Chapter Text
Zhongli set his brush down, and looked over to where Neuvillette was sitting. The young dragon had a hoard of books piled around him, as if to make a tiny fort. He was intently focused on cross-referencing something the newly formed Qixing had sent to their Archon. It was trial period, in which he was still very much in control, and looking over every proposal and plan before approving them. As they proved themselves, he would slowly loosen his grip on them, allowing them more and more freedom. Of course large, country wide decisions would still have to go through him. He hoped sincerely that the human council would meet his challenge, and prove their usefulness to him.
Until then, it was excellent practice for Neuvillette to study each incoming missive and then present it to Zhongli to approve or deny. As if his hatchling could feel him staring, lavender eyes flicked up, to meet his. Neuvillette cocked his head, and his slim horns straightened, as if to ask if something was wrong. Zhongli lowered his head with a rumble, dismissing any worries. It pleased him that Neuvillette, despite being surrounded by multitudes of species, was still able to communicate nonverbally with another dragon. It was not something he had actively taught his child, but perhaps it had been picked up by watch himself and Azhdaha do the same.
Neuvillette simply nodded his head, and buried himself back into his book. It had been several months since his heat, and there was a small pit of disappointment settling into his stomach. He had a hatchling, and that was enough. His precious Neuvillette was more than a miracle for him. He brought a hand to his chest, idly feeling for the gnosis. Perhaps Neuvillette was not the only one with fertility issues. He did not know the effects the gnosis had on his constitution. He had never attempted to procreate after obtaining it. He was flying blindly through this. Zhongli feared that this would be a great disappointment to Azhdaha. His mate seemed very convinced he was carrying, if by the way he tenderly tucked Zhongli against him, the larger dragon’s warm hand rest on top his very flat stomach.
“Baba,” Neuvillette called out, “I can hear you thinking all the way over here,” he teased, a small, beautiful smile on his pale pink lips. Zhongli shook his head and let out a small sigh. His little boy, already so striking. He did not know how to prepare for the day when Neuvillette would find a mate. After all, would anyone be worthy of his kind, selfless and undeniably gorgeous hatchling? “Baba,” Neuvillette repeated, looking a little miffed, “You’re inside your head a great deal.”
“I suppose I am,” Zhongli said with a wry smile. “Perhaps I have worked on these papers for too long. I feel as if the words are swimming together.”
“That just means you need a break,” Neuvillette hummed, sliding a piece of paper into his book, “Probably an A-die break,” he added with a sage nod.
“An A-die break?” Zhongli chuckled and raised a brow, “Whatever does that mean?”
“It means A-die has been out the past few days, and you’re missing him, and probably need a good cuddle,” Neuvillette’s smile turned cheeky.
“Ah, I seem” Zhongli let out a small laugh, “I suppose a proper cuddle from my mate would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
“I could use an A-die cuddle too,” Neuvillette popped out of his seat Weill of youthful energy. Zhongli shook his head in amusement and stood, dusting off his robes. As soon as he was out from behind his low to floor writing desk, Neuvillette was next to him, their sides pressed together. “Baba cuddles as good too,” he added, threading their fingers together. Zhongli couldn’t help but lean over and press a sweet kiss to his hatchling’s head.
“Now,” Zhongli rumbled, “Is your A-die home yet? I did not hear anything from the windows, but perhaps he used a side entrance.” Neuvillette bobbed his head, keeping an eye out as they walked down the hall.
“Good Afternoon Morax,” Ping strode down the hall, arms crossed loosely.
“Ping, have you heard of Azhdaha’s return?” Zhongli asked.
“Oh, are you two on the hunt for him?” She teased, looking over the dragons fondly.
“Indeed,” Zhongli purred, dipping his head.
“I believe he is in your baths my lord,” she smiled, “Freshening up for his mate, I heard.”
“Excellent,” Zhongli perked up. It was quite adorable that Neuvillette displayed a similar mannerism, but for an entirely separate reason than Zhongli. His hatchling and any body of water. The boy would spend hours in the tub should anyone let him… or more likely, lose track of him.
“You should spend the rest of the day with your family,” Ping said with a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Papers can wait, can they not?”
“This was only to be a short visit,” he argued weakly.
“Good luck dragging your hatchling out of the bath then,” she covered her wide spread lips. Zhongli shot a glance to his son, watching as Neuvillette returned the look with the utmost innocence. What a little liar.
“I suppose it would be considered a lost cause,” Zhongli sighed heavily. “But that does not mean I will abandon my work for the day. I will be back, just perhaps sans my son.” He sent a pointed look to Neuvillette, who just continued to smile. He hoped that Neuvillette would never lose that silly innocence of his, that nothing would ever rob his son of his beautiful smile and endless open heart.
Ping said her goodbyes and they continued to walk, now with a destination in mind. Neuvillette leaned against him as they walked, almost like his sweet hatchling was craving it. He allowed their tails to brush against each other as the walked, their shoulders bumping. Neuvillette was most certainly going to be taller than him, which was somewhat irksome. His hatchling was still young, or young enough that he was not considered a full grown dragon. Just how big would he get? He had jokingly thought that Neuvillette may rival Azhdaha, back in the day, when he was but a wee thing. Now that joke was seeming more like reality. He would be as tall, if not taller than his A-die, but perhaps not as built. He had slimmer lines, meant to pierce through choppy waters, not to crush boulders in his bare hands.
“What are you thinking of baba?” Neuvillette asked after a moment of silence.
“How big you are getting,” he said simply, “That I loathe that I can no longer scoop you up in my arms and carry you around.”
“I… I’m sorry,” Neuvillette looked over at him in surprise, his lavender eyes actually swimming with emotion.
“Darling, you have no need to apologize,” Zhongli attempted to soothe him.
“But… but I’ve never thought of it that way!” He let out a little distressed trill. “When… when was the last time you picked me up?” He asked, lips trembling.
“Hmm,” Zhongli hummed, feigning that he actually had to think about it, “You were about this tall,” he said motioning to his hip, “It was a few months after Lantern Rite. You were swimming out in the shoal. You brought me a lovely pearl from the depths. I picked you up and we waded out into the waters, as I told you the origins of the pearl.”
“Watasumi Island,” Neuvillette breathed.
“Yes, it had traveled a far way,” Zhongli chuckled, “Just as you had, to become my hatchling.”
“Why… why didn’t you pick me up again, after that?” He asked, claws catching in his own robes.
“You hit a growth spurt,” he sighed, “You were also doing your best to become more independent. I did not wish to hinder your progress… You would have looked like a little octopus had I picked you up.”
“I… that makes me sad,” Neuvillette glanced down at the ground.
“The passage of time cannot be fought,” Zhongli brushed a strand of hair behind Neuvillette’s ear. “It brings waves of sadness, and yet new adventures wash ashore. The ebb and flow is why we keep living day to day. To see what the next horizon brings.”
“You didn’t have to be so poetic baba,” Neuvillette huffed, rubbing at his eyes.
“Perhaps not,” he chuckled, “But you appreciate it nonetheless.”
“I do,” he grumbled and leaned a bit heavier into Zhongli, until the older dragon wrapped an arm around him. Neuvillette dropped his head to rest on Zhongli’s shoulder, and the archon smiled into his hatchling’s hair, pressing a few kiss to the crown.
“Perhaps one day you’ll be able to shift forms, as I do,” he chuckled, “Or at the very least, manage the size of your draconic form, so I may carry you around once more.”
“Can you get smaller baba?” Neuvillette scrunched up his brow.
“Yes, I can,” he hummed, “It is not a sensation I enjoy very much though. I can appear human, and that makes me more… compact. When I first met you, you were in the shape of a human… well other than your horns.”
“I was?” Neuvillette blinked owlishly, “I don’t remember doing that.”
“Perhaps it was due to you feeling uncomfortable among humans while looking like a dragon,” he pondered, “Your stubby little tail and claws were hidden away. But you still stood out… I think even among the people of Fontaine, your looks are rather unique and stunning.”
“Yeah,” Neuvillette frowned, “I don’t look like anyone in the books you gave me… maybe some features are similar, but… no one looked like me.”
“And they will not, you are probably singular,” he said gently, “That is not a bad thing, for you are something so perfect, Celestia only had to make you once,” he cooed, watching Neuvillette’s pale cheeks heat with a rose colored blush. “Come, I think we’ve allowed you A-die to soak enough, mm?” He gently pulled Neuvillette to his and Azhdaha’s rooms. Sure enough the door to the private bath was ajar, allowing some steam to escape.
Neuvillette slipped out of his arms and was quickly disrobing. Before he could blink, his hatchling was a flash of blue, and darting into the water on all fours. He heard a rolling churr, followed by a large splash. Zhongli pushed the door open further, to find his mate, in all his large, scaled, muscled glory. Azhdaha in his dragon form took up a good deal of the bath, and their hatchling wound between his legs and under his tail, swimming like a river otter might.
Azhdaha let out a purr, letting the smaller dragon zoom around him, and splash him with water. It only took a few minutes for Neuvillette to settle down, worming his way under Azhdaha’s stomach and cuddling up and against his chest, sitting right between his front legs.
“Welcome home my mountain,” Zhongli rumbled, gently tugging at the layers he wore. Azhdaha’s head snapped up to him, and like a big dog, started to wag his tail, splashing water all over the room. “Oh my,” Zhongli chuckled, “Two days apart, and you are already so eager to see me.”
“Baba, A-die always wants to see you!” Neuvillette chided, a toothy, draconic grin flashing across his muzzle.
“He is not wrong,” Azhdaha purred, seeming to fight the urge to come up to Zhongli, because their hatchling was still nuzzled under him. “Come to me, my mora?” He asked, or maybe it more akin to a begging. Zhongli decided to oblige him, slipping out of the tedious layers until his was bare. He let out a satisfied hum as he dipped his legs into the water. He would have loved to transform and wind his way around his family, but he was afraid he’d displace too much of the water. As he waded closer, Azhdaha’s tail curled around him, and under him, urging him to come closer. The massive dragon lowered his head and brushed their cheeks together. “I have missed you,” he rumbled, something Zhongli could feel in his very core.
“As we have missed you,” Zhongli murmured, “The nest seems cold without you there to curl around me.”
“You haven’t caught a chill, have you?” Azhdaha worried, nosing him a few times.
“No, no,” Zhongli took that snout in his hands and peppered kisses along it. “I am quite well, you do not need to worry.”
“Baba could be eating more though,” Neuvillette chimed in.
“Darling,” Zhongli sighed.
“Have you not been feeling well?” Azhdaha fretted, reigniting his nosing.
“I am well,” Zhongli reiterated, lightly pushing his mate’s maw away. “Please believe me, trust in me?” He urged.
“I.. yes, yes, of course,” Azhdaha sighed, “I just worry, especially with…” the dragon dropped his head, and his tongue flickered out, grazing the skin of Zhongli’s stomach.
“It had been multiple moons,” Zhongli said with a tightness.
“Yes?” Azhdaha glanced up at him.
“It did not take my love,” Zhongli did not want to say, but he did nonetheless. He could not allow Azhdaha’s hopes to raise too high, for his expectations to be dashed. Azhdaha blinked at him slowly. Neuvillette seemed to sink further in the water.
“It… did…?” Azhdaha spoke slowly.
“No, it did not,” Zhongli said firmly, “I am certain. I would have noticed.”
“No?” Azhdaha snorted, like his offended. “Has… has no one looked you over since we’ve returned?”
“No, I have not shown any symptoms thus far, I saw no need to,” Zhongli’s throat tightened.
“And you have not been eating enough,” Azhdaha repeated.
“I eat well enough, I assure you,” he let out a small hiss.
“You are in gravid,” Azhdaha said slowly.
“Azhdaha,” Zhongli grabbed his snout, “I am not. Despite both our wishes, I am not.”
“A-die,” Neuvillette warbled, “Why do you think baba has eggs?”
“Can… neither of you feel it?” He asked blankly, looking between the two.
“What nonsense do you speak of?” Zhongli said, a bit sour.
“The resonance,” he replied, “There’s geo resonance.”
“Because I am an Archon of geo?” Zhongli critically rose a brow.
“No, it’s not yours,” he looked up at Zhongli with a small glare, “They are tiny… so small, but I can feel them, like little pinpricks.”
“Baba,” Neuvillette poked his face a bit more out of the water, “Maybe… Herblord or Cloud Retainer should come look at you, just… so A-die feels better.”
“A second opinion could not hurt,” Zhongli acquiesced, but frowned as his hand hovered over his stomach. If he was… with child, then why could he not sense it? Was he going to be a terrible parent if that were the case. Neuvillette chose that moment to wind around him, letting out soft, soothing chirrups. No, no, he was getting ahead of himself. He was a fine parent, if his precious raindrop was anything to go off of.
“You should not stay in the heat for long,” Azhdaha broke him from his thoughts, “High temperature is not good for hatchlings… or so I have read.”
“You have read?” Zhongli asked, baffled as Azhdaha nosed him out from the water.
“Have you not? I know very little on the reproduction of dragons,” Azhdaha snorted, “You, droplet and Devalin are the only ones we are on good terms with.”
“I… oh yes,” Zhongli said with a little cock of his head.
“Of course there is very little literature on dragons,” he huffed, shifting into his human form, “So, books on reptile breeding had to do.”
“Reptile breeding?” Zhongli choked out. He could not decide if was appalled or want to laugh until his eyes watered.
“Did your mother ever tell you anything about gravid?” Azhdaha asked, finding a towel and wrapping around Zhongli.
“No,” he frowned, “I was the only hatchling to survive my clutch.”
“You had siblings?” Neuvillette pulled himself from the water, also in human form.
“Technically, I suppose, yes,” he let his shoulders drop. “I remember seeing their eggs. My dam kept them in a separate nest, unable to part with them. They did not rot, which leads me to believe they were never viable in the first place. I do not know truly though.”
“So… you were a miracle baby,” Neuvillette asked, “Like me?”
Zhongli let out a soft snort and his hands came to rest under Neuvillette’s chin, “I see, yes, we do have that in common.” Neuvillette cozied up to him, wiping his face on the towel that Azhdaha had wrapped around him. “But other than that, I know very little of dragon births. How long the eggs grow, how long they incubate for. That is all a mystery to me.”
“So it is a trial by fire,” Azhdha chortled.
“If there even is a trial,” Zhongli scolded with a heavy huff of air. Azhdaha bowed his head, allowing Zhongli the dominance of the situation. The Archon pulled away and went to his nest, plopping down in the middle of it. He bundled blankets around himself, and then around Neuvillette, after his hatchling crawled in. “Well,” Zhongli said a bit tartly, “Go fetch a medic, and we shall prove your unfounded theories false.”
“Your wish is my command, my mate,” Azhdaha bowed his head again, but a mirthful smile was on his lips. His mate left him and their hatchling to cozy up in the nest. Neuvillette seemed to take it upon himself to pull more blankets and pillows near, making sure Zhongli was comfortable.
“Your A-die is delusional,” Zhongli grumbled, stretching out his tail.
“But what if he’s right?” Neuvillette paused, looking over at him with a cocked head.
“You cannot feel them, correct?” He asked, frowning.
“No,” Neuvillette shook his head, “But… I don’t have the same finesse that A-die does with geo energy.”
“And you are saying I do not either?” He huffed out a small laugh.
“No, no,” Neuvillette’s eyes widened, “But baba… you are a geo powerhouse. You exude it constantly. The very earth seems to respond to your steps. If you are used to that, to having a constant field of energy around you at all times… then what are a couple pinpricks of slightly different geo energy?”
“I find it hard to believe I would not notice,” he groused, dropping a hand on his stomach. “I am not showing at all.”
“You said it yourself, dragon reproduction is a mystery to you,” Neuvillette hummed, his claws kneading the blankets nearest to him. “Will you be happy if A-die is right?” He asked softly.
“Yes,” Zhongli breathed out slowly, “But I am cautious of raising my hopes. I do not wish for it hurt quite so much if he is wrong.”
“How like you,” Neuvillette churred, “Keeping expectations level so one is not disappointed.”
“It is an unfortunate habit,” Zhongli admitted.
“But not necessarily a bad one,” Neuvillette inclined his head. “I have a hard time with it, but as a leader, it’s probably a necessary skill. To manage one’s expectations, to keep a level head above all else.”
“You are not wrong in that,” Zhongli sighed, “It can lead to a rather bland outlook in life though.”
“I see,” he nodded, “I think it’s a skill I must practice, but I still wish to see the small joys in the world. The small bits of hope.” He came and settled down next to Zhongli. “You see, Xiao was speaking of something similar rather recently.”
“Ah, yes,” Zhongli flattened his lips together. The Yaksha were a constant presence in his mind. He worried endlessly over them, but he as much as he tried to help, there was little he or anyone else could do for them.
“He was worried over Ganyu and I,” Neuvillette continued, “He thinks we are too idealistic. That he is afraid that if something more happens… that we won’t be able to,” he paused, pursing his lips in thought, “That we will not bend like bamboo, just… snap.”
“It is a valid worry,” Zhongli said tightly. “It is not one I wish to spend time pondering, but it is not a thing to be taken lightly.”
“No, it isn’t,” Neuvillette agreed, settling himself down in the rest, his head resting in Zhongli’s lap. Without a moment of hesitation, Zhongli combed his fingers through the wild locks of white hair. “You and the Aunties have given us a good life, a good childhood. I don’t think Xiao understands that fully. He sees it as being coddled, being babied. Which… is not entirely inaccurate, I suppose.”
“He may see it that way,” Zhongli agreed, “I wish I had been able to treat him in the same way,” he confessed softly. “There was no time for it. And I was a much different dragon all those years ago. I regret it deeply now.”
“What do you mean by that?” Neuvillette peered up at him, eyes squinted.
“I was not nearly as… kind,” he said slowly, “I am not kind, not entirely so.”
“Baba,” Neuvillette made a face, like he smelled something sour.
“I was very focused on the Archon War, my droplet,” Zhongli raised his hand to signify Neuvillette to settle, “I had many notches on my belt, so to say. I was on a war path for most of it. Guizhong was there to steer me, and eventually guide me to making better choices without her intervention. I was angry, at almost everything, and anyone. I did not want to play the games I was forced to. The world was better before the Gnosis were introduced. It was a cruel, and unfortunate game Celestia decided to force Teyvat into. But when one cannot escape the machinations of those above us, you must learn the steps, to dance along with the music of their making.”
“Aunty Guizhong?” Neuvillette tilted his head. Zhongli knew he did speak of her as much as he should. For she had such an impact on his life, that it felt wrong to admit that he avoided speaking of her when he could. “Aunty Ping talks about her a lot,” he drummed his fingers, “I don’t… think I’ve heard you talk of her before.”
“She was… dear to me,” he let out a measured breath, “Liyue would not be what it is without her intervention. She… was an idealist. So many grand plans, so many great adventures stored away in her clever mind. You could very well say she was the brains and I was the brawn, or our relationship.”
“But, you’re super smart baba,” Neuvillette let out a bell like laugh.
“Well, I can be rather stubborn, and was even more so back then,” he chuckled, “Why do you think your aunties and uncles say I have rocks for brains? It was her joke. She liked to poke fun at me, and she was one of the few that could in that era.” He shook his head slowly, “But back to Xiao. We have gotten rather off topic.”
“I like hearing about the you of the past,” Neuvillette cozied up to him.
“I will endeavor to tell you more,” he murmured, “But do understand that some of the tales hold old hurts. Painful memories that I do not wish to rehash.”
“I know,” he nodded and threaded their fingers together.
“But Xiao,” he hummed, “He, along with the other Yaksha, came under my care when I had no desire for hatchlings. I was rather unsure what to do with them, as my mind was constantly on the next battle, or where our next supply train could break through enemy lines. I was utterly and completely devoted to the war, to making sure the people of the Guili Assembly knew there was another sunrise to watch. So children, especially those of Adeptal lineage, became soldiers. That is what happens in desperate war times. It is no excuse, but alas, let us just say, I am grateful you came into my life during a time of peace. One where I could truly raise you to see the joy and hope in every moment.”
“I see,” Neuvillette breathed, squeezing his hand gently.
“You are a different type of leader than I, my raindrop,” Zhongli leaned down, and pressed a kiss to Neuvillette’s head. “A leader of people, of strength in peace. You will think things through, for you will have time to do so. You will be there to lift your people up to heights unknown, not just out of the hellish flames of war.” Zhongli nosed him with a warm smile, “I look forward to seeing what you achieve my sweet hatchling.”
“Baba,” Neuvillette started to get teary eyed as Zhongli spoke so tenderly to him.
“You will touch so many lives, and bring so much joy,” Zhongli promised.
“I hope I can live up to that,” Neuvillette said shyly, scooting in until they were cuddled together. Zhongli pulled his hatchling close, curling around him, tail resting over both of them, adding comfort through the extra weight.
“You will,” Zhongli nuzzled him, kissing the crown of his head, and right next to his slender horns. “You already do so much, and make me so proud,” he murmured, “I just know you will do many amazing and great things, my darling.” Neuvillette let out a few warbles, and pressed his face into Zhongli’s chest. The Archon just held him, combing his fingers through his hair, looking up at the ceiling, wondering just what exactly the future would hold for them, for their family.
“You look comfy,” Azhdaha murmured shortly after the door opened.
“I am,” Zhongli chuckled. He felt Neuvillette wiggle against him, but did not make a move to greet his A-die. Azhdaha sat down near Zhongli’s head and a big hand swiped the hair out of his eyes. His mate drew nearer, and then pressed a kiss on his lips, just a small, chaste one. “Did you acquire a healer?” He hummed, eyes closed, still feeling Azhdaha’s breath on his lips.
“I have,” he rumbled, “Herblord was visiting luckily. She was enthused to do this for us.”
“And just how many other Adepti heard of this visit?” Zhongli arched a brow.
“None, I promise,” Azhdaha soothed, “I know they are little gossips.”
“You are included in that category,” Zhongli huffed, “Or need I remind you that when I brought our hatchling home, you too, were huddled outside my room like gossip journalist from Fontaine.”
“I was curious!” He let out a little defensive hiss, “The dragon I was courting brought a hatchling home! I was… I was concerned.”
“Oh so terribly concerned,” Zhongli teased with a glint in his eyes.
“I was,” he pouted, “I was worried about you. About what it meant,” he confessed, “About why you would have an egg outside your nest for so long. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but that it was not good.”
“But it turned out to be good,” Zhongli caressed the back of Neuvillette’s head.
“Yes,” Azhdaha agreed, tenderly looking down at the pair, “So incredibly good.”
“Knock, knock,” Herblord pushed the door ajar. “I heard I was need to mediate a disagreement between my lords.” Zhongli looked over at the snake with a small roll of his eyes. She slid across the wood on her two feet with all the grace in the world. Her ethereal white garb fluttered and glowed in the sun’s dying light. She came to kneel in one fluid motion, at the edge of the nest. “May I?” She bowed her head slowly.
“You may,” Zhongli murmured, watching her as she carefully picked her way through the nest, making sure not to disturb it much. She was always so very careful, and he appreciated that. She did such great work to make sure her patients were well taken care of, and to make sure she was not disturbing them in any way.
“Lord Azhdaha is quite insistent that you are in gravid,” she informed him.
“I am aware,” he said dryly.
“And it appears you are very much in disagreement,” she chuckled.
“What gave that away?” Zhongli snorted.
“Regardless of your status, a post heat checkup is never a bad or needless thing,” she chimed, “I wish you had alerted me sooner. I would have made the trip to come and give you the all clear. I take it the heat went well, though? No injuries?”
“Injuries?” Neuvillette, who Zhongli assumed had dozed off, scoffed suddenly. “How does one injure themselves in heat?” He poked his head up in confusion. All the adults silent looked at each other, waiting for another to speak up in their place. After an uncomfortable amount of silence, Azhdaha decided to speak, and Celestia bless him for it.
“Well… sometimes… you get,” he struggled to speak, gesturing unhelpfully with his hands, “Enthusiastic. Yeah, enthusiastic, and you… pull… something…”
“What?” Neuvillette furrowed his brow, give his A-die a rather acidic look.
“Like… like when you get too into a sparing session,” Azhdaha coughed, sounding like he’d rather die than keep talking. Zhongli did his best to hold in his wheezing laughter. “And you… stab your partner. Or… claw them… or… or..”
“A-die stop,” Neuvillette looked somewhat mortified.
“Yeah,” Azhdaha nodded his head and awkwardly turned away.
“Enlightening,” Herblord laughed softly, “So… no injuries, correct?” She reiterated.
“None,” Zhongli wheezed out, afraid he’d start laughing too hard to stop.
“Perfect,” she hummed, face still alight with amusement. She leaned over him and gently pulled away a few layers of the blankets he was bundled in. “This may feel odd my lord,” she warned, pressing her cold finger tips to the bare skin of his abdomen. It was not an unpleasant feeling by any means. Zhongli was fairly experienced with those, but it was a probing sort of thing. Something that he knew was not supposed to be there, and it made the gnosis in his chest tingle.
“So?” Azhdaha leaned over, after not much time had passed.
“Impatient,” Zhongli scolded, with his eyes closed.
“Cut A-die some slack Baba,” Neuvillette chided, resting his head on Zhongli’s shoulder. “He’s just excited.”
“For nothing,” Zhongli huffed.
“For six,” Herblord corrected him.
“Six?” Azhdaha coughed.
“Six?” Zhongli’s eyes popped open.
“Six little, barely there, geo sparks,” Herblord nodded her head.
“Holy shit, six?” Bonanus screeched. The door was suddenly thrown open, and many, if not all his Adepti were crowded around it, some even falling into the room. Neuvillette started to laugh at all teh guilty expressions on their faces.
“I thought no one was aware,” Zhongli quirked a brow, but laughter rumbled deep in his chest.
“What can I say,” Herblord hid a smile behind her sleeve, “The Palace is quite a rumor mill.”