Archon Ranking
Charlotte:Aether! As a famous traveler with deep connections to other nations and their Archons, I have to ask, *pulls out pen and paper* who do you think the best Archon is among the ones you met?
Aether:…*looks around* I don’t know how, but it feels like they’re listening. I just know it’s going to get back to them.
Venti:*behind a house* Shhh
Aether:This question isn’t exactly easy, it’s not impossible. The Raiden Shogun and Rex Lapis are out of the running.
Charlotte:Well one of them did kick off a civil war, but why think little of the deceased Lord of Geo? Is it because you didn’t get the chance to know him enough.
Aether:…Yes. While I commend his diligence, I fear having such a strict and uncompromising approach to the concept of contracts lead to a few… rather unnecessary predicaments that could’ve been avoided by forming more open and new contracts with his people.
Zhongli:An interesting perspective. One that may or may not hold some merit. I won’t outright dismiss it, but some things must be set in stone.
Furina:Now I don’t mean to criticize such an enlightened individual, but as someone who actually had a national incident set in stone, I don’t think your plan had to have one.
Aether:The others are sorta tricky. I can’t find fault in how Nahida chose to conduct herself. Centuries of isolation by her own people and yet she still helped throughout history. Perhaps it would’ve been simpler for her to take a hands on approach and speak out against the injustices she felt, but she’s still a young and gentle god. I can’t blame her for feeling small.
Charlotte:I’ve read dozens or articles after Sumeru’s liberation. I gotta say some brought me to tears! Though she’s far older than us, I must say I don’t think it’s inappropriate to say asking such a feat is no different than expecting a child to stand up to an adult without ever being taught to do so. If anything, it makes it more amazing that she eventually did!
Aether:I agree. I’m very proud of her.
Nahida:*sniffles* Aw, I see. Suddenly I’m all warm inside.
Charlotte:Am I correct to say you’ve met the god of Anemo?
Charlotte:Off the record.
Aether:Yes. I’ve met them several times. As for on the record, the Anemo Archon may not be present often, his presence is always felt down to the blades of grass. From the very start he made a place made for his people, and lead by his people. A hands off approach not only not only fits the god of freedom, but is beneficial for the common man. Plus, it’s not like anyone feels abandoned. There’s countless records of their god returning to aid in times of need.
Charlotte:Make you wonder if he had any hand in the Storm Terror crisis.
Aether:I wouldn’t put it past them. My glider never seemed to fail a rookie like me when I needed it most.
Zhongli:You still drink too much.
Venti:Because I have the time. You do too. Some might say, Liyue is more like Mondstadt these days.
Ei:No one is saying that.
Venti:And yet I still find it comical how much a certain someone put into retiring, just to live among his people with a normal occupation.
Mavukia:He…makes a point. To a degree. You both ended in the same spot surprisingly.
Aether: As for Furina and Mavuika… it feels wrong to praise one without the other. The Pyro Archon is a strong capable leader who’s very personable. Her plan was a bit more than crazy, but it had to be to face the abyss. Most importantly, she suffered alongside her people and sacrificed a lot in order to see her plan through. Things nobody should ever have to give up; like being an older sibling. She has my respect. Truly, no one fights alone with her around.
Mavukia:*smiles* If you ask me, he should share some of that praise with himself.
Aether:As for Furina, well, do I really have to tell you about her. To this day, people see her as a the Hydro Archon.
Charlotte:How could Fontainian’s not? Even with the truth discovered, it doesn’t change she’s been prevalent in our history.
Aether:While I don’t think I can say her leadership skills are as astute as other Archons, I personally can’t bring myself to say she isn’t brilliant. Furina did her job to the letter and never compromised it once for the sake of her people despite every single day wearing down her soul until she was in literal tears. I honestly don’t know what’s more impressive. Mavukia has always moved forward without faltering. That takes immense strength. Furina though, she doesn’t have that kind of strength. In a lot of ways, she did break and hesitate, yet she walked forward all the same. It’s both amazing and terrifying. Human Archons sure are interesting.
Charlotte:Maybe it’s our shared humanity that made them so strong in your eyes.
Aether:Maybe, but I think even archons in the traditional sense are more human than some give them credit. For instance, they’re all nosy enough to eavesdrop behind a house.
Furina walks out with a red face and eyes that tried to act serious but failed to do so thanks to their glossy gaze that struggled to hold back tears. She didn’t even know what to say and feared her voice might shake. Before she could try, Aether hugs her. She can only hug him back in frustration. It didn’t take long for Nahida to join. Meanwhile Mavukia and Ei walked out into view simply because there was no need to hide.
Aether:You guys are ridiculous.
Ei:True feelings are typically expressed when the subject isn’t around. I must admit, I wish you had said at least one positive thing.
Aether:No one can ever doubt that you care. Maybe you didn’t express it correctly, and very few people know your grief, but you are a good person. I mean that.
Ei:I appreciate your understanding. Perhaps in the future, many more will share a similar idea.
Charlotte:…*squints* Are the Anemo and Geo archon behind the house too?
Charlotte:*tosses pen and paper* I can keep a secret! I’ll make a contact if I have to! I just gotta know~
Venti:..*peeks head out* Hello!
Charlotte:I’ve seen you!!! You’re the drunk bard everyone likes even though he doesn’t pay his tab!
Venti:I pay my tab! It just keeps coming back.
Charlotte:*bounces with anticipation* Is the Lord of Geo with you? Hehehe~
Zhongli:…*sticks arm out*
Charlotte:DIRECTOR HU TAO’S FUNERAL CONSULTANT!?
Zhongli:Wha- she knew by my sleeve!?
Aether:I am going to be honest, wearing all brown and having a job that uses your encyclopedic knowledge of history is not a conspicuous disguise.
Venti:I told ya, you might as well of chose to be a miner. There’s dozens of those; much like there’s countless bards! So what if I sing an old song!? Nobody would bat an eye if you were good at digging.
