[ There's something wrong - something more than Childe is telling him. But with thoughts leaking in from people all around them, it's hard for Zhongli to tell which errant thought belongs to who (his own included). And some have been ringing terribly close to the confusion he felt back in Highstorm. He's not Meridian. He's not. Even though he understands so easily why so many Shard Bearers had chosen that path.
Convert Childe to the cause? Yes, because that had worked so splendidly for them the last time around. Nevermind that they were both on the same side. Ridiculous. Ridiculous that it had come down to this - a slow deteriorating of the mind as a public spectacle in front of everyone. This is why he'd been purging his Meridian energies with any acquaintance that was willing to trade. If madness were to claim him a second time, then at least he would struggle against it every step of the way. ]
Come.
[ Zhongli grips Childe's hand tightly in his own and hoists him to his feet, other hand braced to steady him as necessary. Like a wounded soldier in battle, he tosses Childe's arm over his shoulder and starts leading him away from the main chamber. ]
no subject
Convert Childe to the cause? Yes, because that had worked so splendidly for them the last time around. Nevermind that they were both on the same side. Ridiculous. Ridiculous that it had come down to this - a slow deteriorating of the mind as a public spectacle in front of everyone. This is why he'd been purging his Meridian energies with any acquaintance that was willing to trade. If madness were to claim him a second time, then at least he would struggle against it every step of the way. ]
Come.
[ Zhongli grips Childe's hand tightly in his own and hoists him to his feet, other hand braced to steady him as necessary. Like a wounded soldier in battle, he tosses Childe's arm over his shoulder and starts leading him away from the main chamber. ]
The communion is getting uncomfortably loud.