songerein | Open | Do not fear difficulty.

Entry tags:

Open | Do not fear difficulty.

Who: Trahearne & you!
Which: Journal post/open log
Where: Tree of Stories
What: Now that the Story Eater is taken care of, it's time to look into the next order of business: staying in Songerein.
Warnings: N/A as of now

> JOURNAL: A Query

Sender: Trahearne
To: All
Subject: Regarding Mirrors.

I am presently researching stories involving mirrors. If there are any tales from your culture that prominently feature magical mirrors, I would be interested in hearing about them. Thank you.

> ACTION: The Tree of Stories

[ If you are looking for Trahearne, you will...not find him at the archives, strangely enough.

For these past few days, he has holed himself up in the Tree of Stories, leaving only to get food and to feed his pets. He is scouring every inch of the multiple floors and countless shelves for stories involving magical mirrors, taking into account what others have told him, and what he has discovered on his own. Before long he's surrounded by stacks and stacks of books; he quickly skims through them, then places them in one of many of the other stacks, catergorizing them in a way only he understands. He seems totally lost in his work, oblivious to others talking or making noise.

Towards the latter half of his time spent researching here, he's starting to look...well. Wilted. There really is no better way to put it. His leaves seem to lack their particular shine, and the ones on his head seem to droop lower than they normally do. How long has it been since he went outside...?

Feel free to help him research, or perhaps test out a promising story with him, or even just tell him to take a break. Good luck with that last one, though. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hmm, yes, he did. Though I would later come to learn that his business wasn't exactly pressing; I had thought that switching the Cryo Archon's scepter with a hilichurl's wooden club was an act that was beneath him, but that day made me reconsider the length he would go for the sake of 'fun'...

[He says it with a shake of his head. Oh, Barbatos, his antics still confuse Zhongli to this very day. But it seems as though his story is working to help distract Trahearne, so he keeps going.]

I do not know why he chose me of all people to do so, given that the Dendro Archon would have probably been more suited to such a task and her border was not much farther than mine... Perhaps it was simply a matter of affinity. [He shakes his head.] In any case, I found myself unable to deny his request, and soon found myself with a young dragon to entertain for a time.

[And it's then that a wry grin forms on his face.]

It was during this time that I learned that I was not exactly the best suited to caring for children. Dvalin was much more childish in his youth, and I still remember seeing him flapping his wings indignantly and stomping a claw on the ground, insisting I wasn't 'playing right'. When I sought out the other adepti to ask for help with my struggles, they had quite a laugh amongst themselves.

[Even if he was considered the Prime of the Adepti, he still remembers the way Cloud Retainer, Guizhong, and Streetward Rambler giggled as they spoke of his plight. Quite the peanut gallery, indeed.]

[ Trahearne can't help but chuckle lightly when Zhongli shakes his head. He can tell, from the way he's spoken about Barbatos, that they are very close, that perhaps the other god may cause him headaches, he still cares for him dearly. He's supposed to be somewhere in Songerein, isn't he? It'd be nice to meet him one day, he thinks idly.

He mirrors Zhongli's grin, mind occupied with picturing him trying to babysit a petulant baby dragon, and fully away from the actual dragons that occupy the space around them. They still make headway through the city, to a place where they can ask about the dragon that has the book Trahearne needs, but it isn't at the forefront of his mind anymore. And with that, neither is the anxiety.

Sorry, it's kind of funny. ]

How do you suppose he expected you to play? [ There's a ghost of a chuckle in his voice. ] Did he think you would—

[ One of the dragons around them flies a little too close to them, sending a sudden rush of air past them. Trahearne flinches, drawn from his thoughts and speech and reminded where they are. He instinctively leans in towards Zhongli as though for safety, eyes and face directed towards the dragon that had flown past them. He falters in his steps, slowing their pace.

Ah, the tiny seed of panic, assuaged just moments prior, digs its roots into him, and it's hard to think of anything else. ]

[Zhongli would continue his tale, but the dragon that flies past them catches both of them off-guard. And suddenly, he has his personal space being crowded by his Sylvari comrade. It would be a lot more surprising and off-putting if he wasn't expecting it, or perhaps if it was anyone else around them.]

[As such, once Trahearne freezes in place, Zhongli will only pause for a moment before bringing an arm up around Trahearne, offering a firm but steady one-armed hug as he aims to keep the sylvari grounded. His other hand comes up to rest on Trahearne's shoulder, offering him a grounding presence to focus on.]

Are you alright, my friend? I must admit, that caught even me off guard.

[He keeps his voice calm and steady, but his gaze is careful as he studies Trahearne for signs of him needing a break, or needing to get out entirely.]

[ Trahearne's eyes are wide, bewildered, but at once blank. The calm he had so delightfully seeped himself in just moments prior feels like a dream. The panic pricks uncomfortably at his throat, and it feels like he can't breathe. Despite all he's been through to find healing, it seems some things will take more time.

His head snaps to Zhongli when he feels the hand on his shoulder. His wide eyes settle on the other's, and it's a moment later that he realizes there is an arm around him. The warmth eases the tension in him. As he relaxes, blinks, concentrates on the other man, he finds his grounding again. He exhales, and eventually relaxes. ]

I'm... I'm all right. I'm sorry.

[ He rights himself and reaches to pat the hand on his shoulder. It's an appreciative gesture, but also one to let Zhongli know he should be good for the moment. ]

I didn't mean to interrupt you. [ With a quick look around, not thinking too hard about the dragons around them, he begins walking forward again. Soon, they'll find this dragon.

He speaks, accompanied by a shaky breath. ] Dvalin. The dragon in Barbatos's care. [ Right. That's where they were. ] He didn't like how you played.

[ As much as he wishes he could get out, their mission is much more important. ]

[Trahearne can take all the time he needs; Zhongli is in no hurry. When Trahearne finally seems to relax, Zhongli shakes his head.]

It's alright; you've caused no trouble. Do not apologize for your body's natural reaction.

[Zhongli gets the message, but he is going to keep his arm around Trahearne until the sylvari begins walking. Though he allows the hand on Trahearne's shoulder to drop, he keeps one hand on the other's back; a small reassurance that support is still there, should Trahearne need it.]

That is correct... Dvalin was not a fan of how I played with him. [He keeps his gaze on the path ahead, but does keep an eye on Trahearne.] He preferred fast-paced games of chase in the wind, and my more earth-based notions of play were either too slow or too boring for him. Eventually, I had to request aid for caring for him from the other gods and adepti of Liyue.

[He shakes his head.]

While Guizhong's idea of allowing Dvalin to play a game of keep-away through Jueyun Karst was quite successful, I do not believe Cloud Retainer has quite forgiven me for her role in being the quarry of the game. I remember Sea Gazer laughing at the mere memory of the sight for quite a long time afterwards.

[ As they walk, Trahearne sticks close to Zhongli, taking comfort in his presence, relying on how grounded he feels with the hand at his back. It's strange, he thinks briefly, that he's so...comfortable like this. It wasn't long ago that he would have been nervous or tense in a position like this, but he...almost likes it. He does, in fact.

His eyes remain on the ground as he listens, watching his own paces fall in step with Zhongli's. Every once in a while, he'll glance up at the other as he talks, taking in the little changes in his expression. Seeing him reminisce fondly—he likes that, too, much better than the unease from several weeks ago.

The amusement eventually comes back to Trahearne's expression, and a little smile crosses his face. ]

I see now. I admit, you don't seem the type to proactively engage in faster paced games. [ There's a little tease in his eye, but it doesn't quite reach his voice. ] I am glad you got help, though. I truly wonder what Barbatos was thinking when he left you with that task.

[ Up ahead is a building where they'll be able to find the whereabouts of the dragon, at last. They'll get this book, no matter what. ]

No, I am afraid such games are outside my area of expertise. I am more adept to slower games such as chess or mahjong... although, there is another game recently that has sprung up, a game involving cards and dice. It is quite interesting.

[He really is an old man, isn't he? Zhongli shakes his head.]

Truly, I wonder the same thing myself. Perhaps he thought my natural affinity might have been the case, or maybe it was simple laziness and convenience, since we share a border. Either option is equally likely, knowing him.

[He briefly pauses, looking up at the building. He stops for a moment, keeping his hand on Trahearne's back.]

It appears we have arrived at our first stop... if you'd like, I can do most of the talking.

[ Trahearne quietly files away those games for later. He himself would prefer those as well, and perhaps it would be a nice thing to do together.

The other god's choices, however, will remain a mystery, it seems. At last, a little smile crosses Trahearne's face as he looks to Zhongli. He can sense the fondness in his voice when he speaks of Barbatos, even if it is negative. And concentrating on that eases his anxieties somewhat. With the hand at his back, with him standing so close, he feels much better.

Because he'll need it for the upcoming task. ]

I should be all right for this one. [ He offers a reassuring nod; he lifts his hand to loop beneath Zhongli's arm and pat him at his waist in return. Not in the way he has patted his hands before, to get him to let go, but as a gesture of thanks.

The inside of the office building isn't as intimidating as Trahearne thought it might be, with a dragon in human form sitting at reception. The sylvari states their business, asks for the dragon in question, and their answer is readily given. They seek a hermit who lives on the outskirts of the city, in the mountains. He keeps to himself, and the dragon is not generally the agreeable sort.

Very well.

And so off they go, into the mountains! One obstacle cleared, one more to go. ]

Very well. Just don't forget, you are not alone.

[Zhongli follows Trahearne into the office building, allowing Trahearne to do the talking for them.The dragon receptionist shoots a curious glance at Zhongli, but fortunately remains on topic. He keeps an eye out for any discomfort, ready to jump in if need be, but it looks like Trahearne's able to get through their conversation well together!]

[Once they exit the building, Zhongli offers a reassuring pat on the back and a kind smile.]

You did well, Trahearne. I am quite proud of your fortitude.

[ He isn't alone. It's hard to think how he'd even manage this task if he were.

When Zhongli pats his back, Trahearne's head whips to him and he beams. Something in him warms at the thought of Zhongli being proud of him. It's quite the compliment, he thinks. ]

Thank you.

[ His head turns, though, to the cottage sitting far in the distance, upon the mountainside. His smile falters a bit as he contemplates their goal. ]

But the real trial lies ahead of us. I will need your strength.

[ They have no choice but to press forward.

And so they venture away from the city and from most of the dragonkind, though that doesn't mean there's any lull in their conversation. All that they talk about is so engrossing, so riveting, that it makes the trek up the mountain go that much quicker.

Before either of them know it, they stand before the front door to the cottage. Trahearne lifts a hand to knock at the door, breathes, and then drops it. He looks to Zhongli, his brows knit. ]

I'm nervous.

I will be here to assist you, my friend. My strength is yours to rely upon.

[Onward and forward, up to the cottage on the mountainside. Though the conversation between the two is engrossing, and Zhongli regales Trahearne with more tales to keep his mind at ease, soon they are at the cottage's doorstep.]

[Zhongli waits, watching Trahearne, and is unsurprised when he hesitates. He lets out a low hum, nodding slowly.]

Such is understandable. But if we are to attain our goal, we must press on.

[He pauses, looking up at the cottage before them.]

If it may help our case, it is often customary to offer a gift when beseeching an audience with a dragon. Such is common even with adepti as well, to leave offerings to garner their favour. Not only that, but the merchants of Liyue Harbour also believe that bringing a gift can help put them in good standing with who they wish to do business with.

[He reaches into his pocket and extends his hand to Trahearne. Upon his palm sits a fancy, jewelled dragon brooch.]

I found this in the markets not long ago. This brooch has been inlaid with crystals harvested from the Wildlands, and shaped using fae magic. It is a work of art in and of itself, and a testament of the craftsmanship of the artisan who made it. Any with a critical eye would recognize the skill needed to craft it. Perhaps a gift such as this would tilt the scales in our favour.

[ Trahearne takes the brooch in hand and eyes it curiously. Dragons that hoard shiny things isn't really a thing in Tyria—they're more beings of total destruction—so he listens to Zhongli's instruction carefully, nodding slowly as he absorbs the information.

He lifts his head and gives one last firm nod. ]

All right. I trust you.

[ Here goes nothing.

Trahearne lifts his hand to knock on the door.

Silence follows. The silence is long enough that Trahearne thinks the dragon isn't willing to answer at all, or perhaps he's not home in the first place. He's clearly getting antsy by the time they hear the door unlatch.

The door swings open to reveal a medium-sized, round dragon. His red scales gleam dully in the candlelight of his home, and reading glasses sit upon his snout.

"What?" He looks at Trahearne for a good moment before he turns his beady eyes to Zhongli. He stares hard. "I'm not taking visitors. What do you want? Be quick." ]

Hello. [ Trahearne greets cordially, but receives no response. ...Anyway. ] It's come to my attention that you are currently borrowing a book from the Tree of Stories that we need for our research, regarding mirrors. If possible, I'd like to bargain with you.

[ The dragon's eyes turn to the brooch in Trahearne's hand. His expression doesn't change as he looks away to stare at Zhongli instead. The way he looks at him makes it seem like he's demanding an explanation. ]

[Zhongli could have brought other gifts as well; wine, fine works of art, gold... but he wasn't sure what the dragon would want or find impressive or attractive. Therefore, something small, but finely crafted, seemed the safest bet; there would be no doubt to its craftsmanship, it was small enough to not cause clutter, and it could easily be bartered should it not be desired. Hopefully Trahearne doesn't mind Zhongli's action here.]

[He remains silent as the dragon opens the door, and for the most part he remains quiet as Trahearne does the talking. Though as the red dragon's eyes gaze into his own, he simply folds his arms behind his back and speaks plainly, but politely.]

We apologize for coming unannounced to your domain. It is just that in the midst of our research, we realized that the knowledge we require comes from a book that you have borrowed. With your permission, we would like to borrow it for a short period of time so that we may refer to its contents and apply it to our research.

[The dragon huffs, sending up a puff of warm air between them. "And if I borrowed the book, why should I lend it to you? Can't you wait your turn?"]

Of course, we do not wish to dispute the current lending ownership of the book in question. It is just that we are pressed for time, and thought that coming to visit would be the fastest thing to do. We only require the book for a short period of time; our research would not require us to take it for long, and we will return it to you once we are finished with it, if you are amiable to the request.

[Ever the God of Contracts, Zhongli is attempting to lay out a fair and just agreement between themselves and the dragon before them. He's hoping the dragon is in an amiable mood...]

I assure you, our business with the book will be concluded in a timely manner, and we will return it to you within a few days' time. You have my word.

[ Trahearne emphasizes what Zhongli says, hoping to show that they're both in agreement with how they'd handle the book, and the respect they want to show for the original borrower. He just hopes that they don't come across as newly-awakened saplings begging for a little extra time outside of the nursery.

The dragon fixes Trahearne with a stare again, huffs, and then turns to Zhongli to say, "I require more than pretty words and trinkets and baubles. I am a scholar. I may agree to your terms should you offer me knowledge I do not already know."

Trahearne frowns. Why does he keep talking to Zhongli, and not him? His fingers curl around the brooch, partly in frustration, and he answers anyway. ]

Then you're in luck. [ He tries his best to sound amiable, but his tone comes out more forceful than he intends. Perhaps from the frustration. ] Zhongli here has lived an extraordinary life, and has seen and experienced things some of us can only dream of. And I myself am a scholar of more esoteric subjects, and more than willing to share my life's work.

[ The dragon stares at Trahearne, clearly displeased by...something. This agitates the sylvari. He doesn't understand dragons, and he feels his frustration mounting.

"Is he yours?" the dragon finally asks, turning away from Trahearne to address Zhongli. Trahearne freezes. Yours? "Reign him in. He's arrogant. No dragon in his right mind would ever allow his minion to speak for him."

It takes a moment for the words to sink in. He hates, hates the reminder that he could've been nothing more than Mordremoth's tool, but it doesn't tear at him as it may have once did. Instead, something else catches his attention.

Did he just refer to Zhongli as a dragon?

His head whips to look at his trusted friend, his eyes wide. What does this mean...? ]

Edited 2023-08-23 12:28 (UTC)

[Zhongli had predicted that the dragon may be less than amiable, but Trahearne speaks clearly and with purpose. Truthfully, he is proud of the Sylvari, and would make to speak up in his defence, but suddenly the dragon’s attention is on him. And the accusation makes his back go rigid.]

[He hadn’t anticipated being called out like this… and a quick glance at Trahearne is all that betrays his shock at the sudden turn of events. But rather than entertain Trahearne’s curiosity — there will be plenty of time for that later — instead Zhongli crossed his arms as a deep frown settles on his face.]

Though I do not wish to discredit your intellect as a scholar, you may wish to be more careful in your judgments. Just because I work with one not of my kind does not make them my servant. Perhaps it is due to my ignorance of the ways of this land here, but in my homeland there is no divide between master and servant when scholarly minds come together in the name of research. We all stand on equal footing here, and I will not accept such disrespect to come to my companion.

[The dragon seems to pause at Zhongli’s declaration, his gaze shifting between Trahearne and Zhongli. For a moment he pauses, as if realizing the offence Zhongli has taken with his statement, but he still turns back to Zhongli.]

[“If you mean to call me disrespectful—!” he begins in an annoyed tone, but Zhongli shakes his head and lifts a hand.]

I do not wish to insinuate anything, but merely point out an error in judgment. After all, as keepers of knowledge as we are, there is always an opportunity to learn, even among long-lived beings as ourselves. [The dragon growls at being interrupted, but he relents, seeing Zhongli’s clear invitation to excuse his rudeness for what it is. Zhongli keeps going, his tone light but his voice firm.]

Now, since we are still in the act of negotiations, how about this; we will impart you with knowledge that you do not possess, and in exchange you will lend us the book for a few scant days. Is that acceptable?

[ As Zhongli talks and the implications of what the dragon said sets in, Trahearne grows furious. He refuses to be reduced to mere dragon minion. Both he and his people worked too hard to make a name for themselves in Tyria, to earn the other races' respect, to carve out their own spot in the world's social, political, and natural ecosystems to be reduced to minions.

That Zhongli leaps to his defense sets alight the fire in him, and his face crumples into a scowl. He's touched, yes, despite reeling from the reveal that Zhongli is a dragon?, but he knows that's something they can address later. His temper struggles to be contained, and he grips at the brooch a little too hard. The sharp edges hurt his hand.

The dragon huffs, a little curl of smoke exiting his nostrils, as he turns his gaze to Trahearne.

"Very well," he says stiffly, adjusting his posture, tilting his head to look down over his snout, through his spectacles at the sylvari. "What knowledge could you possibly have that I do not?"

Trahearne knows condescension when he hears it—he's no stranger to it, but it requires all of his willpower to keep his temper at bay. When he speaks, his tone is measured, but fury simmers underneath. ]

Plenty, it seems. [ He can't read the dragon's expression to see if he reacts to his tone. ] You are forgiven for mistaking me for a dragon minion. It seems you know—or have heard, or can sense—that sylvari are creations of the Elder Dragon Mordremoth, one of the supposed six Elder Dragons native to the world of Tyria. I am impressed you know this much, since this was not known to us until very recently.

[ The dragon continues to stare at him, and doesn't say anything. So Trahearne continues. ]

But the dragon is dead. [ A hint of pride seeps into his tone at that. ] The sylvari are free. We serve no one—only ourselves, and we thrive in the society we have created for ourselves. And at the same time, because of our connection to the jungle dragon, we are immune to the corruption wrought by the other dragons and their magic. Which means we are uniquely capable of venturing into blighted lands where no other race has been able to go. Therefore, I was able to spend weeks, seasons studying the corruption of the Elder Dragon Zhaitan, and establish myself as Tyria's foremost scholar of Orrian corruption.

[ That, and that means it would be impossible for Zhongli to make him his minion, even if he wanted to. Though he's a little surprised the dragon's remained silent and looking at him this whole time. And so he continues. ]

Therefore, I am uniquely poised to offer you this piece of information, which was crucial in our fight against Zhaitan, but was never published in any journal...

[ And he goes on to detail a unique marker of Risen movements and behavior, one he had to piece together himself after years and years of research and observation. Since it was never published, he knows no copy of this information could ever exist in Songerein. There is no way the dragon would know. ]

...And while I do not serve Zhongli, he is a dear friend of mine and I consider myself loyal to him. I was the one who asked him to accompany me on this venture. [ Despite dragonhood...which they'll address later. He puts a hand on Zhongli's shoulder and turns to look at him. Though he doesn't smile, his sharp stare softens a bit. On to you, friend. ]

[As Trahearne speaks, Zhongli listens carefully. Though there is pride that blooms in Zhongli's chest at Trahearne's declaration, and at the knowledge of the sylvari being freed and immune to the corruption that had felled his former master, Zhongli's face remains impassive and still as stone. He is happy for Trahearne, truly, but his anger and disappointment keeps him from being able to fully express that pride right now. Not to mention, there is still a matter of their dragon companion to address. So he listens, and observes the dragon; it appears the knowledge of information that was never published seems to have intrigued the beast quite a bit.]

[As for Zhongli, he glances over at Trahearne as the hand is rested on his shoulder. He offers a polite nod, before turning to the dragon before them.]

As for myself, I have a wide range of various bits of knowledge of Liyue at my disposal, as well as information regarding the origins of customs and traditions that have been altered or lost to time over the many years.

[The dragon gives a small huff at this, crossing his arms and looking doubtful. "How can you claim to know customs and traditions if they're lost to time?"]

It's quite simple; I was there to bear witness to their creation, and was responsible for creating a few of them myself. After all, it is a god's duty to track and keep record of its nations evolution, and I have garnered well over 2000 years worth of such information, many of which would not be privy to mere mortals.

[This seems to catch the dragon's attention. He seems to listen more carefully as Zhongli begins to go into depth about the changed of certain government forms or the origin of Liyue cultural traditions, how the changing of the landscape and the coming and goings of other gods caused several changes, and how the people themselves have invented new traditions with roots based in antiquity, breathing new life into ancient tradition. And of course, since he was there to bear witness to the changes, he can provide accurate accounts that would never be recorded by mortals, or misinterpreted by those who did not understand the full scope of what they witnessed.]

[ Trahearne listens to Zhongli speak, and it's hard for him to not feel so smugly proud of his friend. It's not a pretty feeling, no, and he knows this—but there is a seed of vindication knowing Zhongli is...well, who he is, and he so easily puts the arrogant dragon in his place. He spends the entire time with his eyes on him, watching him as he details lost customs, and a hint of a smile plays on his lips.

There's a moment of silence once Zhongli is done as the dragon ruminates over this information. After a beat, he huffs, and relents with a growl.

"Very well." He looks between the both of them. "You may have the book. But I expect it back in a few days' time. No longer than a week. I'm still not done with it. One moment."

He steps back from the door and pulls it shut. Trahearne glances to Zhongli, beaming smile on his face. He's about to say something when the door swings open again, and the dragon shoves the book into the sylvari's arms.

"Take it and get out of here. I'm very busy." ]

Thank y—

[ But the door is closed and locked before Trahearne can say anymore.

He cradles the book in his arms and turns away from the door. He sighs, tension leaving his body as the fact that they've accomplished their mission sinks in. ]

We did it.

[The closing of the door signalled the end of their conversation, and though it was less than polite, it ended in their favour. Zhongli clears his throat, brushing the front of his robes smoothly.]

Indeed, we have.

[Though he won't speak on the dragon's abruptness... they did end up with what they needed. He turns back to Trahearne, giving him a careful look.]

Now we must make good on our end of this bargain. Will you be able to gather the information you need in the allotted time?

[He keeps his question about the book, though... he wonders if Trahearne will ask about what transpired during their exchange.]

[ To this, Trahearne gives a firm, definitive nod. He turns from the door and begins to make his way down the steps and back to solid ground. ]

Of course. What I need to do from here is not complicated. I doubt it will take more than a few days.

[ Luckily, he has a proficient enough command over dreamotion at this point that he's not particularly worried about his next steps.

That said...

Once he reaches the bottom of the stairs, he turns to look at Zhongli. His expression is curious, concerned, and...hurt. ]

Zhongli, is what the dragon said true?

[ He knows Zhongli is a man of discretion, and he doesn't blame the archon for keeping this piece of information from him. Especially after he told him, though briefly, how dragons had traumatized him.

He just wonders if he was ever going to find out. ]

[He's glad to hear that the rest of this process will be fairly simple for Trahearne. However, there is the question he had been waiting for. Zhongli lets out a slow breath as they walk, not replying for a moment. Then, as he looks out onto the pathway, he speaks.]

Come, let's find somewhere more suitable to speak. I saw a rather lovely tree on our way here.

[It's not a long walk to the tree that Zhongli mentioned, but it is enough for the silence to feel pressing. Where before their conversation had flowed quite nicely, now the silence rings loud around them. After a time that feels both too long and too short, they come to a large tree just off the road they've travelled; far enough to not be overheard from both the main road and the dragon's home they came across. Zhongli approaches the tree and pauses before it, keeping his gaze on it for a moment before addressing Trahearne.]

I... admit that there is one detail about the adepti that I failed to mention. In Liyue, the adepti are made up of both gods and illuminated beasts, and one trait of full-blooded adepti is their ability to take on a human and bestial form. The most common illuminated beasts are that of cranes and other birds, but there are also those who take the form of qilin, deer, bears... Of course, while some adepti prefer to remain in their true forms, others take on a human form so that they may walk among the people more easily.

As an adeptus, I too have a true form that is... not altogether human.

[He pauses, a troubled look on his face, before he turns to glance at Trahearne. He does look remorseful, and when he speaks, it's with a sadness in his voice.]

Before I continue, I want it to be known that I did not keep this information from you out of malice or an attempt to mislead you. I knew your apprehension towards dragons and had been contemplating the right time to reveal this information to you... but I'm afraid our new companion revealed the truth before I had a chance to.

[ Trahearne dutifully follows, though he keeps his gaze downward, at the ground. Normally he would catch up with Zhongli, stand beside him as he usually does; this time, he lags behind. He isn't sure what to make of the odd swirl of emotion in his chest. Apprehension? Fear? ...Betrayal?

It's only now that he realizes how thoroughly he has trusted Zhongli, and it feels as though a small part of his reality has been torn apart. Only now, when he starts to question the cracks in stone, does he realize how deep his foundation goes.

It's a...strange combination of feelings, and Trahearne doesn't know how to take them.

They come to the tree, but Trahearne doesn't bother looking at it. His eyes rest on Zhongli, as though trying to read between the lines of his words. He hugs the book to his chest, unconsciously trying to protect himself.

In all honesty, he's a little scared.

But he listens calmly, because at the end of the day, he still trusts him. He wouldn't have come all this way just to metaphorically hold his hand on this objectively simple task if he had any intent on harming him, no? And so when Zhongli turns to look at him, Trahearne's gaze is there, ready to greet him.

He blinks at the admission. He shifts with the book at his chest, unsure of what to make of this, or how to voice what he feels. ]

...In all honesty, I wish I'd heard the truth from you first.

[ That's the crux of it, isn't it? To learn of another's secret from someone else.

He appreciates Zhongli's consideration for his past with dragons. Dragons are so closely associated with death and destruction in his mind, it's hard to imagine a dragon god that hasn't done the same. But...that doesn't change who he is, does it? Zhongli has been nothing but kind and caring towards him since the very beginning; he has also been a dragon since the very beginning. Should this change anything?

Trahearne shifts again in slight realization, his eyes unblinking. ]

—Please don't get the wrong idea. I am fond of you, Zhongli, very much so, and I doubt that will change. I know you harbour no malice or ill intent towards me, but... [ His frown deepens, the hurt shining through in his eyes. ] ...Were you ever going to tell me?

Truthfully, I wish I was able to tell you the truth myself as well. Having it be told on my behalf was... quite unexpected.

[And he does look rather upset by the revelation. Zhongli was always a careful planner, not rushing into anything and taking slow and painstaking steps to every undertaking he takes part in. So having the rug pulled from under him in such a way is definitely throwing him off his game.]

[Even the idea that Trahearne still claims to be fond of him does little to reassure him right now. He knows his lie of omission was technically not false, and that he broke no agreements by withholding the information... but it still doesn't fee good, knowing that hurt in Trahearne's gaze was caused by him.]

I did wish to tell you, sometime. I wanted to do so in a way that would not cause you alarm. I just... had not known the right way to go about it.

[He was even considering if he should ask Barbatos for help, but... Well, the cat was out of the bag now.]

I... would understand if you require some time to process this information.

[ Trahearne senses the hurt, the disappointment from Zhongli. As betrayed as he feels, he is not so swept up in his emotions that he is blind to how this affects his friend as well. Though that still doesn't do anything to alleviate the little frown (pout?) on his lips.

He was going to find out eventually, it seems. He doesn't know how that would've looked like, or when that would have been.

But at the same time, there is a small part of him that realizes this would have had to happen sooner or later, if they are to continue forging their relationship. Much in the same way the revelation of Trahearne's death seemed to spark their getting closer.

Trahearne doesn't immediately respond; he only studies Zhongli's face, the hurt still evident on his own. ]

I...think I might.

[ As much as he'd like to say, "It's okay! Let's carry on!" He knows that might plant a tiny seed of resentment in him, and he doesn't want that. Best be honest now, so they both know where the other stands. ]

But... [ He bites his lip, nervous. This isn't an unreasonable request, is it? The curious Tyrian in him does not know what a benevolent god-dragon looks like, so... ] ...if I may... Could you show me what you look like? As a dragon?

[ Who knows. It might help. ]

...Of course.

[Zhongli nods slowly, eyes drifting shut. Ah, he did not blame Trahearne for needing some time. He had just had a shocking revelation revealed to him, of course he would need some time to himself. It hurts, but Zhongli can only bear the brunt of the pain he had inflicted onto his dear friend.]

We may still need to travel together, but once we return to Reverein, I will be sure to give you as much space as you require.

[Even if Zhongli would spend the time in his own guilt, he would do what was needed to help Trahearne. Even if the Sylvari didn't wish to see him again afterwards, he would endure it.]

[At least, that's what he was thinking initially. But then Trahearne's request has him opening his eyes, blinking in bewilderment at the other man.]

You... wish to see my true form..?

[Sorry, what?]

Open | Do not fear difficulty.

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