Chapter Text
"Morax! Aren't you listening to me?"
Morax snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of his companions voice. The war had consumed his thoughts. Even when he finally had time for himself, the cries of slain gods echoed through his mind.
"My apologies, Barbatos. I have not been in my right mind as of late. Perhaps you should return to Mondstadt. Nobody is safe and I would prefer your nation is being watched by its archon."
Barbatos's playful expression morphed into solemn understanding and sadness. Morax knew Barbatos loved Mondstadt. His children he called them. Morax found this a beautiful thing, for someone so young to care so much—despite the Archon not ruling them.
"You're right." Barbatos sat up, pulling his hood back over his head. Morax took a moment to study Barbatos's questioning choice of clothing for a war. Was this supposed to distract the people he fought…? He decided not to comment on it. It was hardly the time to discuss fashion.
Barbatos unfolded his wings. Morax found it a nice detail that they had glitter. In a way, they seemed like, what did mortals call it..oh, yes, cosplay.
"You can keep the wine," Barbatos said.
Morax nodded. "Very gracious of you. Be safe, Barbatos. The Hydro Archon has…already fallen." His brows furrowed with worry. "And none else should, especially not you."
Barbatos managed a smile. He walked towards Morax and enveloped him in a hug.
"You stay safe too, stone-guy."
Although the current mood was somber, Morax wanted to snort. His friend kept trying to come up with a nickname to give him. None had stuck. But that's because they were all as foul as Celestia.
"Goodbye Barbatos. And quit it with your horrible nicknames."
Barbatos pulled back from him with a giggle. "Yeah. No. Bye Rocky."
That was one of the worst ones yet, almost as bad as poop-a-doop-rock, yet Morax let him go, watching as the wind accommodated his flight.
For a moment, the war was the last thing on his mind. Barbatos had that effect, much like Guizhong. Even if he zoned out whenever they rambled on about a story he did not care for.
Today was a particular day. Morax did not hear screams or run into any threats at all, which was unusual. He decided to go back to his abode instead of patrol any longer. He made the adepti keep watch, after all, one could never be too safe.
He and Guizhong preferred to live in a small home in a secluded area of Guili Plains. The stone was put together by his own hands, while his wife gave him suggestions on how he should decorate. He did not care much for how it looked, but she did.
"Love, I'm home," he called.
There was some shuffling and then she was there, enveloping him in a hug. She was truly beautiful. Even though Morax did not go for the way someone looked, he appreciated the beauty of the goddess of dust.
"How was it?" She asked, pulling away from him with a frown. She hadn't participated much in the war, and preferred not to think of it at all.
"Surprisingly, nothing has arisen. But it is probably a trap to lower defenses."
Guizhong nodded. "Perhaps, but not everything has to have some deeper meaning, Morax."
"I cannot afford to take risks. I still building the harbor, and I want the best for my people."
"I understand," she smiled. "But they wouldn't be able to take you on anyways."
Morax pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You flatter me, dear."
"It's true. You are of the strongest."
Morax let a smile take over. It was rare he smiled. What was the point of expressing joy when it would all be over someday? He was not naïve like before. Yet his closest companions, even if they would undoubtedly be gone someday, he showed his grins too.
Guizhong smiled back. "What of that boy that you found, dear?"
Morax welcomed the new topic.
"He is a fine young man, do doubt he will grow to be very strong, it is a pity he was enslaved. I almost feel bad, taking away his freedom as soon as he received it by asking him to work for me," he paused, chuckling, "and suddenly I sound just like Barbatos."
"Barbatos?"
"Ah, I don't believe you have met him. He is a dear friend of mine. Troublesome, but strong nonetheless."
"I was unaware you have friends other than the adepti. I'm glad you're expanding your social circle," she smiled at him once more. What a beautiful sight. He felt unworthy.
"Yes, well, we are only friends because he keeps visiting. At first I was suspicious of him and found him annoying, but now, I quite enjoy his company."
She laughed. "You're so judgemental."
"I have to be. Who knows if he were to throw a tornado my way?"
"You're ridiculous, come on, I made some dinner."
"Sounds like a good idea."
Morax had been correct. Although he never thought the price he would have to pay for being involved in this war was his own wife.
In his arms, her final words were empty and dry, asking him to move on. How was he to do that when she was the closest he'd ever been to anybody?
He left her in the field of glaze lilies.
He'd experienced loss before, yes, but never had it felt so gut wrenching. Knowing he would never see her sweet smile again was all it took to make the geo archon cry.