[if anyone has wondered how someone hemming and hawing over rocks around the encampment would look like, look no longer. zhongli is crouching just at the edges of camp, studying rocks, picking one up and setting it aside. then taking back other rocks and setting them all up in a line

quite a sight for a man in such a well-tailored suit, playing with the dirt.]

Ah-- [he gains a smile on his face as he notes someone looking, and he stands, placing one hand behind his back as is customary for him.] What may I help you with? Are you a newcomer as well-- ah, what did they call us... Hatchling? An apt enough description.

[someone has noticed zhongli's deep voice, and has roped him into helping at communications. someone or something called cartagena, though he has yet to understand what artificial intelligence means. perhaps a bodiless spirit, much like... ah, nevermind.

perhaps he's already done so, and feels awkward at a microphone when he doesn't know how half of this technology works. he doesn't know if he's overenunciating, or speaking too quickly... or anything, even if his job is as easy as reading off of a piece of paper handed to him. so he's just outside of the communications area, holding onto the old notes he was given, and speaking each line out loud, and pausing. then trying again to hear himself speak. and then moves on to the next one.]

Mmn, but what is a... [a pause when he notes he's not alone.] Ah, apologies. Have my musings disturbed you?

Let me assist in this endeavor-- I'm not one to sit on my heels. [he accompanies that comment with a smile, despite the circumstances. he's well aware of the dangers! but he does want to put his companion at ease. they're strangers after all, and it's natural to be wary of strangers.

then he looks towards the direction they're supposed to go in, trying to determine how fast they can go without tiring themselves before the journey is over. then shakes his head-- every journey has its final day, no need to rush. they've determined that those afflicted are not inn any real danger to themselves, or anyone else.]

I'll be sure to pull my weight... and protect you, if necessary. How dangerous would this trip be, you think?

[[ bring your own prompt! i'm up for going against the quago with zhongli, though am unsure if he's affected or immune. feel free to pm this account or grab me at wildtrapinch. ]]