jadeshielded

[jadeshielded]

How long has it been since he had participated in a wager that he wasn’t sure he could win? Even trivial pursuits have meaning, and for a moment, Zhongli is as still as any number of statues strewn about Liyue.

The Duke��s aim is affected, where Sedena – much like her counterpart, holds steady. Pale fingers come to tap the corner of his lips before he realizes, the brightness of his gaze sharpening as he might if he were considering a battlefield skewed in favor of the enemy.

Laughter erupts around them. A corner where drinks are scattered on an abandoned table and a game that features more darts littering the wall than the board. Blinking, he sweeps the darts between his fingers. One man leans on the other, clearly impaired but making a sharp insult as another dart flies for the ground. They dissolve into merriment. “Hm…” He glances at Wriothesley, then the winning team.

His aim is reliable, but not skilled. Another odd notion, that a loss would come to a genuine lack of skill.

roll 1: 8. Sector 19, normal   roll 2: 4 Sector 14, normal roll 3: Sector 11, normal

A friendly game. Winning, losing, neither was crippling between peers. “Hm,” He stalls again, pressing the darts to Welt’s hand with careful consideration. He’s never been one to trade taunts. They’re distractions, unnecessary. “Then we merely need to delay until you’ve lost your stamina.” Next to Wriothesley once more, he reaches out to pat his shoulder. Not quite as friendly as the team across the room, but it will have to suffice. “While I would advise you respect your elders…the formalities can be observed once we’ve beaten them.”

Team Welt/Sedene: 189 pts

Welt Misses: 1

Sedene Misses: 0

Team Wriothesley/Zhongli: 192 pts

Wriothesley Misses: 0

Zhongli Misses: 0

@secondsovereign

Three Men and a Baby (Melusine)

Revelation | Around the Clock - Wriothesley, Zhongli, Sedene, & Welt Yang

[jadeshielded]

“Uhhhh- 730, unless ya bundle it with the blue one.”

That Jiaoqiu is not considering these wares with full seriousness is…comforting. “Concerning,” He corrects quietly, unable to look away from the thing in his hand as it begins to make a noise that’s vaguely electro-charged. “Though not lacking in…” A flickering glance toward the owner, still rifling through cardboard boxes behind the counter. While he was always one to point out inferior product, he didn’t make it a habit of insulting needlessly. “-Creativity.”

Because they are already here, Zhongli reaches to pluck the blue one from the shelf on his left. It’s deceptively simple, sleek, with leather to- “Not that blue one, but it’ll do. Comes with a remote,” A laugh follows this, drawing his gaze back toward the counter. “It’s always the businessmen, I swear. Jolee, wasn't it? - if that’s your speed then I got a few recommendations.”

For a few reasonable seconds, he thinks that someone else has entered the shop. “If they are a set, you may as well consider it.” It’s not the most reasonable thing to say, but if it’s the game they’re playing… a pink, fluffy tail joins their growing pile. His brow raises, wondering if Jiaoqiu can see it before he explains. “It seems to be modeled after your own. Surely worth study.”

fraudulent baubles, a swindler's bits;

shopping in soaring heights with @jadeshielded.

[jadeshielded]

At this stage, Zhongli is familiar enough with foreign technology that he does not reach for geo energy to give the door an elemental scan, even if his mind flies there first. “I haven’t given it much thought.” He couldn’t imagine that the device would do him much good on Teyvat. “Were you able to make use of your device during the Lantern Rite festival?”

It takes three tries. He holds the card to the scanner at different angles until the red light flashes green, followed by the unmistakable buzz of an internal locking mechanism. “Where phones are concerned, your knowledge will be superior. I’ll defer to your judgement.” The door opens, the bold pattern of the hallway carpet gives way to sleek, textured marble.

The room is anything but simple, his eyes finding the archway that leads to a lavishly furnished balcony first – lanterns pre-lit and breathing extra warmth into the room. “Ah,” It lacks personal touch in the way that many travel sites do but makes up for it in sheer quality. In aesthetic placement, the footed tub in the corner is surrounded by local flora and splashes of gold lining the walls in between paintings. “This will do quite nicely. Thank you again.” It’s lovely, though not the most exquisite place he’s stayed by far, he offers his gratitude with a smile tossed over his shoulder.

Gently, he placed his small suitcase on the bed, noting the size of it alone would rival some of the single rooms that still stand near the harbor. “What is it that you do, again, to have such things to give out to…” A pause, considering, before he takes a step in the other’s direction. “Friends. I will unpack my room tonight, in the interest of not wasting our evening. How long does it take to craft a phone?” If it were anything like weaponry…then they were already at a late start.  

𝗠𝗥. 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗦⠀──⠀⋆˙⛃

#GHRevelation2025⠀∶⠀need a sugar daddy, sir?

[jadeshielded]

Eternity is often a thing extensively debated. Historians young and old would gather mountains of text debating the Electro archon’s motives. Naturally, such debates would add other question, flavoring the original questions until they were personal. Region specific.

If he is so long-lived, Morax would support such an eternity, right? Do you think they would be allies? Enemies?

Certain subcategories were more entertaining than others. Should Liyue decide to clash with the land of eternity, who would emerge victorious?

When asked his opinion, Zhongli the funeral consultant often pondered where sources were drawing proof of animosity. Though ruthless in war, the Geo Archon’s actions never pointed to an eagerness in conquering lands outside of Liyue. Would it not be more apt to assume that the Archons had very few dealings outside of their own nation? “Infuriating?” The word escapes as a question, eyes now narrowed to examine the space between them. “In what way?”

The question is interrupted by the dance’s first few steps, concentration immediately pulled to watch the instructors demonstrating easy steps. “I’m unfamiliar with this dance…” Indeed, the language that rings overhead is one that even he hasn’t heard, flowing and airy as it is. He draws her close anyway, mirroring the swaying steps of their instructors until they deem it appropriate to move to the next few beats.

“You’ve got the movement, but you’re stiff as a board!” The woman tells him, fitting hands in the bend of his elbow to draw his posture downward. “-hh actually, like stone. Loosen up! It’s not a fight.”

As he manages to drop his shoulders, they’re alone again, left to practice spinning in a half circle before coming together again. He huffs,“It was never my wish to rule, and it became clear that the role was coming to an end.” He says it easily, a shrug of the shoulder that throws their steps off-kilter.

𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕪-𝔾𝕠-ℝ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖

GH Revelation 2025 - Archon edition

[jadeshielded]

Left alone on the street, Zhongli’s expression twists. “Hmm…so it would appear.” One did not need eyes (though they likely helped) to sense a certain shiftiness. Sellers of fabricated wares were no stranger to Liyue Harbor, selling all manner of ancient items said to be tethered to late Gods.

Here, they were kindred spirits. As Jiaoqiu was doing now, hadn’t he strung along many a swindler, letting them spin their stories with increasing fervor before crushing fiction with knowledge that could not be refuted?

…Was it not a kindness, when they deserved much more for the lies than a verbal slap on the wrist?

For the hell of it, Zhongli stifles a laugh, watching the foxian with unrestrained amusement. “I can think of no better use of my time. He does seem peculiarly insistent. I doubt he will crumble so easily.” Potentially more fun. “Will you allow me to guide you?” Even blind, he knew that Jiaoqiu could move without assistance. Politeness dictated he offeran arm, if only because he had learned early on that these shops had walkways too narrow for more than one person.

The inside of the shop proved him right. Dimly lit by design, florescent lights littering the high ceiling at sparse intervals, while the shelves sported spotlights to draw attention to all manner of devices, some dressed on mannequins to highlight aesthetic. From behind the counter, the salesman ushered them forward. “Come on, come on- unless you wanna look at something else while you’re here. It’s in sections-“

Zhongli eyes each section as the man points, before tilting his head down to Jiaoqiu. “Though I doubt we’ll find anything here – I could attempt to recommend herbs and salves to combat lasting damage, if you are truly looking for them. While this shop boasts...” He pauses, searches for a decent explanation. "unique wares, they do not seem purposed for healing."

fraudulent baubles, a swindler's bits;

shopping in soaring heights with @jadeshielded.

[jadeshielded]

[WINDOW SHOPPING] - You can’t miss the biggest shopping district this side of the stratosphere, chock full of any and everything your heart could desire! Stalls full to bursting with exotic fabrics and cheap bags branded with BUCCI and PARDA, knicknacks and souveniers for miles, overpriced streetfood at every corner… There’s something to be found for everyone!

"I should apologize."

It wasn't an apology, and its tone did not imply that it was – but it was a concession. Kevin had known that there were things that were taken seriously in the Land of Contracts, but there was a part of him that, even then, considered himself above the will of a people, that he was somehow separate and outside of it. As he had always been.

But things, he needed to be reminded, were different now. In spite of his attempts to integrate back into the world at large, there had been a resistance that might have been described as stubborn if it had been in any way willful – he simply needed to consider himself in the position of a normal man, and not the one carrying Deliverance.

He found the straight back and crisp lines of Zhongli in the crowd, although the man's physical attributes were ever secondary to the energy he gave off – stolid as the planes of the earth, despite how lost he looked here.

Kevin stood, unmoving before him for a moment, before he turned, casting only a glance over his shoulder.

"If you will allow me, I'll buy you a meal. In recompense."

There and gone again, though the invitation was clear. Zhongli had only been given a breath to consider it, warring with the surprise of recognition while the crowd pushed past them. Every second he spent idle was a second that the chance slipped by.

When he last saw this man, it had been a touch too dark and dreary to make out the brilliant cut of sapphire in his gaze. In contrast, the radiant sun overhead glinted like a challenge. The answer was obvious- “Whatever for?” Stepping to his side, the curl of his lips betrayed humor.

For brushing against the abyss, against all warnings.

For insisting on chasing demons all the while tethered by contract-

It had turned out well, as most things did. Though Zhongli still questioned why Kevin had been so adamant in the first place. “Nonetheless, I accept your offer.” They moved slowly, hindered by the crowds in the market’s peak hours. The perfect time for tea and food, waiting out the heat and the bulk of the day’s traffic. “What did you have in mind? There are – well, I have sampled a few modest teahouses.” Nothing to write home for, as they say, though Zhongli’s tastes were…

Perhaps too refined for the setting they found themselves in. The tea here was too sweet. Artificial. “Although I am inclined to trust your judgement.” The amber of his eyes glinted in lieu of a grin, as close to a taunt as Zhongli was willing to risk. “Thus far, you have failed to lead me astray.”

[jadeshielded]

Inconvenience is an odd word to wield, though he knows that luxury could mean many things. “I see,” He answers, mulling over the perks that the blonde describes as the doors close behind them. Overhead, soft music plays, while a display screen advertises food that can be delivered directly to specific rooms.

Elegant numbers are lined to the right of the door, dim numbers waiting to be pressed. Or not, as his clearance makes even a small task irrelevant. A gloved fingertip traces the number thirty-one, a huff of confusion announces the question, “How would the elevator know where I wish to go…with so many floors in between?” He turns; a brow raised in Aventurine’s direction. “I would not find it terribly inconvenient to see what floors lie between the destination. Many fond moments seem to live in such spaces.”

Certainly, he would not have met Aventurine without his penchant for wandering. The tentative tie of companionship between them would be so much shorter. The weight of his gaze says as much, though a soft chime draws his attention to the doors that open to an empty hallway. He steps through after a moment's hesitation, sidestepping a silent cart speeding by. “Sorry!” A woman in a well-pressed uniform blinks at him in horror. “I didn’t see- didn’t think anyone was on here. We- I just finished cleaning this floor so-so everything should be fine!”

“It’s no trouble,” He promises, warm and consoling as bright eyes continue to look between them. “You have our thanks.” The hallway stretches in both directions, every door spaced between looking as similar as the next. Again, he looks to his keycard for a number. A name. Again, there is none. He extends a hand, gesturing for Aventurine, “Our room? You will have to lead the way.”

𝗠𝗥. 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗦⠀──⠀⋆˙⛃

#GHRevelation2025⠀∶⠀need a sugar daddy, sir?

[jadeshielded]

One could spend a hundred years sifting through the small shops crammed into every street corner, every usable building – and perhaps even then have more to see. After his  hour, he’s content to stroll the stone streets. His purchases were small things. Fabrics that seemed entirely foreign to his homeland, gems with complex patterns, books of history that seemed more myth than fact.

Soon, daytime shops pack their things while a new rotation takes their place. Interesting to say the least, as neon lights come to life and those passing by shift from families to single explorers.

Intent to return to his room, he very nearly bypasses the hand that waves to stop him. “We need a second opinion.” Is what he says as Zhongli stops, the tentative smile falling from his face as he fully turns to look at him.

“You…uh,” Zhongli waits, allowing the store owner a moment to collect himself. In his hand, the device is switched to a more manageable setting, one that can be talked over. “You, look…like you are someone who- - who can appreciate quality.” Not an untrue statement. Zhongli nods, drawing something like relief in response. “As…as I was saying, this 10-in-one personal massager is one of a kind. He-“ Amber eyes follow the defensive gesture as he points to the fox in front of him. “Has his doubts, but look, and I’ll have you know that all ten functions are clearly listed on the box. With step-by-step instructions! And pictures! But even without that, does this look cheap to you?”

Ah… Zhongli hums in thought, though his attention has yet to shift from the familiar face. “I am unfamiliar with this specific mechanism,” He says, after a moment’s scrutiny. “Though I happen to trust Mister Jiaoqiu’s judgement. Perhaps, the manual, so that its functions may be tested?”

Several emotions play across the man’s face. Agony, surely, eyes glancing between them as Zhongli moves to stand beside Jiaoqiu. They know each other? The words have no breath behind them, but he can read them clearly, nonetheless. “Jiaoqiu,” Zhongli diverts his attention, nodding his head by way of greeting the healer. "I had my doubts as to whether we might see each other again.” Belobog – a planet that neither of them called home, and now here? He smiles, keeping his voice soft, neutral. “Though I can’t say I’m displeased. Are you in the market for one of these-“ He eyes the device again, though it has long since fallen still. “Personal massagers?”

fraudulent baubles, a swindler's bits;

shopping in soaring heights with @jadeshielded.

[jadeshielded]

[SPARKLING WATER] - Only the best of the best for our most esteemed guests! Imported all the way from who-knows-where and rumored to taste better than heaven itself. If you don’t mind the carbonation, anyway.

The glass of sparkling water shimmers oddly, reflecting and refracting the sunlight in a way just slightly unlike ordinary water. Other guests, all around her, are tasting the imported beverage with expressions ranging from delight to disgust - which is fascinating in itself, that a seemingly simple drink to elicit such a wide range of reactions - but hers remains untouched, the subject of scientific study rather than culinary.

"A researcher at the Akademiya recently published a rather interesting paper on the science behind carbonation," she explains, aware that she must look slightly odd, holding the nearly-full glass up to the light and turning it this way and that. "And the Fontaine Research Institute, of course, was behind the development of Fonta. I find myself wondering where else this particular aspect of science may lead."

She takes a careful, experimental, and rather unpleasant sip, sets the drink down, and looks over the table, face flickering into a slight smile. "But, at the end of the day, it's also a beverage to be...in theory...enjoyed, isn't it? What do you think, Mr Zhongli?"

Enjoyment is not the word I'd use. No, the texture's simply far too wrong...

Crisp, bright, refreshing-

There is certainly something about the beverage that makes it so unlike regular sparkling water. Fascinating, if one were inclined to study such a thing. He doesn’t interrupt his companion as she wonders aloud, merely cradling the flute between one finger and the next.

Like melting ore into wieldable materials, even something as simple as water could be manipulated into something to suit different atmospheres. “While different…” As he might with wine, he pauses to let the rim of the glass rest at his lip, inhaling to find notes of flavor that would rest on his tongue. Normal water was flavorless, odorless. The featured sparkling water still managed to buzz through his senses, light and clear and cool as if the carbonation itself could act as an electric current into his system. “Perhaps the claims of heavenly properties,” An amused lilt enters his tone, though he studies it like any aspiring academic. “refer to its ability to filter through the system while retailing the initial spark, unlike its milder counterparts.”

As he says it, the vibrant feeling of freshly stirred bubbles travels towards his toes – a couple to their right choke violently as they finish downing its entirety in one go, shaking with the effects. Not normal water at all, but- “I enjoy it, though, cannot anything be pleasant, when shared with a friend?”

[jadeshielded]

Stranger mechanisms have been presented to him, both inside and outside of Teyvat. The ochre of his gaze brightens, illuminated by the light of the screen as Aventurine drifts into his space. “The attendant assured she would look into the disparity, for those arriving from Teyvat in the coming days.” A throwaway statement, he takes care to lower his tone for their proximity, leaning in to watch the nonsensical squares as they filter left and right under the blonde’s thumb.

In his long history, it could not be said that he had ever failed to take an interest in innovation.

“…It is quite the marvel,” Dark brows pinch together as he hums, turning over Aventurine’s words. He was only just beginning to understand why the devices captured the attention of many around them. “A small, multipurpose calendar…or a book...? Although it is regularly used as a Kamera.” Curious, he reaches out – eyes flickering to Aventurine for permission even as a gloved hand is pressing the square that features the word dine just underneath. As promised, what looks like an entirely new screen rushes to the forefront, immaculately plated items scrolling past. The sound he makes in response is between thoughtful and conflicted.

Something worth having, especially on this planet. Or any that he visits in the future. “I…believe this would be an acceptable course. Provided you are prepared to explain the functionalities.” As such, he grants a grin that radiates interest before he goes to gather his things. The suitcase in question is finely embroidered and small. Watching others check in, Zhongli could easily conclude that while the outside worlds had things like phones, most had yet to master the art of storing spaces. A pity. “The elevators, I presume?”

𝗠𝗥. 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗦⠀──⠀⋆˙⛃

#GHRevelation2025⠀∶⠀need a sugar daddy, sir?

[jadeshielded]

[JACKPOT!]

The sounds of slot machines whirred loudly throughout the Casino. The shouts of disappointment and jubilation had been a cacophony that rang in the ears of passersby -- the vocal intonations determining whether someone truly lost it all or won it big.

It was a sound all too familiar to Yelan, though on a much larger scale. The Casino that lay under her Teahouse had been nowhere near as large as this one. 

She wanted to play a game, or two, no intent on trying to big or anything, but all the intent on at least having a little fun. She lived her life like a gamble one day at a time, so would it honestly hurt her to participate in a little gambling here? Maybe her wallet would cry a little but...

With that in mind, she found herself waiting to play blackjack with another. She stared at who would be her opponent with a smile, recognizing the man as someone she's seen around Liyue Harbor many times throughout her time living there. "Mister Zhongli, right? From Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?" Her words rang out towards him with a smile.

"Ready to play a game of blackjack with me in a place far from our home?" 

“Mora makes for an insignificant wager,” A hum of disapproval, though he doesn’t turn to face them just yet. “Hardly a fair trade for such an agreement.”

A pause. Then, a cough. He suspects laughter, which is all the more baffling. “Rex Lapis would think this way…no, Morax – but fine, I offer this…”

The concept still eluded him, surrounded by all manner of elation and despair. As if lives were to hang in the balance rather than mere gold. Credits, he corrected, as the resort and much of the galaxy used a different currency system, after all. If nothing else, it was a fascinating study. Be it Mora or Credits that fueled the mortal economy, the temptation to turn to risk for reward when the theme seemed more luck than personal skill-

It was beyond ill-advised, and he couldn’t be certain why the people around him treated the activity as something enjoyable.

Blackjack quickly emerged as a game more to his liking. He stood to the left of a full table of seven, eyes tracking the cards played until they were more predictable, knowing when one had a higher chance of succeeding or failing against their dealer. Finally, a game of skill in the den of chance. It lightened his mood, especially when a familiar face addressed him. “Yes, you’re correct,” He paused long enough to examine her, mirroring her expression. “I had been debating the merits of sitting at this table. While trading money in such a manner seems trivial, the companionship more than makes up for it.”

Like any game, it was only worth playing in good company. As they sit, the dealer scans his phone, choking at whatever limit the account he was attached to showed, and dropped a few handfuls of credits in front of them. Zhongli’s attention focused on the blue-haired Liyuean woman, genuine, “I don’t believe we’ve been properly acquainted, Miss…?” There were few people in Liyue whose faces he could not immediately place.

Which meant he could make an educated guess, but well…he wasn’t one for bad bets.

[jadeshielded]

“While the game did not come to be in Liyue, it’s popularity has seen a spotlight a time or two through the centuries.” In the modern Liyue harbor, one would be hard-pressed to find a dart board in plain sight. “I believe referring to it as an off season would be the appropriate colloquialism.”

There had been a short span where he could not attend any gathering without being challenged to a game. He remembers the days with fondness, which is perhaps why the Duke’s approach had been so charming. Easy, as before, amusement plain in his expression as his teammate returns to his seat. “Playing with the handicap has only sharpened your skills,” Sedena fares better than average, but falls short of the bar that’s been set.

Darts are smaller than daggers. Zhongli knows, but it’s never been something that felt comfortable, pinched between his fingers. After all, why focus on such a small target, when he could obliterate the entire board? Fortunately for his friends, he was not quite the same person as he once was.

Roll 1: Sector 15, normal points.

The feathered end wobbles as it leaves his grip, the force behind it so slow that Zhongli pauses to see if it will fall even after it’s hit. “Oh,” He’s surprised, adjusting his stance to something more fitting of an archer.

Roll 2: Sector 5, normal points.

Roll 3: Sector 20, normal points.

It doesn’t help. His shots are scattered. Less intent and more sheer luck, gathering the pieces and delivering them to Welt as he sits. “I have to thank you. Were I alone, I might be parting with a significant sum.” Whether or not it was his own is irrelevant.

Team Welt/Sedene: 392 pts

Welt Misses: 1

Sedene Misses: 0

Team Wriothesley/Zhongli: 349 pts

Wriothesley Misses: 0

Zhongli Misses: 0

@secondsovereign

Three Men and a Baby (Melusine)

Revelation | Around the Clock - Wriothesley, Zhongli, Sedene, & Welt Yang

[jadeshielded]

Friend, though Zhongli has begun to think of the endearment as something…less. Casual. A concept that he has yet to examine closely, other than his immediate reflex to comment on it has lessened into something that can be ignored.

Another subtle insight, as the woman’s demeanor relaxes further. “Oh, yes, of course Mr. Aventurine...A friend. Your account has all access and unlimited credit. I will route his requests and-“ With a flourish, she swipes a card and offers it to Zhongli. “This is for you. It grants VIP access and is also your form of payment, when necessary. I sincerely hope you enjoy yourselves.” Afterwards, she intones a list of VIP activities that Zhongli files away, glancing sidelong at Aventurine.

For privacy’s sake, he leads them away from the desk. In the corner, they are handed glasses of champagne or water that Zhongli neglects to finally address the sentiment. “If we are friends…then, it would be impolite to decline.” He flashes a brief smile, one that brightens with mirth as it reaches his eyes.“And…if you are on business in this city, I will be mindful of my steps if they are tethered to your name.” For his sake more than Aventurine’s, he lowers his gaze, polite. “Though if you are not otherwise engaged, I would welcome a guide. The rooms…there is not a number on this card.”

𝗠𝗥. 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗦⠀──⠀⋆˙⛃

#GHRevelation2025⠀∶⠀need a sugar daddy, sir?

[jadeshielded]

[ SOARING HEIGHTS - BIRD’S EYE ]

It was only a matter of time before Venti found the bar.

The Bird’s Eye was lively and loud, as a good bar should be. Patrons chatted and shared drinks, cheering on various games of darts along one side of the bar. He scanned the counter and tables, trying to find an empty spot or a new friend, and hoooly Barbatos, was that Morax?

Indeed it was - the Geo Archon himself was sitting at a table, quietly people-watching as he always did. What a happy coincidence! Maybe Venti could wheedle Morax into buying him a drink.

Hoping Morax hadn’t already noticed him, he quietly snuck around the back of the bar and slowly approached from behind. As soon as he was close enough, Venti reached out and covered Morax’s eyes with his hands. “Ehe. Guess who~?”

Atmosphere played a large role in the success of any establishment. Therefore, it could not be denied that the Bird’s Eye must be something seen as desirable. The music rattling overhead was a touch too loud, too fast to be kept up with between the boisterous cheer between tables playing games, drinking, enjoying dinners.

The light was set too low for an average person to read without the candle set on the table, yet Zhongli had picked his way back to this place, this specific table. Though it was a far cry from the quiet, peaceful setting he was used to…there was merit. Joy. His attention danced around the room, content to draw the energy of the room with observation alone.

Until his vision went dark. He let out a breath, still as stone against the slight chill of their hands, the telltale breeze that has hair grazing his cheek. It’s enough to have his posture relax a fraction. Many anemo users often called their element carelessly ( an extension of their predecessor, perhaps ), though few could master it with such ease, where the wind asked to jump by proximity alone.

Then, the obvious. Very few would have the nerve to handle Zhongli so casually. If he were to find it charming, he had centuries of experience telling him to keep the information to himself.

It earned a rare scowl, gone as soon as he moved to pull the other’s hands away. “Barbatos,” It lacked insult, surprise bleeding through all else to see such a familiar figure so far from home. They hadn’t shared company in…too long, and Venti’s eyes seemed clear and free of inebriation. Good. “I shouldn’t be surprised to find you here. The alcohol, the music," A shake of the head, but Zhongli would call himself...content. Moments like these were thousands of years in between one another, to sit in the company of another Archon, free to speak his name so plainly. "If you are drinking, then let it be in the company of an old friend.”

A hand swept outward, gesturing to a chair while his eyes caught the bartender – too easily, they must have been watching the exchange. “You’ll find the wine different from Teyvat’s capabilities. I’m interested in your opinion, naturally, and in what has brought you to this world.” The bottle of wine in the bartender’s hand hesitated for seconds too long. Nervous, eyeing Zhongli’s companion as if to ask can he even drink?

Whatever flashed in Zhongli’s gaze had the bottle hitting the table to a hasty retreat.

[jadeshielded]

Upon further scrutiny, he thinks that the Duke must be possessed of a kind of infectious charisma. As with Furina, his charm extends to similar depths, engaging with the man who challenges him with a flash of teeth and an even sharper tongue. Zhongli has met people with this kind of skill, but they are so few and far in between that he’s hesitant to set the newfound information into stone.

Competition, Wriothesley says, and Zhongli’s response is soft with restrained amusement. “Is that so?” His hand trails from his glass as he stands, offering a polite hand. “Welt,” The name is familiar, and he doesn’t bother to hide it, greeting the gentleman not as strangers, but as…a middle ground. Friendly, but he is quick to withdraw, claiming his seat and his wine. “Were I acting as a consultant…I might advise against underestimating the competition.” He takes a sip of the wine, so foreign and rich that his palette struggles to decipher cherries from red licorice. It’s more pleasant on the tongue as their company grows.

“Though if you believe your skill will fall short of a worthy game, I would not be opposed to adding more to the roster.” His tone has not shifted, steady and serious, though there is a telltale twitch to his lips as he aims to provoke the Fontainean.

Nevermind that the game had been suggested by the younger man, Zhongli’s attention is already fixed on the Melusine in question.

@sedena

Three Men and a Baby (Melusine)

Revelation | Around the Clock - Wriothesley, Zhongli, Sedene, & Welt Yang

[jadeshielded]

For all that it is worth, the receptionist has adopted a perfectly sympathetic expression.

At least this is worth more than the mora, gold warmed by his hands as he returns the currency to its designated bag. Zhongli suppresses a sigh and adds the new lesson to his repertoire of growing travel concerns. It’s understandable. Teyvat is the only world that uses the currency of his own making…a careless blunder, and Zhongli’s sheepish expression travels towards the sound of his name cutting through the silence.

A voice that slices through silence as easily as any finely sharpened weapon. He’s beginning to know it too well, following the rise and fall of Aventurine’s lilting tone, friendly to a fault, though not for the first time he asks himself if there aren’t several conversations lingering in the margins. “Mister Aventurine,” He chooses to respond to the obvious, both grateful for the familiarity and teetering on the edge of embarrassment. “A holiday, yes…though I would wager that your work has brought you here?” His profession, whatever it was. Zhongli imagines the first flashes of possession stretching the blonde’s features and layers it to Aventurine’s acknowledgement of danger. What did his presence mean for the resort, he couldn’t help but wonder.

 An awkward click of a pen has him straightening. Time and place, he offers both a small smile, appropriately chagrined as he smooths his hands across his jacket before they fall to his sides. “…I would not say jarring,” His eyes flicker again to the secretary, who now seems much more interested in Aventurine. “It appears the currency of my world is not accepted here. My stay will be short-lived, this this case.” A better question forms in his head: would he be able to afford to travel home at this rate?

𝗠𝗥. 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗦⠀──⠀⋆˙⛃

#GHRevelation2025⠀∶⠀need a sugar daddy, sir?

[jadeshielded]

“Good evening, Sir. I will take your coat.” After the slightest hesitation, the man nods. “It might be restricting, so we require it as a safeguard for the enjoyment of our class.”

Ah, so he has wandered somewhere he shouldn’t be. Even the main area of the hotel’s lobby is sprawling, every door an entryway into an event or gathering. Some more intimate than others…but Zhongli’s curiosity has triumphed at every turn. The resort itself caters to leisure in a way that’s foreign to him. A far cry from quiet evenings under the stars or murmured conversations and shared wine. It’s a spectacle, a constant sensory thrill.

The enclosed ballroom that unfolds before him as his fingers fly over the buttons of his jacket is one such marvel. The ceiling is a mirror for a perfect night’s sky, clouds sweeping overhead artificial but charming. There are less bodies in this room, the ballroom dance class attracting a handful of couples lingering on the sidelines while the individual participants scan for someone approachable.

Straightening the sleeves of his undershirt, Zhongli looks up, or more accurately- looks down to the young man that has drifted to his side. “Um! Hello,” The redhead is not from Teyvat, the pointed ears and accent tell as much. He seems to straighten, gaining control of his stammer as he does so. “I’m pretty bad at dancing, so the coordinator suggested I find someone who has a little more experience, if possible and you look – uh, experienced…”

In any other circumstance, Zhongli would have accepted. When asked at the door, he had indicated that the gender of his partner was irrelevant. Now, he shakes his head. “My partner has just arrived, though I would be happy to assist, perhaps at a later hour.” He excuses himself, and though it has been over five hundred years since they last met, he greets the Electro Archon with surprise and sincerity bleeding from his expression. “I am not often lost for words,” He tells her, dipping his head for formality’s sake. “A truly serendipitous occasion and not one I would dare squander. Despite the years of our parting, it feels as if- well, I hope the resort is serving you well.” He catches himself, rooting in the present rather than traveling to the past. @musounohitotachi

𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕪-𝔾𝕠-ℝ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖

GH Revelation 2025 - Archon edition