eggbowl | In my blood...

In my blood...

[everything happened so quickly and so slowly, everything that happened is nothing but a haze in Dohalim’s mind. he isn’t sure what had transpired, all he can think about are the dredged up memories he’d spent so long suppressing, tamped down and never to be brought to light ever again. the despair had overtaken him, distant screams and thoughts of death clouding his thoughts as gleaming, liquid silver splashed into view. all he knew after that was unadulterated rage, wanting nothing more than to banish those with him, and to punish those who were responsible.

trails of blood and carnage followed Dohalim to the palace as he tore through any Renan in his path. they could no longer be trusted. the ideals of coexistence is now nothing but a burned up dream; he now sees their true colours. the Dahnans were not the ones at fault here, he could not blame them. but those who got in his way are pulled away by summoned vines as he continues his warpath.

blood splatters the pristine walls of Autelina Palace, an angry contrast to the calming whites, golds, blues and greens, crimson liquid staining the fresh plants and flowers lined up along the walls. countless times had he been met with Renan resistance, clearly those who are dissidents of his rule. they did not stand for very long. the audacity they had to stand up against a lord like him…

vines rip the doors open to his chambers where Kelzelik and his supporters huddle together, eyes widened to see Dohalim stand before them, rod in hand. words are not exchanged as those same vines wrap themselves around those who’d dare to oppose him, their pleas falling on deaf ears as they slowly squeeze the lives out of them. all, except Kelzelik, one of those who Dohalim had trusted the most. one who seemed to follow his every order, his every suggestion, his every dream for this realm. the blood on Dohalim’s hands are also on his former advisor’s, as he gestures to the men struggling around them]

You did this.

[Dohalim’s voice sounds strange even to him, hoarse and pained. maddened eyes stay on the man, standing unflinching as thorns burst from the vines and through those it’s ensnared. crimson blooms of roses blend with the blood as it drips from the petals as he puts to rest those who had tried to seize his realm.

when Dohalim is finally found, he’s still in his chambers, on his knees, arms wrapped tightly around himself as hands grasp onto his shoulders, his breathing is ragged and erratic]

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[for his part, Zhongli does try not to hover over Dohalim too much. he's aware that the man must be getting antsy - guesses at it even before it becomes plainly obvious in the first few days, really. still, the more he gets up, the more recovery he's going to need. with his people happy to wait on him hand and foot and Zhongli to do what they cannot, there's not much he's had to do. moreover, hearing what's going on from servants and individuals visiting his room is no substitute for the real thing.

so really, by the fourth day, he's certainly feeling more charitable. the fever is still present, true, but it's likely that more fresh air would do him well now. sighing, Zhongli reaches to test his temperature with the back of a hand, still looking at him with concern on his face.]

... One meeting. I'll be by your side throughout, unless there's something you deem I should be absent for.

[brushing the man's hair back, he leans forward to press their foreheads together in a soft, affectionate gesture.]

I'll prepare your regalia... it would be best if we could leave you a little more dressed down, of course, but...

[but he knows how much appearances mean to the Renan.]

[Dohalim's eyes flutter closed at the press of their foreheads together; Zhongli's skin against his feels a little cooler. there's a soft sigh at that before he pulls away, shaking his head]

No... I would rather be dressed in my full regalia.

[there's already so much of his routine and duties that have been tossed in the air that he's not sure how much changing his dressing routine would throw him off as well. he'd rather not test that theory out.

Dohalim slowly stands, testing out his stability, before nodding towards his wardrobe. so far so good, he hasn't felt the floor tip from under him, and he doesn't feel so lightheaded this time. sure, this all remains to be seen, but at least for now, he can keep himself upright. and it's not like he's going to be doing much running around at this meeting, either.

now, if only this fever would break...]

So I expected.

[he does direct Dohalim to remain seated or brace himself on the deity for as much of the process as possible, just in case. it's an easy enough task after so many times, and Zhongli moves swiftly indeed this time.

when he's done, he places his hands on either side of the redhead's jaw, expression pensive. he'll just pretend he was inspecting him, ensuring his own comfort that Dohalim is solid enough on his feet... after which, he nods and offers a small smile.]

Alright then. Shall we? I suspect your people will be relieved to see you looking a little better.

[though he doesn't outright offer himself as a brace to steady Dohalim on, the intent is clearly there. maybe he's fussing too much, but he would rather do that than have some disaster strike.]

[and, for once, Dohalim doesn't protest, hands sliding up to hold onto Zhongli's shoulders to keep himself steady when he's standing. every so often, he leans in to rest his forehead into the crook of the deity's neck, breathing him in for a moment to take comfort in him. Zhongli's truly been so good to him, and even though the corruption had whispered things like the deity turning his back on him, or betraying him like Kelzalik did, Dohalim... mostly ignores it. he's slowly starting to understand the time and effor spent on him is time and effort Zhongli is happy to spend. he still doesn't see the value of it, but he's questioned it a little less.

as Zhongli cradles his face with those warm, strong hands, it takes so much of Dohalim not to lean in to press their lips together. he instead commits every line and curve of his face to memory, before letting himself be drawn into those amber eyes, bright in the sunlight beaming through the window. being in his presence almost makes Dohalim forget his illness; it's disappointing when Zhongli finally pulls away. Dohalim does test out his own stability; he's a little shaky on his feet still, but it's nothing to worry about, he thinks]

Yes, let's.

[the faces he sees as he walks out of his room and down the halls of Autelina Palace have bright expressions as his people offer smiles of relief to see their lord up and out. some of them had been able to come see him in his room when their duties called for it, but he'd looked so miserable. like Zhongli, however, the do also keep a watchful, but subtle eye on Dohalim as he walks by, just in case.

as he's greeted by the committee members (some, by surprise) when he walks into the meeting room and takes his seat, Dohalim waves them off politely, shaking his head]

No need for pleasantries. I apologise for being late.

[it's a long moment, sweetly soft as both men ignore their own wishes. really, Zhongli has to wonder if he wouldn't do something if not for the excuse that they have somewhere to be. perhaps... perhaps later. he can tide himself over with that.

there's nothing more to be said, and he keeps close to Dohalim as they exit the room and start toward the meeting room. he greets people only occasionally, mostly with a mild smile as they get the reassurance of seeing their lord up and about. most of his attention is, unsurprisingly, on the young man; a fact that should hardly be surprising.

when they reach the meeting room he takes his seat once Dohalim does the same, staying quiet throughout the greetings. fingers lace together in his lap then, contented to settle in and provide little more than his presence for the redhead's reassurance. likely, no one will have anything to say about it, but there's always the chance.]

[there's the temptation to want to take Zhongli's hand in his or rest a hand on him, but Dohalim refrains from doing so. spending the last few days so close to the deity's vicinity, it's strange to be apart from him despite how close they're sitting; Dohalim wants some of that contact still. but again, he refrains.

as boring as the meeting is (like most of them, really), Dohalim is glad that he's there to, at least, be a presence, and to update himself in current affairs. there are topics they touch on that Dohalim can ponder on when he's resting again, and there's nothing that's a pressing matter at the moment. it's... almost a relief, that Viscint and Menancia is self sustaining enough that he can sit back and let the citizens take care of the smaller issues.

though, at some point, his attention fades off for a moment. voices around him almost sound muffled as something else catches his attention; a gentle... something, whispering in his ears. if words are being spoken, he can't make them out, but it's almost... guiding, and soothing, not like the corruption. no, this is something else completely, and he's compelled to want to follow it. so engrossed, he has to remind himself that he can't just up and leave in the middle of the meeting, but the temptation is there.

Dohalim does miss when he's being addressed, so into his own head and thoughts, and only snaps back to the room when his name is spoken for a third time]

--Apologies. What was it you were asking me?

["Only if there was anything else you would like to add." there are looks of concern sent his way, the committee members worried for their lord again. perhaps they really should wrap this up so he can rest. maybe they were here for longer than his current stamina can handle...

Dohalim shakes his head and gives them a polite smile. he'll have to read the meeting transcripts later, it seems]

[It's a subtle thing, something Zhongli himself doesn't really notice. After a moment he's noted the distraction, but as to its cause? He hasn't a clue. If he thought about it, perhaps it would be familiar, but all that's on his mind is Dohalim now.

So he's there as they get his attention, concern on his face in turn. It really wouldn't be such a bad thing to adjourn the meeting for later, he thinks. Dohalim still has a fair bit of recovery ahead of him, after all, and Zhongli intends to see him well again soon.]

A recess, at the least, would likely do everyone good. At least long enough to brew a nice tea, don't you think?

["I think we can end it here. I think any other points we make would end up in redundancy. The meeting is adjourned, and a transcription will be sent to everyone."

there's a shuffle of chairs as everyone stands, each of the members bowing politely at Dohalim before carrying their own conversations with each other. there's another small smile Dohalim flashes at everyone before he himself stands, and without much else to say, leads himself out the door (but not without making sure that Zhongli is behind him).

as he steps back out into the corridor, the voice calls to him again, still just as soothing and gentle, but incoherent. if only he could make it out... unconsciously, Dohalim shuffles down the hallway, seemingly trying to head to the entrance of the palace. he's quiet, trying to listen to that voice, trying to hear what it's saying]

[The deity nods in agreement as they adjourn the meeting, rising as Dohalim does. As before, he takes his place not far from the redhead - just enough that it won't draw attention really.

They start off, but it's not long before he realises the direction isn't going to take them back to Dohalim's room. Concern furrows his brows again, and he steps forward a little more.]

Dohalim? Is something the matter?

[He'll call to him, and if it takes too long will just place a hand on his shoulder to catch his attention.]

[it's that hand on Dohalim's shoulder that stops him from continuing, even though his feet want to keep going. He's so compelled to follow, wanting to know what the source of that soothing energy is from. But Zhongli's equally soothing and warm hand on him gets him to heel for the moment]

Do you not...

[his voice is soft, still straining to hear the whispers, but soon does he turn his attention back on the deity, shaking his head. He lifts a hand up to rub at his forehead; ah, he's still rather warm... maybe the voice is a byproduct of his fever...]

...Sorry. I think... I think I should go lie down.

... Dohalim...

[Zhongli watches him for a moment, reaching to check his fever in turn. it's not really any worse than before, he thinks...]

If there is something you think we should explore, I will support you as much as you need.

[his smile is soft then, warm and gentle. there's no movement to brush against his jaw or lean in to press foreheads together - they're in public still, after all - but his posture suggests he wants to.]

But if you're certain, we can lie down as well.

I...

[there's a soft pull from that presence that almost tells him to follow that feeling, to seek out whatever it is that's calling to him. He's not afraid of it, not like he is if the corruption when it tries to claim him. It... there's a familiarity that comes with it, oddly enough.

Dohalim's attention is pulled from Zhongli again as he looks towards the palace entrance, itching to go find the source. He shouldn't... not when the other man had agreed to let him out of bed for the duration of one meeting]

It's strange... it's as if something is calling out to me, but I can't hear its words. But it's not like the corruption... it's almost... nurturing.

Nurturing...

[Could it really be? Perhaps he's been too long gone to hear her himself, or the alignments between them are too awry. If it really is her though... he reaches out to squeeze Dohalim's shoulder.]

If you think you can lead the way, let's follow the line. There is a chance it will provide us with a clue to better help you, and as long as I'm here, you should be alright.

[If he collapses or some such, Zhongli can carry him back or wait it out with him.]

[Dohalim doesn't even wait to weigh out his options as he nods, and steps towards the entrance again, letting himself fully be led to where he should go. it's not even a want to follow at this point, but a need, to find out what this presence is, and why it's calling out to him.

he's silent the entire way out of the city, so engrossed that he's in an almost trance like state, not noticing the smiles or polite bows of the citizens they walk by. as soon as they leave Viscint, there are small pauses in his step as he listens to the voice, stronger now as they walk through Traslida Highway. he can finally make out that it's a woman's voice, still soft and nurturing, gently guiding him. the pull is still there, but it's as if she's holding his hand as he walks closer towards his goal.

most of the highway is leveled out to make traveling along it easier, but there are some pathways that are not as neatly tended to, making traversing through it a bit harder. on a better day, Dohalim wouldn't even struggle with it, especially with his penchant of sneaking away from the city to walk along such paths by himself, but there's a bit of a struggle with his illness. his breathing comes out in sharp puffs, and there are a couple times he stumbles, but he continues. he needs to find her, he needs to find out what she wants from him.

they eventually reach a small grove of trees surrounding a much bigger one, seemingly out of place for the flora of the area. it seems to exude a large amount of astral energy; it's what draws Dohalim to it first, before he notices a woman sitting under it. it's when he steps towards her that he feels the ground under him tilt; he pitches forward as adrenaline suddenly leaves him]

[Zhongli's concern doesn't leave him as they walk, though it doesn't show on his face until they get outside of the city. there, with fewer people around, he can stay closer and catch Dohalim on every stumble. he does his best to let the Renan have his independence, but he has no intention of letting him injure himself.

when they finally reach the grove of trees, he can start to feel it himself. it's such a familiar feeling, producing a sweet sort of nostalgia. there's been far too much time since they last talked, and he isn't sure if it is a good idea right now. but his thoughts are cut short as Dohalim pitches forward, a faintly alarmed noise on his lips as he catches the younger man.]

Dohalim... take your time. [brows furrowed, he pulls Dohalim to himself, gently bracing him along his side.] Take a few slow breaths...

[Dohalim shakes his head, trying to push himself off Zhongli, though with how much he's trembling at this point, all he does is lean heavily on him]

No, I need to...

[he needs to talk to this woman, he needs to know what she wants. he glances over at her, only to see vibrant green eyes staring back. there's a warmth to her gaze, much like the same warmth of her guidance; she smiles at him before speaking.

"You can take your time. I do not plan on going anywhere." her eyes shift to Zhongli, still warm and inviting. "It's been a while, Rex Lapis. Too long, in fact."

her words don't hold any admonishment; she's just merely stating fact. what with the changes of their own astral energies and governance over their respective elements, she's not surprised that Zhongli hadn't been able to find her. and she... well she's been tied to this spot, unable to leave]

As I said... we're in no rush.

[his smile is gently warm when he looks to her, head bowing forward.]

It has, Rukkhadevata. I had begun to worry that you had dwindled too far for my abilities.

[which ultimately may have been true, but Dohalim is a different circumstance. even now, he's gently guiding the Renan to come sit closer to her.]

I'm glad to see you're still well, after all this time.

[Rukkhadevata gestures to a patch of grass beside her, inviting Zhongli to bring Dohalim over to her. and when the other deity does, she'll tug him down so his head is resting in her lap. she'll also invite Zhongli to sit with her as well, wanting to catch up with her old friend.

"I am as well as I can be for being bound to my station." a choice she's made herself, of course; her voice is lighthearted. "I had wondered if you were able to hear me as well, but... It seems that in the centuries that have passed, our abilities have been altered beyond what we have already noticed." she glances down at Dohalim, smiling at his confused expression. "Luckily, this one here is in tuned with my astral energies as well."]

Who are--

[Dohalim falls silent as Rukkhadevata presses her hand gently against his forehead, the gesture just as soothing as her call out to him.

"I am Rukkhadevata. I suppose I could be considered the other half of the power held within your master core. As Rex Lapis governs over earth and stone, I govern over all flora on this planet."

that only answers a couple of Dohalim's questions; he's still confused as to why this deity is here, and why he was so drawn to her. maybe it does have something to do with his ability to wield earth astral energy, but... why him? why is it that he is so easily drawn to these gods, and them being drawn to him?

Rukkhadevata offers her warm smile and touch still, before turning her attention back up at Zhongli. "And I see you're as well as you can be, given the circumstances." her expression sobers a little. "How are you faring?"

she doesn't elaborate, but there's a hint of knowing there, as if she knows about the corruption]

[Zhongli settles near them both once he's sure Dohalim is settled comfortably. He doesn't fuss with the man too much, though his hands itch to ensure he's as comfortable as he can be.]

Originally, there were seven of us, making up the core elements of Dahna. [Zhongli clarifies it quietly, succinctly for him really.] when we each made the decision to let Dahna live on its own, we each chose how to fade from history. Rukkhadevata chose to remain here - to monitor the flow of information through the world, I believe?

[There's a small twitch to his lip when she asks how he's faring. It isn't that he expected her to miss anything, but it's something he's been keeping from Dohalim, so care must be taken.]

I am well, all things considered. My body has one again begun to absorb the latent energy of the world, after all. There are some complications, but nothing I can't handle.

[It's an omission wrapped smoothly in the reality of things, at least.]

[there's a part of Dohalim that wants to push himself away from this unknown deity, to ask further questions as to who she is, but with the hand on his forehead and her presence around him, Dohalim can't help but feel at ease around her. the scent of fresh grass and the trees around them fill his senses, and the gentle pulse of the earth soothe him, and for a moment, like the dream he had with Zhongli, the corruption is quelled and forgotten. there's a sense of normalcy that settles over him; he feels himself relax just a little more. though, wanting some of that contact from Zhongli, Dohalim does reach for him.

Rukkhadevata, on the other hand, looks at Zhongli with a subtly scrutinising stare, before looking back down at Dohalim. there will be plenty of time and other opportunities to talk to the older god about that which he's hiding.

"It's as he said. I'd chosen to settle here, to gather all knowledge known and unknown to the world. It had been my nature to retain all information of Dahana, much like it is Rex Lapis' nature to remember all that has passed."

she brushes her hand through Dohalim's hair, smile sympathetic.

"This must all be rather confusing for you, I can imagine."]

I suppose... I'm wondering how I've caught the attention of two of Dahna's deities if I myself am not Dahnan.

[there's a pause from the goddess there, so very brief that one could miss it, before letting out a soft hum. "It is a curious thing indeed. We govern most, but the will of the planet itself is one we do not."]

[Zhongli can't hide his smile when Dohalim reaches for him. There had been a small part of him that worried he would become irrelevant once things got going, but for now, there's still this.

His fingers thread between Dohalim's, warm and soft. An arm slips over his side, resting over a thigh.]

... moreover, it's important to remember that we have wills of our own. I know that my own attention was drawn by seeing your way of being over time.

["And I, myself, was drawn to your energy. Not your ability to wield our elemental powers, but your energy itself. It is... One of those things I could try to explain, but I feel it would confuse you more."

and there are certain things she isn't willing to divulge just yet; to her, it's not the right time. there are things she knows she'll have to tell Dohalim and Zhongli, but for now she'll keep it to herself.

"You have questions for me, I'm sure." Rukkhadevata asks the both of them, but it's more directed at Zhongli. "I will answer to the best of my ability, but there are some things I may not be able to answer."

her hand keeps stroking through Dohalim's hair, as if trying to coax him into sleeping. his fever doesn't go unnoticed by the deity, and once he sleeps, she'll be able to help him more. Dohalim, on the other hand, wants to know more about her, but the warmth between Rukkhadevata and Zhongli is making it hard for him to stay awake. eyes flutter closed for a moment, struggling to stay open]

Much of my own questions will likely be echoed by Dohalim. The first, I suppose, would be how long you've been trying to reach out to me.

[there's a soft chuckle as the Renan struggles with wakefulness, and he squeezes the young man's hand reassuringly.]

You can rest safely here, Dohalim. I'm sure Rukkhadevata will still answer your questions after you've slept. She'll be more able to help with your fever than I, as well.

[admittedly, it's something of a selfish comment too. there are things he himself is not prepared to share with Dohalim, things he needs to ask the Goddess in turn.]

["Rest now, my child. I will be able to help once you're asleep."

Dohalim wants to protest, he wants to stay awake, and tell Rukkhadevata that he's not a child, but with the gentle strokes in his hair, it's becoming more and more apparent that he won't be able to. but... if Zhongli says she'll be able to help, and if he trusts her enough to let him sleep, then he supposes he shouldn't argue.

so he lets himself succumb to sleep, his hold on Zhongli's hand laxing ever so slightly. it really is hard to resist it when there's a comfortable energy between the three of them.

Rukkhadevata waits in silence for a few moments, to make sure Dohalim really is asleep; her hand doesn't stop the gentle touches, as if trying to brush away his illness. worry subtly settles into her features as she looks up at Zhongli again.

"Before I answer your question, I would like to ask one of my own. How deep has the corruption settled in?"]

[Zhongli's hand remains where it was, even once he's asleep. the idea of being without him, especially after that last conversation scant days ago, is just... unpleasant. but, with his rest comes the more... difficult conversation, in truth.]

Not terribly, I think. It's... [there's a pause then, as Zhongli goes back through the conversations. the things he now knows.] I believe it's latching on to other underlying feelings, and so its manifestation appears deeper than it is.

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