Cool breezes kissed and caressed at Xiao's exposed skin, played with his hair. The yaksha brushed it off, trying to turn away from the all encompassing air.

"This breeze is a blessing from our anemo archon Himself!" Nuns croaked amongst themselves, taking anything to be a confirmation of their belief. This blessing was for naught but Xiao himself. Blasphemy, he thought, for them to think their beloved god thought anything for his followers.

Unease dragged through Xiao's flesh. Piercing eyes grouped into stares—he didn't blend into the crowds of devout followers at peace in the chapel. It was rare Xiao set foot outside Liyue, being so indebted to serve his sentence. The gaping Monstadt citizens reminded him of another reason to enjoy his solitude. Little did they know, he belonged there as much as they did, joint in their aspirations, for why did one believe in a god if not to catch a glimpse?

The atmosphere was crushing, and Xiao could no longer withstand the sensation of his prickling skin. Abrupt, harried and stiff, he stood and made his exit out the front doors, caring not for the rush of whispers bursting out. What god would want to be worshiped there?

"Why, you're not much of one for the archon, are you? What a shame, it appears he even blessed you himself."

Xiao's head whipped up, catching sight of a bard perched among the branches. The hues of spring clad him brightly, although it was a sight made sore by autumn's touch to the living earth.

"I doubt he finds much care for who comes and goes." Xiao crossed his arms, shoulders squared, spine straight.

In a graceful motion, the bard slid down the tree, seeming to almost float. The air smelled sweeter, more crisp in his presence. Once more, Xiao's skin tingled, but this time, it was for the strong aura emanating from this young man.

"None of us know Lord Barbatos' intentions or favourites." The bard himself bore a Vision, but that wasn't the source of power. In a sudden moment, the realisation struck Xiao. He set his expression, solid as the mountains of Liyue.

"I once knew," Xiao said, taking a step closer. "His forms over the years have befriended a great many, and he doesn't hide himself as well as he may think."

"O-ho, is that so?" A pleased grin danced across the bard's face. "It appears I've been found out! Splendid job, old friend."

"The fake Vision so you can use your power at will? What a touch." Xiao grabbed at it, managing to nick it off of the god of anemo.

"It's a selling point for my career."

"Venti the Bard, is it? We've travelled within the same circles lately." The false Vision was impeccable, it was wondrous to see. Whatever master had crafted it certainly had a passion and talent.

"The world is changing. It's been a great many years since you've sought me out, dear yaksha. Have the Liyue nights really become so lonely?" Venti leaned in, pulling Xiao in, assisted by a guiding wind. His slender fingers slid up Xiao's forearm, laced around his wrist, and retrieved the false Vision. However, the grasp keeping the two's bodies close never wavered.

Flustered, Xiao jerked back, glancing over his shoulder. None were watching… that he could see. Steadying himself with a scowl, Xiao cleared his throat. "I was curious as to what you're busying yourself with. News from Mondstadt is hard to come by right now."

"I'll send a kiss and a diary entry on a magic carpet every night for you, if that suits you?"

Xiao scowled.

"I'm playing! Don't take me too seriously now!" Venti giggled, false Vision at last affixed to his attire once more. "How much time do you have?"

"I'm always on call."

"Aw, how cool. How much time can I expect from you, really?"

Xiao hesitated. Liyue was always in need, his debt always itching to be repaid. However, the Traveller's journeys and legends had encouraged all to be on their best behaviours. He may even have the whole afternoon, the way his days had been passing.

"I'll spare you the sunlight hours."

Venti beamed, seeming delighted. "Wonderful! I know the best place to catch up."

It was like a hundred years had never passed. Without a thought or glance, Venti took Xiao by the hand, steps skipping through the city. "I have a place in the city now," Venti told Xiao as they strolled. "I don't spend all my time there, of course; I live to perform, you know. Have to earn an honest living as a simple bard."

"Even a god can't help his people when he doesn't know the flow of a normal life." Xiao could only keep his eyes glued to the cobble beneath his feet. The bustle of the city granted some cover, but there was always a threat in any stranger.

"Wait here." Venti unentangled himself deftly, and set off with the energy of a youth. He stopped to speak with a merchant, as Xiao hung back in the shade, unconsciously reaching for his polearm for a sense of security.

In only a moment, Venti was at Xiao's side once more. He offered the yaksha a small wooden carving of the anemo archon statue. "A souvenir?" Xiao questioned, trying to keep the tendril of warmth wrapping his intestines from overpowering his blank expression.

"You'll never be able to forget today if you keep it safe." Venti pushed it into Xiao's palm. "Keep it safe, and Barbatos himself may bless you."

Xiao scoffed. "Who made one so self-obsessed an archon?"

Venti feigned shock. "Speaking so freely! What if someone were to hear you?" And without waiting for a reply, Venti spun around, setting a quick pace. Xiao quickly caught up, their strides matching near perfectly.

"Is it often you sneer at a poor archon's gift?" Venti threw a glance over his shoulder, quickening his gait.

"Is it often you take strange adepti home?"

Venti turned sharply down an alley, and Xiao followed, dutiful always. At the bend of the corner, he was pulled into the dark shade cast by the lowering sun. Xiao found himself caught by necklace, shimmering blue eyes devouring the sight of his face. This time, Xiao kept himself steady, fluttering heart threatening to gag him.

"It's not like you're opposed." Venti released the yaksha, hands left to wander Xiao's torso. In a hundred years, one could find their body forgetting what electricity a single touch could muster. "I've been getting plenty of news from Liyue; the word is the Traveller has got the baddies all scared straight, and you haven't a thing to do! Why, I'm sure the rest could make a mind wander…"

"Seems like I'm not the only one with some sudden downtime." Xiao grabbed Venti by the wrists. "Which one's yours?"