songerein | closed | hooray, hooray!

[ For most of his life, Trahearne has paid little attention to Wintersday. He's always been busy, if not with Orr then with the Pact, and he never really had time to think of, let alone purchase and wrap gifts. Besides, the concept of family is so different to a sylvari. Early days aside, it would be an impossible feat to bring back all the sylvari to celebrate together as one big family. Some don't even celebrate, like himself.

Except now, for the first time in his life, Trahearne finds himself in a festive mood. The previous year found him on the slippery slope towards noctaeredom, but now, he's more at peace than he ever has been. And in the strangest twist, he even has a loved one he'd feel the need to celebrate and get a gift for. It's funny how things turn out. He would have never imagined himself here a year ago.

The idea of a gift for Zhongli came to him before they even began dating, back in the summer, and since Trahearne did not know when his birthday was (something to ask, at some point), he decided to hold onto it for Wintersday. And so, with the day here at last, the sylvari arrives at the archon's house with the present neatly wrapped and tucked under his arm, hopefully not drawing immediate attention to it.

After a moment of hesitation, Trahearne reaches to knock decisively and loudly on Zhongli's door. Open up!! ]

[Zhongli, meanwhile, has holiday thoughts of his own on his mind. As the year reaches its end, it becomes time to think back fondly to the year's events, as well as those with whom one shared them. And for Zhongli, it's a rare and fortuitous time indeed, for he has someone with whom he can share the new year with, someone who has carved a precious and delicate spot within the old god's heart. Ah, which reminds him, he will have to start sending out invitations for another year-end occasion soon...]

[It's in the midst of these thoughts that Zhongli hears the knock on his door, and when he goes to open it, his expression brightens.]

Ah, Trahearne! What a pleasant surprise. Please, come in.

[ And Trahearne's brightens in turn, the little feedback of joy strengthening in his presence.

Hmm. The little cynical part of him isn't sure he'll ever get used to this feeling, but he certainly likes it. ]

I hope I didn't interrupt anything important.

[ Because he'll gladly wait, if so.

However, one thing takes precedence. When he steps inside, he does not enter to the side, to venture further in the house; he steps towards Zhongli, right into his personal space, and beams down at him. ]

Merry Wintersday, Zhongli.

[ And that greeting is sealed with a little kiss. Hehe! ]

Oh, not at all. Nothing so pressing that it can't be put off until later.

[Though he's ready to usher Trahearne into his home, he's surprised by suddenly having a sylvari up in his personal space like this. He blinks in surprise, both at the greeting and at the kiss, but despite his shock he's quick to recover (if a little flustered).]

Goodness..! As pleased as I am with your affections, I admit I wasn't expecting quite a warm welcome.

[Is that pink on his cheeks? It just might be!]

Wintersday? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term...

[ He's so precious. It's truly the little things that bring Trahearne such endless delight. Like when Zhongli is surprised his boyfriend kisses him...

With a little smile and a chuckle, Trahearne steps past Zhongli and into the house, eyes briefly scanning the room as he speaks. ]

It's a Tyrian holiday, so that doesn't surprise me.

[ He turns to face him again. This time, the wrapped gift more obvious in his arms. ]

Many people come together in the dead of winter to celebrate with lights, gifts, and food. I've personally never celebrated it much in my life, but... [ He looks down at the hefty present in his arms, then after a thoughtful pause, he holds it out to Zhongli. ] I think I would like to celebrate it with you.

Oh..!

[Listening to Trahearne explain, he now understands his boyfriend's enthusiasm. Ah, that would explain the gift... which looks quite large.]

I would be honoured to celebrate with you. However, I'm afraid I don't have a gift to give you in return... At least, not one on such a grand scale as this.

Edited 2024-01-07 03:49 (UTC)

Oh, no. I never expected you to give me anything in return. To celebrate with you is enough.

[ He looks at the wrapped gift in his hands, contemplates it for a moment, then hands it to Zhongli. ]

I want you to have this.

Well, if that is your goal, then I would be honoured to celebrate with you.

[Zhongli takes the gift in hand, looking it over curiously.]

Thank you for this gift. Though it is unnecessary to feel an obligation to give me gifts, I am eager to see what it is you have picked out for me.

[And he begins to open it!]

[ As Zhongli peels open the wrapping paper, he'll find inside a hefty tome. The cover is a rich, humble brown, but very finely made. There is no title on the cover, and should he flip through the pages, he'll find them blank as well.

Trahearne's gaze darts away. ]

I was...worried when you mentioned Erosion. It pained me to see you so distraught over the loss of your own memories, and I did not know what I could do to help you.

[ He pauses, then turns back to look at him. ]

I don't think I'll ever know what it's like to be as long-lived as you, but if writing things down helps, then I will gladly give you as many books as you need to keep your memories.

[ At that, he gives a soft chuckle. ]

And selfishly, I think I would like to read your story.

[Admittedly, when Zhongli opens the book, he's at first intrigued, then a little puzzled. But as Trahearne explains, he looks up in surprise, and then back at the book. When he does, his expression goes softer and warmer, and he runs a hand tenderly over the cover of the book.]

Trahearne... truly, this is such a heartfelt gift. Though I do not believe the effects of Erosion can extend to this realm, the fact you wish for me to have this here for me to use... I am touched by your concern and generosity.

[He holds the tome close, reaching to hold Trahearne's hand and gently tug it to encourage him to come closer.]

I will be happy to write my story for you, and to have you read it. To share this with you... it would make me more than happy. Thank you, my dear... this gift means so much to me.

[ Trahearne's expression softens when Zhongli takes his hand, and he happily takes a step towards him, into his warmth. He watches him speak, and a smile slowly spreads across his face.

Even if Erosion might not affect him in this realm, that doesn't stop Trahearne from worrying. Nothing can stop Trahearne from worrying, really, but what makes him happiest is knowing that, even if it does somehow start to take effect, Zhongli has something to combat it with. ]

You're most welcome. I only want you to be happy, and give you what peace of mind I can.

[ Their situation is strange, but it isn't bad.

Trahearne squeezes Zhongli's hand. ]

Merry Wintersday.

It is indeed something that makes me feel a peace of mind. I already cannot wait to share my history with you.

[He leans in as Trahearne steps closer, moving to place a warm, lingering kiss to Trahearne's lips.]

Merry Wintersday.

[ Trahearne chuckles into the kiss, because he, too, is rather eager to read what Zhongli has to share. The scholar in him feels positively spoiled for dating someone like him. It's honestly the least he can do to give back.

Though it takes a moment for him to pull open his eyes again, a grin soon bursts across his face, and he tugs lightly at his hand. ]

I apologise for intruding on such short notice, but you wouldn't mind sharing a pot of tea for a little while, would you?

[ Any excuse to hang around longer, really. ]

[Rather than feel upset at the offer, Zhongli nods, and begins to lead Trahearne inside.]

Certainly. I came across a new tea blend that I think you would find agreeable. I've actually been meaning for an occasion to share it with you...

closed | hooray, hooray!

for zhongli

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Good to wrap?