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Trudging through the snow in Dragonspine brought about a blissful sense of nostalgia that had Childe feeling even more excited to traverse the new landscape. The stark difference from Liyue’s warmer climate was welcomed and had Childe casting fond eyes to the sky to watch the falling snow more times than he could remember.
A grunt from beside him pulled Childe from his reverie.
“You didn’t have to accompany me, you know? You’re not exactly in your element.” Childe said as he shuffled back to help the struggling former archon wade through the lump of snow currently making it even more difficult climbing the slope. “It’s not too late to head back.”
“There is no need.” Zhongli huffed. Thankfully Childe had enough sense to equip him with warmer clothes in preparation for their outing. Including a thicker coat, one that would easily blend into the new environment, as well as taller boots and earmuffs that most Snezhnayan’s were seen in to combat the cold. Zhongli had his hair in a bun to avoid it curling around his neck under the scarf.
The slope they needed to climb to reach camp for the night had taken longer than expected to concur, considering Zhongli found every excuse to examine the new sights and environment. They’d spent at least ten minutes just studying a chunk of suspiciously glowing red ore before Childe promised to have a sample or five brought back to Liyue.
“Childe, how much further?” Zhongli asked just before tripping on a slippery rock. He would have gotten a face full of snow had he not been grabbing Childe’s forearm for dear life.
“Not much,” Childe shielded his eyes and squinted through the raining snow. It looked like a storm was nearing. “I can see campfires. We’re close.”
Zhongli hummed. The cold had turned his cheeks a bright red and frosted the bronze tips of his hair- he looked miserable. But under the falling snow and setting sun and in the blistering cold, Zhongli’s gems of amber and bright cheeks were the most ethereal things Childe could have laid his eyes upon.
A fatui agent greeted them at the edge of the slope, bowing towards Childe. “We’re relieved you made it to the outpost safely Lord Harbinger.”
“It may have taken longer if Zhongli-xiansheng had his way,” Childe threw a playful look over his shoulder before gripping Zhongli’s hand. “Come on, let's get you defrosted.”
They make their way to a larger tent set up in the middle of the campsite, flanked by pires to prevent frostbite. Once safely behind the sheets of the tent, Zhongli tugged at his scarf and earmuffs while dusting the melting snow from his hair.
“This climate will take some getting used to…” He surveyed the minimal set up they’d been given.
“I for one feel right at home,” Childe grinned and turned towards the exit flap. “Make yourself comfortable, I asked that there be sufficient stock of tea and food for you. I’ll be back soon after I talk to the others.”
When Childe ventured back into the sub-zero domain Zhongli began his assessment of their abode. As promised, teas imported from Liyue lined a small box where the kitchen area was meant to be. Their cots were on the opposite side divided by a thick sheet, likely to help keep the cold out. Other than the bear essentials however, there wasn’t much for Zhongli to occupy himself with.
He had no expectations of being entertained while tagging alone for the trip and had only accompanied Childe in the spirit of making the most of his newfound retirement. The traveller had advised he venture out of Liyue for the best experience. Although, the deathtrap that was Dragonspine would not have been his first choice. While mulling over whether or not to attempt something in the kitchen, Zhongli was pulled from his thoughts by the fluttering sound of scampering feet.
The creature, which it was sure to be, scurried along the edge of the tent trying to burrow inside where the heat was. Zhongli continued to stare as a white furred creature struggling from under the heavy material of the tent, somehow managing to squash its body enough to sliter through the gap it managed to dig. A curious nose sniffed around in frantic excitement once it had succeeded, inching cautiously closer towards Zhongli- towards food.
Beside him, Zhongli reached for the snacks he’d set aside for the tea he’d planned to have with Childe. The possum creature sniffed the air some more and eye’d the hand Zhongli held up.
“Would you like one?”
As if replying, the creature scooted forward, dipping its head and slinking towards the offered treat. Zhongli placed the tiny biscuit a good distance in front of himself and sat back down. A hesitant nose sniffed at the treat before devouring it in a few quick bites.
It was obviously unsated as it crawled a little closer to Zhongli’s legs and sniffed around them. Dark beady eyes and a damp nose toward him, innocent in its greed. Zhongli reached a hand down and scooped the creature up, having won it's hesitant trust.
“Perhaps one more…”
That’s how Childe found him- hand-feeding a curled up ball of fluff beside the tea pot he’d set up. “What is that thing.”
“I am unsure of all the wildlife hailing from Mondstate.” Zhongli supplied and smiled at Childe in greeting. “Although this creature appeared hungry and I decided to feed it.”
“I can see that.” The plate beside the teapot was mostly empty, save for a few biscuits and crumbs.
“I believe it is domesticated.”
“No,” Childe sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “There’s no way you domesticated a wild animal with some crumbs. It’s likely just behaving because you’re a source of food and safety.”
“Is that not the reason for all pets?” The naivety held in Zhongli’s all too beautiful innocent eyes broke Childe down embarrassingly quickly.
The harbinger planted himself on the seat opposite Zhongli. “I mean… people don’t usually pick their pets up off the side of the road, and certainly not off Dragonspine. Isn’t this place supposed to be cursed by a dragon or something?”
“It is true that the remains of the ancient dragon, Durin, rests in this mountain. However I fail to see how it’s essence has had any negative effect on this particular creature. Perhaps it is just in need of caretakers and a safe home.”
Childe sighed again, “We are not taking that thing back.”
“Ah…” Zhongli’s shoulders slumped down. He hugged the snuggling creature closer to his chest. “That is a shame.”
“Please don’t do that!” Childe groaned, “We can’t possibly- There’s no way that can live in Liyue! It’s not used to the warm climate!”
Zhongli gripped the creature under its arms and prompted a series of unhappy squeaks. “No, perhaps not. Snezhnaya seems like a more appropriate home then.”
“I-”
“Would that be agreeable?” Zhongli turned his head to face Childe, blush still dusting his cheeks and pleading smile tugging at his lips.
“I cannot believe you.” Childe deflated and stood up only to be within reach to pinch at Zhongli’s cheeks. “Fine. If it doesn’t run off, we can… we can bring it back.”
“Wonderful,” Zhongli let a full smile grace his lips and Childe melted despite the freezing weather. “Thank you, Childe.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I’m not looking after that thing.”