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🧙 WHO: Zhongli and anyone!
⚔️️ WHAT: August catchall
🕒 WHEN: through the month
🗺️ WHERE: around Camelot
⚠️ WARNINGS: animal death in the questboard prompt

[ One would assume that waking up with extra features and body parts you didn't have before would be a little distressing (or at least it depends on where you're from and what sort of crazy nonsense you're used to). Nothing is quite out of the ordinary for Zhongli however, as he finds himself with an appearance he's actually pretty familiar with.

The primary concern, if one could call it a concern, is how exactly did this happen? Oh well. He'll have to ask around the city and try to find an answer. But in the meantime, Zhongli is completely content with walking around as he is.

It'd just be nice to not knock into the ceiling of doorways because of his horns. Some will probably have to be careful with his very long tail too. Don't want to step or trip on that thing. ]

( 1 | TAKING A BREATHER )

a ) [ The announcement of the opening of Camelot's castle brings a degree of intrigue to Zhongli, and so he decides to accept the invitation gratefully and explore the interior as well as enjoy that which has been prepared for the public. Once again, he spends far too much time observing the food and not actually eating anything, but he does find a few things that actually seem relatively similar to dishes native to Liyue. And they're very good too.

After a good meal he comes across the open baths within the castle, and they're quite extravagant. Its certainly nothing like the baths at the Red Spring, but its very free, and also very nice to enjoy. Zhongli steps in with no problems, dark scales and markings all over his skin, and has a nice long soak.

Just try not to be startled if you step in or try to pass near him in the jacuzzi and feel something brush against your leg. Its just his tail. ]

b ) [ After his visit to the castle, its off to the Bazaar for Zhongli, and this is where he truly specializes in: intense scrutiny of quality. Its very difficult to deceive him, and so while many are sure to find a sucker in the crowd willing to purchase a piece of artwork or a beautiful oddity thats worth dirt, Zhongli is not one of them. In fact word soon gets around about this very finnicky dragon-looking man, and soon, Zhongli as a hard time being allowed time to look through a lot of the stalls. Something about him being bad for business. Odd...

But eventually he does come across something that catches his eye: a stunning snow quartz figure. He doesn't need it, but he wants it anyway.

"Alright then, I'll take a rap verse for it." Says the man selling the figure.

Zhongli blinks. ]

What is "rap"?

( 2 | QUESTBOARD - INVASIVE SPECIES)
CW: animal culling

[ Some might be more sympathetic to the creatures that have shown up in abundance at the lake, these strange scorpion-crabs that are just looking for a meal.

But not Zhongli. Afterall, he hates seafood, which means he really does not like sea animals. He can only see one solution to this infestation.

And so he probably looks a bit fiercely intimidating, with his dragon features and the long polearm he's using to basically spear down crabs left and right. At least he's depositing their dead carcasses in a single spot as to keep a better assessment as to how many he's killed, and it probably serves as a good death sign to the other crabs: get the hell out of here or you'll end up on the pile. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You mean you don't know? Well, let me tell you!

[Who approaches Zhongli is a younger man with happens to have horns on his head and fangy teeth to match his mischievous expression. Kotarou had to assume that he looked like an oni from Japanese legends and myths. He's not sure if that kind of creature suited him, but that was neither here nor there. Right now, he had to do a little service for someone.]

Rap is the rhythm of a man's soul! You're basically having a conversation with someone, but you're rhyming instead of singing. It's a just fun way to express yourself through a musical number. Sounds interesting, right?

[That snow quartz figure definitely looked pretty neat. If he was up against a newbie, then winning this thing shouldn't be very hard.]

Looks like you've got a keen eye for quality. But fortune's gonna shine upon me today, Drago-san.

[ Its strange how he doesn't recall seeing so many people with these extra features before, but its probably related to his condition, somehow. Regardless, he does appreciate the explanation, even though it's... odd. His tail swishes curiously as he thinks. ]

Some forms of poetry rely upon the structure of rhyme. I was unaware there was a format known as rap.

[ Much to think about. Hmm. But Zhongli's gaze focuses on the man intently all of a sudden. ]

You have interest in this piece as well, I presume?

[ Why did he call him "Drago-san"?? ]

[This guy was a walking UMA, wasn't he? Kotarou certainly had a few questions about why he looked like a dragon. But he decides to keep his curiosity in check for now. In a rather cocky manner, he puts a hand to his chest as if he's standing on a stage. A little grandstanding never hurt Kotarou.]

That's right! I think it'd look good in my room, so I figure that I should take a stab at throwing a bid in.

[There's a challenging look in Kotarou's eyes as that grin of his only grows more with audacity.]

But you want this too, don't you? So why don't we settle things with a little rap battle?

[ Zhongli's expression doesn't particularly change, but there's a gleam to his eyes as they slightly narrow. He knows he's at a disadvantage here. He doesn't know how to rap, doesn't know how to structure a rap. There's a high likelihood he may fail here. ]

I do have a keen interest in this item, and it would be a shame to allow it to fall into the possession of another so willingly. It would be remiss of me not to rise to a challenge. So, if you wish for a battle, then I accept. As you have taken to arranging this challenge I shall allow you to begin.

[Kotarou claps his hands and rubs them together. So the first move was his... He makes a little awkward expression as he ponders on how to start this off. The truth was that he was no rapping expert despite talking a big game.]

Alright then! You're quite the gentlemen! [Ahem.] Let's see...

Yo! The name's Kotarou
My friends call me loco
But truly, I'm stable-o
I'm here to thrown down the gauntlet, yo!
For a shiny piece of art
That can steal many hearts
I'll draw my rap sword
And fight a dragon to start!

[That sounded pretty solid in his mind. He stops and wait for Zhongli's turn.]

Uh, that's it for me! It's your move now.

[ Zhongli gives the verse his silent yet rapt attention. Knowing absolutely nothing about this "rap" he's been told about, this is the best example he'll receive, and while it still doesn't quite make much sense to him he can at least notice the clear formatting and structure.

The vender applauds the effort and looks to Zhongli as well, who gives a nod of affirmation. ]

I see. Very well, I shall offer my rebuttal.

[ Again, a moment to gather his thoughts on what he wants to say. ]

To the skilled go riches
And a novice simple spoils
Though expertise in this rhyme, I have none
I shall see that your effort be rife with toil
Many a challenge I have taken
For this to be one of many does not allow it to become forsaken
Your ambition true
I can commend, however, what must be said
Where you tread
Is of the realm where rock has been given form
This I know full well

[ He has to pause for a moment because he's sort of... lost his train of thought. And also isn't sure how you're supposed to end a rap. ]

May our audience provide a judgment that is just
His decision I shall trust

[ Zhongli stops once more. ]

I have finished. Does this suffice?

Yeah, that's great! Okay then, I'll have to kick things up a notch.

[The vender nods in acceptance before looking over to Kotarou. Little did they know, the two were beginning a draw in a crowd. This was looking good for this vender's business. He'll be clearing his throat before he begins his next rap verse.]

I'm a slightly cool local
Just trying to be sociable
I see that glint in your eyes
You're startin' to crack out some rhythms
If it's the gold that you want
I'll be the guy who stands in your path
I'm not a mere mob character who's gonna get smacked
On this stage, I'll be the hero who rises from every counterattack
I don't have rock abilities
But I've got lots of fighting spirit
Whenever I pick up my magic pen
The sky's the limit
I'll change myself into the ideal person I wanna be
And that will be my road to an ultimate victory

[He makes a set of finger gun gestures at Zhongli as he stops.]

Aw yeah... Bulls-eye, baby! I'm on a roll now! I'll stop with that one.

[ Zhongli is left more than a little speechless, though not in part to his opponents skill (which he would admit, is very impressive at this point). Its more-so due to the fact he has... never seen finger-guns before, so he has no idea what its supposed to mean. Is it a threat? He thought they were only rapping?

His expression goes stern. The vendor seems to be loving this and he looks to Zhongli for some sign of defeat. ]

A pen may be as swift as a sword
Yet sharpened point, you lack
I see little threat in your attack
As I have learned of all mortals
You seek too much
And understand too little
Your efforts, brittle
They shall crumble underfoot
Just as rock turns to dust
And under torrent of rain the strongest of steel and iron does rust
For one who has shaped all around me
I've laid waste to much and left only debris
That I am sure, you shall find yourself to be
Stand down
'lest you regret
Upon ruin I surely beset
For a man's bones do crumble so easily
This, I abet

[ The ground underneath them rumbles for a moment, as suddenly little pebbles float upward, but suddenly the vendor speaks up hastily.

"Hey hey, settle down, no magic allowed!" ]

[Erk! Kotarou certainly wasn't expecting that. Just who was this guy? He might've not been bluffing about what he could do here.]

Whoa, whoa... Are you seriously trying to nuke this place with magic?!

[He could use this as some material, though. For sure, he looks a bit intimidated... But he's going try to keep going.]

Earthquakes are scary
But mankind always prevails
We might be the weakest species
But we've endured all kinds of hell
Nature can be a pain in the ass
But it can always be controlled
Maybe not for too long
But nothing triumphs over the human soul
It's hard to put into words really
But--

[Kotarou stops in the middle of his verse as he realized that he was losing track.]

Ah, damn it! I'm losing my momentum here!

[ Here came a Knight, dawned with dog ears and a tail that seemingly would not stop wagging. He had entered into the bath already when Zhongli himself rests into its waters. At first his eyes come to sculp his figure, but then become impressed by the appearance therein. The horns, beautiful scales, and long tail really gave way to the fact they were a Dragon of sorts. At least to him. ]

How beautiful! Your scales shimmer and shine like the beings I have seen in my past life, Dragons.

[ If it wasn't for the jacuzzi jets in the water, he'd think the waves and movement would be happening from this individual's tail. He seems awfully excited. Zhongli bows his head in thanks. ]

Thank you. I believe that which others refer to as dragons are known as qilin in the native tongue of my land. They are similar, but not quite the same.

[ He remembers Venti calling him a stupid dragon once. Very insulting. He is neither of those things! But as the centuries pass by, semantics tend not to matter. ]

You say "past life". Why such a phrase?

Qili? I have never heard of such beings before!

[ It entertains him that the other takes note of his usage and phrase of words. Having acknowledge this was no Grail War, and had nothing to do with singularities or the Throne of Heroes. Gawain rightfully had nothing to fear. ]

To be frank, my name is Gawain I am a Knight of the Round table. Having served King Arthur and all of Camelot in the past. Though not of this realm, of another. Wherein I had already passed and lived my life.

They are rare creatures, believed to be myth by some.

[ He's done some reading on dragons in the context of this world and they seem to have the same status. Grand, legendary creatures that one can find if they're lucky enough. Or unlucky, as he seems to find that these dragons have a more ill-temperament than qilin.

But oh... strange. Thats the first he's ever heard of the circumstances this man is under. ]

I see, so you have a degree of familiarity with this world then? Though of an entirely separate realm. How odd... The king of this land, have you had the opportunity to speak with him?

[ If someone of that same exact name has served under him, he imagines it wouldn't be too far-fetched to seek council with... well, the same person, but a different variation. Out of curiosity's sake as least. He imagines that would be a strange anomaly to ignore by a mortal's standards. ]

Unfortunately I have not... I plan to approach him and Merlin in the future. However, I was attending to matters of my own for some time before wishing to approach my King. After the fiscal of the castle though, I found myself seeking his council. I do hope he will see me, despite that he and I may not be of true kin. We are still Kin none-the-less.

[ Gawain's tail ceases it's movements momentarily, adjusting beneath the warmed waters. Leaning back so his shoulders meet with the ridge of the bath. ]

What of you, have you spoken to any of who brought us here within this realm? Hath you quarrel with the fae folk? Invested in an adventure or quest of your own?

[ To think that you could end up in a world of things and people familiar to you and yet, you may not be familiar to them. Just the way time passes and humans forget, their memories only allowing them to recall so much and their lifespans so short... its a bit sad. ]

I hope you are given the fortune of being welcome, regardless of the circumstances.

[ Words of encouragement. Its the best he can offer in return. ]

I've not sought opportunity to speak with those who hold power above this realm and its people. Many hold a differing opinion of mine, where I suppose I am rather... complacent. However I am in no urgency for explanations or promises, nor do I harbor ill-intent for what has become of me. I am simply living another life that has been provided to the person who I am now.

[ word does get around real fast about some dragon guy making a lot of poor financial choices, but itaru had paid it no mind at first. like, that's nothing special? he himself does it all the time, but the difference is that he manages to pay taxes somehow.

and it's not like zhongli is the only dragonoid running around here, so itaru merely blinks at the seemingly innocent question. right, not everyone here's from the modern world... ]

Oh, it's basically just singing very, very fast. You come up with verses on the fly too, and I guess this guy here will judge if your verse is fire enough to buy that figure. Isn't that right, sir?

[ The vendor at the tent gives an enthusiastic nod, telling the new guest that he's hit it right on the mark. Zhongli however: ]

One must compose the words... on the fly... to be on fire. This requires the skill of elemental magic, yes? Air combined with flame... this sounds to be rather dangerous, however.

[ Itaru he is ancient he doesn't understand your hip modern millenial slang. ]

[ how is he supposed to know!!! ]

Nah man, elemental magic won't help you here. I guess you've never heard of rap until now, huh... [ some worlds really have it rough, huh. ] It's uh, kind of like reciting a poem? But you gotta sing it with a very fast rhythm. And it's not as easy as it sounds.

[ he turns to the vendor again like: ] Do you have any specific requests, sir? Or do you just take any rap verse so long as the flow's good?

I apologize for my misconception. Nothing of the degree of rap exists within the world I harbor from. I presume it is a more modern creation.

[ Then again just by listening to him speak you get a pretty clear understanding this man is Old and where he comes from is also Old.

As far as he can assume rap is apparently fast poetry. Singing, but with rhyme perhaps? Its a bit intriguing. He looks to the vendor for his response and he gives an enthused laugh.

"Give me whatever you've got to offer kid, though I've got a feeling the old man here's not going to be much of a challenge. Take him to school."

Zhongli blinks. ]

I suppose it would benefit to be educated on rap.

Edited 2021-08-17 23:41 (UTC)

Seriously...

[ ughhhhh, now he's under a lot of pressure. the sexy "old" guy is probably expecting something austere, or whatever the fuck that word means. but the vendor must be right - it probably doesn't matter if itaru lets out the worst rhymes he can think of at the moment, since zhongli hasn't even heard of it before...

fine. fine! he'll throw tf down. he clears his throat and his mind, and-- ]

This is my first time here
It's aight 'cause I'm not here to tier
But if this competition is ranked
I'd wipe the floor with you and go straight to the bank!
Itaru's the name
And gacha's the game
That's my claim to fame
But let nobody else say I'm just as lame
I don't even know what I'm here for
I'm just as ready to get out the door
But if you want this piece of art
You gonna need enough luck to solo an SSR!

[ okay... think that should do it. like he said, it's not that easy to think up of rhymes on the dot, but this humble human has gotchu, homie. ]

Edited 2021-08-22 11:47 (UTC)

[ While the vendor is currently applauding Itaru's efforts, which are pretty good in his regard, Zhongli is simply observing in awed silence.

Finally, he speaks. ]

What is this act, to solo an SSR? I am unfamiliar with this gesture. I am also not knowledgeable in that which you have called gacha. This is a game of some sort?

[ As far as the vendor is concerned this is a one-sided battle that Itaru's already won. Zhongli's too occupied with gaining more wordly mortal knowledge to think about competing anymore. ]

[ god i am not your strongest soldier

hoookay. this is fine(tm). it took itaru a while to educate guy about the wonders of gacha (primarily because guy was able to calculate gacha rates with his supercomputer brain), so it's not like this is his first time introducing someone to a concept. he's a born tutor, okay? he's got this.

here, he'll even shift into his patient teacher persona just for this. ]

Gacha is... well, it's a form of gambling. It came from "gachapon", which are these little capsule toys which are popular from where I'm from. These little toys are put in these dispensers, and with a pretty coin you can try your luck getting the toy you want from the dispensers, but there's no guarantee that you'll get it right away unless you're lucky and the RNG gods have blessed you.

Nowadays, most games I play in my phone have those gachapon models - but instead of mere capsule toys you'd get various characters for that game, with the rarest ones being very hard to get unless you put in actual money to keep rolling and rolling and rolling. In this case, "soloing an SSR" means being lucky enough to get the rarest character from a single attempt, since usually you'd have better odds at getting a character if you make 10 pulls at a time.

[ whew. hopefully that's manageable for zhongli to comprehend. like he said, he's gotchu homie!! ]

( after a month of not doing any quests, a month of mulling over ideas which are slowly forming in her mind, Kate finally takes back to the questboard, back to something familiar. something easy. something which takes her mind off the events at the hall of mirrors, the guilt which has been curdling in her stomach ever since.

when did it get so easy to forget why she's here, and what her goal is?

sure, she's never seen anything that looks like these crabs before, but that seems to be the case with a lot of things which pop up in Avalon, and they look a whole lot less intimidating than the shit that rambles around the rubbish tips back home. they're just a nuisance, a target that's easy to lift up with kinetic magic and hit with a bullet (note to self, she needs to get that supposed magic refill for the gaudily decorated — bedazzled, because she's an idiot who makes sarcastic comments to dense weaponsmiths — gun she has), one by one as she walks through the forest, the sleek grey tail which has somehow decided to attach itself to her body flicking this way and that as she does.

she realises she's not the only one getting rid of these things as she rounds a corner and sees a pile of the damn things, like some sort of monument to seafood season, a few feet away from a... honestly, given those features, she's not sure what the dude is. either another sap who got hit by these animal features or just some oddity from a world weirder than her own. whoever he is, he isn't sparing a second in spearing every crawling, clacking creature which comes close. but there's one that's just out of his current line of sight, creeping up, and Kate's hand flies out, magic yanking the thing into the air. )

Oi, catch!

( she's just gonna fling it in his direction as soon as she sees an opening. )

[ Thank you for your kind assistance, Kate. At least Zhongli has the honed reflexes to know exactly where to turn as soon as the call comes out, polearm twirling in rapid motion so that the blade can jut forward and strike right through the thick shell of the creature with a loud, unpleasant squelch. It makes no noise but the legs begin to flail wildly, and Zhongli looks at the creature in disgust for a brief moment. Lowering the blade end, Zhongli puts a foot against the body and pulls his polearm free.

Then once more, he drives it back down into the exterior of the beast with another crunchy sound. The flailing legs stop. Once more he pulls his weapon loose then with a surprisingly unprofessional kick he launches the now dead crab creature over into the pile.

There's a moment where he scuffs his foot against the dirt like he just stepped on something gross. ]

Thank you for your assistance, however please refrain from throwing the creatures.

( well. that thing's dead. she spares the pile a glance as the latest corpse is added, but just as swiftly turns her attention away from it, more interested in the guy who seems to find this whole thing quite distasteful, if the look on his face a moment ago is anything to go by. )

No nice ways of killing 'em.

( she's assuming that's what his problem was with the whole thing, but it's a pretty practical way of dealing with these things, in Kate's eyes. )

You do provide a good point. I simply wish to minimize any physical contact with them.

[ Even if he didn't have his own weapon at hand he could certainly simply use his kinetic magic to annihilate these crabs. However, it seems like there aren't anymore to take care of (or whatever is left has made the wise decision to hide within the waters and escape certain death) and now Zhongli is left with quite the dilemma.

There is a pile of dead crabs. What are they supposed to do with them...? His polearm settles in the air as he crosses his arms to think. ]

Have you an idea of how to dispose of these corpses?

( ... disposal.

she wasn't thinking of that part of the equation when she took up this quest, and it shows in the momentary silence as she stares at the pile of corpses. she wasn't thinking about disposing of this many, even if she did.

hm. )

... Fire.

( a very Caster approach to solving your problems, Kitkat. she does not have the ability to magic up a fire, but they can probably make one.

alternatively; )

Bury 'em.

( or, Kitkat. people use the word or. )

[ He may not know her, but he already likes the way she thinks. ]

Burial would be swift yet tedious. I believe flame is our best course of action. Unfortunately, I lack the magic to produce fire.

[ Zhongli could possibly help create a fire with kinetic magic, but, he does have another idea. ]

However—

[ He makes a gesture, pointing to the pile of crabs. ]

I call upon you, creature of the Land of Rot. If a meal may suffice your assistance then do away with this... mess.

[ Nothing seems to happen for a moment until suddenly there's the flicker of a light, like the flame on the tip of a candle, then it spreads like wildfire and forms the shape of a blazing lion of fire. The Fogueria gives a crackling roar then pounces upon the pile of crabs, beginning to devour them, and its flames spread over the shells.

Zhongli's nose wrinkles for a moment.

It smells like roasted crab now. ]

( ...well. that's new. there would have been options to deal with it, but this is quicker and with less clean up. she slips the sparkling firearm back into the holster at her side. (yeah, it's cringe, but she's not paying for another one.) )

... That works.

( but damn, the fumes from that. Kate covers her mouth before the cough building in the back of her mouth comes free. unfortunately for both of them, kinetic and blood magic aren't very good at pushing away the scent of things, so the only option is— )

Want— ( cOUGH ) —to get out of here?

It would be best for us to do so swiftly. The shore breeze shall only drive the scent more strongly toward land.

[ He also imagines that the smell is going to bring around wild animals and beasts that are interested in whatever remains of this impromptu seafood barbeque, and Zhongli would rather not fight anything he doesn't have to.

Pulling out a handkerchief, he offers it to her, seeming to be able to stand the smell just enough to not need it. He's... used to terrible smells. ]

A strong tea would be nice about now. Would you care to join me?

( the fact that this guy carries a handkerchief? tracks. he just seems like the type — which is to say, he's a world away from anyone she knew from home. but Avalon seems to relish in this chaotic mess of people, so that shouldn't be surprising.

she'll take it though. it isn't objectively worse than, say, the tips, or even some of the smells of warfare, it's simply unfamiliar and overwhelming. it's been ages since she went to a fish market — a lifetime where her hair was brown and her dad said nothing of the way her fingers dug into his hair as she rode on his shoulders, a memory buried so deep her brows knit together on recalling it.

...but, right. tea, hm? )

What kind?

( she's more of a coffee drinker, but the occasional cuppa doesn't go amiss. though whether this guy is talking about a cuppa the way she's thinking of it... probably not. )

[Venti has come to like these hot springs and long baths. While he's not much of a fish he has come to like the Red Springs and the like. So the chance to soak in mineral waters once again is taken up! He likes it for his aching ankles. Walking is annoying.

When he sees the dragon-turned Zhongli enter Venti almost spits out his drink (of course he has a drink with him, soaking in this hot bath) and then starts to giggle loudly in his spot.]

Ehehehehe! Ehe- Ehehe! Wow...! It's been a while since I've seen you with all the rocky spots, Zhongli! How does it feel being so horny again?

[#merlinquest]

[ Oh archons, oh sweet hell. Why does this keep happening to him? Zhongli's displeasure is written all over his face enough though he remains still as he remains in the water. There would be no point in him leaving since he knows Venti would just follow. He's here now, he'd might as well just stay and try to endure the Bard's annoying commentary on his appearance.

And as expected of an old man, the innuendo flies right over his head (and horns). ]

It is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it is as it once was, where you are also as meddlesome and uncouth as ever.

[ He starts to bring the water up in his cupped hands to at least soak himself a bit more thoroughly. ]

Why do you bring drink into these baths? It is intended for relaxation, not intoxication.

[When his innuendo flies right over Zhongli's head Venti gives a sigh. How boring of the man. He's not surprised in the least. He and Xiao are birds of a feather that flock together.]

I suppose it is like the old days! Except I do like my form as it is now. Much cuter, don't you think? And much less rocky.

[His shape now is much better than his small spirit form!]

And I don't find anything wrong with enjoying a drink for that very relaxation we're trying to chase, Zhongli! Do I look a bit intoxicated to you?

Had you at least retained a form that lacked a voice, I would have no qualm.

[ Even a tiny sprit would be better. Little, smaller voice. More like a fly he could swat. ]

Though this would not make you much of a bard then.

[ Not that he isn't much of one now. (He's joking, he just likes to be mean.)

As Zhongli stays silent on that question, his tail rises up from under the water, and with a sweep across the surface, he

splashes water right at Venti's face. ]

You're flushed. Perhaps you require a degree of cooling off.

Ehe?!!?

[The water splashing does in fact make him sputter! His poor hair getting splashed and his drink getting a bit ruined. Will it be ruined enough with the hot bath water that Venti won't drink it...? Well... He might still drink it...]

At least you seem to be enjoying yourself for once!

[Huff puff.]

Here I thought you turning into a stuffy old dragon again would make you want to go snooze on a mountain and horde rocks.

[ Venti what the fuck, that's nasty, at least get a fresh cup... archon bath water isn't appetizing.

Well, you could say Zhongli isn't enjoying himself but he sure does look pleased for a moment as his tail gives one more smack on the water for good measure. ]

This is incorrect and grossly misconceived. I would not be prone to such behavior, and never have I once been one to display such leisure of a common beast. Not like the one in your possession.

[ He's talking about Dvalin. ]

[He doesn't want to waste the wine in his glass? He took a lot of time stealing it!

Venti lets out another huff at that slapping tail. He would splash right back if he didn't want to drink his wine. This is his leisure time as well!]

My sweet Dvalin can do whatever he pleases, if he wants to snooze on a mountain and hoard shiny things he'll do just that. Thank you.

[Don't talk shit about his Dvalin??]

What would a stinky old dragon like you do these days then?

[Red Wine is not in the business of reasoning with creatures who want nothing more than to find something to eat, and given even an animal mage is unlikely to be able to persuade them that there's more food to be found where they came from there's really only one thing to do.

That is, exactly what Zhongli is doing.

Though when he comes across the dragon-like man using a polearm to spear the creatures, he can't help but watch for a few minutes in pure admiration of the skill being displayed. Though as he walks in closer, spearing one of the crabs with the end of his saber on the way, he has to ask--]

Did you have a plan for the corpses, once you're done?

[ With a shake of his polearm the cracked shell of one more crab comes loose from the end of the point, and he gives it a kick in order to shove it into the pile he's created. He doesn't particularly care that he seems to have someone observing him but he isn't one to ignore a question, which is a pretty good one, now that he thinks about it. ]

I am afraid I do not. While I took responsibility to disposing of the creatures, I saw no instruction on what to do with them proceeding forward. Honestly, I am content to simply leave them here. I'd rather not touch them.

[ He only came here to kill them, not to clean up afterwards. ]

Mm. I didn't notice any instruction either.

[But if they're left here, they're going to start to smell, and rotting shellfish isn't something anyone wants to have assault their senses.

Red Wine, who already has a very sensitive sense of smell, is already struggling with the scent as well as the unmistakeable smell of blood.]

I don't know if any part of them has a use to people in Camelot. [He muses aloud.] But for lack of any instruction to the contrary, I suppose they ought to be burned.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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1 - B

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(sakurai voice) never ask me for anything ever again

god bless

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2 bc i can

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1a

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2 im late but im tagging anyway

shh its ok i am also late u_u

shh it's ok I understand