The next morning, Lumine woke up feeling oddly relaxed for the first time in a while. Propping herself up to hug her knees she thought about last night. Venti had captured her attention, that was for sure. He played his lyre to her and she slightly started nodding off. She was stirred awake by Venti who had a sweet smile on his face. She realized she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Blushing she was about to make apologizes when he pulled her up to standing then holding her close jumped off the windmill landing. She held on to him tight in surprise but they just coasted down gently like two feathers falling down in a soft breeze. He escorted her all the way back to the Knights of Favonious and only let go of her hand once he had given her a soft kiss on the hand.

She looked down at her hand it looked just the same as before but it tingled at the memory. She startled slightly at soft snores. She looked around the barracks only a few where still sleeping, those like her who had finished a mission and were on furlough for the time being. Everyone else had already awoken or were gone on missions. She rubbed her face she needed to get started if she wanted to make it Windrise. She had to see if Zephyr was there or at least any signs of the sprite. With a heavy sigh she began packing a bag and grabbed her sword.

It was another beautiful day in Mondstadt. It seemed like those days were happening more or was it just because she had gotten so used to the hardness of Dragonspine. Either way she was excited for the journey. As she approached the entrance, she happened upon two adventures leaving the Adventurers Guild. She followed them for a bit. The boy, who seemed quite young for an adventurer but was probably close to Amber's age, was walking with ecstatic steps turned around with a big smile towards Lumine.

"Hey, where are you going?"

Lumine couldn't help but smile back. He had such a warm friendly easy-going vibe, "Heading towards Windrise. Yourselves?"

The girl who accompanied him, turned around in annoyance and spouted "My retainer Bennett, and I, Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, we have have received a decree from the illustrious Adventurers Guild, commanding me to vanquish a vile Hilichurl encampment nestled to the south of Windrise."

Bennett rolled his eyes, "Yeah, we got a few commissions about a large number of Hilichurls in the Windrise area. You are welcome to accompany us until you get to where you are going."

Lumine agrees to accompany them. They share stories of their adventures and are impressed that Lumine is studying to be a Knight. Lumine enjoyed their misfortunate adventures, bad luck seemed to follow Bennett around but she couldn't help just love his enthusiasm. She saw the large tree in the distance that was the main landmark of Windrise and bid them farewell and good luck on their commissions.

As she watched them prepare to locate the camp, she turned and made her way up towards Windrise. Without any companions, her mind began racing about Zephyr. What if the sprite wasn't there? Where should she look next? Whispering Woods was the next safe bet but with a quick look at her bag of supplies she calculated she didn't have enough stuff to make a trip to Windrise and too the woods with just these supplies. Could she locate the cave? She thought of their way out of the woods those many months ago and possibly she could but most likely would get even more lost than before. She could forage for food it was plentiful in Mondstadt: there were apples, mushrooms, various edible plants. She could do it yeah though her friends back in Mondstadt proper would worry if she didn't sleep in her bed that night. But this was important, right? Zephyr was just another friend she cared about even if she never told anyone about them.

She heard a shout causing her to jump as she heard the thong of a bow string then felt an arrow whiz past her. She barely had enough time to react to the hilichurl coming at her from behind with a spear. The spear grazed her upper arm as she dodges out of the way. The hilichurl, fell but Lumine didn't dare stop to see if it had perished from the arrow that had struck it. Panic ingulfed her as another hilichurl was charging at her. With her sword in hand, she quickly and effortlessly dispatched of it. She returned to the other hilichurl it had not moved; she quickly saw the arrow lodge deep inside its head. Sword still at the ready she made her way towards the shout that saved her life. From behind a bush a figure clad in green appeared with a bow at the ready. She lowered her sword and smiled with relief, "Venti?!"

His stern eyes surveyed her and then stopped at her upper arm. He stomped over to her and roughly grabbed and pulled up her sleeve exposing her bloody wound. He continued glaring at her as he grabbed her forcefully and pulled her the rest of the way to Windrise. Lumine felt ashamed. How could she be so careless. She knew there was a nearby encampment and there were bound to be scouts around. She tried to speak to Venti to assure him that she was fine it was just a shallow wound. Honestly, she has had worst. But anytime she tried to speak he would just give her a glare.

Venti plopped her almost shoving her to sit on a large stone by the massive oak tree. Lumine could feel why Zephyr wanted to meet up with her here. There was always a certain quality of the air at the places they visited. Lumine shoved thoughts of the wind sprite out of mind, it's what got her into this mess. Venti again rolled up her sleeve and was closely examining the wound. Lumine dare didn't speak but with her other arm got her first aid kit out for him to use. He looked over at her and gave a curt nod. As he prepared clean and tended the wound his hands were soft and gentle. His eyes shifted from furious to concern to just focused. Venti was swift at putting on the bandage and pushed himself away when he was complete. With a barely a whisper Lumine said, "Thank you."

She looked up at him. He clearly was disappointed in her. Lumine moved her arm about slowly seeing if the wound caused any problems with the overall movement of her arm. It was a little sore but nothing too bad to stop her from training or doing anything. Venti gestured out at the valley and was clearly asking her: What the hell where you thinking?

Lumine cleared her throat, "I wasn't paying attention okay. I was travelling up here to see if I can find a friend." Lumine quickly looked around hoping the sprite might just be hiding deep within the tree branches. But she knew not to get her hopes up even though Venti was a bard, there was a chance since the sprite so loved music. Weakly she added, "Guess I was right though huh? Just the wrong friend."

Venti grumbled something and grabbed his notebook: "You NEED to be more careful out here."

Lumine nodded, she really screwed up Venti wasn't even rhyming, "I'm sorry. I know you are right, okay? I've been beating myself about it this whole way. I know screwing up could mean the difference between life or death. I was lucky this time that you shouted and where there to save me."

Lumine walked past Venti, not even looking at him. She needed space. She climbed up the trees large roots looking out over the stream below. The view here was beautiful, Zephyr always picked the most beautiful spots. She heard soft music begin playing, she sighed Venti was ignoring her too. If it weren't for Venti, she would be dead, and Zephyr would forever be lost to her. She explored around the tree catching a glow of white out of the side of her eye. She turned and crouched and pulled out a dried-up white flower. She knew the name from her studies a Cecilia. It was not native to this part of Mondstadt. Tears pricked her eyes; this small dried-up flower was from Zephyr. She played with the two feathers in her hair that it had gifted her. Venti's soft music played on but from where she was, she couldn't see him. She felt the tears falling. Zephyr had waited and had given up on her. Lumine tried to pull herself out of these thoughts but could only imagine the gentle sprite losing hope and trust in her promise. It probably thought she didn't care for it anymore. A soft breeze brushed at her face. It calmed her and she wiped away her tears. She carefully wrapped up the flower and placed it a book she had in her bag. With a heavy sigh she got up.

Venti's music was so lovely and almost sad sounding even. He was perched on a low branch with his eyes closed playing. She sat on the ground beneath him she caught his eyes open slightly and look at her but he closed them again and continued playing. She wasn't sure what she should do in this moment. Feeling bad for talking over his playing she pleaded, "Venti, please talk with me."

Venti continued playing but opened his eyes and looked at her. His eye brow raised. He made no sign of stopping but the music slowly changed to something more happy sounding. She just watched him playing. His figures move swiftly over the strings with such ease. She could sit here listening forever but her heart felt heavy. She couldn't help but think this was the end of their friendship. She pulled out her book and looked at the Cecilia. If she had gotten it sooner, she could have preserved it better and even put it in her hair. Signing she closed her book and got up. If she was going to go the woods she had to get going now. She hesitated looking at Venti. His eyes were only slightly open and he made no notice of her movement. She beheld his figure and saw the Cecilia adorned on his hat and one even engraved on his lyre. She recalled her learning a Cecilia only grows in harsh winds and has certain meanings like: indestructibility, stars, hopes, time, and freedom. What good did that have this flower was getting a new meaning to her: loss. Loss of a blooming friendship and the lost of a bond so pure.

She turned away from the bard and started to head out but stopped, "I'll see you later then."

The music quickly stopped. As soft as an evening breeze she heard from behind her, "Looo-me-n?"

Lumine turned slowly around and looked up at the bard. His eyes were pleading to stay. He jumped down from the branch and swiftly moved towards her with his notebook in his hand. Just stopping enough to write a quick sentence.

"Please prolong this fleeting song,
I'm truly sorry, it feels so wrong,
I feared the day you'd be gone strong."

Lumine quickly read the words and shook her head. "You spoke?"

Venti blushed, "Lonely the fame, so poorly the same."

"No…you did well. It takes practice and you've only known me for just a little while," she quickly said it and felt so much better that he was near and being her friend.

"You swore to share the tongue, this world's sweet song,
so let's begin this journey, may it not take long."

Venti looked at her with such sad puppy eyes. Lumine chuckled, "I did promise that I would. Come on then."

Venti gently grabbed her hand and lead her to the branch he had been sitting at. With the rush of the winds, they were now lifted together onto the branch. Lumine spied the anemo crystal vision hanging at his hip, she had seen a few around Mondstadt. His powers seemed almost on par with Jean's, if not stronger. Venti waited patiently and Lumine began. She was going to teach him how to speak like she and Aether learned years ago.

As time passed on Venti tried to say other words but would horribly mess up. He yanked his hat off and growled in frustration into the hat. "Hey, hey, Venti. It's okay."

When he didn't respond and the winds seem to stir faster around them, she calmly said, "You know it took me about 2 months to learn. Aether and I didn't know the language here at all. We couldn't read it, write it, or speak it. You are starting off better than we are." He slowly looked up at her and the winds calmed ever so slightly. Remembering back to that time chuckling she continued, "Aether threw a fit when he was trying, he was asking for a glass of water but ended up getting a flower in a vase. Honestly, we struggled for a while. It's hard but I know you can do it."

He sighed and put his hat sloppily back on his head. Lumine without thinking reach out to fix it so it laid properly. She brushed the flower and felt tears pricking again but fought so they wouldn't fall. She pulled quickly back and coughed, "Well maybe we should take a break."

Venti's eyes were full of worry and curiosity. But he never got a chance to reply to her as she rummaged in her bag. Lumine pulled out two apples and held them up to Venti.

"Ooh!" exclaimed Venti excitedly. Taking one of the apples. Lumine smiled a sad smile and bit into her apple. Venti ate his watching her. He put the apple aside and quickly wrote:

"You are thinking of your friend.
The apple was for them."

Lumine only nodded in response. She could see frustration in Venti's eyes but could not figure out the meaning.

Venti grabbed the apple and held it tenderly. He knew the apple was for Zephyr. He knew she would be here today and that's why he came. He honestly was shocked to see her so distracted and also shocked to see her so forlorn looking, at missing his wind sprite self. He so desperately wanted to tell her everything but couldn't not in writing or in words. He took a bite of his apple and they ate their apples in silence. He couldn't tell in in writing or words but he could tell her in song. He finished his apple and grabbed his lyre. He had only played this song alone never around anyone else. He started to strum the notes to the song she had played for him on that stormy winter night.

He heard Lumine gasp but he continued. He watched his fingers play the notes not daring to look up at Lumine. As he finished, he slowly looked up at Lumine she quietly whispered, "How do you know that?"

Venti shrugged and put his lyre away grabbing his notebook: "Heard it from a fellow bard in my travels." Venti figured it was the truest statement he could make, Lumine had the spirit of bard, the want of freedom and the love of music.

Lumine just shook her head. She felt uncomfortable not with Venti, but with the fact he played a song only that to her knowledge only three should know: Her brother, herself, and a little missing wind sprite. Lumine looked around at the wonder that is Windrise. She couldn't be here any longer the guilt of spending it with Venti instead of Zephyr was weighting heavy on her, "It's getting really late we should make our way back to the city."

Venti grabbed her hand and the winds grabbed on to them to set them gently on the ground. They were silent as they made their way back to the city. Lumine was on constant watch for hilichurls she would not let her mind wander even though it was fighting to. Venti seemed distracted but never once stopped holding her hand as they got closer to the city.

The passed through the gate holding hands, Lumine noticed the odd looks from the guards at her. Which was when she noticed how Venti was slowly caressing her hand with his thumb. He might have been doing that the whole time but she never paid any attention to it.

They made their way up the main street and when Lumine saw Kaeya and Amber walking by the fountain she pulled her hand away from Venti and began playing with the feathers in her hair with that hand saying, "I'm sorry about earlier today. But the rest of the day was wonderful. I'm sure you have to get going to Angel Share soon to perform."

Venti shook his head and mirror her embarrassment, "Nnn-oo"

Lumine blinked "Oh?" she looked over his shoulder and noticed that Amber has seen them. She was going to be asked about this all evening. She could already imagine it. Oooh you were gone all day. I know I have spies that knew you were heading to Windrise. You were with him weren't you all day? Is he who you visit on the weekends?

Venti shuffled his feet, "Looo-mee-n. Wwwe eeat dd-…...food?"

Lumine blinked rapidly in shock and to attention. "Yes, Venti! Let's have dinner together!"

She was already going to be asked a million questions why not just embrace the moment. Besides she wanted to spend more time with Venti. Something about him made her want to figure him out.

Venti smile burst wide and he bowed down offering his hand to her yet again. She gladly gave him back her hand, "I got an idea! Let me take you there!"

She hurried over to The Good Hunter. She had Venti sit down in the corner table outside. She told him to stay put she'll get the food. She was greeted warmly by Sara. Lumine frequent this restaurant and became quite the regular that if they weren't busy, like tonight, Lumine could purchase ingredients and make her own meal.

"Hey Sara, do you mind if I use the stove tonight?"

Sara looked over at the bard and at Lumine, "You mean to cook your…friend there one of your famous specialties?"

Lumine feels the blush rising in her cheeks and nods. Sara just smiles and offers her the stove.

Lumine quickly whips up one of her favorites in hopes that Venti hadn't tried it. She looked the two simple chowders filled with carrots, potato, and onion. It's such a basic dish so simple yet satisfying. She walks over to Venti who is looking out over the city with his notebook in front of him. He seemed to have been jotting things down but seems lost in thought. The wind is blowing his dark teal tip braids with where he's sitting, he almost seems to glow ethereal.

Lumine gently puts down the two bowls. "I hope you enjoy this."

Venti turns to face her not even startled and looks at the dish with peaked interest. He smiles at her and grabs the spoon awkwardly. Lumine is watching him and she knows she is waiting for his reaction. He dips it in and looks up at her with curiosity.

"I'm sorry. I'm just wanting to see your reaction," she chuckled fiddling with the feathers in her hair.

Venti's eyes move to the feathers and with a small smile takes the first bite. The chowder is piping-hot but…he quickly puts the spoon down and writes: "It feels the thrill of a breeze that brings hope and tiny twists of fate. Quite delightful! So…could I get the same thing again tomorrow? And maybe the day after that?"

Venti looks up at Lumine and he is shocked at her smile. She has the largest smile he has ever seen on her fair face. Venti has another bite and is just can't believe how wonderful this food is. How can food give you this feeling? It's almost like wine it's so intoxicating.

Lumine just looks over at the words even the ones he had crossed out. He was trying to rhyme but he must have been so thoroughly impressed. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I made it."

Venti looks up at her in shock, "Rrr-e-ealy?"

Lumine nods. Blushing at his intense stare and begins eating. She really did out do herself on this dish. It is even better than when she normally makes it for herself. She could really get used to hearing his voice. Even though he sounds so hesitant on the right sounds, his voice is light, airy, and soft like the winds that seem to surround him. She knows with practice he'll be speaking so smooth and effortlessly.