noblerise | IC Inbox

[Neither of them do casual very well, it seems. Zhongli is trying to learn, though. He's gotta be hip.]

Please pardon my intrusion.

[He bows his head briefly, then steps inside.]

I came to offer some healing soup and these flowers as a wish for your good health and recovery. I will tell you a little about both, if you like.

[Jusis closes the door behind Zhongli and points out the kitchen to him.]

Both are welcome. I believe I have a vase that would suit them.

[There's a cabinet where he's pretty sure he's stored one of his mother's vases. Jusis heads over to the living room to quickly dig it out, grateful that he's remembered where it is. It's not as if it gets much use, but there are occasions where he's definitely needed it because of a gift. The blond then joins Zhongli in the kitchen to fill a simple, yet elegant glass vase with water.]

I would like to hear their stories. [And he is genuine in that desire to hear them.] Would you be more comfortable telling them in the living room?

[Zhongli nods and moves into the kitchen so he can set the soup on the counter. Truly, tupperware has advanced since the 70s. It certainly looks more elegant than it used to. He looks over as Jusis joins him, interested in the very elegant vase he's brought.]

That vase is beautiful. [He offers the bouquet. The flowers are freshly cut, so there's no need to trim them.] The living room? Yes, that would suit us just fine. I know I tend to go on a while.

[Wow that almost sounded self-aware.

As they settle in there, Zhongli starts with the bouquet.]

Chrysanthemums have been revered in Chinese culture since ancient times. They're known as a symbol of happiness and health. Peonies, the other flower in that bouquet, are often associated with emperors and nobility. Yellow peonies in particular represent good fortune and prosperity.

Going back to chrysanthemums for a moment, the poet Tao Qian wrote about them in the 4th century. A few others like him spent their lives in relative seclusion amongst nature, enjoying simple pursuits and finding enlightenment in the quiet. One of these poems is particularly famous, and simply evoking the first line can convey a similar feeling... In this way, it reminds me of the American poet Robert Frost and the Road Not Taken.

Tao Qian's poem can be translated something like this:

'I built my hut in a world of men,
But there's no sound of carriages and horses.
You ask me how this is possible.
When the heart is far away, surroundings become remote.

I pick chrysanthemums by the east fence,
And idly gaze at the southern mountain.
The mountain air is so beautiful at sunset,
As the birds fly home together.

There's true meaning in this.
I want to explain, but I've already forgotten the words.'

Even someone who has never set foot in the Chinese countryside can understand the feeling of being in a place like this.

[Jusis takes the flowers and arranges them nicely in the vase.]

Thank you. It was part of a gift from my mother after I graduated high school.

[It's clear by how clean it is that he's treasured his mother's gifts greatly. Satisfied with how the flowers settle in their new home, the blond follows Zhongli into the living room and takes a seat.

Jusis listens attentively as the older man goes on about the flowers, and then immediately gets side tracked into poetry. He's almost impressed by Zhongli's memory. He'd be far more impressed if this happened before the cello incident, but it's fine.]

There are still places in Germany like that, though I was quite impressed with the landscape in the part of North Carolina I used to live in. It didn't take much time to get away from the city and find yourself in a forest.

I can imagine that China has a beautiful countryside, though I've never been there personally.

[A gift from his mother... Zhongli can guess how valuable this vase is, then, not in a monetary value sort of way but a sentimental one. Jusis's mother is one of those few bright lights in the young man's life. He nods, acknowledging the honor.

The vibes in the room are a lot different when he doesn't have all of Jusis's roommates waiting to rip him apart like a crab tossed into a flock of seagulls. That was deserved, but still. He likes the room much better today.]

Is that so? Perhaps I'll make the time to travel through the eastern states later. I've been to Germany, at least, and I quite enjoyed it. [He loves the food, but can you blame him really?]

China is very large and diverse, and parts of it are still untamed even today. There are still gods living in those mountains according to the villagers. [He smiles a little.] If you ever get the chance to travel there, I could give you a few personal recommendations.

[Which reminds him--]

The bamboo shoot soup that I brought has its origins in Jiangnan cuisine. The taste is complex though the ingredients are simple, because it's been cooked at low heat for a long time. Be sure to eat it slowly as it's very rich. [A pause.] I recommend reheating it over the stovetop rather than using a microwave.

[Today, it's a more welcoming room, especially as the curtains are open to let the sunlight stream in. That gives the place added cheer.]

I recommend starting in Virginia. It has preserved much of its landscape by making them state parks or historical sites. Just be respectful of the Appalachian Mountains. They're older than bones, and they haven't forgotten that.

[Haunted as hell mountain range, that's for sure. Even experienced Guardians tread lightly when they have missions there. Still, at Zhongli's offer, he returns the small smile.]

I should be grateful for recommendations, given how vast the country is.

[Jusis does seem quite interested in the bamboo shoot soup's history. Though, at Zhongli's mention of a microwave, he makes a slight face.]

Ugh, I'm not going to microwave it. That seems disrespectful to the dish to me. Still, thank you for giving us a soup to enjoy over several days. We'll be sure to savor it.

[His eyebrows rise.] Few mountains do. Fear not, I will be very respectful when I deal with them. [Zhongli, of all people, is not about to disrespect ancient mountains.

He could talk about China for hours, which is why he teaches college classes.]

It felt like the least I could do after the way the last few weeks have unfolded. Perhaps it makes me old-fashioned, but when a friend has been unwell, I was taught to aid in their recovery however possible. [Then he says something a little strange...] Even the meekest prayers can still be heard by the one who's meant to hear them.

[Jusis gives a nod of acknowledgement. At least Zhongli won't fall into that particular trap. Though, if the man visits them, he'll be curious to hear what Zhongli's thoughts on them are.

Oh... he's being called a friend. That has Jusis looking away for a brief second like the tsundere he is. However, he's been raised with manners, so he'll accept it with... some grace.]

Such gestures are always appreciated. Just know that I'll be extending the same courtesy to you as well, Zhongli.

[The blond definitely catches that, and his theory about Zhongli is starting to be confirmed in a strange way. However....]

Indeed, though I try to not rely on gods. For my part, I wish to live without their aid and have them judge me at the end of my natural life based purely on my own merits, not because I prayed enough to their satisfaction. However, I'll take their gifts with the grace they're due.

Is that so? [There's some amusement in his voice. It's funny that Jusis is claiming he'll be the one to help Zhongli out when he needs it. No one really helps Zhongli in this stage of his retirement. He's the one in the background making things happen, at least when he's able to.] I will keep that in mind in the future.

[Well, if he needs it, then he'll take it.]

I agree. People have made all sorts of advancements, and they've shown their ingenuity again and again. They've built great nations and economies from nothing, and they've even touched the heavens. They have no need to rely on gods for guidance or protection in this day and age.

That will never dissuade the devout, however, and it doesn't need to. ... It's enough simply to be remembered.

[He seems to realize he's said a little too much, and clears his throat.]

Anyway, I shouldn't take up any more of your time. You still need to rest.

Please do.

[Zhongli has definitely said too much. Then again, with Jusis, he doesn't need all that much to form his own conclusions from the clues given to him. The blond gives him a nod and stands from his seat.]

Of course. I appreciate your company and your gifts. I'm certain the soup will help greatly.

[He'll walk Zhongli to the door like a good host and opens it for him. However, after a pause he says,]

Is there a god you would like for me to remember? I may only be one mortal soul, but allow me to carry a piece of legend with me for as long as I can.

[There's a flash of Lianne Sandlot in his memories, a legend made immortal yet... tragedy, something again his mind tries to shield him from. As if his past life is trying to tell him it's not yet time to remember, that he's not quite ready to remember.]

[Zhongli gets up too and straightens his coat.] I hope that it does. I make it every so often—its taste is nostalgic.

[It's his favorite, but that's strongly implied. As he steps outside, though, he pauses. That's... not a question he was expecting, and that much is written openly on his face for a moment. Then he clasps his hands behind his back and turns away.

There are many gods in his memories. Most of them died, several by his own hands, some by circumstance. Yet the one that flutters in his mind's eye is Guizhong, because of the glaze lilies they found.]

Rex Lapis. [He looks back at Jusis.] You haven't heard of him, but among his people, he is known as the God of Contracts. He has a perfect memory. He remembers the name of every person he's met, every wine he has tasted, the details of numerous contracts he's supervised and written over the millennia, and even the sailing schedules of every ship that visited his country's port. No one is left to remember him now except me—and you, I suppose.

The difficult thing about history is that it isn't permanent. Histories, though recorded, can still change. Paper falls apart. Even legacies written in stone will eventually crumble, and gods are much the same. They are not infallible, and certainly not immune to the ravages of time.

[He closes his eyes briefly.]

... I never did find a better way of recording the truth.

So I left the history of that world with someone who traversed the stars. I suppose I could entrust it to another 'traveler' once again.

[He smiles a little.]

Good night, Jusis.

['Rex Lapis,' he says. Jusis will commit the name and story to his memory. He understands what Zhongli is telling him in this moment, and he now understands perfectly why the older man doesn't like to talk about it if possible. Immortality is quite the curse.]

Goodnight, Zhongli. I hope Rex Lapis finds his peace as well.

[Gently, he closes the door behind Zhongli.]

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