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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

Thank you for your kindness, Barbatos.

And for giving me space.

It is one of the hardest things to let someone you care about walk away while still hurting.

[outofoffice]

You don't need to thank me. Your free will is always yours.


[ Even if, yes, he stared at the ceiling all night wracked with concern ]

[leaveofabsence]

But each choice we make has consequences. And ripple to those around us. If my plans for retirement have taught me anything, it is not to underestimate how strong those waves may be.

[outofoffice]

[ Tipping his head ]

And do you still want space now?

[ He asks, already in Zhongli's lap, clinging onto him . . . ]

[leaveofabsence]

No. I have sufficiently collected my composure.

And as always with this place, there are new concerns to deal with even before the dust has settled on previous encounters.

[outofoffice]

. . . Really?

[ In a tone like "what NOW???" ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He carefully touches Venti's earring as to not seem like he is attempting to remove it. ]

Heart and sensitiv still wear these marks of misdeeds against the production.

And as you mentioned before, there were many dreamers and dreams in this last game.

And some of those dreamers are not equipped well to handle with the tumultuous emotions that follow.

[outofoffice]

[ His expression darkens at the reminder of the earring ]

So what is it you intend to do?

[leaveofabsence]

Make a contract or two. That usually takes care of the issue.

[outofoffice]

[ Sighs . . . ]

I don't know what I expected.

[leaveofabsence]

I suppose I should consider myself fortunate that I can still keep you guessing after all these years.

[outofoffice]

And I should consider myself fortunate that some things really do stay the same.

[ A considering pause.

And then he lefts his hand to turn Zhongli's face towards him, making sure he's looking at him. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He does not resist the gesture, but he does raise one eyebrow in Venti's direction curiously.

Yes, Barbatos? ]

[outofoffice]

I didn't realize the degree to which erosion has weighed heavy on your mind, though I should have. I'm sorry.

[leaveofabsence]

You have nothing to apologize for.

Unfortunately such a burden must be born in brunt by the individual. And you yourself have many troubles of your own to deal with.

[outofoffice]

Do you know why I write my songs, Morax?

[leaveofabsence]

I have my theories.

But I would like to hear your answer directly.

[outofoffice]

Songs and stories scatter the seeds of the future. They outlive us when we're gone, but carry our memories to those who will never know us. The children of the future will hear of our triumphs and heartaches alike.

Take a lullaby, for example . . .

[ A certain someone has certainly never met Guizhong ]

So, if you share them with me -- I'll commit each and every one of your memories to song.

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

A generous offer. And one that I will most certainly partake in.

[leaveofabsence]

[ But after a somewhat thoughtful pause ]

But do you intend to live the rest of your days out in Teyvat?

[outofoffice]

Well, yes . . .

[ A halting, trepidatious pause ]

--Don't you?

[leaveofabsence]

I believe I do. At least for the coming centuries. And certainly when it is time for me to find my final resting place.

But the stories you speak of -- if they are to be spread across the stars, then we cannot depend on unexpected events such as...

[ And he points to Imeeji around them ]

To do the work for us.

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. . .

So you'd like to follow in the Traveler's footsteps, then? To journey across many worlds and share your stories?

[leaveofabsence]

[ Now it is his turn to reach for Venti - cradling his cheeks in his hands so that he is looking up at him. ]

I am not certain. This place has made me uncertain of many things.

But it is something that I have been thinking of. Nothing set in stone.

But it seems that such a thing might upset you...

[outofoffice]

[ Ahhh, how different it is now from when Barbatos was the one with wanderlust, roaming every possible corner of the world.

"Nothing set in stone" indeed . . . ]

No.

[ Leaning into those hands. ]

I simply wish for the opportunity to go with you.