[Zhongli nods in turn; he's fully aware of how important it is to not tell someone everything, especially when it's a case like this. still... even though he can bear the truth of it, has seen it and felt it himself, the simple idea that this man truly is of that lineage, and so close to his old roots...]

I have noticed, yes. It was... part of why I made my contract with him, only to promptly begin looking for you. His aptitude for both of our halves of the respective energy is unusual even among the old mages.

[his expression softens, warm but a little sad, and for a moment he allows himself to pull Dohalim's hand into his lap, to feel more of his arm against his body. maybe the Renan isn't the only one who's grown addicted to the feeling.]

His lineage... yes, that may be it. Though I saw no reason to manifest before now, I did occasionally feel similar tugs from his predecessors, but they had also grown cynical and greedy. Meanwhile, Dohalim can hardly find it in himself to blame anyone but himself for whatever happens.

[the noise he makes is absolutely exhausted - it's pretty clear that's another spot where he just... can't help Dohalim. no amount of historical evidence will help clear away that anguish.]