I don't own Genshin Impact
Warning: OOC-ness and unbeta-ed
I can't decide which traveler in this, aether or lumine, so feel free to decide it yourself
i prob rush a bit to end this before the event ends, so my apologies for any mistake you will find but please do tell if you find them
also i can't rhyme so pls forgive me for butchering venti's wonderful way of speaking ðŸ˜
Morax was a prime adepti before he became an archon. That means he had lived long enough to learn a lot of things and to let go. That immortality doesn't mean eternal. That a force couldn't bind and twist another's fate.
So when he came upon realization that his heart has once again longed for another companion, in the name of his fellow archon and his neighbor -Barbatos, Morax had decided on the spot the feeling, the one that Guizhong had taught him, had to be buried deep and uncovered.
For Barbatos is a God that mandate of Freedom and would never be bind to his contract. For their immortality wouldn't guarantee a happy ever after. For he knew, that the smiles Barbatos threw at him is something that was also shared with everyone else.
However, the Gnosis that gave him the immortality is now gone, and the contract that he had protected for so long had been fulfilled. He had stepped down from Godhood to walk around, differed from his incognito travels, this time finally and completely blending -or attempt to- with his people.
The traveler and the floating companion had taught him a lot; about the standard, the common, and the limit.
And that was when Morax -now Zhongli, traveled outside his city, to find his old friend and afterall these thousand years, asked him to go to the lantern festival with him.
Since now that they both no longer knew until when they could still stay on this land and Zhongli learnt that he didn't want to regret the limited moments he could have had.
Barbatos -who has assumed in the form of a bard called Venti, with his cheerful nature that loves festives, of course agreed. They went together with the traveler, from Mondstadt to Liyue, on feet. None of them were worried about the time they could spend leisurely chatting and laughing together.
When they reached near Wangshuu Inn, they split from the traveler. There was another person in the traveler's mind and both have encouraged the traveler to bring the person to the festival. Zhongli and Venti smiled at the retreating figure heading to the top deck of the Inn.
Even with their party reduced to just the two of them, Venti was enough to fill the mood. As always a chatterbox, asking things and recalling things Zhongli had told him long ago. Sometimes, he would hum songs in language he have never heard about. When he asked about it, the bard would proudly and excitedly explain the journey how he learnt & come into inspiration for the songs.
When they finally reached the harbor's gate, the bard immediately skipped ahead in excitement and Zhongli, unconsciously, reached out to grasp on the wind.
Venti looked back, obviously puzzled at the action.
His breath hitched in his throat. A moment, and his mouth opened in falter, "You promise to enjoy the festival together," even he, himself, was surprised at what he has just said.
Years ago, they had gone through this gate for the same occasion. No invitation was given to each other, Barbatos just came unceremoniously like usual and dragged him out to here. And yet, when they stepped on the gate, the Anemo archon flew ahead of him and visited the stalls in a gust of excitement. He trailed behind, never falling on his tracks, but never catching up to the other. His hands were folded, a restrain he put on himself by not giving his heart a chance to take over his mind and kept the wind to his side, while knowing his eyes couldn't stop watching him.
But he promised to himself and to the traveler to no longer do that. So he fixed himself, while praying the blush creeping on his cheeks would be hidden by the red lights from the lanterns, and finally took the other's hand on his, "let's hold hands so we don't get separate."
Venti blinked then formed a smile which annoyingly enough seemed to mock him and yet still made his heart skipped. "Hehe~ I guess the festive mood must have gotten the rock softer tonight."
Oh, little did he knows, it had been since ages ago.
"I'm just afraid a wind would turn into a storm in such a beautiful night."
"Then the rock better keep him abound then. Cause even a little sweet smell of wine could make him slip away."
This time, it's Zhongli's turn to blink. Because he didn't think the man beside him would reply in the same tone as his while looking away and yet his body leaning closer to him.
The consultant smiled and laced their fingers together. "I will make sure to remember that."
Venti doesn't mind skinship. On the contrary, he actually likes it.
He likes to wrap his arms around Dvalin and Andrius, laying his head on their neck sleepily. He would take Diluc's arms on his and swung them around as he begged for more free drinks until the man relented. He would be shoulder to shoulder with Kaeya as they merrily gulped away their jug of beer. In moment of excitement, he would hug the traveler as a greeting.
But with Morax...
When they first met, Barbatos showered so many affectionate gestures much to the other archon's annoyance.
He would glomp at the older god when they met. Laying his head and singing on the other's back while the Geo Lord was polishing their weapon. His arm rested comfortably on the other's shoulder as he while afloat drunk from the wine bottle he brought. As if trying to find the line he shouldn't cross, Barbatos kept put one step in to Morax's circle.
But then one day, when Morax had enough of his antic for the day and huffed away from him, Ganyu -who had been watching their banter- giggled and offhandedly- told him that she was happy seeing the two of them being so close. That she noticed although Barbatos always pulled a prank on her Lord until he roared angrily, Barbatos always watched Morax with a warm gaze when he wasn't looking.
It was a realization he tried to never be discovered.
So he stopped doing them.
For he was afraid he would yearn for more. For he knew how lonely the rock is and he can't promise forever. For as much as he would like to blow the other's burden, his wind is not as strong.
He never glomped the other on sight anymore. A little poking and more verbal teasing and a little round of chasing around was enough for him then. He only stayed until the last bottle they drunk and slept through it. He couldn't get caught anymore. It was a distance he maintains.
Time moves quickly during his slumber, and now he found himself... them without gnosis to bind their immortality. As Venti gazed to the sky, he wondered how much longer he could maintain his shape, let alone his power... his existence. Then he appeared... Morax -now, Zhongli, a funeral palor consultant from Liyue, inviting him to go to the lantern festival together. The festival he and Morax used to go together in their disguises... but never by invitation.
He put a hand on his chest and closed his eyes... and he could still hear his friend's words.
The voice echoed along with the traveler's face, their determination to reach for their sibling -their important one.
Venti smiled and skipped a head, holding his beret still, "Let us hurry off then! The festive isn't waiting for us any longer!"
When they entered the Angel's Share to regroup with the traveler before departing, bunch of guests rushed forward to gather around the Liyue man in curiosity. The man in question stood still and kept his calm. It was as if the excited questions by the drunkards were organized inquiries. He answered them one by one without missing any, leaving them wondered if he was truly friend with Venti who usually drank his ass off the bar. Diluc was raising a questioning brow at him and the traveler especially, and Paimon almost told the man the truth if Venti didn't quickly drag them out.
Although he knew very well Diluc can keep secrets, Venti wanted to respect his friend's decision to hide -or attempt to- his identity, especially when the man himself hasn't even told his close aides.
They went through the Mondstadt gate, giving a farewell salute to the stationed guards and made their way to Liyue then. Sometimes they stopped in the way when the traveler found something to forage, or when Zhongli got lost in track for explanation or when Venti almost bought the counterfeit dandelion wine for "tasting". Laughs were lost in the night as the traveler told them about his adventure with Zhongli -things Venti missed and vice versa. Sometimes the two of them sang together, nudging the taller man to join in and the trio chorused when they sang a Liyue song. They were just like a trio (plus a mascot) of ordinary adventurers on their mission.
When they reached Dihua Marsh, the traveler stopped a moment, looking far ahead. Paimon was the one who noticed the hesitant look on her partner's face which pinpointed her mind to a certain adeptus. Upon hearing the name, Zhongli's face softened and urged the traveler to invite said adeptus. Venti didn't really get it but he knew the adeptus must be someone important to his friend, so he pulled the other by arm and as quickly flew them to the Wangshuu Inn. He pushed the nervous traveler inside, waving him a goodbye. He wasn't planning to wait for them since they expect to meet the two of them (three, counting Paimon of course) in the town later.
As a matter of course, the journey left to Venti... and Zhongli. But it didn't matter. It wasn't like it was the first time they were alone together. Sure, with Zhongli, it's a first but besides their names and the clothes they wore, they are still the same old Barbatos and Morax.
And the same old Barbatos still tried to maintain his facade behind his cheerful talks.
Hence why he was surprised when suddenly the other grasped him on the wrist, holding him back.
No one ever tried to capture the wind, especially not the stubborn old Morax.
But Morax was no longer, now he is Zhongli. Who asked him to enjoy the lantern festival together, who shyly tried to hide his embarrassment as he coughed to himself, who took his hand and held it, keeping their distance never far than a step.
Venti has to calm the storm in his mind and his Gnosis-less chest, he couldn't look the other face to face, despite without floating he could never with their current height. He tried to still keep his consciousness by giving a playful remark, not expecting the other's fond reply as he interlaced their fingers.
Venti likes skinship and he does it often, but he didn't think holding hands could give him... anxiety? fever? confusion? heart-stroke?
Preoccupied, he was quieter now, leaving the other to lead the way. He heard a voice calling out to his friend which made him finally perked up, it was coming from a stall. The vendor was helped by Zhongli once before and wanted to express his gratitude by giving some of the menu in the house. Respecting the intention and the man's business, the ex-God of Commerce instead asked for discount and paid from his pocket, which he amazingly didn't forget this time (unknown to Venti, the traveler had vehemently remind the man before their ... outing).
They bid the owner a farewell when they finally bit down on the last skewer and threw the sticks to the bins. This time Zhongli led to the far right where people seemed to gather around a table or they were about to when a kind voice called out. "Well, well, I didn't expect to see you, old friend."
Zhongli froze and Venti whipped his head to the voice in excitement. "Madame Ping!" He leaped forward and almost tripped if not because the hand which was holding his kept him steady.
Madame Ping approached closer, the smiles still reached her wrinkled eyes, "It's been so long, hasn't it... Venti?"
Indeed it has been years and yet the woman was still as gentle as the last time they drank and sang together at the terrace. Venti let go of Zhongli's hand and reached out to hug the lady. "The time must have frozen, you still look wonderful as always, my friend"
"Flattering as always, Venti," the woman returned the warm gesture, studying her old friend feature in the dim red lights, "I see that this year you bring... a new companion," her eyes landed on Zhongli who was standing on a bit far back, seemingly tense but still delivered his manner. "Good evening."
Venti looked back and forth before letting out a forced laugh, "Yeah! I met him thru the traveler!"
"I see," Madame Ping chuckled, "A fine gentleman indeed. I hope he will be a better companion than the old stubborn... rock."
"On the contrary, being with such a fine company, I think I will be the one enjoying the night," Zhongli replied in his stead, closing his eyes fondly.
"My my, it seems the bard's charming speech rubs on you too. Or... have you been always like that?" Upon the sharp tone Madame Ping delivered, Zhongli faltered on his stance.
"I wonder. Perhaps we all can have tea together to know each other then."
"Yes yes of course. That's a promise."
A meaningful smile to nervous ones.
"Well then, this old woman wouldn't want to be a bother and shall depart. Enjoy the night, you two."
Once the adeptus was out of sight, the two ex-archons unconsciously let out the sighs they'd been holding.
"She knows."
"She always knows." It wasn't a statement, it's a fact. Zhongli rubbed his temple in exasperation. "My apologies. I didn't mean to involve you."
Venti forgot they are in Liyue. In Mondstadt, only a few people knew about his identity, so no one would really ask about Zhongli when they are together. But in Liyue, Rex Lapis' adepti are everywhere, most whom he has met and befriended and would have known his identity. There was no way they wouldn't suspect a thing if they see the two of them walk around together.
Venti took in the other's hand, re-linking their fingers, "there's no better drinks but the one you toast with your friends," Zhongli smiled a little, "What are you gonna do then? Shall we leave? That way, we don't have to worry meeting them." In the first place, Morax likes to enjoy the things the people of Liyue pull together, but was never a big fan of the crowd. Usually after Barbatos had his fill in the streets, they would pick a place far from the crowd to enjoy the lanterns.
The hand in his tightened, "No," then the man drew closer, "it's fine. I want to enjoy the festival with you." Blush dust on the wind's cheek. Odd. He hasn't taken a sip of any wine yet tonight.
They finally resumed their walk, approaching the game table which had taken the walking Liyue trivia's interest. Venti sat across his friend, listening nonchalantly to the game master's explanation. He used to play a lot of things with Morax. Most which he lost to, but more than few which he smartly scored. Strategic board game isn't his expertise and despite the game could be played in cooperation, he could tell from his friend's face that the man was challenging him. Oh well, he supposed he got to entertain a few game to save the other possible players his friend could obliterate.
They played three times, Venti won the last one. Crowds gathered in curiosity, awing at how his friend played his pieces. Ruijin -the game master- was very pleased that her game seemed like a hit.
The bard had thought that was enough performance and it was time for them to move on. However it seemed his friend has another plan.
"This game is indeed interesting. I suppose if we play this with a friend, the sensation would be different," a hand raised towards Ruijin, "how about it, game master? A game between me and my friend here against your team?"
Oy, oy, are they going to advertise more than they already did?
Venti likes attention but he's not a big fan of thinking.
Of course as a liyue businessperson, Ruijin was quick on the provocation and accepted it. Then she turned to the crowd, "who would like to join me to duel these gentlemen?"
Murmurs of uncertainty and excitement spread, but no one was faster than a certain woman. "Allow me."
Zhongli and Venti's eyes widened for a moment.
Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing...
"Lady Keqing, it would be an honor."
Venti knows her. Zhongli and the traveler told him about her.
The woman took his seat and he moved to stand beside his friend. Technically there wasn't really any need of his presence but as a support. His friend was the famous God of Martial Arts, he had scoured and won many kinds of battlefield, those which Venti fortunately never came across as much. According to the traveler and his friend's story though, the Yuheng isn't someone to be underestimated. She definitely has multiple plans prepared under her sleeves. He studied the sky and then back to his friend and the Yuheng. "How about we settle it in best of three?" He proposed with a wink. There needs a limit. He knew when people like them got competitive then he would never get to visit all the stalls.
The four of them agreed.
They did agree but since the first game was taken by the other team, round two which they won, and round three ended in a draw... they proceeded to round four, which thankfully ended in their favor.
Venti studied the proud look marred on his friend's face once they left the game table, making him giggled to no one but himself.
They stopped in front of a vendor selling antiques next, Zhongli particularly looked closer at each in deep interest. Some in the shape the two recalled of existence and recognized the fine replicas of them.
"... this one doesn't seem to weigh as much as you claim. To start with, the dust color on this antique would be dated more recent, if I have to say...," Venti played with his braid as his friend trailed off and agitated the vendor. No, he's not bored. He just had had his friend showed him the item -the genuine one- years ago, and he even went into details to the crafter's characteristic shown in the work. Everything that's being said, he had heard about it. Maybe not later they would have the man yelling at them for obstructing the business.
Or so he thought when someone suddenly clapped behind them, "As expected of Xiansheng," a blue-dressed boy stride closer and took the aforementioned item in his own hands, "Indeed, this can't be a real genuine one, knowing that its only existence right now is safely guarded in Feiyun Commerce Guild. I wonder if you can give a certified document to back your claim, Mr. Vendor." Embarrassed the man forcefully took back the item and some others, hiding them far in his storage goods.
They put a little bit distance for their privacy afterwards, and as the protocol, Zhongli gestured to each other, "Venti, he is from Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu. He is young but he is very well versed in the area."
Aha! Another rock split from his friend. Liyue has a lot of them.
"I am a mere bookworm, I don't actually dwell that much in business," a lie too obvious with their encounter before, "besides, my knowledge is nothing compared to Zhongli-Xiansheng."
"Ahaha, comparing yourself to the old man isn't a good measure, I think."
Zhongli shot him a look before coughing to himself. "Xingqiu, this man here is my friend, Venti."
"I am but a bard, if you have any stories, let me write them to a ballad."
"I will keep that in mind," somehow there seemed to an underline meaning to that remark. "I see... a friend," it was only a moment, but Venti noticed Xingqiu's raising brow on their intertwined hands. He wanted to retract them and yet his friend's hold was never loosened. Did he not notice? This is embarassing.
Xingqiu didn't seem to mind though, instead he smiled and offered, "Liyue has many stories and I trust with Xiansheng as your da- company," what was it that almost said?, "you will have plenty for your songs. Still if that's not enough and you need any help, please don't think twice to ask the Guild. They'd be more than happy to help."
"Is wine included in that offer?"
"I had thought you will ask for stories for trade," A chuckle, "I'm afraid we can't really send it to you directly if you don't have any identification to claim your legality but perhaps, Xiansheng wouldn't mind to be your drop point," Considering their relationship, friends as Zhongli claimed, Xingqiu must have acknowledged that he is not as young as his appearance gave him as.
Venti's eyes turned to his friend, putting on his best doe look. Zhongli closed his eyes, his arms were folded as a sign of his unmatched defense to his expected move. "I won't. He promised he won't get drunk tonight."
"I pledge my word on not to get waste, never on not getting a taste."
"Venti...," Morax was clenching between his teeth and the wind knew better to push the button further in front of their newly acquaintance.
Seeing the two old men arguing must be amusing for the young swordsman as he couldn't help but broke to small laughs, holding himself desperately in respect. "Apologies. It's a shame we can't answer to your request, Mr. Venti. But I could leave a word and prepare a room at the best tea house if you'd like."
Oh, behind the door, they could order the beverages and he could steal Zhongli's share. His friend is right. The boy is truly brilliant.
The bard was about to jump into the offer when a hand was raised to interrupt, "Thank you for the offer," it was Zhongli of course, who else, "we plan to have a feast in my house after the festival."
"In your house, Xiansheng?"
"We do?" Venti always let the other decides their plan but he has never heard of this one.
Zhongli nodded with a firm, "Yes," to them both.
"Well, pardon my unnecessary meddling," despite hiding it behind his book, Venti somehow could still see the boy was grinning, "please don't let me hold you on your tracks. I shall be on the way."
In the growing bustle streets after Xingqiu left them, their presence seemed to blend in as not many people called out to them anymore if they didn't approach closer. Hopping to one stall to another, they didn't really spend on anything beside the foods. The colorful umbrellas, the unique-ly designed kites, the pinwheels, all those which Morax had bought for the two of them, back when Mora was still free at his dispense. Venti recalled the Liyue clothes the archon had given him and regretted a bit not to wear it on the occasion.
They visited near the deck where a folding screens were spread and glowed gold among the red lanterns. As the lights turned various picture shined through. Venti watched in awe and interest, suddenly feeling inspired. After it had shown glaze lily and returned to mora, they finally departed from the crowd, with the wind still wandering how he could write poem to the beauty he had just experienced.
It was then when they came across the traveler and their floating companion coming through the bridge... alone.
"Traveler!" Venti called out as he dragged Zhongli in hands. His companion simply sighed in resign at the antic.
The first to give him attention was unfortunately the mascot fairy, "Ah, tone-deaf bard! Zhongli!" They also sped up to meet their way.
"Traveler, why are you alone? What happened to Xiao?"
The traveler sighed in defeat as Paimon explained what had happened. They seemed to have been trying their best, but the adeptus still wouldn't want to walk among the crowds with them, even if it was only to watch the lanterns.
Zhongli fummed in thought, "That does sound like Xiao. It'd be hard to convince him more than you already do."
Venti had heard about the adeptus, the one who had refused to meet him whenever Barbatos came over, he never really met him in person so he didn't know the guy really wasn't a people person. "Ah," the bard snapped a finger, "I know the best place to enjoy the lantern nearby while avoiding the crowd!"
The three of them looked at him expectantly.
"Actually, you know the place too, dear Morax." At that, it finally clicked on his friend.
It was their secret place, the one they usually used years ago.
The traveler didn't seem to miss the meaning though, "are you sure? The place must be important to the two of you."
"It's fine, it's fine. We're gonna watch it from Morax's place later, so you two...," "THREE," Paimon corrected, "Fine, three can take the place."
Although the hesitancy in their face didn't completely gone, the traveler smiled his thanks and then they fished out something from their pocket. "Here. A little something from me."
"Kamera?" Having knowledge of what's going on in his market, Zhongli knew what it was, but admittedly he never used it. Let alone Venti who had just woken up from hundred years slumber recently.
Patiently, the traveler taught them to use the gadget before leaving to catch with Xiao again. "You two better make some memories too," was what the last words said.
Make memories, huh.
They have lived long enough and unfortunately with a strong memory to wonder if they need those memories, the painful ones which piled up further and further in their lives.
So, Venti raised the kamera and pulled the hand in his enough to make the taller man beside him stumbled and stood cheek to cheek with him.
"Say cheese!" FLASH.
A paper came out soon after, of a grinning Venti and a surprised Zhongli. A weird expression. No one, not even those who had make sculptures and arts in the name of Barbatos and Rex Lapis would have ever thought this is a genuine picture of their Lords.
Venti smiled as he rubbed the photo with his thumb. Maybe it isn't bad to have another treasure.
As it was getting darker with their mora reaching the danger ring and the kamera had produced enough for an album, the two finally walked towards to the other bridge of Liyue, heading to Morax's residence where they would finally make their own lanterns and let it fly. However Venti halted his step at the sight of a certain woman passing them by, someone he knew very well. He hesitated for a bit and looked at his friend for a reassurement before he called out, "Ganyu."
It was crowded and there were three to four men among them, but he knew the wind would never fail to deliver his words. It was enough for the said adeptus to stop and to turn back at them. "Lord Barba-," she corrected herself in surprise as she came closer, "Ah, Lord Venti... Mr. Venti... you come." Her reaction was justified considering how long it's been since he lost contact with them.
"Good evening, Ganyu. I wouldn't miss a festive when I could," he finished with a wink. "I hope you're not still on the clock."
"Ah, no," the woman flustered, "We got sent home earlier today but there's still something on my mind, so I want to check it again."
"Dear Morax and Liyue are truly blessed, but there is no need for you to be so pressed," Venti made a dramatic woo, "I say we shall enjoy the festival together, the more the merrier."
The adeptus hesitated, "But I wouldn't want to be a bother to you and your companion," she raised her head for a better look and let out a gasp, "Z-Zhongli-Xiansheng! Pardon me! I didn't realize you are with Lord- Mr. Venti."
"Good evening, Miss Ganyu. Thank you for your hard work as always."
"Not at all. Being a service to the people of Liyue is my greatest pride." She paused a bit, "I didn't know that you two are acquaintances..."
Ah, see. "Yeah, the traveler introduced us and we got kind of... hit it off...," it was a lie, not per se, he told the second time tonight.
Fortunately, Ganyu seemed to believe it, "I see. Well, that's understandable with Rex Lapis is gone..."
"Ganyu?"
"My apologies. It was nothing."
Venti bit on his lips. Now he has done it. He got caught in his nostalgic moment, wanting to see how she was doing when he called out to her. He completely forgot that his presence would definitely bring back memories of his friend -who is supposed to be dead, to the adeptus. He took a peek at the man beside him whose face seemed to twist in thought.
He wished he could summon his lyre and play a tune to cheer them right now, but they were in Liyue and there is a festival going on, that would be just rude.
Ah!
"Ganyu, do you mind to accompany us for a while?"
Ganyu blinked. "Of course. Is there anything I could help with?"
Venti gave a wink as he dragged the adeptus and his friend by arms, his feet leaped in each steps. They went through the streets, fast enough that none of the people realized the ex-Wind archon had used his power to shift his white-corseted cloth and green-cape to light green-colored with flower embroidered Liyue hanfu, the same one Zhongli remembered he had given his friend. The long sleeves seemed to dance along with the wind's steps as they descended through the stairs in front of Feiyun Commerce Guild.
Once they arrived in front of the stage, Zhongli and Ganyu could only stand still confused as the bard left them and talked to Wang'ya, the one they have heard from the traveler has been taking charges of the proceeding of the festival. Venti gave a wave at them as some people brought him a chair and... an erhu.
There was a fuss as everyone took notice of a man in braids took the stage, an erhu in his lap. Unconsciously Zhongli sucked on his breath as he watched the fingers moved the bow and a serene melody came out. The song has just started, yet everyone already stopped whatever they were doing to find where the beautiful melody came from.
Liuli is just like the palaces in heaven
He faintly heard the adeptus beside him gasped as his friend opened his mouth and began.
Light shimmers on the waves in the pond that reflects the moon
Moonlight illuminates the dark night
Somebody is bidding farewell once more
Each words were accentuated in perfect Liyue language, in the softest loving voice worth to carry the name of the God of Music.
Red maple leaves are outside the pagoda
The harbour is still not at rest
Lanterns light up the long street
Ever unchanging
In 2,000 years, he has seen many sides of his friend and the sight before him is nothing new. Just like the playful wind that ripple the water, Barbatos is also the gentle breeze which lull you to sleep. And everytime, he is always a sight to behold.
Let the stories drift in the wind
Passing through the mountains and rivers
Carrying our past
and reaching your ears
Let the four seasons cycle on
Yet they cannot carry away the time stored in memories
These are familiar scenes
Yet you cannot see them
Is it the wind or is Barbatos' song itself held magic? The words pierced him with both loneliness and pride. As he remembered the loved one he lost and the harbor he had been protecting in her memory just yesterday.
He watched fondly as the bow finally stopped, signaling the end of the performance. Zhongli found himself had raised the kamera and pressed the shutter. The picture that came after was tucked safely on his pocket.
The crowds gave their biggest applause as the bard gave his gratitude in a flair. After returning the erhu, the man finally returned to where Ganyu and he were with a big smile, a bright charming one.
"That was splendid, Venti."
"Such a wonderful performance, Lo- Mr. Venti."
"Hehe, but of course! Since I dedicate it for the two of you!"
"For us?"
Zhongli was also surprised. He had thought it was only meant to cheer Ganyu up.
"Liyue is really big, huh?" The wind looked up, his eyes weren't enough to take in all the harbor in sight, let alone beyond it. "Morax... Rex Lapis may no longer be with her, but from the moment I stepped in here, I can feel his soul all over it," his words probably weighed nothing when said Rex Lapis has been with him, but he meant every words of it. From the crafts he saw in the gate, the people he met, the street he walked and the words exchanged... all of them carried the image of his friend.
Ganyu thought for a moment, a smile spread on her lips, "Yes. Liyue is a great place."
"Speaking of, I decided to call the song earlier -Liyue-. How about it miss adeptus? I hope it's worth to carry the historical name." The bard might have only referred to the Qixing Secretary, but it was obvious he was asking the two in front of him.
"I think it's a befitting title, to have such wonderful song and poems dedicated to her, Liyue would be very pleased."
Zhongli nodded in recognition, "I agree."
To receive the acknowledgement of those who have been protecting the city harbour, there was no greater honour.
"Now, let's-" "Ah, Mr. Venti, I don't mean to be rude and it was such a delight performance, but I suggest you to depart at once," Ganyu interrupted. "Heh?"
Chirp! Chirp!
Bark! Bark!
Me~ow! Me~ow!
"Whaaaa, why is there so many ca- ACHOO!"
Zhongli sighed as he watched the bard who bewitched everyone earlier turned into a sticky mess. He forgot that Barbatos' music allures even the Gods and it was only natural for the animals and alikes to be drawn. Knowing his friend was no longer in the capacity to do it, he turned to the was his aide, "Well then. It's a shame but we shall bid you farewell, Miss Ganyu."
" 's allergy should do fine if you serve him the herbal tea."
Of course, Zhongli remembered. He was always the one preparing it. "Yes, I would have it prepared."
And with that he took his sniffling friend away from the gathering animals.
Ganyu bid the retreating figures with a wave, "Zhongli-Xiansheng is really well-versed as rumoured. The herbal tea recipe isn't known to many people nowadays," especially one to cure a God. She decided to keep the musing to herself as she too finally departed from the stage area.
The walk to Morax's residence was hell for Venti. The animals -of course, the cats included- didn't give up on the chase so his friend had to carry him in his arms to prevent from any to jump onto him until they exited Liyue. They received even more attention than when they were holding hands before. To top it off he was sneezing non stop and Zhongli had been patient despite he had been doing it in his ears. It was very embarrassing.
Thankfully, the teleport gadget worked -bless the traveler, and they could instantly reach near the barrier Morax had put to camouflage his place. Once they reached the living room of the big abode, Zhongli finally put him down and left him to calm down as he went to brew the tea. Venti doesn't like tea as much as his wine, but he knows what kind of wonder the tea Morax makes so he waited eagerly, hopefully this time it won't take too long since his nose couldn't handle any more snots.
Zhongli returned one hour later, faster than usual, but still excruciatingly painful for the allergic Venti that he sobbed at the sight of his medicine, "Mo...rax...," a cry as his arms reached out for the glass.
It was carefully placed on his hand and he couldn't have drunk it any faster if the other didn't remind him to be careful to not burnt his tongue. He wouldn't like that on top of his runny nose.
After three to four gulps of the warm drink, he could slowly feel the snot in his nose dissipate and his shoulder slumped in relief.
"Thank you, Zhongli," he finally managed to say it. He didn't even notice the man has changed into the robes he usually wore in his home, looking unnecessarily handsome as always.
"2,000 years and still can't win against it."
"Tell me about it, my friend. Oh how I wish Celestia could help solved my problem in a swish, instead everytime they have my hope perished."
Zhongli drank his share of glass with a smile. "I'm surprised you still keep the clothes," he referred to the hanfu the bard hasn't change himself out of to.
The other lad grinned, swaying his long sleeves for show, "Of course. Do you think I am a heartless one to throw away a gift from my friend?"
Right. That was such a silly thought when the bard was an embodiment of his friends' memoirs.
"It may be due late, but I think it suits you very much so." He could be drunk of his tea, finding his lips uttered the words before he realized it.
Once again tonight the wind was put in the spot by the sudden compliment. "Uhm, thank you..."
The awkwardness spread and Zhongli found himself hiding his face behind his long sleeves. The temperature at night shouldn't be this hot. He shifted trying to find something -an excuse, "Are you hungry yet? Shall I prepare the meal now?"
Venti gave a nod.
"Then please wait here...," a hand reached to grasp on his sleeves. Venti was looking up at him from his seat. "What is it?"
"Can I borrow the guzheng?"
"The guzheng?"
"Mhm-hm," the bard stood up to face him better, "when I played the erhu earlier, I noticed it's been so long since I touch them. I want to get the feeling back."
Zhongli watched the shy look the shorter man gave, somehow without his beret, the lights on the tip of his braids were more visible. He was reminded at how excited the younger god was when he taught him the instruments. Behind the pranks he always pulled, he was actually a brilliant student.
"Of course. I think she also misses someone's touches," he smiled in reply, "you know where it is. Feel free to take it."
"Thank you! Tonight's a promised banquet and I will deliver a performance worth a bucket." Ignoring the rock's warning, the wind had dashed down the hall.
He sighed at the sight, closing the door behind and started to walk towards his kitchen. From his house, float above the hills with view to Liyue harbor, the released lanterns seemed as if they were a sea of stars. He took out the dandelion seed he had prepared every year and held it towards the lanterns.
This year is not with a wish. As a melody soon echoed all around his residence, he blew his whisper.
I love you. I'm fond of you.
People of Mondstadt believes that a wish blow upon the dandelion will carry to their archon and be heard.
Zhongli knew his message has reached his intended recipient when a big noise out of tune plunked strings startled the night wind.
The time it takes to prepare the meal and the lanterns should be enough for the wind to calm himself down... and for the rock to still his own heartbeat.
1. If you found any incorrect description please tell
2. not sure if venti has ever met Xiao. But considering xiao's voiceline which he only knows barbatos goes by venti & venti doesn't have a voiceline remarking to him, I wrote with "xiao is too shy & never got himself to meet barbatos.& venti knows the yakshas under morax but never met them to know close" in mind. meanwhile,a ganyu seemed to speak "Lord Barbatos" with some knowledge & since I think venti always kept his appearance unchanging, she would at least know "venti"
3. i put a bit liberty in describing the game mechanics of the Theater Mechanicus mini game. adding vs style where you battle based on points.
4. i want venti to wear hanfu ðŸ˜
5. the song venti sang is the one his chinese va did for genshin impact unofficially, titled liyue . Translation is done by archonofwind
6. i was thinking between flute & guzheng for venti's performance but i need him to sing so i at first thought of guzheng... but then i listened to the song again...and i think erhu would suit the music more... let's just say our anemo archon is a music prodigy 😉
anyway review is appreciated but hope you enjoy it