eggbowl | In my blood...

--Dragons? [Dohalim pulls his head back a little to look up at Zhongli] There were actual dragons on Dahna?

[the only experience he's ever had with anything of the sort was when he heard about them in story books, or when he'd caught wind of the freaky science experiments Almeidrea would test on certain zeugles; he'd kept away from her as much as he could, if not for that, but for her brown nosing among the elites.

but for natural creatures such as those, and the fact that Zhongli had walked among them... Dohalim is slowly starting to realise just how aged this deity really is. he does have to wonder just how much he's seen, what he's experienced and endured, and what the first Renan invasion must have looked like through his eyes]

So... You can turn yourself into a fully fledged dragon? Would you show it to me one day?

I presume there still are in places, but yes. The fauna has certainly undergone seemingly endless changes since Rena's arrival. This is largely natural - though, as one might expect, the division of Dahna's natural astral energies has also had some measured effect on what arose over time.

[Zhongli does give the question due consideration, though, when Dohalim asks him to show that. to be a dragon again... he has to wonder what it would feel like, under the circumstances. moreover, it's a little more complicated than not, right now...]

Mm... I believe I've only enough energy for smaller transformations, at this time... but I think there are ways I could share it with you, eventually. Perhaps, when you have less need of your master core, the shared astral energy could assist. [he's unsure, in truth, if he wants to admit to his own lucidity within Dohalim's dream realm, though the man is smart enough to guess.] We would have to be... elsewhere than here, I believe, or prepare your people beforehand; I wouldn't wish to alarm them intentionally. I have a much smaller form to condense and protect my astral energy, but I was... not a small dragon originally, by any means.

[honestly, if Dohalim could give up his master core and give it back to Zhongli, he would; he doesn't feel the need to keep it. all it's done was cause great pain and suffering at the moment he's tapped into its power, and the blood on his hands from obtaining it will never wash off. but he doesn't say anything on the topic, but pushes it down instead]

I'm sure we could find a more secluded area for you to show me.

[Zhongli should know by now of Dohalim's penchant for disappearing from the palace under his guards' noses way before everything else has happened. for all that he fears being alone, it's what he knows, and found solace in solitude, forgetting for a moment about his duties and station. as such, he's found some rather quiet spots just outside of the city, both in Traslida Highway and the path towards Mahag Saar.

but he also can't help but wonder just how big Zhongli is as a dragon. to hear of other dragons roaming the land in the distant past is surprising enough, but for him to say he was a larger one...]

In your natural form, how big would you be?

[if it weren't such an important part of actually getting to Lenegis and doing what Dohalim intends, perhaps it would be different, just keeping hold of it himself. for right now... it doesn't really matter.]

Are you truly that curious?

[Zhongli's eyes practically sparkle with mirth as he asks the question, fully aware of that very penchant. when it comes to features, he imagines they could find a place. when it comes to his full size, though...]

Ah... You must understand, I was never one to pay much attention to my size, as it was simply part of me.

[his eyes close as he thinks, head tilting slightly.]

Mm... I suppose I was... hm. Well, it would not be a stretch for me to perch comfortably on the palace roof. Perhaps twenty meters or so?

The palace roof--

[there's an incredulous look on Dohalim's face as he tries to even fathom the idea. this man, in his bed, who's barely any taller than he is, who, if he had the power and resources to be able to transform himself back to his original state... to be that size, it's hard to believe. Autelina Palace is no small structure by any means. though, the image of Zhongli perched on top of it is an entertaining one.

but with the initial reaction fading into comfort once again, Dohalim has to think on the topic of conversation, and how warm and comfortable he is in Zhongli's arms. for the first time in a long time, it almost feels as if there's no worry pulling violently at him (though, there is the slight stir of corruption in the back of his mind that brings his attention back to it every so often, but for now, he can ignore it). he and the deity are having a... well, it's not a normal conversation, but it's a curious one, inquisitive and almost innocent. it's enough to make Dohalim forget about everything else for a moment]

You must have been an incredible sight. But I also have to wonder just how long you've been on this land... As far as I know, there are no historical recollections of dragons in Dahna, that they were only mythical beasts in children's story books.

Incredible... I suppose it would have been, to some.

[Dohalim's words seem almost amusing to someone like Zhongli, having simply lived his life as such. granted, the world was a very different place then... and the idea of being at his full size is no longer as appealing as it once was. simply having his tail back would be enough, for the most part.

besides, it's easier to nestle in closer to the Renan like this. that's... probably a bad thing, ultimately, knowing how much they have to do, but for now... for now, just being near him and seeing how comfortable Dohalim seems is good enough.]

I... it would suffice to say that I have existed for rather too long, in truth. When I was young, humanity itself was still finding its footing. What history remains from that time is largely within me, and perhaps a few long-sealed locations. [for a moment, there's a sort of regretful look that passes his features before his eyes close, a soft hum escaping his lips as he nuzzles Dohalim's hair.] You would be surprised how many mythical beasts have their roots in truth, even if time twists the memory of them.

Perhaps, someday, you can tell me about their history, and your memories of them.

[knowing his own people, any documentation probably had been destroyed as soon as the Renans had descended onto Dahna. and as preserved as the library is (with a librarian who... can be a little too comfortable around him) and how extensive the collection may be, Dohalim doubts that there's anything about the planet's history from before three hundred years ago. what a shame, he does like consuming history of the Dahnan people, if his collection of artifacts have anything to say about that.

Dohalim lies there in silence for a moment or two before reluctantly untangling himself from Zhongli's hold to sit up. he rubs at his face with a hand, mostly to rub away the sleepiness, but also to feel how warm he is. just a little, but much better than the night before. he glances at the sunrays shining through the window as he hums to himself softly]

I suppose I should get up and ready for the day.

Perhaps I can. I do enjoy most of the memories I have, after all.

[but as time passes, and Dohalim shifts to untangle himself from between them, his thoughts drift away from that conversation. a small smile flits across his lips at the sight of the Renan, faintly aglow with the sun washing over the space.]

Ah... that's true.

[as Zhongli sits up in turn, there's a pause, his hand brushing over his face. that's right... he doesn't really receive the same benefits of sleep under the other circumstances. and besides, maybe the potency was higher than expected...]

... If... it won't be too troublesome, I may remain here to rest for a time. I'm feeling... a little fatigued, if I'm honest. I'm sure it will pass as my astral energy regulates.

[there's a nervousness that washes over Dohalim at the mention of being away from Zhongli, and for a moment, he truly does consider taking the day off to stay with the deity. but... he knows where he'll be, so it wouldn't be hard to find him if he needs him... still. the idea tightens his chest a little, his fingers grip onto his blankets tightly, briefly, before letting go again]

Is there anything I can do? Perhaps with the master core, I could...

[there's a small hint of desperation in Dohalim's voice, his words rushed out ever so slightly. he keeps telling himself that it would be fine, that he can always hold onto their bond, and he can always stop by throughout the day. if Zhongli is resting, it's not like he's going to go anywhere, right?]

But... If rest is all you need, I suppose it'll be fine...

Mm, I don't believe so.

[Zhongli shakes his head, reaching to pull Dohalim closer for a moment. perhaps part of it is just to prove that he's as solid and sturdy as ever, just... a little weary. it's odd, but not impossible, right? after a moment, he releases the Renan to let him prepare for the day]

You can monitor via our connection, and I've no intention of going anywhere but to find you if I get up. I believe I... may have to rebuild my tolerance for the tonic I used yesterday. It has been a long time since I needed to use it, after all.

If it becomes too much, much of your work can be handled in here, no?

[anything, really, that doesn't require him to interact with others. there always seems to be no end to the paperwork for a Lord, Zhongli has noticed.]

[as he's pulled closer, Dohalim rests his forehead against Zhongli's, sighing softly. with that worry comes a bit of shame for relying on the deity to the point where the idea of being apart from him turns him into a nervous wreck. but Zhongli does bring up a good point. he can always bring in his paperwork if he has to. there's the temptation to do that anyway and cancel whatever meetings he does have for the day, but he shouldn't he's already behind on what he couldn't finish the day before.

with another sigh and nod, Dohalim moves to stand, but not before giving Zhongli's thigh a gentle squeeze]

You're right. I'll be alright.

[he glances to the threshold of the bathroom]

I should have a quick bath that I can draw up myself. Would it trouble you to help me get dressed, after?

I can manage that much, I believe. Are you sure you're fine with drawing it yourself?

[There's no condescension in the question; Zhongli just seems truly weary, for some reason. If Dohalim can draw his own bath, at least, that will give Zhongli time to collect himself to be more useful thereafter.

Regardless, the deity pushes himself up to stretch slowly, ignoring the faint warmth of interest that lingers between Dohalim's hand on his back earlier and his thigh now.]

I'll manage.

[for all that he has servants to help him with most things (his regalia is still a mind bender, no matter how much he attempts to put it on when no one's watching), there are a few things here and there that he can do. as ornate as his personal bathroom is, the mechanics of turning the faucets on is still the same as his home in Lenegis. he's not... completely helpless (maybe).

with that thought out of the way, Dohalim makes his way to the bathroom to draw up a bath, making sure the temperature is just right. he still feels a little weak from his fever, but he can still manage to strip out of his sleeping clothes and slip into the bath without any real struggle. it's quick, mostly to wash the sleepiness and sweat off him, and to collect his wits and mentally prepare himself to be away from Zhongli for most of the day. he's still nervous about the idea, but what can he do? the deity's already done so much for him that it wouldn't be fair to drag him along while he needs rest.

after a handful of minutes, Dohalim steps out of the bath and drains it as he grabs his nearby towel to dry himself off, before throwing on his robe to rejoin Zhongli]

How are you feeling?

[Zhongli, in turn, is on his feet within the space of Dohalim's movement. it feels almost convenient, this bout of strange exhaustion in the wake of the Renan's sickness - though to his knowledge, he can't get sick in the same way. so why...?

he's just finishing setting out the last pieces of the regalia when Dohalim rejoins him, a weary smile on his lips.]

I'm alright. Just... a little tired. [the redhead will likely be able to see it in the way Zhongli moves. he's quick and precise as ever when it comes to dressing Dohalim, but there's a heaviness to his movements that can only come from tiredness.] My apologies, I hadn't intended to leave you alone, especially after last night... if you do need me, you need only return here or send for me.

[the heavy movements do worry Dohalim a little bit, but he tries to hide in on his face. the bond, however, does betray him just a little, as he can feel his anxiety tug at it. as much as he tries to push it down, he just can't, so he lets out a soft breath, before shaking his head]

I... I will be fine. You should get some rest; if I really do need you, I will see you myself. There is no use on sending for you if you're tired.

[he flashes Zhongli a weak smile]

You allowed me to rest for the night. So I'll offer you the same. Please get some rest, and if you need anything from me, let me know.

[it doesn't feel right, it doesn't feel right leaving him alone. but if all he needs is rest, then it should be fine. he can ignore the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, and he can ignore the anxiety. once he's fully clothed, Dohalim nudges Zhongli to his bed, drawing the covers over him once he's climbed in]

Dohalim...

[despite allowing himself to be nudged to the bed, Zhongli exhales a little sigh and reaches out to brush the redhead's hair back. it's a gentle, familiar gesture, his smile broadening a little. his own response on their bond is that gentle, warm sensation that wraps around it, thumb brushing Dohalim's cheek before he settles back onto the bed fully.]

Very well. I shall have to make it up to you soon. Perhaps by sharing my other form when my energy has settled properly.

[it's a little enticement, an attempt at giving Dohalim something to look forward to so that he can hold onto that rather than the anxiety that's already begun to take root. and, as a testament to just how much this exhaustion is doing to the deity, his eyelids are already drooping by the time the Renan stands to go work, the urge to doze strong, irresistible even.]

[the warmth of their bond does help settle him slightly, which is good considering the spike of it as he watches Zhongli's eyes slip closed almost too easily. remain calm, Dohalim tells himself, and reminds himself that he's just resting. rest is good, even for a deity.

maybe he'll latch onto the prospect of seeing Zhongli's other form. maybe he can convince himself that some of that nervous energy is excitement. yes, that will do for now, he thinks. bending over, Dohalim brushes his lips against Zhongli's forehead, before slipping out of his room to start his day.

it's more or less uneventful; mostly he's stuck in meetings that had been rescheduled due to... everything that's happened. but, at least, he can focus on them rather than the worry in the pit of his stomach. he does reach out along his and the deity's bond every so often to make sure that the other is alright, and to calm any of his own stress he might be feeling being away from him]

[Zhongli can't help but be a little surprised at the tender gesture, though he says little on it. what can he say, really? any further chatter might change Dohalim's mind, and he'd rather not be the catalyst for that.

besides, it's simple to just... fall asleep, once he's alone. the bed is still faintly warm where they had been lying, and if the astral being is a little covetous of the scent of his companion... well, who's to know? even in rest, the resonance of their bond remains strong and warm, reassuring. unbeknownst to both of them, though, whatever's going on with Zhongli's astral energy affects his whole body in sleep; it seems almost like his body changes to condense all of it and facilitate the regulation both in and around himself.

so, without realising it, the dapper gentleman Zhongli was ends up as a round, diminutive brown and gold dragon, his body half-under the nightshirt he'd been wearing. in sleep, he doesn't notice, nor register anything when he's wriggled out of most of it, tufted tail wrapping around him in a little circle to rest comfortably against his body.]

[it seems as if word of Dohalim's need for Zhongli's companionship had gotten out, especially after the night before. rumours among the staff, while rather hush-hush, did spread like wildfire under Dohalim's and Zhongli's noses. while their lord is free to do what he wants (none of them are in any real position to tell him what to do), there is the worry of being close to someone so soon after Kelzalik's attempt at a coup. maybe it's protectiveness they feel for Dohalim, but with this mysterious man who'd shown up in Dohalim's court not too long ago, of course there would be some who would be wary of the man.

some of them had caught wind of the both of them spending the night together, and had kept watch outside of Dohalim's room. strange that only he left, and not the other man with him; if the rumours of Zhongli spending the night with him aren't true, then if they were to go in, they shouldn't find anything, right? and it's not like their lord had said anything about not wanting anyone turning down his sheets, so... maybe they're being wary for no reason. but they need to know. they need to know that their beloved lord won't be taken advantage of again.

however, as three men sneak inside of Dohalim's chambers, they catch Zhongli at the right moment, astounded as they watch his body shrink down to that of a... a lizard? no, it seems too big to be one, but too small to be a zeugle. so what in the world...

the three of them look at each other for a moment, before descending onto the creature, rough hands grasping at its thick body. the worry is there again, that this monster had gotten close to Dohalim; does the lord know? or had this creature been biding its time to strike? they can't have that if that's the case]

[it's a terrible bout of timing, really. Zhongli is too tired to register it at first, though he stirs at what sounds distantly like... a door, maybe? truly, this is the worst time for this...

it's not until hands descend upon him that he really starts to wake, shaking off any sense of sleepiness. as his eyes open, he reaches up a--

a paw. small, with tiny little claws on its thick little toes. his condensed form? but-- no, wait. refocusing as that paw swipes uselessly at one of the hands, Zhongli shifts into motion. if something were to happen, he needs to ensure Dohalim doesn't get too upset, after all... but if he can avoid capture altogether, so much the better.

so, that thick body - more muscle than anything else, as it turns out, and with enough stretch to be almost reminiscent of a snake - turns out to be a little harder to get a hold on than not. the tuft of his tail smacks against someone's arm as Zhongli scrambles toward the edge of the bed, all instinct in that moment. he just needs to get to the door, he thinks, slink under something so that he can figure out what's going on. it does result in a momentary uptick of activity between their bond, but as soon as the deity realises it, he's trying to tamp down and soothe instead.

his beady eyes, after all, can still tell they're some of Dohalim's men, probably just alarmed that there's such a creature in their Lord's room - a fair thing, really. hopefully, the pursuit won't end in too many things knocked over, though if he's honest Zhongli doesn't have nearly as much spatial control or awareness right now, being both much tinier and much more tired than usual.]

[as potted plants and small objects are knocked over in the pursuit, the men try to catch as much of them as possible as to not raise alarm to anyone who might be walking by the door. only a handful of Dohalim's court and staff know about this plan, but the three of them were brave enough to go through with it. however, they hadn't taken into consideration that the mysterious stranger could turn himself into this creature.

and as much as they try to keep their lord's room in tact, there are, indeed, things that get knocked over and thrown askew as they lunge to grab at the elusive thing. unfortunate for Zhongli, though, that they're smart enough to block the door so he can't escape. there are hushed words thrown at each other as they try to plan out their next move; one has a brilliant idea to grab the top cover of Dohalim's bed and hold it up until the perfect time to strike. it's when Zhongli darts in front of him that he throws the thin blanket over him before diving to grab at him again. hopefully, that plan works; they've been in their lord's room for much longer than they had anticipated]

[between the size of the room, the number of men tracking him, and the state of fatigue he's in, Zhongli doesn't have much chance. the longer it goes, the more clumsy he starts to feel in this small form, and then it's all over.

the sound the little creature makes is indignant as darkness covers his vision; it's not unlike wrangling a cat, really, and to similar results. there are a few huffs of breath and some wriggling, but once it becomes abundantly clear that his kidnappers have a good hold of him (and that escape would require tearing the bedsheet - an unpleasant thought, especially since they're not armed or trying to actively hurt him), he just... gives in.

which doesn't mean he's the most gracious thing though; the man who's caught him will have to deal with the shift of weight when Zhongli deadweights in his arms. his thickly muscled body will only be so cumbersome with the blanket to help wrangle him into a carryable shape, and the entire trip will be made with grumbles and huffs from its depths, tail hanging limply over his captor's arm. it's somewhat mortifying to be so helpless, but at least he should be able to converse with them whenever they get... wherever they're going.

until then, maybe he'll just rest, in case he really does need to get violent.]

[it's a bit of a struggle trying to lift Zhongli up, especially in the bundle of fabric. they... should definitely keep him hidden from plain sight as to not alarm anyone else in the palace. their next, and more important task is to get this thing away from the palace and their lord, in case it has the idea to strike when Dohalim least suspects it. it's not a secret at this point that his constitution isn't at its best (and for good reason), but he still tries so hard to make their lives as comfortable as possible. despite all that has happened, and how the city is still picking itself back up, nothing has changed their way of living. Dohalim hadn't divided the Renans and Dahnans, he still wants that coexistence, and the three of them, along with those still in the palace and those in the city still care for and appreciate him. so they have to protect him this time, until he can do so himself. until he's strong enough to do so.

their footsteps are hurried as they rush out of the palace, seemingly being able to dodge anyone who might be hanging about along the hallways. a small fortune, all things considered. the quickly they deal with this creature, all the better, so they can go back and put Dohalim's room back together before the man discovers the state it was left in. handfuls of minutes pass before Zhongli might catch the fresh scent of forestry; the men manage to sneak past the guards to Gilanne Forest, to a small hideout on one of the platforms in the trees, and away from both zeugles and prying eyes. it's then that they place Zhongli down onto the ground, before lifting the blanket off him, and hoping that he doesn't run away. for a moment, all they do is stare at the little thing, still unarmed, but now unsure of what to do.

all the while, there's a tug at his and Dohalim's bond; the uptick doesn't go unnoticed by the Renan; there's a tinge of worry drawing along it]

[he's certainly paying attention to the changes - the almost stale scent of the palace, dimmed beneath the plethora of plants growing in it, gives way to the bustle of the street and even more quickly to the scent of the forest. they're... certainly being cautious, he notes. and of course, there's no way they could possibly know the depth of what's really going on. most likely, there's no malice to this whole mess.

after all, with Kelzalik in mind... why wouldn't they be worried? then to find a strange creature in their Lord's bed, even if they hadn't seen him shift (a fact Zhongli isn't yet sure about), must have been somewhat... alarming. so, he stows his mortification and anger, little paws thudding faintly on the wood beneath him once he's set down. it takes a long moment for his eyes to adjust to the light, but he certainly doesn't run away - where would he go, anyway? - instead, he sits up, letting his body settle into its somewhat... round state and tilting his head up to look at the three of them.

his response to the bond with Dohalim is apologetic, if a tiny bit late. strong, but still with that lingering tiredness. when he's given what reassurance he can, Zhongli turns most of his attention to his impromptu captors. he needs to figure out what's going on before the Renan comes tearing through in search of him.]

What is the meaning of interrupting my rest?

[despite his diminutive size, there's still a sense of authority to his voice. it's not quite as resonant as Zhongli's normal one, a little higher in tone for some reason, and it's hard to tell if it's coming from the creature's little mouth or just... appearing in the air between them. his tail thumps on the wood beside him, half-incidentally gathering some of the blankets around his body.

how long will it be before he can relax his astral energy? time will tell.]

[there's another tug on their bond, still wrought with worry; Dohalim has to convince himself that Zhongli's probably still tired, and maybe he was startled into wakefulness by something for a moment. nothing bad has happened, he tells himself, and if he's worried, he can go see the deity after this meeting. he keeps telling himself that, but it's another thing to believe his own thoughts, especially with that darkness slowly starting to creep up and claw at him again.

as for what is currently unfolding in the forest, despite actually witnessing Zhongli's form turn into this one, the shocked looks on the men's faces are there. it can talk. how can it talk. this is definitely not a zeugle, that much they can strike off record, but it's still an animal, right? one they have never seen before, but an animal nonetheless. however, while it does have a slightly higher nuance, his authoritative voice does get them to still for a moment; they do indeed recognise that voice to be that of Zhongli's. no doubt about it, that man is this creature, and they weren't imagining it.

there's another stretch of silence between all of them before one of the men speaks up, finally, his own voice wavering ever so slightly.

"W-we want to know who you are... And your intentions with Lord Dohalim."

a simple question, really. would they believe him is another thing altogether]

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