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A violent snow dances in the swirling wind
[Zhongli had never been particularly fond of Mondstadt's weather. It was a stark contrast to the ever-temperate climate of Liyue. The relentless chill in the air, the gusty winds that cut through his layers of clothing, it all felt foreign to him. He pulls his coat tighter, seeking refuge in the warmth it provides. He couldn't help but wonder how the people of Mondstadt managed to cope with this daily.
As he gazes up at the snowy hills of Dragonspine that loom over the lodging, he recalls the stories the Traveler had shared, tales of a thrumming heart buried within the tallest mountain. It's an idea that has been etched into his mind ever since, a concept that captivates his very being. He can't help but think of it as if it resonates with the depths of his soul.
With a sigh, Zhongli begins to unpack his sparse belongings, silently marvelling at the novelty of it all. Travelling with a small suitcase was an unusual experience for him, a reminder of the human existence he had chosen to embrace after retiring from his position as the Geo Archon.
The snow outside makes him shiver involuntarily, a spine-tingling idea of the biting cold outside. But as frigid as the air must be, it's not as chilling as the presence of his new roommate, Neuvillette.
Zhongli has observed Neuvillette from a distance, graceful and enigmatic. Familiar, in a way, and yet entirely foreign. He had not expected the Chief Justice of Fontaine to look fondly upon him—in fact, he had no expectations at all except how great and fair the Iudex is. However, he can't help but note how much of a contrast to his own essence he may be, one that exudes the warmth of earth and stone. As he unpacks his belongings, he can't help but feel a certain unease in the room, a tension that seems to emanate from the silent figure across from him.
Why Venti had suddenly decided to room them both together is beyond him. Venti had merely narrowed his eyes in mirth, tittering as he mentioned something about sturdiness, keeping his tangential and vague whenever he wishes to escape from between Zhongli's fingers.
The blizzard outside begins to intensify, the relentless howling of the wind making itself known, A sudden reminder that perhaps, isolation is frequent in this place. Zhongli glances at the window, his eyes narrowing as he senses something beneath the turmoil of the blizzard, a heartbeat, a pulse of something ancient and powerful. In the midst of the storm, he wonders if he's the only one who can feel it, the hidden heart of Dragonspine, echoing through the very foundations of their temporary shelter.]
As he gazes up at the snowy hills of Dragonspine that loom over the lodging, he recalls the stories the Traveler had shared, tales of a thrumming heart buried within the tallest mountain. It's an idea that has been etched into his mind ever since, a concept that captivates his very being. He can't help but think of it as if it resonates with the depths of his soul.
With a sigh, Zhongli begins to unpack his sparse belongings, silently marvelling at the novelty of it all. Travelling with a small suitcase was an unusual experience for him, a reminder of the human existence he had chosen to embrace after retiring from his position as the Geo Archon.
The snow outside makes him shiver involuntarily, a spine-tingling idea of the biting cold outside. But as frigid as the air must be, it's not as chilling as the presence of his new roommate, Neuvillette.
Zhongli has observed Neuvillette from a distance, graceful and enigmatic. Familiar, in a way, and yet entirely foreign. He had not expected the Chief Justice of Fontaine to look fondly upon him—in fact, he had no expectations at all except how great and fair the Iudex is. However, he can't help but note how much of a contrast to his own essence he may be, one that exudes the warmth of earth and stone. As he unpacks his belongings, he can't help but feel a certain unease in the room, a tension that seems to emanate from the silent figure across from him.
Why Venti had suddenly decided to room them both together is beyond him. Venti had merely narrowed his eyes in mirth, tittering as he mentioned something about sturdiness, keeping his tangential and vague whenever he wishes to escape from between Zhongli's fingers.
The blizzard outside begins to intensify, the relentless howling of the wind making itself known, A sudden reminder that perhaps, isolation is frequent in this place. Zhongli glances at the window, his eyes narrowing as he senses something beneath the turmoil of the blizzard, a heartbeat, a pulse of something ancient and powerful. In the midst of the storm, he wonders if he's the only one who can feel it, the hidden heart of Dragonspine, echoing through the very foundations of their temporary shelter.]
no subject
Not that Neuvillette particularly likes the idea of doing what the usurper wants by keeping quiet, but he values the lives of his and Furina's citizens more than elucidating them on the history of the Sovereigns. ]
How is one supposed to be impartial in a poetry contest? All creative endeavors are inherently subjective.
[ He adjusts his half of the blanket as carefully as possible to avoid disturbing Zhongli's half, then lays his head down on the pillow and rearranges his rhinophores so they won't be caught between his body and the bed if he turns in his sleep. ]
no subject
Indeed, the subjectivity inherent in creative endeavors such as poetry does present a unique challenge for impartiality. [Zhongli's voice is soft, barely more than a whisper, yet carrying the weight of genuine curiosity.] However, it's a fascinating juxtaposition to the types of decisions you must make as Iudex. Surely you have faced many moments where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by perspectives and human emotions?
[His inquiry is gentle, designed not to probe but to understand how Neuvillette navigates the complexities of his role. Zhongli recognizes the delicate balance required to maintain fairness in a position fraught with the potential for personal bias and emotional entanglement.]
How do you find clarity in such situations? [The notion of judicial impartiality, especially in a realm so riddled with personal interpretation as the arts, intrigues him deeply.]