The sudden prodding of a wooden pole awoke Venti from his sleep. The beer kegs that the covered wagon transported made for a lousy sleeping spot, but the aroma of alcohol was so soothing that he couldn't resist it. The same couldn't be said by the angry transporter that had awoken him.
"Are we in Dornman port yet?" Venti stretched his physical form, still somewhat unused to it.
"Are we in… Who the hell are you?! Get out!" The man pulled Venti out of the wooden carriage.
The sunlight bathed his eyes in the form of a headache, though it was barely noticeable from the stiffness on his back. Still, as he observed the sun still above him, Mondstadt's wine vineyards filled his view. A few kilometres away, he could see Dawn Winery's buildings rising above the hills.
"We're making some good time! I didn't expect to be in Windwail Highlands already." The cheerful bard turned to the man carrying a wooden pole. "Except Dornman port is to the other direction?"
"What in the world are you on about? You're getting the hell away from my stock, bard." The man defensively raised the pole.
"Oh, come on. We were such good friends yesterday! You made such a big deal about you'd get me to Liyue in no time!"
The man blinked once, then again, before sighing heavily. "I… Look, I was drunk at the time. I didn't… Whatever. I told you I'd get you to Liyue, but I never said anything about a ship. So you better get adjusted to the barrels."
"No problem! It will give me some time to adjust after so many years, it's going to be a fine detour."
The merchant raised an eyebrow but put down the wooden pole. "Where are you going anyway?"
"Ah, to the land of eternity, Inazuma. From what I heard, Dornman port has no trade routes to the archipelago, so I was hoping to hitch a ride into Liyue harbour and figure out a way from there."
"I can take you to Stone Gate, but I'm heading to Qingce village." The man turned to his carriage and climbed to the front of it. "That good enough for ya?"
Venti glanced at the pair of horses pulling the wagon and smiled. "Sure!"
With that settled, he threw himself above the cargo and took a deep breath. The mixture of oak and alcohol relaxed him further.
"Don't drink anything or I'm throwing you off a cliff." The merchant quickly said. "Also, you snore."
The cart started moving again. It took only a few minutes for Venti to get bored of staring into the leather cover. He rummaged through the beer barrels and found his lyre, somehow still in great shape. Still, the kegs bothered him for some reason. Mondstadt was always a nation of wine, wasn't it? Beer had always been around, but to trade beer with Liyue used to be a net loss.
"How's business going?" Venti asked, tuning his lyre.
"Keeping itself afloat." The merchant quickly replied. "This year's brew has been especially good, but the cooper is still a stingy ass. It's the first time I had to sell to Liyue to recuperate losses."
Venti caressed his chin as if trying to calm his head into thinking. Beer was pretty cheap, and he was sure travelling so far away for so little revenue was contradictory. There was something else here, but he chose to ignore it. "Do you also sell cider?"
"That I do. I have a small orchard, so the amount is not anything special. Angel's Share buys it all, though."
"So there's no point in smelling each barrel and syphon out some."
"What?"
"Nothing."
Venti crawled above the barrels and managed to get to the front of the wagon, stopping himself from falling on top of the merchant. Moving a few kegs, he got as comfortable as possible and started to play a melody.
It wasn't anything complicated, a loop of a few low strings. Something to keep himself occupied. He continued to play it for a few minutes, before stopping abruptly. He wanted to mentally prepare himself for the journey, but his mind kept looping the same question.
Why would Baal do something so out of character? Every time he met her, Makoto was a kind and gentle soul. And her sister Ei, while more stern and proud, held the same qualities.
The Cataclysm held the answer to that. When Barbatos returned to slumber, he was not in the best of shapes. Regretful of his actions, he refused to accept Celestia's merit and paid one last visit to his friend Dvalin. When the God of the Woods' death news reached him, he isolated himself and returned to sleep. He had decided to never recall those days of death and destruction ever since.
Whatever happened to Baal, the Cataclysm had affected them greatly.
"You said something about going to Inazuma?" The merchant suddenly said. "I'm not sure if you know this, but they closed down the border. From what I heard, the Electro Archon's wrath has created an immense storm around the whole country."
"Has she? I suppose I'll have to knock and ask them for permission to enter."
"I'm… what?"
"Do you know why she would do it?" Venti asked, ignoring the merchant's confusion. "I mean the Vision Hunt decree and this sudden isolation. I'm just kind of baffled that she would do something like this."
"I'm not sure, sorry. I don't really have any ties to Inazuma. But I do know it is as sudden as you think," The merchant looked back at the bard. "You know, people give a lot of crap about Barbatos being absent. But hell, I rather get isolated appearances every hundred years to whatever crap the other Archons are pulling."
"Ehe, an absent God means a free will, don't you think? But I wouldn't judge the other nations from finding Mondstadt baffling. They only know a way of life, and that is living under the watch of an Archon." The bard held back some comments but added: "I do think that, if travelling was less dangerous, more people would look at Mondstadt and imitate it. Like Liyue does, even if they don't know it."
"Huh, yeah. That's true. People say that Morax's yearly appearances were influenced by Barbatos' off-hand rule," The merchant corrected the course of the horses. "And honestly? I think Liyue does pretty well. If you ignore their infatuation over written contracts and profit, it's the closest thing you'll get to Mondstadt. I don't see Morax pulling a 'kill every second child' dictate like whatever the Shogun is doing."
"That's what people in Mondstadt like to say. I'm not so sure myself. But I will tell you this, Morax might a blockhead, but his heart isn't made of stone." Venti smiled, though the merchant couldn't see. "Say, what day is it?"
"…How much did you drink last night?"
"Enough to not remember what day it is today, obviously."
The merchant shook his head and answered.
"Oh, I might make it to this year's Rite of Descension then." The bard muttered to himself.
He was unsure if Morax held answers to his questions, but he had to try. The Geo Archon was the only friend left of the Seven after what happened with the Tsaritsa. And with Inazuma locked down, he was fearing the worst.
There was one way to find out. And that was to use his gnosis. But… no, he decided against it. He would not contact Celestia. He was the God of Freedom, he couldn't—wouldn't kowtow to those who forced him to destroy a whole nation alongside his peers. He had to make up for his mistakes.
Venti dismissed his lyre and observed the journey ahead.
"Can you wake me when we reach the border pass?"
The merchant growled a yes, and Venti closed his eyes. He wasn't dreaming, just deep in thought. Something was bothering him, and it wasn't the makeshift barrel seat. Perhaps it was the fact that he was charging right into business without a second thought. Or maybe it was the thought of leaving Mondstadt alone and defenceless. But that wasn't right, he wasn't doing anything new. He wasn't even surprised when the city of freedom didn't even recognise him. The Knight of Favonius had it all under control, he knew that much.
So maybe it was the Vision Hunt decree itself. Why would Baal send forth such an order, alongside that Sakoku decree? It didn't make any sense. It was their people. And sure, he might have two or three things to say about their dictatorship and Watatsumi island, but he had never seen such a downright evil act from them.
But was that it? It didn't feel like the sorrow in his heart was fully comprised of that. So what was it?
His lyre reappeared out of thin air. If thinking wouldn't solve his issues, then why force it? The answer would appear when he least expected it and on its own.
With his mind settled, Venti opened his eyes and played a few strings before saying: "Say, have you ever heard the tale of Barbatos and Baal's first meeting? The Ballad of Thunder and Wind."
The merchant reluctantly answered no, and thus Venti started to play a song.
At a gathering of the Gods in Liyue, Barbatos was the first to arrive. Say it was due to the wind's fast movement, or his immense urge to tease the Geo Archon, he was there before sunrise. After all, if Morax wanted to be the host, then he couldn't do anything rash if Barbatos wished to pull some pranks. As the bard played petty songs about chalk and slate, the Anemo Archon hadn't noticed a young figure making her way to the entrance. After the wind, it seemed, lightning arrived.
Morax strode forward. His form, while imposing and elegant, was forced. "Welcome to Liyue once again, Baal." His calm voice betrayed his formality.
"I am most humbled to have you greet me personally, Morax." The voice of the Electro Archon was soft and meek; clearly not out of etiquette.
As her voice reached his ears, what Barbatos first noticed was her long braided hair. Her delicate facial features, coupled with her pale skin, made her resemble a porcelain doll that could shatter at any moment. Yet, he could see the determination in her eyes that contradicted that theory. She was an Archon, after all.
Barbatos' curious eyes drew the gaze of Baal, who was unsure of how to react. Both Archons had met previously, but they had never interacted.
"You must be Barbatos, am I correct?" Her head turned to him.
"Indeed, it is I, the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt." He placed his elbow on Morax's shoulder, despite the height difference. "And Morax's humble sidekick, of course."
"…I will get the alcohol." Morax sighed heavily, as he excused himself with a bow. Barbatos cheered as he finally got what he wanted.
Meanwhile, Baal was left somewhat lost, as her experiences with the other Gods were quite limited. It was with Morax, after all, who she shared most time with. They both held similar concerns and goals, yet with enough differences to encourage discourse.
"Finally! He knows me so well." Barbatos laughed briefly, noticing Baal's discomfort. "Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to take him away. 'Cause I think this is the first time we've talked, isn't it? Sober, at least."
"Yes. I don't believe we've interacted before. But Morax has told me stories about you."
"Heh, I bet! He's an adorable dork, isn't he?" His joke didn't land as well as he hoped, as Baal's expression hardened.
"I have heard of your exploits against other Gods, Barbatos. Specifically about your tendency to overthrow them. Is that what you're planning?" Her voice was suddenly serious, as well as her eyes.
He raised his hands in surprise. "To be fair that was only once. Okay, technically twice. But Andrius did it without me moving a finger. So it's his fault."
"Have you not sown discontent on the populace of Teyvat and spread your influence?" She pushed once again.
"If by influence you mean Mons music style, then I'm guilty of that, yes."
"Really? Then how would you feel if I decided to suddenly appear in your capital?"
"Well as long as you didn't appear with a lightning strike and scare the bones out of everyone, then go ahead."
To Barbatos' surprise, Baal dropped her serious act and giggled at his answer. "You don't seem to be bound by rules. Any other Archon would have acted defensively and hostile. I suppose Morax was right about you."
"Oh, did he say that? I would butt heads with you if for some reason you wanted to invade Mondstadt, you know."
"I suppose that's the reason why most Archons dislike you." Baal reaffirmed with a light smile. "A joker in charge of an axe. Or a needle, if you asked Morax."
"Hey! I'm basically the moral support of that dolt. Also, the Tsaritsa loves my pranks. Except when she doesn't. That's two out of six Archons who mostly tolerate me," Barbatos materialised a lyre and winked at Baal. "And I'm hoping you'll be the third one with this fine song."
As he pulled the first string, his arm was grasped firmly by Morax.
"Do not insult us with your petty music." His strong voice stopped Barbatos from moving. Then, Morax's expression softened as he turned to Baal. "Please, follow the small nuisance. He'll guide you to the hall. I'll follow along when the rest of the Archons arrive."
"Of course, Morax," Baal's eyes lingered on him for a few seconds, before turning to Barbatos. "Then, if you will?"
"Ah, eh, yes! Follow me." He said, unsure of his sudden new responsibility. "How come we've never talked before? I'm pretty sure we've seen each other a few times."
"We have met as Archons, not as individuals," Baal pointed out.
"Fair enough. At the very least, you see a difference between the job and the self."
"Even though I swore to protect the people of Inazuma, my sister is something I couldn't leave behind. That's why I have certain boundaries set with close friends and family."
Barbatos glanced over his shoulder, back at Baal. "Family? Ah, now that you mention it. I did see your sister before. Baal and Beelzebul. But I have to say, I wasn't sure who was the Archon and who was… what's the word? A kagemusha? A body double, no?"
"That's right," Baal replied but didn't specify.
"So does that mean you're Beelzebul acting as Baal? Or are you actually her?" His question didn't receive any answer. "I see, still on the Archon mindset with me. Well, I'm sure you'll tell me when I introduce you to my personal friend, dandelion wine!"
Baal widened her distance from Barbatos. "I'm… not so sure about that."
"How come?"
"Our ideals are simply incompatible. Your freedom resists for now, but it's only a matter of time before it is manipulated and transformed into something completely different. Or worse, another nation might jump at the weakness of your people. Your off-hand rule will only accelerate this."
"That is quite the belligerent point of view! I was under the impression that Baal was quite kind and peaceful!"
"Do not mistake complacency with passivity." She asserted herself. "Her… my rule is continuous and endless. That is why I can sure prosperity for my people, Barbatos."
"Oh sure thing, Decarabian." Barbatos faked a laugh, though luckily for him, it seemed Baal didn't quite know who that was.
The chamber they entered was big yet restrained and elegant. No object was out of place. No furniture was unnecessary. The sobriety of Morax's personality shone through the utilitarian nature of the lounge, though for Barbatos, it was a testament to his lack of imagination. He couldn't complain, however. Because the God of Freedom was homeless.
"Here you are, my old friend," Barbatos muttered in joy as he found the bottle of wine sitting all on its lonesome table. It was small and somewhat isolated, with only two chairs meant for him and Morax. Baal, however, didn't seem as excited. Clearly, someone had advised her to not drink with him.
Barbatos wasn't let down by this. Perhaps this was a chance to teach her what Mondstadt really meant. She had never been there, yet it seemed she already had an opinion about it. And that was like she was insulting him!
"Say, how about I teach you how the families of Mondstadt drink their wine? Someone as… classy, I guess? Someone as classy as you might like it."
Baal shook her head. "I appreciate your interest, but I need my senses sharp."
The bard sighed but tried again. "It's like that tea ceremony Morax talks about, there's no foul play. And you don't need to drink that much alcohol, it's just a sip."
She glanced around and seeing no other options, agreed. "…Against my better judgement, I suppose there's nothing better to do."
"Okay! Then, sit here." Barbatos cleared the way for Baal and cleared his voice. Then, he puffed up his chest and imitated a waiter."Very well, my lady! Follow my advice!"
A silent glare from Baal was the warning Barbatos needed to calm his whole charade.
"I'll stop. Take this. From my personal collection," The bard used his powers to materialise a wine glass. "I didn't want to buy it, but Morax can be quite convincing when he threatens you. It took me almost a month of singing and playing, but this glass is almost completely transparent! Fitting for an Archon, he said!"
This time, it seemed the glass caught the Electro Archon's attention. She motioned to grab it, but stopped short and chose to watch it from a distance.
"I've never seen anything like this. The glass is transparent like water, even if it's somewhat distorted. Not only that, the stem and base are decorated with the forms of leaves and branches, as if it was a vine." Baal said, her curiosity obvious. "This is quite advanced. I was under the impression that Mondstadt was a city of decadence and indolence. Did you teach this technique to your people, Barbatos?"
He was about to laugh until he realised it was a serious question. "No, I don't really fly that way. I'm not sure how they learned it, but they can even create a glass pane of different colours."
"Peculiar. If you guided them, then perhaps they would be able to create more complex objects."
"I think it's exactly because I don't guide them that they're able to do it. But we're getting side-tracked, on with the ceremony."
He took the dandelion wine bottle in his hands. Then, after creating a vacuum with his powers, he removed the cork without any trouble.
"The first step is this." He offered the cork to Baal. "You have to check the cork's condition and smell."
If she had found the proposition odd, she didn't question it. It smelled like cork and wine, which was somewhat disappointing. She wasn't sure what she was expecting.
"Cork oak from Galesong Hill and grapes from Windwail highland. Mondstadt in a bottle! This means the wine is in good condition, so we can continue. Well then, next step." Barbatos went to Baal's right and served her a drop of wine. "Now you have to let your eyes taste the wine. Look at the colour, it's a lovely shade of red, isn't it? The younger the wine, the more bright and vice-versa."
Baal nodded along. "Like an oni's horn."
"I… don't know what's that, but exactly that! This dandelion wine is young, so it has a softer shade of red. Oh, and a tip for you! Don't let it drop on your clothes or you might as well burn them. A wine stain is very difficult to remove."
Barbatos was getting somewhat impatient, the smell of alcohol luring him into debauchery. But he stopped himself. There was a time and a place for everything.
"Then, I suppose now I need to smell the wine?" She asked, much to Barbatos' delight. "It's not so different from a tea ceremony."
"Yes! Liyue and Mondstadt are basically siblings. Just like Liyue and Inazuma. So it's not a surprise there are some similarities."
"I wouldn't go that far. Inazuma is quite different from that city." Baal took the glass of wine by the stem, and carefully smelled it with a drawn-out breath. "It smells… like toasted cereals."
"I'm fairly sure that's because of the barrel it was stored in. Quite a distinct smell, right? Now, finally, the moment we've all been waiting for! You can taste it. Let it dance in your mouth for a while."
She closed her eyes as she brought the glass to her lips, taking a sip. The unexpected flavours coated her tongue, surprising her for a moment before she could fully appreciate the sweet and fruity sensation of the wine. She could see the wind travelling through the leaves and grapes of the vineyards. The animals that ran through the plantations of cork oak trees, free like the wind that nurtured them. And then, just like that, they were gone.
"It's sweet?" Baal blurted out, her face expressing a positive emotion for the first time. "I was expecting something acid and coarse, but… I am quite surprised."
"Oho! It seems Baal likes her alcohol sweet. How about I offer you some cider next time? I know a variety that is quite sweet."
His compromise didn't seem to be desired by her, however, as she shifted around uncomfortable. "I will reach you out if that time comes, Barbatos."
"Ah, that's a shame. At the very least, you have tasted the land I come from. Will the mighty God of Thunder ask for a bit more?"
Baal glanced at the mostly full bottle of wine and then at the empty wine glass. "It's weak alcohol. I don't have any objections, Barbatos."
"Let's be more casual! Call me Venti!" He filled almost half the glass. "That's how I go around mortals!"
Baal took the cup, ignoring his request. Then, after she took another small sip, her face gained a shade of red as well. "Oh, sorry. Is this not your glass? Is it okay if I drink from it again?"
"Drink away! I bought it just so that idiot stopped bothering me about etiquette." Barbatos laughed away as he took a swing at the bottle. Baal, however, placed the glass down and stared at the ground. "He's standing right behind me, isn't he?"
"Morax has a palace?" The merchant asked after he clapped a few times to Venti's short ballad.
"That's what you chose to focus on? It's about Barbatos and Baal's first meeting, and you focus on the meteorite maniac? Ah, it was that mean, awful Morax that warned her against drinking with m- Barbatos! He's the bad guy in this story! And it's not a palace, it was… You know what, you don't deserve the explanation."
"You're going to get beaten down in Liyue if you say that. Besides, isn't it too short? And what's the deal with three whole verses ranting about wine? And dandelion wine isn't weak, what's that Baal saying?"
"Please, don't question the art, I've yet to compose the rest of it." Venti looked away into the cart. "Some motivation might push me into the arms of inspiration."
"You're not drinking anything." The merchant warned again, exasperated. "How does the story continue? Do they end up as enemies?"
The bard scratched his temple. "I… How come?"
"Well… The Electro Archon seemed hostile. And also, I suppose because storms exist. Those are battles between Barbatos and Baal, are they not?" The merchant's question was genuine. Perhaps this was what he was told as a child. Still, Venti found it weird that someone from Mondstadt did not remember Decarabian, the god of storms.
"Perhaps they are," Venti admitted, his voice a tone lower. "Regardless, a fight doesn't have to be hostile. When wind and thunder meet, their reunion is so strong that it changes the weather around them. Is that not beautiful on its own?"
"Not really. A storm destroyed my apple harvest last year."
Venti held back a gasp. "Okay, that one's on Baal. Still, in my opinion, Baal and Barbatos were not enemies."
"I suppose I'll ask sister Barbara when I return. I don't think she's ever mentioned Baal and Barbatos meeting up."
Silence returned to the travelling caravan, with only the soft tune of the lyre livening up the trip. Dawn Winery was lost in the distance, and the mountains that separated Liyue and Mondstadt came into view as the sun descended. Nothing had stopped the caravan, surprisingly. No Hilichurls, no slimes, no aggressive fauna nor ancient threats. The merchant was surprised at his luck, though Venti could only smile amused.
As the sunset arrived, they camped near a small forest. The view of the gorge connecting both nations was in full view, only an hour away. And after thirty minutes or so more, Stone Gate stood proud. Still, they decided against camping inside it. It was a dangerous place to stay in. Winds reached high velocity, and a sudden flood could very well kill them both. So they stayed away, with the warmth of a campfire keeping their wits about.
The merchant had brought some vegetables, chopped them carefully into different sizes and put them into a pot. It was filled to the brim with them and carefully filled with water.
"Since you kept talking about him… I decided to do some Barbatos Ratatouille. It's not perfect, but it's filling."
Venti, whoever, had something else in mind. "Who's waiting for you in Qingce village?"
"S-Sorry?"
"Selling beer to Liyue is not a very good trade. And you could say the wind's telling me that there's someone there waiting for you." Venti sat down against the wooden wheel of the wagon.
The merchant ignored him for a few seconds, staring into the fire. "She's not waiting for me."
"Is that so? Unrequited love, or…?"
"No, it's just…" The merchant grabbed some sticks before tossing them into the fire. "I was too much of a coward to even say anything. She came to Mondstadt to sell tea and we just… connected, you know? I didn't want her to go. But I just stared as the wagons disappeared into the distance. She might not even have liked me. I mean, she didn't say anything either, right? But it's just… I just wanted to see her again."
Venti twirled his fingers around the grass below him and pulled. Why did his chest feel heavy and sorrowful? The lump in his throat felt hard and sharp, like the words he was about to say held no meaning to him. "I suppose it's never too late to confess. The gods are not confined to their lands, and neither should you."
"Easier said than done." The merchant turned and walked towards the back of the wagon, rummaging through something.
"You know." Venti's words wavered for a moment. "Baal and her sister…"
"I don't know where you got that from, but Baal doesn't have a sister." The merchant returned, carrying a bottle of wine and a rucksack. "This is for you. I know you… well, I don't know how, but the tune of that lyre has kept the monsters at bay. And kept me in a good mood."
He offered the bottle to Venti, who reluctantly took it. "Thank you." He stared at it, sunken in the gloom. It was happening again. Once again, it felt like sorrow would overtake him and finally break him down. But no, he wouldn't let it do that. "You know, drinking on an empty stomach is no good."
"Yep, it's almost ready."
Venti took a swing at the bottle before digging into the so-called Barbatos' Ratatouille. It was delicious. But why did he even deserve a plate named after him? They were even building a statue in his name. For what? It was them who longed for freedom. They did fine without him. Hell, they didn't even remember the cataclysm.
He took another swing. Forgetting was something he wished he could do as well. But the pain was never forgotten. How he lost his first true friend in the rebellion against Decarabian. How the Archons pointed to him whenever trouble arose in their region. How he killed thousands in Khaenri'ah. How Dvalin was poisoned because of him.
Yet another swing. People were being oppressed at this very moment. And he was just wasting himself away with his favourite wine. Were they dying? Asking for his help? Wondering why the Almighty Shogun had decided to turn on them?
The bard chugged down even more alcohol. He was still perfectly capable of feeling guilt, so he needed even more alcohol. He recalled that first time meeting Baal earlier that day. For what? Reopening old wounds? Remembering the joys shared with Makoto and Ei? The sorrows as well? Because they were right now hunting people for being different, completely unprompted? Was this not the very same thing she warned him about?
How could people call him God of Freedom, when he felt so shackled by these memories?
The buzzing of a bee flying near his ear suddenly awoke Venti. His mouth was dry. His head drained, yet not even a hint of being hungover. The wagon swayed every now and then like they were travelling on a paved road. Had he fallen asleep inside it once again?
His eyes wandered to his right, to the back of the cart. He noticed the shadows, barely lit by the sunlight. It was early morning, and they were already at the border pass.
"You doin' alright back there?" The merchant asked. "You didn't snore so I thought you might have kicked the bucket."
"Nightmares, I guess. Good morning, by the way."
"Morning to you too." The merchant, without looking back, grabbed something from inside the wagon. "Here, I wanted to do a proper breakfast at Stone Gate, but maybe this will help if you're peckish."
He tossed the object, which Venti grabbed without a problem. "An apple?" He muttered. Venti was about to bite it but stopped himself short. "Hey, what's your name?"
"Hm? Ignatz, did you forget it?"
"Not anymore." The bard answered, taking a bite out of the fruit.
"…Why do you want to go to Inazuma?" The merchant asked after a brief silence. "Is there somebody you want to meet as well?"
"Hah, more or less I suppose! But mostly, I want to see for myself what's going on. Some people need help and there are many things I can do to assist." Venti's words were honest, but he was still unsure. "Or perhaps I should charge into Tenshukaku and tell Baal that maybe she should have turned to alcohol instead of turning into a psycho."
"Woah, calm down, she's going to strike you down at this rate! Why are you talking so much about Baal anyways? You say it like you know her." Something clicked in the merchant's head when he said so. "Could you be…? Nothing, never mind. Just… Look, I know things aren't doing too hot over there, but it's not like we can do anything to change it."
"In that, my friend. You are wrong." Venti took two quick bites of the apple until only the core remained. He tossed it out of the cart and made his way to the front of the wagon.
"Hey, hold on! What are you doing?" Ignatz moved out of the way in haste as Venti sat beside him.
"It is indeed true that you, and probably me, won't be able to stop the Vision Hunt decree. In your case, because you have chosen to continue with your life. And in my case… well, I'll keep that for myself." Venti stretched his clothes and his body. "But I always follow a simple rule: do to others what you would have them do to you in the same circumstances. When I see, or well, hear what the Vision Hunt decree is doing, I feel the pain and fear that those in Inazuma are experiencing. If that was happening to me, I'd wish anybody, from an animal to a god, would come to my help. So that's why I will reach Inazuma as soon as possible."
Ignatz couldn't muster enough strength to answer back. Through the young bard's eyes, the merchant could see that Venti was hiding experiences that he couldn't even begin to comprehend.
"I… understand. But there aren't that many vision holders, right? I'm sure they can run away or… I don't know," The merchant turned to him, tense and concerned. "Look, I've seen your vision. You know that they'll hunt you too, right?"
"Ah, my dear brewer, I appreciate your worries. However, the Vision Hunt decree is but the tip of the iceberg. Tyranny is a drawn-out event… The mere explosion of a long chain of reactions. The spark of all this has to be something else, and I can't figure it out until I enter that land."
"Nothing I say will change your mind, huh? I suppose you're free like the wind," Ignatz mumbled, staring ahead.
"Ha! Everybody is born free. The difference is that the wind just decided it wasn't going to be bound."
With those last words, the gorge they were travelling through slowly became more and more open. Stone Gate slowly came into view and with it, Liyue. The domain of Rex Lapis seemed to have changed little, though Venti knew better. Even the resilient rock gave away to the power of water and wind. Perhaps it would be a small crack. But even the gorge they were travelling through started as a small dent.
Yet, those thoughts didn't linger around much. Because dark clouds were cruising through south Liyue, heading straight towards him. As they were coming from the south, Venti was more than sure of the true nature of those raging storms. Pieces that had somehow escaped Inazuma's storm barrier. Was this a coincidence? Or perhaps the Almighty Shogun had caught a whiff of the winds of liberty?