It was by mere chance that he caught a glimpse of the stranger in the crowd around the docks, his manner of dress quite unlike anything even Zhongli had encountered in his very long life. That alone might not have been enough to catch his attention, but there was also a sense ofโฆ otherness about him. The same sort of aura that hung about the Traveler, a visitor from another world, followed this man around like wisps of fine smoke.
Zhongli would hardly consider such a person to be his responsibility - he was no longer the guardian of this land - but curiosity drove him to follow anyway. Just as well that he did, for the man soon finds himself in a rather sticky situation. (โGaldโ was it?)
He steps up to the counter, offering a polite nod to the man working - Zhongli himself is a regular here, and the recognition is instant. ]
Please, put it on my tab. I will have the usual, as well.
[ โOh, Mister Zhongli! Is this a friend of yours? I didnโt realizeโฆโ Zhongli simply waves off the concern, as if to say โno harm doneโ.
He then turns to the stranger and motions to the seating area. ]
[It is a surprising display of kindness that he would not have thought to ask as a favor, but is more than happy to accept. Surprise is writ in his expression for a brief moment before it smooths out into something more gracious, and he dips his head in deference.]
You have my thanks— I'm afraid I've found myself quite ill-prepared for extensive travel.
[Just how extensive, he does not say; perhaps it's fortunate that Zhongli hardly needs to be told. He follows the other gentleman's gesture, walking towards the small array of tables with a grace that perhaps seems a touch out of place on someone who had nearly just been turned away for being short of funds.]
You are very kind, to go out of your way for a stranger.
[ They both have that air about them, it seems. Impossibly poised while also being flat broke - at least the locals expect it of Zhongli, and the funeral parlor usually comes around to settle his bills now and again, so thereโs rarely any issues.
Zhongli slides into a seat at an empty table - one well away from prying ears - and motions for the man to take the seat across from him. ]
I could not help but notice that you seem a bit... out of place. You are a long way from home, I take it? Perhaps... [ he waves a hand, as if searching for the right words. ] Worlds away?
[He offers a nod of thanks as he lowers himself into the offered seat, neatly clasping his hands in front of him as he studies his impromptu benefactor. Well, right to the heart of things, then— though Dohalim knows full well he stands out.]
It must be quite obvious at a glance that this is my first visit to Liyue.
[The harbor, the country, the world itself— the latter of which the other man already seems to be well-aware of.]
[ Though Liyue is not his anymore in the truest sense, he still takes some measure of pride in the nation. After a long history of turmoil, Liyue has blossomed into something beautiful and resilient beyond even his expectations. ]
Ah, forgive me for not making introductions sooner. My name is Zhongli. And you are-?
chisels this out of the stone but also feel free to ignore
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no subject
It was by mere chance that he caught a glimpse of the stranger in the crowd around the docks, his manner of dress quite unlike anything even Zhongli had encountered in his very long life. That alone might not have been enough to catch his attention, but there was also a sense ofโฆ otherness about him. The same sort of aura that hung about the Traveler, a visitor from another world, followed this man around like wisps of fine smoke.
Zhongli would hardly consider such a person to be his responsibility - he was no longer the guardian of this land - but curiosity drove him to follow anyway. Just as well that he did, for the man soon finds himself in a rather sticky situation. (โGaldโ was it?)
He steps up to the counter, offering a polite nod to the man working - Zhongli himself is a regular here, and the recognition is instant. ]
Please, put it on my tab. I will have the usual, as well.
[ โOh, Mister Zhongli! Is this a friend of yours? I didnโt realizeโฆโ Zhongli simply waves off the concern, as if to say โno harm doneโ.
He then turns to the stranger and motions to the seating area. ]
Come. Shall we sit?
no subject
You have my thanks— I'm afraid I've found myself quite ill-prepared for extensive travel.
[Just how extensive, he does not say; perhaps it's fortunate that Zhongli hardly needs to be told. He follows the other gentleman's gesture, walking towards the small array of tables with a grace that perhaps seems a touch out of place on someone who had nearly just been turned away for being short of funds.]
You are very kind, to go out of your way for a stranger.
no subject
Zhongli slides into a seat at an empty table - one well away from prying ears - and motions for the man to take the seat across from him. ]
I could not help but notice that you seem a bit... out of place. You are a long way from home, I take it? Perhaps... [ he waves a hand, as if searching for the right words. ] Worlds away?
no subject
It must be quite obvious at a glance that this is my first visit to Liyue.
[The harbor, the country, the world itself— the latter of which the other man already seems to be well-aware of.]
It is beautiful country, all the same.
no subject
[ Though Liyue is not his anymore in the truest sense, he still takes some measure of pride in the nation. After a long history of turmoil, Liyue has blossomed into something beautiful and resilient beyond even his expectations. ]
Ah, forgive me for not making introductions sooner. My name is Zhongli. And you are-?
chisels this out of the stone but also feel free to ignore
[He lays a hand over his chest as he bows his head in greeting, offering a warm but reserved smile in response as he lifts his chin.]
A pleasure— and I must thank you, again, for your kind intervention. I have found myself at a bit of a loss, I admit.
[It's disorienting to find himself so out of place, to say the least.]