[while Dohalim had known since the conception of their contract that Zhongli is a deity of this world and not a regular Renan or Dahnan, seeing his true form still surprised him. to think, that this elemental being with draconic features... shocking, to say the least.

that, of course, doesn't stop him from wanting the deity. in fact, it's only wanted to claim him even more. to have a god bend to a mortal's will so easily... at first, it was part of their contract, but now... Dohalim is sure that Zhongli just enjoys it. and, of course, the corruption had taken that and exploited it as much as it can be.

when Zhongli finally rejoins him in the garden, Dohalim is sat in a chaise lounge, a book in one hand, and a waterpipe hose in the other. he blows out a billow of smoke; while they're outside, there's still a thin veil of smoke around him. the corruption had taken over again, but now, Dohalim doesn't fight it. what's the point, when this keeps happening, and more frequently, too? he keeps hurting Zhongli, but he also heals him after, and the deity hadn't left him yet, so... it's okay, right? just as long as he can fix whatever the corruption does to Zhongli, then it's fine. it's fine.

through the smoke, Dohalim looks up at Zhongli, a sharp look in his eyes, a contrast from his usually soft gaze. it's apparent that he'd slipped into that darkness, but he doesn't move just yet. he quickly flicks his gaze to the ground in front of him, before flicking it back up to Zhongli. a hint for him to kneel]

You apologise, and yet... You do this, time and time again. You've left me alone again. I don't remember giving you permission to do so for so long.

[even if it was a handful of minutes, it's still a handful too long]