kaisou | May the Land and the Skies

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May the Land and the Skies

WHO: Venti, Zhongli, and Ei
WHERE: Venti's house!
WHEN: Late August
WHAT: The Archons need to have a talk about the path they'll walk in the future.
WARNINGS: Probably none, but will edit if any come up!

[Venti has waited for Ei and Zhongli to have their rest, as well as to start thinking about their answers to a pressing question. It's hard to say when those two will regain their divinity as the bard has, after all. So, at least in having this talk now, they can be prepared for the future.

He's made a bourbon apple pie for the occasion. Although, baking has been difficult now that he has an Altaria, Shelgon, and golden retriever vying for his attention. A certain someone has accidentally become a Disney Princess, much to his chagrin. Anyway, he serves up a slice for each of them after herding Vennessa the Shelgon outside. Venti even has their preferred drinks set at the table: strong tea for Zhongli, bubble tea for Ei, and a nice white wine for himself.

The moment there's a knock of the door or the bell ringing, Andrius is barking his head off. Venti goes to answer the door, his Altaria following like a gigantic cloud-bird-shaped shadow. In what sounds like it could be Welsh, the bard says to his dog:]

Andrius, go lie down. Good boy! [Then the door opens to reveal Venti and his new Pokemon.] Hi! Good timing! I just finished setting the table. Figured we might wanna snack a little while we talk. C'mon in!

[He opens the door wider and steps aside, gently yet firmly pushing his Altaria while affectionately saying:]

Dvalin, you need to get out of the way for them! Sheesh.

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[Zhongli is looking much better than he did the night of the Krusnik raid, now that they've all had a couple of weeks to settle down. August has also repaired his coat so he's no longer a nightmare covered in blood and holes.

Also because he's not rude, he's brought a nice bottle of huangjiu in case they want to toast, cry, or both.]

Thank you for having us. [He steps inside, but he does hold out his hand to the Altaria for inspection.] Hello again, little one.

[Ei is also looking much more...herself in the aftermath. She still has yet to give up her love of sweatpants, but it's clear that her demeanor is different. The way she's carrying herself is more resolute, more firm.]

[Like the others, she shows up with alcohol in hand. Hers is a nice plum sake; the bottle itself is decorated with stylized Japanese.]

[Despite her progress, however, she's still getting used to the outside world. What does she do when she's invited to someone else's home? What's the proper greeting?]

Good evening Bar--Venti. It is nice to see you again. You as well, Zhongli.

[Dvalin doesn't even need to inspect Zhongli's hand. He simply trills and bumps his head up against the brunet's palm. Like a cat.]

Glad to have you both here! Let's head over to the dining room. I've got apple pie laid out, and some drinks for everyone.

[Venti closes the door behind them and makes his way over to the dining room. His decoration style is rather homey, yet there's a feeling of it being open and breezy. The curtains down on the main floor are white gauze, clearly meant for decoration rather than for any semblance of privacy. In the dining room, there are bookshelves that have books on music theory, cook books and history books that are well taken care of. Hanging on the wall are two portraits. One seems to be an artist's fantastic rendition of Arthur receiving Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake, a wizened Merlin off to the side keeping watch. The other is of a forest in autumn where a long dragon curls around a thick, ancient maple, fast asleep.

The bard takes a seat at the table, gesturing for Ei and Zhongli to join him.]

Have you guys been recovering okay? Oh, if either of those need to be chilled, Zhong knows where the fridge is. I've been on my feet all day.

[He's really feeling like a middle-aged mom who hasn't had a chance to sit down yet.]

[Zhongli has been blessed!!! He gives Dvalin a couple of good scritches. When they walk into the dining room, he pulls out a chair for Ei, then holds his hand out for the plum sake.]

It is summertime, so I'm going to chill the huangjiu. It's up to you if you'd prefer the sake chilled as well.

[He'll go take care of that in the kitchen, and then come back and take his seat properly.]

I've been well enough. [He breathes in the scent, then takes a sip.] Things seem to have slowed down for the moment, for which I am grateful.

[Ei gracefully (?) takes a seat and begins sipping at her drink. She notices the Pokemon around her, but doesn't move to interact. She's not used to animals. That's what happens when you hikkokomori for years.]

The sake should be fine warm, I believe.

[She nods.]

I had not been in much danger. There is no need for recovery. Though I am not the same warrior as in my past life, I have kept up my practice routine.

[Don't ask her how much furniture she's had to replace. Please. Please.]

[Dvalin leans into the scritches and is very sad when they stop. However, he settles behind Venti's seat and lays his head on the bard's lap. Dutifully, Venti starts giving his cloud-bird-dragon pets.]

Good to hear you're both doing well. But, somehow, I'm not surprised that you've kept up a good routine for yourself, Ei.

[She strikes him as being just as diligent as she'd been when she was Beelzebul.

Venti takes a bite of his pie before saying anything further.]

I guess we should put off catching up until after we've discussed what we're gonna do as archons, huh? I'm not sure if Zhong told you or not, yet, Ei, but I'm apparently the first of us to regain my divinity as the Anemo Archon.

[Zhongli nods when Ei says she's kept up her routine. She does seem to have changed since her memories have begun to return. He hopes this is the beginning of something improving in her life.

He also takes some pie. While Venti catches her up, he takes a bite. His eyebrows go up. It's good.]

This is delicious, Venti.

[Right, he's paying attention.]

Now that we know it is possible, it is something that we should be prepared for as well.

[Something unreadable flickers across his expression.]

I will be open about my intentions.

I do not trust the Black Order's direction. They have held up their side of our contract to my knowledge, but that does not negate how they have coerced others into contracts made in bad faith. Many have expressed that they would not have joined the Order if a real choice had been given, including children, and that is something I can no longer ignore. Whatever its beginnings may have been the organization is no longer the one I recognize. I worry about the power they wield with two Archons sworn to do their bidding.

I will be annulling my contract with them as per my original agreement and taking my leave in the near future. I have not formulated a plan, but I would also like to free others from their servitude to the Order if the opportunity arises.

Edited 2023-08-26 21:55 (UTC)

[Ei nods. Changing your life is difficult, doubly so when you have an entire eternity's worth of baggage. There are things she should do, things she must do, and things she planned to do. Unfortunately, the categories might as well be mutually exclusive.]

I see.

[She takes a moment to ponder her words before she continues.]

I believe I am...at an impasse. Originally, I had planned to focus on my research, and only my research.

[She shakes her head.]

But I do not know if I should continue. Rex Lapis--Zhongli--you helped me to see the error of my ways. To continue on the path I am on may be an insult to my people. They deserve better than a god who does the Black Order's bidding.

[Venti grins with pride at Zhongli for the compliment, but he doesn't say anything further. Their current topic is quite important, and he wants to give that as much of his attention and seriousness as he can.

The bard doesn't give any outward reaction to Zhongli's words. Neither does he react to Ei's. He simply listens without judgment until they're both done. Venti considers all that the two of them have said, and then gives a nod to himself.]

Well, just to acknowledge a small elephant in the room, I have no intention of gaining followers. People can if they wish, of course, but the idea of being worshiped is both uncomfortable and a waste. There's no place for Barbatos here.

[He speaks matter-of-factly and with all the casualness of talking about the weather.]

However, I do think that I should take a few leaves out of my old book. I may not be worshiped, but I do have a responsibility to help people achieve their freedom when it's my domain once again.

[Now, Venti smiles a little.]

The most immediate thing on my agenda would be helping anyone wanting to leave the Order have that ability to do so, and help protect them from the storm that'll rise up from that. I have no doubt that they would willingly let anyone go, and even if you did, you'd be hunted after a while.

Your research? [Zhongli tilts his head slightly, looking at Ei.] I do recall hearing something of the sort. Depending on the nature of the research you may not need the Order's help at all. Still, it's good that you are also considering your future with the Order. It's in the best interest of the people here that we remove ourselves from the equation.

Also... As an old acquaintance, you may use the name 'Morax' with me if that feels more comfortable. We are all possessed of several names here, and you took on an additional one when the position was passed to you, so it's a matter of preference.

[He takes a sip of his tea and listens to Venti.]

I agree with you on the subject of having followers. I have many of Morax's memories, but we were all born human.

[He curls a hand beneath his chin.]

... I see what you are saying. In all my time with the Order, people never truly... left. Retirement is unlikely. Usually people fall while in the line of duty or they are dealt with directly should they look to betray the Order.

We know there are seers in their employ, and I witnessed firsthand that Zodiac's own seers were unable to record anything from my past life. It seems divinity protects us from prying eyes... or rather, your divinity does.

This obscuration could possibly be extended to others as part of a blessing, or even a pact. [He looks at Venti, then nods.] It is something I would be interested in providing as well should my own divinity return.

[Ei mimics Zhongli's pose as she stops to think.]

Thank you, Morax. My research was into AI. In my past life I sought to keep my legacy through automatons; in this life, I sought to keep my legacy through artificial intelligence.

[She frowns.]

Unfortunately, I do not feel comfortable following my research with the zeal I once did. I do not think it would be prudent to abandon it entirely--but I see now that it was begun with a false premise.

[Still, there has to be something she can do.]

Much like the two of you, I do not desire followers. However, if part of my legacy could be helping to free those who want out of the Order, I would be honored. Please let me know what I can do to help.

[Venti grins.]

Like Morax, I don't mind being called Barbatos in private! Do you have a name you prefer us to call you? Totally understandable if you don't have an answer yet. It... took me a while to find mine.

[That's interesting, though. Eternity through AI. Something about it reminds him of... something, but Venti isn't going to push for the memory.]

Zulius—my friend and employer at The Vogue—has also offered his assistance with former Guardians fleeing. He can't necessarily offer protection from The Order, but he can help on the non-magical side of things.

[Venti frowns as he thinks, swirling his glass of wine absently as he stares at it. Money's not a problem if they need to set up a shelter, but individual pacts has its limits. In the past, Venti technically had four Familiars whose duty had been to protect Mondstadt when needed. He could form something similar with former Guardians, but that's not going to work for everyone. They need something broader. Maybe something powerful to boost... ah.]

We have some options, but obviously I can't do this alone. Ideally, we'll need to hope that at least one of you gets your divinity back. I think our respective domains can work together on this and make our idea more within our grasp.

[He bites his lip as he keeps his eyes on the wine instead of his two friends.]

Another thing we should keep in mind as an option is that... well, I'm back to being the Anemo Archon, right? So, it follows that I might one day wake up and have my Gnosis again.

[He'll just let that one sit.]

Hmm. I am not sure you need to abandon it entirely, but revisiting your initial reasons and envisioning the future you wish to see with it may help you find your path.

[He sips his tea. He is thinking about how a puppet shouldn't be left to run a country, but how such a being might eventually be able to grow its own spirit...]

Mm. Non-magical resources are good to have in any case, and Zulius is a good man. He can be trusted.

[He nods at Venti's words.]

I think so as well.

As for the Gnoses... [Hrm...] If that were to happen, we would have some degree of power we have not had for some time. Do you believe that the Order would try to take such a thing?

[Ei nods to Venti's question. She looks...deep in thought. More akin to her past life than the mask she's worn recently.]

I am unsure. I will likely need time to decide. I do not want to wholly separate myself from my past, but to cling to it too fiercely is to do my people a disservice.

[She nods. It's been so long since she had her Gnosis in the first place. Her power was enough that she'd felt she'd not had a need for such a thing--and she was partially correct. Her weakness did not lie in a lack of power, in lied in a lack of empathy and insight.]

I believe they would. Should we regain such a thing, I have no doubt they would use it for their own ends. Even if they did not take the Gnoses directly, they'd still maneuver us for their own ends.

It's alright. Take your time to think about it.

[Venti puts his elbow on the table to prop his head up as he leans forward. There's a small frown on his face.]

One can solve some issues, but also cause a lot of issues, too. Having all three of ours will probably be an even bigger issue. It's not like Earth is meant to have these things, and it was dubious at best for Teyvat to have them.

[Zhongli nods.

The problem of the Gnoses is a hypothetical one but very possible.]

... A demiplane.

If we don't wish to carry them around ourselves, we can store them in a place essentially no one can access, and seal them up. If I had access to the full range of my adepti arts, I could do so without issue.

[Ei nods in turn as well.]

I concur. I'm without my Plane of Euthymia here, but I believe sealing them to be the best option. To carry them on our person seems likely to invite unnecessary risk.

[Venti also nods his ascent.]

Alright, then the plan can be that if our Gnosis returns, we'll inform each other. Should this be before Morax has access to his art of creating a demiplane, we can hide them ourselves temporarily until he can set it up.

[The Anemo Archon smiles a little.]

If you two don't feel like you can keep them hidden in that time, I don't mind holding onto them. It'll be harder to detect them in my presence, and I'm outside of The Order's influence. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there. It's only an option to think about later. Does this sit well with you two?

I know there are several such places in Kaisou, notably the Serenitea Pots that the shopkeeper at the Goodwill seems to give out frequently. Storing them within such locations would evade most methods of detection.

[He nods to Venti.]

I have no objections.

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May the Land and the Skies

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