Author note: This chapter was co-written with "AngelofTwilight99". Mostly because of Durin.
Because I don't know how to (write) Durin or even a Dragon well. Or how to nicely explain a dragon's form.
*I do know some basic things about dragons, but nothing much more...
They soon arrived at the place known as Wyrmrest, better known as the resting place of the dragon Durin.
Upon disembarking from Dvalin, Venti, Albedo and Rosaria started their walk to the heart,
Their dragon companion being too big to enter together with them and having to wait outside...
-...So you didn't forget about me. -Durin greeted them as soon as the three walked inside.
-...So what you said was true. She did wake him up. -Rosaria quietly noted, getting a glare from Albedo.
- With how obnoxiously loud she was, she could have woken anybody up! -Durin grumbled back, before a deep sigh was suddenly heard. -...So, what did you come here for...?
-Well, we still have to honour our part of the deal. So I am here to work out the details with you…-Venti told him upon walking closer to the heart, before motioning to the others. -...And they are here as my escort!
-...Because they don't trust me...? -Durin asked him, sounding sceptical.
-No, they are just protective in general and didn't think Dvalin alone was enough protection. -Venti replied with a sad sigh. -...After the last attack, let's just say that it got worse…
There was awkward silence after his words,
As the Archon again thought of how extremely overprotective everyone has become...
-Dvalin…? H-he is here? - Durin interrupted him from his musings, sounding suspiciously shy.
-...Yes, he is at the entrance. It would get a bit too cozy if he came in here. -Venti explained, now curious about the sudden change in tone.
Was it just him, or this dragon sounded shy at the mention of Dvalin…?
…
It couldn't be...That he perhaps had a little crush…?
-...So, it still changes colour. Interesting. -Albedo mumbled upon writing something in his notebook.
-...At least he isn't constantly taking pictures this time ...-Durin wryly noted, remembering how uncomfortable that was.
…
That made him wonder, again, if this person was really an Alchemist,
He won't suddenly bring out a Kamera and start taking pictures, would he…?
-...Also, do you have a recipe for the poisons Charlotte mentioned? -Albedo then asked, looking up from his notebook.
-...I have...? She gave it to me, but it applies to the poison I personally generate. So I don't know if it works for the Scarlet quartz as well. -Durin informed him and Albedo looked thoughtful.
-It is at least a starting point. Come to my camp in two days to discuss the details. -The Alchemist then ordered.
-And how do you propose that I do THAT? -The dragon opposed, sounding hurt. -Unless your memory is faulty, you might want to remember that I'm stuck here!
-Didn't Charlotte theorize something about that? -Rosaria rhetorically asked.
-You mean wishful thinking. -The dragon shot back, his voice soon getting quieter. -As if he would help me in this way, after all I have done...
He mumbled the last part, sounding very sad...
-...Just what are you talking about...? -Venti then asked, not understanding a thing that they were discussing and wondering why the dragon sounded so down.
-...The traveler from another timeline had an idea of what could give me, possibly, a physical body. -Durin confessed.
-She theorized that a "blessing" would be the answer to getting a physical body. -Rosaria revealed, making Venti look thoughtful.
…
Getting a physical body by infusing a "blessing",
Yes, he did that before with Andrius…
...
But the way it turned out was...
-...She isn't wrong, but it will probably not work in the way that she had expected. Yes, it will give Durin a body and because of the "blessing" he will, by extension, become part of the Winds. He would be however bound to Dragonspine, unable to leave it's borders…-The Archon then explained, starting to sound sad. -...I don't think that this is the freedom that she envisioned for him.
-...What does being part of the Winds entail? -Durin asked after a moment.
-The Winds are the pillars and protectors of Mondstadt, it is our duty to protect Mondstadt in times of peril. -Dvalin answered him from outside the cave.
-It also means that you will be partly infused with Anemo. -Venti then added.
-...So in the end the deal would be: a body and a chance to start over and in exchange I help you protect Mondstadt and share my poison with you? -Durin asked again to make sure.
-Simplified, yes. -Venti confirmed.
After his answer, there was awkward silence for a while,
And the Archon was sure that Durin was having second thoughts about this...
-...Well, what are we waiting for? -Said dragon suddenly told him, sounding impatient.
-Wh….What...?!- Venti couldn't help but blurt out in surprise, looking shocked. -...Don't you need, like, a moment to consider...?
- Why? It seems like a fair deal to me. -The dragon answered him, sounding slightly confused.
-But you will be bound to Dragonspine, unable to leave! -The Archon protested, already starting to feel like he was restricting the dragon's freedom.
-Little Bard, how is that different from now? -Durin shrugged, not understanding what this whole fuss was about. -If I have a body, I can at least move around my terrain.
-...I suppose that is true…- Venti trailed off, finally accepting his defeat. What Durin told was the truth, even if the dragon won't be entirely free, he would still be freer than he currently is...-...Alright, if this is what you truly want, even with the limitations, then I'll grant your wish. I still have one question though…-He then continued upon showing the picture of Charlotte, with her back to Durin's heart and arms crossed, her face turned towards him with a smirk. -...What happened in this picture...? It looks like she was flirting with you.
-Flirting?! Where did you get that from?! -Durin exclaimed, suddenly sounding mad. -She was doing something much worse, she was teasing me!
-Teasing? About what? -Venti curiously asked, wondering what exactly she was teasing him about.
-...About something...- Durin replied, as his heart suddenly turned a deeper red.
The dragon was quiet afterwards,
And the Archon wondered, again, what this was about…
…
Did this 500+ year old dragon really have a crush…?
-...And what does this "something" might be…? -Venti then asked him, getting even more intrigued by the rapidly reddening heart. -...Does it have something to do with you accepting the terms of our agreement so easily?
-NOTHING that concerns you, it is already bad enough that SHE knew of it. - Durin exclaimed, as his heart turned a few shades darker. -I do not wish to be teased about it by anyone else!
There was silence for a few seconds,
Before Venti decided to use his secret weapon!
-Please tell me? Please, Please, Please...-The Archon then started pleading to him, trying to break his resolve with his "puppy eyes".
But Durin seemed to have some kind of a resistance to it,
As no matter how much the Archon pleaded, the dragon was keeping his silence...
-...How...How did you know? - Durin asked him after a few minutes of silence.
-Know what? -Venti asked back, confused.
-That I was corrupted. -The dragon elaborated, his voice quieter than usual.
-...Ah! During our battle I got a chance to look into your mind and I got a glimpse of your dream. -The Archon sadly explained, remembering it as if it was yesterday. -...I had hoped that my music would purify you from the corruption. Alas, when it seemed to somewhat work it was already too late.
-...You really haven't changed these past hundred years. -Durin said with a huff.
Venti was about to reply to him,
But then remembered that he had a very helpful ability:
As an Archon he was able to read others' minds!
"Barbatos, did you really forget that you are an Archon, again…?" , the winds commented, having been quiet until now and observing the situation, "Even though you just talked about a battle that was 500 years ago…?"
…
Yes…?
…
It was...Uh…
What you would call "tradition"...
...
It just happened,
Somehow,
By itself…
*It was definitely not his fault,
But that of the two Authors who were writing his story,
And he knew of this fact by reaching enlightenment and breaking the fourth wall…
…
Ehe~
…
...
Anyway, after establishing that little "fact",
The Archon finally looked into the dragon's mind...
…
What he saw surprised him greatly:
In one scene both Dvalin and Durin flying together, maneuvering around and playfully bumping into each other.
Another scene showed Durin and Dvalin curled around each other, deeply asleep.
In the last scene he heard a young female voice exclaim:
"You want a second chance with Dvalin!"
"...I can always ask your crush to come over here...?"
And Durin shushing her, saying something about not wanting the whole world to hear.
...
-Ah~ So that is why~ -Venti commented right afterwards, before smirking at the thought that his little "Durin has a crush on Dvalin" theory turned out to be real. And it wasn't even a simple crush, either...-DVALIN~ Durin thinks that your scales are a lovely aquamarine colour and he would like to fly with you!
He then called out in amusement, as Durin's heart suddenly turned scarlet...
-Barbatos, don't joke about that kind of thing. -Came Dvalin's tired sigh and the heart behind Venti dimed slightly.
-I am not! Those are Durin's thoughts! -Venti protested and the ground shakes slightly.
-Indeed, THOUGHTS. Which are meant to be private. -Durin grumbled, as Dvalin suddenly looked speechless.
-...So that…Was true…? -He then hestitanly asked.
-Yes, it's the truth. And unfortunately broadcasted by the bard. -Durin truthfully answered him.
-But why?! I killed you…! I tore your neck out! -Dvalin exclaimed in rising shock. -...Why would you, after all that…?!
There are a few seconds of silence after his shocked words,
Everyone quietly waiting for Durin's response...
-During our fight when I had my moments of clarity, my only wish was that we met under better circumstances. -The dragon explained, sounding wishful. -It was a sight to behold, our battle. And from that moment forth, I hoped that maybe someday I would get the chance to get to know you. To become friends, to fly freely through the sky with you.
-...You…You are seriously…! -Dvalin was left speechless for a few seconds, before he straightened himself. -... Well, I suppose you need a tour guide once you are able to take flight.
He then promised, already knowing how he will spend his free time...
-Now that this matter is solved, I don't know how large Durin will be once he receives my "blessing". So it might be better if we move out of the cave, lest we end up flat. -Venti then warned, before he, Albedo and Rosaria walk out of the cave. -Get ready Durin!
He yelled as soon as they were outside, creating a "blessing" moments later and guiding it towards the heart inside.
The cave is then engulfed with a bright light, before a sleek black/purple dragon with Anemo green accents rushes by and takes flight.
The three spectators look up as Dvalin soon joins Durin in the air,
Both circling around Dragonspine, one doing all kinds of tricks in the air, regaining his mobility after not flying for so long.
…
A scene that Venti is really glad to see, realizing that Dvalin now has a new friend he could spend time with,
One who is a dragon just like him, who will keep him company no matter what…
…
What was that sudden clicking sound…?
"Moment ruined. Definitely." , the winds commented, sounding a little weary, "...To think that he would do this again…"
…
After their words, Venti turned to his left to see Albedo taking pictures of the two dragons with a Kamera…?
-Albedo, what are you doing? -The Archon couldn't help but wearily ask, wondering if it was a good idea that the Alchemist was handed a Kamera. Ever since that moment Albedo couldn't stop taking pictures! -...You do realize that they are having some alone-time, right…?
-...Collecting research materials. -The Alchemist absentmindedly answered, before sending a glare at the sun. -I need to find a better angle, the sun is obscuring my view.
He grumbled before walking closer to the entrance of the cave,
In his annoyance, completely forgetting what the Archon just told him...
After what felt like a century, the two dragons landed before the three. Folding in their wings the three could now clearly see Durin.
An artist would describe it as a majestic sight:
Black scales tinged magenta at the ends, with now Anemo green joining the magenta.
His horns fading from black to magenta to a blue green.
His wings, once skeletal where now restored to its original almost wing like pattern, followed the same colour scheme as the rest of his body.
However what was more noticable for the party was that Durin was the same height as Dvalin.
In the past, Durin was much larger than Dvalin, about ten times his height.
-...It's possible that because I am weaker than I was when I helped Andrius, that I couldn't restore Durin to his original height. -Venti mumbled, sounding very apologetic.
-It doesn't matter. At least now I don't have to rebuild the structure of my nest. -Durin told him, sending an annoyed glance toward Albedo. -...Glad to see that you are still obsessed with that thing... -He muttered sarcastically, seeing as the alchemist continued taking pictures. -...Hm, to destroy or not to destroy…? That is the question. -He mumbled in thought, getting a glare from the alchemist at the word "destroy". There should be a better use for that "Kamera", right…? -...Look, I can choose not to destroy it. But I want something in return.
-I am listening. -Albedo warily said.
-Not now, you said that you wanted to meet up in two days? I'll tell you then. -The dragon told him, refusing to elaborate. -Just curious. How many "Winds" are there now, little bard? -He then asked, turning away from the Alchemist.
-There are once again four now! -Venti replied to him, making the other look towards him in curiosity.
-Isn't your math a little off...? Or are you forgetting to count someone...? -Durin interrogated him, his voice latched in confusion. -Last time I checked, there were already four winds.
-I gave up the position a few months ago. -Dvalin explained before Venti could answer.
-And why in Celestia's name would you do that?! -Durin asked, sounding somewhat reprimanding.
-It's…Ah…A long story...? -Dvalin replied a bit demur.
-You better have a good explanation for this. -Durin scolded him, before remembering what he wanted to ask for a while now and didn't have courage. He had to ask about it, even though he already started feeling anxious...-...So, does a meeting here in four days work for you...?
-I...Suppose that works, yes. -Dvalin answered, slightly confused by the sudden question.
During that little exchange both Venti and Rosaria looked at them with different levels of confusion...
-Did Durin just get a…? -The nun asked.
-Definitely. -The Archon admitted with a nod.
-And did Dvalin accept without…?
-Yep.
-...Right…
...
"It seems like those two are going to have a date~" , the winds commented, sounding intrigued, ".. .Who would have thought that we would see a day when two dragons are getting cozy with each other~" , they happily said, before there was a pause, " ...We should thoughtly observe this momentous event. Yes, we should. There is going to be so much teasing material~", a happy laugh was then heard, " When we have enough "✨Blackmail Material✨", we could even…"
-So, since you said that I am one of the Winds… -Durin suddenly asked Venti, interrupting the winds' enthusiastic speech. -...How am I going to help you protect Mondstadt when I'm stuck here?
-Easy, you just have to infuse your attacks with Anemo. You can do that now since you are infused with Anemo. That will make it able to travel long distances and with great precision! -The Archon replied, before looking thoughtful and then finally enthusiastic. -...We can even call them "Durin Türme" or "Durin Turrets" in the common tongue!
-.. .I…Suppose we can…? -The dragon remarked, not sure what he should or rather could say towards the name that was offered by the Anemo Archon. By proxy his boss now. Who was also a little weird...- ...It sounds...Well...Nice…
"...Even though I have no idea what that "Turrets" means…" , was left unsaid.
""Durin Turrets", what an interesting name! Durin of the four winds is a turret tower now!" , the winds commented, sounding intrigued, " One who is deeply in love and going on a date in four days!", they happily continued before there was a pause, "... Jokes aside, that grumpy dragon surely needs to have some "peace time", especially considering his past. Surely, with the help of…"
-Wait...What time is it now…?! -Venti suddenly yelled out, his eyes widening considerably, before he deeply sighed. -...I planned to have some "alone time" with a certain person. I have to privately thank him for all he did for Mondstadt, the citizens and myself...
The Archon mumbled, feeling bad about forgetting this important matter!
*How could he forget about deciding to grant Xiao his "greatest wish"...?! How?!
…
...
He really needed to go now before people start to become overprotective of him,
And worse if Durin teases him about it, in revenge for his earlier teasing about having a crush on Dvalin.
*He just couldn't help himself, it was just too…
CUTE!
…
Really, this crush of Durin was so cute!
To think that such a (ex) menacing dragon, deep in his heart, turned out to be such a softie!
*He never would have thought that a day would come when...
-And how do you plan to get there?- Rosaria asked in a threatening tone, breaking through his musings.
-Eh, teleporting I guess...? -Venti offered.
-And with what escort? -The nun interrogated further, already seeing it as a bad idea. Especially since the last attack...
-I will be with Xiao the whole time! -The Archon protested, but Rosaria was not budging in the slightest.
-You will either accept that we are coming with you...-She then told him, gesturing to herself and Albedo. -...Or we will go back to Mondstadt and you plan your meeting where an escort can come with...
And just at that moment, Xiao teleported in before Venti, his spear held up menacingly, ready for an attack.
There was some silence between everyone at the scene, before the Yaksha dismissed his spear, looking very confused.
...
-...You called for me...? -He then asked the Archon, turning to face him.
-Xiao! Thank you for coming. But we need to go! -Said Archon yelled out, looking and sounding very frantic. -LIKE RIGHT NOW!
-Wh...What...? -Xiao asked back, still looking towards Venti who had now activated his "puppy eyes" move.
-Please? Please, please…? -The Archon begged, looking like a kicked puppy now. -They won't let us enjoy your gift alone otherwise…!
To that captivating move the Yaksha found that he had zero resistance,
As he realized that he couldn't say "no" or even look away…
...
-Don't worry. I will keep him safe. -Xiao promised Rosaria, before taking the now happy Archon's hands into his own and both of them soon teleported away. -...I promise this as Liyue's "Vigilant Yaksha".
Was heard a moment later, before the whole area was enveloped in silence once more.
…
One which Rosaria found that she really, really didn't like,
And she soon took a deep breath to calm herself down.
...
She knew their Archon would be safe with the Yaksha,
But still she couldn't help but worry…
*A concern which only grew due to the recent events,
She, like many of her fellow Mondsadtians, was now worried about her god's safety,
Afraid that something might happen if he is left alone and then he will die and disappear for sure...
...
She couldn't do anything about it now,
Not without help, at least.
*And since her Archon trusted him, then she will as well.
-Durin, I have a very important job for you…-She told him, looking dead serious. -As one of the four winds, I am certain that you will strive to do it well.
-I'm listening. -The dragon in question replied and soon the nun began her explanation...