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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["He does have a penchant for doing so, doesn't he..."

it's a fault that Rukkhadevata recognises in the Renan, which only worries her for when he inevitably finds out the truth of his people. she'll have to figure out how to soften that blow for when the time comes, if Umbra hadn't already unveiled the truth by that point. though, she has a feeling that the corruption takes enjoyment in making those Dohalim trusts tell him truths about himself that they've been hiding, perhaps to break his trust in them, and to pit him against them. now that she thinks about it, this might get messier than she had previously anticipated.

at the mention of Xiao, Rukkhadevata looks back up at Zhongli.

"Ah, yes... How is he doing, by the way?"]

His heart is far too gentle for his own good.

[Zhongli reaches to gently brush the redhead's hair back, quietly just watching him for a moment. It's his greatest strength, of course, as well as his most glaring weakness.]

He is well, as far as I can tell. We haven't spoken in person for quite some time, but I do send along some medicine to help with the effects of our contract. You know how he is; he has been keeping as little company as ever.

["Of course."

Rukkhadevata will admit that she doesn't know much about Xiao aside from his valiant efforts when it comes to containing the corruption that does spring up on Dahna from time to time. but, she also knows what Zhongli says to be true: that he doesn't like being around people too much, which does make meeting him a little more difficult. she could just call out to him, but without a purpose other than to strike up a conversation with the young spirit, even she can recognise that it would be a waste of time.

"It is nice to know that he's still performing his duties, and that he's as well as he can be, considering."

she does know about the other spirits that used aid Xiao in cleansing the planet, and how they'd all unfortunately fallen. so for him to continue on... she hums softly to herself.

"Though, I wish he could take rest when he should. Even he must think that pushing himself isn't healthy."]

One would think... but he seems to throw himself into it with a vigor that is almost unnatural.

[it's another difficult thing for Zhongli; though he had freed Xiao from his prior life, the one he had locked the spirit into was not all that much better. that he maintains this zeal for his work is more concerning than anything.]

Nothing shy of demanding it of him will make him slow down, I think. At least, until he finds someone to truly bond with.

[his expression belies that that is... a significant ask, really.]

["That sounds awfully familiar."

whether she's alluding to Zhongli or Dohalim, the goddess doesn't say, a small, but amused smile on her face. she looks at Dohalim for a moment, lifting a hand up to brush her fingers against his face, pleased that she's able to give him this must needed rest. and it also seems that Umbra has quieted down enough that he hasn't awoken again.

what a mess this all is... and the Renan doesn't deserve any of it. there's another soft sigh as Rukkhadevata drops her hand into her lap.

"Would you like to stay here for a while longer, or should you head back to Viscint soon? I would imagine the concern the guards would have over their missing lord, especially at this time of night."]

Haha, I suppose it does...

[does he know it could be about him too? Probably. Still, he says nothing on the subject. It is... pleasant to have this quiet, though he does wish Dohalim were able to be awake for more of it. Perhaps it would be better if he visited alone at some point, without the interruption of his deity in his talks.

Surely there are questions he would like answered that he won't ask in front of Zhongli...]

... ah. I spoke with the guards when I left, but... I suppose we should return soon. A pity, but it wouldn't do to linger too long, and have to carry him through a bustling city.

[to that end, he exhales a sigh and brushes his fingers through the redhead's hair. Truly, it is an inconvenience... but such is their life, really.]

Ah, I nearly forgot to ask - do you know of any other tinctures or teas to safely alleviate his nightmares from time to time? I can certainly use a dream walker's tea, but I... appear to not have enough astral energy to maintain my human form for a time after. At least not without a long rest.

[It's embarrassing. He doesn't say so, but it's implied; that small form speaks a lot about where he's come from, but to be forced into it... ah well.

It also doesn't slip past him that it's a little strange, since one would think a metaphysical realm would be less hard on a body, but that's the tea for you.]

[Rukkhadevata had already started to think about what herbs she may have that would provide dreamless sleep until the mention of Zhongli's alternative form. she's seen his other forms before, from the imperious dragon that reflected his phenomenal power from before the Renan invasion to the much smaller, more condensed version of his draconic form. and since she hadn't heard anything about the former making an appearance, and with the lack of astral energy to even show such a form, she thinks it's safe to assume that the deity is talking about the latter.

which only serves to amuse the goddess, as she brings a hand up to hide the obvious amused smile forming on her lips.

"I may have a few blends I can send you off with, however... Do you mean to say that your smaller form had made an appearance?"

she'll admit to herself that, in the very few times she's seen Zhongli in such a state, that the rotund little dragon form is rather cute. perhaps they may be intrusive, but harmless thoughts, but she always did wonder what he would feel like in her arms, and have wanted to just... scoop him up on those occasions]

[ma'am, that is rude.]

... mm. Much to the alarm of several of his men.

[There's a sigh there, unsurprising. It's... embarrassing, thinking of how easily he was caught and "kidnapped." The memory is almost enough to distract him from her obvious amusement, but after a moment he shakes his head.]

Under any other circumstance, I wouldn't mind, as it's a simple method to conserve my energy... but clearly, we cannot yet afford to have it known what I am as a whole.

[He may be actually blushing, just the slightest bit; though he doesn't talk about what happened, it's easy to assume he wasn't exactly his normal, stony self for all of it.]

["Ah..."

well, that's a minor inconvenience, especially since whatever gods still on Dahna are more or less incognito now, in part to hide from the Renans, and to watch the land and its people. so for Zhongli's cover to be blown... that's a little troublesome, especially with how close he is to Dohalim.

he seems calm enough about it, but the flushed pink on the other deity's cheeks tells a different story. of all the forms to be caught in...

"It seems they've taken it in stride if they've allowed you to stay close to Dohalim."

she can't imagine those men were too happy to see what they would have assumed to be a strange zeugle in Dohalim's presence, after all]

I... believe seeing how firmly I had to talk him down from harming them probably swayed their thoughts, and instilled the reality of how important my secret remaining kept is.

[his head shakes as he recovers from the embarrassment, glancing down to Dohalim now. it ought to be fine, he thinks. they're coming to terms with his closeness to the Lord, and if he can help lift him up further... so much the better.]

I do hope that they continue, as a whole, to accept this. The lack of hesitation has been a relief, but I do harbor some concerns, as time goes on.

[especially with Kelzalik being... everything he was.]

[well, that makes more sense. Rukkhadevata's expression sobers a little as she drops her hand onto her lap. if Dohalim had truly thought about harming his people who had probably had pure intentions (as much as she can go by with little information on the situation), then something big must have transpired between them. and for Umbra to try to get the Renan to act on that corruption... she's starting to piece together just how twisted the Great Astral Spirit has become.

which only makes the goddess ponder on how to cleanse it. perhaps there really is no other way... for now, she'll monitor Dohalim, and hope that she can find another way.

Zhongli's own concerns pull Rukkhadevata out of her thoughts, verdant eyes looking into amber.

"What concerns are those?"]

Only that I'm certain my arrival would no doubt have seemed suspiciously timely, so immediately after the previous attempt at insurrection. As you know, the variety of things I cannot explain to an average Dahnan are myriad can make it... difficult to explain my position and intention - if they are willing to set aside their worries regardless.

[He speaks all of this as if it's perfectly natural to; much of it, he suspects she already knows or had guessed. The major events are, after all, recorded somewhere within her domain.]

["Mm, yes, I suppose that does raise some concern. Though, his people must have accepted you if they allow you to continue to be so close to Dohalim."

it's almost laughable that the gods themselves almost need permission from mortals to be close to them, but times truly have changed, it seems. even if Rukkhadevata is so secluded from the world outside of her grove, the rate of information that comes to her and her domain doesn't slow.

of course, that does end up sparking just a little bit of guilt. if she didn't have her post to consider, then maybe she could have intervened when the Renan had gone on his rampage. perhaps she could have seen how deep the corruption had settled in sooner, and spared Dohalim some of this pain. she does recognise that there's no point in dwelling in the past, but the goddess can't help but lament over it.

"The time will come where we will have to reveal the truth to all. Rena may act soon, after all."]

Perhaps. At least, as far as they understand me, that seems true. They are more concerned for his wellbeing than my intentions, right now.

[His worries are mild overall, he supposes. If they raise arguments later, then they will see them through in those moments. None of them want a repeat of that betrayal... none of them want to see Dohalim so deeply, wildly unlike himself.

And of course, Zhongli has no intention of allowing it to happen again. Especially because, as she points out, they don't know when Rena will manage to see its plan through.]

... you're right. I only hope that... when it comes to be, he can rely on more than just we Gods to each his goals. That should mitigate some of the damage our truth would give to the people.

[and it would be nice, he thinks, to just be able to be this way around Dohalim more often. At least with people from Autelina, if not Menancia as a whole.]

[Rukkhadevata nods slightly, letting out a soft sigh. she doesn't like retaining information from those whose very lives would be uprooted by plans made hundreds of years ago. if only she could be honest, but... she knows the time isn't right, yet. there's no cause for panic and chaos at the moment. and Dohalim... there are more underlying issues that need to be seen to before they can proceed.

the goddess moves to stand, hands smoothing out her dress of nonexistent wrinkles before walking over to an ornate chest by the giant tree.

"You mentioned wanting something for Dohalim's nightmares. Is there anything else you would like me to procure?"]

Ah... not that I can recall at this moment. If there is anything you think would be helpful, of course, I would be grateful to have it.

[Zhongli shifts his weight once more, ensuring he's secured Dohalim in his arms so that he can let his tail dissipate, regrettable as that is. then he steps toward the younger deity, watching her move with mild curiosity.]

[nodding again, Rukkhadevata pulls out several small jars and sachets, pausing to glance at the faded labels to make sure she's pulling out the right ingredients, before moving over to a small work bench. there, she makes quick work with sifting out the different dried leaves into a small wooden box. she mutters something under her breath, possibly about what ingredients go in, and how much, but her movements don't hesitate one bit. it's been so long since the last time she's made such a tea, but it seems as though as the recipe hasn't left her.

she tops off the blend with several dried flowers, before laying a small wooden spoon on top of the tea, and sealing the box.

"There we go. A tea to block nightmares, with flowers to stimulate pleasant dreams. But, for the most part, his sleep should come to him undisturbed."

Rukkhadevata places the box carefully in Dohalim's lap, before reaching up to gently brush her fingers through his hair.

"Have him drink a cup every night. Even if you... Exhaust him before bed."

she gives Zhongli a look, something glinting in her eyes]

[it's a good thing, he thinks, and nods along with her words. a relief, knowing he'll be able to rest largely undisturbed. Zhongli only watches as she places the box and brushes fingers through Dohalim's hair, only pausing when she speaks again.

honestly it's probably the look she gives him, as it's enough to make him clear his throat.]

I... will remember this. It shouldn't be difficult, even if he is... somewhat exhausted.

[somewhat, he says, and the tinge of pink suggests she's much more correct in her assessment than he might like. head shaking, he bends down carefully to touch his forehead to hers. then he's upright again, tail shifting behind him.]

Thank you, Rukkhadevata. I'm sure we'll speak again soon.

[despite the mischievous look moments before, she offers a warm smile as their foreheads touch. it's nice to see Zhongli so affectionate, even if it's platonic; so far removed from the god he used to be. reaching up, she gives the deity's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"No thanks are needed. It is the least I could do."

honestly, it's fascinating to her how much she's grown attached to the both of them so quickly. perhaps it's the astral energy shared between the three of them that's in play; she and Zhongli had never been as close as this, even though they both have governed the land and rock together in Menancia. or maybe she's always just been a little intimidated by the god. but... she supposes they both have another common goal now, to protect Dohalim from the corruption of Rena's Astral Spirit, and to watch him thrive.

there's a sudden sadness at the thought that she might not even get to watch Dohalim at his best once Umbra is cleansed, but she'll push that thought aside for now.

"If you need me for anything, all you need to do is call out. The plants are always listening, after all."]

Nonetheless, I am thankful.

[he exhales a soft sigh then, perhaps in thinking about what is to come. the tea should help, and his people should help... and perhaps that will help them both to find the best way to move forward. one thing at a time, though.]

... Ah... of course. [it occurs to him, almost suddenly, just how many plants there really are around Autelina. well, it isn't as though he has any shame for his appetites, in the end; there's just something about knowing that someone else might know of them, even though they've been hidden away so carefully.] I hope that we get to see you visiting, at some time. It would be pleasant to speak in the gardens, I think.

["I think I may make the trip to Viscint one day, when everything settles. I would like to see the people and how they've grown under Dohalim's rule."

they would, of course, have to get to a point where mysterious visitors are welcome back to Autelina Palace, and perhaps more so the idea of gods in the land. she hasn't had the experience of walking in the public eye as a mortal like Zhongli has, after all; Rukkhadevata isn't sure she can change her appearance to look less ethereal. oh well, she can work on that, on top of everything else.

"For now, you both really should head back. Even if you've explained things to the guards, I can't imagine they would stay content much longer."

she pats Zhongli on the back, as if trying to usher him away. "Good night, Rex Lapis."]

I should hope to see it sooner than later.

[there's certainly time, in any case. for now, of course, this is the closest they can get. perhaps she could masquerade as some sort of ghostly presence, disappearing suddenly as she might...

but she's right, and Zhongli exhales a hum as she pats him on the back.]

Of course. It would do no good to panic them any more than they already were. Good night, Rukkhadevata.

[with that, he'll incline his head in goodbye, then turn to carry Dohalim back to the palace. he'll have to be back to his normal form by the time he reaches Traslida proper, but takes his time nonetheless... and then, it's just a case of getting the Renan back to bed. hopefully, he doesn't get waylaid asking too many questions.]

[when Zhongli does reach the entrance to the city, he does get questioned by some of the guards (how could he not, when their lord is, again, found in the arms of this man once more), but considering that it's also very much still the middle of the night, they let the deity pass. it seems there's no need for panic, considering that Dohalim looks alright, so really, if the issue needs pressing, they can ask about it in the morning.

Dohalim starts to shift finally as soon as they reach his room; maybe it's because they're farther away from Rukkhadevata's domain and influence that the spell cast over him is starting to weaken. he lets out a soft, groggy sound as he slowly lifts a hand up to press against his face. what time is it, even... surely it's not morning, yet...]

[Zhongli speaks softly and gently to the guards, spiriting Dohalim away and back to his room. it's simple enough, and as he settles him into bed, there's a brief moment of relief where he exhales a sigh, stretching mildly before the Renan stirs.

when he does, the deity smiles and reaches to brush his hair back.]

Welcome back to wakefulness, baoshi... are you feeling a little better?

[settling himself on the edge of the bed, he opens the box of tea to read Rukkhadevata's instructions. best he familiarise himself with them... though he isn't sure if he should start it now or tomorrow, really.]

Where...

[Dohalim tries to recollect his thoughts, tries to remember what happened. he'd gone to sleep, then... he remembers seeing Rukkhadevata and--

Dohalim sits up suddenly in mild panic as he remembers how he found himself in the goddess' domain. is everything alright? is she alright? what about the corruption? did it do anything to her--]

Is Rukkhadevata alright--

[his words come out rushed before everything else catches up to him; what had happened after he came to, when Umbra relinquished control back to him. and what the conversation soon after entailed, and how closely tied he is not only to the two gods, but Rena's spirit. he lets out a heavy sigh as his shoulders slump]

...Of course she is. Right?

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