Find Me Amongst the Glaze Lilies

4

Day 35 of Dream Therapy

For those who live too long, having a good memory can be a burden.

As he stood now, overlooking the remains of his spears and the Jade Chamber making up Guyun Stone Forest, Zhongli definitely felt as though this was the case. The traveller and Paimon had just left moments ago, their escapade at Sal Terrae coming to a close.

He hadn't told them the whole truth about Havria… about why it was that he returned her artifacts to Osial. It was not information he had intended to withhold, but the memories felt too personal and too raw to share, despite everything transpiring thousands of years ago.

...

"Why would you release corruption in Teyvat! We're at war, but this is too far!" he shouts, his robes blowing in the salt air.

"After everything that has happened… you still defend them?!" Osial roars, enraged. "How dare you, Morax! Look at what those filthy humans did to my Havria !" he bellows, and Zhongli internally flinches. Havria…

Taking a breath, Zhongli remembers his cause… his promise.

"I don’t want to fight you Osial, but taking more lives does not mean justice!" he argues.

"You do not understand." Osial laughs hysterically. Manically. "You do not understand this pain !" he screams, and Zhongli tightens the grip on his spear.

“Havria wouldn't want this, Osial.” he says, solemn and resolute. Osial bristles in response.

"You have no right to speak her name.” Osial hisses. “Listen to me Morax, those disgusting humans deserve to perish . I will fight even you, to make sure that happens." Osial declares, before vanishing into water. Frowning, Zhongli holds himself back from chasing after him. There was too much damage control to do before he can ensure Osial faces the just consequences of his actions without harming the people.

And as such, the matter of spreading corruption was enough to delay their battle, until the worst of its infection had been quelled. That was, until Osial sacrificed his sanity to the corruption. Then, with renewed vigor, corruption managed to taint the one being Zhongli held dearest to his heart, and she...

...

Not wanting to recall that , Zhongli shakes his head, heart twisting in his chest.

At the time… exacting his revenge on Osial for the death of Guizhong was the only thing that kept him going. His promise to Guizhong that he'd protect their people was all that sustained him after that.

Sensing the faint energy of Osial grimly reminded Zhongli of his friend-turned-foe's last words.

" Now you know my pain." 

Even before dinner began, Ningguang felt something was off. She couldn’t explain why, but when she arrived at Third-Round-Knockout, the unease got worse.

Zhongli never failed to be tardy to a single one of their meetings. He was very respectful of her time, so had something happened to him? He hadn’t notified her about being late of any sorts… were he and the traveller and Paimon alright? As these thoughts plague her for the next few minutes, she spots two familiar figures passing by. Speak of the devil.

“Traveller, Paimon!” Ningguang calls out. Immediately the pair turn. Walking up to them, Ningguang asks “Were you two not with Zhongli earlier today?”

“Yes! We left him a while ago to continue with some small commissions, are you looking for him?” Paimon questions. Ningguang nods.

“Why?” Paimon presses. Even she and the traveller have heard bits about their rumoured relationship now.