering that for a time now. [it's a question he's not yet come to a proper answer for, if he's honest.] Before, it hadn't been much of an issue; those who knew what I am would hardly bat a lash at my existence, particularly with... with Melqal around.

[there's a pause there, as though he were going to say something else, but changed his mind. after all, the reality is probably that they feared him - Morax was not always known to be any sort of benevolent creature. the need to prove his prowess as a warrior and an elemental had been rare, but even so. he'd rather think it was their respect for Melqal that kept them quiet than blind fear in him.]

If you believe it will cause you no undue difficulty, I believe I will continue using Morax. Else... there are a few names I can recall, from the long ages prior to our meeting. I can choose one of the less... offensive ones.

Whatever would make you more comfortable.

[as they walk by, Dohalim shows Morax the different parts of the palace, and the different pathways and shortcuts to get him to different wings. he even briefly shows him the inside of the library if he so chooses to entertain himself in that way, mentioning that there may be some books and tomes from his and Melqal's time. Dohalim continues with the light chatter; it's honestly getting him to stop is the challenge. but he'll relay small details about the palace that he knows, down to the minutia of what plants and flowers are potted and why. which brings him to a point of curiosity...]

If you would allow me to ask... I must know. The legend in our family states that the reason why we have such an affinity for earth astral artes is because it was a gift bestowed by the spirits themselves. My question is, were you the one who blessed Melqal with this gift?

Morax is just fine, then.

[with that answered, the elemental is honestly quite happy to listen. even if it's mundane chatter, with little impact on Dohalim personally, what he chooses to talk about says a lot of things about the man. here and there, he'll interject with questions or commentary, only pausing when Dohalim asks about the gift his family carries.]

Ah... that. I... cannot say it's that simple. Although Melqal and I shared a great many gifts, his affinity for earth artes is ultimately what brought us together, and to my recollection it was not I who bestowed it. I had no trust in Renans in those days, and he worked tirelessly to overcome my vitriol. [his smile is soft as he speaks, and he inclines his head.] Perhaps, if I were to try to remember before then, I could answer the question with more certainty, but the past is... hazy.

I suppose, if the legend claims it to have happened around Melqal's time, perhaps it was his diligence that solidified the gift for the rest of his line. He and I would speak at length about them, and about how to weave an arte with energy in order to produce the least strain on myself and the world.

Come to think of it, I don't know what he did, after sealing me away. I suppose it could have been amid all that where the legend was solidified into history. Many did seem to hold him with the same regard as some unknowable mystic, though he could not have been further from that.

Yes, I've heard that as well. From what I've been told, I am name after him, as well, but... Clearly, I do not go by that name.

[maybe it's the expectation of doing great things like Melqal had done in the past, that he didn't want to have to live up to the namesake. as for what happened after Morax had been sealed away...]

However, I'm not even sure if the legend is speaking of his time in particular. I'd just come to a conclusion, with his and your... close relationship with each other, that it had been a blessing brought upon us by you. It seems that it only had been an assumption.

As for the legend of Melqal himself... It does seem that what little documentation of his life had stated as such. For a human to be able to calm the earth spirit itself, it only makes sense that those legends would come to be.

[for all that he doesn't think highly of himself, Dohalim does, at least, know where his skills are at its best. he thinks his own skills in wielding earth astral energy are impressive, but for Melqal to be able to bend them to his will, to lessen the strain of it on the elemental... it's quite amazing, really]

However, it does seem like history is as hazy as your memory. There are very few documentations of what he'd done after he sealed you away, if any. If the visions I've seen in my dreams are any indication, he--

[Dohalim pauses for a moment, though he isn't sure if it's him who's stopping that train of thought, or if it's Melqal. either way, he can't seem to continue with it. perhaps it's for the best, especially with his habit of speaking without any regard for others, sometimes]

--Ah. The dining room is this way.

[he leads him down the hall and through a doorway opened by those standing by it. hopefully the aroma of the roast set out for them is enough to distract the other from questioning him]

A name is a curious thing. Something people attach to, but... what they mean varies from person to person, indeed. If Dohalim is who you feel you are, then that is all that matters... I think.

[his lips curl as the redhead continues though, recalling back through the haze of his sealing to the beginning of his time with Melqal. to the days when his proverbial leash had been passed off to another Renan, for what had felt like the millionth time.]

It's not as difficult as the Rena would have you believe. We... aren't so different. Elementals like myself have our personalities, our conceits. Our decisions. To think that they saw him that way when all he did was treat me with a grain of respect...

[there's a laugh there, short and a little hoarse. if he knew Dohalim's thoughts on bending astral energy, too, he might have yet more to say. it's not that which catches his attention though. naturally, it's the pause at the end there, Dohalim speaking of visions and dreams and then...]

...

[and then what? his brows furrow at the faint unease left in the wake of those words, and not even the scent of a feast could pull him away from it completely. the only thing that keeps him from asking after that particular thread is his own question - is he ready to hear the end of that sentence? so soon after his return, Morax isn't sure he is.

so, despite the air of uncertainty that still clings to him, he tries to settle in at the table, choosing a seat nearby enough to keep his attention fully on Dohalim.]

You have quite the selection of chefs, by the scent. [this part is harder, as his certainty for what to talk about runs thin. small talk is fine, Melqal said, but Morax... is not that good at it. he's curious enough to follow any line of conversation, but coming up with one himself?]

Thank you. [he waits for Morax to sit before taking his own seat] The culinary team are some of the best chefs in the realm, in my opinion. A blend of skilled cooks from Lenegis who'd come to Viscint, and Dahnans who know the lay of the land and how the very soil can produce some of the most flavourful ingredients. Even our wine is made nationally.

[something that he, himself, had taken pride in being a part of the vinification process himself. it's almost as if it was timed, as someone comes to pour them the wine; Dohalim himself doesn't need to taste it before a glass is poured out for him. as a sample is poured out for Morax, in case he wants to try it before committing, and Dohalim has to wonder if he even drinks wine to begin with]

You do not have to try it, but if you were to, you'd find that the nose is a rather floral bouquet while the tongue holds notes of earthy oak, as well as dark fruit. Tannins are present in the forefront but have a smooth finish. A representation of what Elde Menancia has to offer, a true masterpiece of wine, if I do say so myself.

[as Dohalim goes on about the wine, Morax finds himself... almost enthralled. it does bring to mind Melqal, when the man would get talking about his passions. a shared trait, if exceptionally different in scope.

the smile it brings to the elemental's face is broad and warm, and he nods.]

I don't mind trying it. How could I, after such a glowing review? [his knowledge of vintners is certainly limited, but given a trail of tastes to follow makes it much more easy. and from the first sip, for him, it is a... more visceral experience.

after all, as a being of earth astral energy himself, he can taste and sense every piece of each bit of information. the reasons for the floral notes, the depth of the fruit, the health of the oak. it's something he hadn't really tried before, in his time with Melqal, but he certainly doesn't find he minds it.]

... I... find myself at a loss for words, save how it feels. [placing a hand on his chest, he closes his eyes.] The earth may have changed, but I can feel its deep appreciation for the reverence it has been shown.

I do hold a sense of pride for the realm. Perhaps it may be his influence, but I've grown... Attached, to Menancia.

[there's a soft smile on his face when he says that, as he takes a sip of his wine. he's not sure how much of the land has changed over the hundreds of years since Morax and Melqal had seen it, but his restoration efforts to bring it to some modicum of glory it had possessed before the last ruler had been arduous. but, like the peace among the people, it had been worth it.

their appetizers show up, a fresh salad with edible flowers; it seems like there's a theme to this dinner. perhaps it really had been Dohalim's plan to try to impress Morax, or maybe he truly does appreciate the land's offerings. either way, he waits for the other to start eating before he digs in himself]

Do you have any questions about the realm and how it is now? I can try to answer anything to the best of my ability.

I don't think his influence would drive you to be so passionate, truthfully. Not while retaining so much of your own agency, in any case. Plus, the foci of your interests are related, but actually quite different.

[It's a compliment, not an ounce of dismissiveness to the words. A reminder, too, that he fully intends to continue them as separate people - both with worthwhile pursuits and lives.

He speaks plainly, often between bites of food and praise for the same; if Dohalim had been intending to impress, he can consider himself successful.]

Mm. I fear I would keep you talking until morning with all of my questions... though I'm curious as to how countries interact, as current. I don't recall much about it from my time with Melqal, but the land seems... out of sorts, in many ways, at what I recall to be the edges of the country.

My other curiosities are more closely related to you, if I am honest - but I don't wish to aggravate any... discomforts.

[Dohalim chuckles softly; he knows he can be a bit of a chatterbox, so the invitation to talk about something he's interested in does sound rather appealing. however, when the topic falls on the other realms, he lets out a soft sigh]

In short, we don't. It seems the topography between realms have changed over the years, and with it, the borders as well. I am only vaguely aware that the other lords are in cohorts with each other, but I try to... Distance myself from them.

[he pokes at his salad with his fork for a moment, thinking. his way of thinking is certainly different than the others, and not wanting to raise many questions of his own rule, Dohalim had figured that he'd keep away from them. he's also not a fan of them trying to climb social ladders by trying to get in on his own social circle, being a noble in Lenegis, and whatnot (Almeidrea specifically). honestly, if they found out that he isn't nearly as ambitious as they are, he'd loathe to think of the ways they may come to conquer his land as well. and he can't have that]

From the few encounters I have had with them, some seem to be brutish in nature, and the others are just conniving. One is shrouded in mystery, but aside from that, I have no desire to be in their company.

As for the land itself, we have open boarders compared to them. Though, we don't see many visitors, to the point that when we do, some of the guards can be wary.

[he takes a sip of his wine again]

As for questions about me personally, if you would like to ask them, by all means. Whether or not I choose to answer... Do not be offended if I choose to remain tight lipped.

[He'd be lying if he claimed he was shocked, honestly. The lords - and Renans as a whole - have never been much for sharing. Their games of politics and intrigue are what had soured Morax for so long...]

In short, they've changed little, if at all. [He only sounds slightly disappointed, really.] It seems the most logical choice, considering your decision to deviate from their norm. And I have certainly noticed the guards' wariness.

[Not just those he would expect to be so, meeting someone who was literally sealed in a portal, but even here...]

It is your choice whether or not to answer questions. I promise I will do my very best not to pout too much-- the habit is rather... ingrained.

[because Melqal is a monster, really. Clearing his throat, Morax looks to Dohalim, considering his words.]

Aside from your vast knowledge of your country, what else do you enjoy, Dohalim? I'm curious how you spend what free time you may have.

[the very idea of seeing an astral spirit, the very embodiment of the magic Dohalim uses, some that could claim as a god among men, pouting is a thought that Dohalim can't fathom. to think that he could be reduced to such a... childish display... he won't lie, he kind of wants to see it.

as for the question on his free time... he's thankful for the short distraction as the next course of their meal is served. a cut up roast rappig, a delicacy he enjoys quite a bit. but it truly is short as they're soon left to their own devices again; he takes one more sip of his wine]

I... Do not have much free time on my hands.

[it's the short answer, of course. if he were to get into detail as to why, it would delve into topics he'd rather not talk about at the moment]

It is... Rather hard to allow myself when there is so much I must do to improve Menancia and the quality of life for all. But... For those rare times, I enjoy divulging in the arts. Poetry, specifically, and...

[he trails off, mind wandering to the violin encased in his room, untouched for years. every so often, he thinks about pulling it out, but... it is something he doesn't deserve to enjoy, anymore]

[for a moment, Morax wonders if he didn't stumble completely, once more. The hesitation is hard not to notice, even with a new dish being served... and it's a dish he certainly doesn't seem to mind, nor show any real hesitation in eating (unsurprising, perhaps, given what he is). The rich flavor and delicate mouthfeel are enough to distract, in those moments, but only for that short time.

He's almost ready to dismiss the question entirely when Dohalim finally speaks. It's not... much of an answer, but it is there. And his words prompt a weak smile, Morax's gaze not quite piercing in its curiosity.]

No, but surely there must be some time.

[even an Astral spirit like himself knows the value of rest, perhaps more keenly even than a human. Energy is finite, and the toll of it on a mortal's body...]

One cannot burn endlessly, though. Surely, you've someone who can see when you're struggling...? [It's almost too quiet to hear, words murmured half to himself. The idea of Dohalim continuing on and on, as though the whole world is at once upon his shoulders and also keen to leave him behind... it's too sad, isn't it? Even for someone so determined to die.] Ah? Poetry and...?

[that, he prods on gently, curiosity plain and warm. There are many arts, after all, and he can't decide which would be Dohalim's preference. Better to ask.]

[he does catch the muttered words and he almost has to laugh at it; he's so used to putting up walls and veneers to prevent people from seeing the inner turmoil in him. Morax doesn't know just how true Melqal's comment on Dohalim's loneliness is. he strives for perfection, and was taught from a young age not to show emotions. perhaps he's always been used to putting more than he should on his own shoulders, but Morax does have a point. he just has to wonder when exactly he'll burn out.

there's another short pause, before Dohalim shakes his head]

Just poetry.

[there's a desperate part of him that wants to yell out "music", to tell the other how he adores it more than anything in his life. it pains him every day, not playing his violin, as his fingers yearn to dance along the frets of his violin's neck, to drag that bow along the strings to create that perfect, quivering tone.

but he just can't. so he throws himself in his work instead. because, if he does so, then he doesn't have to think about wanting to play his music again]

Though, I do have an appreciation for other arts, too. Painting is one. To be able to capture life's splendor with splashes of colour on a canvas... It's fascinating. The culinary arts are another. For the rare time I was allowed in the kitchen, I've learned to cook some of the finer delicacies the chefs offer.

[Morax has more patience than he ever did, but there's a limit. Such a blatant lie... he exhales a faint, displeased noise, but doesn't comment immediately.

He can narrow down those two additions, though. It shears off a surprising amount of the arts, though he'd still be guessing blindly which Dohalim is pretending he doesn't care for.]

... they are worthy and intriguing pursuits. Perhaps you will indulge me in your personal cooking, someday. It would be a fair apology for lying about your pursuits rather than telling me you don't want to tell me.

[... definitely only do much patience. But at least he's able to keep his voice mild; his intent is only to infirm Dohalim that he's not gotten away with that lie.

And it's notable, too - he could probably ask Melqal about it and at least get the answer, but that wouldn't be satisfying. Especially now, when it's obvious there's something specific that keeps him from being honest. Morax can't help but find his mind wandering onto why he'd hide something like that, though.

There are things he himself would rather not talk about, but things that brought him warmth and comfort?]

[if Morax were to ask Melqal, it's too personal a detail that even he wouldn't say anything about it. but when he's called out on his lie, Dohalim looks at the other, back and shoulders straightening as he tenses up. his grip on his utensils are tight; he looks back down at his plate, before neatly putting his knife and fork down on it]

...My apologies.

[he's suddenly not so hungry, as anxiety bubbles up inside him; as mild as Morax had sounded, he knows he must have irritated the elemental for him to make such a comment. perhaps he should have... but he can't. the memories of everything surrounded by his most loved hobby are too painful to think about.

reaching over to the wine bottle on the table, he fills up his glass, before taking a swig of it. at least, if he were to get a little inebriated, it'll soften the blow of the soon coming onslaught of memories]

[Morax doesn't really... know enough, either about people or about wine, to catch on to the signs. As it stands, he just shakes his head, exhaling a soft hum.]

It's fine. I only meant-- you already forewarned me that you may not want to speak on any subject. If it makes you uncomfortable, you're free to say so.

[Exhaling a sigh, he gently lifts the wine bottle to follow suit; he doesn't know if it'll have much of an effect on him, but that's not why he wants it anyway.]

I do not... like... being left ignorant. Particularly when someone isn't trying very hard to convince me that something else is... going on. [As he stares into the wine in his glass, he considers his words for a moment.] Something like this -- I don't wish to make you uncomfortable, so I'm more than willing to accept that you don't want to talk about it. I suppose I still struggle with the act of dismissing information, even if it isn't related to myself. There is too much regret to be had in that space.

[How many lives had his ignorance cost? Before he grew bitter at his treatment, and before Melqal had brought forth all the horrible realities of what he'd done over so many lifetimes? People and creatures he'd cared for, many of whom had quietly, willingly, just--

and he's a hypocrite in that, he knows. It isn't as though he's really spoken to anyone about the depth of it. Melqal knows some, but some things were just too deep to burden him with.]

[Dohalim only just barely hears Morax as he sits in silence, finger tapping the side of his wine glass. the sound of blood rushing to his ears is almost too loud, and he can feel the heavy thumping in his chest. yet, outward appearances would show a different story; eyes trained down at the contents in his glass, posture perfectly straight, face showing no emotion.

he drains his glass quickly, not even allowing himself the moment to enjoy the rich flavour washing over his tongue before he pushes the plate away from him. as he stands, he bows his head]

Pardon me. I will be right back.

[without waiting for Morax's response, Dohalim turns on his heel and briskly walks out. his vision tunnels as he rushes to the nearest room he knows is empty, though, like in the dining room, no cracks in his veneer could possibly show the panic attack that's currently rising in him until he gently closes the door behind him.

he thought he'd be able to get through a simple questions about him, but he hadn't expected to touch on a subject that would remind him of his past. all he can remember of those days is when he...

pressing a hand to his chest, Dohalim tries to calm his ragged breathing, head spinning from the wine and the panic induced anxiety. he needs to pull himself together before he rejoins Morax. Melqal seems to be quiet as well... but it may possibly be because he can't focus on anything else other than not reeling himself into a full blown attack]

[Morax is smart enough to know that something is wrong, between the first reaction and this one - but he doesn't have enough experience to know where the issue lies. Dohalim, for better or worse, seems at most... disappointed?]

... ah.

[There's not even time to reply, as the Renan steps away. The sound of soles on the perfectly polished floor recedes, and the elemental is left alone in the dining room, considering what he should do.

He's not so impulsive as to try to follow, at least. Dohalim doesn't likely trust in him enough to appreciate that, whatever is going on. Did he use the wrong words? Apologise wrong? He doesn't think so, but perhaps. Humans are... complex, and he must remember to be more careful.

Exhaling a sigh, Morax pushes himself out of his seat and rounds the table, trying to work it all out with only fragments of the story. The resulting jumble suggests that he is in some way the catalyst, clumsily asking questions. And perhaps he should just... not call out the lies, for a little while? His feet take him across the room and back, preoccupation taking his thoughts enough that the faint shimmer of astral energy coalesces into the mirage of his tail, trailing behind him in some attempt at self-soothing.

Dohalim said he would be back and Morax intends to believe him... though if he's gone much longer than it takes for the man to stumble through his own thoughts, he'll leave to find him. After all, there are still questions about the change in ruling, concerns about how many are actually against the idea of coexistence. Even if Dohalim doesn't see it... well, Morax is paranoid enough for the both of them.]

[time is of little importance to Dohalim at the moment; he isn't sure how long he'd been in the room, or how long this anxiety spike had gone on for. in reality, he's been gone long enough to raise a little bit of concern, and he isn't sure if he's up for finishing dinner. but he also doesn't want to raise even more concern from Morax, so maybe he might just have to suck it up.

he really wishes that Melqal would take over for the time being, so he could push this panic attack down but... nothing. not even a gentle pull, not even a whisper. so he really does have to deal wit this on his own... not that it's any different from any other time, of course. it's not even one of the worse attacks he's had recently, but it's still not something he's so keen on suffering through.

but eventually, the feeling wanes, his heartbeat slows and his breathing evens out. he can feel the clamminess on the palms of his hands; he brushes them against his pants. the wine and inebriation has a slight hold on him now, which only serves to make everything feel worse. even the drink is betraying him... perhaps he really should retire early. he supposes, if that's his choice, he should inform Morax.

Dohalim finally steps out of the room, looking unperturbed, before walking down the hall to meet with Morax again. he must imagine that the elemental must be worried for him, at this point]

[by the time Dohalim makes his choice, Morax has turned to go and find him. it's fortunate that he has a relative memory of these halls, he thinks, but as to where the man actually is...

well, as it turns out, it doesn't matter where he was. as the elemental is peering down the hall in consideration of which way to go, he spots the familiar countenance and turns himself to approach. he seems fine, and Morax isn't... very interested in pressing the matter, so he offers a wan smile of his own.]

... It seems I was a little impatient. Things are... in order, then?

[it's such a subtle thing, the thread of guilt in his voice. after all, whatever happened is directly related to his words, his curiosities. he still doesn't know what to do about that fact, but it's fine. he'll figure it out.]

[Dohalim catches that hint in Morax's voice, and he knows it would be unfair to blame him for his own... hang ups. however, with the tension still in his mind and body, he it can be heard in his voice when he speaks]

...Yes, they are. However, I may retire from dinner early, regretfully.

[he looks away idly, down the hallway, his bangs covering his eyes and face. he has no intention of striking up small talk with anyone else for the night, though he may have to inform someone of their short dinner, and perhaps have a small meal delivered to his room later on in the night. he knows for a fact that he won't get much sleep tonight, either, not with his mind racing as much as it is]

If you are still hungry, I can have something sent to your room later tonight, if you would like.

[reaching up, Dohalim crosses his arm over his chest to rest his hand on his shoulder. a posture of comfort when he's feeling his most insecure, as if trying to hold himself together. his fingers drum against his shoulder gently, as if trying to decide on something]

I can... Send Melqal to you, as well.

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