kowase | IC INBOX

[ another round of practice motions. Footwork, properly sliding the spear between his hands, keeping it even, steady. Pacing to swing, forward--back, then reset. Repeat.

Once Zhongli announces the end of the session, he does his best not to give a small sigh of relief. His arms ache from holding the heavy weapon that he's not yet accustomed to, and yet at the same time, he feels like something was accomplished. Even if he knew he'd need at least another at least dozen lessons before he'd be able to even start putting practice into anything vaguely hinting at action. It's fine. He's patient.

And when Zhongli starts to tell his tale, recounting his memories of that old bowl, and the reason he'd hidden what knowledge he did have of it, he can't help but to feel... something. His mind taking the pieces of the puzzle zhongli is scattering before him, putting them together piece by piece, even if many of the more important ones were being withheld; he feels like he's just realised something.

zhongli spoke of this potter from emperor yuan's court as if it was a memory of something experienced, not a tale retold. the story of his own friend who made such wares such as that old jade bowl--a craft that was not as commonly practiced in these more modern times.

'Especially in those times'.
That was the comment that sealed it all home in his mind, and his gaze is slow as it reaches his old friend.

...Possibly his oldest friend, and not by measure of how long he knew the man. He's just settling with that, with a nearly curious look on his face.
Certainly it won't change his camaraderie with the man but it... adds so much perspective, it's startling. ]

Thank you for recounting the tale. I now understand why you were reluctant to share what you knew at the time. It sounds as if you had a memory that was sore to revisit. In your shoes, I feel I may have reacted much the same.

[ however... ]

But with this story I cannot help but to wonder. If that old bowl I have, if its actual age that I know now is one similar to another relic I apparently know.

[ you. you are relic. ]

[Though he's told his story, Zhongli's gaze isn't on Vergil. It's... somewhere else. Somewhere distant in both time and place, when the wind still remained by his side. Vergil cuts to the heart of the matter, though, and he simply nods in response.

Ah. So he's finally put the pieces together, has he? He'd like to hear what, exactly, he's figured out... but that will be for another time. Zhongli only said he'd answer one question.]

I think I know the relic you speak of. [... One question. But he does like Vergil a great deal.] That one, I think, predates the bowl by a few decades. Did you ever read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, by the way? It's one of my favorite novels. Luo Guanzhong wrote it before William Shakespeare ever picked up a pen, but I would argue it's of similar cultural significance to the East.

[That sure is a hell of a hint, though.]

[ it's in his nature to be inquisitive, to ask too many questions, to push too far. it was one of the few reasons he didn't have a lot of friends, alongside the fact that he'd often drop off the face of the earth for a few months when distracted by some project without a word; he would also tend to ask too much or keep pushing when someone else might decide it was probably a good idea to back off

social cues, never heard of her. ...Zhongli offers another hint, and his head comes up quickly when it's given. ]

Yes. I am very familiar with those stories. CaoCao is one of my favorite warriors, an ispirational story of a man rising the ranks from humble beginnings to become the leaders of a great kingdom.

I have a copy of the book that was hand-copied, written in text that's so old it's difficult to read. I keep it locked inside a case in my shop.

[ alright fuck zhongli is old as balls ]

Cao Cao was sometimes portrayed as a villain, but I'm pleased that you saw the same qualities in his character as I did. Historically, any ruler who dares to go against the normal feudal laws would be written like that. Qin Shi Huang also received this treatment from the dynasty that came after him. He had foreigners and commoners in his court both, a very forward-thinking concept even in Cao Cao's time. [None of this has anything much to do with the main topic, but—] Cao Cao was nevertheless a great man.

[HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM????]

... Anyway, I would love to see that copy of Romance sometime, and perhaps I'll tell you what I know of the writings it was based on. The study of historiography is a very interesting one indeed.

[He offers Vergil the carrying case.]

If you'd like, I'll take care of the other one. [He won't forget it like his wallet. Promise.]

[ HMMMMM indeed. zhongli's recounting of tales had always been somewhat wistful, from what he remembers. But knowing there's a touch more to it then just recalling readings, he's starting to realise how... personal the man made it sound. Like he's remembering experiences, meetings. Like he was there when ink hit paper, and not just to read it by someone elses' spoken tale. ]

I like to think that even villains in a story play an important part to the tale. While we can disapprove of their actions or lament on how much easier life may have been without their acts, the struggles of those who are on the kinder side of a struggle would be bland if they reaped victory on nothing.

[... hm
talking about that felt weird
...was he just trying to compartmentalize the fact that he saw that past self of his as man like cao cao, or the great qin shi huang? knowing history would see him as one who would be hated as the great enemy of good? it's hard to think about, he doesn't want to linger on it. ]

It is kept in one of my showcases in the shop. I would be too happy to allow you to look it over to see what you think.

And I do not see a reason to disallow you to carry your own spear. I did purchase it for you, after all.

...Thank you for today.

Rarely is it ever so simple as to be the 'heroes' versus the 'villains', as well. Cao Cao and other rulers like him did things that some might judge to be evil, but there is no doubting their accomplishments. To walk the grey road is to be human.

[He's not sure how he feels about people needing to be the villains. To him there is no such thing as good or evil. Just circumstances, and people who break their word versus those who do not.]

I'll take you up on that kind offer soon.

[He adjusts how the spear's carrying case sits on his shoulder. The thanks takes him by surprise, but then his expression softens a bit.]

Think nothing of it, Mr. Vittore. [He was just upholding his end of the contract.] Though, I did enjoy our training and our little talk. It's been some time since I was able to teach another the spear. It's worlds away from teaching in a university.

Before I depart, are you hurt anywhere? I wouldn't dare send you home with a scratch on you.

[Vergil's new brother might kick his ass.]

Edited 2023-05-09 02:37 (UTC)

I would agree with you there. There has never really been any point in thinking in black and white, unless it is clearly meant to be that way.

[ he gives a little shrug, taking his own spear over his shoulder.

He'll even offer Zhongli a little bow of his head along with the thanks, a hand touching the collar of the finely pressed shirt he wears under his jacket. ]

How you have the patience to teach at a school is beyond me. You have a hardy resilience that's worthy of respect. [ he chuckles, very quietly.

But, ah. He does take a moment to look over his hands, giving his arms a little stretch. ]

Fortunately, given we only did basic forms, it seems that I ended up unscathed. [ ...he's not sure why he didn't have at least a few starting callouses though. He's unused to wielding a weapon, though, maybe they just didn't come up until the next few sessions? ~~he has no idea that his regeneration has already kicked in.~~ ]

So you are sending me home in fine shape. Tired, but fine.

...So, until next time?

[Zhongli's patience was hard learned, that's for sure.]

Resilience is a nicer word for stubbornness. [He gives a small laugh.] Some say that is my best or my worst quality, depending on who you ask.

[If Zhongli told Vergil that he was once a bold and brash sort, he would get laughed at, most likely. But the truth is that Zhongli has never walked far enough from that persona. It dogs his heels like his own shadow, reminding him of the cruelty that comes with responsibility, and the war between gods and monsters that took many human lives as well.]

That's good to hear. I've no intention of sending you back in worse shape than you started.

[He smiles slightly, though as always there's a deep undercurrent of sadness that clings to him like a faint, nostalgic scent.]

Until next time. Take care, Mr. Vittore.

[And off he walks, leaving Vergil alone with his questions for now.]

IC INBOX - kaisou

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