Time is different under the boundless sky compared to the storm-walls. In Decarabian's city it was difficult to tell day from night, the storm shrouding out the sunlight. Now the world itself reveals the time through soft sunrises and orange sunsets. The days move faster as the sky shifts colors, and so too does Himmel's knowledge of the outside world rapidly grow with each passing day.
He is antsy, but with his arm recovering he isn't supposed to help with the construction of the city. Thus, he wakes early when the sunlight announces the dawn and explores the nearby wilderness. He finds plants he's never seen before, animals only mentioned in books and observes so many different kinds of birds soaring the skies in the wake of the endless blizzard.
Today, he rests under a tree situated along a cliff that overlooks the city, where he can gaze out at the surrounding landscape and look for shapes in the clouds. It is as he watches a butterfly shaped cloud floating against the blue sky, that Venti finds him and plays the lyre at his side.
"Very close, Venti." He comments as his friend's finger slips and he misses one of the notes. He assumed Venti wasn't quite used to his new form yet, so he can't blame him for the slight slip up here and there.
Himmel leans forward to show him a method that might be easier. "Try it like this."
He hums the melody softly to himself as he plucks each string in time. When he sits back Venti is watching him with a very, very happy smile.
Himmel giggles around his words as he asks, "What is it?"
"Oh, nothing." The Anemo Archon sing-songs, then repeats the motion he'd shown him.
He gets it down perfectly that time. With a wink and an almost smug smile, he says, "Good, right? I'm a natural!"
"Most excellent indeed. Since you are so naturally gifted, let us try a more difficult song."
He swipes the lyre from Venti's hands to show his friend another tune. He takes a moment to consider what would be most fitting, then begins to strum a song his grandfather had taught him long ago. It is a gentle tune, with a few complex note shifts to add a whimsical touch. Although his right arm aches dully, he fails to notice as he soon loses himself in the music, recalling kind words and laughter at his grandfather's side with each strummed note.
Soon enough he finishes the song and turns to Venti, who is currently leaning against him with his eyes closed. The wind god snuggles closer without even an ounce of guilt for not paying attention. Himmel can't help but laugh as he reaches over to pat him on the head.
"Would you play another song for me?" Venti asks.
"Too lazy to play one yourself, then?"
Venti smiles, cheekily. "Ehe ~ "
Himmel humors him and repositions the lyre to play another. Venti has a very nice singing voice so he decides to play a vocal song this time. He's certain if he asks him to his friend will sing along.
He performs the first verse of the song himself, but before the second he asks, "Friend, will you not sing along?"
Venti had always been quite eager to sing with him in the past. Himmel is so very happy that hasn't changed, as the Anemo Archon nods cheerfully and joins in.
To Himmel, Venti's voice reminds him of the lyre, soft but chipper. He cannot help but wonder if, like the form he had constructed for himself, his voice too was meant to imitate the instrument he so adored.
Once he's strummed the final note and Venti's voice has gone quiet, someone applauds for them from afar.
Gunnhildr approaches, clapping all the while. "I had a suspicion I'd find you two out here. I must say, that was a beautiful performance. You're both exceptionally talented."
Himmel smiles softly at her words. He grabs for Venti's hand and pulls him up onto his feet, then takes a polite bow.
"Thank you fair maiden for your kind praise. It is always a delight to play for those of heroic ways."
Venti catches his drift rather quickly and replicates his movements.
Gunnhildr brings a hand up to muffle her giggles. "And it is a delight to hear you play again, young bard."
She regards Venti with fond eyes as he stands upright again. "Lord Barbatos, would you like to discuss your ideas for-"
Before she can finish her sentence Venti rushes forward and places a hand over her mouth. She blinks down at him in surprise as Venti turns a cautious eye back in Himmel's direction. The young bard tilts his head at his friend's behavior with an amused smile.
"Ehehe... We're just gonna talk about ideas for the plaza! Isn't that right, Priestess of the Winds?"
She frowns. "Oh, um… yes. That's all."
Venti sends a quick wink in Himmel's direction before taking her hand and tugging her away. Himmel watches as they go, noting the way Venti says something excitedly to her as they walk, occasionally glancing back in his direction.
Once they're out of sight, he makes himself comfortable under the tree again, turning his gaze back to the sky.
Not long ago, Himmel had a rather unusual dream, or… a nightmare really. Amos and Decarabian were there, the former sending him a gentle smile as the wind tore at her form. He'd yelled out for her as he'd tried to do something, anything, but the winds of the storm pushed him away, bringing him to his knees. At the center of the storm stood Decarabian, tall and aloof as he gazed down at him with a terribly grave expression. Just above him through the storm, Himmel swore he could see Celestia.
Venti had shaken him awake then, watching him in the dark with wide, concerned eyes.
"Don't worry," The Anemo Archon had said softly, after Himmel had told him of the storms still present in his dreams. "There won't be any more lingering storms. This is the Mondstadt you've always wished for. Here, the climate will forever be fair and the winds never ravaging."
Being outside the city now with the warm temperature, the blue sky and the bright sun, it is not so hard to believe Venti's words.
"Himmel." The bard glances to his right, surprised to see the warrior Ragnvindr standing in the shadow of the tree. The man looks… terribly tired.
"Mind if I join you?" He asks.
Himmel shakes his head and scoots to the side so he can take a seat. The man lowers himself to the ground, looking off into the distance rather than at Himmel.
The bard eyes him curiously. "Is New Mondstadt warming up to you, Sir Ragnvindr?"
He crosses his arms, leaning back against the tree. "It's fine… That was never the problem."
"Are the circumstances not to your liking?"
Ragnvindr shrugs and remains silent. Himmel continues to give him his attention anyway, waiting patiently for him to elaborate. He'd experienced a great deal of events at the warrior's side, naturally he was used to this kind of behavior by now.
"I just don't get it…" Ragnvindr mutters under his breath. "What was the point of vanquishing a god just to worship another?"
The words startle Himmel considerably. He'd had the same thought occasionally himself, but deemed it best to ignore it. To hear someone acknowledge it outloud…
He clutches his lyre tightly. "Venti…didn't mean to-"
"I know." Ragnvindr interrupts before the bard can continue. "But it still doesn't sit right with me that we're supposed to regard him in the same manner as Decarabian."
"He's not like Decarabian." Himmel replies defensively.
The red-haired warrior laughs. "Not what I meant. Celestia's involvement and his status as a god, that's what I can't overlook."
The young bard frowns, his eyes shining as he thinks over that.
"I understand… It doesn't sit quite right with me either."
Ragnvindr only nods in reply. They sit in companionable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Himmel ponders, not for the first time, what Amos would think of all this if she were still with them. It wasn't long after he'd regained consciousness that they'd laid her to rest in Old Mondstadt.
Until the very end she'd been so certain Decarabian would consider their pleas, as long as she showed him the extent of her will…
He swallows down a sudden lump in his throat.
"Sorry I haven't been around much, Himmel." Ragnvindr says. "I've had a lot on my mind."
Himmel looks over at the warrior. The man's eyes are distant and foggy, reminiscent of the storm that once shrouded their surroundings.
"In the end, not even Amos could sway Decarabian, but Barbatos cares about you more than anything else; it's your wishes he hopes to fulfill." He sends Himmel a meaningful look. "Don't forget that."
With that the man climbs to his feet, leaving Himmel to ruminate on his words.
The people of Mondstadt continue to make steady progress on the city, until the housing and necessities are complete and all that is left to finish are the recreational buildings and finer details. The sky shifts colors unabided and the sunlight rarely falters; the sunrise always reminiscent of opening a gift and the sunset like a bittersweet goodbye.
Himmel spends a day with one of his old neighbors in Decarabian's Mondstadt. Another day, he visits a close friend of Amos with Venti to extend sympathies. On many occasions, Venti takes him by the hand to show him all kinds of new things in the city. He leads him to a newly finished dock where they sit at the edge and discuss names for the lake. He also brings him to meet a merchant from Fontaine that they probably annoy with all their questions. Venti even uses the wind to help Himmel up onto one of the many roofs so that he may curiously watch a bird's nest full of chicks from afar.
All of these things Himmel holds close to his heart, for they are dear memories the world has blessed him with. In his spare time he plays his lyre until the ache in his arm vanishes and his full coordination returns. It is only then that he ventures to perform for the people of Mondstadt again.
He searches the streets that sunny afternoon to find a fitting audience for his first performance in New Mondstadt. Eventually, he comes across a group of Mondstadt children running around the recently finished fountain. With a nod he moves to approach them when a question comes to mind that stops him in his tracks.
What… what shall I play?
Only now does it dawn on him he can play anything he wants to, it wasn't as if there were any rules for such things anymore. He cannot say if it's that alone that causes his eyes to water of their own accord, or if it is the children's laughter as they play under the blue sky without a care. Either way, he quickly retreats from the scene, wiping at his eyes and taking a few shaky breaths.
From the top story window of the building he now called home, Himmel can just see over the roofs and gaze out at Mondstadt's hills and cliffs. He sits there for a good long while, thinking over the mixture of emotions caused by something so simple as choosing a song to play.
It wasn't like him to get worked up so easily… Maybe he was just still getting used to all of this…
The breeze picks up suddenly, dancing in the air and tugging at his braids. A small smile tugs at his lips and he reaches out for it. It whisks away from him then, but not without carrying a few leaves with it that flutter off in a deliberate direction.
He wastes little time leaving the building to follow after it. It guides him towards the plaza and soon the large statue and frame of the nearly completed church come into view. It was the Gunnhildr clan who had vouched the most for both the church and statue.
Gunnhildr had explained, "It was the faith of the people that gave Lord Barbatos the power to aid us. The church and the statue will ensure the children of the future remember the teachings and kindness of the Anemo Archon."
"And freedom." Venti had interjected with. "Surely, we must ensure the people of Mondstadt remember the importance of freedom."
The statue nor the church are anywhere near as imposing as Decarabians tower, he reminds himself as he continues up the staircase.
When he turns the corner at the top, Venti comes out of nowhere and barrels into him with a hug.
"Ahaha, hello ~ " The Anemo Archon says cheerfully with his arms around him.
Himmel's smile returns and he brings his arms up to return the gesture. "Heh, good evening. Someone's in a good mood."
Venti pulls away with a chipper expression. "But of course! The City of Freedom is looking more and more beautiful every day. I couldn't be happier!"
"In no small part thanks to the statue, yes?" Himmel teases.
"Hehe, it does compliment the scenery well, don't you think? For years to come people will gaze upon its splendor and remember the Anemo Archon's exquisite hairstyle and handsome features."
Himmel giggles. "That must surely be the highest form of flattery. Tell me, Venti, what have you been up to all day?"
It wasn't as if they spent all their time together, but it was just a tad unusual that Venti wasn't anywhere to be found earlier.
"Ah, nothing really." He replies with a secretive smile. "Anyway, I've got something exciting to tell you! Gunnhildr and I discussed the wilds of Mondstadt today and we agreed that the Anemo Archon simply must explore the landscape to ensure it is safe for adventurers. So, tomorrow I will leave for the cliffs to the southeast, and you, my dearest companion, are more than welcome to accompany me."
The young bard's eyes light up with excitement.
"Really? I'd love to! Or rather…" He recomposes himself. "I'd be happy to if the city doesn't need your attention, that is."
There's just the slightest twinkle of mischief in Venti's eyes. "There's no need to be concerned about that, I have complete faith in Gunnhildr. She's taken on most of the work herself anyway."
Himmel grins. "Then I'll happily serve as the Anemo Archon's escort."
Venti laughs a little and looks exceptionally pleased with himself, almost suspiciously so.
Himmel crosses his arms and tilts his head. "I do wonder what it is you're hiding from me though."
"W-what?" Venti replies with a nervous smile. "I'm not hiding anything. How silly of you to think such a thing."
"Hmm, are you sure?"
"Ehehe, I assure you, dear friend, I've got absolutely nothing to hide."
Himmel can tell that's very well not the case, but really he thinks it's rather humorous Venti is trying so hard to keep whatever his little secret is.
"You are as mischievous as ever, little Elf. I am ever so glad you haven't changed."
He means it with all his heart, for he would never want Venti to be anything but playful and carefree no matter the hardships they had endured together. The god blinks at him with wide jade eyes and then a wondrous smile spreads across his features.
Himmel truly does love Venti, not quite in a romantic sense, but their relationship was certainly more than a surface level friendship. When he'd first met the little wind wisp Himmel had wanted so terribly to see the outside world; in turn Venti was curious of the mortal one. It was only natural they grew fond of one another as they sought to better understand the other, and yet it could not be denied that they were still two distinctly different beings.
Whilst the Anemo Archon was once an unrestrained elemental being of the wind, so far from human, it was Himmel who adored him for that very reason. Venti was of the boundless world he'd always sought and thus emulated it's free spirit; it was very much impossible for Himmel not to be fond of him.
And whenever Himmel's words made Venti smile so wholeheartedly, he was assured Venti felt the same.
Himmel is amazed at just how expansive the area to the southeast is. From afar the cliffs had looked impressive but the picturesque view couldn't account for all the twists and turns, the hidden groves, the vast amount of foliage. Himmel's attention is drawn from one thing to the next as they explore. Already they'd stopped by multiple flowers, watched a group of playful foxes and investigated strange ruins.
There was much Himmel had seen that evoked inspiration for a song, his heart bursting with wonder and excitement. It was terribly hard not to smile. Venti seemed to be just as happy as Himmel, humming a tune to himself as they continue their journey.
"I quite like that song, Venti. What do you call it?" Himmel asks.
"Why, I call it A Song of Gales , for the Thousand Winds have carried it to me."
Himmel blinks curiously. "Hmm, it's rather wistful. Do you know of its origin?"
"Nope, I couldn't say. It could be from anywhere or even anytime! How thought-provoking, no?"
"It is an interesting song, faster than most tunes I know. Would you teach it to me later?"
"Hehe, sure. It looks like the student has become the teacher!"
Himmel narrows his eyes, teasingly. "Not quite yet, there is still much to teach you. We must discuss tempo markings, such as Larghissimo, Adagietto, Allegrissimo and Presto. Then there's the matter of practicing modulation and understanding tonicization."
Venti frowns a little. "That won't be too much work, will it?"
Himmel giggles. "I am only teasing, friend. Even without knowledge of the finer details music can still be enjoyed. Although, since you do so enjoy music I doubt you'd find it to be work anyway."
"Ah, that is the power of music! How could it be work when it is so relaxing?"
The young bard turns away to peer at the tall mountain close by covered in snow. He'd asked earlier if it would be suitable for adventurers but Venti had simply replied that they weren't to worry about it and were instead meant to focus on the grassy areas nearby.
He'd already had his suspicions, but he was almost positive at this point that Venti had led him here for reasons beyond ensuring the land was safe for exploration. He wasn't too concerned about it though, really he was just glad they'd had the chance to visit the wilderness together.
Whilst he watches the mysterious group of clouds swirl around the mountain's peak, a creature descends from above and glides into his peripheral. Naturally, it catches his attention causing him to freeze on the spot in awe.
"Venti, is that...?"
The Anemo Archon stills only a step or two ahead of him and follows his gaze.
"Oh, wonderful! Behold, it is the Great Eagle of the East skies!"
Himmel continues to stare even as Venti hops up beside him with a big grin.
"It's magnificent…"
The creature soars overhead, it's sharp gold eyes briefly landing on them. Himmel returns it's gaze, his eyes sparkling to match the eagle's own interested ones. In a matter of seconds, it looks away, yet still Himmel thinks even such a simple glance could somehow expand both their understandings of this world.
He cannot help but recite a poem as the eagle circles the air above them.
"Oh, how wonderous it must be,
To fly boundless and free."
As if the eagle had heard his words, it flaps its wings and ascends higher, slowly disappearing from sight as it heads toward the mountain.
Venti is practically radiating joy beside him. "Hee, what a delightful expression you have!"
Himmel's heart tugs at the words and he sends Venti a grateful smile.
"We should play a game!" The wind god remarks all of a sudden. "How about hide and seek? I'll hide, you seek."
He tries to run off before Himmel can reply, but the young bard quickly reaches out to grab his arm and tug him back before he can.
"No cheating now." He chides playfully, wagging a finger at him.
He wasn't too sure he could cheat anymore seeing as without his previous form he couldn't possibly squeeze himself into ridiculously narrow objects like hoses and pipelines.
"Hehe, of course ~ "
He nods with a satisfied smile at Venti's response, then ultimately lets him go. Venti scampers off, the wind shifting direction with him.
Himmel sighs blissfully and turns away to count to one hundred.
"What shall we call that one?"
Himmel makes a face and squints up at the group of stars Venti points to. He shifts a little as he thinks, making himself comfortable in the grass they're currently lying on.
"Hmm… it looks like a dragon to me. How about Draconium de Astrum? Ahaha!"
Venti sits up to look at him. "Have you ever seen a dragon before?"
"Certainly not, but they are a staple in stories of old. What about you? Have you ever seen a dragon?"
Venti turns back towards the night sky in thought. "Huh? I don't think so…"
He looks quite perplexed. Himmel imagines he's probably attempting to search his memories for anything resembling the creatures. Venti's origins were a foggy affair from what Himmel knew of his friend; the winds, after all, had always existed, but only recently had Venti taken on a form and truly come into being. Needless to say, the details of his origin were not so easily understood.
"It's alright, Venti. Maybe someday soon we'll find one together."
That does the trick and the wind god sends him a small smile.
"Uh-huh. We could even ride on one as it soars through the sky! Then you'll get to see what it's truly like to, ahem, "fly boundless and free.""
Himmel sits upright to knock their shoulders together. "Don't get too ahead of yourself now. Most tales of old sing of vile dragons and their villainous deeds."
Venti blinks. "Why's that?"
Himmel considers his question for a moment. There were supposedly records of evil dragons in history, but it wasn't as if humans, gods or any other creature weren't also incapable of terrible deeds. Really, Venti had a point.
"That's a good question." He replies. "When I return I shall pen a poem about a friendly dragon, along with a song in tribute to the Anemo Archon's hide and seek antics."
"Ahaha, then I too shall compose a song in tribute to you."
"You will? And what shall it say of me?"
"Oh, lots of wonderful things. It was your poems and songs that awakened the spirit of hope and freedom in the people. I may serve as the Anemo Archon, but it's really only a means to remind them of what Mondstadt stands for. The hero of this tale shall always be you, my friend."
Himmel stares at him, genuinely touched and lost for words. There is much he remembers then of their journey for freedom. Like all great stories it was brim with hardship, sadness and moments of doubt, but there was also hope, laughter, kindness. Through it all it had always been Venti that remained at his side. Inspiration comes to him suddenly, and he simply must speak his thoughts aloud to express his gratitude.
He smiles kindly at Venti and recites:
"No matter the shape you take I will remain by your side,
To bring you comfort and follow your stride.
No matter the name you possess I will call you by what I know,
For to me you will always be the gentle wind that doth blow.
And no matter what is to come or what darkness lingers,
My faith is with you and your light that forever shimmers."
Himmel takes great pride in such a lovely poem on the spot.
Venti's eyes widen and his cheeks turn slightly pink. Himmel is ready this time when Venti rushes forward to hug him, instinctively wrapping his arms around the god with a soft smile.
"How am I supposed to compose a poem as lovely as that for you? So unfair." Venti mutters.
Himmel holds him closer. "You've already done more than enough for me, friend."
Venti doesn't respond, but he can feel him smile against his shoulder. For a time, all's right with the world, his dearest friend in his arms and all the land around them, flourishing and free.
Himmel looks back up towards the sky, searching for another constellation they can give a name to. However, like the night they'd spent by the lake, Celestia is what catches his attention instead.
He frowns slightly, almost annoyed at it for ruining such a pleasant moment. He supposed it might be best if he simply asked for more information on it rather than ponder it's nature every time he happened to notice it.
"Venti, could you tell me about Celestia?"
His friend tenses considerably. Himmel's mouth falls into a frown and he pulls away to get a better look at him.
The Anemo Archon forces a smile. "Ah, Celestia. Well… it's really not worth mentioning."
His answer only makes Himmel more concerned. "You've visited there before, haven't you? Did something happen? You're acting awfully uneasy."
He'd never seen him act quite so nervous before, even when they'd faced Decarabian he'd never been anything but determined. Right now, he looks as if he desperately wants to make a run for it.
"Himmel… You trust me, don't you?"
His eyes widen in surprise. This was so unlike Venti.
"Yes. Of course I do."
Venti peers at him carefully, his expression wary. Finally, he caves with a sigh. "I'm not supposed to tell mortals about Celestia, doing so could be dangerous. But I can tell you this; as long as I am the Anemo Archon, you have nothing to worry about."
"Should I not be worried about you though?" Himmel asks out of concern.
Venti smiles gently. "Aw, don't worry about me. I don't plan on going back to Celestia anytime soon. Heh, I like it much better here with you!"
He relaxes a little as Venti's usual cheer returns. "...That's a relief. You know Venti, you make for a very nice god."
The Anemo Archon laughs brightly and puffs up with pride. "Why, thank you! I am quite benevolent, aren't I?"
Himmel breathes out an amused breath and lies back down on the grass. As he peers up at the heavens above, he considers what Venti had just divulged and thinks back to the rumors of Celestia. From what he had gathered people believed it to be where the strongest gods resided, although no one was entirely sure of what that really meant.
When they'd talked with the merchant from Fontaine he'd also mentioned Celestia briefly:
"Many nations across Teyvat are still fraught with war, it truly is a miracle to see Mondstadt as it is now. I suppose something good came out of all this fighting betweens the archons for Celestia's power after all."
Himmel hadn't the faintest idea what he was talking about. Their rebellion had nothing to do with a war between archons, it was a matter of overthrowing a tyrannical ruler. Although, the man's words did make him wonder to what extent Decarabian had been aware of Celestia. It wasn't as if the God of Storms had ever been acknowledged by them like Venti had though…
He chances a glance at the island in the sky again. There were many times in Decarabian's city that his eyes had fallen upon the tyrant's tower, tall and imposing as it rose up from the ground.
Was Celestia all that different?
"If Celestia is a threat to Mondstadt's freedom," He starts, uncertainly. "You'd tell me, wouldn't you?"
He searches Venti's expression for an answer, but the Anemo Archon keeps his eyes on the horizon instead of returning his gaze.
"When Celestia bestowed upon me the title of Anemo Archon, they also entrusted me with some of their power. With this power I will ensure Mondstadt forever remains a free nation without the rule of a tyrant, regardless of Celestia's thoughts on the matter."
Himmel furrows his brow with worry at Venti's mention of Celestia's thoughts. Did that mean they were unhappy with Mondstadt then?
Venti hums a little, interrupting his musing when he turns to Himmel with a gentle smile.
"Mondstadt is free, the green grass grows again for all to see,
And it is you my friend that I have longed to have beside me.
Now finally we can witness the wonders of this world boundless and true,
For together, there is nothing we cannot do."
Despite his worried thoughts, Himmel feels a smile pull at his lips. Venti's eyes shine with happiness as he concludes,
"So do not worry, dear friend, enjoy all life has to offer,
And at your side, I promise, the wind will never falter."
Himmel laughs a little and relaxes substantially. Perhaps Venti was right. Although Celestia's nature was still concerning it wasn't as if any danger was imminent, at least Venti didn't seem to think it was. For now Mondstadt was free, it would be wise to enjoy it to its fullest on behalf of those that had lost their lives and could not. And maybe, over time Venti would tell him more of Celestia.
"Very well. I'll try not to worry about such things for now. But Venti, if there is anything you ever do need to tell someone, about Celestia or anything at all, you can always tell me. Okay?"
Venti nods. "Hehe, okay ~ And you can always come to me for the very same thing."
The young bard looks away from the annoying island in the sky and turns on his side in the grass, making himself comfortable as he throws his cloak over himself.
"Eh?" He hears Venti say. "Are you going to sleep already?"
"It is rather late, friend, and I'm feeling quite satisfied with the evening. Will you watch over me while I rest?"
"Of course."
Himmel doesn't wait a moment longer and closes his eyes, focusing on the sound of the wind as it ruffles the trees and the grass, gently lulling him to sleep. He hears Venti shift closer and then someone reaches out to fix his cloak so that it covers him entirely.
"No matter what," He hears his friend whisper wistfully. "The wind will always watch over you."