[ And thus expectedly, the first strike was cast. It was an sound strategy for Manon after all, considering the odds against him. Perhaps he should have took Childe's words more to heart in their conversation before - that all the man knew was how to run. But that was something to be dwelt upon later, after all of this was finished.
An old familiar instinct roils within him - to listen to the call of the quieted earth once more, to shield, and to protect. (Old welcomed habits would be so easy to fall back upon.) But Zhongli is no novice to the bow, and he sees the absolute precision and control that Hayame exerts when she lets the arrow fly. It appears not to be aimed as a lethal shot, and so he pushes down those thoughts. Not here. At least, not now unless it became necessary. Such a heavy agreement made in the heat of the moment was not how he wanted to do this.
There is the start of a motion to go to John's side as well, but Cid is there almost instantly with the familiar thrum of healing energies in the air. Good. If there were time, he would show his gratitude for his quick reactions but of greater importance is to ensure that this does not escalate any further. So Zhongli stays where he is a few paces off to one side of Cid and John, hands help up in a gesture to show that he holds no weapon and does not plan to attack or approach further. ]
Your wariness is understandable. But there was an agreement between all that questions were to be answered from Manon himself. Answers that very well could have importance to everyone here regardless of affiliation. I have come to see that agreement fulfilled.
[ He gestures to John, the weight of the man's previous words still hanging heavily in the air. ]
It appears this individual has come for the same purpose as well.
If you need further assurances, speak them. If we are not to approach, then ask the questions in our stead. Further confrontation serves naught but to assist in Aetós' chaos.
no subject
An old familiar instinct roils within him - to listen to the call of the quieted earth once more, to shield, and to protect. (Old welcomed habits would be so easy to fall back upon.) But Zhongli is no novice to the bow, and he sees the absolute precision and control that Hayame exerts when she lets the arrow fly. It appears not to be aimed as a lethal shot, and so he pushes down those thoughts. Not here. At least, not now unless it became necessary. Such a heavy agreement made in the heat of the moment was not how he wanted to do this.
There is the start of a motion to go to John's side as well, but Cid is there almost instantly with the familiar thrum of healing energies in the air. Good. If there were time, he would show his gratitude for his quick reactions but of greater importance is to ensure that this does not escalate any further. So Zhongli stays where he is a few paces off to one side of Cid and John, hands help up in a gesture to show that he holds no weapon and does not plan to attack or approach further. ]
Your wariness is understandable. But there was an agreement between all that questions were to be answered from Manon himself. Answers that very well could have importance to everyone here regardless of affiliation. I have come to see that agreement fulfilled.
[ He gestures to John, the weight of the man's previous words still hanging heavily in the air. ]
It appears this individual has come for the same purpose as well.
If you need further assurances, speak them. If we are not to approach, then ask the questions in our stead. Further confrontation serves naught but to assist in Aetós' chaos.