eggbowl | In my blood...

[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]

... you already know who I am. I am Zhongli, a traveler. I suspect your question is more what I am... which is an answer that will no doubt bring further questions before it is understood.

[There's too much to explain, really. Why he's like this, why he's really here. Some he's not even at liberty to explain, but there's a significant huffed sigh as Zhongli stops his tail, curling it around his feet and resting more comfortably. As he considers his words, he sends more soothing sensations along the connection to Dohalim, hoping that whatever circumstance he's in will take long enough that he's done with this conversation before the Renan tries to find him.]

My intentions are to assist his Lordship in any way that I can. He and I have a contract, such that I may help spare him from further pain; he knows what I am. I want the same as you all do, I imagine.

... to that end, I should not be missing overlong.

[It's a lot harder to read him like this than in his human form, at least when he's not in motion.]

[confused murmurs are spoken between the three of them, suspicions still raised about who this person is. a traveler? no one travels between the realms despite their own open borders, especially the Dahnans. Renans don't purely for their own comfort. so for Zhongli to admit such a thing...

and what of this contract he speaks of? what does it entail? how does he intend to help? there are more questions than answers; after more murmuring to each other, the same man turns to Zhongli again.

"What do you mean 'spare him from more pain'? And how do we know you're not lying?"

the other two grunt along with the question, waiting expectantly for an answer. one of them eventually does speak. they do have to wonder if Dohalim really does know about Zhongli and this form; if he does, it seems he's taken it in stride.

"We want to make sure nothing happens to Lord Dohalim."]

[to the contrary, he'd said Dohalim knows what he is, not this form - but of course he neither knows their thoughts, nor would it make a difference to correct them really.

The question about what he means is met with the narrowing of eyes and a flick of ears, one back foot tapping quietly on the wood.]

I needn't remind you of Kelzalik, I'm sure. As to your belief — even at this size, were I of the intent to harm Lord Dohalim, I wouldn't have been so easily captured.

[He's almost amused by their response - relieved, too, that he was correct. His people do care, and they care so much...]

Then we want for the same thing. There is little and less I would like to see than for him to be able to smile more.

[It's a little more than he meant to say, and he'll blame it on the fatigue... but it's hard to deny with the way Zhongli hunkers down anyway, resting against the cover that still smells faintly of the man. That wistful, fond sensation will travel through their bond, of course.]

[there's a silence that mulls over all of them as the men just watch Zhongli for a moment. they then concede; the deity brings up a good point and compelling argument, enough that they're convinced that he has no ill intention with Dohalim.

along Zhongli's and Dohalim's bond, however, a spike in anxiety thrums along it, overtaking the fondness. it rakes against it, only to intensify with each minute, as if the longer Dohalim can't fins Zhongli, the more he panics.

on the other side of it, Dohalim hadn't been completely quelled after that small uptick from Zhongli, and decided that after his meeting, he'd go check on him, trying to convince himself along the way to his chambers that there's nothing wrong, and that the deity is still in his bed resting. but as soon as he gets there, it only takes a moment to take in the scene in front of him; potted plants knocked over and some smashed, other things thrown out of place, his bed a messy heap of blankets and a man very much missing. what happened, and more importantly, where is Zhongli?

breathing picks up as that panic settles in, the corruption taking hold of it as it claws its way back up. Zhongli's gone, he's not here, who knows where he is, he's left alone. he's alone, alonealoneaLONE--

along their bond, there's a desperate tug on it, almost trying to figure out where he is, and to stop himself from falling into the deep. the latter he's failing at]

[on his end, there's a pause, Zhongli's gaze turning away from his captors and off into the distance. those ears twitch and one might even think he was frowning, almost.

it's... worse than he thought, and that comes to light immediately as panic and anxiety fill their bond. overtaking everything he can give, he changes track somewhat; Dohalim can follow their bond regardless, but...]

... I've been gone too long. He is looking for me.

[it's an abrupt statement, as he's feeding as much reassurance as he can to their bond, along with what subtle sensations he can share. the dragon wiggles and pushes himself to his feet. he shouldn't have fallen asleep like that. should never have left Dohalim alone. hopefully, he'll have enough control to shift back soon... less for any worry of the Renan seeing him as he is and more for the want to hold the man.]

He will be here soon, and I will try to calm him when he does... it may behoove you all to take your leave for now, though.

[the men stay rooted to the spot with more looks of confusion on their faces. it's a sudden statement made from the creature, but that's not the confusing part. the three of them are thinking it, but one finally asks when curiosity gets the better of them.

"How do you know he's coming?"

of course, that curiosity also does keep them rooted to the spot, wanting to know just how close Zhongli and Dohalim are.

it doesn't take long for Dohalim to realise he can follow their bond; it's only a moment before he makes his way out of the palace. there's a muted silence on his side, as if all rational thought is being blocked. only a sense of dread and anger are what swirls in his head and pulls at their bond. there's barely a hint of who Dohalim is, that darkness almost completely overtaking him]

[Zhongli huffs a little, watching the men for a moment. are they really staying...? of course, he can't really force them to leave, especially like this.]

It was an imperative part of our contract. Apologies, I... don't think I have enough time to properly explain it. I really don't think it's a good idea for you to stay here right now. Dohalim masks it well, but I worry for his rationality at the moment.

[the muted sensation balls anxiety in the pit of Zhongli's stomach in turn, a faint worry that it might have just been too much. the sickness, his anxiety, the corruption... he'll just have to hope otherwise, and his attention drifts almost fully to the path back out of the forest. he won't be long now, the deity thinks.

it's not his place to explain why he thinks Dohalim will be upset, only urging them to go - they've seen what happens when it gets terribly bad, after all. if his own presence isn't enough to quell the anger...]

[only more questions and curiosities are raised the more that Zhongli speaks; none of what he's said really answers anything. but they all do wonder just how big of a mistake and misunderstanding this must have all been, but they were worried! surely they could explain the situation to their lord. the three of them are prepared to receive censure for what they've done, but Lord Dohalim is kind, is he not?

"Maybe if we explain things, then it'll be fine. He's an understanding man..."

Dohalim inches ever closer to the forest, dodging those along his path, and briskly dismissing anyone who tries to stop him for conversaion. Zhongli is right in that he can hide his tumult well, but perhaps it has something to do with their contract. he won't hurt anyone who's done nothing.

it's almost as if the trees shift as soon as Dohalim enters the forest, branches cracking ominously from sheer astral energy. as the Renan reaches them, he looks at the men with a wild look in his eyes, slightly hidden behind long bangs. they must be the cause of Zhongli's disappearace]

Where is he?

[Zhongli looks among them again, as if considering their resolve. There's a chance it will be alright, after all, as long as they all speak of what happened truthfully.

Waiting is excruciating, especially as the sensation of Dohalim's own astral energy blankets the area. He'd like to soothe him, to pull him close and apologise, but... for now, the dragon shifts to step forward, tail swishing against the blanket as he does.]

I am here, Lord Dohalim. I am uninjured.

[whether he'd make it to Dohalim or if the man would come to him first, Zhongli's attention is fully on the Renan. Part of it is assessing how deep the corruption has dug, but most of it is just... wanting to see him. And to make it clear from the familiar markings to the tuft of his tail, alongside his voice and their bond, that he is who he claims.]

[Zhongli's words almost go unheard; as Dohalim's eyes flick to Zhongli, his eyes widen for a moment. he... definitely did not leave him in this form, so how... that doesn't matter right this instant, though. his attention is back on the men who now look nervous and repentant, not knowing just how angry their lord is. had they pushed him over an edge that they shouldn't have? but they were trying to protect him...]

What were your intentions with him?

[Dohalim's voice is low and steady, almost too steady. nothing like his usual light tone. as if reading each other's minds, the three men kneel down in front of Dohalim, heads bowed low in apology.

"Please," one of them starts, voice trembling. "We had no intention of hurting Mr. Zhongli. We only wanted to know if he was plotting something against you."]

And you thought... That the best course of action was to abduct him?

[his eyes narrow as more of his astral energy fills the space around them. the voice in Dohalim's head tells him in that soft tone that these men are to be punished for their misdeeds, that they don't really care for him if they carelessly ripped Zhongli away from him.

but that voice also tells him that it's his fault as well. if he hadn't left the deity alone, then this could have been avoided. these men are at fault, yes, but so is he.

"We didn't know what to do! We had watched as he transformed from a human to this creature in your own bed. We thought he was going to hurt you! Especially after what Kelzalik--"]

Do you not think I am capable of protecting myself? I have defended every Dahnan's right to live freely in Menancia. I have done away with Kelzalik myself, and you offer protection against someone I've let close to me?

...

[as Zhongli watches, taking in the astral energy still rising within their space, the sensations between their bond. Dohalim isn't truly listening, he thinks, too busy blaming himself and the circumstances and individuals when in reality, the why matters less than what's actually happened.]

Dohalim.

[trotting over to the Renan, Zhongli rises up and puts his paws on one of the man's legs, climbing up to his tallest height and bonking his cheek against him. like this, he only comes up to around knee-height, but he stays there, peering up at the redhead as if pleading to be lifted.]

If they are at fault, I am too. This likely would not have escalated so... poorly had I awakened when they arrived. I am a little more instinctual in this form. I would ask that you listen to their wishes in full.

[read: he may have definitely freaked out and gone running before his brain caught up with what was actually going on.]

If you are at fault as well, then I will deal with you later.

[Dohalim doesn't know where to direct his anger at this point: does he keep it on the men kneeling in front of him, does he direct it at the small dragon at his feet, or does he torment himself with the idea that if the trio had a more ill intention towards Zhongli, what would have happened. he does forget himself for a moment, his voice holding a tone of threat towards the deity, as if it's in his position to punish him as well-- no, he is. Zhongli had pledged to gracefully accept any and all punishment Dohalim deems is deserved, so why would this be any different?

the Dahnans in front of them don't move, as if waiting for their lord's next move. even in his anger, even as his astral energy bears down on them, they know he's not like other lords. if he were, then they would have been punished already. or... is this how he disciplines? let them mull in their chastisement, before he serves them retribution for all they have done? they want to beg for mercy, like they've done in the past, but... is this what their lord truly wants?

of course, for Dohalim, there is that driving force, that small voice telling him to do it. the corruption's claws have sunk so deep into him that all he can think about how he could have been left alone again if he hadn't shown up in time. it twists those thoughts in his head, enough that it taints that bond between him and the deity. it pulls apart that rationality and fills the gaps with its darkness, pushing Dohalim deeper into it. perhaps it's because he's still sick, or just the circumstance, but he can feel himself sink into it. he's momentarily lost his grip on sanity and rationality; all he knows is this. all he knows is the cold dark.

the three men flinch as Dohalim summons his rod, the end of it brought down onto the wooden floor with a loud thud. it seems he really will punish them after all...]

[bad. it's bad. Zhongli isn't worried about his punishment - he's been here long enough now to know that was almost inevitable anyway. but for these three men... well, this isn't Dohalim. not truly.

this is something deeper that they cannot afford to have slip past this space, and if he continues... if that rod were to come down in judgment of men only trying to protect their lord...

and of course, he isn't without his own pride. it strikes him almost suddenly, his tail thumping thunderously on the floor this time as he shifts back.]

Then I ask you the same question. Do you think, knowing what I am, that I cannot protect myself, Dohalim? That I would enter into our contract were I so weak as to be thwarted by humans?

[the earth astral energy in the air is thick then, growing almost... still. Dohalim may have access to his master core, may have an abundant understanding of it, but he isn't made of it the way Zhongli is. that the man doesn't shift beyond this form means nothing, not when ripples of gold shimmer over his diminutive form, seeping away almost every bit of errant earth energy.

there's always the risk that Dohalim will just attack, but... well, Zhongli always honours his contracts. if he has to endure everyone's injuries to remind the Renan what that contract means, so be it.]

These people have harmed no one. They are your people, and they care for you. I will not allow action to be taken against them.

Why not?

[there's the hint of derangement in Dohalim's voice as those words are punched out of him, eyes flicking back to the deity. even in this form, he's still imperious, perhaps due to his command of his own element. if it were Dohalim in his right mind, he would step back and relinquish control of astral energy, if only to stop trying to fight against Zhongli. however, this isn't Dohalim in his right mind, or much of Dohalim at all; the corruption using him more as a vessel than guiding him]

They've invaded my personal space, removed you from the palace. They've taken you away from me, and you want me to let them go unpunished?

[...well, it's not like he doesn't have a point. they did enter his chambers without express permission to do so (neither one of them really had the clearance to come into his chambers in the first place), and they did not leave his room in the condition it was when they entered it. and... even if Zhongli is more than meets the eye, they did kidnap a member of their lord's court so really...

"My Lord... We offer you our most sincerest apologies... We only pray that, whatever punishment you deliver unto us, is swift. But we will accept what you believe we deserve."

the other two grumble in agreement; it's not like they are in any position to argue, really. even if their intentions were not of ill will, they did commit a slight against their lord, against their better judgement. there were other ways they could have gone, but instead, they went this way, and it backfired]

Be that as it may, this is not the punishment the Lord of Menancia has meted out for transgressions, is it?

Is this the man you want your people to see you become, after everything you've done?

[it's certainly true that there's an argument for punishment - Zhongli wouldn't argue against that in the least, despite his definitive words. but he won't allow astral energy to seep into it, and if he has a choice... well, there's no need for severe punishment for such an infraction. the circumstances are certainly strange, but as he'd said - no harm had come to himself, and he's certain he'd be released to return later.]

Reacting upon your emotions will do no one any good. Keep them somewhere and take your time to decide what is necessary - that should suffice. I did not mean to say that no action should be taken, only that I will not allow it in this moment.

[not when he knows better than anyone how deeply twisted Dohalim's mind likely is right now.]

But they have seen it, yes? They've seen what I've done, what I am becoming... All of Viscint has seen it... Yes, there is no denying it...

[there's a touch of madness in his voice as his gaze darts from the men still kneeling in front of him to the small dragon that is Zhongli. his hold on his rod is tight, knuckles almost white from the sheer grip of it, as if trying to stave off something. his body's still sick, still a little weak from the night before, but it's that corruption that's keeping him upright when all Dohalim, even as he's buried under the taint, wants is to rest. he doesn't want to hurt these people, he wants to let them go. he wants to understand their intentions, he wants to believe them, but the overpowering voice in his head tells him otherwise. don't believe those who've taken from him. why should he, they betrayed his trust and judgement]

They must see the blood that stains my hands... Do they not fear me? Why not?

[he's mostly talking to himself at this point, words muttered. the three look up at him, deep concern in their eyes for their lord; had this entire thing with Kelzalik affected him this deeply? is he beyond their help? but they want to, still, as much as they can. their beloved lord had done so much for them, it's only fair they try to return the favour...

"My Lord... We don't fear you. You haven't given us a reason to..."]

Listen to the words of your people, Dohalim.

[really, this was why he wanted them to leave. if they weren't here, Dohalim would have had no choice but to deal with Zhongli and he could have soothed him first... ah well. it's too late for that now, his position shifting to something a little more relaxed, but no less alert.]

One is hardly defined by single actions, no matter how devastating those actions may seem. I'm certain you are not the only one guilty of willfully turning away from the truth, nor overreacting.

[he doesn't look back, but the implication is there - the simple fact that these three kidnapped him out of sheer panic speaks to the fact, doesn't it? assuming, of course, their words are true... but given the lack of injury, isn't that likely? on top of that, he's been fairly candid about how deplorable some might find some of his own actions in the past.]

[there's something there, something that either Zhongli says, or one of the men says that Dohalim latches onto. the fact that, even after what he's done, even after what he's threatened to do, his own people show him respect, show him that they care. their own transgressions won't go unpunished, of course, but the fact that they understand this and are willing to accept it still, even when he's in this state...

there's a sharp tug on his and Zhongli's bond, as if Dohalim's trying to pull himself out from the depths. he's becoming more self aware of how tired and ill he feels, as a slight tremble starts from his feet and quickly thrum through the rest of his body. he leans heavily on his staff, his free hand coming up to press against the too warm skin of his face. one of the trio, the one who'd been more forthcoming than the other two, slowly pushes himself up to stand, before cautiously approaching the Renan.

"Lord Dohalim... Are you alright?" a gentle hand is placed on his shoulder, but before he could lean into the touch, Dohalim feels himself jerk back]

Don't--

[the wild look in his eyes are still present as he looks up at the man; it's only there for a moment before his own gaze wavers. his eyes slip closed as the metal rod slips from his grip; he can feel the ground tilt from under his feet-- or is that him?

before he can hit the ground, arms wrap around him frantically as he's slowly lowered down. as his awareness comes back to him, so too does the warmth from the fever that had seemingly come back. no surprise, considering the immense stress he'd just been under, but he can feel that grip on their bond slip from his grasp.

above him hover the two other men now scrambling to take the blanket and shove it under Dohalim's head, panicked words muttered between them about how they've driven their lord to this point]

[as the men move, Zhongli watches - this is something he can't personally assist with, even as exhaustion starts to visibly affect Dohalim. now, more than ever, he's utterly frustrated by his circumstance. he has enough astral energy to shift now, but without any clothes...]

... he'll be alright. He's still feverish, and it probably caught up with him.

[shaking off the remaining threatening aura, the dragon draws closer again. this is his fault, too, after all. one paw shifts to reach up, resting on his forehead; it's cool as stone in that moment, even if Dohalim himself can't really register it.]

Take him back to his room, if you would, and retrieve a simple meal. And I know that he doesn't wish for others to realise how difficult this is, but... it would be best if his burdens can be shared among qualified staff.

[there's a hint of nervousness between the three of them, not for how Dohalim may react to being carried back to the palace and his room, but doing so in broad daylight, through the hustle and bustle of Viscint. sure, it's a short walk from the forest, and they aren't too deep into it, but...

"What about you? Are you coming with us or are you hanging back?"

it's a simple question, but it does feed into their nervousness for a moment. this whole thing happened because they'd taken Zhongli away from the palace, so they don't want a repeat of this whole thing again. the three of them, while they can't read each other's minds, all come to the same conclusion: what they've witnessed here was probably something they never should have. Dohalim is a private man when it comes to concerns regarding himself, so for... most of this to be out in the open seems a bit taboo. of course, this secret will be kept between them, but how will they convince their lord of that?

Dohalim, on the other hand, picks up on the question; eyes crack open with slight panic in them, not wanting to be separated from the deity. he desperately grasps onto their bond again, weakly, but it's there]

No... He needs to stay...

Hush now. I wouldn't leave you again, my Lord.

[Zhongli's words are quiet, and he leans in to bump his cheek against the redhead's. it's not something he should be doing, really; not where others can see. still, he doesn't even hesitate.]

I will be following nearby. Worry not, I will remain nearby. There are enough of you, I think, that I can easily stay out of easy sight.

[people don't tend to look at others' feet too much, after all, and he's pretty small. adding to that the astral energy, and he could make himself practically invisible if he needed to...]

[the men nod as they carefully move Dohalim up. there are soft apologies said to him as two of them help him onto the burlier of the three, making sure he's as comfortable as they can get him. they're slow to lift him up, and there's an afterthought to throw the blanket over Dohalim to at least keep him mostly hidden, before they make their way back up to Autelina Palace. they do get strange looks from passersby, but all eyes are on the men and not the small creature hanging by their feet.

some questions are raised as soon as they get to the palace doors; one lifts the blanket from Dohalim's head enough to show the guard who they're transporting. there's a quick explanation ("We found him mulling about in the forest, and he collapsed-- he's fine, he just needs rest--") before they're let through to take him to his chambers. they're just as careful at lowering Dohalim down onto the bed and tucking the thicker duvet over him; there are more muttered apologies towards the Renan before they leave to go find him something to eat. with everything that's happened, they trust that Zhongli will take care of the rest.

Dohalim had been in and out of it the entire way back up to his room; the next time he opens his eyes, he's surprised to find himself tucked in his bed. somehow, he feels even sicker than the day before, and with a soft groan, he shifts around and curls up into the fetal position. as much as he wants to push himself up to see if Zhongli is still with him, he just can't, too tired to do anything. so, instead, he calls out to the deity softly]

[Zhongli is nearby throughout the transport, pushing down any worry that threatens to bubble up during the trip. getting through isn't an issue, but he has no idea what state Dohalim will be in once he settles into bed. even with food... he shouldn't have let the man get up, he supposes.

not being sick often himself, he's woefully unequipped to handle or understand what to expect, and that's something of a shame here and now. but as the men take their leave, Zhongli inclines his head toward them and sighs when they close the door. now that they're gone, he can shift back into a human form, finding his overnight clothes and managing to pull his pants on before Dohalim calls for him.]

I am here, Dohalim.

[there's the shift of weight on the bed as the deity sits down, reaching forward to brush his hair back. his expression is unusually melancholic, full of concern and guilt.]

I'm sorry.

[as soon as he feels that hand pushing against his hair, Dohalim reaches up to grasp at Zhongli's wrist weakly, as if trying to convince himself that he's tangibly there. eyes slowly trail up to look at the deity, before letting them slip closed again, as he curls up even more. yes, he definitely feels sicker than before, his weakened mental constitution adding fuel to that fire]

It... It's sunk in too deep this time...

[there's no way he can fight off the corruption on his own like this; it's like he's teetering on a tightrope, threatening to fall, just desperately trying to hold onto his own sense of self. but the darkness is just so inviting, with whispers of promises of calm silence to give in to. he could just slip and that would be the end of it. he wouldn't have to fight anymore. he wouldn't feel like he's being torn apart if someone were to take Zhongli away from him again--]

I can't...

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