eggbowl | In my blood...

[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...

Just focus on me, for now.

[Zhongli shifts his hand to lace their fingers together, warm and strong as always. there's so painfully little he can do, unequipped for such deeply rooted fears - the corruption he can bat at, but the rest...

his other hand moves to at least remove the metal pieces of Dohalim's regalia, to ensure that at least those won't bite into his skin. once he's done that, the deity moves to pull the other closer, unbothered by his lack of shirt.]

I will do whatever I can to assist you, Dohalim; whatever will help cement the fact that I am here, that I will not leave. You need only ask. We will be alright. If you need to give in for a time... I can take it.

[it's the easiest way to quell the corruption when it's bitten down deep, after all, and Zhongli is sturdy. he'll be fine. no one will even know, most likely.]

I don't...

[he doesn't want to. he doesn't want to sink into that darkness, as inviting as it is. he's afraid that, with how deep it's burrowed into his subconscious, that if he were to give into it, he wouldn't come out of it. he's afraid that it'll overtake him completely, and he'll be lost to it. death would be preferable than that. at least, there won't be a chance that he could hurt Zhongli.

his hand holds onto the deity's as tightly as he can, but it doesn't completely stop him from slipping just a little deeper into the abyss in his mind, feeling the grasp of corruption pull him down. the fear of losing Zhongli, the fear of being left alone again. but there's also a murmur, whispers that he won't ever really be alone, that the corruption will always be with him. that the corruption owns him. and that... that, somehow, is more terrifying than solitude. that this unknown, invisible force has buried itself so deep into him that it's both a separate entity and part of himself.

Dohalim can't think straight, in part because of the intrusive thoughts swirling in his head, and the high fever that had come back in full force, fogging his brain. when he does speak next, his words are soft and weak, a near whisper, eyes cracking open once more to look at the other man]

I don't want to give in... I don't want to lose myself.

You won't lose yourself. This I can promise.

[no matter what choices Dohalim makes, he won't just let that go unchanged. his grip is less fierce than the redhead's, but it doesn't change how firm it is. his free hand continues to stroke through his hair, breathing slow and even. this isn't an easy task by any means, but he's still here to do it.]

I want you to be able to rest. However that comes to you, I will take care of the rest. So long as you don't give up on me, I will never give up on you.

[no matter what happens, he's come to care too much. he still has plenty to give and he's quite willing to test his own limits, especially if they can search for more answers. if they could just get the corruption out of the way and let these experiences be all Dohalim's, that would be much, much more ideal.]

[Dohalim mutters something under his breath, incoherent but hurried, tinged with anxious energy. there's the slow, loosening grip he has on reality, melting into the darkness. does Zhongli not realise his fear? does he not acknowledge it? these are the questions whispered to him now; it almost feels like something is prying his hand loose from Zhongli's, dragging him further and further down. it's like he's being plunged into a cold ocean, weighed down, unable to scramble up to the surface. and just like that, everything is muted around him as he's tucked himself into the silent recesses of his mind, surrounded by that taint; it's all he knows, now.

outward appearances seem like Dohalim's calmed down; he's still, breathing a little too evenly for the panic that was present moments ago. he makes a move to untangle himself from Zhongli's hold, slowly sitting up. there's a slight tremble as he struggles to keep himself upright]

You should give up.

[Dohalim's voice is even and soft, and he doesn't look over his shoulder at Zhongli]

[Zhongli lets him go, though a thread of concern is there at the sudden change. of course he understands why Dohalim is afraid... but he also knows himself and his abilities. he knows how much of a pull it can have, and ways to restrain it when it threatens to become too much. it's only that it's a risk to move too early, and even then... would the Renan accept it? would he understand?

the words, as Zhongli sits up, bring him further pause. his gaze turns in his direction, and he exhales a soft hum.]

... and why do you think that, Dohalim?

[there's something raw about the words, calm as they are. it pits uncomfortably in his stomach, clawing at his senses. does the redhead want him to go? is he himself really so bad at what he's trying that... no, surely not. he'll not entertain those thoughts, not until he's forced to. he wants to be around Dohalim. that's what matters. right?]

[there's silence again, as if Dohalim tries to consider his words carefully. a soft hum in response at first, his gaze trailed down at his own hands folded neatly in his lap]

Because... Isn't it exhausting to keep fighting a losing battle?

[his shoulders hunch over as he continues to struggle to keep himself up, but he ignores it for now. there are points he must make, after all. but is it he who's making those points, or is it something else? it's almost as if the corruption itself is speaking through him, but that's impossible. right?]

But then again, you said it yourself. A warrior god... You must have fought countless battles. Am I another battle you must win? Is that all I am?

[he huffs out a derisive laugh, tilting his head back just enough to look at Zhongli. there's that madness in his eyes again, widened amber peering through red locks]

...

[it's strange. such a claim wouldn't sting normally, he thinks. to think that Dohalim really sees him in that way...]

You are neither battle nor destined to lose. If there is a battle, then it is yours to fight - I would never claim to be able to do so for you. I... [he doesn't quite sag, but there's definitely something that changes in his posture.] My being a warrior god is unrelated to you at all. Were you in need of protection, certainly, I would step in, but...

[another sigh, heavy in the air, follows as Zhongli's eyes threaten to lower.]

If you have mistaken my intent, then it is my fault. You are a man I've come to care for, to want to see flourish. It's a selfish wish, I know; one that I'm beginning to think you may not share. [after all, he's implied it before. begged to have his life taken. Zhongli never found himself hesitating before now, and yet...]

[the admission doesn't go unnoticed by the Renan; he shifts around, body twisting so he can look at Zhongli with those crazed eyes. there's a flush under his skin from the fever; with how close he is to the deity's face he is all of a sudden, Zhongli might feel the heat radiate off him]

"Beginning to think"? Were my words not enough for you?

[a hand slides up to gently wrap around Zhongli's throat, but it doesn't squeeze like it usually does whenever the corruption's gotten its hold on Dohalim. no, instead, he gently pushes the other back down onto the bed, before moving to straddle him]

I've wished for death so many times. I've begged in the silence, I've begged to you, and yet... the fates are not so kind. Why preserve the life of someone who does not want it? Why fight to keep someone alive when they feel they don't deserve it? When the bloodstains on their hands will only be washed away once their light is snuffed out?

Your efforts are placed on the wrong person. If you are the god of this land, then protect those who truly belong on it. You are wasting your time and energy on me.

Your words-

[are betrayed by your actions, he means to say. his statement is stopped as Dohalim's hand moves to wrap around his throat, pushing him so gently back onto the bed. there's no resistance, no real hesitation.]

... Dohalim...

[he's selfish, in truth. so much of this is his own whims, pushed onto another; Dohalim is right about that much. peering up at him now, no matter his expression, Zhongli knows this to be true.]

... You... still have not given me a reasonable excuse to die. If I thought that you truly, in the depths of your heart, wanted for death, I... would give you what you wished. We have a contract, after all.

[a hand rises to brush the other's hair back, expression contemplative.]

... I don't want to let you go so easily. Watching over your reign these few years, that is my own selfish feeling. You have seen how much your people care, as well. What you've done isn't all that defines you. You know that people are more than just their most recent actions. So why are you so desperate to end an already short life?

I've already told you. I'm tired. I'm tired of all that weighs down on me. I'm tired of the memories that plague me at every given moment. I'm tired of the darkness in my mind, I'm tired of feeling like it wants to take reign over me, I'm tired, I'm tired, I'm tired--

[dropping his head down onto Zhongli's shoulder, he lets out a slight shudder as his hand around the deity's neck twitches. perhaps he shouldn't have searched for him, perhaps he should have left him alone. maybe he would have gathered enough courage to cut his own life short without having the deity interfere]

I'm tired of lying to myself. Convincing myself that the reason I've championed for peace among Menancia was for the people. I put a stop to senseless slavery because I was tired of listening to the Dahnan's screams, tired of being reminded of the day Tarnigen died over and over again.

My life is a punishment for all that I've committed, for the lies spoken and acted upon.

[letting go of Zhongli's neck as he pushes himself up again, both hands reach for his, before bringing them up to his own neck. he fits those warm fingers around his own throat and holds them there]

Would you kill me if it truly came down to it? If there were no other ways of salvation, if this was the final resort, would you kill me? Or would your selfishness get in the way of completing your contract?

[these, at least, are emotions he understands. motivations he understands. guilt upon the past is natural, after all, even for his kind. and Zhongli, more than most...]

Your life is simply that. A life. Dwelling upon the past overlong is a dangerous thing, Dohalim.

[and again he watches, imperious, as fingers fit around the man's own neck as he sits over him. there's no danger there, either - bodies go limp in the absence of breath, and hands are no exception. the question... that question, of all questions...]

... I have never allowed my selfishness to get in the way of a contract. [there's a quiet guilt there. he wanted to, once. at least once.] If there were no other options, it would be my solemn duty to take your life myself. I told you before, did I not?

I carry the weight of my contracts, for they are a part of me as surely as the energy from which I was born. I remember all those I have entered into contract with, whether their time simply expired or I was forced to seal them away or kill them myself. That has not changed.

But until such a day comes... You wish to torture me by making me live a life I don't want.

[his own hands close around Zhongli's and his own neck, squeezing slightly, like earlier. not nearly tight enough to cause discomfort, but more to drive a point home. as wild as his eyes look, they too hold a hint of sadness in them, as if the raw part of Dohalim is trying to peek through again]

Why let me live with this corruption and guilt... You watch as it plagues me, but do you know what it truly feels like? It feels both searing hot and freezing cold. It whispers to me in the darkness, invites me in to make me witness my transgressions over and over again, all the while wanting to commit more atrocities because that is what I do. That is what it wants me to do.

And you watch as it pulls me apart, watch as it takes over. Why do you do this... If you truly care, then why do you let this continue?

[to torture him... Zhongli actually looks hurt at that, if briefly. It's painful, he knows, but to call it Zhongli's wish to torture him... ah.]

Because I-

[there again he pauses, trying to find the words. it feels suddenly desperate, painfully important. but what if he were to say the wrong thing again.]

I am not... perfect. I watch because it is all I can do, right now. Until I can find a way to help stabilise this, so that I can search for information that was never mine to begin with.

[he doesn't know, exactly, if She's still around. if in some form, their energies haven't been fully intertwined. he also doesn't know how to explain. as a result, it's almost halting when he does speak again. it's unlike him, but not so out of place as to seem disingenuous.]

Succor was... never my strong suit. I am the very stone beneath the land, but that which you call Earth astral energy was not mine alone. I cannot portend to understand healing when that was the role of another, and so I can only witness your struggle. I can only offer myself, so long as I remain near, until I may leave or there is a contingent of trustworthy individuals to scour the land for what I seek.

For that, I can only apologise.

...Apologise...

[there's anger in his eyes that flash only briefly, before Dohalim closes them slowly. his head dips, throat pressed against the hands against it, causing his breath to hitch slightly for a moment, though that doesn't stop the bobbing of his Adam's apple as he swallows thickly]

Is this your truth...

[if Dohalim really is angry, then he's doing a great job at hiding it. his voice is still steady and calm, still too steady and calm. hair covers his eyes once more and he's silent for another stretch of minutes. but when he speaks again, his voice is soft]

Are you truly that powerless that all you can do is watch my torment?

[shoulders slump as Dohalim sinks a little lower, throat pressed against their hands even more]

... I'm afraid that many of my available options to soothe this may... cause more trouble than relief.

[it's a complex issue, after all. it's why he'd left that first day, to try and find the trail of the other's research, her wisdom. but now... he'll simply have to find another way. clearly, his own idleness is causing as much strife as anything else.]

Dohalim...

[slowly, he reaches to pull those hands away, to replace them with himself again, a warmer and... kinder feeling, perhaps. to explain it...]

... Come with me, when you've recovered. [assuming Dohalim hasn't resisted him yet, he'll reach to tangle fingers in his hair, to brush it back gently.] Menancia can take care of itself - it's clear you've trustworthy men for that. We can search together, so that I needn't be away from you again.

[A pause, a hand resting on Dohalim's chest.]

... I don't want to be away from you again. At least from here, I can... be your resilience, if you'll let me. And if that isn't satisfactory, I... we will find another way.

[It's guilty, desperate, almost pleading. He's hampered by the delicate balance of corruption and depression that swirl in the younger man, and yet... and yet. How does he ever say how much it means to have him here? To see him fight, to at least hold him through it? He doesn't want to lose more, not when he could still carry him through. If he would just trust Zhongli, if he would trust his people, if...

And what if he doesn't? How long can he play at ignorance before he has to acquiesce? How long before Dohalim, too, slips through his fingers like the finest grains of sand?]

[that's another anxiety all on its own, being asked to leave his post for a time, to rely on others to do his job, even if it's temporary. he's already skirted from his duties lately, could he possibly ask that of his people? would they accept? or would they deem him unfit to rule, to lead, and try to overthrow him again? would Dohalim resist this time?

a hand presses against his chest, and Dohalim desperately holds onto it, grasping it as tightly as he can, afraid that it'll be pulled away, stolen from him again. he wants to die, this is no secret, but he doesn't want Zhongli to go. he hasn't once told him to leave, not sincerely; is it selfish of him to want this deity close even though he doesn't want to live? is it selfish to keep him close when he's too tired to fight this thing?]

Why won't you let me go?

[Dohalim's voice drops down to a whisper, before he takes a shuddering breath in and out. he pulls at their bond again, a sharp tug as if trying to pull himself away from the claws of corruption]

Why?

[Dohalim's voice drops to a whisper and Zhongli's quiets in turn. his hand stays there, feeling the heartbeat beneath his fingertips. in spite of everything, in spite of the heat of sickness coursing through him, it's so strong. so real.

why won't he? what, exactly, is the reason for his hesitation, his certainty that he would regret just letting go? Dohalim pulls at their bond and what it's wrapped in is pure, gentle, warm. it isn't just reassurance, it doesn't just seek to shoo away that corruption. it seeks to meld with him, until there's no obvious difference between their two energies.]

... I can't let you go. I don't want to let you go. Every part of you, no matter how kind or brutal, fascinates and draws me in, calls to every part of me. I want to see you flourish, to smile, to stand by your side. I...

[his eyes close for a moment, a wry smile on his lips.]

How am I supposed to just give in when I finally found something worth manifesting for?

Am I truly that worth it?

[he doesn't ignore the admission, but lets it sit in his mind, swirling with everything else. in his sickened state, that only fogs his brain up even more; he can almost feel a headache coming on. the gentle warmth that seems to wrap itself around him, despite his fever, he doesn't push away, but holds it close, like the bond between-- no, the bond they share. he isn't sure where one ends and one begins anymore, but is it truly a terrible thing? he thinks not. he can feel that strength Zhongli offers him time and time again, twisted and wrapped around his battered soul, it feels like the warmth of earth under his feet]

Is it worth it for me to stay? Is it worth it for you to continue to fight?

[Dohalim pushes himself back up, hands still pressing Zhongli's to his chest. he's hunched over again, breathing hitched as if trying to hold something back, trying to hold his emotions back]

Am I truly worth it all?

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