[CHARLIE]

After Amber left, I had a lot of options I could do now. After all, this is a new city, and a gorgeous one at that, so many new things to see and do. Mondstadt was basically what ideal or fantasy medieval Europe would look like, just like way cleaner, bright colors, and a sense of magic in the air. The cobblestone pathways lead to different parts of the city, some of them going to the different market stalls and different buildings, while others diverted from the main path, taking some turns or going through some cobblestone stairs. I decided to take a look at the Market and the different things they sell here.

Walking through Mondstadt's Market felt surreal, almost like straight up from a fantasy novel; I could also feel the stares from the locals, it wasn't a mean glare with disdain or hate, but a curious glint danced in their eyes, most likely having never seen clothes like mine. Merchants eagerly called out to passersby, touting their wares with enthusiastic fervor. The air was filled with the tantalizing scent of freshly baked bread, aromatic spices, and exotic fruits. Everywhere I looked, there was something new and intriguing to see.

I could even see a blacksmith in some corner of the Market, a huge man with an impressive build, hammering a red-hot piece of iron relentlessly. Overall it was a very beautiful place, I made my way to the center of the Market where I found a fountain. It had an intricate design, Water cascaded gracefully from the sculpted figures of mythical creatures, creating a soothing melody that mingled with the lively chatter of the crowd.

There were some children playing around the fountain, running in circles and playing what looked like a game of tag, a really wholesome moment if I say so. By the sides, a restaurant, a young woman standing behind the counter, gracefully slicing, stirring and cooking all the ingredients. The amazing smell reached my nose and I felt my stomach growl. Pots, pans, and other cooking utensils hanged from the wall, reflecting the mastery of the woman.

By the other side of the street, was a stall that looked like a general goods stall, its furniture filled to the brim with different products, ingredients and some other stuff I didn't immediately recognized, besides the stall, a young man that looked straight up like a scholar tinkering with some ingredients and elements on a odd-looking table. It looked like a stone table, reaching to his midsection. The odd thing is that the table looked almost as if glowing, stones aren't supposed to do that, right? Back in my world, glowing rocks were a real thing, but only under certain conditions like the process of formation or the exposure to certain lights, that table on the other hand gave off a strange glow, almost as if magical.

"Friends, gather around and listen well!" A sudden voice echoed through the plaza. Immediately and the folkstown turned to the origin of the sound, naturally I did so too. And what I found was… unexpected to say the least. A slender young man? I think? Dressed in teal colors, in an outfit that I could only describe like old-classic European elements and the natural fantasy feel, that most of the people seemed to have. Pale skin and also teal colored eyes, a very odd color, compared to Amber's and my own. Lastly he wore a green beret over his head, covering his black hair, some loose strands adorning his face by his sides. Overall, a very heavily ornate clothing. I also noticed that by his side he held a small wooden hand lyre with a gentle touch.

"Mondstadt;" The bard began slowly. His voice soft and youthfull "A place free from the clutches of the heavens, a refuge for the wind and the wanderlust of my dreams."

"Here the drinks flow like the river, the winds blow softly like the music of a harp, and the songs of joy echo the winds."

"Here the laughter rings out, unhindered by the shadows of the past, and the joy of freedom and equality permeate every street and alleyway."

When the bard finished his poem, the pleasant notes coming from his Lyre stopped, ending his speech. Slowly the people started to cheer and applaud the performance from the bard. I didn't quite get everything he said, but at least I got the just of it. So, I also applauded the performance, the bard's eyes roamed through the crowd basking in the cheers. His eyes suddenly stopped on me and I could swear his eyes widened a little, his own teal eyes locked on me as if seeing my very soul. It was a bit unsettling, i'm not going to lie, for some reason, the bard's eyes felt so profound, and a knowing glint danced in his eyes. Just as quick, our little standoff ended, the bard getting ready to recite some more poems or sing something.

For all the good verses the bard sang, honestly I didn't want to stay and hear all of them, I've never been a fan of poetry. So grabbing my backpack, I continued walking around Mondstadt. Something I really liked about the buildings was the architecture used. It seems like Mondstadt has a theme going on, and it nailed it. Also, the buildings were covered in greenery and vines growing from the walls, plus the windmills mounted on the very city walls was very impressive. I could even see a big one further into the city, the building towering over Mondstadt as a giant.

"The Market is really nice and nothing I have ever seen before.." I said to myself. Suddenly an idea popped into my mind, and with a new found objective I set into action. Leaving the Market behind I started looking for some higher ground where I could see the Majority of the Market. Judging by the position of the sun, it was possibly around midway, the light was perfect.

I quickly spotted some cobblestone stairs, reaching new highs and new parts of the city I haven't seen before. I followed the path and arrived at some sort of a balcony, overseeing the Market.

"Perfecto." I muttered. Placing my backpack on the ground, I grabbed my camera case, and in a series of practiced motions, I started to assemble my camera. I needed to consider some things in mind like lenses, lighting, camera settings etc. before taking the picture. My meddling with my camera started to attract the attention of some people passing by. With the camera ready for action, I placed the camera near my eye, my mind's eye imagining the future photo before me. I held my breath and my hands and whole body went completely still.

Click Click Click Click

I took a series of photos of the Market and the buildings surrounding it. I took a moment to check the photos I just snapped. And suddenly the feeling of satisfaction rushed over me, as I looked at the photo through the camera screen, it was just as I imagined, if not better. Feeling satisfied with myself for the moment, a little time to rest doesnt sound that bad. Fortunately there were some benches by my sides, allowing me to keep seeing the entrance of Mondsatadt while relaxing a little, since this morning I was starting to feel a little tired.

I opened my backpack and searched through the different bags, grabbing a protein bar and my water canteen. I took a sip out of it and started to unwrap it. Without hesitating I took a bite out of it, munching the different nuts in cashews from the bar. Come to think of it, chances are that this world hasn't invented plastic yet, right? Since everything I saw was a lot of nature and no super strong intervention of humans in the landscape. Eyeing the wrapper with a new found sense of responsibility, I decided to keep the trash for who knows how long. Maybe I could just burn it without too many consequences? Bah, for now I'll just enjoy myself a little and appreciate the view.

[AMBER]

I hope I'm not late for my report! My mind was abuzz with all the things that happened today, especially my meeting with Charlie, the odd-looking traveler. It was so weird, two somewhat odd looking travelers in the span of a few days! Though Lumine and Paimon seemed more approachable and friendly than the latter. Nothing against Charlie, but he has this boorish and aloof look on his face, though his eyes say something completely different! He may be able to downplay his features, but his eyes were roaming around the Market and the buildings like a child in a candy store! Such a contrast to his outlook.

After a bit of walking through the city, I arrived towards my destination, the headquarters of the knights of Favanius. I quickly greeted the guardsmen by the main wooden doors, and quickly entered making my way to Grandmaster Jean's office for my report of the Morning patrol. Without wasting too much time, I reached the wooden door and knocked, waiting for the permission to enter.

"Come in!"

Grandmaster Jean's office has always had such a cozy and regal atmosphere that I have always loved. The walls were adorned with a series of different bookshelves, storing tomes, encyclopedias and some other types of books not present in the library. By my feet a majestic red carpet depicting the symbol of the knights of Favonius, and by the end of the room a grand polished wooden desktop with all sorts of papers stacked up neatly. Sitting behind the desk, none other than Grandmaster Jean, and to my surprise there was also Lisa, the librarian, for reasons unknown to me.

"Oh. Amber! It's good to see you. What can I do for you?" Jean asked with a soft smile.

"Good afternoon, Grandmaster Jean," I greeted her with a respectful nod. "I've come to report on my morning patrol."

Jean returned my greeting with a smile, her blue eyes bright with warmth and wisdom. "Ah, Amber. Please, come in and have a seat. I'm eager to hear your report."

As I took a seat opposite Jean's desk, I couldn't help but notice the presence of Lisa, the knowledgeable and ever-studious librarian of Mondstadt. She waved at me silently and I waved back. Why was she here tough? Maybe they were just talking for a little bit.

"I observed a hilichurl camp from a safe distance, deep in Starfell valley," I explained, "and it's clear that they are growing bolder in their activities. Not sure if they're somehow involved with the abyss order, but it would be wise to keep a close eye on them. If left unchecked, they could pose a serious threat to the safety of Mondstadt in the future."

Jean nodded thoughtfully, her expression grave. "Thank you, Amber. Your diligence in patrolling our borders is greatly appreciated. We will take your report into consideration and adjust our security measures accordingly. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

I pondered for a little bit. "Ah, I met another odd-looking traveler in the outskirts of the whispering forest. It was weird, he seemed very confused by his surroundings."

Both Jean and Lisa looked at each other for a moment. "Odd-looking, in what way?" This time Lisa asked. I pondered for a bit, it was as if I couldn't put my finger on it. Hmm.

"You know Lumine and Paimon, right?" Both of them nodded. "They wear different clothes, but not entirely outlandish. For a lack of a better word, they seem to fit in. Charlie, that's his name, really looks from another place entirely with clothing I have never seen before! Also he has this toughness and aloofness coming from him, though I can tell he's actually really nice!"

Jean's brows furrowed slightly at my description of the traveler. "A traveler who stands out so distinctly from others in Mondstadt... That is indeed unusual." She exchanged a glance with Lisa before turning back to me. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Amber. We will make sure to keep an eye out for this individual."

Lisa nodded in agreement. "It's important to exercise caution with unfamiliar travelers, especially if they appear to be from outside. We'll inform the other members of the Knights of Favonius to be on alert for any sightings of this Traveler."

"A-Ah, I think that might be a bit of overkill…" I stumbled with my words a little.

"You think so?" Lisa questioned. "How come?"

"Well, I might only know Charlie for a little bit, but mostly he seemed like an excitable tourist. I think he's currently running around Mondstadt, looking for whatever catches his interest. He also told me he was a 'Photographer'."

"A photographer…?" Both of them said in unison.

"Yes! He has.. eh.. this little thingy machine that allows him to take these 'photos' of the different things that catches his interest! They're like instant pictures!"

Jean seemed to ponder for a moment, taking in all the new information regarding the hilichurl camp and another odd traveler running around Mondstadt. Plus with Stormterror acting wild and uncontrollably against the people of Mondstadt she was placed in a very tight spot. Hopefully this man shouldn't provide to be more trouble than the ones she already has on her plate.

"How would I know who this Charlie person is? Just to be sure."

"Oh, you'll know right away." I said with a small grin looking at the Grandmaster.

"...Fine. If that's all Amber; You may continue with your duties." I bowed for Jean and waved goodbye to Lisa, who just waved back with her smile always present on her features. Anyways, no time to waste, the work of the outriders is never truly done!

[CHARLIE]

"...Hey Mister…!"

I could hear a faint voice coming from somewhere around me, but for some reason it felt so far away yet very close, a deep whisper that resonated with me for some reason. It was an unknown voice, or at least I couldn't quite place my finger on it, a very soft and melodious voice, and I could tell there was a hint of mischief in there.

"...Mister…!"

But, I chose to ignore it. For some reason I felt very comfortable with myself and I didn't want to move. A series of pictures crossed my mind, some I could identify, some I could not. It all happened very fast and in a haze, but it didn't bother me. Blissfully unaware of the presence trying to reach out to me.

"...If you don't wake up…"

Quit the yapping. Right now I'm one with the world, and the world is one with me. I could feel the warm rays of the sun licking my skin, as if embracing me in a warm and welcoming blanket.-

'Poke-Poke-Poke!'

I felt a grunt and some mumbles left my mouth, trying to ignore the voice. Unfortunately, whoever was poking me didn't stop with their relentless assault and kept going.

"Mmmm…!"

I gave another grunt before slowly opening my eyes, the blinding light of the sun forcing me to close them again. I tried again, my vision blurry and unfocused, as it slowly began to work properly again, and the first thing that fell into my line of sight was a particular face I didn't expect to wake me up from my slumber.

"Good Morning sleepyhead~"

I stared at the young man dressed in a bard's garb in front of me. The fact that he had a cheeky grin on his features didn't go unnoticed to me.

"Uhh… Morning?" His grin grew a tad bit wider. "You're the bard from before, right?"

"That's right! Did you enjoy my songs?" The bard asked with a wide smile.

"Oh, about that… I heard one of them, but I didn't get what you were talking about so I left after a little bit. Though I remember you sang with archaic words; Why is that?"

"Hmm, I think it gives the songs a little bit more excitement! Like the telling of a legend or a story of old. It's More fun that way." The bard answered, looking around the city. "Anyways, what's your name, my sleepy fellow?"

"...Charlie. What about you?" Suddenly the Bard grinned with a smug expression, and in a loud and thunderous voice he exclaimed. "I'm Venti, the greatest bard of Mondstadt, swift as the very wind!"

I could feel the stares and the murmurs of the townsfolk as they watched the bard. They looked at Venti with a mixture of confusion and chagrin. "So, wanna go for a drink?" The bard suddenly asked me.

"A drink? Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't have a single coin on me."

"Nonsense! I didn't ask you if you had any Mora on you, I asked you if you want to go for a drink. I'm inviting!"

To be completely honest, I was a little curious about the types of wines they had on Mondstadt. Based on what Amber told me, the alcohol industry is a very big thing here in Mondstadt, and the ingredients used in the process of the wine were very odd and different from my own world, like Dandelion. Even so, Venti gave off a very odd feeling. I couldn't quite describe it, but it confused and I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Alright, you convinced me;" I saw the black haired Bard's grin suddenly grow once again. "But only a few cups, I'm supposed to meet with a friend later."

"Oh my, are you on a date Mr. Charlie? If you allow me, I can provide some romantical verses to sweeten your evening!"

I rolled my eyes at his antics. "Please don't. Plus she's a friend I just met today."

"Hahaha! Oh Charlie, how mean of you to turn me down without a second thought." Venti dramatically clutched his chest, almost in pain; "My poor little heart." He reminds me of those extrovert and very dramatic theater kids back in highschool. Even then I couldn't help but huff and let an amuse smile grow on my lips.

"Quit the yapping, let's go for the drinks already. Do you have a place in mind?" I asked Venti as I got up from the bench. Immediately I felt my back crack, all the bones falling into place where they're supposed to be.

"Don't worry dear Charlie, I already have a place in mind. C'mon, let's not waste anymore time."

"This is it, this is the place, welcome to the 'Angel's Share'."

As I approached "Angel's Share," I was struck by its quaint charm. The wooden exterior, weathered by time, yet neatly preserved from the flow of time. A signboard with golden letters swung gently in the breeze, announcing the tavern's name to passersby. By the side of the main wooden doors, I noticed a notice board, filled with some notes and notices from what I could only guess was the government of Mondstadt.

The large wooden doors stood invitingly ajar, revealing a glimpse of the cozy interior beyond. A lantern above the entrance cast a warm glow, illuminating the cobblestone path, and the shops running down the cobblestone path, by now, all closed for the day. White walls with a green tiled rooftops, for a tavern it certainly looked really nice. I could even take a picture later if I felt like it.

The chatter of the diners reached my ears, and the sound of laughter prevailed. The ambiance seemed lively yet intimate, drawing travelers and locals alike to gather and share tales over drinks, and some other stuff.

"Shall we go in?" Venti's voice brings me back to reality and he looks at me with his usual smile.

"Yeah, let 's go." I replied back.

The inside of the Angel's share

As we stepped through the threshold, a wave of warmth enveloped me, both from the crackling fireplace and the welcoming atmosphere. The tavern was bustling with activity, yet it felt cozy and inviting.

The interior was adorned with rustic wooden beams and soft candlelight, creating a charming ambiance. Various candles were placed on the walls and even a big chandelier hung above our heads. Tables dotted the spacious room, each surrounded by groups of patrons engaged in lively conversation. The air was filled with the aroma of hearty meals and the clinking of glasses, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter. Some waiters running around the place taking orders and carrying wooden mugs.

I followed Venti to empty stools in the bar, near the fireplace, taking in the sights and sounds of the tavern. The bartender, a gruff-looking man with a bushy mustache and a thick beard, greeted us with a small smile as he wiped down the counter.

"Welcome, What can I get for you this evening?" he asked calmly with a hint of warmth in his words. Suddenly a look of recognition flashed in the bartender's eyes as he looked at Venti, but before he could say anything, the bard interrupted.

"My good man! I'll have two glasses of dandelion wine please!"

The bartender grumbled something under his breath but complied as he turned his back towards us, ready to work in our glasses. While the bartender worked behind the counter I took a moment to look at Venti once more.

"Are you even old enough to drink wine?" I asked the young bard besides me. "I mean, not that I particularly care if you don't." Venti in response looked at me with a look of incredulous and a smirk that slowly started to grow on his face with each passing second.

"How old do you think I am, Mr. Charlie?"

That's a trick question if I know one. Nevertheless I suppose I need to answer something. "Umm.. I don't know.. fifteen, sixteen?" The bard the suddenly snickered, then transformed into a full-out laugh.

"Hahaha! Oh Charlie! It's been a while since someone made me laugh this hard!" I dunno if he was of me or with me. I hope that the latter. Removing a tear from the corner of his eye, Venti took a moment to regain his bearings.

"All though I appreciate it, I'm not as young as I look," Venti said in a mysterious tone.

And a few things catched my eyes that I missed the first time I talked with him. The bard turned towards me with a small smile, and I could see the deepness and knowing look in his eyes. At first glance I just thought that his eyes were an odd color by my standards and thought nothing more of it. But now, things are different. His eyes almost looked to be shining with unseen energy and there was a knowing look in them. A sudden thunk broke our situation and the bartender placed two glasses of wine in front of us.

"Two glasses of Dandelion wine, coming up." The bartender said, before I could say anything Venti, answered first.

"Thank you very much, my good man! We appreciate your service!" Exclaimed to oh so eloquent bard, acting like our stare off never even existed.

"You're welcome; Just don't cause any trouble like other times please. Master Diluc doesn't appreciate it."

A wry grin appeared on Venti's face. "A-Ah, don't worry about it..! Today we're only having a glass for my good friend Charlie over here." He said as he patted my back. With that the bartender huffed and continued working with his back against us.

"I see you have quite the reputation around here, Venti. Are you perhaps a regular?" I asked with a small smirk, trying to get past the odd-feeling behind the bard's eyes.

"Heh, you could say that." He asked with a wry smile. "Though the bottle of wine is expensive in Angel's share if you ask me." He then grabbed the glass and raised it towards me. "Let's not waste any more time, Charlie! Cheers!"

I smiled at that and grabbed my own glass. "Cheers." I raised my glass towards my mouth ready to take the first sip, but stopped and decided to smell the drink first. Sniffing the scent of the wine, cereal aromas with a hint of sweetness invaded my nose. It was the first time smelling something like this, and by all means, I don't have any good experience in wine tasting, but for me it smelled like a good wine.

Taking the first sip of my glass, the sweet and refreshing taste hit my tongue, its flavors dancing a harmony of tastes in my mouth. It was very different to the different wines I tasted in my homeworld, different but for sure not bad.

"Ahh…!" Venti huffed after taking a considerable drink out of his glass and suddenly looked very happy. Even more than before, I guess he really must like wine. I hope he isn't alcoholic or something like that. "It's good isn't it?" He asked, with a grin on his features.

"Yeah. It tastes very different to the wines I have tasted before. Sweeter and fresh. I really liked it." I took another sip, this time larger than before. "Thanks for this, Venti. I didn't tell you before, but one of my greatest pleasures is discovering the cultural value of a country or city. It really makes me happy."

Venti grinned and smiled with his eyes, looking away in a dramatic fashion. "Oh, shush Charlie! You're gonna make me blush!" I only rolled my eyes at his antics, I was starting to get the idea of the kind of person Venti was.

A pleasant silence fell between the two, enjoying each other's presence and the sounds of a busy tavern. "So, did you like Mondsadt?" the bard asked suddenly.

"Of course. Though to be honest, I haven't got the opportunity to see all of the city, but so far I really like it." I made a small pause as I took a sip out of my glass. "I noticed a big church in the distance. I'll visit it tomorrow morning if I have the chance."

"Ah, the Favonius Cathedral. It's a very popular place with locals and tourists. It's for sure one of the best things to see in Mondstadt." The bard said as he took a small sip too, enjoying the after taste of the wine. "But, if you ask me, the best views and places to explore aren't even in the city."

"What do you mean?" I asked, intrigued.

"Well of course, the wilderness and different things you can encounter seems far more interesting in my opinion! The wind flowing through the valleys and making the grass dance! What you encounter out there is part of the essence of this world."

"Amazing…!" I said in awe. I get what Venti was talking about. I remember it very vividly. When I stood on top of that rock, I saw the untamed wilderness and green lush valleys that seemed to run across thousands of kilometers. I immediately understood that this world was very unlike my own, where humanity has conquered the planet with urbanization and the incredible progress of different technologies. Everywhere I could see, from the green valleys to the distant snowy mountains, was breathtaking. I want to keep exploring this world.

"Where are you from Charlie?" Venti suddenly asked. "It's clear you're not from Mondstadt, and you seem like a traveler."

Aw shit. That was a difficult question to answer honesltty. "Oh you know.. I'm from around.." I said trying to be as vague as possible. For obvious reasons I couldn't say of my status as an otherworldly being. Or alien for that matter. He'll think I'm crazy.

"Really?'' the bard asked with a smile. "Teyvat is a large world, so it couldn't be too far-fetched that I haven't heard where you're from." He made a small pause. "Your clothing and your Kamera gadget. They are rare in Mondstadt. Even in the rest of the seven nations, not many people have access to one. Are you perhaps from Fontaine?"

I remember Amber saying something like that earlier this morning. I don't know what Fontaine is supposed to be, but right now, for the sake of saying something coherent I would lie through my teeth and swallow my pride.

"Y-Yeah. I'm from there! That's where my home is!" I hope my lie was convincing enough for the moment. There was a small shift in the environment. Barely noticeable, but I felt it. Venti looked oddly still for a moment, but before I could say something about it he continued.

"Is that so? I've been to Fontaine once to grace the people of Fontain of the legends and Poems of the city of freedom! Such a beautiful city!"

He seems to let go for the moment at my home. Honestly, if I needed to get some more information about the world I'm in. There is a lot of stuff I don't know that could be crucial in the future, so I better study a bit. But after I finish sightseeing in the city.

"Say, Charlie." Venti started again. "Are you familiar with the seven?"

"The what?"

"The seven Archons;" He said with a hint of mischief I couldn't help to notice. "Don't worry too much about it, it is just a little thing the seven nations of Teyvat have. It's actually part of each nation's culture, if you're more interested in it."

"I see! So what are the Archons?"

"The seven are the seven gods who preside over the seven nations of the world who emerged victorious after the famous Archon wars."

I blinked at this new information. But there was a keyword stuck in my head:

"Gods? Like a religion?" Venti laughed at my question. "I didn't mean it like that, though some people revered the archons in a religious manner. I meant it in the most literal way. Almighty powerful god-like beings."

"..."

Real gods…? That's a thing here.? That… doesn't sound good, at all. From modern religion to mythology gods, gods generally are like the pinnacle of power and authority. And depending on which myth you're talking about, gods can be cruel, selfish and powerful. Like the Greeks, for all their almighty power and godhood, the Greek pantheon often described their gods as flawed, sometimes cruel, and humane to a fault. What stops a god from smite me on a whim?

"I ask you, Charlie" The ambience between us suddenly changed and a chill ran across my back, my senses warning me of danger coming from somewhere. I looked at Venti, and I immediately noticed that his entire demeanor has changed. Gone was the usual cheeky smile of the happy to go bard, but an unreadable expression on his features, and his eyes, were radiating with an unseen energy, looking at my very soul.

I felt naked under that gaze, even though I'm not from this world, and even if I did know what kind of power the man in front of me was using, I could immediately tell that I could hide nothing from the person in front of me; And that scared me.

"You aren't from this world, right?"

"..." I swallowed hard. For some reason, the people around us didn't seem to notice what was happening, and continued with their lives. "I-Im not from this world." I confessed while looking him straight in the eyes, even if I wanted to look anywhere else.

He kept his glare for a few moments, when suddenly, all the pressure around me disappeared and I could start to breathe again normally. "Hmm. I see…! That makes more sense…!" I could hear the bard musing to himself.

"I'm sorry about that Charlie, but I needed to be sure." He said in a calm voice and less up-beat than before. "Your existence feels very different from what I'm used to."

"...Who are you…? How do you know all of this…?" I asked in a low voice, still wary of the bard besides me.

"... I guess I owe you some kind of explanation, huh?"

Venti kept silent, thousands of thoughts running behind his eyes. Eventually he broke the silence. "You could say I'm a sort of 'Protector' of Mondstadt. You may not know this, but the city of freedom it's also known as a godless city, meaning that the presence of the Anemo Archon isn't what it used to be."

"The Anemo Archon? Is that the local deity?" Venti chuckled softly at my suggestion.

"Yes around Teyvat the seven Archons control one element. Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro and Cryo. Anemo being the element of wind. If you'd like to know more about the elements, you should check out the Library. It's in the Favanius Knight headquarters; The librarian should be able to help you out." Venti said with a side smile.

"So Anemo is wind. Geo is Earth, Electro is Electricity, Dendro I have no clue, Pyro is Fire, and Cryo is Ice. Correct?"

"Yes, you got the gist of it. Dendro is plant life." He said, raising a finger.

"Amazing…" I said in a hushed tone. "Gods being a real thing. You know, in my world there isn't proof about the existence of gods. Only limited to religion, mythologies and legends. A godless world, if you think about it."

And for the first time since meeting Venti, I saw an incredulous expression across his face. Venti's eyes widened in surprise, as his expression shifted through different emotions, not settling on one. Venti whispered something in a low voice but I managed to hear it.

"...Like Khaenri'ah…"

"Hmm?"

Immediately the bard cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Nothing Charlie. It's nothing." He made a pause. "What is your world like?"

"My world? Hmm, if I had to pick a word to describe it, I think 'Fragile' and 'Urbanized' would fit the description." I said as I took a sip of my glass, having it forgotten until now.

"What do you mean?" He asked in a confused tone.

"... You know, Mondstadt is a pretty small city. By my standards, I wouldn't even compare it to a city. For me, it's more like a really pretty village; And I can see it in its people and architecture. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing or anything of the sort, but it's different from my own." I paused.

"I used to live in a city where the population of the city was around five million people last time I checked…"

"-FIVE MILLION?" He asked, almost choking on his own glass. I chuckled softly at the sight.

"Yeah;" I said with a rueful smile. "But even then, that was just one city. And my old world had thousands of them, some bigger than the others." A sad expression fell on my features. "You get where I'm going?" I asked the Bard beside me, and without waiting for his response, I continued.

"Humanity continued to expand, conquering new territories and building new cities. Eventually you might cross with another person expanding its own territory. What happens then? They'll either fight over the land or place frontiers to divide the land." I took a large sip out of my glass.

"Conflict incites progress, and through conflict, humanity was able to build better things, develop new technologies and medicines. I think that we are pretty technologically advanced compared to what I've seen here so far, but by that logic, that also means that human history is a very bloody story."

"Because of this, the state of the world is very fragile. Dying ecosystems, pollution of the waters, poor air quality, among other things. Heck, when I arrived here I was pretty amazed by how fresh the wind felt through my nose!" I attempted to joke and looked over the bard, but to my surprise he wasn't laughing. Not a grin, nor a smirk, just a chiseled serious face on his features, and his glass wine forgotten, hearing every detail that spilled from my lips.

"Human greed also plays a big role in this. Through the exploitation of nature's raw materials to construct all the things we need or want. Exploitation of nature, human conflict, and our ever growing population are some of the factors my world is in." All of that talk left some pretty foul taste in my mouth, gotta see some positives right?

"But! There are a lot of programs and good people that are concerned about the state of my world, so they work together to make people see about the current situation we are facing." I grew a little bashful thinking what I was going to say now. "...I wanted to work for one of these groups as a photographer if I had the chance… So it's not all so bad; Just an uphill battle."

Venti had yet to say a word, and this silence was starting to make me uncomfortable.

"That's… Quite the story you have there Charlie."

"I'm sorry."

"No, don't apologize, I was the one who asked in the first place, I just didn't expect that kind of story." He said as he passed a hand through his hair. "So that's the potential of humanity, huh?"

"Enough of sad topics, what do you think about this world?" Venti asked with a small smile.

"It 's incredible!" I said without a moment of hesitation. "There's literally a whole new world to discover, very unlike my own. People are kind and not too distrustful compared to what I've seen before. It's a very different world to my own, that I can't help but to feel excited about it."

Venti laughed and a puzzled expression came to my face. "You know Charlie, for all your tough and roguish appearance you are a softie and passionate person huh?" I felt my cheeks grow warmer at the bard's words, me a softie? In your dreams.

"...Shut up…" I said as I looked away, sipping my wine. Huh, it seems that sip was the last one. Seeing this Venti downed the rest of the glass and a satisfied smile grew on his features.

"Hah! That was a good talk, Charlie. But shouldn't you get going? I thought you had a dinner date with your friend?" The bard asked with a cheeky grin.

"Shit! I completely forgot!" I stood up quickly from my stool and grabbed my stuff, ready to bolt out of the tavern. Not before turning to Venti. "Thank you for the drink! I promise the next ones are on me! I'll see you around, Venti!" And with that, I bolted out of the tavern to meet Amber.

"I'll see you around Charlie." What an intriguing individual that man is. Such curiosity and passion over the undiscovered is something I haven't seen in a very long time. He's like the living essence of wonder and exploration, trying to preserve the beautiful moments he stumbles through the lenses of a Kamera. But, with a world like his, maybe that's what he yearns to capture the beauty of the world, in a world where humanity reigns supreme. What an interesting person. I wonder if he could be a bearer of a vision?

[AMBER]

That damnable Charlie was late. Was he lost in the city? It could be a possibility. After all, he's a Traveler that arrived in the city this very morning, so being lost could be a possibility.

After being done with the duties of the day, I excused myself from Grand Master Jean and went straight to the city market. By now the sun was starting to go down, and the night city life was about to commence. Usually I don't go out during the week, after all an outrider must be ready for everything, and that means a good night of rest is necessary; But today it can be the exception.

A sat down on a nearby bench and decided to wait for him. Some of the knights had just finished their shift for the day, and the night shift was about to start, some of the knights going straight to the Angel's Share, for a drink. Personally, I don't see the appeal in drinking straight after a shift, but people can do whatever they wanted in their free time as long as it's legal.

Suddenly, Charlie sprinted out of a corner running through the Market while dodging some people. Standing up, I waved my hand as I called his name, thankfully he spotted me right away.

"Amber! I'm here! Sorry for being late. I got distracted with a friend a while ago." Oh that's nice to hear.

"A friend? Look at you Charlie, half a day in Mondstadt and you already made two friends! You're such a social butterfly. Making friends left and right, I'm almost proud of you!" A cheeky grin made its way into my face. Charlie answered in kind with those amused grins of his, never truly forming a smile.

"Har, Har. Like you're one to talk, Amber." I stuck my tongue out to him, and his grin just grew more. Hmm. One day I'll make him give me a full-fledged smile. Toothy grin and all!

"Well," He started. "Do you already have a place in mind for dinner?"

"Of course! It's a very good place, and I think you'll like it very much." I said as I pushed him by the back.

"Good to know. Cuz I'm starving…" The man whined out.

We continued to walk through the Market with a restaurant already in mind. Meanwhile Charlie's gaze kept swiping all over the stores, each trinket and stall gaining his attention rather easily, he was almost like a child, getting distracted by the simplest of things, as if he had never seen it before, It was kind of funny actually!

"Here it is, welcome to Good hunter!" Amber said.

It was cozy and had a few tables on the streets. I could see a large stone counter with a young lady cooking behind it. Behind her, a series of tools and silverware were proudly displayed on the walls, and I could see the menu in a wooden board displaying its dishes. Overall, very rustic and nice.

Wee quickly found a table and we sat down. For some reasons there werent a lot of costumers by this hour, so it was only Amber and I today. After we sat on the table the girl cooking behind the counter made her way to our table with a small paper notebook clasped in her hands.

"Welcome to Good hunter, do you already know what to order?" A look of recognition flashed in the waitress's eyes as he looked at Amber.

"Sara!" The brunette exclaimed.

"Amber!" And suddenly they were all smiles and laughs. They knew each other by the looks of it, and by that moment I was out of it again, thinking about all the things that happened during the day and the mysterious Venti. He managed to scare me real good before, and he mentioned that he was a sort of 'protector' of Mondstadt, what those cryptic words meant were far from me for the moment, hopefully I would understand better in the future.

"...This is Charlie, a traveler I met today in the outskirts of the whispering woods." Were they talking about me? Shoot, I wasn't paying attention. I turned towards the waitress Sara, and stood up, offering my hand.

"Charlie, nice to meet you Sara." She held my handshake. "Nice to meet you Mr. Charlie." She then shot a teasing look towards Amber. "Nice catch Amber~"

"Huh?" Even if she said it in a subtle way, I think she was referring to me. I'm not that dense or oblivious, so I think she was talking about me; I just decided to ignore her comment.

"I-I-It's not like that Sara! Please behave yourself!" Amber suddenly sputtered out, scolding Sara. Clearly she couldn't ignore her teasing.

"Fine, Fine. Anyways, do you know what you will order?"

I locked eyes with Amber, "I'll order whatever you order."

"Alright… We'll have two plates of Flaming red Bolognese, please."

"Such a romantic choice~" Sara teased Amber once again.

"S-SARA! It's not like that!" Sara chuckled and this time I couldn't help but chuckle too, with a small grin. She just was too easy and fun to tease.

"Oh, Amber, you're shattering my poor little heart over here." I said with a smirk.

"Not you too please…" Sara and I laughed at Amber's expense. It was quite fun actually, and Sara and I might have bonded over teasing Amber. After a while, Sara came again with our dishes and oh boy does it look really tasty, I didn't notice before, but seeing the dish of bolognese in front of me really set my stomach growling. It was to anyone's surprise that I devoured the whole thing without hesitation nor grace. I must have looked like a starving beast, but at this point I didn't particularly care. After eating like a beast, I had the decency to grab a napkin and clean myself.

"That was exquisite…!" I said with a thumbs up and a grin.

"Understatement of the year." Amber said with a deadpan look, eyeing at my almost clean plate. Huh, I must really have been hungry.

"C'mon throw me a bone here, I did not eat anything all day!" I complained. "But thanks again for the food Amber, I really appreciate it."

Her mood shifted, and she smiled widely. "You're welcome Charlie."

"So, I wanted to ask you something, now that I have the chance." I started looking at my companion.

"Hm? What is it?"

"I need a way to make money. My savings only lasted me until I arrived in Mondstadt but currently I'm at Zeros. Do you know what I could do to earn some money around here?"

Amber leaned back in her chair, tapping her chin in thought. "Well, there are a few options you could explore," she began, her gaze drifting off as she considered the possibilities. "You could try your hand at odd jobs around the city, like helping out at the local shops or assisting with deliveries. There's always a need for extra hands in Mondstadt, especially with all the trade and commerce happening here."

"That sounds like it could work," I mused, nodding in agreement. "Anything else?"

"Another option could be taking on commissions for your photography skills," Amber suggested, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I've heard that there are many residents and visitors who would pay handsomely for beautifully captured moments of their time in Mondstadt. You could even approach some of the local businesses and offer to take promotional photos for them."

The idea sparked my interest, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of turning my photography into a source of income. "That's a great idea, Amber! I'll definitely look into it." There was only a teensy bitsy problem, my photos were digital, if I could find a way to turn them into paper that'll be amazing.

"And don't forget about the Adventurers' Guild," Amber added with a grin. "They often have requests for adventurers to take on various tasks and missions, and the rewards can be quite lucrative."

"...The adventurer's guild?" I asked slowly. That's gotta be one of the most common tropes in fantasy stories.

"Yes! The adventurer's guild is an organization that serves as an adventurer-for-hire service for the people and other organizations in the seven nations. The Guild collates all the complex word-of-mouth information it receives and redistributes it in the form of quests and adventures assigned to adventurers. They also pay handsomely, but with such rewards, the dangers grow." Amber explained.

"So basically like a group of Mercenaries?" I asked in a deadpan tone.

"I-I wouldn't be so crude and refer to them as mercenaries!" I only raised a brow at her. "But I suppose they act like one." This left me with a lot to think and not a lot of time, even then, the suggestions were appreciated.

"Thanks for the suggestions, Amber," I said gratefully, feeling more optimistic about my financial situation. "I'll explore these options and see what works best for me."

"No problem, Charlie. I'm sure you'll find something that suits you," Amber replied with a reassuring smile.

"Thanks."

"Anyways it's getting quite late, it's better if we hit the sack now, I think both of us have a long day ahead of us. Do you have a room to spend the night?" Amber inquired.

"I was planning to spend the night in the forest, I have all my camping equipment right here." I said as I tapped my backpack.

"What!? I can't let you do that!" She shrieked.

"What? Why not? It's not like it'll be the first time in the forest."

"I just can't let you do that! I won't be able to sleep soundly knowing you're out there somewhere in the woods." She then paused and took a breath. "You know what? I'll let you crash in my place. I have a couch there you could use."

That… didn't sound so bad now that I think about it. Even though camping in nature sounds appealing, I couldn't afford now to be tired and out of the city, in a new world and with a lot of things ahead of me. Even then, I wasn't sure if I should accept her offer, I don't think it would be morally correct to crash into a young woman's place just like that.

"Are you sure about that? I have no problems sleeping in the woods."

"I know you don't but I do! So stop arguing and let's go!" She then grabbed my arm and started draging me away, with an amused Sara waving at us from Good Hunter, her smirk wider and smuger than before.

We continued walking through the night, and the night life of Mondstadt came to life, it was very nice, with what I assume was an oil street lamp illuminating the mostly empty streets by this point. By this point, Amber had let go from my hand and allowed me walk by her side.

"Hey Amber?" I said to the brunette. "How old are you?" She in response raised a brow towards me, as she narrowed her eyes. "H-Hey, I'm asking out of curiosity."

"I'm eighteen."

"Really? I thought you'd be older." I commented without thinking too much about it.

"What is that supposed to mean!?" She demanded as she turned to me with a displeased expression on her face. "Are you saying I look old!?" I chuckled and tried to defuse the citation at hand.

"None of that! I'm just saying that you seem more… hmm…well, adult enough for the lack of a better word." I made a small pause as I watched Amber's reaction. "You know, I have a sister around the same age as you now that I think about it."

That seems to be enough for her to forget about her age dilemma. "Really? What's her name? Does she look like you? Where is she now?" She asked me in a rapid succession of questions that almost made me feel like I was being interrogated.

"Slow down Ms. Bunny, one question at the time!" I said with a grin. "Well for starters, her name is Carol, and she doesn't look like me, at all. She has black hair with a shoulder length hairstyle. She's a midget that always seems to get away with everything she does, and–" Suddenly I heard Amber giggle.

"You're showing your true colors Charlie~"

With an amused grin, he scoffed to the side. "Even then, she's still my sister and I love her very much."

"How old are you Charlie?" The brunette asked.

"Twenty-two"

"No way, you look way older than twenty-two." This little brat. Now it was my turn to be pissed.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked slowly.

"You look old enough that you could have children of your own." I could hear the sounds of shattering glass echoing through my mind. Me, with children?

"NO WAY! I'm still in the prime of my youth! It must be the beard, I'll shave it away when I have the chance…! You'll see Amber!"

Her giggle turned to a full laugh that made me pause my musings. "Fine, Fine, I'll take your word for it, Charlie. Anyways, this is it; Welcome to my humble abode."

Without realizing, we arrived at Amber's home, a cozy small house with a similar architecture of the shops around the market, with wooden pillars and roof alongside the white walls. Her home seems to be a little further away and tucked in a corner of the city.

"Come on Charlie." She opened the door to let me in. Greeting me was the sight of a small yet cozy living room, some furniture and sofas around the living room and decorations hanging around the walls. By the opposite side of the living room, there is a small chimney with some tools and a steel kettle hanging above the fireplace.

In one corner of the room, a well-loved bookshelf stands tall, filled with a diverse collection of books and scrolls on various topics, ranging from history and mythology to cooking and travel. A few potted plants dot the room, adding a touch of greenery and life to the space.

The kitchen area is compact but efficient, equipped with the essentials for cooking and meal preparation. A small dining nook adjacent to the kitchen offers a quaint spot for enjoying meals.

A narrow staircase leads to the upper floor, where I suppose Amber's bedroom is. Overall a very cozy and modest home.

"Thank you for having me, Amber."

"You're very welcome. Make yourself at home, over there is the kitchen if you're feeling thirsty. Oh! Let me go grab you some blankets and pillows..! Wait here." And she bolted out for her bedroom, while I let my backpack drop in one of the corners of the living room and sat down on the couch. I sank into the cushions as drowsiness started to creep over me, suppressing a yawn as I began to shed my jacket and boots.

"Damn things smell bad, I'll place them outside. Hopefully nobody will steal them in the night," I muttered to myself, peeling off my outer layers until I was clad in just my white undershirt and pants. I waited patiently for Amber to return, the shuffling and footsteps from upstairs indicating her movements.

Eventually, she came back down with a large blanket and a white fluffy pillow.

"Here Charlie!" I grabbed the items from her hands. "Now we can both go to bed. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me," she said, dressed in her sleeping attire - a large white dress-like shirt and some fluffy socks on her feet, though for me it looked more like an oversized shirt.

"Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight," I replied, giving her a grateful smile as she made her way back upstairs. With the last of my energy, I arranged myself on the couch, pulling the blanket over me and resting my head on the pillow. The softness enveloped me as I drifted off to sleep, thoughts of my family in my old world lingering in my mind.