[it's become an easy routine. the slightest provocation, from a tug on their bond to a direct request to meet him somewhere, sees Zhongli setting down whatever he's doing with interminable swiftness in the effort of obeisance.
today, it's a simple one - meet Dohalim in the gardens. much has changed over time, at least when it comes to the perception of the rest of the country. it hadn't been intended to reveal his original form, even in part... but in protecting the people and Dohalim himself, he'd had no choice. honestly, as his tail sways comfortably behind him in thick, sinuous motions, he can't say he minds. slipping past the gate, the deity takes a moment to take in the gardens and search for the young Renan.]
... Dohalim? I apologise for the wait...
[really, he'd only been gone for a few minutes, but still. it feels right by now, apologising for the slightest inconvenience. the idea of it not being enough isn't even stressful anymore, nor the uncertainty of what he might be walking into. it makes his heart race, but the sensation along their bond is one of quiet curiosity and excitement.]
[???] sometime later, in the private gardens
today, it's a simple one - meet Dohalim in the gardens. much has changed over time, at least when it comes to the perception of the rest of the country. it hadn't been intended to reveal his original form, even in part... but in protecting the people and Dohalim himself, he'd had no choice. honestly, as his tail sways comfortably behind him in thick, sinuous motions, he can't say he minds. slipping past the gate, the deity takes a moment to take in the gardens and search for the young Renan.]
... Dohalim? I apologise for the wait...
[really, he'd only been gone for a few minutes, but still. it feels right by now, apologising for the slightest inconvenience. the idea of it not being enough isn't even stressful anymore, nor the uncertainty of what he might be walking into. it makes his heart race, but the sensation along their bond is one of quiet curiosity and excitement.]