#contractuum

[windmadepoet]

@contractuum

"Rex Lapis!! Hi!!" Venti giggles, bouncing his steps almost delicately as he approached his friend, a bottle of wine and two glasses in his hands. "Wonderful to see you! I was worried you'd faded to dust in your old age!"

[twilightjudicator]

@contractuum: want to borrow a pillar?

"...for what purpose exactly?"

[archaictold]

HE   stood there at a loss, wooden spear in hand to watch the sun hit the horizon. It was a cityscape he found he did not recognize, full of bright lights and large, looming buildings scraping the very surface of the sky. Zhilan would consider himself well-traveled prior to last evening. He had studied abroad for several years, and he had thoroughly traversed the roads of Liyue many a time over—even off the beaten path, in nooks and crannies that were seldom touched in the Land of Geo’s new age of mankind. Though with a bit of wandering with very little clue to go, he came to realize he was not nearly the seasoned adventurer he might have been led to believe he was. What he was instead was indisputably lost, and he was lucky if the pedestrians on the street gave him anything more than a glance, should they not overlook him altogether. And it was strange, because Zhilan felt it certain that he stood out—idling knock-kneed and confused on a sidewalk just after sunrise. But if he stood out, no one gave him indication of such... It seemed best that he start asking around, had he any hope of locating his supposed place of stay. A gentleman clad in dark clothing happens to catch his eye first, if only because the color sits starkly amongst the sherbet hue of morning. So he breaks into a brisk walk to catch his attention before the man’s coattails disappear from sight.         ❝ E- Excuse me! ❞   He starts with, and once he’s near and the stranger isn’t in danger of slipping through his fingers he slows his steps against the concrete, one hand instinctively over the Vision at his collar and the other let loosely at his side.

        ❝ Excuse me, I... Would you, happen to know where this is? ❞   There’s a vague gesture, like he’s realized he should probably specify.   ❝ This city, is it in Fontaine? ❞ Sighing softly, he pushes up his wispy bangs with his palm, dismissing the idea almost outright...         ❝ No, that can’t be right... What I mean to say is: do you know if this city has a name? ❞ @contractuum​   ——  s.c.!

[descensionstar]

@contractuum ✧ terres-tree-al decorating

the Traveler’s Garden...

with a name like that, it was natural that the border of Mistwood would become their destination. there was something uncomfortable about the fog which lurked throughout the woodland, urging they remain on the pathway cleared in order to reach their destination without complication. though that didn’t mean the two weren’t keeping their eyes peeled — the set-up was ideal for an ambush, and anyone who knew the Fatui’s preferred tact would accuse them long before their presence had even been confirmed or refuted.

as it were assured, their passage had completed without a hitch, and the grove with plentiful trees young welcomed its visitors, heaps of boxes spread throughout as invitation to decorate their branches in line with the displays found within the city. at first, it was a little jarring — the notion of dressing up trees in such a secluded location, yet others had allowed themselves to settle and do as such, leading to Paimon shrug, suggesting it couldn’t hurt to try. it was an idyllic garden, no differently than had it been contained within a sanctuary of which all manner of violence had been prohibited. Nahida would love it.

in the Dendro Archon’s honour, Lumine made a commitment that a stretch of green tinsel play a part of their tree’s festive wear, though none could be seen within or around the boxes scattered around the trunk, leading her to search for some, a hand gripping grip the golden stretch hanging over her shoulder. given the progress they’d made, it was safe to assume nobody would attempt to finish the job while they were away, and all supplies were communal, so there’d no need to protect what remained strewn about the frosty grass. luckily had that been the case, for once wandering hues sighted him, that undeniable stature, Lumine’s mind went black, uncertain if she was seeing things correctly.

✦huh? Zhongli?! you’re here too?!✦

an Archon? while Rex Lapis might no more be safeguarding the people of Liyue, he remained among them, watching their growth with a whimsical smile on his face. it made no sense that he would outright walk away, even after they had proved capable of standing on their own feet. so, this place... it had the ability to capture even a god?

[nuoyaksha]

@contractuum​​

it’s rare to find him in the housing assigned upon arrival. Xiao prefers spending time outside rather than sharing space with those unknown, that and it wouldn’t be good for them. if the danger no longer applies in this place, he has yet to discover it. until then, he’s quick to enter quietly and leave unseen. today is no different. just as the Adeptus is about to open the door, the next over clicks to signal someone’s departure, causing him to pause.

the one who exits, however, is not who he expected to see here. while surprising, it’s one of the better variety. his grip leaves the handle, fully turning to face the former Archon. strange that Xiao would find himself lost for words, though he may not speak much to begin with.

a few moments pass before finally addressing the other. “Rex Lapis...” the first instinct is to bow his head as a show of respect. his curiosity is piqued, wondering what the occasion is for such a visit to whoever may be inside, but he knows better than to ask meaningless questions — especially ones that do not concern him.

[eiternal]

🗲 “Morax. And to think word of your death had reached Inazuma’s shores.”

“Of course I already know. I have met the Traveler, after all. But for our captors to so effortlessly capture gods... They are truly a formidable people.” That or they were extremely lucky.

@contractuum​

[abyssalnova]

@contractuum​​

“you—” there’s a familiar aura around the man, though he can’t quite figure out exactly what that is. “no. never mind.” Aether has little want to know the reason. if he’s destined to find out, time will lend an answer. for now, the leader will remained focused on tasks he intends to see to in this place.

in the meantime, maybe this gentleman can offer some advice. he certainly looks the worldly and knowledgeable type. “...may I make a request of sorts? if it’s no trouble to you...” Aether is used to doing things alone, and has been for many years, but in a strange land? a small helping hand wouldn’t do any harm, so long as he doesn’t come to rely on it. there’s no intention of changing his ways if it can be avoided. “I’m hoping to find willing participants for something I have planned. where might you suggest I begin my search?” whether the man can give any recommendations is another thing entirely. he would move on quickly if not, there are always others to ask.

a long journey has taught Aether well. it would be safer to keep distance from everyone else, and that is how days spent will remain.

[blasphemouscry]

@contractuum​

Toge stared at the pile of rocks he stacked a few meters away. In normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be afraid to utter a syllable to practice his technique. Yet, he didn’t know the extent of his cursed technique within the city. He cautiously pulled off the collar to expose his mouth. He parted his lips, the fangs of the snake upon his tongue contracted as he spoke.

“Crush,” he uttered with little convinction, expecting to see a weight of cursed energy collapsing upon the rocks. Yet, nothing happened. He blinked, repeating the cursed word again a bit louder than before. “Crush!” The rocks refused to budge to his words.

Snake Eyes and Fangs doesn’t work here? How lethal are my words now? Should I try and communicate normally-- no. Don’t risk it. You’ve done enough damage with your words. Keep trying, keep testing.

“Mustard leaf.”

Toge removed the collar again, eyes determined to test his limitations. “Explode,” he uttered with conviction. For a moment the rocks shifted, then collapsed to the ground. He wondered if it had been his cursed energy that manipulated the rocks, though he felt someone else approaching the scene. He turned his gaze to meet a tall, lengthy man who seemed interested in the charade. Toge closed the collar to shield the man’s vision from his tattooed mouth.

“Kelp,” he greeted the man with a proper bow and hand raised to gesture his greeting. 

[kujoutengu]

@contractuum

“This island is quite unlike Inazuma.” Having never set foot outside her home,  Sara lacked the experience of different nations and places. This made adjusting to this place a challenge.

[floralalchemy]

@contractuum

albedo is fairly certain he just witnessed this person walk into a door, and then appear fully perplexed when it hadn’t opened. and as amusing as the situation is, he doesn’t really have time to stand around waiting for him to figure it out… so when he goes to move around zhongli he comments, “i believe it opens out, not in.” before demonstrating that, indeed, it opens out as he had been sure he recalled. then, realizing it could be perceived as terribly insensitive not to ask if he was alright (something he was good at being unintentionally at the worst of times), he turns back to the other man with the door held open.

“you weren’t injured, i hope? that seemed… unpleasant.”

unfortunately small talk is also not exactly his strong suit. figuring out how to properly socialize was often a constant point of struggle for the homunculus.

[isolaradiale]

i really appreciate the confirmation regarding the reserve, so i'll be sending him back in before it's posted so i can get started with him again right away! reapplying as zhongli from genshin impact, and the application can be found in the sidebar compendium or under /application

Welcome to scenic Isola Radiale, Zhongli!

You will be housed in CONDO 428.

You'll retain everything you were given during your previous stay.

-- mod altair.

[spiritsbloom]

“But there’s support.” she could tease him for his manners but instead, she chooses a gentler approach. to enjoy life could mean different for one than another, and Hu Tao rarely agrees with opinions that are against her views, it still never stops her from doing what she can. “Imagine like it Liyue Harbor, it stands strong because of all the people that came together. Snow is not that different from rock.”

"... i cannot claim to have had much opportunity to find enjoyment within snowy regions i fear." most such endeavours amounted to battle or business after all. perhaps another aspect to add to the retirement bucket list. "furthermore, i fear my knowledge centres more around the latter areas than the former. historical knowledge of snow covered regions bear no relevance in the practical execution of play. to think that the snow is capable of maintaining shape even without the support of a base. most intiguing."

[descensionstar]

contractuum replied to your post: “"just got off the phone with the Stars... sorry...”

he started it

windmadepoet replied to your post: “"just got off the phone with the Stars... sorry...”

I've finally gone deaf in my old age, what was that?

✦how did you two survive the last 500 years?✦

[castilium]

okidoki, with the LB7 stream on the horizon and the brain funk still wrecking havoc, I’m going to slide a to-do list here so that people don’t feel their starters or replies have gone unnoticed and offer assurance they’ll be answered, which has been a concern only getting half of Lumine’s owed replies so far has fuelled (it just doesn’t feel right having left people waiting so long, or seeing some things replied to and not others). if you’re waiting on something which isn’t beneath the cut, please let me know so you don’t get accidentally passed over, it’s still a work in progress  to balance seven muses.

i’ll be balancing them with playing through the new part of the story, and give a heads-up where the fate girls stand once the Lostbelt is cleared. as far as the event goes, only Mashu, Saber Lily and Lumine will be partaking though that might narrow down further with how deep into the time frame of its run we’re in, fingers crossed the brain gets itself into gear and can jump in before it’s too late.

Aichi Kronya [ fatalmenace ] Mary Sue [ eusyram ] Brad [ armstrongstyles ] Narbarel [ aurelsabre ]

Mashu Hunter [ grimflyer / winterfes ] Azar [ grandscge ] Kronya [ fatalmenace ] Enkidu [ earthensong ]

Saber / Arturia Kronya [ fatalmenace / winterfes ] Kugisaki [ wldrose ] Beni-Enma [ birdskitchen ] Boss [ sanpatron / Maskerade Festival ]

Saber Lily / Arturia Lily Ryuki [ reversedpsync / A Crocus Among Us ] Komi [ placides ] Piper [ wrightshot / Dreamscape ] Sun [ sxnburst ] Eiden [ kleinstar ] G’raha [ porteurdereve / Dreamscape ] Donald [ theunluckiestduck / A Crocus Among Us ]

Pikachu Gyess [ rose-goldscales ] Musashi [ finiteflower ] Vash [ amoirsetpacis ]

Lumine Diluc [ ragnvindrdawn / A Crosus Among Us ] Quincy [ qwincy / winterfes ] Diancie [ diamonddomain / winterfes ] Zhongli [ contractuum / winterfes ] Venti [ brise ] Yachiru [ swordofdeath / winterfes ] Alhaitham [ hetuvidya / winterfes ] Childe [ doublemasked / winterfes ] Gangrel [ rexerrat / winterfes ]

[eiternal]

🗲 "Morax. I don't believe we've ever had the opportunity to fight side by side." Their past meetings had been brief, vague encounters in this city notwithstanding. Makoto would sometimes bring her along to Liyue for meetings of The Seven during her reign. "Liyue's Archon had died". In retrospect she had been foolish to believe the authenticity of such an event.

"We gods have no place in this world, and based on what I have heard you may argue that our world no longer has a place for them either..." The difference in their beliefs was not a relevant topic at the moment however, not with the chaos of a swarm stinger-equipped of Latchers defending a giant, wasp-like Dweller.

"But surely you have some energy to spare for these insects? This island may not be Inazuma but I believe the people that live here are worth protecting." Her naginata, Engulfing Lightning appeared in her right hand. "What say you?"

@contractuum

[poswiecenia]

( ✨ ) HE HAS TO be joking.

❝ I KNOW YOU heard me. 'less in that old age of yours and in trying to fool everyone else but those that know what to look for , celestia's canem. ❞

KAEA HAD DONE all he could to build a utopia where his twin could be happy , could find a purpose after khaenri'ah had fallen ( an understatement of the last five hundred years , truly ), found stability only for it to be burned away. trust to become dust if not in his older brother. he had a goal : a goal that he had minutely slowed down in seeing his twin . . genuinely happy.

HAPPY WITHOUT A mask in sight.

AND THEN IT was gone. wine bottles everywhere and the scent of grief and misery in the air. feelings he had never wanted to see on his twin again. kaea had been willing to ignore the doubt in his gut. ignore the distrust he held for one of celestia's canem's and let kaya be happy. ignore the prince of the abyss order's summons for a time in the ( tiny ) hope that it would end well.

BUT CELESTIA WAS never so kind to those She deemed to be ants that She could send others to burn like ants under a magnifying glass.

HE'S HAD ENOUGH of gods and those that think themselves above the people they walk among trying to ignore him. he'd have laughed if he was being ignored because of himself alone. but when one leaves his twin crushed and kaea can see the cracks in whatever mask he tries to employ ? no , he wasn't about to let that slide.

HE MOVES SO that zhongli has to see him : he's not allowing him to simply turn away from this. from what he now has to deal with.

him.

❝ NAH. I'M NOT leaving. its not like my people were given a choice whether to be crushed and slaughtered by you and yours. so , no : i'm not bloody leaving you alone to weasel out of this. ❞ the blunette's words come out as a snarl , pupil dilated into a sharp cross as the eye narrowed at the man who had tried to shoo him away.

SHARP NAILS TAP against his arm after the elder twin's arms end up crossed. he scoffs , a scowl sitting on lips that reveal sharp canines. ❝ YOU MAKE HIM miserable so i make you miserable. 'sides , what are you going to do about it , mister deus contractuum ? teleporting away will only have me follow you. finishing what She'd started will only give you more grief. ❞ he knows that he's pushing his luck but with the cause of him poking a bee's nest but it was worth it.

ANYTHING WAS when it came to kaya and his happiness.

is that all that was ? a ploy ? a game ? is that what he was to you ? \ hello ......... angry twin brother time ........... kaea ............

"...Mm?"

If there was any games at play here, he certainly didn't seem to be enjoying it. After the initial sting of rejection ( was it rejection? it certainly felt that way. ) had worn off, he'd spent the rest of the night... reflecting.

Upon himself, his feelings, and his worthiness to possess them. He felt like a fraud, masquerading around the world wearing a human mask when he was anything but.

In the face of Kaea's anger, Zhongli is silent. For a moment, he's hopeful -- hopeful that it's him, having sobered up and come to patch things up, but...

'Is that what he was to you?'

And then he notices: the subtle differences that set the two apart -- the build, the body language, the absence of particular marks and tells. It's not him.

Turning away, he pays more attention to the tea in hand than the other before him. He doesn't want to hear it, nor to be forced to explain himself to someone who surely didn't understand, and to be reminded of what he couldn't have.

"Leave."