[“It is enough for some people to know this,” says the young man, and Xiao wonders, Am I one of those people? He thinks back to when word had first arrived of Rex Lapis’ death during the Rite of Ascension. A stark horror had gripped him, seeming to bleed all other emotion from his heart. And yet, he knows firsthand how true Lessa’s reassurance is; Xiao’s existence revolves around cleansing the lingering hatred from old god remains, after all. Still…is it foolish for him to hope that Rex Lapis has earned a more peaceful life after godhood? Foolish, maybe. Certainly not his place, in the end.

The proffered hand is stared at in clear miscomprehension. Xiao is barely accustomed to the customs of Liyue, where bowing is the formal greeting of choice, never mind the customs of other lands in Teyvat; he does not recognize what Lessa expects. Despite this, he reaches out tentatively to slot his hand in the young man’s, gripping it firmly before uncertainly eyeing Lessa to watch for a reaction.]

An old goat, [he echoes, somewhat amused.] Lessa. I’m Xiao. And I suppose that makes me an old bird.

[He continues to hold onto Lessa’s hand, making no attempt to release the young man until it’s clear that Xiao has done the custom appropriately.]

You speak as if you were apart from these people and their war. Is that true, Lessa?