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The orange yellow light glows dimly over the two who remain, the only two in their small world. The Archon War lasted as long as it could until it grew that familiar silence that had long been heard. Guizhong and Zhongli, still together in each other’s arms but this time it wasn’t with high spirits.
Kneeled on a bed of glaze lilies, Zhongli held her close with his head bowed against her shoulder. The tears he tried to fight back failed to stop from falling before he could become immersed in his sorrow he heard the soft voice of Guizhong. She sings with the voice Zhongli knows so well. Her hand slowly reached up for his cheek to bring his face up to look at him. His eyes full of pain gaze into her own that slowly start to lose their brightness, though the smile he grew to love and enjoy remains. Zhongli brings his hand to hers, holding it there as he listens carefully.
It takes her some time to finish since these were apart of her dying words. The heaves that come towards the end of her song have her chest rising and falling causing him to hug her closer, “About the puzzle I gave you, throw it out and forget me, will ya?” Her voice barely audible, her eyes getting heavier but she still smiled, though weary, to the best of her ability. “Please, find love and forget about me.” Once her eyes slip shut, Zhongli trembles, letting himself grieve over her. He couldn’t bare to let her hear him break, it would be buried into his mind for eternity. But as he lies her down, he mumbles something knowing it won’t be heard. Like it was a message to the Wind.
“How could I forget the one who showed me how to love? I will always hold what you gave me dear..” Collecting himself, Zhongli moves to place a gentle kiss to her forehead to give his final goodbye. “Rest well, Guizhong.”
—
Many years later, Zhongli found himself in a state of content once more. He has found people who love and appreciate his company, growing fond of the people of Liyue. She was right, those times before where she used to say that mortals are interesting and amusing to be around. Telling stories and listening to them.
Taking a visit to a place of nostalgia was something the Geo Archon found himself doing from time to time. He’d wander to the spots before he became what he is today and it was that time again. Zhongli stands in a comfortable silence with closed eyes, letting the wind speak to him. The whispers are light, soothing for the one once known as “Morax.” A smile accompanies his face as he remembers the times they shared but also the new ones he has created. His eyes open up to the sun that gives a pleasant brightness and for a moment he thinks he heard a voice. So, he turns, welcomed by a sudden embrace from the one he can say stole his heart as well as from the children he saw as his own. Without hesitation he returns it to them, a joyful laugh bubbling out of him.
A presence could be felt from behind the group as they left. The time when those who share a memory, return with relieving peace. The glaze lilies have come at last..