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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

[ Per long tradition.

Well, first things first - guess he is stealing the wine back so he can properly pour it in the cups.

The first cup goes to Venti. ]

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[ Taking his goblet, but then plucking the bottle back out of Zhongli's hand so that he can pour out Zhongli's portion. ]

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[ He takes the goblet, briefly pressing the lip of his to Venti's with the thunk of two stones hitting each other.

He takes a sip before opening the basket and digging around in it, pulling out a clay vase with a Windwheel Aster burnt into the side and three sticks of incense. ]

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[ He takes a (respectable, non-alcoholic-like) sip after the toast, but lowers the goblet in surprise once Zhongli pulls out vase ]

Oh . . . it's beautiful.

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[ He slips one stick of incense inside, lighting it before setting it on a flat rock nearby. It smells of cedar and pine. ]

Yes, it's a very difficult pottery technique - the flash vaporizing of flowers and other items so they may permanently leave a mark on the world. I believe the craft was developed elsewhere but was perfected in Mondstadt. Or at least it was a very popular style of vase around 300 years ago.

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[ He reaches out to touch the image of the windwheel aster. ]

I love it, Morax.

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That was only meant to establish the ambiance.

It would not be a true Rite of Parting for our Lord Barbatos without authentic from Mondstadt. And I came upon a curious currency - I am told from merchandise sales - which allowed me to make a purchase of an item from Teyvat.

[ He reaches back into the woven basket but not before giving Venti an almost embarrassed look. ]

Though I am not responsible for the current state it is in.

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[ Tilting his head ]

I mean, you know I'm not a particularly picky or fancy person.

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[ Please enjoy one extremely non-magical and also extremely broken Holy Lyre der Himmel.

That is also propped up on the flat rock where the incense and vase sit upon, makeshift altar that it is. ]

I will not ask what happened to this.

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[ His mouth drops into a disbelieving, open-mouthed gape.

Please hold. This is processing. Congratulations for being one of the few in recorded history to render him speechless. ]

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[ He continues on, as clueless as ever to Venti's emotional state. As he always is. ]

Perhaps it is fortunate then that you have brought another instrument.

For it could not be called a Rite of Parting for Barbatos if there was not some sort of functional music.

1/2

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[ He still says nothing as his fingers trace the wood and strings of his dear old friend's lyre. ]

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[ And he continues to say nothing as he flings his arms around Morax in a crushing hug. ]

1/2

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[ Ah... ]

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[ He wraps his arms around Venti in return (though not as crushing) and reaches up to stroke his hair. ]

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[ Not pulling away, voice unusually soft. ]

Thank you, Morax.

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You are most welcome, Barbatos.

I know that my skills of expressing such things are usually... lacking. But I wish nothing more than for you to find at least a sliver of peace and rest in this place.

You have not truly rested in so long.

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[ Keeping his face pressed against Zhongli's shoulder. He just . . . doesn't want to move. ]

I could say the same thing to you, you old blockhead.

Well good thing because it ate the original notif

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[ Hair petting will continue, sir, until morale improves. ]

Looking after a handful of people is a much less daunting task than overseeing a nation - even if their problems are ones I am wholly unfamiliar with.

Despite everything - I have found quite a bit of escape from my usual responsibilities.

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[ He will just continue pretending morale is bad forever, then. ]

Hehe . . . I suppose that's true.

I'm glad.

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So will you rest your wings for awhile?

I think you should be allowed that much after everything you've been through. You do not have to think about anyone but yourself for now.

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These wings don't exactly fly much anymore . . .

But for you, I will.

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Barbatos...

[ "I would rather you do this for your sake, not mine."

But small steps. This step will be enough for today.

Though he does reach for the guitar, bracing it up against one thigh as he plucks a string experimentally. ]

Someday, we will both fly again.

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[ Venti makes no move to stop him, just watches his curiosity with mild amusement ]

Someday!

For just a little while, though, I'd like to do nothing but rest here with you.

[leaveofabsence]

You may take all the time that you like. I have no plans for the rest of the day.