A violent snow dances in the swirling wind

[arcaico]

[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.]

Comments

[juridique]

[ Neuvillette really wishes he had stayed in Fontaine instead of going along with Furina's ridiculous ideas. His expertise lies in presiding over court proceedings and rendering a fair and unbiased verdict based on the evidence presented, not evaluating something as subjective as poetry. What one person finds masterful, another might find lacking, how is he supposed to judge something like that in a fair manner?

Then he'd been informed by that suspicious bard that he would be sharing a cabin near the base of Dragonspine with one of his fellow judges. When asked if Wangshu Inn was fully booked, he had given him an evasive answer and refused to elaborate further. Just... who is he, exactly? Certainly not a human, his innate draconic senses tell him, but he can't get a proper read on anything more specific than that.

His senses say the same about the judge in question. Outwardly, Zhongli gives off the impression of a distinguished gentleman with his refined manners and finely tailored suit, but something in the amber of his eyes tells of a history far longer than that of a mortal. An immortal existence similar to his own, yet also dissimilar; reptilian, possibly, but not a dragon in the truest sense of the word. He is not one of the other six Sovereigns reborn, nor does he possess the aura of a Vishap, the juvenile form of what he considers a true dragon.

That is not particularly important right now, however. The weather is getting worse with each passing moment, with what started out as merely heavy snowfall having escalated into a full blizzard—and while the cabin is built to withstand harsh weather, it was not built with a Chief Justice and a consultant in mind. It's built for exploration teams and adventurers who bring the proper equipment to keep warm in a poorly insulated building.

Neither of them have brought proper equipment. It's also looking likely that they will either have to share the singular bed in the cabin, or fight over it. There is a couch in the main area, but the upholstery is so worn it no longer has a pattern and one can only barely tell what colour it used to have when it was new. The cushions are threadbare and frayed and one is even a little sticky with residue from someone's long-ago spilled drink. Not exactly the ideal place to get a decent night's rest.

He, too, is unpacking his luggage when he turns his head in the direction of the window at the exact moment Zhongli does. The thrum of a faraway heartbeat; it brings to mind the petrified heart of Elynas. Sometimes he can hear a faint pulse emanating from it when he visits his daughters in Merusea Village, suggesting that underneath the petrified exterior some tissue still beats. ]

Did you feel it too, Monsieur?