[ now properly dressed - you know canon i'm not linking anything - zhongli finds himself following his nose when he comes closer to the mansion kitchen's entrance. when he steps in, he... can't say he's surprised to see now-familiar pink bustling, not after his disappointment with the spiciness of the noodles at the cafe. ]
I see that our chef is already familiarizing himself with the kitchen. Are the ingredients more to your liking, now?
[ yeah same you've seen my blorbo's outfit, that's what he's wearing.
his ears swivel a bit when he hears the voice, and he laughs, a huffy noise. ]
They are most excellent. It's been a long time since I've been this spoiled for ingredients. [ he's so pleased. eats a carolina reaper whole. ] How are you doing today, my friend?
[ i love your blorbo but i need him to brush his fucking tail ]
That's good to hear. Interesting as the automated food was, I'm not sure I could have made do with it for longer than a day - I can't imagine the prospect for someone that does more than dabble in cooking. [ can't wait for him to stuff carolina reapers into the maws of everyone making a mess. he'll come closer, looking around at the new, stainless steel technology. wao. ] Better, now, although still getting used to some of the more unfamiliar things thus far.
I would have made the best of it, but it was dire. [ he jokes. he shifts just slightly to make room for zhongli to look. he's very carefully cutting a pepper, eyes on his work. ]
Does anything in particular vex you, or is that more general?
Did you try the, ah, nugs I believe they were? Dire indeed. [ he'll make sure to give jiaoqiu his room to work, but he does peek at what he's doing before moving to the other side of him to survey what else is available to them. ]
The devices are new to me, and this kitchen itself is far different from what I'm used to. We have technology in Teyvat that is quite advanced in some ways, but, ah... old-fashioned in others I think is the best way to describe it.
Teyvat? Is that the name of your planet? [ curiously! ] I've found that everybody has a different level of knowledge here. I found the little hummingbird opening and closing the icebox earlier today.
[ it was funny, ]
In any case - I did try the... nugs. And I think I can make something much, much better.
Mm, yes. The world and the continent are both often referred to as Teyvat, despite there being places outside of the continent - but the Dark Sea is beyond borders, and not many have crossed those waters, myself included. [ a quick explanation. then, with humor: ] I do at least know what an icebox is, but I was not familiar with the screen or the phone.
I suppose that is a fair point. [ IS IT? ] I do wonder what they used to fry them, but the texture of the meat itself was... interesting.
[ you're just a foodie shut up. ]
When I was given an explanation of their function, it was mentioned that their intended purpose was to communicate with others. As it stands... all we have is a much smaller Kamera.
A bit unnecessary for us, at the moment, amongst ourselves, given how little ground there is to cover. Much easier to cross the distance by foot to speak face to face.
But... if we could send something to our homes... yes, I would like that. To at least know that they're safe.
Mm. [ he's a little quiet for a moment after that, focusing on his cutting board. but maybe he's just really concentrated on cutting these vegetables!! ]
Well. There's no use in dwelling. We can only move forward.
zhongli is content to let the silence be filled with only the methodical chopping of food on a board, drifting away to examine something else as the weight of reality rests undisturbed. ]
Yes. We can do very little about the past. Our present is rife with questions - but, ideally, our future will have the answers we need.
that is to say, he's out on the beach, sitting under a big umbrella dressed like this. he looks pretty cozy, ears flopped back lazily on his head as he stares out at the waves. he's got a spicy drink in hand and he's sipping it every so often, tail wagging gently behind him on the towel. his hair looks really nice today, it's all brushed and sleek looking.
[ by contrast... zhongli has cleaned his suit from home, wearing it again today instead of changing. but he's out and about on the beach, regardless, roaming with his quiet interest obvious in the way he's looking around.
or, maybe not? when he spots jiaoqiu, he does pick up his quiet steps a little more obviously so that his footfalls can be heard as he approaches. best to not startle anyone, if he can help it, and he's sure that jiaoqiu's keen ears would appreciate it. ]
[ thank you zhongli, he does in fact pick up on those footsteps. his ear flicks, and he glances over his shoulder, waving. he doesn't say anything at first, but when zhongli speaks up, that usual smile settles in place. ]
It is, isn't it. The beach certainly brings thoughts of paradise to mind. Would you care to join me, Mr. Zhongli?
[ he's been around enough illuminated beasts and animal familiars to know not to spook furries with too fast or too quiet an approach. ]
Especially with not a thing to disturb it. It feels a bit too good to be true, Heaven or not. [ no greedy gulls, no hilichurls setting up settlements, no slimes bouncing around... ] If you would not mind the company, I would be glad to.
[ childe went to superhell with the evil seagulls...... ]
Then, gladly. [ he lowers himself gracefully down beneath the umbrella with jiaoqiu, a bit closer than he would have just yesterday. the spear gets set down on the other side as he neatly settles. ]
There's a rather fascinating cave up the beach, beneath the hill where the lighthouse sits. Within it you can manipulate the clouds to imagine whatever intangible thing you like. Nevermind the boardwalk, something I am unfamiliar with in its scope.
[ on one hand, he's quietly surprised by the gesture. on the other, he doesn't think before he briefly strokes his fingers over some errant fur that curls at his side, smoothing it out before returning his hand to his lap. ]
It does, doesn't it? There are domains in Teyvat where such things can happen, instances even outside of them where energies are manipulated in such a way, but they're not often safe. This was. [ he tilts his head slightly. ] It is. We have festivals and games on our harbor sometimes, but it's quite different.
[ normally he'd be a bit more reticent, but the effect really just makes him much more at ease. his tail does a little flicky when zhongli touches it, but that's not a protest. ]
When I hear all of you talk about your home worlds, it does make me want to visit them. [ ... ] I wonder if your Teyvat is out there in my universe, somewhere.
[ he's content to stay seated like this after a return gesture, at peace with the sun and the waves, but especially the company.
jiaoqiu and jing yuan remind him of home, just a step to the left in many ways. maomao and waner, meanwhile, are a step to the right in his mind. ]
Likewise. The things that I've learned so far... apparently there are more beautiful beaches out there than this, and worlds filled with technology to marvel. [ headtilt ] It would be quite a wonder to know that we would be technical neighbors. What sort of place is where you call home, Mister Jiaoqiu?
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