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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[There's something achingly cold about it all. A familiar sensation of failure that nips just at his heels, whispers sweetly in the back of his mind. He was too late, after all. Somehow, he had missed the signs... somehow, things had gotten out of hand, and Kelzalik and his supporters had ultimately shown theirs.

Zhongli doesn't question the why or how of it as his footsteps resound in an empty palace. It's not that others haven't tried - a few have, to mixed results - but that he's made the quiet instruction to leave it to him, for now. The horror of bloodshed, the metallic tang of it against his nostrils, is nothing that difficult really. He may have given up his post as a Warrior Deity many long eons ago, but even if Dahna and Rena have no written history... the fact remains.

It feels somehow fitting that this legacy is what hounds him, as the purity of carnage reveals itself like the deepest, brightest gemstone core. In another place and time, he might find it beautiful.]

... there you are. Rise, Lord Dohalim.

[Bodies remain, intricately entwined in their woven prisons; the stench of blood and death is numbed but still there. Again, Zhongli pays it no heed. He can tell that the Lord is still struggling, still lost in whatever maddening dream has plagued him to this point. And as Zhongli, the mysterious man who had simply appeared one day to share knowledge and history, he has no right. Beyond that, though...

His hand reaches out, a gentle flow of earth astral energy there in the motion. More flows elsewhere, beginning to seep into the twisted, broken energy that has created such carnage, to burrow into its roots and shatter the rotted, warped core that keeps it so together. Even insurgents are undeserving of such cruelty - though it is laughably common in the Lords, he's come to understand.

... but... Dohalim is not just any lord. And seeing him like this, curled in on himself and broken by his past and his trusted people... knowing he could have stopped it, had he only been a little more observant... maybe there is still something he can do. A passing kindness to soothe Dohalim's pain, and to protect those who never deserved it in the first place - Renans who hold his ideals first and foremost, perhaps even Dahnans should his state deteriorate more. He doesn't know if the man will accept it, but... he has to try.]

[the chilled darkness he'd always harboured in him has its vice grip, suffocating him, roaringly loud in his ears even in the silence of his surroundings. there is no sound; even the blood had stopped its quiet drip onto the mosaic floor. dead, unseeing eyes stare up at Dohalim, only exacerbating the already haunting images playing in his head. but he can't look away... is this punishment? to be watched by the dead as he suffers in his own mental prison? to be trapped, with no way out, with no way of allowing himself to leave? he should forfeit his own life, but could he even allow himself that peace? a knife lay by Kelzalik's side, no doubt to be used futilely against him should they engage in combat. intrusive thoughts urge him to take it, to plunge it into his chest, to do it, do itDOIT--

a familiar, soothing voice washes over him as he finally tears his gaze away from the bodies, eyes dull but marred in frenzied fear; a glimpse of the tumult in him. he shakes his head as Zhongli offers a hand, leaning back and away from it. he can feel himself pushing against the warm astral energy trying to soothe his battered soul]

No... I--

[his voice is small, words croaked out weakly, fading into silence and ragged breaths again. he resists the astral energy even more, but he can't help but want it. to have it engulf him, to take away the pain of what he'd witnessed and what he'd done. to stop the darkness from creeping up and taking over. but could he allow it...?]

[briefly, Zhongli's expression softens. the pain and tumult Dohalim is going through, the feeling that it's his and his alone to bear...]

I understand. But you are not prepared to give in, I believe, though there is no way to remove the stains already incurred.

[it's not unusual, Zhongli speaking as though he knows more about people and places both. this, though, reads as something more familiar somehow. he doesn't withdraw, nor does he pressure with any more of that energy - most of that is spent in undoing what was left in their surroundings (something Dohalim might register as extremely odd later). those are easier to overwhelm the corruption of, after all. for Dohalim, from what he can feel of the man's astral energy... that is beyond his abilities. still...]

If repentance is what you desire... that, I may be able to provide. At least, I can offer protection for those otherwise under your care.

[no one should have to bear his weight, not when he had a hand in causing the pain of others. he had a firm grasp at his emotions, at his memories, but to be triggered so intensely, to react in such a way...]

Could you protect those from me?

[he had not wanted to be like the other lords. to torment and cause death, turning a blind eye because it's the Renans' belief of totalitarianism over the Dahan race. there is no lie in his mind that the ease of life for the Dahnans came from a place of selfishness, but if they were content, then he wouldn't have to hear those screams and the sounds of despair.

what Dohalim had discovered instead, were the underground workings of his own kin, to overturn that peace. they, he supposes, had succeeded in that. Viscint is shaken, bearing witness to the sheer power its lord had truly possessed, corrupted by rage and grief, and a need to seek out those who disturbed that peace.

so, for Zhongli, this mystery of a man, who possesses power like no other Dohalim had ever encountered before, for him to say that he can protect the people of this city and realm...]

You would... Have to kill me. End my life, and you will end the suffering of the people who should not have suffered under Renan rule. Liberate them from our grasp, from what I could do.

I do not see another way you would be able to offer such protection.

[it's a slow thing, considering. how much to offer, how much is safe. how those thresholds are so... perilously thin. there's a risk, there's always a risk, and still... has he ever chosen not to take those risks?]

I could protect them, yes. But, to be clear - killing you would not liberate the Dahnans.

[even if Dohalim were gone, what would that change? perhaps they could push forward, but he is only one Lord.]

Liberating Dahna is a path left to those unlike myself, as my influence will wane significantly when separated from you or your Master Core. [he can't explain it without being a little honest, can he? the resonance he feels is still so strong so close to him, it's almost intoxicating. it always has been, but now?] Would you not agree that a Renan would have more of a chance to tear down its rule?

As to your people... well, it is simple. I would ask that you enter into a contract with me, the terms of which will be bound to your life.

[if it were any other time, if they weren't surrounded by death, if Dohalim could even think straight, he would question the other man's words. to be so entwined with him and his Master Core... and to be able to protect all from his wrath if it were to ever fulminate again... just who is Zhongli?

for a man to speak of contracts that bind all of him to it, his very life to it, what would that mean? how could a contract such as that hold him accountable for his actions should he lose control again? for Zhongli to speak of contracts like he has to the power to weave his very being into it...]

How...

[it's all very confusing, indeed. but if it would guarantee the safety of his citizens, those innocent of any wrongdoing, is Dohalim in any position to say no?

perhaps it's because he's not in his right mind to question it, or Zhongli himself, but he does inquire about it. about this contract]

What are your terms?

[he'll have to explain more later, he's sure. it's fine, really - if there is someone deserving of that knowledge, Dohalim is among the very first. just... not now. not when everything is already so wrong.

what's more important is preventing further disruption of the world's Astral Energy, and of the safety of the people that remain upon it. and he, in his way, has never really given up on that intention.]

... I will explain in detail later. For now... the terms are simple. I will bind all of my astral energy to yours, and if there is a touch of the same madness to the use, no matter the distance, the resonance will be mine to endure.

[inhaling a slow breath, he closes his eyes.]

Lest you worry, there is not enough astral energy available to you, as a mortal, to overcome my own.

[which isn't to say that there won't be consequences, but those are his own problem. no sense in putting any worry in Dohalim's head; it isn't as though Zhongli shares no blame for all this.]

[more questions are raised, most about who this man in front of him is. it's become apparent that he is neither Renan or Dahnan by his words alone (though... perhaps Dohalim had already suspected it, long before all of this had happened), but for him to endure the same as Dohalim... could he really be alright with this agreement?

but the protection of the people outweigh the both of them, he supposes. and it seems like Zhongli has the same thoughts and intentions of making sure that the people are safe. but even so, through his emotions and tumult, one thing remains]

Will this hurt you in the future, if we were to enter into this agreement?

[he doesn't expect an honest answer, really. maybe it's just a question to soothe... something, in him, to quell a rising panic at the thought of the man feeling the same pain as him, if it came down to it. if he were to cause more harm, he would not be able to forgive himself for it. he's grown attached to Zhongli, so to bring harm to the man...]

[it may come as some surprise to him, but Zhongli isn't really one for platitudes. there is value in a little white lie, but he really finds that tempering it with reality is best.]

I cannot promise that it will not. Astral energy is a volatile thing, particularly when they become... twisted. Still, I have no doubt that it would be little more than a temporary displeasure.

If it helps, you may think of it as atonement for my late arrival now... and as the price of my trust in you, Lord Dohalim.

[and, though he chooses not to say it, even if he were to refuse, if forced to kill the Renan... whoever decided to abuse this master core next would be his to deal with. not to mention, if he didn't kill Dohalim, then the next time this happened he would have to intervene anyway, and who knew how that would go.]

[atonement... did Zhongli honestly think that he had to atone for not arriving to stop him? how could this man be so determined to bear this weight with him, how could he be so selfless to do so? as for his trust in the other... who else can he trust at this point? Dohalim can't even place trust in his own Renan followers, those who welcome the idea of coexistence; how does he know that there are no more dissidents among his circle? sure, they were driven out of the palace by Kelzalik's troops, but still...

but again. it seems as if Zhongli is neither Renan or Dahnan. could he possibly trust someone who is otherworldly, uttering words of contracts and entwining their astral energies. magic that, surely, no Renan is capable of using, and magic that no Dahnan could ever dream about using. speculations lead to the idea that the man is a Mage of some sort, magic folk that walked the earth long before Renan rule. a possibility, if it weren't for the fact that that was hundreds of years ago.

so then... who...

but, oddly enough, through it all, it seems like Dohalim wants to trust Zhongli. who else does he have? he's alone, otherwise. he lets out a ragged sigh, his breathing long since calmed down enough that he doesn't feel like he's about to hyperventilate. the man always did have a way of calming him with his words alone... yes. perhaps it would be his better judgement to trust him. after all, if Zhongli wanted to betray him, he would have had ample opportunity to do so in this short exchange of words]

...Alright. I will agree. To protect the people of the realm, I will enter a contract with you.

[for now, he'll count himself glad to get Dohalim out of this room. the scent of it is cloying now, especially as the sensation of urgency starts to fade. any problems can be worked out as they arrive.

as to his own origins, Zhongli has heard so many conspiracies, some closer than others. he's responded to none of them, maintaining that same mildness throughout any conversations involving his origins.]

Then so shall it be. But-- ah. [his gaze sweeps to the rest of the room, before he leans down a little closer to offer Dohalim his hand.] ... Perhaps we should take care of that matter momentarily, if you are feeling solid enough to walk. I have instructed your people to remain outside for now, at least for a little longer, so I do not believe we will be interrupted just yet.

[fear for what might have happened to Dohalim made them mostly willing to listen, even if Zhongli had never been part of his inner circle. perhaps because of that.]

[Dohalim's attention is brought back to the room itself, and those who had perished by his hand. it brings the nightmare back to him as he quickly takes hold of Zhongli's hand, grip tight, as if to stop the thoughts from coming back. there's a nipping at the back of his mind, quiet whispers of... something, words unintelligible but there nonetheless. his fingers squeeze the other man's, desperate to keep himself from sinking into those words, into that muted madness that still lingered in his mind]

--My bedroom. It should...

[should still have remained untouched. possibly the only safe haven in the palace, for the time being, with his comforts that will, hopefully, serve to calm him again. Dohalim hoists himself up to stand; he's shaking, a tremble he hadn't realised that was wracking his body until just then. he's surprised he hasn't gone into shock just yet, but... perhaps Zhongli found him at just the right moment. or maybe, it's coming, waiting for the moment to settle in as everything catches up to him. eyes flick back to the mangled bodies before he jerks, stepping forward to the door]

Please... I need to leave... These chambers...

Of course. Let us go.

[Zhongli is swift, at least, to place himself beside Dohalim. his frame isn't much more sizeable than the Renan's own, but between it and the warmth of his presence, an arm sliding around his shoulder to help support him, it should help.

moving forward is easier, overall, if not metaphorically. for now, the halls of Autelina are significantly less horrifying than the former room, and there's no hesitation in the brunette's footsteps. once they're inside, he'll help Dohalim to a seat, whether on his bed or a chair. there's so much to do, too much to think about... but first things first. a contract.

when was the last time he entered into one? it's been so long he almost can't recall. it had been a completely different circumstance, in any case. setting it aside in his thoughts, he moves to sit nearby the lord.]

Take a moment to breathe, and then we can begin the business of the contract.

[the warmth radiating off the man is almost enough to calm Dohalim as he leans against him. he's still trembling, but at least he can walk, shuffling away from the carnage, from the coppery scent of blood, from the memories of betrayal of those he put his trust in. all that remains are broken bodies, trapped in their verdure prison, horrifying yet oddly beautiful to look at. Dohalim had shown not only his own twisted wrath, but that of the earth's itself, and what it is capable of.

it's all a haze as he's ushered into his own room, untouched by all that has happened in the palace. not a single thing is out of place; even the delicate folds of his bed spread perfect. there's a sense of normalcy in here, as he's gently guided down to sit on the edge of said bed; a hand brushes against the brocade embroidered on the fabric. the twisted darkness still nips at him, but at least here, he can breathe; Dohalim takes a deep breath in, before slowly letting it out. shaky, like the rest of him, but better than the ragged rattle from before.

his attention turns to Zhongli, his usually soft gaze of warm amber now dull and tired, reflecting the creeping exhaustion that threatens to overtake him. eyelids close briefly as he takes another deep breath in and out, before they open again. he nods]

Let us begin.

[It's with quiet gravity that he waits, mind wandering to the multitudes of possibility surrounding their current circumstances. They stand, he knows, at a terrible precipice - a vast cloak of darkness over the future and the reality of the earth. What lay at the bottom could easily be the shattered, crumbled remains of solidity and logic; certainly as easily as it could be the stability of a sun-soaked field, where every rock and flower has something to offer the world as a whole.

At another time, he could be more sure, he thinks. Could offer the certainty of his own strength in order to help guide Dohalim back from that frayed edge. But he is... getting old, now, and the weight of his mistakes with no one left to help keep them in check is considerable.]

Very well. Then let the Earth bear witness to this contract. [There's a shimmer of gold then, crawling across the man's skin. Astral energy, pure and warm. It's brief, making its way over him in curious patterns.] I, Zhongli, consign myself to the preservation of the true intentions of Dohalim Melqal il Qaras Na'amo. In concordance with this agreement, I raise the following terms, made incontrovertible upon acceptance.

I bind myself whole, to bear witness to his calling of the world's astral energy; it shall be my duty to weather any corruption that threatens to twist it, lest that corruption become manifest in the world.

All astral energy shared in this way shall be judged impartially and immediately. I alone shall bear witness to the reality of any use which might, by its corruption, decay, or warped state, become cause for undue pain to the citizens and rulers of Menancia. In the event that this contract should reach beyond its borders, I hereby state it to mean any undeserving party.

[As he speaks his terms, the reality of that energy may come clear - it flows in runes and symbols over his skin, some similar to language of today, but most of it seemingly much, much older. He pauses briefly then, letting it finish and turning his gaze fully to Dohalim.]

... In the event that my astral energy becomes too corroded or weak to sustain the terms of this contract, I hereby swear that I will do all in my power to stem the flow of that corruption. Under this circumstance, until such a time as the bearer's astral energy ceases to exist, I consign myself to the maintenance of it. No change, physical or otherwise, outside of the complete return of energy to the natural flow shall be sufficient to shatter this contract.

Do you accept the terms of this contract? If you are without amendments, speak your acceptance on your name.

[It's at once both a terribly open and restrictive contract. Zhongli is careful to define every instance of how the corruption could go wrong, and considerably careless in defining the terms of "bearing witness" to the corruption now lurking beneath the surface - save for his promise to stem the worst in any way possible.

Still, there's no fear on his face as he waits; these teens he finds favorable enough. He can weather plenty more, even with his age starting to play against him here and there.]

[there are even more questions that are raised now that this contract had been laid out before him. His full name is no secret to the court within the palace, nor is.it a secret that it's rarely used save for any documentation or decree that requires it. Dohalim supposes that binding himself to said contract would call for it.

But that's not the question he has. The question, along with his silent curiosity of who Zhongli is, is what the man's power is capable of if he can truly control that corruption threatening his very livelihood and existence. The terms are restrictive, yes, but then again… hadn't his life always been like that? Born into prestige, with the expectation to do great things like his ancestors before him. To become a lord and sovereign, to bear power that most Renans only dream of possessing. Perhaps, within his birthright, is where that corruption had taken hold. Lurking in the deep, waiting for the right moment and condition to be unleashed, to take over, even if for a brief period. If that were the case then could Zhongli really…

His eyes leave the other man's for a moment, as they flick down to the golden patterns and runes, before the trail to a white violin encased in glass, tucked against the wall farthest away from them. He never was free, his music only a taste of what it could be. But even then…

Yes, truly, he is no stranger to restriction.

His eyes trail back to Zhongli, as he lets out a shuddering breath. This isn't about him, but the protection of the people. If it means having himself on a short leash held on by this man, then all he can really do is accept]

I, Dohalim Melqal il Qaras Na'amo, accept the terms of the contract.

[It will be less restrictive on the lord, he'll find. Despite the words, his contract will fulfill itself automatically, more than requiring any concerted effort on the part of either man. In reality, it places more restriction on Zhongli than anyone.

But still, it is too important for him to hesitate, and so Zhongli is relieved when Dohalim accepts. His liking of the redhead aside, the effort of protecting Dahna as a whole from the rampant corruption...]

Upon my earthen soul, I, Zhongli, accept the terms of this contract. And so it is bound.

[a surge of that same energy, pure and warm and earthen, twists and coalesces around him. As though there weren't enough questions, it stretches over more than just his body, forming the brief silhouette of dragon-like features.

Then it's gone, and Zhongli inhales a sharp breath. He could always feel the Renan's astral energy before, but it was distant. Now, combined with the master core... ah. The sense of corruption is vague, but it prickles against his skin almost like a threat. He should be fine though, really.]

... I am at your disposal, my lord. [After that moment, his expression warms into a soft smile.] in largely any way you require; if you wish me to leave, that's also acceptable. For now, I'm sure you have, ah... no shortage of questions. I will answer as I am able whenever you ask, though if you would like to postpone any, I would prefer to do so in private.

[He's also relatively sure a bath would do the man good, just to get away from the carnage that little bit more, but first things first.]

[Dohalim can feel the bonds form between them; Zhongli's astral energy intertwined with his own tainted energy, settling on him like a warm blanket. he lets out a soft sigh as his eyes close, and for the first time since his rampage had started, and possibly even before that, he's felt some sort of peace. he can feel that corruption in the back of his mind still, but its claws let up on him for a moment, becoming only a lurking presence.

he has so many questions; so many that make him want to explode into a tirade of them, to find out everything about this man, about who and what he is. the image of those draconic features did not escape Dohalim; at least it's more or less clear to him that it's safe to say that Zhongli is no Renan or Dahnan, or even human at all.

but those questions can wait, he supposes. he's waited this long already, and if he were to ask now, he's not sure he'd be able to absorb anything. maybe, after he gathers himself, he'll ask. they are bound to each other, now, and whether or not Dohalim likes it, it seems that Zhongli is stuck by his side.

the prospect of being left alone prickles at him as a spear of anxiety takes over him for the briefest of moments; he's not sure if he would fare well if the other man were to leave him to his own devices. his face shows no outward appearance of that anxiety, but inside... he can feel that storm brewing]

I would... Prefer not to be left alone for the time being, if that is alright. [his voice has the faintest hint of a waver in it, betraying him] A bath would be much appreciated before I dive into asking any questions... If you would be so kind as to draw one up for me.

Certainly. I have nowhere to be, and am happy to assist where I can.

[he feels for Dohalim, truly. for him, knowing what it's like to suffer through these regrets without another soul's assistance... well, he wouldn't wish it on anyone.]

I take it the bath is attached... [he's already pushing himself up upon commenting, taking a cursory look around the room. it will behoove him, he thinks, to know its layout, as well as what's nearby. perhaps he's not as close to Dohalim as he might like to be, but there's time for that. perhaps it will be a simpler task, too, with the both of them on more even ground in knowledge.] And are there any requirements you have? I admit, this is... not something I've much experience with myself, as bathing has always been a rather solitary affair for me.

[Dohalim gestures idly to a door nearby his bed, one that directly connects to his personal bath. though as close as Zhongli had managed to wiggle his way to Dohalim, he isn't surprised that the man doesn't exactly know where it would be, and what would be required. after all, he never was a personal aide, nor was he in his inner circle. close, but with how short of a time Zhongli had entered into his court, and now, it would make sense, though it isn't to say that Dohalim did have some level of trust in him. but Kelzalik, Dohalim would admit, may have had some words of warning about letting a strange man like him into his inner ranks, and with such a trusted follower of not only himself, but for the entire il Qaras clan, of course Dohalim listened.

in retrospect, the amount of trust he put in the wrong person... proved to be fatal.

moving to stand slowly, Dohalim looks down at his hands, splatters of blood dried on his dark skin. a reminder that his hands are now stained with death, something he could never wash off. he drops them as he tears his gaze from them in favour of looking back at Zhongli]

None for the bath itself, as I'm not feeling particularly decadent, at the moment. A simple one, to... Wash all of this off. Forgive me for asking for your assistance in this; I understand it might be an odd request. I usually have an attendant, but...

[now that he thinks about it, how will his court view him, now? will they be afraid to be alone with him? would they keep their distance, in the event that their lord will repeat these heinous acts? he wouldn't blame them, after all...]

You needn't apologise.

[Zhongli smiles wryly at the apology, reaching briefly to brush a lock of hair out of Dohalim's face. it's a gentle action, one that lasts for just a second before he starts on the way to the bath.]

The weight of our sins can be exceptionally heavy. Nothing can take them back, and it can be hard to continue to take steps forward. If there's even a little I can do to alleviate that, then I'm relieved to do so, as impertinent as that may sound. I apologise that there are few words of encouragement I can offer that wouldn't be empty platitudes.

[it only takes him a moment of fiddling, at least, to get the bath drawing. with that done, he turns his attention back to the Renan - though he doesn't know the extent of his attendant's efforts to assist him, he has some expectation that it might be... rather more than he'd normally expect.]

[a brief, gentle action, but one that surprises Dohalim. to be handled so carefully, especially after all he's done... it's simple, yet he finds himself wanting to chase that touch when Zhongli pulls his hand away. he is undeserving of it, of course, but there's an odd craving for it; he can't remember the last time he had someone touch him like that, to place a hand on his shoulder, or take his hand in theirs in a comforting gesture. now that he thinks about it, he's always been so touch starved.

he follows Zhongli silently, wringing his hands, picking at the dried blood as it flakes off his skin, idly watching the other man as he fills up the bathtub. any other time, and Dohalim would mention that the water had to be at the right temperature and certain soaps and shampoos were to be used on that particular day. his attendants were so well practiced that they knew exactly what Dohalim wanted, so there were never questions asked. but for now, he'll let Zhonli take care of this to the best of his ability; all Dohalim would want is a warm bath where he can sit in for an indeterminate amount of time.

perhaps it's his penchant for running away from his problems. he can't escape the city walls at the moment, so hiding from everyone and everything is the next best thing.

as the man's attention is drawn back to him, Dohalim glances back for a moment, expectantly, before remembering himself]

Ah... I will also need assistance with my regalia.

[again, if it were anyone else tasked with helping him with his bath, Dohalim would have been more nonchalant with getting undressed in front of them. there is a slight embarrassment in his voice as he asks of this as well; Zhongli had already done so much for him]

If you prefer not to, I can... Try to make do.

[with his... ah. Zhongli supposes it's a sort of relic on its own, perhaps. That and his position as lord... well, it doesn't matter that much.]

I believe I would rather spare you the ignobility of making do.

[At least right now. The idea of leaving Dohalim to think he's somehow undeserving of assistance, simply for his actions... while they're certainly regrettable, and while there are certainly those who would call it reprehensible, they would do so in complete ignorance of the circumstance.

... a fact that's of absolutely no consequence right now, as Zhongli steps forward. His pity stowed away behind that ever unreadable gaze, hands reach up to find the clasps of his jewelry. They likely brush Dohalim's skin more than a servant's practiced ones, but at least there's no recoil there.

The regalia itself takes a longer moment to figure out, but it's a task the man takes to with duty and determination. Belts, cape, and chains all set aside, the rest is fairly simple, handled with only the clumsiness of someone who hasn't dressed or undressed anyone but themselves in some time.

It feels just in time, too - Zhongli sets the final piece down and his attention drifts back to the tub; the water may be a bit warmer than usual, but he suspects Dohalim will appreciate that. A little heat to help sear away the blood and grime, to focus on in lieu of regret and self-blame. Maybe it's the connection now forged between them, or the slow tug of something in that touch of madness. He knows not, and ultimately... it doesn't matter.]

[every accidental brush sends a soft resonance of their bond that follows those touches. resonances that try to soothe the madness and corruption threatening to bubble over again as it continues to pick at his insecurities, his anxieties, his fears. faint whispers can be heard in the back of his mind still, though becoming more muted the longer he stays with Zhongli. perhaps… perhaps this can keep that corruption at bay, until it dissipates.

he so hopes it'll dissipate and disappear.

it’s clear that Dohalim is more than accustomed to being in a state of undress in front of someone else, nonchalance on his face as he’s completely stripped. he glances down at the tub as the last of his vestiges are taken off, before nodding to the other and carefully climbing in. the water is a little hotter than he would like, but not terribly so; he’s inclined to sit in it for a while. as he settles in, Doahlim sinks lower into the tub until he can comfortably rest the side of his head against the edge of the tub, knees slightly drawn up as he loosely crosses his arms over his waist. he’ll start to wash up soon enough, he just wants to let the heat melt away the tension in his body for a moment.

he sits in silence, giving Zhongli no clear direction on what to do next. he isn’t sure how long time passes, as he lets himself dissociate for just a moment, but when he brings himself back, and spots the man again, curiosity, in the light of everything that had happened, lights up in him again]

…If you don’t mind me asking, Zhongli, but… Just who are you?

[he isn't particularly bothered by the lack of direction; in lieu of it, Zhongli settles nearby and laces his hands together, eyes falling closed as he simply... listens. to the distant sounds of the city as it tries to get moving again, nearly beyond his notice. to the shift of water against Dohalim's skin with each breath. to the thrum of their new bond, still thin but strong.

when Dohalim speaks, he opens his eyes again and turns his attention to the man. the question is a logical one, but it's one he struggles to find a succinct answer to.]

Who am I... [lifting his hands, he turns toward the bath, a wry smile crossing his features.] That is a remarkably difficult question to answer aptly. In the simplest terms, I am... rather an old fixture of the world long past. How much of my true history has been lost in the time since Rena's arrival, I... cannot be sure.

I had many names then. Rex Lapis, the warrior God, the Purveyor of Contracts. The Earthen Lord. I suppose... you could say that the power within your Master Core is the culmination of all I bore to my people, so long ago. Its intention... well. I suppose it doesn't matter what I had intended, does it? One way or another, all of us gave up our rule before the war of mankind, and the Renans were the ones to learn how to harness that power without our gift.

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In my blood...

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