bakerstreet | So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.

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So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.

The Dragon's Bride

Flames, then ash. Your village will be left with little else should the dragon that plagues the countryside not get his demanded sacrifice...if you're lucky. Your good fortune turns south, the bones of your neighbors (or whatever else remains of them) litter a new charred graveyard that was once a town. So, the necessary offers must be made.

At least that's the hope. The alternative would be too awful to contemplate.

In a last-ditch effort to save those you love — or against your will, as these things tend to go with forcibly created martyrs — you have been hoisted onto the pyre, waiting for the dragon to fly off with you. What terrors race through your mind as your doom impends?

How you'll end up in a beast's belly, no doubt. Except, you must consider this: there are worst fates than being a dragon's next meal. A monster that covets you as its treasure...a new type of danger unfurls its wings. You've become a dragon's bride.

But could such an infernal creature ever learn to know honest, unselfish affection? Is it possible to be more than a "spouse?" A mere treasure?

Perhaps, you could learn to be a dragon's love.

HOW TO PLAY
✗ Comment with your character, roles ("dragon" or "bride") prefs, etc.
✗ Y'all know how this goes. Approach "dragon" as a stand-in. The monster mash could be elves, orcs, goblins, werewolves, demons, dwarves, fey, purple people eaters, what have you. Of course, actual dragon and shifters folks are welcome, too! And don't think that you have to make your boring human a boring ol' human. Consider this the monster/supernatural being/cryptid/creature AU of your dreams!
✗ Second verse, same as the first, "bride" registers as gender-neutral 'round these parts. That word choice just sounds a touch more poetic.
✗ Reply to others.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Can be dragon or bride. Just know that as a bride, he's very dangerous.]

[Can be either/or]

[Either]

[ either ]

((The bride))

[The dragon! Danny is a mafia goon turned vampire, or we can AU it up and he can be an actual dragon.]

( castmates and cross-canon welcome; Xingqiu as the role of the 'bride' given up to the terrifying dragon (love dragons and/or shifters,) being the youngest heir of the family that manages the Commerce Guild where he is from, which sounds like a pretty shiny gift to be handed over to quell a dragon's ire. Xingqiu doesn't have a canon age, so he's estimated at 16-17, but I can age him to 18; fine with peers in age or an older party. (not necessary, but considering Zhongli actually had a dragon form...that is very welcome here!) for cross-canon, I'm happy to AU things to mesh backgrounds together to make sense for all sides. initial meeting or semi-established captive situation equally good for starting with.

questions or plotting, PM this journal. )

[[OoC: Hi there! Would you be interested in something with this guy here? I’m still voicetesting him though, so I hope that’s ok!]]

( ooc; yes of course! no worries about voicetesting here. uwu if you have ideas you can just drop a starter on me, i'll roll with anything. )

[[OoC: Ok, awesome! Thanks a bunch ;w; I was thinking if you want Xingqiu to be the offered bride, maybe Chongyun is like a protective dragon who protects Liyue from evil spirits and has an aura so strong they just keep away, but sometimes his aura flairs up and he goes on a rampage the people think that’s the dragon getting upset or something? I’m just thinking about a clever way to include his yang spirit in this but I’m also cool to roll with whatever!]]

[[I do have work right away but I can do a starter when I get back!]]

( aaaa honestly that sounds like a really good set up, i'm down for that! i'm fine if you want Chongyun to be primarily in dragon form, shapeshifter, or even a Beauty and the Beast sort of situation where after Xingqiu unlocks the necessary friendship level Chongyun gets to turn into his adorable self. uwu whichever you prefer! and take your time! )

[[OoC: I think I'm maybe going with the shifter option, though we can always put a pin in the Beauty and the Beast idea (maybe necessary friendship level = he can be a Full Human or something idk). Something to work with for sure!]]

[[Anyways, I am here now, so here's a starter! Let me know if I should change anything or adjust things!]]

[Liyue was a land that has alwayd been revered for being a bountiful harbour of many rich resources. The people who lived here knew they were fortunate to do so, blessed by a vast land that offered many gifts to those who resided here. Many had sought to claim Liyue for themselves, take the vast riches for their own and plunge the land in darkness. But Liyue was not without defence; the land and its people were protected by a mighty dragon who had sworn to defend Liyue from evil and the rumours thereof. Those who dared to threaten the dragon's domain were met with fang and talon and breath of the coldest frost. And it was under the dragon's watchful eye that peace was ensured.]

[But the dragon had a problem, one it had not divulged to the people. The dragon who protected the land had a powerful aura indeed, one that could frighten away evil spirits for miles. But such an aura was a double-edged sword; if it were not carefully maintained and managed, the aura would flair up painfully within the dragon, causing him to become unsettled and unruly. His roars would ring out throughout the land, and he would thrash and roil in discomfort, causing destruction in his wake. The people, not understanding what ailed the dragon, thought that the beast was angry with them, and that a sacrifice would be needed to appease his rage.]

[And so, it was decided that the son of one of the wealthiest families in all of Liyue would be offered as tribute, in hopes of calming the beast into granting them forgiveness.]

[It was a cold winter's day when Chongyun noticed the humans approaching the entrance to his shrine. He did not often interact with the humans personally, choosing instead to take their offerings after they had left so they would not be affected by his aura. A part of him wondered if he should make an exception, and apologize for his latest rampage... but that thought was banished when he noticed the humans leaving him gifts. Gold and food and other offerings... and a young human? That drew his curiosity.]

[He watched from his perch high above, curious. What were the humans doing..?]

( after days of fretful debate, the Tianquan planning and ruminating with many other leaders of the harbor over the matter at hand — the restless winter dragon that crowned Liyue as their spiritual guardian in the slumbering absence of Rex Lapis — the Jade Chamber announced a final conclusion.

the people of Liyue were told that an offering had been arranged, a contract drawn. no one uttered such a word as sacrifice...but when the name of the Commerce Guild's heir was uttered as he that will allay their irate overseer for the people of Liyue, well...it was certainly implied.

sorrows and gratitude poured toward the Commerce Guild, condolences and sympathy, that their son had been chosen to be sent away.

what they didn't know was that the choice came from their sacrifice himself.

Xingqiu wanted no praise, not to be canonized as some sort of hero for the choice. to preserve the safety of the harbor and villages beyond, he would not elect to something as selfish as accolade. not knowing what would come of him or what he would do, he still feared that anyone else would be woefully unprepared to face the frost-breathing dragon with soul of pure yang, or worse...that someone would produce an improper plan to silence their winged warden.

a soul of pure yang... if Xingqiu could do anything, he hopes he can leverage all that he has learned from the Guhua clan to face this predicament and balance the scales again.

the procession up the mountain has been a solemn one, but for Xingqiu, bundled heavily into an embroidered silk cloak adorned in silvery layered clouds against a sapphire blue, his attention has been piercingly attuned to the old shrine carved into the biting stone. winter is a deceptive and too-native climate here on this path, and the higher that the altitude climbs; in midsummer, it's still possible to catch this path frosted in snow from time to time.

once the Millelith set carts of gifts and bribes out onto every tiered surface at the shrine's stony gate, they tentatively trickle away, leaving Xingqiu behind to light incense in brass lanterns — to call the dragon down from his unknown, never-seen nest. )

Crowning jewel of Liyue, with frozen laurels ward;
Your benevolent display repels the contemptible horde...

( old lyric that Xingqiu could even find carved into the stones standing here, if the native blustering winds didn't spend centuries buffing the grit of them nearly clean. his study and personal passions alone, he can recite the words with the easy precision of his own name. )

Evil flee in your wake, no sight of claw or fang;
But with frosted ache, they will suffer the cleansing wrath of yang.

( as Xingqiu casts his gaze up the wild, untreaded path toward the dragon's keep, he prays deeply that he will not have to draw his blade on their cherished guardian. )

[As the procession recedes, only the boy clad in embroidered silk remains, and Chongyun watches as he begins to light the incense in the lanterns. And then the words reach his ears, carried up on the icy winds and making his ears twitch. Ah... such a verse has not been spoken to him in a very long time; it was an ancient poem, one written to both praise him and call upon him in times of dire need. And now this lone human was calling to him..? It was perplexing. He thought that he would be the one needing to apologize to the humans, not the other way around.]

[Perhaps his most recent rampage had awoken something, or lured something to Liyue's borders. With such a large offering, his mind wandered to the possibility of a truly evil spirit being sighted. Why else would the humans call upon him and leave him such a lavish offering? And with Rex Lapis in his deep slumber, it fell upon Chongyun to defend the people against such a being. Especially if it was brought on by his aura going out of control again.]

[Once the final lantern was lit, Chongyun rose up on his perch, the frozen air wrapping around him as he leapt into the sky. He circled the air once, twice, before slowly circling down, towards the ancient shrine below.]

[As he neared the shrine, Xingqiu would no doubt see the form of the snow dragon grow closer and closer, before he landed on the hard stone ground, bits of rime and snow kicking up under his claws. His tail swishes as he peers down at the small human with frost-blue eyes.]

You who have summoned me here... what is the nature of this meeting? Has a great evil been sighted in Liyue?

( Xingqiu has seen depictions in watercolors and printed ink in book pages — but he sees the silhouette ghosting through the icy fog and currents of white snow being dusted off of the caps overhead, and it still feels alarming to witness now, the dragon with his very eyes, moving and living and breathing.

and descending; Xingqiu takes some unconscious steps back in anticipation of the wind current that may likely whip his legs if they both draw too close to one another. like thunder, the dragon meets rock, claws cracking through frozen snow layered over the mountain like a crystal skin. before Xingqiu can come up with anything to say, Chongyun speaks first — something of a relief, as much as it is a fascination to hear a dragon compose words...

...his voice is so soft, that Xingqiu is left stunned in the disarmament it creates.

Xingqiu's expression softens, intrigued and surprised, and it takes a moment for him to process what is said — questions of concern, of Liyue's safety, a great evil...

he blinks, confusion palpable in his face. ) Great Dragon of Yang, your people have not experienced any prolific evil in generations, and it has all been thanks to you.

Rather, your people have...heard your incredible distress, all the way down in the harbor. We fear you have been angry with us — perhaps we have been complacent in our appreciation of your protection.

( he lifts his hand to hover over his heart, posture poised and upright before the dragon. this is unexpected, but the fact that the dragon has not killed him on sight is a good start (a shocking revelation, surely.) if Xingqiu can reason with the dragon Chongyun, then he may be able to make it out of this with his life in tact. ) My name is Xingqiu. I have been selected to come before you, my liege — to serve whatever purpose will quell what ails you that storms through Liyue.

Angry..?

[Chongyun's head lifts up a bit, neck arching as he regards the human before him. The people... had thought he was angry with them? They had no doubt seen his latest rampage, a result of another influx of his yang aura. His tail swishes behind him, unintentionally kicking up the nearby snows as it does, and he turns his gaze away, and out to the warmer lands below.]

No, you are mistaken. I am not angry with the people of Liyue. Is that what the people believe?

[Did the people truly think his rampages were caused by displeasure? Anger at their... what had the human said? Complacency? His claws scraped the stone beneath him as an unfamiliar sense of unease grew in his core. He had only wished to hide how truly fragile he was from the people, but it appeared that in doing so he had bred fear among them. Had he truly failed them so? Rex Lapis would no doubt be displeased with his performance...]

[He takes a slow breath, eyes briefly closing as he slowly exhales, puffing out a plume of frigid air.]

It appears my lack of caution has once more led to quite a display of public buffoonery... I must take full responsibility for causing distress among the people.

[When he opens his eyes again, he slowly lowers his head to look at Xingqiu more squarely. He had been very careful to not let anyone know of his condition, save for Rex Lapis himself. And without knowing, this human wished to assist him?]

I'm afraid I am not sure what a human can do to assist me. You may very well be harmed should you choose to stay here.

( repeating the word back in such disorientation could easily warrant the essence of ire, but when the dragon repeats that very word, 'angry,' the word itself ironically comes away with none of the fire its own definition is attributed to. Xingqiu, eyes as open as burnt setting suns, watch him with reverence, and...intrigue. so unlike what he had prepared to encounter, what the people have built up and feared so deeply to initiate this offering. )

It is what the people have...come to fear. ( clarified solemnly, briefly, in the pause between the dragon's words, the delivery conceding and merciful toward the assessing dragon. he sees so much concern spiraling in the creature's eyes, Xingqiu doesn't want him to feel...ashamed. can a dragon feel shame or reprimand? somehow, Chongyun leaves him feeling as if that is something he wants to protect him from.

but for being a legendary beast, Chongyun speaks cleanly and logically, keenly self-aware. Xingqiu perks up, feeling as though everything is growing clearer around him, comprehensible. his hand happily void of the sword kept deep underneath his blanketing cloak, Xingqiu steps up closer, one simple step, as the dragon looks directly upon him. ) My liege — if the people of Liyue are indeed safe, then there is no cause for concern, perhaps, save for one:

What has happened to you, to cause such anguish we have heard from so far down below the mountain? Is there a threat upon you? ( sent perhaps as a sacrifice, sent reluctantly as a potential exterminator... but arriving as what Xingqiu can hope will be the role of the dragon's companion, in whatever manner can suit this powerful being. he takes no offense at the trepidation that Chongyun has for his ability — even as a standard, Xingqiu does not wear his Vision with pridefulness, but out of respect and responsibility to uphold his values that the Hydro Archon has seemingly passed their approval over. what could a human possibly provide an overarching protector of the harbor?

Xingqiu intends to find out. )

[It's hard to hear, truthfully. The last thing the great dragon wants to hear is that the people have come to fear him, when he is supposed to be their protector. Chongyun had sworn himself to dedication to the people of Liyue, pledged himself to defend them against evil spirits. He aimed to fill the people with hope, and peace, and joy. Not fear. Never fear. Xingqiu may not know it, but dragons can indeed feel shame. It's the only way to describe the uncomfortable, regretful feeling that boils within his soul.]

[A growl rumbles in his throat, echoing around the desolate mountains around them. But when he speaks, his words are touched not with anger, but sorrow.]

The only threat is that of my own making.

[He casts his eye down at the human before him. Small, and fragile, yet standing so bravely before him. It was admirable, how humans were free to follow their passions and the flames within their hearts. And despite knowing the dangers of coming here, believing his guardian was furious with him and his people, Xingqiu had still come. The people had still sent him as representative, to speak to him. To help him. It was a moving display, truly. And was why, rather than retreat to sulk in the icy confines of his lair, he instead speaks.]

It is something that I do not wish to speak of out in the open like this. But if you do intend to help me... we can speak within my domain. It will have less of a chance of being overheard.

[His condition is not necessarily something he should be ashamed of, since his pure-yang spirit is what assists him in fending off the dangers that threaten Liyue, but to openly admit his condition here at the shrine... even speaking it to the four winds seems too personal, too open. But if the human wishes to stay, and insists upon helping him... Chongyun will have to tell him, won't he?]

We can go somewhere more comfortable for you, outside of the cold.

( a threat of his own making? such a thing feels impossible to Xingqiu's ears, coming from one of the last standing guardians of Liyue, the adepti gone into seclusion, including the final yaksha. with no wars to face or calamities to meet head-on, their warriors have receded back into obscurity, outliving them by centuries for a day when they may be needed.

but it isn't about wars anymore, not in the classical sense — same as gods fought amongst one another overhead, the people that inhabit the earth antagonize each other, and in the strange space between people and gods, things persist, strange things, uncontrollable things.

Xingqiu has had to face difficult moral quandaries about the foundations of good and evil, man and monster. he has made his oath to his peers and taken the Guhua Rain Cutter in the name of justice, but such duties are never so easy as drawing a sword, or arranging pawns upon a game board. there are adversaries on both sides of the wall, humans on one side, and preternatural beings on the other — but Xingqiu stares up at the legendary defender of the harbor and knows in his heart that there is nothing to be feared. whatever the yang-spirit dragon has experienced, Xingqiu knows he cannot begin to anticipate, but for it to be a cause worth taking, it would certainly not be an easy situation to observe, or navigate. )

Your domain — you will allow me entry? ( he doesn't mean to question the dragon, but such a thing is so rare, it barely exists in history outside of fiction. to enter the domain of such protective creatures is staggering, astounding...and, far more exciting than the idea of having to fight its dweller. or become their dinner.

Xingqiu's heart begins to chase after his intrigue and excitement, to think of living out some of the very things he could only read in his secret books. it guides his feet forward, step by reverent step, closing some of the frigid space between them until Xingqiu stands immediately before the dragon's snout. ) My liege...whatever troubles you, you can trust that I will stand at your side, should you come to face it. I carry the honor for the people of the harbor as much as I carry it for you. Take lead, and I will follow you. ( to Chongyun's domain, that much is clear, but from the conviction in his voice and the crystalized earnesty in his eyes, it may even sound as though Xingqiu means to any great distance that one could conceive. )

If you are to assist me, then I must be willing to offer a service in turn. Entry to my domain is the least I can offer.

[Chongyun watches as Xingqiu approaches him, until he is right in front of his snout, close enough to smell the faint scent clinging to Xingqiu's clothes. He can hear not only the excitement and wonder, but the conviction and earnestness as well. Try as he might, he cannot detect a hint of deception or trickery in the human's words or countenance. He was truly being honest about wishing to help.]

It is so rare to hear humans speak so valiantly these days...

[He says it with a touch of awe in his voice. So rare to find a soul as bright and pure as the one in front of him. All dragons possess a secret stash of treasures to call their own, and Chongyun is no different. Long-seeded instincts stir within him, and for a moment his draconic eye remains on Xingqiu, appraising him. A rare, valiant soul... a treasure worthy of any dragon's hoard...]

[Ah... but no. Such instincts are not befitting of a guardian dragon. And with the respect and reverence that this human has given him, it would be insulting to consider him a mere treasure, a trinket to add to his hoard. He dismisses the thoughts with a small snort, arching his head back up.]

Very well. Then let us go.

[Unfortunately, the way into his domain is a harsh and difficult path even during the summer months, and would no doubt be perilous even for one such as Xingqiu. Which meant the only other way would be from above... hopefully Xingqiu wouldn't mind.]

I apologize in advance for any discomfort. It is not a long journey.

[And while he does intend to be as gentle as possible, it might still be a bit of a shock for Xingqiu to be scooped up into the dragon's claws and gently cupped in his grip as he kicks off, soaring into the sky. Up into the air he goes, the icy winds comfortably biting into his scales. But he does his best to keep Xingqiu protected from the bulk of the frigid gales. It doesn't take long for the dragon to fly up into the clouds towards the open chasm buried deep in the mountains. It's well-hidden from below, but from above Chongyun is able to fly into the stony gap and deep into the heart of the mountain. Soon enough he passes through the stone gate into his domain, the ancient runes glowing as its master enters.]

[The interior of the domain is a wonder in itself to behold. The realm is bathed in a perpetual twilight, with grey, fluffy clouds drifting through a starlit sky. Large, stone platforms hover amid the void, connected to each other by bridges carved of pure ice. Most platforms are covered with rime-covered trees, frozen pools, or intricately carved stone monuments, and thick, fat snowflakes drift and fall from the clouds, landing either on the platforms or falling to the void below. Yet despite the frigid-looking abode, Xingqiu will find that the temperature is pleasant for him; not even his breath fogs up in the cold.]

[At the centre of one of these floating stone platforms looks to be a small gathering place; an eloquently carved stone table with two stone chairs before it, sheltered by a couple low-hanging, frosted trees. He places Xingqiu down at one of these stone seats before he hovers over to the other, his body glowing and shrinking as he does. By the time the glow fades, what is seated before Xingqiu is not a dragon, but a male human with pale skin and snow-white clothes. The only hint to his draconic nature was his frosty blue hair and icy, slitted eyes.]

Forgive me for the sudden flight. I figured a place like this is more suited to the conversation we are about to have.

( it begins with words so simple that by the time it all stops, Xingqiu has entirely forgotten them—

'Very well. Then let us go.'

but he doesn't forget the equally minor-sounding remark that what travel is about to come may include some discomfort.

overall, Xingqiu isn't fully away of what's happening until it's all too late — when he's grasped, when his feet leave the ground, when the dragon gains more and more distance away from the back of the mountain, when immaterial layers of clouds rip away for the guardian as he goes. whether it's intentional or not, Xingqiu cannot tell where he is being brought, even as he tries to force his eyes open against the wind and his cloak flipping against his shoulders and face. if he were to intend to map a path back here one day, even with his own flight, he would still be at a loss.

the open wind is finally cut away, and a rush of a more comfortable temperature greets them — not too warm, perhaps even a little cool, but something in the air is soothing all the same. his head is spinning, but it's fortunate that Xingqiu doesn't feel ill, only winded...which makes being eventually placed at a seat and table a deeper relief than he could have expected.

through his labored breathing, Xingqiu sits and grasps at the stone holding him up as he reels back down to a balanced center. his hair is windswept, his cloak a little sideways; but overall, Xingqiu is upright, holding onto his usual stately composure. his eyes remain a little rounder: drinking in the changed and strange scenery around him, the extent of it, and then quickly enough, the large body of the dragon as it begins to beam with light, glowing, shifting...reducing.

sitting before him, the shape is so much smaller than a dragon — it's nearly the size of a boy his age, in fact...

it...is? Xingqiu stares, blinks. he nearly looks like a spirit, the person pale in one fell swoop, sitting calmly in dreamy shades of white and soft blue — vividly, Xingqiu thinks of a perfectly still lake, reflecting the blue and white sky overhead with the same serene tenacity as a mirror.

Xingqiu nearly forgets to breathe. )

You—? ( he finally does, and he discovers that his throat is terribly dry — from the travel, perhaps. he pauses to clear his throat into his sleeve, stumbling back into his own poise...not the most seemly he's ever appeared, but he presses forward through his surprise. ) You're... Chongyun? ( he asks, but he still undoubtedly knows; Xingqiu sees it in the other young man's eyes, the same eyes as that of the dragon that has brought him here...even the voice... ) ...My apologies, my liege; no one has ever recorded the Dragon of Yang Spirit having...other forms, as far as we have ever known. ( hardly impossible, really, but absolutely unprecedented, and...

Xingqiu's cheeks are especially pink...from the harsh cold on the exciting trip up here, of course. surely. and, because the change has him realize something small, but significant... the dragon has taken a similar form for him (and he looks so...soft, perhaps nearly gentle if he didn't still carry something of the same stern expression in his face as his dragon form presents, further affirming that it is all the same presence.) to do all of this before Xingqiu here, in Chongyun's precious and secluded abode...it's painfully humbling. ) Thank you for meeting me like this.

[Flying is such a second-nature thing to the great dragon, that to launch up into the sky and fly through the clouds is nothing to him. He didn't know the effects such a sudden trip might have on a human, hence why he had done his best to take care when carrying Xngqiu. But it appears that even his careful attempt had left the human a little disoriented, and so if Xingqiu needs a moment to collect himself, Chongyun can wait.]

[The domain retains its frigid and icy appearance, the snowflakes still drifting around them, but the atmosphere around Xingqiu will adjust to his needs. Rather than be biting and frigid, the air wraps around him in a manner that helps him to be calm. Soothing. Welcoming to the domain's new, unusual guest. It's more like a calming spring day, which adds to the otherworldliness of the domain. This is truly a world separate from the world of humans, abiding by its own set of odd rules.]

[Chongyun, for his part, has perfected a human form for the days that he does have to mingle among humans; with clothes white and trimmed with gold, pale skin and a serious, devout demeanour, he could easily pass as an exorcist or some other holy man. His voice doesn't boom and echo the same way it did in his true form, and even his unusual hair colour could be explained away easily enough. No, the only true thing that gave him away were his eyes: icy, reptilian eyes that still held a deep, ageless wisdom in them. But as Xingqiu stumbles to regain his composure, Chongyun does shift a little, betraying a surprising array of emotion now that he has a human face.]

Ah... yes, I am one and the same. [He glances to the side, his brows knitting as a look that could almost be described as bashful touches his features.] The reason there is no record of this form is my doing. I have never shown this form to others unless it is necessary, and those who know of my ability to change my shape were sworn to secrecy. If the people knew how fragile their guardian dragon could become... it's not very becoming of a dragon's image. Plus, I did not wish for this form to be known to... those who could use it as a weapon against me.

[Being in human form meant abiding by human limitations. While much hardier and stronger than other humans, this form held the same fragility as regular mortals did. A dragon could even suffer a mortal blow while in such a form, hence the need for such secrecy.]

But, since this form also limits the amount of yang energy I emit, I thought it would be less taxing for you. I did not wish to make you uncomfortable.

[He reaches up to scratch the back of his head as he says it, in a surprisingly human gesture. He's noticed the surprise that has been so present on Xingqiu's face, and he truly hopes that the other is comfortable. He wouldn't be a good host if his guest was uncomfortable, would he?]

And speaking of which... that brings us to the topic of which I wished to speak to you about. The true nature of my... condition.

( never showing the possibility of this form...out of protection. it makes sense; how many could try to trick their ward against evil into taking a gentler form only to take advantage of it? loathe as Xingqiu is to imagine the thought...he knows that much of the same has happened in many of his beloved books, and...well. 'life imitates art,' is what they say.

but, even now, Xingqiu cannot imagine underestimating the dragon of yang, despite his size and soft voice — to do so would be foolish. even if less capable, Xingqiu regards him now and can only imagine what he could still be capable of now; still elementally-bound, still carrying a spirit of pure yang. perhaps less capable than a dragon, but surely, more capable than a mere human?

like even Xingqiu himself, gifted with a Vision, sure...but even as they are now, he cannot see Chongyun as anything but the being that he showed him at their initial meeting.

it seems that the choice in image was made with consideration toward Xingqiu as well — which surprises him instantly. for him? to have a being like this make so many accommodations for him... he doesn't think he's deserved such a thing yet, not before even figuring out what it is that Chongyun is dealing with, as of recently...

but he's on the cusp of illumination now. Xingqiu feels at risk of missing it completely for what it is — when the dragon-person before him begins to move...sheepishly. it's such a common, nearly mundane set of actions, all of which he would find unmentionably common in the average person. here, Chongyun seems so unassuming, even...gentle?

perhaps he shouldn't think that way...lest he come to insult the dragon by mistaking him. would he wish to be viewed that way? )

Your 'condition'? ( echoed with cautious confusion, Xingqiu squares his posture up a little more and leans inquisitively toward the other. his investment is palpable, concern vibrant; what could be ailing him? something of that magnitude must be a considerable challenge to great to ignore. if all that Liyue has witness in the recent days has been the thundering calls of discomfort from their guardian, what more could have come to pass had they ignored the signs?

but, a different thought...pulls on the bars of Xingqiu's ribs in a way he isn't quite so familiar with: what has the dragon had to endure, up here in his solitude, for how long? what would have come of him if no one had chosen to scale the icy mountain to see him? ) Why, what has happened to you?

[They say that most legends and folk tales hold a kernel of truth, and this would be no exception; stories where guardians are tricked and deceived in order to be taken advantage of by those who they confided in had to have come from somewhere. It's an unfortunate reality that, while it doesn't always happen, has happened enough times to make adepti and other guardian spirits wary. No one wants to be caught off-guard.]

[Yet despite the wariness, despite the years of knowing how dangerous humans could be and how cautious a guardian spirit must be... Chongyun couldn't bring himself to hate humans as a whole. There were beings who despised humans, other dragons corrupted by hatred and sorrow for the pain that was inflicted upon them by their once-charges. But Chongyun couldn't bring himself to look down upon those he was sworn to protect. They lived their lives so fully, achieved so much in their short lifespans... it was admirable. Precious. Even this human before him, with his knightly mannerisms and desire to assist him was something to protect. Something to treasure. All of Liyue was his treasure, and like a true dragon he would protect his hoard with all his strength. Even if it meant protecting them from himself.]

[Chongyun looks down at the stone table before him, not meeting Xingqiu's eye as a frown settled on his features. It's now or never, and he can practically taste the human's curiosity... So, he takes a slow breath, and begins to explain.]

As you know, I am in possession of a pure yang spirit. A rarity even among us dragons. My yang spirit is what gives me my strength, and allows me to ward away evil spirits and those who would wish to harm Liyue and its people. It has given me the edge in many situations, and acts as a natural ward for this land. This is common knowledge, of course; I would not be able to vanquish evil the way I do without my powerful spirit.

But...

[He hesitates, his frown deepening. Talking about his condition, it's... a lot harder to talk about than he thought. He feels so weak talking about it, so fragile... and he doesn't know how the human will react to the knowledge he's about to impart. How will he think of his guardian protector? Will Xingqiu view him as weak? As broken? As a threat? It makes his hands clench into fists in his lap.]

[No... he will cross that hurdle when he gets there. For now, he takes another breath to ground himself and calm his spirit before continuing.]

But I'm afraid my greatest strength is also my greatest weakness. Having a pure yang spirit is... difficult to control. I am constantly having to keep my energies under control, to the point of even controlling my very emotions. Because of my yang spirit I am extremely susceptible to external stimuli, and have to be very careful to not let myself get too heated. It's partially why I remain up here. The cold weather... it's more than just an elemental affinity. It's soothing on my spirit. The isolation and cold helps me keep calm.

Yet, at times, I will be in a situation that I am unable to control, and my yang spirit... it flares up. It riles up within me, makes me lash out uncontrollably. I try to keep such rampages far away from the people, but... my last outburst was unexpected. It is not excuse for my poor self-control, but... it is an explanation, at least.

[When he looks up at Xingqiu, he tries to offer him a reassuring smile, but its still very clearly touched with sorrow.]

So while I am touched that you wish to help me, and grateful for your assistance... I am unsure how you could help. I have dealt with this for as long as I have been alive, and I've yet to find a suitable solution.

( the explanation is shattering — because under review, it seems to painfully simple. the spirit of yang... fire, aggression, adrenaline, structure, pressure, focus, all of these built into a concentrated core inside this dragon, enough that he can ward evil away with nothing more than his own presence. one might take for granted the idea that such a thing exists because it's vessel would be made to hold it, and yet...no, that's just not the truth in the end. for so much yang for one being, he eventually suffers. balance is necessary for a reason; being too much of one thing, even a good thing, makes that thing no longer good. Xingqiu still remembers a time that he ate almond roll cake every day for a week, hiding in the study like a gluttonous squirrel... he couldn't look at roll cake again for an entire month. )

So your spirit...overflows at times, sending you out of your control.

( the thundering quakes, the rageful cries from the heavens...it all crystallizes so clearly, so suddenly. Chongyun's pure yang spirit is still an extreme in its own right; a blessing as it is to the people of Liyue, it comes at a terrible cost. it's something that Xingqiu doesn't think anyone has ever considered before. )

Telling the people this is...not an option. They would be compassionate to you, but with the spread of this knowledge, some outside of the harbor would see an opportunity to trigger this in you, to overthrow you from where you reign over as our protector.

You have been maintaining this for so long — by yourself...

( Xingqiu wonders...if, and how he can possibly help. there have been many scholars that have studied and recorded the energies of yang and yin, have determined through centuries of application and observation what in the world carries more of one than the other. Chongyun must already have a good sense of this: his abode is quiet, cool, dark, with freely-following waterscapes, all things that contrast to yang in nature. clearly it helps, and perhaps there is no real clear, singular solution to his condition, but... it's apparent that simply keeping an accommodating environment is just not enough. )

My liege...perhaps the answer eludes you because you've never had someone to assist you before? The most effective innovation happens in the collaboration of multiple minds, a variety of perspectives, and differing skills brought together. Especially if your outbursts take your lucidity and control away, it may behoove you to have someone at your aid.

( Xingqiu rises suddenly, walking around the stone table to move closer to Chongyun. he doesn't invade his space, retains a respectful gap between them, and then — kneels to one knee, hand placed over his own heart, reverent in posture to lift his gaze up at the guardian made modest in a human image. )

I could remain here with you...at least for a time. If I cannot provide help in the moment, at the very least, I could assist you afterwards. I came here in offering to you, in any capacity that best suited to protect Liyue, and I would seek to complete my purpose with honor. ( unspoken, but present: the gentle petal-delicate implication, what Xingqiu had been brought here with the possibility of never returning home. whether it be that he would be enough to keep the disturbed dragon at peace somehow, or...to put him to rest, be it out of mercy, or self-defense.

fortune has granted that the latter would not be necessary for either of them.

and Xingqiu wants to keep it all this way; Chongyun now, in balance, is a reasonable and gentle presence. so much so, that the thought of him being overcome in his seclusion, with no one at his side to help him in those harrowing moments, is...frightening. )

You shouldn't...have to face something like that alone.

Yes, that is the basics of it.

[It is such a simple explanation, and yet still fills Chongyun with shame. After all, what sort of guardian could not contain his own spiritual energies? What sort of guardian posed as a threat to the people that he was sworn to protect? It was, quite frankly, embarrassing to even contemplate.]

[And it seems that Xingqiu understands, given how he realizes so quickly why secrecy was necessary. He nods in agreement.]

You are right. As much as I care for and respect the people, I could never tell them about this secret. It would put them in just as much danger as it would put me. And though I am currently failing in my duties, I must do everything I can to keep these lands safe.

[He may consider himself to be failing in his duties, but he would not bring even more risk into this precarious situation. So coming forth was not an option.]

[He wouldn't be surprised if Xingqiu was disheartened at being unable to find a solution. Chongyun had searched for a solution himself, trying to seek out ancient texts and what little information he could without letting anyone know of his condition, so he understood the frustrations of a fruitless search. If only he could ask Rex Lapis... So when Xingqiu persists, it actually makes Chongyun perk up curiously.]

You still wish to help..? Well... You bring up an interesting point. I had not considered the option of outside help before.

[It was tempting, Chongyun had to admit. His outbursts did indeed take his lucidity away, and it wasn't easy for him to seek out information when he had duties to attend to. Perhaps Xingqiu had a point.]

[Chongyun gives a small start when Xingqiu stands and approaches. His eyes open a little wider as he watches Xingqiu kneel, hears his heartfelt dedication. It moves his heart, reminds him of why he chose to guard Liyue as fiercely as he did. How even after all these years, as humans began to drift away from the spiritual and more towards the physical, honourable souls like Xingqiu's could still be found. Still be treasured.]

[He wants to protect this human. This treasure. Even if he's protecting him from his own yang spirit.]

[It's with that thought that he makes his decision. That he decides that perhaps, it is time to break his many years of solitude and seek outside assistance. He stands up from his seat, moving to stand before Xingqiu. Though his stature in this form may be small, his voice and assertion is firm.]

Very well. I will accept your assistance, Xingqiu, and you will be a guest here for as long as you remain willing to assist me. If it is as you say, and we are able to find a solution to calm my spirit, then I will be in your debt for your service to me.

But know that even if we do not find an answer, I still consider your attempts a worthwhile and noble offering.