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101 » that ancient pride that can never go away
[ Even being named Rex Lapis's sacrifice is a privilege in itself. The process of selecting an offering is a highly competitive one, and every single dancer and storyteller and tailor's pretty daughter signs up for the lottery. Everyone in Liyue wants to be offered to a god, after all — not because it comes with particular boons or blessings (it usually doesn't), but for the privilege of being able to say that they spent a year in Rex Lapis' service.
For the most part, it isn't worth much. A year is a short period of time for a god, and Rex Lapis doesn't often need to be entertained. A sacrifice could consider herself lucky to be called upon even three times in one year.
Moreover, the lottery itself is a ruse. The Qixing has its own methods of selecting the yearly offering.
But Aether figured that part out right away.
It involved quite a lot of maneuvering on Aether's part — first, he had to get into the good graces of the Qixing, so he'd spent a good deal of effort wheedling and bribing his way into an appointment with Ningguang. What ultimately led him to be named as the offering, however, was that he lucked into helping Keqing settle a dispute with the Fatui that left her impressed with his swordsmanship and his character. Based on her strong recommendation, and a show of rare approval from Ganyu, the Qixing unanimously voted to present Rex Lapis with an outlander.
It's a break from tradition, but maybe that's just what Liyue needs right now. And it's what Aether wants, too. If he can impress Rex Lapis — if he can befriend a god — then perhaps he can secure the Archon's assistance in finding his missing sister. A year will be time well spent if he can get that.
So now he's here. Surrounded by other offerings — the finest jade, the richest fragrance, the sweetest incense and the most sumptuous food — Aether waits at the center of the pavilion, kneeling in the black-and-gold silk robe Ningguang gifted him. Despite the traditional presentation, it does nothing to conceal the fact that he is clearly not a resident of Liyue. But perhaps that's the point. Tradition can only be revitalized by adding new twists every now and then.
As the grand stone dragon comes soaring down from the sky and coils above his offering table, Aether lifts his head, meeting the Archon's golden eyes with his own. ]
...Rex Lapis.
[ Patiently, Aether recites the traditional greeting Keqing coached him through. ]
If it pleases you, I am yours from now until the next Rite of Decension.
For the most part, it isn't worth much. A year is a short period of time for a god, and Rex Lapis doesn't often need to be entertained. A sacrifice could consider herself lucky to be called upon even three times in one year.
Moreover, the lottery itself is a ruse. The Qixing has its own methods of selecting the yearly offering.
But Aether figured that part out right away.
It involved quite a lot of maneuvering on Aether's part — first, he had to get into the good graces of the Qixing, so he'd spent a good deal of effort wheedling and bribing his way into an appointment with Ningguang. What ultimately led him to be named as the offering, however, was that he lucked into helping Keqing settle a dispute with the Fatui that left her impressed with his swordsmanship and his character. Based on her strong recommendation, and a show of rare approval from Ganyu, the Qixing unanimously voted to present Rex Lapis with an outlander.
It's a break from tradition, but maybe that's just what Liyue needs right now. And it's what Aether wants, too. If he can impress Rex Lapis — if he can befriend a god — then perhaps he can secure the Archon's assistance in finding his missing sister. A year will be time well spent if he can get that.
So now he's here. Surrounded by other offerings — the finest jade, the richest fragrance, the sweetest incense and the most sumptuous food — Aether waits at the center of the pavilion, kneeling in the black-and-gold silk robe Ningguang gifted him. Despite the traditional presentation, it does nothing to conceal the fact that he is clearly not a resident of Liyue. But perhaps that's the point. Tradition can only be revitalized by adding new twists every now and then.
As the grand stone dragon comes soaring down from the sky and coils above his offering table, Aether lifts his head, meeting the Archon's golden eyes with his own. ]
...Rex Lapis.
[ Patiently, Aether recites the traditional greeting Keqing coached him through. ]
If it pleases you, I am yours from now until the next Rite of Decension.
I don't have dragon icons but WE CAN IMAGINE
Even now, the Exuvia Rex Lapis dons for the ritual is unchanged from millennia ago. He is grand; powerful, the energy of an Archon rippling off him in resplendent waves that seem to fill the room with his very presence.
As it is every year he descends, Liyue is subtly different. Trees have shifted, a statue has been added; the air is filled with the faint scent of smoke. But all of these are minor things, inconsequential as he senses before sight his offering--for how could he not, when the energies within them are so startling different from all those around them?
Rex Lapis's eyes gleam brightly as large, taloned paws touch down upon the pavilion below. The fine hairs of his maw undulate with each wave of power that flows through him, and slowly, he lowers his head to inspect the young man before him.
He is not of this world. The realization is immediate but no less surprisingly in its unexpectedness. How intriguing.
He lowers his head in recognition of Aether's offering, a strong, but kind rumble echoing in his chest. ]
I accept this offering so graciously provided. Tell me, young Traveller...what is your name?
imagine the cute dragon!!!
[ It's difficult to tell just by looking — the Unknown God had similar golden eyes, and gods can assume all kinds of forms — but by his voice and demeanor, Rex Lapis is probably not the god that Aether is seeking; he's not the god that kidnapped Lumine. Which means the traveler can relax, to a certain degree, although... not by much.
The reason is this: it suddenly occurs to Aether that he has no idea where the ceremony is supposed to go from here.
Keqing never mentioned what was supposed to happen next...! Awkwardly, he sneaks a glance at her from the podium, seeking guidance, but she only nods and gives him an encouraging smile — which is very nice, but not actually helpful for what he's supposed to do now. (He has the sudden, sneaking suspicion that the Qixing have done this on purpose in an attempt to buck tradition, but he would have appreciated not taking the blame for it...)
Well, nothing for it but to just... be himself.
For some reason, the only thing Aether can think to do is... put his hand on Rex Lapis's nose. Or... snout, as it were. It's purely a matter of instinct. Rex Lapis is just there, lowering his head in front of him — and sure, the god isn't an animal, but it's just an ingrained reflex of Aether's to pat things that are nosing at him inquisitively!
This is, judging by the hushed gasps and titters from the onlookers below, not what he was supposed to do. Well. It's too late now. Aether doubles down on it, rising to his feet as he just sort of... gently pats Rex Lapis's nose and smiles. ]
...Sorry. Am I not allowed to touch you?
the cutest of dragons!! to go with the cutest offering, omg ;w; he pet his boopnose...
He chuckles. ]
Aether... [ he mulls the name aloud, testing it on his tongue, as it were ] Think nothing of it. It is a pleasure to meet you.
[ It comes out soft and rumbling, and then, simply because Aether has entreated him so--he settles his chin on the ground for the briefest of moments, a rare display of acceptance, before he blows a small burst of warm air from his nostrils. ]
the sweetest nose to boop ♥
It's easier to feel something now — something that isn't just nervous tension and a poor attempt to expect the unexpected. It might not be so bad to do whatever this dragon pleases for the next year. Smiling easily, Aether pets Rex Lapis's nose for a moment longer before he decides he's disrespected the God of Contracts for long enough, and he should really stop. ]
The pleasure is mine, really. I think we'll get along.
[ The people down below, at least, seem to have settled down, mostly because Rex Lapis has accepted his offering's advances — and what dusty tradition could matter more than the word of Rex Lapis? Aether glances a little uncertainty at the fine gemstones, the delicious food. ]
Your people have presented a fine banquet for you, my liege... Do you usually eat it?
[ The actual tradition might be for the onlookers to partake of it after Rex Lapis has left, but Aether wouldn't know. ]
uwu Morax is keeping him forever
[ comes the rumble, Aether's words a reminder of his purpose here. As intrigued as he is with this year's offering, there is yet work to be done; as is stipulated in his contract to the people of Liyue.
Rex Lapis pulls back from Aether and rears tall to his full majesty, addressing the crowds of people who have come to see his descent. ]
Another year has come and gone, another page added to the timeless history of our beloved Liyue; I receive both Offering and Rite, and offer my decree thus:
This year is one of plenty! Sow rich your fields, delve deep into earth. The chains of commerce bind us all, from humble farmer to the Qixing themselves. May the waters of Liyue flow gold with my blessing.
[ It's symbolic more than anything else, but the crowd cheers nevertheless. The true workings of his edicts shall be discussed at length with the Qixing at a later time, once the festivities have concluded.
For now though, merriment and celebration breaks out as music fills the air and one by one, the people of Liyue come to offer their words of praise and gratitude to the mighty Archon. It's a practice he is well-used to, settling one long forearm over the other in order to address his subjects directly--but luckily for Aether, plans have been made in advance and he is granted a seat at the Archon's side, a seat of the finest silk and plushest cushions on which to wait on hand. ]
super sorry for how late this is!
Perhaps Aether is not expected to do much more but sit and be a pretty ornament for his new master's enjoyment, but the traveler isn't really the type to just sit around and not be proactive. That being said, he doesn't quite know how he's meant to serve Rex Lapis just yet — though he has a few ideas. They can discuss that later between themselves, though.
For the time being, he is content to partake of the feast just like anyone else, though every time he tastes something that he enjoys, he's sure to offer it to Rex Lapis as well.]
I've never had jellyfish before... It's delicious. Do you like it too, Rex Lapis?
[Despite being an outlander, Aether still wields chopsticks as deftly as if he were born and raised in Liyue. He offers a coil of delicious seasoned jellyfish wrapped around his chopsticks to the mighty dragon before him — despite the fact that his portion must be no more than a morsel to Rex Lapis's large teeth, it seems the traveler is still willing to... feed the god by hand.
He may not be entirely aware that this makes him look like a newlywed bride doting on her husband...]
no worries!! Sorry on my end to--irl is busybusy ;w;
It should be a shame to waste such a fine delicacy, especially one so earnestly offered. ]
I find it agreeable when prepared in a certain manner, yes. This particular dish is in the traditional Yue-style of cooking, a true testament to its sophistication. I would be delighted to partake in such a meal.
[ Of course, the bite Aether offers to him is much too small for his massive form--but that is a problem easily fixed for an Archon. As he lifts his great head and leans in over Aether, Geo pulses through him; thick bands of gold run the length of his body, cracks in his Exuvia's skin as it chips off and fades, leaving a tall man in white robes, arms darkened by the force he represents.
Rex Lapis smiles down at his offering in his much more human-looking form...and then leans forward to take the offered bite.
Gasps of awe and delight rise out from the crowd. ]
it's ok!! i love this thread and will wait patiently
The crowd is pleasantly surprised, but not stunned. Of course not. It is well-known by the people of Liyue that Rex Lapis may take any form he so desires, and one such preferred form is indeed that of the man for whom the Geo Archon statues were modeled. It has been many long years since last he was seen in this guise, however, and it seems fortuitous to be able to witness him in the flesh: he is a good-looking man with sharp golden eyes, though his arms are made of black stone, with Geo energies coursing visibly through them like veins or tattoos. "Wow!" a young woman in the crowd says to her friend, rather audibly. "That's Rex Lapis? That's Rex Lapis!"
Aether can't fault her. He's honestly stuck thinking the same thing. That's Rex Lapis?
No one told him the dragon god was going to be handsome!
A little flustered and pink-cheeked despite himself — recollect yourself, Aether, you have so many other things to worry about — Aether lowers his chopsticks back into his bowl, trying not to stare or gape.]
O-Oh... Then... I'm glad you liked it...
[...He's just going to need a moment. Get yourself together!]
grips ur hands!!
Morax can't help an indulgent quirk of his lips. If up until now his newest companion has only had that playful Barbatos for company, it is no wonder that he would be unprepared for the grandeur and power of an Archon born of the Adepti. He will ensure to make a favourable--and lasting--impression. ]
If seafood is to your liking, I can also recommend the Black-Back Perch stew, a specialty of the Wanmin restaurant. Every Rite of Descension they see fit to supply some--aha. Yes, here we are.
[ Morax turns and finds what he is seeking easily, picking a bowl up with a care that belies the stonelike appearance of his arms, and summons a pair of his own chopsticks from the very air itself; they are gold, almost glowing, as he dips them into the bowl and procures a plentiful helping...
...and holds it out to return the very same favour to Aether. ]
Please, try some.
no subject
...which is delicious, naturally. This despite the fact that the traveler is ordinarily not all that fond of fish! His expression lights up as he chews and swallows thoughtfully, clearly taking the time to savor all the different elements of the broth.]
It's really good... Xiangling's father really doesn't disappoint.
[That being said, Aether is keenly aware of all the pairs of eyes on them, and could just about die of embarrassment...
Fortunately for him, a long-legged woman soon approaches the god and his sacrifice, hiding a catlike smirk behind a golden fan. It's Ningguang, of course — and though the Tianquan is normally rather serious and solemn when it comes to her rare public appearances, for once, she has deigned to greet them both with a smile.
"I take it you approve of this year's offering, Rex Lapis?" The woman's tone is careful, reverent — but very obviously amused. She might even be teasing her god. "We of the Qixing are pleased that you are pleased, though I think that if you are going to devour him along with your meal, you had best do so away from the crowd."
Aether tries not to react visibly or audibly to this remark, but his ears go scarlet...]
I LOVE THIS PSL SO MUCH omg....
That thought will need to be saved for another time, however. Ningguang is given his undivided attention as she teases, as his subtle smile only grows as his offering turns a rather interesting shade of crimson. ]
Is that so? I see. Forgive my impropriety. I find myself carried away these days.
[ "Carried away", as if his indulgences in the behaviour and habits of mortals is a new hobby of his
though relatively speaking...Rex Lapis sets his chopsticks down with the grace and elegance expected of an Archon and inclines his head faintly to Aether. ]Shall we retire? I know it is early in the festivities, but I do find myself rather eager to devour a great many things about you.
[ HE MEANS IN TERMS OF WHERE HE COMES FROM AND THE LIKE...but. Well. Ningguang said it, so this must be the new "in style" way of talking. It's always so fun to try out human idioms. ]
GOOD i do too!!
With a quick, uncertain glance at Ningguang, the traveler sets his bowl and chopsticks down; they barely touched the food, but that's all right, as he's not especially hungry, and the massive offerings to Rex Lapis are largely for the benefit of the crowd after all is said and done anyway.]
Do I just leave these here?
[Ningguang smiles in her mysterious way, closing her fan shut. "Do as you like. We will see to it that your exit is conducted delicately." The woman is a queen of keeping her emotions close to her chest, but still, she seems to soften slightly as she looks at his worried face. Some measure of casual evaluation enters her tone. "You are far too nervous, Aether. Relax. Nothing is expected of you now save that you treat Rex Lapis with respect. The ceremony is complete."
Well — sure. That's easy enough for her to say, he supposes. He doesn't think of himself as a terribly shy person, but still, there's something faintly shy to the way he reaches out to take Rex Lapis's hand.]
...All right. Shall we, then? There's plenty that I want to get to know about you, too.
[He doesn't actually know how they're going to exit, but a god is a god, after all. Perhaps they can just teleport...?]
I'm so sorry for how late this is ;;;;;;
Very well.
[ His lips curve into a faint smile, less so the polite one he saves for such occasions; this one is kinder, more indulgent. A rare treat for any offering. ]
I shall leave the rest to you.
[ This he says to Ningguan with a bow of his head, and then once again Aether becomes his sole focus as he lifts their joined hands. ]
Come. Though you no doubt wish to enjoy the festivities, we shall retire to someplace quieter for now. On occasions such a this, I often return to the Golden House once the main ceremony is done. Lodgings will have been prepared in advance.
[ To most, an invitation to the most carefully-guarded location in all of Liyue would be too much to dream of; but Rex Lapis offers it as if merely ask Aether to a common stall amidst the habrour. Such extravagance is a given when it comes to the Geo Archon.
Especially when it takes but a thought for them to be in one location one second, and another entirely the very next. Liuli Pavilion disappears in an instant, replaced by the lavish interior of a finely furnished room filled with golden artifacts, silken drapery, and fine delicacies. ]
♥♥♥
Oh! This is where you live?
[It's beautiful, yes. And it's grand, yes. But more than the splendor and the luxury — Aether actually breaks into laughter as he looks at Zhongli's perfectly ordinary, perfectly lovely bed for a human man.]
No one told me — I thought I'd be staying with you in a cave or something! A dragon's nest...
[He's not disappointed, at least. More... relieved than anything else.]